{{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.
{{NPCProfileSpoilerGallery|Bronagh's Mate|Wolf|9/96/Coigreach_step24_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.
Revision as of 09:07, 30 October 2024
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!
Table of Contents
Links not working? Sections must be expanded to jump to a subheader within them!
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. Character image galleries will contain all of the character's artwork, spoilers included, so proceed with caution!
The Chaorainn Pack
Maeve
Maeve is a friendly personality, searching for her mate, Lowen, who's suddenly gone missing without a trace.
Late Story Information
Maeve is Sirona's daughter-in-law and is pregnant with Lowen's pups.
Wolf
She/Her
Character Image Gallery
Sirona
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.
Late Story Information
Sirona is Conall's mate and Lowen's mother.
Wolf
She/Her
Character Image Gallery
Conall
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.
Late Story Information
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.
Wolf
He/Him
Character Image Gallery
Quany
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.
Late Story Information
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.
Wolf
He/Him
Character Image Gallery
Late Story Characters This section contains spoilers for later parts of Part 1 of the storyline.
Click to view
Bronagh
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.
Wolf
She/Her
Character Image Gallery
Bronagh's Mate
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.
Wolf
He/Him
Character Image Gallery
Part 2 Storyline Characters This section contains characters from Part 2 of the storyline, which occurs shortly after Part 1 and thus includes spoilers for Part 1.
Click to view
Oonagh/Una
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.
Wolf
She/Her
Character Image Gallery
Malachy/Dwi
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.
Wolf
He/Him or She/Her
Character Image Gallery
Lorcan
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!
Wolf
He/Him
Character Image Gallery
Radha and Ailbhe
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.
Faelcu
They/Them
Character Image Gallery
Lowen
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.
Wolf
He/Him
Character Image Gallery
Part 1
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.
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?
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."
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?
"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?
"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."
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.
"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.
"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."
Return to the story after you've asked 10 wolves in explore.
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.
Each wolf you ask will provide a different dialogue response, listed below.
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.
The story will continue in 1 rollover.
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.
"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."
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.
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."
"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?"
"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.
Come back in 3 rollovers to speak to the Chaorainn Pack.
The story will continue in 3 rollovers.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
"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?"
"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?"
"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.
"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.
"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..."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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?"
"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."
"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?
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.
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 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 Trinket Encounters section of the Coigreach Explore Encounters page.
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.
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?!
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.
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.
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.
"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."
After taking some time to rest, you return to where you last met Quany and Sirona. They are here already, murmuring something amongst themselves that you can't quite make out.
You get closer to them, but you can't seem to see any sign of the trinket you left behind. They also don't seem to notice your approach.
At once, both wolves snap round to face you. Sirona's face is full of smiles, and she appears genuinely pleased to see you. Quany is much harder to make out--any feelings he has towards you seem to be being kept quite firmly to himself.
"We've been studying the trinket," Sirona explains, her tail wagging slowly. "Quany thinks there are more of them. This can't be the only one."
"Yes, [NAME], more," Quany replies with a pointed look, as if expecting you to protest. "As you know, there's been more than one instance of these visions occurring, and it's unlikely they were all caused by one little trinket. This land is vast and home to many wolves; they can't all have come across this trinket where you found it."
He gives you a moment to process this before he continues.
"The wolves who have reported visions have also described them differently than the one you experienced. Some talk of a windy hillside, while others insist they were frantically digging and searching. The memory must be broken up into different pieces--four, to be exact. There are four other unique visions from yours, for five total. It will be up to you to find those other four."
Quany's eyes light up at your enthusiasm. If you're not mistaken, it looks like he's trying to hide a smile.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, [NAME], but I have faith in you. Sirona and I are going to study this one further. Return to use when you have found the others."
Quany's expression remains cool as he regards you. "I have every faith in you, [NAME]. Sirona and I are going to study this one further. Return to us when you have found the others."
Return to Quany and Sirona when you have found the other trinkets. You should explore for clues!
Players must find a total of four (4) more Trinket Pieces in explore for this section of the story.
Trinket Pieces 1 and 4: Obtained from a battle opponent. You are given two options, Persuade or Attack. Persuading has a chance to give you the trinket piece, but also a chance to fail. If you choose Attack and then win the battle, you are guaranteed to get the trinket piece.
Trinket Pieces 2 and 3: You may come across a Hint while exploring if you are not exploring in the correct biome. Once you start exploring in the correct biome, you'll come across trinket encounters that have a chance to drop a trinket piece. You can find a list of all trinket encounters in the Trinket Encounters section of the Coigreach Explore Encounters page.
You return to the clearing with haste, clutching all four trinkets proudly in your jaws as you approach the pair, who seem like they have been waiting for you for some time.
