Though trouble may follow me, I overcome it with charm.
I'm a soldier in the Ash Legion, and my warband is my family. I would die for them, especially Reeva, my sparring partner.
They tell me my sire is an honorless gladium. I have no respect for him, and I refuse to live in his shadow.
I'm an expert at subtlety and intrigue. A drawn hood lets me blend into the crowd.
This is my story.
Hello and welcome on my #gw2adventurerchallenge.
I'm Alba - Currently a Gladium from the Ash-Legion.
But not for long!
I was given a special task, that might grant me a new place in a warband.
I have to explore Tyria and write down every interesting finding and report back.
Wish me luck.
I hope this is no task to just get rid of me.
---
Chapter 1:
💬 0 🔁 0 ❤️ 0 · Chapter 1 - Core Map · Entry 01 - Plains of Ashford I
Entry 02 - Plains of Ashford II
Entry 03 - Diessa Plateau
Entry 04
---
Main GW2-Account: @wilsons-journey
Tag: #explorer alba
Today I ran some last errands, in preparation for a longer relic hunt.
Nothin special - just the usual stuff when I'm not on a job.
I'm honestly a little tired, that's why this entry might get a little shorter.
Recently I tried to earn plenty of gold to finally buy out my companion I borrowed for my previous jobs. So lots of sleepless nights.
The Relic Hunters borrowed me this raptor - white scale like my white fur. They thought we were a good match.
And I really fall in love with her.
But she was never mine - but today I got enough gold to make her mine. Number seven is now my companion and I named her "Gleam".
But buying her, ate up all my savings.
So that's why I decided to go on a big Relic Hunt. I asked the Guild for some maps with interesting spots to check out. Of course this was not for free - they want their share when I find something.
But this is fine.
I don't know what I gonna do with the gold I'm going to earn. My last goal was getting Gleam - this is now done.
My next goal? Who knows - I think I let myself get inspired on my next journey.
I think we gonna head to Desert Highlands first.
The area sounds promising. So far I only ventured around Crystal Oasis. This is my first time venture further out.
I'm actually really excited. With my new gear and companion on my side, this going to be a nice adventure.
It's a while since I touched a Journal, to write down my thoughts.
My old one got destroyed,... when the world turned black for a moment.
It feels weird. At the same time it puts me at ease.
My Head is spinning with all these thoughts and I hope I can bring it some peace when I start writing again.
But where should I start?
The Moment when everything changed.
The Moment I lost my Friend,... my Future - nearly my own life.
We found Somnus. The Moment he spoke his warning about this red Bastard, we got attacked by him.
Everything went so fast - I had no time to react. All I saw was blood and how Atlas got pierced by the spear of this Charr,... and how he fell lifeless to the ground.
And then - nothing.
I can only remember how I got hit by something. And how everything went cold,... dark,...
I was sure I would die in this moment. I was so,... angry,... sad.
Atlas,...
But I woke up. On a Ship.
Apparently some Relic Hunters were nearby when everything happened. They saw how I fell into the Water. And then they fished me out there - took me with them.
I was out for a week, before gained consciousness again.
And now?
I left everything behind and started a new life in Crystal Oasis, where the Relic Hunters came from.
I'm a Relic Hunter myself now - maybe a little bit of an Mercenary, too. They pay very good and they respect me for my skills.
Yet,... I'm a coward.
When I heard what happened back at home I decided to stay here. Instead of going to help.
A war was going on, just like I already feared. A civil war between my kind.
The thought of it sends me shivers over my spine. Charr killing Charr.
I don't wanted to witness this - the grief of loosing my Friend - loosing yet another Warband still stuck in my bones.
I'm tired of this.
And since I met this other Gladium among the Relic Hunters, I started to question everything.
Maybe it was never a Warband I was craving for - but for a connection. A Friend. A Family.
I'm not made for War.
So I turned my back on them. And I'm aware I can never return.
But,... I think this is fine.
