I went for 2....looking for an ally.

Are there frogs involved in this alliance??

Oh. There's no alignments in votes here.

 

I'll give you a bit longer. 

 

I don't think there are any frogs but I'd be either setting up a shield or using Spirit to identify the Deceiver.

 

Cos at the moment we don't know which one is which and if we hit the wrong one we could end up with more than one aggressive one.

I'll change my vote...I'm malleable. LOL.

 

Let's see if we can find the Deceiver. 

We use our Spirit

 

---

Story (Trial of Fire):
You take a deep breath and focus inward, drawing on your Spirit affinity. You raise your hand—not in aggression, but in clarity—and channel a pulse of pure Spirit energy into your eyes and mind.

The world slows for a moment.

The flickering form of the Deceptive Cindersoul begins to unravel. What seemed like erratic movement was an illusion—its form splits into two shadows, but only one of them casts a true elemental presence. The other is a phantom mirage, a distraction meant to confuse.

You reach toward the true one, not with flame, but with recognition. It pauses… and steadies. Its flickering slows. The deception has been revealed—not destroyed, but understood.

From across the chamber, the Flamebound Sentinel nods silently.

---

Insight Gained:

• The Deceptive Cindersoul does not need to be destroyed—only unmasked.
• You passed the first internal trial: Facing Doubt.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 14 / 15 (Spirit pulse used to reveal truth)
• 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:
You revealed the true nature of the Deceptive Cindersoul through spiritual insight, passing the first symbolic challenge of the Trial of Fire. The phantom fades, and the real ember form now watches you silently, calmed.

---

Remaining Cindersouls:

• Aggressor: Pacing, smoldering with heat.
• Defender: Still, like a flame refusing to yield.

---

Next Battle Choices:

1. Address the Defender and acknowledge the strength in restraint.
2. Cast Scalding Veil to shield yourself and test the Aggressor’s reaction.
3. Use Aqua Surge on the Aggressor to neutralize its fury.
4. Try to unite the Defender and Aggressor, drawing them toward balance.
5. Stand still and wait, allowing the next move to reveal itself.

Whew....now time to find an ally?  That's my vote. 

could we not draw them together for balance?

4. Balance is a necessity in all things

I think that might be 2 votes for option 4?

Let's go with that then

 

---

Story (Trial of Fire):
You take a steady breath, feeling the pulse of both flame and water within you—the same forces reflected in the two remaining Cindersouls. One burns with aggression, pacing with barely contained fury. The other stands still, protective and steady.

Raising both hands, you channel your dual affinity—not to attack, but to harmonize.

“You are not enemies,” you speak aloud. “You are fire’s passion and fire’s patience. One ignites, the other endures. But together… you balance the flame.”

You step between them, and for a brief moment, the air tightens—dangerous. The Aggressor coils, ready to strike. But you do not flinch.

Instead, you open your spirit and will the energies to flow into one another.

The chamber responds.

The two Cindersouls hesitate… then drift toward you. Their flames begin to twist and spiral around your body—neither burning nor shielding, but merging.

The Flamebound Sentinel lowers its arms.

“The Trial of Fire is complete,” it says solemnly. “You have not merely withstood the flame—you have understood it.”

The merged flame draws into your chest, searing a new glyph across your skin—just above your heart.

---

You have passed the Trial of Fire.

• Your mastery over flame and its duality has grown.
• Your fire affinity deepens with a permanent boost.
• A new flame-linked ability awakens within you.

---

New Ability Gained:

Heartbrand Flame (Passive) – When your HP drops below 50%, your Fire-based spells increase in power and cost 1 less EP until restored above half health.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 7
  • 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)
• New Passive:
  • Heartbrand Flame – Fire spells increase in power and cost less when HP is below 50%.

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You united the aggressive and defensive flames by embodying the balance between will and control. You passed the Trial of Fire with wisdom and strength, unlocking a permanent boost to your fire power.

---

Next Choices:

1. Speak with the Flamebound Sentinel before leaving.
2. Search the chamber for a reward or hidden artifact.
3. Rest briefly within the warmth of the trial circle.
4. Exit the Ashen Spire and return to the Sacred Grove.
5. Attempt to commune with the flame glyph burned into your chest.

