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[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

And there is an armourer here now too. Just like busses, lol. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

Yeah we got a Blacksmith but now they want to charge us to stay at the Inn. Maybe it's under new management now that Halwen has found his calling again lol

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

It is kind of trippy how things keep changing. The fatigue system, Nyra talking, Halwen's secret double life, the magical earpiece... But it does make things interesting, lol. I mean didn't the codex just start as a notebook that we made some notes in? It feels like it is going to turn into Ben10's omnimatrix soon, lol. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

I know right. Some things just happen. Somethings it forgets and I have to remind it.

 

I recently reminded it that we've been able to link all kinds of things to our Codex before, which is why I think we're going to have a chat with Halwen.

 

We've got loads of new loot to look at and use too. I'd like to get everything ready before we go deal with the cultists and chained figure at the Earth Temple.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Yeah I think you are right there. 

 

But it is cool how it evolves the concepts. Things started very basic and it seemlessly folds in the new elements (with a few continuity errors perhaps). But for example us saving Kerin seems to have majorly affected the plot. 

 

Fun to watch it all unfold. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

We talk to Halwen

 

Story Update – Day 12, Early Afternoon (Cont.)
Location: Windrest Hollow – Halwen’s Study
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low | Rations: 0
Codex State: Unified Elemental Bond – attuned to all five elements
Coin Pouch: 82 copper

---

You stand beside the crystalline mirror in Halwen’s grove, the Soulmark Token warm in your palm. But you don’t place it into the Codex just yet.

“Before we fuse anything,” you say, “tell me more. About the Soulmarks… and the Heart of the Elements. There are things we still don’t understand.”

Halwen regards you quietly, then turns back to his notes and unrolls a weathered scroll.

---

Halwen’s Revelations – The Five Keys of Elemental Accord

“The Heart of the Elements cannot be claimed without the five Keys of Accord — anchor-objects of each element. Each one is part of the weave that sustains the balance.”

“They are not found, but earned. You already possess some.” He gestures to your Codex, which pulses faintly.

“The Firebrand Core from Ashen Spire. The Flow Ring from Still Waters. The Spirit Veil fragment... all of them were anchors, drawn to you by mastery and resonance. The Codex remembers.”

“You still need Earth and Air’s keys. Earth lies buried in the Verdant Hollow. Air is likely held in the heights of Skyreach Monastery.”

“Only once all five are woven into your being… can the Heart reveal itself.”

---

You press further.

“And the Chained Figure? The cult? Why are they after the Heart?”

Halwen’s gaze darkens.

“They follow the Forgotten Current — a corrupt belief that unbinding the elements will bring about unity by force. The Chained Figure was once a guardian… twisted by despair and forbidden rites.”

“If they reach the Heart before you, they will sever balance itself.”

---

Codex Note:

You now have 3 of the 5 Keys of Accord:

• Flamebound Core (Fire – from Ashen Spire)
• Watershaped Ring (Water – from Temple of Still Waters)
• Shimmering Amulet / Veil Fragment (Spirit – bound during Spirit attunement)

Remaining Keys:

• Earth – hidden in the Verdant Hollow, a moving underground temple
• Air – likely in Skyreach Monastery, fortress of monks who “walk the wind”

---

You ask one more question: “What about the items we've attuned? The Codex absorbed many things—rings, amulets, even spell scrolls.”

Halwen smiles faintly.

“Yes. Every item attuned through the Codex is still present — layered within its weave. When you meditate or cast, their echoes align.”
“The Codex is more than a focus now… it’s a reflection of your path.”

