Amazonian Settlers Christmas Crisis event

I tried something a bit different for my guild to run alongside the Xmas event this year.

You could call it .. a guild crisis quest. My guild is a large active guild (though this is not meant to be a guild recruitment advert .. we are full up anyway, with a waiting list of people looking for a spot when one comes up)

The crisis quest was based on a story involving the guild members, officers and guild leader - with various stages all heavily influenced by popular culture and media. As partcularly demonstrted by it's real title ... "Winter is Coming"

There were minor rewards along the way for completing any stage with more major prizes dished out at the end.

In addition to publishing each part - some members when submitting their entries for ech part did so s if they were also adding to the story - some of which I have included in the posts below.

Over 50 members out of 100 took part in at least one of the stages - and have decided to share the various parts here.

What follows is each section of the story and some members "in-story" responses - unedited.

Some might find it interesting :)

Guild Leader - Luckydiddy
Permanent Officers - Stonewaller, Luxor1, Bellengaria, Hazeleyes, Nastynono, Irobijn, Raddichio, ByMoonlight
Temporary Officer - BitterSweet - who won a previous competition and was appointed to officer team for 1 month as our "Playmate of the month"
Guild Founder who left the guild earlier this year - Sephuaua
Any other guild members named in the main story - because they had the best most accurate response in the previous part.

Winter is Coming Part 1

The doors to the guild house flew open and wind and snow blew into the guild hall.

The wind nearly blew out the flames in the huge fireplace.

The courageous explorer, Bellengaria, returning from her search for new recruits, crashed through the doors and landed on the small pile of snow that had followed her in.

Luckydiddy waved for his Sergeant–at-Arms Raddichio to help the woman to her feet and offer her a brew and some food.

The colour returned to her cheeks as she ravenously devoured a slice of the guild special sausage made to a secret recipe only known to the Sergeant-at-Arms .. and a great many horses.

“Winter is coming great leader” she said. "I have returned from venturing across the globe searching for truth to the rumours that The Snow King seeks great riches. He has heard about our mountains of gold guild coins and is determined to take them for himself."

Luckydiddy called for all his trusted officers and they sat and listened to what Bellengaria had to say.

“The Snow King is amassing a great army. I have seen it with my own eyes… Even now at the corners of your kingdom his army approaches”, Bellengaria said nervously.

Luckydiddy made the sign of the great lucky horseshoe, turned to his officers, and asked for their advice.

Maestor Stonewaller scowled: “Bah .. Humbug! The Snow King is not real”

Maestress Nono began to look like she was going to say something then remembered to adjust her hat .. she was very proud of her hat… it was tall, cone shaped and very very pointy.

The High Priestesses ByMoonlight, Hazeleyes, Irobijn and Luxor1 started to chant in some strange and ancient language. As they did so a strange shape began to form in the smoke from the fire.

It looked white … with long twiggy arms… and a hat… almost as impressive as Nono’s…

As the priestesses continued to chant more white figures began to appear in the flames of the fire and then what was impossible to mistake for … a horseshoe .. broken in two… Then the flames of the fire suddenly went out and a great chill descended on the hall.

Luckydiddy turned to his officers: "We must find out more … send scouts to see if The Snow King’s army is real, where they are, and gauge their numbers."

The officers sent messages to all members of ZON….

You have been tasked by your guild leader to go out into the frozen wastes of Luckydiddy Island – see if you can find the snow king’s army, where it is, AND FIND OUT THEIR NUMBERS. A great reward is promised for those that provide the most accurate intelligence on our enemy… but the threat of invasion is real .. you must hurry.

Luckydiddy needs to know this information by ….

Further instructions will then follow.

WINTER IS COMING PART 1A

***URGENT NEWS***

Early reports from the first scouts to explore my island have confirmed the presence of many snowmen.

Also … scarily .. Something has happened at the mines … snow covered in blood has been found at the entrances … several miners have failed to come back up from digging into the earth.

The remainder have all gone on strike saying its not safe.

If we do face an invasion we will need weapons .. For which we will need the metals the miners dig up .. We must find this snowman army asap .. Get out there and find them .. Report back to luckydiddy!

WINTER IS COMING PART 2

A few days had passed. Many members from the guild had returned with different bits and pieces of information regarding The Snow King’s army and all received some rewards for their efforts.


Ferike86, also brought more news.

In a witch tower near the swamp they had found an ancient codex with the unmistakable image of a snowman on the cover. They thought it might be important and had brought it back.

Luckydiddy examined the codex, but it contained strange and indiscernible writing. He passed it to High Priestesses Luxor1 and Hazeleyes.

“Yes great leader – these are hieroglyphics. And yes … we can read them.” They paused and examined the pages in more detail. “It talks here of the ancient founder of the guild, Sephuaua, that he might have had a weapon that could destroy The Snow King and his army. But we have never heard of it before so cannot help you with finding it.


Maestor Stonewaller scraped his chair along the stone floor as he stretched back and looked like he was about to hit someone - anyone would do. “I seem to remember though it was before my time … Maestress Nono arranged Sephuaua’s burial, perhaps this weapon is in his tomb”


Maestress Nono perked up … “Oh yes” .. took her hat off … examined the pointy end.. then put it back on again …. “Where did we put Sephuaua again?”

