CORPSEGHOUL SWAMPLANDS and WITCHES HOLLOW

You may choose up to one companion and one accessory to take through the swamp. There is great risk involved to all that you bring along as well as your chosen character, though you may find there will also be equally great benefit.

Any rewards gained in your adventure will be account bound and therefore not tradeable. A handful of the benefits will be for the character you bring only.

Your choice in character, companion, and accessory will impact your story. Different attributes and aspects of your character, companion, and accessory will provide risks or benefits depending on the various encounters, and where one wolf would fail a situation another wolf might pass it with ease.

As the story progresses, encounters will become riskier though you can choose to abandon the adventure at any time. If you choose to remain, you do so understanding the risks!

Basilisk has 1 companion he can bring! Mention it in your post if he's taking it along!
Lets begin!

CORPSEGHOUL SWAMPLANDS - The Beginning

You enter through the low hanging fog into the Corpseghoul Swamplands. Ahead of you lies a large pond surrounded on all sides by boggy and mucky terrain. Frogs in the distance occasionally bellow out an ominous croak (and if you listen closely it sounds a little like "muuuuuurDER." Creepy.)

To move onward towards the Witches Hollow you must go deeper, but how will you overcome the swamp?

1. The pond appears to be deep, and the water is so murky that you can’t tell what lies in wait beneath. There’s gross foliage that might make swimming it difficult, though a larger wolf may be lucky enough to be able to touch the bottom. Do you choose to brave the water?
   
   
2. The terrain surrounding the water is gross, mucky, and squishy when tested with a paw. There is better visibility through this way, though there is the possibility that the ground may not hold your weight at all. Boggy foliage and obstacles are strewn about, that you’ll need to go around, under, or atop. Will you risk the potentially unsteady ground beneath your paws?
   
   
3. SKILL LOCKED: You do not meet the requirements for this path.
   

The slave moved through the boggy territory, nose flaring at the rich scent of decay that lingered in such places. The low fog that hung across the territory held the scents in place, giving the feeling that he would never be clean again. The slick feeling of mud beneath his paws bothered him not one bit. He had been hard used in his young life, and muck no longer held any concern for him. As he reached the edge of a muddy pond, he paused. To go through, or around? He glanced back at the creature that ambled slowly behind him. For reasons unknown to him, it had attached itself to him. He had a feeling both heavy-set creatures would slip on the squishy terrain around the pond. Through would serve him better. He let his steps take him into the pond, his companion silent behind him. Brave the water + companion "Aslatiel""Basilisk"

FAILURE

The water is much deeper then it originally seemed, and you're forced to swim the way through. Your companion is struggling as well, and you frequently need to turn back to ensure that the both of you make it through the pond with the least amount of water in your lungs possible. By the time you make it out onto the shore, you feel like you've lost something. Whatever it was, it's long gone and consumed by the water by now.

[Basilisk lost 31 gems!]

THE WITCHES HOLLOW

Further into the swamplands sits a decayed, broken down cottage. The roof appears to have collapsed long ago, and it appears as if no one has been here for quite some time. Jars, broken glass, and beakers lay strewn about the floor covered in a thick layer of dust and grime. Only three items within the hut appear to have been disturbed recently, and your attention is drawn inexplicably towards them.

In the far corner of the room is a package of fresh, aromatic meat. Upon a hook on the wall beside you a gourd full of paint hangs from a thin string. Lastly, a mysterious corked vial of a crystal clear liquid sits alone in a tray on a nearby shelf. Beside the door you see a small pouch that can fit one of these items snugly.

The cottage is eerily silent and outside the sun is beginning to set. You cannot stay long, though you have time to take something on your way out.

Your response at this part of the adventure will have great potential impact later in the story. It is not multiple choice, though multiple choices lay before you. Make your choice in character and write your wolf attempting their exit.

