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[Turin Turambar]

2 or 4? Quick meditation before bed.

 

Also, yay free stay. 

[Millon]

Yayyyyyyy! We at the PUUUUUUB!!! Bootsnpantsnboitsnpantsnbootsnpants!

 

Nah! It ain’t proper to not hit up the Inn keeper. What could possibly go awry with a simple conversation?

 

Talk to the Inn keeper!

[Donchadh]

Speak with the Innkeeper...give him a few lines to be added to our Epic Ballad of Heroism....

 

[Ithillian Turambar]

Looks like I have to make the casting vote, and I think I'd rather talk to the cultist in the morning, when I'm rested and it's not dark.

 

Story Update – Day 6, Nightfall
Location: Windrest Hollow – Hearthrest Inn, Back Room
Status: Fatigue: High (will lower after rest) | HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16

---

You make your way toward the back of the inn, where Halwen is restocking shelves with quiet efficiency. At your approach, he pauses, then gestures to a smaller table set aside from the main room—more private.

He sits, pouring two small cups of spiced plum tea.

“There’s a calm over Windrest Hollow tonight,” he begins. “Too calm, if you ask me.”

He leans forward, lowering his voice.

“A few things you might want to know… since you've returned from Skyreach:”

• “A trader came through earlier today, spooked. Swore he saw silhouettes dancing in the Verdant Hollow—roots moving on their own. Said he wouldn’t camp near there again.”
  (Hint: Earth Temple stirring)

• “That cultist of yours? Still breathing, still silent. But… our warding glyph cracked earlier. Just faintly. Didn’t trip the alert sigils, but I trust my eyes.”
  (Hint: Possible magical interference or influence)

• “And lastly…” He frowns.
  “There’s a storm forming again. Not natural. Something about it feels… reflective, like a mirror catching too many skies.”
  (Hint: Possible Spirit + Air event brewing)

Codex Insight: Three anomaly threads registered

• Verdant Hollow activity (Earth)
• Cultist aura disturbance (Spirit?)
• Skymirror Storm forming (Air + Spirit)

---

Halwen finishes his tea.

“You’ll have choices soon, I think. Make ‘em count.”

---

What will you do next tonight?

1. Eavesdrop on local rumors – See if others noticed the anomalies
2. Check on the cultist directly – Inspect magical tampering
3. Meditate (Spirit focus) – Tap into the storm’s strange resonance
4. Speak with the trader, if he's still in town – Ask about the Verdant Hollow sighting
5. Head to your room and rest – Begin Day 7 at dawn, fully restored

What would you like to do?

[Gudrean]

shouldn't we rest fully then see what choices we have?

[Donchadh]

I agree that we need to rest soon...but I think checking in on the cultist before bed might make me sleep easier.  Also that is the nearest (time / space) threat.  My vote...check on the cultist and then get some sleep. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

The cultist is locked up though. He will still be there in the morning.

[Ithillian Turambar]

Oh! There's something trying to get to him!

[Donchadh]

Yeah...I'd hate to have my sleep interrupted by a BREAKOUT!

But I'm good either way...

[Ithillian Turambar]

Ok let's go check on the cultist first

 

Story Update – Day 6, Nightfall
Location: Windrest Hollow – Warded Cell, Lower Level
Status: Fatigue: High | HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16

---

You descend the creaking steps into the reinforced cellar where the captured cultist is held. The air grows colder, less from temperature than the sense of magic still lingering. The protective circle flickers gently—stable but strained.

The cultist sits unmoving, eyes closed, breathing shallowly. His bindings remain intact, but your senses detect something new:

A faint pulse of Spirit energy, like a whisper echoing in the back of your mind.

Your Codex responds.

Codex Detection: Spirit Interference – Residual Echo Magic Identified
Source: Remote Projection or Anchored Memory Weave
Status: Dormant, but anchoring effect remains active

The warding glyph Halwen mentioned now glows unevenly. A hairline crack has spread across one of its binding runes—just enough for something subtle to slip through. Not physical. But emotional… or spiritual.

You activate Soul Veil.

The room dims slightly in your perception as your vision shifts. The cultist’s emotions flicker into view:

• Fear, not of you—but of failure
• Loyalty, bonded deeply, unnaturally
• Suppression, as if something is muting his will

You see no immediate danger—but something or someone is still watching through him.

You may be able to act before the anchor completes whatever process is intended.

---

What would you like to do?

1. Attempt a Spirit Disruption Weave – Try to sever the anchor gently
2. Push further with Soul Veil – Risk deeper contact to learn more
3. Speak to the cultist – Try to provoke a reaction or trigger the anchor
4. Mark the anchor for later – Back away and research before acting
5. Leave and warn Halwen – This may be a larger threat than expected

What would you like to do?

