New World: Aeternum News

Greetings, Adventurers!

The Time of Awakening has arrived. Springtide Bloom calls its children to share an ancient secret capable of granting true freedom. Help the enigmatic Bloom Herald unravel the mysteries of the ethereal Wispybloom on April 26 through May 23 and collect Springtide's fertile bounty of event-specific rewards. Harvest with caution, as swarms of vile Wispy Wasps guard the blooms with fury!

Truth Seekers must be level 25 or higher to embark upon the quest for enlightenment. Springtide Villages are located in Monarch's Bluff, Everfall, Brightwood, and Weavers Fen.

[h2]LORE[/h2]


"I hear them," she murmured. "They're calling."

Hashiki Kimani was alone deep within the forest, surround by the stillness of nature, and yet she tread with purpose, her attention fixated on some unheard sound. Distant gleeful laughter — Or was it singing? — filled her head.

“Yes, I am here!” she replied to the silence, arms open in embrace. “I am… home!”

She turned about, enraptured by sights only conjurable by the imagination, spinning atop the damp grass as if she were a lost child suddenly found. Lights twinkled in her eyes, like dancing fireflies, but no such light reflected back out into the night - only the pale glow of the silver moon illuminated her unescorted waltz.

“Thank you, thank you!” she cried, “Yes, I’ve longed to see you all, as well.”

Hashiki’s head turned as she spoke, her attention drawn to many directions at once. “Of course! …Oh? Truly? That’s wonderful news! When? …But that’s so sudden. So much has happened as of late. …Yes, I agree entirely. But will they be prepared in time? …Oh! I am honored beyond words. Yes, yes, however I can be of aid!”

She nodded attentively, absorbing all that she could, assuring with the utmost certainty her devotion to this most gratifying new mission that remained secret to all but herself.

“And yet to leave you so soon,” she sighed, then warmly knelt to the earth, her head bowed in dutiful reverence. There she remained, for many a moment, before rising suddenly, changed.

“I will inform the people of Aeternum,” said the Bloom Herald. “I will shepherd those who seek the Truth. I will assemble your Children of the Bloom. Of this and my love, you have my undying pledge.”

With long strides, she departed the forest and set for town. When dawn finally blossomed over the horizon, many locals and travelers bore witness to the salient Bloom Herald, decorated with otherworldly gifts from her beloved Folk, singing and chanting, "They're here! They've come!"

[h2]REWARDS[/h2]
Craft Wispy Spritz, lure Wispy Wasps into their blast radius, and reap Wispy Wasp Goo in exchange for Springtide Tokens. Additional rewards can be earned through Springtide Centerpieces, Party Bags, Prismabloom Harvests, and the Event Shop as the infestation continues.

[h3]SPRINGTIDE CENTERPIECE[/h3]


Every Settlement will feature an ornately decorated Springtide Centerpiece, surrounded by a pile of colorful gift baskets. Each Centerpiece can be looted once per day for the following rewards:

Diamond Gypsum

• Drop Rate: 100% (must be Level 60)
  
• Limit: 6 per day.
  

1-3 Wispy Spritz

• Drop Rate: 100%
  

25 Event Reputation

• Drop Rate: 100%
  

Players also have a chance to receive the following rewards:

1-5 additional Wispy Spritz

• Drop Rate: 100%
  

1-3 Dyes

• Drop Rate: 66%
  

1 Springtide Dram

• Drop Rate: 33%
  
• Temporarily increases Luck.
  

1 Springtide Wafer

• Drop Rate: 22%
  
• Temporarily increases the number of Wispyblooms that players can harvest.
  

1 Springtide Crumble

• Drop Rate: 11%
  
• Temporarily increases Constitution.
  

[h3]SPRINGTIDE PARTY BAGS[/h3]


Located at the center of each Springtide Village is a pile of party bags ripe for the taking from all who celebrate this festive season!

Each Village Party Bag pile can be looted once per day. There are 4 Party Bag piles in the world. These reset at 5 AM local time. For example, if a player receives a fourth Springtide Token from the Party Bags at 4:58 AM, they’ll be able to get another at 5:01 AM.

Springtide Token

• Drop Rate: 100%
  

Springtide Pattern

• Drop Rate: 1.3%
  

Springtide Coinbag

• Drop Rate: 100%
  

50 Event Reputation

• Drop Rate: 100%
  

[h3]SPRINGTIDE PRISMABLOOM HARVEST[/h3]


When players harvest Prismablooms throughout Aeternum, they will have a chance at special rewards in addition to the normal Prismabloom resources.