Perhaps taking a swim hadn’t been his wisest course of action. He expanded more effort then he desired to make his way across, and his companion seemed very unhappy with the entire thing. Well, it was her fault for following him. As they arrived on the other side, he had the lingering feeling he had dropped something, but… well, if he had, it was lost now. On the other side, he gave a quick inspection to his companion, ensuring she was still in one piece. That complete, he looked forward and towards the broken down cottage. It looked to be in total disrepair, and put to shame by the home of the healer that currently tutored him. Feeling a hint of trepidation, the tall wolf continued onwards, pushing slowly through the door and into the room beyond. A layer of dust touched all but three items. Indicating that they had been disturbed recently. A closer inspection showed him a clear vial, paint, and fresh meat. He ignored the paint, finding little use for it, and turned his attention to the vial and the meat. He wanted to bring home something, a strange gift of sorts for his mistress. Perhaps the meat would hold interest to her. She was forever examining the biology of things. The vial could have interesting properties, and he was intrigued with the idea of experimenting with it. In the end, he snagged the meat, slipping it into the small pouch that seemed left behind almost on purpose. The shadows in the hunt seemed to have grown, and he knew the hour was getting late. Time to get on with it. He hooked the bag over his shoulder as he would his healers pack, and cast about himself to see if there was a different entrance to the one he had entered, if not, he would exit the same way he had come. Meat + bag taken "Aslatiel""Basilisk"

SUCCESS

Your logic is sound and thoughtful, and you realize perhaps that you're an even better healer then you give yourself credit for. In fact, you feel that this very encounter has made you better at your profession - how odd. The remainder of your time in the cottage is uneventful, though you can feel a mysterious presence watching you as you head out further into the swamp.

[Basilisk has been awarded 15 Healing Skill Points!]

THE FOUNTAIN

Deeper through the marshes you notice a faint glowing, and are inexplicably compelled to follow it. The trees and reeds open up to a pool of clean, clear water that seems out of place in the gross boggy swamp. Bathing within it are tadpoles, hatchling snakes, and other various baby animals.

You may stop for a moment and investigate, though you cannot stay long and must continue forward before the night grows too dark.

1. Your thirst is calling to you. There are many other bodies of water to satiate it nearby, though something about the strange water is enticing. Do you take the chance to drink from the fountain?
   
   
2. You would not be the first wolf to worry about ingesting something so odd and unnatural, though some part of you knows the water’s importance. Do you take a moment to soak in the fountain rather than drink from it?
   
   
3. If you are exceptionally cautious you might decide against having anything to do with the unnatural pond. You may leave without any part of it touching you, if that is what you wish.
   
   
4. SKILL LOCKED: You do not meet the requirements for this path.
   

Anything that glowed on fog was bound to stand out. As his eyes drifted towards the strange light, he found his feet following it. Moving almost without thought, and his companion gave a weary snort beside him. Absentmindedly he reached out a paw and gave her paw a comforting pat, before letting the light call him onwards. He entered a place he had not expected to find here, in a stinking bog. The sudden appearance of baby animals set him on edge. After all, where there were babies, there were parents. He took a cautious look about the clearing, and back towards his Panda. She looked at him with her wide, trusting eyes. No help there deciding what to do. He had felt… called to this place, why? He did not want to leave without some answers. He stepped forward, sniffing the fountain, and it's strange, clear water. He dipped a paw in, and when nothing terrible happened, waded further in. Soak in the fountain "Aslatiel""Basilisk"

SUCCESS

Mere moments after the water touches your fur, you feel every muscle within your body begin to relax. The temperature is perfect, and it's almost as if herbs of all kinds have been mixed into the crystal clear waters to bring from it a gentle, soothing scent. From the top of your head down to your toes and tail a warmth begins to spread, and while you can't identify anything specific that the fountains have done to you, it's unmistakable that they've had an effect on something.

[Basilisk has received a [REDACTED] reward, which will be revealed later on after the adventure is over!]

NOT SUNFLOWERS NOR DAISIES

Journeying deeper, you encounter a bog of all types of sentient plants as wide as the eye can see. Their herbaceous mouths hang open, and they appear to be waiting for an unaware creature to brush by and fall victim to its fast-shutting clasp. You watch in awe as one particularly large one snaps an unaware eagle right out of the air. You must get past them, but how?

