Though this Path has many unexpected benefits, there are downsides to wielding this power. If a traveler of the Path of the Unbound Hour should happen to die, their spirit will be lost to a time to the Ethereal Plane, accelerating the time limit to reviving them. But in a way, this also works in their favour, as it slows the decay of their spiritual energy, meaning they linger between life and death longer than most. This can be temporarily tapped into in life.

#SubclOctober #Lore24 31/10/24

“Ah, a tale is it? For a warm bed, a warm meal, and (with consent) warm companionship, I will gladly regale you with stories of my homeland, told by my liege. Or if you prefer something a more familiar flavour, I know several of this world of #Matea. And should some spare currency find solace in my storytelling, I shan’t turn it away.

Something closer to the heart, you say? Then we have an accord! Listen now, as I tell a legend of love, loss, and murder most foul…”

#Bardvember #Lore24 1/11/24

“It was a humid night in Muchen. Dominic DiPietro had just finished a short run role in one of the many plays that grace the city. After an argument with his sister, Maria, he tripped and fell down a flight of stairs. But on landing, he shattered into a thousand pieces. As it happens, Dominic had been replaced with an animated statue of porcelain. So how long had the victim been missing? Were they even dead? It was up to Viola Lembi to find the truth…”

#Bardvember #Lore24 2/11/24

“The obvious suspect was Maria. Turns out, she had recently come home after residing in Dun for the last couple of years, with little contact with the victim. As much as Viola pressed the issue, she refused to elaborate on her reasons for returning. Letting her guard down, Maria let slip that she had had a former lover, emphasis on the former, who she had argued with and who had suffered a different accident under questionable circumstances, though less fatal.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 3/11/24

“Maria giving Viola the cold shoulder meant that our intrepid investigator had to explore other options. While lamenting this fact at the local tavern, she learned that Song Muchen, local artisan, had taken up aiding playhouses in the city with casting issues by enchanting lifelike dolls with personalities and memories of consenting stars for a cut of the production’s earnings. Downing the bourbon in one fiery gulp, Viola paid her tab and was back on the beat.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 4/11/24

“Now, I’m sure that you all know that soulsplicing, like all Gnomish arts, is a closely guarded family secret, passed through generations. Song, being a merchant of the highest scruples, kept his lips tighter than… well, I shan’t say. Regardless, after some ‘gentle persuasion’ and an unfortunate ‘loss’ of some money, Viola learned that the victim had paid off a request for a replica, where usually a playhouse representative would handle that. The plot thickens…

#Bardvember #Lore24 5/11/24

“With that mysterious lead that sounded more like a dead end, Viola decided to return to Maria, and see what could be found by digging into the family financial ledgers. Suddenly, she had a brief shiver of warning, and she rolled to one side. Missing by a hair’s breadth, the fireball spell aimed at her head exploded against a rooftop instead, igniting it in arcane fury. By the light of the flame, Viola saw a cloaked figure turn and run. So, she gave chase.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 6/11/24

“They ran through streets of ancient cobblestone, worn smooth by ages of travellers past. The cloaked assailant jumped towards a balcony, using it to scramble up the side of a building to escape by rooftop. But they hadn’t figured on Viola’s physical condition, evident only as she leapt after them, barely touching the supporting trellis they had used. Our intrepid investigator closed the gap, and before both tumbled to certain injury, tackled the foe to the ground.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 7/11/24

“Pinning the figure to the ground, Viola threw back the hood to see their face, and was shocked. The assailant was none other than… the victim, Dominic DiPietro himself! I know; shocking, isn’t it? Well, Viola was just as shocked. Dominic confessed that he had privately comissioned a pair of the animated statues in order to replace him so he could retire in peace. He would fake his death and fade into obscurity. But, you might ask, what of the second statue?”

#Bardvember #Lore24 8/11/24

“Dominic, facing discovery confessed his full plan, leaving Viola’s blood running cold. As soon as she could yell for a guard to handle Dominic, she was off. No sooner had she arrived though, it was too late; the animated copy of Dominic was pulling the knife from the heart of Maria as she slumped to the ground.
Viola pulled the statue away, who offered no resistance. She handed it off to a backup guard and went to Maria’s side, hoping to stem the wound.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 9/11/24

