... Uhh, uhm, should I be recording this at all?
The matter at hand is, I'm a magibiology researcher in the Inquest megakrewe. Or, uh, was.
I took the decision to leave my previous state of employment with them because the... work conditions suddenly became... too cutthroaty for my tastes. *nervous forced chuckle* You know how it is, right?
So I decided to... go on a sabbatical, yes.
I never thought I'd say this, but I felt a precipitous urge to explore Tyria... and maybe, possibly, eventually find a lovely isolated place where no one will bother me. Or die trying, I guess.
I mean, either way I'm sure no one in my krewe will really miss me... or the feline specimen marked for disposal I took with me. I hope so, at least.
I did put in my 2 minutes notice in the middle of the night, so the matter should be properly solved, unless...
In any case, I... better start moving. Yeah.
---
Welcome on my #gw2adventurerchallenge
Magibiologist Zyvv is an ex-researcher on the run from the Inquest, and this is their story.
[Zyvv is nonbinary and uses they/them for the most part]
Map Completion is the win state I'm choosing for this run.
Also, since Zyvv is a ranger, I'm adding some nuzlocke-y personal rules to the challenge.
• All of the character's story is randomized.
• All active pets must be named.
• If a pet's health reaches 0 in combat, it's dead for the rest of the challenge.
• The first pet is the only pet who can't permanently die [lore reasons]. If it goes KO, it's only out of commission for the rest of the map and must be put on Peaceful or be switched out.
• Claimed pets are those that have become active in the story. Other pets may be tamed for later use with no limits.
• Only the main pet and 2 other claimed pets may be active in the story at the same time.
• To be claimed, a pet has to be found within the map. Previously tamed pets have to exist in the map as mobs in order to be claimed.
• Only one pet may be claimed per map.
• A duplicate pet can be claimed in a different map, although only if a juvenile of the same type of pet is available in that map (a second polar bear can only be claimed in Hoelbrak and Frostgorge Sound, but not in any other map where it appears).
• Aquatic pets cannot be claimed.
• Free skin choice is allowed only when changing climate (as per challenge's rules), passing through major cities or certain milestones. Dyes are randomized on dropped gear, but freely pickable on bought gear. Previous skin may be kept via successful coin flip.
• Armor cannot be reinforced and boosters cannot be used (if accidental, use a random white armor piece for the duration as a penality).
• No Ascended/Legendary armor or weapons (unless dropped by the character).
• Events involving the Order of Whispers Pact or any of the Orders should be completed whenever possible (champion fights can be avoided if too dangerous, but should be attempted). [Added after events of Entry 17, edited after Entry 28]
• Completion of meta events allows a coin flip to obtain missing max-level gear (what it is exactly is randomized). Guaranteed free choice in case of unique loot being dropped from the meta. [Added after reaching level 80]
Additional progress-related rules will be added if conditions are met (will be marked as •).
So, uh... I still don't know whether I should record anything regarding my... sabbatical, or not.
I mean, even if someone finds this after my... potential permanent departure, it wouldn't change much, but it's hard to give up old lab habits... *loud sigh* I don't know if this has been a good id-
*loudly whispered* Hey! Leave that equipment alone! Yes, I'm talking to you! Don't attract attention.
As now evident, the feline specimen I took with me is still here.
I mean, I didn't want to take it... her with me. I just needed a distraction to cover for my brisk nightly departure, so I accidentally let her out of her enclosure.
I don't know what use they had for her -I no longer have access to any level of details since... that day-, but the tag on her enclosure was "Marked for disposal", so it's not like I did anything bad.
All in all, I'm sure she welcomed one last thrill, scaring everyone else awake and into the blast-proof lab, while taking the night guards and golems for a jog around the facility.
Anyway, that's when I took my chance and slipped through the unattended main gate.
Luckily it hadn't been rerouted yet and I ended up in the restricted Inquest area in Rata Sum. To think it could have been one of the bigger facilities, that would have been... *little hysterical chuckle turns into a groan and muttered curse words*
Regardless, I managed to act normal enough to pass through it without raising suspicion and quickly went to gather supplies at the overnight open kitchen in the city.
There were some people there even at that hour, so I had to make it look like I was getting an all-nighter snack for my krewe, meaning I couldn't take much, just a dozen hamburgers and a couple different things. I'm too tense to feel hungry, so it should last me a bit.
I even managed to make my way to the gate for Metrica without crossing anyone I know.
