Summer Event 2025: RPG

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Summary

2025 whisked us back in time to a very familiar land! Smoothians returned back to the site of the 2011 Medieval Faire, but they learned that quite a few things had changed since they'd last visited...

Characters (NPCs)

Out in the Faire, Smoothians were able to meet many different faces as they re-familiarized themselves with the land, though a few were more familiar than others!.

Merlin

Unlike last time, Merlin purposefully brought us to the Faire with the promise of an adventure of a life time! The local wizard, his magical prowess is nothing to scoff at. Merlin is originally from February 2025.

Monarch

Once a world renowned bard, now a simple owner of the local tavern, The Cocoon. It was a bit of a mess but with a helping hand, Monarch was able to get the tavern back into tip top shape! Monarch is originally from New Years 2025.

Magpie

A rat... bird? Magpie runs the local shop! If you can think about it, she might just have it! For a price, that is. Magpie is originally from Halloween 2015.

Llamrei

Every arena needs its master! Llamrei is here to ensure that every Smoothian is prepped and ready to face battle in the local arena. Her expertise as a former adventurer lends her the best hoof in a fight, even if it is a bit staged. Llamrei is originally from Christmas 2016.

Morganne

As the keeper of the library, it's to no ones surprise that Morganne constantly has her nose in a book. Dust gets in every nook and cranny and she constantly has to be vigilant for those pesky bookworms, but although it's quite a bit of work, everyone knows she loves it. Morganne is originally from April Fool's 2019.

Twiggy Turquoise

A friendly, yet mysterious, druid, Twiggy resides in the formerly shut off forest. Unlike the other residents, they much prefer the quiet calm of the forest over the hustle and bustle of the faire. Twiggy Turquoise is originally from the Camping Event 2023.

Fuji	Small but mighty, Fuji is headed out to finally scale The Mountain. Fuji is also a Ranger, someone who ensures that people going out hiking and climbing are safe and prepared for the endeavor. Fuji is originally from Chinese New Year 2015.

Alan

As a paladin, Alan is strong willed and even stronger with their sword. They've taken up residence in the caves under the mountain in wait for a rumored rogue whose been causing some mysterious disappearances. They promise to keep the people of the realm safe and ask us to help them in that quest! Alan is originally from January 2010.

Skye	The sorcerer who covered the world in clouds, Skye claims that they did it to protect the people from the dragon. Their plan however is being ruined by Merlin, and its up to the Smoothians to decide who is right. Skye is originally from Christmas 2024.

Princess Alethea

As the future ruler of this realm, Princess Alethea is just as regal as her name suggests. However, unlike all the others, Alethea remembers her life before Smoothians returned. Princess Alethea is a GUPPS originally from Medieval Faire 2011.

Nagha

Nagha is the original court Wizard for the realm. She has been working with Princess Alethea this whole time to try and stabalize this realm, using an elaborate illusion of a giant dragon to hopefully find adventurers to use as a magical battery. Nagha is an original pet from this event.

Character Dialogue

Sometimes referred to as "flavor text," the NPCs often had their dialogue switched out in order to tell the story. Each day new dialogue would be up, telling observant users about the changes happening in the Faire.

Day One - August 1st
Merlin	Hello and welcome to the Medieval Faire! No, don't worry, I haven't cast some kind of time travel spell on you... this is the new and improved Faire, like nothing you've seen before! It's taken me years, but careful study and curation of spells has led to this opportunity to invite you on the adventure of a lifetime. To get started, you'll need to be assigned a class–adventurers can't just be average, everyday people, can they? Here, fill out this questionnaire and we'll get you set up! I wonder if you'll be a wizard like me, or something totally different... Once you're ready, step through the gates into a whole new world! We’ve heard you’ve got roleplaying games in your neck of the woods. Think of the Medieval Faire kind of like that, but in real life!
Welcome to The Cocoon, home to the finest drinks and foods the Medieval Faire can provide! Of course, it's also the only place you can find those things, so keep that in mind... My name is Monarch, and I'm happy to serve or serenade you. You might not believe it, but I was a renowned bard back in the day, travelling the world! I got my name because they said I was more valuable to the common folk than a king. Now, I like the simple life. I might need some help cleaning up around here, but it adds to the ambiance, doesn't it? Please enjoy the Faire and tip your bartender! You sit down at the bar next to another patron and you’re surprised when they ask you to buy them a drink.				Monarch
Magpie	Any potion or pointy object you can imagine will be found here at the item shop! From the mundane to the exotic, I've got you covered. Just don't ask how I acquired all this, it's a long and droll story that involves many adventures, trials, and tribulations, and maybe some gold exchanging hands. If you want to earn some funds yourself, keep any eye out for quests! They come around once every twenty minutes or so. It's surprising how regular it is! We’ve ended up with some surplus. Why don’t you try out this Potion of Health next time you’re feeling under the weather?
Not to put too fine a point on it, but you're holding that weapon completely wrong! Step into the practice arena, and I will share my hoard of knowledge with you. I spent my whole life as an adventurer fighting monsters and marauders, so I know a thing or two! Don't fret, we'll have you in fighting form in no time You’ll need a proper mount if you’re going to practice your horsemanship! Lucky for you, we have a few fine specimens available for a reasonable fee.				Llamrei
Morganne	Welcome to the library! All of Merlin's magical knowledge is stored here, along with history, science, and even some tall tales. There is so much to learn if you just take the time to open a tome and read a few words. I keep up with the dusting, and there's a card catalogue over there to help you find what you're looking for. Ack, worms in the stacks! I will be very grateful if you take these with you when you leave.

Day Two - August 2nd
Merlin	How are you liking things? Make sure you check every nook and cranny of the Faire for interesting new experiences. If you keep participating and learning new things we call that “leveling up” around here. The higher your level, the better prepared you would be to go on dangerous and exciting adventures! That's all pretend of course, but wouldn't it be fun?
(No new dialogue)				Monarch
Magpie	You've had a little more time to check out my wares, so what do you think? Anything I can procure for you that you don't already see on the shelves? Ask and you will receive, to the best of my abilities. Which are vast, as you may know. Pay no attention to the Magpie behind the curtain... No idea where all this extra stock is coming from… why don’t you try out this Potion of Speed and tell me how it works? We just got a fresh shipment of those Roleplaying Game figurines that everyone seems to love to play with at home! Why don’t you go show them off to other Faire guests so I can get some sales? Now, these potions don’t come cheap! You’re going to have to fork over your coins if you want these powerful elixirs.
Today we're working on edged weapons! Grab a dagger or a sword that's not too heavy for you to lift and I'll show you a strong fighting stance. It takes a lot of training to be able to swing it around for a whole sparring match! Line up with the others but watch where you're pointing those things. They're sharp! Giddy-up! If you’re tired of riding I’m sure there’s someone else who’s ready to take a turn.				Llamrei
Morganne	(no new dialogue)

Day Three - August 3rd
Merlin	Huh? Strange lights and sounds from beyond the walls? I don't know what you're talking about. Everything is running completely smoothly and nothing is wrong at all. I am an incredibly powerful wizard; I would know if there was an issue. If you level up enough, you might understand.
This is the best place to rest when you need a cool drink or a snack, especially when there are strange occurrences. There's nothing that a song and some sustenance can't fix. I've been on many adventures, and there's not much I can't handle, so if you're worried, don't! You're safe here with me.				Monarch
Magpie	I, of course, have no idea what these strange lights and sounds beyond the walls of the Faire are. You see, I am but a humble shopkeeper— Fine, fine. I didn't think you would fall for that anyway. Yes, there's something going on, but I'm not sure what. I've seen strange things from the Employees Only area, and I am running into people I've never met before, which shouldn't be possible. I know everyone. I'll try to gather intel, but they seem to be just as confused as I am. Oops, this must have fallen off the wagon. I think it’s Poison, but it might just be lime juice! I had some suspicious potions and, unfortunately, they seem to have the effect of turning the drinker into a potion themselves! They’re still pretty lively, though, so no harm done, right?
There might be things beyond the walls? Well, all the more reason to level up. Grab a bow and a quiver of arrows, and get ready to let fly on some targets. If you see any strange glimmers, know that your most reliable option in a fight is to incapacitate the person using magic first. That puts everything on a level playing field. For a small fee you can hire a mentor to further your training and help you level up!				Llamrei
Morganne	Books can help you find the answer to anything. If you think there's something weird happening, why don't you look it up? We have information about all kinds of magic. It could be sorcery... that's harder to pin down, but we do have some volumes about it. Sorcerers' magic is harder to study because they don't write things down in spellbooks like Wizards do. We’ll make a regular old librarian out of you yet! Here, I’m going to show you some tricks of the trade!

