Totally didn't get muddled up about what you all wanted to do lol Story Update – Night, Day 13 Location: Windrest Hollow – Cellar beneath the Inn Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Codex Attunement: Unified Elemental Bond | Soulmark Token | Binding Bloom Sigil Elemental Strengths: Water 13 | Fire 10 | Spirit 10 | Earth 4 | Air 5 The common room above has quieted for the night. Lanterns burn low as you make your way down to the cellar. It’s cooler here—stone walls still holding the chill of the mountain night. Where once there was a locked cell, there’s now a tidy alcove. Kerin sits by a small lamp, flipping through a worn book. The glow highlights the softer lines in his face—no longer sunken with guilt and fear. He notices you and straightens. “Didn’t expect a visit this late.” You share your plans—Verdant Hollow, the Bloomgate, the path ahead. Kerin listens carefully, then reaches into a wooden box by his cot. “We never cracked the Hollow,” he says. “Too wild. Too awake. One cult agent tried to burn through the roots—he vanished. We called the barrier the Bloomgate. Only opens when the Hollow wants to open.” You show him the Scroll Fragment: Whisper of the Roots. His eyes narrow, scanning the worn script. “Yes. This matches what they whispered. ‘Where sorrow flowers, memory follows.’ You’ll need more than strength. Grief, Spirit, Earth—something deeper.” He hesitates, then hands you a carved item from the box. “This root twisted into shape while I was meditating… felt like it remembered something.” “I don’t know what it is, but… maybe the Hollow does.” Inventory & Lore Update: + Root-Etched Effigy (Quest Item – May react at the Bloomgate or within the Hollow) Codex Insight – Verdant Hollow (Updated): Entrance hidden beneath root and stone, attuned to memory and sorrow. “Bloomgate” responds not to power, but emotional resonance. The cult sought to corrupt grief buried there—“verdancy sealed in grief.” Kerin sighs. “You gave me a path out. If you show the Hollow the same... it might let you in.” From upstairs, Nyra’s soft steps echo faintly. The night deepens. What would you like to do next? Rest until morning, then head toward the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Return to the market or forge before bed Ask Nyra about the Root-Etched Effigy or the Bloomgate Fuse the Whisper of the Roots scroll fragment into the Codex Review full inventory, spells, and Codex attunements

Let's go visit Kerin before we go to bed, and then we'll be ready to set off in the morning.

Oh I think it's cos I read what you said rather than the votes. Sorry about that.

I may have got confused.

Falling

Nyra seems pretty clear about the order of things to do lol

She's very knowledgeable Story Update – Day 13, Late Night Location: Windrest Hollow – Clifftop Overlook Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Moderate Codex Attunement: Unified Elemental Bond | Soulmark Token | Binding Bloom Sigil Equipped Items: Wind Sigil Charm | Watershaped Ring | Gauntlet of the Infernal Path | Shimmering Amulet Elemental Strengths: Water 13 | Fire 10 | Spirit 10 | Earth 4 | Air 5 The stars above Windrest Hollow shimmer like silver embers. You and Nyra stand atop a narrow overlook, wind sighing through pine silhouettes. Below, the lanterns of the village flicker gently. The Codex at your side pulses softly, responding to the quiet energy of the night. Nyra’s gaze is fixed eastward, toward unseen mountains cloaked in starlit mist. She speaks quietly. “The Heart isn’t just a source of elemental strength. It’s memory, shaped into will. If the cult reaches it first…” “They won’t awaken balance. They’ll unmake it.” You ask her what she knows of the Shrouded Flame. She hesitates, feathers rippling. “It was never a god. Not truly. It was forged—when the world’s balance failed. Fire burned alone. Spirit was twisted by grief. It is bound by echoes, fed by imbalance.” You press her further. “They’ve hidden its name. Even from me. But that name... matters. Names shape reality.” “The Heart knows it. And if you find the Heart first, you might unmake the Flame before it rises.” She touches your Codex gently. “You’re almost ready.” Codex Insight – The Heart of the Elements (Updated) The Heart is a convergence of memory and elemental will. The Shrouded Flame was born of imbalance—not divine, but forged in elemental failure. Its true name is hidden or erased, but may be revealed at the Heart. Attuning to all five elements may grant you the ability to awaken the Heart before the cult corrupts it. Nyra’s wings ruffle. “Tomorrow, we see what Kerin remembers. Then we walk the Hollow. The Earth remembers things even Spirit forgets.” She turns and descends the overlook path, disappearing into mist. What would you like to do next? Visit Kerin in the inn’s cellar – check on the former cultist, follow up on any leads about the Earth Temple Return to the village market – make final purchases or sell unneeded gear Rest for the night – recover fully before the next journey Set out for Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Review your full inventory, spellbook, and Codex attunements

