We just completed the Air Temple before we came back to the village. It's just that there was a lot of jumping and not much air improving.

You did see where there's a big bad chained up in the next temple and it's gonna be crawling with cultists?

Ninja

Ok let's visit Kevin and see how he's getting on. Story Update – Day 7, Late Morning Location: Windrest Hollow – Warded Cell Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: None New Spell Available: Echo Thread (Spirit Tier 1 – not yet attuned) Gold: 10 copper coins *Side Quests: Open (see end of update for options) You return to the cellar beneath the shrine, where a faint aroma of herbs and grounding incense still lingers. The cultist lies on the cot—shackled still, but breathing evenly, no longer wracked by Spirit residue. As your steps echo on the stone, he stirs. His eyes open slowly, blinking against the filtered light. Confusion flashes across his face, but then a flicker of recognition—he sees your Codex and the calm Spirit resonance still surrounding you. “…You’re the one who severed it,” he murmurs. “The voice. The chain... it’s gone.” You nod, and he seems to relax, just slightly. Social Check – Success (Resonant Insight passive + Spirit 10) You gain a sense of the man’s emotional state: wary, hollowed by recent trauma, but not overtly hostile. He leans forward, weak but lucid. “I wasn’t with them by choice. I was taken. Twisted. They… they used the Veil to pull pieces of us out. Feed it into someone—something—they called the Bound One.” That name echoes sharply in your Codex. “Please… I don’t know where they’re going next, but I heard mention of a gate. Hidden deep in the Verdant Hollow. They mean to unearth it.” Codex Update – Cult Motive Unlocked: Verdant Gate Ritual The cult seeks to breach a sealed gate within the Earth Temple. Unknown consequences if successful. He shivers. “The chained figure... they called her the Harbinger Vessel. I think they’re trying to anchor her across the Veil, into this world.” You sense his truth, tainted by horror—but not lies. Halwen arrives shortly after. He watches the cultist quietly, then turns to you. “You’ve done more here than we could ask. If you intend to chase this through the Verdant Hollow… you’ll need to be prepared.” You may now do the following before departing Windrest Hollow: Side Quests & Money Opportunities: Help the Apothecary (Available in the market) Collect rare fungi near the outskirts. Reward: 8–12 copper coins + herbal tonics. Assist the Archivist (In shrine library) Translate damaged pages tied to elemental lore. Reward: 1–2 minor spells or lore insights. Hunt a rogue elemental (Forest edge) Air or Earth elemental disturbing the grove perimeter. Reward: Elemental core + bonus from town council (15–20 copper or item barter) What would you like to do next? Pursue a side quest (choose from above or ask Halwen if more are available) Depart for the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Visit the market for supplies or spell reagents Attune the new Echo Thread spell Speak to Halwen about tracking the cult through the Veil What would you like to do?

As long as we don't bravely set out just yet I'm fine with any other option.

I think it's gonna be later Nyn 😞

Movie

And we need more practise and maybe some shopping... or do something to earn money We didn't get nearly enough loot on our last temple trip.

We are moving quick now. Let's probe Halwen some more Story Update – Day 7, Morning Location: Windrest Hollow – Spirit Grove Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: None Codex Insight: Echo Warning – Minor resistance to Spirit-induced mental effects | +1 Will vs. Echoes As sunlight filters through the canopy, you lean forward. “Tell me more about the Echoing Veil. What is it, truly?” Halwen opens his eyes. His gaze sharpens. “The Echoing Veil is the liminal boundary between what lives and what lingers. It’s not death. It’s what remains after—memory, intent, unfinished will. It is... hungry, sometimes. Other times, it listens.” He traces a sigil into the air—one your Codex instantly recognizes as Veilmark, a Spirit glyph of containment. “Some think it’s a passage to the afterlife. Others, that it’s a mirror of our world, shaped by what people leave behind. I believe it's both—and neither.” You feel a low tremor through the Codex, as if something distant stirred at the name alone. Halwen lowers his hand. “The deeper you go, the more the Veil begins to notice. It pulls on memory, on guilt, on hope. That’s why so many who explore it… vanish.” He sighs. “But if you learn to anchor yourself—to move through it with clarity—it can offer truths not found anywhere else. The Veil doesn’t lie. It only reflects.” Codex Insight: Veil Theory (I) Gained increased understanding of Spirit-anchored realms. +1 to interpreting Veil-related phenomena and artifacts. New Spell Unlock Available – “Echo Thread” (Spirit Tier 1): Trace a lingering emotional or spiritual presence in an area. Grants brief sensory impressions or memories left behind. Costs 2 EP. Halwen stands. “If the cult’s rituals truly reach into the Veil, you’ll need more than strength. You’ll need focus. Let me know when you're ready to go further.” You feel the Echo stir in the distance—patient, watching. What would you like to do next? Depart for the rootcircle – Begin your journey to the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Return to the Warded Cell – Check if the cultist has awakened Visit the market – Look for supplies, tomes, or curios Explore the forest outskirts – There may be elemental activity nearby Craft and attune to the new “Echo Thread” spell What would you like to do?

