Rooms in Forgotten Valley

• A Converted Armory - You can barely navigate through this place. All around you are crates upon crates stacked from the floor to the roof. Some are open and you can see that these crates contain armors. There are boots, gauntlets, shields, and other protective equipment for use in combat. Once you realize this, you no longer have to guess what might be contained in the crates because drawn on the outside of each create is an image of what it contains. With all these armor, you can only wonder who will be wearing them.
• A Converted Weaponry - This room would have served as some sort of waiting room for guests in the past. Now it is full of arms of all types. Some are neatly packed in boxes, some are arranged in neat orderly piles, while others are haphazardly stacked on top of each other. You can see swords, daggers, pikes, lances, bows, arrows, knives, and four large cannons. There are more items but they are covered. You estimate that the number of weapons in this room can arm about 5000 soldiers.
• A Decorated Road - Tatered banners hang from poles that are half stone and half wooden. The banners, no longer stiff, flutter up and down with each gust of a passing wind. Obviously there was a preparation for some sort of festival or a special dignitary. Whatever it may have been, the town was clearly preparing for a very special moment the day it was attacked. Mingled with the smell of cooking food, your keen nose detects the unmistakeable odor of gold. Most would argue that gold has no odor but a coin that has passed numerous hands has that distinct smell that lingers on ones hands until washed.
• A Glimpse of the Lake - You stand on a the edge of a small cliff overlooking the end of the valley and the lake within. Tall trees growing at the base of the cliff nearly block the view to the lake which is shaped like a bean. One end of this bean ends at a shore at this end while the other end of the "bean" is not visible as it rounds a bend of trees.
• A Musty Cavern - The huge cavern is wet, slippery, and covered with fungus growth of some sort. Light that enters here reflects from some of the surfaces like a gleaming dagger, but no matter how much light enters, the darkness hungrily swallows it like a starved animal.
• A Path Across the Stream - A small stream is here descending from the upper hills to feed the lake below. A few water loving plants grow along the banks. Some are more captivating than others, like one shaped like a bouquet filled with yellow flowers. Bees, ants, and other insects are in constant motion as they try to harvest the sweet rewards. If not for the the plants growing along the banks, you would not have spotted a path going to the other side of the stream. The semi-flattened plants tell you that someone has come through this stream recently. Whether that someone was coming or going is uncertain.
• A Student's Room - Unlike the rest of the house, this room has recently been added and reflects modern construction design and modern ameneties. Not very large but well designed it, it contains nooks and crannies for various appliances such as a small refrigerator and a television. A bed subdivides the room into two halves. One of these halves contain a computer desk with a 19" monitor. On this half are two two-drawer filing cabinets. On top of them is a shelving device that contains both a Lexmark laser and Lexmark inkjet printers. The other half of the bedroom contains a dresser and several stacks of copy paper boxes that serve as storage devices. Each has been neatly labeled.
• A Tiled Bathroom - This is a modern bathroom that you would expect to find only in the newest houses built. There is a sink with running water and a wall to wall mirror. A flush commode and a shower stall enclosed in glass. Beside the glass stall is a jacuzzi.
• A View of Wizard's Keep - You are now in a trail parallel to the lake shore. The ground to the lake is sloping gently as is the ground above the trail where trees and other forms of vegetation are growing lushly, green and full of life unlike the town. As you gaze at the lake, you are shocked to find a dark and foreboding castle that looks very formidable and impregnable. The massive gates are shaped like a massive mouth drinking the lake's water. Behind this a skull rises up. Along the left and right sides of the skull and guarding the gates rise watchtowers. Each watchtower is like a bony hand rising up as if attempting to clutch any birds that may be passing through.
• A View of the Stone Garden - Further down Sparrow and you find one side walled but iron bars allow you to see the garden to the west. Most of it is stone except for a patch where a rose bush grows. You can see some of its stems poking through the iron grills of a large window into the the room of the house. To the east is a small open field where a house is taking shape but neer completed. The massive open skeleton now made of stone openly gapes at the sky.
• A Winding Valley Road - Your sense of unease has not lifted by you can breathe easier now. Yet you can not forget what you have just seen. You scan the sides of the valley but all you can see are green trees and bushes. An army could hide there and you would not know it. The vegetation is so thick and so alive but the image that comes to your mind is that of concealment. The plantlife would not grow this thick if there was nothing to hide.
