Hello everyone on Dragonmount. All the new people, all you lurking Guests, our esteemed Discussion Board folk and of course all the members of the Orgs. You might have seen a few Mafia Games being run recently. They've been full of nostalgia and old friends. We've had a few new players but we're always happy to have more. What you can expect: 1. A cool nickname. It's hard to type out full names every time. 2. A buddy to sit in your game PM to help make sense of what's going on 3. A friendly Mod, who will make sure other players know you are learning 4. A group of friends, who will be happy to have you join them. Yes, some of them will be trying to get you killed... but in the next game you can return the favour. 5. A way to have fun and interact with your fellow DMers 6. A free custom made Signature to show you are now part of our Mafia Community So feel free to post here, or PM me, and we can have a chat about all the basics and get you into your very first game. Here is where you will find the Mafia Board

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

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: 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. 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 Forge and Armory – Visit the blacksmith to upgrade or repair gear. He may also trade raw materials like Earthshards for improved armor or weapons. Sanctuary Grove – Rest and meditate. You may commune with elemental energies here, or simply lower fatigue. 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: Visit Halwen and attune the Soulmark Token? Shop at the market stalls? Visit the forge for upgrades or trades? Meditate at the Sanctuary Grove? Check the bounty board for new tasks? Which one would you like to do first?

It was all Ed's fault.

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

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: Temple of Still Waters (Water) Key Obtained: Watershaped Ring (Flow State) Ashen Spire (Fire) Key Obtained: Flamebound Core (Flamebound Echo) 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? Visit the Marketplace and Blacksmith – Buy rations, potions, or crafting supplies. Ask about Earth-related items or rumors of the Verdant Hollow. 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. Rest at the Inn – Recover HP and EP, reduce fatigue, and check if any new rumors or quests are available. Meditate with Nyra at the Village Shrine – Align your Spirit and possibly trigger a vision or hint about the final Spirit Temple. 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?

Mafia

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.

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

Oh its nice to be back in the village 🙂

Ok let's go back to the proper village Story Update – Day 12, Early Afternoon Location: Windrest Hollow – Main Square Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low | Rations: 0 Companion: Nyra (active) Codex State: Unified Elemental Bond – attuned to all five elements Weather: Overcast, light breeze You bid farewell to Crag’s Edge for now, making your way down the mountain trails with Nyra keeping watch. The road is quiet and calm. The air grows warmer as you descend toward the lowlands, the weight of the earth fading into the whisper of leaves. By early afternoon, the gates of Windrest Hollow come into view — their ivy-covered archway familiar and welcoming. Villagers bustle through the square; children play by the well. The mood here is lighter than your last visit. Nyra hovers at your side, wings humming. “This place… it remembers us. Feels brighter somehow.” Windrest Hollow – Now Unlocked Again as a Rest Hub New Options Available: General Market Stall: Buy and sell basic supplies, rations, tools, and minor trinkets Blacksmith & Armourer (“Ironroot Forge”): Specializes in elemental-resistant gear and Codex-compatible armor Herbalist’s Hut: Rare components and minor restorative brews Halwen’s Study: Codex fusions, lore consultation, memory-tuned enchantments You head directly toward Halwen’s study, nestled near the shrine ruins on the east side. The old enchanter is already outside, setting crystals into the runic frame of a tuning mirror. He looks up as you approach and smiles faintly. Halwen: “Ah… I felt the Codex hum. You’ve done well. And I see… you’ve unlocked Earth. Grounded strength. That will serve you soon.” You show him the Ancient Coin, and he stiffens slightly, then nods gravely. “That’s no ordinary token. It’s a Soulmark, used by the old orders to seal memory-buried places. Very few remain.” “I can attune your Codex to interface with it, but it’ll require a fusion—just like we did long ago. The Codex is stronger now… it can hold more than one fused relic.” Codex Fusion Available: Soulmark Token can be fused into your Codex Grants access to sealed Soulmark doors and visions tied to forgotten spirits Passive bonus: Slight increase to Spirit-based perception and memory resonance Do you wish to fuse it now? Market Note: You now have access to: Rations (3 copper each) Minor EP potions (10 copper) Basic Earth-resist cloak (25 copper) Blacksmith commissions for armor or Codex-linked bracers Your Coin Pouch: 82 copper Would you like to: Fuse the Soulmark Token into your Codex Visit the market or blacksmith Rest at the inn (5 copper, restores full HP/EP and resets fatigue) Speak further with Halwen about other Codex upgrades What would you like to do next? Fuse the Soulmark Token now Visit the market (restock and shop) Go to the blacksmith and ask about custom gear Rest at the inn Ask Halwen more about Soulmark locations and lost memory echoes Nyra tugs gently at your sleeve. “Halwen knows more than he says… let’s learn everything we can.” What would you like to do?

