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[Donchadh]

"Do no harm" first?

[Ithillian Turambar]

Let's try this peacefully

 

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Story Update – Day 11, Midmorning (Cont.)
Location: Crag’s Edge – Lower Crevice
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: Moderate | Rations: 1
Light Source: Orb of Flame (active)

---

You extinguish your flame, letting the shadows deepen—and reach inward.

Nyra flutters to your shoulder, small body tense, reflecting your rising intent. You draw on the Veil, focusing your Spirit essence, letting it unfurl like a pulse of silent will through the chamber.

“I am not your prey,” you whisper, words riding the breath of the beyond. “This is not your death—unless you force it.”

The mites hesitate.

The Broodmother shrieks, its crystalline eyes glowing—but then faltering. Around its legs, the lesser mites cower. The force of your presence… is enough. You hear fragments in the hum of the Veil—fear, memory, desire to protect.

Your Spirit tattoos flare faintly.

---

Will Save: Success – Intimidation + Spirit Resonance Active
The mites retreat to deeper burrows, leaving behind their half-scorched nest.

---

Victory: No combat needed.

You quietly search the nesting grounds and find:

• 3 Raw Earthshards – Earthcrafting or sale (10 copper each)
• 1 Cracked Crystal Eye – Alchemical component (15–20 copper)
• 2 Pale Mushrooms – Cookable into 1 ration
• Scorched Satchel – Burned journal, 6 copper coins, and a Wind Sigil Charm (Air spell EP cost -1, once/long rest)

---

Inventory Updated:
+6 copper (Total: 82 copper)
+3 Raw Earthshards
+1 Cracked Crystal Eye
+1 Wind Sigil Charm (Equipable Trinket)
+1 Improvised Ration (must cook)

---

Fatigue: Moderate – If you don’t rest by morning, max HP will drop by 2.
Nyra’s Note: “They weren’t monsters… just broken things trying to survive. Like echoes.”

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Return to Crag’s Edge – Turn in the quest, sell loot, rest and resupply
2. Return to Windrest Hollow – Seek a safer rest, check in with allies, possibly new quests
3. Explore deeper tunnels – Risk more danger for greater rewards
4. Camp and cook – Prepare the mushrooms, recover, and read the journal
5. Equip the Wind Sigil Charm – Attune now and adjust spell loadout

What would you like to do?

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Where is Crag's Edge? Is that the Mystic we were working for earlier? 

 

Don't think I want to bother the mites any more, though maybe if we go deeper we'll meet something else. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

I asked that. 

 

Crag’s Rest is a small shelter outpost located just above the Lower Crevice of Crag’s Edge, typically used by deep scavengers, scholars, and occasional bounty hunters. It’s:

 

Partially fortified, made of repurposed stone and rusted plating

 

Contains basic amenities: a bunkhouse, small shop stall, and a cooking fire

 

Manned by an elderly keeper named Torven, who trades in minor relics and keeps records for the guild

 

Considered a safe zone for short-term rest, cooking, or managing inventory

 

Often used as a checkpoint before descending into the Deep Earth Faults or toward the Verdant Hollow

 

 

You first passed near it on your way down the ridge and were told it’s the only semi-reliable rest spot this deep in the wild reaches.

 

 

 

[Ithillian Turambar]

I don't remember being told about it lol. I just checked and it's where we camped out last night. Maybe other people use it too.

Edited May 7 by Ithillian Turambar

[Donchadh]

Let's explore a bit more?? 

[Ithillian Turambar]

Looks like we're gonna risk it for the biscuit!

 

Story Update – Day 11, Midday
Location: Crag’s Edge – Deeper Tunnels
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: High | Rations: 1 (uncooked)
Light Source: Orb of Flame (active)
Nyra: Alert, wings faintly flickering with residual Spirit energy

---

You shoulder your pack, tightening your grip on the Orb of Flame as you move deeper into the narrow crevice. The walls begin to shimmer faintly—not with heat, but with a kind of crystalline residue. Nyra flits forward, casting specks of flickering light against the dark-veined stone.