Day Four - August 4th
Merlin	There's a letter pinned to the questboard! It reads: Dear Merlin, I am Princess Alethea, the heir to this realm. It has come to my royal attention that you are the most powerful wizard in the land, perhaps responsible for my creation. A fearsome dragon has besieged my castle, and more dangers manifest from the woodwork every day to threaten me in this ever-changing landscape. Therefore, I set you a quest. To prove your knowledge and skill, I request that you defeat the dragon and secure my castle and reign. If you are successful, I will name you my court wizard, with all the comforts you desire in life. To those who assist you, I offer untold riches and my eternal favor. I am not sure how long I can survive under this siege, so please, come quickly. Your Future Monarch, Alethea Well, this is awkward. Perhaps I will admit that I haven't been entirely truthful. The magic I possess is incredibly powerful; it's a fact. And I do have excellent control over it... normally. But the revitalization of the Medieval Fairegrounds was an enormous undertaking, the first of its kind. When you're building a new spell—something that will be discussed for eons, mind you—it's possible that it will go a little bit wrong. So, yes. There is a whole world of adventure out there, with true peril that might put you in mortal danger. Other adventurers roam the wilds, along with this dragon you have now heard of. I suggest you try your hand at the joust to see if you're leveled up enough to take on the challenge, while Morganne works to see if there is a map that can be drawn of the wilds beyond the bounds of the Faire. I have no doubt that you will accept the quest Alethea has set for you. Don’t worry about what’s going on outside the walls! Why don’t you just play a game instead?
You're going to head out on an adventure? Let me work on getting some provisions together, then. It's best for the Faire if we're able to keep running, so The Cocoon will support you in your quest. Come back tomorrow, and I'll show you what I've gathered!				Monarch
Magpie	Well, isn't this a strange turn of events. That's why I don't mess with all that magic stuff! I just do good, honest work… by a certain definition at least. Make sure you stock up before you head out to do any adventuring, though! When you’ve exhausted your energy reserves, this Magical Fortitude potion might let you cast another spell!
Adventures are truly on the horizon? Defeating a dragon sounds like tough stuff. You had better practice all your skills. There are more types of target that you haven't tried yet, even some that blow in the breeze, like a dragon flying overhead!				Llamrei
Morganne	I tried to help Merlin with the spells for the Faire, but I admit it was a little confusing. I hope it's not my fault things have gone awry... Regardless, I'm sure we have books about dragons somewhere! And ask Monarch if they have any stories about dragons—they used to be a bard, you know. I'm sure an adventure would be exciting, but it also sounds scary. I'll be in the library if you need me, holding down the fort! Before you leave, check out our book sale! These things no longer fit in the library, so we’re letting them go for cheap.

Day Five - August 5th
Merlin	So, you're setting out on your adventure? I can't blame you, with riches on the line. Please bring me back any information you have about the world as you travel, and I will begin work on a spell to stabilize the magic so that no more dangers will manifest. It will be hard work, but between you finding the way and my magical knowledge, I think we can succeed.
An Ethereal Forest? Perhaps I've heard tales of such a place. Let me think, and I will do my best to teach a song to some of your Bards about the mysteries and dangers that await. Then, they can perform it here tonight! Some Bards from outside the wall traveled in and are very excited to entertain you! Why don’t you take a seat and grab a drink before the performance?				Monarch
Magpie	A forest, you say? The best thing about a forest is that there are many hidden places and secrets, most of which no one knows. So, you can often find little trinkets and treasures no one will miss. If you find anything extra exciting, bring it back to me, and I might make you a deal for it so you have some more coins. Huh, I haven’t seen this one before… maybe it will let you breathe fire? You never know until you try! Do you want to level up your fantasy games? I have just the playing pieces for you.
A forest is the kind of place where you have to think on your feet and be ready for anything! It's easy for a rogue to sneak up on you with a poisoned knife, a transformed druid to bite you, or a lone fighter to see you as a danger and challenge you to a duel. Trust your training and keep your guard up! If you’re going to be traveling, you’re going to need practice on the go! Here, take these.				Llamrei
Morganne	This is the best map I could manage for you. I think the world around the Faire is still changing and forming, so in a lot of ways, you're walking in without a plan. However, I see you've been training either in the Arena or learning things here in the Library, so just remember what you've practiced if you come across anything frightening! Or at least, I think that's what Merlin would say. I'd say, stay here where it's safe!
Well, hello there, little adventurer, all new and shiny! Welcome to the Ethereal Forest. Don't be shy, the things here can't hurt you... much. However, if you're looking to travel, well, that is a bit of a predicament. You see, there are no maps of the Ethereal Forest, only winding, twisting paths that diverge and dovetail before they turn and leave you confuddled. Things change here all the time, but that's just how I like it. However, if you persist, there are also many beautiful things to see as you go deeper into the Forest. You'll know you're on the right path if the elevation is increasing and you're getting out of breath, because somewhere beyond the clouds is the Mammoth Mountain. I hear you might like to climb that in your quest to find the dragon. You must not have packed your provisions very carefully because you seem to be missing a few, and there are tracks behind you. Why don’t you follow them?				Twiggy Turquoise

Day Six - August 6th
Merlin	I'm impressed you were able to navigate the forest! The artifacts you've returned to me make me believe that a Sorcerer is working magic that competes with mine, and that the princess will not be safe until we are able to reason with them! Keep your eye out for any Sorcerers you find, and report back to me! I've heard they sometimes live high in the mountains.
That's the tallest mountain I've ever heard of, and I've known many! Climbed some myself too, back in the old days. Ask your Bards for tips on breathing deeply so you don't faint; we know the best ones. As for Sorcerers, well, I think that it's just another type of magic. I do mine with an instrument, not books. Why should I judge? You really need to be focusing on that dragon.				Monarch
Magpie	Climbing a mountain is dangerous. If you find any gear left behind after an unfortunate accident, make sure you check it for supplies, so you don't meet the same fate, of course! I don't know why you would think I would want them for selling. I have plenty of my own, procured my own way. If you want me to keep supplying you, you'd better not ask too many questions! The… dealer… I picked these up from said that these were Luck potions. Not sure why they’d be giving them away for “free” though… These keep getting returned. Not sure what’s wrong with them, but they’re clearly not a winner. Will you take them off my hands? Whatever is wrong with them, I release all liability.
Ah, mountainous terrain, something that can level the playing field if you're fighting a more technically skilled foe! Use the formations of the land to your advantage, and those rogues in your party might get a sneak attack. You can also protect your magic users by finding cover for them! Make sure you set up a watch at night, though. You never know who or what might come to rob you! Oh, and a dragon might swoop in, almost forgot about that!				Llamrei
Morganne	Oh no, Merlin really thinks it's a Sorcerer whose spell is messing with ours? Now, not to insult anyone present, but I can see how that would happen. You have to have excellent control to keep your magic in check, but since Sorcerers are born with theirs, it can easily go awry! That's why I'm always encouraging you to study hard. The best way to be safe is preparation and practice! These new helpers came in asking for a job, but there’s so many of them! Maybe they can help you on your adventures?
I'm impressed with your accomplishments, the forest now but a waypoint on your journey... remember us when you're on even bigger adventures, and don't forget that the skills you learned here are transferable! If I can offer you one more bit of advice: be kind to the natural world around you, and it will repay you handsomely. You never know when talking to a rock or plant might yield the answer you've been looking for! If you're unsure, ask the Druids you're traveling with, and they'll set you on the right path. Oh no, you’re lost in the Ethereal Forest (again)! Happens to the best of us. Some local Druids offer to guide you to Mammoth Mountain for a small fee.				Twiggy Turquoise
Fuji	Well, hello there, fellow adventurer! This is the base camp for an arduous climb. Are you sure you're ready for it? You don't look too tough, but then, neither do I! Luckily, I've been training for decades to build up my strength, and I can carry much more than you'd expect. A Ranger like me has to be ready for anything out here in the wilds! As you climb to higher camps along the way, I'll check in with you and make sure that you haven't keeled over. How's that sound? These locals blend into the landscape so well, you almost didn’t notice them! Perhaps you can ask them for directions? It’s not easy to hike up this mountain! Thankfully, we have some mounts available that are well versed in such rugged terrain. Luckily, they eat anything!

