The Serpent's Glade

[ a mini storyline ]

Lore Introduction: Opiuchus

For context, read the Legend of the Serpent's Glade first!

. . .

You push yourself to your feet. Your head is reeling from a fall you don’t remember. Through the fog, you barely manage to make out a small, flickering light. Not knowing what else to do, you begin clawing your way towards it.

The ground begins to slope upwards, and you fall down again; or was this your first fall? Exhausted, you search your mind for explanation, but your mind is blank. What is this place? What is this feeling? Did you somehow… die? No, it can’t be. I am alive.

The light bobbles slightly, as if encouraging you. You pick yourself up and focus on your feet, closing the distance step by step. The fog begins to clear, and you can now see a tall, hooded Candle Noodle standing at the top of the hill before you, holding a lantern in one paw. The Candle Noodle sets the lantern down and extends a paw to you, helping you climb up the last few steps. She smiles, somewhat condescendingly, and knocks on a stone wall- no, not a wall- she knocks on a round, stone gate behind her.

“Do you know where we are?”

You shake your head, still gasping to catch your breath.

“This is the Great Gate of Zamna, but we call it by another name. Are you familiar with the legend of the Serpent’s Glade?”

This time you nod. The lost Gate, the Immortal Serpent- the legend has always intrigued you. Your mind begins to clear, and you feel the Candle Noodle’s eyes on you, cool and calculating. From her satchel, she produces four square-shaped runestones. She motions with her tail, and your eyes fall back to the gate, where there are four square-shaped indents. The pieces begin to click in your head… four keys to open a Gate- is this the Gate to the Serpent’s Glade?

“The Serpent’s Glade is a wondrous place, filled with secrets and treasures. We would like to share these treasures, but only with the worthy. You must prove your dedication to the Glade before you join us.”

You listen intently, waiting for some kind of catch. You detect none, but you remain dubious. “What do you need me to do?”

“I’m glad you asked. I am something of a collector, and I believe completing a collection is something that takes true dedication. If you’re up for the challenge, find me at Festivals. For each Festival, I’ll scatter 13 figurines across the island. Once you have collected them all, I’ll give you one of these.”

She tosses a runestone into the air, catching and shuffling it with the rest absentmindedly.

“Four runestones will open the gate…and you know where to find me then. I'll see you soon."

She smirks, then turns towards the Gate. The Gate slides open in response, revealing a dreamy, sunlit meadow. The wind blows her hood to the side, and you catch a glimpse of a crimson, slitted eye…almost snakelike. She looks away, then disappears.

. . .

You wake up in a cold sweat, gasping for air. Was it really just a dream? But all dreams have meaning. You’ll find out soon enough anyways; a Festival is on the horizon.

Overview

The Serpent’s Glade is a mini storyline of the ARPG, and a little something extra to work towards during seasonal events! Unlocking the Glade will require completing four collections of figurines, one for each seasonal event (Bloom Festival, Rite of the Reef/Bay Festival, Harvest Festival, Frost Festival), so definitely a bit of a long term endeavor.

Upon collecting all four runestones, you will unlock access to a shop, where you’ll find: quests, serpent trait items, exclusive critters, possibly Glade loot crates, and most importantly: something to do with baby Faians and imortal forms...