"It is not that we never talked to him ..." Mival tries to explain better and to answer everyone's questions "we talked to him enough to conclude a non-belligerence agreement. None of the parties annoys the other. But every time we spoke to him, he seemed more interested in quickly closing the question than actually speaking with us. And in fact he thought of something else... influences of distant dimensions... something like that... Even if we read his thoughts during the conversation, the details of his main concern were in his deep thoughts... while we Doppelganger can only read surface thoughts".
"I have no idea if it has been here for centuries... If you want to try to talk to him, do it..." is the evaluation of the Doppelganger "it should be safe... he has never opened hostilities with us Lords from Below, I don't think he will open them with you. At the worst, he will answer you briefly, to try to dismiss you quickly... as he always did with us".
Elias’s eyes never leave the dragon as Mival speaks. He nods slowly, absorbing every word, but his gaze is fixed on the shimmering amethyst horns and the slow, deliberate rhythm of the creature’s breath.
“He’s ancient…” Elias murmurs, more to himself than anyone else. “A being of legend, breathing the same water as us. We’ve spoken to ghosts, uncovered truths buried in time… But this—” he gestures subtly toward Nesurentul, “—this is a voice that might remember it all.”
He glances to Zevriel and Paqen with a small, reassuring smile.
“I understand the risk. Truly. But sometimes knowledge requires reverence, not silence.” He looks at Zev and adds, with an arched brow, “And besides… I’d rather die asking a dragon a question than live forever wondering what he might’ve said.”
Then, Elias turns back to the dragon—slowly, carefully, his posture open and non-threatening. He places a hand lightly on his chest and begins to speak, his voice calm and clear, carrying with it a tone of sincere respect:
“Nesurentul… ancient one… we come in peace, and in awe. I am Elias Cerwyn of Silverymoon, and my companions and I seek understanding. If you would grant us even a moment of your wisdom… we would be honored.”
He stops a respectful distance away, letting the dragon's next breath decide their fate.
[[ OOC: In the OOC Thread Paqen stated that he would help with Guidance those who would speak with the dragon, so I assume he casts that spell on Elias. ]]
When the wildling declares his intentions to speak with Nesurentul, the druid he briefly blesses to propitiate a favorable interaction.
Indeed, the dragon's floating horns point toward Elias with interest, while the winged reptile confirms, pleased: "So much wisdom in a group of mere non-dragons! Indeed, who better than the exponents of my race to dispense wise counsel? Oh, and you are with Blossom... Are you perhaps ambassadors of the Lords from Below? But let's get to the point... my wisdom is currently focused on a problem of the utmost importance, from which I would not wish to be distracted for long. The very natural order of the world as you know it may one day be in peril, if I do not finish developing the right countermeasures... So tell me: on what do you seek my counsel?"
[[ OOC: Elias, in answering, should roll for Persuasion... adding 1d4 to the result thanks to Paqen's Guidance ]]
Elias bows his head in reverence, letting the dragon’s words settle over him like the currents in the water. His voice, when he speaks, is calm and reverent, laced with curiosity but never pride:
“Great Nesurentul,” he begins, “we would not presume to steal your focus from a matter so vast—but we seek only a fragment of your recollection.”
He gestures gently around the ruins that surround them.
“These halls whisper of betrayal, of monsters and flooded death… of a man named Rajmund and a woman named Rephis. We have heard tales of an ambush, of crustacean beasts pouring through a breach in the lower halls—tales from a ghost who cannot rest. We search for truth, for the ring of a fallen lord, and for understanding of what transpired here. Not just for knowledge’s sake, but so the lost may be remembered, and the deceivers perhaps unmasked.”
Elias meets the dragon’s gaze directly—not as an equal, but as one who speaks plainly and earnestly.
“If you know anything of what befell this place—of the ones called Jhessail or Rajmund, or of the creatures that rose from the depths—we would be in your debt.”
He bows his head again, waiting, with hope and patience, for the dragon’s reply.
