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Going to the store to grab some milk but I'll be back -Unfie

[And always remember, most importantly of all:]

Feodore Dustwink is gone now.

The entire purpose of this PC was, ironically, to make Glooms less gamey OOC by gamifying them IC. I wanted to make them a more lived-in part of the world that people could acknowledge more openly instead of feeling like they only had the agency to witness and acknowledge their existence on quests. I also wanted to take a very obscure feature in the world and sink my teeth into it. And I wanted to do it in one of the silliest ways possible.

The Gloomcard tangent didn't really evolve until a few weeks later when I got bored, and it started off as a joke. It always was kind of a joke, but the joke meant a lot to me. It was stupid fun to walk around the Well, selling people on the idea of the cards, describing their nonsense special abilities, and just existing. But most importantly of all: to show everyone that LEARNING CAN BE FUN

Feodore's ultimate goal was not purely to weaponize the Glooms, but to transform the Gloomcards into magical artifacts with the ability to summon guardians to defend their users. Yes this was basically Yu-Gi-Oh. No I'm not ashamed of it. In the end, he got very close to realizing his dreams, but those aspirations didn't culminate in time before unexpected events unfolded. But hopefully the story left a mark. And always remember, most importantly of all:

There's no such thing as a late Gloomer...

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SOME SCREENIES

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THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

CONFUSING POLITICAL INTERLUDE

THE OCCASIONAL TROUBLEMAKER...

CRITICS SAY THE FIRST GLOOMOLOGY WORKSHOP IS "VERY GOOD!"

THE GLOOMCARD CRAZE CATCHES ON

GLOOMCARD DUELING IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

THAT LICENSE?

EMPOWERED INTERVIEW PREP

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THE ONLY LOOT THAT MATTERS

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Of course, there were many more types Gloomcards in circulation than these. Tragically, a new card would never be printed again. Like he always said: they're limited edition. Will you be able to find them all?

Day 13 of Sobriety

I was advised by several apothecaries and water witches that a sobriety journal, alongside daily mindfulness in the pursuit of temperance, would be the most effective practice for me to avoid a relapse into the black void of powerful narcotics. To that end, I'm going to use this daybook to catalog my activities, which certainly include maintaining my body as the temple it is. This daily ritual involves morning and evening doses of Apathetilixir, Derelixir, and Electrolixir. These holistic brews are infused with elemental arcana carefully measured to keep my life in check and my body in balance. So I can stay active and do all the things I want to do with my day.

Gloomcards are very popular. I've sold over fifty now. If Master Grimwald were still around, he would have been proud of that. And at my current rate of income, I could retire in 26 years or so. That's my plan for the future. When I'm an old man I'll open up my own Gloomcard stall in the Souk, and sometimes Qtolip will visit me (we'll be old friends). I bet he gives the best high fives. He's an Ashfolk, so he has really small hands and I would have to get down on my knee. But he would high five me, and I would high five him, and we'd laugh. Then I'd give him his favorite Gloomcard on the house. It would be our secret.

I've invited some people I know to be on the Gloomsday Committee. We're convening sometime next week to plan the events of the Gloomsday Tournament. The Opening Ceremony will be very important if we're going to get this right. I still haven't earned my Third Epoch, but I think this could be the moment that finally changes. Because if we don't master the Glooms before our enemies do, we'll be doomed and Gloomed ourselves. I'm going to make the Gloomcards real.

Anyway, I still don't know if I have any friends.

[THE GLOOM OF PANDEMONIUM]

THE GLOOM OF PANDEMONIUM

Dominant Signature: An iridescent, oily sheen enveloping the Host.

There is an incalculable fever in the air, and you can't tell the temperature because it's always changing. Highly irradiated Hosts are often bathed in an oily, irridescent sheen that shifts and swirls in the light. Attempts to break through this barrier will be met a burst of anarchic resistance, causing waves of unpredictable energy to backfire on the attacker. You could find yourself knocked down in the blink of an eye by the sheer force of this defense mechanism. Your ankles clenched by impenetrable stone. Your mind infiltrated by captivating nonsense. The possibilities are endless because they cannot be measured. Is that rosemary you smell? No, it's the unmistakeable scent of burning rubber. Nothing makes sense within the scope of this Gloom's influence, so stop making sense.

Threat Level: 3/5

[THE GLOOM OF ARCANA]

THE GLOOM OF ARCANA

Dominant Signature: A bright azure glow radiating from the Host.