Unfortunately Maestress Nono was the only living guild member to have been a part of the burial arrangements and she has forgotten exactly where Sephuaua was buried.


Perhaps you can help? Go and search Nastynono's island, find the tomb of the legendary Sephuaua, you will need to go into the tomb and search for the weapon. Only return when you HAVE FOUND THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE MISSING TOMB (A screenshot should do it – downloading lightshot which is free might help)


Report back to luckydiddy by ____________ for more instructions.

https://app.prntscr.com/en/download.html

WINTER IS COMING PART 2A - done in response to guild members struggling with fiding the tomb.

I have figured out what happened.

The evil snowman spy (hiding to the south-west of the volcano) broke into the tomb to steal the holy relics. He then flogged the tombstone on trade, leaving behind nothing but the old ruins on the north-west side of Nono's residential city in the centre of the island.

And that is why I can't find the tomb here...

mvh.,

Gobolino


I like your thinking, to be certain I despatched Maestor Stonewaller to go and investigate these ruins of which you speak.

He wasn’t best pleased to have to go and do something.

After many days of trudging through the cold and icy wasteland of Nono Island he found the overgrown ruins of which you speak. After careful searching all he managed to find were some weeds and brambles. Seems the sword is not here. This can’t be the tomb!

When he returned from his wild goose chase he kept mentioning the words Gobo … Pain … suffering …

It might be a good idea to avoid him for a bit …. Or maybe forever!

The real tomb MUST BE ELSEWHERE on NONO’s Island

You had better go back to search again … this time make sure you find it! We are depending on you!

Luckydiddy

Samuelthorn's response to part 2

Master Lucky,

I have sent scouts all over the guild kingdom, and yet they've returned bringing in the information you requested.

They were able to locate the long lost tomb of Sephua's Final Resting Place. Once magnificent solitaire Tomb is now hidden in the dense forest on masteress Nastynono's Archipelago's sector 7. On their journey, my scouts also came by a overgrown ruins and were affraid, that the tomb might have been robbed, and we would be doomed. I am really glad the tomb is intact and I hope the mighty sword would be in it. Please take a look on the map they have brought with them.

http://imagebucket.net/azzrhdl7u56q/tomb.jpg

If we stay united we will solve the problem, no matter how complex it is!!!

Now it is time to rest. I will make a great feast for the all the guild's scouting parties, even thousand steaks might be on the tables. :)

Let's gather the strength, as there is more to come.

Cheers,
Samuel

Mark-The-Brave's response to part 2

A new sturdy pair of books and a working compass later, I ventured out once more into this mysterious land.
North South East and West I travelled for days on end.
Just as hope was fading I saw rising in front of me a mountain so vast that all light was blocked from view.
Undeterred I ventured on and came to a place I understand is called A7 a sparse land surrounded by water.
Just down from the large store house at about 7 O clock on a watch face I came across the resting place of the Great Seph.
Hopefully the weapon we seek can now be found to repel the snowy forces of doom approaching our land.

MtB

Hanta's response to part 2

From the guild house, any settlers going by can hear excited shouts and even something that looks like a party. If any of them dares look inside, they would find all the officers in there, guessing and discussing about this old weapon, excited that the end is near. And some, to eager to celebrate too early….
When suddenly the doors of the guild house open with a heavy bang, and a big man totally covered in dust and other things difficult to describe appears.
The sudden bang surprises everyone, and some of the officers even go for the swords, stopping in mid draw when recognition hits their faces
“Isn’t that man the crazy scout from last time, the one who….”
“Shhhh, not now” says another officer covering gently the mouth of the first one
“upppss, sorry!”

The scout, as yes, it is the same as last time with his funny piece of cloth, starts screaming in the door
“hurry!!! Hurry!!! Found them, found them!!! They are in the archipielago, they are attacking again!!!”
The officers are totally confused, as this is not at all what expected
“what are you talking about, where you not sent to find the old guild leader’s tomb?”
“The snowmen, the snowmen are back, hurry, hurry!”
And the scout collapses in the door

The officers just stand there, not really knowing what to do, and since last time experience, none of them is in a hurry to try to help the poor lad, as memories of the task to count the snowmen and too vivid still in their minds, and their noses….

Finally, one of them decides to be the courageous one (also, as he has a cold is easier for him), and approaches the man. On the floor, some gems and coins are scattered next to the man. He takes one and recognise it as one that was in the tomb
“Hey, he’s been robing the tomb!!!!” And looking at the coins “and your treasure too!!!”
“Where did you keep your coins nono?”
“in the spacious storehouse, in the north of the archipielagos. Why?”. “We should send the next scouts there, I’m sure the tomb is nearby!” And runs outside shouting for a new scout to come in and get ready to travel
“and what do we do with this one?”
To be continued

