We must be aware of the dangers of the Fire Swamp!

 

---

Story:
You decide to scout the Ashen Spire's exterior before diving into the heart of its volcanic trial. The morning sun glints off streams of cooled magma, and waves of heat rise from deep cracks in the terrain. You circle cautiously, boots crunching on blackened rock and ash.

On the Spire’s southern side, you find a narrow fissure venting warm smoke—a secondary entrance, hidden beneath an overhang of scorched stone. Carved into the stone beside it is a worn glyph of flame—partially erased, but still pulsing faintly.

Closer inspection reveals:

• This hidden entrance bypasses several dangerous magma tunnels at the front.
• It is smaller and tighter, but might allow for a stealthier approach.
• Fire energy hums inside. You sense traps, but also a faster path to the core trial chamber.

As you press your hand to the stone, a soft spark jumps into your palm—it doesn’t burn, but it ignites a flicker of memory. You see flashes of molten battles and echoing laughter. Someone—or something—is waiting within.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 5
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – usable once per day)
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Watershaped Ring
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Journal with Spiral Glyph Notes
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 9)
  • Water Barrier (Level 2)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)
  • Emberlash (Level 2)
  • [Scalding Veil] (Concept unlocked – Requires Fire 6 / Water 13 to activate)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You discovered a hidden side entrance to the Ashen Spire—less direct, but possibly safer and faster. A flicker of ancient memory now burns in your mind… something powerful waits ahead.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Spire through the main lava tunnels.
2. Use the hidden entrance for a stealthier approach.
3. Prepare by casting Water Barrier in advance.
4. Rest briefly and eat a ration before entering either way.
5. Mark the side entrance for future return or escape.

Nerds!!!! Must document.  Then go shorter way. Now that we know it's a trap, it's just a face off, lol

#starlordlogic

Let's remember this

 

---

Story:
You kneel beside the narrow fissure and take a charcoal stick from your adventurer kit. On the blackened stone just beside the entrance, you inscribe a simple but clear mark—your personal rune followed by a curved arrow and a glyph of flame split by water. It’s a sign only those trained in elemental paths would recognize.

Next, you gather a few nearby stones and create a subtle landmark to guide your return if visibility becomes low or the terrain shifts.

The air hums with appreciation—this was a wise and cautious action. Should the trial turn dangerous, this mark could save your life.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 5
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit (used charcoal and stones – still intact)
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – usable once per day)
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Watershaped Ring
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Journal with Spiral Glyph Notes
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 9)
  • Water Barrier (Level 2)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)
  • Emberlash (Level 2)
  • [Scalding Veil] (Concept unlocked – Requires Fire 6 / Water 13 to activate)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You marked the hidden entrance to the Ashen Spire with both mundane and magical signs. This gives you a reliable way to return or escape if danger overwhelms you during the trial.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Ashen Spire through the hidden entrance.
2. Go through the main lava tunnels and face the full trial head-on.
3. Cast Water Barrier now, in preparation for heat and traps.
4. Use a ration before entering, ensuring you’re fully fueled.
5. Meditate briefly to gain composure and fire clarity before the descent.

A little reflection couldn't hurt.

I came back just in time to vote for meditation!

 

I am become zen!

You got a mirror?

1 minute ago, Ithillian Turambar said:

You got a mirror?

Wouldn't help as I'm a  Vampire, lol

 

Just now, Ithillian Turambar said:

 

Spoiler

I remember this one! Rowan's foray into vampire causing party chaos was hilarious 😂

 

Caution and preparation may be The Way today....

We mmmmmmmmmeditate

 

---

Story:
You sit cross-legged beside the marked entrance, letting the heat of the volcano settle around you. The air is heavy with tension, and the breath of the Spire seems to pulse with every beat of your heart.

You close your eyes and focus—drawing both Water and Fire into your awareness. Not to combine, but to temper. To bring clarity before battle.

Fire burns with potential. Water cools and reflects. Together, they anchor your will.

Your breathing slows. The sounds of hissing magma and rumbling vents fade into the background. You don’t lose focus—you refine it.

A soft aura glows around you, faintly misted and edged in heat. Your elemental control grows stronger in silence.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 6 (Fire increased from focused clarity)
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – usable once per day)
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Watershaped Ring
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Journal with Spiral Glyph Notes
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 9)
  • Water Barrier (Level 2)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)
  • Emberlash (Level 2)
  • Scalding Veil (Level 1) – (Now fully unlocked!)
    • Creates a cloak of steaming mist
    • Reduces melee damage taken and burns attackers
    • Lasts 2 rounds or until broken

---

Outcome of the Choice:
Through deep meditation, you refined your elemental control. Fire increased to Level 6, unlocking the long-awaited Scalding Veil, your first dual-element spell.

---

Next Choices:

1. Enter the Ashen Spire through the hidden entrance.
2. Go through the main lava tunnels, accepting the direct challenge.
3. Cast Scalding Veil now to test its strength.
4. Eat a ration before the trial, fueling your body for the challenge.
5. Use Soul Veil for added protection before descending.

I lean entering through the hidden entrance, but...man we're gonna fight either way, aren't we >>

Way to go zen us!! Got another working spell. I'm down to go in thru the secret entrance. 

Good Day to you Zen Master Arsenic Aarenis!