I found my place among the Relic Hunters. They are nice to me - care for me. One of them helped me with my sickness. They found some herbs that put this at ease.
I just wish,... I wish I found this life in a different way.
I wish Atlas would be fine,... maybe disappointed I left - but alive.
It was just a short time we shared,... but I really appreciated the time together. Rest in peace my friend,... and I'm sorry I'm a shame for my kind. I hope you can forgive me for this.
But it's better this way.
I have to,... look forward.
~ Alba
OP Notes:
Chapter II of Alba start - whoop whoop.
I gonna explore Crystal Desert with her in this chapter - including some of the LW Maps.
I won't follow strictly the rules of the Challenge anymore - but I will give her scars and little handicaps should she die during exploration.
Additionally I gave her ascended / legendary armor + activated the Deadeye spec. I unlocked 80% of the skills during Core Map and will now use it for her exploration o/
And she gonna have a Raptor!
Even with the challenge over, I hope you still enjoy her journey <3
And with that Albas #gw2adventurerchallenge is officially done!
(Also whoops, forgot to change the language back to english - so german success screen it is)
OP Closing words:
No one white Cat got harmed during the production of this Comic.
RIP Alba, getting her first death because I wasn't paying attention during the photo shoot.
Otherwise Alba managed to get through the challenge without any death.
(But I also played like a coward the first half so,...)
It was a fun challenge. So special thanks to @/mithrasisgay!
I will probably do another run in the future with another class. But I'm not sure if I do another story blog. We will see when the time comes.
Alba's story will continue, but I will no longer tag her post with the #gw2adventurerchallenge.
I will keep some rules for her further progression - like handicaps should she die. Limited access to Mounts and so on - we will see ;V;
Thanks to everyone who accompanied Alba on her journey and who will stay for more ♥
---
And some Background information, that probably won't get answered:
Why did Valefor do this? I thought he is one of the good guys?
Maybe a Question that comes to mind, to people who know my grumpy guy.
The whole Story of Alba takes place during IBS. During this time Valefor is still in a complicated situation with his "Master" Israfil.
The shady, black Charr you were able to see in an previous post and here. In the end it's his fault.
If you want to know more:
💬 0 🔁 1 ❤️ 5 · Summary: Valefor · Their Story so far:
Masterpost of all Story relevant Elements of their relationship.
About Valefor | #
The Letter and crow situation.
Israfil is someone who causes a lot of trouble during this time. Like letting his crows snatching all the letters that are suppose to reach the black citadel and other locations.
He only lets certain messages pass that suits his plans.
That's why Alba and Atlas got send out to play messanger.
---
Thought this might be interesting to know 👉👈
If you still got questions, feel free to drop is in the ask box ♥
Exploring Cursed shore was a chore.
We were caught in so many ambushes by risen. It's like a never ending swarm of them.
So it was no surprise that the remaining Outpost declined our request in returning to the citadel.
At this point I'm sure Tribune Bloodrage will understand. The Situation down here is not good.
But it looks like our Mission is not done yet.
Surprisingly Atlas found a new trace of Somnus. It looks like my friend is very good at tracking.
We will follow this trace after a very short break - actually.
I have to cut this Entry here.
It's time to go.
~ Alba
OP Sidenote:
Walking without Mounts make you realize how many enemies are there. I got caught in so many fights - it started to get really annoying.
Also had some close calls, because I got caught in some stuns (AGAIN)
I also realized how bad I am at underwater fights - the Heropoints under water in this map, but also previous map were such a pain.
I'm certain - we lost track of Somnus and the Charr that went after him. None of the Outpost in Malchor's Leap has seen anything.
We also had trouble to recall them back to the citadel. At least two Outpost insisted to stay and deal with the risen.
I understand this decision - the deeper we went into Orr, the more active the Risen became.
We were caught in several ambushes ourself. Luckily it wasn't a problem for us.
At the same time this contradict with our mission. What are we gonna tell Tribune Bloodrage?
-
What else can I report? Actually not much.