Springtide Token

• Drop Rate: 75%
  
• Limit: 10 per day from Prismablooms.
  

Premium Springtide Tokens

• Drop Rate: 5%
  
• Limit: 1 per day from Prismablooms.
  

[h2]EVENT SHOP REWARDS[/h2]
The following rewards can be purchased from the Bloom Herald in exchange for Springtide Tokens or Premium Springtide Tokens. Gain Event Reputation to rank up and increase the Event Shop selection.

[h3]RANK 1 REWARDS[/h3]
Consumables (5 Springtide Tokens each):

Springtide Dram

• Temporarily increases Luck.
  

Springtide Wafer

• Temporarily increases the number of Wispyblooms that players can harvest.
  

Springtide Crumble

• Temporarily increases Constitution.
  

[h3]RANK 2 REWARDS[/h3]
Dyes (10 Springtide Tokens each):

• Limoncello Dye
  
• Royal Azalea Dye
  
• Morning Mist Dye
  

Light Armor Patterns (15 Springtide Tokens each):

• Blooming Hair of Earrach
  
• Blooming Shirt of Earrach
  
• Blooming Claws of Earrach
  
• Blooming Skirt of Earrach
  
• Blooming Shoes of Earrach
  

Medium Armor Patterns (15 Springtide Tokens each):

• Blooming Mask of Earrach
  
• Blooming Coat of Earrach
  
• Blooming Gloves of Earrach
  
• Blooming Culottes of Earrach
  
• Blooming Boots of Earrach
  

Heavy Armor Patterns (15 Springtide Tokens each):

• Blooming Helm of Earrach
  
• Blooming Breastplate of Earrach
  
• Blooming Gauntlets of Earrach
  
• Blooming Legguards of Earrach
  
• Blooming Sabatons of Earrach
  

[h3]RANK 3 REWARDS[/h3]
Unfortunately during testing we discovered an issue with the Viridian Attire Set that remains unresolved. Our team is working hard to address the issue and deliver it as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Springtide Beekeeper Attire Set:

• Cost: 10 Premium Springtide Tokens
  

Emotes (5 Premium Springtide Tokens each):

• Springtide "Flower Child"
  
• Jovial Frolic
  

Housing Items:
Cost: 1 Premium Springtide Token each:

• Barrel of Flowers
  
• Crate of Flowers
  
• Pot of Wispy Blooms
  
• Pinwheel
  
• Springtide Wall Light
  
• Springtide Ceiling Light
  

Cost: 2 Premium Springtide Tokens each:

• Springtide Banner
  
• Sacks of Pigment
  

Light Armor Patterns - 600 Gear Score (1 Premium Springtide Token each):

• Blooming Hair of Earrach
  
• Blooming Shirt of Earrach
  
• Blooming Claws of Earrach
  
• Blooming Skirt of Earrach
  
• Blooming Shoes of Earrach
  

Medium Armor Patterns - 600 Gear Score (1 Premium Springtide Token each):

• Blooming Mask of Earrach
  
• Blooming Coat of Earrach
  
• Blooming Gloves of Earrach
  
• Blooming Culottes of Earrach
  
• Blooming Boots of Earrach
  

Heavy Armor Patterns - 600 Gear Score (1 Premium Springtide Token each):

• Blooming Helm of Earrach
  
• Blooming Breastplate of Earrach
  
• Blooming Gauntlets of Earrach
  
• Blooming Legguards of Earrach
  
• Blooming Sabatons of Earrach
  

Springtide Bloom Attire Set

• Cost: 10 Premium Springtide Bloom Tokens
  

Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in the Springtide Villages.

Greetings, Adventurers!

Whether you’re slashing through roaring enemies to quickly reach the next territory or detouring across a distant bridge to encounter a mysterious NPC, the languages of Aeternum make New World a more immersive experience. Join the Development Team for a look at the creation and execution of the game’s many languages. You might even come away with a few new phrases.

Learn more about the languages of Aeternum and how characters like the Siren Queen came to life in the video below.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]SPEAKING CONLANG IN NEW WORLD[/h2]
“One of the things we talked about when looking at the various languages of New World was how these languages were supposed to sound,” said Narrative Designer Aaron de Orive. “If they are read with no emphasis or intonations in mind, they did not sound as impressive as we wanted. But with the proper emphasis, intonations, and even with various unique vocalizations they could sound quite alien and arresting.”