Quany steps forward first, his eyes not on you but on the objects you hold. He takes them from you without a word and lays them gingerly on the ground.
Sirona gives you a grateful look, but seems worried and lets Quany inspect them without interruption.
They both remain silent, with Quany looking over all the trinkets. The energy is as heavy as when you first found them, but all together like this, it seems to fade.
The elder leans down, pressing his nose up against one of the trinkets. His body stiffens, and you wonder if he is experiencing a memory, like you had the first time.
"Nothing is happening," Quany growls in frustration.
Sirona approaches slowly, and carefully she leans down to inspect the trinkets, but is mindful not to touch her nose against the pieces. Perhaps she's worried about experiencing a memory. Is she frightened of them?
Quany seems deeply troubled, and he falls silent as he studies the pieces.
Sirona sighs and turns to you.
"I think it's time for you to head home and rest. We've done enough for now, and have enough to think about. Come back later and we'll start fresh."
Feeling well rested, you bid your pack farewell and set off back to the territory of the Chaorainn pack. Your thoughts are distracted, and you find yourself stumbling over your paws as the bushes rattle ominously beside you. A flash of red and a familiar face cause you to backpedal in surprise.
"[NAME]! Oh it's you, truly? Just the wolf I need!"
"Somewhere close by, I'm sure of it. I heard him calling to me. I was tracking his voice when I ran into you. Didn't you hear it? Lowen! Lowen, can you hear me? Call out again!"
She turns and calls into the trees several times, but there is no reply. You also hadn't heard anything until Maeve appeared. Maybe she was mistaken...
Out of the corner of your eye, you see floating lights dance between the trees, quickly disappearing when you turn to look dead on. Your fur rises, and you have an odd feeling. The birds have gone quiet and the gentle breeze has stilled; it's as if the world is holding its breath. You're not sure if it's your mind playing tricks, but suddenly the depths between the trees look darker and more ominous than before. Maeve seems oblivious, still calling out for Lowen.
"Well, he was here," she mumbles, turning back to you. "You do believe me, don't you?"
"Yes, yes that could be! That's a good idea, [NAME]. Sirona will know what to do!" She dashes away in the direction of the foothills, and you find yourself running after her.
Maeve is hopeful, but you're worried. The lights and the way the land was holding its breath... Something was off. Maeve seemed tied to it, because you hadn't noticed anything strange before she appeared. You hadn't heard Lowen either, but she was convinced she had.
There were none of those trinkets around like you had found before, and Maeve was quite lucid. The visions caused by the trinkets seemed different than this. But if so, what was going on?
Maeve narrows her eyes at you. "Save it, [NAME]. We have to stay positive right now. I know he was here. I heard him."
All of a sudden, she lets out a gasp. "Maybe he's hurt! Oh no... My poor Lowen! We need to tell Sirona! She'll know what to do!"
She dashes away in the direction of the foothills before you can respond, and you find yourself running after her.
Maeve is hopeful, but you're worried. The lights and the way the land was holding its breath... Something was off. Maeve seemed tied to it, because you hadn't noticed anything strange before she appeared. You hadn't heard Lowen either, but she was convinced she had.
There were none of those trinkets around like you had found before, and Maeve was quite lucid. The visions caused by the trinkets seemed different than this. But if so, what was going on?
Soon you're padding into the clearing, and you make sure to stand off to the side as Sirona practically tackles Maeve in her exuberance in greeting her pack mate.
"Maeve! Maeve, you're alright!" She briefly touches noses with her friend, and then she's sniffing and inspecting her all over.
"You're not hurt are you? Have you eaten? You know you have to keep your strength up--"
Maeve cuts her off with a sharp look, and Sirona clamps her jaws shut sheepishly.
"Well... not exactly," Maeve admits. "I've been searching for him for a few days now, and then suddenly I heard him. He was calling to me! I tried to follow his voice but kept getting lost. That's when I bumped into [NAME]. They convinced me to come back and find you after Lowen stopped calling to me. He could be hurt and need our help! You'll come, won't you Sirona?"
Maeve is looking at her pleadingly and Sirona seems troubled, but nods.
"Of course I will. But first, I'm making you rest for a bit."
Maeve looks at you sharply. "It doesn't matter. It's not Sirona's business to share." She turns back to Sirona, clearly not willing to tell you anything else. She changes the subject: "I've found him, Sirona. Lowen!"
Sirona's eyes widen. "You've seen him? Where is he?"
"I haven't seen him," Maeve corrects. "I've been searching for him for a few days now, and then suddenly I heard him. He was calling to me! I tried to follow his voice but kept getting lost. That's when I bumped into [NAME]. They convinced me to come back and find you after Lowen stopped calling to me. He could be hurt and need our help! You'll come, won't you Sirona?"
Maeve is looking at her pleadingly and Sirona seems troubled, but nods.
