A group of cavalrymen came through the Voiden Gates in Eastlake. Marble-colored skinned men of rose gold hue armory. Their sudden appearance caused some surprise to the people of this mercantile town. Not because of their appearance, mind you. People looking like them come and go from beyond the gates seeking trade and amicable relations-- No, what was different this time was their royal getup and the unusual amount there was.
About eight came through the link between realms, with another riding ahead of them all. They carried more than just their armory: A gladius on their hip and a shield on their back. That being said, the weapons were just for show. No one expected them to be used, and had something like that actually come to pass, it'd betray years of trust built by the neighbors-next-plane-over. Though it brings into question why Eastlake was chosen by them to be their embassy into Templehelm, that diverges from the purpose of this letter.
Skipping the fanfare involved with any heraldry-- seems they are not so different from us in that matter-- That envoy and the eight other riders who came along left their saddled mounts at the stables, and headed straight to the Eastlake Guild of Commerce. Those armed stood guard outside to guarantee privacy, and the messenger came through the door (with some difficulty, given his height.)
The full details of what we spoke of in my office, once again, escapes the purview of this letter. In fact, I would need to dispatch couriers with volumes of text in place of letters if that were the case. Indeed, it was a long evening of talks, so allow me to relay to you in short what you must know:
His majesty, Emperor Aerven Dawnwing, representing the Arvandorean Settlement of The Expanse (with it's capital in the location formerly known as The End of the World in our history books,) seeks to hold an event for all of Templehelm to witness, but only for some to take part in.
The Arvandoreans shall hold a tournament to decide a team of the most capable folk of the realm-- in body and mind-- to sponsor in a campaign most vital through and beyond The Void, and unto the oceanic realm of Ossial. Between those invited to participate, the team of "Hunters and Huntresses" who surpass the rest within the tournament's exams shall receive a reward from the Emperor Himself, and be given a spot in the aforementioned campaign.
If you have received this letter, then it is believed you are someone of note among the many Helmians; may it be due to your power, capabilities, achievements, or even something as simple as exemplary charisma. As such, you are formally invited to assemble a team of three or join one, and take part in the tournament. If you do not find yourself in the company of two more, or are set apart from your regular companions, feel free to leave a request of team assembly with a Crier or at the announcement board of Eastlake. When you have a team, please sign your names in a letter and return them to me.
... and to you who may feel yourself insufficient or incapable to excel at such a task, I urge you to give yourself the chance to attempt. Who knows? Perhaps your ingenuity may set your team above the others.
Respectfully,
Zonner Bonner, Regent Officer of the Eastlake Guild of Commerce.
