Ashen Oath Chapter 4: Kora Path: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "<center>File:Ashenoath.png</center> Chapter 4 of the Ashen Oath storyline begins on October 25th as part of the Halloween Spectacle event. This final branch of the storyline will only appear for you if you doubted Namir and helped Kora in Chapter 3. Depending on the choices made in this chapter, you made jump between this storyline branch and the Coven storyline branch. For this chapter to make the m...")
 
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<center>[[File:Ashenoath.png]]</center>
<center>[[File:Ashenoath.png]]</center>


Chapter 4 of the [[Ashen Oath]] storyline begins on October 25th as part of the [[Halloween Spectacle]] event. This final branch of the storyline will only appear for you if you doubted Namir and helped Kora in [[Ashen Oath Chapter 3|Chapter 3]].
Chapter 4 of the [[Ashen Oath]] storyline begins on October 25th as part of the [[Halloween Spectacle]] event. This final branch of the storyline will only appear for you if you doubted Namir and helped Kora in [[Ashen Oath Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]. Please note that this storyline has many branching paths. For the storyline to make the most sense, we recommend that you <b>click the storyline buttons</b> to be taken to the next page for a specific branch, rather than scrolling.
 
 
Depending on the choices made in this chapter, you made jump between this storyline branch and the [[Ashen Oath Chapter 4: Coven|Coven storyline branch]]. For this chapter to make the most sense, we strongly recommend that you <b>click the storyline buttons</b> to be taken to the next page for a specific branch, rather than scrolling.


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Revision as of 01:29, 19 October 2025

Chapter 4 of the Ashen Oath storyline begins on October 25th as part of the Halloween Spectacle event. This final branch of the storyline will only appear for you if you doubted Namir and helped Kora in Chapter 3. Please note that this storyline has many branching paths. For the storyline to make the most sense, we recommend that you click the storyline buttons to be taken to the next page for a specific branch, rather than scrolling.


Wind lifts the fur along your spine, and you feel a sense of urgency come over you. The air has shifted and the energy of the world hums with anticipation-it is time.


You smell a familiar scent on the air and follow it. Kora sits proudly, eyes meeting yours as you pace into the clearing.


"We're ready, [Name]. It's time to stop the witches once and for all. The hour for the ritual is near-they will be preparing now."
Page 1a

Kora smiles.


"He's with the witches, helping them prepare. That's what they think, anyway," Her eyes are bright and eager-she's ready for this.


"He's preparing for the corruption ritual, but he's secretly putting the necessary ingredeients into place for cleansing at the same time. They're so focusing on twisting this world that they aren't paying attention to him. He's just their servant."
Page 2a

Kora gestures as she rises to her paws and starts heading toward the witches' grove. You follow, listening as she explains.


"You'll go to them, just like you've been doing. Namir will meet you, and we'll go from there. I imagine the witches will teach you their corruption ritual. At that point, once they being and are too absorbed to notice, you and Namir will begin the cleansing while I deal with Saligia."


She snarls briefly, and it only takes you a moment to realize what she means.
Page 3a

Kora nods.


"It's the only way to cut her off from her sisters, thus severing the connection of power and halting the ritual. Without her, they are nothing-they won't be a threat. At that point they should go scampering back to whatever dark corner they came from...or they can choose to follow Saligia's fate."


The she-wolf shows no signs of backing down from her task. She is committed until the end.
Page 4a

The grove looms ahead, and Kora falls back, nodding you forward.


"You go. If they know I'm here before the ritual begins, it won't be good. Play along and make sure they believe it. We don't have time for poor acting. Make it good, [Name]."


With a pointed look, she trots into some brush just outside the entrance and all is quiet. You hear low voices and energy sizzles in the air-it's now or never.
Page 5a

The witches are busy preparing and their paw steps have an eager, excited energy to them. As you enter the grove, you spot Namir on the far side, gathering various ingredients and passing them to the witches as they pace back and forth, placing them in specific spots.