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

“The goal was to make the Corrupted conlang sound more deep and guttural, with a staccato quality, which was far more fitting for hosts of an other-dimensional, demonic entity. When we were recording temp Voice over for the actors to give them a pronunciation guide, we played around with these vocalizations and intonations, finally settling on a pattern that we thought did the conlang justice. In other words, hearing the Corrupted conlang is much more disturbing than reading it.”

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]SIREN QUEEN DIALOGUE EXAMPLES[/h2]
[h3]“I HAVE NO TIME FOR GAMES.”[/h3]

• Gotloian: ta su washaw goll wogng mag
  
• Phonetics: /ta sɯ waˈʃaw gɔll wɔgŋ mag/
  
• Talent Notes: T' su washa gow wag mag
  

[h3]“I WILL TAKE EVERYTHING FROM YOU.”[/h3]

• Gotloian: ta ipop yaws po a
  
• Phonetics: /ta ipɔp jaws pɔ a/
  
• Talent Notes: Te ipap yass paw
  

[h3]“ECHOES SWALLOW YOU!”[/h3]

• Gotloian: pewobn a ludshe
  
• Phonetics: /pɛˈwɔbn a ˈlɯdʃɛ/
  
• Talent Notes: Pe wag naluche
  

[h3]“I CAN’T HEAR…ANYTHING…”[/h3]

• Gotloian: ta a ilp gomki...yosp…
  
• Phonetics: /ta a ilp ˈgɔmki jɔsp/
  
• Talent Notes: T' yuk gonki yost
  

[h3]“TURN TO ASH!”[/h3]

• Gotloian: sho gi ing
  
• Phonetics: /ʃɔ gi iŋ/
  
• Talent Notes: Sha gui-ing
  

[h3]“LIGHTNING STRIKE!”[/h3]

• Gotloian: gogkest shuyk
  
• Phonetics: /gɔgˈkɛst ˈʃɯjk/
  
• Talent Notes: Gog kest chuik
  

[h3]“DON'T BLINK!”[/h3]

• Gotloian: ilp shest
  
• Phonetics: /ilp ʃɛst/
  
• Talent Notes: ilp chest
  

[h3]“FRY!”[/h3]

• Gotloian: iglo
  
• Phonetics: /ˈiglɔ/
  
• Talent Notes: eeg-la
  

Which language samples would you like to see next? Let us know on the forums. Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.

“Grace! Where is Aidyn? I don't want to fight you, but I will if you don't tell me!”

Skye and Grace stood on the edge of the Crow’s Nest camp. The place had a ramshackle appearance, as if a capricious wind spirit had gathered up debris from the coasts, and had tossed it onto the side of a mountain. But she’d felt welcome there, as more than just a customer of the Silver Crows, the mercenary group led by Grace O’Malley and the Soulwarden.

She turned toward the valley below, and bit down hard on the inside of her cheek. Time was short. She didn’t even want to think about Aidyn being at the mercy of the Varangians. Every second that passed was too long. And yet.

And yet, here you are, threatening someone you call a friend.

The cursed styrkr sigil that the Faceless One had burned onto her back hadn’t only sapped her physical strength. Even her own thoughts had turned on her, had filled her with resentment and self-doubt.

You were always weak. It’s not the curse. It’s your emotions. They make you weak.



It was getting more difficult to sort out which thoughts were her own, which were caused by the curse, and which were echoes of her father’s cruelty. And it was impossible to tell, which thoughts she could trust.

Skye gritted her teeth in frustration. “I won’t ask again, Grace. Where is Aidyn?”

Grace hesitated to speak, which was unusual for her, to say the least.

She’s thinking up the lies you want to hear.

“Shut up!“

Skye realized from Grace’s reaction, that she had shouted aloud.

Concern softened Grace’s features. “It’s getting worse, isn’t it, Skye? That damned Varangian’s curse.”



She’s looking down on you.

“I don’t need your damned pity, Grace!” Skye hissed, the legacy of distrust her father had left her, the curse, all of it weighing down on her. She scratched at her arm, though it didn’t itch.

Grace spread her hands. "Skye. Look, how about we take a breath and calm down, hey?"

“You expect me to be calm? Would you be calm, if the Varangians captured your lover?” Skye feigned a sudden understanding. “Ah. But who would be fool enough to love you?”

It only lasted a heartbeat, but Skye saw it. Pain. A small, ugly part of Skye tasted blood, and smiled.

Grace failed to keep the fire from her eyes. “All right. I know you didn’t mean that.”

