The dreamer had done it. She made it through the bonfire without panicking, without having to make an abrupt exit. Sure, she'd spent most of today sleeping because of it, but all things considered? It could have been worse. Maybe she was learning to cope. Since the visit from her grandmother, things had been... easier. Some of the blocks around the things that made her anxious were starting to... well, they weren't lifting entirely, but the barriers were beginning to break down. She could find her way around them, through them, a little more easily now. A late-afternoon stroll seemed like a good idea. May as well enjoy the summer while it lasted, right? An adventure sounded really quite lovely, even if the adventure was just out to the Grove. Maybe she could pick some mint, and maybe the huckleberries would even be ready. The fresh air felt good but oh-- what's that? Storm clouds on the horizon, and the first crack of thunder. Meadow's eyes went wide, her ears flattening back against her head at the sudden noise. Startled, but she'd take a deep breath. Steady herself as best she could. What was a little rain? She could handle this. A change of plans wouldn't ruin her day. Not today. "Speech"

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

They're asking her to... to make a choice. One moment she was on her own, and now there's a crowd of strangers gathered before her. Meadow's eyes went wide, and it takes a moment for her to push the panic back down. Well, what helps push it down is... hm. That blue one in the middle, she looks so sad. The dreamer offered a polite smile to each of the strangers before her in turn, before her wide eyes turn back to the slate grey woman in the center. Without a second thought, the girl walks to her. A gentle look of concern washes over her face, looking up softly. "Are you okay?" Meadow's eyes gentle and pleading, she looks up at the stranger. "Can I help?" "Speech"

Choice: medium

The tearful wolf seems almost surprised you chose her. She nods her head softly at your questions. 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.

Oh, to help her would be to follow her. Meadow understands that. She nods back to the stranger, following her quietly through the fog. The weather could be strange, Meadow supposed, though she's surprised that it's rolled in this quickly. The stranger seemed so sad, and the little girl's heart ached for her. Remembering that she should be practicing her manners, she repeats the script that mom had spent so much time teaching her. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Meadow, what's your name?" The words are spoken softly, but with intent. Meadow was doing her best, and she offered a smile to go with them. As they break through the fog, the girl peers with gentle awe at the world around them. Her gaze was keen on the tree, first. The weeping willows were incredible, breathtaking even. She's drawn to them for a moment, before the strange stillness of the water draws her in. Surprise crept into her gaze... it's still. It's too still. On careful paws, the inquisitive child draws to the edge of the water. Eyes wide, curious. The stepping stones, the whirlpool, they draw her attention all the same but... hm. The water. There's something up with the water. Meadow was darn near holding her breath as she inspected it. "Speech"

Choice: wisdom

You muster your strength and swim into the lake. You push against the current that threatens to pull you under at any moment. As you reach the center, you can see something in the middle of the whirlpool where the water opens up into a small circle. Is that... a room? Too late to ponder now, you're drawn in, falling into the area below. On the way down you find 95 Gems.

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.

The dreamwalker finds herself drawn in. Pulled in. Carefully doggy paddling, but there's a magnetism that she can't fight. Meadow couldn't and wouldn't deny it, though she trembles as she does. This was an adventure. She had gone on an adventure. It was an adventure that would make her brave and would make her strong. It's her job to be strong, to be brave, in situations like this... she'd brought it upon herself after all. Oh dear. Maybe talking to strangers wasn't the best plan anyway. There's no time for that thought now, as she's being pulled in, being pulled down. A room... what on earth? But then, it was hardly earthly, was it? The cold is delightful, but it's too much. Too much of a good thing, Meadow tries her best to shake the water from her fur before it turns to ice on contact. Still, it doesn't stop the trembling. She approaches the guide's shoulder, but then... well, then the girl remembers that she didn't seem to want to talk before. Meadow knows what that's like. Not wanting to pressure the guide into answering any questions just yet, the girl steps up to examine the drawings. They're intricate, and anything that has this much time put in must be important. "Speech"

choice: wisdom

You look at the carvings, but can't discern anything. They're very pretty and very complex, but they don't seem to mean anything, at least not to you.

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.

You tried this already.

Leave.

Leave and exit the event.

Meadow frowned at the carvings, stepping back for a moment. They were a language unknown to her, and she couldn't figure out what they mean. Willing down the frustration that began to bubble in her chest, the girl took a step back from the wall. Carefully stepping to walk along it, Meadow would do her best to process. Process. Think. Think. There had to be something! There were some small cracks, at least. Hmmm, maybe that was something. The girl took a big step back, and then made the mightiest charge she could at one of the spots where the ice was already looking weak. With a grumble that's louder than she intends it to be, Meadow throws herself into the wall, intent on breaking through the ice. It was a good way to get the frustration out of her system, at least... probably. It would be even better if it worked! "Speech"

choice: strength

You find a shiny spot that seems lighter than the others and slam your body against it. You are rewarded with a satisfying crack and decide to try again. This time, you break through and the rest of the thin sheet crumples around you.