Say what you will about the Gloom of Arcana, but through it, great workings are indeed possible. Ripples of raw magic surge and swirl, dancing like the flames of an otherworldly fire. This stunningly beautiful variant is exceedingly rare, and an unforgettable sight for those who are fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to witness its presence. Mortals attuned to this beguiling variant are accustomed to feeling the very essence of magic course deeply through their veins, empowering their own blows and shielding them from magical threats. This attunement also allows the Host to manifest beings of unchained arcana known as Nyths, whose instincts compel them to blast you into your requisite parts until there's nothing left of the person you were before.

Threat Level: 3.5/5

[1.]

The following contract is delivered with a separate letter containing complimentary advice on the nature and behaviors of various Glooms, but it became largely unintelligible after a translucent pink liquid was spilled all over it. Luckily, the contract came out unscathed

1. The Host and the actor have agreed that the actor will play a primary role in the Gloomology Workshop 102 Project, which will be publicized and facilitated by the host. The actor is granted artistic freedom to consult and advise on the contents of the script, which will be provided to the actor within the contents of a separate document.

2. The actor shall render all services customarily rendered by thespians in stage productions and comply with the host's artistic instructions.

3. The actor hereby assumes the risks of participating in any/all activities associated with this event.

4. This contract shall remain in effect on an ongoing basis until the conclusion of the Gloomology Workshop 102 Project, upon which time the actor will be compensated with a tax-free stipend of 400 dinars.

Host's Signature: Nadiri Feodore Dustwink

Actor's Signature: ________________________

[1.]

The following contract is delivered to Bashir's desk with an encouraging quill and inkwell

1. The Host and the actor have agreed that the actor will play a primary role in the Gloomology Workshop 102 Project, which will be publicized and facilitated by the host. The actor is granted artistic freedom to consult and advise on the contents of the script, which will be provided to the actor within the contents of a separate document.

2. The actor shall render all services customarily rendered by thespians in stage productions and comply with the host's artistic instructions.

3. The actor hereby assumes the risks of participating in any/all activities associated with this event.

4. This contract shall remain in effect on an ongoing basis until the conclusion of the Gloomology Workshop 102 Project, upon which time the actor will be compensated with a tax-free stipend of 400 dinars.

Host's Signature: Nadiri Feodore Dustwink

Actor's Signature: ________________________

[THE GLOOM OF UTTER CARNAGE]

THE GLOOM OF UTTER CARNAGE

Dominant Signature: A deep purple glow radiating from the Host.

This variant of the Gloom promises nothing but bloodshed and wanton violence upon those who encounter it. Its presence will inevitably attract the spirits of ancient warriors whose blood-curdling battlecries rouse the afflicted Host with a burning desire to inflict as much pain and devastation as possible. You will know them by a tranquil white mist that heralds their arrival, and they will know you by the spilling of your blood. The only defense against this Gloom is a powerful offense. You must kill or be killed, otherwise your shield will serve no other purpose than to act as a lid for your coffin. An equally effective option would be to run as fast as you possibly can in the opposite direction.

Threat Level: 4/5

THE GLOOM OF ELEMENTAL ICE

Dominant Signature: A thick layer of ice and hoarfrost coating the Host's skin.

Imagine you have been wandering the desert for hours under the burning gaze of Pra'raj. A tranquil cave beckons you forth, offering peace and respite. But as you begin to make camp within its solace, you notice something strange begin to happen. The walls of the cave have glossed over with permafrost, sucking what little moisture the air had to offer. Your heart pumps faster as you realize that your own breath is visible in the torchlight. And before you have time to react, you see tortured figures wrapped in elemental ice shambling toward you. Shards of ice erupt violently from their skin, threatening to pierce your own. Should you ever find yourself in this situation, you should hope and pray that you didn't have enough time to cool off before the encounter.

Threat Level: 3.5/5

THE GLOOM OF TENEBROUS APPETITE

Dominant Signature: A malevolent red glow radiating from the Host.

This Gloom is the nightmare your nightmares have nightmares about. Highly afflicted Hosts burn with a malevolent red pulse that can only be dimmed by their sudden and ultimely end. They hunger for the lifeforce of others, emitting harmful rays that feed off the strength of their prey. But theirs is a hunger that can never be sated. Their gluttonous consumption serves an appetite that yearns to swallow everything in sight, yet consumes nothing for itself. This vicious cycle ends upon death, but not before imploding in a wicked burst of dark energy that is sure to knock you off your feet. I highly recommend the company of a priest during encounters with this variant. If not to shield you from harm, then to serve you your last rites.