So does this mean we didn't do the water trial as well as this one as we didn't get a passive ability from it and just whacked the constructs out of existence, or is it just a different trial? Probably no answer to that one,lol.

 

I vote talk to the dude, always pays to be polite. Hopefully. 

I dunno. Maybe there will be an option to go back to the water temple later and check out those flow and depth paths etc.

 

We just went into the hidden chamber and then left lol

I think either 1 or 5.

Man Ithi reading that story about balancing the 2 brought tears to my eyes!!! EPIC

I have to confess, I am not writing this. My AI is doing a much better job with this than it did with the Battleships lol

 

And so we commune with the flame tattoo

 

---

Story:
The glyph seared into your chest still glows faintly—hot, but not painful. You step back from the circle and place a hand over your heart, focusing inward. The symbol pulses once in response.

You close your eyes and allow your elemental awareness to flow inward.

The moment your mind touches the glyph, you’re pulled into a vision: a great forge carved into the heart of a mountain, flames roaring around a single figure—yourself—standing at its center. The forge doesn’t burn you. It strengthens you.

A voice, deep and ancient, speaks not aloud but within:

“When flame is purpose—not rage—it becomes creation.”

The glyph glows brighter, and a second layer of its power is revealed.

---

New Empowerment Gained: Flame Glyph Activated

Forged Focus – When casting any fire spell, once per day you may choose to double its damage or extend its effect without additional EP cost.

You open your eyes, breath steady. The glyph still glows—no longer raw, but forged into you. This flame is yours.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 7
  • 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)
• New Passives:
  • Heartbrand Flame – Fire spells increase in power and cost less when HP is below 50%.
  • Forged Focus (1/day) – Double a fire spell’s damage or extend its effect with no EP cost.

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You communed with the glyph etched into your chest, awakening Forged Focus, a powerful daily boon to your fire magic.

---

Next Choices:

1. Speak with the Flamebound Sentinel before leaving.
2. Search the chamber for hidden items or treasure.
3. Take a moment to rest in the warmth before returning.
4. Exit the Ashen Spire and journey back to the Sacred Grove.
5. Open your journal and record everything you’ve learned.

Loot!!! But if we get a chance we should talk to the guardian before leaving.

I like loot too!

 

---

Story:
With the Trial of Fire complete and your spirit still glowing with victory, you take a moment to explore the chamber. The flickering magma pools cast molten reflections across the walls, but near the edge of the trial circle, something catches your eye—a stone pedestal, partially concealed behind a broken column of cooled lava.

You approach carefully and brush away the ash coating its surface. Sitting atop it is a charcoal-black gauntlet, warm to the touch and traced with red-orange runes.

As your fingers graze it, the Flamebound Sentinel speaks again:

“A relic of those who have passed before you. It is yours, Elemental Champion—should you accept its weight.”

You lift the gauntlet, and it adjusts instantly to your arm. When worn, the runes glow faintly and seem to enhance the direction and intensity of flame spells. The heat you feel from your palm is controlled and focused—like the fire itself is listening more closely.

---

Item Acquired: Gauntlet of the Infernal Path

Enhances fire-based spells by increasing their accuracy and reducing misfires or backlash.
Grants +1 Fire Strength while worn.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 8 (+1 from Gauntlet of the Infernal Path)
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – 1/day)
  • Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (+1 Fire Strength, improved spell control)
  • 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)
• Passives:
  • Heartbrand Flame – Boosted fire spells when below 50% HP
  • Forged Focus (1/day) – Double or extend a fire spell without EP cost

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You discovered and claimed the Gauntlet of the Infernal Path, a relic from past Champions that improves your fire magic and raises your Fire Strength by 1.

---

Next Choices:

1. Speak with the Flamebound Sentinel one last time.
2. Rest briefly to reflect and center your energy before leaving.
3. Return to the Sacred Grove to continue your quest.
4. Attempt to combine your fire and spirit to unlock a new spell.
5. Examine the runes on the pedestal for hidden lore or messages.

I think chatting up our buddy will be fun? Maybe worthwhile? A chance to see if we get more loot options. 

Agreed, let's chat!!

It's always good to talk

 

---

Story:
With the gauntlet securely fitted to your arm, you approach the Flamebound Sentinel one final time. Its body still burns with steady heat, but there’s a softness now in its stance—as if it recognizes you not just as a challenger, but as a successor.