Your eyes meet, and he gives you a small nod. He's gotten things ready, and now it's up to you.


"[Name]! You're here!"


Saligia bounds over to you, fur bristling in anticipation. She look genuinely happy to see you-to her, you're a kindred spirit.
Page 6a

The following pages appear if you clicked "[Play dumb] Saligia, what's going on?" on Page 6a.
She beams and shoves her head into your shoulder, directing you towards Namir.


"It's time to complete what we've been working towards-the last ritual, the one act that will transform this world to the way it should be.


As you approach Namir he glances warily at you, unsure of what Saligia wants.


"Namir is like you-a wolf whose eyes have been opened to the power within him. We need you both for this ritual. Should be succeed, you will both receive an incredible gift."
Page 7a

Saligia nods toward her sisters as they go about their duties, smiling proudly.


"When the ritual is complete, there will be no creature that poses a challenge to you. Nature itself will recognize your power, rendering you invulnerable. Flames will shrink back from touching you, and turbulent waters will spit you out to protect you from drowning. You will rise as a legendary leader, guiding your pack. Your heart will beat in harmony with ours, allowing you to become like us. An all-powerful being...a witch in full."


She looks at you pointedly, gauging your reaction.
Page 8a

The following page appears if you clicked "Say nothing" on Page 6a.
Saligia seems a bit unnerved by your lack of response, but nudges you towards Namir.


As you approach Namir he glances warily at you, unsure of what Saligia wants.


"Namir is like you-a wolf whose eyes have been opened to the power within him. We need you both for this ritual. Should be succeed, you will both receive an incredible gift."


You can tell your lack of enthusiasm worries her, and she narrows her eyes.


"You want to be a witch, don't you?"
Page 7b

With a laugh she shakes her head.


"Not quite, my friend. Nearly, but practice still makes perfect, after all."


A howl rings out, and Saligia looks like she's about to burst with excitement.


"It's time! Come, [Name]. Come, Namir. Our wonderful apprentices, it is time for you to come into your full power."


She strides to the middle of the grove, situating herself at the head of the circle. Her sisters follow suit, stationing themselves in even intervals where the ingredients have been place.


"Step forward, apprentices."
Page 7a

Without hesitation, Namir strides forward, quickly glancing at you as if to encourage you. There's no going back now. You pad along at his side, and your ears pick up slight at the edge of the grove as movement flickers at the edge of your vision.


It's hard not to turn and look, but you know it's Kora-she's ready, and if you give her away, all will be lost.


"Sit opposite one another in the center. Listen well: repeat my words and let the energy of the Earth consume and fuel you. Soon, all will be as it should."


Saligia closes her eyes and begins to howl the words of the ritual, and her sisters join in.
Page 10a

Locking eyes with Namir, you being the chant hesitantly-how long did it take? Would there be enough time to stop? Namir looks uncertain, but joins your howl.


The air crackles and you feel your pelt rise. The flow of energy is enough to make you gasp and twist your stomach as the corruption begins to spread. Where is Kora? Should she be-


Saligia's howl cuts off with a shriek, and you see a blur of gray tackle her to the ground.


The howls of the other witches cut off abruptly and the grove erupts into chaos.
Page 11a

Saligia and Kora crash violently around the grove, and Namir is already leaping from your side to defend the she-wolf as the other witches descend upon her and their leader.


He is formidable, but he's only one wolf and doesn't stand a chance on his own.
Page 12a

The following pages appear if you clicked "Back away" on Page 12a.
You aren't looking for a fight, and Kora never said anything about risking your own neck. You have your pack to think about!


Kora and Saligia are well-matched, and Namir seems to be managing on his own. There's no reason for you to get involved, despite the nasty looks Namir keeps giving you.
Page 13a

You hover near the edge of the grove, not daring to get close to the snapping wolves.


At last, Namir scrapples with the last of the witches and with a yelp the witch pulls away and retreats. You can feel his eyes burning a hole in your head, but a snarl echoes through the grove and you both turn.


