It was another warm summer day in Auster, typical weather for the season. Sunshine, only mild humidity, sparse fluffy clouds dotting a blue sky. A lovely day to be spent outdoors. Artorias was out roaming the perimeter of the Grove, ensuring it remained safe and predator (and Raider) free while his family went about picking the ripe fruits from the trees and bushes. His companions were further back, keeping an eye on the youngest pups while he kept an eye out for threats. These dog days of summer did remind Artorias of a simpler time in his life, when he was able to freely roam and explore, back before everything got complicated. He'd need to find time to go on another adventure again sometime soon.

"Artorias Carpathius"

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

Rounding some thicker brush, Artorias was shocked to suddenly find himself face-to-face with three strangers. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were not wolves, despite their similar appearance, bearing the scent of dogs instead. Strange, he hadn't detected any foreign scents up until he stumbled upon them. Tipping his head in curiosity, he studied each of the three. The joyful one, the mournful one, and the irritable one. Although he was cautious to approach strangers in his homelands, Artorias felt peculiarly drawn to the slate-furred borzoi in the center. Her colors were similar to his own, similar to much of his family's. She also seemed like she could use some care.

"Are you all right, miss?" he asked the middle borzoi, taking a few steps towards her, though he regarded the happy one with a nod and the irascible one with a cautious glance. "Is there something I can do to help?" The Hallows was a place for aid for all, and it seemed like she was in some distress.

CHOICE MADE: MEDIUM ROUTE

"Artorias Carpathius"

The tearful wolf seems almost surprised you chose her. Your kind words give her pause like she wasn't expecting them either, but she remains silent. After sniffling back some tears, she turns and motions for you to follow.

Quietly, the woman leads you into a perpetual fog. Your senses are blocked and it is impossible to know where you are going. Your only lead is the salty scent of the woman you follow and the brief grey blue flash of her tail in front of you, her body obscured by the mists.

When the shroud thins, you find yourself in a small clearing surrounded by the largest weeping willows you have ever seen. In the center of the clearing, a mirror-like pond awaits, completely still except for a small swirling whirlpool in the middle. A thin path of stepping stones trail towards the center of the lake then stop. The sad wolf sits, and motions you towards the lake, tear-filled eyes brimming with anticipation.

What do you do?

Strength: Swim into the whirlpool.

You're probably stronger than some water, right? You can just swim over and see what's up.

Charisma: Ask the guide for a hint.

The guide seems nice enough. Maybe she will help you.

Dexterity: Use the stepping stones.

There are perfectly good stepping stones here for you to use!

Wisdom: Inspect the water.

Something is amiss with the water... Maybe you can figure out what.

Leave.

Leave and exit the event.

The despondent wolf did not respond verbally to him, but did acknowledge Artorias' consideration for him, seeming almost surprised that he was addressing her. Wordlessly she motioned for him to follow her, and after a quick glance at the other two wolves, Artorias followed his guide into a blanket of fog that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The further he walked, the thicker the fog got, until it obscured his vision entirely. Before long, he could no longer see the trees of the grove nor the other two wolves, nor could he hear the voices of his family behind him. Artorias took pause, looking back and around as he tried to figure out what was happening, but with no other explanation or choice, he quietly followed the slate-furred woman as she guided him onward, using her scent reminiscent of the sea he loved so much to lead him forward.

Eventually, they both emerged in a clearing surrounded by massive willow trees, the likes of which he had never seen before. Artorias was immediately struck by their imposing size. It was like the forest of willows near where he had grown up as a pup, memories of how they had dwarfed him and his siblings returning front and center in his mind. Artorias gazed in awe at the splendor of the grove, his pace slowing, but never stopping to follow his nameless guide as she led him to a crystalline pool of water. The Aegis studied the small whirlpool and the path of stepping stones leading to it. The wolf wanted him to cross the water, looking at him expectantly. It was clear what she wished him to do.

Artorias looked back to her, amber eyes reading the hopeful look in her tear-filled gaze. There were no words exchanged, just a silent understanding of what was expected and what he needed to do. "Okay..." he murmured mostly to himself as he made his way to the edge of the water. With all his days spent exploring and traveling, Artorias was a seasoned and agile navigator. The stepping stones made the most sense to use to get a better look into the lake. Putting all his trust in his paws, Artorias took a breath to steady himself, then strode out onto the path of stones, taking his time paw over paw.

