Yay EP. I knew you could do it. Welcome back 💙 Time to do some Mafia plans and shenanigans

Yeah he should. Cos I'm not playing so it doesn't matter if he spots the Mafia straight away cos of where they parked lol

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

I still want someone to do Muppets Mafia

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: Hybrid Assault: Use Veilbrand Surge followed by Emberlash to break through its hardened shell. (High EP cost, high burst, Spirit+Fire synergy) Spirit Suppression: Open with Soul Veil and Inner Flame to weaken its resistance and stagger its mindless aggression. (Spirit-focused control, low damage) Weave Control: Combine Magma Spike and Water Barrier, forcing it into a trap zone before triggering splash damage. (Environmental and sustain approach) Elemental Overload: Use Boiling Lance empowered with a Firegem, and follow up with Aqua Surge to shatter its joints. (High damage, medium risk) 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?

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

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.

1 would allow us to fully recover.

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

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

Forever! Seriously it's been ages lol

It's not my turn to play this time, but hopefully some more people do sign up.

I'm a bit concerned that regular old VT is not on the list. We've just had it confirmed that 5 weeks of full time training/office days are definitely happening by the end of June

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

Home

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

And we can finally call you a lawyer?

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.

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.

Let's try this peacefully 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? Return to Crag’s Edge – Turn in the quest, sell loot, rest and resupply Return to Windrest Hollow – Seek a safer rest, check in with allies, possibly new quests Explore deeper tunnels – Risk more danger for greater rewards Camp and cook – Prepare the mushrooms, recover, and read the journal Equip the Wind Sigil Charm – Attune now and adjust spell loadout What would you like to do?

Yup we are up here so might as well go poking about Story Update – Day 11, Midmorning Location: Crag’s Edge – Lower Crevice Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Rations: 1 (unspent) Weather: Still and dim, a pale shaft of light barely touches the cracked stone You gather your gear, give Nyra a brief nod, and descend cautiously into the crevice where the mites had scattered. The passage is narrow and damp, with slick moss covering fractured rock walls. The deeper you go, the more the silence tightens—until you hear it: Click-click. Skitter. Gurgle. You ignite a small Orb of Flame from your gauntlet to light the path. The tunnel opens into a natural chamber—a webbed nest riddled with burrows, crystal residue, and bones long picked clean. But something moves behind one of the stone heaps. You prepare yourself as two pairs of eyes reflect the flame. Encounter: Crystalline Mite Broodmother A larger mite, fused with radiant earth crystal, emerges—its form twitching with unstable energy. Around it, two lesser mites chatter and dart forward. They are aggressive, territorial, and desperate. You sense hunger and fear. The broodmother is likely defending a central food cache—or something worse. Combat Options (Pick One): Aqua Surge + Emberlash (2 EP): Start with a stagger + cleansing strike to weaken the broodmother’s shell Veilbrand Surge (3 EP): Go all-in to wipe out the smaller mites and severely damage the broodmother Water Barrier + Magma Spike (2 EP): Defend first, then trap them in burning terrain Firejet + Inner Flame (1 EP): Use speed and emotion-sense to outmaneuver the enemies, then plan follow-up Try to Intimidate or Banish Them with Spirit-focused presence (no EP cost, risky but insightful) Let me know your combat choice.