"Of course I will. But first, I'm making you rest for a bit."
Sirona watches Maeve slope away until she disappears out of sight. She turns to you, her face full of relief.
"Thank you for finding her and bringing her back, Desert Primrose. She may not want to admit it, but I know she's grateful to be home. She needs to rest--I'm sure she hasn't slept," Sirona sighs, and looks at you questioningly.
You follow her to Quany's den, and he's sitting outside of it and pushing the trinkets around with a long claw. At first he doesn't notice your approach, and then Sirona clears her throat which causes him to startle for a second before composing himself.
"Ah [NAME], I didn't scare you off with Faelcu tales, I see."
He looks amused at his own joke, and taps a claw near the trinkets.
"Come look at this. They each seem to have their own shape, and if I squint it looks like they could almost go together somehow. A puzzle, if you will. But I've been staring at them so long my head is all fuzzy, and I can't make sense of it anymore," he says with a sigh.
In order to proceed, the player must solve a puzzle. Drag and drop trinket pieces to form a complete shape.You can rotate the pieces, but only if they have already been dragged into one of the square slots.
Once the puzzle has been completed, the gemstones will glow, and you will be able to continue onto the next step. The image below shows what the puzzle looks like once completed.
The pieces fit together with a small snick and you step back in surprise as the finished form begins to glow softly. Sirona and Quany lean close beside you, just as entranced as you are.
"I'm not sure what this is. It looks like some sort of old symbol. It's like the pieces are knotted together. Sirona?"
"I've never seen it either. What does it mean? Do you think it's dangerous?"
The new voice makes you jerk your head up. You leap to your paws at the sight of a ghostly, misty form standing before you.
Sirona's hackles raise and she snarls, while Quany grumbles low in his throat.
Before you stands an elegant, leggy wolf with a smooth appearance, almost too perfect. Her eyes seem to stare deep into your soul, and you can't look away.
You can't quite believe your eyes. Is this some kind of apparition, a spirit? She appears almost see through and yet here she was--talking to you, no less.
She begins to approach, her movement making it seem like she was gliding. Her eyes are fixed on the trinkets, which thrum with energy.
Quany steps forward, as if instinctively posturing to protect both you and Sirona. He mutters under his breath, "Bronagh... yes... the mother from the stories..."
He doesn't respond to you, instead keeping eye contact with the creature. Despite his intimidating appearance, Bronagh doesn't seem fazed at all by Quany's approach. She turns to regard him, staring at him as if he was simply insignificant.
"You won't stop me, Cian..."
Quany glares at her with undisguised malice.
"I'm not your mate, spirit," Quany growls. "Stay back. I won't warn you again."
He's a bristly old wolf, but you've not seen this side of him before. He must have been formidable in his younger years.
You look down at the completed trinket puzzle on the ground, and your eyes widen in surprise.
The twisted knot is vibrating fiercely, the motion so strong it gives off a loud humming noise, one that seems to increase in volume the closer you get to it. Dark energy glows from the piece like a billow of thin, black smoke. It seems to react very strongly to Bronagh's presence.
What feels like a thunderclap cracks through your body the second your nose touches the trinkets. Electricity fizzes in your muscles, veins and fur, and everything fades to black. Bronagh, Sirona and Quany are all gone. Everything you know is gone.
Replaced with... too many things at once.
Noises ranging from muttered voices, to screaming, to shrill howls, to the faintest of whispers, speak out all at once. They're so scrambled you can't interpret any of them.
Scenes shoot past your vision, so fast they are all a blur, impossible to make out.
You can't hear your voice even as you try to call out. It's as if you have been strangled and are unable to speak, and everything in the world around you is enveloping you, overwhelming you with too much information at once.
Eventually, the information starts to slow. Scenes begin to form in such a way that you are able to see and understand them.
The memory from before plays again, each scene slightly too fast, but you recognise the puppies nestled against your side, and the shock of their change in the next.
The male wolf from before is standing above you, looking tired and uncertain. Another wolf comes into your den, offering herbs for the puppies, telling you that you must eat them to increase your milk.
The herbs are bitter, but you oblige, eager to try anything to help your precious little ones.
With a loud whoosh, you are transported to the next vision.
This time you are somewhere else. Heat radiates down on your back and as you look up, you realise you are outside, with the sun beaming on you. Gods, it feels glorious. Inside the den you can hear the faint cries of tiny puppies, but you're so tired, just so tired...
You feel the cold, wet nose of another wolf nudging you gently. It's the same one that gave you those herbs. She's standing over you now, muttering something.
Faelcu this, changeling that, and didn't you think this was possible? Oh, you don't know... Doesn't she see that you need some rest?
The changes between the visions seem to become more violent, and you take a moment to catch your breath.