“But when Viola checked for a pulse, there was none. Strangely though, no blood. She examined the wound carefully, only to find that this was ALSO an animated duplicate! Had Maria anticipated this scenario and taken steps to avoid her own death? Or was this case getting more complicated? One thing’s for sure, Dominic TECHNICALLY wasn’t guilty, as no murder had taken place, so he was released to close watch. Viola returned to her office, paid but unsatisfied.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 10/11/24

“Now, I agree that while this might be an unsatisfactory story, it remains the most famous of Viola Lembi’s career. I prefer to tell it as a reminder that one needn’t accomplish epic deeds to be remembered. But, perhaps a tale more attention grabbing then? Of backstabbing adventurers, driven by greed to their own doom. This, friends, is a tale of the Fingers In Ice; a known, yet unknown collective of cutthroat treasure hunters. And one unlucky innocent.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 11/11/24

“Jiang Dun was a humble baker; a gnome who never got up to much of note. She was satisfied to operate and manage the ancestral bakery as her family had done for generations before, training her apprentice, and believing that the bloodline ended with her and her lack of desire to find a partner. One day, in her second year, she received a letter. All gilded and ostentatious, with no details other than a time and place: 27 Rosette Way, Diadem, Nuvain. One month. 5pm.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 12/11/24

“Now, like a lot of the Gnomish folk, Jiang possessed a curiosity beyond most others. So given the mysterious missive, she handed the bakery over earlier than planned, and took her savings on a ship bound to cross the Yanade Ocean, with the continent of Sou’je as its destination. With luck at her side, she managed the trip through to Nuvain with a day to spare. It seems that the letter writer had anticipated the journey’s length. Now to find the meeting place.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 13/11/24

“Locals will know that the Diadem district are where the richest and most self-important live, and the address listed lived up to that expectation. A far cry from the usual places known to a humble baker. Inside, an eclectic gathering of folks from all over, of all races and creeds, all worn in the open. When Jiang entered, presenting the invitation, all discussion stopped as the guests noticed the stranger among them. Suddenly, a bell rang from within.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 14/11/24

“The gathered attendees moved further in, ignoring Jiang. Who of course, followed. Before them was a lavish banquet table, and an impeccably dressed Tiefling man. He gestured widely to the table, and spoke.
‘Friends, it is my honour to present the first EVER retirement dinner of the illustrious Fingers In Ice.’
The crowd murmured and gasped in shock. The man went to continue, but faltered, noticing Jiang.
‘Ah, but it appears not all of us are well acquainted, no?’”

#Bardvember #Lore24 15/11/24

“The man gave an elaborate bow.
‘I am Sirmeros Albez, Director of the Adventuring Troupe known as the Fingers In Ice.’
A few people chuckled at the obvious joke.
‘And you, my dear?’
Jiang hesitated briefly before replying nervously.
‘Well Jiang,’ the man continued ‘your good fortune brings you here with us today for my retirement. Normally, the way one becomes Director is to kill the previous one. But you all, not one, could ever get me.’
The smug grin was obvious.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 16/11/24

“He continued. ‘As a token of my appreciation for your ineptitude, each of you will receive a gift from my treasury. IF you can find it.’
He snapped his fingers, and one of his servants distributed an envelope to each guest in turn, including Jiang.
‘What you have there is a rough map to where you will find your treasure. Find it, then you may return here to have it unsealed. Now, knowing you, I have put no restriction on who claims what, so take what you can!’”

#Bardvember #Lore24 17/11/24

“‘Ah, with two exceptions. Skarde, and Jiang. If you kill anyone you forfeit, and if anyone kills either of them, you also forfeit. Bounties will be placed on the offender’s head. Clear?’
He pointed towards an imposing Goliath man who looked disappointed at the statement, as well as Jiang. All eyes turned, as if considering her in a new, and troubling light.
‘But please, be seated, and the banquet shall begin!’
With a clap, food and drink appeared out of thin air.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 18/11/24

“‘Please enjoy, but first: a toast!’
Sirmeros raised a glass, joined by many of the guests.
‘May we all get exactly what we deserve; and no less.’
His smirking face was the last thing Jiang saw before a sudden cracking noise filled the room and the world went pitch black. The sounds of commotion and noise drowned the senses as she could feel people moving around her.
And then, the darkness lifted. Sirmeros lay facedown in his soup, a dagger in his back.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 19/11/24

“Before Jiang could register much of her surroundings, a small chaos broke out. Arguments and declarations that someone or another has been the one to strike the fatal blow; small scuffles and skirmishes between others with curious or anticipatory onlookers.
‘HEY!’ A loud shout brought the room to a still.
‘Go ahead.’ Skarde, who had called the attention gave the serving attendant the floor.
‘Thank you. As I was trying to say, Master Albez prepared for this.’”