CHOICE MADE: DEXTERITY

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

You ready yourself and jump to the first rock, then the next. So far so good. On your third jump, your paw slips, but you are able to recover. The last step is an easy one and as you go to stick the landing, the rock dissolves into 76 gems. You slide down the whirlpool in one thrilling swoop, the guide jumping in after you looking unworried by your descent.

Under the whirlpool, a waterfall floats you into an underground lake. As you pull yourself from the frigid pool, an icy palace opens before your eyes. Thick layers of ice coat the cave's interior and ornate carvings decorate the walls. Your guide stands on the shore, shaking out her fur.  She inspects the surroundings, and you do the same. You realize there is no discernible exit, though some of the ice looks thin and even cracked in some spots along the walls.

What do you do?

Strength: Break through one of the weak spots.

The ice looks thin enough, and you feel strong enough to burst through.

Charisma: Ask the guide where to go.

The room seems directionless... Maybe the guide knows something.

Dexterity: Try to squeeze through one of the larger cracks.

Some of the cracks and cervices look large enough for you to squeeze through.

Wisdom: Inspect the drawings on the wall.

The drawings are intricate, they must mean something.

Leave.

Leave and exit the event.

Jumping from rock to rock felt natural for the fleet-footed Aegis. He'd traversed tricker territory before. However, the third stone was slicker than he expected, and the slip he almost took shot a spike of adrenaline through his veins. Phew, that was close! Steadying himself a bit more, Artorias jumped to the fourth stone—only to feel it dissolve under his weight like a piece of soggy bread. Art gasped in shock, realizing the rock had transformed into a cluster of small gems, and then he was plunging into the water and down the whirlpool. "Oh fu-!" was all he managed to get out before his head was pulled under the water.

The underwater current pulled Artorias and his guide down to an underground lake. The water was cold, shockingly so for Auster. Then again, he supposed they weren't in Auster anymore... Emerging from the pool, Artorias paddled his way to the shore, shaking the cold water from his fur like his guide did. "You all right?" he asked the guide, making sure she was uninjured, although he supposed she had jumped in after him without a worry, so she probably knew this place well enough to avoid injury.

Gazing around the chamber they had emerged in, Artorias was awed by the ice palace they had discovered. The air was cool, so much so Art could see his own breath hanging in the air. The first thing Artorias noticed were the intricate drawings, so he went to go inspect them first. They could find an exit in just a moment, and he had an idea of what to do about that cracked ice. These carvings were a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover something new!

CHOICE MADE: WISDOM

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

You observe the markings. They decorate the top and bottom of the room you are in like trim. In one area, instead of going straight across, it juts up, over, and back down in an arc. You realize there the ice is very thin and with a small push, you are able to make it through.

On the other side you find a bag containing an item! Can't wait to open this later.

On the other side of the ice wall, what was once a neat hallway has been utterly destroyed. Carved pillars lay broken and elaborate art shattered.

The tunnel ahead looks a little unstable, and proceeding further may be very dangerous. You know if you go on now, you may not return in the same condition you entered.

What do you do?

Strength: Charge through the tunnel.

If you're plenty quick, the tunnel won't have a chance to collapse!

Charisma: Convince your guide to lead the way.

One wrong step could lead to the tunnel failing. Perhaps the guide knows a better way.

Dexterity: Carefully tread down the hallway.

If you go slow and carefully, you can leave the tunnel undisturbed.

Wisdom: Study the cave and find the safest path.

If you look closely, you can see where the cracks and freshly broken ice are.

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, temporary disabilities, moderate loss of gems/skill points

Studying the strange glyphs and wallpaintings, Artorias began to notice the quirk in the room's architecture, his eyes following the markings to the gap in the wall. His eyes widen in surprise as he makes his way over to the space, studying it closer. Perhaps he and the nameless stranger could squeeze their way through here? "Hey, I think I found a way out over here!" he called back to the wolf, not wanting to leave her behind. Art squeezed his way through first, both to ensure that she would be able to fit through behind him and also to make sure there were no dangers ahead of them. Once he made his way through, he found a bag abandoned on the ground. Artorias scooped it up, slinging it around his neck for safekeeping.