• All Things That Glitter - Precious metals carved and molded into various shapes and forms can be found here. On the walls are shields, swords, and various armors engraved in gold and silver the crests of various houses. Many you don't recognize but some look strangely familiar. An unfurled banner on the ground bears the distinct crest of Charlamagne. On a table are stacks of cloth ready to be made into clothing for the nobles and their ladies. The glinting light reveals the unmistakeable color of gold threads.
• Approaching the Town Center - The road forks here into two different paths. At the corner of the fork is a large tree that seems to have been unaffected by the stone spell. There does not seem to be anything magical about it but it is rather astounding because it stands in the middle of a town that has been turned to stone. Except for a few young vines and patches of grass here and there, everything is as still as stone.
• At a Warning Sign - Traces of stone arches are still present although most are just stumps of stone columns. There are numerous burn marks on the columns and all over the ground indicating a battle had transpired here. By all indications, it was short, intense, and the outcome inevitable. Etched on one of the columns is a warning that rivets your attention. As you step around the fallen columns, a chipmunk scamper off and dives under one of the columns into a hole in the ground. A sign that life is returning to this forgotten place.
• Base of the Fortress - You stand at the base of the fortress which rhythmically rumbles like a metronome. Somewhere near here is the underwater water cavern that connects the lake to the sea. And through this tunnel the water rushes to and fro in a never ending cycle of violence. But there are moments when the tides do not rush in or out but merely caress the shores. On this brief moments, this cavern sings a strange and eerie song. It sounds like the wail of a banshee yet it is much more mournful. Many mercenaries have left the town screaming like raving lunatics because the sound had driven them crazy.
• Below Ambush Point - Your sense of ease is suddenly displaced by one of caution and foreboding as you come upon the butterfly. It was a graceful creature that conquered the force of gravity. Now it lies fluttering miserably on the ground. You look around you but you see no one. Yet you sense that you are being watched by hostile eyes.
• Beneath the Trees - Your sense of danger is heightened as you enter this grove of trees. You would prefer to go around but the plants are so thick and the bushes so thorny that you would be shred to bits before you can get too far. The only way is to follow the road which leads to and through these grove of threes. The trees are very old and form a small canopy over the road. Their thick foilage would provide suitable shelter in the event of a rainstorm. This only makes you more uneasy because these same foilage makes the space beneath them pitch black. The ground is difficult to see but it seems to be devoid of rocks and other obstacles.
• By a Large Pothole - This road was well maintained for use and as a sign of pride. Rows upon rows of flowers now turned to stone line both sides of the road. Neat and still beautiful, you can surmise that the disasterous day occurred during a late spring day. Beads of dew now made of stone are still visible around the petals and on the surface of the leaves. The pothole is a recent disturbance caused by a sinkhole somewhere beneath the ground. In the distant future, this part of the road could become a wide gaping hole that will block access into the forgotten valley and the ensconced town.
• By the Lake Shore - A gentle breeze plays with a few strands of you hair as it passes through. The lake water gently laps at the shore in a never-ending dance of trying to conquer land. Mesmerizing and peaceful, you could sit on the base of a tree, close your eyes, and just listen. Every now and then a fish jumps out of the water attempting to either escape a bigger predator from below or attmpting to catch a low flying bug.
• By the Village Well - A very new looking well has been conveniently placed where the roads meet. Here the villagers can gather water for cooking and washing without having to travel all the way to the lake. Although it looks relatively new, it could be hundreds of years old. The stone magic had preserved many things so it is difficult to find the exact age of an item.
• Descending to the Shore - A gently sloping path parallel to the cliffside had been cut by the villagers to make the descent to the lake easier and safer. Even though it is now mostly overrun by saplings and tall grass, it is still very useable. Without this path, it would be difficult to descend to the shore of the lake. The only other viable option you can see is jumping onto the tree tops and climbing down. A small flock of birds arrive and chirp merrily on the branches of a tall tree that had grown in the middle of the path.
• Echoing Halls - You find it unnerving that for each step you take, no matter how soft your footstep may be, that it echoes. The softer you walk, the louder the sounds of your footsteps become. Attempting to walk with a stomping gait is even worst because the echoes become terrifyingly intense. While accidentally tripping over an object on the ground, you take two steps that produce no sounds at all. With the proper walk and gait, one can walk through here without creating any noise.
