October 13, 2025

Ask Corner - The NPCs Celebrate You!

Swordhaven Castle's Heroic Celebration

Cylisse here! The team's super happy you all enjoyed the party your friends threw for you in Swordhaven Castle! Space was limited, so we couldn't fit all of the NPCs into the guestlist. I noticed a lot of players were curious about what the absent characters' gifts could have been.

On X, BlueSky, and Tumblr, I opened the floor for our players to ask about that! What would this NPC's present be if they had attended the party (and, in certain cases, were alive). It's going to be hard to top a piece of Gravelyn's rib, but there've been some hardcore tries on this list.

Here's a big list of gifts you could have gotten from friends, rivals, antagonists, and everything inbetween!

Note: I realized halfway through that questions asked on X would get shorter replies because of the character limit. Oopsie, I'll remember to account for that next time.

Abel 

Abel is one of those special cases. He wants to get a gift for the Hero, but it can’t be too obvious or else the Hero would reject it. Abel’s new “friends” would help him get it delivered. Maybe it’s a book, or some candy, just a present he knows is something that’ll make his Hero smile. 

Then, he might treat himself and make a small ice sculpture of the Hero’s smile. That’s all Abel will get to have now, cause he’ll never see it in person again.

Anethyx'o 

Their gift is an early retirement! It comes as a large flaming sword shot from space, aimed directly at the Hero's heart! It's a one-off attempt that should have been done in person. The Hero's just going to think "Wow, a free sword fell out of the sky." 

Aranx 

A hollow crystal pendant filled with pure water from the Celestial Realm. Aranx and his sisters were born there. Looking at it a certain way, they wouldn't have been born if it wasn't for the Hero. The gift is a symbol of this shared connection, and is a reminder that even though your adventures may take you far away, you're not alone. 

The Arcana 

The Arcana would send a leafy branch from another planet that they came across drifting through the cosmos. Even though many met their end because of the fusion, many were born and continued living too. Maybe you’ll get to see them for yourself one day.

The Astral Empyrean 

It's a star map that suspiciously looks like blueprints for a new giant temple. This one has 28 buildings, restaurants, gift shops with charms of the Empyrean and the Hero, and gondolas that take visitors up to the mountain peak. Isn't that cool? Don't you want to duel there?

Astero 

A hug. Astero would welcome you into the warmth of the Lightguard like a guiding father, give you a hearty hug, and a friendly pat on the back! What happens after that? Who knows. The Hero definitely wouldn't take a chance like that, even if they were morbidly curious.

Big Daddy and Big Mama 

For a genuine gift, it'd be a "princess" or "prince" day where the Hero is treated like a fairytale royal, and doted on by all of Big Daddy's helpers! 

Big Mama would do the same thing but...she'll throw in a little mayhem to encourage the Hero's 'prospects' to come rescue them.

Brentan 

Before he lost Brittany, Brentan had a lot of dreams for the future. Even though they aren't possible anymore, he still clung to them. Those dreams included the Hero. Brentan wanted them to eventually become the godparent to his children. 

Traditionally, this honor would have gone to a blood-related family member or another noble, and they'd be given one of the Neverglades family treasures engraved with the baby's name. 

That can't happen anymore, but Brentan would still give the Hero a gold pocket-watch that's embedded with an emerald from one of his crowns. Brentan, Brittany, Victoria, Tara, and the Hero's name are carved into it in Brentan's handwriting. 

Chairman Platinum 

You now have a free subscription to Ebil Corp’s daily meal kit service - Salutations Processed! Actually, the free trial period expired a week ago. This month’s bill will be sent by mail. Want to unsubscribe? Add yourself to the waitlist. An operator will be available in 3 years.

Darkon 

He'd compose a piece about the Hero, or perhaps who they are to each other. It'd start out small, but then he'd get carried away and even agonize over it until it grew into a monster of a composition. I imagine it'd give the same feelings as Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. 

King Drago 

An extremely demeaning gesture. He'd have you kneel for a head pat. Drago won't even attend the party himself. He's sitting on his throne, and expects you to come over for it.

Grimskull 

Grimskull builds a dungeon just for you! In fact, you wake up in it. Your own house has been converted into a giant escape room! Following the many projects that drained Grimskull's funds, he has to open this to the public. Other people have paid to have this experience with you.