((Elias persuasion check 22 + 2 from guidance = 24))
"These fragments of information are incredibly useful." Nesurentul is now very attentive... and even seems impressed by the party. "I discovered this place only recently... and I stopped here only because I caught some... 'echoes' of what had happened - but I instinctively caught influences and impressions, while you bring me fragments of precise facts!"
"The influences that I still feel today must be the distant resonances - or the distant consequences - of the facts that you have so cleverly discovered." The dragon begins to instinctively (and perhaps unconsciously) wave the last part of his tail and seems excited, while he reflects. "I feel the unmistakable presence of residual influences from the Far Realm, a totally alien dimension, whose laws (and creatures) are so aberrant, as to be practically incompatible with our reality!"
"There is no threat that, in the final analysis, is more dangerous than the Far Realm!" the winged reptile is keen to explain "A portal opened on the Nine Hells, would perhaps lead to world domination by the Devils. A portal opened on the Abyss, would perhaps bring large-scale massacres by the Demons into the world. But a portal opened on the Far Realm... would upset the world and its laws, infecting it like a plague and transforming it into something completely different - nothing would remain or survive of what is known!"
"Not that I am hypothesizing that a portal of that kind is currently open down here" Nesurentul reassures. "I would feel much stronger influences, in that case. But I still feel typical influences of the Far Realm, however weak. Perhaps the events you have told me were caused by creatures or magic of the Far Realm - and perhaps some of those creatures or magic are still down here. A danger that, today, is certainly not immediate... but that would be stupid not to eradicate now, while it is weak!"
"As you may have understood," the dragon seems embarrassed "about the remote events on which you wish to shed light, I at the moment know... nothing. In the end, it seems that, contrary to my expectations, you have been more useful to me than I to you. But let me repay you with a piece of advice: leave this place and desist from your quest. If you should encounter creatures of the Far Realm, you would be in grave danger... Let me continue my investigations and, in the end, eradicate this threat. Let a dragon take care of it. Or, if you really are determined to continue exploring down here in the meantime..." he adds, as if he were making a concession "at least, if you encounter creatures of the Far Realm, run away, come and call me... I feel a bit indebted to you, for the information you have provided me, and I would be sorry for you to meet death - or a worse fate. If you end up confronting creatures from the Far Realm, come to me or call me - I will defend you."
Zevriel watches the exchange, quietly impressed by how Elias manages to win over the dragon with just words and respect. He finds it almost uncanny—dragons are supposed to be proud, dangerous, and hard to read, yet here Elias has Nesurentul talking, even offering his help against the very worst dangers.
Still, something nags at Zev. It all seemed too quick—almost as if the dragon was eager to steer them away, or keep things on his own terms. As Elias finishes, Zev glances at the others, then studies the dragon’s eyes and body language, trying to catch any sign that Nesurentul is hiding something, or has an agenda beyond what he says. (Insight: 14)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
As Nesurentul’s speech rises and falls—laced with grand declarations, dire warnings, and assurances of protection—Elias’s admiration doesn’t vanish, but it shifts. What had been awe begins to root itself in something more grounded: careful discernment.
He keeps his expression respectful and calm, but his gaze sharpens. He studies the dragon’s tone, the rhythm of his speech, the subtle movements—the flick of the tail, the slight embarrassment at his lack of knowledge, the curious way he frames his advice.
Is Nesurentul truly concerned for their safety? Or does he want them gone for another reason?
Elias doesn't yet voice these questions aloud. But as he listens, he lets his practiced mind—trained both in noble diplomacy and bardic insight—search for inconsistencies or manipulation, measuring the dragon’s sincerity not by what is said, but by what may lie beneath the scales of intent.
((Elias rolled a 23 Insight check. Is there deceit afoot?))
Tarysaa steps up and speaks in Draconic, "Nesurentul, ancient and wise one. Not far from this spot is a mystic circle I was sent to find by the mages called the Harpell of Longsaddle. Is there a danger present with that circle - active so long? If we do not survive these creatures from the Far Realm; could you speak to the Harpell about this circle being active and of the dangers of the Far Realm you speak of?" She will bow and back away slowly while waiting for a reply.
