The riverside road climbs through damp grass toward Phandalin’s wooded outskirts. Distant rooftops and thin smoke mark the living settlement ahead beneath the clearing grey sky.
Avaris walks beside Kynes in the slender grey traveling coat they chose, violet light muted beneath the fabric. Bren and Nhal keep pace behind them.
At a fork, a weathered wooden sign points toward Phandalin. Beneath it, a smaller arrow marks a narrow path for travelers seeking shelter among the trees.
Avaris
The town is close enough to see, yet the road still offers another choice. Is that shelter meant for anyone who arrives without a home?
Bren
Likely a wayhouse or a charitable stop, love. We can learn what it is before deciding whether to use it.
Nhal
The charm remains quiet. No one is pulling at me, and both paths are open.
The road to Phandalin rises beneath darkening branches, while the shelter path disappears between wet ferns. The companions pause beside the sign, leaving the choice ahead to Kynes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Find Avaris a welcome they can freely accept
“We spend the next 2 days making our way to Morningstar , the town made by void born and welcome to all. Meeting all manner of travelers and residents.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Survival, rolled -1)
Over two clear days, Kynes guides the company along woodland tracks and high country paths, choosing firm ground, sheltered rests, and quiet crossings. Morningstar rises ahead on the second evening, its welcoming lights scattered among the trees.
Near the town gate, a young adult elf woman with copper-brown skin, braided black hair, and a green wool cloak offers directions beside a broad-shouldered older man whose carved wooden staff bears Morningstar’s mark.
Talis
Welcome to Morningstar. I am Talis. You have arrived after a long road, and our guest-houses have room for travelers who need it.
The Older Man with the Staff
And I am Orven. The town was made by void-born hands, but no one must explain their origin before receiving food, shelter, or a place to rest.
Avaris slows beneath the gate’s carved arch, watching violet-skinned residents, shadow-bodied artisans, and ordinary travelers share the lantern-lit street without ceremony or fear.
Avaris
I would like to see the town before choosing where I sleep. If I accept welcome here, I want it to remain mine to accept or refuse.
Talis
Then walk freely, Avaris. Morningstar has streets, workshops, and quiet corners enough for anyone deciding what comes next.
Quest Complete
Help Avaris reach the void-born refuge
Skill Upgrade: Medicine Great→Superb
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish Avaris’s welcome in Morningstar