Published by: The Santae Team
Tantalizing Clues To The Quenaris Mystery
The afternoon sun sent great shafts of golden light beaming down through the windows of the library in Halo Haven illuminating the table where Vespera and Orion were at work.
Vespera had a large map of Santae unfurled across the bulk of the table, weighed down at each corner by books. With one hand, she placed small markers to indicate various locations across the map. The other hand held the stack of pages she was reading: a new report from Silvershade.
The Adventurers had taken to herding the dragon influx with skill and enthusiasm. Silvershade already had lots of information to share about where the dragons were found and where the Adventurers tamed them. They sent the compiled notes up to Vespera, who was hoping to use them to see the bigger picture about the dragons' movements.
"It's hard to say so far," Vespera said to Scholar Orion after marking each spot, "but it seems like the dragon flock is moving. It looks a little denser over here." She indicated one portion of the map with many clustered markers.
"Hmm," Orion replied, distracted with his nose in a book. "One moment please..."
Scholar Orion had a copy of the runes and symbols from the stone slab at Ascendants Shrine in front of him, and he was comparing them to something written in an ancient tome.
"Did you find something?" Vespera asked, getting up from her seat to read over Orion's shoulder.
"I think... I think I might have," Orion replied, eyes still scanning the pages. "Look, this symbol in this illustration..."
"... It looks just like the one at the Shrine!" Vespera exclaimed.
Vespera grinned widely at Orion. "We're nearly there. The Adventurers are taming even more dragons as we speak, and with a little more data I'm sure I can learn where they are moving." Vespera gestured at her map. "And with your book...do you think we could read what the symbols at Ascendants Shrine say?"
Scholar Orion didn't grin back, but his wise old face did soften into a smile. "Yes, Vespera," he agreed. "I believe we can."
Gear Up For Adventure
Getting everything you need to explore the wilds of Santae in one place has never been easier. Vespera's Adventure Kits in the Dust Shop are now packed with even more useful tools!
Each Adventure Kit now comes with included Tracker Treats: delicious snacks that wild Minimals can't resist. These new items allow you to choose from a selection of Minimals whenever you visit Silvershade to begin Herding.
Exchange your 
sanDust for an Adventure Kit or two today -- it's an easy way to get all the pouches, baskets, treats and more that make adventuring a breeze!
Check Out Our Newest Game: Checkers!
If you feel like kicking back and relaxing after a day of adventuring, why not play a game? We have a brand new activity for you to try: Checkers has been added to the Games List!
In our newest interactive game, outwit your opponent as you traverse the grid with your game pieces. Each piece can only move diagonally, staying on the same color square as it started on. However, if the square you want to move your piece to is occupied by an enemy's piece, you can "jump" it with your piece to capture it.
If one of your pieces makes it all the way to the far end of the board, it becomes a "king" capable of moving and jumping both forward and backward. Choose your pieces' paths wisely to capture all of your opponents' pieces and win the day!
Claiming victory in Checkers comes with exciting opportunities to earn rewards. Go try your luck and test your skill today, and you may win sanPoints and sanDust in exchange!
TL;DR
Published by: The Santae Team
The Quest For The Orbs Begins
Now that they were confident they had examined every nook and cranny of the Shrine, there was just one obvious test left to try. Vespera lifted the Dragon Orb sent by Silvershade and placed it delicately into the depression atop one of the Shrine's pillars.
The Orb fit perfectly. As soon as it settled into its proper place, the Shrine suddenly seemed to hum with magic. A soft glow began to emanate from the Dragon Orb as a swirl of energy began to circle overhead. The Shrine had been activated!
Vespera and Orion stood next to the Shrine's first pillar, watching the magic swirl. Dozens of dragon Minimals soaring overhead cast circling shadows over the shrine and the cluster of pillars.
"This is incredible!" Scholar Orion said. "The Orbs are certainly what we need to delve deeper into the secrets of this place. But I believe we are agreed," Orion continued, "that no more Dragon Orbs are hidden here at the Shrine."
"Right," Vespera agreed. "We've been so thorough -- I can't imagine where they would be hiding. I'm confident that we should extend the search."
"This first Orb was discovered by your friend Silvershade, correct?" Orion asked.
"Yes," Vespera confirmed. "They said a dragon Minimal they tamed was holding it."
Both Orion and Vespera turned their gazes upward, at the flocks of dragons swooping back and forth overhead.
"Hmm," Scholar Orion hummed thoughtfully. "Perhaps the rest of the Orbs are also in the possession of these dragon Minimals. But there are so many..." he sighed. "We'd have to get extremely lucky to tame exactly the right one."