The dragon, apparently unaware of the scrutiny of two members of the party (if not three, considering that Mival is also staring intently at him) shifts his attention to Tarysaa (and the floating horns point at her in turn): "I have already examined the Mystic Circle you speak of and while the fact that it is still active testifies to the strong magic that was necessary to create it, it is not from it that I feel the 'emanations' of the Far Realm coming... No, my esteemed arcanophile, I do not believe that it is connected to the present threat. Whether it represents a different threat... I do not know - but I think that may be a problem for another time - since I stopped here to handle the problem of the Far Realm, the Mystic Circle has never given rise to anything strange or dangerous".
In the meantime, our heroes have had the opportunity to form their own opinion of Nesurentul...
Zevriel does not believe that the dragon is actually 'hiding' something about the events, but he still has the impression that he is... less experienced than the party initially thought.
Elias has the same impressions, but, accustomed to grasping the subtleties of the most disparate interlocutors, completes the impression of relative inexperience of the dragon (who could also be a young or even very young specimen after all) with the belief that, all things considered, Nesurentul does not yet have very precise ideas on how to 'cope with' the issue that is so close to his heart. This is also why he was so impressed by the fact that the party was able to 'contribute' right away (with the information provided on past events) and 'embarrassed' not to be able to tell much in turn. On the one hand, he probably believes (perhaps also because of a little dragon pride) he is the most 'qualified' to cope with the problem and for this reason he tries to persuade the characters not to take risks (ideally even to leave)... but on the other hand, given his possible 'inexperience', it is by no means garaunteed that leaving the matter entirely in his hands is the strategy that has the best chances of success!
Elias bows his head respectfully once more, speaking with quiet reverence.
“If it does not trouble you, honored Nesurentul, might we pass through the corridor behind you as we continue our search? We will not disturb your meditations further.”
His voice is calm but earnest, and his gaze briefly shifts back to the rest of the party, seeking their silent assent. He remains composed, but the awe of speaking to a dragon still lingers in the tightness of his voice and the deliberate care of his posture.
"Certainly, your respect and, even more, the precious information you have provided me induce me to consider you at least as allies!" the dragon's eyes fix warmly on those of the party members "You have my consent to pass through my Lair whenever you see fit".
"But do not forget what I told you..." Nesurentul adds, while the group is already going their own way "Caution... The creatures of the Far Realm... Remember that you can count on my help, if you meet them! It would not be a worthy end for heroes like you, to die forgotten in the depths of these waters".
"He really thought what he said..." Mival reveals to the party, once they leave the large room "He is truly worried about our safety. You made a good impression on him, congratulations!" and seems in turn impressed by the diplomatic skills of the party.
Our heroes soon come to a T-intersection and can therefore (briefly) continue either towards a door to the north, or towards a door to the south, both of which are closed.
The door to the north used to be reinforced with metal studs... but it is now completely broken, so much so that a couple of fist-sized holes can be peeked through.
The door to the south is made of rotten wood as well, but not reinforced... however, it has no holes. Seeing it, Mival warns: "Behind that door lives a deceitful shapeshifter... Her appearance is not her true one, nor are her declared sincere intentions. She says she wants to help, but in reality she always plans to do harm. We Lords from Below usually ignore her (without letting her know that we can read minds and that therefore her fictions are useless with us). Of the other door" he points to the north one "I don't know anything".
Elias steps lightly toward the battered northern door, gaze fixed on the gaps worn into its surface. With one hand gripping his ever-present staff, he gestures to the others.
"Let’s check the north door first. We can at least take a look through the holes—see what’s on the other side—before we deal with... whatever that is behind the southern one."
He leans slightly, careful not to disturb the fragile wood, and peers through one of the openings.
Peering through one of the openings, the bard can make out two main details inside: 1) A pile of gold coins gleams inside, on the floor. 2) There are old chains - which could be used to bind any prisoners - fixed to the north wall (the wall opposite the door).
