A low rumble of thunder and a gentle drizzle accompany you as you follow this forest path. It seems to become darker and more ominous to you, and you always feel as if you are being watched by dozens of unseen eyes.
The path slants downward at a barely perceptible angle, and the ground becomes slightly difficult to you.
You start to feel somewhat afraid, and you have no idea why.
Suddenly, you hear a sound of beating wings, and you look up, and the largest, most majestic Owl you have ever seen lands on a low tree branch overlooking your path.
You stare up at it, marveling, and then you remember that owls were sacred to Annis, the Goddess of these woods. You wonder if this is actually the Goddess herself, in owl form, come to watch you as you stumble through her forest.
Right then, your eyes lock with the owl’s eyes, and in a moment of unexpected amazement, the owl “speaks” directly into your mind, telling you that it is the Familiar Spirit who has come to guide you into the World Below.
You nod once, in wonder, as it takes flight again, and glides off down the path. You jog forward quickly to follow it.