Day Seven - August 7th
Merlin	Thank you for the information about what lies on top of the mountain! I'm disappointed that there was no sorcerer in residence, but these symbols might unlock important information about the spells that have been cast. Not to mention, this Deep area sounds promising. Sorcerers sometimes get their power from the earth, and elemental magic could certainly be in play with all these clouds around! It's so frustrating that we don't have enough information about Sorcerers written down. Still, I trust you to persevere through the darkness. Keep your chin up! Plus, you seem to be very high level now. I bet that dragon fears your prowess!
Caves always freaked me out! The echoes are spooky, like you're accompanying yourself. After that last one, well, I took an arrow to the knee and it was all over for me. You stay safe out there, and make sure you grab extra provisions! You don't want to get caught in a cave-in with too few supplies.				Monarch
Magpie	This princess said she's rich, right? Well, I think there are only two ways that can happen, and I like one of them, and the other seems boring. Sometimes sticky fingers get you out of a tight spot, you know? She'd probably tell you to check for hidden doorways and caches of loot in this dungeon you're so excited about traipsing through. An Elixir of Love! These things are totally bad luck. You should get it out of here and maybe pour it down a well.
Can't take your mounts into the deep? Worry not, all this training has raised your endurance, and you'll be able to travel through, no problem at all. Sorcerer or Wizard makes no difference to me, as long as you've got someone along who can shine a light in dark corners and protect you from ambush.				Llamrei
Morganne	Enclosed spaces make me claustrophobic! That's why I'm glad I'm back here at the library. What do you need a book on… spiders maybe? I hear they can be venomous. Gotta watch out! Bats? They'll sense you coming, and one could turn into a vampire... allegedly. There're just so many dangers out there! At least I don't think there are any cave dragons, but I've been wrong before! Stay safe.
I'm impressed with your accomplishments, the forest now but a waypoint on your journey... remember us when you're on even bigger adventures, and don't forget that the skills you learned here are transferable! If I can offer you one more bit of advice: be kind to the natural world around you, and it will repay you handsomely. You never know when talking to a rock or plant might yield the answer you've been looking for! If you're unsure, ask the Druids you're traveling with, and they'll set you on the right path. The Ethereal Forest sure lives up to its name, because these are unlike any horses you’ve ever seen before! Be respectful, and you might be flying high soon.				Twiggy Turquoise
Fuji	Well, that's a bummer! I'm sorry you couldn't find what you were searching for here on Mammoth Mountain. We'll keep an eye out for those who have gone missing and send them back if we come across them! Regardless, you can still write your name down in the log of adventurers who've climbed to the top. We've also uncovered a hidden door into the caves beneath the mountain... enter at your own risk! Look, I’m not sure these will let you ride them, but they are certainly hungry. You might want to feed them, for your own safety.
Well met, adventurers! I'm Alan the Paladin, on a quest to protect the denizens of this realm, whether that be to heal the sick, defend the weak, or rebuild after catastrophe! I'm down here in the Deep because I heard a rumor about a Rogue lying in wait for adventurers and fleecing them for all they were worth—if they were lucky! The unlucky never return. Can you assist me in my quest to protect the travelers in the Deep? You might even stumble across the Sorcerer you're looking for! I've never encountered a dragon down here, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. The magic of this world is constantly shifting! Keep your light burning, and a strong adventuring party like yours should have nothing to fear. You pass a well in the caverns. Better toss in some coins for good luck!				Alan

Day Eight - August 8th
Merlin	The Sorcerer is in the sky! I should have guessed. That explains all these clouds and why bringing my magic and knowledge further into the realm has helped clear them up. Skye might say they did it for protection, but clearly it didn't work, since it gave rogues and ruffians a chance to sneak in and kidnap your friends and rob you. The magic of Wizards is the answer to Alethea's problems! Now, you just need to convince this Sorcerer of that. Here is a copy of my notes, which explain the phenomenon as I understand it, the spells I think need to be cast at the corners of the realm, and the components required. Would you be so kind as to look for those? Then, we'll just need all of our Wizards to study up so we can cast them effectively! Simple as cake. As for that dragon—it should be light work once the clouds are gone. You're all strong enough now to fight it, and it will have nowhere to hide! I believe in the skills you've gained and the prowess you possess. Don't take the coward's way out and try to lure it to you, you're better than that! How are you enjoying your adventures? See any beautiful vistas or awe-inspiring terrain?
Whatever helps us get these clouds out of the way, I'm all for! I know there must be something truly magical waiting for you. Whether it's a battle with a dragon or the coronation of a queen, I know it will be something Bards write songs about for the rest of history.				Monarch
Magpie	There's nowhere to hide way up there in the Sky–too much sunlight and rainbows. I liked the Deep better, for sure. Don't worry, though, it wasn't me out there fleecing people; you know I've been here the whole time! As for Sorcerers and Wizards? Well, they both buy my potions, so I appreciate that. But I don't think either of them is the problem here. If anything, they're creating their issues by refusing to work together. I'm team Defeat the Dragon! Have you learned any cool spells lately? I think this one might be Lightning in a Bottle.
Wow, you're really going places! I wish I could fly up there, but I don't have the magic needed, so I'll have to stay down on the ground. No worries, though, I don't want to be in the mix when spells start slinging, even if I did get a nifty magic-resistant shield from Magpie. I'm here for you if you find that dragon, though. That's something I know about, fighting!				Llamrei
Morganne	Of course, I agree with Merlin–Wizard spells are the answer to stabilizing the realm! He's doing exactly what Alethea asked him to do, and why shouldn't he? She's going to be queen, after all. No, I've never met her. Or even seen her. I couldn't tell you what she looks like, or if she lives in a castle or... hmm. I'll admit, maybe I have a few doubts. I have told you to ask questions and research the answers... Libraries are free, but if you’re willing to make a donation to our continued upkeep I’ll show you some of our most prized manuscripts that are usually kept under lock and key!
High in the sky, magic catches my eye! Sorcerers are connected with the land and with the help of Druids, Rangers, and even Bards, they can easily balance the magic of the realm. It is clearly the magic Merlin performed on your Medieval Faire that caused these issues, bringing us adventurers from far and wide, or creating us from nothing and dropping us into this new world. I've spoken to the trees, and they know these things. Let Skye guide you, and the magic will be restored. As for queens, well, I recognize no monarch here in the Ethereal Forest. We will continue to govern ourselves, and even dragons will be welcomed amongst us.				Twiggy Turquoise
Fuji	I'm happy the clouds have cleared from my mountain, making it safer to climb. I have many things still to discover after coming to this place. How did that happen... well, I'm not sure I remember, exactly. If this Merlin takes credit for that, I appreciate it; I like it here. They seem strong as I am, though in magic over physical prowess. Why not let this Alethea and a court Wizard be in charge of the government here? You never know what might be hidden in the rocky cracks and crevices of a mountain! Just be gentle digging things out–you don’t want to cause a landslide!
I stand with whoever is on the side of law, order, and goodness. I keep the light on in the darkest corners to protect those I can. I say, make your own choice, but consider well who offers the most to those who cannot help themselves. Merlin, well, in my view, they see this realm as a place they can control. They don't see each individual here as their own being. Skye, I can't determine their motives fully, but they are from this realm, and that certainly counts for something. The thing about a fantastical adventure is that there always seems to be a flying friend, even deep underground!				Alan
Skye	Hello, and welcome to the Sky! My name is Skye–I came first, if you were wondering–and I am a Cloud Sorcerer, descended from a line of those who could manipulate the weather. My domain is the air. I awoke in this place with no memory of being transported here, and at first, all I wanted to do was find my way home. However, it quickly became clear that the adventurers here needed help. Many had the same story as me–they were pulled from some other time or place and are now facing a world of shifting magic and difficult quests, hunted by a dragon and promised things by a princess who I'm not sure can provide them. What I really want is to get to the bottom of how this realm came to be, but first we have to deal with the immediate problems. I covered the land with clouds to keep the dragon from swooping down on people, but now they are being removed by this Wizard Merlin's magic. They think they can just waltz in here and save us? They're making everything worse! I have started working on a spell at the top of Mammoth Mountain that will call the dragon down to fight with as little collateral damage as possible. If you feel like you're strong enough, you're just the adventurers I need for this battle! Up here, it can be hard to find snacks my friends like! Would you mind sharing with them?

