Published by: The Santae Team
The Journey To Shadow Veil Pass
It was a beautiful day for flying. River let out a joyful trill as she fluttered up into the sky over Halo Haven. Ripple, with Vespera riding on its back, was right behind. Vespera let out a whoop as the Quenaris shot into the air. Riding the legendary dragon was exciting!
They were on their way. Vespera patted Ripple's neck to get its attention, and then pointed toward home. "We're going back to Shadow Veil Pass," she called. "Do you know where that is? Follow River if you get lost."
Ripple tossed its head and twirled into an elegant turn that almost made Vespera lose her grip, changing its heading. "Woah!" Vespera laughed. "I'll need to get used to that."
Ripple wasn't flying in exactly the direction Vespera would have expected, but it was still generally the right way. After a little while, she realized that the Quenaris was riding currents of air high in the sky to direct its flight! The winds flowed like a river, propelling the trio along at an exhilarating pace.
Ripple rose and fell to catch the best prevailing winds, navigating the sky based on ancient instinct. At one point, its path took it low over a dry, sprawling plain outside of Sanctuary.
"Those plants look kind of strange," Vespera remarked as they swooped over a cluster of what looked like mossy boulders or logs. The clusters of leaves were speckled with unfamiliar white flowers.
Ripple dropped a little lower to get a better look. "Wait!" Vespera gasped. "Those aren't plants -- are they Rhymoss?!"
From this closer vantage point it was clear that the mysterious plants Vespera had spotted were growing on the backs of sturdy-looking creatures. Their strong shoulders were draped in greenery, and they had long faces tipped with sharp-looking branchlike nose horns.
Vespera had never seen creatures like this in the flesh before, but Rose had once shown her an illustration. The placid grazers were exceptionally rare, and nobody had seen one in nature for a long time. If they were truly returning to roam the plains of Santae in great numbers, this was an amazing discovery! Vespera will return as these would make great additions to her wares of magic and mystery!
Vespera had a smile on her face for the rest of the flight back to Shadow Veil Pass, buoyed by the sight of the rare Rhymoss. And her mood only continued to improve as the mountains slowly came into sight -- it would be good to get home!
River and Ripple angled upwards into the darkening sky to soar over the sharp mountains concealing Shadow Veil Pass. Vespera peered down over the Quenaris' shoulder, watching the ground beneath take on an eerie red glow as they traveled into the domain of the crimson Nether Moon.
Her valley home seemed so small from up here! The houses within Shadow Veil Pass looked like toy models, and it was almost impossible to make out the tiny shapes of festival-goers walking the streets from so high up. It was clear to see that the path through the center of town was the busiest portion. As Vespera and her companions descended toward the main path through the Pass in a shallow dive, they soared directly over the less-populated outskirts.
For a moment, Vespera thought she saw something moving near a long-abandoned tower in the furthest reaches of Shadow Veil Pass -- but they swept over it in an instant, too fast for a closer look. She looked behind her to try and spot it again, but whatever she thought she saw was gone. The tower stood as quiet as always, silhouetted against the round red moon rising over the horizon.
River led the way down to a space cleared for landing just in front of Vespera's Shop, and Ripple followed right behind. Vespera swung her leg over and dropped lightly down from Ripple's back, stretching gratefully after the long flight.
"We're home!" She said with a smile. Ripple examined the storefront closely, then stretched its neck up as high as it could reach, looking around in every direction.
Vespera smiled fondly at Ripple. "There's a lot to see, and I'm sure you're eager to explore. Let's go into town!"
Vespera and her companions strolled through the heart of Shadow Veil Pass. Ripple nosed at a round, orange festival lantern, making it sway back and forth and sending a shower of NetherDust scattering everywhere.
Vespera extended her hand, trying to catch one of the reddish sparkles -- but it faded away before she could get a grip on it. The air was sparkling with clouds of the mysterious Dust, but there was still no way to gather it or study it.
Now that she was back in the Pass, Vespera was determined: She would discover the secrets of the NetherDust before the festival was done!
