View source for Coigreach Storyline

The [[Coigreach]] event is focused on a large storyline you can follow to dive into the lore of the event, meet new characters, and earn rewards! This month's storyline is driven through explore encounters, and you will be unable to progress in the storyline if you are not exploring when required. The story will begin on November 1st as soon as the event starts, and you can access it from the Coigreach page.


Storyline rewards are based on choices you make near the end of both parts of the storyline. The choice is clearly marked with asterisks (*), and we'll make sure to note when a choice is important on this page, as well. Rewards for completing the storyline change each year!


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<h2 class="c-header active">Characters</h2>
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== Characters ==

<html><div class="sectionToggles" style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align:left;">Since many events unfold during this storyline that would be considered spoilers to those who haven't seen them yet, we've hidden some of these character's information behind spoilers buttons. Part 2 of the storyline contains spoilers for Part 1, so these characters are also hidden. Click on the button to view the hidden information! These are hidden by default, but you can use the buttons below to toggle all spoiler images and text on and off. <b>Character image galleries will contain all of the character's artwork, spoilers included, so proceed with caution!</b></p><br><button class="collapseSpoilers" onclick="toggleSpoilersOn()">Expand all spoiler images and flavor text</button><button class="expandSpoilers" onclick="toggleSpoilersOff()" style="margin-left: 0.8em;">Collapse all spoiler images and flavor text</button></div></html>


<center>'''The Chaorainn Pack'''<center>


{{NPCProfileSpoiler|Maeve|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step5_chapter1.png|She/Her|Maeve is a friendly personality, searching for her mate, Lowen, who's suddenly gone missing without a trace.| |Maeve is Sirona's daughter-in-law and is pregnant with Lowen's pups.}}


{{NPCProfileSpoiler|Sirona|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step12_chapter5.png|She/Her|Sirona is the Chaorainn Pack's herbalist. She seems worried about Maeve, and she's intent on helping you uncover the mystery of the recent disappearances.| |Sirona is Conall's mate and Lowen's mother.}}


{{NPCProfileSpoiler|Conall|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step35b_chapter9.png|He/Him|Conall is the leader of the Chaorainn Pack. An old but powerful wolf, he's respected by his packmates. Conall is concerned that Lowen's disappearance is just the tip of a much larger puzzle.| |Conall is Sirona's mate and Lowen's father. He disappears on his search for Lowen, assumed lured into Bronagh's den with Lowen's voice.


The player can choose to bring him back in the Part 2 of the storyline.}}


{{NPCProfileSpoiler|Quany|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step6a_chapter2.png|He/Him|Quany is an elder of the Chaorainn Pack, grumpy but full of wisdom. He believes he may have an idea of what's causing the mysterious events.| |Quany is not affected by Bronagh's calls because any wolf whom Bronagh would imitate to lure him is long dead.


Depending on player choices, Quany may sacrifice himself in Part 2 of the storyline to save Sirona from the Faelcu.}}


<center>'''Late Story Characters'''<br>This section contains spoilers for later parts of Part 1 of the storyline.</center>


<center><div class="spoilerButton" style="height:auto !important;"><p>Click to view</p></div><div class="spoilerContent" style="display:none;height:auto !important;text-align: left;">
{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Bronagh|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step15_chapter4.png|She/Her|An ancestor of the Chaorainn Pack and subject of Quany's tales, Bronagh's restless soul has returned with the use of the trinket to find the pups she lost to the Faelcu.


After her pups began to weaken, Bronagh began to worry that the tales her elders had told her of the Faelcu were true, and that they had switched her pups out for their own. In her desperation, she left the pups in the wilderness as an offering to the Faelcu, hopeful that the offering would bring her pups back to her. However, her pups never returned, and the weak pups disappeared as well.


Bronagh couldn't accept the loss of her pups and went mad with grief. Eventually in her searches, she disappeared, and never returned.| }}


{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Bronagh's Mate|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step23a_chapter2.png|He/Him|This male wolf, who seems to be named Cian, was Bronagh's mate, and they once had a loving bond. He never believed the stories of the Faelcu. After Bronagh left her pups in the wilderness, he turned his back on her.