You look up, eyes blinking to adjust to the new scene, currently bathed in moonlight. The weak puppies from before have been brought here--by you, you assume--and are tucked safely in a thicket of taller grass.
Yes! Now the Faelcu could come and take them back. It all makes sense. You just need to let them know you're ready to make the trade.
You didn't even need to close your eyes this time for the vision to change, and your howl echoes as the scene before you changes.
Panic and grief floods you suddenly as your eyes search the thicket for any trace of the puppies--your puppies, which are meant to have been returned to you by now.
You search frantically, tearing at the clumps of grass, digging in shallow holes, howling out challenges to the Faelcu for so long that your voice grows hoarse.
A figure appears on the horizon and approaches you quickly. His scent is familiar, comforting. You turn to him, but his face is full of horror.
You're too slow to react, but Sirona is leaping to shove him out of the way as the spirit makes contact with them both.
A strange sound comes from Sirona's muzzle, and she appears to have stopped breathing. Her eyes bulge as she collapses, gasping and clawing at the ground as she tries to get air.
Quany is stumbling toward her, shaking his head and pawing at his muzzle. He looks dazed, but unharmed.
You leap to Sirona's side, determined to aid her. She's still struggling, and Quany puts a heavy paw behind her head to hold her still.
"Her jaw! Get her jaw open!"
How the heck are you supposed to do that? You look at Quany in confusion, and with a growl of irritation he takes a hold of the loose skin below her jowls and begins to tug.
As gently as you can, you put the top of her muzzle into your mouth and give a firm tug. Then another, and another, until finally--pop and her locked jaw is released. She's gasping--no, swallowing---air like a fish out of water, and lays there trembling.
"Sirona, you're alright. Just concentrate on breathing. Take easy, slow breaths. Don't try to move just yet. There you go," Quany encourages her, and the frightened look in her eyes slowly fades.
Of course, Quany is over here worried about Sirona when he doesn't look too hot himself. Sirona took the brunt of it, but Bronagh's spirit had gotten him, too.
Too concerned with Sirona to be outraged by your ignorance, Quany reaches a paw up to the top of her muzzle, using whatever strength he has to prise the rest of her jaw open.
A small pop--and her locked jaw is released. She's gasping--no, swallowing---air like a fish out of water, and lays there trembling.
"Sirona, you're alright. Just concentrate on breathing. Take easy, slow breaths. Don't try to move just yet. There you go," Quany encourages her, and the frightened look in her eyes slowly fades.
Of course, Quany is over here worried about Sirona when he doesn't look too hot himself. Sirona took the brunt of it, but Bronagh's spirit had gotten him, too.
"I'll be fine. I've had worse from pups younger than you."
The joke falls flat as he licks Sirona's ear comfortingly, and his eyes travel around the now empty area.
"Where did she go? And where's that blasted trinket?"
There's no sign of the spirit anywhere, and the trinket is gone. You were so worried about Sirona that you hadn't noticed the spirit's disappearance. The trinket seemed powerful, and now she had it...
"No idea, but it can't be good. That trinket seems to be a part of her and any wolf with eyes can see that it's powerful." Quany looks at you in earnest. "We have to find her, [NAME]. Well, you have to--I don't have the strength to go on a long trek, and Sirona can barely sit up."
The herbalist has gotten her breath back by this point and is sitting upright, but heavily leaning on Quany. She looks exhausted.
"I'd focus on the caves," Sirona says with a rasp, and you wince. "She... she's a spirit. She won't be out in plain sight. She will keep to the shadows and stay as secluded as she can. You know, like all of the stories Quany tells to scare the pups away from the dark caves." A light smile tugs at her muzzle and you look at Quany expectantly.
Quany huffs and rolls his eyes. "Very funny. But she does have a point," he admits. "Caves are a good bet. Search all of the ones you can find, no matter how big or how small. She's out there, and we're going to track her down if it's the last thing we do."
Find and explore 5 caves, and then return to Quany and Sirona.
For this part of the story, explore during Dusk or Night, following wisps into caves. After you've explored 4 caves, the 5th cave you explore will lead to the special encounter below.
The final chamber is... unmistakeable! The energy in this room is so heavy your chest hurts, with the darkness of the cave blistering away into the green preternatural glow the chamber holds. Stones with the same carvings stand in a circular fashion, with a singular pillar of rocks placed right in the middle. Skulls lay atop them--a pair-- and present quite and eerie display. Without a doubt, you are certain this is the right place!
Return to the story to let Quany and Sirona know that you've found her lair.
"That's good news, [NAME]. Let's rest, and then we will face her after. We will need all of our strength." Quany bids you farewell, and goes to curl up in his cave. Sirona was gone when you returned, presumably already asleep after her encounter. It was time for you to get some sleep, too.
