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[Gudrean]

I'm cool with 1

[Ithillian Turambar]

Time for a walk

 

---

Story:
You gather your belongings, secure the Codex beneath your arm, and bid farewell to the Guardian. With the freshly refined Veilbrand Surge in your arsenal, your path is clear: it’s time to return to the Temple of Still Waters and explore what was once sealed.

The trail eastward winds through shaded woodlands and along quiet rivers. The air is damp and heavy, water magic humming faintly in the leaves. Your elemental sensitivity causes pulses of magic to echo faintly through the trees—something is watching.

You continue for hours until…

---

Random Encounter: River Wraiths!

You are crossing a mossy stone bridge, surrounded by mist and the soft rush of the river below. As the path narrows, the mist grows thicker… colder. You pause.

Then—they rise.

Three River Wraiths emerge from the water, glowing with spectral blue light. Their forms shimmer like oil on water, and their eyes burn with distorted sorrow. One howls and rushes forward.

Your Codex pulses with warning.

---

Battle Begins: River Wraith Encounter
Enemies: 3 River Wraiths (Water-Spirit type, weak to fire and clarity-based spells)
Environment: Narrow bridge over flowing river, slick surface
Current Stats:

• HP: 26 / 26
• EP: 16 / 16
• Veilbrand Surge: Available and free on first use
• Inventory: Rations (3), Firegems (3), Scroll of Flameweaving
• Notable Spells:
  • Veilbrand Surge (Level 2)
  • Emberlash (Level 2)
  • Boiling Lance
  • Water Barrier
  • Soul Veil

---

Battle Options – Choose One:

1. Cast Veilbrand Surge to attack all enemies and attempt Spirit-based cleansing. (Free this round. May calm or destroy Wraiths.)
2. Use Emberlash to strike one Wraith with intense fire damage. (Chance for Echo effect from the Gauntlet.)
3. Cast Soul Veil to read their intent and possibly avoid combat. (Might reveal if they can be reasoned with.)
4. Use a Firegem to supercharge your next Fire spell. (Boosts damage greatly for one turn.)
5. Attempt to retreat back to the riverbank. (Risk of taking damage or being surrounded.)

What will you do?

[Turin Turambar]

Might disable, might calm. Seems balanced. Plus is free. Let's try it out.

[Ithillian Turambar]

Let's try out that new spell

 

---

Battle Update:

You take a deep breath, grounding yourself on the slick surface of the bridge. As the Wraiths close in, you raise your hand—and Veilbrand Surge answers your call.

The glyph ignites in the air as a torrent of scalding, soul-infused water bursts forward in a wide arc.

The bridge floods with blinding steam.

• The first Wraith is struck dead-on and dissolves instantly, its cry fading into peace.
• The second staggers backward, its glow dimmed. It is cleansed of its rage, now trembling, uncertain.
• The third resists but is knocked off-balance. Its essence flickers with confusion as the Spirit infusion takes hold.

All three are affected—none remain fully hostile.

The mist clears. You stand alone on the bridge, steam curling around your boots, Codex pulsing softly in your hand.

---

Battle Outcome:

• 1 Wraith defeated
• 2 Wraiths pacified (no longer hostile)
• No further combat needed
• Veilbrand Surge now on cooldown (1 encounter)

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 26 / 26
• EP: 16 / 16 (no cost used due to meditation bonus)
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Water: 15
  • Fire: 10
  • Spirit: 11
• Spell Cooldowns:
  • Veilbrand Surge: On cooldown
• Inventory: (unchanged)
• Gained EXP: +2 Water, +1 Spirit
• Fatigue from travel and spellcasting: -2 HP

Final HP after travel and combat: 24 / 26

---

You arrive at the Temple of Still Waters.

The gates are quiet—but alive. The Codex reacts to the now-cleansed energy around you. The sealed warded sanctum opens to your approach.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Sealed Sanctum and explore the hidden chamber.
2. Rest briefly outside the temple to recover HP and restore spell cooldowns.
3. Search the temple grounds for hidden caches or magical inscriptions.
4. Inspect the Codex for a new reaction after using Veilbrand Surge successfully.
5. Use a Ration Pack to heal before entering the sanctum.