The malignant emptiness that had supplanted Skye’s confidence, wanted more. She pushed harder, seeking Grace’s weakness, her soft throat. “I only spoke aloud what everyone knows.” She gestured toward the camp. “Even your mercenary friends know. That in the end, Grace O’Malley only cares about one person. Herself.”



Grace’s smile dropped from her face.

Skye smirked. Yes. That’s right. Show your true self. Show me, that you’re every bit as small as me.

“You’re my customer, and you’re my friend,” Grace said. “But whatever you’re doing, Skye, I suggest you stop it right now.”

“‘I suggest you stop it right now,’” Skye mocked. “Listen to the high born lady of Clew Bay, dishing out her noble decree!”

Grace let out an exasperated breath.

Skye flushed with anger. “Do I trouble you, Grace?”

“To be honest, I am troubled, that this curse is making you say and do things that you’ll regret later,” said Grace.

“That sounded like a threat to me. Was it? Were you stupid enough to insult and threaten a Speardaughter?” Skye reached around for her spear and stamped the shaft into the hard-packed earth. Even that small movement left Skye winded and weak. And that made her more angry than ever.

Someone coughed loudly. Skye looked over to see the shirtless, oak tree-sized Silver Crow named Zander “The Undying,” walk into the clearing, standing with his mallet slung over his left shoulder. Leading the way was a baby lynx, who the Silver Crows had inexplicably named Dog. She watched the kitten leap onto a crate where she’d seen it a few minutes ago. Had it fetched Zander to break up their argument?

Skye frowned, a growing sense of paranoia making her step back, outside of Zander’s attack range. Though heavily scarred, Zander “The Undying” had earned his namesake by never being killed on Aeternum. It was easy to see why - the man was a tower of muscle.



Zander spoke loudly, with a thick Greek accent. “Listen, my friends. I was hearing you from all the way over there.” He gestured with a heavily muscled arm, past the fire pit.

Grace waved her arms as if to compel a bear back to its cave. “Now is not a good time, Zander.”

“Of course! I understand,” said Zander.

“Good,” said Grace.

Zander stepped toward Skye.

“Zander!”

Grace’s warning was lost on Zander. His typical demeanor, that of a mildly confused minotaur, was gone. He was frowning slightly, staring intently into Skye’s eyes. As if he could see the taught snarl of fear and hate within her.

Skye didn’t like it. She didn’t want to be seen.

Out of the corner of her eye, Skye saw Grace move toward them.

“Back away, Grace.” Skye said in a low growl, as she crouched into a fighting stance.

“What- Skye, Zander, what are you doing?” said Grace.

Without taking his eyes off of Skye, Zander said, “Grace, stay there. You know many things I do not, but I know a warrior’s heart. And I know what this Speardaughter needs.”

“And what is that?” asked Skye, her heart pounding in her ears.

“To feel with this.” He pointed to his head. “And think with this.” He pointed to his heart.

Zander’s stance didn’t change, but she could feel the tension coil.

A gust of wind blew, sending a leaf drifting lazily between the two warriors.

As the leaf fell, something happened to Skye.

She saw everything clearly, for the first time in months, without the murky veil of the curse clouding her vision.



Dog’s ears flattening, claws splintering the weathered crate below him.

Grace’s right hand, drifting to her blunderbuss.

Zander’s grip tightening on the handle of his mallet.

The leaf hit the ground.

Zander’s mallet swung in a downward diagonal, as Skye had expected. She ducked under its path, sweeping her spear low to take his legs out, but her strength was gone! And the blow glanced away.

Skye swept her spear tip back, repositioning to thrust at Zander’s exposed flank.

But Zander had pivoted to face her, using the momentum of his initial swing to continue upward at her new position. Skye spun to avoid, but was already in motion, and took a partial hit on her shoulder.

She grunted in pain, and saw stars.

As her vision cleared, she saw Zander coming at her with a double-handed overhead swing.

She charged forward and slid between his legs, ignoring the pain of rocks tearing at her skin.

Zander and Skye circled one another, searching for an opening.

There.

Skye and Zander charged at one another, each yelling a war cry.

She thrust at him, and he swung.

CLANG!

Their blows met in a shower of sparks.

Her spear vibrated against the force of Zander’s mallet swing, threatening to shatter her arms apart. But she did not drop her weapon.

And then, she felt it. A tear, rolling down her cheek. A tear of joy.

Zander had a crazed smile on his face.

