Vaia simply couldn’t help herself- like a moth to a flame, she was mesmerized by the azure illumination that resonated from the mouth of a subterranean cavern. Usually, she was reluctant to enter a place like this by herself. But it was so beautiful and dazzling, she just had to see it for herself. I won’t stay long. Creeping through the labyrinth, she became hyper-fixated on the sounds around her- the dropping of water in puddles, the soft hum of bats along the ceiling. And although she came to the place alone, she couldn’t help but feel like something- no, someone else, was in the cavern with her.  

"Vaia"

Code by Shelby

Three wolfish borzoi stand before you, shifting with anticipation. Their glowing green eyes flitter and dance with an ethereal excitement. To your left, a pale and excitable wolf beckons, their tail wagging fervently behind them. In the center, a mournful wolf who's coat is such a pure slate, it seems as if she's tinged blue. To your right stands a dark abrasive looking wolf who's eyes are barely visible under his furrowed brow as he impatiently awaits your decision. In fact, it seems they are all waiting for you to make a choice between the three.

Who do you choose?

Easy Route: The Gleeful Guide

This route poses minimal risk, but also lesser rewards.
Risks: Scarring, small loss of gems/skill points

Medium Route: The Sorrowful Guide

This route poses some risk and moderate rewards.
Risks: Scarring, cosmetic disfigurement, temporary disabilities, moderate loss of gems/skill points

Hard Route: The Irascible Guide

This route poses the most risk and greater rewards.
Risks: Scarring, cosmetic disfigurement, permanent disabilities, higher loss of gems/skill points

Coming around a bend in the cavern, Vaia figured out why she felt like she wasn’t alone. Three wolf-like creatures suddenly appeared before her, as if they teleported inside of the cave. Vaia gasped, taken back by their arrival. She hadn’t even heard them! Starting back at them, she was unsure of their objective- one seemed happy, one sad, and the other authoritative. Just like she was used to. “D-Do you n-need something?" She said, trying to figure out why they were staring at her. She was drawn to the dark, abrasive-looking male, purely out of instinct. Maybe he could help protect her from the crimson male who tormented her!

Route chosen: Hard

"Vaia"

Code by Shelby

The grumpy wolf's brow relaxes just slightly when you choose him. He seems to give you a moment to reconsider, not answering her question, but huffing lightly. After a moment, the tough looking wolf grunts in approval and turns to lead.

As you follow, a thick smoke rolls in and masks sight and smell. Through watery eyes, you are barely able to follow the guide, but eventually the smoke begins to clear and you are hit with the strong smell of Sulphur. You take a step forward and the guide pulls you back slightly. Blinking the rest of the tears out of your eyes, you realize you're on the edge of a steep chasm- a chasm filled with bubbling lava. One wrong move and it's over.

The guide motions to a wobbly wooden bridge that connects down into a cave on the other side of the canyon.

What do you do?

Strength: Dash across before the bridge can collapse.

If you're fast, the bridge won't have a chance to collapse!

Charisma: Make the guide go first.

This was his idea, so make him go first.

Dexterity: Balance lightly between the planks evenly as you go.

Most of the planks seem stable enough. If you balance evenly, surely none of them will break.

Wisdom: Evaluate the safest planks to walk on.

If you take your time, you can pick out the safest planks.

Leave.

Leave and exit the event.

Motioning for her to follow, Vaia decided to leave the other two wolves behind and heed his command. Soon after, a thick shroud of smoke enveloped them, making it incredibly hard for Vaia to follow the male. She kept her eyes on his dark tail, using it as a guide through the smoke. And once the smoke finally lifted, a rather ominous scene unfolded before her- a rickety-looking bridge cast out above a bed of lava, leading to a darker cavern on the other side. Vaia felt herself start to shake, looking to the male for answers. But all he did was motion towards the bridge, wanting her to proceed.

Scared of what might happen if she retaliated, Vaia approached the bridge with caution. Slowly she tested each plank before proceeding, shifting her weight where appropriate to ensure she didn’t hit a soft spot and fall through.