“Something’s wrong here,” she murmurs. “The air isn’t just stale—it’s held still.”

Soon, you spot the signs of an older collapse, and beyond it, a flickering blue glow.

You squeeze through the narrowed gap and emerge into a hidden chamber—more artificial than natural. Ancient supports and stonework indicate a long-forgotten facility or ruin. Veins of blue crystal line the walls, pulsing softly.

---

Encounter: Arcbound Echo
A strange, humanoid construct formed from broken crystal and tethered spirit essence jerks into motion. It’s unstable—glitches in and out of physical form—but its jagged limbs and echoing shrieks make its threat clear.

Nyra hisses, circling above: “It’s half-formed, but still bound to something. Might be anchored to those crystals…”

---

Combat Begins!
Choose your approach:

1. Direct Assault – Use Fire + Spirit to overwhelm it before it destabilizes further
2. Disrupt the Anchors – Target the glowing crystals with Water + Air to destabilize its form
3. Bind and Purge – Use Spirit + Water to isolate its soul-thread, then sever it
4. Dodge and Analyze – Stall using Air + Spirit to learn how to weaken it
5. Weave Fusion – Use your once-per-rest Weave Fusion to craft a powerful hybrid attack

What would you like to do?

[Gudrean]

2 maybe?

[Donchadh]

Water, Fire, Spirit are our strongest elements, so I think combo's that use those elements might be best (1 and 3). I'll vote 3 (Spirit and Water).

[Ithillian Turambar]

We bind and we purge

 

Story Update – Day 11, Midday (Cont.)
Location: Crag’s Edge – Forgotten Chamber
Status: HP: 24 / 26 | EP: 12 / 16 | Fatigue: High | Rations: 1 (uncooked)
Light Source: Orb of Flame (active)
Nyra: Still hovering, veil-charged

---

You press your hand to the earth, feeling for the thread of Spirit within the arcane disturbance. The Arcbound Echo lunges, its jagged limbs dragging arcs of spectral lightning—but you’re faster.

Drawing on Spirit and Water, you focus a binding weave.

Spell Cast: Soul Veil + Aqua Surge (Hybrid Bind/Purge)
Your Codex pulses with resonance—Veil of Equilibrium active.

You lash out, threads of damp spiritwater wrapping around the Echo’s form. It screeches—momentarily lucid—before the weave tightens. Nyra darts forward and delivers a burst of focused Veil energy through its core.

The Echo sputters, shakes… and shatters. The anchoring crystal veins around the room dim.

---

Victory: Arcbound Echo Defeated (Non-Destructive Purge)
EP Regained: +1 (Hybrid synergy)
HP Loss: -2 (from backlash shock during weave)

You gather what remains of the creature and its lair:

• 2 Shattered Veil Crystals – Used in veilbinding, warding, or alchemical recipes (10c each)
• 1 Echo Fragment Core – Rare. Can be refined into a charm or used in Spirit upgrades
• Inscribed Veilstone Ring – When worn, enhances Spirit-based spells by adding minor insight effect (once per encounter)
• +5 copper coins (Total: 87 copper)

---

Fatigue Status: Very High
Warning: If rest is not taken soon, Max HP will drop by 2.

Nyra lands lightly on your shoulder. “You severed it cleanly. It was once a person… now scattered. You did it painlessly.”

---

Inventory Updated
+2 Shattered Veil Crystals
+1 Echo Fragment Core
+1 Inscribed Veilstone Ring (Equipable – Spirit boost)
+5 copper (Total: 87 copper)

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Return to Crag’s Edge – Rest, recover, and report your discoveries
2. Camp here – Cook, rest, and examine your new loot
3. Search deeper – Risk one final delve despite your growing fatigue
4. Equip the Veilstone Ring – Modify your Spirit spell loadout
5. Use Nyra’s resonance – Ask her to trace the Echo’s memory trail (Spirit insight)

What would you like to do?