Quany says that his grandfather claimed he was a descendant of Cian. If this is the case, this story occurred at least 3 generations before Quany's birth.| }}
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<center>'''Part 2 Storyline Characters'''<br>This section contains characters from Part 2 of the storyline, which occurs shortly after Part 1 and thus includes spoilers for Part 1.</center>


<center><div class="spoilerButton" style="height:auto !important;"><p>Click to view</p></div><div class="spoilerContent" style="display:none;height:auto !important;text-align: left;">
{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Oonagh/Una|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step3_chapter6.png|She/Her|This female pup is under the care of Maeve! If Maeve's pups were saved in Part 1, she is named Oonagh and she is one of Maeve and Lowen's pups. If Maeve's pups were sacrificed in Part 1, her name is Una, and she is a pack pup who Maeve is pupsitting.


She has a strong personality, but ultimately caves in your presence.| }}


{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Malachy/Dwi|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step5b_chapter6.png|He/Him or She/Her|This pup is Oonagh/Una's shyer sibling! If Maeve's pups were saved in Part 1, he is a male pup named Malachy and he is one of Maeve and Lowen's pups. If Maeve's pups were sacrificed in Part 1, she is a female pup named Dwi, and she is a pack pup who Maeve is pupsitting.| }}


{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Lorcan|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step16_chapter7.png|He/Him|Lorcan is the other one of Sirona's pups, and Lowen's sibling. He is determined to bring his brother and father back, but Sirona is worried for his safety. He grows a fondness of your lead wolf, and his friendly personality is comforting!| }}


{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Radha and Ailbhe|Faelcu|9/96/Coigreach_step9_chapter9.png|They/Them|These lithe creatures are the Faelcu, the mysterious beings who have been luring and trapping wolves, and who manipulated Bronagh into committing the acts she did.


Powerful immortals, they want nothing to do with mortal wolves, and show no trust towards you. They abide by formal promises, Aontas, and seek retribution after a previous Aonta was broken.| }}


{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Lowen|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step35a_chapter9.png|He/Him|Lowen is Maeve's mate, Sirona and Conall's son, and Lorcan's brother.


The player can choose to bring him back in Part 2 of the storyline.| }}
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<h2 class="c-header active">Part 1</h2>
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== Part 1 ==
Storyline steps are listed in linear order, and are not sorted based on which path or choices you take. Clicking on a button in each step will allow you to quickly jump to the next step in the story, affected by the button you pressed.


{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step1_chapter1|You're nearing the edge of your territory as you finish up your patrol today, and you stop for a good roll and back scratch before it's time to head back to your pack. Ah... that hits the spot. Nothing better than getting those itches out, and getting a fine coating of dirt in your fur at the same time-


A low, mournful howl hits your ears and pulls you back to the present. You look for the source, and a shape materializes in the distance as it trots closer.


A wolf-a stranger at that. You don't recognize them from any of the neighboring packs. What are they doing here?}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Who's there?|step2a_chapter1}}
{{StoryGreenButton|Growl|step2b_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step2a_chapter1|The wolf stops abruptly, looking rather surprised to see you. Suddenly they're closing the distance between you, tail wagging eagerly.


"Oh! You! Have you seen my mate? He's quite thickset, blue eyes and a black coat. You'd recognise him by the gray mask. Goes by the name of Lowen. We're not from around here, see, but he's gone missing and I just know--"


She stops, seemingly out of breath from her rambling, and shakes herself. Who was this odd female?


"Right then. Sorry, sometimes I get ahead of myself. My name is Maeve. It's nice to meet you."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Why should I help you?|step2c_chapter1}}
{{StoryGreenButton|I'm [NAME]. Who's Lowen?|step3a_chapter1}}
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{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step2b_chapter1|The wolf stops abruptly, looking rather surprised to see you. Suddenly they're closing the distance between you, adopting a submissive pose.