The world is quiet and still as you leave your pack to meet Sirona and Quany. As you approach the den site, you can hear loud arguing ahead. What is going on?
You break into the clearing, and Maeve is pacing back and forth in front of Sirona, angrily snapping at her. As usual Sirona is the picture of calm, but her eyes are drawn and her shoulders are a bit hunched. She must be exhausted.
"I must go! You aren't leaving here without me, Sirona!"
Maeve whips around and looks emboldened by your presence.
"[NAME] listens to me, even if you don't! Sirona told me you're going to find out what happened to Lowen. I have to go with you!"
Sirona's eyes meet yours from behind Maeve, and it's clear how she wants you to reply. You wonder though... doesn't she have a right to find out what happened to Lowen? Yet as she paces around the clearing you notice that she's not the steadiest on her paws, and seems to walk heavily. Was she fit to go out and potentially put herself in danger?
You hang back and decide to watch the scene play out instead--after all, who were you to intervene in this dispute? However, your presence is quickly noticed and Maeve whips round, looking emboldened.
"[NAME] listens to me, even if you don't!" she growls. "Sirona told me you're going to find out what happened to Lowen. I have to go with you!"
Sirona's eyes meet yours from behind Maeve, and it's clear how she wants you to reply. You wonder though... doesn't she have a right to find out what happened to Lowen? Yet as she paces around the clearing you notice that she's not the steadiest on her paws, and seems to walk heavily. Was she fit to go out and potentially put herself in danger?
"That's right! See, [NAME] understands. Please, Sirona. I promise I'll be careful," she begs, and Sirona sighs. She holds Maeve's gaze for a moment, her eyes sad, and you can see how conflicted she is.
"Promise me, Maeve. Whatever happens out there... don't do anything reckless. I've already lost my son. I can't lose you, too," she chokes out.
Wait a minute. Lowen is her son?
Maeve's expression softens, and she nuzzles Sirona. "I won't, Sirona. I promise I won't leave you alone."
Sirona looks like she wants to say something, but Quany is ambling toward the three of you from his cave and looks impatient.
"If you're finished arguing, we'd best get a move on."
"If you think I'm not going to come, [NAME], you're crazy. You can't stop me. I have to find him."
Sirona turns to address Maeve. She seems oddly conflicted, and her eyes have become sad.
"Promise me, Maeve. Whatever happens out there... don't do anything reckless. I've already lost my son. I can't lose you, too," she chokes out.
Wait a minute. Lowen is her son?
Maeve's face crumples. "Oh, Sirona... I'll be careful, I promise. I don't want to lose you, either." She nuzzles the herbalist, shooting you a sharp look out of the corner of her eye. Clearly her tenderness is only for Sirona. You are still in the doghouse.
Sirona opens her jaws to say something, but Quany is ambling toward the three of you from his cave and looks impatient.
"If you're finished arguing, we'd best get a move on."
You lead them to the location of the cave you saw Bronagh in, and the closer you get, the more still the air is. It's eerily quiet, and the only noises you hear are the soft breaths of your companions. You turn a bend, and a dark, deep cave swallows the rocky cliff.
You can't see anything past the mouth, but the darkness is sinister and your pelt prickles as the air seems to crackle with electricity. There's something otherworldly inhabiting this place--of that you are certain.
You quickly spin and look all around you, wondering where those whispered words came from. Quany, Sirona, and Maeve are looking around, too. Had they also heard the voice?
"Mother is here, just a few steps my love..."
"Conall? Is that you?" Sirona calls out, and you look at her in surprise. How could she think it was Conall? It was clearly Bronagh's voice.
"Lowen, at last! I knew you'd come back!" Maeve goes to move toward the cave, but Quany blocks her.
"Don't move, Maeve," he growls, and she blinks up at him in confusion.
"Maeve heard Lowen calling to her, and those lights were around then, too. Now they're here again but we're all hearing voices? That can't be a coincidence."
Quany narrows his eyes, as if he's looking for more of the lights.
"Is that how she's doing this? Using the lights to lure wolves in?"
"It must be," Sirona reasons. "A wolf wouldn't follow a spirit. But they'd certainly follow the voice of a loved one calling out to them for help."
"That doesn't answer the question of where the wolves are though!" Maeve growls, and stalks up to the cave entrance.
Your pleas fall on deaf ears, and soon Maeve is at the front of the cave, calling out to the spirit defiantly.
"Bronagh!" Maeve's challenge is full of grief for her lost mate and you can feel your heart breaking for her. "You give Lowen back! He has nothing to give you!"
The darkness at the mouth of the cave seems to move, and the misty form of Bronagh materializes.
"They are here... Yes, I know they are..."
"What do you mean they're here?" Maeve snarls. "Do you have Lowen locked up in there?"
"Bronagh!" Maeve's challenge is full of grief for her lost mate and you can feel your heart breaking for her. "You give Lowen back! He has nothing to give you!"