The store looks super cool. He showed us a photo. We still need 2 or 3 people so Key can start her game 🙂

Things are starting to all come together... Story Update – Day 13, Late Night Location: Windrest Hollow – Relic Vendor’s Tent Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Moderate Codex Attunement: Unified Elemental Bond | Soulmark Token | Binding Bloom Sigil Equipped Items: Wind Sigil Charm | Gauntlet of the Infernal Path | Watershaped Ring | Shimmering Amulet Elemental Strengths: Water 13 | Fire 10 | Spirit 10 | Earth 4 | Air 5 You take a moment to sort through your gear under the soft glow of lantern-lit leaves. The relic vendor offers a quiet place to rest and ready your tools. One by one, you clasp the Wind Sigil Charm around your neck, its subtle etchings humming gently. A faint breeze stirs as the charm syncs with your Air affinity. Item Equipped – Wind Sigil Charm Effect: Once per long rest, the first Air spell cast costs 1 less EP Synergy Detected: Unified Codex recognizes this as a minor passive relic – no disruption to attuned fusions. You now wear: Wind Sigil Charm Shimmering Amulet Watershaped Ring Gauntlet of the Infernal Path Your Codex continues to channel: Cleansing Flame (Orb of Purity) Resonant Insight (Adept’s Charm) Flow State (Watershaped Ring) Veil of Equilibrium (Shimmering Amulet) Flamebound Echo (Gauntlet) Soulmark (Memory access) Binding Bloom Sigil (Earth/Spirit) Your equipment feels perfectly aligned—fluid, fortified, and ready for what lies ahead. Nyra lands beside you with a flutter of wings. “You’re almost whole,” she says, eyeing the glowing Codex. “Let’s see how Kerin's faring. If he’s stable, his knowledge might shape our next move.” What would you like to do next? Go check in with Kerin (cultist informant, last seen at the inn’s basement) Return to the village market (final errands) Rest for the night Head for the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Speak privately with Nyra about the Heart of the Elements

We do the Fuse Story Update – Day 13, Nightfall (Cont.) Location: Windrest Hollow – Relic Vendor’s Tent Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Codex Attunement: Unified Elemental Bond | Soulmark Token | Binding Bloom Sigil Elemental Strengths: Water 13 | Fire 10 | Spirit 10 | Earth 4 | Air 5 You pass the Binding Bloom Sigil to the relic vendor, and she begins the fusion process. The air smells of moss and sun-warmed bark as she traces old glyphs with green-sparking chalk. Your Codex flares open, pages turning on their own—until the sigil burns itself into a new page beside your Soulmark. Codex Fusion Complete – Binding Bloom Sigil Effect (Passive – Always Active): Verdant Echo: Earth-based spells and Weaves leave behind lingering roots or vines that may restrain or entangle enemies (minor chance). Nature’s Memory: Gain +1 Spirit-based Perception in natural areas. Codex Attunement Passive – no slot cost. “You’ve tied your fate to the memory of stone and seed,” she murmurs. “Good. The Hollow listens.” Codex Attunement Check – Active Synergies & Relics Your Codex passively channels the effects of all attuned relics, unless stated otherwise. Here’s what’s currently attuned and active: Attuned & Active Relics (Codex Synergies): Watershaped Ring (Flow State – EP regen after Water spells) Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (Flamebound Echo – Fire-enhanced strikes + Tremorfist) Shimmering Amulet (Veil of Equilibrium – Hybrid resistance + balance effect) Adept’s Charm (Resonant Insight – Spirit-enhanced insight/perception) Orb of Purity (Cleansing Flame – available effect, not currently invoked) Soulmark Token (Memory & Spirit attunement, passive door/vision access) Binding Bloom Sigil (Verdant Echo + Nature’s Memory effects) You are not currently holding or wearing any additional relics that can be attuned. Would you like to equip any relic physically (e.g. wear the Wind Sigil Charm)? Here's what you have available: Equipable Items (Not Currently Worn): Wind Sigil Charm (1 Air spell costs 1 less EP per long rest – Equipable, not attuned) Basic Iron Bracers (DEF +1 – not attuned, physical item) Rune-etched Vambrace (Magical Focus Slot – can hold certain focus gems, not currently equipped) Let me know if you'd like to equip any of these alongside your passively-attuned Codex items. What would you like to do next? Equip physical items (charm, bracers, etc.) Go check in with Kerin (cultist informant) Return to the village market Prepare to travel to the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Rest or speak with Nyra about your next move