"I'm sorry, I don't mean to disturb you... it's just that I'm looking for someone, my mate. Have you seen him? He's quite thickset, blue eyes and a black coat. You'd recognise him by the gray mask. Goes by the name of Lowen. We're not from around here, see, but he's gone missing and I just know--"


She stops, seemingly out of breath from her rambling, and shakes herself. Who was this odd female?


"My name is Maeve, by the way."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Why should I help you?|step2c_chapter1}}
{{StoryGreenButton|I'm [NAME]. Who's Lowen?|step3a_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step2c_chapter1|"I... I just..." she splutters, not sure how to react. She looks away suddenly, a crestfallen expression spreading across her face.


"I just need to find him... you don't understand..."


She seems desperate.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Okay, okay. Tell me more.|step3b_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step3a_chapter1|Her face grows sad, and she sits down heavily.


"Lowen is a member of my pack, and my mate. He went missing several days ago without a trace, and we've been looking for him ever since. We live up in the northern foothills. We call ourselves the Chaorainn Pack. Perhaps you've heard of us?}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Can't say I have|step4_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step3b_chapter1|Her face grows sad, and she sits down heavily.


"Lowen is a member of my pack, and my mate. He went missing several days ago without a trace, and we've been looking for him ever since. We live up in the northern foothills. We call ourselves the Chaorainn Pack."


She pauses.


"But what's your name?"}}
{{StoryBlueButton|I'm [NAME]. I haven't heard of your pack|step4_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step4_chapter1|Many wolves inhabited these lands, so it wasn't surprising that there were packs unknown to you.


"I feel like I've been over every inch of this land," she continues. "I haven't been able to find any sign, not even a faint scent. In all of my years as a scout I've never had this happen. Wolves don't just disappear..." Maeve looks deeply troubled, and you can't begin to imagine what it feels like to lose a pack member, especially a mate.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|How can I help?|step5_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step5_chapter1|Her eyes light up, and she's on her feet again.


"You'd be willing to help me, truly? I know you have no duty to do so, but if you are willing I won't say no."


You nod, and she seems hopeful again.


"I'm sure we can find some way to repay you. Conall is a wise and kind leader, and always does his best to be fair. I know he would be in your debt. We all would."


Her voice falters at the end, and you hurry to distract her again.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Tell me what to do|step6_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step6_chapter1|"You know this area well, do you not? Perhaps other wolves and their packs have seen or heard something of him. Any information, however small, would help. Let's split up and see what we can find out. 10 wolves should be a good start. Someone is bound to know something."


Maeve seems to be willing it to be true, and there is true desperation in her eyes. Is this just about a lost mate?


"I'll meet you back here. Good luck, [NAME], and thank you." }}
{{StoryBlueButton|Set off on your quest|step7_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step7_chapter1|Head to explore and ask some wolves about Lowen.


Return to the story after you've asked 10 wolves in explore.}}
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<hr>

<center>Any wolf you find in explore can be asked about Lowen for this quest, including befriend-able wolves and event encounter wolves. Wolf packs are not included.


[[File:coigreachexplorewolfcropped.png]]


Each wolf you ask will provide a different dialogue response, listed below.</center>


'''1st Wolf'''

The wolf shakes their head sadly. You feel as though they want to help, but have no information for you. Instead they tell you of a similar situation in their own pack - their herbalist has been missing for two days now. 


'''2nd Wolf'''

They look at you with an intense stare and ask, "We've heard howling that keeps going unanswered - could it be to do with that?" That's weird.. but maybe? 


'''3rd Wolf'''

Their face crinkles in concern and they nod fervently. "Do they have puppies? We've heard crying puppies that nobody is tending to, and have been searching for them but we never seem to find them." You don't think there were puppies involved.. how odd. 


'''4th Wolf'''

As you mention the missing wolf, a demoralised sigh escapes from them. "More missing wolves? We've lost two, our neighbouring pack has lost three. I hope this doesn't continue." 


'''5th Wolf'''

The wolf's eyes glaze over slightly as you're explaining the situation to them, and you get the very distinct sense that they have no idea what you're talking about. You struggle to pay attention as they start babbling about a pocket of mist that appeared one night, disrupting their hunts. 