Haurvat 

Haurvat's creator has everything. There is nothing they haven't accomplished. Anything more is clutter. But, to honour his creator's alternate self (you), he'll pick up something you missed along your journey. Perhaps it's a rare item, a class, or access to a quest.

Illaria 

Illaria would have tried to come up with a group gift with Indradeep and Felix at first, but all of them decide individual gifts would feel more special. 

Flowers or charms wouldn’t be enough for the person who saved her family and home. So Illaria goes totally overboard and attempts to cast a self geas, essentially cursing herself to always be a loyal friend to the Hero or else she’ll drop dead. 

The gift ends up freaking the Hero out. They gently convince Illaria that they’d prefer crafting a Skye Knot together instead.

Jaania (the real one you have yet to meet in AQWorlds at this time)

It'd be a patch of tree bark. The surface is rough and bumpy, but the other side has a prophecy of the future. You don't need to read it if it makes you feel trapped, but Jaania believes in destiny. That there's a reason for everything. It brings her comfort, and maybe it'll do the same for you. 

Khazri 

If the Avatars were gutsy enough to send gifts, Khazri's would feel genuine and heartfelt, but strange. It's a shower of flower petals sent by a cool breeze blowing in from her own Plane. They rain for one beautiful, joyful moment, and are gone in the next.

Flowers? Growing there? Something tells you that Khazri took a great risk by showing you that there's more than just air in her realm.

Aurola (La) 

La's gift is a day out in a meadow, which is an activity she'd treat Darkon to from time to time. No one's around. No one's going to bother you. If you feel like going into a town, she'll grab you a funny hat so no one will recognize who you are. It doesn't matter if the sky is falling or if the world is going to end this very second. Today is your day. Sometimes, it's incredibly fulfilling to lay on the grass, and count the clouds with a friend. 

Lae 

This one might come off as self-centered and perhaps a little careless, but Lae wanted to prove that he listened to the Hero during their time together. It's a tiny and delicate Hollowborn butterfly in a box, filled with everything it needs to be comfortable of course. Something like this wasn't even considered a possibility before, but Lae must have helped it out somehow.

The Hero is meant to set it free.

Lieber 

Lieber would lay low, and 'accidentally' bump into one of the party crashers the Hero expressed annoyance at. That person would do something funny, or end up bashing their head against a wall over and over. Then again, Lieber could be out there naming a street after them.

Lionfang (Player specified him as he was prior to /BlackHorn) 

Let's say this is Lionfang in a past state where he hasn't formally been introduced to the Hero, but has heard about them from King Alteon. Additionally, his loss of faith in King Alteon isn't that bad yet. Otherwise the obvious answer would be sending the Hero a 'second chance' letter offering them a special opportunity to condemn the Alliance with their heart and soul. Or it'd be an invitation to face him in an honourable fight to the death.

In the aforementioned calmer headspace, Lionfang would send an actual "Good" gift, which is a colourful elastic bracelet. If you have a bad thought like "I have doubts about my liege" or "today feels like a catnap day," then you'd tug on the bracelet and it'd snap back. The sting from it is meant to lightly 'snap' you back into the right and moral mindset without scaring anyone. Lionfang has gotten much use out of these! In fact, he's broken more than thirty of them. One day, the last one snapped and he never got another.

Malgor 

If Malgor, as he is now, could give you a gift, he'd jump at the chance to make it himself. It'd be a badge! A really cool one that's red and black and on fire. The Hero likes badges a lot, he can tell. 

But, the Hero also doesn't like anything that goes too far, so Malgor would keep this part a secret. If they wear the badge, all of their negative feelings would be transferred over to Malgor. Is that healthy? No, definitely not, but this is what he was born for, right? 

Mirror Malgor

Seeing the main-verse's Hero would push Mirrorgor off the edge. He'd tell you there's an IODA in this box, but you'll have stretch to reach. It's pretty deep. Then he'd grab you by the ankles, flip you into the box, slam the lid closed, and drag you into the Mirror Realm (this is a joke...maybe)

The Mysterious Stranger 

The MS would invite you to a super, secret, special spot. A quiet corner to share a whisper, but you have to go alone. Be completely alone with the MS. It wouldn’t be a proper gift otherwise! No one else would ever get this offer. Isn’t that exciting?

Regulus (Re) 

Re would give you a limited edition box set of of her favorite slasher movie series! Except you wouldn't know if they're actually movies or live footage. Also, she'd break into your house whenever she wants to rewatch them.