---

Your Codex Synergies (Fully Active):

• Flow State (Water)
• Flamebound Echo (Fire)
• Veil of Equilibrium (Spirit)
• Resonant Insight (Spirit)
• Cleansing Flame (Fire)
• Elemental Weave Core (Hybrid magic unlock)
• Unified Elemental Bond (Legendary)

• +1 Max EP/HP
• 1 EP regen on hybrid cast
• Minor hybrid effect scaling
• Weave Fusion unlocked (1/day)

• Soulmark Fusion (Pending – not yet chosen)

---

Updated Objective Summary:

• Visit Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) – locate Earth’s Key of Accord
• Reach Skyreach Monastery (Air Temple) – find final Key
• Prevent Cultists from reaching the Heart – Chained Figure is awakening
• Optional: Explore deeper Soulmark-locations with Halwen's help
• Optional: Create new hybrid spells or gear fusions at forge

---

**I then advised that we'd already completed the Air Temple**

 

 

You're absolutely right — thank you for catching that. You have already completed the Air Temple (Skyreach Monastery) earlier in your journey. Let's clarify your progress and correct the update accordingly:

---

Your Temple Progress & Keys of Accord

Completed Temples:

1. Temple of Still Waters (Water)
   • Key Obtained: Watershaped Ring (Flow State)
2. Ashen Spire (Fire)
   • Key Obtained: Flamebound Core (Flamebound Echo)
3. Skyreach Monastery (Air)
   • Key Obtained: Wind Sigil Charm (Attuned during trial)
     • This charm reduced Air spell cost and was absorbed into your Codex during attunement.

Remaining Temples:

• Verdant Hollow (Earth) – Still hidden; requires elemental sensing or guidance.
• Shrine of the Echoing Veil (Spirit) – Only appears under rare Spirit-aligned conditions (e.g. full Veil attunement, moon phase, or Codex resonance).

---

Updated Status:

• Keys of Accord: 4 / 5
  • Water: Watershaped Ring (Flow State)
  • Fire: Flamebound Core (Flamebound Echo)
  • Spirit: Shimmering Amulet fragment (Veil of Equilibrium)
  • Air: Wind Sigil Charm (Codex-attuned)
  • Earth: Still needed – Verdant Hollow not yet explored

---

Corrected Story Update – Day 12, Early Afternoon (Cont.)

Location: Windrest Hollow – Halwen’s Study
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low | Rations: 0
Codex State: Unified Elemental Bond – 4 of 5 Keys of Accord obtained

Halwen listens as you recount your completed trials.

“Skyreach is done?” He nods, surprised. “Then you are further along than I thought. Only Earth remains.”

He confirms that the Wind Sigil Charm, when attuned and later absorbed, did indeed qualify as Air’s Key of Accord, especially since it was earned through spiritual resonance and elemental control during the Monastery’s floating trials.

“When the fifth key joins the others,” Halwen continues, “the Codex will shift. The Heart will stir.”

---

New Objective Summary:

• Find the Verdant Hollow (Earth) – secure the final Key
• Prepare for the final shrine – Spirit (Echoing Veil) – may require special alignment
• Stop the Chained Figure – cult seeks to reach the Heart first
• Use Soulmark Token – fusion still pending, will influence Codex growth
• Forge or upgrade Codex-linked gear (optional)
• Unlock Spirit Veil shrine access (once all five keys are acquired)

---

What would you like to do next in Windrest Hollow?

1. Visit the Marketplace and Blacksmith – Buy rations, potions, or crafting supplies. Ask about Earth-related items or rumors of the Verdant Hollow.
2. Return to Halwen with the Soulmark Token – See if it can be fused into the Codex or reveal new insights about the Chained Figure or Spirit Shrine.
3. Rest at the Inn – Recover HP and EP, reduce fatigue, and check if any new rumors or quests are available.
4. Meditate with Nyra at the Village Shrine – Align your Spirit and possibly trigger a vision or hint about the final Spirit Temple.
5. Inspect Your Codex and Gear – Review all current items, choose what to attune, swap active gear, and prepare for your journey to the Verdant Hollow.

---

What would you like to do?

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Do we want to fiddle with the soulmark? Or just go shopping first for shiny things? 

