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[Ithillian Turambar]

We consult the book of all things

 

---

Story:
You reach for your Codex and whisper, “Show me the nearest settlement. Somewhere safe… with people.”

The glyphs swirl for a moment, responding to both your Spirit Glyph and the tracking seal on Kerin. A map forms in mid-air, etched in silver light.

Just a few miles off the path to Skyreach lies a village nestled in the cliffs: Windrest Hollow.

“Windrest Hollow: a fortified cliffside village known for its small shrine, herbalists, and traveling mystics. Friendly to glyphbearers. Caution: isolated but safe.”

The Codex highlights a winding descent path toward the hollow, veiled from above by natural rock formations—hard to see, harder to attack.

Kerin lifts his head. “Windrest… we used to watch it from the ridges. They never gave in.”

You begin the descent, guided by glyphlight and cautious steps.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 27
• EP: 3 / 17
• Veilbrand Ascendant: Cooldown active
• Inventory: (unchanged)
• Coin: 47 Copper, 6 Silver Crowns
• Companion:
  • Kerin (Bound Cultist) – cooperative
• Codex Update:
  • New Location Added: Windrest Hollow
    • Shrine access
    • Safe rest location
    • Possible merchant & information hub
  • Travel Route Locked: Path to Windrest Hollow Detected

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You’ve located Windrest Hollow, a hidden but friendly village just off your current path. It offers a chance to rest, trade, purify items, and speak with NPCs—and a place to safely deliver Kerin for help or judgment.

---

Next Choices:

1. Continue toward Windrest Hollow now, aiming to arrive by nightfall.
2. Ask Kerin questions on the way, using Spirit Glyph to guide the talk.
3. Rest at the edge of the pass before descending—recover EP and stabilize.
4. Use the Prayer Stone to seek divine favor before entering the village.
5. Detour to search for herbs or items along the mountain trail.

 

 

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

I think rest might be best. 

[Turin Turambar]

Quick rest sounds reasonable. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

We have a little rest

 

---

Story:
With the descent into Windrest Hollow just ahead, you decide to rest.

The path opens into a small stone ledge, shielded on three sides by rock and framed by low pines. A thin waterfall trickles nearby, feeding into a shallow pool—clean, drinkable water glinting under the fading afternoon light.

You unroll your bedroll, place your pack within reach, and settle in beside the pool. Kerin sits quietly, hands still bound, eyes watching the horizon but saying nothing.

As you rest, the Prayer Stone tucked in your pouch glows faintly—not enough to call attention, just a gentle pulse, as if reassuring you that this is sacred ground.

---

Short Rest Completed:
You spend enough time meditating and breathing in the calm of the ledge to restore your strength, but not enough for full recovery.

• HP Restored: +1
• EP Restored: +7 (includes +1 bonus from Water Glyph)
• Veilbrand Ascendant: Cooldown fully lifted
• Status: Slightly fatigued, but spell-ready

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 26 / 27
• EP: 10 / 17
• Elemental Strengths: (unchanged)
  • Water: 19 | Fire: 12 | Spirit: 15 | Air: 2 | Earth: 2
• Spell Book:
  • Veilbrand Ascendant: Ready
  • Emberlash, Soul Veil, Boiling Lance
• Inventory: (unchanged)
• Codex Note Added:
  • Sacred Rest Point – Whispering Ledge
  • Prayer Stone harmonized: future blessings may be stronger here

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You completed a short rest, recovering EP and lifting Veilbrand Ascendant’s cooldown. The calm energy of the ledge also bonded faintly with your spiritual tools, hinting at future use.

---

Next Choices:

1. Continue into Windrest Hollow now that you're recovered.
2. Use the Prayer Stone while the sacred energy lingers.
3. Speak with Kerin, while the peaceful moment may loosen his thoughts.
4. Search the ledge for rare herbs or spiritual artifacts.
5. Sleep for a full long rest, risking nightfall but gaining full recovery.

Edited April 15 by Ithillian Turambar

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Speak to Kevin? 

[Gudrean]

  On 4/15/2025 at 7:25 PM, HeavyHalfMoonBlade said:

Speak to Kevin? 