A slow grin crept across Vespera's face as an idea dawned on her. "You're right -- but we don't have to get lucky. My Adventurer friends can help! If they all work together to tame dragons, we could check a great number of them. Far more than you and I could examine alone."
"Excellent!" Orion cried. "You're right -- more investigators will dramatically increase the likelihood that something useful is learned from this endeavor."
"And that's not all," Vespera went on, excited. "That dragon Minimal must have gotten this first Orb from somewhere. The more we learn about these dragons by taming them, the more likely it is we can discover where they're coming from in the first place. Even if the dragons don't have any more Orbs themselves -- their home might."
Orion And Vespera Need Your Help Taming Dragons
"Adventurers!
Will you help us learn the secrets of these dragon Minimals?
Understanding these dragons could bring us one step closer to unlocking
the mystery of the ancient dragon -- the Quenaris!
"If we tame enough dragons, that should give us a good idea of what they are doing and where they are going. They might have even more of the Dragon Orbs we need -- or show us the way to a new clue.
"Please tame 5000 dragon Minimals to help us solve this mystery!"
Another Draconic Discovery At The Ranch
Silvershade had their hands full!
The skies of Santae were still crowded with dragons, and helping supply Adventurers with the tools to track and tame them was keeping the rancher very busy. It felt like there was something to do every minute between sunrise and sunset -- and sometimes, the nocturnal habits of certain Minimals meant they had to keep working in the dark, too.
It was busy, but it was worth it. Discovering new Minimals and helping them thrive was Silvershade's favorite thing to do.
That's why -- even though they were in a rush -- Silvershade decided to investigate when they noticed a small flash of movement in the underbrush on the outskirts of the Ranch. They approached quietly, kneeling down to peer into the bushes and see the culprit behind the rustling. Maybe it was a shy or secretive Minimal, hiding away from the hustle and bustle in the center of the Ranch!
"Woah!" Silvershade stumbled back a step as something purple, scaly, and fast leapt out from its hiding place. The rancher poised to run if needed, but when they saw the Minimal they relaxed and chuckled to themself.
A purple, wingless dragon was crouched on the ground in front of them. It flared out two wide frills around its face in an obvious attempt to make itself seem bigger and more ferocious -- but it looked small and young. A Hydrake!
"No need to worry, little guy! I just want to help you out," Silvershade cooed at the small dragon, gently extending a hand to offer a treat. The Hydrake darted out its neck to snap up the berry, then surveyed Silvershade with an appraising eye. Apparently deciding right then and there that Silvershade was a friend, the Hydrake scurried closer and used its little claws to scramble into Silvershade's arms.
Silvershade stroked the Hydrake's smooth scales as they carried it back toward the center of the Ranch. Something told them that, however small it was now, this feisty dragon was full of potential!
Hydrake is now available for taming via Herding!
Track Down Specific Minimals With New Treats
Merick has cooked up something exciting at the Minimal Menagerie. These tasty Tracker Treats are sure to be a big help in all your Minimal taming adventures!
Using a Tracker Treat will help you and Silvershade tempt specific Minimals out of hiding for Herding. With this item, you'll see a selection of Minimals to choose from whenever you embark on a new Herding task! If there's one specific creature you're most interested in tracking and taming, Tracker Treats help make it more likely that you will encounter that perfect companion.
With the Tracker Treat, you can also choose the level of challenge you'd like to face while Herding. Embark to track down common creatures who are easy to befriend, or face the challenge of taming a rarer and much more independent beast.
Happy Herding!
TL;DR
★ Orion and Vespera continued to investigate Ascendants Shrine. They decided to ask for help taming the influx of dragon Minimals in hopes of finding more Dragon Orbs or other clues.
★ Community Event Goal: Tame 5000 dragon Minimals!
★ New Minimal available in Herding: Hydrake.
★ New items available: Tracker Treats, which help you track and tame a Minimal of your choice.
Published by: The Santae Team
Hunt For Hidden Avatars To Personalize Your Profile
Looking for the perfect touch of flair to customize your forum posts? These five brand-new hidden avatars will give you even more options with which to express yourself — if you can find them!
The keys to these new avatars are hidden all around the world of Santae. Keep a keen eye out as you continue your adventure, and maybe you’ll discover the secrets to unlocking them for yourself.
Fungi Foragers Rejoice: New Mushrooms!
