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Heavy black clouds gradually fill the evening sky, dimming the bright sunset until the sky's colorful hues turn as black as the forthcoming night. The darkness unsettles you to your core, forcing the fur along your spine to stand up. Something isn't right.
Your pace quickens as an instinct within you warns you to find shelter quickly. You can only hope your pride will be okay. Unfortunately, your pride is far away, too far to comfortably run to for security. As your paws quickly trod through dried grass and decaying locust shells you notice a cave mouth perfect for sheltering. Without hesitation, you turn your attention to the rocky outcropping and pick up your speed. Inside of the cave is another lion. Er- something resembling a lion. His back is turned to you, the attention of the juvenile creature focused on the scrawling he's scratching into the rock's surface. You cough softly to announce your presence, causing the lion to jump slightly and stop his work.
He turns towards you with a relaxed demeanor, acting as if you hadn't just scared him. Large horns are sprouted from the top of his head with just the slightest of a curve, another pair sticking straight from his cheekbones to curl forwards. Sleeping on his side must be difficult. The most notable features he adorns are a large pair of wings, the bat-like appendages folded neatly against his body. "Are you just going to keep staring?" The lion stands up from his carvings on the grime-covered walls to approach you slowly and cautiously. "What do you want?"
Your pace quickens as an instinct within you warns you to find shelter quickly. You can only hope your pride will be okay. Unfortunately, your pride is far away, too far to comfortably run to for security. As your paws quickly trod through dried grass and decaying locust shells you notice a cave mouth perfect for sheltering. Without hesitation, you turn your attention to the rocky outcropping and pick up your speed. Inside of the cave is another lion. Er- something resembling a lion. His back is turned to you, the attention of the juvenile creature focused on the scrawling he's scratching into the rock's surface. You cough softly to announce your presence, causing the lion to jump slightly and stop his work.
He turns towards you with a relaxed demeanor, acting as if you hadn't just scared him. Large horns are sprouted from the top of his head with just the slightest of a curve, another pair sticking straight from his cheekbones to curl forwards. Sleeping on his side must be difficult. The most notable features he adorns are a large pair of wings, the bat-like appendages folded neatly against his body. "Are you just going to keep staring?" The lion stands up from his carvings on the grime-covered walls to approach you slowly and cautiously. "What do you want?"
Page 1
"Oh." The stranger's uncertain demeanor vanishes. "Well then, make yourself at home. I wouldn't mind having some company, especially company such as yours, my dude."
A warm smile brightens his deep-set features, relaxing the tension in your muscles. "My name is Nirah. Nirah the Manticore."
A warm smile brightens his deep-set features, relaxing the tension in your muscles. "My name is Nirah. Nirah the Manticore."
Page 2
"[NAME], you've probably noticed by now the scary shit happening around this time of year, my dude. To put it simply, some intense forces of Hell are creating and opening portals, trying to claim all of the animals as their slaves or champions. They do this so that the battle between Heaven and Hell can be swayed in their favor.
Personally, I don't care about the goals of either side. I'd like to consider myself somewhere in the middle. Angels dislike me because I'm not that graceful or very pure, and demons dislike me because I'm not 'evil enough'. Not sure what they mean by that, but I won't argue. Thankfully, both sides are too focused on destroying each other and in the end they couldn't care less about my existence.
Maybe you could do some surveying around the area for me and see what's going on? I think I'd rather sit in my den and watch from afar. I don't think much has really happened yet, though."
0 / 30 steps taken in Explore.
Personally, I don't care about the goals of either side. I'd like to consider myself somewhere in the middle. Angels dislike me because I'm not that graceful or very pure, and demons dislike me because I'm not 'evil enough'. Not sure what they mean by that, but I won't argue. Thankfully, both sides are too focused on destroying each other and in the end they couldn't care less about my existence.
Maybe you could do some surveying around the area for me and see what's going on? I think I'd rather sit in my den and watch from afar. I don't think much has really happened yet, though."
0 / 30 steps taken in Explore.
Page 3
In order to proceed, you must complete this quest. You must click the "Explore" paw print 30 times, essentially taking "30 steps".
Once you have reached 30 steps, return to the storyline page and click the Give a scouting report button.
"[NAME], you've probably noticed by now the scary shit happening around this time of year, my dude. To put it simply, some intense forces of Hell are creating and opening portals, trying to claim all of the animals as their slaves or champions. They do this so that the battle between Heaven and Hell can be swayed in their favor.
Personally, I don't care about the goals of either side. I'd like to consider myself somewhere in the middle. Angels dislike me because I'm not that graceful or very pure, and demons dislike me because I'm not 'evil enough'. Not sure what they mean by that, but I won't argue. Thankfully, both sides are too focused on destroying each other and in the end they couldn't care less about my existence.
