The party returned to the bustling port city of Eire, their hearts heavy yet hopeful. Rhys, their spirited captain, had a task for them before they embarked on their perilous journey to Serendus. He introduced them to his cousin, Lom Onyxforge, a renowned dwarf smith whose shop overlooked the vibrant harbor.

As they approached Lom's forge, the air was thick with the scent of iron and sweat. The smithy was a hive of activity, with sparks flying and hammers ringing. Outside, the harbor was a scene of chaos and triumph. The navy of Eire had just emerged victorious from a fierce battle against slaver ships, their vessels adorned with the spoils of their victory. Rhys, a hero of the day, was hailed by the cheering crowd.

Lom, filled with pride for his courageous cousin, hoisted a celebratory flag above his smithy. A portrait of Rhys, painted with vibrant colors, was prominently displayed, a testament to his valor. The small forge, though modest in size, was a hub of craftsmanship and innovation. Lom's sons assisted in repairs and tinkered with intricate mechanisms, while his wife, Tulea, skillfully crafted leather tunics and sturdy boots.

As the party entered the smithy, they were greeted by a whirlwind of activity. Meryl, still flushed from the recent battle, found herself the center of attention. Rhys, unable to contain his excitement, playfully teased her about her newfound fame. Tulea, amused by their banter, couldn't help but ask when the two lovers would finally tie the knot. Meryl, caught off guard, blushed and replied that their wedding plans would have to wait.

Jesse and Jacques, eager to meet the legendary smith, introduced themselves with a mixture of respect and admiration. Lom, a gruff but kind-hearted dwarf, welcomed them warmly. Tulea, ever hospitable, offered them refreshments and a place to rest.

As the day wore on, Lom informed Tulea that they had visitors and ordered the shop to close early. He introduced his children to the party, sharing stories of their recent adventures and the booming business that had kept them busy. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had recently engulfed the city.

Keldrin, a seasoned adventurer, inquired about the recent surge in activity. "Is this influx of adventurers due to the war?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Lom nodded, his eyes reflecting the somber reality. "Many seek both loot and glory in these troubled times," he replied. "Bands of mercenaries have formed, their swords hungry for battle."

Jesse, a perceptive young man, echoed Keldrin's concern. "This is a dangerous trend," he said. "I can almost taste the blood and steel that hangs heavy in the air."

Lom agreed, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness. "Indeed, it is a dark time," he replied. "Most of these adventurers will serve as mere fodder for the greenskins and other vile creatures that stalk the night."

Rhys, ever curious, asked Lom if he had heard of Drakthar, a notorious greenskin encampment. "It has disrupted the flow of ore to Eire and Serendus," he explained. "Without a steady supply of minerals, it is difficult to maintain a functioning army."

Lom nodded, his expression grim. "I am aware of Drakthar," he replied. "The greenskins have enslaved goblins to mine the dwarven ruins, a practice we have always abhorred."

"Did you know that Serendus once employed goblin conscripts?" Rhys asked, his voice filled with disbelief. "They had allied with beastkin, including molemen, frogfolk, and eagle tribes."

"Indeed," Lom confirmed. "However, those tribes have since left Serendus and are now embroiled in a civil war. They were once allies of the kingdom, but their loyalty shifted during a period of internal strife. The molemen, frogfolk, and eagle tribes departed Serendus to seek a new home, leaving the kingdom weakened and vulnerable."

Molemen and Frogfolk tribes have settled in the prairies and marshes near the foot of a valley, likely seeking a more hospitable environment and some migrated to Eire

The Eagle Tribes relocated near beires border and sends emissaries to queen zephyr , it is probable that some have remained in the mountains, perhaps finding refuge in secluded valleys or caves.

"That is a significant development," Rhys mused. "It could have a profound impact on the balance of power in the region."

Lom continued: "The departure of the tribes has significantly weakened Serendus. The civil war among them has also created instability in the surrounding areas. The greenskins, sensing an opportunity, have become more aggressive, seizing territory and attacking vulnerable settlements."