No shopping? I guess there might be shopping back at the proper village

Treason

Well we shall meditate and we shall ALSO have a peek at the coin Story Update – Day 12, Midday Location: Crag’s Edge – Meditation Glade Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low | Rations: 0 Companion: Nyra (active) Codex State: Unified Elemental Bond (Fully active) Light Source: Natural You make your way toward a quieter part of Crag’s Edge, where a narrow stone path leads to a high overlook above the mists — the Meditation Glade, an open-air retreat surrounded by ancient, mossy stones. A tree clings stubbornly to life at the edge of the cliff, roots split around cracked stone and life-giving lichen. You seat yourself cross-legged and draw the Codex to your lap, pressing your hand to its surface. The Earth hums deep beneath the stone. You focus. On weight, on stillness. On the pulse of the land underfoot and the echo of the Verdant Hollow below. Your breath slows, body becoming motionless — and Nyra flutters into your open palm, glowing slightly, offering a gentle surge of balance. Her flickering wings pulse in rhythm with the land’s slumbering strength. Elemental Training – EARTH Meditative Bonding successful. Earth Level: 4 You may now learn Earth-aligned spells and interact with heavier geomantic anomalies. Hybrid spells involving Earth will be more stable. Passive benefit: Slight reduction in EP cost for spells involving defense or grounding. Nyra remains resting on your wrist, watching intently as you take out the Ancient Coin you found deep in the whisperroot chamber. The metal is faded bronze, etched with spiraling glyphs and an indistinct symbol — half tree, half sun. She tilts her head and murmurs into your thoughts: “This is a Soulmark… very old. Not currency. A key. It’s attuned to memory — maybe even a sealed chamber or a buried shrine.” She flits toward your Codex and places her paw against it. A faint trace of spirit energy flows into the coin — which briefly glows, then dims again. Item Insight Gained: Ancient Coin (Soulmark Token): Believed to unlock a memory-sealed structure. May respond to high Spirit and a specific location. Halwen may know more. You rise, feeling grounded and solid — Earth humming quietly beneath your skin. Updated Stats: HP: 26 / 26 EP: 17 / 17 Fatigue: Low Rations: 0 Element Levels: Water: 13 Fire: 10 Spirit: 10 Air: 5 Earth: 4 Inventory (notable updates): Ancient Coin (Soulmark Token – unidentified purpose) Wind Sigil Charm (equipable) Codex: Unified Elemental Bond (Earth channeling now fully enabled) What would you like to do next? Visit the Crag’s Edge vendor stalls (new Earth items now available) Check the Adventurer’s Hall job board Begin crafting with the Verdant Seed or Echo Thread Test out Earth spells or hybrid casting in the training yard Travel to Windrest Hollow – Speak with Halwen about Codex fusion and Soulmark token Nyra perches lightly on your shoulder. “Let’s find Halwen. There’s more we can awaken… I can feel it.” What would you like to do?

It's totally AI.

I think we need to get rid of the list thing too, although yours was very useful in the last game lol

Well 5pm EDT is 10pm UK time. And 10pm is 3am UK time....