Day Nine - August 9th
Merlin	If you don't want my help... fine! It doesn't matter now, because my magic has worked to clear the clouds; I can see the castle! I'll just go straight to Alethea and tell her my plans, and we'll see who ends up with the titles and the riches. I'm not a total monster, though. I would like to thank you for your help. Without you, I wouldn't have a path across the realm! Morganne should be able to control the magic here at the Faire, so you can still enjoy this as well. I might not have meant to create this world, but I'm certainly going to enjoy living in it!
Wow, I didn't expect Merlin to up and leave like that! I have to stay here and do my job, but please bring me back any stories and tales of your adventures so I can immortalize them in song. I may not go on campaigns of my own anymore, but this has encouraged me to be more than just a tavernkeeper again! This adventurer definitely deserves a drink! It seems like this isn't the first battle they've gotten scorched in. They tell you they think their whole bloodline is cursed...				Monarch
Magpie	C'mon, go get ‘em! I know that dragon looks tough, but you can do it! Plus, dragons usually have a hoard of riches. Once it's defeated, you won't even need the reward from the princess if you can find the dragon's lair! And if you want to share with your good friend Magpie, well, I certainly won't complain. Be sure to stock up on anything you might need before you head out there; supplies are selling fast! The box these came in said “Dragon Slayer” so, do with that what you will! A shady character offloaded these to me super cheap. I poked one, and I think it might have eyes…
All your training has led to this moment! Don't be shy; show them what you've got! Whether you're on the front lines or supporting from the rear, each adventurer has an important part to play in this battle. I'm so glad that I got to be a part of your journey; it's always been my dream to train a dragon slayer!				Llamrei
Morganne	Merlin has left me in charge! It's... terrifying, honestly. The magic that expanded the Medieval Faire and made it what it is today is complex and powerful, as you know. The more I learn about it and understand the mechanics behind it, it looks to me like it might not be sustainable. The realm beyond the Medieval Faire seems to have pulled adventurers from outside of our normal world to inhabit it, and that isn't fair if they don't want to stay. Not to mention, I have a theory about this Alethea. I found a logbook detailing the names of the roles that actors took on at the original Medieval Faire, and look! It says one of the princesses was named Alethea. What do you think about that?
Am I from here? Am I from anywhere? I couldn't tell you, truly, but I am happy. I don't plan to leave the Ethereal Forest unless I am forced to, because home for me is wherever the plants speak to me, and so many here have much to say. So, I ask you, adventurers. Do whatever you must to keep this world alive, because I don't want to lose it. Can you promise that to me?				Twiggy Turquoise
Fuji	If you're feeling up to the climb, you're welcome to complete the ritual that was started at the top of the mountain! I like it when things are clear and straightforward, so finishing your quest and getting a stable system in place only benefits me. I have to say, it feels like this mountain was made for me. I don't want to leave, so please do your best to keep things together!
No, I'm not from here. I'm not sure anyone is. But I like this place. I can complete my mission to protect those around me regardless of my location. Until a better opportunity presents itself, I will stay here, or at least near here, lending my services. If your quest to slay this dragon makes this realm safer, I am on your side. However, don't mistake my commitment to goodness as short-sighted or one-note. I urge you to ask questions and determine if things are really as they are presented to be. If we didn’t manage to keep the torches lit, these critters might have been able to help!				Alan
Skye	A decisive victory! Thank you for your support. It must have taken a lot of courage to side against someone like Merlin, who has given you so much. I don't begrudge them for their plans; they thought they were doing the right thing, and probably still do. If they want to go help Alethea, that might help us too! I've finished preparing my spell that will lure the dragon to fight us on the ground, and I will fly to the top of Mammoth Mountain to set it in motion! I know a few of you can fly, and so can I, but it's best to level the playing field. When you're ready, head to the castle, and we will finish this! I’m sure you’ll enjoy flying around the way we do. Some of my friends have offered to give you the experience of a lifetime, for just a few coins!
“Welcome, adventurers, to my castle! I know it might not look perfect right now, but you see, we haven't had much time! Between the dragon and the clouds, it has been hard to get things in order. However, that doesn't mean that I can't rule this land. I have already done much behind the scenes to protect this realm, stabilizing its magic. I am excited to hear that Merlin will join me soon, because he knows the most about it, having cast it, after all! Like some others you have met, my presence here is a result of his spells, but I do know where I came from. It feels like I have awoken from a 15-year slumber, the manifestation of a story you were told many years ago. Let's toast to a wonderful future here!” As you are speaking to Alethea, a great roar shakes the castle to its foundations, heralding the arrival of the fearsome beast you have been sent on a quest to defeat. Your party of adventurers steps outside, your weapons raised and spells prepared, ready to face down the dragon. Though you have not trained for long, you feel ready to take on this challenge. Ahead of you, the dragon is gigantic, purple with gold scales scattered across its body and huge wings that buffet the air in your direction. It tosses its horned head as Skye's spell takes effect and begins to drag it toward the ground. Oh no! Someone’s arrow broke a window, and the noise attracted some enemies. Maybe you can buy them off with food?				Princess Alethea

Day Ten - August 10th
Merlin	After all that's happened, it doesn't surprise me that you'd accuse me of this nefarious magic, but in this, I swear I am innocent! I did not cast any spell on that dragon; I've never even seen it before! Could I have? Well, of course. Illusions are a wizard's bread and butter, and that one was quite impressive! To make you truly believe it was real, even during a battle… I think this wizard and I have a lot to talk about, and we'll be able to settle the situation with this magical instability once and for all! We might even let Skye help.
If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that this adventure will be talked about and passed down to Chicken Smoothians for all time! Please join us tonight here at The Cocoon so we can enjoy everyone's rendition of the events. The open mic signup list will be on the wall right over there, so if you're a Bard, don't miss out! One to go order? Coming right up! Everyone is grabbing a celebratory drink, including these fine fair folk. They invite you to dance, if you dare… Some of the overnight guests left these behind. They haven’t come back to claim them, so why don’t you take them out on your adventures? It must get cold climbing mountains and hiking through forests.				Monarch
Magpie	If you want me to be honest... yes, I did know about some of Alethea's plans. Not the kidnapping people, of course, but we Rogues have to stick together! We had a great supply chain going, and that's why you got so many cool things throughout this adventure! Remember, don't look the gift Rogue in the mouth, or however the saying goes. Maybe all this trading between the Faire and the realm can help balance the magic? My back office is getting quite cluttered. You’re welcome to rummage around and see if there are any potions leftover!
A pint-sized dragon? Ugh, that's so disappointing. Well, at least my advice to shoot the Wizard served you in some way, even if you didn't realize it was the Wizard themselves who looked like the big baddie! Wizards and spellcasters are even trickier than I thought; I'm going to have to go back to the drawing board and make sure my training schedule helps me prepare for all these eventualities! Don’t be shy! I think you’re ready to train the next generation of champions.				Llamrei
Morganne	Magic is so powerful! Look at what it has been able to do in creating this world. I believe, if we work together, that there can be an equitable solution for all parties, and we can develop spells that will stabilize everything, now that we have another powerful and learned Wizard on our side–hopefully, anyway. You are going to go over there and convince her that she should work with us, right? Tell her about how cool our library is; Wizards can never resist new books! If Merlin joins them, though, that means that I will be the Wizard of the Medieval Faire. I hope I do you proud!
All creatures are valuable in my view, including this “dragon,” whether she's a dragon or not. I would welcome her into the Ethereal Forest if she wanted to come, but it looks to me like she's going to stay with Alethea, regardless of what else happens. I don't need a crystal ball or a love spell to tell that their bond is strong, even if it spiralled into wrong ideas. It's possible to change your mind, and I hope we see some of that! I’ve heard a local legend that if you flip some coins into the air and they catch the sunlight just right, you might encounter a magical surprise!				Twiggy Turquoise
Fuji	Woah, the dragon was an illusion all this time? I have to admit, that's a pretty devious plot. Not something I would ever come up with, but I live a simple life. At least I know now that my mountain wasn't somehow swallowing adventurers whole! Makes it feel safer up here, as long as this Princess agrees not to make kidnapping people a regular activity anymore.
It is easy to be swayed by darkness when you think that you are doing the right thing. Red flags just look like flags sometimes, when you're scared for your very existence. While this doesn't excuse Alethea and Nagha's actions, it does put them in perspective. Merlin should take some responsibility, too, even if they never meant for this to happen. I've heard that many of you think that I would be a good advisor to this reign, but I'm not so sure of that. Power can corrupt, which is why I have spent so long living on my own terms. But, if anyone comes to me for counsel, I will not turn them away, and I will speak things as clearly as I can see them.				Alan
Skye	Wizards! Always at the center of any dastardly plot! Okay, perhaps I am being too harsh on them. It's true that Wizards of your number were the ones to uncover the illusion magic and neutralize it, so not all Wizards are without hope. However, I'll take a day high in the sky over reading another dusty tome every time! As for the Princess, I hope she listens to those of us who live in this world as well as her own ideas. Perhaps we need to have some kind of council, where each class is represented? I'll think on it, even if it does mean I have to listen to Wizards ramble... Being in the sky gives us time to exercise our wings! Let us show you.
The battle over, you and your companions stare at the “dragon” in shock. Several adventurers start speaking loudly, accusing Merlin of having a hand in the spell that turned this creature into a fearsome beast. Several more attempt to interrogate their foe, but the disorganized questions only cause more confusion. Some Druids insist they never wanted to fight this “dragon” in the first place, and return the battlefield's terrain to its original state. Before a conclusion can be reached, the Rogues join the fray, telling of their escapades in the castle, where they found kidnapped adventurers locked in cells. Now everyone is talking over each other, trying to make sense of the information, and you're not sure how best to proceed. “Silence!” A voice booms over the din, and you turn to see that the “dragon” has spoken. Of course, you knew that it could understand you; dragons are intelligent creatures. The shock of the volume it can produce stuns everyone, though, and the requested silence is granted. “Nagha!” The cry from behind your group interrupts whatever was about to be said, and you turn to see a cloaked figure rushing from the castle. The hood falls from their head, revealing a disheveled-looking Princess Alethea. “Are you okay?!” she asks, kneeling before the tiny dragon. The Chicken Smoothians remain stunned into silence, watching the princess and the dragon she called you to defeat face each other in the courtyard, clearly well-acquainted. “I'm fine,” Nagha says, stretching her small wings. “But now all is lost! How will we ever stabilize the spell without these adventurers?” She means you, obviously, and you quickly check your packs and supplies, making sure they're still attached. “I don't know!” Alethea cries, looking at all of you in horror. A few adventurers still have their weapons raised, and she cringes away. “What is the meaning of all this?” Everyone turns to see Merlin walking into the courtyard, looking a bit grimier for the wear after traveling across the realm. Alethea stutters in response, and Nagha speaks instead, “You! Your spell caused this! We did what we had to do!” “And what was that?” Merlin asks. Nagha pauses, a look of intense concentration furrowing her scales. “I read the arcane texts that manifested in this castle, learned their spells, and built a system of energy transference that would keep the walls from crumbling around us! I became a Wizard to protect my Princess from harm. No one was supposed to be hurt, really, but we needed the magic and might of adventurers to power the spell, and they needed to stay here. It's like being in a luxury hotel, honestly... you just can't leave! “The illusion of a dragon kept them coming, looking for a battle. Then, that Sorcerer blanketed everything in clouds, and it was hard to travel here, so our systems started failing. We needed a new plan! And so we reached out to you, knowing that with these powerful adventurers you had at your disposal,” she pauses, gesturing to you and your companions, “the whole realm would be stable.” “That was never a sustainable plan,” Merlin says. There is a look of horror on their face, as if realizing the repercussions of their actions for the first time. “However, I do see that this is, in many ways, my responsibility. I cast the spell that brought this world into existence, with all its adventurers and you two, as well. Slivers of dreams and memories of the Medieval Faire of the past combined to create something I never intended. If you are still looking for a Court Wizard, I will join you, and will help set this right. With our knowledge combined, I'm sure we can come to a solution that benefits everyone.” “And release the prisoners!” You're not sure who yells this, but there is a chorus of agreement from the gathered adventurers. Alethea takes a deep breath, knocking her hood down the rest of the way to reveal her crown. With careful motions, she removes it from her head. “I don't know if I can call you a Court Wizard if I am not the monarch of this realm,” she says. “It seems to me like others might not rush to attend my coronation, after these events.” There is a general murmur of affirmation from the gathered crowd, and Alethea nods. “I will work to make this right, and to become the ruler I should be, not someone harming others in my desperation to keep control. Perhaps, with time, you can trust me, and I can one day become your queen. And my first act, of course, will be to release the adventurers I have held captive.” “I will help,” Nagha says, and Alethea immediately turns to smile at her, three little words brightening her whole demeanor. “Perhaps two Court Wizards are better than one,” Alethea says. “Perhaps,” Merlin agrees, and the three of them head into the castle. In moments, freed adventurers stream out into the courtyard, and you're able to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, as well. The outcome remains to be seen, but for now, you might say that you've had a vacation for the history books, or at least the Bards' tales... Of course this adventure would end at a castle, how could it not? Feel free to build your own! Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Were you fooled, or did you outsneak the rogue? As you explore the castle, it becomes clear that it’s not completely abandoned. There are some hungry pets in the tallest towers!				Princess Alethea