MurgenX response to part 2

Murgen was busy coordinating an op on the plain, looking for possible aid in the Winter War for their new patrons in Zon, so Croaker elected to take care of business for him while he was gone. Having discovered that Goblin had messed up not one but two missions (initially Goblin and One eye had been sent out to locate a tomb on an earlier mission, and Goblin had snuck off to set up one of his hooch stills in a pumpkin cemetery instead of actually looking for the tomb, and reported it destroyed and unusable for the purpose of finding the weapon Lucky had been looking for- since disproven by recent rumor of the tomb being in another stretch of the wilderness altogether; and had doctored Luckys orders to defeat the Vikings on the Arctic Island and bring back their explosives they had planned to use against Zon, instead to prevent their use of the explosives instead by using overwhelmingly un-needed troops to defeat the Nords quickly while Goblin snuck off to steal the explosives and bring them back to dump them on the local black market for a quick profit) Croaker and Lady had the Howler take Goblin off for a little “session” to explain to him in no uncertain terms he needed to stay in line and stop making them look bad to their new patrons, and search for the tomb in the rumored wilderness area themselves, with a small platoon of soldiers, and their siege warfare expert Blade, as well as quartermasters supreme Otto and Hagop, to ensure any and all bases were covered, as Lady was their resident Magicks expert already.

prntscr.com/honk1s

After hunting in the frozen wilderness for a good week (The Company was much more used to desert, mountainous or tropical climes) The Tomb was discovered. Others had apparently been there before them, but unable to defeat the Sigils used to seal the tomb. After a few hours of unraveling the powerful necromantic magicks surrounding the doorway, Lady destroyed them, and signaled the troops to be ready. Her and Croaker in the lead with their powerful dark armor from an earlier era, pushed open the large doors, Blade at the ready behind them, while Otto and Hagop awaited in the rear with some Repeating Arquebus they had designed to assist in the war, with ammo crafted by Lady to help destroy undead as well as shadows, the dark little things always in their memories with how many brethren had fallen to them.

Lady and Croaker were blown back into the snow banks against the trees by an onrushing horde of the grey spirits of the snowmen army earlier defeated by their soldiers, led by the rotting corpse of an ensorcelled, massive yeti. Chaos ensued, and they leapt out of the snow bank, joining Blade to attack the yeti with their enchanted swords. With Otto and Hagop assisting the soldiers from behind their wagons with gunfire, the spirits of the snowmen were defeated, though most of the soldiers saw themselves to an icy grave in the process. Blade flanking the large beast from the side, Croaker and Lady pushed the creature back against the Tomb with their attacks, and it was defeated with no loss, though Blade took a nasty clawmark down his arm that would need some medical attention, and possible magical investigation. Waiting for a few moments to catch their breaths, and see if any other dead but still walking would come from the Tomb, nothing stirred, and Lady entered first, her magicks at the ready. Nothing else remained of the former tenants entombed within the catacomb, apparently consumed by the yeti, but some ancient platinum swords were found, with sigils of some long forgotten enchanter on the pommels. They loaded up the swords, and the bodies of the dead in the wagons, Lady cast her green fire across the corpse of the stinking beast they had killed to ensure it would not raise again to cause The Company further trouble, and while waiting for the Corpse to be naught but ash, Croaker updated the Annals and then they began the long trek back home to report their find to Lucky.

Gobolino final response to part 2

I found it eventually - behind some trees, just underneath the platinum smelters and spacious storehouse.

But by the time I got there, the weapon was gone - the younger warriors with better eyesight had already taken it and charged off into battle! I will now have to hobble after them as fast as my weary legs can manage - it's not easy in these huge snow boots!

mvh.,

WINTER IS COMING PART 3

The fire was roaring again in the rather crowded Great Guild Hall. Everyone from the guild was there.

The Lucky Explorer Mark-The-Brave knelt in front of Luckydiddy, arms outstretched with a sword in an ornate scabbard.
“I found this inside the tomb of the legendary Sephuaua – perhaps this is what you seek?”
Sergeant-at-Arms Raddichio took the sword, and pulled it out of its scabbard.
Everyone gasped as it burst into a brilliant flame… and strange music began to play from the scabbard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4BTYiy0Qi4
Maestor Stonewaller put his fingers in his ears .. and looked for someone to hit.
Maestress Nono started to dance … everyone gave her that look you give a puppy when it’s squeaking pitifully… she noticed everyone staring at her … but carried on anyway.
“Shut that thing up” growled Stonewaller “… Fancy swords are one thing but we still need to defeat the army of The Snow King… we will need troops, weapons and food to feed our army”
Luckydiddy stood up and addressed everyone in the hall.
“We face a great threat – perhaps the greatest this guild has ever faced. We need your help.. again.
To feed and equip our army…
I need all level 1-25 members to supply 200 fish each.
I need all level 26-40 members to supply 200 bread each
I need all level 41-50 members to supply 200 brew each
I need all level 51-55 to supply 200 bronze swords each
I need all level 56-60 to supply 200 Iron swords each
I need all level 61-65 to supply 200 Longbows each
And all level 66+ to supply 200 platinum swords each.
(Reward 1000 titanium ore)
For example if you are level 60 send a trade to luckydiddy 200 Iron Swords from you for 1000 titanium ore from him.
prntscr.com/hi4f1i
Only 24 hours to do this bit though. Part 4 tomorrow.