Expand  

hehehe Kevin

[Ithillian Turambar]

Maybe the WiFi is out.

 

Still no votes yet though

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Sorry I thought I had. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

Well I want to talk to him so that's 2. Let's go

 

---

Story:
As the sun lowers behind the cliffs, you turn toward Kerin, still seated beside the stone wall, his bindings glinting with faint Spirit glyphs.

You sit across from him—not as a jailer, but as someone ready to listen.

“You said you thought the cult was saving the world,” you begin. “What were you promised?”

Kerin exhales slowly. His gaze doesn’t meet yours at first. But the peaceful surroundings, the glyph’s subtle presence, and your recent act of mercy soften him.

“I was lost. I had... no place in the world. The Eye offered structure—answers. They told us the Fivefold Path was broken, and that a new age had to rise from the ashes of the old.”
“They showed us glyphbearers like you. Said you'd remake the weave in your image—and leave the rest of us behind.”

He glances up now.

“But you didn’t leave me. You spared me.”

The Spirit Glyph on your body pulses once, faint and warm. You know he's speaking from the heart.

---

Insight Gained – Cultic Motivation Identified

• The Eye of the Hollow recruits from the disenfranchised
• Their dogma claims the Fivefold Weave is flawed, and glyphbearers must be destroyed before balance can return
• Cultists undergo a blindness ritual to sever emotional empathy—Kerin never completed his

---

Kerin’s Trust Increased

He leans forward slightly, voice quiet:

“If you can get me to the shrine in Windrest… I’ll tell you where they gather. There’s a place. A sanctum not marked on any map.”

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 26 / 27
• EP: 10 / 17
• Veilbrand Ascendant: Ready
• Spirit Strength: 15
• Codex Update:
  • Kerin’s Trust: Moderate
  • Cult Sanctum Location: Available upon arrival at Windrest shrine
  • “Fivefold Path targeted by Eye of the Hollow” added to prophecy log

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You deepened Kerin’s trust and learned of a hidden cult sanctum—information he will share once safely delivered to the shrine. You now understand more about the cult’s ideology and why they target glyphbearers.

---

Next Choices:

1. Continue into Windrest Hollow, determined to reach the shrine.
2. Use the Prayer Stone now to strengthen future blessings.
3. Sleep here for a long rest, ensuring full HP and EP recovery.
4. Search the ledge for rare plants or reagents while there’s still light.
5. Mark this conversation into the Codex, creating a permanent memory bond.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Loot? Or will lose the light and need to travel after dark?

 

Perhaos we should prioritise Kevin's safety. We have tied him up and not even let him choose a safe word. We have responsibilities here. 

[Ithillian Turambar]

It does get a bit more dangerous when it gets dark.

 

 

[Turin Turambar]

We scof in the face of danger, right?

 

 

RIGHT?!?!?

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

  On 4/16/2025 at 12:19 PM, Turin Turambar said:

We scof in the face of danger, right?

 

 

RIGHT?!?!?

Expand  

Not where Kevin is concerned. He must be protected at all costs!

 

Who are we going to snuggle if anything happens to him?

[Ithillian Turambar]

Hopefully we both arrive safely

 

---

Story:
You rise and pack your things, the glow of the setting sun washing the ledge in soft gold. Kerin stands as well—quiet, respectful, and no longer fighting the binding glyphs. Together, you descend the final stretch of stone trail.

As the shadows grow long, the cliffs part to reveal a hidden valley carved into the mountain's shoulder.

Windrest Hollow.

The village is small but sturdy, built from windworn stone and redwood beams. Lanterns glow warmly along the paths, and figures move between homes wrapped in layered cloaks and soft light. A wind chime sings somewhere high above.

A few townsfolk pause to watch you enter—but they do not raise alarm. Instead, a shrinekeeper in pale robes approaches, eyes resting on Kerin first, then on the glyphs glowing along your body.

“A bearer of balance… and a soul in need of healing. Come, both of you are welcome here.”

She gestures you into the central shrine—a circular stone building filled with incense, woven symbols of the five elements, and the quiet sound of trickling water.

