You are escorted through moonlit glades and hanging bridges of woven silverwood. The deeper you go, the quieter the forest becomes—until even your footsteps feel unwelcome. Finally, you’re brought into a vast clearing beneath a tree so large it seems to scrape the sky.
Lantern-light glows like starlight among its branches. Elven sentinels stand silent as statues. At the base of the tree is a throne carved from living wood, curved and elegant as if grown for its occupant. Upon it sits Queen Sylanthiel of Vel Enweir, cloaked in layers of shadow-green silk and silver thread. Her crown is a circlet of woven branches and starlight. Her gaze is piercing.
Opening Dialogue – The Elf Queen Speaks
Her voice is soft, but it carries with unnatural clarity.
Queen Sylanthiel (measured, cold):
“You arrive in my forest under suspicion, in days choked with omens… and claim you mean no harm.”
(She scans each of you in turn.)
Queen Sylanthiel:
“The last ones who walked cloaked through our woods spoke in riddles and prayers—to things that do not belong here. Now the roots rot, and the rivers taste of blood.”
Queen Sylanthiel (leaning forward):
“Why should I not believe you’re the same?”
(Pause for player responses.)
Quest Offer – Testing the Party
After a moment, she leans back—eyes narrowing, thoughtful.
Queen Sylanthiel:
“If your intentions are pure, then prove it. To the east lies a glen called Vael’telor. The trees there have blackened. The spirits have gone silent. We sent scouts—none returned.”
(A long pause.)
Queen Sylanthiel (coldly):
“Go. Cleanse the rot. Or do not return at all.”
(She raises a hand, and the guards step back slightly.)
Queen Sylanthiel:
“If you carry the weight of prophecy, then let the forest judge you.”
Scene: The Audience Chamber Beneath the Tree of Stars
Queen Sylanthiel rises from her throne. As she steps forward, the air bends with her movement—like moonlight over water. Her presence is overwhelming, regal and cold as the high canopy.
She extends one hand, palm up.
Queen Sylanthiel (ceremonial, firm):
“Swear it. By root and river, star and stone. Swear that you will cleanse Vael’telor and do no harm to this wood.”
(As the party agrees or nods, her eyes begin to glow faintly—a silver radiance threading through the branches above.)
You feel something slide over your skin—like mist turning solid for just a moment, sinking into your bones.
Queen Sylanthiel:
“The vow is sealed. The forest itself will know if you break it.”
Hospitality with Conditions
The Queen returns to her throne, her voice softening—but no warmer.
Queen Sylanthiel:
“You may rest in the The Scarlet Shield Tavern in the city outskirts. It is the only inn open to outsiders.”
(She lifts her gaze, eyes narrowing slightly.)
“You are not to wander the city. You will remain in your rooms unless escorted. This is not a punishment—it is protection. For us… and for you.”
Queen Sylanthiel (final):
“Complete this task, and we may speak again. Refuse, or flee—and the forest will close around you.”
Scene Close – Escort and Departure
As you are led from the court, you pass under silver lanterns swinging in still air. The hush returns. It is not peace—it is the weight of being watched.