Also @Ironeyes can I vote for you to never try a cunning plan ever again cos it makes you look super suss lol

I am. Dice has been lying. I've been saving all the receipts cos I was super angry. Especially on Day 2 when he tried to stop us from Lynching Ed and then got to join in the post Lynch party. Cos I realised then he wasn't just Town trying to cover me.

I don't think I really have to do this but I said I would check her RED PEAK KEY VOTE KEY

We love a good bit of loot hunting Story Update – Day 8, Mid-Afternoon Location: West Hollow Caves – Deeper Tunnels Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 14 / 16 | Fatigue: Moderate Inventory: 61 copper, Minor Crystal Bloom, Flickerglass Shard, Minor Earthshard You light your way with a subtle Aqua Surge spark, the misty glow barely enough to illuminate the worn stone ahead. The deeper tunnels of the West Hollow are narrow and fractured—clearly shaped by more than natural forces. Carvings begin to emerge along the walls: spiral glyphs, petrified roots, and the faint shimmer of ancient warding runes. Perception Check – Success You detect a side passage partially sealed by rootstone—Earth-grown structures shaped by elemental intent. Through a narrow gap, you catch the scent of incense and the shimmer of silver dust. You squeeze through. New Area Discovered: The Rooted Alcove Inside, an ancient earthen altar rises from the floor. A broken bowl of crystal rests at its center, its contents long faded. However, the walls are lined with moss-lined cubbyholes, some still glinting with hidden items. Codex Alert: Verdant Signature Detected – Earth Temple architecture confirmed This may be a satellite shrine connected to the Verdant Hollow. You find: Earthen Reliquary Fragment (can be sold or reforged for spell focus) Tarnished Offering Bowl (decorative, minor value) Pouch with 9 copper A sealed scroll case wrapped in barkcloth Arcane Scroll: Verdant Tether (Uncommon Earth Spell) Creates a tether to any natural surface; used for traversal, capturing, or anchoring enemies. Costs 2 EP. As you rise, you hear movement—stone grinding on stone—but nothing enters the chamber yet. Whatever stirs beyond may be tied to the Verdant Hollow’s defenses, now subtly aware of your presence. Loot Summary: +9 copper (Total: 70 copper) Earthen Reliquary Fragment Tarnished Offering Bowl Scroll: Verdant Tether (learn or store) Verdant Hollow link confirmed What would you like to do next? Examine the sealed scroll case and learn Verdant Tether now Leave the shrine and investigate the source of the grinding noise Take everything and return to Windrest Hollow to report Rest briefly at the altar to meditate and regain 1 EP Mark this as a safe point for later teleportation via Codex Spirit pulse What would you like to do?

Ok we are gonna try and fix its Bloom Story Update – Day 8, Early Afternoon Location: West Hollow Caves – Collapsed Chamber Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 14 / 16 | Fatigue: Low Inventory: 46 copper, Flickerglass Shard, Minor Earthshard You close your eyes and begin shaping a Spirit-Weave Ritual, drawing upon your affinity for harmony and resonance. The Codex pulses in time with the elemental’s fractured energy, aligning threads of Spirit and Earth in a careful pattern. You kneel beside the shattered bloom—its pale veins still pulsing faintly—and weave. Weave Type: Spirit + Earth (Ritual) Spellcraft + Elemental Lore – Success (High) EP Cost: 2 The bloom reacts. Its splinters pull together, not to reform completely, but to anchor—a makeshift root matrix. The Shardshell stirs, placing one massive limb against the restored crystal. The glow stabilizes. The elemental’s presence settles. It lets out a deep, slow vibration of gratitude. The Codex records a gentle shift in the local leyline resonance as the elemental returns to a dormant guardian state—no longer rogue. Codex Upgrade: Harmonized Bloom Node You’ve created a minor Spirit-Earth anchor. Nearby elementals will be less hostile, and crystal-based reagents may grow slowly here over time. +1 Elemental Favor (Earth) +1 Minor Crystal Bloom gained (valuable reagent; can be sold or used in spellcraft) +15 copper gained (shimmering bloom dust crystalized during ritual) With the threat resolved peacefully, you begin your return journey to Windrest Hollow. The tunnels now feel calmer, their echoes more natural. Quest Complete: Rogue Elemental Disturbance Reward Summary: +15 copper (Total: 61 copper) Minor Crystal Bloom (Reagent) +1 Elemental Favor (Earth) Codex Upgrade: Harmonized Bloom Node EP Regeneration +1 (from previous diplomacy bonus) What would you like to do next? Return to Windrest Hollow and report to Halwen Explore deeper into the West Hollow Caves (possible new encounter or treasure) Use the Flickerglass Shard near the Harmonized Node (it pulses faintly here) Rest near the bloom to meditate and regain EP Mark this location and teleport back using Spirit Codex pulse Let me know what you would like to do

I think it's the mask.

