Scribbled Storybook
| Scribbled Storybook | |
|---|---|
| Croatoa | |
 | |
| Type | Tour Guide Tip |
| Place | Croatoa |
| Available to | Heroes, Vigilantes, and Rogues |
| Level range | 1–50 |
Overview
Scribbled Storybook is a tip contact that offers Tour Guide Missions in Croatoa.
Introduction
Citizen of Salamanca
Exploration Mission
If it were anywhere else, a simple storybook would bear no weight. But in Croatoa, where fantasy is not fiction, you find yourself on guard as you move the parchment within the curious find.
The exact origins of this work are difficult to pinpoint; You could picture any of the denizens of Croatoa having created it, making it all the more potent and worth your attention. The tales within dance upon the pages and pull your spirit towards them.
- Delve into the mystique of Croatoa.
- Resist the draw of the fae.
Too Busy
Losing yourself to the otherworldly draws of this place would be a disservice to the tasks that are depending on you right now.
No More Missions
After experiencing many tales regarding the fae and incorporeal, you have gained a stronger connection to the spirit world that overlaps with Salamanca. The storybooks no longer influence you as they once did.
Accolade
You've obtained this Accolade by earning every Exploration badge within Croatoa.
Missions
Grim Wanderer
Briefing
The illustration within depicts a valley beset by two imposing figures, an anger-laden pumpkin and a giant wrapped in chains:
"Two ancient souls, the most strong! Their long grudge, what went wrong? Soon territorial disputes came to a head; The pair marched forth, out for bloodshed. Trapped in time, within this eternal war; Two titans locked in battle, forevermore."
The tale on the pages come to life, guiding your senses to a blood-soaked hollow where this war without end continues its march forward.
- Take up being a Grim Wanderer.
The animosity displayed between the native factions is palpable everywhere you go. It is no surprise that this long-standing hatred eventually culminated in brutal war.
You were drawn into this conflict the moment you stepped foot into Croatoa.
Mission Objective
- Behold the Grim Vale battleground
This deadly valley is witness to some of the most brutal battles in all of Croatoa.
Spiritual
Briefing
This story starts with the image of a shimmering lake, blue lights dancing across the surface, painting a whimsical scene on the page:
"The beautiful lake, home to many a spirit. Its lustrous surface, calling to any who near it. A word of caution, any who enter the pool: Drink not the water, remember this rule! For all hope is lost to those who partake; Many souls forfeit by this costly mistake."
Slowly, the waters portrayed on the page turn cold and dark; Your consciousness is submerged in a deep shadow. The spirits in the tale bid you approach the shimmering glow in the distance.
- Gaze upon the Spiritual lake.
This land is host to many wondrous and terrifying things. You have no doubt the warnings in these fables are not to be taken lightly.
It will be nice to enjoy the lake's view, but you will remain wary of its influence.
Mission Objective
- Witness the Misty Wood's lake
It may be in dangerous territory, but this lake, frequented by the Cabal's strange sprites, is one of the most beautiful sights near Salamanca.
Ensorcelled
Briefing
Reading another story you found, you witness the scene of a dark and imposing tree on the horizon, a host of twisting shadows snaking out from below its trunk:
"Atop the vast hill, the old gnarled tree waits. Revered by the witches for the shadow it creates. Yet trapped within its bark, hidden deep; A long-forgotten power was left to sleep. In the waking world, the dreamer was sought; Only eternal darkness this lost magic brought."
While you are not quite grasping the meaning behind this tale, you are somehow aware of the tree's location. Perhaps you will understand better seeing it in person?
- Behold the Ensorcelled tree.
Ancient magic being trapped in trees... It really does feel like you have stepped into a fictional world. These tales seem to act more like portals into a reality you cannot comprehend.
If you are not careful you could lose the sensibilities that define your understanding of the world around you.
Mission Objective
- Visit the old tree on Sunset Ridge
The Cabal have developed an attachment to this old, gnarled tree. Some heroes even say they are conducting dark experiments beneath its roots.
Barrier Holder
Briefing
This tale opens with what appears to be the town of Salamanca. Within, a henge of stone surrounding a fairy ring glows faintly:
"In the little town a magical barrier was built. They prayed no more blood would be spilt! Further exposure to the beyond this did delay; Eventually new ways in were found by the fae. Now to these so-called 'heroes' they look for aid; For their trespass here, the price must be paid!"
The narrative's guidance tugs at your mind, and you are pulled to the locale in the depiction, a henge in the heart of the town becomes clear to you.
- Take on the role of Barrier Holder.
