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You spot strange movement in the grass. Upon moving closer, you discover two greater prairie chickens in the middle of a love dance. Well, the female is observing the dancing male in silence, looking a bit bored.
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Observe
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The birds don't notice anything as you approach closer to observe them. The more you watch the elegant foot-stomping show, the more you feel the need to eat something. You begin to make a move, but suddenly, both chickens realize how close you are and panic, leaving a few feathers as they fly away.
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+1 Grouse Feather
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Curabitur sed ultricies erat, laoreet mollis metus. Fusce venenatis ligula eget mollis convallis. Nullam ac arcu at arcu porta euismod. Donec placerat vehicula velit, ac auctor tellus tempor non. Sed gravida, ante ut convallis iaculis, erat leo porta ligula, in pulvinar sapien felis lobortis ligula. Maecenas et ex odio. Praesent dapibus id erat eget vulputate.
No one is here... yet. Perhaps if you explore you'll find out more?
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An elegant wolf blocks your path, making you pause. She is striking, and there's a sense of otherworldliness about her.
"You're the only wolf I've come across that looks capable enough to help me. I'm in search of a specific effigy. Surely you've seen them around? If you find the one I need, I'll reward you handsomely. Are you up for it?"
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I'll find it
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The wolf leaves after your acceptance. You have been tasked to find a special object... Apparently, you'll know when you find it. Interesting!
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Continue
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There's nothing here... Perhaps you should continue exploring...
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You come across an object tucked away out of sight, and move closer to investigate. You can feel energy pulsing from it, and it pulls you to take it. This must be what that strange wolf was looking for! You should take it to her.
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Take it to the wolf
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N/A
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Continue to the story
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You track down the she-wolf's scent, following it until you come across a secluded spot deep in a forest outside of your territory. There's energy here, thrumming with power and drawing you closer, just like the effigy in your jaws.
As you approach, the elegant wolf from earlier steps out from a den to greet you. She looks beyond pleased, and her eyes immediately lock onto the effigy in your jaws.
"You found it!"
I did. Who are you anyway?
She brushes against you and takes the effigy from your jaws before you realize what's happening. After setting it outside her den, she turns to you with a smile.
"My name is Saligia. And you, my friend, have just done me a great service. Don't you want to know your reward?"
It better be a good one. This took forever to find.
Not right now. I want to know more about you.
Saligia lets out a strange, trilling laugh and her eyes dance.
"Oh but my dear, it's more than just good; it's life changing."
She lets out a howl, and you see shapes shifting in the darkness under the trees. Six wolves step out to stand beside Saligia, all just as elegant and breathtaking as she is. They are all different, yet share similarities that you can't quite put your paw on.
Wait, there's more of you?
You didn't tell me you weren't alone.
Saligia looks annoyed for a brief moment before letting out a huff of laughter. It's so quick, you wonder if you imagined it.
"You're sensible, aren't you, [Name]? Very well; these are my sisters, and we are known as the Ashen Oath Coven. We are witches."
Witches...does that mean you have magical powers?
Wait, how do you know my name?
Saligia rolls her eyes, but not unkindly.
"Yes, it's almost as if wolves are pack animals. We are not so different from you, [Name]. These are my sisters. We call ourselves the Ashen Oath Coven."
Coven? Does that mean you're...
Wait, how do you know my name?
Saligia lets out a snort.
"I didn't tell you I was alone, either, [Name]. You assumed. These are my sisters. We call ourselves the Ashen Oath Coven."
Coven? Does that mean you're...
Wait, how do you know my name?
A rumble goes through the group, and you can't tell if they're annoyed or...offended?
"No, no, nothing like that--it's quite more involved than that, I can assure you. The art of practicing it is complex, but for someone with such a strong affinity for it as you have, it may feel like a magical power since it will come easily to you."
"Witches? Yes, that's exactly what that means." Saligia gestures at the wolves around her with a nod.
"We practice magic. But you should know that, considering you have the power just as we do. You wouldn't have been able to find the effigy otherwise."
"You sure do ask a lot of questions, don't you?" One of the females steps forward and narrows her eyes, peering at you with distrust.
"They're allowed to ask questions, Avaritia. Curiosity won't kill the wolf...at least not in this case." Saligia turns back to you and gestures at the wolves around her.
