An Ardent Zeal

This person is dead. But the walls between death and life are just another opening. Heart might give life, and the reborn soul might impart upon you a secret before telling you to move on. Or, if you are intent on bypassing an eternal guardian, Winter will end, or Forge free.

Expeditions

• An Anachronism

Requirements

• Heart (Invokes the Caladrius)
• Winter (Invokes the Ferryman)
• Forge (Invokes the Silver Owl)

Heart Invocation

We call upon the Caladrius

• Heart 10: We call upon the Caladrius, who does not permit death. This spirit will be revived... But we will not pass.
• Heart 5: We call upon the Caladrius, who cures what is incurable. Even death can be cured, in strange times. But are these times strange enough?
• Heart 1: We call upon the Caladrius, who fears death. It will use its power to chase dark death away from this spirit. Hopefully.
• Heart Success: They awake! Their cheeks are rosy with health, and their lips are red with blood. We will hear their wisdom, now.
• Heart Failure: Nothing. Only the pale, mouthless shade of the Dead is here. And we still cannot bypass it.

Winter Invocation

We call upon the Ferryman.

• Winter 10: We call upon the Ferryman, who will Claim what is Owed. This one's time has come. The Ferryman will take its Toll, and leave us be.
• Winter 5: We call upon the Ferryman, who Judges. The Ferryman weighs the worth of all souls. If it rules in our favor, we will probably be fine.
• Winter 1: We call upon the Ferryman, who hears all Offers. The great spider can hear all who would bargain, but it is notoriously fickle. It might choose to aid us.
• Winter Success: The Dead are cold with the chill of Winter. The Ferryman is colder. Web-like wisps of fog conceal this shade from our sight. When they clear, the spirit has vanished.
• Winter Failure: No... No! Run, before it takes us!

Forge Invocation

We call upon the Strigiforme Slag.

• Forge 10: We call upon the Strigiforme Slag, who will never submit. Her power will free this soul from bondage, so that we may pass.
• Forge 5: We call upon the Strigiforme Slag, who is unchained. Her power might shatter the force which binds this soul to vigil. Probably.
• Forge 1: We call upon the Strigiforme Slag, who cannot be commanded. She cares little for slave-driver or for slave. Perhaps we may make it through.
• Forge Success: When the Dead are summoned to the world, and their bodies are gone, they use what they can find to make a form. Now that this spirit has left, all that remains are broken keys and tattered paper.
• Forge Failure: The room fills with bitter fire and choking smoke. We must leave, before we suffocate. The spirit will be there when we return, no doubt.