• End of Market Road - Here you find more colorful banners fluttering on wooden poles. You blink once, twice, and a third time to make sure you not seeing things. Either the magic was not that strong or it is fading but in this street, you can see where the magic has either worn off or never taken effect. Half of the road is still stone and so are half of the buildings. The western part of the road and buildings have reverted back to normal while those located in the direction of the town center are still stone. For once you can see some of the beauty that the citizens of this town enjoyed.
• Entering the Valley - The entrance to the valley lies directly ahead of you. Due to the winding pathway, it is hard to see far ahead. The path is very tight and narrow but the blue skies above and the sounds of birds chirping merrily puts your mind at ease. A fiery red and orange butterfly glides past you and follows the road into the valley.
• In a Covered Clearing - Trees cover your movements from eyes above while bushes cover your hidden landing place from land. From the sea you are hidden by rocks that jut out between you and the beach. You crouch down knowing that your location may not be as secure as it seems. The same covering that protects you from prying eyes also protects prying eyes from being seen. Should you get ambushed here, you would suffer grave casualties. As your ears begin to ring, you notice that it is deathly quiet here. The deadening silence makes you want to scream but that would certainly reveal your presence.
• Into the Valley - Emerging from the grove of trees, you hold your breathe in deep shock. While the trees in the upper section of the valley are green and alive, those in the lower half of the valley appear to be gray and dead. You feel your soul shiver yet you feel a tingle of exitement. An anticipation to combat and the fear of death. You look around you and you see a clear line from the gray and the green. Poking one of the gray plants makes you jump back. A tiny branch breaks off and shatters on the ground like a delicate glass.
• Jawhar's Exotic Carpets - You have entered a store that specializes in selling carpets and other rugs. Here you are again surprised to find objects that have not been turned to stone. Numerous carpets have been rolled up and lie stacked like logs just waiting for a buyer. Their exotic designs are clearly from a land far away. A carpet hanging from one of the walls displays crossed Arabian swords and two palm trees on a light green background.
• Jenny's Chicken Stand - chickens. By your count there are are five feathered chickens, two defeathered, and chicken parts. On one of the walls are cages used for keeping live chickens until they are needed. A gentle breeze from the door stirs the wind bringing the smell of fried chicken to your nose. It seems the magic is melting because more of the walls that once was stone has reverted back to wood. A sign hanging from chains begins to sway and rattle as the chains turn back to metal.
• Kat's Fish Market - Except for half of one wall which is still stone, the rest of this shop has completely reverted to normal. A table used for selling fish is partially covered with the early catch while two covered baskets hint of more fish. There is definitely a fishy smell to this shop but it is very clean. The smell of grilling fish makes your mouth water. A glance at the grill shows the best specimens waiting to be served. Without a doubt you could have a hearty feast but you also know that as this magic fades, the wizard who caused the problem will come back to remedy the deterioration in the spell. A sign on the wall declares the prices of the edibles sold here.
• Murals on the Wall - This room has six sides which have been carefully polished to a dark sheen. Cut and polished from the solid rock, each side tells a story of the past, present, and future. As you look at each image, each person, thing, or animal on this mural, it slides out of the wall and takes on a three dimensional form. As you look at another image, the old one fades back into the wall as the new image you look at emerges. In this 3D form, you can see deeper details of a chariot, the hair on a horse, and even feel the images.
• Near the Town - As you come around the corner, you finally see the Forgotten Town. It is still very beautiful even though vines and creepers are starting to cover various walls and buildings. The normal process of nature taking over abandoned civilization. A few more seasons and not a trace of this town will be visible. Even the gray stone trees are being overrun by vines while younger trees mark the passage of time since whatever disaster has fallen this village transpired.
• On Market Road - Faded banners hanging on poles made of stone flutter limply in the light breeze. Here you find another sign that the magic of the stone wizard is not as powerful as you had been led to believe. Yet it was powerful enough to turn nearly everything into stone. Overhead a hawk screeches loudly as it circles in the clear blue sky. Instinctively you duck beneath a covering but you know that if that is one of the wizard's pets, you have been spotted.
• On a Hillside Ledge - A narrow ledge stands is all the saves you from an untimely bath in the lake. To your back is a cliff that angles awkwardly forward forcing you to stoop as you travel here. Standing up would certainly cause your center of gravity to rise but the forward lean of the cliff would force you to the lake. Below you is a deep pool of water as though the ground beneath was carved by a waterfall. A fall from here would be safe unless you happen to hit one of the few boulders in the pool below. The pool is connected to the lake by a small body of water.