Let's attempt to communicate Story Update – Day 8, Midday Location: West Hollow Caves – Collapsed Chamber Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: Low Inventory: 46 copper, Flickerglass Shard, Minor Earthshard You take a calming breath and lower your hands, calling upon your Spirit affinity. The Codex responds—its glow shifting to a deep earthen hue as your senses reach into the elemental’s resonance. Spirit + Elemental Lore Check – Success (Spirit 10 + Earth 2 synergy) The Shardshell Earth Elemental emits no words, but its emotions ripple into your mind like tremors: pain, displacement, shattered rhythm. You see flickers—miners’ tools cutting too deep, disturbing a slumbering crystal bloom it was bound to. The collapse ruptured the bloom, scattering its energy and sending this creature into a panicked, unstable state. You project a sense of understanding and apology—anchored by your Spirit clarity. The elemental still trembles, but its limbs lower. It doesn’t retreat, but neither does it strike. Codex Insight Gained – Elemental Empathy (Minor) You can now sense basic emotional states in lesser elementals, increasing chances of peaceful resolution. +1 EP Regeneration if you end encounters through diplomacy. The chamber hums with residual crystal energy. The elemental looks toward the buried bloom remains—then to you. You might be able to help it stabilize… or gather remnants of the shattered bloom for your own use. What would you like to do? Attempt a Spirit-Weave Ritual – Help the elemental rebind to its bloom Carefully gather crystal remnants – Gain a valuable crafting reagent Use a Minor Earthshard to assist the elemental – Accelerate healing and earn its favor Leave the elemental in peace – Report the situation resolved Ask the elemental for aid – See if it’s willing to reward you Let me know what you would like to do.

Yeah I agree. Everything seems to go better when we use our senses

Ok let's go see what trouble is in that tunnel Story Update – Day 8, Late Morning Location: West Hollow Caves – Outer Burrow Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: Low Inventory: 32 copper, Flickerglass Shard, Minor Earthshard You take the “Tunnel Trouble” notice from the board and head west, guided by a young miner named Kelan. He’s wiry, anxious, and thankful to have someone answering the call. The burrows had been stable for years—until a few nights ago. +14 copper earned (quest advance reward) Inventory: 46 copper Kelan stops just shy of the old mine’s slope. “It’s past this bend. We’ve heard deep grinding… and something breathing.” As you enter, the air becomes thicker—dry, heavy with unsettled Earth Weave. The Codex pulses faintly as you move deeper. Perception Check – Success (Spirit + Earth synergy) You sense recent disruption in the tunnel stones—like something reshaped the path using raw elemental will. You round a bend and find the collapsed chamber—twisting earth coiled around a crystalline form. Then it moves. A Shardshell Earth Elemental, roughly the size of a bear, uncoils its jagged limbs. One glowing eye opens in its obsidian-cracked face. It doesn’t attack yet… but it’s clearly agitated. You recall Halwen’s advice: some rogue elementals can be reasoned with… if you understand what’s disturbed them. Combat or Diplomacy? Attempt communication – Use Spirit/Elemental Lore to sense its distress Ready a hybrid spell – Combine elements to strike before it attacks Use a Minor Earthshard – Try to resonate peacefully Retreat and lure it into the open – Gain mobility advantage Observe and wait – Study its behavior before acting Let me know what you would like to do.

Tuesday

Bell

Halwen has the local knowledge, I agree.