“Few pass without force. Fewer still pass with balance,” the Sentinel says. “You have shown command over flame without surrendering to it. That is what marks a true Champion.”

Its blazing hands lower to its sides, and the fire within its obsidian form begins to fade, crackling embers drifting upward like fireflies.

“Should you seek further mastery, find the Pillars of Blazing Memory in the desert beyond the Howling Plateau. There, fire remembers even what we forget.”

The Sentinel bows—deep and reverent—then vanishes into a column of flame that spirals upward and disappears through a crack in the cavern ceiling.

You are left standing alone in the Trial Chamber—but not unchanged.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 8 (includes +1 from Gauntlet of the Infernal Path)
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – 1/day)
  • Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (+1 Fire Strength, improved spell control)
  • 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)
• Passives:
  • Heartbrand Flame – Boosted fire spells when below 50% HP
  • Forged Focus (1/day) – Double or extend a fire spell without EP cost

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You spoke with the Flamebound Sentinel, who acknowledged your balanced mastery and marked a future path: the Pillars of Blazing Memory, a place of advanced fire magic hidden beyond the Howling Plateau.

---

Next Choices:

1. Exit the Ashen Spire and return to the Sacred Grove.
2. Search the trial chamber once more for hidden doors or items.
3. Rest now in the still-warm chamber, regaining energy before travel.
4. Attempt to combine Fire and Spirit into a new spell concept.
5. Consult your journal and plan your next destination.

2 or 4? Or hopefully both, lol

Yeah, I can get on board with 2 or 4.  

It can't hurt to look again.

 

---

Story:
Though the chamber seems quiet and still in the wake of the Sentinel’s departure, your instincts tug at you—this place of ancient fire surely holds more than it shows. You begin to search carefully, sweeping your torchlight across scorched stone, inspecting the grooves along the walls, and running your fingers along cracks in the basalt floor.

Behind the trial circle, partially hidden beneath a layer of cooling ash, you find a narrow seam in the wall, outlined in faded runes. Pressing against it with the hand wearing your Gauntlet of the Infernal Path, the stone shifts with a soft rumble.

A hidden alcove opens—small, but intact.

Inside rests a charred scroll case bound in bronze clasps and a small pouch of gleaming stones. You retrieve both and examine them.

---

Items Found:

• Scroll of Flameweaving – An advanced elemental guide detailing techniques for merging Fire with other elements. Unlocks the potential for custom hybrid spells once studied.
• Pouch of Firegems (3) – These glowing red-orange crystals can be used to recharge EP by +5 each or amplify fire spells in ritual casting.

You store them carefully, feeling the residual energy of the alcove fade as it seals behind you once more.

---

Updated Stats:

• HP: 25 / 25
• EP: 15 / 15
• Elemental Strengths:
  • Air: 1
  • Water: 12
  • Fire: 8
  • Earth: 1
  • Spirit: 7
• Inventory:
  • Basic Adventurer Kit
  • Rations (3 packs)
  • Magical Revive Stones (3)
  • Orb of Purity (Passive: Purifying Pulse – 1/day)
  • Gauntlet of the Infernal Path (+1 Fire Strength, improved spell control)
  • Scroll of Flameweaving (Unlocks hybrid spell crafting – study required)
  • Firegems (3) (Restore +5 EP or boost fire spells in rituals)
  • 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)
• Passives:
  • Heartbrand Flame – Boosted fire spells when below 50% HP
  • Forged Focus (1/day) – Double or extend a fire spell without EP cost

---

Outcome of the Choice:
You uncovered a hidden alcove containing a powerful Scroll of Flameweaving and three Firegems, giving you the means to recharge EP or strengthen fire rituals. Your ability to craft advanced elemental spells has now begun.

---

Next Choices:

1. Exit the Ashen Spire and return to the Sacred Grove.
2. Read the Scroll of Flameweaving immediately and begin study.
3. Rest here and recover before making your next move.
4. Use a Firegem to test its power with Emberlash.
5. Update your journal with the new discovery before leaving.

More good loot

MOTHERLOAD!! 

Really makes me want to go back to the previous chamber. 🤣