'''6th Wolf'''

The wolf doesn't seem to have any interest in what you've just asked them about. Instead, they keep telling you about this strange feline creature they saw. They explain that it's small with thick fur, and they've never seen or smelled one like this before. Annoyed that this doesn't seem relevant, you continue on. 


'''7th Wolf'''

The next wolf you encounter is similar to the last - near incoherent babbling about new prey they've come across, and how they're not the only ones to have found them. You plead once more for information about Lowen, but they don't have any for you. 


'''8th Wolf'''

As you're explaining, the wolf seems to be staring off in the distance behind you. You turn to look, and see if you can see what they're looking at. When you see nothing, you turn back and the wolf is gone. How rude. 


'''9th Wolf'''

A vacant expression appears on the wolf's face as you ask about the missing wolf, and you gather that they haven't heard of Lowen. They make some mention of strange lights appearing at dusk but when they try to follow them, they disappear. 


'''10th Wolf'''

The tenth wolf you ask has more unnerving information to give you than the others. They explain that certain places they have visited have left members of their pack paralysed by fear, as if by some unknown force. You hope that Lowen hasn't been caught in one of these areas. 

<hr>

{{StorylineNotice|The story will continue in '''1 rollover'''.}}

<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step9_chapter1|Trekking back to the edge of your territory where you first met Maeve, your brain is buzzing with everything you have learned. Mysterious lights, odd sightings, other wolves missing, strange trinkets causing visions...


"[NAME]! You came back!"


Maeve comes trotting into view with two other wolves at her heels. One is a large male with a commanding presence, and the other is a smaller female, slender and lithe and smelling faintly of herbs. }}
{{StoryBlueButton|Who are you?|step10_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step10_chapter1|"I'd like to introduce you to Conall and Sirona. Conall is our leader, and Sirona is our herbalist. I asked them to join us. They've been helping search for Lowen and are just as worried as I am."


"It's good to put a face to the wolf that Maeve has told us about. We appreciate your help." Conall has a deep, but soft, voice. His muzzle is scarred and whitened with age, yet his eyes are as sharp as any wolf half his age. He is not one to cross, and you can see why his pack respects him.


"I fear Lowen is not the only problem we have to deal with, either. I have heard strange things of late, even before he went missing. I swear there are herbs and plants that I've come across that I don't recognize. At first I thought I was just crazy, but now..." Sirona chimes in and looks troubled, unconsciously pawing at the dirt.


"You're not crazy, Sirona," Maeve says gently, and licks her ear comfortingly. "I have a feeling [NAME] has news to share."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Nod and tell them what you've learned|step11_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step11_chapter1|You tell them of the other wolves that you encountered in your quest to search for Lowen. They spoke of weird noises coming from the undergrowth and of lights dashing out of sight as soon as they turned to look. Pockets of mist rolled across the land, muting all sound in their midst. There was more than one instance of strange visions of a howling wolf, crying puppies, and the feeling of deep terror and sadness. You had also heard tales of caves appearing just out of sight and never coming closer, no matter how much distance was covered. All sorts of different fauna that were not native to this land had also begun to appear, and Sirona was not the only wolf who had noticed it. From what you had been told, it seemed Lowen was not the only wolf who had gone missing, either. Members of other packs had disappeared without a trace, leaving confusion and uncertainty in their wake.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Continue on|step12_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step12_chapter1|Once you finish, no one says anything for a very long time. Conall looks troubled, Maeve seems confused, and Sirona looks oddly thoughtful.


Conall is the first to break the silence, and he bows his head gratefully.


"Thank you for telling us this and helping our search. Lowen's disappearance seems like it's just a small part of a bigger puzzle that this land is facing. I was hoping it would be something simple, but I should have known better. Life is never simple."


He shakes out his fur and gently nudges Maeve's shoulder, pulling her out of her head. "Come, Maeve. We have done enough for today. You need to rest, and the pack is waiting on us."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|You're welcome|step13_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step13_chapter1|"Conall, don't you think we should--" Maeve protests.


"He's right, Maeve," Sirona interjects firmly, and gives her a pointed look.