#Bardvember #Lore24 20/11/24

“‘The Master’s instructions were that, in the event of his early demise, the person who retrieved the most items and had them successfully authenticated would become his rightful successor.’
There was a pause as the crowd took this information in, then a mad scramble for the exits as the greed fever took over.
‘You.’ A voice spoke, startling Jiang. Skarde stood in front of her.
‘Your artifact is also in the Brightfields, no? Mine too. Let us work together.’”

#Bardvember #Lore24 21/11/24

“Even if it was all a joke, that amount of people was enough to make Jiang nervous, so she agreed. Skarde nodded stoically and gestures for her to follow as he left the hall. Upon their exit, her withdrew a scroll from his pack, and unfurled it.
‘What’s that for?’ Jiang asked him.
‘Safe passage. It’s a favour owed.’ He replied.
Muttering arcane words, the scroll burned in his hands and a golden shimmer appeared in.
‘Come.’ was all he said, and Jiang followed.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 22/11/24

“With a single step that felt like stumbling, Jiang crossed through the hole in reality. From evening in Nuvain to the surreal sunshine of the Brightfields, Jiang’s stomach took a moment to settle. Skarde had already started walking, leading her to run to catch up.
‘Yes?’ He asked.
‘Um, I’m not really an adventurer or anything, so I was wondering if you could help?’
With a sigh and a grunt. Skarde picked Jiang up and sat her on his shoulder, to compare maps.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 23/11/24

“Now here I must apologise, as I have been sworn to secrecy by my lord to not reveal the exact details, but the pair each needed to handle a task of importance before they would be allowed to leave with their respective prizes. Rules of the Fey can be quite troublesome to deal with, but it’s worse to break them. Regardless, with Skarde’s help, Jiang managed to retrieve her assigned treasure: A horn that gave her claws of a bear, and made her invisible in low light.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 24/11/24

“Skarde’s treasure proved useful as well, as it wielded the power of planar travel. He seemed disappointed, as Jiang suspected he would have preferred something more lethal.
Now, some of our patrons here might know this, but the flow of time between here and the Brightfields isn’t always consistent. So when he and Jiang arrived back at Nuvain, she was shocked to learn that a year had passed in the week they had been gone. The two made their way back to the estate.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 25/11/24

“The servant answered the door and allowed them entry. While they made their way through the house, being led to a subterranean chamber, they learned that the survivors of the gathering, for there had been many conflicts, had already had their prizes authenticated. The last remaining were in their hands, and the contest could not be declared until then.
Inside the room, a large crystal stood on a pedestal, with the corpse of Sirmeros laid in a coffin underneath.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 26/11/24

“‘If you would, please place your item next to the Authenticator Gem, so that we can release it to you, and declare the winner of the contest.’
Jiang stepped forward, uncomfortable around the corpse, but Skarde remained stationary.
‘Sir?’ the servant asked, sounding a little impatient.
‘Come and take it.’ was all Skarde said.
Having become accustomed a bit to her companion, Jiang walked over to him to try and comfort any fears. He just looked at her, bemused.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 27/11/24

“‘You take it.’ He grunted, handing over the miniature chair model. Jiang asked if he was sure, which Skarde only responded to with a nod.
She was swiftly ushered to the Gem’s side, and placed the chair next to her horn. The two glowed and elevated from the pedestal. Suddenly, a raspy laugh came from the corpse. Raspy at first, but strengthening as the decay reversed, and Sirmeros started to float out of the coffin, looking younger by the second.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 28/11/24
1/2

“‘Trap!’ Skarde yelled, dashing forward. He grabbed Jiang and leapt clear as a blast of magic scorched the ground where she had been a moment before. The servant cursed, and the pieces filled in. There was never meant to be a winner. Each of the items, while useful in their own right, could combine to resurrect, and rejuvenate Sirmeros. Any who returned would be killed to keep the secret.
But Jiang made a mistake. She broke free and grabbed her earned horn.
‘No!’”

#Bardvember #Lore24
2/2

“In a blinding flash, she was flung against the wall, and knocked unconscious.
She awoke, struggling to move, feeling so very tired. Rolling over, she saw herself somehow, giant and confused. The other Jiang came over to her, and picked her up. It was hard to look around, but she saw herself in an unfamiliar body, and two infants struggling in puddles of clothing.
‘Jiang? Are you in there?’ The other Jiang asked.
She tried to reply, but couldn’t form words.”

