Grizzleheim is NO Place for a Vacay! (Mirkholm Keep)

(Slowly getting this blog updated - Grizzleheim is not fun for me and gives much less experience than what Sierra gets in Marleybone. They should have upped the EXP rewards a tad. Oh well... I'm alternating Grizzleheim updates between worlds to save myself some sanity.)

I had expected rest and peace in hopes of hunting down Meowiarty, having dealt with Jacques the Scratcher... what I didn't expect was more suffering. Bjorn greeted me civil and told me the news.

"A Raven called Munin Mistweaver brought the Thane of Ivor's Holt to the wolves in a cage and told of his treachery," said Bjorn. "From what I have seen, I know this was indeed the real Thane they had prisoner. He was gagged and unable to defend himself."

"That's horrible," said Christina. "Well, carrot-fairy, looks like we have a war to stop."

"Go to Mirkolm Keep," said Bjorn. "Osric Grimbold is heading the defense efforts there, he will gladly accept your aid."

As I was heading out, Baldur Goldpaws stopped me. I didn't recognize him at first until I heard his voice. I remembered how he took me here on his skyship. "I'm glad I helped you with your trading business," I said, smiling. "I was just a rookie wizard back then, but when I was speaking to your fellow merchants here in Northguard, I was impressed by this land's beauty."

"And its magic," added Baldur. "We use runes for magic but they can be shared with wizards like yourself. Talk to my friend Erik Wyndrune and ask him for a spell, he will grant you one as thanks for helping me establish trade between your city and Grizzleheim."

I was always up to learning new spells! All the stuff I went through and was going to go through seemed not so bad when I got a new spell out of the deal. "Go ahead, carrot-top," said Christina, smiling. "Erik is a very good magic scribe. His runes are awesome! He used his runes to give me spells that diffuse all types of magic! I'm sure he has something for a myth wizard like you!"

Hey, who was I to pass up freebies?

I knew where he was - he told me to read the runic books about the land that told of Grizzleheim's history I was used to searching out obscure histories - I was already reading tomes in Marleybone about the past of that world and it was an enlightening read; shame I had to fight a bunch of goons to get to the books.

"I love freebies," I said.

"Alas, I have a favor to ask," said Erik. "The scrolls I write my runes on were stolen by a vile Raven called Vognir Runethief. He is hiding in a cave near Mirkholm Keep."

"We were just heading out there," I said, smiling. "I'll keep an eye out."

I found the cave soon enough but when I entered, Christina called out. "I can't enter! The thief has a ward that prevents more than one wizard from entering!"

I turned and found the Raven thief. I was furious - I began to hate Ravens. Well, not all Ravens, that one with Hurgen Shieldbreaker was nice but the others were just evil! "I'll take back those scrolls," I hissed between my teeth. "And wear your feathers in my hair!"

Empty threat... he DESTROYED me. I realized he was Myth elemental, and my attacks were useless against him and he did a lot of damage to me. Christina saved my butt and yanked me out.

"I failed," I moaned.

Christina put a hand on my shoulder and lifted up my head with her finger. "No, don't say that, carrot-fairy. There's more than one way to pluck a crow." She gave me a treasure card. "Use this."

 

I went back in and ambushed Vognir, using the card. This battle was still hard, but I crushed the Raven and his foul lackey after a rush of energy made my Ninja Pigs super-strong.

(Sad story - this battle took THREE TRIES. First time I was forced to flee, second time I thought I could tank the Snow Shark the Winterwing Warden[it has 1050 HP and is Ice] cast and DIDN'T, and then I got lucky and took out the Winterwing Warden first and then healed and set up to deal with the Runethief. This is a BRUTAL fight to Myth wizards - he has 2200 HP and is Myth. The critical happened in the second attempt which one-shot Vognir, but then the Warden killed Sierra because she had no heals. I went immediately to Wu and got the next Life spell - I need Satyr SOON.)

 

I located the scrolls and took them back to Erik. He thanked me and drew a rune onto a blank card, handing it to me. As I took it, it became a spell and I smiled at the effect... Shatter was a suitable name for a Pierce that could destroy ALL shields. ^_^

(Vognir's cave is in the first battle area of Mirkholm Keep, just in the second Moonstrider area. The spells Christina was talking about are Elemental Diffuse and Spirit Diffuse, two spells which cost 5 pips but place a dispel of all three spells in either the Elemental[Fire, Ice, Storm] or Spirit[Life, Death, Myth] triad on an enemy. Great for PVP and bosses which use gimmicky spells in that triad. Ice wizards get Legion Shield and that's all I know. I'll update this post once I find out what Fire, Storm, Life and Death get.)

 

 

With that done, we got to the matter at hand. Osric greeted us and asked to take down some Moonstrider scouts who were sniffing around the area. These enemies were no match for us girls though their fire spells singed us.

We then collected boulders from the golems in the area and gave them to the bears manning the catapults. It wasn't too hard. We even located some wood for a carpenter to fortify the stronghold.