WINTER IS COMING PART 4

The wind howled amongst the trees. A white figure with black coal like eyes moved silently through the trees. A horse could be heard neighing in the distance. As the figure reached the edge of the forest it could see the Guild Hall in the distance.
…
Inside the hall a great mountain of weapons had been gathered.
“SILENCE” Barked Maestor Stonewaller.
Luckydiddy looked out at the guild members gathered in the hall.
“Our armies are prepared. But we still need gunpowder. Courageous Explorer Bellengaria has discovered an island near here where she has seen a vast quantity of explosives. Unfortunatly some of The Snow King’s army is protecting it. If we can attack that island, we can take the explosives for ourselves and use it against his main forces.”
High Priestess ByMoonlight raised her hand to say something.
“I have discovered The Snow King’s main army is gathering. Scouts have been spotted to the north. ”
Luckydiddy nodded in agreement.
“All those that are able … are needed to attack ARCTIC EXPLOSION (lvl 42+)… those that can’t should do “THE NORDS” (Level 41 and below) send screenshots of your successful completion of the adventure to luckydiddy the very lowest levels – please help them with a ls for nords. Bonus points for completing the adventure quickly. (Arctic explosion less than 30 minutes, Nords in under an hour)

If you need either adventure – just ask.

Irobijn response to part 3

http://prntscr.com/hosz9q

Sorry big leader lots are killed, eatan by wolves or starved from hunger, troops are damaged but the nordic ice man are gone, we blasted them away and had some spare time left 1:23:29
Use it wisely big leader to surprize the other islands in the far nord they won't see your generals coming, don't expect that they can travel and fight so fast !!
Cheers
Iro

MurgenX response to part 4

A loud Bamf sounded outside the tavern part of the Guild house, shaking the building enough to shift loose dust from the rafters, jar the furniture, and Stones mug of brew slid from the edge of the table to smash into the ground, skittering away spilling mead as it went. Lucky and Stone jumped up from their chairs.
"Goblin!!!" Stone snarled loudly, tired of the little ancient wizards antics and lack of interest in control of how his magic affected the people and environment around him. Murgen kept him on because, regardless of peoples opinion of him, he had been with the company for well over a hundred years, and produced results. As well as had killed a God once. Well, Goddess. More or less. Not bad for a self taught 'hedge wizard.'
Murgens little company of commanders of his soldiers trooped in, all smoking and covered in ash and soot, steam rising already from melting snow and sweat from battle. Golbin pushed his way in first, of course, stomping his way to the fire to get first dibs on a close spot, trailing snow as he went. Plopping down on the flagstones of the great fireplace, he whipped out his obscene little pouch of dragon dung, black tobacco, ground up fairy parts, and god knows what else, to roll up one of his famously disgusting cigars and "get his resting wizard on" as he called it. The rest of the company were more fastidious, removing coats and stomping off boots before moving in to their regular table in the back, large enough for them all but in a corner far enough away they could watch all entrances and exits. Lucky was familiar with their paranoia, as he had seen a couple of the Annals from previous exploits, and had sat in on their readings a time or two of said Annals, some of which were hair raising (The Battle at Charm totalled 350k troops alone).
Stone sat down with his new mug, eyeballing Goblin as the ugly little runt of a wizards eyes began to glow slightly green, purple smoke wafting away into the rafters from his cigar. Murgen sat at him and Luckys table, to give his report.
"Sorry for the entrance, boss. Apparently One-eye and Goblins magic worked counterpoint to each other stepping back thru our gate. We went to the Island of the Vikings as ordered, with the Weapons for the soldiers you had provided. I sent Tobo off to scout the area as we prepped our troops, and he as usual sent off the Unknown Shadows to assist him." Tobo had almost mysteriously ended up in another corner of the tavern, fondling the hilt of his beloved sword, no soot or ash on him, and everyone began shifting a bit nervously (outside the company) as the uknown shadows shifted here and there just outside of eysight. They never caused anyone harm in the guild, nor innocent folk, but were always prepared to do Tobos bidding at a moments notice.
"Long story short, the vikings of course had no chance. We didnt notice upon commencing our attacks on the various Nordic encampments that One Eye and Goblin had slipped away into the darkness, but there they were at our landing camp, laughing and picking fights with eachother, celebrating their "score" by bringing all of the handcarts with explosives back with them. 'I told you to DESTROY the explosives, not keep them to resell them!' I told them exasperatedly. One Eye and Goblin immediately began bickering back and forth at me, as usual, about whose idea it was to follow orders and whose idea it was to keep the explosives. One Eye got one final 'Frog face' in, jerking his thumb at Goblin as he turned away and jerked his hands too and fro opening the portal. Goblin jumped up and shrieked, smashed his bottle of spirits across the handcarts, and twitched his fingers starting a spell at them. We all began to move with haste at the portal, but the unsurprising results were a flame spell lighting up the barrels, and as we ran through, they exploded lighting up the sky. He apparently was too drunk to remember how close he was, and got blown thru the gate behind us, followed by all this soot and grime." Murgen handed over a scroll with a report of the battles, with no losses, and gave a curt apology as he stood up and moved over to sit with his ragtag group of men. Lucky and Stone looked at eachother, and shrugged. No losses, enemy defeated. Might as well chalk it up in the win column, Golbins antics aside.

Bruzer response to part 3

Following an irish nite last week the barrels were dry......oh @&#%!!!!

then i remembered....a former resident of this land Katriona53 had an abundence of Brew in her new residence [Zon]. I instructed General Drac to use the cover or darkness to replenish our stock and provide for our masters to equip our army

General Drac was successful in his mission and i pressent you with the brew requested.