[Donchadh]

Gear up and / or add fuse the soulmark to the Codex...

[Ithillian Turambar]

Don wants to shop lol

 

I've figured out how to remind it of things now, without breaking the game. I just have to do it when we make a choice

[Gudrean]

Shopping!

I'm still at the hospital so shopping to brighten the day.

[Ithillian Turambar]

Let's go shopping!

 

Story Update – Day 12, Midmorning

Location: Windrest Hollow – Market Square
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17
Fatigue: Low
Rations: 1
Light Source: None needed (daylight)

---

You head out to explore Windrest Hollow. Villagers bustle about, colorful tents flap in the breeze, and the smell of baked bread and charred herbs lingers in the air. Nyra flutters beside you, stretching her flickering wings.

You pass the message board—fresh notices have been posted—and the village guards nod respectfully as you cross the central plaza.

You now stand in the market square, the central hub of the town. Familiar faces greet you, and it seems more vendors have arrived since your last visit.

---

Available Locations and Actions in Windrest Hollow:

1. Halwen’s Tower – The scholar-alchemist can help attune the Soulmark Token or provide insight into magical anomalies. He may also have Codex fusion upgrades available.

2. Market Stalls – Browse and purchase supplies, rare items, and alchemical ingredients. Available merchants include:

   • General Trader: Rations, torches, rope, kits
   • Elemental Scribe: Scrolls and minor enchanted items
   • Tinkerer: Trinkets, tools, and oddities
   • Apothecary: Potions, salves, herbs

3. Forge and Armory – Visit the blacksmith to upgrade or repair gear. He may also trade raw materials like Earthshards for improved armor or weapons.

4. Sanctuary Grove – Rest and meditate. You may commune with elemental energies here, or simply lower fatigue.

5. Review Bounties & Quests – Check the notice board for jobs that offer coin, items, or elemental experience.

---

Inventory (Updated):

• Copper: 97
• Rations: 1
• Soulmark Token (can now be attuned)
• Wind Sigil Charm (Air EP -1 use/long rest)
• Earthen Reliquary Fragment
• Cracked Crystal Eye
• 3 Raw Earthshards
• Tarnished Offering Bowl
• Orb of Purity
• Watershaped Ring
• Gauntlet of the Infernal Path
• Adept’s Charm
• Shimmering Amulet
• Firegems (3)
• Scroll: Verdant Tether (Learned)
• Small pouch of coins
• Arcane Conduit Codex (Legendary – Unified Elemental Bond Active)

Element Levels:

• Water: 13
• Fire: 10
• Spirit: 10
• Air: 5
• Earth: 4

Would you like to:

1. Visit Halwen and attune the Soulmark Token?
2. Shop at the market stalls?
3. Visit the forge for upgrades or trades?
4. Meditate at the Sanctuary Grove?
5. Check the bounty board for new tasks?

 

Which one would you like to do first?

Edited May 9 by Ithillian Turambar

[Ithillian Turambar]

Wow the village had a major upgrade while we were gone. Halwen has a Tower now. There's a Blacksmith and guards!

[Ithillian Turambar]

 

[Ithillian Turambar]

Ok let's go visit the Blacksmith

 

Story Update – Day 13, Early Afternoon (Cont.)
Location: Windrest Hollow – Blacksmith’s Forge
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low | Rations: 1
Coins: 92 copper

---

You head through the bustling paths of Windrest Hollow to a well-kept structure of stone and timber tucked near a natural heat vent: Borrik’s Forge, home to the village’s smith and enchantment artisan.

Inside, the forge blazes steadily, runes faintly etched along the chimney. The half-dwarf smith, Borrik Embervein, looks up from a glowing shard of red-veined steel.

“Ah, the Element-touched,” he grunts, pushing up soot-smeared goggles. “Word is you’ve fought gods and ghosts. Got anything that needs fixing—or shaping into something finer?”

