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!

Eligos has the option to choose one of his companions and one of his accessories, please mention in your reply what you may be bringing 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.
   

Losing Aureus had reawakened the feral, brutal rage that had ruled Eligos after their father's death, and he had spent little time in Aerie. When the swanp fog enveloped him, he welcomed it as matching his own bitter anger and continued forward into the swamp. Cypher trotted alongside him anxiously, though Kida had returned to check on the pack on her own cognizance. He paused at the mucky shore of a murky pond, glancing between the murky wster and the boggy path beside it. Well, he would have an easier time swimming, even with the armor, than he would if he stepped wrong in a bog and sank, and he wasn't willing to turn back, driven by grief and anger into a reckless act of defiance.

Eligos is bringing his leather armor (defensive) and his battle companion, malinois Cypher.
Eligos choses Optiom 1

SUCCESS

In a surprising turn of events, the pond's depth is unable to reach high enough past your shoulders to force you to swim it after all. You are able to carefully make your way through with your paws upon the ground, feeling creatures brushing past your legs but free from the sting of their bite. As you're nearing the shore, something catches upon your paw from the bottom of the pond. Upon closer inspection, you've found something.

[Eligos has found a small companion accessory!]

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 as a small pouch that can fit one item 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.

Eligos was obscurely disappointed when nothing untoward happened on the way though the shallow pond, but Cypher certainly looked relieved to have made it through unscathed when they reached the far shore. Eligos surveyed the odd structure that stood there before stalking inside and glancing around. Nothing seemed to be of any use to him at all, and he turned away, intending to leave. Cypher's eyes had lit up in delight at the chunk of meat, and the malinois quickly snatched it when Eligos wasn't looking. Now that would be a tasty treat later when Eli was doing something else and the pup could gulp it down without dire pronouncements about how it was probably poisoned or something.

Eligos Cypher chooses the meat.

SUCCESS

The remainder of the cottage event appears uneventful as you head to leave, though a small and scarred albino squirrel runs up on your companion and tugs gently on his fur. Quietly as to not alert the puppy's master, the squirrel pushes the satchel towards the adorable companion and gently loops it around his neck. Cypher may want a place to put his chunk of meat until he's ready to eat it, and as the satchel is moved you can hear a soft tinkling alerting you to the currency inside.

[Cypher Eligos received 62 gems! ]

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.
   

Eligos didn't notice the goings-on in the hut as he turned away, but a very nice squirrel neatly solved Cypher's dilemma of where to hide the contraband meat with a tiny pouch. "Thanks little buddy," the malinois whispered, patting the squirrel happily before racing off after Eli. Eligos had stopped at the shore of another body of water and was studying it with a frown. He wouldn't- couldn't - bring himself to stay long before continuing on the path he had chosen, but he took a moment to wade into the water and dip himself beneath the surface to cool off. He had been on the move for a long time in the summer heat, with black fur and leather armor, and it would do him good, maybe. Besides, with the weird glow, maybe he would get lucky and he would be turned into a newt. Life as a newt would surely be easier and less emotionally scarring.

Eligos chooses option 2

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.

[Eligos 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.
   

Eligos felt the grime from the other pond begin to slough off, and found his muscles relaxing despite himself. He floated there, soaking, for longer than he had intended. Warmth spread through him, soothing, delicious warmth.... Eligos shook off the spell it woke over him and paddled back to shore to shake vigorously, his face set into a scowl. He didn't want to be soothed. He wanted to give into the black rage gnawing at him.

Something felt weirdly tingly in his nether region, but he ignored it, because he is Big Mad. Now he probably had to worry about some weird herb in the water giving him a rash down there.

Jerking his head curtly at Cypher he moved on, to find a field of murder flowers. He hesitated, glancing around for a better way, but this was the only way. His jaw firmed in stubborn determination. Very well, then. As light on his paws as he was, he was too big to sneak properly without risking brushing against them, and Cypher was about as sneaky as a herd of bison stampeding, so they would just need to hope that speed would favor them. With a furious sound that resembled a death metal rage scream he threw himself forward in a dead sprint. Cypher followed on his heels, but the sound he made definitely came much closer to a just-normal-shriek sort of scream, and the dog's eyes were wide in stressed excitement. Eligos steeled himself for the inevitable pain, terth bared in a welcom8ng snarl.

eligos chooses option 2

SUCCESS

The stems of the plants swivel and follow you as you and your companion make a mad dash for the field's end. Your screams both draw their attention as well as successfully intimidate them. Nobody wants a meal that fights back, they could get an easier (and quieter) meal by continuing to watch the sky. Another pitchy war-cry joins yours and Cypher's, though you're too occupied with your running to notice.

