The widespread rumors about this year's festivity were quickly confirmed. The giant Vault, installed in the Great Capital, would in no way remain secret, yet it was unavailable to common public until the very Holiday.
It was known that the Vault stored many gifts, yet they weren't designed for every player. Only those who would be confirmed worthy by the Sphynx, could get a compartment to loot. What wasn't known was the contents of that vault, as well as the conditions for opening the compartments. The Lords staning in queue to visit the Sphynx cavern and take this year's challenge, seemed much more nervous than a merry Holiday would make them to.
It wasn't long until the Herald appeared on the Central Square to disperse their speculations:
"Dear Lords of the Empire! It is indeed that time of the year again. Magic is all around, the Statue has revived, you can also feel your restoration happen faster. Christmas Eve is on its way into our lives and into our hearts, and it is my utmost pleasure to express the Court's and mine, sincerest congratulations.
This year, Her Majesty has prepared a special trait for you: the Gift Vault. As you might have already heard, all of those who visit the Sphynx and take Her challenge will be able to loot their special compartments.
However, there is a tiny nuisance problem: the batch of magical keys, Trinkets, necessary for opening the compartments, has been lost, the trinkets are now scattered throughout the Empire territory. Every Lord would need to find the correct combination of trinkets to open his or her compartment. Trinkets are magical, thus they attract wild beings, and I am most sure that by now, each one is already worshiped by a band of neural creatures." |