I mean, my first choice was to leave for Lion's Arch, but I spotted some ex-classmates of mine hanging out right next to the gate in Magustan Court, so I had to change course to remain undetected.
... I wonder what they'd think of me now...
Anyway, I don't know how she made it through the gates and city without being followed or raising alarms, but this beast somehow tracked me all the way here in Soren Draa. And it's definitely her, I recognize the notch in her ear.
Scared the ever-Eternal Alchemy out of me, too. I don't know how I didn't shriek when I heard a noise and turned around to find her fangs right in my face.
She doesn't obey me, she doesn't trust me near her, I don't even dare to touch her, but she meekly follows me around and people stay at a safe distance.
That's definitely a great boon for now, enough to earn a bit of my food to keep her around for longer. Watching her play with the lightning bugs as I record this is at least entertaining.
Anyway, I'm now at a common area at the edges of Soren Draa, near the Hinterlabs.
I would much prefer to keep moving, they're surely looking for me -and maybe my feline companion-, but I rarely ever left civilization outside of organized fieldwork and never on my own, so I'm... hesitant. But alas, I have no choice.
Still, I don't trust myself to venture out there in general, so it's better to wait until it's almost dawn and the labs start bustling with activity. It'll be harder to get spotted, if I'm not the odd one out moving between labs.
Speaking of, I absolutely have to get rid of this uniform as soon as possible.
People treat our... the Inquest's colors with suspicion after what happened north of here, and I don't blame them one bit. That, and it makes me easily recognizable.
I'll have to buy new clothes and maybe a proper weapon, something better than this training longbow I didn't steal from a rack in the previous common area. It was on the ground next to it, I swear.
I don't want to quickly go through what little gold I have with me, so I'll take what I can get for cheap... or find.
*sigh* I wish I had the time to make a plan before leaving, but I'm forced to make this up as I go.
For now, I want to get as far away from Rata Sum as I can, even if it means going through Inquest territories in the region... which I don't exactly know the location of... *nervous chuckle, followed by another longer, deeper sigh*
---
Just a little intro post to better introduce them, their still-unnamed big kitty and a bit of their backstory.
They're so not prepared, but I am at least :'D
It's been a couple of days, and... things are in motion, I guess. I sure am.
So, those two agents, Mirayla and Jaren, are part of the Order of Whispers.
I mean, they didn't explicitly say it, I just had sort of already figured that out myself and their hints only confirmed it.
Back in the Inquest we were routinely briefed on potential intruders to look out for, and let's say that their uniforms are... not really subtle. I mean, I guess that a spy's uniform doesn't really matter when in theory they're not supposed to be seen at all.
Anyway, they pulled me aside and asked me a few questions. After that interruption during the last recording, I mean.
I answered with what was relevant: I knew nothing of Jaren's capture, I was there because I figured out the general area on my own and a charr pointed me at them, I did all of it because one of my pets was originally a specimen and I wanted to find out what was done to her, and I found out only part of what I wanted to find.
Then Jaren asked if I had a past in the Inquest.
I guess my expression betrayed me, because the woman immediately scoffed and slipped her hand in a hidden pocket of her vest.
I was almost ready to bolt, but he waved his hand in a dismissive manner before catching a silver coin Mirayla tossed at him, saying it was not a negative thing. He guessed it due to how I unlocked the pod, but still they were thankful for it and the overall help.
Then they asked me what I was planning on doing after all that, and I... well, I had no answer. Didn't even think I'd get to ask myself that question!
Mirayla said they were being summoned elsewhere for something, and that I was welcome to join them on the way there.
Jaren added that their friends at the Black Citadel may help with finding out more about what the Inquest did to my pet, no testing or prodding at anything required, lest I allow it. My help and the data crystals we "borrowed" -his words, not mine- were worth the favor.
Remaining close to the hornet nest I had just kicked would have been stupid, and since I don't exactly blend with the Legions -and charr still intimidate me-, I went with them.
In fact, we're approaching the Iron Legion's capital as I'm recording.
Plains of Ashford is... a weird place. N-not negatively, though!
I mean, Alchemy, I was impressed by the Steeleye, but I did not anticipate what the structures built by charr in less-desperate environments could be like. Reminds me of asuran territories, in a way I can't pinpoint.
Also I had read about the Searing and the Foefire, so I know what both mean for those who live here, but unlike the Brand, this region was eerily beautiful... for the most part.