As a field researcher, Skylar keeps a keen eye peeled for any changes to the local flora and fauna. Their most recent expeditions into key gathering locations have revealed that something new is growing in some of Santae’s most remote places: Never-before-seen species of mushroom!
These unique new species have been spotted sprouting from the charged soil in the Stormforge Caverns, nestled amongst the trees in the Ancient Grove, and clinging to the rocky walls of the Eerie Cave.
Want to collect these fascinating specimens for yourself? Grab a pouch from Tangle & Tote, prepare for adventure, and visit Gathering to try and score an exciting fungal find!
Prismatic Quibbit And Luffin Sparkle With Color
If you simply can’t decide which color of shimmer dust is best for your playful Quibbit or curious Luffin, why not combine them all?
Both of these pets are now available in the beautiful Prismatic theme! Using Prismatic Shimmer Dust will make your pets shine with all the colors of the rainbow.
Coming Soon: The Newest Newsletter (And Included Gift)
Keep an eye on your inbox, Adventurers! Santae’s next newsletter delivery is coming soon. Whether you’re a seasoned Adventurer or a brand-new Beta Tester, the newsletter is a useful summary and fun reminder of all the excitement Santae’s Beta Test has brought so far.
Open the newsletter to read all about our latest updates, from new items and pets to tantalizing hints about what the upcoming Festival may have in store.
As a token of thanks to everyone who has signed up to receive these updates, each newsletter will have a redeemable gift inside.
This newsletter will include a Divine Prismatic Luffin Figurine, which you can use to transform the pet of your choice into a cheerful, colorful Prismatic Luffin!
To make sure you don’t miss your chance to redeem this gift, double check your newsletter preferences in your Account Settings. If you aren’t already signed up to receive the newsletter, register today!
Thank you for all of your support. The amazing community is truly what makes the magic of Santae possible!
TL;DR
Published by: The Santae Team
TL;DR at the bottom of the news post
Perfect Your Pets' Names With The Name Changer
What's in a name? You might want your pet's name to be the perfect reflection of its personality, an homage to a favorite character, a beautiful word, or a funny joke.
If you didn't choose your pet's name perfectly the first time, or you want to change it for any reason -- now you can! Adventurers now have the flexibility to adjust their pets' names anytime using the brand-new Pet Name Changer item, available in the Cash Shop and SanDust Shop.
Using a Pet Name Changer to give your pet a name that no other pet has will award your pet with a First Edition badge, even if it wasn't a First Edition pet before the item was used. Meanwhile, if your pet had a First Edition name before you used the Pet Name Changer on it, the next-oldest pet that has your pet's old name will inherit the First Edition badge.
As always, if you prefer not to see the First Edition badges on your or any pets across Santae, you can toggle their display settings from the "Preferences" tab of your settings menu.
Using the Pet Name Changer will not allow you to use emojis or special characters in your pet's new name. You will still need a Glitched Pet Name Certificate for that!
Pipsqueak Luffin Arrives
Sweet, playful Luffins have always been adorable -- but this newest variety may be the cutest of all! You can now use Pipsqueak Shimmer Dust on your pet Luffin to let it try the Pipsqueak theme on for size:
The
Pipsqueak Luffin is a smaller but equally charming version of its
colorful Luffin kin. It's the perfect companion for sledding down the
snowy slopes of the Celestial Peaks, swimming in Santae's lakes and
seas, or just cuddling at home!
Visit Vivian's Magical Dust to get a jar of Pipsqueak Shimmer Dust for your Luffin today!
Shadowy Berries Sweeten Four New Recipes
Ready to test your culinary prowess with intriguing new ingredients? Experimenting with the mysterious fruits of the Shadow Berry Tree has resulted in some tantalizing new recipes!
Using these new recipes, you can brew the spicy and complex Cursed Bloom Soup; bake a rich, gooey Abyssal Plum Cake; mix deep chocolate with sharp citrus notes in the Eclipse Thorn Cake; and concoct a sweet Emberfruit Custard with warming spices.
Flora Greenleaf is the steward of the Berry Trees, and she is helping to coordinate between all the chefs, bakers, and other culinary experts of Santae as they experiment with new ingredients and discover recipes. Visit her at her shop, Leaf & Petal, to accept her quest! If you can provide the needed ingredients, she'll share a recipe document with you that you can use to create something truly delicious at Culinary Creations.
The Mystery Of Ascendants Shrine
"This place is called Ascendants Shrine," Scholar Orion explained as Vespera slowly walked from pillar to pillar, examining the ancient architecture of the shrine at Skybound Overlook. "As I said, it is known that the shrine is powerfully magical -- but none of our efforts to bring that magic forth have yet succeeded. We are missing something."