The crows remain - at this point I think they just part of the recent risen activity.
The only thing that was odd,... for a moment I thought the crows forming into a charr.
I think the whole situation,... the stress plays tricks on my mind.
This figure disappeared as we got closer,...
At least my health is getting better again. But I can't speak for my mental well being.
Atlas, however, seems unfazed by the whole situation.
We lost the track in the middle of the area of Straits of Devastation,...
There are reports that he head deeper into Orr, but there was also an report he went back in direction of Lion's Arch.
Since we have to go deeper into Orr, we will keep an eye out for this red furred Charr. But our main objective will be seeking out the outpost and recall the soldier and hope we find a trace of Somnus.
Be it just his body,...
We took a small break in one of the outer Outpost. There were many injured from the risen.
One of the soldiers told us they got more active recently. Which is odd, since Zhaitan got slain I thought the activity mellowed down?
But I have to admit, I stopped listening when he started with Ley energy and stuff.
At least they were kind enough to replenish our supplies and strengthen our armor.
Atlas also took this time to show me how to use a bow. Because my Dagger has seen better times,... and I won't speak about my old gun,... it shot more rust than bullets.
Using a bow feels strange,... but I think I gonna get used to it.
Our next destination will be Malchor's Leap.
~ Alba
OP Sidenote:
That was the most uneventful exploration of this Map.
I did the completion with Alba in 3 session and each time I seem to hit the moment where nothing was going on.
The most exciting thing was an Camp Ambush and a Veteran :X
I probably get hit by Champions and tough moments in next two maps.
I took the opportunity to buy exotic gear from the karma vendor. But I'm still hoping for new weapons to drop. So far I was unlucky and I really wan't to try something else than staff - at least the bow is something new.
(But to be honest - I'm not a big fan of the bow. Guess I need to get used to it, just like Alba)
We reached the Outpost in Mount Maelstrom,... but all we found was death - a masakar,...
I'm used to death but this was different. It felt,... cursed.
---
I had to take a break writing this.
I'm still shaken by the view - there were bodies - blood everywhere. But nearly no trace of a fight.
They got hit by surprise and it must have been quick.
Each of the bodies only has one injury - a clean cut. They stood no chance. They fell like flies.
I never saw something like his before.
And then there are these crows. I expected them to go after the remains. But all they did was watching us.
There was no trace of Somnus - at least Atlas was not able to find him. However Atlas found a trace that we are currently following.
We met another soldier who probably saw the culprit of this Massaker. At least it's the one who went after Somnus.
A Charr with red fur and cold, blue eyes,... they headed in direction of Orr.
I wonder if he is a soldier from Phrikes Legion. Or a soldier of this new legion that is apparently forming?
But that doesn't explain the crows that are still following us.
Even Atlas is beginning to think something's wrong with them.
I don't know what happened while we went through Sparkfly Fen, but I fainted.
I can't even recall when it happened. All I remember was,... It felt Iike I would fall through the world.
An endless fall,... and then the call of the crows that got louder and louder as I fall.
:sigh:
Atlas told me I was out for about an hour. He also has no idea what happened.
It was nothing my sickness usually causes.
I wonder if this is something new? I hope not,...
Hopefully it's just the climate. I can't stand this heat. Maybe I should adjust my gear when we reach the outpost of Tribunes Bloodrages Brother.
~ Alba
OP Sidenote:
Actually nothing bad had happened to Alba - I had a rather easy time in Sparkfly Fen - if I ignore that one Hero Point with the three Hylek.
They caused me some trouble with their poison
The aktual reason - or more like inspiration for Alba's fainting:
I accidentally broke the Map and fell through the ground.
It was the area with the Termite Dens. I think I passed through an spot, where they spawn. And this shoved me under ground.
These Warlaws really improve our travel pace. They also give me the opportunity to write my Journal on the go - without taking a break.
It feels weird sitting on their cold, metal back - but they move steady.
Since they don't have names, we decided to call them Copper and Iron.