Oh sugar lumps. I'm so sorry. I will make sure we can still check out the old coin.

We could get something a little better than our knife lol

Ooooh... there's an armourer here.

Ok, we go to this mysterious place that we completely missed on our way up lol Story Update – Day 12, Morning Location: Crag’s Edge (Surface – Adventurer’s Hall) Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low | Rations: 0 Light Source: Natural morning light Companion: Nyra (active, watchful) Codex State: Unified Elemental Bond – Fully active After one last look at the splintered altar far below, you make the long climb out of the crevice. By the time you emerge, the sky is pale with early morning mist, and the crags seem to sigh with cold wind. Crag’s Edge is quiet but alive. You pass a few other adventurers — some bruised, some quiet — and find your way back to the Adventurer’s Hall. The attendant, eyes wide at your return, takes your report with growing awe. Quest Complete – The Whisperroot Crags Rewards: 35 copper +1 Revive Stone (gifted by grateful guild patron) Unlocked new vendor stock (Earth-themed and hybrid items now available) Gained favor with Crag’s Edge Guild You take time to rest in one of the basic rooms provided for adventurers. The bed isn’t soft, but it’s warm. Nyra perches at the window, watching rising mist curl off the cliffs. You wake with energy, focus — and a rising awareness in your Codex. Something in the items you found… is calling for more. Inventory Update: Copper: 123 Revive Stones: 4 Verdant Seed Core Echo-Fused Binding Thread Ancient Coin Scroll Fragment: Whisper of the Roots Wind Sigil Charm (Equipable – 1 Air spell costs 1 less EP per long rest) Orb of Flame Firegems: 3 Watershaped Ring (Flow State – passive) Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (Flamebound Echo – passive) Adept’s Charm (Resonant Insight – passive) Shimmering Amulet (Veil of Equilibrium – passive) Current Spellbook (Updated) All spells benefit from max-level Spirit, Fire, Water, and mid-level Air/Earth as detailed in last update. What would you like to do next? Visit the local merchant and armorer – Check the new stock and consider upgrades Check the job board – See if there are side quests, rumors, or bounties Train or meditate – Focus on raising Earth to 4 (needed for Earth spell) Visit the crafting chamber – Use the Verdant Seed or Binding Thread Return to Windrest Hollow – Speak with Halwen about Codex fusion possibilities Nyra hums softly: “Halwen might be the only one who can guide your Codex further. We’ve come a long way from that village…” What would you like to do?