On the other side of the ice wall, Artorias gawked at the dilapidated hallway, looking like an earthquake had rocked the structure to its core. With cautious paws he approached the cracked and crumbling floor, scanning their environment for any safe paths forward. No way really seemed safe; it was more or less like choosing the least worst option. There was a tunnel at the other end of the hallway, and though the path looked perilous at best and foolhardy at worst, Art knew there was no way back anyway. They had to keep pushing forward. Looking back at his guide, Art murmured a quick, "Let me go first. Make sure it's safe." Then he began to proceed as carefully as he could, relying on the deftness of his paws and his years of navigating tricky terrains to help guide them through.

CHOICE MADE: DEXTERITY

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

You move slowly and carefully through the tunnel. You're cautious of the unstable roof above you, but you manage to make it through unscathed.

As you tip toe through the tunnel, you find a bag tied neatly with a ribbon - you'll have to open this later.

At the end of the collapsed tunnel, what appears to have once been an elaborate shrine at some point in time lays demolished. A part of the wall carves out and opens to an open room full of jagged ice floating in deathly waters. In the center, a large, flat expanse is frozen, and on the other side, what look like daylight shines through a small opening.

What do you do?

Strength: Break through the jagged ice to the exit.

The ice doesn't look so tough, you can probably break through the tips and clear a path.

Charisma: Convince your guide to lead the way.

The guide may know how to get through the treacherous cave.

Dexterity: Jump from jagged peak to peak towards the exit.

If you time your jumps just right, you think you'll be able to use them as stepping stones.

Wisdom: Look for the safest path to the exit.

Looking ahead, there has to be one safe path... if only you can spot it.

Trusting in his paws, Artorias began to carefully navigate the dilapidated tunnel. When he had made it partway across, he motioned back for his guide to follow his footsteps, knowing that if his route was safe then she would be safe as well. It took time, but eventually both wolves made it across safely and in one piece. Along the way, Art had noticed another bag, this one tied up in a lovely ribbon, looking like a carefully wrapped present. He snatched that one up to add to his slowly growing collection.

On the other side of the tunnel, the cave opened up into a spacious chamber where a destroyed shrine sat alone and forgotten. Artorias gazed at the old ruins, looking about in awe of the splendor that had been lost to time beneath the ice. Ever an adventurer at heart, this was a fantastic discovery for the Carpathian! "Incredible...!" After taking some time to marvel at the sights before him, Art continued to look about for an exit to the ice cave they were trapped in. He spotted an opening in the wall, and through that was a room filled with sharp ice shard jutting out of more arctic water. On the other side, a glimmer of daylight. Freedom.

The entire room looked treacherous, so caution would be needed to get through. Considering his options for a moment, Artorias decided to once more trust in his agility and the nimbleness of his experienced navigator's paws. Maybe once he got to the other side, he'd be able to find a safer path for the guide to get to him—not that she'd had any trouble keeping up with him so far. "I'm going to try something stupid, and if I don't make it, will you go back to where we met and tell my family what happened to me?" he asked the silent guide, looking back at her as he spoke. Artorias didn't want his family to worry over his disappearance if he was never coming home. His request made, Artorias steadied his nerves with a deep breath, then ran forward to the edge of the floor and jumped, aiming to spring back and forth across the flattest edges of the ice spikes like platforms. Gods bless his paws...

CHOICE MADE: DEXTERITY

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

You jump to the first peak and your adept paws grip the surface. After the second or third jump, your paws feel numb. A few more jumps and you slip, the icy peak beneath you racing to meet your flesh. Above you, now spinning, you see the streaks of your own blood melting down the broken and jagged ice. As your vision tunnels, the guide runs to your side and all you can think about is how warm her tears are.