"When do you depart?" Lom asked, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and anticipation.

Jesse, the party's steadfast leader, replied, "Wildwood day, around the break of dawn."

Lom nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "That is good timing," he said. "I have prepared weapons for you, forged from the finest steel."

As he handed out the weapons, Lom's eyes sparkled with pride. "These are not ordinary blades," he explained. "They are imbued with a power that will aid you in your quest."

To Keldrin and Rhys, he presented scimitars and a warhammer, their blades gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen. To Keldrin, he also offered a quiver of arrows, each one infused with arcane energy.

For Meryl, he had crafted a flail, its head heavy and menacing. And to Jacques, he gave a set of manuals, each one filled with intricate diagrams and cryptic symbols. "You must master your nexus," Lom admonished. "Imagine more shapes, forge stronger connections."

Jacques nodded, his expression determined. "I have good control over it," he replied.

Lom shook his head. "It is not enough," he said. "You must be like a blacksmith, shaping and molding the energy to your will. This will allow you to cast stronger tiers of magic."

To Jesse, Lom presented a pair of longswords, their hilts adorned with intricate carvings. "These were forged from the tusk of Noggle," he explained. "The faun said you would need these trophies."

Jesse examined the swords, a dark aura emanating from them. "There's a sinister energy about them," he observed.

Lom nodded. "Indeed," he replied. "Some of you will need to learn how to harness dark magic as well. Dark magic infused weapons are not inherently evil, but most of your party relies solely on elemental magic. You must diversify."

"Serendus is a territorial place," Lom warned. "Their arbitrators, who specialize in light magic, may attack you. Aethred, though kind, does not hold much power in his court."

Jacques, curious, asked, "How does a warrior like Jesse channel dark magic from the longswords?"

Lom smiled. "I have engraved runes into the blades," he explained. "With each slash, they will drain the target of their energy, making for easy kills."

Jesse and Meryl exchanged a glance, their expressions filled with both excitement and unease. "It's gruesome," they said in unison.

As the party prepared to depart, Lom approached them with a heartfelt expression. "If you ever establish a kingdom of your own," he said, "I would be honored to join you."

Jesse, touched by Lom's offer, thanked him. "That's a kind thought," he replied, "but I haven't given it much consideration."

Lom nodded, understanding. "A dwarf's ultimate dream is to build a settlement at the foot of a mountain," he said, a wistful look in his eyes.

Rhys, ever the realist, scoffed. "That's folly," he retorted. "A kingdom requires more than just a mountain and a few dwarves."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Lom's eyes flashed with a spark of defiance. "As the sons of Grór, the mountain folk and the first of the dwarves, we should understand," he replied.

Tulea, Lom's wife, interrupted their discussion with a gentle kiss, silencing them both. "Fare thee well, friends," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "May your journey be safe."

Lom turned to Meryl. "Take good care of Rhys," he said. "And educate him a bit more."

Keldrin, ever the adventurer, played with Lom's children, his laughter echoing through the smithy. "Keep Eire safe in my stead," he told Lom.

"Of course, Master Keldrin," Lom replied. "Shall I leave the wolves to you?"

Keldrin shook his head. "We need more allies on this quest," he said.

Rhys, remembering the direboar he had been given by the treetop villager, offered it to Lom. "I'll leave this to you," he said.

Lom's eyes lit up. "I will buy a sow and breed them," he replied. "Thank you, cousin."

As the party prepared to leave, a small banquet was held, devoid of alcohol. Lom tucked his children into bed and bid them farewell as they headed toward the stables. The morning sun was beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the harbor. It was time for the party to embark on their perilous journey.

The Wildwood day dawned, casting its pale light over the bustling port of Eire. The party, their hearts heavy yet filled with anticipation, prepared to depart. General Antonius, a grizzled veteran, awaited them at the docks, his company of fifteen soldiers ready to escort them.

Queen Zephyr, ever the patron of knowledge, had entrusted Jacques with a collection of ancient tomes, their pages filled with arcane secrets. Meryl, ever practical, oversaw the preparation of provisions for their journey, ensuring they had everything they would need to survive the harsh wilderness.