Threat Level: 4/5

THE GLOOM OF ELEMENTAL EARTH

Dominant Signature: A bright yellow (sometimes orange?) glow radiating from the Host.

Your blades and spears will glance ineffectively on impact with the afflicted. On occasions when the Host has achieved its apex state, you will be unfortunate enough to witness them hurtling large rocks and arcs of sand in your direction. They possess a unique affinity for rocks. Their proficiency and borderline obsession with rocks cannot be overstated. They are also capable of summoning earth guardians to do their bidding, which as you may have gathered by now, are comprised chiefly of rocks. In summary, expect copious amounts of rocks alongside a majority of characteristics typically associated with rocks. Rocks. Rocks.

Threat Level: 4/5

[THE GLOOM OF ELEMENTAL FIRE]

All threat levels listed below are subject to change as new varieties of the Gloom are discovered, observed, and documented. Future editions will also include increasingly comprehensive collections.

THE GLOOM OF ELEMENTAL FIRE

Dominant Signature: A bright orange glow radiating from the Host.

Although this should not be considered among the deadliest of Glooms, it nevertheless irradiates its Host with a burning desire to commit indiscriminate arson on anything and everything in its path, and that includes you. Signatures include spontaneous combustion, burning whipcracks of fire, and scorching bolts that erupt out in all directions from the Host's glowing anatomy. Fortunately, these signatures remain consistent with the element of fire alone, which makes mitigation a trivial affair. Preparing basic elemental abjurations will render the Host's amplified abilities virtually useless, and because any self-respecting wizard will always have these wards prepared, you have very little to be concerned about. Unless you don't have them prepared. It could be argued that a wizard who finds himself in this situation deserves to catch on fire.

Threat Level: 3/5

THE GLOOM OF ELEMENTAL AIR

Dominant Signature: A bright cyan glow radiating from the Host.

You feel your hair rising heavenward. A faint, intermittent crackle echoes in the distance. And it's getting closer. And it's getting louder. More frequent, more aggressive. These context clues typically indicate that you're soon to experience the Gloom of Elemental Air, and please trust me when I tell you that you are going to experience it very painfully. The most terribly afflicted among the Hosts of this Gloom will pulse with a bright cyan glow, emitting deadly electric charges to all those in the vicinity. The electric current pulsing through their veins appears to augment their physical capabilities as well, making them both faster and stronger. You will also notice that irradiated mages have the power to summon storm elementals to their side. The sole purpose of these heart-stopping zephyrs is to put you to sleep forever.

Threat Level: 3/5

THE GLOOM OF PHANTASMA

Dominant Signature: Wisps of pale pink phantasma swirling around the Host.

In life, few things are worse than staring at your own reflection in the mirror and being disappointed in what you see. However, there is absolutely nothing worse than seeing your own reflection materialize into a physical apparition whose sole purpose is to kill you with extreme prejudice. This variety of Gloom makes that very nightmare a reality through the powers it bestows upon its Host. I strongly advise that you do not summon conjurations while under the influence of this Gloom, because they can fall victim to illusory duplications just as easily as everything else. The only reasonable strategy here is to neutralize the Host from a distance, or as quickly as possible. Otherwise, your last moments will probably involve being stabbed by your own sword in ten different directions by ten different versions of you.

Threat Level: 4/5

THE GLOOM OF ELEMENTAL WINE

Dominant Signature: The smell of fermented juice beverages in the air.

This variant of the Gloom poses a special danger to fools and weak-willed Scorch addicts. Its Host is typically contaminated with an unseen aura of Suggestion, but can absolutely be detected by an individual's primal sense of smell, and is identified by the following signatures: circles of hallucinatory wine waves, dazzling orb arrays, and ripples of induced slumber. That being said, our limited observations suggest that a simple mind ward against the forces of evil can offer sufficient protection. It is worth noting that, because this variant's behaviors manifest through a cognitive medium, you will not easily observe any major physical deformities upon its Host. In the unfortunate event that you should encounter it without the aid of mind wards: do not, under any circumstances, convince yourself that this is a good time to drink heavily.

