1 I think. It is the honourable thing to do. 

Sentinel's been there for ages though. Thankless job. God knows I'd need therapy in its shoes.

 

Hopefully our battle is just as easy. 

We choose to be respectful

 

---

Story:
You step forward slowly, lowering your hands to show peace and intent. The elemental sentinel—an ethereal being of flowing water and shimmering light—watches you in silence. You bow your head and speak clearly:

"I come in harmony. I seek to restore balance through Water and Spirit."

The sentinel tilts its head slightly, and for a moment, the chamber is utterly still. Then, its form shifts. Arms of water spiral gracefully as it mimics your bow in return. This is not a mindless guardian—it is a keeper of tradition, and it has acknowledged your intent.

A voice not spoken but felt echoes within your mind:
"Then let the trial begin—not of strength, but of flow. Show the purity of your purpose, and the essence shall awaken."

The sentinel extends a hand, and a wide ring of swirling currents forms between you. The trial has begun.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 20 / 20
• EP: 10 / 10
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 9
  • Fire: 1
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 5
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (2 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Hidden Ration Cache (1 pack)
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 😎
  • Water Barrier (Level 1)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You respectfully initiated the Elemental Trial. The sentinel accepted your approach, and a test of magical harmony has begun.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the current ring and let it guide your movements.
2. Cast Water Barrier to protect yourself and see how the current reacts.
3. Attempt to match the current’s rhythm with magical flow alone.
4. Summon the Orb of Purity’s power to align with the trial.
5. Wait and observe how the sentinel interacts with the currents.

8 minutes ago, Aarenis said:

 

I fart in your general direction lmao

Leaning 4? But not sure. I guess we could just enter the ring, or watch the sentinel too.

1 or 5 maybe so as to trust in the trial and not show ill intent

1 minute ago, Aarenis said:

Leaning 4? But not sure. I guess we could just enter the ring, or watch the sentinel too.

this is also prolly ok too

I say we man up and show our intent in the most foolhardy and naive manner. 

4 minutes ago, HeavyHalfMoonBlade said:

I say we man up and show our intent in the most foolhardy and naive manner. 

Instructions unclear, chose to slide into the ring in the most cool way possible while our entrance theme plays.

I'm thinking  4. Aligning sounds right. Entering the current could signify balance. 1 or 4 I guess.

So we've reached an impasse? How should determine how  to go on?

 

Rock, paper, scissors?

Wait for someone to break the tie?

Lawn darts? First to dodge loses

1 minute ago, Turin Turambar said:

So we've reached an impasse? How should determine how  to go on?

 

Rock, paper, scissors?

Wait for someone to break the tie?

Lawn darts? First to dodge loses

Ask Ithi to be the tie-breaker, no? She has her own views on this, just can't vote on her own post. Well, not immediately, since she has a game to set up.

She's busy setting up the hamilton mafia game.

Quote

I'm banished to the other sofa with my fluffy doggo. He's a sofa hog.

 

Ok I chose to use the Orb.

 

I have been a bit busy setting up the Mafia game but this game doesn't take much time

 

---

Story:
You draw the Orb of Purity from your satchel, feeling its gentle warmth pulse against your palm. Holding it forward, you close your eyes and let both Water and Spirit flow freely through you—unforced, unshaped. The orb responds immediately, glowing with a serene blue light that radiates through the chamber.

The swirling current ring surrounding the sentinel slows and begins to shift. The chaotic flow resolves into a graceful spiral, matching the rhythm of your heartbeat. The sentinel’s form brightens in response. A shared resonance has formed.

The guardian lowers its arms. No attack comes. Instead, it steps aside.

The elemental essence at the center of the chamber pulses, then slowly descends into the pool. A soft hum surrounds you as the trial completes without combat, rewarded instead through understanding and harmony.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 20 / 20
• EP: 10 / 10
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 10
  • Fire: 1
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 6
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (2 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Hidden Ration Cache (1 pack)
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 😎
  • Water Barrier (Level 1)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You used the Orb of Purity to complete the Elemental Trial peacefully. Your Water increased to Level 10, and Spirit to Level 6 through perfect elemental resonance.

---

Next Choices:

1. Approach the Elemental Essence and attempt to absorb its power.
2. Use Aqua Surge to connect with the water and draw in the essence gently.
3. Kneel beside the pool and meditate on the moment before claiming the essence.
4. Record the trial’s result in your notes for the Order of Balance.
5. Thank the sentinel and ask for any final guidance.

Sweet!

 

For you Ithi!

Is that loot?!?!?!?

Ugh. Is that another Tied Vote? I think I'm just gonna wait for other people to wake up lol

Yes. Someone is bound to pop in.

Eventually. If they aren't all caught up in Mafia. 

 

Surely any minute now though. 

6 hours ago, HeavyHalfMoonBlade said:

Surely any minute now though. 

Well, several hours later I guess 😛

 

I'm voting we be nice to our new spirit friend so it doesn't need therapy spell.

 

Yeah, I dunno where they went lol

 

Thank you for breaking the tie

 

---

Story:
You bow once more to the sentinel, gratitude shining in your eyes. "Thank you for your guidance. Is there anything else I must know before I claim the essence?"

The sentinel remains silent for a breathless moment, then raises one fluid hand and gestures toward the pool. A final whisper of Spirit flows into your mind:

"The essence reveals truth, but not all who gaze into it are ready. Take what you are, not what you wish to be."

Then it turns to mist—its purpose fulfilled—and dissipates into the tranquil air, leaving behind only ripples in the pool and the echo of its wisdom.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 20 / 20
• EP: 10 / 10
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 10
  • Fire: 1
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 6
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (2 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Hidden Ration Cache (1 pack)
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 😎
  • Water Barrier (Level 1)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You honored the sentinel with thanks and were given a cryptic message about the essence: that it reveals truth, and must be accepted with humility.

---

Next Choices:

1. Approach the Elemental Essence and attempt to absorb its power.
2. Use Aqua Surge to connect with the essence gently.
3. Kneel beside the pool and meditate before making your move.
4. Record the sentinel’s words for future reflection.
5. Leave the chamber for now to contemplate your next step.

Well, I guess this means we...try to hoover it up? 😂 But with humility!