"You need rest. Even if you think you don't, I'm starving and I have some pups to check in on. Eidheann will have my hide if I don't make sure her pups are exactly where they need to be in their development." Sirona snorts in amusement, and Maeve brightens.


"Oh yes! We mustn't keep them waiting, you're right." Maeve turns and looks at you, tail wagging. "We'll see you soon, I hope?"}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Continue on|step14_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step14_chapter1|"Give us some time to digest this, and speak with our pack. I believe Sirona will also want to consult our elders and see what they have to say," Conall says, and looks at you kindly. "Make sure you get some rest as well, [NAME]. Meet us back here in 3 rollovers and we will see what can be done. Farewell, friend."


With that, Conall turns and trots off in the direction they came, Maeve and Sirona following in his wake.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Leave|step15_chapter1}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step15_chapter1|Come back in 3 rollovers to speak to the Chaorainn Pack.}}
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<hr>

{{StorylineNotice|The story will continue in '''3 rollovers'''.}}

<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step1_chapter2|The past 3 days have been restless and full of worry. You've encountered even more strange things, and without any idea of how to deal with them, you've felt lost. Now it was time to meet Conall, Sirona, and Maeve again and hopefully get some answers.


You trot to the edge of your territory and sniff the air expectantly. There! Sirona's tangy herbal smell greets you before you see her come into view, and you're surprised when she's the only one that's come. Where were the others?


"Ah, you did remember us, [NAME]. Things have only gotten worse." Sirona looks tired, and meets your eyes with drained, baggy ones.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|What happened?|step2_chapter2}}
{{StoryGreenButton|Where are Conall and Maeve?|step2_chapter2}}
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{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step2_chapter2|"I'll tell you on the way. Right now we're going to go back to my pack--there's someone who wants to speak with you."


She hurries away without another word and you quickly follow before she can disappear. Well that was quite the greeting!


You run together for a long while, making your way across the land and far away from your own territory.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Continue journey|step3_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step3_chapter2|Rolling hills stretch as far as you can see, and it seems as though she's making her way closer to a mountain range you've never seen before. Soon the hills give way to dense forest and the ground begins to slope steeply. Is she taking you all the way up to the top of the mountains?


As if noticing your hesitation, she slows and matches your pace.


"We're not far now. We travel all around this area but we make our home at the top of this foothill. It gives us protection and we can see trouble coming before it ever sees us."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|What's going on?|step4_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step4_chapter2|She sighs and is silent for a moment before answering you as if she's gathering her thoughts.


"A few days ago Maeve left without a word to anyone. She's been searching for Lowen nonstop, but she always told someone where she was going. This time she slipped away unnoticed. I was able to track her as far as the edge of our territory, but then the trail became stale and I was forced to turn back."


The slope is beginning to level out again, and you can smell the scents of many wolves mixing up ahead. Sirona stops and meets your gaze, continuing her story.


"When she didn't return, Conall decided to take a few wolves and go and find her. Neither Conall nor the other wolves have been seen since," she says gravely. "Like Lowen, I think something must have happened. This time I think I have an idea of what it could be, though."


"Come-the wolf you're going to meet is one of our elders. He goes by the name of Quany."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Lead the way|step5_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step5_chapter2|The trees here are very old and stretch high into the sky. They give good shelter but their leaves also block much of the sun, making everything around you dark and quiet. The den site of the pack is well protected from the elements between the old trees and the dense brush that covers the outside of the clearing. Caves have been dug out between the roots of the trees and you see heads popping out from them with curious eyes. The sense of being watched makes your pelt prickle and you're careful not to let it show. It wouldn't do any good to appear anything other than friendly.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Continue following|step6_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step6_chapter2|Sirona leads you towards the far end of the clearing where one of the biggest trees stands silently guarding. The cave among its roots is well made and it looks like the brush has been encouraged to grow heavily around the trunk to provide as much protection from the elements as possible.


A grizzled, shaggy head is resting peacefully on the lip of the cave and as you approach, one soft gray eye opens and stares you down.