The ghosts thrilled me less, as did the Separatist and Flame Legion activity scattered around the region, but we're in a much safe area now. Very glad I have savvy companions this time around.
Back to our journey, we set off later that day, after they took care of some matters.
We retraced our steps carefully as we go close to the facility and Kinar Fort again -Jaren taught me some stealth magic tricks too!-, and after the mountain pass we took a route south. The "nicer road", as Mirayla said. Not much of a road, though.
We stopped by a small camp to lend a hand to an Ash soldier Mirayla knew, which involved leading a pack of tamed skales into a Separatist camp, but the rest of the journey was pretty uneventful.
Mirayla's friend got us a boat for the trouble, then we walked some more and only stopped to properly rest at one of the settlements, Ashford Forum.
And today was just a whole lot of walking. I won't lie, I'm nearing on exhausted and I can't wait to sleep in the bed I was promised.
Compared to our first trip, my travel companions were more chatty and I quite appreciated it, especially as they explained things we came across... and helped me avoid close encounters with the aforementioned annoyances.
They are still pretty cagey about where they are going and why, but from bits of conversations I overheard from them and charr, it seems something big happened in Lion's Arch or nearby it. I did not dare to push further or ask the charr by myself again.
Anyway, the Black Citadel has been in sight for a few hours now, and I'm excited to see it up close.
On the horizon it really did not seem that big, but as we got closer it began to feel like a... spherical Rata Sum.
Can't be a tourist once again, however.
Mirayla mentioned they are going to drop me off at their friend's place, since they have to check in with them anyway, and that has the utmost priority.
Also said that I should probably stay close to them, as they want none of us to be harmed in any way, be it by rowdy charr or Inquest assassins.
I'm carefully choosing to trust her on that, but we'll still keep our guard up.
Right, girls?
-
I expected this map to be uneventful given Zyvv is level 67 now.
Luckily it fits the story!
Anyway, the A Little Well Rested finally wore off, so Zyvv is getting a decent mask again!
So, this morning we left Burnt Hollow.
"We" because, for this leg of my westward trip, a pair of agents is tagging along with me. Something about needing to aid some grawl tribes to prepare a joined attack... and ensuring my safety. Sudden, but appreciated.
Not the talkative types, but that was fine for me, especially as they allowed me to rest without complaint when I needed it. The burn on my leg is a barely visible scar that will probably disappear soon, but the accelerated healing from the tonic affected my shoulder too and the coughing fits are still not fully gone. I do feel better and rested, but I still got dizzy a couple of times.
My mission is still to catch up to Aimil, but during the debrief I was told I will have to aid him with his new orders.
No idea about what his new orders were, all I got from the agents was the implicit confirmation that, due to ongoing matters complicating existing plans, I'm once again the least-preferable-but-necessary substitute for the mission. A matter of fact, though I don't know how to take the vagueing about my "unaffiliated situation" being useful.
Anyway, today our trip was pretty uneventful, at least until we got to one of the small grawl villages, one that has been aiding the Order and the Legions against Flame as of recently.
As if to justify my companions' presence, harpies were in the midst of invading it, so we took care of that and, uhhh... freed the grawl shaman from the harpy matriarch he was misguidedly in love with... I think?
Regardless, the agents left for other villages after instructing me to stay with the tribe for the night and leave in the morning, so that they can "deal with their dealings" while knowing this place is safe.
The grawl are being almost too nice, first giving me a huge tent all for myself and the girls, then bringing me food despite having shown them I have supplies.
I had to accept some berries so that they'd stop insisting, while the girls feasted on grub larvas. Looked yummy, but I don't want to bother the grawls here since they don't seem to be exactly thriving.
I... I have to admit that I'm always surprised by how nice other races can be, especially with strangers and each other.
I mean, in Lion's Arch it felt like... a given, you know? Cooperation between races is their history, the founding principle of the city and all that!
But out here, between burning hills and homicidal zealots, it has an entirely different impact.
Not only the sylvari who gave me the scraps yesterday also found me a pair of old boots in better shape than mine, but two of the charr I fought alongside fashioned a smaller spear out of scraps specifically for me, after seeing mine get broken during the fight.
It was nothing special, they said as much, but also stated that it was the least they could do for my impromptu help with taking down the Tribune.
I... Alchemy, I felt like a weight during that fight. I quite literally was one while I was choking and that other charr dragged me around to keep me safe, and even more so when they carried me back to the camp.