Bruzer :)

Teppic73 response to part 4

Honored leader,

My generals studied the given task long and hard, using arcane knowledge from ancient and secret sources. After getting wind of the additional time constraint, someone shouted "Challenge exepted!" and boasted that it would not be much of one anyway. Maybe I should change the lock on the wine cellar.

Their boasting notwithstanding, here are the results of this highly skilled, and somewhat inebriated, group of professionals. Since they decided to have a drink for every minute less than the given constraint, I'm afraid they won't be much use for a while.

http://prntscr.com/hoc6l0 (Arctic Explosion in 18 mins)

Your humble servant,
Teppic

Stonewaller response to part 4

Maestor stonewaller stirred from his slumbers by the fire. “Hurrumphhh, who’s stupid idea was arctic explosion. I need to hit someone!” The great leader coughed, the sergeant at arms retreated a safe distance “just popping out... I might be gone sometime”.

The priestessess, tutted, Maestress Nono looked at the leader and sergeant, she sighed... “get some backbone" she said passing Maestor Stonewaller a mirror. “Ahhh, as I always said a fine idea, thank you Maestress”.

“Right I suppose if a jobs worth doing I might as well do it myself, fire up the hamsters! I may be gone...well not very long probably”
44 minutes later including conventional travel he was back in his chair “Snow king’s armies, Pussies. Whats all the fuss about, bah humbu.... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz”

https://prnt.sc/hocwrv

Samuelthorne response to part 4

Master Lucky.

I am do apologize for that I am late, and I hope I am not TOO late.

My ships got lost in some mysterious fog on the way to the northern islands. Luckily they have been able to land on the shore that they were intended to. The island was all covered in snow and the cold there... it cannot be put in words how it was biting.

They have fought the Nords there to get warmer, took the explosives needed and return from the mission as soon as possible before being frozen to death.

Here is the proof of how fast they were:
http://i64.tinypic.com/2s6q88y.png

Please, consider the little gathering around the fire with some beer, wine and meat for those, who heroically fought in the battle. It certainly improve their morale, which I am sure will be needed quite soon.

Cheers,
Sam

Hanta response to part 4

a frozen clock is found at the entrance of the guild house with what looks a frozen scout. In it, a time is set for 23:31:26
And will not move again

the shape does look nordic
Maybe they did it?

Neferseti response to part 4

Oh great leader!

My oh so mighty, but rather slow generals defeated the evil Nords!

It took them the better part of half an hour (unskilled travelling time of 15 min and 13 min for the attacks) to kill all wrongdoers and to collect the crates and handcarts. The proof of this mighty deed you will find in the link below.

http://prntscr.com/hoybwb

Have a peaceful start of the week.

Kind regards

Nefer

Gobolino response to part 4

https://prnt.sc/hosneh

I finished in 26 minutes (lots of fast generals!), but failed to get a screenshot of it :-(

After their long trek over the mountains, apparently getting lost along the way (or stopping for extended lunches), my troops eventually found the Vikings' island. But once they knew where they were going, they wasted no time - led primarily by Nusala and her two highly skilled General Majors, they made quick work of the tough but slow inhabitants of the island. Kamikaze Martial Arts experts from the far east sacrificed themselves to take out the front-line defenders, and the generals finally swarmed the fortress.


mvh.,

WINTER IS COMING Part 5

A cloaked figure shuffled through the forest, the wind and snow making its steps difficult. Occasionally it would stop to listen, then scrape away some snow on the ground as if looking for something… before moving on as if in a hurry.
A crow cawed loudly. The figure stopped.
White figures with twiggy arms began to emerge from the trees all around.
The cloaked figure took her hood down, It was High Priestess Hazeleyes. Her eyes darted this way and that searching for the best way to escape. But it was clear .. she was surrounded by The Snowmen.
She reached down to her waist. No weapon – all she had was her satchel of herbs she had been collecting. She reached into her satchel, closed her eyes and began to chant strange words quietly…
As the Snowmen moved closer and closer, her chanting grew ever louder
As they were almost on top of her they reached out to grab her … and she threw the pile of herbs above her head .. as the wind caught them and swirled them around the snowmen were covered in the herbs.
Hazeleyes fell to the ground sure her time had come and prayed to the holy horseshoe to save her.
But nothing happened.
The herbs (or perhaps it was the holy horseshoe) had turned all the snowmen to puddles of water.
She looked to her right and saw more white figures approaching, so she turned and ran as fast as she could till she was back in the guild hall.
She explained what had happened to Luckydiddy and the guild officers. She also gve a detailed description of these snowmen ... http://prntscr.com/hogluz
“Perhaps this is another weapon we can use to defeat the Snow King’s army” She said, but I used all I had in my satchel, we will need more and we will need help to find enough.