Path chosen: Wisdom

"Vaia"

Code by Shelby

You observe the planks one by one. Some are well worn, some are charred. You do your best to pick the most solid looking ones, but some are not to obvious. You choose one, but it cracks and splinters under your weight, sending your body tumbling into the weakened structure. The guide is fast behind you, scruffing you and shoving you down the bridge one step at a time. At the end, he releases you and ushers you quickly into the cave with an eyeroll.

In the struggle, you scrape your left back paw. It bleeds a little, but will heal just fine.

Inside the cave, warm lava lights the way. Small pools bubble and small streams flow from tiny cracks in the walls. Several boulders act as stepping stones across larger gaps, and small wooden bridges span other areas. Around the walls of the room, a thin edge navigates above any threat of lava. It is clear you need to get to the end of this room if you wish to continue your journey.

What do you do?

Strength: Take the stepping stones.

The stepping stones look sturdy and all you have to do it jump a little.

Charisma: Ask the guide to lead the way.

The guide should know the way through the pass.

Dexterity: Take the thin edge.

Creeping on the thin edge keeps you above and away from danger.

Wisdom: Take the bridges.

The bridges are obviously there for a reason, so use them.

Leave.

Leave and exit the event.

Making her way across the bridge, Vaia faltered here and there, putting her weight on a cracked board that splintered at her paw. The male behind her was relentless, pushing her forward and giving her no time to really think. She cut her paw along the way too, which left behind a few bloodied paw prints. “Ouch! H-hey!” She called out to him, in which she got an eyeball in response. Ushering her into the cave, she reluctantly followed. No turning back now.

Following a trail of lava, Vaia felt fear climb up the back of her neck. This place was so scary! Trying to stay close to the male, and unsure of which path to follow, she looks to him for guidance. She didn’t know if the thin edge was the best option, the stones, or the bridge.

Route chosen: Charisma.  

"Vaia"

Code by Shelby

The guide's demeanor suggests there is no right answer and you need to just choose a path. He will follow.

Inside the cave, warm lava lights the way. Small pools bubble and small streams flow from tiny cracks in the walls. Several boulders act as stepping stones across larger gaps, and small wooden bridges span other areas. Around the walls of the room, a thin edge navigates above any threat of lava. It is clear you need to get to the end of this room if you wish to continue your journey.

What do you do?

Strength: Take the stepping stones.

The stepping stones look sturdy and all you have to do it jump a little.

Charisma: Ask the guide to lead the way.

You have already tried this.

Dexterity: Take the thin edge.

Creeping on the thin edge keeps you above and away from danger.

Wisdom: Take the bridges.

The bridges are obviously there for a reason, so use them.

Leave.

Leave and exit the event.

Waiting for the male to say something, anything. It became apparent that he had no guidance to give her. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Vaia remained at his side, still hesitating in her choice. Truly, she didn’t want to do any of it - but what choice did she have?

Vaia tightly closed her eyes with a breathless sigh and envisioned herself walking across something - stones, edge, or bridge. The last bridge had cut her paw, and she was tiny enough to walk along the thin ledge. Okay, I can do this. Opening her eyes, she decided to walk on the thin edge, putting trust in her agility and tiny body.

Route chosen: Dexterity.  

"Vaia"

Code by Shelby

You traverse the thin, crumbling edge around the room. To no one's surprise, it cracks, and your paw slips. You scramble at the surface just enough to save yourself from falling in with a little help of the guide. The lava sputters, splashing you across the right side of your ribs. The lava singes through your fur, leaving a deep burn about the size of a wolf's paw (5in x 4in). Ouch! that's gonna leave a scar.

Across the lava room stands a flat piece of smooth stone, so level and flat, it is as if thousands of paws had worn it over time. It looks cool to the touch and vaguely important. Surrounding it is a mote of lava, separated only by sharp stalagmites that impale it to point towards the open ceiling. There is no discernible path across. You know you must get there one way or another, but you're not sure you'll be able to go back the same way you came if you cross.

What do you do?

Strength: Jump over the gap.

If you push off real hard, you can close the gap... probably.

Charisma: Ask the guide to help.

Maybe just this once...? He's got to know something!

Dexterity: Use the stalagmites as stepping stones.

