Character name: Xian Meng
World name: Ultros
In-game Item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit
Component name: Putrid Maw

It was early one morning as I returned from an adventure deep into the bowels of Haukke Manor, expelling the voidsent held within back to the eternal blackness of the Void, when I stumbled across something even more terrifying lurking in the swamps nearby - the mighty Halitostroper.



For many long moments I hid within the bushes, monitoring the monstrosities with a careful and well-hidden gaze, I quickly noted how the local fauna gave a wide berth to their putrid and slimy bathing hole. Perhaps they were terrified by the creatures mighty size. Perhaps even the menacing lines of sharp, arm-length teeth kept unhidden in their massive, gaping maw. Or perhaps because of the unforgettable stench of what seemed like rotting mudpuppy flesh, sweltering boar dung and Goblin herbs.

It was with these realizations that I came up with a brilliant idea (Although in hindsight, the world 'brilliant' could be highly debated upon) due to an discussion with some comrades within my Linkshell about the possibility of aerial exploration. Imagine, outfitting the forecastle of an airship with the likeness of a morbol's mighty jaw! Such an intimidating presence would likely keep all manner of aerial enemies at bay that would want to do harm to it's crew. Not to mention, it'd look horrifyingly amazing.

So it was to be, with my bow in hand, that I engaged the Halitostroper in combat. I figured if I could procure some of it's tentacles and teeth, my crafter friends would be able to use it in some way to create my plan. Although it went well for the first few moments, events soon turned sour the moment the creatures maw belched the most repulsive, putrid thing I had ever had the ill fortune of smelling.



Immediately all strength had left my body, as I fell to my knees and began to feel the contents of my Pipira Pira resurfacing to grace the world with it's partially dissolved presence. Disoriented and gasping for anything resembling fresh air, my eyes focused long enough to find the Halitostroper's cavernous maw aiming to devour me whole! Grabbing my bow, I fire as straight a shot as anyone could call it at the moment, before regaining what little strength I had to repel myself away whilst landing a few quick shots to stall the beast. Gaining some distance from the creature, I begin to turn and run, deciding it be best to return at a later date with a few friends (as well as a change of clothes) to finish the job. Perhaps I'll bring something to help me alleviate the stench ... perhaps a cloth or scarf to cover my mouth. With copious amounts of perfumes and herbal sprays.

In the meantime, I'll be spending a few moons bathing here in the nearby waters of the Everschade. Yes, there may be the occasional slug in these waters ... but anything is better than the smell currently stained in the pores of my skin from that encounter.