The Trial of Zirael is a sacred and enigmatic rite undertaken by those chosen by the Archon of Air, Zirael (aka Goldbrand), to embody The Air Realm as its Avatar. Unlike the trials of the other elemental realms, the path to Zirael’s domain is as elusive and boundless as the winds themselves. The journey is as much a test of intuition and connection to the Ether as it is a physical trial. Only those who attune themselves fully to the Ether’s unending flow and limitless nature can hope to complete the trial and witness the wisdom of the Etherstone.
Whispers of The Wind
The trial continues with the chosen venturing into the endless taiga of northern Tolria. This realm, shrouded in perpetual mist, is a mysterious and untamed expanse. The dense, frost-tipped trees loom like silent sentinels, their gnarled roots twisting over icy ground. The air is thick with an almost palpable energy, as if the Ether itself weaves through the forest.
There are no clear directions, no landmarks to guide the way—only the whispers of the Ether. The chosen must quiet their mind and surrender to the currents of magic that permeate the world. Each step must be taken in faith, trusting that the Ether will reveal the path forward. The journey is fraught with distractions and illusions, remnants of ancient arcane energy left by the goddess Mystera to test the resolve and focus of those who seek her.
At the heart of the mist lies Mystera’s Isle, a floating landmass suspended above the taiga by the threads of the Ether. The island radiates an otherworldly glow, its rocky cliffs adorned with ethereal vines that shimmer in shades of silver and blue. It is said that only those truly attuned to the Ether can see and access the island, as it drifts between the planes.
The Zeal of Zirael
Upon reaching Mystera’s Isle, the chosen is met by Zirael, the golden dragon and Archon of Air. Zirael’s majestic form is awe-inspiring—his scales glimmer like molten gold, and his immense wings stir the air with each slow beat, creating gusts that carry the scent of fresh rain and ozone. His piercing, luminous eyes seem to gaze directly into the soul, reflecting both the majesty of the Ether and the wisdom of countless ages.
Zirael: "You who seek the mantle of Avatar, understand this: the winds are both boundless and unforgiving. They carry whispers of wisdom but are ever-changing and unpredictable. To master the Ether is not to command it, but to flow with it. Are you prepared to face the truth of your spirit and the strength of your resolve?"
Zirael’s test is one of wit and character. The chosen must solve a series of riddles, each designed to challenge their intellect, morality, and sense of self. The riddles are not mere puzzles but reflections of the chosen's inner nature, revealing their capacity for humility, creativity, and adaptability. A wrong answer is not met with punishment, but with a gust of wind that sweeps the chosen back to the edge of the island, forcing them to start anew.
Zirael’s riddles grow progressively more complex, culminating in one final question that forces the chosen to confront their deepest fears and desires. Only by answering truthfully and with unwavering resolve can they earn the dragon’s approval.
Temple of Mystera
With Zirael’s blessing, the chosen is directed to a small ferry boat moored on the island’s edge. The boat appears simple, but it is crafted from enchanted wood that floats as if suspended in air. The chosen must navigate a narrow, shimmering river that seems to flow both above and below the ground, its waters reflecting the sky like a perfect mirror.
The river leads to the Temple Isle, the heart of Mystera’s domain. The temple itself is a masterpiece of arcane architecture, its spires and arches appearing to be woven from threads of light and air. Mystera, the Goddess of Magic, resides here, her form radiant and ethereal, her presence both soothing and overwhelming. She stands at the center of the temple, where the threads of the Ether converge and radiate outward to the planes.
If deemed worthy, Mystera raises her hands, and the chosen is engulfed in a brilliant light. In an instant, they are teleported to the alpine lake atop the lone mountain to the far north of Aerenal's shores.
Embracing the Etherstone
The lake is a tranquil, glassy expanse, its surface reflecting the stars even in daylight. The air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and the distant call of seabirds. At the center of the lake stands the Etherstone Tree, a towering, crystalline tree with branches that seem to stretch into infinity. Its veins glow with silver and gold light, and its roots extend deep into the mountain, connecting the Prime Plane to the Riftways.
The chosen must walk across the water, the Ether guiding their steps. Upon reaching the tree, they place their hand on its ethereal bark. Instantly, their mind is flooded with visions—the voices of all beings who draw upon the Ether, the prayers of mages, the cries of the desperate, the whispers of the winds themselves. The chosen experiences a profound connection to all life, their consciousness expanding beyond mortal limits.
Legacy
The Trial of Zirael is both a spiritual awakening and a rite of passage. To complete it is to embrace the boundless nature of the Ether and the winds, to understand the interconnectedness of all things, and to wield the power of Air with wisdom and humility. Those who succeed join a lineage of Avatars who have shaped the destiny of the Air Realm, carrying the teachings of Zirael and Mystera into the world.
The trial ensures that only the most worthy and attuned may ascend to this sacred mantle, safeguarding the Ether and the balance of the realms for generations to come.