Tarysaa notes the obvious here. These are extensions of the jail cells in the previous room. Perhaps solitary confinement chambers. Which begs the question, who or what is locked up behind those doors. Mival has already explained about the southern cell inhabitant but what might need 'extra bracing' for the northern chamber?
There are more mystical and physical forces here, concentrated in one small place, than Ardana can reckon with. Still, this Nesurentul seems to be an ally in all this. She thinks back to her studies. Has she heard of this dragon before? (history: nat 20 (22)) She bows her head to the dragon. We are well met, kind dragon, we will enlist you if we must, if we encounter anything from the far realm. How might we know that we have encountered such a being?
Ardana does not remember anything about Nesurentul in particular, but she remembers references about a nation of elves who once upon a time managed to open a portale to the Far Realm.
Because of the creatures who come from there and of the fool emanations from the portal, their civilization met a rather abrupt and terribile end. But there is also a mention of dragons who came to fight the threat and eventually close the portal. The chronicles called them 'Amethis Dragons'.
Given the color of Nesurentul's scsles and his worry about the Far Realm, this dragon might be an Amethis Dragon as well.
"Far Realm creatures appearance is so disturbing to behold, that you can't fail to recognize them" the dragon answers the tiefling paladin. "They are completely out of place in our dimension. Everything screams 'alien' in them - and those meeting them usually end up screaming too".
Paqen listens to the exchange with the dragon avidly. Keen to understand the dragon more as this is his first encounter. After an awkward moment at the conclusion he bows in respect, “Thank you.”
Upon mention of the shapeshifter he interjects, “This shapeshifter…how long has she been here? And is she hostile or just manipulative? If her mind may be read by one while another is speaking with her there may be some information to be gleaned unbeknownst to her? Would you be able to probe that deep?” Paqen asks, his head tilted quizically.
Zevriel gives a small bow and a plain, honest, “Thank you,” to the dragon before moving on. He’s learned politeness never hurts—at least not with a creature their kind. He glances around the cramped hallway and notes quietly, “Not much room here. If there’s trouble, can’t move much.” He grips his blade, ready but cautious.
He falls in behind the others, letting them take the lead and ready to follow in whatever order they think best, eyes sharp for danger but content to let the wise and the talkers make the choices.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Mival thinks back to his previous experiences with the occupant of the southern room and replies to Paqen: "I don't know how long she's been here... but she was here before us Lords from Below, I think. And I'd call her 'hostile', no doubt. Not that she's ever attacked any of us directly, mind me... but there was always a predisposition in her mind to harm us, if she had the opportunity. So I think she'll take the same attitude with you... she won't attack us, given how numerous we are - but if she were to have the opportunity to harm one of us who has been left alone, I think she would. It seems like" he shudders slightly "that amuses her".
"Getting information from her is something we can certainly try!" The Doppelganger smiles slyly. “I can read surface thoughts… so if you steer the conversation to a topic that interests you, I can certainly learn something about what she thinks about it – regardless of what she says to you. I won’t be able to report my findings to you in real time, but when we leave her, perhaps I can update you on what she thought while she was talking to you”.
Zevriel hangs back as the group talks about the shapeshifter, quiet but thinking. The more Mival talks about the Lords from Below, the more Zev tries to fit the pieces together in his own way. He’s no scholar—things often blur together for him—but his instincts are sharp and he listens more than he lets on.
After a long pause, he finally speaks, not unkindly, but plain and curious. “Mival… you talk about the Lords from Below like you’ve been with them a long time. But your mother—she’s human, right? Or is she a changeling, too?” He scratches his jaw, watching Mival’s face closely. “Or maybe… your father was? Or maybe he was one of them Lords from Below? You don’t seem old enough to have been down here that long.”
He looks a bit sheepish, almost apologetic. “Sorry if that’s rude. It’s just… I’m a bit lost. You seem… different than I thought at first.”