The darkness at the mouth of the cave seems to move, and the misty form of Bronagh materializes.
"They are here... Yes, I know they are..."
"What do you mean they're here?" Maeve snarls. "Do you have Lowen locked up in there?"
Maeve lets out a frustrated noise and begins tearing at the ground. Sirona hurries to her side and coaxes her back a few feet, anxious to not let her get too close to the spirit.
"She won't stop until she has her puppies," Quany states, and shakes his head. "But we can't give them to her. We don't have them either."
Sirona opens her muzzle to speak, but then shuts it again, as if hesitant to voice her thoughts.
"It's not what I want to do.. but I don't see that we have another choice."
"We can't do that to a mother," Maeve says quietly, and her eyes are sharp. "Those puppies would be gone forever."
Sirona shakes her head. "We don't know that. She wouldn't risk killing her puppies, so it doesn't make sense that she would kill the wolves she's tricked. They have to be going somewhere don't they?"
Quany has a thoughtful look on his face as he considers her proposal. "The Faelcu have their world, and we have ours... but Bronagh is not of either world. It's like she's suspended between both."
Quany shakes his head. "Mortal wolves can't access the spiritual plane, and they also can't go to the Faelcu realm unless taken there by the Faelcu. So it stands to reason that if the wolves are just up and disappearing, they must be trapped between them somehow."
Maeve perks up at this comment. "So then they aren't dead? They can be rescued?"
He takes a deep sigh. "I--"
"I know you're there. Come back to me."
Bronagh's voice echoing from the cave pulls your attention back to the problem at hand.
Quany sighs again. "[NAME] is right. We can't focus on what ifs right now--we need to stop her from taking more wolves and destroying more families."
Maeve moans softly and sinks to the ground in despair. Sirona nuzzles her gently, trying to comfort her.
"We'll find them, Maeve. One day we'll find them. You must trust me--I won't give up on either of them, and neither should you." Her words are encouraging, but you get the sense that they aren't just for show. She's determined to find a way somehow, and if that's what they both needed to believe, then so be it.
Quany turns to you. "I know this is a difficult ask, [NAME]. But our pack is small, and we need to give her two puppies in order to trick her for the good of all wolves and this land. Would you be willing to give her two? They could be yours, or maybe you could trade for some from another pack... You'll never see them again, but I don't doubt she would care for them as her own..."
This choice in the storyline permanently alters the outcome of the story and determines which reward you earn from Part 1. For convenience, these separate paths will be separated for the remainder for Part 1 of the storyline.
If you choose to Agree and give up two of your pups, you will receive a Base Applicator [Clover] at the end of Part 1 of the storyline.
If you choose to Refuse to give up two of your pups, you will receive a Base Applicator [Moss] at the end of Part 1 of the storyline.
Chapter 5 Agree Path
Chapter 5 Agree Path
Bring 2 puppies under a year old to give to Bronagh. They must be weaned. They can be sick, but cannot be immortal, secured, in a trade, in a raffle or in training.
Nudging the pups along with your nose, you guide them to the mouth of the cave. Quany is at your side, and Sirona and Maeve watch from a safer distance.
Bronagh's spirit focuses on the puppies, and her energy seems to practically thrum with happiness. Beside her paw, the trinket knot is shining.
"Oh, sweet ones, is that you? Come here, mother is here..."
The pups are confused at first, then they seem to recognize her as a wisp blinks in front of them briefly and then disappears.
"Mama? Mama!" They pad to the mouth of the cave, little tails wagging, and Bronagh leans down to nuzzle them.
"My puppies! You have returned! Oh I knew it, I knew those Faelcu would have to give you back. Come sweetlings, let's go home."
Bronagh turns and, with the puppies following, disappears into the darkness of the cave.
The breath that the earth was holding seems to release--wind stirs the air again, and you can hear bugs and small critters moving around you.
No one moves for several moments. It's as if you're all waiting for something else to happen. But all is calm again, and the energy that once crackled all around you has disappeared.
Sirona pads past you and Quany to the mouth of the cave--still dark, but the darkness is more murky than sinister now.
Gently grabbing it in her teeth, she pads over and then drops it at her paws as you, Quany, and Maeve all peer at it curiously.
"I would have thought she would have taken it with her..." Sirona trails off as she inspects it. It's no longer glowing, or giving off any sort of energy. In fact, it looks rather plain now.
Quany regards it with a thoughtful look. "The pieces of the knot were a physical manifestation of her memories... It was of this world even if she was not. It has no place except here on the mortal plane."
He turns it this way and that with a claw, as if looking for any sign that it's not just a normal trinket.
Maeve's voice is firm, almost commanding, as she joins you.
"Bury it, so that her soul finds peace in this world and she can't hurt anyone else."