1. These dudes look hungry and unlike anything you’ve ever seen but you need to get past them somehow. If you are quiet and appear unappetizing, perhaps you can wander carefully by without drawing their attention.
   
   
2. If you believe you may appear too tantalizing for the carnivorous plants to ignore, you could try your luck with speed instead. As scary as the field of plants may be, they are rooted to the ground and cannot chase you if they miss their first bite.
   
   
3. SKILL LOCKED: You do not meet the requirements for this path.
   

Continuing onwards, deeper into the bog, only seemed to increase the smell of rot. Like overripe plants decomposing in the compost. He breathed slowly from his muzzle, limiting the amount going through his overly sensitive nostrils. He stopped at the sight of unexpectedly large vegetation. As he watched, one such plant snapped over an unsuspecting eagle, mid flight. incredible he knew beyond a doubt that Asla would wish such a plant to grow outside her den. Was there any way to transplant one? Likely not, but the idea had still taken root. He glanced back towards his companion, placing his paw over hers once more. “Careful, now.” he cautioned. It was the first time he had spoken since entering the swamp. His voice seemed to eco off the fog. He frowned, and looked forward once more. Not one to go charging in, he stepped carefully, mindful of where he walked as he attempted to navigate the field of deadly foliage. Wonder carefully "Aslatiel""Basilisk"

SUCCESS

Upon close inspection you notice certain birds and bugs have evolved a color scheme that the plants do not seem to react to. There seem to be some splatters of paint left behind upon the bushes from some other adventurers, and you use those drippings to copy their appearance to the best of your ability. With your new sort-of camouflage you manage to sneak past unharmed!

[Basilisk received a Post-Acceptance Marking Pass!]

THE WITCHES BODYGUARD

An angry, oversized bullfrog with long saber fangs stands in your way and lets out a bellowing, menacing croak. It stands upon a pile of bones three times it’s height and looks prepared to add your skull to it's collection.

(UNLOCKED) The bullfrog's threatening sounds are cut off as it scents the fresh aroma of meat wafting out from your pouch. It's eyes meet yours, and in it's pleading gaze you see hunger. Upon closer inspection, the bullfrog's pile of bones have been stripped clean of meat. It looks like it hasn't eaten in days.

1. Feed the poor frog
   
2. Refuse to feed the frog
   
   

Whew, he was lucky others had made this track before him. Whoever had left the paint had been a quick thinker, and his actions had helped Basilisk however much later. Just when he was thinking he was scotch-free, his similarity painted companion stepping carefully at his side, he would find something in his way. He glanced at the frog-creature before him with its unnatural fangs. What this was, was a very strange night. Not one to push his luck and piss off unknown creatures in unknown places, he sighed. It turned out poor Asla wouldn’t be getting her helping of strange meat after all. Nor had he found any sapling wolf-eating trees to bring back to her. Woe was he. He opened the bag that was still strapped to his side, pulling the meat free, he tossed it to the creature. He eyed it as though he considered it capable of intelligence. After all, you never knew when other species were capable of chatting with you. “Does this grant us passage?” Feed Poor Mr(Miss?) Frog "Aslatiel""Basilisk"

FAILURE

The frog hops forward to sniff the offered meal when suddenly he bares his fangs towards you, bellowing an even louder and more threatening croak. He hops up and down angrily, a word beginning to form within his repeated angry croaks; "Poison! Poison!" Before you can react he reaches down and tears the meat in two with his tiny fingered hands. He chucks the halves back at you, pieces of the supposedly poisoned offering smacking you square in the face and dripping juices down your eyes. You feel your vision begin to fade, though for the moment you can see enough to make it through to the end of the adventure.

[Basilisk received Temporary Blindness to be healed on season change to Winter!]