Before Vespera could reply, she was interrupted by the sudden fluttering of wings. A dragon Minimal was swooping down from above, heading directly for her!
Vespera and Orion ducked, but the Minimal pulled up skillfully and hovered in place. When Vespera peeked out again, she could see that it was waiting expectantly with an envelope and a sealed parcel clutched in its claw.
"A message?" Vespera was puzzled. She took the note and the package from the Minimal, and the dragon fluttered off without waiting for any further acknowledgment. Vespera tore the envelope open and quickly skimmed the note inside.
"It's from Silvershade!" She exclaimed. "They're a Minimal expert in Lani Archipelago. I spoke with them before coming here, about the dragon influx across Santae..." Vespera kept reading. Then, she gasped.
"Silvershade says even more new dragons are showing up! And on top of that, one of the dragon Minimals they tamed was holding this..." Vespera hefted the small, round parcel the dragon had delivered.
"Let's see what's inside, shall we?" Vespera handed the package over to Orion, who began to unwrap it carefully. The wrapping fell away to reveal a shining golden orb decorated with ornate horn-like spikes. Scholar Orion gasped and held it up to his eye to examine it more closely.
After a moment, Scholar Orion nodded decisively. "This is a Dragon Orb," Orion
explained. "Look: It is sized to fit perfectly atop one of the pillars of this Shrine." The Scholar held the orb out to
demonstrate. It was easy to see how the orb's dimensions would let it sit snugly in the indentation upon one of the nearby pillars.
"This must be important! Surely we'll need to find the rest?" Vespera asked. Counting quickly, she said, "There are twelve pillars in total."
"Perhaps someday," Scholar Orion agreed. "But let me start from the beginning. You must understand why unlocking the mystery of this Shrine is so important."
Vespera nodded, listening intently.
"I discovered this story in one of the library's ancient texts," Scholar Orion began. "It tells of a legendary creature called the Quenaris
-- an extraordinary dragon that once soared the skies of Santae
alongside adventurers. These creatures were said to be the most loyal of
companions." Orion sighed. "But the last record of them is from centuries ago. None have been seen, or even heard of, for hundreds of years."
"Where did they go?" Vespera asked.
"Nobody knows -- but that is what I wish to find out," Scholar Orion replied, a decisive look in his keen amber eye. "I think this orb --" he nodded down at the Dragon Orb still cupped gently in his palm "--and the others like it are the key to unraveling the mystery of the Quenaris."
Vespera hummed thoughtfully. "I see. And you think the rush of dragon Minimals is related? It makes sense," Vespera said. "Silvershade
said these dragon Minimals were never-before-seen creatures -- but
maybe they're also simply ancient dragons returning to Santae after a
long time. If the Minimals are returning, maybe the Quenaris could too!"
"Exactly right!" Orion agreed. "By observing these dragon Minimals, we may be able to learn important clues about the mystery of the Quenaris."
TL;DR
For your convenience, here is a shortened summary of this news update:
★ The Pet Name Changer item is now available in the Cash Shop.
★ The Pipsqueak Luffin is now available!
★ Four new recipes are available for Culinary Creations.
★ New location revealed at Halo Haven - "Ascendants Shrine"
★ A new item revealed - the dragon orb - could be key to discovering the mystery of the Quenaris
Published by: The Santae Team
TL;DR at the bottom of this news post.
The Mystery Of Skybound Overlook
Soon after the storm driven by the legendary bird Minimals cleared, Scholar Orion invited Vespera back into the library to talk.
"I am still investigating the map and the matter of the fossils -- but while you are here in Halo Haven, there is something else I'd like to show you," Orion said. "It could be related to what you've told me of the influx of dragons in Santae below."
Vespera was never one to turn down the chance to investigate a mystery. "Let's look!" She agreed, and followed Scholar Orion as he led the way. Orion and Vespera walked across the library courtyard, crossed one of the narrow hanging bridges, and then stopped at the edge of another outcropping.
Vespera peered over the edge, perplexed. The path continued all the way to the edge of the island, where an arch marked the place where it looked like a bridge should go. But the path dropped off into empty air -- there was no bridge to be seen!
"This is the place," Orion said. He gestured with one sweeping arm toward the side of the path, drawing Vespera's attention to a sprawling monument there. Graceful arches overlooked a set of stone pillars, each with an indentation in the top. "There is ancient magic hidden within this shrine," Scholar Orion continued, "but none have been able to unlock it in living memory."
