The Temple of Istishia
Istishia's scribe has noted an introduction from the Temple's Keeper:
Welcome, adventurer, to the Temple of Istishia. It is my duty to teach
you of the lands and the legends within Hercyna, and help you in preparing
to pay your respects to our Goddess. Maybe it is wisest for me to give an
overview of Hercyna's landscape from a hunter's perspective; I shall start
with the areas which house the weakest creatures, and progress in
difficulty from there.
The Fairy Glen is not far from here, but requires some careful searching.
The fairies themselves cannot be killed by anyone more experienced than
level four.
It is possible to reach Hercyna Forest across the river, but I advise
that crossing the river should only be attempted under Istishia's
guidance. The fluffy creatures should be suitable for levels four to six.
Hidden by the undergrowth is a system of dark and mysterious caves which
adventurers of levels seven to nine may care to explore. A warning,
however; a powerful magic force in the darkness has caused many to lose
their way, and many have never returned...
An underground network of partially-flooded caves was long ago converted
into a magnificent Underwater Palace. Rumour has it that the ancient
civilisation of merfolk still guard their Queen, who holds some magical
treasure. But then, it is a long time since someone more experienced
than level ten ventured within.
Rival tribes of elves live in the vicinity, in well-camouflaged treehouse villages. The trees may be too difficult to scale for adventurers of
less experience than level thirteen.
The river Hercyna itself is said to hold some secrets, also, for those
lords and ladies courageous or foolish enough to brave it. Tales of
fantastic beasts and strange materials abound, and no-one is quite sure
yet how to beat the river's tremendous current to make it back to dry
land...
The locals will surely demonstrate how to sacrifice to Istishia, the
simplest act of devotion which should enable you to explore safely.
Later, you may wish to bathe somewhere to purify yourself, and to drink
of the underground springs, suitably clad in the Garments of Humility
to abide by the promise of secrecy. A visit to the Goddess' Chosen
Accomplice will help you prepare yourself to pay these respects.