New Fruits And Vegetables Fresh From The Farm
Another delicious crop is ready for harvest at William's Orchard Stand and Mirage Grove Vegetables!
From sweet starfruit and tart cranberries to hearty potatoes and healthy artichokes, there's sure to be something in season to suit every palette. Visit today to get a taste of these brand-new farm-fresh treats for yourself!
Art Refresh Continues: Revamped Books & Drinks
We are pleased to present the latest round of newly refreshed original artwork for items around Santae. Most recent, the hardworking Artist team has breathed new life into 3 Books and 6 Amazing Drinks!
The art revamp project is still ongoing, and we look forward to sharing even more beautiful new artwork as soon as it is ready.
Update on Drink Contest Winners!
Thank you all very much for your feedback after our announcement yesterday of the Drink Contest Winners! We understand that there was a lot of frustration over the fact that our Second Place winner's entry was not an actual drink when the rules and Staff stated otherwise. This was something that members of the Front End Team flagged but inadvertently fell through the cracks. We apologize for the confusion and disappointment that this caused. Seeing as this was an error on our part, we have decided to award additional prizes as follows:
First Place: Daisy
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Second Place: Oki and Clefairiel
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Third Place: Mimiru
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Special Category Winners:
Most Creative: Oki and Clefairiel
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Most Accurate: Daisy and Pidgey
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Most Delicious: Daisy and impbunni
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This solution seeks to recognize the beautiful works of art that community members have submitted without penalizing the previously announced winners for the Santae Team's oversight. Going forward, we will be implementing the following rules for any newly announced contests:
★ Contestants will be limited to one entry per person
★ First, Second and Third Place Overall Winners will be determined entirely separately from the various Ribbon Winners (6 unique winners).
★ We will do a better job of screening entries in the future to ensure that all entries being voted upon comply with our contest rules.
Thank you all again for your gracious feedback and providing us with the opportunity to make things right! We hope the community continues to have fun with these contests and create amazing works of art for everyone to enjoy.
TL;DR
Published by: The Santae Team
The Guardian Of The Forgotten Cavern
Vespera, Skylar, and Orion stood at the edge of the deep pool in the Quenaris' Lair, surrounded by a friendly flock of dragon Minimals. Small dragons had continued to arrive throughout the day, encouraged by their Adventurer friends to help convince the legendary Quenaris out of hiding -- if it could be found at all.
"Woah!" Skylar laughed, catching their balance after nearly tripping over a mischievous Scalegrin scampering underfoot. "There are certainly plenty of dragons here. What happens now?"
"That, I believe, is for the dragons to decide," Scholar Orion replied. He was standing on the verdant shore, a beacon of calm amongst the rustling, fluttering, clambering dragon Minimals crowding the cave.
"I think it's nearly time..." Vespera said, gazing deep into the ancient text. "I don't know why I think so...but I can feel it."
Just then, one of the Minimals perched on the craggy wall let out a whistling call. The rest of the dragons quickly picked up the cry, until the cavern was echoing with a song of interweaving notes.
Then the water of the pool shivered, ripples spreading out on its surface as an even louder call rang out through the air. It was a melodious cry like the sound of wind chimes mixed with the playful burble of a stream dancing over the rocks.
The trio of investigators froze as the echoes of the dragon's cry faded and a silhouette began to take shape under the surface of the pool. Then, all at once, a sinuous figure emerged from the waters -- a long, blue-green dragon raised its elegant head and regarded Vespera, Orion, and Skylar with its luminous stare.
"It really is..." Scholar Orion whispered, staring back with astonished fascination.
"The Quenaris -- it's here!" Skylar said under their breath.
Vespera felt a connection with the ancient dragon immediately, but the Quenaris was swimming in elegant circles just out of reach. The majestic dragon seemed cautious of its visitors, and didn't seem eager to approach. But as it twisted and turned through the waters of its pool, it always kept one eye fixed in their direction.