Maybe you could do some surveying around the area for me and see what's going on? I think I'd rather sit in my den and watch from afar. I don't think much has really happened yet, though."
Personally, I don't care about the goals of either side. I'd like to consider myself somewhere in the middle. Angels dislike me because I'm not that graceful or very pure, and demons dislike me because I'm not 'evil enough'. Not sure what they mean by that, but I won't argue. Thankfully, both sides are too focused on destroying each other and in the end they couldn't care less about my existence.
Maybe you could do some surveying around the area for me and see what's going on? I think I'd rather sit in my den and watch from afar. I don't think much has really happened yet, though."
Page 3
"Interesting... The war seems to only have just begun. Technically you could join a side if that fancies your interests. Or, if you're like me and want to keep all that celestial shit out of your mane you could just... not pick a side."
Page 4
Nirah's barbed tail curls with pleasure, clearly pleased with your dedication. "Before we start making any decisions you may regret, we need to clear the area of all these rabid animals. And by "we", I mean you are going to clear the area of all these rabid animals, my dude."
His pleasant smile melts into a heart-warming laugh. You aren't sure if the gesture is genuine anymore or if the young adult is trying to persuade you with his good looks. Either way, it seems to be working.
"Technically, I could do it no problem with my fancy magic and powers, but I have better things to do. Things like... not clearing out rabid animals while Heaven and Hell have a turf war. I'll watch your back though, no worries! If you get in a tough spot I'll be here for you, always."
Did he just step closer to you?
"Once you show off your skills I can go out and see if it's even possible to get you in contact with the Angels or the Demons. If not, I won't complain. You seem like fun company to keep, my dude."
0 / 5 rabid animals defeated.
His pleasant smile melts into a heart-warming laugh. You aren't sure if the gesture is genuine anymore or if the young adult is trying to persuade you with his good looks. Either way, it seems to be working.
"Technically, I could do it no problem with my fancy magic and powers, but I have better things to do. Things like... not clearing out rabid animals while Heaven and Hell have a turf war. I'll watch your back though, no worries! If you get in a tough spot I'll be here for you, always."
Did he just step closer to you?
"Once you show off your skills I can go out and see if it's even possible to get you in contact with the Angels or the Demons. If not, I won't complain. You seem like fun company to keep, my dude."
0 / 5 rabid animals defeated.
Page 5
In order to proceed, you must complete this quest. You must defeat a total of 5 rabid animals.
Rabid animals appear during both day and night time, and are easy to spot - all rabid NPCs are named "Rabid [ANIMAL]" and appear to be foaming at the mouth.
To check what NPCs are rabid, view the October explore encounters.
Once you have defeated a total of 5 rabid animals, return to the storyline page and click the Area is clear button.
Nirah's barbed tail curls with pleasure, clearly pleased with your dedication. "Before we start making any decisions you may regret, we need to clear the area of all these rabid animals. And by "we", I mean you are going to clear the area of all these rabid animals, my dude."
His pleasant smile melts into a heart-warming laugh. You aren't sure if the gesture is genuine anymore or if the young adult is trying to persuade you with his good looks. Either way, it seems to be working.
"Technically, I could do it no problem with my fancy magic and powers, but I have better things to do. Things like... not clearing out rabid animals while Heaven and Hell have a turf war. I'll watch your back though, no worries! If you get in a tough spot I'll be here for you, always."
Did he just step closer to you?
"Once you show off your skills I can go out and see if it's even possible to get you in contact with the Angels or the Demons. If not, I won't complain. You seem like fun company to keep, my dude."
His pleasant smile melts into a heart-warming laugh. You aren't sure if the gesture is genuine anymore or if the young adult is trying to persuade you with his good looks. Either way, it seems to be working.
"Technically, I could do it no problem with my fancy magic and powers, but I have better things to do. Things like... not clearing out rabid animals while Heaven and Hell have a turf war. I'll watch your back though, no worries! If you get in a tough spot I'll be here for you, always."
Did he just step closer to you?
"Once you show off your skills I can go out and see if it's even possible to get you in contact with the Angels or the Demons. If not, I won't complain. You seem like fun company to keep, my dude."
Page 5
As promised, Nirah proves that he had indeed been watching over you as you showed off your battling skills. The manticore stands up from the resting spot he has been observing you from, excitement clear in his voice as he applauds your finest victories.
"Nice job, my dude! You were really something out there! Now that you cleared out the area, we can go out. Don't worry about rain or anything, I can cover you with my wing. And if anything attacks us, I'll protect you."