We will need you to find the ingredients for the Snowman Melter – but they are scattered far and wide … perhaps more than one item can be found on each island, but will you have the right island? …. sadly Hazeleyes was so flustered from her experience with the snowmen, her instructions of WHAT and WHERE to get it ... seemed a bit vague. Perhaps you can work it out?
A Lettuce leaf from a Dutch greenhouse I want you to ROB a lettuce leaf IJN as fast a way as you can
A blue flower from an exotic location.
A flowery stone. (Yup that’s all the clue you get!)
A Yellow flower grown by the light of the moon.
Pumpkin seeds from a graveyard found in Hazeleye’s retreat
An Orange flower from a chopping block in a beautiful place
A bitter but sweet mushroom found at the base of a soldier statue.
Once you have gathered all the items you need to place them under a golden light that never goes out on the Sergeant-At-Arms frozen wasteland for 1 hour.
FIND EACH ITEM’S EXACT LOCATION – Island – sector – and or screenshot and prove to luckydiddy you have found all the ingredients for the High Priestesses to make more Snowman Melter to collect your latest reward. BONUS points available for finding more than 1 of the right item on the right island … eg there might be 3 yellow flowers grown by the light of the moon) If you find an item on the wrong island … its no good to you 

Eg 1) Lettuce patch – Irobijn’s Island – S3 – by Noble residence … (It’s not there but :P) or … Irobijn’s island S3 + screenshot link. (It really really isn’t there though :D… or is it?)
Good luck!
Next part coming soon.

Teppic response to part 5

Honored leader,

After a seemingly endless time, the festivities quieted down as the barrack's stocks of brew ran out. But alas, someone remembered there's another barracks on the other side of the island and they all moved off.

A few days later, I was finally able to round up a few scouts and managed to sent them out to look for the myriad items.

On High Priestess Irobijn's island, the scouts kept losing their way because of the many broken sign posts.
At some point, two lettuce patches were located in sector 3, near the border with sector 6, next to some Noble Residences and Improved Bakeries.
A further two lettuce patches were located in sector 6, near the border with sector 9, hidden between a Noble and a Magnificent Residence, next to some Mills.
There was more evidence of other search parties: the patches were heavily trampled and most of the remaining plants were dying. Careful searching revealed a few plants that could be nursed back to health enough to take some leaves.
http://prntscr.com/hrfytw http://prntscr.com/hrfzl8

It was decided that High Priestess Luxor's island must be the exotic location to look for the Blue Flower. There certainly were a lot of them around and the place certainly look exotic, with a light white dusting and yet all flowers were still in full bloom.
No fewer than 11 were found around the Seat of Power known as the Mayor's House.
One was found between the east end of the gold mountains of sector 2 and a Magnificent Residence.
Another one was found at the southern end of sector 3, between some Nobles and a Magnificent Residence.
Yet another one was found in sector 8, almost on the border with sector 9, between a Noble Residence and some Toolmakers.
And while circling back down, a further 5 were found in sector 4, surrounding a group of Mills.
Samples were taken from all.
http://prntscr.com/hrg0kk http://prntscr.com/hrg18p http://prntscr.com/hrg1nw http://prntscr.com/hrg233 http://prntscr.com/hrg2k3

Many of the islands contained Flowery Stones, but after careful consideration it was decided that the ones on Maestor Stonewaller's island were the right ones:
A Flowery Stone was reported in sector 1, near de border with sector 2.
Another Flowery Stone was found in a Blue Flowerbed in sector 7, next to a walled of area.
A third Flowery Stone was found in sector 9, between some stone walls and a Hunter.
A fourth was found in sector 2, below a copper mine, next to some more stone walls.
A fifth was found in sector A5, in a Bed of Roses, above a Horseman Statue.
http://prntscr.com/hrg3c3 http://prntscr.com/hrg3oi http://prntscr.com/hrg421 http://prntscr.com/hrg4dz http://prntscr.com/hrg4my

It seemed obvious to look for a Yellow Flower on High Priestess ByMoonlight's island. At least it did at first. But the first scouting party never returned...
A second scouting party reported strange markings on the island. After placing all the reported markings on a map, it turned out to read like a pirate treasure map, with X marking the spot. No wonder the first scouting party was lost: they probably ran into the pirates.
The X turned out to be a very inaccessible place on the Western Edge of the island, in sector 4.
http://prntscr.com/hrg56w

Since pumpkins are no longer in season, we looked for a Decorative Pumpkins Cemetery on High Priestess Hazeleyes' island retreat. It was found in sector A7, next to the Dark Castle. The place looked like it had been ransacked by a dozen or more armies, but a long and careful search revealed a few precious seeds.
http://prntscr.com/hrg5y1

On Hight Priestess Bellengaria's island, the scouts found a Chopping Block, right on the border of sectors 6 and 9, next to some Blue Flowers, next to the Combat Barracks.
http://prntscr.com/hrg7fp

On Hight Priestess Bitter_Sweet's island we found some mushrooms at the base of a Soldier Statue in sector 7, north of the eastern most Dark Castle. We're not really sure if they're the right sort: we couldn't find a volunteer to test them.
http://prntscr.com/hrg7vv

After long days of scouring many islands, all the items found were placed under the light of a Golden Lantern found on Sergeant-At-Arms Raddichio's island, which was found in sector 2, hiding behind a Big Red Tree, next to the mountains and some Hunters.
One scouting party returned late to report a second Golden Lantern in sector 5, behind a Gingerbread House which was in the process of upgrading. Just for good measure, all items were place under its light for another hour.
http://prntscr.com/hrg89z http://prntscr.com/hrg8nr

When we returned to your island, we found the Guild House almost completely surrounded. With great risk and effort, we managed to get around the Snowmen army to enter through the back door. And now I present all the collected items to you, in the hopes that they will be worthy to use in the effort to fight of the Snowking's army.