[Turin Turambar]

I think 3 or 4.

 

Edited April 9 by Turin Turambar
Mathsarehard

[Gudrean]

what about 3 @Turin Turambar

[Turin Turambar]

Loot is always good  but I wanted to see if the book got buffed. Soon it might just defeat everything for us.

 

Which leaves us free

TO LOOOOOOOT!!!

[Ithillian Turambar]

 

---

Story:
Standing before the now-open gate of the Sealed Sanctum, you pause—hand resting lightly on the Codex as it vibrates softly beneath your fingers. The arcane pages turn on their own, shimmering with fresh glyphwork.

A new glyph, curved like a spiral wave with a flame-threaded core, begins to glow across the margin. The Codex has recorded your successful use of Veilbrand Surge not just as a spell, but as a keystone act of balance.

It opens a side panel in the Codex you’ve never seen before—marked with five tiny, empty recesses.

A phrase appears:

"One for each altar… one surge to awaken the path."

You realize now: the Veilbrand Surge isn’t merely a powerful hybrid spell. It is the first of five Fused Keys, one from each elemental altar. When all five are earned, they will unlock a secret sealed chamber—perhaps even the Heart of the Elements itself.

The panel accepts your spell signature and fills the first recess with a glowing blue-red-white gem:
Fused Key 1/5: Flame of the Still Waters

---

Codex Update:

New Quest Subgoal Added:

• Collect all 5 Fused Keys from elemental altars by mastering a Weave Fusion aligned with each one.
• 1/5 collected. (Temple of Still Waters: Complete)
• Next altars: Earth, Air, Spirit, and the final unknown.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 24 / 26
• EP: 16 / 16
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Water: 15
  • Fire: 10
  • Spirit: 11
• Inventory:
  • Fused Key 1/5: Flame of the Still Waters (NEW)
  • Pyreheart Core
  • All other items unchanged
• Spell Book:
  • Veilbrand Surge (on cooldown – 1 encounter)
  • All other spells unchanged
• Passives & Augments:
  • Fused Key Panel Unlocked in Codex
  • Unified Elemental Bond
  • Elemental Weave Core
  • Arcane Conduit Synergies (unchanged)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You discovered that Veilbrand Surge has activated the first of five Fused Keys, hidden within your Codex. These keys are tied to unlocking the final path to the Heart of the Elements.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Sealed Sanctum and explore its inner depths.
2. Rest outside the temple to recover HP and reset spell cooldowns.
3. Search the temple grounds for magical inscriptions or items.
4. Ask the Codex to reveal visions tied to the next Fused Key.
5. Use a Ration Pack to fully heal before heading into danger.

[Aarenis]

Voting for recovery first.

[Donchadh]

Then loot search afterwards?

[Ithillian Turambar]

Maybe, but let's rest first

 

---

Story:
You step back from the sanctum’s threshold and settle beneath the arched roots of a water-slicked tree nearby, still within sight of the temple’s glowing entrance. The air is cool here, infused with soft mist and the gentle babble of flowing water.

You unroll your bedroll and breathe deeply, letting the elemental aura of the temple restore your focus. The Codex rests on your chest, pulsing in sync with your breath as your body mends and your magic calms.

---

You complete a Short Rest.