Yes. Let's have a rest and an everything update Story Update – Day 11, Dawn Location: Crag’s Edge – Makeshift Camp Status: HP: 24 / 26 (2 lost from Fatigue) | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: Cleared Nyra: Resting nearby, lightly curled in flickering mist Weather: Overcast, thin wind currents—ominous silence deeper into the Hollow You return to your sheltered camp near the broken ridge. The darkness had grown oppressive, and though your body ached only slightly, your spiritual fatigue was sharper—gnawing at your edge. By the time you collapsed beside the fire crystal brazier, you could feel your breath shortening. When sleep took you, it was deep and dreamless. Nyra remained alert through the night, wings tight to her sides. When morning comes, she gently nudges your cheek with her beak, a low hum through her feathers. "Feel better? We’ll need all your edge soon." You rise, fully refreshed, though your pack feels a little lighter—rations running low. Rest Bonus Activated HP and EP fully restored Minor Weave Fusion charges are refreshed Codex senses stabilized: Spell learning possible today Current Inventory Copper: 83 Rations: 1 pack Magical Revive Stones: 3 Orb of Purity (Cleansing Flame) Watershaped Ring (Flow State) Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (Flamebound Echo) Adept’s Charm (Resonant Insight) Shimmering Amulet (Veil of Equilibrium) Firegems: 3 Flickerglass Shard (Nyra's Focus) Earthen Reliquary Fragment Tarnished Offering Bowl Broken Pendant of Skyreach Order Scroll: Aeroshard Pulse (Unlearned) Arcane Conduit Codex (Unified Elemental Bond active) Elemental Levels Water: 13 Fire: 10 Spirit: 10 Air: 5 Earth: 3 Spellbook Aqua Surge (Level 9): Strong water strike + minor stagger Water Barrier (Level 2): Shield + gradual healing Soul Veil (Level 1): Detect emotions / spirit resonance Emberlash (Level 2): Fire + spirit damage, echo & cleanse Scalding Veil (Level 1): Mist shield, minor burn retaliation Boiling Lance (Level 1): Piercing fire spear + splash burn Inner Flame (Level 1): Read emotional state, ignite bravery Magma Spike (Level 1): Fire-Earth hybrid, scorch zone Firejet (Level 1): Dash with flame trail Veilbrand Surge (Level 1): Weave Fusion – Water + Fire + Spirit Deals hybrid damage, bypasses resistances, reveals emotions Verdant Tether (Level 1): Earth spell. Pulls or entangles target Aeroshard Pulse (Unlearned): Air crystal bolt, stun chance, AoE knockback at Air 5+ Passives & Augments Heartbrand Flame Forged Focus (1/day used) Hybrid Spellcrafting Weave Fusion (Refreshed – 1 use) Arcane Conduit Synergies Cleansing Flame Flow State Resonant Insight Veil of Equilibrium Flamebound Echo Elemental Weave Core Unified Elemental Bond What will you do next? Learn Aeroshard Pulse now Explore the crevice where the mites fled Check your Codex for fusion spell potential Visit the Hollow’s eastern ridge trail (riskier path) Send Nyra to scout high above for movement or air disturbances What would you like to do?

Work

Diplomacy has generally worked in the past. Story Update – Day 10, Midnight Location: Crag’s Edge, Windshadow Hollow Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 11 / 16 | Fatigue: High Nyra: Watching from a low branch, eyes reflecting faint spiritlight Active Spell Loadout: Soul Veil, Aqua Surge, Firejet You extend your Spirit senses again through Soul Veil, letting its resonance wash outward. The spirit-charged mites pause. Instead of scattering, they slowly approach. The largest—its body pulsing faintly—holds out a glimmering object, clearly shaped by forgotten purpose. You kneel, palm out. The Codex hums with recognition as you touch it. “Service. Skybound. Lost. Still faithful.” The energy binding the creatures eases. Their heads lower in reverence. A bond has been acknowledged, not forged by command—but by recognition. The leader nudges a sealed scroll case toward you. Spiraling wind-thread seals and old glyphs mark its surface—definitely Skyreach-born. Loot Acquired: Scroll of Aeroshard Pulse Mid-tier Air spell. Fires a vibrating crystal bolt of compressed air. Deals Air + force damage, with a chance to Stun airborne or ungrounded foes. EP Cost: 2 Air Level 5+: Gains splash knockback in a small radius. Codex-compatible: Learn now or store. Broken Pendant of Skyreach Order Worn symbol of service among wind monks. May grant trust or access in certain Skyreach-affiliated areas. Nyra alights on your shoulder, talons light. “They weren’t wild. Just... forgotten. This was their duty. You woke it.” Your Spirit and Air threads within the Codex swirl briefly. The resonance is stable, deeply attuned now. Elemental Status: Air: Level 5 Spirit: Level 10 (No change, but reinforced alignment) Copper: 83 Fatigue: High – Extended casting and spiritual exertion What will you do next? Learn Aeroshard Pulse now (no slot required thanks to Codex adaptation) Store the scroll for later use or sale Investigate the crevice where the mites fled Return to camp and rest before pushing further Send Nyra to scout ahead for signs of danger or passage What would you like to do?

Roll up roll up. Key needs 5 ish more players. I'm not playing so there's a 5% less chance that evil stuff will happen. Tell/tag your friends and get them to join the discord. Please play or I will feel bad. @Zander? @dicetosser1 @Ironeyes @seph @Shad_ @Lenlo @Krakalakachkn @ed2funy @RandA lThor @Hallia @Cass @Verbal32 @Sooh @Red2111 @Cairos