And yet... the way they said it didn't make me feel as such...
It... stuck with me, and... it's not the first time it happens.
I mean, I have learned to never expect kindness of any kind to be extended to me, not without proving I was truly worth it first or making me pay for it afterwards, you know?
And yet, since I left my people -or... at least what I knew-, I keep finding people willing to help me beyond my utility, all without even knowing the full story or who I am... and *sniffle* I am letting them do that.
M-maybe that's the dif-
Oh, no no, thank you, I'm good. Really, I still haven't finished the berries you've given me earlier. No, I don't need-
-
Zyvv is now level 80 and completed 52% of the map!
And since nothing of notice happened (a miracle, given I mapped everything that wasn't mentioned in the previous entry and feared dying every step of the way), time for an easy short trip and a little introspective moment lol
Anyway, I'll have to see what to do about getting better gear, be it how much I can buy from vendors in one go (both for armor and trinkets, especially the stats-selectable ones) or even just obtaining the relic (and which one?).
Maybe it can be random rewards for story milestones or champion events, but I'll have to decide how that works sooner than later :')
It's been almost a week since my last entry.
Didn't get much time alone since then, but today we're in a less troublesome area and I can be go outside the camp proper without big risks.
I have never felt this cold in my entire life.
Granted, I had never seen snow either, but you know what? I actually kinda like it!
Of course it's in part thanks to the weather-appropriate gear I was so graciously given, otherwise my ears and toes would have probably become frozen solid and fallen off by now. This big scarf is extremely versatile, and Stinky loves the dog coat I was also given for her.
So, when I got to the base camp in Elder's Vale in the middle of the morning, I delivered a letter to Commander Tailbiter.
I had not read it, I was just told by the Lightbringer who gave it to me that it'd grant me a change of gear and unquestioned passage, and it did.
The Commander read it, muttered something under his breath, then barked orders around before pointing me towards a tent, telling me to wait there once I was done changing.
I didn't have to wait long to meet "Crusader Emil".
Also uh, small tangent, but like... the pact stuff I heard about turned out to be an actual alliance between the three Orders of Tyria. Or, at least, an attempt at one.
Apparently the retaking of Claw Island was so successful that everyone was ready to give it a try, with Firstborn Trahearne as Marshal of this new "Pact". Weird, given he was just a scholar as far as I know, but hey, look at me now! At least he seems to have a somewhat-famed charr as his second, so maybe he's just the mind of the operation.
... Is Mardis my second in command miniature charr? *amusedly scoffs* Nevermind.
Anyway, not that it didn't happen before of course, but apparently now the Orders will cooperate openly.
When I was there, more of the Pact forces were en route to the camp to fortify it against Icebrood activities, but Aimil and I left before then.
Right, so, Aimil...
I do not like him.
And he likely doesn't like me either.
Stinky is on my side on the matter, while Mardis... I don't know if she's testing him or trying to get him to like her.
Either way, it's been a few long days of tolerating him.
We started off on the wrong foot, when Aimil entered the tent and reacted angrily. Apparently the agent I've been substituting is his regular partner, and he was counting on their aid specifically.
Then he stumbled over himself and tried to make up for his bad first impression. Wish he didn't.
Really, I was willing to give him a chance to recover, but then he started questioning my abilities as if I was a little progeny who fell from the hammock headfirst one too many times. Sure, I'm not an agent, but I was able to track him through half of Ascalon alone. He still hasn't given me credit for that!
And worse, he sealed my opinion when he agreed to help me out with his contact. The condition that I help him complete his mission first was obvious, but he didn't have to say it like that! *angry scoff* The nerve of that human!
I'll concede that he can be a good talker and even funny every now and then, but I vastly prefer him when he has to be the cagey and dutiful Emil around others.
Whenever he drops that facade, he truly sounds like a caricature of one of my College professors, trying to be too rational about everything, and his "charming" attitude absolutely grinds my gears and ears.
At least he's good at understanding when he's crossed my tolerance line and zips it nice and quiet for an appreciable duration.
Anyway, it turns out that Aimil's whole deal lately has been tracking a powerful magical artifact through Ascalon.
It was something his Inquest contact informed him about: it was taken directly from the ruins of Ascalon City by the Flame Legion, "acquired" by an associate of the Inquest at one point, regrettably "reacquired" by Flame shortly after, then lost for a time until recent rumors.