Lol. We rifle through Halwen's pockets... I mean past. Story Update – Day 7, Morning Location: Windrest Hollow – Spirit Grove Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: None Halwen remains seated by the circle even after the training ends, eyes closed and face lit by golden morning rays breaking through the canopy. When you ask about his past, his expression shifts—nostalgic, yet heavy with burden. “I wasn’t always a guide,” he says, voice quiet but clear. “Before Windrest, I was a Veilwalker.” He opens his Codex. It flickers with older sigils—markings that hint at deep Spirit journeys, realms between the living and the lost. “I used to walk the Echoing Veil. Not to summon the dead… but to learn from them. My purpose was clarity, not power. But something changed when the stars fell. Spirit began reacting violently to intrusion—too many voices, too many chains.” He reaches into his satchel and retrieves a cracked pendant, shaped like a crescent moon wrapped in thorns. “This belonged to one of my students. She tried to touch what wasn’t meant to be touched—followed a voice too deep in the Veil. She never came back. Since then, I’ve stayed here. Helped others ground themselves before they lost themselves.” He looks at you. “That’s why your path is dangerous. You already hear the Veil’s call. Just promise me—if you go deeper, go with purpose. Not curiosity.” Codex Insight: Echo Warning Gained minor resistance to mental instability when interacting with strong Spirit phenomena +1 to Will saves when confronting Spirit Echoes You feel a closer bond to Halwen. He is now a trusted Spirit mentor. He may be able to assist in advanced Spirit spellcraft or help track elusive anomalies if called upon later. What would you like to do next? Depart for the rootcircle – Begin your journey to the Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) Return to the Warded Cell – See if the cultist has regained consciousness Visit the market – Look for supplies, tomes, or curios Explore the forest outskirts – There may be elemental activity nearby Ask Halwen about the Echoing Veil itself – Learn more about its nature and dangers What would you like to do?

Well... lots of transitions through various jobs. A bit of temping. Various relationships. Still not having a clue about anything. But... you get paid.

I think the deadline was always so late cos he is working. I was so glad when he brought it forward a bit He's probably in a place where you can't slank on your phone all day and can only do work stuff on any laptop in office

I used to make mini games to play during the Night phase but that was exhausting. Plus Darthe's nights are shorter and he allows any kind of chat.

*Shameless Game Promotion* If anyone is already missing making life and death choices, feel free to come join our Adventure. Ignore all the stuff that's already happened and just jump in here and vote with the reactions. Yes, in this game, Bela has a meaning and it is 5. https://dragonmount.com/forums/topic/127445-choose-your-own-adventure-game-join-in-anytime/page/42/#findComment-4098624

I really want to know about Halwen's past. I thought he was the inkeeper but then he got a staff and knows all this stuff. But I was afraid to ask the game in case I broke it lol