"Nice job, my dude! You were really something out there! Now that you cleared out the area, we can go out. Don't worry about rain or anything, I can cover you with my wing. And if anything attacks us, I'll protect you."
Page 6
The manticore tilts his head slightly, unsure of your confusion.
"Well, uh, it's actually pretty simple. We can try and make a portal for you to contact Hell or Heaven together, if you're interested in joining either of their causes. But, once you make the leap to the other side, you'll be all on your lonesome. Remember though, if you do contact one side, the other becomes your enemy forever. So, like, if you align with Hell and all that "burning glory" stuff, then you can never contact the angels. Nonetheless, you'll always be my dude, dude. So, who are you going to pick?"
"Well, uh, it's actually pretty simple. We can try and make a portal for you to contact Hell or Heaven together, if you're interested in joining either of their causes. But, once you make the leap to the other side, you'll be all on your lonesome. Remember though, if you do contact one side, the other becomes your enemy forever. So, like, if you align with Hell and all that "burning glory" stuff, then you can never contact the angels. Nonetheless, you'll always be my dude, dude. So, who are you going to pick?"
Page 7
This page is only visible if you clicked I would like to contact a Demon on Page 7.
Nirah stops himself in front of you with a frown, not hesitating to make eye contact with you.
"Are you positive, my dude? Are you one hundred percent sure you don't want to hang out in my cave with me? You'd really rather talk to demons? They're literally enslaving all these animals you've befriended in the past month and making them all slave-warriors to bend to their will and reign chaos onto the earth."
"Are you positive, my dude? Are you one hundred percent sure you don't want to hang out in my cave with me? You'd really rather talk to demons? They're literally enslaving all these animals you've befriended in the past month and making them all slave-warriors to bend to their will and reign chaos onto the earth."
Page 8
This page is only visible if you clicked I really want to contact a Demon * on Page 8.
Nirah gives an unhappy huff before taking a small step away from you.
"Okay, okay, okay. Demons it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Hell and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining eyes- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
0 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
"Okay, okay, okay. Demons it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Hell and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining eyes- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
0 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
Page 9
In order to proceed, you must complete this quest. You must give Nirah 50 total Amusement items. The Amusement items must be in your hoard, not buried, in your branch, in a raffle, or in a trade.
Once you have given Nirah a total of 50 Amusement items, click the Proceed button.
Nirah gives an unhappy huff before taking a small step away from you.
"Okay, okay, okay. Demons it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Hell and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining eyes- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
50 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
"Okay, okay, okay. Demons it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Hell and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining eyes- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
50 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
Page 9
The manticore gathers all of the surrendered items together to form a mound with a Silent Stargate. His deep voice echoes against the dampened cave walls and sends shivers down your spine. Heavy black clouds reminiscent of those outside begin to swirl above Nirah and fill the cave, choking you with their presence.
A slow and formidable rumble begins to shake the ground beneath your paws, sparking the rocks into a thundering fire! Blinding crimsons engulf your vision, your eyes only barely able to make out a sigil seemingly carving itself out of the rocks with a burning hiss. Fear paralyzes you to the spot, forcing you to bear witness as the ground crumbles away in front of you. The portal is filled with an opaque blood red and midnight black, constantly swirling in a mesmerizing pattern. You forget all else besides the burning warmth against your fur, the sound of demonic cackling and sickening screams filling your ears.
Nirah's voice cuts through the deafening screams, almost as if he spoke from within your own mind.
"It is done. Goodbye, [NAME], and good luck."
A slow and formidable rumble begins to shake the ground beneath your paws, sparking the rocks into a thundering fire! Blinding crimsons engulf your vision, your eyes only barely able to make out a sigil seemingly carving itself out of the rocks with a burning hiss. Fear paralyzes you to the spot, forcing you to bear witness as the ground crumbles away in front of you. The portal is filled with an opaque blood red and midnight black, constantly swirling in a mesmerizing pattern. You forget all else besides the burning warmth against your fur, the sound of demonic cackling and sickening screams filling your ears.
Nirah's voice cuts through the deafening screams, almost as if he spoke from within your own mind.
"It is done. Goodbye, [NAME], and good luck."
Page 10
This page is only visible if you clicked I would like to contact an Angel on Page 7 or Actually, Angels maybe? on Page 8.
Nirah stops himself in front of you with a frown, not hesitating to make eye contact with you.
"Are you positive, my dude? Are you one hundred percent sure you don't want to hang out in my cave with me? You'd rather talk to creepy angels? I mean you probably won't be even allowed to talk to one, honestly. They'll just transfer you to a Nepheline, or something. They're the offspring of Lions and Angels. But don't get me wrong, they're all weird in their own ways."
