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[i]Fifty miles west of Meridell there stands another castle, in a kingdom ruled by King Hagan the Wise (better known as the older brother of that scruffy oaf Skarl). The kingdom is known as Brightvale, a bastion of peace, knowledge, and really lovely ornate windows.[/i]

From the top of one of the many spires of Brightvale castle, King Hagan gazed out into the sunset wearily. His hands gripped the intricate windowsill so that his hefty body may lean out further, as from how high up it was hard to see all of the large city underneath him. The plentiful spires around him blocked much of his view but Brightvale city was the cornucopia of his growing kingdom. In the past Brightvale was weaker and warlike much like Meridel, ruled by his cruel younger brother, but Hagan was wiser. Investing in rebuilding faerie land provided a powerful ally in the tension after Darigan's rebellion.

Hagan remained lost in thought, wistfully staring into the road into his walled city. Carts came and went, so did travelers on foot or flying into the below. With a heavy sigh, he finally relented his pointless vigil. There was no way of knowing who would answer his call for a quest. Hagan tried to occupy himself at first, but his tea had long since gotten cold and the book at his table was not much relief: 1001 predictions by the Mystery Island Mystic, all of which had turned up poorly.

Hagan was sluggish getting his clothes on, slower still descending through the many studies and libraries in the spire as he ventured to the Anteroom. By the time had sat on his throne, a small crowd of servants and magicians had all gathered before him. They kneeled but Hagan quickly gestured for them to rise. A formality really, he hardly ever let people bow to him. 
[color=MediumSeaGreen]"How are preparations?"[/color] Hagan spoke in a commanding voice.

[color=Olive]"The banquet is set and ready sire"[/color] A warbly voiced, fat Quiggle announced with pride. A few servants behind him nervously curtsied to the king. Hagan was quite pleased by the news, but he remained stoic if he nodded to them.
[color=MediumSeaGreen]"Very good. Sample the food and take a break"[/color] He ushered them off to the side and the group hurried off. 

[color=MediumSeaGreen]"And what of my trials? Have we prepared everything?"[/color] He grumbled on, maintaining a stern glower on his otherwise unimposing face. His glare met with a skinny, sheepish Lenny in wizard's garb.
[color=SteelBlue]"Unfortunately..."[/color] She mumbled nervously, fiddling her wings together as she stumbled over her words. Hagan reclined in his seat once more and his voice softened.
[color=MediumSeaGreen]"Go on Lady Wilma"[/color]

The Lenny took a deep breath, pushed up her glasses, and squawked forth her retort abruptly.
[color=SteelBlue]"The second test is much too dangerous! I suggest we remove it entirely"[/color]
Hagan scratched his bread inquisitively at her concern as she stepped forward, revealing a crumbled scroll from her robes.
[color=SteelBlue]"This was my results from the first test. I took it myself, I nearly lost a leg!"[/color] SHe continued, bowing again as she raised the results of her test forward.
[color=SteelBlue]"Please forgive me, my lord"[/color] She pleaded.

Hagan reached down and retrieved the scroll and painfully slow to the woman before him put his reading glasses so that he could scan her test results. Finally, with a chuckle, he grabbed her shoulder, lifting her to her feet.
[color=MediumSeaGreen]"outstanding work as always Wilma! You've outdone yourself again!"[/color] He heartily chortled.
[color=SteelBlue]"My lord... I am serious! The test could be lethal!"[/color] She responded with valid concern.
[color=MediumSeaGreen]"You do understand that when a king calls for adventurers, the quest he is giving is almost certainly 'lethal'? These tests will weed out the weak. Hopefully, the weak of will give up far before it gets dangerous"[/color] He insisted. His prattle had stifled any objections from the girl, but Hagan could read her like an open book. She was still very distraught.
[color=MediumSeaGreen]"How about this: Get the royal alchemist, he will be on standby should things get dangerous"[/color] He bargained. Wilma nodded and hurriedly rushed off with her new errand. Hagan painstakingly checks every aspect of his opening ceremony. Everything seemed to go according to plan. With the meeting adjourned, servants went off to the castle gates, eagerly waiting for the heroes to arrive with the rising sun.

The guard at the gate seemed to jump to attention after what felt like an eternity and began lowering the gate. A wrinkled old Draik stood at the ready for the first adventurer to arrive.
[color=DimGray]"Greetings hero, may I have your name so it may be marked down on this historical day?"[/color]