He leaves it at that, hoping Mival will clear up his confusion, but also watching his reaction with quiet, honest caution. (Insight: 15)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
"It is not that we never talked to him ..." Mival tries to explain better and to answer everyone's questions "we talked to him enough to conclude a non-belligerence agreement. None of the parties annoys the other. But every time we spoke to him, he seemed more interested in quickly closing the question than actually speaking with us. And in fact he thought of something else... influences of distant dimensions... something like that... Even if we read his thoughts during the conversation, the details of his main concern were in his deep thoughts... while we Doppelganger can only read surface thoughts".
"I have no idea if it has been here for centuries... If you want to try to talk to him, do it..." is the evaluation of the Doppelganger "it should be safe... he has never opened hostilities with us Lords from Below, I don't think he will open them with you. At the worst, he will answer you briefly, to try to dismiss you quickly... as he always did with us".
Elias’s eyes never leave the dragon as Mival speaks. He nods slowly, absorbing every word, but his gaze is fixed on the shimmering amethyst horns and the slow, deliberate rhythm of the creature’s breath.
“He’s ancient…” Elias murmurs, more to himself than anyone else. “A being of legend, breathing the same water as us. We’ve spoken to ghosts, uncovered truths buried in time… But this—” he gestures subtly toward Nesurentul, “—this is a voice that might remember it all.”
He glances to Zevriel and Paqen with a small, reassuring smile.
“I understand the risk. Truly. But sometimes knowledge requires reverence, not silence.” He looks at Zev and adds, with an arched brow, “And besides… I’d rather die asking a dragon a question than live forever wondering what he might’ve said.”
Then, Elias turns back to the dragon—slowly, carefully, his posture open and non-threatening. He places a hand lightly on his chest and begins to speak, his voice calm and clear, carrying with it a tone of sincere respect:
“Nesurentul… ancient one… we come in peace, and in awe. I am Elias Cerwyn of Silverymoon, and my companions and I seek understanding. If you would grant us even a moment of your wisdom… we would be honored.”
He stops a respectful distance away, letting the dragon's next breath decide their fate.
[[ OOC: In the OOC Thread Paqen stated that he would help with Guidance those who would speak with the dragon, so I assume he casts that spell on Elias. ]]
When the wildling declares his intentions to speak with Nesurentul, the druid he briefly blesses to propitiate a favorable interaction.
Indeed, the dragon's floating horns point toward Elias with interest, while the winged reptile confirms, pleased: "So much wisdom in a group of mere non-dragons! Indeed, who better than the exponents of my race to dispense wise counsel? Oh, and you are with Blossom... Are you perhaps ambassadors of the Lords from Below? But let's get to the point... my wisdom is currently focused on a problem of the utmost importance, from which I would not wish to be distracted for long. The very natural order of the world as you know it may one day be in peril, if I do not finish developing the right countermeasures... So tell me: on what do you seek my counsel?"
[[ OOC: Elias, in answering, should roll for Persuasion... adding 1d4 to the result thanks to Paqen's Guidance ]]
Elias bows his head in reverence, letting the dragon’s words settle over him like the currents in the water. His voice, when he speaks, is calm and reverent, laced with curiosity but never pride:
“Great Nesurentul,” he begins, “we would not presume to steal your focus from a matter so vast—but we seek only a fragment of your recollection.”
He gestures gently around the ruins that surround them.
“These halls whisper of betrayal, of monsters and flooded death… of a man named Rajmund and a woman named Rephis. We have heard tales of an ambush, of crustacean beasts pouring through a breach in the lower halls—tales from a ghost who cannot rest. We search for truth, for the ring of a fallen lord, and for understanding of what transpired here. Not just for knowledge’s sake, but so the lost may be remembered, and the deceivers perhaps unmasked.”
Elias meets the dragon’s gaze directly—not as an equal, but as one who speaks plainly and earnestly.
“If you know anything of what befell this place—of the ones called Jhessail or Rajmund, or of the creatures that rose from the depths—we would be in your debt.”
He bows his head again, waiting, with hope and patience, for the dragon’s reply.