Map Areas

The Medieval Faire map had many interactive areas, which held new content each day. Users had to check the zones each day to make sure they didn't miss out on any gifts! In addition to free pets and items, the event also featured trade-in stations, which allowed users to exchange their tokens for other prizes.

The Medieval Faire

Quest Board

Manned by Merlin, the Quest Board provides Smoothians with the next step in their grand adventure, as well as being the home of the amazing class quiz!

Rest Area

The Faire can be a lot, bust luckily for everyone there's a nice place to take a break. Smoothians could dress up a pet with their class they received from Merlin and rest here, which other users could see.

Tavern

"The Cocoon", it's owner Monarch proclaims his tavern caters the best food and drink money can buy.

Jousting

For just a bit of coin, you can test your skill in a game of jousting with a chance to win an amazing prize!

Store

Need some items? Magpies shop probably has what you're looking for, and most likely even more than that.

Arena

It's important to hone your skills before going out on an adventure. Llamrei ensures that each and every person has what they need to be successful.

Library

Merlin needs somewhere to store his vast amount of books, and this is just the place. In order to ensure that things are kept neat and tidy, trusty librarian Morganne keeps a watchful eye over the books.

Adventure

The full adventure

Forest

The first stop on our grand adventure. Here, we met Twiggy Turquoise and got our first taste of the outside world!

The Mountain

A giant mountain that seems to stretch to above the clouds. It would be a long and arduous climb, but there are those who are willing to take on the challenge

The Deep

A large cave system that runs under the mountain. Who knows what may lurk in the darkness of the caverns?

The Sky

What came first? Skye or Sky? Skye will have you believe it was them who existed first, but who really knows!

The Castle

Home of the princess, this beautiful structure seems to dwarf the rest of the land with its elegance! However, it was also the site of the final battle with the elusive dragon.

Tokens and Banner Pets

This event had several different types of tokens. As the event progressed and more locations were revealed, new tokens became available. New this year was a small sprite which could be found three times per day, each time giving a new item. Tokens could then be traded in for items and pets at various locations throughout the Faire.

Banner Tokens + Pets

This is the standard event token. Every 20 minutes, players could randomly find a banner at the bottom of nearly any page of the site. Usually they'd receive one of these items, which could then be traded on the event page to NPCs in return for pets or items.

Bronze Coin			Silver Coin			Gold Coin

Extra Suplies

Once every hour, users could visit Monarch in his tavern and pick up some supplies to help them on their adventure.

Jam			Cheese			Bread
Salami				Water

Sprite Search

Three times a day the user could find a small sprite flitting around the map. Clicking it would give the user an item.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

Each trade in station would request different combinations and types of tokens. New this year, trade in stations would specify what day that particular trade in released on.

On occasion instead of the standard items in the Tavern, players would receive a pet instead. These pets from this event could only be gained through this supply table, not through a token trade in. Receiving a pet instead of a token still reset the cool down timer, and the player would have to wait another hour before trying again.

Class Quiz

Due to this event being RPG based, users could take a short quiz to determine their class!

Questions

Question 1: Would you rather fight with your magic or your might?

• Magic
• Might
• A mix of both

Question 2: Are you most Wise, Charismatic, or Intelligent?

• Wisdom - street smarts
• Charisma - social smarts
• Intelligence - book smarts

Question 3: What is your physical strength?

• Dexterity - agility or stealth
• Strength - pure muscle
• Constitution - stamina

Question 4: Where did you learn your craft?

• In a school
• In the natural world
• From a family member or mentor
• On your own terms

Question 5: Which weapon are you best at using?

• A bow
• A knife
• A sword
• My words
• My magic
• My animal form

Question 6: Where do you prefer to live?

• In a city
• In a small town
• In the woods
• As far from civilization as possible
• Near a library

Question 7: How close do you want to be to the action?

• Far, far away
• In the shadows
• Up close and personal
• Medium distance
• I'm versatile

Question 8: What is your motivation for going on an adventure?

• To gain knowledge
• To defeat evil
• To grow my strength
• To defend mine and others' honor
• To garner fame and recognition

Question 9: Do you lean toward chaos or order?

• Chaos
• Order
• Neutral

Results

Bard

Bards are inspiring performers, often characterized by larger than life personalities and the ability to create a festive atmosphere. Others may be fooled, but your silver tongue can be quite tricksy! Bards usually know how to play an instrument that they use to focus their magic powers.

Wizard

Wizards are magic users who have studied hard and worked to acquire knowledge from others to perfect their craft. You tend to follow stricter rules and guidelines than other spell-slingers, to explosive results! Wizards usually have a spellbook to store their knowledge in.

Druid

Druids are at home in and protective of the natural world. You are able to use magical skills to commune with the environment and even assume different animal forms at will! Druids usually fight with quarterstaffs if they’re not using their shapeshifting powers.

Rogue

Rogues are sneaky and cunning, able to play any role needed to achieve their goals. You live life on your own terms! Rogues usually fight with knives and have the ability to sneak attack.

Ranger

Rangers have practical skills to aid them in the wilds, as well as magic they can use to battle any monsters that cross their paths. May your aim be true! Rangers usually fight with bows and arrows alongside their magic.

Sorcerer

Sorcerers have an innate magical ability and harness it to create powerful spells. You don't need fancy classes; the knowledge is within you! Sorcerers have an arcane focus that they use to direct their magic.

Fighter

Fighters see things pretty simply: they're strong and they will use that strength to achieve their goals. You stand tall in the face of adversity! Fighters are classic warriors, often fighting with swords and shields.

Paladin

Paladins have sworn an oath to fight against evil in the world. You're ready to use your might, magic, or whatever is handy to win against corrupt forces! Paladins wear tough armor and fight with weapons as well as magic.

Mountain Climb

Day 6 brought users to a huge mountain! After some time, a new level would be reached, each with new dialogue

Camp 1

2,165ft

You're feeling good as you start your trek—this can't be as bad as Fuji made it out to be! The path is smooth and clear ahead of you, with the trees at the edge of the Ethereal Forest still providing shade. The temperature isn't too hot, and you have plenty of provisions. As you continue on, you enjoy the scenery and take deep breaths of the crisp mountain air. Adventurers at the first camp flag you down and offer you a refreshing flagon of water, so you sit and chat for a few minutes before continuing on.