"Are you positive, my dude? Are you one hundred percent sure you don't want to hang out in my cave with me? You'd rather talk to creepy angels? I mean you probably won't be even allowed to talk to one, honestly. They'll just transfer you to a Nepheline, or something. They're the offspring of Lions and Angels. But don't get me wrong, they're all weird in their own ways."
Page 11
This page is only visible if you clicked I really want to contact the Angels * on Page 11.
Nirah gives an unhappy huff before taking a small step away from you.
"Okay, okay, okay. Angels it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Heaven and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining coat- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
0 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
"Okay, okay, okay. Angels it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Heaven and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining coat- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
0 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
Page 12
In order to proceed, you must complete this quest. You must give Nirah 50 total Amusement items. The Amusement items must be in your hoard, not buried, in your branch, in a raffle, or in a trade.
Once you have given Nirah a total of 50 Amusement items, click the Proceed button.
Nirah gives an unhappy huff before taking a small step away from you.
"Okay, okay, okay. Angels it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Heaven and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining coat- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
50 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
"Okay, okay, okay. Angels it is. First of all, we'll need to set up a portal before you can do anything. It'll allow you to travel between Heaven and your pride with no problem. But I'll have to pretty honest with you here, my dude. Once you do it, there is only the slightest chance that they'll allow you to see me again. I'm gonna miss your shining coat- I mean, I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging out."
"To activate the portal for you, I need to enchant some junk with my magic. Bring me 50 Amusement items so we can start."
50 / 50 Amusement items surrendered.
Page 12
The manticore gathers all of the surrendered items together to form a mound with a Silent Stargate. His deep voice echoes against the dampened cave walls and sends shivers your spine. Heavy black clouds reminiscent of those outside begin to swirl above Nirah and fill the cave, choking you with their presence.
In the midst of the darkness you can see a vague light shine above you, a savior within the darkness. The shining light casts its beauty upon the mound Nirah and you sit on, allowing you to see that the manticore seems more entranced with watching you rather than the supernatural activities around the mound. A bright and deafening bolt of lightning strikes the portal, sending pieces of surrounding rock flying into the air.
Before you can realize what is happening, you see the carved ornaments filling with a blinding white light. The slight heat reminiscent of a summer's day warms your pelt as a pastel yellow fills the portal and shines down onto you. Somewhere within, you swear you can hear an odd white noise and soft singing.
Nirah's voice cuts through your enchantment, almost as if he was speaking from within your own mind.
"It is done. Goodbye, [NAME], and good luck."
In the midst of the darkness you can see a vague light shine above you, a savior within the darkness. The shining light casts its beauty upon the mound Nirah and you sit on, allowing you to see that the manticore seems more entranced with watching you rather than the supernatural activities around the mound. A bright and deafening bolt of lightning strikes the portal, sending pieces of surrounding rock flying into the air.
Before you can realize what is happening, you see the carved ornaments filling with a blinding white light. The slight heat reminiscent of a summer's day warms your pelt as a pastel yellow fills the portal and shines down onto you. Somewhere within, you swear you can hear an odd white noise and soft singing.
Nirah's voice cuts through your enchantment, almost as if he was speaking from within your own mind.
"It is done. Goodbye, [NAME], and good luck."
Page 13
This page is only visible if you clicked I don't care about all that. I just want to hang out with you! on Page 7 or I will just hang out with you for now * on Pages 8 and 11.
Nirah seats himself in front of you with a pleased smile, the large wings wiggling with contained joy.
"Hell yeah, my dude! Stick it to those entitled creeps!"
The manticore's mood suddenly crashed with a forced cough, ears flattening.
"I mean, uh, nice choice. If you ever want to change your mind then you can come back to me and we can think about the portal thing again. Until then, let me walk you home. Don't hesitate to come over to my cave, I'll be open to you any day or night, my dude."
"Hell yeah, my dude! Stick it to those entitled creeps!"
The manticore's mood suddenly crashed with a forced cough, ears flattening.
"I mean, uh, nice choice. If you ever want to change your mind then you can come back to me and we can think about the portal thing again. Until then, let me walk you home. Don't hesitate to come over to my cave, I'll be open to you any day or night, my dude."
Page 14
From here,
This ends Day 1. You must wait one rollover to proceed to Day 2.
Click here to view the directory for the Journey to Vredefort Crater.
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| Go back. | Proceed to Day 2. |
Shad
Page last edited on 14 October 2023.
This page has been viewed 94922 times.
This page has been viewed 94922 times.