#albas journal

[explorer-alba]

Entry 19

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.

[explorer-alba]

C II - Entry 01

Several Month have passed.

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

[explorer-alba]

After the ambush I got send back to the black citadel to recover from my injuries and giving the legion time to discuss the future of my mission.

I overheard them talking,... I was aware that this mission was just a cover up, to get rid of me. But now that I showed my use, they started to stumble.

I hate what they had to say about me. "How is this runt able to kill two high ranked Flame Generals?" "This sick Charr won't have a future - it doesn't matter - she is just a Gladium."

I was thinking about leaving the Legion. I doubt I'm ever able to earn their respect - they will forever doubt me.

But as I was about to leave the Citadel, this guy approached me - Atlas Rageweaver was his name. Silent type - he gave me the creeps.

Not once did he showed any emotions or movement in his face, as he escorted me to Tribune Bloodrage - who for whatever reason wanted to see me.

He was once a Blood Legion Soldier - at least from what I heard. He later moved to Ash and quickly became one of their Tribunes. He is known, yet very few Charr get to meet him.

He asked me about the mission my Legion gave me and about my encounter with the Flame Generals.

And I think I know where Atlas got his manner - Tribune Bloodrage is like a Wall. His face is stern. You can't read him. I was unsure what he was thinking - but I was certain its the same the other thought of me.

I was wrong.

He offered me a place in his Warband - not in a Warband he commands - in HIS Warband. And with that a Mission that actually makes sense - has some weight to it.

Since I started exploring Tyria for the Legion, I should continue this journey. This time not on the hunt for some fancy stuff, but on the lookout for lost soldiers. But also to make sure the Maps are still updated. With the recent rampage by the Elder Dragons, some areas got outdated.

Atlas Rageweaver will join me on this task. Still not sure what to think about that guy but,... guess we get plenty of time to get to know each other.

So I'm part of the Rage-Warband now,... I'm still baffled,... is this even real?

---

Some Lore Sideinfo from OP:

I can't just start something without building a Story around it and try to connect some dots between my OCs.

So 🎉 have some Lore in between the Challenge stuff.

With the introduction of Atlas, I also got a good explanation why Alba won't die - should she ever die during the Challenge.

And I decided her Story takes place shortly before IBS. So her enjoyment being in a Warband again might fall short :X

Hope you enjoy this little Lore drop and Edit ♥

[explorer-alba]

End of Chapter 1

----

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:

Post by @wilsons-journey · 1 link

💬 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 ♥

[explorer-alba]

Entry 03

Today I explored the Diessa Plateau and visited my old Home at Nolan. My mother worked there, helped raising the Devourer. The old Sithio still remembered me. Probably one of the few Charr that always treated me nice. He gave me some fresh Devourer eggs to eat. These still are delicious.

He was a good friend to my mother. I think they grew up togehter, before they went separate ways with their warbands. But in the end they still somehow remained together through the work in the hatchery. As thanks for the eggs I helped him take care of the Devourer, cleaned some nest and stuff.

After that I head into the Plateau - nothing big to report. Mostly lend a helping paw here and there. Lots of trouble in many places - so plenty of work to do.

The only interesting thing,... I found this old cart,... I wonder if someone from the Legion is missing it. And burn me, I'm glad I didn't ran into the thing that put it up there. What do they feed these spiders here?!

I've also equipped myself for the rest of the journey. I won't take a longer break until I reacch Hoelbrak. Until then, my sleeping bag will have to suffice. I've also packed winter clothes—after all, I'll soon be heading towards the Shiverpeak.

I'm excited - I've never seen snow before. Crazy, considering the Shiverpeak are right next door. I already like the smell, here at the Haven Waypoint.

But for today I rest. Sadly I had no time for a painting today. But I sure will find time in the snow landscape - or my tail should burn black!

~ Alba

[explorer-alba]

Entry 23

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.

All of this don't make sense.

~ Alba

[explorer-alba]

Entry 09

The locals told me Frostgorge Sound will be cold. But I was not imagine it being THAT HEKIN COLD. Even with the new Clothing I felt like my limbs freeze off.

Gosh and these Dredge - I always thought Flame is annoying but these oversized Rodents?! ARGH,...

Today was not a good day. My Mood is terrible - all I could think off was this cold and these annoying Rodents,...

One of them shoved me into this thing, to help their kind. I ... why... I ... never again. I'm glad to meet some friendly-minded of their kind but,... I really have enough of them.

