Legends of Auriga
The cool breeze of an unknown subterranean wind splashes against your face and sends shivers to your core- above ground, winter is fast approaching, and it is all that is keeping you awake at this hour, weary traveler. Rounding a small bend in the tight and cobbled path your spirits are renewed, for the red-orange glow of lights-of civilization- come into view. If not for them, it would be easy to mistake the complex as part of the rock in such a dark corridor. This place, a large and dark metal building built into the rock surrounded by much smaller hovels constructed of smoothed stone, is the end of one journey and the beginning of another. It is your destination- Oddenda. Or, more formally, the Oddenda Fortified Estate. Used by the Vaulters as a warehouse initially, it was re purposed as a waypoint and refuge for those travelling north or south; towards or from war, respectively, as above lies the lands of the Ardent Mages who are locked in conflict with the vile and carrion-feasting Necrophages. Being deep within borders- deep enough that it nearly borders the Amber Plains, home of the Broken Lords- Oddenda has been spared any rough conflict of battle but the fallout thereof is easily seen- the burdened, tired, hopeless, and afraid wander the streets around their stone hovels. In stark contrast, young and eager warriors from across the southern stretches of Auriga can also be found huddled among the quiet halls of the larger building, having been granted solace for a night or two before they will rush into the fires of battle. But this war is not why you have arrived here- for even the Necrophage threat pales in comparison to the threat presented by Auriga herself. A stoic and polearm-wielding man blocks your path. The warden holds his archaic lantern up and almost immediately recognizes you. Walking through the narrow passageways towards the large building is no easy task, especially with the less fortunate seeking shelter in them. Some call out to you, seeking answers to questions, but there is little you can do to help sate their curiosity. Stepping inside the large entryway into the well-lit and spacious building is a welcome change of scenery. In this lobby, things seem much more organized- shelves full of books have been meticulously aligned and kept clean, a quick scan would indicate many of them are on the topic of Endless Histories and Myths, some authors more reputable than others; tables of various materials stretch out before you in neat rows; and the conversation of the few patrons (There's even an Eyeless One among the ranks)is kept to a hushed tone. Some may recognize you for your past exploits though there is relatively little conversation to be had. It is in this building that you will be finding accommodation as prepared by your superior, though it will also be one of the few times the Tribunal- your special taskforce- have actually met in person for more than a few moments to exchange notes or findings, theoretical or otherwise. It is now that you face your first decision- will you give in to fatigue and retreat to your temporary quarters, to rest before you meet and depart once more at sunrise; or will you try and speak to your cohorts of differing views and ideas, hoping that factual research and speculation doesn't turn into a debate of philosophy? This is where the Tribunal and the deliverance of Auriga begin.