#Bardvember #Lore24 29/11/24
1/2

“Frustrated, Jiang nodded. She even tried pointing to herself and to the double, who thankfully seemed to get the message.
‘I think I understand what happened, if not how. One moment.’ The other Jiang placed her down, fetched a knife from one of the piles of clothes, and plunged it into the hearts of the other two infants before picking her up again.
‘That handles Sirmeros and his butler. Lucky you were here. It’s Skarde, but I guess you are now, and I’m Jiang.’”

#Bardvember #Lore24
2/2

“‘If you gnomes weren’t born as adults, we would be in worse trouble. And since I’ve killed Sirmeros, I suppose I’m the Director. So much for that so-called competition.’
Skarde smiled, using Jiang’s face.
‘You have a much longer life ahead than you had, and I have no idea how to reverse it. Let me train you, so that you might inherit this position when you grow up, and I reach the end of your lifespan. We both have a lot to learn about how to be us again.’”

#Bardvember #Lore24 30/11/24
1/2

“And so here ends the tale of Skarde Nuvain, Director of the Fingers in Ice, a treasure hunter group that certainly doesn’t exist, and how he learned to be a successful leader and fighter beyond reproach thanks to his instructor and right-hand, Jiang Twiceborn. Jiang, who as far as records show, lived longer than any Gnome, but was nothing more than a simple baker.

Or so the story goes, anyway…

If you appreciated these tales tonight, please tip your serving staff!”

#Bardvember #Lore24
2/2

The three biggest cultural advances? First, there’s the diversification of the arts in Muchen after the collapse of the Opera House and rebuilding efforts, allowing the furthering and growth of alternate performing art forms.
Second, there’s creation of the Omens Of The End card game by Cliffdive of Nonjasseum. A collectable card game with a fun playstyle.
And third, I would say the development of Wichi as a getaway town for those interested in the romantic pursuits.

#December #Lore24 1/12/24

I suppose this one depends on what you would consider “not meant to meddle with”. Anyone who serves The Voices should raise a few eyebrows. Some would also question the reinvestment of manasteel coming from the mining of Nuvain to be included in that, considering the town history or world history. I think the less obvious answer though would be people who insist on trying to investigate Lym. Anything that’s trying to keep you away that much can’t be good…

#December #Lore24 2/12/24

Obtaining cursed, yet powerful artifacts mostly depends on your desired effort, and preferences. If you weren’t attached to “sword” specifically, it’s relatively easy. You would just need to steal it from the captain of the Nuvain Night Watch, difficulty 5/10. Or you could become a Cursebearer, if your will is strong enough to resist the Midasean curse, at a 3/10.
Sword specifically though? There’s rumours of a gladiatorial prize that would count. 8/10 at a minimum…

#December #Lore24 3/12/24

So for simplicity’s sake, I’ve been keeping the ancestry names the same as expected, to guide some of the mental shortcutting. But as each will be different to the “normal” versions, I will be rebranding them for the collected edition.

Dwarf - Shojai
Elf - Saelam
Gnome - Djagun
Goblin - Zjagon
Aarakocra - Torito
Warforged - Dunbow
Kobold - Fasidi
Genasi - Saffardi
Kenku - Kuzoku
Centaur - Kifardi
Dragonborn - Taniin
Plasmoid - Ingune
Autognome - Jiyi
Orc - Jashidi

#December #Lore24 4/12/24
1/2

Tiefling - Ortusi
Aasimar - Kadensi
Halfling - Orjasa
Half Orc - Orshada
Half Elf - Kalaemo
Human - Kashojo
Goliath - Katono
Tortle - Rasudo
Eladrin - Ela’adun
Fairy - Fa’ari
Tabaxi - Tobakksi

These names will go into effect after the year’s end, to coincide with planned mechanical updates.

#December #Lore24
2/2

There’s actually quite a few to choose from, depending on where in the world you want to be or be from, or what background you envision, or even what class you want to play!
From the gladiatorial stables of Nonjasseum, the bandit gangs of Danis, Queensguard of Dun, mobs of Inssè, the cults of Aguè, the merchants and pirates of Port Pinako, the plethora of guilds of Nuvain, or even the treasure hunting Fingers In Ice.
And that’s just the start; there’s plenty of choice!

#December #Lore24 5/12/24