Atlas really seem to love his new companion Iron. Never thought he has a softspot for such a thing.
I have fun learning more and more about my big grumpy Companion.
I wonder if he feels the same.
There is nothing much to report venturing through the Bloodtide Coast. Despite the brewing danger, our journey was peaceful
But,... I noticed something odd.
Since when are there so many crows? It feels like they following us. But the truth is, they just everywhere.
I was thinking back when my journey started. I already noticed a few of them near the Black Citadel. Now it feels it became even more.
When I listen closely, I can hear their calls, like a haunting scream,...
Is that a sign?
Or just my imagination?
~ Alba
OP Sidenote:
Like said before, the Mounts are only used for telling the story and making these screenshots.
Alba keeps exploring the map without them o/
Also - I don't know why but Bloodtide Coast probably the fasted Map to complete so far.
I was surprised how fast I was done with it.
Tribune Bloodrage was surprised to see us back, before his face turned into concern when we asked about our report.
Apparently our Letter haven't arrived. Something that seems to be happening a lot lately.
He called back many Soldiers from several outpost, but none of them came. Nor did any of them respond to his letters,...
We showed him our finding about this strange symbol and the signs of the Shard Legion back in Caledon-Forest.
He will send out the "Gloom"-Warband to retrieve the body, where we found the Symbol. It's one of many Ash-Groups he commands.
I got a quick glimpse on them.
I can't help, but they give me a bad feeling,... but when I'm honest - all of this gives me an even worse feeling.
The other part of our Warband will look into the "Shard"-Legion Situation in Caledon-Forest.
Atlas and my Mission got updated. We still should look out for the missing Charr - but our main objective is to retrieve Soldiers from their Outposts. Letters don't seem to reach them, so we gonna take over the part as Messengers.
We are tasked in direction of Steamspur Mountains and Orr - it actually fits my old travel plan. So we will head back to Lion' Arch and find our way though Bloodtide Coast and Sparkly fen, until we reach Mount Maelstrom.
There we should meet up with Tribune Bloodrages Brother - Somnus Voidwalker.
After that, we should continue our way to Orr, to retrieve the Ash-Legion Charr that are still stationed there.
And since the whole situation is urgent, our Tribune gave us an Warclaw each - for a faster travel.
It feels strange to sit on this creature,...
...
A few weeks ago I was a just simple Gladium and now I feel like I'm in the middle of an upcoming war.
I'm a Charr! Yet,... I'm scared.
----
OP Sidenote:
I still do the Challenge without mounts - at least till exploring Crystal Desert. This is just for the Story <3
Also: I freestyle this story a lot. Got some basic Ideas laid out - but most of the time I just go with the flow.
Alba's Story will also play into some bits of my other Charr. So she might meet some of them. So stay tuned for that :3c
Our time in Caledon Forest was rather short, but not less eventful.
Shortly after heading into this area we found explosives, hidden underneath a tarp. There was also a familiar symbol at the crates.
Unlike the blue one with the dagger, this one both of us would recognize any time.
This belongs to Phrikes Gang of Maniacs - The Shard-Legion or whatever he calls it.
This got us thinking,... could the blue symbol possibly mean, that another legion is on the rising?
We already have enough trouble with Phrikes new Legion,... we don't need another one,...
We still got no feedback from our Tribune. Usually, at least what Atlas told me, he gets answer within hours. Now its 2 days since we send out the Letter,...
During our break we made the decision to head back to Black Citadel, thought Asura Portals in the Grove.
This whole thing don't sits right with us. Something is going on and its not good.
I also finally came clean about my condition. It got a little better, but it's only a matter of time till it catches up with me.
Atlas took it surprisingly well. I was expecting the usual comments or glances. But there was no judgement.
He even had words of praise for me - "You're a strong Charr, you know".
No one before said something like this to. No one, but my mother.
This,... I,... I didn't know how to respond. So I just smiled and gave him a little nod.