• On a Rotting Dock - The combination of of neglect, water, and wood eating bugs has made this dock very unsafe. Many planks of wood are missing while others are on the verge of collapse. By your best estimate, another winter and all of this would be gone. The sudden arrival of a large wave almost gives you an early bath as it unexpectedly lifts the dock. Rapid reflexes saves you as you cling to one of a post jutting out of the water.
• On a Shaded Balcony - The balcony is made of stone and wood located at the edge of a cliff on a tall mountain. Sudden gusts of wind make you feel cold. But from here you can see much of the surrounding landscape. To the north you can see the town of Delos while to the east you can see the campus. Everthing else is nothing but forests and hills. Everything is green except for an intriguing valley that seems to be dull gray. It is located far from here but between Delos and the campus. Although the trees are green near the top of the hills that make up the valley, everything else below is gray. You notice that if the valley did not open up to this vantage point, you would have never seen it nor would you have paid any attention to it.
• On a Small Paddle Boat - Despite years of neglect, she's still sea worthy. The oars are solid and so is the rest of the boat. A small layer of water covers the bottom of the boat from recent rains. Other than that, one would think that someone has been taking care of it although you find it odd that the dock has been allowed to decay.
• On a Wide Open Lawn - A clear path winds up a hill through a wide open lawn that circles the mansion. But the once beautiful blades of grass that were carefully and meticulously maintained lawn is now a field of death to unwary creatures that have landed or passed through here. Skeletons of animals large and small litter the lawn as the petrified blades of grass acted as razors that cut even through the toughest hooves. The poor animal that laid down on this field of death was instantly skewered by the many blades pointing up stiffly and unyieldingly.
• Quifael's hall - You are in sparsely decorated and quite dusty hall. Old wooden doors lead north, east and south and to the west is the front door. An old mirror hangs on the wall next to a Warning Sign.
• Quifael's kitchen - You are in an old-fashioned kitchen with old fashioned cup boards. An old fashioned stove and sink are the only visible appliances. Looking down, you see that the floor is covered by cracking and yellowing tiles. The only source of light is a small window that is covered by some sort of plastic.
• Quifael's laboratory - The room is filled with shelves containing all sorts of weird equipment. The walls are lined with numerous shelves and a massive working desk is by the north wall. The air smells of rare chemicals and spices. A virtual ladder leads downwards. A magical portal is hovering in the air just in front of the east wall.
• Quifael's study - You are in a small, comfortable study room. The walls are lined with bookcases filled with dusty volumes of all sizes. You also notice that one of the bookcases is brand new, made of cherry, and is half filled with books that have been recently bought. In the fireplace burns a crackling fire that makes the room warm and cozy, and in front of an oakwood reading desk is a large old-fashioned chair. On the desk is a modern lamp fill with a halogen light bulb.
• Quifael's virtual balcony - You are on a transparent balcony hanging in mid-air. You notice a faint blue glow surrounding everything, even yourself, making it seem as transparent as the balcony itself. From here, you have a terrific view of the whole Forest of Haon-Dor. A transparent bronze plate has been bolted to the balcony railing. A magical portal is hovering in the air to the west.
• Sparrow Road - Another road sign indicates the name of the road you are now on. Without the signs you would have considered this road and the previous road to be the same. But common sense never seems to work out most of the time. Many reasons can be found but the most obvious seems to be in development. The houses on this road look much nicer than the houses on the previous road. It looks as though address did matter because the wealthy must not have wanted to have the same address as the pheasants. This is just one reason but it may not be the right reason.
• The Battle Room - Battle plans are scattered here as though someone was recently here. Maps of several fortress cities are marked and army placements plotted. On a bench is a map of this fortress marking places where defense might be deficient. Red circles mark the towers and the best possible points of attack to them. It seems someone is planning to overthrow the wizard, not from the outside but from within.
• The Bowel of the Fortress - You have reached the deepest part of the fortress. Numerous passages scatter in various directions but to your amazement, these passages seem to shift and turn. All look exactly alike and all appear to have the same destination. For a brief moment all the passages converge into one before splitting into three again. At other times they simply dance along the walls. They are portals to the unknown. Created by the wizard as a barrier against those who seek to harm him.