You’ve made it to safety.

---

Windrest Hollow – Unlocked

Services Available:

• Rest (free or upgraded for coin)
• Trade with local herbalist & charm maker
• Shrine Blessings & Purifications
• NPC interactions & lore
• Deliver or redeem Kerin for judgment or spiritual recovery

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 26 / 27
• EP: 10 / 17
• Inventory:
  • Coin: 47 Copper, 6 Silver Crowns
  • Shadowglass Dagger (+1 vs cursed)
  • Prayer Stone of Balance
  • Scroll Fragment – Hollow Sight
  • Cursed Thread Ring (not yet purified)
• Companion:
  • Kerin (Bound Cultist) – Trust Level: Moderate
• Codex Update:
  • Windrest Hollow: Sanctuary registered
  • Shrine: Accessible
  • Spiritual tension in the land remains high—combat risk returns outside village limits

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You reached Windrest Hollow safely, opening access to rest, trade, purification, and deeper NPC interaction. You now have a safe place to regroup, upgrade, or learn before returning to the path of elemental mastery.

---

Next Choices:

1. Speak with the Shrinekeeper about delivering or redeeming Kerin.
2. Rest at the shrine, fully restoring your HP and EP.
3. Visit the herbalist’s stall to trade or purchase supplies.
4. Offer your Prayer Stone to receive a blessing or vision.
5. Look for other glyphbearers or travelers in the village.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

We need to take care of the livestock first.

[Gudrean]

Ooooh all the good choices!

[Turin Turambar]

Get him to the shrine.

[Ithillian Turambar]

We go to the shrine

 

---

Story:
The shrinekeeper leads you through the circular sanctuary, its interior lit with soft braziers and lined with symbols of all five elements. The air smells of herbs, earth, and fresh rain—spiritually charged but soothing.

You and Kerin kneel together on a woven mat before the central altar. The shrinekeeper studies him, then looks to you with understanding.

“He carries darkness—but it does not own him. You did not destroy him when you could have. That alone speaks of balance.”

Kerin lowers his head, voice quiet.

“I… want to make it right. I know where some of them gather. Hidden valley… south of the Broken Spine. I can show you.”

The shrinekeeper steps forward and places her hand on his shoulder, and then yours.

“We accept him into sanctuary. His bond to you will remain, but here, he will be guarded, watched, and offered healing. If he speaks true, his knowledge will be used to protect others.”

A pulse of spirit light marks the moment. The Codex glows faintly.

---

Kerin has been safely delivered to the Shrine of Balance.

• You are now free to travel without a bound companion
• Codex has recorded his map to the Hidden Cult Sanctum
• You may return to visit him at any time
• You gain +1 permanent Spirit Strength for guiding him here instead of killing or abandoning him

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 26 / 27
• EP: 10 / 17
• Spirit Strength: 16 (+1 bonus)
• Inventory: (unchanged)
• Codex Update:
  • Kerin safely delivered – Sanctuary Bond active
  • New Location Revealed: Cult Sanctum (south of Broken Spine Mountains)
  • Spirit Milestone: “Redemption Chosen” – permanent bonus granted

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You safely delivered Kerin and earned a permanent Spirit boost, along with the map to the Hidden Cult Sanctum. The shrinekeeper now considers you a trusted protector, and Windrest Hollow may serve as a future base of operations.

---

Next Choices:

1. Rest now at the shrine, recovering HP and EP.
2. Visit the herbalist's stall and check available supplies.
3. Offer your Prayer Stone to receive a blessing or elemental vision.
4. Inspect the newly revealed Cult Sanctum map in the Codex.
5. Speak further with the shrinekeeper about glyphbearers and balance.

 

 

[Turin Turambar]

Shop, then sleep  methinks

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Yay, we get to keep him for snuggles!

 

Rest now, I think, that has all been very strenuous.

[Donchadh]

Day is almost done...rest, then shop and info gather, methinks.

[Ithillian Turambar]

Time to sleep. 

 

---

Story:
With Kerin safely in sanctuary and the village at peace, you finally allow yourself to relax.