Vespera ascended the shallow stone steps and placed a hand on one of the waist-high pillars. "Fascinating..." she murmured. "Let me have a look. I'm sure we can work on unlocking this place's secrets together!"
Even More Art Updates & New Lollipops
Our artist team has been hard at work continuing to refresh some of our oldest items. We hope you enjoy seeing even more beautiful updated art around Santae!
And something even sweeter is in store: On top of the delicious updated artwork for some older candy, Lylia is also stocking some brand-new lollipops at her Candy Shop! Lollipops are, of course, the specialty of Lollipop's Candy Shop in Luminary Meadows. Stop by and treat yourself to a delightfully sweet confection today!
More Mysterious Dragons Swoop Into Silvershade's Ranch
Silvershade's Ranch had just settled into its usual routine when a surprising turn of events changed everything! It was supposed to be an ordinary day, with Minimals frolicking and Silvershade busy with chores, but fate had a different plan. The excitement started when a strange rumble echoed from above, drawing everyone's attention skyward.
Silvershade had just been showing a group of Adventurers where to find local Minimals when a sense of something unusual swept across the Ranch. The Minimals froze, ears perked, their eyes wide as they gazed up at the sky. A few brave flying Minimals took off to investigate the source of the sound, while Silvershade watched with growing curiosity.
Silvershade squinted into the sky and spotted a formation of dark shapes descending from the clouds—swift, sleek, and unfamiliar. As they approached, it became clear that these weren’t just any flying creatures; they were dragons, and not just any dragons—new draconic Minimals, each more spectacular than the last!
The first to catch everyone's attention was the impressive Cinderclaw, its dark, ember-glowing scales shimmering in the sunlight. Cinderclaw flew with the confidence of a seasoned performer, executing perfect loops and weaving through the air with fiery grace.
Then there was Quillwing, whose plumage glittered in hues of violet and blue, soaring with elegance and challenging the wind itself.
Lastly, Velofang, with its swift, agile movements and powerful feathered wings, demonstrated an unmatched skill that left everyone in awe.
These newcomers brought with them a sense of magic and wonder, their flight blending strength and beauty in ways that made even the seasoned Minimals of the Ranch pause in amazement. Silvershade watched as they interacted with the Ranch's residents, playful yet majestic, their presence filling the sky with excitement.
But as quickly as they had appeared, the dragons began to take their leave. With a final flourish, the trio soared higher, wings beating powerfully as they headed back into the horizon. Silvershade watched them go, a mix of wonder and curiosity on their face.
"Where in Santae could they have come from?" Silvershade pondered aloud. These three new dragons were just the latest in a massive influx of new draconic Minimals. The presence of these mysterious dragon Minimals hinted at a much larger story—perhaps secrets hidden in the skies of Santae, waiting to be uncovered.
Determined to find answers, Silvershade knew exactly who to turn to—Vespera, the fearless adventurer with a knack for uncovering the unknown. She had already stopped by once to talk about the dragons, and she would surely be interested to hear about this new development. "Time to call Vespera," Silvershade declared, eyes still fixed on the distant sky.
Adventurers, keep your eyes peeled! With Minimals like these appearing out of nowhere, who knows what other mysteries are waiting to unfold? And maybe next time, they'll stay long enough for you to get a closer look—or even befriend one of these incredible creatures!
Celestraptors have been removed from herding, they will return next year between August 30th and September 30th to commemorate our phenomenal Kickstarter Success.
New Challenges In Herding: Taming Difficulty
A new challenge awaits you next time you visit Herding at Silvershade's Ranch! The difficulty of taming any given Minimal now depends on its rarity.
Common
Minimals will be straightforward to tame and slow to flee. However,
rarer Minimals will take more enticing to become your companions! Rare
Minimals will flee faster, making it more challenging to convince them to stay with you and your pets.
Visit Herding today to check which Minimals Silvershade has
spotted. Herding a rare Minimal may be a challenging task, but it comes
with the exceptional reward of befriending a truly rare creature!
Giveaways Redeemable Codes
TL;DR
Here is a shortened summary of this news update's most important details:
★ Scholar Orion showed Vespera a new location in Halo Haven
★ More items have received updated artwork.
★ New lollipop items are available at the Candy Shop.
★ Three new dragon Minimals were revealed. Celestraptors removed from herding.
★ Herding difficulty has been implemented. Rarer Minimals are now harder to tame.
★ Redeemable Codes
