The road before you seems bleak and barren, but despite the lackluster scenery, you feel a strange sense of safety beckoning you forth. Without thinking, your feet traverse the path relentlessly; the feeling that you can turn around at any moment is simply vainglory. You have come too far now to turn back. The cries of owls arrest your attention from above, and the moon shines a pale light on the trees around you. Night has arrived, and it wouldn't be wise to continue this journey in darkness. After all, the legends speak of creatures beyond your wildest dreams that come forth when the moon is just like it is tonight. You seek shelter, but it seems that nobody has found the need to take up residence in such an area. Perhaps they are wise. Nonetheless, shelter is needed.
With a heavy sigh, you unpack your bedroll and settle down for the night amidst the trees. Your campfire offers little warmth, but it will have to do. You have only a moment to close your eyes before the sounds of the night invade...suddenly you wish you'd continued on your journey. Whatever safety you felt upon your arrival is now gone, and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up in reverence to the new feelings of impending doom and despair. Huddling down in your bedroll offers little protection, and within the hour your mind is racing. What could be out there? What lies in wait to hurt, even kill you? What sort of treasure could be found in such a place? And the most obvious - why are you here?
From out of nowhere, a feminine voice speaks. "Follow me," the invisible woman says, "and I will make all your dreams come true." Disliking this statement, you refuse and crawl deeper into your bedroll. Now is hardly the time for selfish pleasures or desires! The woman, however, is undaunted. "Don't be afraid, traveler. I mean you no harm." You become acutely aware of a glowing silhouette of a young woman, her hand outstretched to you in greeting. Her long hair flutters in an unseen wind, and her hidden eyes watch you almost mirthfully. You realize that she is laughing at you. "By making your dreams come true, I mean that I will help you leave this area. To get out, you must do me one simple favor. You must create a story." Puzzled, you ask her to continue, which she does.
"I am Zheridia, the Goddess of Inspiration. I have chosen you as my servant because you have trespassed on my lands. You didn't mean to, of course. It just happened that way. Perhaps my brother Fate has guided you here. Still - you may not leave until you have created your story." She waves her hand, and a stone tablet appears before her. You see the names of many people engraved in its surface. "If you like, you may read what others have written. Some of our elders are also maintaining an ongoing story that you are welcome to join. Not all people choose to leave this place, you see. Some find it pleasant. Permit me to explain to you how this area works." She causes the tablet to disappear.
"Anything you can see in your mind can exist. This lonely and desolate road is the result of the servant before you. His sorrow caused this area to adapt to his feelings. Likewise, the area can be shaped to your liking. Try it and see for yourself. I'll leave you to your test." A slight breeze blows through the trees, and when it stops, she is gone. Shrugging your shoulders, you realize that you have a choice to make. You can do as she says and begin to create your story...or you can run, hoping that she won't follow. The choice is yours.
| I don't know how I got here, but I suppose I'll write my story. | I'd like to look at what the other travelers have done. |
| I want to talk to the Elders about the ongoing story. | You want me to what?!? I'm gettin' outta here! |
| Hey, I want to learn more about this Zheridia person. |