When the assignment had presented itself, Aimil volunteered, spying on Flame and then Sons of Svanir on top of his duty. He confirmed the rumors of a planned trade with Flame that had ended in yet another bloody "acquisition"... and that the dragon's lackeys were gathering magical artifacts like that and prisoners to then bring as offerings to Jormag.
His plan was to "acquire" his target by sneaking his way into the Barrowstead with his trusted partner and leave before anyone knew they were there, but given I was not up to his high expectations, Aimil went with plan B: use the full force of a Vigil squad to flatten the door of the Svanir camp and easily access their valuables during the chaos.
Following our regrettable introduction, Aimil went to get some papers from his superiors and we left not long after.
After almost two days of sensible breaks and traveling at a reasonable pace -he was snarky about it, but try being on the run by yourself as long as I have, you ignorant bookah!-, we reached the watch post in the Highpeaks.
Obviously, we made it there while the Vigil was facing an attack from the Sons of Svanir.
We helped out -arrow carts are quite fun to use-, then Aimil took the ripe occasion to show the letter to the Tactician in charge: the long-awaited permission from the Commander to do as they pleased with their annoying neighbours.
The following dawn, the counterattack went under way, and in no time we cleared the patrols and got to the Svanir's doorstep, explosives at the ready.
I'm... impressed with the efficiency of the Vigil. I'll leave it at that.
Aimil might have saved my ears at one point, but I refuse to dwell on that since that bookah had to be a smartass about it.
While the soldiers freed the prisoners and aided the wounded, I followed Aimil to the stead that housed his target.
It didn't take him long to find the small box he was looking for, cheer quietly and disappear it into his bag, followed by other stuff I didn't see. Stopping one of the Svanir from charging me was more important.
On the way out, Aimil tossed me something "for my troubles". He's a trouble, tsk.
Still got no idea what this inscribed rock-thing is, but I won't be asking him for at least another day, since he said to keep it out of view for the time being.
So yeah, I'm still stuck with him, aiding Vigil operations and moving between camps until word from Commander Tailbiter bounces back to us and we can hopefully leave.
For all the soldiers seem to know, I'm just a random Pact aide that was tasked with delivering the orders for the attack alongside Aimil. They're overall nice and I've had to refuse ale more times than I cared to count, and it's taken all of my willpower not to answer in the stupidest way to the inquiries as to whether I know anything about Emil's past. I dislike him, but I'm not that petty.
There was also a... well, not-so-veiled offer to join the Vigil.
I didn't say "no" outright because it caught me by surprise, but honestly? It's an absolute no.
I've learned to fight well enough to survive, but I'm not made of their same cloth for sure.
Jammed cogs, I had the confirmation of it yesterday!
The Kodan holed up in the cave next to Skyheight Steading were in dire need of supplies after a dredge attack, so the Vigil went to share some of theirs as an act of goodwill towards cooperation.
The dredge ambushed us as expected and we were ready, but while everyone else fought without issue, I ended up getting bodied and pinned down by a very angry dredge before Mardis and Stinky tackled him. I'm of average height, but asuran averages don't tend to matter outside of Metrica and I'm tired of everything being so... excessively gigantic.
Thankfully I didn't lose consciousness, but my head still hurts a little -the cold is helping- and his claws tore through my sleeve, scratching my arm -a proper healer worked her magic, thread and needle did the rest-.
Anyway, today we're in the south of the region, waiting for orders after one last assignment around here.
Aimil said he knows what our new orders will be: we're meant to go to Hoelbrak to deliver the artifact to the Whispers chapter there.
Which is fine by me, because then he will do what I ask of him, I'll get information on what the MILD device actually is, and I won't have to deal with him anymore. Can't glitching wait.
... Right, I guess at that point I'll also have to decide whether I want to join the Order of Whispers or not.
Or... maybe the Pact could be a better fit for me, if it doesn't fall apart right away...
---
Aside from the southern meta, it was another uneventful mapping experience overall.
In truth, I got downed for a moment while wearing one of those stupid armor suits, but it was out of the planned path for the story, so fuck it. Another random dredge closer to the path gets that honor, although Zyvv continues to be lucky when it comes to scars.
Bit long of an entry, but Zyvv had a week of stuff to complain about!
I was so tired I slept like a rock.
Kinda overslept, but I still left the Brill Alliance lab before sunrise, and quite in a hurry too.