Let's just do that then Story Update – Day 13, Nightfall Location: Windrest Hollow – Relic Vendor's Tent Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Inventory Slots: Comfortable (Forged Pack active) Codex Attunement: Unified Elemental Bond, Soulmark Token Elemental Strengths: Water 13 | Fire 10 | Spirit 10 | Earth 4 | Air 5 You step beneath the canvas of the relic vendor’s tent, where glass lanterns cast dancing shadows across bundles of talismans, scroll fragments, and threaded crystal beads. The vendor—a short woman with moss-threaded hair and silver eyes—eyes the Verdant Seed Core and Echo-Fused Binding Thread in your hand. She lays them on a patterned cloth and closes her eyes. “These are not mere relics. They're reactive echoes. This seed’s slumbering Earth aspect is strong—but it needs guidance. And the Thread… that’s woven with Spirit and memory. I think they want to be joined.” The Codex responds. A soft green-gold light weaves between the items. Codex Fusion Available: Binding Bloom Sigil (Fused Relic) Crafted by combining the Verdant Seed Core + Echo-Fused Binding Thread Grants access to Verdant Echo: a passive ability that causes nearby Earth spells or Weaves to leave lingering roots or grasping vines (low chance to restrain) Spirit-based Perception checks gain +1 bonus when in natural environments Can be equipped in the Codex as a passive synergy slot “It’s a good weave,” the vendor says, nodding. “Not flashy—but rooted in truth. Would you like to fuse them now?” What would you like to do next? Fuse the items into the Binding Bloom Sigil and attune it to your Codex Decline the fusion for now and keep the relics separate Return to the village market (you may still buy or sell) Go check in with Kerin at the inn (cultist informant) Prepare to travel to the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple)

Hmmm looks like we can only sell our good stuff, which I don't really want to do. And I did ask the question about inventory. I think option 2 looks best for now.

We wander over to the Market Story Update – Day 13, Evening Location: Windrest Hollow – Village Market Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Rations: 3 | Coins: 37 copper Codex: 2 Fusions Active – Unified Elemental Bond, Soulmark Token Elemental Strengths: Water 13 | Fire 10 | Spirit 10 | Earth 4 | Air 5 The Windrest market glows under paper lanterns strung between old beams and breeze-chimes. You walk among vendors hawking everything from orchard fruit to arcane relics. The Codex hums softly — it senses several objects nearby with subtle magical presence. At one end of the square, a relic vendor raises a hand. “Traveler of the Conduit,” she says knowingly. “You carry threads waiting to be woven.” Village Market – Goods Available Common Supplies: Trail Rations (1 pack) – 4 copper Healing Salve (minor HP recovery) – 12 copper Sturdy Rope (25 ft) – 6 copper Glowleaf Tincture (glows in dark + minor Spirit perception boost) – 15 copper Herbal Poultice (removes mild poison or fatigue) – 10 copper Relic & Arcane Items (Relic Vendor): Spiritglass Shard (view past echoes at keyed locations) – 28 copper Hollowbone Flute (calms beasts, grants minor Wind resonance) – 22 copper Moonthread Sash (equipable – boosts Spirit-based saves) – 30 copper Old Map Fragment (partial map of Verdant Hollow region) – 16 copper Lodestone Charm (equipable – chance to reduce EP cost of Earth spells) – 26 copper You May Sell or Trade: A local relic appraiser evaluates your items with interest. Firegems (3) – 6 copper each or 20 copper for full set Glyph-Stained Scrap – 8 copper Orb of Flame – 15 copper (note: may have ritual use) Wind Sigil Charm – 10 copper Scroll Fragment: Whisper of the Roots – Unstable; could offer it to scholar for lore/favor instead Verdant Seed Core – Relic vendor suggests it may react to Earth fusion or rare crafting You are not inventory-limited unless stated, though carrying many active magical items may affect focus or Codex attunement in the future. The Forged Pack grants you an extra inventory slot. What would you like to do next? Buy or sell (specify what you'd like to purchase or trade) Ask the relic vendor about combining the Seed Core or Binding Thread Check in with Kerin at the inn (former cultist, now under watch) Prepare for travel to the Earth Temple – Verdant Hollow Return to Halwen to explore deeper Codex attunement options

