The trio steps through the gate, not into another tunnel, but into the High-Vaulted Canopy, a forest where trees grow with translucent, glass-like leaves. The air tastes of wet iron and sweet nectar.
Hilda
The gate was merely a seal for a forgotten grove. It feels as if the forest itself is breathing in sync with the beast.
Snag
Look at the sky, mistress. The clouds are solid, like frozen waves. This is no place for a goblin.
Goat
This place smells like a feast. I need to scream at these glass trees.
Goat trots forward, his hooves clinking against the obsidian soil. A towering creature with bark-like skin and glowing sap veins, the Guardian of the Grove, stirs from its slumber beneath a silver-leafed oak.
Guardian
Who brings the void-touched beast into the sanctuary of the living glass?
Goat
*MAAAAAAA-A-A!*
+ Scene Quest Added
Survive the encounter with the Guardian
“*Clomp clomp of respect*”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
The sound of cloven hooves striking obsidian resonates with rhythmic weight. Goat paces forward, his neck arched in a display of primal poise. The Guardian towers, its sap-filled veins dimming as it processes the bizarre, confident vibration of the goat's approach.
Guardian of the Grove
You show no fear of the glass, beast. Such defiance is rare among the mortal-touched.
Snag
He is a God. I told them he was a God. Why am I still alive to witness this madness?
Hilda
If the Guardian bows, I have walked into a legend. If it strikes, I have walked into a grave.
The silver-leafed oak rustles. The Guardian leans down, a massive branch-like limb descending to meet the goat’s lowered head. The atmosphere thickens with the scent of ozone.
Guardian of the Grove
Speak, creature of the void. Do you claim this grove as your own, or do you seek the rot that follows your worshippers?
“*Honestly the goat isn't really sure why he's even here, he's just doing his best*”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +2)
Goat
The giant twig-thing is vibrating. It smells like old thunder and wet bark. It wants an answer, but all I really want is to eat that glowing leaf hanging near its branch.
Goat lunges forward, not with the grace of a god, but with the singular, heavy-headed stubbornness of an animal that has decided a snack is worth more than a threat. His horn brushes against the Guardian’s bark-flesh, sparking a shower of golden, sap-like embers. He lets out a massive, vibrating bleat that ripples through the violet air, turning the Guardian’s intimidation into momentary confusion.
Guardian of the Grove
You... you dare interrupt the judgment with such dissonance?
Snag
He is going to eat the tree! He is actually going to eat the deity!
Elowen
The static in my ears is becoming unbearable. Is the beast channeling the forest, or just hungry?
The Guardian’s branch-arm falters, shaking as the goat begins to chew on the translucent, glass-like foliage dangling from its limb.
Quest Complete
Survive the encounter with the Guardian
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great