"Quany, I'm sorry to disturb you," Sirona greets him, bowing her head respectfully. "This is [NAME], the one we spoke of at length before."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Bow your head respectfully|step7a_chapter2}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Stand tall|step7b_chapter2}}
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{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step7a_chapter2|"Well now. I suppose you're not a half bad looking wolf. Bit scrawny, maybe."


Quany yawns and gets to his paws with a stretch before repositioning himself outside of the cave with a small grunt.


"My bones hurt so I'm not moving. If that suits you, you may sit and hear what I have to say."


Quany looks at you intently. "Sirona has explained to me what's been going on. You've had these strange encounters and seen these visions yourself, yes? You're not just believing what other wolves have told you?"}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Do you think I'm stupid?|step8_chapter2}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Yes, I have seen these things with my own eyes|step8_chapter2}}
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{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step7b_chapter2|"Well now. I suppose you're not a half bad looking wolf. Bit scrawny, maybe. Arrogant as well, looks like."


Quany yawns and gets to his paws with a stretch before repositioning himself outside of the cave with a small grunt.


"My bones hurt so I'm not moving. If that suits you, you may sit and hear what I have to say."


Quany looks at you intently. "Sirona has explained to me what's been going on. You've had these strange encounters and seen these visions yourself, yes? You're not just believing what other wolves have told you?"}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Do you think I'm stupid?|step8_chapter2}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Yes, I have seen these things with my own eyes|step8_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step7c_chapter2|"I don't know, are you?" Quany growls back in response. He clearly doesn't appreciate your rudeness. Sirona looks shocked by your reaction, and stays very quiet.


This is awkward...}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Yes, I have seen these things with my own eyes|step8_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step8_chapter2|"Good. All too often the young like to exaggerate things for attention. But I believe you, and I trust Sirona. She may have told you that I may know what's going on, but I cannot guarantee that I'm right. I can only tell you what I know from my own experience."


"I think you're right, Quany," Sirona replies, and he barks out a laugh.


"Your belief in me is kind. But we won't know for certain until our friend here goes out and confirms it."


His eyes comb the clearing, making sure no one is eavesdropping.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Go on...|step9_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step9_chapter2|"This story is no longer told to pups, but my grandfather told it to me. Too scary for pups these days, apparently," he sniffs indignantly, then continues on: "He spoke of a wolf from our pack long ago that fell into the trap of desperation which led her to do an awful thing. I will try and tell it objectively, but just know that this was a story that was told with disdain."


"A young mother had two pups with a beloved mate. They were happy and healthy, and all seemed well. As time went on, something happened to them - just what I don't know, but they grew weak. The mother tried her best to care for them and give them all that she could, but they did not get better and she felt hopeless. Someone started to tell stories about the Faelcu..."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Faelcu? What the heck is a Faelcu?|step10a_chapter2}}
{{StoryGreenButton|About the what?|step10c_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step10a_chapter2|"Will you let me finish, pup?" Quany growls, clearly irritated by your comments. He takes a moment before he continues, his eyes hard as they refuse to leave yours. He composes himself.


"Well, they're like us... But they're not. They try to trick us, you see. They're changelings. They'll take our puppies and switch them with their own, forcing unknowing parents to bring up their offspring in the mortal realm, while ours get lost in theirs. They use us and our resources so their children can thrive and have a mortal experience. Supposed to be good for them. Who knows what they do with ours."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|This sounds a bit silly...|step10b_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step10b_chapter2|Quany lets out a long sigh.


"If you'll let me continue, I will tell you more. If you're not interested, then I have nothing left to say."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Okay, okay... sorry, go on|step10c_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step10c_chapter2|"The Faelcu," he repeats.


"They're like us... But they're not. They try to trick us, you see. They're changelings. They'll take our puppies and switch them with their own, forcing unknowing parents to bring up their offspring in the mortal realm, while ours get lost in theirs. They use us and our resources so their children can thrive and have a mortal experience. Supposed to be good for them. Who knows what they do with ours."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Go on...|step11_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step11_chapter2|"This mother... she was desperate. Her puppies were getting weak. It seemed so obvious."


