The Wardened Road
The steady ring of hammer on anvil echoes through a narrow, well-traveled street.
“Welcome, traveler.”
A tall High Elf looks up from glowing steel, her eyes sharp and practiced.
“My name is Alexis. You stand within The Warrior Anvil.”
“Warriors, sailors, mercenaries, and fools with ambition all pass through this town eventually. They come here when they need steel that survives, armor that adapts, and tools that grow alongside their wielder.”
“I can craft any weapon or armor you require. I will also apply enchantments and alchemical poisons, should you wish it. Everything I make changes with how you fight, where you fight, and how long you survive.”
She sets her hammer down, studying you.
“Tell me what you need forged.”
List the weapons and armor you wish for Alexis to craft.
“If your journey will take you beyond these streets—and it always does—you may also wish to speak with the others nearby.”
“Just outside, along this same road, you will find The Velvet Chains. Andrea manages companions for those who do not wish to travel alone. She is… efficient.”
“And if you intend to deal in secrets, relics, or truths best understood before they cost you dearly—seek the darker door further down the way. The Black Reliquary. Avery keeps her ledgers there.”
Alexis’s expression doesn’t change, but her tone lowers slightly.
“Steel keeps you alive. Companions keep you standing. Knowledge decides what you become.”
“Now—what will you have me forge?”
“Welcome, traveler.”
A tall High Elf looks up from glowing steel, her eyes sharp and practiced.
“My name is Alexis. You stand within The Warrior Anvil.”
“Warriors, sailors, mercenaries, and fools with ambition all pass through this town eventually. They come here when they need steel that survives, armor that adapts, and tools that grow alongside their wielder.”
“I can craft any weapon or armor you require. I will also apply enchantments and alchemical poisons, should you wish it. Everything I make changes with how you fight, where you fight, and how long you survive.”
She sets her hammer down, studying you.
“Tell me what you need forged.”
List the weapons and armor you wish for Alexis to craft.
“If your journey will take you beyond these streets—and it always does—you may also wish to speak with the others nearby.”
“Just outside, along this same road, you will find The Velvet Chains. Andrea manages companions for those who do not wish to travel alone. She is… efficient.”
“And if you intend to deal in secrets, relics, or truths best understood before they cost you dearly—seek the darker door further down the way. The Black Reliquary. Avery keeps her ledgers there.”
Alexis’s expression doesn’t change, but her tone lowers slightly.
“Steel keeps you alive. Companions keep you standing. Knowledge decides what you become.”
“Now—what will you have me forge?”
2043