But I think he appreciated the fish I caught for our Dinner. It warmed him up, to tell me a little about himself and why he always gazes over the open water.
He was raised in a faraway outpost, near the ocean before they got forces back to the citadel. Some kind of ambush - but he can't remember if it was flame or humans.
Open Waters give him some kind of peace - it reminds him of a good time. Where everything was good.
I think he misses someone.
He gave me a small laugh when he caught me making this painting. It suits him. A far to rare sight on this stern charr.
I liked it.
But I guess none of us will have much to laugh in the next time.
We will soon head back to the Citadel.
~ Alba
OP Sidenote:
Little information about Phrike.
In my Story he is another obstacle my Commander has to face.
Phrike is a former Iron-Legion Charr and sees himself as the savior of the Charr race. Thats why he created the "Shard"-Legion to reunited Charr to a new glory.
He is an extremist and maniac - he may adore his kind, but in his view only the strongest are worth to survive.
There is no place for the weak.
All three Legions already attempted to kill him, but no one ever succeeded. That's why Phrike also loves to call himself "The Undying"
And here a look on the "Shard"-Legion Symbol
We don't talk about that I threw it together in 5min
So yeah, in my Story he is known within the Legion as a big pest.
Ash Legion in particular has a huge investigation going on to finally find and catch him.
Oh and the Idea with "Shard" was, something like - we collect the pieces and create something bigger and stronger out of it.
He is an engineer - thought this would fit.
Kessex Hills - I'm glad my sickness calmed down a bit, so I was able to enjoy the the wild range of stuff this area had to offer.
Starting with this floating tower, while Atlas gathered some information from the locals. They were hostile when we entered this area. Which is strange, because something like that has never happened before.
Apparently a group of Charr was here not so long ago and caused some trouble.
We found a small junkyard with plenty of odd stuff.
We hoped to find something useful for our journey, but all we found was a dead body - hidden in the trash.
It looked like someone was covering tracks,... it was one of the Charr - or we think it is.
With him was an invitation for a gathering in Grothmar Valley.
But there was a symbol non of us knew. It looked like a Dagger in blue colors.
We immediately sent it to our Tribune.
I fear something is brewing - Atlas feels this, too.
While we're send to this mission, there is a huge gathering in the Blood Legion Territory. Atlas told me the Commander is there, too.
We wondered why Tribune Bloodrage keeps us away from there.
The Gathering was already started, when I got called back to the Citadel and joined the Rage-Warband.
It feels like every Charr is there - but not us.
I hope our Tribune answers us about the Symbol or with further instructions.
Maybe he is aware something is going on.
Part of our mission is to find the missing Soldier. And I think the one we found, was one of them.
Before we enter Caledon Forest, we have to take a break in this small fisher Village.
Apparently my Companion is an Idiot.
He ate some of the fish that was clearly rotten,... now he lies here with stomach pain,...
But this made me realize something about him - Not only loves he fish so much, he would eat it rotten. He has a thing with open water.
Every time we pass by a big body of water, its like his mind wanders off.
He won't respond to my words - he just stands there and stares. And then he moves on like nothing had happened.
Today I caught his face, when we moved on from one of these moments. His eyes are filled with pain,... and homesickness?
Hmm,...
At some point I should Atlas know about my condition.
I'm not sure how long I can keep it from him.
I feel a little better, but during an ambush by some Ettin's at an Roadblock I nearly slipped.
Usually I don't have a problem fighting these brutes - but they nearly got me. Thanks to Atlas nothing bad happened,... that was,... close.
Too close,...
~ Alba
Sidenote OP:
Alba got downed when I did the Event "Clear the Ettin roadblock".
I got caught by 4 Ettins - they kept stunning me and I was not able to recover from this circle of stuns.
I was lucky I had reduce the HP of one of them, so I was able to kill this Ettin and recover back to my feet.
That was an unexpected, scary close call.
But it suits the current Situation Alba is in - her sickness got caught up to her - making her a little weaker than usual.