Vespera took a juicy berry out of her pack -- one of River's favorite kinds. Holding it out as an offering on her flattened palm, she hoped to coax the Quenaris closer. She took one cautious step into the shallows of the pool, then another. She stopped with the crystalline waters halfway to her knees, holding out the berry carefully.
The Quenaris didn't swim farther away, but nor did it approach. Its eyes flickered from the offered berry to Vespera's face searchingly.
Vespera felt a nudge against her leg and stumbled, narrowly avoiding falling into the pool. As she caught her balance, a couple of items from her bag splashed into the water — including a jar of Natural shimmer dust. The mystical dust spread through the water in a sparkling cloud that looked like it was drawn toward the Quenaris!
After catching her balance, Vespera looked down. A skinny Sparkwyrm was in the shallows, looking up at Vespera with a hopeful-looking expression.
Vespera smiled down at the bold Minimal and leaned down to feed it the berry, happy to care for any creature in need. The electric blue dragon accepted the snack with a snap of its jaws before swimming back out into deeper water.
Along with the Sparkwyrm, a group of other dragon Minimals began to swim and flutter around the Quenaris. They were twelve in total -- all Minimals Vespera had befriended over the last couple of days. The small dragons chirped and hummed as they surrounded the Quenaris, who seemed to listen to what they had to say.
Helpful Hint: SILVERSHADEDRAGONS
After watching the dragon Minimals' display, the Quenaris' cautious, appraising expression shifted into a softer look. The mighty dragon ducked under the water, but a telltale ripple on the surface showed that it was swimming straight toward shore!
The Quenaris emerged right in front of Vespera, holding itself out of the shallows on its short but strong front legs. It bent its neck down in an elegant curve until its gaze was level with Vespera's, and the Adventurer and the dragon looked deeply into one another's eyes. It looked like it was waiting for something more.
Vespera didn't know how she knew what to do next, but her instinct guided her to reach into her pouch for the spare Quenaris Orbs she had collected. The Orbs were glowing with soft light. As she lifted each one from her bag, they began to float and swirl around the Quenaris in an intricate orbit.
Bathed in the energy of the Quenaris Orbs, the Quenaris seemed to relax. It lowered its head toward Vespera.
Vespera extended her hand, full of awe and wonder. She felt cool, smooth scales under her touch as the Quenaris pressed its nose against her palm. At that moment Vespera knew: She and this Quenaris would be companions for life!
"Welcome back," Vespera whispered to the dragon. "It's been such a long time since your kind visited the rest of Santae. I can't wait to show you the world!"
The Quenaris' eyes sparkled with excitement as it tossed its elegant head in what looked like a nod of agreement.
"You'll need a name," Vespera mused aloud as she stepped out of the water and back onto the lush shore. The Quenaris ducked its head back underwater for one last dip in the crystal-clear pool before leaving. As Vespera watched the luminous surface of the water shift and dance with the Quenaris' movements, an idea came to her.
"Ripple," she said, and the Quenaris popped its head out of the water, looking at her intently. "Seems like you like it! Ripple it is." Ripple swam back to shore and climbed out onto the bank, Vespera stepping back to make room.
"Congratulations," Skylar clapped Vespera on the shoulder, eyeing the magnificent dragon. "Ripple is amazing! I'm sure you'll go on fantastic adventures together."
"Indeed," Scholar Orion agreed, smiling warmly as he beheld the legendary dragon that was the answer to so many of the mysteries he'd spent his life investigating. "Let's begin by returning to Skybound Outlook, shall we?"
The group retraced their steps out of the deep, dark caverns -- helped along the way by Ripple's faint magical glow. The twists and turns within the dark mountainside occasionally branched off into other passages. Clearly there would be more to discover within the caverns someday! Most interestingly of all, some of the Minimals within the cave were scratching at the cavern walls, scraping out further small tunnels and burrows. It seemed like some Minimals possessed the ability to Dig!
When they reached the entrance, Vespera, Skylar, and Orion stepped right out into Halo Haven's sunshine, but Ripple hesitated in the shadows for a moment.
"There's no need to be frightened!" Vespera urged, holding out a hand to her new companion. "The skies are beautiful here. I promise you'll love it."