"We're witches, [Name]. I knew who you were before we met. I sought you out for a reason."
"There's great power within you, [Name]. It has lain dormant until now, but no longer. With our help to reach your true potential, you will be able to control things beyond your imagination."
Magic? Witches? Power? The thoughts buzz like bees around in your head. Saligia realizes how overwhelmed you are, and invites you to come closer.
"It's a lot to take in, [Name]. Come, sit with us and let me explain."
You sit beside Saligia, and the other wolves of the coven gather around at a respectable distance. Once she has your full attention, Saligia begins to speak.
"Magic is not an anomaly. Rather, it is the essence of nature. We do not possess unnatural powers. We possess knowledge, which is the key to understanding and properly using the energies dwelling within us and in every place in the world. We are meant to use it."
Saligia lets out a sigh and shakes her head. "Due to the selfishness of the wolves before us, however, it has been kept secret outside of select wolves."
Okay but what does that have to do with me?
"Your power is something we cannot ignore. You should not ignore it, either. This great power remains untapped within you, but if you allow us to guide you, you will be able to harness it and do extraordinary things. You would even be able to teach others our ways, if you so choose."
Saligia raises her head proudly and fixes you with an expectant look.
"So what will it be, [Name]? Will you join our coven and embrace your power, or leave here a simple, dull wolf?"
You stare at the witches as thoughts swirl in your head. What they're offering is enticing...using magic? Harnessing power? It all sounds incredible...maybe a little bit too incredible. You just met these wolves and you know nothing about their true nature. Yet they seem trustworthy so far. The choice is yours.
"Excellent! You won't regret it, I can assure you. Gather, my sisters."
The other witches form a circle around you while Saligia closes her eyes for a brief moment. A perfectly synchronized chant fills the air, sending chills down your spine. There's no turning back now.
Saligia's voice joins the song, adding a strong, commanding tone. Although you don't understand the words, you sense that something is happening. The air thickens, and sounds become muffled.
With a flash of light, everything goes dark and silent.
Saligia looks disappointed, her features twisting almost into a snarl--but you blink and she's back to her normal self. What was that?
"As I said, it's your choice, [Name]. For now you must leave. We have much to do. Come back if you change your mind."
As your senses return to normal, you feel more connected to the world than ever before. The energy of the land flows beneath your paws and you feel as if you're resonating with the pulse of the universe.
Saligia's breath tickles your ear as she moves close.
"What you're feeling now is just the beginning. Even if you weren't aware before, you're familiar with the sensation of an 'energy spot.' This is where you feel more rested and relaxed than anywhere else. Or that gut feeling that alerts you to danger. This is our innate power, but our minds are often too clouded to see beyond what's right in front of us."
The witches are gone. Perhaps it's best if you go back home. Maybe try again next rollover.
Rollover your account one time.
Saligia smiles, her eyes bright and her excitement clear on her face.
"You are. Awakening doesn't make you a different wolf; it makes you more 'you' than before. You can now see further, but before I teach you how to master these energies, please eat this. It's the final step of the initiation."
One of the other witches steps forward and sets down a chunk of meat that smells like it's been soaking in herbs.
You eye it warily. It doesn't smell bad, but...
Take the meat
I'm not so sure...
The witches have been on your mind, but they have disappeared. Something tugs at your chest and you feel pulled back toward your territory. Is there something you should be looking for? Perhaps in explore?
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A young female wolf bounds toward you, eyes flashing. The tug you feel in your chest grows stronger, and you realize it's drawing you to her.
"You there! Stop!"
You hesitate for a moment, conflicted. Whatever is urging you to go to her is quite insistent...yet she looks strange, as if she's twisted somehow.
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Go to her
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N/A
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Continue to the story
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Well, you've made it this far. You dig in, feeling a pleasant tingle as warmth spreads throughout your body.
The wolves begin to howl, and Saligia joins them. You feel welcome--like family.
"Welcome, sibling. You are one of us now."
As the wolf slides to a stop, she nearly touches noses with you. Her eyes are angry as she glares at you, but you can see something else there, too: pain.
"Just what do you think you're doing? I can smell them all over you. Don't tell me you believe their nonsense!"
Hold on, what are you talking about?
Saligia laughs, gesturing towards the meat.
"It's nothing bad, [Name]. If anything, you'll feel more refreshed; there's no magic involved."