• Recovered: 50% of missing HP → +1 HP
• Veilbrand Surge cooldown refreshed
• Minor insight bonus from proximity to Water Altar: +1 Water EXP

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 26
• EP: 16 / 16
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Water: 16
  • Fire: 10
  • Spirit: 11
  • Air: 2
  • Earth: 2
• Inventory: (unchanged)
• Spell Book:
  • Veilbrand Surge (Level 2) (Ready to cast again)
  • All other spells unchanged
• Codex Status:
  • Fused Key Panel: 1/5 keys collected
  • Pyreheart Core active
  • Unified Elemental Bond, Elemental Weave Core (active)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You’ve fully recovered from your earlier journey and are now ready to face the sanctum refreshed. Veilbrand Surge is primed for use, and your connection to the Water element continues to grow.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Sealed Sanctum and explore the hidden chamber.
2. Ask the Codex if Veilbrand Surge may trigger deeper reactions within the temple.
3. Search the temple grounds for hidden relics or water-infused gear.
4. Inspect the Pyreheart Core for resonance within the Water Temple.
5. Use a Ration Pack to restore your remaining 1 HP.

[Gudrean]

loot now? 😃

[Turin Turambar]

Loooooooot!!!!!!!

[Donchadh]

Loot, loot, loot, loot!!!

[Ithillian Turambar]

Ok goblins.

 

---

Story:
With your energy replenished and the sanctum waiting, you take a moment to explore the outer grounds of the Temple of Still Waters. The stone paths, long overgrown with soft moss and glimmering blue algae, conceal small alcoves carved into the cliff walls.

You pass a faded statue of a robed figure pouring an endless stream of water from a jug into a circular basin. As your fingers brush the edge of the basin, a soft click echoes beneath your palm.

The moss slides away, revealing a small hidden compartment.

Inside, you find:

• A Sealed Waterskin etched with silver runes, still full and cold to the touch.
• A Polished Riverstone Amulet, pulsing faintly with magical energy.
• A bundle of dried wavefruit wrapped in cloth—rare, long-lasting rations that restore both body and spirit.

The Codex hums quietly, recognizing the magical items and cataloging them.

---

Items Found:

1. Waterskin of Endless Refreshment (Rare Consumable – 3 uses)

   Restores +6 HP and +4 EP per use. Refills automatically after a long rest.

2. Riverstone Amulet (New Accessory)

   Passive: Grants +1 Water Strength while worn. Also grants minor protection against Spirit-based attacks.

3. Wavefruit Rations (2)

   Each restores +3 HP and +2 EP when used. Counts as food for resting bonuses.

You sling the amulet around your neck and take a deep breath. The nearby waters ripple in quiet approval.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 26
• EP: 16 / 16
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Water: 17 (includes +1 from Riverstone Amulet)
  • Fire: 10
  • Spirit: 11
  • Air: 2
  • Earth: 2
• Inventory Additions:
  • Waterskin of Endless Refreshment (3 uses)
  • Riverstone Amulet (equipped)
  • Wavefruit Rations (2)
• Spell Book & Codex: (Unchanged)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You discovered a hidden cache near the temple—gaining powerful consumables and a new water-attuned amulet. Your Water Strength has increased, and your supplies are in excellent condition for whatever awaits in the sealed chamber.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Sealed Sanctum and face whatever lies within.
2. Use the Waterskin or Wavefruit to top off your HP and EP before entering.
3. Examine the Riverstone Amulet more closely for hidden inscriptions.
4. Ask the Codex if the amulet resonates with Veilbrand Surge.
5. Leave the temple for now and prepare further at the Sacred Grove.

[Donchadh]

Details, details, details...

[Gudrean]

3 or 4

[Ithillian Turambar]

We shall use our detective skills and see if we can get any more freebies from our loot lol

 

---

Story:
Curious about the Riverstone Amulet, you step into a shaft of filtered light beneath the temple’s arching trees and lift the smooth stone medallion toward your Codex.

As it catches the light, faint runes shimmer across its surface—previously invisible. You concentrate, and the Codex responds by projecting an overlay of elemental symbols across the amulet’s curved face.

The inscription reads:

“When Spirit and Water flow as one, truth may pass unseen.”