For a moment I had considered heading north through the swamp, but an intern told me the krewe had been having issues with Inquest raids coming from there and pointed at a little glimmer of light barely visible between the tree branches. The local headquarters, he said.
Nope.
Luckily I got to Desider Atum without issues and filled my bag with high-energy supplies before the center started getting busy.
Probably overdid it, but I wanted enough food to last for a few days and I'd rather not eat only meat if I can help it.
I also found a new coat.
It was *little cough* in the trash collection area, full of holes and with dubious stains on the bottom hem, but still in wearable conditions and, most importantly, it's my size.
I threw my uniform in the nearby marsh, where the nesting raptors torn it to shreds at a distressing speed. Maybe anyone potentially tracking me will believe I ended up as their breakfast.
All morning I followed the road going north, passing by the Arterium Haven and the Luminates Plant, surprisingly without encountering anyone far from the populated areas.
I had nearly made it to Caledon Forest when a Peacemaker stopped me. I'm so so SO glad she did.
Apparently not only there was a big Inquest base, the Outer Complex -I had only heard of it-, just up ahead, but the road to Caledon was where many kidnappings on their part had concentrated recently.
The Peacemaker was quite surprised I had not come across any Inquest-related disturbance thus far.
I only had to take a look at the Complex to decide whether to risk my luck. Alchemy, that was a big one, and I can approximately guess how many eyes could have potentially been on me if I had pushed forward.
It bears repeating that I'm really glad Mardis is always with me.
I've been testing names, and she seems to like that one. Or at least, she responds better to it.
The Peacemaker asked if I wanted to help disrupting their activities, but I excused myself and quickly made my way back to the Haven.
Pity, I was really looking forward to seeing the Grove and maybe finding refuge there, but taking the longer way around was again the only option, so I asked those stationed at the Haven for safe directions towards Brisban Wildlands. *smallest groan*
The Lionguard were actually really helpful, in particular one boo-... human.
Not only she drew me a crude yet understandable map of the area with clear directions, copying from those they had in their little fort, but she even sat down with me to explain which alternative roads to take in case of "issues".
The path was not ideal, but to her word it kept me as far from Inquest as possible.
Territorial animals and the air elementals were annoying, but we got through them all right. I'm kiiinda getting the hang of this bow, bit less of the greatsword.
Alas, it still meant getting close to Thaumanova... or what's left of it.
I... *exhales* I had read the reports, but I didn't think it was that bad. I'm sure they downplayed it internally.
There was a city above the reactor. A whole city. Places and people I knew. All gone, blasted to particles by chaos magic. A year passed and it's still... *grim chuckle, followed by sniffles*
It's probably a bit of contamination, but I'm still feeling sick in the stomach.
I know I shouldn't have stopped, but I helped some refugees while I was passing by. Apparently the Inquest is still harassing them and those involved in the clean up efforts.
I am very aware it's not my fault -unlike something else-, but as someone who was part of the megakrewe that caused it... I feel like I have to do a little bit to help make things better, you know?
Anyway, we had almost made it to Brisban Wildlands when Mardis had a bad experience with some skelk.
She went off road chasing rabbits, but then I heard sounds I didn't like. I'm really glad she came back when I recalled her, as she had a few nasty marks on her back.
She didn't like it when I tried to check her wounds. First time she growled at me, even.
In the panic of the moment I tried to do a simple healing spell they taught us in basic education. I think it did something? It definitely didn't make it worse, at least.
Still, big kitten is sulking under a bush now and I'm waiting for her to get out.
We're both gonna need to rest for a bit when we finally reach Mrot Boru.
My legs are killing me after so much walking in... two days? Alchemy, it feels like an eternity already.
I hope it's been one for those living there and that no one recognizes me, but I'll take what I get.
---
Going a bit slow because I don't want to stay up to 3am writing these like last time lol
Anyway, I'm sticking to the random element of this run even down to the backstory, so whenever they find an item I randomly pick the colors (from the leather dye section). They're allowed a fashion sense only when they buy stuff themselves :D
Also I gotta take a better variety of screenshots, not just from the back oops
I was not looking forward to being in Mrot Boru, especially not for an extended time, but we really needed to take a day and a half to rest and that was the furthest "safe" place I know', with that many Peacemakers there.
I pretty much blacked out right as my head touched the pillow. Alchemy, I think I even had a fever for the whole night and morning.
