Ripple and River have returned at last.

Vespera stood near the echoing walls of the Grotto when the wind shifted. Ripple, her loyal Quenaris, descended in a smooth spiral. River, her Raylen, followed close behind also gripping what appears to be a message as well in her talons.

Three scrolls, each bound with a different wax seal and each marked by the territory they came from. “Skylar, Naveen… and the Traveling Merchant?” Vespera raised a brow at the last. 

She invites all Adventurers to read the three letters she received, and to prepare for what comes next.

“Vespera, We were deep in the lower veins, pulling up the usual haul, when my team found what we thought was an old bone. But this wasn't any fossil I've ever seen. It appears to be carved and ancient, but radiating the same kind of energy we’ve seen from other Goopper runes. The odd part is the Gooppers were drawn to it before we ever touched it. They just sat there watching it., almost waiting. I've sent the rune to you for further research. '” - Naveen

                                 

“Vespera, I think this one’s for you. We found what appears to be a fragmented bone tablet down in the black layers. It’s not natural but definitely crafted. Might’ve been a ceremonial relic. When I brought it back to the surface, the nearby Gooppers started pulsing and it's almost like they remembered it. I’ve seen responses like that from sentient creatures, not slimes. I've sent you it for further research as to what this could mean." - Skylar

“If this truly is from a sanctuary, then we’re looking at a cultural artifact. A Goopper place of origin or rebirth. Something sacred. And something lost.” As Vespera rolls the letter up for safe keeping.

“You’re not going to believe this, Vespera. I picked up what appears to be some sort of cactus inside a broken pot while  traveling through Mirage Haven along my last trade route. Didn’t think anything of it until I noticed three Gooppers that kept coming to it for two straight nights. I watered it and it hummed. I thought it best to send to you for further investigation, I will keep searching here.”  - M.

“I’ve seen enchanted flora before, but this is different. It’s not what it’s doing. It’s what it’s attracting.” Vespera jotted down on the letter sent from the Merchant.

She secured the scrolls into her pack, looking up to the rune-lit cavern walls.

“Let’s not waste time. If these runes are waking up across Santae, we need every Adventurer we can find as many of them as they can so we can discover the secrets they contain.”

Ripple let out a deep roar that echoed through the Grotto’s depths, stirring the pools into motion. River sprang from her perch, wings catching the glow as she followed Ripple skyward.

And deep below, the Grotto shimmered responding to the ancient magic it had known once before.

Each of these new Runes may be tied to the deeper evolution of Gooppers as well as perhaps even their origin. But their purpose remains a mystery. Vespera has marked each location and urges every Adventurer to investigate and obtain these newfound runes.

The Depths Rune has been located while mining in Obsidian Depths. The Sanctuary Rune is found by helping Skylar Fieldstone at Gathering Bounty. The Mirage Rune is found at the Traveling Merchant.

“They’re not reacting randomly. These Runes mean something to the Gooppers, to the land, maybe even to us. Help me find out what they’re trying to show us.” Vespera echoed

• 

  The winds howl once more over the Celestial Peaks, and with them, a familiar pawprint presses into the snow.

  The Ursoso's have returned. Originally discovered by Vespera during her expeditions across Santae’s highest ridgelines, the Ursoso quickly became known as a legendary guardian of the frozen realms. These hardy, noble creatures, embody the resilience, warmth, and protection found in the heart of the mountains themselves.

  Our original plan centered around a full-scale, community event to mark the Ursoso’s debut. However, due to recent content schedule shifts, we’ve made a slight adjustment. Rather than delaying their presence altogether, we’re making the Ursoso available now for a limited time until their full release. The community event (Guardians of the Peaks) is still going to take place it has just been rescheduled. So, we’re welcoming the Ursoso back to the Cash Shop for a limited-time re-release.