Ripple extended one claw out into the sunlight, then -- seeming to come to a decision -- rushed out all at once. Its scales sent glittering reflections across the ground and the gathered investigators as the light struck them. The Quenaris raised its head on its long neck, looking around in wonder as the group crossed the bridge back to the Outlook and Halo Haven proper.
As Ripple crossed through the archway leading onto the Forgotten Cavern's bridge, the secret island shimmered. Before everyone's eyes, it began to fade away into invisibility again.
"The Lair --" Orion cried, watching it disappear. "It's gone!" He rushed to Ascendants Shrine to see that the collected Quenaris Orbs had vanished, too.
"That's interesting," Skylar remarked, walking up after him to survey the shrine. "But on the bright side," they grinned, "there's nothing saying the Orbs can't be collected again!"
"I think you're right," Vespera agreed. "Returning to the cavern is surely possible -- if we can reveal the island again."
"But for now, Vespera," Scholar Orion said, "You should take some time to relax and celebrate. Why not return to Shadow Veil Pass to visit the Festival and celebrate with your new companion? Share the event with Ripple -- who I'm sure has not seen people or other pets in a long time.
Quenaris Community Event Trophy Awarded
Congratulations to everyone! As like with any previous Community Event we have hosted, if you participated in any way, during the entire event, you will receive the Trophy! There is also a new Hidden Forum Avatar! Are you able to figure out the mystery of where it comes from?
Tame The Legendary Quenaris!
The way to the Lair is clear, Adventurers! If you have gathered all 12 Quenaris Orbs and placed them on the pedestals at Ascendants Shrine, you're now able to venture deep into the Forgotten Cavern and tame a legendary dragon of your own.
Once you have reached the Lair of the Quenaris, pour a shimmer dust of the color of your choice into the waters to determine which color of Quenaris will emerge -- and which you will then have to befriend!
Then, a Quenaris will appear in the Lair for you to attempt to tame! First need to show that you are worthy of its loyalty by turning in 12 dragon Minimals that you have tamed. These Minimals will leave you to remain in the Lair -- but they will help you win the trust of the secretive dragon!
Once you have demonstrated your friendliness, it is time to attempt to form a bond with the Quenaris by giving it more Quenaris Orbs. The Orbs will float around and orbit the Quenaris until the bond is formed -- and the exact number you will need to win the Quenaris' companionship may vary.
When you successfully tame the Quenaris, you'll have the choice to leave the Lair with a brand-new dragon companion -- or with a Divine Quenaris Figurine imbued with magic capable of transforming one of your existing pets into a legendary dragon.
Once you have tamed the Quenaris and left the Lair, the Forgotten Caverns will vanish behind you. To tame another Quenaris, you will need to locate all 12 Orbs again and repeat the process.
Legendary dragons are finally returning to the skies of Santae after centuries! Will you befriend a magnificent Quenaris today?
Legendary Dragons In A Rainbow Of Colors
The brand-new Pipsqueak & Regal Quenaris are brimming with energy! Freshly emerged from the Quenaris Lair in Halo Haven, these dragons are eager to explore the world of Santae by your side. Just a dash of Pipsqueak or Regal Shimmer Dust is enough to give your Quenaris companion a sweet new look.
The Divine Twilight Quenaris Figurine, Divine Pipsqueak Quenaris Figurine, Divine Synthwave Quenaris Figurine and Divine Earthbound Quenaris Figurine are also now available! Imbued with powerful mystical energy, these carvings have the power to transform any pet into a legendary dragon. Will you choose the elegant, mysterious Twilight Quenaris, or the majestic Earthbound Quenaris to be your lifelong companion?
SC/SD Return Page Now Live!
The refund page is now available for those who need to return items purchased directly from the sC/sD shop prior to the chest’s release can visit the page here. Please note that this refund option is ONLY VALID for items bought from the main shop—it does not cover purchases made from other users’ shops.
Thank you all for your understanding and patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by this hiccup. We appreciate your support as we work to make things right!
