Paths trough the Valley
A short guide for mechants and pilgrims
At the request of the venerable Shonla , I have humbly compiled this brief guide to assist all who wish to cross the Valley of Nehalenor safely.
The Valley is sacred ground to our Goddess Narmiraen, and even the wilderness demands respect and caution from all who venture far from their tribe. The changing seasons have the greatest impact on travelers.
When the first snow falls on the trail, make your way to the nearest village as quickly as possible. Do not set out until the new year!
On the The Feast of Creation, thank your hosts for their hospitality. Do not forget to send them gifts after you have safely returned home!
After the first day of spring, you may set out for your destination. Unless you are familiar with the area or have a priestess, druid, or local hunter with you, do not stray from the path! The safest and most used routes are lined with stone marks everywhere. Watch for them and follow them.
Visit the fishermen of Nath in the spring. You can trade pearls, fresh fish, Serdophia flowers, flour, and medicinal potions with them. If you can, visit Eidhil's shrine on the banks of the Blackwater.
Watch out for traps in the northern part of the Silver Glade. If you come across traces of Beaver-bugits, prepare for a fight.
Heading south, look for a ford on the Lower-Green river. Entering the territory of the Arcori tribe, hunt only when necessary. With their hunters, you can trade alcohol, skins, and furs for armor, clothes, and the best-quality leather shoes. Following the path, you will see the Stones of Fliadalis, the ancient teachings. Meditate on his wisdom and move east. Avoid the southern border mountains, where numerous monsters and other horrors lurk.
If you come across some Frog-bugits, do not take up arms against them. This tribe is very pious. If you want to get rid of something, show it, and they will offer you a trade for it, no matter how small or useless. If you go to their village, do not light a fire! They will welcome you, but they do not use fire in their homes. Fill your pipe where they do, outside at the riverbank.
Look for the Aurr rafters on the banks of the Greenwater, they know the river and can take you across. Pay for their help with hides and furs, if you can. The river-people make wonderful wickerwork, remember that!
Avoid the Riverside plains, for it is a cursed, lawless place! Head south until you reach the acacia of the Foxwoods. The Walon druids will direct you to the southern parts. The medicines and teas of the Walon hunters will help you with almost any problem. You can exchange salt and game for a good ration.
If you need a break on your long journey, visit the Valley of a Hundred Springs. The paths of the arboretum are lined with the many herbs of Walon craft, beautifully carved bridges cross the streams, in a grove of Pinera and Serdophia trees.
In the Pine Woods, stay on the trails. If you're traveling alone or in a small group, wait for a Shemons patrol. The borderlands are dangerous, and traveling in larger numbers is safer. Shemons guardians often travel between the villages of Inmar and Lienathar, and traveling with them will ensure you reach your destination. If you see a huge black bear in the trees, bow your head and thank Malior for protecting the Valley.
If you're running low on supplies, Inmar hunters will trade fresh game and fish for smoked and dried meats and dried fruits. If your equipment needs repair or you want a new weapon, visit the Lienathar craftsmen. Don't haggle in the workshops, give them what they ask for or leave!
The paths of the Timberland are winding and seldom traveled. Look for the monoliths on the hilltops if you head north. They will lead you to the village of Samyr, where you can trade spices and dried vegetables, and linden wine.
If you visit the Garden of Narniraen during the starry Night of a Thousand Stars, stay with your tribe! The elders have made this journey hundreds of times; listen to their words. Do not wander around the Deerrest, stay in the designated camp until the festivities begin. Do not forget to bring a worthy gift with you!
Narmiraen's Garden is the most beautiful grove in the Valley. Between the great feasts, take time to admire its flora, learn from the Samyr druids. The services take place early in the morning; be sure to show up at the morning; be sure to show up at the sanctuary after the festivities!
Walking through the Deerrest, you can also exchange fresh vegetables and fruits with the Weasel-bugits that live there. This Bugit tribe is quiet smart, also educated.
The paths of the Deerrest are lined with carved stones and painted tree trunks. Following these, you can head to the villages of Thalas and Lowren. If you pass through the Moon Gate, you are on the right track. In late summer, you can usually exchange salt, shells, and coral for alcohol, woodwork, and skins.
The white stone road of the Deerrest leads southeast to the Bearrest, the Swiftwater. From there, a winding mountain path takes you up to the village of Silhen. Shemons and Silhen hunters also often use it. You can exchange trout here in spring, and wild honey and beeswax in autumn.
Beware the canopy of the great oak forest, the Squirrel-bugits are a vile people, they like to pounce on travelers from above.
Have your lingering ailments cured at the Healing Springs of the Bearrest. These miraculous healing waters offer solutions to many ailments.
The white stone road leads northwest to Forestdeep. Say a prayer to Narmiraen before you enter the sacred Golden Glade. Do not raise your hands and arrows against unicorns! Greet the Fairies properly!
If you need advice, seek the Gardener of the Golden Glade. Myrra, the oldest and wisest druid, will be there to help you.
If you find a dark stone road in the Golden Glade, avoid it if you can, and return to your path! It is a dangerous route, full of monsters and death. It will take you to the peaks of the Northern Borders Mountains, but it will eventually lead to Forestdeep just as safely as the white stone road.
The greatest event of the Harvest Festival is held in Forestdeep. The festivities take place on all levels of the Tree of Life. It is the best time to visit Ariaven's shrine with your beloved and ask for her blessings. During the festival, many buildings beyond the cathedral are opened to the faithful. You can visit the public halls of the Great Library, the beautiful garden of the School of the Priestesses, pay homage to our ancestors in the Mausoleum of Roots, and wander the streets of the ancient dragon-city.
Before the first snow falls, return home, wanderer, remember your ancestors on the Feast of the Dead, and take care of your own during the long winter.
Boran Silhen, veteran captain of the Shemons
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