She picks up the trinket knot in her jaws and pads a few feet into the cave before placing it gently on the ground.
"You took my Lowen. You took Conall. You hurt so many wolves... but it was all for your puppies. You just wanted your babies back." Her voice is near a whisper at the end, strained and full of grief. "That doesn't excuse what you did. Take your peace, for now... I will not give up. We will find a way to get back the wolves you took. One day. And if we have to go through you to do it, so be it."
The threat in her voice is undisguised, and without another word, she begins to dig.
You join her, and Quany and Sirona join in too. Within minutes there is a deep hole in the ground, and Maeve stops digging. Picking up the trinket knot in her teeth, she unceremoniously drops it into the hole.
With a nod of approval, she then begins to kick dirt back in, and working together you soon have it covered back up.
"Wait here, I'll be right back," Sirona says, and lopes away. Where is she going?
She returns a few minutes later holding a cluster of yellow flowers, and sets them gently on the soft mound of dirt.
"Not so much thoughtful as a step to ensure she doesn't come back," she replies. "Herbs hold great power. Whether you believe in such things or not, the gesture can't hurt."
Maeve leans over and gives her ear a lick.
"Thank you Sirona. Hopefully we never have to deal with this again." Maeve looks at you in gratitude. "Thank you for all you've done, [NAME]. At least for now, her search is over. I will not give up on Lowen. One day I'll see him again. But for now, my paws ache," she says with a sigh, and Sirona rolls her eyes.
"Gee, I wonder why. Come on Maeve, let's get you home," she says with a laugh, and padding side by side, they set off in the direction of their pack territory.
"Keep on your guard, [NAME]. It may take some time for the effects of her search to wear off. Trust nothing, especially the lights." His expression brightens. "I'd best go after them or I'll be left behind. I don't move very fast anymore, you know." He lets out a husky laugh and nods respectfully at you.
"You are a good pup. You've done well to help us these past days. I've been around a while, I know a good wolf when I see it." He goes downward into a stretch, as if gearing up for the long trek back to his den.
"Don't be a stranger to the Chaorainn Pack. Come visit when you can. I have a feeling there will be more than one little reason for you to seek us out again." He has a mischievous look in his eye, and you think you know what he means.
He pads off, shouting ahead: "Would you two wait? I'm pretty sure you're supposed to let the elders go first, you know."
You watch him disappear, and look back at the trinket knot burial site one last time before turning and heading back to your pack.
You have successfully completed the Coigreach storyline! You have been given the following rewards:
You got a Base Applicator [Clover] and + 100 Smoky Quartz!
The story will continue on November 20th.
Chapter 5 Refuse Path
Chapter 5 Refuse Path
Quany is regarding you with a frown. But is he upset, or just considering your answer?
"Very well, [NAME]. That is your choice. The problem still stands, then. We need to figure out a way to--"
"She can take them. Just let her take mine."
Maeve has gotten to her paws, and she's locking her sad eyes with yours as she speaks.
"Lowen is gone. The pups in my belly will never know him--and I can't do this without him. Better they live with her knowing love than to be stuck with me."
Maeve whirls around and goes nose-to-nose with Sirona.
"This isn't your choice, Sirona. What life can I give these pups without Lowen? It just won't be the same..." She's looking at the cave now, deep in thought. "They deserve better. They deserve better than a mother who won't be truly there."
She goes to take a step toward the cave, but Sirona blocks her path.
"Don't make any rash decisions! Think about this! You will love those pups and raise them well, I know you will. You won't be alone, Maeve. I'll be there, Quany will tell them stories--"
Maeve is shaking her head before Sirona even finishes speaking. "No. This is my decision. Stand aside, Sirona."
Maeve glares at you and peels her lips back in warning.
"This isn't up to you, either, [NAME]. I'm going."
She pushes past you and Sirona and makes her way to the mouth of the cave. Bronagh's ghostly form is staring unblinkingly at her.
"Can you understand me, spirit? I have your puppies. They're right here!" She turns to the side and shows Bronagh her swelling belly. At first she doesn't move, but then Bronagh seems to hone in on it, as if her focus is only for "her" puppies.
"Oh there you are... Yes, you've been kept away from me, but I see you now."
She takes a step toward Maeve, and Maeve seems to be drawn to her and moves forward. The two wolves are nose to nose, eyes locked, and although Bronagh doesn't have any expression to her face, you could swear something passes between them...
Maeve looks at you gratefully, and Sirona steps back with a sigh.
Maeve makes her way to the mouth of the cave. Bronagh's ghostly form is staring unblinkingly at her.
"Can you understand me, spirit? I have your puppies. They're right here!" She turns to the side and shows Bronagh her swelling belly. At first she doesn't move, but then Bronagh seems to hone in on it, as if her focus is only for "her" puppies.