Quany pauses for a moment to catch his breath, then continues the story: "This happens a lot, so I'm told, with Faelcu offspring. The changelings don't always thrive, and need special care. It's one of the telltale signs that your puppies have been replaced. That and a personality change, of course, but I'm sure you know as I do that when they're that tiny most puppies don't have much of a personality."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|So what happened?|step12_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step12_chapter2|"She grew maddened and more and more certain that the stories were true, that her puppies had been switched. Her mate disagreed, but she wouldn't hear of it. Nobody could understand why the puppies had grown so weak. She was adamant this was true. So one day..."


He pauses, taking in a low breath.


"She took them out to the wilderness, far away from the pack. She left them there, with an offering to the Faelcu, begging them to take them back and return her own puppies to her."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|And did it work?|step13_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step13_chapter2|"I think we both know those puppies didn't come back to her. And when she returned, the changelings were gone too. All of them were gone."


His expression falls, clearly saddened by the story.


"Her mate found out, and he turned his back on her. He refused to believe the stories of the Faelcu. She took this to be the reason, you see, the reason that they hadn't given her the puppies back. She felt they'd angered them, and in revenge the Faelcu made sure her puppies would be lost forever."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|And were they?|step14_chapter2}}
{{StoryBlueButton|That's horrible|step14_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step14_chapter2|"She couldn't come to terms with it. She was maddened, completely lost in her grief. She searched high and low for the puppies. She stopped eating, talking... existing. Nothing was more important than finding the puppies, and she searched high and low. She never stopped."


His expression turns grave.


"None of her pack saw her again. They tried to find her, and some of them said they did, but that she was different. Changed. Not the same as before. Lost to them all."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|But how does this help us? It's just a story|step15_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step15_chapter2|Quany sighs, looking at Sirona.


"Unfortunately I have reason to believe it is true, at least in part. My grandfather was insistent that this was something that actually happened generations ago, and that he was descended from Cian. While it's true we elders tend to make things up for our own amusement to entertain the pups, he remained steadfast in his belief that the tale was true even when I was grown. I have no reason to believe that he was lying."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|How is this connected?|step16_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step16_chapter2|"From what you've told me, these visions that wolves seem to be experiencing tie too closely to the story for it to be a coincidence. What I don't know is how they are seeing these visions, or why. The task falls to you to figure it out."


Sirona has a thoughtful look on her face, and Quany pokes her shoulder with his nose.


"Share your thoughts, Sirona. You are wise beyond your years. What is it?"}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Look at Sirona|step17_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step17_chapter2|"I was just thinking... Wolves can't just be seeing visions on their own randomly. I know there are things we can't explain in this world, but there has to be something causing them. Like how certain herbs can cause hallucinations. Maybe that's it! These strange plants I've been seeing are not native to this land. Who knows what they could do to a wolf?"


Quany is tilting his head thoughtfully, and nodding as she finishes.


"You could be right, young herbalist. You know more than any in the pack about plant life. The natural order of this world is cause and effect; things don't just happen, there is always an explanation."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Nod in agreement|step18_chapter2}}
{{StoryGreenButton|Say nothing|step18_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step18_chapter2|"Something is causing these visions, and we have to find out what. Perhaps it is something as simple as a bad reaction to an herb!"


Sirona is excited now and on her paws, tail wagging. She looks brighter than before and there is a determined look in her eye.


"[NAME]! Can you seek out any wolf that has had visions and find out where? There has to be some sort of clue wherever they encountered them. If you find anything, bring it back here. Just... be careful, alright?}}
{{StoryBlueButton|I'll see what I can find|step19_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step19_chapter2|Encounter wolves in explore and see what they have to say about the visions. Maybe you can find a hint on where to look next. Come back when you have found a hint.}}
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<hr>

While exploring after the previous step, you will come across new encounters that provide hints about which biome you must explore in in order to progress the story. The wolves that you find and the accompanying text differ depending on the biome you find them in. All of these encounters are listed in the [https://grousehouse.wiki/Coigreach_Explore_Encounters#Hint_Encounters Hint Encounters section of the Coigreach Explore Encounters page].