The journey to Serendus Pass would take three days and two nights, a grueling trek across the western foothills of the Croyhill Mountains. Jesse and Jacques, their weapons sharpened to a razor's edge, prepared themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.

"I will escort you up to the plains of Serendus," General Antonius announced. "And I will provide you with a permit to pass as merchants of the Golden Guild, derived from the name of our confederacy."

Keldrin, accompanied by his loyal wolves Bal-Gog and Mel-Guar, expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for your assistance," he said. "Though the Satyr Woods and Treetop Village are safe for now, we extinguished the slavers."

Jesse, a halfling from Willowdale, spoke up. "As a stranger to the wider world, I am curious about the goods that are traded and the length of the trade routes."

Antonius replied, "We trade with the Golden Archipelago and the Chrysanthemum Isles, using frigates for our voyages. A journey from port to port typically takes one hundred and twenty days. We also trade with the Verdant Vale and the Middle Kingdom. Despite the rampaging greenskins, kingdoms are determined to protect these vital trade routes."

Rhys, ever the adventurer, asked, "Do you know any legends about the Sword of the Sun? That is our main objective."

Meryl chimed in, "If we can meet up with Odarin the Blue, we might learn more. But the problem is that the Seven Magi appear when they want."

Keldrin scoffed. "It was eons ago! Queen Iriel, one of the most ancient elves, entrusted it to the dwarves. It must be in a dwarven city or ruin, am I correct?"

Jacques nodded. "Queen Zephyr told us that you know a lot. Please tell us what you know."

Antonius hesitated. "As much as I would like to, I cannot reveal its whereabouts. Odarin has been searching for it for seventeen years. However, I can tell you that it is said to be a weapon of immense power, capable of shaping the very fabric of reality."

The party listened intently, their imaginations ignited by the tales of the Sword of the Sun. As they set sail, the wind carried the promise of adventure and the unknown. The journey to Serendus had begun.

The journey through the wilderness was arduous. The party faced treacherous terrain, inclement weather, and the constant threat of wild creatures. The soldiers, hardened by years of combat, proved invaluable in protecting them from danger.

One night, as they camped beneath a canopy of stars, Keldrin shared a tale of his encounters with the Satyr Woods. "The satyrs are a peaceful people," he said. "They live in harmony with the forest. But they are fierce protectors of their homeland."

Jacques, intrigued, asked, "Have you ever encountered any dangerous creatures in the woods?"

Keldrin nodded. "There are plenty of beasts lurking in the shadows. I've faced angry centaurs griffins harpies even a few trolls."

As they continued their journey, they encountered a group of travelers fleeing from a band of goblins. The goblins, driven by greed and violence, had attacked the travelers, stealing their supplies and livestock.

The party, their hearts filled with righteous anger, engaged the goblins in a fierce battle. With the help of the soldiers, they managed to defeat the goblins and rescue the travelers. The grateful travelers thanked them profusely and offered them food and shelter for the night.

The next day, they reached the base of the Croyhill Mountains. The mountains loomed over them, their peaks shrouded in mist. The ascent would be challenging, but they were determined to reach Serendus Pass.

As they ascended the Croyhill Mountains, the party was met with a breathtaking vista. Below them, the sprawling plains of Serendus stretched out like a patchwork quilt, its hues of green and gold contrasting with the rugged peaks that surrounded them. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and wild herbs.

Antonius, a seasoned veteran, shared a piece of information that had intrigued him. "The golden dragon Arthren flew into the Badlands and observed its denizens," he said. "He reported that they were more alive than ever."

Meryl, ever curious, recalled that King Bertram had access to the Eyes of the World, an orb capable of long-distance communication. "You're right," she said. "King Bertram could use the orb to contact Odarin."

"You're correct," Antonius agreed. "But the king said they cannot use it now."

Rhys was curious. "Why not? It would be easier."