The moral of this story is pretty apparent, the denizens of Croatoa see the town and its population as intruders and are determined to see them succumb to the spirit world. Best to see what you can learn, as you may yet be drawn into this conflict.
Mission Objective
- Seek the fairy ring within Salamanca
Croatoa's own little Stonehenge has been the site of several battles against the supernatural powers who seek to consume this small town. Each attack has been foiled, though nearby residents still can't help but look at this site with some uneasiness.
Sally Sightseer
Briefing
Upon the parchment is a sketch of a large dinosaur-like aquatic beast, it is portrayed as poking its head above the water with most of its figure submerged:
"Within the murky depths, lives the majestic Sally; To this place, to see her, onlookers often will rally; From whence did she come? None alive still know! For this question, did the immense curiosity grow. Now the many people of this place do love her; An exciting mystery for them to seek and discover."
The fable's depiction materializes in your vision. A solitary spot on the beach where you might see this Sally is made known to you.
- Become a Sally Sightseer.
Everyone has heard the rumors about the gentle beast of Lake Salamanca; she is somewhat of a local culture icon to the town. Benevolent and camera-shy, if you looked now would she grace you with her presence?
Mission Objective
- Try spotting the elusive Sally
Students from Croatoa University frequent this beach when it isn't being used as a battleground by the Tuatha and Cabal. Armed with video cameras, the students are determined to get a good look at the mythical Sally. The pictures taken of Sally here have been used in many 'Save Sally!' posters.
Jack's Wrath
Briefing
This rough illustration shows the likeness of a large giant, wrapped in chains, smashing tiny houses that barely reach his torso:
"Woe to those who dare ignite the giant's ire; Make for yourself, a circumstance most die! Jack In Irons in particular, care not to annoy; Lest the things you love, he would destroy! Look now, at this ruined witch's cabin; A clear lesson on what might happen!
For a moment the tale overcomes your senses, you are a giant yourself, angrily crushing wooden cabins under foot. Returning to yourself, you can sense the story's origin nearby.
- Witness aftermath of Jack's Wrath.
This serves as a vivid reminder that the citizens of Salamanca are not the only ones dealing with danger. The factions within Croatoa are ever pressed with the threat of enemies seeking their annihilation.
It would be wise to keep these interactions in mind as you explore.
Mission Objective
- Survey damages caused by Jack In Irons
This path of destruction was made by Jack in Irons, who stormed all the way here from his throne deep in the forests of Croatoa. The witches of the Cabal were barely able to push Jack back, but not before he destroyed much of their territory.
Waylon's Observer
Briefing
The sketches on the paper resemble a wooden house in the woods, surrounded by angry looking pumpkins:
"The presence of the Fir Bolg scared not this man; Waylon would build his house here, he had quite the plan! This one, not deterred by the supernatural threat; If they trespassed, it'd be a mistake they'd regret! To this day, within this place he has dwelled; Undisturbed, his ambitious claims have held!"
Through the narration's machinations you are suddenly aware of the location of Waylon McCrane's estate. The sensation accompanied with this revelation is unnerving.
- Move to become Waylon's Observer.
Somebody who has kept the Fir Bolg at bay sounds fascinating, time to scope out his residence.
Maybe he has got some trick he's using you can pick up on, it might help down the road.
Mission Objective
- Observe the New Connaught home
Waylon McCrane, an infamous adventurer in Croatoa, lives in this home. Mayor Bower has asked Waylon to stay within the town limits due to the Fir Bolg, but Waylon insists that, 'no pumpkin-headed monster will tell ME where to live!'
Midnighter's Perseverance
Briefing
You see a depiction of two men on a bridge on the page, the looks on their faces contrasting; one determined, one concerned:
"On this lonely bridge, did the two men meet; To the fae's influence, they would admit no defeat! One Salamanca's mayor, the other a Midnighter; Together, striving to make the people's future brighter. Such perseverance on the sole magician's long endeavor; The town's connections to the spirit world he sought to sever!"
Somehow, the illustration comes to life and you see the two men actually having their conversation. As if you were there yourself, you can now remember where this bridge is found.
- Experience a Midnighter's Perseverance.
You are aware of the Midnight Squad and their endeavors to confront the arcane dangers that might escape into our world.
The Midnighter from this story is likely working at this very moment towards a secure future for Salamanca.
Mission Objective
- See bridge where decision was reached
This bridge is the site where Mayor Bower and Buck Salinger last met; Bower informed Salinger that his trek into Red Cap territory was a suicide mission. Salinger ignored the warning and continued forward, insisting that his skills as a Midnighter would prevail. So far, Salinger's luck - and survival skills - haven't failed him.