Your humble servant,
Teppic

Hanta's response to part 5 .... he didn;t have time to go and search for everything but nevertheless .. came up with ... an interesting response to the clues and places to search ....

[didnt go and search instead he mugged everyone as they returned so he had them all]

Everyone thinks they know how all happened. But as always, the official truth hides some inconvenient truths, those that the officers would be embarrassed would they be known…
All started with the hunt of the magical ingredients, so important for the quest that would save them all. Everyone was gathered there, listening everyword, every description, burning them in their minds so they would be sure that they would not overlook that precious plant that could save them all
And when the list was done, everyone run. There were many frozen countries to visit, many miles to cover. All, except one
One that stayed looking at those officers coming back inside, to the nice beer, rum, and warm! And he made his mind

After a few days without news, the officers started to be impatient.
“Where is everyone? We should have news by now. Someone must have found at least one of the ingredients”
But time passed, and no one came. And everyone was more and more nervous
“Something is wrong!”
“What are we going to do if they don’t find anything?”
“Sergeant at arms, go find out what is going on!”
And as soon as they opened the door, they found the infamous scout clouch at his side, taking by the legs another scout and hurrying away
“Bloody hell, they had to come out just now!” And run away. But not fast enough! We was caught just as he was entering a house, and there were a big number of scouts, all nicely tied up
Before anyone understood what was going on, the scout took plenty of list and exclaimed:
“Got all you need here! You see, found them all!”
All the scouts tried to shout, but tied as they were, it was just a big moaning
The truth was not hard to find
“it was too cold out there to bother, and they were already so many looking. Just had to wait for them and pick the locations. But none of the notes made any sence. All those stupid simbols that you call letters are useless! And my master is on holidays, so he could not help either! Do I get my reward? I’m the only one who brough every clue back”
And with a big toothless smile, gave all the papers to a shocked officer

Winter is Coming Part 6

The sergeant-at –Arms Raddichio strode along The Guild Hall Battlements with Maestor Stonewaller. Looking out across the snowy plains. The cold wind making Raddichio’s eyes sting. Maestor Stonewaller seemed unfazed by it.
For the last few days the guild hall had been surrounded by The Snow King’s Snowman army. Some guild members had panicked and tried to get away. Their corpses now lay outside covered with snow. (People who have left the guild during the event :D) Maestor Stonewaller had only one word for them .. “Fools”
A horn blew in the distance. Raddichio cursed as he saw the Snowman army begin to advance. The Maestor simply said “Pfft!” The pair turned and headed down the steps from the battlements and marched into the hall.
In the hall a huge cauldron sat bubbling over the fire. Guild members had been tipping their flower and seed collections in for days. The High Priestesses had been taking turns to stir the mixture.
“Is it ready?” barked Raddichio, “We are out of time, the Snow King’s army approaches”
“1 more day” snapped High Priestess Irobijn, “We can’t rush this”
“We don’t have time” said Raddichio.
Luckydiddy came across and said calmly. “Then we will make time - We must strengthen the defences.”
Every Xmas event achievement you complete will help to boost the defences of the Guild Hall. The more event achievements you have – the stronger the defences will be. You have STRICTLY TILL THE 26th DECEMBER to make sure you have completed as many of the Christmas event achievements as possible. Points scored for each equal to the number of achievement points you have. If you have missed out on any parts .. this is also your FINAL CHANCE to get them done! NO MORE LATE ENTRIES FOR ANY PART AFTER 26th.... all those who have entered at least one part of the crisis event your achievement points will be checked by me (compare achievements) after GQ reset on 26th December.
Final part December 27th (The guild's 5th birthday).