"You are a disgrace to all witches!"


Kora has Saligia pinned to the ground, jaws poised over her throat.


"Despicable. You should be ashamed."


Saligia pants heavily, bleeding from various wounds, but she manages to smirk.


"Ah, the lost one. You never did understand. Go on, kill me; see what that does."
Page 14a

The following page appears if you clicked "Leap into the fray!" on Page 12a.
You snap at the last of the witches and they stumble back, injured and exchausted. Namir scrapples with another and with a yelp the witch pulls away and retreats.


"You are a disgrace to all witches!"


A snarl reaches you ears and you whip around to see Kora has Saligia pinned to the ground, jaws poised over her throat.


"Despicable. You should be ashamed."


Saligia pants heavily, bleeding from various wounds, but she manages to smirk.


"Ah, the lost one. You never did understand. Go on, kill me; see what that does."
Page 14b

Kora bares her teeth at the witch, saliva dripping from her jaws.


"Not yet, witch. First, your sisters are going to help put the world back as it should be. You hear that, witches? Lend us your power or I will kill her!"


She closes her jaws more tightly around Saligia's throat, causing the witch to let out a choked breath.


"No! No...please, stop. We'll...we'll help." One of the sisters limps forward, her eyes terrified. She looks around the grove and the rest of the witches pull themselves to their paws. "We can't do it now, we need..."


"Everything is ready."
Page 15a

Namir moves to stand at your side, intent on the witch before him.


"It is all prepared. I have the ingredients. Take your positions; I will get what we need."


The witch is too surprised to argue, and listens without a word. Namir goes to the ingredient pile, lifting things away and digging until he reaches a bundle that sits nestled under everything else.


"Traitor! How dare you--" Saligia hisses, but Kora shoves a paw over her jowls with a snarl.


Namir ignores her, taking the ingredients and placing them with each witch in the proper position.
Page 16a

Namir takes his place at the head of the circle, looking at Kora expectantly.


"Tell me the words and--"


"We know the spell. I will lead you." The witch who had spoken before holds her head high, her eyes challenging Namir to protest. She looks resigned, and maybe...relieved? You can't help but wonder if perhaps there's something more to all of this...


"Very well. Begin and we will follow."


The witch howls out the words to the chant with clear intent, and you feel your pelt prickle as the energy in the air begins to stir once again.


The spell is almost the same as the corrupting one--but like the purging spell, it differs in its intent and origin.
Page 17a

You join the chant, feeling more alive than you ever have before. Unlike with the corruption ritual, your belly doesn't twist in fear and sickness. Instead you feel the air clearing, your chest feels lighter, and you can smell new life.


The spellwork only lasts a few moments before you can feel it ending. It's an unspoken word to stop, and the grove falls silent. The witches look exhausted and ready to collapse.


They pose no threat any more.


"Traitors! All of you will pay!" Saligia struggles, thrashing and flipping as she tries to get out of Kora's grasp. Kora wrestles her back down, her jaws closing around her throat with a hiss.


"Time to die, witch."
Page 18a

The choice made here directly determines which story ending and rewards you get, so choose carefully!


If you select "Spare her", you will receive the below items.


Marking Set Applicator [Crawl]
Twisted Path
Kora


If you select "Let her die", you will receive the below items.


Marking Set Applicator [Crawl]
Twisted Path
Namir


Spare Saligia

Spare Saligia

You leap at Kora, shoving her roughly off of Saligia. The she-wolf stumbles but rights herself quickly, and Saligia pulls herself up to crawl away.


"[Name]! NO!" Anger consumes her, and without a second thought, Kora leaps at you.
Page 19a

Battle Kora to continue with the storyline.

Ashen Oath

Page 20a

Kora stumbles back and collapses to the ground, beaten and exhausted. Energy fills you to the brim, courtesy of the spellwork. She never stood a chance.


"Serves you right, wench!" Saligia howls, but Avaritia snaps at her.