The shrinekeeper offers a quiet place to rest—an alcove filled with soft straw bedding, warm blankets, and the calming sound of wind chimes and trickling water. You set your pack down, remove your boots, and lie back.

The world slips into stillness.

Your dreams are light but charged with elemental energy. You feel the ripple of your Water and Spirit glyphs, steady and calm. You glimpse fire in the distance, a faint spiral of wind above, and for just a moment… a stone heart pulsing with golden veins beneath the earth.

You awaken with clarity and power renewed.

---

Long Rest Completed:

• HP fully restored
• EP fully restored
• Veilbrand Ascendant refreshed
• Codex attuned more deeply to your glyphs during rest
• Water and Spirit glyphs slightly stabilized—cooldown reductions and EP efficiency improved in future castings

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 27 / 27 (Full)
• EP: 17 / 17 (Full)
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Water: 19
  • Fire: 12
  • Spirit: 16
  • Air: 2
  • Earth: 2
• Codex Update:
  • Glyph Focus bonus: Water + Spirit spells cost 1 less EP when used back-to-back
  • Rest bonus: Next fusion spell cast grants temporary shield
• Spell Book:
  • Veilbrand Ascendant: Ready
  • Emberlash, Boiling Lance, Soul Veil
• Inventory: (unchanged)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You’ve gained full strength and received a Codex resonance bonus for your Water and Spirit synergy. Your next fusion spell will grant a temporary shield, and casting Water + Spirit spells in succession now gains efficiency.

---

Next Choices:

1. Visit the herbalist’s stall and explore available items and upgrades.
2. Offer the Prayer Stone to the shrine for a vision or blessing.
3. Inspect the Codex map to the Cult Sanctum and plan your next move.
4. Speak to the shrinekeeper about other known glyphbearers in the world.
5. Leave Windrest Hollow and resume your journey toward the Air Altar.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Loot! That we pay for... that is still loot, right?

[Ithillian Turambar]

[Ithillian Turambar]

Shopping time

 

---

Story:
You step out of the shrine and follow a cobbled path lined with flowering moss and woven wind chimes. At the far end of the village square, a small wooden stall is nestled beneath a broadleaf tree. Hanging bundles of herbs, dried roots, and glittering charms sway gently in the breeze.

An older woman with sharp eyes and ink-stained fingers waves as you approach.

“Ah, a glyphbearer. I saw your arrival in the steam kettle,” she says with a grin.
“Let’s see what you're in need of—strength, healing, or something stranger?”

She gestures to a scroll pinned behind her:

---

Windrest Herbalist – Shop Inventory

Consumables:

• Healing Tonic – Restores +8 HP | Cost: 1 Silver Crown
• Mistyleaf Infusion – Restores +10 EP | Cost: 1 Silver Crown
• Burn Salve – Removes fire damage over time, grants minor resistance (1 turn) | Cost: 1 Silver + 10 Copper

Upgrades & Tools:

• Wind-Amber Charm – +1 Air Strength | Cost: 2 Silver Crowns
• Traveler’s Brew Satchel – Doubles effect of first ration used in battle | Cost: 50 Copper
• Binding Thread Pouch – Lets you craft simple charm fusions at shrines | Cost: 3 Silver Crowns

Special Offer:

• Flicker Seed (Rare) – Once planted, may grow into a Spirit-woven familiar | Cost: 1 Gold Mark or trade only

---

Your Coin:

• 47 Copper
• 6 Silver Crowns

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 27 / 27
• EP: 17 / 17
• Inventory: (unchanged so far)
• Codex Update:
  • Shop location registered – can return for restock or deliveries

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You've accessed the Windrest Herbalist’s stall and can now make purchases, trade, or plan charm upgrades. The shop includes healing, elemental boosts, and a mysterious Spirit familiar seed.

---

Next Choices:

1. Buy a Healing Tonic (1 Silver)
2. Buy a Mistyleaf Infusion (1 Silver)
3. Buy the Wind-Amber Charm (2 Silver)
4. Buy the Traveler’s Brew Satchel (50 Copper)
5. Return to the shrine or another village location to continue exploring.