((Elias persuasion check 22 + 2 from guidance = 24))
"These fragments of information are incredibly useful." Nesurentul is now very attentive... and even seems impressed by the party. "I discovered this place only recently... and I stopped here only because I caught some... 'echoes' of what had happened - but I instinctively caught influences and impressions, while you bring me fragments of precise facts!"
"The influences that I still feel today must be the distant resonances - or the distant consequences - of the facts that you have so cleverly discovered." The dragon begins to instinctively (and perhaps unconsciously) wave the last part of his tail and seems excited, while he reflects. "I feel the unmistakable presence of residual influences from the Far Realm, a totally alien dimension, whose laws (and creatures) are so aberrant, as to be practically incompatible with our reality!"
"There is no threat that, in the final analysis, is more dangerous than the Far Realm!" the winged reptile is keen to explain "A portal opened on the Nine Hells, would perhaps lead to world domination by the Devils. A portal opened on the Abyss, would perhaps bring large-scale massacres by the Demons into the world. But a portal opened on the Far Realm... would upset the world and its laws, infecting it like a plague and transforming it into something completely different - nothing would remain or survive of what is known!"
"Not that I am hypothesizing that a portal of that kind is currently open down here" Nesurentul reassures. "I would feel much stronger influences, in that case. But I still feel typical influences of the Far Realm, however weak. Perhaps the events you have told me were caused by creatures or magic of the Far Realm - and perhaps some of those creatures or magic are still down here. A danger that, today, is certainly not immediate... but that would be stupid not to eradicate now, while it is weak!"
"As you may have understood," the dragon seems embarrassed "about the remote events on which you wish to shed light, I at the moment know... nothing. In the end, it seems that, contrary to my expectations, you have been more useful to me than I to you. But let me repay you with a piece of advice: leave this place and desist from your quest. If you should encounter creatures of the Far Realm, you would be in grave danger... Let me continue my investigations and, in the end, eradicate this threat. Let a dragon take care of it. Or, if you really are determined to continue exploring down here in the meantime..." he adds, as if he were making a concession "at least, if you encounter creatures of the Far Realm, run away, come and call me... I feel a bit indebted to you, for the information you have provided me, and I would be sorry for you to meet death - or a worse fate. If you end up confronting creatures from the Far Realm, come to me or call me - I will defend you."
Zevriel watches the exchange, quietly impressed by how Elias manages to win over the dragon with just words and respect. He finds it almost uncanny—dragons are supposed to be proud, dangerous, and hard to read, yet here Elias has Nesurentul talking, even offering his help against the very worst dangers.
Still, something nags at Zev. It all seemed too quick—almost as if the dragon was eager to steer them away, or keep things on his own terms. As Elias finishes, Zev glances at the others, then studies the dragon’s eyes and body language, trying to catch any sign that Nesurentul is hiding something, or has an agenda beyond what he says. (Insight: 14)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
As Nesurentul’s speech rises and falls—laced with grand declarations, dire warnings, and assurances of protection—Elias’s admiration doesn’t vanish, but it shifts. What had been awe begins to root itself in something more grounded: careful discernment.
He keeps his expression respectful and calm, but his gaze sharpens. He studies the dragon’s tone, the rhythm of his speech, the subtle movements—the flick of the tail, the slight embarrassment at his lack of knowledge, the curious way he frames his advice.
Is Nesurentul truly concerned for their safety?
Or does he want them gone for another reason?
Elias doesn't yet voice these questions aloud. But as he listens, he lets his practiced mind—trained both in noble diplomacy and bardic insight—search for inconsistencies or manipulation, measuring the dragon’s sincerity not by what is said, but by what may lie beneath the scales of intent.
((Elias rolled a 23 Insight check. Is there deceit afoot?))
Tarysaa steps up and speaks in Draconic, "Nesurentul, ancient and wise one. Not far from this spot is a mystic circle I was sent to find by the mages called the Harpell of Longsaddle. Is there a danger present with that circle - active so long? If we do not survive these creatures from the Far Realm; could you speak to the Harpell about this circle being active and of the dangers of the Far Realm you speak of?" She will bow and back away slowly while waiting for a reply.