• The Circular Passage - You are halfway from the top and halfway from the bottom. Proceeding in either direction is going to be a chore because many of the wooden steps are weaker than they initially seemed. Several times you nearly fell through as the steps you tried to step on crumbled beneath you. Should the entire staircase crumble to dust, there would be nothing to cling to because the walls are very smooth.
• The Clean Campe - The Clean Campsite A clearing exists here beneath tall trees at the edge of the lake. There is enough space for a large gathering to come and discuss things and there is certainly ample space for sleeping mats. A circle of stones still marks the place where campfires were once built.
• The Collection - This cavernous chamber is full of shelving containing grisly items. Mementos of the wizards experimental failures and successes are contained in this room. You see stone arms and stone legs lacking bodies. Here and there are stone ears while on a other shelves you find stone heads. The look of horror in bewildered eyes tells the tale of the traumatic event. Then there are jars full of murky liquid full of preservatives. In them you see strange floating unnameable items that may have come from living things. Something in one of the jars twitches.
• The Fat Dragon - Stone kettles and stone pots sit on top of a stone stove. The fire that was used to cook has beentransformed to stone as well. Placing your hand near the stone flames, you are surprised to find that although the fire has been transformed, it still burns with an intense heat. On a table, stacks of plates are ready to be used for breakfast patrons. Although this eatery was not as busy as the town in, it clearly supports a much wealtheir clientele. This is clearly evident in the decor, plates, and now stone dining utensils. On the wall you can still see a menu listing the items that were sold here.
• The Fisherman's Spot - Although you can go no further, you find this place to be the ideal place to fish if you liked to fish. You stand on a clearing surrounded by tall trees that provide shade from the sun. While most of the edges of the clearing run into the woods, one side faces the lake. On this side, the clearing is elevated from the water for about four feet. Looking into the clear water below, you see several large fishes foraging lazily on various plantlife growing on the rocks.
• The Forest Road - You stand in the eeriest place you have ever known. Full grown trees reach to the sky but not a single bough moving nor a single leaf dancing in the wind. All frozen still by the single wave of a wand or some spoken magic word. Although frozen by magic, their glory and beauty could not be quelled. The animals that reside in those branches have all been frozen as well. If one looked hard on the branches and the boughs, one might spy an owl waiting for an evening meal.
• The Forgotten Tunnel - This room is circular in shape and appears to have been carved by flowing water in the distant past. There is not much here except for some trash, signs of habitation by animals, and parts of broken armor and weaponry. Looking up, you find that the tunnel goes straight up but a spiraling wooden staircase provides passage this way. Although several steps appear to be broken, the posts sound solid and sound.
• The Golden End - Gold gilded walls and plaques of silver tell you that this part of town is where wealth is freely displayed. A place where the rich and wealthy come to mingle and compare. A place where expensive purchases are made on a whim or on impulse. The owners of the shops have themselves become very wealthy from exorbitant prices which the wealthy lords willing paid for as a show of their wealth to other lords. The same item that could be found elsewhere for 1000 coins can often be found here for ten times the cost. Nevertheless, the mark of the shopkeepers engraved on these items is the mark of one able to afford luxury.
• The Guest Balcony - Iron bars prevent you from leaving this balcony except to go back to the bedroom. A clear view of the lake and the other shore is clearly visible from here. While the two guard turrets at the front the of this fortress look normal, the rear turrets are frightening and scary. They resemble a pair of bony hands that appear to be reaching up into the sky. On their palms are skeletal lookouts that never cease scanning the horizon. But unlike the lookouts in the front turrets who scan the front, the rear lookouts only look to the rear.
• The Guest Room - Blue silks partition this large chamber into several smaller ones each with a bed and a chest for storage. From this vantage point you can see into most of these smaller chambers as well as out into the balcony. Although this room has several beds, only one shows any signs of use. However, the other beds have neatly folded clothes and towels heaped on them as though guests are expected. Examining one of these beds, you are alarmed to find that the suit of clothes neatly laid out here perfectly fits you. Perhaps you were expected after all.
• The Hermit's Hermitage - A shack in the bushes in the clearing among the trees creates a place called home. Most would call this nothing more than a dirty stall with no running water and a dirt floor. But for the one living here, it provides shelter from the elements, evil wizards, and their minions. As you look around, the shack only has two walls. Roughly woven cloths serve as covers to the other two sides serving a dual purpose of being both walls and doors.