You awaken out by the lake, battered and beaten and so. so cold. 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 ache, but you will heal fine; you can tell somehow by the way the fireflies buzz around you. The most notably injury is a deep wound to your right cheek; a large chunk of flesh fur has been torn away completely. This injury is intensely painful, but will no doubt heal fully with time, leaving only a scar behind. You also lose 41 fighting 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.

You jump to the first peak and your adept paws grip the surface. After the second or third jump, your paws feel numb. A few more jumps and you slip, but are able to regain your balance. On one of the peaks, a small bag hangs. You take it and decide to open it later. Miraculously, you are able to make it across, your guide behind you every jump of the way.

Before you reach the exit, the ice around you cracks and water sputters up until you are left stranded with your guide on a large, floating stage of ice. From the frozen depths, a massive, blue tinted worm bursts forth and shrieks. You understand its name immediately: Edward. You know now that you can not leave until you defeat this menace. Your guide looks to you, ready to go on your command.

What do you do?

Strength: Fight the worm head on.

Use whatever strength you have left to charge forward and fight the worm.

Charisma: Convince the worm to let you pass.

Maybe you can reason with the worm instead of using violence to get your way.

Dexterity: Sneak around and attack the worm from behind.

You think maybe you can use the shards of ice as cover to sneak around and attack from behind.

Wisdom: Find the worm's weak point.

If you hang back and study the worm for awhile, maybe you can figure out how to best defeat it.



Rerolled!

Spire by spire, Artorias leaped across the frozen maelstrom. It was a dangerous and reckless move, but one that had to be done to gain their freedom. The ice chilled his paw pads, numbing and stinging at his toes, but he could not stop. They had to escape! After one jump, Artorias saw a small bag hanging from the shard of ice and reached for it. He snagged the bag, but felt his paw slip on the ice; thankfully he managed to regain his footing long enough to spring to the next icicle. With grit and determination he made it across, and when the Aegis glanced back, he was stunned to see his partner leaping after him with such grace! She must have been a nimble navigator as well.

Now closer than ever to the exit, Artorias ran for the sunlight—only for a tremor to shake the ice cave and shatter the ground they were on away from the exit. Now left on a floating stage of ice surrounded by frigid water, Artorias found himself gazing up in awe at the massive blue frost worm that had emerged from the depths to stop their escape. It screeched an unholy sound, and in it, a name echoed in the brute's mind like a battlecry. Edward. Art stared at the giant worm, stunned by its shimmering beauty as ice crystals fell around it. An intimidating beast, as if he could outrun it, as if he could fight it off. But he would have to try his best to keep himself and his nameless partner alive. That meant it was time for Edward culling.

Baring his fangs in a snarl meant to intimidate the shrieking worm back, Artorias took note of the shards of ice sticking out of the arena from where the worm had burst forth. Perhaps if he could use those as cover, he could get in closer to attack. "Try to get its attention!" Art called back to his guide, and then he broke off from her, running to the ice shards to use as cover and sneak his way around to the worm, seeking to get close enough that he might be able to attack it without notice. Gods, he wished he had his sword with him now!

CHOICE MADE: DEXTERITY

"Artorias Carpathius"

You dive behind the ice shards as the worm writhes and screeches. The guide lends her aid as well. You're able to navigate closer and when the time is right, you strike the worm, teeth meeting a cold exterior, then the warm gush of its inner fluids. You jump back and the worm rears back, plunging below the surface and leaving a cloud of blue blood in the water.

The worm bubbles beneath the icy surface and after a moment, no more bubbles float up. The worm is gone and the guide quickly ushers the two of you outside.



Outside the night seems clear and calm and you realize you are back where the adventure started.

Your guide stops weeping for just a moment and offers a soft, genuine smile. In a flash, she is gone, only a few fireflies buzzing lazily where the guide once was.

The cave, now peaceful, stands to be explored by any who come across it. Maybe you can remember your way back sometime.

You have unlocked a new site land: Crystal Cathedral!

You receive: 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea Bundle:

• Boosted Companion Pass
  
• 3rd companion slot
  

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...

• 76 Gems
  
• Goldfish in a bag
  
• Cursed litter pass
  
• Opaque Sack Of Gems
  
• 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea Bundle
  

You Lost These Along the Way...

• Handsome man is unscathed.