New Prizes In The Plushie Machine
The Grusim may look ferocious -- but its plushie counterpart is nothing but cute!
Next time you visit the Plushie Machine, you may receive one of these sweet, cuddly Grusim plushies as your prize in exchange for your Token. Try to collect them all!
Congratulations To The Drink Contest Winners!
The results are in, and the Santae Drinks Contest Voting has officially concluded! We're thrilled to announce the three winners for the drinks category, as well as the winners for the other three special categories. Congratulations to all participants for their creativity and effort!
Overall Drink Contest Winners:
First Place: Daisy
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Second Place: Oki
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Third Place: Clefairiel
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Special Category Winners:
Most Creative: Oki
Most Accurate: Daisy
Most Delicious: Daisy
Thank you to everyone who participated and voted—your engagement made this contest a huge success also everyone who participated will also receive one (1) Nectar of the Deep and be listed as an Honorable Mention on the contest results page! Stay tuned for more exciting events on Santae!
TL;DR
Published by: The Santae Team
A New Look For Some Tasty Treats
Baking would get boring if you didn't try new recipes and techniques once in a while! Thanks to Breezyl's latest experiments in the kitchen -- and, of course, the hard work of the Santae art team -- seven bakery items have gotten a sweet new look.
Next time you visit the Luminary Meadows, stop by Breezyl's Bakery for a taste of these newly refreshed and oh-so-delicious items!
A Hearty Harvest Of New Vegetables
Melina at Mirage Grove Vegetables has been hard at work harvesting the latest crop of new vegetables for Adventurers to enjoy. With all the excitement in Santae recently -- from the rising of the Nether Moon to the discovery of ancient hidden caverns -- you're bound to need energy to fuel your journey. What better way to fuel up for your adventure than with some healthy snacks or a hearty feast?
If you're looking for a refreshing snack on the go, munch on some Emerald Snap Peas, Glimmerbeans, or Verdant Cucumber! These verdant veggies are bursting with fresh flavor.
Or are you looking to settle in and simmer a full meal? These bold, savory onions are delicious when chopped, fried, or stewed, adding a tasty kick to almost any dish. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a rare Mystic Beetroot, enjoy it fresh for a burst of energy -- or roast it to bring out its delectable sweet and earthy flavor.
No matter what kind of healthy ingredient you need, Mirage Grove Vegetables is sure to have what you're looking for!
These are now being requested at Islanders Feast as well.
Santae's Mixology Contest Voting Closes
The voting for our Santae Mixology Contest has officially closed! Thank you to everyone who participated, from the creative minds who submitted delicious drink ideas to all of you who cast your votes. The level of creativity and skill shown was nothing short of amazing, and the entire team and I were truly blown away by the talent in this community!
We're excited to announce the winners and distribute prizes to all participants on November 13th, 2024, at 20:00 SST. Be sure to check out the news post then for the big reveal. Best of luck to everyone, and thank you once again for making this contest such a success!"
News from Eldrin, the Seeker of Knowledge!
Over 50 items have now been transformed into rare artifacts, waiting to be discovered! These elusive treasures hold ancient secrets and unique powers, making them a valuable find for any adventurer.
Happy hunting, and may your search lead you to hidden wonders!
Heartfelt Response
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to share your questions and thoughts with us. Your engagement means the world, and I’ve provided a thorough response that you can view at any time. This will also serve as a space to keep you updated on the progress of our new NPC art. I truly appreciate your patience, support, and curiosity, which inspire us to keep improving. Thank you for being such an amazing part of this journey with us!
Here is the direct link to the forum post with all my answers for the questions, thank you all again <3 I also would like to share the progress with Vixon and Glimmer, the lines have been completed!
SC Return Page
The refund page that folks will be able to utilize will be for those that had made purchases in the shop before the chest was released. This will not work if you purchased from a usershop, this will only be if you purchased the item itself. This will be completed later today, this evening Santae time. Thank you all again for your continued patience.
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
~CJ and The Santae Team
TL;DR