THE WITCH HERSELF

In a flash of sizzling smoke and mist, an old crone apparates. Stooped in posture, she outstretches an arm in your direction, pointing a knobby finger right at you. "You stole my dinner, tried to poison my guard frog and bathed in my bathwater!" She accuses, spittle flinging from her dry, thin lips. Her speech continues in a language unintelligible to you, though it occurs to you that it sounds a heck of a lot like a curse!

1. You have only a few moments before her chanting is complete, and without any idea what exactly the witch has in store for you, perhaps you should take this opportunity to run for it!
   
   
2. For all you know her curse doesn’t require line-of-sight, you might not be free from it even if you flee successfully. Would you like to instead try to explain yourself, reason with her and apologize?
   
   
3. SKILL LOCKED: You do not meet the requirements for this path.
   

Everything was going just fine. He had danced through the Basilisk-eating plants without a hitch. He’d encountered a hungry frog and just so happened to have some meat ready at his disposal. Perfect. Too perfect, one might say. Feeling as though he had walked into a trap, the frog bared its fangs and leaped forward. Threatening and angry. Basilisk took a step back, habitually shielding the creature beside him with his body. An ingrained response to danger, to place himself before it. The gift he got for his woes was the meat (poisoned, apparently) as it sailed through the air and landed with an innocent plop against his face. He cried out in surprise, shaking his head back and forth. But it was too late, or perhaps the motion made it worst, as the juices ran into each eye. A hazy, fuzziness clouded his vision. Snarling, he shielded his face with his paw. His companion let out a distressed noise and went to lick clean his eyes. “It’s poisoned you gas-head” he growled, shoving her away. When he steadied himself and blinked through his fogging vision, it was to see a witch that appeared as if by magic before him. Her tone was angered and she began to utter something strange, and likely unforgiving. Well shit “Ma’am, it seems I have wronged you, and I apologise. I did not realise the hut was lived in, and your… friend was hungry, I meant only to offer him sustenance. However, I am willing to make amends. If you wish, I can help you repair the cottage and spruce up your garden.” he spoke rapidly, body language and tone submissive. As was the appropriate reaction of a slave that had wronged. His eyes burned, and he barely knew what was happening around him. His heart beat rapidly, but his voice was steady. He was a wolf well accustomed to pain. Explain and apologise! "Aslatiel""Basilisk"

FAILURE

The witch sneers at your pathetic attempt at an explanation. "Quiet! Do you take me for a fool?" She begins, rising slowly into the air to look down upon you. "You have wronged me, and now you must be punished." The witch pauses, looking thoughtfully upon you until her lips spread into a wicked grin. She lifts her hand and you feel a squeezing pain beginning from your paws and radiating up through to your spine up. It intensifies and rolls across your body in waves, feeling almost as if something is tearing your muscles apart, when suddenly the pain vanishes as quickly as it began. You fall to the ground, your limbs failing to function any longer. "Better luck next time, dog. Now get out of my swamp! If you can." You hear her taunting cackles and her parting words as she levitates further into the air before disappearing with a loud 'poof!' and with her absence, the remaining tunnel of your vision fades away.

[Basilisk has received [TEMPORARY PARALYSIS] to heal on the 1st of Winter]
[The full extent of the paralysis is up to you as a player, though it is required to at least render your rear limbs unuseable.
Whether your forelimbs/higher is affected as well is up to you.]

THANKS FOR PLAYING!

Basilisk received a total of 3 rewards and 3 punishments.
1 reward is 15 healing skill points
1 reward is post-acceptance marking pass
1 reward is [REDACTED] and to keep things mysterious for other players still deciding their paths, will be revealed closer to the adventure deadline.
1 punishment is lost 31 gems
1 punishment is temporary blindness (this will give you a fight disability, and will heal on season change to Winter!)
1 punishment is temporary paralysis (this will give you a fight disability*, and will heal on season change to Winter!)

Thank you for your participation!
- Your Event Staff writer

* to be discussed with admins on specifics.

NOTE: ALL PRIZES FOR THIS EVENT REDEEMED HERE!!!!!