Summercamp 2025 Readings... or should I say journeying

Our first stop is a lovely town I actually helped build, under the same name but a different form. But the one who truly made it emerge from the ground is no other than a dear friend , though he's calling himself Cipher around these parts. Welcome to Catengolm, a war-torn town but still standing strong. Don't be fooled by the apparent dryness of the premises, I tell you that while it has a rich history, its most glorious days are still ahead of us.

We've arrived to our second destination my friend. I'd advise you caution around these parts, unfortunate missteps are a long way down. See, the reason of our visit is this. No, not the old cabin, what is happening inside. What are you doing, don't open this door! Unless you want to condemn an innocent to eternal torment. You see, around here people have ceased to celebrate their birthday. Instead, it is a time to hide, away from the dark and the monsters that aims at their soul. By the way, I hope today is not your special day too, or we'll be soon running into troubles.

Watch your step, the countryside is pitch black at this time of the day. Keep your eyes to the ground too, or at least don't look up. The Eldritch Moon is up the sky you see, in which case I strongly advise against glaring for too long. Or else it might look back. Don't pay too close attention to what you see, dismiss them as tricks of the light. The walk won't be too long, just enough to get a feel of the place. We find ourselves in a region that was once known as Osin, where the influence of the moon is at its strongest.

If we play our cards right we might be blessed to witness the appearance of shadows of the past, brought forth to deliver us a most vivid spectacle. Do tell me if you feel funny or if the world suddenly seems even more unwelcoming than it already is. Ah, something is taking shape, I can hear the loud breath of the dead, although uncomfortably close. Is it you, my dear companion? Your voice changed ever so slightly, uh. A shame about the show, but I see that we've overstayed our welcome. Let us take our leave before you become less inclined to polite conversation.

Alright, let's take a breather, shall we? Here, take a seat, I got us one of the best. What we're about to see, my friend, is a high-end duel between skilled magicians! And if we have the time afterwards, we might visit the underground facilities. Ah, who am I kidding, we have all the time in the world. It's a Friday, the best time of the week for flashy rounds and aerial spectacles. Furthermore, I made sure to transport us to a day when Julie Maupin takes part in the contest. I truly admire her way of always coming out on top in the wildest situations. Who is that, you ask? Come on, she's a celebrity! I know you're not from him, but put in a little effort. Grab a flyer, they have all the things you need to know about the contestants. But hurry, it's starting already!

Let's continue our little tour, shall we? I hope you like music, performance and spectacle. And I'm not talking about any spectacle, but a show that brings together an entire universe! I believe you have something akin to that from where you are from, but let me tell you this is nothing in comparison to the Yonderhythm! One of the best show I have access to, and certainly the longest-lived, despite the controversies. I don't pay too much credits to them, I'm mostly there to enjoy, and of course the parties. Why, did you think I am too old to party? That's preposterous, my friend.

How are you holding up in the heat? Don't worry, we won't stay here for long, barely outlive the town. See, over there is Kar'shak on its last day, until the next time. An encampment of gnolls, there for a few days of festivities before the clan moves out. Try not to be too afraid of the guards, they may be impressive but not a threat to those with peaceful intentions such as ourselves. Since it is the last night, we might as well enjoy ourselves, maybe trade a few trinkets, and we'll be gone by dawn.

Do you fear the ocean, my friend? No? Not yet, you mean. Our next stop might change that. Look below the surface, amidst the rocky shallows. You might not see it at first, but try to discern the silhouette and numerous arms that barely shift in the current. I count twenty-one of them, we got ourselves a mighty one! I am tempted to approach the creature, but I'd rather not get stung today. See this small school of fishes, they might wander a bit too close... there it is! Do you see now, the apex predator of this reef? You know, it doesn't stop at small preys, even pearl divers are at risk. We could wait some time for you to see, but let's spare our eyes this gruesome spectacle and just ask the locals, shall we?

We're lost, aren't we? I knew it was a mistake to visit this maze, I've always been bad with direction. The shifting walls do nothing to help, and I think I'm becoming slightly claustrophobic. It's such a shame, too, I intended to introduce you to the dungeon master, but there is no way we'll get to the centre at this rate. If it's you, maybe you could have done something.

As you know, it is my role as the Archivist to merely record the infinite worlds and seldom intervene. I fully embrace my existence as an observer but there are times, far and few in between, where I wish to do more, anything. Alas, some every world has its share of miser, and it is not mine to lift. I wonder, my friend, if you too are bound by the same rules, or if you have the will to act. Act on what? Well, let me tell you the story of this place...

Do you smell that? I hope the scent is not too comfortable. No, no, I didn't stutter, it would be worrisome for you to enjoy the smell of this place. See this tree? I wouldn't tread too close to it, unless you wish to join those poor souls over there. They are enraptured by the sap, not mindless thralls but not themselves either, in a disturbing in-between. The one you see won't be coming home, they are too far gone, for too long. See how numerous they are? Anyone coming near is bound to join them, like zombies.

Anyway, we shouldn't stay too close. Let's go through this hallway, I still have much to tell you. Did you notice how their blood grlows?

With our journey coming to a close, what do you think of sharing a cup of tea? Only the finest, from a water you wouldn't find anywhere else. I hope you like the taste of minerals, they are found aplenty amidst the leaves. But worry not, your health is not at risk. Delicious, is it not? I only recently stumbled upon this place, but I found myself coming back to it more and more. Notice the slight glow within the tea bag, this is the key component of this beverage, and a keepsake for your return trip. Enjoy the drink, we'll return in a while.