Skye laughed, and Zander joined in heartily. They lowered their weapons.

Zander extended an arm, and Skye took it, clasping his forearm.

He leaned in close and said, “You are still a warrior. Do not forget.”

Grace whistled low, shaking her head. “I’ve got no bloody idea what happened there. But, are you both all right?”



Skye looked at Zander, “Thanks to this one, yes.”

Zander nodded, then sniffed the air, turning in alarm. “Ah! My lemon cakes are burning!” As he rushed back to the fire, he groused, “If I could only get a real kitchen instead of this- fire hole!"

Skye watched Zander go, then holstered her spear behind her back and turned to Grace. “You were right. I already regret the way I acted to you. I am sorry.”

Grace waved her hand dismissively, but Skye pressed on.

“I was afraid. I am afraid. To die. I’ve never been afraid of dying. And, I am ashamed, of who and what I am now. What am I, Grace?”

Grace cracked a smile, and this time, Skye could feel its warmth. “Human, I think. I was wrong too, to try to protect you, to judge you. I know you need to go after Aidyn, and I shouldn’t have stopped you.”

Skye nodded.

“And,” Grace said, “I want you to know. You’re a friend to me, Skye. I care about you.”

Skye felt hot tears spill onto her cheeks, as she embraced Grace. She smelled like leather, and the sea.

“And I you,” said Skye.

“If I may be honest, I’ll have a difficult time rescuing Aidyn,” she said. “I can’t fight like this.” Skye looked at her hands as if she’d find an answer there.

Grace shook her head. “I’m afraid to see what a monster you’ll be when we lift that curse. And you won’t be fighting alone. That’s right, I’m going with you. Us old ladies need to stick together, right?"

“I am not sure what other old lady you are referring to,” Skye said with a smirk.

Grace grinned back. “Glad to have you back, Skye. Now let me see that map.”

Skye smiled. For now, she’d enjoy the sense of peace that the Silver Crows lent her, and pierced the darkness that twisted around her heart. For now, she’d let herself hope.

Greetings, Adventurers!

New World Update 1.9.1 downtime will begin at 11:00PM PT (6:00AM UTC) on April 11 and kicks off the Rabbit’s Revenge event. Hunt down Corrupted Rabbits for event-specific rewards.

[h2]RABBIT’S REVENGE[/h2]
The plague of rabbits has returned once again, only now, they are more perilous than ever! Watch out for explosions as you hunt for event-specific loot from April 12 to April 25. Thanks to player feedback from last year, each rare drop is now guaranteed after slaying a certain number of corrupted rabbits. Check out the full reward and lore breakdown for more details.

• “We really wanted to have a whimsical Monty Python type threat with these hordes of Corrupted Rabbits,” said Product Owner Phil Bolus. “They look infected with Corruption, so we decided to incorporate a playful and absurd tone. We have an affix on Elite Corrupted enemies where they explode into a pool of Corruption that damages players and thought ‘exploding rabbits?’ It was an easy ‘Hell yes!’ after that.”
  
• “The rewards were inspired by an iconic game where creepy enemies attack you while wearing rabbit masks. We thought that could be a very fun and playful take on a helmet skin that made sense with our setting. Similar to the Turkey Leg boots from the Turkulon event, we’re looking at ways to routinely add more flavor to our rewards.”
  

[h2]WORLD EXPERIENCE[/h2]

• Updated POI restrictions to ensure players can complete "Weaver's Weave".
  
• Fixed an issue that caused players to not receive "The Curse of Caer Dun" quest rewards upon completion.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused Free Camera to not deactivate after releasing its corresponding key (Left Alt) when entering Expeditions, game modes, or fast traveling.
  
• Fixed an issue with the quest 'Unexpected Prisoner' that prevented players from completing the encounter with Fulgoris.
  

[h2]EXPEDITIONS[/h2]

• Fixed a rare issue that prevented players from defeating the Empyrean Forge boss.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused some of Commander Marius's volcanic eruptions to hit players well beyond their visual edge.
  
• Fixed an exploit for the Empyrean Forge quest, "A Toymaker's Request" and reactivated it.
  

[h2]ECONOMY, PROGRESSION, & GEAR[/h2]

• Some items received unintended attribute perks in the previous update. Affected items will be re-rolled as part of this change. Some may even become Legendary.
  
• Removed several potential rewards from the Seasons Furniture Gift Chest loot pool obtained from the Season Pass free track.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented Juniper bags from dropping.
  