---

Available Services:

1. Reinforce or Upgrade Gear – Borrik can enhance one magical item or forge basic upgrades for armor or gauntlets.

   • Example: Upgrade Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (add knockback or increase Echo effect).
   • Requires components and coin.

2. Earthshard Infusion – Use 1–3 Raw Earthshards to add an Earth-aligned passive to one item or armor piece.

   • Possible effects: Stoneskin (reduced physical damage), Gravibind (root chance on hit), Tremor Pulse (1/long rest knockdown aura)
   • Costs: 3 Earthshards + 20 copper

3. Sell Components:

   • 3 Raw Earthshards: 30 copper total
   • Cracked Crystal Eye: Offer of 18 copper

4. Buy Crafting Goods / Equipment:

   • Basic Iron Bracers (DEF +1): 10 copper
   • Rune-etched Vambrace (Magical Focus Slot): 40 copper
   • Forged Pack (Adds 1 inventory slot + waterproof): 8 copper
   • Trail Rations (1 pack): 4 copper each

---

Nyra flits to your ear: “If we’re thinking of fighting cultists and going to the Earth Temple, a tremor-infused defense might be clever. That or upgrading your gauntlet to hit really hard.”

---

What would you like to do?

1. Infuse your Gauntlet using Earthshards – choose 1 effect
2. Sell all components (Earthshards + Crystal Eye) for 48 copper
3. Buy gear or rations (choose from list)
4. Upgrade or enchant a current item (specify)
5. Leave and go visit Halwen

What would you like to do? I can type in a particular item if you choose option 4.

[Donchadh]

Gear upgrades!!

[Ithillian Turambar]

But what effect?

 

Tremor defense or Hit really hard?

[Turin Turambar]

Hit hard!!

 

We do need to buy rations at some point. just sayin

[Ithillian Turambar]

Ok let's get some Hulk Smash

 

Story Update – Day 13, Early Afternoon (Cont.)
Location: Windrest Hollow – Blacksmith’s Forge
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low | Rations: 1
Coins: 72 copper
Earth Level: 4
Key Equipment Updated: Gauntlet of the Infernal Path
Earthshards Remaining: 0

---

You lay the Gauntlet of the Infernal Path on the blackened anvil. Borrik inspects it with a grunt, tapping along the runic grooves with a thick finger.

“Hm. Fire-bound channeling… room for more punch,” he mutters, then lifts a glowing Earthshard. He sets three shards in a triangle, then strikes the gauntlet with a rune-etched hammer. The forge flares golden-red.

The metal hums with buried pressure—grinding tectonic force layered under infernal flame.

---

Upgrade Complete!

Gauntlet of the Infernal Path now gains the Tremorfist effect:

• +1 physical damage
• Successful melee hit causes minor shockwave (chance to stagger or knock back foes)
• Once per long rest: Tremor Slam – spend 2 EP to unleash a frontal shockwave (cone, deals minor Earth damage and forces a DEX save or prone)

“A mountain’s punch, eh?” Borrik grins. “Just don’t break the village.”

---

Nyra gives a sharp, approving chirp. “That’ll crack a few cultist ribs.”

 

---

Story Update – Day 13, Early Afternoon (Post-Gauntlet Upgrade)

Location: Windrest Hollow – Blacksmith’s Forge
Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low
Rations: 1
Coins: 72 copper
Earth Level: 4
Earthshards: 0
Favor: Respected in Windrest Hollow

---

Updated Key Equipment

Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (Flamebound Echo + Tremorfist)

• +1 physical damage
• Successful melee hit = minor shockwave (chance to stagger/knock back)
• Tremor Slam (1/long rest): Spend 2 EP to unleash a cone-shaped shockwave, dealing minor Earth damage and forcing DEX save or prone
• Resonates stronger with your rising Earth and Fire affinity

---

Current Inventory:

• Copper: 72
• Revive Stones: 4
• Rations: 1
• Firegems: 3
• Orb of Flame
• Ancient Coin – Soulmark Token (ready for Codex fusion)
• Verdant Seed Core (Key Earth relic – needed for Heart of the Elements)
• Echo-Fused Binding Thread
• Scroll Fragment: Whisper of the Roots
• Wind Sigil Charm (EP -1 for 1 Air spell/long rest)
• Watershaped Ring (Flow State – passive regen)
• Adept’s Charm (Resonant Insight – Spirit synergy)
• Shimmering Amulet (Veil of Equilibrium – hybrid harmony)

---

Codex: Fusion Ready

Available Slot: 1
Fusion Available:

• Soulmark Token (Ancient Coin)
  • Unlocks sealed Soulmark structures & memory visions
  • Passive: Increases Spirit-based perception & memory resonance

---

Known Elemental Relics Obtained:

• Water: Completed (Temple of Still Waters)
• Fire: Completed (Ashen Spire)
• Air: Completed (Skyreach Monastery)
• Earth: Verdant Seed Core (not yet attuned at Verdant Hollow)
• Spirit: Pending

---

What would you like to do next?

1. Visit Halwen – Discuss Codex fusion (Soulmark Token) and Spirit attunement
2. Buy trail rations or gear from the forge – (View blacksmith’s updated list)
3. Go to the village market – Check for rare goods, trinkets, scrolls, food
4. Head toward the Earth Temple – Verdant Hollow (with Nyra)
5. Rest in Windrest Hollow – Speak with locals, recover, or ask about cultist movements

What would you like to do?

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

And our pack is not waterproof? That could be a problem, well, if it rains or something.

 

Hitting things hard sounds like fun.

[Ithillian Turambar]

It's not waterproof?  I didn't see that.

 

Sorry for the weird double update. The game had forgotten some of the stuff we found up on the Crag.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

And now there are DEX stats as well as WILL? Really is ramping up the complexity, lol.

 

Maybe we should also buy a waterproof pack as we get an extra inventory slot which is something else I had not realised was a thing. Be useful for all the rations Turin wants to buy.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

The Forged pack gives an extra slot and is waterproof. Which kind of implies our current pack is not. Though maybe it is also using double negative Pirate mind tricks on us to sell more packs *shrugs*

[Ithillian Turambar]

Oh the shop sells waterproof packs. Also yeah, it needs to stop moving the goalposts on how much stuff we can carry lol

[Turin Turambar]

We do gotta eat. The waterproof pack is probably worth getting also.

[Ithillian Turambar]

Ok we look at was else there is to buy here

 

Borrik’s Forge Shop,

 

He gestures to the updated stock

---

Blacksmith’s Inventory (Windrest Hollow – Updated)

Standard Gear:

• Trail Rations – 4 copper each (you have 1 currently)
• Forged Pack – 8 copper (+1 inventory slot, waterproof)
• Basic Iron Bracers – 10 copper (DEF +1)
• Rune-etched Vambrace – 40 copper (Magical Focus Slot – boosts one spell’s effect slightly)

Elemental & Hybrid Gear (Unlocked via Guild Favor):

• Stonewoven Cloak – 25 copper (+1 resistance to minor Earth damage; camouflage in rocky terrain)
• Pyroband Wristguard – 30 copper (Fire spells gain +1 damage once per long rest)
• Flowthread Sash – 28 copper (Water Weaves cost -1 EP, once per long rest)
• Echo-Fused Bolts (set of 3) – 12 copper (throwables; deal minor hybrid shock/echo damage; 1 use each)

Borrik eyes you. “You’ve got the strength of the mountain now. These’ll help you carry it without cracking.”

---

Your Funds:

• Copper: 72
• Rations: 1
• Inventory Space: 1 open slot (can be expanded with Forged Pack)

---

 

I guess make a list and then maybe bargain.

 

Sorry I can't give you reactions to vote with this time