Ok let's fuse that coin Story Update – Day 13, Late Afternoon Location: Windrest Hollow – Halwen’s Study Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Codex Attunement: Soulmark Fusion COMPLETE New Passive: Memory Resonance (Spirit) – Slightly increases insight when near memory-imbued locations or beings You arrive at Halwen’s study just as a soft glow settles over the mountains. Books are stacked high around ritual glyphs, and a quiet magical hum fills the air. “Ready?” Halwen asks, eyes locked on the Soulmark Token in your hand. You nod. Fusion in Progress… You place the token onto the Codex. Runes align. Threads of memory—lost names, old places, sealed promises—rush across your mind. Spirit energy flows into the Codex like a breath taken after centuries. The fusion sears faint glyphs into the outer ring of the Codex, expanding its sensory field. Codex Fusion Complete: Soulmark Integration Grants access to sealed Soulmark Doors Unlocks Spirit Visions tied to echoes of the past Passive: Memory Resonance — Gain insight and potential Spirit boosts when near faded places, relics, or beings Fusion Slot 2 now filled (Max 3 with Unified Elemental Bond) Halwen watches as the light fades. “Your path is bound to the spirit of things now. Be careful. Not all echoes want to stay forgotten.” Current Codex Fusions: Arcane Conduit (Unified Elemental Bond) – Base Fusion Soulmark Token – Spirit Echo Access & Resonance (1 Fusion Slot remains) Equipable/Attunable Items Check: Item Status Watershaped Ring Equipped (Passive – Flow State) Gauntlet of the Infernal Path Equipped (Passive – Flamebound Echo, Tremorfist) Adept’s Charm Equipped (Passive – Resonant Insight) Shimmering Amulet Equipped (Passive – Veil of Equilibrium) Wind Sigil Charm Not Equipped – 1 Air spell costs 1 less EP Glyph-Stained Scrap Consumable – not attunable Verdant Seed Core Not equipped – may attune in Earth-aligned site Echo-Fused Binding Thread Not equipped – requires a fusion site or spell creation Orb of Flame Potential Codex fusion (Fire alignment – not yet used) Ancient Coin (Soulmark Token) Fused into Codex (complete) You may choose to attune one of the unequipped items or prepare it for fusion when appropriate. What would you like to do next? Visit the Village Market – General goods, potions, curios Speak again with Kerin – Learn more about the Veilheart or rituals Begin your journey to the Earth Temple – Verdant Hollow Rest and prepare spells or equipment Seek a meditation or fusion site nearby (for Seed Core or Binding Thread)

We should probably go to the market at some point and see if we can sell all the stuff we don't really need. We should fuse up some stuff and equip things that need equipping And also maybe get some more info from Kerin.