"Oh there you are... Yes, you've been kept away from me, but I see you now."
She takes a step toward Maeve, and Maeve seems to be drawn to her and moves forward. The two wolves are nose to nose, eyes locked, and although Bronagh doesn't have any expression to her ghostly face, you could swear something passes between them...
Maeve sighs and closes her eyes, and Bronagh steps through her. It's like the two wolves are merging, and Maeve's fur is shimmering as the spirit goes through her body. Bronagh seems to dissipate at the end, and the air goes still.
Swaying on her feet a bit, Maeve blinks rapidly and shakes out her fur aggressively as if trying to dry a soaked pelt. She looks around, eyes wide, and twists to stare at her belly... which is no longer swollen.
"Such good pups, come with mother now. Those Faelcu can't keep you any longer."
All eyes look toward the mouth of the cave as Bronagh materializes again, this time with two ghostly puppies at her side. They whine at her, little tails wagging, and she leans down to nuzzle them gently.
Bronagh turns and, with the puppies following, disappears into the darkness of the cave.
The breath that the earth was holding seems to release--wind stirs the air again, and you can hear bugs and small critters moving around you.
No one moves for several moments. It's as if you're all waiting for something else to happen. But all is calm again, and the energy that once crackled all around you has disappeared.
Maeve slumps heavily to her rump, and Sirona is hurrying to her before either you or Quany have moved.
"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Sirona noses and looks Maeve over as she assures the herbalist that she's fine. You breathe a sigh of relief and as you look back toward the cave, something catches your eye.
Sirona stops worrying over Maeve for a moment and pads over to the mouth of the cave. She noses something shiny into the light--the knot! Gently grabbing it in her teeth, she pads over and then drops it at her paws as you, Quany, and Maeve all peer at it curiously.
"I would have thought she would have taken it with her..." Sirona trails off as she inspects it. It's no longer glowing, or giving off any sort of energy. In fact, it looks rather plain now.
Quany regards it with a thoughtful look. "The pieces of the knot were a physical manifestation of her memories... It was of this world even if she was not. It has no place except here on the mortal plane."
He turns it this way and that with a claw, as if looking for any sign that it's not just a normal trinket.
Maeve's voice is quiet. You can't read her face as she looks at the group. It's almost too flat... as if she's feeling nothing at all.
"Bury it so we can put this to rest and forget that it ever happened."
She picks up the trinket knot in her jaws and pads a few feet into the cave before dropping it roughly on the ground.
"Take care of my babies, Bronagh. Just remember this: you took Lowen. You took Conall. You hurt so many wolves. So take your peace, for now... but I will not give up. We will find a way to get back the wolves you took. One day. And if we have to go through you to do it, so be it." Her voice is menacing at the end, full of malice. You don't doubt that she will make good on her promise.
You join her, and Quany and Sirona join in too. Within minutes there is a deep hole in the ground, and Maeve stops digging. Picking up the trinket knot in her teeth, she unceremoniously drops it into the hole.
With a nod of approval, she then begins to kick dirt back in, and working together you soon have it covered back up.
"Wait here, I'll be right back," Sirona says, and lopes away. Where is she going?
She returns a few minutes later holding a cluster of yellow flowers, and sets them gently on the soft mound of dirt.
"Not so much thoughtful as a step to ensure she doesn't come back," she replies. "Herbs hold great power. Whether you believe in such things or not, the gesture can't hurt."
Maeve snorts and kicks an extra tuft of dirt on the mound.
"Good riddance, I say. I'm going home," she states, and without another word she turns and heads toward the direction of her pack. Her gait is slow and tender, as if she's taking care to move gently, and Sirona turns to you.
"Thank you for everything, [NAME]. Don't worry about Maeve, I'll take care of her. She'll be okay after a time. She has the hope of finding Lowen to hold onto. I will do everything I can to help her find him... and Conall."
She hurries to catch up to Maeve, and she lets her lean against her as they walk.
"Keep on your guard, [NAME]. It may take some time for the effects of her search to wear off. Trust nothing, especially the lights. Anyway, I'd best go after them or I'll be left behind. I don't move very fast anymore." He stretches with a groan, and you hear his old joints pop.
"Don't be a stranger to the Chaorainn Pack. Come visit when you can. I have a feeling there will be a time when we call on you again." His eyes are hopeful, and you want to believe that hope comes to fruition. Maybe one day there will be a way...
He gives you one final look before he pads off after them silently.
You watch him disappear, and look back at the trinket knot burial site one last time before turning and heading back to your pack.
You have successfully completed the Coigreach storyline! You have been given the following rewards:
You got a Base Applicator [Moss] and + 100 Smoky Quartz!
The story will continue on November 20th.
Part 2
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.
100 Smoky Quartz!