• The Hexagon Chamber - Glowing orbs on brackets light up this chamber which has six sides and reminds you of a honeybee cell. Unlike the honeybee cell which is yellow, this chamber has black polished walls on five sides. The sixth side is still unpolished and bears chisel marks dating back to the time when this chamber was carved from the rock. The various rock strata are clearly visible along with two tiny veins of gold.
• The Junction Within - The major rooms of the fortress cross here. You can see openings leading north, east, and a staircase going down. But in the shadows, you can see guarded openings that lead to other parts of the fortress. Obviously you can't get to these unless you were invited. As you look around, you notice how smooth the walls of this place are. Then your eyes glance downward where massive amounts of supplies have been stacked against the walls. The long poles suggest that this is part of a tent. There are other scattered items here that puzzle you.
• The Mansion on a Hill - You can still see the items that were in this massive mansion on the day of the conversion. The thick layer of dust tells you that this place has not been disturbed until now. The wide open architecture of the main hallway reveals numerous doors and passages that lead to many closed doors. Doors that have been turned to stone. The upstairs balcony is backed by a hallway lined with doors that lead to bedrooms. This mansion could easily support fifty people living together or someone having about fifty kids.
• The Master's Balcony - From here a panoramic view of the lake is clearly visible as well as an open courtyard below. Tall gray walls prevent direct access to the main building and guard turrets provide guards with a view of the walls. A closed gate leads north to the lake where numerous transports are docked. Along the inner walls of this courtyard, numerous weapons are stacked, all polished, gleaming, and ready for battle.
• The Master's Repose - Luxurious red silk cloths cover the walls of this room. Golden patterns criss-cross the silks like golden waves on a red sea. The furnitures are antiques by most standards, very expensive, and can only be found in the richest houses or broken in dumps. You see oil lamps on tables and along the walls where the silk cloths have been parted to avoid getting burned. One disconcerting effect of the red silk cloths is how light is turned into a bloody red bath. An effect that most would find unnerving and disconcerting.
• The Money Changer - The decor is simple yet very tasteful. There are no guards present but you are certain that robbing this place would meet instant death. The back of the room is curtained but you are certain that bowmen are poised behind the curtains. A simple divider hides a table from the street view where transactions take place. It is a wonder that so much riches can be found in such a small simple town like this one.
• The Noali Forest - All around you grow ancient and very vibrant Noali trees. Although they are centuries old, their bark look as clean and green as a young spring shoot. These trees are easy to recognize because their leaves have gold veins. When broken, a golden-red sap flows out that soon turns white after being exposed to air for some time. If the sap is drawn directly into an airless container, it will emit a blue glow on the evening after the next sunset. Bugs that feast on Noali sap are easily identified by their blue glow and the trees are easily spotted because these bugs often live in the trees. At night, this eerie blue glow can be seen for leagues.
• The Noali Forest - All around you grow ancient and very vibrant Noali trees. Although they are centuries old, their bark look as clean and green as a young spring shoot. These trees are easy to recognize because their leaves have gold veins. When broken, a golden-red sap flows out that soon turns white after being exposed to air for some time. If the sap is drawn directly into an airless container, it will emit a blue glow on the evening after the next sunset. Bugs that feast on Noali sap are easily identified by their blue glow and the trees are easily spotted because these bugs often live in the trees. At night, this eerie blue glow can be seen for leagues.
• The Pawn Shop - Iron bars separate you from the merchandise which hang on walls and on wooden shelves. From your vantage point you can see items made of gold and silver. Some are jewel encrusted while others look plain. On a far corner table you spy various types of potions, pills, wands and staves. Implements of magic not normally found in a common shop are here too. A testament that even those who dabble in magic need coinage to buy food and goods such as clothing. Or perhaps some magician was killed by rogues and his goods have been traded for gold. Whatever the tale may have been, this is clearly the place to find the rare and the exotic.
• The Road Into Town - For protection, this town was built in this valley because there is only one way in and only one way out. This made it very easy to defend when trouble came around. But troubles from the outside rarely came because the valley is so far from anyone else and the villagers are very secretive about where they live. But this worked against them because if they ever needed to flee, there was only one way out.
• The Rocky Beach - In the distant past, this area would have been an ideal place to have a picnic. But rocks from the cliff above fell here making this beach very rocky. Water is constantly swirling around the rocks as the waves keep pounding the shore. You find it odd that such a small lake could produce waves of the caliber pounding the shores. Normally this size waves can be found in larger lakes or on ocean beaches. In the distance, you are hear the sound of water spurting into the air. You turn around just in time to see a plume of water rise above the water before crashing back down.