The dragon, apparently unaware of the scrutiny of two members of the party (if not three, considering that Mival is also staring intently at him) shifts his attention to Tarysaa (and the floating horns point at her in turn): "I have already examined the Mystic Circle you speak of and while the fact that it is still active testifies to the strong magic that was necessary to create it, it is not from it that I feel the 'emanations' of the Far Realm coming... No, my esteemed arcanophile, I do not believe that it is connected to the present threat. Whether it represents a different threat... I do not know - but I think that may be a problem for another time - since I stopped here to handle the problem of the Far Realm, the Mystic Circle has never given rise to anything strange or dangerous".
In the meantime, our heroes have had the opportunity to form their own opinion of Nesurentul...
Zevriel does not believe that the dragon is actually 'hiding' something about the events, but he still has the impression that he is... less experienced than the party initially thought.
Elias has the same impressions, but, accustomed to grasping the subtleties of the most disparate interlocutors, completes the impression of relative inexperience of the dragon (who could also be a young or even very young specimen after all) with the belief that, all things considered, Nesurentul does not yet have very precise ideas on how to 'cope with' the issue that is so close to his heart. This is also why he was so impressed by the fact that the party was able to 'contribute' right away (with the information provided on past events) and 'embarrassed' not to be able to tell much in turn. On the one hand, he probably believes (perhaps also because of a little dragon pride) he is the most 'qualified' to cope with the problem and for this reason he tries to persuade the characters not to take risks (ideally even to leave)... but on the other hand, given his possible 'inexperience', it is by no means garaunteed that leaving the matter entirely in his hands is the strategy that has the best chances of success!
Elias bows his head respectfully once more, speaking with quiet reverence.
“If it does not trouble you, honored Nesurentul, might we pass through the corridor behind you as we continue our search? We will not disturb your meditations further.”
His voice is calm but earnest, and his gaze briefly shifts back to the rest of the party, seeking their silent assent. He remains composed, but the awe of speaking to a dragon still lingers in the tightness of his voice and the deliberate care of his posture.
"Certainly, your respect and, even more, the precious information you have provided me induce me to consider you at least as allies!" the dragon's eyes fix warmly on those of the party members "You have my consent to pass through my Lair whenever you see fit".
"But do not forget what I told you..." Nesurentul adds, while the group is already going their own way "Caution... The creatures of the Far Realm... Remember that you can count on my help, if you meet them! It would not be a worthy end for heroes like you, to die forgotten in the depths of these waters".
"He really thought what he said..." Mival reveals to the party, once they leave the large room "He is truly worried about our safety. You made a good impression on him, congratulations!" and seems in turn impressed by the diplomatic skills of the party.
Our heroes soon come to a T-intersection and can therefore (briefly) continue either towards a door to the north, or towards a door to the south, both of which are closed.
The door to the north used to be reinforced with metal studs... but it is now completely broken, so much so that a couple of fist-sized holes can be peeked through.
The door to the south is made of rotten wood as well, but not reinforced... however, it has no holes. Seeing it, Mival warns: "Behind that door lives a deceitful shapeshifter... Her appearance is not her true one, nor are her declared sincere intentions. She says she wants to help, but in reality she always plans to do harm. We Lords from Below usually ignore her (without letting her know that we can read minds and that therefore her fictions are useless with us). Of the other door" he points to the north one "I don't know anything".
Elias steps lightly toward the battered northern door, gaze fixed on the gaps worn into its surface. With one hand gripping his ever-present staff, he gestures to the others.
"Let’s check the north door first. We can at least take a look through the holes—see what’s on the other side—before we deal with... whatever that is behind the southern one."
He leans slightly, careful not to disturb the fragile wood, and peers through one of the openings.
Peering through one of the openings, the bard can make out two main details inside:
1) A pile of gold coins gleams inside, on the floor.
2) There are old chains - which could be used to bind any prisoners - fixed to the north wall (the wall opposite the door).
