Rover finds and explores a camp of Outcasts who have expressed a desire to atone from breaking away from their tribe.

Near the central hut, a man is thinking aloud about how to secure more supplies by trade.

Deasmund: “Hmm… what can we offer the outsiders in exchange for supplies?”

Rover: “You’re not thinking of hunting Exoswarm for parts, are you?

Deasmund: “Heh, I gave that up a long time ago. Everyone who’s gathered here has decided we’re never going back to the life of the Roya tribe again. We’ve come to feel just how grave our past sins are, so we went to the Solisylum of our own will to seek forgiveness… or punishment. But the Solsworn did not take us in, nor did they cast us out with harsh words. We’d more or less expected them to react the way they did. The past can’t be changed. Begging for forgiveness is just running away, and accepting punishment wouldn’t mean anything either. We’re too ashamed to face our families, and with the Exoswarm’s spiritual senses, they could never stand with the likes of us. So we had no choice but to leave Bjartr Woods and become the rootless, forsaken souls we are now. Let’s leave it at that, stranger. I’m not someone worth your time talking about something this deep.”

A Royan man is helping carry supplies in preparation for an expedition to the frostlands.

Weight-carrying Youth: “Do we really need all these clothes? I… I can barely breathe…”

Experienced Woman: “When we face the true cold of the frostlands, you’ll be thankful for everything I insisted on bringing. Just hold on a bit longer… Once we are out of the Riseway, the Hearthbear can take some of your load. And you can cuddle up to it for warmth.”

A young Royan man questions his decision to leave the tribe.

Kastelton: “I didn’t know the Outcasts would do something that awful… If I’d known sooner, I—”

Quinones: “Well, what were you expecting?”

Kastelton: “I just wanted to see what the world outside Lahai-Roi looks like. I even tried applying for Startorch Academy, which turned out to be nothing… My mind went blank and I… stole my sister’s staff, thinking I could prove myself and join those Outcasts who all look so free. But I never thought they’d actually go rob people… or even try to hurt the Exoswarm!”

Quinones: “You really are an idiot, you know that? Sealing from your own family to prove what, exactly? Go home. And don’t ever come back. We’re not the ones you think that can get you out of Lahai-Roi. and the Outcasts sure aren’t either. I suggest you go home before they come after your Exoswarm.

As Rover wanders the camp, while they have left behind their previous lifestyle, some habits die hard.

Outcast 1: “Why is there an outsider here? Keep your distance.”

Outcast 2: “What are you afraid of? We don’t do that Outcast stuff anymore.”