[Ithillian Turambar]

At some point, before we head to the Earth Temple, I'd like to ask Halwen about this sudden made up rule about not having everything attuned to our Codex....

 

But I'm guessing you Loot Goblins wand to go for one more snatch and grab lol

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Should we not camp and rest before looking further?

[Ithillian Turambar]

I do agree that a rest would be good, but I assumed you'd want to 'tough it out' one more time lol

[Gudrean]

I think rest is a good idea. but 1 or 2?

Edited May 8 by Gudrean

[Ithillian Turambar]

1 would allow us to fully recover.

[Gudrean]

there's 2 rest options

[Ithillian Turambar]

Part of me thinks the 2nd rest option would be OK for a quick rest, but we wouldn't have a good full rest there.

 

If we want to just have a quick rest and then try and grab the last bit of loot then 2 would be fine.

[Donchadh]

I think rest #2.  We've come a long way...let's rest and then finish up this exploration  looting this cave system!

[Ithillian Turambar]

Ok quick rest it is

 

Story Update – Day 11, Early Evening
Location: Crag’s Edge – Forgotten Chamber
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: Reset (Well-Rested) | Rations: 0
Light Source: Orb of Flame (dimmed for rest)
Nyra: Resting, curled beside your pack

---

You clear a safe spot against the stone wall, using your flame to gently roast the pale mushrooms over a flickering arcane plate. The smell is earthy, slightly bitter—but food is food.

1 Improvised Ration consumed
HP and EP fully restored
Fatigue reset to zero

You take a short, guarded rest, eyes drifting closed as Nyra hums softly nearby. The cavern pulses gently with the after-echo of magic, but for now—no threats stir.

You spend the final waking hour inspecting your Echo Fragment Core and Veilstone Ring, noting their subtle resonance with your Codex. These might be key in enhancing your Spirit-based casting.

---

Inventory Update:

• Rations: 0 (used improvised mushroom meal)
• Fatigue: Cleared (Well-Rested)
• All stats restored
• Nyra’s Bond re-stabilized

---

Current Element Levels:

• Water: 13
• Fire: 10
• Spirit: 10
• Air: 5
• Earth: 3

Current Inventory Highlights:

• Codex: Unified Elemental Bond (Legendary)
• Inscribed Veilstone Ring (Not yet equipped)
• Wind Sigil Charm (Not yet equipped)
• Echo Fragment Core
• 3 Raw Earthshards
• 2 Shattered Veil Crystals
• Firegems (3)
• Orb of Flame (active light)
• Revive Stones (3)
• Copper: 87
• Rations: 0

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Return to Crag’s Edge – Turn in quests, shop for rations, restock
2. Equip the Veilstone Ring – Modify spell loadout (Spirit boost)
3. Explore deeper – Use your refreshed state to risk one more delve
4. Examine the Echo Fragment Core – Try to unlock its potential
5. Ask Nyra to focus on the Veil echoes – Trace remnants of lost memory

What would you like to do?

[Ithillian Turambar]

Ok we go deeper down

 

Story Update – Day 11, Nightfall
Location: Crag’s Edge – Deep Fissure Descent
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: Low | Light: Orb of Flame (dim glow)
Nyra: Alert, wings flickering with Spirit-light

---

With your strength recovered, you venture deeper. The tunnel narrows, then suddenly yawns into a massive subterranean rift. Jagged pillars rise like broken teeth from the chasm below. Across a narrow stone bridge, you spot a faint, pulsing green glow—like elemental light refracted through crystal.

Nyra flutters ahead, stopping midair.

“This place is… fractured. Something ancient stirred here, long before the mites.”

You cross carefully. Beneath the bridge, you glimpse veins of green-tinged crystal embedded in the stone, pulsing in a rhythm that echoes the beat of your Codex.