 

 

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

1 or 2 I think, but not really sure. 

 

[Donchadh]

Let's take Action...better now than later!

[Ithillian Turambar]

Last one for tonight.

 

Let's cut that link

 

Story Update – Day 6, Nightfall
Location: Windrest Hollow – Warded Cell
Status: Fatigue: High | HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16

---

You kneel by the circle, Codex pulsing with soft violet-blue light as you focus your Spirit. The anchor threading through the cultist is tenuous—neither possession nor message, but something designed to grow roots.

You draw upon your affinity and attempt a Spirit Disruption Weave.

Spellcraft Check – Success (Spirit Level 10)
You do not create a full spell, but channel a clean, focused pulse of disruptive resonance. The Codex resonates with Veil of Equilibrium, amplifying your intent.

The cultist gasps. His eyes snap open—then glaze again.

The warding glyph flares brightly.

Anchor Severed. Echo Link Disrupted.
Residual memory fragments flooding…

Your Codex flashes. For a moment, you're overwhelmed by his perception—flashes of dark robes, chanting beneath a blackened moon, a ritual around a chained figure veiled in mist.

Then silence.

The cultist slumps forward, unconscious—but breathing evenly. Whatever control or surveillance was active has been purged. The circle stabilizes, and the Spirit pressure lifts.

Codex Insight Gained – Echo Severance
Passive Effect: You can now sense when Spirit anchors or Echo magic are active in your vicinity.
+1 Spirit Lore

---

Halwen arrives moments later, humming with concern. "You broke the link? That... that might've saved more than just him. Echo-binding has been spreading through some of our outlying villages."

You now have a safe opportunity to interrogate the cultist if desired—he may awaken with clearer thoughts. Or you could rest and recover for tomorrow.

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Interrogate the cultist immediately – Try to extract what he knows while the memory is fresh
2. Take a long rest – Recover HP/EP and reduce fatigue before continuing
3. Research the ritual you glimpsed – Use your Codex and lore access
4. Speak with Halwen privately – Ask what he knows of the chained figure in the cultist’s vision
5. Leave the cellar for fresh air – Center yourself before deciding

What would you like to do?

Edited May 1 by Ithillian Turambar

[Donchadh]

Interrogate while he's fresh....I don't think our fatigue will affect that much and it shouldn't take long. 

 

[Ithillian Turambar]

You were busy while I was sleeping. Let's interrogate the cultist

 

Story Update – Day 6, Nightfall
Location: Windrest Hollow – Warded Cell
Status: Fatigue: High | HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16

---

You wait beside the cultist, listening to the slow cadence of his breath. The glow from the circle has faded into a low pulse. The Codex confirms: no Echo interference remains.

Minutes pass. Then—he stirs.

Eyes flutter open. Dazed, blinking against the dim lamplight. His voice is hoarse.

“Where… where am I? The voices… they’re quiet…”

You speak gently at first, anchoring your words with subtle Spirit resonance. He reacts, confusion clouded by a strange relief.

Interrogation Check – Success (Spirit + Codex Insight)

He doesn’t remember all of it—but fragments remain.

“We were called to the Hollow to prepare the Crossing... a passage for Her return. The moon must blacken, the flame must dim. The chained one is… is her key.”

You press for more. He hesitates, then murmurs:

“They said the Heart of the Elements lies buried, veiled. They would corrupt it. She would use it to unmake the balance…”

He coughs, eyes flicking to the warding circle. “I didn’t want this. I thought we were bringing peace. But she… she is not what they promised.”

You ask for her name. His eyes widen—then he shudders and curls inward.

“We called her the Shrouded Flame. The one bound by echoes. She’s coming…”

Then, sleep takes him again. Peaceful, this time.

---

Codex Insight Updated – Cult of the Shrouded Flame
You now know:

• The cult believes the Heart of the Elements is hidden and veiled
• They plan to corrupt it as a key for their leader’s return
• The "Shrouded Flame" is a being bound by echoes and chained
• The dark moon ritual is central to their timeline

---

Halwen returns just as you finish transcribing the memory threads into your Codex. He looks at the unconscious prisoner and says quietly:

“You’ve done more tonight than a dozen truthweavers. This changes things. We may have a path to act—before they do.”

---

Fatigue: High
You’re pushing your limits. Rest is advised before further action.

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Take a long rest – Regain all HP/EP, reduce fatigue, and prepare for tomorrow
2. Speak with Halwen – Share theories and ask for strategic options
3. Search the prisoner’s belongings – Look for physical clues or cult objects
4. Use the Codex to meditate – Attempt a Spirit or Elemental vision
5. Leave the warded cell – Head into Windrest Hollow to check on the village

 

What would you like to do?

