THE ETHER HUNT HAS BEGUN!

Join the fun by participating in prompts, exploring Sweetheart Summit, and much more!

Story

The road gives way to pink soil as you near the foot of Sweetheart Summit, and your heart aflutters for the upcoming race. Your bags are well-secured at your side and your resolve is steeled: this will be the year to win it all in the race to the mountain’s peak!

The crowd's murmur crescendos as you enter a labyrinth of stands strung together by multicoloured tarps. Your eyes are illuminated by every glistening gemstone and tool on display while shopkeepers chat from behind counters and wooden cases.

You find a clearing along the shops' outskirts and settle down to rest your legs from the long journey. You unlatch the bags from your side and begin to take inventory. As you do, someone takes notice and drifts to join you in the rising sunbeam.

“Hello,” a dark aqualox gestures to the spot next to you. “May I?”

You shrug your shoulders but pull your supplies closer as the stranger takes a seat.

“I’m not here to steal anything,” the ‘lox says. “Well, maybe your time.”

You raise your brow.

The aqualox extends his paw. “Othello.”

You eye the gesture warily.

“I figured I'd introduce myself before asking favours, but I can be straightforward if you prefer. I’m new around here and am looking to team up with someone experienced in racing to the summit,” Othello watches your expression. “I can help you during the race.

“My specialty is healing magic — I don’t need to explain that benefit. I’ve also done some investigating on the other contestants and have learned a few of their tricks and shortcuts. With me by your side, I assure you the race will come easier than any other year before.”

With the memory of last year’s mountain beasts, unsteady trails, and strange phenomena, you cannot deny Othello’s claim. On the other hand…

You ask Othello why another team hasn’t accepted him into their group.

“Easy: you’re the first one I’ve asked to join. I listened to conversations while walking the stalls, but nobody caught my attention. Then I saw you over here with your supplies, and thought ‘That’s an aqualox who knows a thing or two.’”

A faint tinge of smoke tickles your nose and Othello’s ears perk up toward a pair of goggles resting in the grass. You move the glass lenses out of the sunlight and into the shadow of your bag, but the hint of smoke clings to your sinuses. Othello shakes out his fins and rises from his seat.

“Seemingly not everything, though,” Othello winks. “Still, consider my offer and let me know your decision. I’ll be around, although I hope fire won’t be the reason we meet again.”

Othello smiles at his own joke as he turns to reunite with the rest of the crowd. Your whiskers twitch as you begin repacking your things, the goggles stone cold as you slip them into the bag.

Event

Pack your bags and sharpen your swords; the month of the Ether Hunt has arrived! Are you ready to take on the challenges that await you at the Sweetheart Summit? We hope you are, as you've met someone intriguing this year…

New Community Character

Meet Othello, the strange aqualox has asked to accompany you for this year’s Ether Hunt. He introduces himself as a ‘lox trained in healing magic, an undoubtedly useful skill if he’s telling the truth! Will you allow him to accompany you during the holiday?

Activities

Raffles, explorations, and prompts galore! Click the banners below to learn more about the Ether Hunt and all the activities Ether Hunt 2025 has to offer -- including not one, but two design raffles!

REMINDERS

• February’s monthly prompts have been refreshed.
  • Poco Discovery features the Ancient Poco this month.
  • Assemble a snack board for rewards from the Activity Corner.
• Our seasonal prompts rollover to spring on March 20th
  • There was a hiccup that caused our winter prompts to be accidentally hidden. If you need an extension, please message AnimatedCritter or create a post in Prompt Ask.
• Looking for a new friend? The Shelter has three designs in search of a good home!
• Want game reminders or to chat with fellow players? Join us on the official Discord server!