I think my tail got a knick from this adventure and this beeping sound wont leave my ear,... it was an experience. Not sure if this is something the Legion could make use of... I'm still surprised I was able to fit in that thing.

I'm done with that area. Done with the snow. I love the smell - it looks nice - but everything else,... Just no.

Worst of all,... my Staff broke during one of my endless encounters with them,... so much for incredible Iron craftsmanship.

But within all the misfortune, I found a new Staff - at first I thought its a oversized Stick Well, in the end all Staff are oversized Sticks Yet this one feels good. Lets hope it sticks :chuckles: around longer.

One last good thing,...

These huge Ships - these unusual Kodan Settlements,... they still amaze me. I wonder how long it takes them, to construct these?

I must admit, they somehow scare me. Maybe not scare, but,... they have these incredible aura. I feel so small in their presence. I love to listen to their stories - I admire them.

~ Alba

Sidenote / ramble / ideas from OP:

The area where you get turned into this mech nearly caused my first death. My weapons did so little damage and there are so many Dredge. I got swarmed so many times - I had to flee in the end and avoid most of the fights. I was not able to deal with that many enemies with that little damage output.

In these moments I was so glad playing a thief and was able to retreat into shadow refuge to catch my breath.

At least I found some better weapons near the end of finishing this map. Really curious how Orr will be with this challenge. But I will leave these maps till the end.

After Core Map, I want to continue this challenge with some "twist".

The idea is that completing Core-Map unlocks Ascended/Legendary Gear. PoF will unlock one Mount I keep using for Alba exploring other Maps. Probably the Jackal or Raptor. HoT? No idea for that yet - this Map will probably kill me so many times. help EoD will unlock the Skiff. SotO maybe the Skyscale and Janthir the Warclaw.

Or maybe you got another Idea for unlocks? Please let me know!

I won't end the challenge when I die, since I like to keep telling Albas Story within these Journal Formats. But with each death I will give her a scar / trauma or handicap for at least one map.

We will see when it happens.

Thank you for everyone tuning in. ♥ Its a good distraction for my current situation ;V;

Really like my new Cat - I'm still figuring out how Alba's final character will be - and they probably just develop as they go and adventure through the map - but I already got a few plans for them.

So lets see how it goes <3

[explorer-alba]

Entry 11

Looks like Flame is truly the vengeful kind,... they weren't happy that I killed one of their Tribunes. Today I got attacked by another of their high ranks - Rankfur the Smolderfist, while I was exploring some old ruins and had a little chat with another Priory Member.

I managed to kill him. All troubles of the past weeks aside, the past weeks trained me well. I really get used to using the staff. Its a powerful and hard hitting weapon.

But having killed another of the Flame got me deeper in trouble. I fear they are after me,... Iron Marches is still partly Flame territory, yet I feel they looking for me. I ran into Flame Legion Warrios in a frequent manner,... and the last encounter nearly cost my life.

All I heard was a loud bang - then everything went black for a moment. I have no idea how I was able to survive this,... All I saw was another Charr - a Soldier from Blood. He helped me back up and gave me time to flee.

He got killed.

I wanted to go back. I knew it was to late, but,... he saved me. I didn't even know his name,... Without him I would be dead.

But I got hold back. More Charr from Blood swarmed in to push back this ambush. While someone from Ash took me with them. They took care of my wounds,... looks like my legion finally believed me that I killed these Flame Tribunes.

But why do I still see disappointment in their eyes?

...

They put me on hold. I'm not allowed to continue my mission. Not only do I need to recover from my injuries, they want to discuss the future of my mission. Until then I'm not allowed to continue my journey.

I don't know how to feel about that,... at least I was allowed to keep my little grub friend. I still don't have a name for it,... but it gives me some solace.

~ Alba

OP Sidenotes:

Flame Legion Brazier - EVIL.

"Stop the Flame Legion from capturing Firewatch Encampment" - a simple kill some Flame Legion Event, nearly killed me.

These Brazier spawned in and as I approached it to destroy it, I knew it was a terrible Idea - several NPC, that also went attacking it, got killed all at once - and I got stuck in multiple explosions. These instantly downed me without time to react or recover from these attacks.

Have some Alba in distress.

Alba is so much ears,...

That was one unexpected extremely stressful moment. But it gave me some Story for Alba so... win,... I guess...?