"Do you want her to kill you?" she murmurs, and with an irritated look, Saligia falls silent. "Thank you, [Name]. Your mercy will not go unnoticed. We are in your debt."
Page 21a

Avaritia nods silently, resolved.


"You have my word. We will leave this place, as will Saligia."


The leader is about to argue, but a glare from Avaritia silences her. She knows they are too weak and beaten to put up any sort of a fight.


"And I will make sure of that," Namir says, stepping forward. Avaritia frowns, but nods after a moment in agreement. She helps Saligia to her feet, and the rest of the witches slowly make their way to them. They gather together, looking much less impressive than before. As a group they slowly make their way to the entrance of the grove with Namir following behind them.
Page 22a

Kora is still slumped on the ground panting heavily. She looks at you thoughtfully, and you can't quite make out how she feels. Was she angry at your betrayal? Sad? Her amber eyes give nothing away.


"Thank you for your assistance, [Name]. You'll notice that things will look much better now; however, the world will still need your help to heal. The corruption is fast to spread and slow to cleanse. It's just the way of things."


She finally struggles to her paws and looks towards the entrance of the grove.


"I should follow. Good bye, [Name]."
Page 23a

That simple farewell is all you get after everything you've done. There is no happy celebration, no pats on your back for a job well-done. Kora turns from you and never looks back, and you have a feeling you will never see her again. Just as the witches are moving on, so, too, will she.


The grove is still and quiet, and the disrupted circle on the ground as the ingredients are scattered gives it an abandoned feel. This place holds no pull over you anymore. The sense of finality is strong, and you feel your paws tugging you back to your pack.


You turn to leave, glancing back one last time at the grove as your paws carry you home.


You got a Marking Set Applicator [Crawl], a Twisted Path, a Kora and +50 ME!


Page 25a


Let Saligia Die

Let Saligia Die

You stay firmly in place, deciding not to intervene. There's no telling if Saligia will recover and regain her strength and return to wreck havoc once again. As cruel as it is, it's for the best.


Avaritia glances between you and Kora as if realizing what's about to happen. Her eyes are full of pain, but she turns away in silence.


Seeing that she faces no objection, Kora finishes Saligia with a single bite to the throat.
Page 19b

You turn away and instead look at the reactions of the witches, which vary from horror to disgust to deep sadness.


"There! Take that as a warning, witches. Stay and continue twisting this world, and meet the same fate as your leader," Kora warns. She looks eerie with blood staining her teeth as she stands over the still form of Saligia.


"You've left us no choice, lost one," Avaritia snaps, and gestures stiffly toward the grove entrance. "Come, sisters. We cannot stay here where our sister's blood stains the dirt."


She turns abruptly and stalks away, her sisters following slowly.
Page 20b

"I will follow them, to make sure they leave," Namir says softly, purposefully not looking at Kora. He almost seems...unnerved? He's fierce, but the unmerciful nature of the act must have rocked him.


He disappears, and you feel movement beside you: Kora. She stands beside you and stares at the entrance where the three wolves disappeared, not saying a word. You can smell Saligia's blood on her hot breath.


"Thank you, [Name]," she says finally. "It wasn't something I enjoyed doing, but..." She trails off, distracted, and shakes her head. "It doesn't matter now. You'll notice that things will look much better now; however, the world will still need your help to heal. The corruption is fast to spread and slow to cleanse. It's just the way of things."
Page 22b

"Thank you." She turns and walks over to Saligia's body. Kora sits near her head, falling silent.


You watch her for a few moments, and when it's clear she has no plans to move any time soon, your paws pull you toward home.


With a sigh you make your way toward the entrance, glancing back one last time. The grove is quiet and still, and among the broken circle and scattered ingredients Kora sits, keeping vigil over Saligia's body. You wonder how long she will sit there, and if you'll ever see her again.


Your pack is waiting; it's time to head home.


You got a Marking Set Applicator [Crawl], a Twisted Path, a Namir and +50 ME!


Page 23b