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

Curiously, Meadow doesn't just find her way through. There's also a bag, something she'd tuck away for later. Neat! Beyond her, though, it seemed that the hallway was in shambles. How strange. Her brow furrowed as she peered down it. Well, that was weird. Broken pillars, once brilliant arts now gone... it tugged at her heart. "What happened?" Meadow asked the guide softly, trying to examine what she could from where she stood. Maybe she didn't know, either. "Do you know a better way through?" The yearling considered carefully, but... well, sometimes she gets overwhelmed. There was a lot of information before her, maybe some help would... well, help. Meadow looked softly to the baleful woman, hoping that she had some idea. "Speech"

choice: charisma

The guide slowly shakes her head, seeming unsure. You get the feeling you'll have to lead this one.

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.

You tried this already.

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.

The guide doesn't have answers for her. That's okay, Meadow could try and figure this one out on her own. Nodding lightly and humming to herself, the girl took a step back to think. She needed to think, she could do this. She could figure this out. Squinting at the path laid before her, Meadow took a long moment to study it. Right, okay. It was starting to make sense. If Meadow looked really, really hard she could see where the cracks in the ice were starting to form. There were also places where the ice was freshly broken. Okay. Well, doing her best to mind what was laid before her, Meadow set out on the path as it seemed to form. Sure. She could do this, right? "Speech"

choice: wisdom

You scan the treacherous tunnel ahead, finding hints that indicate which sections of ice have been standing for a long time, and which are fresher, and likely more unstable. You're cautious as you begin to creep through.

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.

Cautious and keen, Meadow slinks across the ground. It was holding so far, and she'd managed to keep herself upright. That was a good sign. She was almost starting to relax... almost. Still, her stomach remained tight and she was trying to focus as best she could. Holding onto the object... right, later. That would be important much later. There were more important things to focus on for now. As she gets to the end, Meadow is drawn in by the shrine. It was broken now, and a little frown slipped over her expression. It was probably really pretty when it was all intact... what had gone on in this place? There was magic in the land here, and it seemed like that magic had come out to play today. It's strange, but lovely too. Her wisdom had gotten her through the last challenge, and Meadow could only hope that it would continue that way. She studied the room before her, looking for the closest path to the exit. "Speech"

choice: wisdom

You study the room for a long while until you figure out the safest path to the exit. Avoiding the frigid cold waters, you find a solid path toward the small opening on the other side of the room, grabbing a carefully bundled item along your way. You make a note to examine it later.

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: Ichabod. 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.

Another little bundle in her possession, but Meadow tucks it away for later. Clutching it dearly and making her way forward, she knows she can rely on her head. Always. Then again, maybe the girl got too confident-- shoot. She's startled, stumbling backwards as Ichabod bursts forth. A little gasp, her pulse picking up in her chest. The girl catches the look from the guide, but she steadies them both for a moment. Maybe they don't have to fight him. "We're sorry," she whimpers, looking up at the massive blue worm. "We didn't mean to disturb you." Meadow apologizes, taking a careful step toward the edge of the platform. Her gaze is curious, kind. Sniffing curiously at the worm, Meadow can't help herself. She's never seen a worm quite like this one, and she wants to investigate. To learn. Shoot, right, the task at hand. "Could we pass through, please? We won't do it again." Doe eyed, Meadow looks at Ichabod. She waits. Curious as ever, she waits. "Speech"

choice: charisma

You desperately try to reason with the worm, but it seems he either has little patience for words, or he simply isn't convinced by yours. Just as you finish speaking you hear your guide begin to weep even louder beside you, nearly drowning out the sound of the worm's shriek as its mouth opens and it strikes, hard and fast. You have no time to react, the world around you growing suddenly dark.

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.

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've made it out alive, though not without injury. You notice a deep wound on the left back paw, which will no doubt turn into a noticeable scar (about 6 inches long). Likewise you feel you've lost some knowledge along the way, losing 29 Intellect skill points. Any items you've found lay beside you, and will be revealed later.

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...

• 95 Gems
  
• Racing Shoes
  
• 50% Chance To Flee Pass
  
• Scar Remover
  

You Lost These Along the Way...

• Major injury - left back paw,
  
• -29 Intellect skill points