19 minutes ago, Gudrean said:

Good Day to you Zen Master Arsenic Aarenis!

Putting the Zen into Arzenic

 

G'day, Queen of Pocketses

Edited April 3Apr 3 by Aarenis

Wait, what? A minute ago you wanted to go charging in the front door lol

 

But now we shall sneak in

 

---

Story:
With your focus sharpened and your elemental powers harmonized, you rise and turn toward the hidden entrance of the Ashen Spire. The narrow fissure breathes warm smoke into your face, and you slip through the crack in the stone, entering the volcanic heart in silence.

Inside, the light dims. The path is tight, forcing you to crouch at times. Glowing veins of magma pulse beneath your feet, casting flickering red light against the jagged walls. Yet the way is quiet, untouched by the roars of lava beasts or clattering traps you'd expect from the front tunnels.

Eventually, the path widens—and opens into a natural chamber, its ceiling dripping molten droplets into glowing pools below. In the center stands a lone figure: a Flamebound Sentinel, armored in obsidian and crowned in flickering flame.

It turns to you slowly, sensing your presence. Its voice is both heat and echo.

“You have come not with arrogance, but with purpose. The Trial of Fire begins now.”

---

Trial of Fire: Initiated

• Objective: Survive the Sentinel’s three challenges and prove your control over flame.
• First challenge begins immediately.

The sentinel raises both hands. A sudden eruption of flame spirals around you, forming three living constructs of fire—Cindersouls, each with a different aura: one aggressive, one defensive, one deceptive.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 6
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – usable once per day)
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Watershaped Ring
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Journal with Spiral Glyph Notes
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 9)
  • Water Barrier (Level 2)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)
  • Emberlash (Level 2)
  • Scalding Veil (Level 1) – Steaming cloak that burns melee attackers and absorbs damage

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You entered the Ashen Spire through the secret path and discovered the Flamebound Sentinel, who initiated the Trial of Fire. You now face three summoned Cindersouls as your first challenge.

---

Next Battle Choices:

1. Cast Scalding Veil to protect yourself and prepare for melee.
2. Target the aggressive Cindersoul with Aqua Surge.
3. Attempt to identify the deceptive Cindersoul using Spirit focus.
4. Use Water Barrier and wait for the first strike.
5. Address the Sentinel directly, seeking insight before you strike.

Water barrier maybe? Or talk to the Sentinel... 

3 minutes ago, HeavyHalfMoonBlade said:

Water barrier maybe? Or talk to the Sentinel... 

Would agree with this.

11 minutes ago, Ithillian Turambar said:

Wait, what? A minute ago you wanted to go charging in the front door lol

 

We are fickle! 😤

Whoa. Getting serious in here.

15 minutes ago, Turin Turambar said:

Whoa. Getting serious in here.

New entrance theme just dropped:

 

We ask for hints and tips. Number 3 will amaze you!

 

---

Story (Trial of Fire):
Rather than attack immediately, you hold your ground and raise your voice toward the Flamebound Sentinel. "I do not seek to destroy—I seek to understand. What is the purpose of these three Cindersouls?"

The Sentinel’s fiery crown pulses brighter as it regards you silently for a moment. Then, its voice rumbles through the chamber:

“Flame tests more than strength. It reveals how you face the unknown. Each soul represents an aspect of fire.
The Aggressor is your fury.
The Defender is your restraint.
The Deceiver is your doubt.”

The flaming constructs flicker in response to the names, shifting subtly in their behavior. The aggressive one crackles and paces. The defender hunkers lower in a slow burn. The deceptive one flickers rapidly, its shape harder to pin down.

“You must act, but not all must be destroyed. Know the fire within, and you may master it.”

---

Insight Gained:

• Each Cindersoul has a role, and attacking blindly may lead to imbalance.
• Some may not need to be defeated to pass the trial.
• Speaking or casting support spells may affect their reactions.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 6
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – usable once per day)
  • Adept’s Charm
  • Shimmering Amulet
  • Watershaped Ring
  • Small pouch of coins (10 copper)
  • Fully Deciphered Scroll (Water Barrier)
  • Journal with Spiral Glyph Notes
• Spell Book:
  • Aqua Surge (Level 9)
  • Water Barrier (Level 2)
  • Soul Veil (Level 1)
  • Emberlash (Level 2)
  • Scalding Veil (Level 1)

---

Outcome of the Choice:
By asking the Sentinel directly, you learned the symbolic roles of the three Cindersouls and that the Trial of Fire may not require brute force alone. Your wisdom may guide a balanced path through the challenge.

---

Next Battle Choices:

1. Cast Scalding Veil and hold your position to test their behavior.
2. Speak to the Defender, acknowledging its role and offering peace.
3. Use Spirit energy to reveal the true form of the Deceiver.
4. Cast Aqua Surge on the Aggressor, channeling control without hatred.
5. Use Soul Veil on yourself, shielding your intent as you observe.

I dunno, maybe 3 maybe 5?

38 minutes ago, Turin Turambar said:

I dunno, maybe 3 maybe 5?

I'd agree with this assessment.

me too, i voted 3 but can do 5 as well

Edited April 3Apr 3 by Gudrean

I voted 5 to distribute it a little and to let others be the deciding vote 😛