You're surprised to learn that the adventurers are new to this land, too. They don't have much memory of their past or where they came from, or even how they learned their adventuring skills! However, they are pleased to assist you in your trek when you explain Alethea's quest, and that Merlin is looking for answers about the magic in the realm.

Camp 2

3,776ft

The trees are beginning to thin, but you're still feeling optimistic about your journey. You've formed a traveling group with a few of the adventurers you met at the first camp, and they are worthy companions. One of them shows you how to identify different species of birds as you hear their calls. You're enjoying this game until you hear a new call, and the adventurer goes pale.

“That,” they whisper, quickly tying down anything on their saddle that clinks, “was a dragon. Hurry, the next camp is under cover!” You reach the camp and duck out of sight until you hear no more dragon calls. Some of your party argue that your whole point is to defeat the dragon, and that they were ready for a fight. The adventurers you've met seem much more wary of dragons than the Chicken Smoothians!

Camp 3

5,964ft

There are more bare cliff faces as you continue on, some hopeful to find a dragon, and others hopeful not to. You didn't even see it, but it certainly sounded big and powerful. The terrain is more difficult to traverse, and you must proceed with caution. You are starting to get a little out of breath!

Just as you breathe a hard-fought sigh of relief that things seem safe, one of your companions remarks that another is missing. You twist around, looking behind you, and notice that several are not present. Where did they go? There seems to be no trace of them, and nowhere to hide. You shiver as you hurry to the next camp and regroup, making sure no one else is lost.

Camp 4

8,343ft

No one has an answer to what has happened, but the group decides to continue on, hoping that there might be clues further ahead. Someone suggests that the Sorcerer Merlin is looking for could be behind the disappearances, but the Sorcerers in your group take offense to that, already feeling miffed that Merlin seems to have it out for them.

Amidst the bickering over who might be at fault, you fail to keep a good ear out. By the time you reach the next camp, several adventurers realize that their saddlebags have been cut, and their valuables stolen. “Rogues!” someone accuses, and everything devolves into another disagreement, despite the thin air making it hard to argue fervently.

Camp 5

9,799ft

The trek is certainly getting harder as you approach the summit! Some of the adventurers who joined you insist on turning back and looking for your lost companions, or just staying safe when they realize they don't have enough provisions to continue. However, you and a few intrepid mountaineers continue.

You can see pretty far, but besides the Ethereal Forest, the entire landscape appears to be covered in clouds. You stare into the white, puffy depths as you climb, trying to catch a glimpse of anything vaguely draconic. Finally, a shadow that looks very much like a giant wingspan catches your attention. You're not the only one, and as you look up into the sun's glare, you see the silhouette of a great beast and the arrows of your companions arcing toward it.

“Slay the dragon!” someone yells, but the arrows don't reach high enough, and you hear what sounds like a rumble of thunder as the dragon disappears back into the clouds. Frustratingly, there was too much glare to tell what color it was or any other identifying features. When you reach the next camp, the adventurers are working together again, bolstered by the glimpse of their foe.

Camp 6

10,899ft

You're nearing the final stretch, and you're feeling accomplished. One of your party is always on watch, trying to catch a glimpse of the dragon while everyone else helps each other over rocky, steep terrain. You nearly crash to a halt when your scout calls out that they see something. Are those… sparkles? The clouds ahead of you seem magically enhanced, and you try to take a deep breath to center yourself. Perhaps the Sorcerer you are hunting is up ahead after all, trying to make your mind play tricks on you! Everyone decides that they need to rest at the final camp before they reach the summit and perhaps encounter a battle.

Summit

12,389ft

You can see it, just ahead, the summit! At the top of the mountain, rocks have been deliberately arranged into cairns and arches, as if for some magical spell or ritual. After watching stealthily for a few minutes, one member of your group calls out, “En garde!” and fires off a spell into the area. When no one reacts, you figure it's safe enough to explore. No sorcerer, or dragon for that matter, materializes from the trees and stones, but you do see that your guess about magic was likely correct, as runes and other carvings litter the rock. You take rubbings of them and do your best to copy the position of everything down so you can show it to Merlin.

Proud of your achievements, you and your adventuring party break out your rations and enjoy the view from the summit, even if it's just clouds. Though you stay for most of the afternoon, no one else materializes, and the sparkles you saw don't change. Maybe there's something beyond the clouds, and you just need to find a way to clear them? Eventually, you decide to hike back down the mountain, feeling stronger and more capable for the next time you encounter the dragon.

Dragon Fight

Day 9 brought us face to face with the dragon for the first time! Each class got a unique fight dialogue:

Sorcerer

Skye's spell and plan made perfect sense to you, so it's no surprise when you see the dragon's flight suddenly slow, its wings looking like they are trapped by some kind of ribbon made of yellow air. It fights, but it is dragged to the ground. However, even though it has been forced not to use its wings, that does not mean it is not a formidable foe. You hold your arcane focus close to your chest, slinging your spells and doing your best to damage the dragon, but it easily dodges many attacks or uses its huge wings like shields to stymie your magic. Gouts of flame burn across the battlefield, but as time passes, you feel like you've started to turn the tide. There are just so many adventurers fighting, there's no way that you won't eventually overpower your foe!

Druid

Using your innate powers, it is easy to transform into a bird or other flying animal and use the advantage of the air to confuse and unsettle the dragon. Skye's spell has brought it to the ground, so you can easily dodge away when it tries to strike out at you with its fearsome claws and flaming breath. It doesn't seem like much at first, but pecking at or blocking its eye and screeching near its ears lowers the dragon's defenses and allows your allies to land hits and spells they otherwise wouldn't have been able to. As the dragon weakens, some druids transform back to their natural state and conjure vines to wrap around its legs and wings. In its depleted state, it is no longer able to break the bonds or burn them away. You move in with your quarterstaves and prepare for the final blows. You're close to victory!

Bard

Some people say that you're not good in a fight, but they don't understand the power of words and cunning. Dragons are intelligent creatures, and your voice booms with the force of your magic as you roast it with a broad and sharp vocabulary. The dragon clearly understands your cutting insults and is distracted by the jabs. At the same time, others play inspiring songs of battle, bolstering the power and speed of your companions and allowing them to dodge out of even the tightest situations. Some take damage, and you're able to throw in a few words of healing, as well. All the while, you think about the way you will tell this tale for the generations to come, chronicling the epic battle of Chicken Smoothians vs. The Dragon. You're sure that victory is only moments away!

Ranger

Your knowledge of the natural world is a big help in this battle! Your bow is strung and well-oiled, arrows crafted with precision that will allow them to fly true past the dragon's defenses. Where others might see an impenetrable wall of scales, you know the softest parts and aim at the joints and delicate wing bones of the beast. Even if it's unable to fly, that doesn't mean it doesn't want to use its wings to block spells and swords! You're also able to help the Druids call up vines and brambles, further trapping the dragon so it can't step outside of the zone of battle. As the fight progresses, the dragon is starting to look like a pincushion, and you know that it can't hold out much longer!

Fighter

A strong team of varied adventurers means that you can focus on what you do best–swinging your weapons and taking down foes! This dragon is strong, but the combined efforts of your party members mean that you can slash and stab in just the right places, at least most of the time. Dragons have strong defenses, from scales tougher than armor all over their bodies to quick reflexes that allow them to move out of your path like water. Even still, the sheer numbers of your forces are too much for it, and you cheer as the dragon begins to weaken, its retaliatory slashes and attacks becoming weaker and weaker as it folds under your assault. You start to think about how best to land the final blow and vanquish your foe!

Paladin

It's simple—the dragon has been causing chaos and mayhem in this realm, and it is your quest to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Your armor is strapped on, and you head to the front of the battle to stand as a bulwark so your squishier allies can worry less about getting taken out in a single hit. Of course, you also bring your sword, able to land a few good hits against your foe as you block its claws and attacks with your shield. As your allies weaken the beast and your services are less necessary in the front, you turn and begin to heal those of your allies who have taken damage throughout the fight. You are much more concerned with everyone surviving than landing the final blow, but it looks like your allies are close!

Rogue

A battle with the dragon is all well and good, but it doesn't suit your skill set. You're one for sneaking, and there's no way to sneak up on something that seems to keep its eyes on everything at once, even in the height of battle. Every time you try to get into position, you feel its gaze pierce into you. Therefore, it only seems natural to sneak back into the castle and find out what's really going on here. No one notices you as you tiptoe away. Alethea is in her throne room, but you've already been there. Instead, you delve into the lower levels of the structure. It is cold and clammy, the stone walls closing in on you as you disappear into the bowels of the castle.

You hear the sound of voices, and you're shocked when you come across a dungeon, cell after cell filled with adventurers just like you. There are even some you recognize from your climb up Mammoth Mountain, who disappeared into thin air. What are they doing here? You listen closely, still cloaked in darkness, and hear an unbelievable tale: Alethea has been kidnapping them, insisting that the secret to stabilizing the magic of the realm is to use their power and strength like a battery for the spell. She's told them she has the help of a wizard... before you can hear more, you rush out, determined to warn your companions of this nefarious plot!