[EXISTENCE HAS CEASED] 

ifykyk

Oooh, this is a dangerous one to answer. 

There's not much more they can give, but perhaps the Hero will have sweeter dreams. They might see friends they haven't made yet. Think of this as those certain individuals vouching for future faces you'll see one day. 

Safiria
The obvious answer is Vampirism, but she wouldn't put you in a situation where you'd squirm, trying to figure out if this was a joke or not.

Since this is a birthday celebration, or something very similar, Safiria would present a physical gift - a small black winged Darkovia Paradise Moth in a golden cage. It's considered very rare since the majority of the species are white with green wings. Don't worry, you don't need to feed it...that means this is a Vampire isn't it. This is a Vampire that turns into a moth, and they're keeping tabs on you, huh. Thank you, your majesty.

Sepulchure (Player specifically asked for Seppy if his mind was free from Shadowy influence) 

In that state, he is Gravelyn's father before anything else. In gratitude for supporting her and helping her grow into her own person, Seppy would give the Hero something meaningful and unique. Different from what he'd give to Lynaria or Alden...ah. Like daughter, like father...

Gravy looking at her dad like "I can't believe you copied me" except its a kneecap that attracts dark forces. The Hero gets to choose what to do to the fish that come biting. I mean, it could be a symbol that makes SS minions kneel, but the Hero already has the clout for that.

Titania (Ti) 

If Titania got to know you more, he'd make chocolate eclairs, each with different colours and flavours. One for each note on the scale, one for the conductor, and one for the star performer - you.

Tyndarius 

Tyndarius has a domestic side to him, one that his men know well. He'd serve the Hero up a hearty bowl of Melas Zomos. Who wouldn't love a blood, vinegar, onion stew? (Everyone actually). He's not actually trying to kill the Hero. This'll toughen them up. 

"It is natural for the Firestorm Onslaught to be the bravest of warriors. For anyone who is right in their senses would rather die ten thousand times over than eat as miserably as this. Just don't tell Tyndarius. I don't know it would hurt his feelings."

Vath 

There's already an anecdote of Vath giving the Hero something for Hero's Heart Day (/Arcadia), but he'd do something different for this kind of party.

Drow, like Elves, pride themselves in preserving their history. Sometimes, just the good parts. Vath would send you a giant book of poems that praise his strength, charisma, and good looks. Drow traitors were forced to write them with their own blood. It cuts off on certain pages when the 'poets' run out of 'ink.' 

Vohu 

Your ever-dutiful Second Speaker tends to all of her responsibilities with efficiency and confidence. Arranging a gift for you, however, makes her hands shake.

Vohu arranges a tea party with all the Speakers, like the ones the friends of the Sovereign Eternal used to have with them. Admittedly, the Second Speaker dearly wanted to be a part of one too.

Unfortunately, their Creator takes no notice, far too distant from what they used to be to even feel a stir of emotion. Malgor ends up being the one attendee, despite having the right to say "I told you so."

Volgritian 

Before his capture, Volg would have grabbed a manticore head or shared another large beast carcass with the Hero. A treasure to add to the Hero's hoard would've worked too, but Lady Celestia wanted to help Volg make something instead. The gift is a drawing of him and the Hero in human forms.  

It's like a promise that Volg will get better, and hang out with the Hero. They sure like being a 'human.' Volg wants to try it out too. (Jadzia, Maya, Illaria, Felix, Ariel, Song, and other Termina Temple residents agree that Volg's supposed human form's kinda...waow. How does Celesita know this?)

Vordred 

 Sally or Noxus would put Vordred up to this. He'd point at the Hero's head, say "YOU ARE IN NEED OF A NEW SKULL. REJOICE, MORTAL. I WILL GIVE YOU ONE" and try to swap it out with an okay skull he's fine parting with. Then, boom. He'd have the Hero's skull. Genius.

Yiren 

This pertains to the Yiren you know now, outside of Wuji. Not what he’s like in Wuji.

He’s out there exploring Greenguard, and would send the head of a giant beast he slew like a “wish you were here!” gift. It’s basically an invitation, and you can take him up on it anytime.

Did your favorite character make it to the list?

If they didn't, don't worry! This little interaction activity was really fun! I definitely want to try opening an 'ask corner' like this again in the future. Thanks for joining in! We're looking forward for another year of zany fun and juicy drama! Stay tuned! The Birthday Celebration was smaller this year because we're prepping a big three part Mogloween special!