The rain cuts off at once. Ahead, the lane narrows under trees that bend inward like listening ears, and the pilgrim’s fading trail glimmers through the mud.
From the mist, a shimmering figure gathers itself, pale and half-transparent, drawn toward the magic on the path and the focus at Alizard’s belt.
It lifts one hand, and the air around it steadies instead of chills. It does not block the way, only watches the trail.
The Mistwarden
Easy, little mage. I mean you no harm. The ring’s wake still burns bright, and someone with sense should be following it.
The figure’s voice is soft as wet leaves, and its gaze flicks from Alizard’s focus to the woods beyond, where the pilgrim has already vanished.
The Mistwarden
If you seek the one who fled, I can lead you by the cleanest trace. In return, you listen when I warn you what hunts these woods.
Alizard the Gnome
Its eyes keep finding the same trail, then the same patch of dark trees.
✓ Quest Accepted
Follow the pilgrim’s trail
“With a keen eye for any form of deceit or illusion, Alizard agrees to follow the mistwarden. Following silently as possible. Keep a keen eye out for mercenaries and problems”
SUCCESS (Legendary Perception, rolled -1)
Alizard gives a slight, silent nod and slips in behind the Mistwarden, matching its pace where the mud is firmest. He keeps his focus low and his ledger tucked close, letting the trail guide him while his eyes sweep the hedges and trunks for movement.
The pilgrim’s trace is fresher than the wet earth around it.
The path bends under the trees, and the shimmer ahead does not lead him astray. It clings to the same disturbed line in the mud, then briefly brightens at a bent reed where boot-scrape and hurried steps cut toward the woods.
The Mistwarden
You see it, then. Good. I thought you would.
Alizard’s gaze catches a second sign, a pale ribbon snagged on bramble, and beyond it the outline of fresh passage through the undergrowth. No mercenary breaks the green wall, no blade gleams in wait.
The Mistwarden
Keep close. The trail is clean for now, but the woods are not empty.
They move on together, quiet as the stopped rain, with the trail still open before them and the trees tightening around the lane behind.
“Quietly picking up the ribbon. Alizard quickly follows the mistwarden. Asking warden if it knows what the ring is or who is the pilgrim”
SUCCESS (Legendary Perception, rolled -2)
Alizard eases two fingers into the bramble and frees the snagged ribbon without tearing it. The cloth comes away damp and pale, still carrying the pilgrim’s hurried passage.
He keeps walking as he pockets it, ledger tucked tight, eyes up for the next mark in the mud. The Mistwarden glides beside him, its glow brushing the tree roots.
Alizard the Gnome
Do you know what ring that is, or who the pilgrim is?
The Mistwarden
A burden, and a name lost under fear, perhaps. I know only that the pilgrim carries something the woods notice.
The Mistwarden
The ring was not forged for comfort. It pulls at paths, and at those who follow them.
The spirit tilts its head toward the cloth in Alizard’s hand, then toward his focus, as if measuring both.
The Mistwarden
And you, little trader, still smell of bright craft. Offer me a warning of hunters in these woods, and I will keep the trail open a little longer.
Quest Complete
Follow the pilgrim’s trail
New Gift: Pilgrim's Network
+ New Item Acquired
Ribbon