• Fixed a naming issue with the Empyrean Gauntlets.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused refining resources to not properly count the full amount.
  

[h2]WEAPONS[/h2]
[h3]Ice Gauntlet[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that caused the Ice Pylon ability to get stuck in cooldown.
  
• Changed the perk Thwarting Counter back to Sturdy on the Cold Stone Ice Gauntlet.
  

[h2]GAME MODES[/h2]
[h3]PvP Arenas[/h3]

• Fixed an issue that prevented players from changing equipment while in the Arena Spectator Box.
  

[h2]UX/UI[/h2]

• Fixed an issue that caused the 'Flame Core Hoarder' Journey task to not properly count each crafted item.
  
• Fixed an issue that caused Camp Skin previews to not appear in the Store.
  
• The default New World music now plays on the main menu.
  

Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in the wilds of Aeternum.

Greetings, Adventurers!

The plague of rabbits has returned once again, only now, they are more perilous than ever! Watch out for explosions as you hunt for event-specific loot from April 12 to April 25. Thanks to player feedback from last year, each rare drop is now guaranteed after slaying a certain number of corrupted rabbits. They can drop Diamond Gypsum, Defiled Rabbit’s feet (increases luck), a Defiled Storage Chest of the Hare, and a new Corrupted Rabbit Mask.

Check out the full reward breakdown below and then see how the Syndicate reacts to these fury little killers.

[h2]EVENT REWARDS[/h2]


Help cull the plague for daily and special event rewards. Rewards reset at 5 AM local time. For example, if you grab 6 Diamond Gypsum at 4:58 AM, you’ll be able to earn another at 5:01 AM.

Each corrupted rabbit can drop the following:

Diamond Gypsum - (66% Drop Chance)

• Daily Limit: 6 per day
  

Defiled Rabbit’s Foot (80% Drop Chance)

• Consumable Item: Increases Luck
  
• Daily Limit: 5 per day
  

Corrupted Rabbit Mask (.50% Drop Chance)

• Head Skin
  
• Guaranteed after defeating 200 corrupted rabbits.
  
• Limit: 1 per event
  

Defiled Storage Chest of the Hare (.25% Drop Chance)

• Housing Item
  
• Guaranteed after defeating 400 corrupted rabbits.
  
• Limit: 1 per event
  

[h2]LORE[/h2]


The mysterious phenomenon behind these volatile long-eared rodents immediately caught the attention of the Syndicate:

“Would you kindly repeat that?” Cabalist Cleo’s cynical gaze peered over the edge of an ancient tome, a recent acquisition from the Great Pyramid of Ahket that, until this moment, held her full attention.

The initiate across from her anxiously straightened her collar, attempting to look tall in her oversized uniform. “A rabbit, mistress. It, uh, exploded...”

“Exploded?” Cleo slowly lowered the artifact and leaned forward in her chair.

She avoided the intensity of the mistress’s discerning gaze. “Y-Yes, like a bomb. Well, only somewhat… Not like that black powder, more like, ah, it erupted in Corruption, ma’am.”

The mistress was motionless, carefully observing the trembling girl who looked little more than a rabbit herself. “And was your person infected with any of this volatile Corruption?”

Discreetly brushing off some dried blood and bits of fur, the initiate spurted, “No, no, mistress. I-I don’t believe so.”

Cleo leaned back in contemplation, steepling her hands as she mused. “Rabbits infected with corruption? Certainly, beasts have become Corrupted, but oft in the forms of dangerous creatures, something of use to the Corrupted. But rabbits?” The cabalist tapped her lips. “So, Corruption can be harnessed for explosives. As ridiculous as it is, the implications are… intriguing.”

“I-I was thinking the same thing, mistress,” the initiate eagerly added, pleased that she aroused Cleo’s interest.

Cleo’s eyes shot up to the girl, having forgotten her presence. “Then it seems a venture of your interest, as well. Capture one of these Corrupted rabbits; in whole. Chunks and pieces make for a poor specimen.”

With her orders given, Cleo picked up the tome and resumed reading.

The apprentice frowned and shifted in her seat. “How, hm… H-How do you propose I accomplish that, mistress?”

“Consider this your final test, initiate,” she said without interest. “Prove yourself worthy and you shall be recognized among the ranks of the Syndicate as an adept.”

After a brief silence, Cleo did lift her eyes and what the initiate hoped would be encouragement was instead a bored warning; “And do try to not get Corrupted.”



We look forward to your help in clearing this infestation. Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in the wilds of Aeternum.