Threat Level: 2/5

THE GLOOM OF PRIMORDIAL COAGULATION

Dominant Signature: A translucent-green crystalline barrier engulfing the Host.

I have a moral objection to the existence of this variant beyond all others so I will be very brief: this Gloom physically augments its Host with a thick barrier of what we believe is a mixture of coagulated and crystalline mucous that is nigh impossible to cut or pierce. If you are a budding hero of the martial persuasion, be prepared to use the dullest weapon you can possibly find or otherwise suffer the consequences of your actions. We also advise that you wear a reliable pair of non-slip adventuring boots. That being said, further observation is required to fully document the signatures belonging to this variant. But I never wish to encounter it again. In conclusion, beware the ooze beneath thy shoes and always carry a hammer.

Threat Level: 3/5

[Gloomology]

Extraordinary arcane manifestations seeming to appear out of nowhere must always come from somewhere – The First Rule of Conjuration

FOREWORD

Gloomology is best defined as a formulaic study of the various otherworldly contaminant zones we call Glooms. These relatively novel phenomena can impose physical, life-altering augmentations upon living creatures (or Hosts) who are exposed to them in especially high doses. This leads to immense pain and discomfort for the Host, as well as for anyone who has the misfortune of encountering the Host in such a dangerous and unpredictable state.

Given that these phenomena are a relatively new appearance in our realm, reliable source material is entirely nonexistent. So where do they come from? Our strongest theory asserts that Glooms constitute the various residual remnants of other worlds that were left behind when those worlds were violently sealed away from our own. What remain are mere cosmological orphans weeping for a place in our world, creeping in the darkest corners of our realm, eager to latch onto the mortal fabric of any suitable creatures that might give them a real home again.

If you are as eager to wander the desert as you are to dance with a blade or cast a spell, then beware o' traveler: you will inevitably encounter this terrible blight in at least one of its many forms. The following compendium is designed to ensure that you do not perish in the act. These are the very fundamentals of Gloomology, and they will help you to survive.

Should you ever suspect that you have encountered a Gloom variant that is not documented in our latest version of the Gloomologist's Guide to Glooms and More, we highly recommend using the following conditional logic pattern to identify its behaviors and effects before you are compelled to suffer them.

Dear reader,

The following principles and advisories were painstakingly edited to ensure the highest chance of scholastic success for any shrewd wizard with the sheer force of will required to follow them religiously on a daily basis, without exception, and without fail.

1. Do not perform complex binding rituals on a full stomach, for no man is impervious to the insubordination of his bowels.

2. Complete your studies before bed or suffer tomorrow's wrath; value the lessons of yesterday or suffer to repeat them.

3. Pay heed to the mistakes of your predecessors; elsewise suffer endarkened curses only dreamt of in fables.

4. Time is an arrow from the past to the future, but that arrow has been bent into a Wheel, and it is NOT laminated.

5. Never break the Laws of Magic without an escape plan.

6. NEVER ATTEMPT TO BREAK THE LAWS OF MAGIC.

7. By referencing an exact moment in the past, you invite an exactness which is skewed by your own perspective. Beware the observed shackles of time.

8. Remain faithful to your chosen school of magic at all times, lest your adultery be known to the shame of your peers.

9. Do not waste invaluable moments in pointless meetings that could have been communicated more efficiently by raven.

10. When a puzzling arcane phenomenon cannot be understood by the ways in which it manifests itself, seek instead the source.

11. Just as the great warrior can fall on his sword, so must the great wizard take extra care not to fall on his books.

12. Do not seek success out of the fear that you may fail.

13. Do not engage in the classless and unscholarly act of plagiarism.

14. Covet newfound research over that of your competition unless it leads to newfound research.

15. Keep your scrolls and trinkets in separate drawers to avoid losing both. Keep said drawers in separate dressers to avoid losing everything.

16. Activate the proper wards while engaging in pyromancy if you wish your beard a long and healthy life.

17. If your neighbor is an Astrologian, engage in small chatter at least once a week but elsewise leave them to the cosmos.

18. Foster healthy relations with your local herbalist to ensure the best prices.

19. If you don't know where to look, keep your nose in the book.

20. A well-placed cantrip is more powerful than a poorly aimed fireball.

21. Never sacrifice the merit of your research for the sake of personal or political gain.

22. Here-To-There and Then-To-Now are the pathways through which our work is done. The shrewd conjurer who understands how to find hidden doors along these unmapped tunnels is also capable of opening them.