Osric then had us scout the wolf fort, but we found the gate tightly locked and many nasty wolf guards patrolling the place. We reported our findings to him. "It is a sad tale you tell, but it was one that must be heard," he said. "We must find another solution."

I was then greeted by a wolf. I was about to ask Osric what the enemy was doing here, but the wolf warrior - who could have torn me to shreds with his glaive - stopped me.

"I be no traitor!" protested Wulfric. "But the king had me exiled for speaking my mind - I know that Munin has no truth about him when he brought the Thane to us."

I saw what he was getting at. I nodded. "You speak the truth, Wulfric," I said. "The Thane is innocent."

"Yeah," said Chris. "My friend here fought a fake!"

I nodded and explained what me and Grace had uncovered in Frostholm. Wulfric narrowed his eyes and growled. "I knew it," he said. "That Munin is a liar, but I cannot prove it."

"We need to stall for time," said Chris. "Any ideas?"

He nodded. "Talk to Ingolf Moonheart, the healer. He didn't want this war either. Wars mean more work for him and more stress."

I was surprised when Ingolf gave his prophecy, told to him by the spirits. "Well, I don't have fur, so I guess I qualify," I murmured.

"What am I, chopped liver?" laughed Chris.

"If you can heal my people who were wounded in this battle," said Ingolf. "Then they will listen to you and know that this war was never mean to happen. Sadly, I am out of healing supplies. I can harvest fresh aloe leaves nearby, but I need wound wraps - and those are held by the Moonstrider Guards. You will probably have to take them from them."

"Well, time to get our hands dirty," sighed Chris. "Come on, carrot-fairy."

I sighed too - frustrated that Chris wouldn't use my proper name!

The battles to get the wraps were not hard at all, maybe because wolves have sensitive noses and the stench of frog vomit was too much. (Also, they're Storm so Humongo is super-effective. ^_^)

We also collected extra aloe for Igolf, who created the bandages. "Take these to my brothers in the field and use them," he said. "This should make them understand our desire to see the war's end."

I was no nurse, but Christina helped out (please forgive me if I shorten her name to Chris, it's easier to say) and we patched up the soldiers, who thanked us. Ingolf thanked us and so did Wulfric.

"What else can we do?" I asked.

"A wolf's greatest pride is his strength, and a clan's greatest love is its warriors," said Wulfric. "There are two warriors who reside in the caves near the fort. Defeat them and humiliate them, the others will be disillusioned."

 

 

I didn't question this weird request, but I went into the caves and fought the elite warriors. They were tough but a couple of fellow wizards I didn't know helped me out. I thanked them when I left.

(Thanks to Destiny Legendwalker and some other Sorceress who aided Sierra is beating these two bosses - they aren't that hard, having less than 1300 HP, but they are tricky.)

 

Wulfric told us about another problem - several of his people fled into the Grendel caves near the fort and had failed to escape. I went ahead and located the poor souls... and many nasty Grendels and banshees. I didn't like this foul place.

 
 "And yet you told us to locate your strongest warrior in the keep - which can be accessed from the Grendel caves - and steal the weapons," whistled Chris. "Are you sure you're not a traitor?"

"Don't git me wrong, lass," said Wulfric, wiping his glaive clean. "I have no desire to hurt my people... but it is necessary to weaken them to prevent more blood from being spilled."

I nodded. "If that is what we must do, we'll do it. Come on, Christie."

 

But I didn't need to fight the Stormcaller - because someone cast Tempest and obliterated the wolves in one hit. I recognized the spell from Grace's spell deck, she had used it a few times. I simply grabbed the weapons and returned to the camp.

(Okay! Who let in the Exalted Level Diviner? Sierra entered the battle and this girl one-shots everyone, even the storm wolves, with one hit of Tempest! *head desk* Oh well, less healing needed for Sierra! Geeez...)

"That's good, less bloodshed," he sighed. "Now that you can get into the Keep, I can help you expose Munin for the liar he is!" He told me of a special magic dust that forces one to tell the truth. It is called the Dust of Discovery and is held by a wretched Grendel Shaman who lives in the caves."

I wanted to ask how long he had known this but I knew where the shaman was, I saw a hulking fiend of a Grendel who was as large as Skellek hiding in the caverns.

The Grendel, Hurkur, was like all Grendels - rude and mean. I asked him politely for the dust.

"I'll only give it if you give me respect," sneered the creature. "Give me some wood grubs found in the forests and defeat some of the Screechers - their howling keeps me awake!"

 

I did what he asked - the grubs were disgusting and I almost vomited when Hurker offered me some. No thank you! He then told me to acquire the golden spear owned by one of the wolf warriors in the fort. I made my way in and located this wolf.

 

The battle was hard but not too dangerous - at least they weren't Myth! I took the spear from his lifeless corpse and delivered it to Hurkur.