Wizard

You were wary of working with a Sorcerer at first, but Skye's grounding spell is quite effective. The battle has progressed well, with you and your allies doing considerable damage and weakening the dragon. You've nearly won, but as you get ready for one last push, you notice something strange. The dragon has an aura of magic you couldn't previously detect. Sparkles flash at its joints, and you cross your eyes trying to see through it. You take a deep breath and center yourself, willing what you're seeing to make sense. The threads of the spell become clear to you, revealed from your learning in the library and time spent studying—this is Wizard magic, and you know how to break the spell! You see that other Wizards have noticed it too, and in no time, you band together, speaking the words of command that dispel the illusion before you.

Before you, there is no longer a dragon, not truly. Though its patterns and colors are the same, it has shrunk in size, its wings possibly too small to lift it off the ground. A terrified expression takes over its face, and the battle grinds to an instant halt. What is the meaning of this?

Quests

This year, when acquiring a token from the banner, users were met with a small quest they had gone on to gain it.

Quests

Every 20 minutes the user could go on a quest to help some of the residents of the town.

Quests
You smile as you exit the treeline, the basket on your back full of herbs. The apothecary thanks you for your hard work and rewards you with something:
You're not really sure why anyone would trust you with baking a wedding cake, but it's... edible. The frosting runs off the side, and one of the cake toppers has fallen over entirely. The brides assure you it has its own charm— and that it tastes just fine!
You yawn, blinking tiredly at the scroll in front of you. Helping the librarian organize their collection didn't seem so bad at first, but you didn't realize there was an entire basement of storage! You received this, and a well-earned rest:
You've been walking for about an hour now, carrying both little chicks as they ask you a thousand different questions. Why is the sky blue? Do you like being an adventurer? Where do babies come from? You're glad not to answer that last one when you finally spot their parents through the trees. For your efforts and patience, the dad gives you something:
Is this really a quest? It feels more like doing someone's chores. Well, at least the butterfly wolf gave you a nice tip after finishing that last load of laundry!
You've finished about seventeen puzzles and seem no closer to your goal. If anything, the chameleon that sent you on this quest seems to have led you in a circle. You stand in front of the fountain where you started your quest, the last note directing you to a cobblestone nearby. You pry it up... Really? Was the treasure here the whole time?
You pour a little water over the freshly-painted snapdragons, amazed when they, well, snap! The old parrot that owns this garden chuckles, assuring you that the plants are all bark and no bite. You decide to take your payment and leave before you can test that theory.
The market bustles with life, all sorts of animals weaving through stalls and making their way down the main road. You spot a dog reaching for a necklace when the shopkeeper's back is turned. You call out a warning, and the dog scampers away, empty-pawed. The shopkeeper thanks you, dropping something into your hand.
It's not the glamorous quest you hoped it would be, but you're having fun. The three little bats fly circles around you, making up all sorts of games and asking you to tell stories of your adventures. When dawn finally breaks and their dads come home from work, you think that babysitting isn't such a bad gig after all.
There was a huge sale on potions! You got a lot more change back than you expected!
There's nothing glamorous about picking up litter, but the town's leader thanks you kindly. She's getting on in years, and has always had a bit of trouble picking that stuff up with hooves. She insists you take this as a reward!
You hammer the last nail into place, happy to finish the roof. There's a storm rolling in from the mountains, and this family of rabbits will finally have a safe shelter when it comes. The youngest hops towards you with a tiny pouch.
It took some convincing, and giving up the sandwich you packed in your bag, but the hungry wolf finally decides to leave. The hamster she was hunting thanks you profusely, insisting you have a reward.
Sometimes the adventure really is just the friends you make along the way. ... And sometimes you make a lucky find too.
You fold in the end of the bandage, looking over your handiwork with a smile. The horse flexes his leg, testing the wrappings, and whinnies happily in turn. You're not sure what compelled him to race a unicorn over a rocky hill, but hopefully this horse learns from this lesson.
It's been about three hours. If you knew it would take this long to lead Granny Lion across town to the market, you might have politely declined. She moves slowly, large paws dragging with arthritis. When you finally reach the market and she hugs you happily, those three hours suddenly feel worth it. Granny Lion doesn't give you anything, but karma does. You found something on the path nearby!
You offer directions to a deer who's moving south for school. The deer doesn't have much, but insists you take something as thanks. She's been going in circles for days!
You have a scratch on your nose from the cat's flailing paws, but he calms down when you finally reach the bottom of the tree. The cat scampers off, happily returning to his family. His mom approaches you with a little pouch that jingles. You get the feeling this happens a lot.
The potion did not go as expected... The cauldron is blackened, with smoke still curling into the air. The alchemist doesn't seem that bothered by it. If anything, they seem excited by the new findings. They slip you a reward for your help.
It's been days— maybe weeks. You've climbed across two mountain ranges, traveled through a forest darker than night, and across a river longer than you could see. Your feet ache from walking, but finally your quest is at its end. You stumble into the blacksmith's shop, presenting the sword he sent you in search of. ...It's the wrong one, apparently. The blacksmith takes pity on you, giving you something for your efforts!
You gently explain to the wolves that they need to take their karaoke night elsewhere. The farmer and her scared sheep thank you kindly.
A bead of sweat drops down your face, the heat of the volcano combined with the climb up to the top exhausting you. But you diligently note down your findings in the journal the shop keeper gave you. You manage to spot a few different veins of good ore, as well as some nice looking stones for building. With a sigh, you close the journal and begin the hike back. The shop keeper is thrilled with your discovery, as it'll allow them to expand their wares with ease. To thank you, they hand over a coin from their personal stash: ,
It's questionable why this little otter brought their favorite shell to the beach, but after an hour of combing through the sand you've finally found it! Turns out their brother was sitting on it the whole time. The kids don't have anything for you, but you also managed to find something in the sand!
You're careful where you put your feet. This side of the cliff is steeper than you thought. You propel down on your rope, reaching out to grab the little rat's hand and pull them to safety. They cling to you, making happy chittering sounds as you climb back up. The rat doesn't stay for long, but leaves you with their thanks and a gift. You receive:
You scale the mountain side, careful not to look down. The air is thin, the wind biting and cold. You finally reach the cave at the mountain's peak, carrying your bundle inside. The ranger didn't expect his cold medicine so quickly! You receive:
Congratulations! You're the thousandth adventurer to pass through the Cave of No Return. Now, please, take the name seriously and don't come back! You receive a confusing reward as the snake shoos you away!
You're not sure why so many animals that shouldn't be anywhere near the volcano seem drawn to it. This sheep, at the very least, should have considered a haircut before visiting. You cut off the last strand of long wool over their shoulder. It's not the best haircut you've ever seen, but the sheep sighs, relieved. For your trouble, they give you something!
You find an egg in the middle of the forest. It's still warm, and rustles faintly with life inside. You watch over the egg protectively, warding off a snake and a fox that come too close. It's only when a beak pokes through the egg that a duck comes hurrying up to you, grateful to find her baby safe. She waddles off with her new duckling, leaving you with something as a reward!
The frog sighs with relief when you approach her. The air is hot and dry, light flickering off of the rocks as a stream of magma rolls nearby. You're not even sure why the frog is here—should an amphibian really be anywhere near a mountain?—but you don't ask. You give her the water she requested, which she dumps over her head. The frog gives you:
The monster isn't as big as you expected. They're not even mean, just in pain. You pull the thorn from their paw and receive a toothy grin. As they saunter away, the stunned townsfolk slip you a few coins. You receive:
You paddle out to the center of the pond, staring down at the crystal-clear water below. Silvery fish swim below your boat, coming closer to the surface. You reach down and grab a shining scale that falls from one's tail. With the final ingredient for the alchemist's order, you head home. The alchemist awards you:
You're itchy from poison ivy, scratched from low-hanging branches, and your feet hurt from walking too far. You clutch your bag of herbs close, grinning victoriously when you present the doctor with the ingredients they requested. After giving you something for the poison ivy, the doctor rewards you with:
You run back to the campsite as quick as you can. It's not difficult to find, even this late in the evening. You see the flicker of flames through the trees, hurrying towards it. One well-aimed throw of the water bucket is all it takes to snuff out the rest of the fire. For your efforts, a bear from the campsite shoves something into your hands!
You wander deeper into the old mine, holding your lantern aloft. There's not much down here, just bits of rotten wood, loose stone, and old signs. It's only when you shimmy down a rope ladder that you finally find it— there's that miner's cherished family pickaxe! She exchanges a coin for it gleefully upon your return!

Fun Text

As with many CS events, the RPG event featured some random, amusing text, involving the CS team and users.

Adventure Generator

After venturing into the previously forbidden forest on day 5, Smoothians were met with a vast land to explore! Here they could generate some fun, mysterious, and even weird adventures them and perhaps some staff went on!