Edited May 1 by Ithillian Turambar

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Surely we should just rest? Though does it mean in the cell or going back to our free room first? What is the point of free stuff if you don't use it?

[Ithillian Turambar]

I think we're just in the basement of the inn

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

They really do have all the amenities - showers, bars, warded cells - no wonder it comes do highly recommended, lol. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

You know what?  Executive decision.  Let's just have our long rest. One sec

[Ithillian Turambar]

We go to bed

 

Story Update – Day 6, Late Night → Day 7, Dawn
Location: Windrest Hollow – Guest Quarters
Status: Fatigue: None | HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16

---

You accept Halwen’s offer of a room in the elder hall above the cellars. The cot is simple, but clean. Wind hums gently through the shutters. You focus on stillness.

The Codex dims to a calm blue, syncing with your slowed breath. Sleep comes easily, threaded with quiet dreams of shifting skies and severed chains.

---

Long Rest Completed

• HP fully restored
• EP fully restored
• Fatigue cleared
• Weave Fusion reset (Veilbrand Surge ready)

The Stormcall Feather rests near your bedroll, humming faintly. Though unbound, it seems attuned to you still—for now.

Outside, dawn touches Windrest Hollow in shades of gold and frost. Villagers move quietly, but there's tension beneath their calm. You sense something stirring beyond the ridgelines.

Halwen waits near the central brazier, deep in conversation with another elder. He sees you and nods, gesturing for you to approach when ready.

---

Codex Reminder: Known threats –

• Cult of the Shrouded Flame seeks to corrupt the Heart of the Elements
• A chained being, the Shrouded Flame, may be key to this ritual
• The cult's dark moon ritual is still approaching
• The Spirit Shrine or Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) may be next leads

---

What would you like to do this morning?

1. Speak with Halwen – Coordinate next steps or ask for aid
2. Examine the Stormcall Feather again – Reconsider bonding it
3. Return to the Warded Cell – Check on the cultist or review your notes
4. Head out of the village – Begin tracking the nearest known elemental shrine
5. Prepare new Weaves – Create or modify spells using your Codex

What would you like to do?

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Coordinating sounds sensible. I think visiting the other shrines should be our top priority, but not to the extent of ignoring whatever plot line is happening around the village, if there is any. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

We do have 2 shrines to do and we probably will have to get them done before we can find the Heart.

 

Or at least we should.

 

Probably a good idea to get our levels up a bit more.

 

We don't want to end up in the wrong area too soon

 

 

[Turin Turambar]

Chat them up. More information is usually a good thing.

[Donchadh]

Chat them up and then look to level up....Boss fights are coming!

[Ithillian Turambar]

We will talk with Halwen

 

Story Update – Day 7, Morning
Location: Windrest Hollow – Central Hearth
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: None

---

You approach Halwen as he finishes speaking with an older woman in earthen robes—one of the Grovewardens who tends to the forest barrier surrounding the village. She nods to you both and departs.

Halwen turns, staff lightly tapping the flagstones. His expression is stern but grateful. “You’ve done more than I’d hoped,” he begins. “The cultist still sleeps, but without that link... we may finally get real answers when he wakes.”

He gestures toward a carved bench and sits.

“The vision you shared—of the chained figure in mist—it aligns with old texts. Not just of prophecy, but of warnings. Some call it the Shrouded Flame. Others…” He pauses. “Others claim it's a corrupted elemental. One who chose imbalance—sealed away beneath what’s now the Verdant Hollow.”

Your Codex pulses faintly at the name.

New Lore Entry – Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple)
• Lush subterranean temple, tied to natural cycles
• Said to shift locations through rootways beneath ancient groves
• Believed to hold the seal of a fallen elemental

Halwen continues:
“The Hollow doesn’t show itself to just anyone. But with your Codex and elemental marks... you might be able to draw it out. There's an old rootcircle east of here—abandoned, but once used for communion.”

He hands you a smooth stone etched with a leaf-like glyph. “Place this in the center and let your Earth affinity answer. If the Hollow hears you, it will open a path.”

---

Quest Updated – Path to the Verdant Hollow
Objective: Seek the ancient rootcircle east of Windrest

• Use Earth or hybrid Weaves to activate the grove
• Prepare for environmental and spiritual challenges underground

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Depart for the rootcircle – Begin the journey to the Earth Temple
2. Visit the Warded Cell again – The cultist may be awake
3. Train with Halwen – Learn a new Spirit technique (if Spirit 10+)
4. Review Codex and spells – Prepare for the Earth attunement
5. Take time to explore Windrest Hollow – Seek supplies, side quests, or NPCs

Let me know what you'd like to do?

Edited May 1 by Ithillian Turambar