Ok let's get this final loot Story Update – Crag’s Edge: Chamber of the Shattered Altar (Nightfall) Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Light Source: Husk Core Glow Codex State: Whisperroot Pathway Unlocked (Verdant Entry attunement ready) You brush dust and broken offerings aside from the base of the altar, feeling a subtle thrum behind the shattered stone. Nyra hovers silently, wings glowing with pale Veil-light. Beneath a hollowed groove, you discover a concealed panel of woven root and stone—crafted in a style reminiscent of the Verdant Hollow. Your Spirit glyph flares as your fingers touch the surface. “It’s locked to Spirit and Earth attunement,” Nyra whispers. “But you’re strong enough now…” You channel both essences. [Spirit + Earth Resonance: Success – Passage Opened] A hidden compartment releases with a quiet groan. Inside: Verdant Seed Core – A pulsing green crystal encased in bark (Use: Upgrade or empower Earth/Spirit gear or spells) Echo-Fused Binding Thread – Used to bind powerful spell components (Can create or reinforce hybrid Weaves) Scroll Fragment: Whisper of the Roots – Partial spell instructions; requires Earth 4 to learn 1 Ancient Coin – Marked with the Spiral of Balance (Value: Unknown, possibly tradable at shrines) Nyra leans close, voice wary. “This altar was a Verdant Focal Point once… but something splintered it. We should return soon. The Hollow may react to your progress now.” Elemental Strengths (Updated): Water: 13 Fire: 10 Spirit: 11 Air: 5 Earth: 3 Spellbook Update – With Spirit: 11 Enhancements Water Spells: Aqua Surge (Lvl 9) – Now deals minor splash to adjacent foes; stagger chance improved Water Barrier (Lvl 2) – Regenerates +1 HP per turn for 2 turns; stronger against mental attacks Fire Spells: Emberlash (Lvl 2) – Now echoes briefly, possibly striking a second foe Scalding Veil (Lvl 1) – Lingering heat inflicts minor accuracy penalty on enemies Boiling Lance (Lvl 1) – Splash burn applies minor panic in low-Will enemies Magma Spike (Lvl 1) – Scorched zone lasts 1 extra turn Firejet (Lvl 1) – Leaves a burning trail that persists briefly Inner Flame (Lvl 1) – Now grants insight into emotional alignment + intent Spirit Spells: Soul Veil (Lvl 1) – Lasts longer; grants +1 to Will saves while active Veilbrand Surge (Weave Fusion) – Base effect unchanged; now inflicts vulnerability to Spirit damage on target for 1 turn New Spell Effect (Passive – Spirit 11): Reverent Pulse: All Spirit spells have a 10% chance to trigger an emotional echo—briefly stunning a low-Will foe or revealing a hidden memory/object New Loot: +1 Verdant Seed Core +1 Echo-Fused Binding Thread +1 Scroll Fragment: Whisper of the Roots (Earth 4 req.) +1 Ancient Coin (Unknown use) What would you like to do next? Return to Crag’s Edge – Turn in the quest, rest, and resupply (Recommended before Earth Temple) Prepare camp here for full rest – Safe to sleep, but risk of minor encounter Study the scroll fragment – May gain partial knowledge now Examine the Ancient Coin – See if Nyra or the Codex can identify it Use the Verdant Seed Core – Upgrade a spell, item, or prepare for hybrid crafting What would you like to do?

We meditate with Nyra Story Update – Crag’s Edge: Chamber of the Shattered Altar (Late Evening) Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 17 / 17 | Fatigue: Low Codex State: Spirit-Synced | Earth Fragment Accepted Light Source: Husk Core Glow (stable) You settle near the remnants of the altar, folding your legs as Nyra lands lightly before you. Her form flickers—more stable here, where Spirit runs deeper. “The Veil’s thin here,” she whispers. “Meditate with me. Let’s listen… together.” You close your eyes. Your breath slows. You reach, not outward—but inward, where the Codex has fused to your essence. Where echoes, grief, memory, and will all live in balance. The presence of the Broodmother lingers, not as hatred—but as a desperate memory. Her clutch lost. Her domain shattered. Her fight, meaningless… except to those born in it. Your Spirit swells, not with power—but understanding. [Spirit Meditation: Success – Codex Resonance Deepened] You receive a Flicker Vision: A tunnel far deeper than this—alive with twisting green light and distant whispers. Beneath it, roots pulse with heartbeats, and shadows form a door of woven stone and air. The Verdant Hollow responds to your glyph—one more attunement remains to open it fully. You Gain: +1 Spirit Level (Now Spirit: 11) +1 Codex Insight: Whisperroot Pathway – You may now sense hidden Verdant pathways or passages tied to the Hollow +1 Familiar Bond: Nyra’s Echo – Once per long rest, Nyra may shield you from a hostile spell (Spirit-based auto-barrier) Nyra’s voice grows soft in your mind. “We’re close to something important. But we’re also… being watched.” A presence—unseen but steady—brushes the edge of your perception. Elemental Strengths: Water: 13 Fire: 10 Spirit: 11 (+1) Air: 5 Earth: 3 What will you do next? Inspect the glow beneath the altar – There may be one more hidden relic Use a Veinstone Shard to empower your gear or Codex Return to Crag’s Edge – Rest, report, or resupply Search the chamber for Verdant Path signs (now detectable) Prepare for sleep here – Let the Codex protect you for a full rest What would you like to do?

Starring Kermit the Frog as Rand al'Thor