4.01 - Crimson Wash

Anneleigh blinked and looked around before realizing where she had been transported.  Grateful she did not have to reveal her secret to Gwyddon, she looked up the road to the inn, the thought of a decent sleep in her mind.  Instead she saw Marshal Oakheart coming to her side.

“The shadows are falling away.  The unnatural darkness is lifting.  If I had to guess I’d say you had something to do with it.”  Oakheart said with a smile, something she had never seen him do.

3.14 - The Stranger and the Rift

Anneleigh and Gwyddon, still in their wolfish forms, made their way through Shadefallen keep, following the path upward as it twisted around on itself, until they reached the highest platform.  Neither of them said anything as they walked. 

When they approached the Alter at the far end of the dais they saw the Hag had already arrived, and she had a guest.

3.13 - The Shade Well

Anneleigh and Gwyddon in their new forms followed Laria’s instructions to the summoning circle of Malevolent Shade Well.  As Laria predicted, they were able to walk freely among the cultists and their summons. 

3.12 - The Hag's Curse

Anneleigh and Gwyddon listened as Brother Jebiah described how to find the Hag’s Cottage.  As it happened, it was not far from Tearfall Run.  The research camp had been set up in the shadow of both the cottage and Shadefallen Keep, the old Mathosian castle of this area that has now been overrun with endless cultist.

3.11 - The Hag's Diary

Anneleigh stood to leave, but Laria raised her hand. 

“I can do one better at the moment.  Best not to enter the cottage until my sister has her focus trained on you.  You can do so much good before she suspects you have found out her plot.”

Anneleigh nodded and returned to her chair.    

Laria was quiet for a long moment, and when she spoke, she once again sounded tired and weak.  “You have already heard me tell you I am indirectly to blame for this mess.  It is not because I took up arms with my sister, but because I had insight I refused to share.”  She sighed and lowered her head, a show of defeat Anneleigh had never associated with the spirit guardian.  

3.10 - The Brugher

When Anneleigh returned to Gloamwood pines she was surprised to find Doctor Oswell continuing about his business as if nothing had happened.  In the back of her mind she was sure he would have heard his fraud had been found out – that he would be packing his belongings and trying to sneak off into Scarlet Gorge.  Instead, she found him in much the same position as before; tending to the infected and sick.

3.09 - Research Grant

Anneleigh followed path back to Tearfall Run.  As she approached the small research party she passed Laria’s forest Alter and grimiced.  Right now all she wanted was an impossible wish, a wish for further instruction from the forest guardian, but she knew Gwyddon was right.  Laria would return to Gloamwood only when she was strong enough to continue the fight.

The research party was composed of a young woman, whom Anneleigh supposed to be Fiona, a dwarf monk and several assistants and guards.  Anneleigh approached Fiona and relayed her instructions.

EXTRA - Gloamwood Pines and The Darkening Deeps

A little background on areas of Gloamwood Pine and the story about them straight from the Lore Department. (Via riftgame.com)

3.08 - Savior of Gloamwood

Blood from the slit in the Barghest’s neck dripped onto Anneleigh’s shoulder and rolled down her arm as she carried the beast back to Gloamwood Pines.  As she walked Anneleigh worked through her story.  As a result, the return journey took longer, both because of the weight of the animal and the thoughts traveling through her mind. 

3.07 - Greybriar Hollow

Disheartened, Anneleigh left the small camp and returned to Gloamwood Pines.  She was not sure what she misunderstood in the transcation, but something had gone wrong.  With no further actions to go on from Laria, she decided to return to Gwyddon to see what he suggested.    When she arrived, however, she found he was not alone.

3.06 - Millrush Pond

Anneleigh followed directions to Tearfall Run and easily found the Alter that stood nearby.  As before, she closed her eyes, placed one hand on the weather-worn surface and attempted to make contact.   With all her attention focused, this time, on speaking with Laria, she was rewarded quickly.

3.05 - Mayor Dragomir

As Anneleigh approached the camp at the Narrowing Trail Waykeeper Sera came running down the road to greet her.

“Did you find Darion alive?  I have been anxious for news since the moment you left.”

Anneleigh nodded. “He was too weak to make the trip with me, but I assured him you would not let him die once you learned where to find him.”

3.04 - The Deeps

Anneleigh followed the forest road downward towards the base of the large waterfall.  When she finally approached the waykeepers they were surprised to see her but regained their composure quickly.

“An ascended!  Thank the vigil!  My scouts narrowly avoided capture escaping the Deeps.  One reported massive stockpiles of goblin venom.  They could poison our entire water source with a supply that large.”

3.03 - The goblin plot

“I have been so weak, drained, since the rifts first tore through this wood.   When the rifts first struck, magic from Regulos, from the Death Plane, infected the pines, twisting them into hate-filled treants.  I remember little else.”  Laria said in little more than a whisper.  “I had hoped that by bonding myself with the forest, I would have the strength to fight against the shadow that consumes it.   I am weak, unable to help you further, but the power of the Ascended is like a light against this darkness, and as the darkness fades, my strength grows.   Continue about your purpose,” Anneleigh’s eyes widened and Laria must have noticed her surprise, “yes even in my weakened state I can sense your minds division.  Continue in your purpose.  When the time is right, I will find you.  You will be the undoing of the evil that has consumed my dear forest.”

3.02 - The Forest Alter

Anneleigh crossed Gloamwood Pines to find the guard post on the outskirts of town to the west. 

“Marshal Oakheart?” Anneleigh inquired of the guard captain, “The Guardian guard at Gnarlwood sent me your way.”

The marshal nodded.  “Thank you for seeking me out.  Stand tall; we have an amazing journey ahead of us!”

3.01 - On the way to Gloamwood Pines

Anneleigh approached the barrier between Silverwood and Gloamwood, wondering if it had always been there, or if its addition was due to the recent Goblin intrusion.  She thought back to her time in Silverwood but could not remember ever traveling this far into the forest.

Along the arch stood two Mathosian campers, who watched her as she approached.

“Be welcome; but remember, we have our eyes on you.  Keep your nose clean.”  The woman said. 

3.00 - Gloamwood Story Summary

This posting serves as the summary and index of the journey through Gloamwood. It includes posting numbers, characters and extras important to the story.

It is updated as the story progresses.