You have traveled for many days, leaving the Realm and entering into the wilder area of the Borderlands. Farms and towns have become less frequent and travelers few. The road has climbed higher as you enter the forested and mountainous country.

Ahead, up the winding road, atop a sheer-wailed mount of stone, looms the great KEEP. Here, at one of civilization’s strongholds between good lands and bad, you will base yourselves and equip for forays against the wicked monsters who lurk in the wilds. Somewhere nearby, amidst the dark forests and tangled fens, are the Caves of Chaos where fell creatures lie in wait. All this you know, but before you dare adventure into such regions you must become acquainted with the other members of your group, for each life will depend upon the ability of the others to cooperate against the common foe. Now, before you enter the grim fortress, is the time for introductions and an exchange of information, for fate seems to have decreed that you are to become an adventurous band who must pass through many harrowing experiences together on the path which leads towards greatness.

The journey to the keep was long, but Berdari found little challenge in it.  Before he left his monastery he had acted as a woodlands scout, frequently spending days picking his way over gnarled roots and around brambles.  By contrast, having a road to follow was a welcome change, even if it did come at the price of quite the incline.

Perhaps the biggest difference, however, was not in the terrain but in his companionship.  Scouting was solitary, tranquil but lonely.  Here, he shared the road with others, though he'd scarcely met most of them before setting off together.

With the keep looming just a bit further, now was the time to get to know the others before the bustle of civilization perhaps took them different directions to prepare for the caves.  He started with Chelonia.

"Your teacher is lost, then?  Or is it just that they need your help?  I'm afraid I know little of archaeology, though I've a keen eye for danger."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Mon 17 Feb 2020.