• The Shallow Shore - Tiny waves splash at your knees as they race to the shore then from the shore and back to the water again. Another spray from of water comes spurting out of the mysterious geyser sends larger waves crashing into the rocks near you. A fine mist descends on your face and your clothes before you can reach make a single move. Licking your lips, you find that the water is strangely salty even though the lake here is landlocked. The only possible conclusion is an underwater tunnel that connects this lake to the ocean.
• The Soothsayer's House - The grass, the trees, and the ground around the soothsayer's house have all been turned to stone. Yet in the middle of this silent architecture stands the house completely immune to the effects of the spell. From the base to the roof, not a single inch has been turned to stone. From open windows hang plants of strange origin. Defying gravity, their tendrils cling rigidly to the empty air as though solid trellises were present.
• The Sparkling Gem - Two massive stone guards guard the entrance to this shop where glittering gems of various sizes and colors are on display. There are rubies, topaz, diamonds, and various gems you are unfamiliar with. The smallest are on soft cloth while some of the biggest are about the size of your fist. You are certain that the best specimens are not here but somewhere where only the most affluent clients can see them. Although most of the items on display here are naked stone, some have been set into rings, broaches, and other ornaments.
• The Town Center - You walk on the tiles of the roof of the building that once stood in the town center. The same force that destroyed the columns destroyed this building as well. You dread the thought of what you might find beneath the roof of the town center if this place was ever excavated. But it is best to let the dead sleep in peace and let this wreckage be a mausoleum and the stone roof serve as their tombstone and grave. As you prepare to leave, you thought you heard something tapping or was that rapping from beneath the stones. Perhaps it is your mind running away or your imagination gone wild.
• The Unguarded Room - This is a small room almost like a closet that connects the room to the north from a water carved tunnel beneath you which swings further south and up as well as down. Unlike the water-carved tunnel, this one was chiseled and created intentionally. Numerous cob webs indicate that this room has not been used in a long time. They cling to your face as you try to proceed on your way.
• The Village Tavern and Inn - Everyone going to work in the fields or the forest stops here for a quick drink before the sun has even risen. Others just come in to have breakfast and chit chat. In the evening, the returning villagers would stop here for a drink before going home. However, after supper they would come back and just talk about village life. They would also come here to listen to tales told by traders and visitors about the world outside.
• The Wizard's Practice Room - The wizard used to come here to practice his magic. But when he got older, he stopped because he was afraid that by practicing, he would loose what magic he had left. There are still two tables full of cages that held birds and small wildlife. Although most are now empty, some still contain inhabitants that are neither alive nor dead. They have been turned to stone. If the wizard would come and look, he would be very afraid. Some of the stone animals are coming back alive again. You briefly saw a mouse twitch its nose as it changed from stone to flesh before changing back to stone once more.
• Through the Brambles - The villagers used to maintain this path so that access to the lake would be fast and easy. But since the time of the spell casting, no one has come here to maintain this place. The brambles are so thick that they almost scrape you as you pass through. Although the brambles are very thick and impassable anywhere else, it is odd to find a small winding path through this corridor of thorns.
• Through the Briars - You encounter more thorny plants as you slowly wind your way to the lake. But these seem to be different from those you previously encountered. It dawns on you that the thorny plants here seem to be of a different specie and younger. Also non of the plants in this area have been turned to stone. After looking at the surrounding plants, you are more certain than ever that someone had cut the path you now travel. It is discreet and very ingenous, but the tell-tale signs of human intervention are there.
• Through the Stone Gates - The stone gates were frozen by a spell cast by the stone wizard during the night before the attack. It was cast so that entry is possible but exit improbable. The intricate wrought iron designs are still visible and has lasted much longer than if they had been made of iron. What was lost in strength has been gained in endurance. Yet even now the stones are beginning to crumble because the magic was not designed to make them last.
• Turkey Foot Road - A road sign reveals the name of this road but only the locals would know why it was thus named. Or at least that's the most logical thought because there are times when even the locals do not know the history of a region and only the archives can tell. And yet again even the archives can lie because the truth in them is only told through the perspective of the author. As you travel down this road, the stone seems strangely rubbery as though you were walking on a tarp covering water. The magic the wizard had used must be having some adverse reaction to something.