Antonius, his voice filled with a hint of caution, explained, "When they tried to contact Odarin, someone was spying on them using the orbs. It's better not to use them. We don't know who might be listening."

Jesse asked if they would encounter any other creatures in the prairies. "We'll meet the molemen and the frogfolk," Antonius replied. "There are also large herbivorous rodents. King Bertram taught them husbandry and they're also taming bison and cows."

"Our king is smart," Antonius said. "He also gave goats and sheep to the eaglefolk to help them restart."

As they continued their ascent, Meryl couldn't help but ask, "Was the civil war that bad after Aamon rebelled with his goblin horde?"

Antonius nodded, his expression somber. "It was devastating," he replied. "The people of Serendus are still in turmoil. Unfortunately, we cannot intervene at this time. There are too many pressing matters to deal with."

"We must persevere," he added. "I know you all want to help, but there are others who need our assistance as well."

Antonius continued, "Not only that, but a group of rebels has also formed, led by Bruin, a former general. The high taxes imposed on the peasants have driven them to revolt."

"The Golden Plains of Regalia, the kingdom of Arthren the Golden Dragon, has tried to assist them," Antonius said. "But Aethred doesn't want to be humiliated."

"Bruin wasn't always evil," Antonius explained. "But seeing how many people were killed by the king's greed for power and his enslavement of greenskin conscripts, they resorted to scorched-earth tactics. They want to depose Aethred as well."

"Aethred faces opposition from many fronts," Antonius warned. "Aamon's loyalists want Jenna to succeed the throne, but Aethred is protecting the princess to prevent her from being used as a puppet queen."

"The situation in Serendus is dire," Antonius concluded. "But there is still hope. If we can find the Sword of the Sun, it could be the key to restoring peace and stability to the kingdom."

As the party continued their ascent, the weight of the world seemed to rest upon their shoulders. The fate of Serendus was in their hands, and they were determined to do everything in their power to help.

As the party approached the plains of Serendus, Antonius provided them with their final instructions. "You need to meet with Quentyn, a halfling from Farrest, one of the towns controlled by Muse," he said. "He will inform you on what to do next."

Keldrin, ever the adventurer, couldn't help but ask, "I thought we would be granted an audience with the king."

Antonius shook his head. "We need to be discreet," he replied. "Meeting in the prairies is safer."

Jacques, a bit apprehensive, admitted, "I have a feeling we'll be swallowed by a storm of spears."

Rhys, ever the optimist, assured him, "We'll make it through."

Antonius nodded. "We must do our best to meet with the king," he said. "He will also tell you how to proceed with Drakthar."

Jesse, curious, asked, "Does he know we're searching for the Sword of the Sun?"

Jacques replied, "I believe he suspects."

Antonius warned them to be cautious. "Don't tell him about your search," he said. "He has his own searchers. He just knows you're heroes who will assist him in attacking Drakthar from the side."

"Meet with him to offer your assistance," Antonius continued. "Once we eliminate the goblins, try to bid farewell without pleasantries. He might be interested in you, given that you slew Noggle."

jesse said once where in serendus were all by ourselves?

antonius says yes my friend. if they send their Arbitrators to become hoistile some of our allied frogfolk and eagleman scouts will inform and assist you if it gets too muddy abandon everything and head to the independent city states of muse.

after a day they finally reached the pass and the old general gave them their farewells, and told them godspeed.

As the party reached the outskirts of Serendus Pass, Jesse couldn't help but ask, "Was there ever a time when we were completely alone in Serendus?"

Antonius nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yes, my friend," he replied. "If the Serendians send their Arbitrators to become hostile, some of our allied frogfolk and eagleman scouts will inform and assist you. If the situation becomes too dangerous, abandon everything and head to the independent city-states of Muse."

After a day of travel, they finally reached the pass. The old general, his duty fulfilled, bid them farewell. "Godspeed," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and concern.

As the party entered Serendus, they were struck by the stark contrast between the peaceful plains they had just left and the troubled kingdom they were now entering. The air was thick with tension, and the sound of distant battle cries echoed through the mountains.