Should there be a sign on the path on the starting square, which is automatically read by the adventurer?
Something like: "Welcome to the Drakalor Chain. Many adventurers have entered this land seeking adventure. Champions may leave the chain to return to their homeland and fame and glory. In theory. None have lived long enough to be champion thus far." ..Of course, those who don't have literacy will just see a sign with some markings on it.
No idea what the actual wording of the sign should be. The test above was just off the top of my head, and I'm not sure I entirely like it. ..Though I like the idea that the last two sentences could be changed to something along the lines of "Though few have survived the Chain long enough to become champions" if you manage to have a victor. Maybe it should just be the first three sentences, or a briefer version of them?
edit: In game implementation, this could just be flavour-text at the very start of the game. I don't expect any actual "road sign" type of object needs to be implemented. ..unless road-signs would be considered useful to the wider game. :)