Winter is Coming Part 7

The 4 High Priestesses stood at each corner of the battlements. The cauldron had been carried to the top of the central tower. Along the walls high level members of the guild stood by the cannons and mortars waiting for the order from Maestor Stonewaller to fire. Down in the courtyard the remaining guild members stood in their armor sharpening their swords one last time, though they felt nervous the presence of the Sergeant-at-Arms, and Courageous Explorer Bellengaria gave them confidence. Inside the Hall Maestress Nono had gathered all the youngest guild members, this could not be their fight – not this time.
Across the frozen wastes The Snow King watched his army advance, a sly smile across his face. Soon he would have the gold guild coins.
“FIRE” yelled Maestor Stonewaller. All along the battlements cannons and mortars roared.
The High Priestesses began to chant once more. Orange smoke could be seen coming from the cauldron which began to form a huge cloud overhead.
“FIRE” yelled Maestor Stonewaller again, and once more all along the walls the cannons and mortars roared out.
As the smoke cleared, Maestor Stonewaller looked out across the frozen wastes – the Snowmen were still coming. The cannon had made no difference at all.
The Snow King looked up and saw the huge orange cloud forming overhead. He took a deep breath and blew hard. The wind blew harder… The cloud began to move… away from the battlefield.
The first wave of snowmen started to batter the defensive walls.
“Fall back” yelled Luckydiddy .. “Fall back to the courtyard! We will beat them hand to hand if we have to!”
Down in the courtyard the walls began to shake, the great gateway shook as The Snowmen outside hurled themselves against them.
The Snow King mounted his horse and rode closer to be nearer to the site of his greatest victory.
Rocks began to fall off the walls as they creaked under the onslaught from The Snowmen outside. The huge gates creaked, buckled and then with an almighty crash broke open.
The Snow King sat on his horse in the middle of the gates, his army at his side.
With a wave of his hand the Snowmen began to advance.
Sergeant-at-Arms Raddichio pulled out the legendary sword of Sephuaua. Once again it burst into flame and began to play music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r89CjMZDQpQ
The Snow King looked at Raddichio and said “Lol!” and blew at it hard. Raddichio was blown to the floor “A mere child’s toy” snarled The Snow King “to think YOU could be a top guild … lmao!”
The Snow King marched forward towards Luckydiddy.
“Fall back” Luckydiddy yelled once again.
The remaining guild members and officers moved backwards and into The Great Hall and slammed the great doors behind them.
Inside the hall Luckydiddy ordered everyone to get behind him.
There was a slight tap at the door and the doors blew in.
The force of the doors caving in knocked everyone to the floor. Even Maestress Nono’s hat fell off and rolled across the floor.
The Snow King marched into the hall triumphantly.
He glared at the Holy Horseshoe above the fireplace ..
And it fell…
Breaking in two as it hit the stone floor.
“Kneel before me!” demanded the Snow King “… and I shall let you live as one of my Snowmen… I will not give you another chance”
“Never” replied Luckydiddy “You will have to kill me first”
The Snow King began to laugh .. “Good .. Good .. I wanted to have some fun!” and pointed at Luckydiddy.
As he pointed at Luckydiddy a cone of ice left his finger.
Luckydiddy yelled “NOOOOOOO” as ice began to encase him.
Playmate of the month ________ saw Maestress Nono’s very pointy hat roll in front of them. They grabbed it and charged at the Snow King yelling “Thou shalt not pass!”
The Snow King pointed his fingers at BitterSweet and spears of ice shot out of his fingers…. But as they hit the hat .. they fell to the floor melting instantly.
With a leap the brave Bittersweet jumped at The Snow King plunging the very VERY pointy end of Nono’s hat between the eyes of The Snow King.
The pointy end sank into The Snow King’s forehead and the Snow King turned to water.
The ice surrounding Luckydiddy also turned to water.
And large puddles could be seen on the floor where just moments earlier stood The Snow King’s Snowmen.
High Priestess Luxor looked at Maestress Nono … “Are you sure you put the right thing in Sephuaua’s tomb?”
“What tomb?” Said Nono
Bellengaria helped Luckydiddy to a chair. He turned to the heroic playmate of the month and said “Thank you … you have saved all of us from this crisis”
Maestor Stonewaller went to sit on his chair .. “Crisis .. what crisis? More like a mild dilemma … wake me up if anything serious happens!”
Epilogue
Days later There was a huge celebration in The Great Hall. All the Guild members were there. Music was playing. Nono was proudly wearing her hat once again. The Holy Horseshoe had been repaired and Luckydiddy honoured those members of the guild with property and many gifts for having helped thwart the Snow King….

This Time!

To be continued?

Ultimatly I wanted to "quest" to involve lots of running around .. and pointless activities as I knew when I wrote the first lines of the story .. that the ending was going to be that all the magic McGuffins that were found would be found to be useless .. and the hat mentioned in the very beginning was going to be the "real" item to save the day .. the hat is awarded regularly for guild members that do something .. where .. they really should have known better .. Nastynono in particular is a regular recipient.

Over half the guild took part in one or more stages, and whilst a lot of work was involved with setting it up, getting the officer team "role-playing" their story roles in guild chat to give help, advice ... and just generally causing confusion I still enjoyed it ... I certainl;y never expected so many members to get as involved with the story as to write their own versions to go with their submissions.

In the end over 25k presents were awarded to members for taking part as well as 1 frozen manor, 5 Mag Res's, 20 Noble Resisdences, 20k Grout and a load of other bits and pieces.

A public thanks once again to all who took part, and all who made it into such an enjoyable event - I had never done anything like this before... maybe one day I will do again .. but not for a long time.

If you have read through all this .... thanks - hope you enjoyed the story.

Luckydiddy
Leader of Amazonian Settlers [ZON]
Northisle

there was a lot of work put into this
so special thanks to luckydiddy and many thanks to all who took part to make this an event to remember
congratulations amazonian settlers (zon)

This was/is so much fun! And with all the member's "side tracks" to the story!!! Just great!!! Thanks to all in ZON who made this the most fun crisis event I have lived through (almost) during my 5 years here! And I got my hat back!!! Horraaaaaay!!!
/Nastynono

Our guild, the hellfire club ran a christmas lotto instead with prizes ranging from arabian residences, friaries and magnificent residences down to 20k beans, granite etc etc, though of course this isn't guild recruitment either...........

This was my first time doing this even at Zon.
It'was lots of funn once you started you didnt want to stop and wanted to go on.
Thanks for all who contributed!