Well I think we all wanted a quest after resting so let's see what's on offer Story Update – Day 8, Morning Location: Windrest Hollow – Spirit Grove Commons Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: None Inventory: 32 copper, Flickerglass Shard, Minor Earthshard You decide to seek another task before departing for the Verdant Hollow. Halwen directs you to a weathered board in the commons—a gathering post for wandering adepts and villagers alike. A few notices catch your eye: Available Quests: 1. “Echoes in the Orchard” Location: Southridge Orchard Description: Strange whispers and shadowy flickers have unsettled the orchard workers. A Spirit-attuned adventurer is requested to investigate. Reward: 12 copper + a harvest talisman (minor EP regen in nature zones) Difficulty: Moderate – Spirit focus recommended 2. “Tunnel Trouble” Location: West Hollow Caves Description: Something has disturbed the deep burrow routes—likely a small earth elemental or burrowing beast. Collapse risk is rising. Reward: 14 copper + gemstone fragments (useful for spell augmentation) Difficulty: Moderate – Earth or Fire recommended 3. “Lost Heirloom” Location: Old River Shrine Description: A child claims their grandmother’s amulet was stolen by a mischievous water sprite. Not officially posted, but the elder confirms it may be real. Reward: Unknown copper amount + family favor (could lead to gear or support) Difficulty: Low – Water affinity helpful As you look over the board, Halwen steps beside you, glancing at the second quest. “I’ve heard tremors from that direction. If it’s what I think, it’s best not left too long.” What would you like to do? Accept “Echoes in the Orchard” (Spirit investigation) Accept “Tunnel Trouble” (Earth elemental issue) Accept “Lost Heirloom” (Water sprite mischief) Ask Halwen for any hidden or unofficial tasks What would you like to do?

Ok it's dark so let's rest. We can still do more quests in the morning Story Update – Day 7, Nightfall Location: Windrest Hollow – Spirit Grove Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: Cleansed Inventory: 22 copper, Flickerglass Shard, Minor Earthshard You return to Windrest under the glow of lantern-lit trees, your steps light with victory. Halwen waits at the edge of the grove, his eyes catching the faint pulse of energy still clinging to your aura. “You’ve calmed the ridge,” he says, voice thoughtful. “That shrine has been volatile since the last elemental surge. The Veil feels quieter now.” He reaches into a satchel and hands you a cloth pouch. +10 copper earned (Total: 32 copper) Halwen’s Favor +1 – He now considers you a reliable elemental adept and may share rarer lore or trade favors. You rest beneath the boughs of the Spirit Grove that evening, letting the Codex hum gently against your chest as your dreams flicker with earthlight and shifting roots. Codex Pulse – Elemental Shift Detected With your recent experiences, the Codex suggests refining your spell arsenal or preparing for terrain-based challenges ahead. Would you like to: Modify your spell loadout before traveling Attempt to create a new hybrid spell using the Flickerglass Shard Speak to Halwen about Spirit-Veil anomalies Depart for the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Seek another side quest or bounty to earn more coin Let me know what you'd like to do?

Cat

Yeah I just slept through most of Empire and all of Return of the Jedi. I then I got woked up. Just as well as I needed to stalk my youngest on the way home from his son.

It's getting dark again....

Reflection

Well I decided on the Shard because we already got an earth core here. Time to meditate Story Update – Day 7, Evening Location: Cragshade Ridge – Cleansed Shrine Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 13 / 16 | Fatigue: Low Inventory Update: + Flickerglass Shard (Hybrid Catalyst), +12 copper (Total: 22 copper), + Minor Earthshard You kneel at the crumbling altar as the last of the elemental’s energy fades into the dusk. Placing the Flickerglass Shard at the center of the shrine, you breathe deeply and let the stillness of the land settle into your core. Codex attunement initiated… Earth resonance flows into your aura briefly, harmonizing your base Weave structure. Temporary Buff Gained – Earth Attunement (Minor): For the next major encounter, gain +1 to Earth Weave checks and +1 damage mitigation vs physical attacks. Your Codex flickers, absorbing some of the ambient restoration as well. EP Regeneration: +2 Fatigue reduced – You feel clear and grounded. The wind whispers through the ridge trees, and for the first time since Windrest, the air feels undisturbed. The shrine is quiet now… but it may serve as a safe resting place in the future. Current Resources: HP: 26 / 26 EP: 15 / 16 Copper: 22 Inventory Additions: Flickerglass Shard (Rare hybrid spell reagent – can enhance or modify Weaves using two or more elements) Minor Earthshard (Can be socketed into Codex or traded) What would you like to do next? Return to Windrest Hollow – Report success and rest Seek a new side quest (Halwen may offer more, or check the local bounty board) Begin journey to the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Visit the market and see what you can afford with your coin Attempt to craft or modify a hybrid spell using the Flickerglass Shard What would you like to do?

Maybe I should toss a coin lol

Burn

Red

Gaudy

Ok so meditate seems to be a consensus, but I'm fine with either the Bloom or the Flickerglass. Hopefully America is starting to wake up and we can get a bit more input.

I tried to stay awake last night, but then I did that thing where you close your eyes and tell yourself you're just resting them lol