After a moment's hesitation you dig in, feeling a pleasant tingle as warmth spreads throughout your body.
The wolves begin to howl, and Saligia joins them. You feel welcome--like family.
"Welcome, sibling. You are one of us now."
The howls die down after a few moments, and Saligia wags her tail.
"You are now ready to start using your skills. Remember, one step at a time. You must respect the limits of your energy. It can be drained, and it has to be recovered. Every spell that you'll learn requires ingredients to work. These ingredients are catalysts for your energy, channeling it to bring your desired outcome to life. Every time you visit us, you'll have access to our collection of recipes and the list of required ingredients. Use them as you see fit."
How will I learn them all?
She lets out a hiss.
"The witches! They told you you're special, didn't they? That they wanted to share all of their knowledge with you so you can make pretty magical things? It's poppycock, all of it!"
Her ears are flattened against her skull and her lips peel back from her teeth. You step back and look at her more closely.
The she-wolf laughs and nods at the coven.
"Don't worry, [Name]. We will help you. Soon, you'll be just as proficient as we are at spellwork. Whenever you are ready to learn and practice your spellwork, just come and see us. We'll always be here for you."
She looks at you intently, and you can't quite tell if it's meant to be supportive....or a subtle warning.
"
They happened," she replied with a growl. "You can't tell me you haven't noticed."
Her mouth twists in a grimace as she gestures to herself.
"All of this is a result of what they do--what they did--when I left them. Magic is all well and good but it comes with a price."
They punished you for leaving?
So you pissed them off and now you're like this?
The wolf sighs.
"Not me specifically. More like...I'm not protected against their power since I'm not one of them anymore. They only aim to please themselves and further whatever it is they're after."
Her anger dissipates, and she looks at you thoughtfully.
"I'm Kora. I've got an idea on how to stop them, but I can't do it alone. Tell me you'll help....?"
I'm [Name]. What do you need help with?
No, I refused to play their
game, wolf. Unlike you, I'm not so easily enthralled by their kind."
After a moment she lets out a sigh and shakes her head.
"This is getting us nowhere. I'm Kora, or what's left of her. I need your help...?"
I'm [Name]. What do you want exactly?
Every time these witches use their so-called magic, it alters something here in the natural world. Not that they care, since they want this place to be as corrupted as they are. A match made in hell."
She swipes her claws across the dirt in anger, leaving deep gashes in the soil.
"We have to stop them. Soon your packmates and everything you hold dear will begin to twist and change, but by then it will be too late. Right now we have a chance...you haven't been initiated yet, and we can use that to our advantage."
Kora smiles with a devilish gleam in her eye.
"Yes. After you are initiated, you can join them under the guise of helping them...but really, you'll be spying. With your access and my knowledge, we'll stop their corruption before it goes too far."
Kora seems confident, and you study her for a moment. It sure seems like she's telling the truth, but what if she's no different than the witches? Can you trust her more than you trust the witches?
[She's telling the truth] Alright, let's do it.
[You don't trust her] I don't think this is a good idea
Perfect. First thing's first, you have to be initiated. Head back to their special little grove. Tell them you've changed your mind and you want to join. You'd better make it believable, too. They can sniff out a liar in a heartbeat."
You take a moment to prepare yourself, then set off to face the coven.
Not so big and brave after all, are you? That's fine; I don't want to work with a coward. Come back when you've grown some balls."
She turns away with a snarl. As you watch her go, your mind turns to the witches. Surely they can't be corrupting things, can they? They seemed sincere...and more trustworthy than Kora. Maybe it's time to join them and see for yourself what this is all about.
You return to the grove, relieved to see Saligia and her sisters talking among themselves. Upon your arrival, Saligia bounds over to greet you, all smiles and happiness.
"Have you changed your mind, [Name]? Have you come to join us?"
Remembering Kora's words, you make sure to put as much sincerity into your voice as you can.
I have. I believe it is for the best.
You trek back to the grove, hoping the witches are still there. The coven sits together in the grove, whispering among themselves and deep in conversation.
Saligia turns and seems to brighten when she sees you.
"You changed your mind, then? You'll join our sisterhood?"
I needed some time to think, and I decided I want to join.
Come back on the 12th for the next part of the storyline!
Explore in any biome to find the following encounter.
In order to progress from this step, you must wait one rollover.
