The dark waystone splits along its ancient seams. Black radiance spills across the snow as a gaunt armored figure unfolds from within, stone fused to tarnished iron.
The Stonebound Herald
Maximus Magi. You arrive at the appointed hour.
The Stonebound Herald raises one long, stony hand and points toward The Elven Emissary. Behind them, the Circling Dragon watches from the ridge, wings half-spread but still.
The Stonebound Herald
Her release has awakened the oath beneath this mountain. It will not sleep again.
The Elven Emissary
You speak as a keeper of the old covenant. Name the oath, and say whether it binds me or the mountain.
The Stonebound Herald
Both, perhaps. I am no judge of your passage, mage. I am its witness, and I would see what follows before I choose a side.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure freedom of action from the Stonebound Herald
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn the ancient oath beneath the mountain
“I ask the Herald to name the ancient oath beneath this mountain. I study the Herald and waystone for signs revealing the oath's binding.”
SUCCESS (Good Lore, rolled -1)
Maximus Magi
Name the ancient oath beneath this mountain. I will read its binding in the stone and in you.
The arcane focus answers. Fine lines of pale fire crawl from its tip across the fractured waystone, tracing the severed anchor link without restoring it.
The Stonebound Herald
Then witness it clearly. The Oath of Open Passage binds the mountain to release any who break its prison without claiming its power.
The study succeeds, but the focus drinks the backlash. A hairline crack splits its crystal, and a sharp pulse numbs Maximus Magi's casting hand.
The Stonebound Herald
You severed the anchor and claimed no dominion. Therefore, your next action is your own. The mountain will not command it.
The black radiance withdraws into the waystone. A narrow path through the pass brightens beneath the snow, while the Herald lowers its hand and waits.
Quest Complete
Secure freedom of action from the Stonebound Herald
Quest Complete
Learn the ancient oath beneath the mountain