Tarysaa notes the obvious here. These are extensions of the jail cells in the previous room. Perhaps solitary confinement chambers. Which begs the question, who or what is locked up behind those doors. Mival has already explained about the southern cell inhabitant but what might need 'extra bracing' for the northern chamber?
There are more mystical and physical forces here, concentrated in one small place, than Ardana can reckon with. Still, this Nesurentul seems to be an ally in all this. She thinks back to her studies. Has she heard of this dragon before? (history: nat 20 (22)) She bows her head to the dragon. We are well met, kind dragon, we will enlist you if we must, if we encounter anything from the far realm. How might we know that we have encountered such a being?
Ardana does not remember anything about Nesurentul in particular, but she remembers references about a nation of elves who once upon a time managed to open a portale to the Far Realm.
Because of the creatures who come from there and of the fool emanations from the portal, their civilization met a rather abrupt and terribile end. But there is also a mention of dragons who came to fight the threat and eventually close the portal. The chronicles called them 'Amethis Dragons'.
Given the color of Nesurentul's scsles and his worry about the Far Realm, this dragon might be an Amethis Dragon as well.
"Far Realm creatures appearance is so disturbing to behold, that you can't fail to recognize them" the dragon answers the tiefling paladin. "They are completely out of place in our dimension. Everything screams 'alien' in them - and those meeting them usually end up screaming too".
Paqen listens to the exchange with the dragon avidly. Keen to understand the dragon more as this is his first encounter. After an awkward moment at the conclusion he bows in respect, “Thank you.”
Upon mention of the shapeshifter he interjects, “This shapeshifter…how long has she been here? And is she hostile or just manipulative? If her mind may be read by one while another is speaking with her there may be some information to be gleaned unbeknownst to her? Would you be able to probe that deep?” Paqen asks, his head tilted quizically.
Zevriel gives a small bow and a plain, honest, “Thank you,” to the dragon before moving on. He’s learned politeness never hurts—at least not with a creature their kind. He glances around the cramped hallway and notes quietly, “Not much room here. If there’s trouble, can’t move much.” He grips his blade, ready but cautious.
He falls in behind the others, letting them take the lead and ready to follow in whatever order they think best, eyes sharp for danger but content to let the wise and the talkers make the choices.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Mival thinks back to his previous experiences with the occupant of the southern room and replies to Paqen: "I don't know how long she's been here... but she was here before us Lords from Below, I think. And I'd call her 'hostile', no doubt. Not that she's ever attacked any of us directly, mind me... but there was always a predisposition in her mind to harm us, if she had the opportunity. So I think she'll take the same attitude with you... she won't attack us, given how numerous we are - but if she were to have the opportunity to harm one of us who has been left alone, I think she would. It seems like" he shudders slightly "that amuses her".
"Getting information from her is something we can certainly try!" The Doppelganger smiles slyly. “I can read surface thoughts… so if you steer the conversation to a topic that interests you, I can certainly learn something about what she thinks about it – regardless of what she says to you. I won’t be able to report my findings to you in real time, but when we leave her, perhaps I can update you on what she thought while she was talking to you”.
Zevriel hangs back as the group talks about the shapeshifter, quiet but thinking. The more Mival talks about the Lords from Below, the more Zev tries to fit the pieces together in his own way. He’s no scholar—things often blur together for him—but his instincts are sharp and he listens more than he lets on.
After a long pause, he finally speaks, not unkindly, but plain and curious. “Mival… you talk about the Lords from Below like you’ve been with them a long time. But your mother—she’s human, right? Or is she a changeling, too?” He scratches his jaw, watching Mival’s face closely. “Or maybe… your father was? Or maybe he was one of them Lords from Below? You don’t seem old enough to have been down here that long.”
He looks a bit sheepish, almost apologetic. “Sorry if that’s rude. It’s just… I’m a bit lost. You seem… different than I thought at first.”
He leaves it at that, hoping Mival will clear up his confusion, but also watching his reaction with quiet, honest caution. (Insight: 15)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||