As you step onto the platform, a shape stirs: a Crystalline Husk, partially fused with the stone, rises with a sound like cracking glass. It bears no will—just a hollow echo of old elemental rage.

---

Combat Initiated: Crystalline Husk (Rare Earth-Afflicted Undead)
Stats:

• HP: Medium
• Weakness: Spirit
• Resistance: Physical and Pure Earth
• Ability: Shard Pulse – Explosive AOE at close range
• Passive: Hardened Shell – Reduces damage from all basic sources
• Intent: Defend core chamber

---

What is your combat approach?
Choose one of the following strategies or request a custom tactic:

1. Hybrid Assault: Use Veilbrand Surge followed by Emberlash to break through its hardened shell. (High EP cost, high burst, Spirit+Fire synergy)

2. Spirit Suppression: Open with Soul Veil and Inner Flame to weaken its resistance and stagger its mindless aggression. (Spirit-focused control, low damage)

3. Weave Control: Combine Magma Spike and Water Barrier, forcing it into a trap zone before triggering splash damage. (Environmental and sustain approach)

4. Elemental Overload: Use Boiling Lance empowered with a Firegem, and follow up with Aqua Surge to shatter its joints. (High damage, medium risk)

5. Nyra Focused Support: Let Nyra draw its attention while you channel a high-powered Spirit-only weave. (Requires Will Save, high effect if passed)

What would you like to do?

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

5 seems the most effective. 4 also sounds good but seems a bit wasteful of the firegem. 

[Turin Turambar]

Probably should have put the spirit ring in. Oh well.

 

5 I guess. 

[Donchadh]

Agreed, wish we had the Spirit ring...but 5 will have to do for now...

[Ithillian Turambar]

Let's put Nyra to work

 

Combat Resolution – Crystalline Husk
Tactic Chosen: Option 5 – Nyra Focused Support
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 10 / 16 | Fatigue: Low

---

You step back, breath slowing as you reach into your Spirit core.

“Nyra—circle wide, distract it. Keep it unsteady.”

The Flicker flares in response, becoming a streak of veiled light that swirls around the Husk’s crystalline skull. It snaps toward her—too slow.

You draw the Spirit into your palm and project it outward, forming a rare weave:

Weave: Shard-Sunder Echo (Spirit 3)

• Projects a harmonic pulse that fractures brittle elemental shells and overwhelms soul remnants.
• On success: Staggers and weakens Earth-based foes for 2 rounds.
• Bonus: Nyra’s presence amplifies Spirit effects by 1 tier.

Will Save: Success (Spirit Level 10 + Nyra Amplification)

The pulse erupts in silence, then implodes with a deep, resonant hum. The Husk stumbles, cracks racing across its surface. It collapses inward as if crushed by the weight of its own past, its core fragment falling free and dimming.

Nyra hovers back to your shoulder, visibly drained but pleased.

“Echo broke the mask,” she whispers. “It remembers being alive now… and that was enough.”

---

Victory: Crystalline Husk defeated.

You carefully collect the following:

• Fractured Elemental Core (Rare crafting material – infused with Earth and Spirit)
• Crystal Husk Fragment x2 (Can be sold or used in alchemy)
• Veinstone Shard x1 (Used in focusing element-based relics)
• 8 copper coins in a cracked offering urn nearby

---

Inventory Updated:
+1 Fractured Elemental Core
+2 Crystal Husk Fragments
+1 Veinstone Shard
+8 copper (Total: 90 copper)
EP: 10 / 16
Nyra: Slightly Fatigued (will recover after rest)

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Search the core chamber – Something beneath it is glowing faintly...
2. Use the Veinstone Shard to enhance a relic (Wind Sigil Charm or Codex)
3. Return to Crag’s Edge with your findings
4. Rest here with the fallen Husk’s light as shelter
5. Inspect the shattered altar nearby – Spirit energy seems to linger

What would you like to do?

[Donchadh]

1 and 5 seem like Loot opportunity...and 5 is closer.