[DROP] catch them if you can

Random Event Like the end of a Hitchcock movie, a little dark and a lot confusing Rumours have been spreading far and wide through the regions - cloud spiders or no cloud spiders - that something profoundly curious is happening in the Greatwood. A conglomeration - no, an assembly - or even a swarm of will-o-wisps has been sighted all throughout the forest, in numbers that far surpass the norm. And, mischievous as the little creatures tend to be, they've been causing all sorts of trouble! Someone really ought to catch them. In fact, if one arrives at the Wildwood, one might find several collections of neatly arranged nets that glisten strangely in the fae light. The keen-eyed might notice that the nets are made from cloud spider silk; whether that will make them any good at catching will-o-wisps is another matter entirely. Regardless, someone has to do it! Could it be you? WELCOME TO THE DROP! You have 48 hours to post your character arriving in the Wildwood and grabbing up a net to catch some will-o-wisps! The prize for winning this drop will be a race-specific character companion! (Oooh! Aaaah!)

Jude

come on, come dance with me

Jude has been in the Greatwood for a few days now - catching Whisper Fish, visiting his mother, generally hiding from both Torchline and Stormbreak and their new-leader-drama. Normally he isn't the type for rumors, but will-o'-whisps are already so intriguing that he can't help but check it out for himself.

The presence of nets is a little harder to explain away, and a bit suspicious. Surely someone wouldn't just leave such items sitting around? But, well, why not right? Jude picks one up and does his best to make his steps quiet as he follows the trail of color and light, hoping to help corral and capture the mischievous little spirits.

the earth is spinning, we can't just stand

He's here for his quest, but while he's about, why not help with a will-o'-wisp problem? And if he's going to be helping, why not team up with a familiar face? Koa's quick to spot Jude's waifish form in the growing crowd, and the sight of someone he (sort of) knows fills him with relief. Truth be told, he's found the woods a bit spooky thus far: there's nothing like this in Stormbreak, and he could swear the trees move.

So net in hand and dragon on his shoulder, the young man strides to catch up with Jude. "Hey," he greets warmly, bumping a narrow shoulder with his own broad one. "Need a bodyguard?" A charming grin, a devilish wink. Fun fact: Koa doesn't know that Jude is the one who cock-blocked him. Or that he's now in a committed relationship with the girl our hero had an earth-shattering crush on.

Let the good times roll.

Koa

Tal was looking for an apprentice.

He was looking for that apprentice in the Greatwood, and had happened to hear about the funky goings-on and figured: why the hail not. He hadn't been able to track down Jude in the Village so heading out into the Woods seemed like as good a plan as any. And while he was there he might as well throw some nets around, right? Maybe he'd get lucky!

With Boreal sleeping keeping watch aboard the Peregrine, Tal shouldered his gear and grabbed a few spare nets as he wandered in amongst the great big trees, keeping his eyes peeled for apprentices or will-o-wisps - whichever he found first.

Orbs of light beckon and call from the darkened angles and shadows of trees. Were those whispers of your friends? Family? Fallen allies?

Was that a scream? Could they be in trouble?

Is it all in your head? Just your imagination?

Or something else altogether – because what if it’s true?

---

You’ve encountered a Will-O-Wisp. This counts as a common creature encounter for the purposes of levelling, but does not count as a Random Event for levelling or MP. There will be no further admin/re intervention. If you choose to follow this creature, you do so at your own risk, however, just having it in this thread is enough to satisfy your levelling requirements.

Will-O-Wisps (common): Glowing orbs of light that dance and weave between the branches, despite their usefulness, these creatures are not to be trusted. Mischievous and loyal to no one, they will lead travellers astray at a moment's notice.