Seeing familiar faces in the settlement was... not particularly galvanizing for my mood. Not with those memories coming back.
Thankfully, no one seemed to recognize me.
Or, better, those who did probably didn't think that the shy boy who wasn't allowed ten steps away from his mother would be out and about as an adventurer -I sure would have thought it ridiculous too just a few days ago-, nor that he'd look like me now.
I still kept a mask on for most of the time, and when someone asked for my name, I borrowed Mardis's, which meant she was Kitten for the time being. I was very likely already marked for disposal as well, so it's not like it doesn't fit...
I mostly kept to myself and rested, a bit aghast at how much the place had changed over the years. I mean, I changed a lot too and in ways no one could have predicted.
I still got to poke around and make small talk with people I didn't recognize, just enough to get info on the area so I could decide a way forward.
I... *sighs* I also found out my mother's krewe disbanded years ago, with all but the old leader no longer in the settlement.
That's probably for the best, though I hope none of them went to Thauma...
When a small caravan reached the settlement in the middle of the day, a sylvari came up to me and offered to properly heal Mardis. She was struggling to lick the scratches on her back, but big dumb kitten still kept growling at me whenever I tried to touch her.
Not only did she want nothing in exchange, but she even taught me a couple of nature magic tricks. I'm... not used to kindness with no strings attached anymore, but I still insisted on sharing my food with her as thanks.
It's funny how magic was my chosen field of study, but using it was never my forte... and now I'm forced get good at it and do so fast, if I want to survive out here. I'm glad she was that patient with me.
Anyway, early in the morning I set off East, planning to take the paved route to make up for the lost time, but that was about to be the biggest mistake I could have ever made. *small groan*
I had only seen the Xcutioner one time from afar, but his team often served as safety backup when dangerous specimens were brought in, and I recognized two of them right outside one of the labs on the way.
The girl I never interacted with, but it's hard to forget that guy's smug face and irritating voice after being inconvenienced for hours while I was working at my desk. What was it? Xett? Kett? Kedd?
Mardis was already crouching as if ready to attack, and I am SO glad she understands basic commands now, because we managed to scutter back before we were seen.
We went off-road and through the swamp, just in case someone followed us, but it seemed not to be the case... *long sigh of relief* at least Mardis enjoys water more than I do.
I can repeat to myself all I want that they weren't there for me, but I am definitely not safe in this area regardless of that.
With the most direct road out of the question, my best option to get out of Brisban fast was to go through the nearby skritt's scratch.
I considered it, I even got up to their doorstep -cavestep?-, but I... couldn't.
Let me be clear: I never liked skritt and I still don't.
It's a dislike stronger than words can express.
Finding out that they made a capital colony, Skrittsburgh, right inside the mountains Northeast of Mrot Boru, did nothing to make me like them more.
*disgruntled sound, followed by a huff* At the very least things are not as bad as they were years ago, from what the locals said. I haven't heard of them accidentally kidnapping progeny anymore.
And so, I went back to Mrot Boru and quickly skipped through it, staying on the outskirts.
The only way to the Grove available to me means bandits, Nightmare Court, and avoiding more Inquest bases. Hooray...
---
Another one that is mostly exposition with little in terms of the actual adventure, but I'm preparing the next entry already.
I didn't play them at all since the last entry as I had some sudden deadlines, but in the meantime I developed their backstory by lore gambling (discover it by asking yes/no/it's complicated questions and figure out what happened from the randomized answers).
If anyone wants to poke Zyvv with questions, their asks are now open!
I should have recorded this yesterday, but I was indeed given a bed in a safehouse and I made the mistake of trying the pillow out.
I slept for over half a day, ignoring even the relentless clanging of the blacksmiths next to the building. I need to rest some more, but it still was glorious!
Anyway, yesterday I had about twenty seconds to admire the Command Core from the entrance of the Citadel, then Mirayla and Jaren made us beeline and stealth through secondary routes towards Canton Factorium.
Once there, we slipped through the clientele of a tavern and went up a couple stories, into a small operative base of sorts ran by the Order of Whispers.
There were only charr there, some in Order's uniform, some in regular armor or clothes, and two Vigil soldiers -as I was later told-.
They were in the middle of arguing over something, all the bristled fur and pinned ears confirming that the snarly growls we heard while still walking up to the room were not regular charr chatter.
I kinda expected a fight to break out, but after the bigger soldier muttered a threat about not daring to withhold information from them, they left the way we came from without a word.
