Connects to: 03.04, 17.07.01, 29.14.25,
Overview
When the light of the sun on Lion’s Day (17.07.01) falls on this remote valley a strange thing happens. The rays of light form steps and ladders that are easy to climb on and that rise directly from the ground towards the sun. The heavens are far too to reach before the sun hits the western peaks, but these ladders of sunlight are the only known way to reach the summit of the great peak that lies to the west of this valley.
However, there are dangers here in this Vale of Tirandelle (besides clouds passing between climbers and the sun). Chief among them is a great hearth beast, a squat golden-scaled lizard that likes to sun itself on rocks in the valley and that can leap with surprising agility at intruders. It has eaten more than a few of those who have wished to climb the stairway to heaven.
Connections
- Carvings can be seen all around the Vale of Tirandelle that are unlike those seen anywhere else in these lands, except in the Old City (29.14.25). They seem to be spell formulae written in an ancient script.
- Dwarf monks from the west (03.04) have begun systematically defacing these carvings but there are many that are still intact.
Hooks
- Why do the rays of light form ladders that can be climbed on?
- What’s on the summit of the great peak to the west that makes it worth climbing to on sunbeams to get to? Why can’t you just climb it or fly up?
- Why is the valley called the Vale of Tirandelle?
- What’s a hearth beast exactly?
- What are the ancient carvings? Who made them? Are they really spells? Why are the dwarves vandalizing them them?
Tenderfoot and the Saklas
The quickling Tenderfoot had heard tales of the Stairs of the Sun. She prepared herself for The Lion’s Day by training for ten months with monks of The Stern Way. All quicklings move fast, but Tenderfoot outran lightning.
When dawn dusted the edge of the valley, Tenderfoot raced up the steps and ladders that crystallised in the air.
Just as darkness fell, a great fireball appeared in the sky. It raced down the fading steps and appeared before those awaiting Tenderfoot’s return.
It was a mass of lions, strangely stretched and constructed from cords of twisting fire - what the people of this land now know as saklas.
Tenderfoot collapsed before them. An unseasonable chill mist rose and the saklas retreated.
According to a priest of Alberon who ministered to Tenderfoot, she whispered in her ear that she had reached the Sun and it was the palace of the entity that calls itself The King in Splendour. It was a nightmarish place where those who worshipped the King in life now serve him in death. Since her death shortly followed, it is impossible to corroborate the story.
Hooks
- Is this religious propaganda, or is there any truth to it?
- How did the saklas get to The Burning Lands?
- Did Tenderfoot really make it to the Sun and back in one day?
