The Hunt For Helm’s Eyes

Within the kingdom of Luminessa, there was a town by the name of Minerva’s Falls, a small town on the fringes of the kingdom, far from the intrigue and politics of the capital, however it did have one notable feature, it was home to the largest temple of Helm in all the lands.

Known as the Eternal Watchman, Helm is most often the patron god of protectors, be they city guards, paladins sworn to protect the helpless, adventurers or soldiers.

But that was a long time ago, while the town still exists on maps as Minerva’s Falls, most folk know it only as Minerva’s Folly, a great tide of demons wiped the town out, slaying every worshipper and town folk alike, leaving the town barren.

Now it’s a ghost town, not a soul travels through it, as though fearing the demons still reside there, ready to slaughter any mortal that dares step foot near THEIR town.

However, the host of demons that dwell there aren’t the only rumor to surround the abandoned town, with it having been host to a great temple to a powerful god, it’s said that treasure still resides in the temple, untouched by the demon horde.

The Eyes Of Helm, an artifact of great power, given by the Eternal Watchman to his most ardent follower centuries ago to show him the truth that resides in the universe itself.

This is a powerful artifact, one that would surely please the curator and as such the reward for a successful expedition has been placed at 100 gold, a veritable windfall for someone of your current means, however undoubtedly this quest carry’s risk, if you die on this expedition, there will be no bringing you back, no second chances for you.

“This town… how would I get there…? The way back to the mortal realms is closed, is it not…?” You ask with mild trepidation.

“It is. But I have wayssss to transport you to a neighboring town, one that hassssss a mages guild portal. once you complete your quessssst you need only return to that portal and I shall ferry you back to the academy.” she says, her words carrying little concern for the risks such a quest might create.

“How far is this town…?”

“Only a few dayssss travel from Minerva’ssss Fallsss” she states taking out a tightly rolled parchment before unrolling it across the desk, pointing a clawed finger on a town not far from Minerva’s Falls, the town of Farowind, and sure enough the distance between the two towns would be about 2 days of travel by foot.

“This expedition… surely it’s an important one… would I be given any kind of resources for this..? A wagon or horse maybe…?”

“Sssssuch dissscretionary spending must be reserved for the most important of expeditions I’m afraid… the reward I offer is the only allowance I’ve been granted in regardssss to this quessst…” for the first time she displays emotion in her voice, her words carrying an undercurrent of annoyance.

“Will… I be the only person taking part in this expedition..?” You ask, already fearing the answer.

“Yessss, while a few ssssstudents have sssssigned up for expeditions, this one in particular hasn’t been filled yet.”

Now the stakes have been set, once you depart on this quest, you will receive no support from the academy or fellow students, success or failure will hinge on your training and the choices you make.

However, 100 gold is too much to pass up, with that money you could greatly improve your time here at Wintermoor, you could even send some money home to your parents if you had much left over!

“Sssssso..? Will you be taking this quesssst…?” The Curator asks, scanning your face as though trying to read your mind.