If you're careful, some of the tips of the stalagmites look wide enough to balance on.

Wisdom: Build a bridge with the materials from the other room.

It'll take a while, but it should work...

LAST CHANCE TO LEAVE.

If you proceed further, you will not be able to leave. Abandoned threads may result in failed rolls.
Risks: Scarring, cosmetic disfigurement, permanent disabilities, higher loss of gems/skill points

Using the thin edge, Vaia tried to shift her weight appropriately, using careful steps, to avoid falling down. But alas, she could never be so lucky- one of her paws slipped, causing her to stumble. If it wasn’t for the help of the male, she would have fallen into the lava! But she wouldn’t make it out unscathed. Some of the magma bubbled up, splashing across her right side. She screamed, tears streaming down her face in response to the shock and pain. But there was no time for her to dwell on it any longer- she was already being ushered forward. Coming to another crossroad, Vaia decided to let the guide tell her what to do again. “I-I don’t know where to go!” She says through her tears, wanting him to give her guidance.

Path Chosen: Charisma  

"Vaia"

Code by Shelby

The guide shakes his head. This, you must figure out on your own. He will be no help here.

Across the lava room stands a flat piece of smooth stone, so level and flat, it is as if thousands of paws had worn it over time. It looks cool to the touch and vaguely important. Surrounding it is a mote of lava, separated only by sharp stalagmites that impale it to point towards the open ceiling. There is no discernible path across. You know you must get there one way or another, but you're not sure you'll be able to go back the same way you came if you cross.

What do you do?

Strength: Jump over the gap.

If you push off real hard, you can close the gap... probably.

Charisma: Ask the guide to help.

He has nothing to say

Dexterity: Use the stalagmites as stepping stones.

If you're careful, some of the tips of the stalagmites look wide enough to balance on.

Wisdom: Build a bridge with the materials from the other room.

It'll take a while, but it should work...

LAST CHANCE TO LEAVE.

If you proceed further, you will not be able to leave. Abandoned threads may result in failed rolls.
Risks: Scarring, cosmetic disfigurement, permanent disabilities, higher loss of gems/skill points

Staring at the male, Vaia waited for some sort of instruction. In fact, she needed him to tell her what to do, because she undoubtedly felt so lost. But, to her dismay, the male just shook his head, choosing to ignore her pleas. Tears kept trickling down her face, jaw agape as she waited for a few more minutes, hoping he would change his mind. But his decision was unwavering, leaving Vaia to her own device. With a huff she turned away from him, making a sudden and rash decision. Stealth hadn’t been on her side before, so perhaps she would use her agility. Gaining a running start, she attempted to jump over the gap.

Path chosen: Strength  

"Vaia"

Code by Shelby

You decide to kick off hard, hoping to close the gap using your sheer strength. Only when you're almost to the other side do you realize you underestimated the size of the gap, and you feel yourself falling, falling, falling...

All you remember is the hot blazing heat and then... cool darkness. You awake outside of the chasm on a smooth, flat rock.

A familiar form kneels beside you, tending your wounds. It takes several blurry moments to realize this is not your guide, but a cluster of fireflies in a cloak the same color as your guide's fur. Your injuries are blindingly painful, but you will live; you can tell somehow by the way the fireflies buzz around you. One in particular will stand out, a deep, ugly wound that lies across your left hip, that will leave an impressive scar (about 6 inches long). You feel less knowledgeable at having gone on that adventure as well, losing 10 Intellect skill points.

You realize loosely how little sense that makes and you wonder if this is real, but a warm force closes your eyes and bids you to think of home, of safety. When you awake next, you are in a safe place, one which you might have imagined.

Three wolfish borzoi bow their heads in appreciation. Thank you for playing the Halloween 2023 event! All is calm as you look out, but there's no telling what's on the horizon... or perhaps even under it...

Look forward to peeks into the event, hiccups, and maybe some hints into the next adventure!

You Gained This Along the Way...

• Shit all.
  
  

You Lost These Along the Way...

• Minor injury - left back paw
  
• Medium scar - right ribs
  
• Major injury - left hip,
  
• -10 Intellect skill points