Quests
$user carefully follows the path in front of them, but things quickly start looking exactly the same as they've already seen. They realize they're somehow stuck in a loop!
Something is glowing ahead. $staff rushes forward excitedly, but $user quickly realizes it is only a glowing frog.
$user and $staff are challenged to a riddle by a wandering tree. "What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?" $staff2 barges in and suggests a brown snake, but they're definitely wrong.
The sound of wings overhead makes $user look up. Could it be a dragon? It's far away, but the shape is right. Better duck!
$user stumbled into an open clearing, with moonlight filtering gently through the leafy canopy above. Upon settling down to rest and recharge, a small, faerie-like creature flits to and fro, a trail of illuminated sparkles trickling behind it. It's a small, quiet moment, almost as if it was for their eyes and nothing else.
After a particularly tumultuous journey through brambles and fallen logs, $user sees a way through! Barreling ahead, however, they fail to notice the muddy swamp before them, and tumble face first into it. $staff, after making sure all is well (and perhaps a couple shared laughs), helps to clean off the mud and muck.
As $user carefully clambers over a fallen log, they notice a strange looking deer--gnarled horns peppered with glowing mushrooms and milky, distant eyes. Before they can get a better look, the mysterious cervid darts away.
After a long day of travelling, $user settles down onto a plush patch of moss to rest and perhaps sleep. The soft croaking of bioluminescent frogs and the sound of a distant trickling creek lulls them into a gentle snooze.
Amidst their travels, $user stumbles across a beautiful blue flower with a vibrant yellow center. They lean in to give it a sniff, but whatever pollen peppers the flower makes them sneeze. The gust wipes the petals clean off. Oops.
After traveling for a few hours, $user stumbles across $staff and $staff2, who seem to be arguing about how dragons might make fire. The conversation ultimately goes nowhere.
With a grunt of frustration, $user shrugs off their pack, the hefty sack thudding as it hits the ground. Maybe bringing their entire reading collection "just in case" wasn't such a good idea, after all.
$staff and $staff2 work together to navigate a map of the forest. $user doesn't have the heart to tell them it's a manual for a blender.
$user and $staff reach a stream. $user notices some stepping stones a little further up, but $staff is already knee-deep in the water.
$staff and $staff2 argue over whether to take the left or right path. $user convinces them to settle it with a coin toss.
$user picks wildflowers to give to the princess.
$user is certain that they can see $staff's face in that old tree trunk.
$user finds a tree with large blue fruit hanging just out of reach. They climb up and shake a branch, only for the fruit to splat right on $staff's head.
A giant boulder blocks $user's path. The only way around is through a thick bramble patch that rips holes in $user's best jacket.
$user finds a pile of ashes in a clearing. Was this another traveller, or something else?
Something small and shimmering wizzes past $user's ear, leaving a trail of sparkles down the path.
$user tries to navigate using the stars, but every time they look up the stars seem to change.
$user ventures off the path and stumbles right into a thorny bush. Ouch!
$user sees $staff sitting next to a tree, talking to a pile of leaves. Oookay...
$staff and §user have marked their way by writing into the dirt, only to find out that $staff2 has sabotaged it and they've been going in a circle for hours.
$staff was supposed to collect some edible mushrooms and plants along the way, but $user notices $staff ate them all.
Phew, the forest is so big, $user should have gotten better shoes. They already have holes in them!
$user found the princess in distress, slayed a might beast and... woke up from a nap. Oh no! It was just a dream!
$staff and $user got distracted and are now discussing the use of different herbs in healing potions.
Oh, are those some juicy berries? $user grabs a few, hoping nobody saw them slacking off.
$user gets distracted by $staff and §staff2 throwing sticks at each other and walks into a puddle.
$user has been walking for 10 minutes straight and is already exhausted.
Something is hiding inside a bush! $user draws their weapon and slowly inches closer. It must be a goblin or even the dragon or... oh, it's just $staff.
$user hears horrible screaming and rushes towards it. Ah, it was just $staff trying to sing a ballad...
$user steps into a clearing and is surrounded by what seems to be a million fireflies dancing in the night.
This is taking so long, $user really should have eaten something before going on this search. Even the rocks start to look tasty now...
$user saw something sparkling in the corner of their eye and swears it was a unicorn running past them. $staff thinks something must have been in the water today.
$user tries to cast a spell to help, but something goes wrong and $staff turns into a frog! They can practically hear Merlin sigh...
$user prances through the undergrowth while clacking two halves of a coconut together to make the sound of a horse.
$user tries climbing a tree to get a better view of the forest but gets distracted by... Totoro? Fancy seeing you here!
$user regrets not bringing some snacks from Monarch's tavern...
$user, $staff1, and $staff2 compete to find the best stick-swords. Llamrei would be proud.
$staff points out that $user is holding a guidebook borrowed from Morganne upside-down.
$user finds a strange potion with a tag that says "DO NOT DRINK!!! -Magpie" on the ground. Fortunately or unfortunately, it appears to be empty.
$user meets a friendly Druid and is delighted when they change into different animals right in front of their eyes!
Wiping sweat off their brow, $user can't help but notice that the sun seems extra hot today. Is it sparkling?
$user tries out a new spell on a tree. It was supposed to be powerful, but it only chips off a tiny piece of bark. Darn it!
$staff challenges $user to a duel, with $staff2 as referee. They square up, but $staff immediately trips on a tree root and stumbles. $user wins!
It's only been 15 minutes, but $user has somehow already eaten all of their provisions. Luckily, $staff brought extra.
$user and $staff compare their weapons, seeing who has the sharpest sword. They both cut through branches like they're butter!
A chirping noise from a bush attracts $user's attention. They peel back the branches and discover a fox kit, which quickly runs off. Maybe they should follow?
$user has been carefully drawing a map of each twist and turn they take in the forest, but they're still completely turned around!
$staff jumps out from behind a tree and scares $user, who fires off a spell in their direction. Whoops! At least it missed.
$user thinks they might have missed their calling as a Ranger or Druid. This traveling through the woods stuff is pretty nice!
$user has been using their dagger to leave marks on tree trunks to make sure they can find their way back, but they realize it won't help when they come across a wild cat clawing on trees too!
$staff offers $user a map, but when they open it, it magically transforms into paper cranes. That's not helpful!
Going straight to the source, $user asks Twiggy Turquoise for tips, but they just smile and go back to meditating in the trees.
$user thinks they've found the right path! They've definitely never seen this exact tree before.
$staff catches $user's attention to excitedly show them a grotto full of bioluminescent plants. They leave to find $staff2 to show them as well, but they never find it again.
A ring of mushrooms waits invitingly in the center of a beautiful clearing. Will $user risk stepping foot inside it?
A covered wagon rumbles along the forest path, making $user question where it came from. The driver offers them a postcard from "Mammoth Mountain" before disappearing between the trees.
Wow, that's bright! $yser covers their eyes when a Paladin's shield catches the sunlight.
$user finds some strange markings carved into a rock. Could these help Merlin?
$user is checking under every leaf to find a dragon. After all, no one specified that it was gigantic!
$user collects samples of glowing mushrooms in the pouches on their belt. Maybe Monarch can tell them which ones are edible!
It's dark in some of these hollows, but $staff conjures a light to help $user see the way.
$user starts to feel light-headed. Is this the elevation Twiggy Turquoise was talking about?
$user stops for a break, and while they're sitting, they practice conjuring illusions. This one looks just like $staff!
Something loud is barrelling through the trees! $user jumps out of the way, almost run down by $staff practicing their jousting.
If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? $user just dodged a branch, and they sure think it does!
Oh no, $user's horse threw a shoe! Thankfully, $staff learned blacksmithing from Flux last year and can fix that right up.
$user runs into an adventurer with the most beautiful hair they've ever seen, and compliments it. "Thank you," the adventurer replies, "I got this wig at the Medieval Faire years ago!"
$user sees an adventurer with burnt armor and smoking fur. Maybe they know where the dragon is!
A Bard is sitting on a log, playing the most beautiful song $user has ever heard. They wander closer, only for the Bard to disappear. Were they ever real at all?
$user finds a crown hanging from a tree branch. It looks like real gold!
There are lots of mice skittering about in the leaf litter, and $user is convinced some of them have unicorn horns.
$user feels like their armor is getting too heavy, but they don't want to give up the protection! Maybe they should head back to the Practice Arena to do some more reps.
As $user walks along, they ponder if a butterfly wolf is 50% butterfly and 50% wolf, or some other combination.
$staff comes to a sudden halt in front of $user, frantically pointing to a spider on the path ahead. No going this way!
$user reaches a fork in the path. Feeling silly, they whisper to a tree asking which way to go. They swear they hear "right" on the breeze.
The path ahead looks like it falls into pitch darkness, but $user feels confident that this is the right way! Thankfully, they remembered to pack a torch.
$user climbs a tree, trying to get a better vantage point on the path ahead. Unfortunately, there are just clouds and trees as far as the eye can see.
A Bard starts to play a jaunty tune, and $staff and $user get distracted choreographing the next viral dance trend.

Other images:

Stamps

Users could decide which magic user was correct: The Wizard Merlin or the Sorcerer Skye. Putting one of their stamps in their collection would help boost their respective score