In the end you and your companion were successful in keeping all your limbs intact, though before you can continue onwards something smacks into your rear leg. It appears another creature had been watching you and your companion, and adopted your strategy to make it's way through the dangerous field.  It owes you a life debt, had said creature not had such an intelligent wolf to emulate it surely would have been eaten.

[Eligos has received a LARGE COMPANION PASS [Creature of your choice!]
You can come back for him or her later or write him or her accompanying you through the remainder of the adventure, it will not affect your story either way. [/i]

THE WITCHES BODYGUARD

An angry, oversized bullfrog with glowing red eyes and short, sharp horns 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 Cypher's 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
   
   

The pair stood gulping air for a moment after their rush through the carnivorous plants before a startlingly loud CROAT sound drew their attention to the red-eyed frog creature with its pile of bones. Eligos' eyes lit with smoldering lights, and he shook off the momentary weakness of the sprint - and the little creature clutching his leg - and moved to confront the frog, welcoming a battle.

But Cypher had seen the creature staring pitifully at the meat-scented pouch, unlike Eligos who didn't know he had it. The dog clutch protectively at the pouch for a moment, bottom lip stuck out in a stubborn look, but Eligos' readiness to fight had him worried that the wolf who'd raised him was going to get himself hurt. So, not allowing himself even a second to second guess himself, the malinois tore the meat out of the carrying pouch and tossed it to the frog, hoping it would be appeased.

Option 1

SUCCESS

The hungry frog hops closer as the chunk of meat is hastily offered. He sticks out his thick tongue and gives the meal a cautious lick, bright glowing eyes fixed suspiciously upon you and your companion. His lips slap together and his stomach lets out a loud rumble of hunger. With a snap of his tongue he swallows the chunk whole, burps, and then beckons you to continue on. With each further step you take, you hear your new friend croaking happily at your paws.

[Eligos has received a[REDACTED] reward! To be revealed later!

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, manipulated 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.
   

Eligos cast a narrow-eyed frown back towards Cypher as the frog slurped up the thrown meat, and Cypher shrugged with an unrepentant grin. Well, done was done. They moved on with the weird frog croating happily at them, only for their path to suddenly be disrupted by a nasty old crone shrieking at them. Eligos drew himself up in furious affront. How dare she accuse him of stealing? This was entrapment, a setup, a trap! His muzzle wrinkled in disdain, and cold, angry words tumbled from his lips. "I smelled no boundary markers that this area was claimed. Perhaps if you didn't leave your dinner in a broken old hut that doesn't look like anyone lives there, no one would take it and feed your clearly neglected guardian with it." Guard frog??? Sarcasm bit at his words, though he knew it wasn't wise. She was already preparing her curse, what else could she do to him for giving her lip? It didn't matter anyway. Why run? If she killed him he'd rather it be standing here on his own four legs staring her down than running like a coward. She could do her worst. "I apologize for bathing in an apparently unclaimed pond which, it seems, is also where you bath. And I sincerely apologize that my companion took your purse." At that, he sent Cypher a flat stare that had the pup dropping to his belly with his ears and tail lowering immediately. The pup set the pouch down and pushed it towards the witch, tail wagging slightly and puppy-dog eyes looking up appealingly. "Yeah I'm really sorry I took your stuff, I didn' mean to be trouble," he whimpered in the most pitiful and sincere puppy-voice he could muster. He didn't say anything about the nice squirrel who had helped him, not wanting to get the little tree-rodent in trouble if it was another one of the witch's minions.

Eligos technically chooses Option 2

FAILURE

The witch sneers at your pathetic attempt at an explanation. "You dare to say such things to me!" She begins, rising slowly into the air to look down upon you. How dare you blame her for your theft. "It's all MINE. You have eyes don't you?!" The witch pauses, looking thoughtfully upon you until her lips spread into a wicked grin. "Well, no matter, not for long." The pain starts instantaneously and you're unable to escape the feeling of her hands clenching down inside your skull. As quickly as the migraine comes on, it ends, and in it's place is blindness. You hear her taunting cackles, and her parting words. "Better luck next time, dog. Now get out of my swamp!" A soft 'poof' sounds before you, and you know you're alone.

[Eligos has received [TEMPORARY BLINDNESS] to heal on the 1st of Winter]

THANKS FOR PLAYING!

Eligos received a total of 5 rewards and 1 punishments. (so far)
1 reward is small companion accessory
1 reward is 62 gems
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 reward is Large Companion 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 temporary blindness (this will give you a fight disability, and will heal on season change to Winter!)

Thank you for your participation!
- Your Event Staff writer

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