And I got his response. I should have known he would change his mind. "You will give me the dust, you jackwad," I hissed.

"What are you gonna do about it, little girl?" laughed the Grendel. He freaked out as I whipped out my wand and chanted arcane chants. He fled into the cave and I chased him inside.

He cast a nasty spell that summoned a thunder wyvern at me. I growled.

"You..."

"Just signed your death warrant."

The treasure card glowed and the two-headed beast emerged, baying at the moon and roaring out eldritch energies that knocked him prone. (She had that Orthrus TC in her inventory forever. :p)

Hurker begged forgiveness and tossed me a bottle of wood with runes etched on it. "That is the Dust, tell Wulfric I honor our bargains. Now leave me to lick my wounds!"

You did well, Sierra.

I heard the voice and turned to it, but all I saw was a statue of a wise Raven woman. I saw the runes on the base of it but couldn't decipher them.

Yes, Sierra... I have been watching you ever since you left your parents and started training in Ravenwood. My brother told me all about you. You are a brave girl and very thrifty at that. Thank you for helping the people of Grizzleheim... I ask that this statue be placed in your Watchtower Hall when you make it. In return, I will show you where you must go to craft your houses...

My vision grew pale and I saw a great door next to the mighty falls behind the King's keep in Northguard... and then I saw myself in a great cavern which had an ice wall which had been carved to look like one of the Giants that Lydia Greyrose told me about, the Giants who invented Ice Magic. This creature looked barbaric and yet noble... and he loomed over a massive anvil and hammer made of ice that I knew could forge hot metal as easily as one made of iron... and I knew that I could fuse the items I was gathering to craft my three houses on it. (This is where you craft the houses. You cannot craft them on any other crafting station, only on this one - the Grizzleheim Crafting Station. In fact, you can only craft the houses on this place.)


I smiled and bowed to the statue then teleported it into my magic bank. I would honor my strange guardian's request. (I didn't show that Christina had helped in the last few battles.)

Wulfric nodded as I told him what had happened with Hurkur but I showed him the bottle. "Aye, that be it," said the wolf. "But you must get into the inner keep, where the King is. You shain't go in and cause a ruckus - while bears may go for a direct assault, I suggest something more subtle... a diversion. Take a torch to the stores and that will distract the guards long enough for you to pull the two levers flanking the entrance to the inner keep. Unless you pull those levers, the doors will be barred to you. Once inside, use the Dust to expose that foul Raven's propoganda and end this war."

"Will do!" said Chris. "Come on, let's go!"

Chris sacrificed herself to distract the guards so I could slip by and grab a torch from the wall. I hurled it at some shelves, which burst into flames. I flew off before the guards turned to the fire...

 

But I soon learned that the levers were guarded and the guards weren't going to get diverted. I quickly took them out and suppressed them, then pulled the levers to unbar the main doors. I went in...

To find Chris there, confronting the foul Raven. "There, you see?" squawked Munin. "The Red Claw have sent assassins to kill you and rescue their leader, the Thane!"

"Oh shut it, you crow!" snarled Christina...

 

She unleashed a Hydra and Judgement spell on the bird and I took out the wolf guard nearby with a Ninja Pigs. (Munin isn't too hard, unless you're Death. He only has 1800 HP. The Wolfstrider can be a bit of a hassle, as he's Ice and will spam Tower Shield.)


"What is the meaning of this attack?" demanded the Wolf King.


 She grabbed the Raven by the cloak. "NOW, SIERRA!"

She said my proper name! I didn't even think as I unbottled the bottle and emptied it into the air. "Speak, crow, as loud as you can," demanded Christina, strangling Munin's throat. "Tell us the truth! Your pal had pretended to be Thane so you could have the Bears and Wolves fight each other!"

"Ack, I know that dust!" cried Munin in horror. "But I can't... it's true! We were pitting bear against wolf and wolf against bear to obtain the runes for our plan... no! I won't say any more!"

Christina found herself grabbing smoke.

"I cannot believe were deceived so easily," sighed King Varik Icefang, shaking his head.

 

We released the Thane, who thanked us. "Whatever plans those birds have, it's not good," I muttered. "Will you make it back to Ander's Holt okay?"

"Aye," said Ivar. "Go back to Bjorn Ironclaws and tell him what has transpired this day."

Bjorn praised us both and called us heroes. "You have deserved a well-earned rest," he said. "I will speak with the king on these matters some more and hopefully we can end this trouble."

"It's okay, you call if you need us," giggled Christina. "So, what now, carrot-fairy?"

I went to the fire in the center of the keep and stared at the sky. "I need a vacay from this vacay," I sighed. "I'm going back to Watson to see if the Krokonomicon is still safe."

"Hey, I need one too," said Christina. "You're stuck me for life, carrot-top."

I sighed and grinned. "Guess I am, dawnknife."

"That's not even a joke," groaned Christina. "Let's go back to Marley."

[To be continued...]