23. Conversely, the act of summoning is not unlike the act of fishing...

24. Beware the temptations of what lies beyond your senses, and do not invite faraway madness into your home.

25. It is sometimes better to evoke feelings than it is to evoke magic, but mostly this is not the case.

26. Safeguard dangerous knowledge better kept in secret than in the open.

27. Source your reagents responsibly to ensure high quality products for your experiments.

28. For obvious reasons, declare your last will and testimony prior to every duel.

29. Sweating profusely during ritualistic activities is a sign of poor health and preparation and should be criticized accordingly.

30. Do not covet your fellow wizard's staff.

31. He who claims unproven theories as undisputable truth shall not be called a scholar, but an irredeemable quack.

32. The wise wizard must always remember that the bigger fish is not always the better fish.

33. Do not seek to resolve every worldly problem with arcane solutions.

34. Your duty as a summoner is to serve as a guide across metaphysical pathways. Do not conduct yourself as if a gaoler, and do not condemn your conjurations to undue stress beyond what is reasonable in the eyes of Izdu.

35. Under no circumstances shall you ever agree to written or verbal contracts with faraway entities, no matter how benign they may appear.

36. Abstain from the cups during scholarly activities.

37. Do not conjure magic above the 2nd Circle as a party trick.

38. Keep your competitors close and your Lexicon Arcanum closer.

39. Consult an accredited Astrologian to ensure the ideal levels of cosmic alignment prior to ritual activities.

40. Hold sacred that if your failures lead to new knowledge, then you will always succeed in Izdu's eyes.

41. It remains a much wiser decision to succeed than it is to fail in nearly every context.

42. When your beakers stop producing steam, add water.

43. The taller your tower, the harder your fall.

44. Do not rely solely on Thaumaturgical Counter-currents to ward off deadly spells.

45. DO NOT BROOK WITH NEBULOUS ENTITIES THAT EXIST IN A METAPHYSICAL STATE OF BEING YOUR WORLDLY SENSES COULD NOT EVEN BEGIN TO COMPREHEND.

46. Always be punctual, for the wise wizard knows that the best ability is availability.

47. Know the difference between doing the right thing and doing things right.

48. Feed your familiar at least twice per day.

49. Keep your papers in order.

50. If you aren't absolutely sure where it came from, it is not for your consumption. Refrain from conjuring meals unless your survival depends on it.

It's probably obvious from my inactivity on Owlstone but I'll continue to have very little playtime through July since it's our busiest month at work. I'll make an effort where I can but I have to balance my life a little too. love u guys xoxo

-Unfie

HOUSE OWLSTONE

~ 'Tween Bank, 'Twixt Branch. ~

As my eyes wander heavenward to ponder the primordial age of the stars themselves, I'm reminded of an antediluvian time. A time when the monuments of House Owlstone stood tall and proud among the banks of the 154th Ring, wrought with pride and measured with precision by their shrewd originators. Just as well, the scions of House Owlstone pay homage to the Old Magic in all things. The deepest recesses of their texts paint the vivid image of a gargantuan Owl perched upon the vermeiled bricks of a sacred crossing--judging fateful gloryfinders in a series of trials for the right of passage. Ours is a family who dared to harness the perfect nature of that mythical entity, building our own bridge in reverence to the legends of our past.

Nevertheless, the traditions and curses engendered by our reverence ultimately proved to be an engine for madness. A madness that laid low the bricks of the Auld Owl Bridge, collapsing utterly beneath the hubris of our auld and peripheral family. Our scrolls have long since crumbled to dust, alongside the quaint legends we knew to be as history itself.

Our last scion now glides upon the winds in search of ancient secrets hidden within the curvilinear architecture of the Rings. Those under the Owlstone banner have long been compelled to relinquish their fear in the face of the unknown, and to risk everything in the pursuit of rebuilding what was lost; whether it be honor, the sacred annals of tradition, or the very stones themselves. Under the auspices of the Auld Owl's perch, we will rise again.

Name of Faction: House Owlstone
Recommended Alignments: Good and Neutral. Evil will be a tough swing
Recommended Classes: Any but druids

Reach out to me on discord for more info! @Unfie

Fantastic PC. Aldstan was the pure strain essence of a man in conflict with  himself and others, and the best paladin I've had the pleasure of witnessing/playing with during my time on EfU so far. No hyperbole

Please always come back