Let's go learn with Halwen Story Update – Day 7, Morning Location: Windrest Hollow – Halwen’s Training Hollow Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: None You express your interest in deepening your connection with Spirit. Halwen nods in approval and leads you through the grove behind the central hearth—a secluded glade enclosed in woven bramble and stone. Wards shimmer faintly in the morning light. “This place is old,” he says, placing his staff at the center of a moss-covered ring. “Before Windrest was ever carved from the forest, the first Weave-binders used this circle to listen. Spirit is not just memory—it is motion, emotion, truth unspoken.” He gestures for you to kneel and places a crystal bowl of still water before you. “Your Codex already carries balance—but now, you will learn to echo beyond yourself.” Training Challenge – Spirit Discipline (Spirit Level 10 – Passed) Your mind stills. The world falls away, and the bowl’s surface shifts… not with touch, but intention. You hear whispers. Not words, but fragments of feeling. You reach out—not to grasp, but to invite. The water stirs. New Spell Learned – Echo Pulse (Spirit Level 1) Type: Utility/Combat Hybrid Cost: 2 EP Effect: Send out a pulse of Spirit energy that reveals concealed thoughts, emotional echoes, and active illusions in a wide radius. Secondary Effect: Weakens ongoing Spirit-based effects (anchors, charms, fear) for 1 turn. Synergy Bonus – Veil of Equilibrium augments this spell to grant brief clarity to allies within range (+1 to Insight or Will saves next turn). Halwen opens his eyes and smiles faintly. “Good. You listened. That’s the first lesson of Spirit—we do not command it. We join it.” Spellbook Updated Echo Pulse (Spirit Level 1) – Now available Codex attunement strengthened – +1 Spirit Spell Efficiency What would you like to do next? Depart for the rootcircle – Seek the Verdant Hollow Visit the Warded Cell again – The cultist may be awake now Rest and reflect – Regain EP if used, prepare mentally Visit the village market – Look for items or information Speak with Halwen again – Ask about his past or deeper Spirit lore What would you like to do?

Am so glad I'm not young and having to do studying, homework and exams anymore.

Official Vote Count Tigs (5/5): Verb, Ithi, Key, Nyn, Tig Key (1/5): Dice Not Voting DPR, Marsh With 8 alive it takes 5 to lynch. Countdown to EOD.

Do you think anyone will counterclaim the Condemner role? Did you originally vote for her because you thought she was mafia or 3rd party? Do you remember she tried to get you Lynched because she said your slot had lied about somehow secretly knowing the Condemner role lol Does anyone else understand the maths here?

Official Vote Count Tigs (3/5): Verb, Ithi, Key Key (2/5): Tig, Dice Not Voting Nyn, DPR, Marsh With 8 alive it takes 5 to lynch. Countdown to EOD.

Did you do this again?

Oh. The Earth Temple is our next Temple and looks like it's not going to be a semi friendly Guardian there this time I'd like to train with Halwen and explore the village. We do need to Level up big time I think

We will talk with Halwen Story Update – Day 7, Morning Location: Windrest Hollow – Central Hearth Status: HP: 26 / 26 | EP: 16 / 16 | Fatigue: None You approach Halwen as he finishes speaking with an older woman in earthen robes—one of the Grovewardens who tends to the forest barrier surrounding the village. She nods to you both and departs. Halwen turns, staff lightly tapping the flagstones. His expression is stern but grateful. “You’ve done more than I’d hoped,” he begins. “The cultist still sleeps, but without that link... we may finally get real answers when he wakes.” He gestures toward a carved bench and sits. “The vision you shared—of the chained figure in mist—it aligns with old texts. Not just of prophecy, but of warnings. Some call it the Shrouded Flame. Others…” He pauses. “Others claim it's a corrupted elemental. One who chose imbalance—sealed away beneath what’s now the Verdant Hollow.” Your Codex pulses faintly at the name. New Lore Entry – Verdant Hollow (Earth Temple) • Lush subterranean temple, tied to natural cycles • Said to shift locations through rootways beneath ancient groves • Believed to hold the seal of a fallen elemental Halwen continues: “The Hollow doesn’t show itself to just anyone. But with your Codex and elemental marks... you might be able to draw it out. There's an old rootcircle east of here—abandoned, but once used for communion.” He hands you a smooth stone etched with a leaf-like glyph. “Place this in the center and let your Earth affinity answer. If the Hollow hears you, it will open a path.” Quest Updated – Path to the Verdant Hollow Objective: Seek the ancient rootcircle east of Windrest Use Earth or hybrid Weaves to activate the grove Prepare for environmental and spiritual challenges underground What would you like to do next? Depart for the rootcircle – Begin the journey to the Earth Temple Visit the Warded Cell again – The cultist may be awake Train with Halwen – Learn a new Spirit technique (if Spirit 10+) Review Codex and spells – Prepare for the Earth attunement Take time to explore Windrest Hollow – Seek supplies, side quests, or NPCs Let me know what you'd like to do?

Who is Web?

It's super hot here today so not fun sitting in a car. 22 degrees!