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!
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