An Ardent Zeal

Lock text: Death is but an inconvenience to those versed in the proper arts. This one was, once. If we revive them, we will not pass. But we might break their arts, or enact a final ending.
Start text: 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

• A Refugee's Barrow
• An Anachronism
• An Exhibition of Nowhere

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.