When morning comes, you are invited to join the rest of the village for breakfast. Daylight allows you to take your first clear look at the settlement which predominantly consists of ramshackle huts arranged around a wide commons with a tall building in its center. Amazingly, the ground here does not consist of the usual chaotic mess of green mud and cursed Deepwood roots, but rather plush green grass. You cannot recall ever seeing anything like it. Every village and settlement is forced to hack away the invading flora on a daily basis or salt the earth to keep the Deepwood's touch at bay. But somehow this area remains pristine.

While sharing a meal of light stew and soft breads, you ask Nydia how they have managed to cultivate such wonderful grass without it being corrupted by the woods. "The One protects us," she replies with her signature warm smile. You notice other villagers look to you with a similar countenance to Nydia as she speaks. "We are delighted to have you here with us, travelers."

After breakfast, you steer the conversation toward the issue of getting back to the Wire Road. You learn they have been unable to find the Wire to Thrace for some time. Only the way back to Verum is known. "Unfortunately, there are no maps of the area," Nydia tells you. "We set the lanterns in the trees to help those who become lost. Some choose to stay. Others move on. There is another village to the west of here, whom we trade with on occasion. Perhaps they may have a map to help you get back on the road?"

Nydia hands you a spool of thin, silver line. "Take this. Use it to trace your way. If you become lost again, you can follow it back here. There is enough thread for at least a day's journey."

Choose a dir

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