One of these hint wolves will suggest you explore in a biome that you have unlocked. Exploring in the given biome will result in a trinket encounter. The encounter you receive to collect the trinket piece will be randomized from the list available in the [https://grousehouse.wiki/Coigreach_Explore_Encounters#Trinket_Encounters Trinket Encounters section of the Coigreach Explore Encounters page].


<center>[[File:trinketwolfgraphic.png]]</center>

<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step21_chapter2|You make your way back to Sirona and Quany with what you found while looking for clues: a small trinket that glows softly, emanating a dark energy.


"That's so beautiful... What is it?" Sirona asks, unable to take her eyes off of the trinket.


"I know what it is," Quany interjects, stepping closer to you and looking closely at the object.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|How can this help us?|step22_chapter2}}
{{StoryGreenButton|What is it?|step22_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step22_chapter2|Quany is completely silent as he regards the object, taking what seems an incredibly long time to decide what he wants to say, before he lunges forward. He grabs you firmly by the scruff of your neck, forcing you down to the ground before you have a chance to even react.


You growl immediately and start to thrash, but your attempts are futile. You are lowered until your nose is pushed up against the object, causing it to tingle suddenly, a warm--no, hot--flood rushing through your bones, you feel like you're falling, everything is fading... It's getting dark... What's happening?!}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Help!|step23_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step23_chapter2|You blink your eyes a few times, waiting for everything to settle. It seems the whole scene has changed. You're not with Sirona and Quany anymore. You're somewhere else entirely. Everything around you is strange to you... and yet... yet, it feels like home.


You blink again, and realise you are staring back into a pair of gentle, kind eyes. It's your mate. He leans in, nuzzling you, and you feel yourself melt with happiness.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Look down|step24_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step24_chapter2|You look down, smiling at the sight of the puppies nestled against you, nursing happily. Gosh, they feel so warm and fat.


The other wolf noses each puppy gently. This must be what happiness and serenity is, and you hope this never ends.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Sigh happily|step25_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step25_chapter2|Your sight blurs and twists, and suddenly it's darker in the cave and the other wolf is gone. The puppies are wailing and refusing to nurse as they attempt to waddle around on their poorly developed legs. They are no longer round and fluffy, and their weight hangs on their skinny frames. What happened to your beautiful babies? Why weren't they thriving? You curl yourself around them, attempting to keep them warm as best you can and encourage them to nurse. They continue to wail through the night.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Cry out|step26_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step26_chapter2|Before you can cry, everything fades out again. A loud sound rushes through your ears and you snap your eyes shut, willing it all to go away.


When the sound stops, you open them again, surprised (and relieved) to see Quany and Sirona staring down at you with concern.


"What did you see?" Quany asks.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Tell them|step27_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineLeft|step27_chapter2|You splutter as you tell them both what you just experienced. It was like you were someone else, living a different life. It had started out so lovely, so gentle, and then changed so suddenly.


Quany is silent for a long time, and Sirona looks too worried to speak. Finally, Quany regards you.


"What you saw was a memory, an echo of the past. I've heard of these before... I wonder..." he trails off, lost in thought.}}
{{StoryBlueButton|A memory?|step28_chapter2}}
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<hr>

{{CoigreachStorylineRight|step28_chapter2|"Fascinating," the elder murmurs, studying the trinket piece he'd previously forced you to touch with your nose, ignoring your question entirely.


"Leave this with me, if you wouldn't mind, [NAME]. I think there will be more pieces to find. Take some rest now, and come back later. Come, Sirona. I want you to investigate this with me."}}
{{StoryBlueButton|Okay then...|step1_chapter3}}
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<hr>

{{StorylineNotice|The story will continue on '''November 5th'''.}}

<hr>

</div>

<h2 class="c-header active">Part 2</h2>
<div class="c-content" style="display: block;">

== Part 2 ==
Storyline steps are listed in linear order, and are not sorted based on which path or choices you take. Clicking on a button in each step will allow you to quickly jump to the next step in the story, affected by the button you pressed.


</div>