We have a little chat with Nyra Story Update – Day 13, Mid-Afternoon Location: Windrest Hollow – Hillside Overlook Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Copper: 37 | Rations: 3 | Earth Level: 4 Inventory Slot Remaining: 1 You and Nyra step away from the forge, walking a rising path toward the overlook above the village. The air is sharp with mountain chill, but the view reveals the world opening to the east — winding forests, the glimmer of hidden caves, and far off, a glimpse of jagged roots rising from the ground: the Verdant Hollow, no doubt. Nyra hops along a fencepost and speaks, voice soft. “We’re getting closer to the core of this… It’s not just about the temples anymore. The cult’s goal—it’s dangerous in ways we haven’t seen yet.” You ask her thoughts directly. Codex Insight – Nyra’s Perspective: “That Chained Flame isn’t just a god or a demon. It’s something older. Forgotten on purpose. And the Heart of the Elements… it’s not just power. It’s balance.” “If they twist the Heart before we reach it, it won’t matter how many glyphs we carry. The world will fracture from within.” She pauses, then glances toward the inn. “We should check on Kerin. He might know more now.” You head to the Inn’s lower chamber, where Kerin was once held. It’s no longer a cell, but a quiet, book-lined room. Kerin sits at a table, sketching symbols from memory. He looks up and offers a nod — more calm and aware than before. Kerin’s Update: “The cult has moved from gathering relics to preparing the veil ritual. They’re not just seeking the Heart — they plan to replace it with something bound to the Chained Flame.” “They call it a ‘Veilheart’ — a false core, forged in a confluence of corrupted elemental sites.” “Their next gathering may be near the Spirit Shrine or deep beneath the Earth Temple. Both are... vulnerable.” He places a folded note in your hand. “It’s a glyph-stamp. You might need it if you get close to one of their twisted altars.” You receive: Glyph-Stained Scrap (Cult Mark) Can be used to bypass or mislead one cultist ward/barrier. Nyra narrows her eyes. “Then we move faster.” What would you like to do next? Visit Halwen – Fuse the Soulmark Token and gain Spirit resonance Go to the Village Market – Browse general goods and magical curios Speak further with Kerin – Ask more about the Veilheart or cult tactics Head toward the Earth Temple – Time is pressing Find a quiet place to prepare – Meditate, equip, or adjust spells before leaving

Well Heavy likes Turin's suggestion, so we bargain You lay out the items at Borrik’s counter: two packs of trail rations, the rugged Forged Pack, and the Stonewoven Cloak, its layered fabric humming faintly with embedded Earth-thread runes. You place 35 copper on the counter. Borrik raises a thick brow. “That’s… 41 copper’s worth o’ gear,” he grunts, arms crossed. “But you’ve been good for the Hollow. Helped the guild. Fought off those fanatics.” He eyes the tremor-marked gauntlet on your arm, then grins. “Fine. Deal. But next time you try to rob me with a smile, I’ll add a hammer tax.” Purchase Successful! -35 copper +2 Rations (Total: 3) +Forged Pack (+1 inventory slot, waterproof) +Stonewoven Cloak (Resist minor Earth damage, terrain camo boost) Copper Remaining: 37 Nyra clicks approvingly, already stashing the rations in your newly reinforced pack. The cloak rests snug on your shoulders—sturdy and warm, with a subtle shifting hue like dust and moss. Inventory Update (Condensed View) Copper: 37 Rations: 3 Inventory Capacity: 1 unused slot Notable Gear: Stonewoven Cloak (equipped – Earth resist) Forged Pack (+1 slot, waterproof) Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (Tremorfist + Tremor Slam) Watershaped Ring, Amulet, Charms (passives equipped) What would you like to do next? Visit Halwen – Discuss Soulmark fusion and Spirit attunement Go to the Village Market – Check general goods, rumors, or minor magical trinkets Speak to Nyra – Ask her thoughts on the Codex, temples, or next steps Head toward the Earth Temple – Verdant Hollow beckons beyond the cliffs Rest and listen – Spend the afternoon speaking with locals and watching for signs

Evil

I guess add Likes to either Turin's or Heavy's post and we will go with the winner.

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

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

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.

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

But what effect? Tremor defense or Hit really hard?

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: 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. 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 Sell Components: 3 Raw Earthshards: 30 copper total Cracked Crystal Eye: Offer of 18 copper 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? Infuse your Gauntlet using Earthshards – choose 1 effect Sell all components (Earthshards + Crystal Eye) for 48 copper Buy gear or rations (choose from list) Upgrade or enchant a current item (specify) Leave and go visit Halwen What would you like to do? I can type in a particular item if you choose option 4.