The Codex pulses again and reveals a hidden function:

---

Riverstone Amulet – Hidden Passive Unlocked

While wearing the amulet:

• You gain +1 Water Strength (already applied)
• In areas infused with water or spirit (like temples, shrines, or misty places), your Veilbrand Surge becomes stealth-infused:
  • First strike gains a chance to avoid alerting nearby enemies
  • Cleansing effect gains greater accuracy and may dispel hidden illusions

The runes fade, and the amulet hums faintly against your chest. It’s more than a trinket—it's an attunement tool, likely designed for the challenges that lie deeper in the temple.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 26
• EP: 16 / 16
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Water: 17 (includes Riverstone Amulet)
  • Fire: 10
  • Spirit: 11
  • Air: 2
  • Earth: 2
• Inventory Update:
  • Riverstone Amulet (Equipped – Hidden Passive: Stealth Surge in water/spirit areas)
  • Waterskin of Endless Refreshment (3 uses)
  • Wavefruit Rations (2)
  • All other items unchanged
• Codex Note Added:
  • “Elemental accessories may unlock hidden functions when examined near matching altars.”

---

Outcome of the Choice:
By closely inspecting the Riverstone Amulet, you unlocked a stealth enhancement to Veilbrand Surge when used in watery or spiritual environments—perfect for what awaits within the sealed sanctum.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Sealed Sanctum and explore the inner chamber.
2. Cast Soul Veil to test for hidden illusions near the chamber entrance.
3. Rest once more to solidify elemental resonance before entry.
4. Use Wavefruit or Waterskin to reach full HP before going in.
5. Ask the Codex if more artifacts like this one might lie deeper in the temple.

[Turin Turambar]

Let's just go in. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

We are still waiting at the door. What's the matter? Does no one speak elvish?

 

 

 

[Turin Turambar]

Mellon! 

Alohomora!!

Candygram!!!

[Ithillian Turambar]

No Leeroy Jenkins today!

 

---

Story:
As you approach the threshold of the Sealed Sanctum, a sense of quiet tension fills the air. The mist drifts unnaturally here, as if guided by invisible currents. Recalling the inscription on your Riverstone Amulet—“truth may pass unseen”—you decide not to enter blindly.

You steady your breathing and extend one hand. Your fingertips glow with silver-white threads as you cast Soul Veil.

The spell slides over the world like a second skin—soft, perceptive, revealing.

And then… it shifts.

Two faint humanoid outlines appear on either side of the sanctum entrance—illusory guardians hidden in the mist. They aren’t moving, but they pulse with defensive intent.

They’re not hostile. Not yet. But entering without permission could trigger their wrath.

---

Revealed by Soul Veil:

• Sanctum Guardians (Illusory) – Bound to detect and repel intruders.
• Intent: “Test those who walk the balanced path.”
• Emotion: Neutral. Watching.
• Note: Their forms ripple in response to Spirit-based cleansing or insight magic.

The Codex hums and flashes a short phrase on its page:

“The sanctum tests more than power. Approach with harmony.”

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 26
• EP: 14 / 16 (Soul Veil cast)
• Veilbrand Surge: Ready (with stealth bonus from Riverstone Amulet)
• Elemental Strengths: (unchanged)
• Spell Book Cooldown: Soul Veil on 1-turn cooldown
• Inventory: (unchanged)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
Your Soul Veil revealed two hidden illusory guardians at the sanctum gate. They are not immediately hostile but may respond to your next action. You’ve uncovered a spiritual challenge—not a brute-force one.

---

Next Choices:

1. Cast Veilbrand Surge gently into the space between the guardians to signal balance.
2. Speak to the guardians, using your Spirit affinity to attempt a peaceful approach.
3. Attempt to walk through quietly, trusting the stealth effect of your amulet.
4. Use the Orb of Purity to cleanse the space and dispel remaining illusions.
5. Back away and observe their reaction from a distance.

[Turin Turambar]

Not sneak.  Not back away.

I prefer 4, or 2, or 1 of viable alternatives. In that order.

[Donchadh]

I think #2.  Let's try diplomacy before we try to "magik" them...

[Aarenis]

  On 4/10/2025 at 2:07 PM, Donchadh said:

I think #2.  Let's try diplomacy before we try to "magik" them...

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