Without missing a beat, my travel companions quickly explained my situation to Korukhan, the one in charge there, then received some envelopes and said their goodbyes before rushing away. I did not expect Mardis to rub against them, go figure.
Then... uhh, how do I put it?
Well, the long story short is that I am technically cooperating with the Order of Whispers now.
As for the longer story...
Okay, recap of main thing first: the big "something" that happened was a Risen assault on Claw Island, one so strong that, despite being warned by multiple sources, the Lionguard lost Fort Stalwart and had to retreat.
Lion's Arch itself was subsequently attacked for a whole night, and while all of Tyria's orders pitched into the early defense and held the city, things are still dicey.
And so, now the Order of Whispers is mustering forces to both better defend the city and mount a counterattack to retake the island.
A Firstborn sylvari, Trahearne, was mentioned, but I don't understand if he's leading the effort or what, but apparently the Vigil and Priory are involved too? And so are other people I forgot the names of.
Regardless, the point is that it's a really big deal, since an even bigger dragon champion is the one holding the island.
Ugh, should have really recorded this yesterday, when the relevant info was fresh in my mind.
Anyway, the bigger picture is that everyone and their progenitors are whipped into a frenzy over it, all available manpower and resources are being pushed towards that goal, and little is left to cover regular matters...
That's where I come in to cooperate.
Yesterday, before I was escorted to the safehouse, I had a private talk with the dark charr in charge.
Korukhan asked me to share as much info about "my deal" as I wanted, so that they could better look into it. "The more, the deeper the look."
Taking a page out of the agents' book, I kept any info of my involvement with the Inquest or personal data to the bare minimum, only saying I was a researcher and ran away when I was framed and put on the chopping block. He grinned in a way that I want to register as a positive chuckle... but with all those fangs it's kinda hard to tell, Alchemy...
What I did explain in appreciable detail was how an Inquest operative tracked me down twice, what happened in Divinity's Reach -though I only mentioned the subsequent delivery Inquest guy I found already mauled-, and the way to break into the pod by taking advantage of its faulty security protocols.
I initially didn't want to say anything about what I learned of the device and what it did when Mardis was badly wounded, but that was what I was there for so I shared pretty much everything I knew.
He thanked me for the useful intel, and that was it for our talk.
The data crystals we brought were a fine gift, as Korukhan put it, but when earlier today they allowed me to take a look at what was relevant to the MILD device, nothing new came up.
However, the charr who ran the decryption said a name on the file corresponds to a contact of theirs in the Inquest, one who gladly shares intel for a good price... and now I'm supposed to track down the guy who deals with them.
A certain Aimil, a human agent who's been undercover in the Vigil for quite some time.
He was recently deployed with a unit to help fortify some areas in Ascalon, to repay a favor done by the Legions.
Said unit was supposed to be in Frostgorge Sound a few days ago already, but the last message from a contact up there said they were late and that travel in the area is now nearly impossible due to intense Sons of Svanir activity. The Vigil soldiers from yesterday were asking if the Order had any intel to share on their soldiers, but with tensions so high it escalated for no reason.
Someone else was meant to be already on the job, but they were sent to deal with the issue in Lion's Arch instead, so Korukhan is taking any willing "volunteer". Thaaat's meee...
I need to follow the path his unit took, gather whatever intel he left at designated areas along the way, and track him down to check if he's still alive. Finding an Inquest base apparently qualifies me for that. Color me doubtful, but I'll try.
Now, there's another potentially big thing...
Korukhan heavily implied that if I'm successful, I'd earn a place in the Order.
Which means a new beginning, a safe place to stay, freedom to decide what I want to do... and some level of protection from the Inquest. I know they won't suddenly stop just because of it, but I wouldn't be alone...
I... *exhales* Alchemy, I don't know!
I need time to think about it, that's for sure.
I don't want to jump into something I don't know just because it feels like my only option, like it happened with the Inquest... but I suppose my search for that Aimil guy will be enough time to think it through, right?
What do you girls think? Should we become spies?
*purring and growly sounds, followed by a chuckle*
-
City map, so it's lore time!
A new rule has appeared!
- Events involving the Order of Whispers should be completed whenever possible (champion fights can be avoided if too dangerous, but should be attempted).
Man, Zyvv has been really good at avoiding all the potential rules I could have added so far, and this one is not even mandatory because the randomizer didn't have them join, at least for now lol
