"Oh, I know that magic can do wonders..." the ascetic does not seem too impressed "You are probably disciples of the Art of Magic - or got the help of one who is".
"But I did not know of a Shrine to Eldath nearby..." the sea elf seems now curious "Where is it?"
Elias offers a faint smile—polite but unwavering—as he inclines his head slightly.
"A fair question, and I shall gladly answer it," he says smoothly, "but you seem to have sidestepped mine, Lady Vaervenor." His tone remains courteous, but there is a quiet firmness beneath it. "You mentioned having lived here for quite some time, and I’m curious as to why. This ruin is hardly the most welcoming refuge, particularly for one as refined as yourself."
He gestures gently to the crumbling walls and rotting furniture around them.
"You strike me as someone with purpose, not simply a passive observer of the deep. So if you’ll indulge my curiosity, I’ll be glad to satisfy yours."
Paqen grows concerned, almost protective at her sudden interest in the Shrine of Eldath and tries to assuade her interest in the shrine. He speaks to her trying to speak in a similar way as Elias, affecting some of his tonality and mannerisms, as if out of habit. “What need have you of the Lady of waters. You already have greater boons than she could bestow. Perhaps just to pay homage as I might assume a Nereid such as yourself might do occasionally. I might even assume it was you who had erected it if you had not been unaware of it.”
"Of course I'm only interested in paying homage!" Seyntillua assures, answering Paqen "At most, also out of curiosity about who might have erected it... but surely first of all to know where best to pray to the goddess of the Still Waters!"
The sea elf then turns to answer Elias: "I apologize if I seemed evasive - I only didn't answer because the reason seemed obvious in itself to me... But I realize now that those who are far from the ascetic life may struggle to understand. You see, there is nothing passive about meditation... it's not just 'observe', but rather 'internalize'... and solitude helps a lot with that. Solitude and detachment from material things - that's why I don't feel the reason to upgrade the furniture (not that I know how to upgrade it, even if I wanted to). This place has a nice balance of solitude and occasional company. Visitors are rare - but not nonexistent, so I don't lose touch with the rest of the world entirely. But solitude is the norm, and that helps me meditate. And the fact that predators almost never come here makes my retreat from the world less dangerous than it might otherwise be."
"But I do not pretend to convince you with words alone, oh my Lord of House Cerwyn," the ascetic smiles. "When you have finished... whatever you and your friends have come to do, instead of leaving immediately, stay a week with me, to try a short period of asceticism... and all the beauty of this practice will pervade your soul! It will be a pleasure, for me, to be able to offer you this, Master Cerwyn."
Elias’s expression remains pleasant, but there’s a subtle tightening at the corner of his eyes as he turns to glance briefly at Mival—gauging whether the Doppelganger reacts with unease, amusement, or something else entirely. Then he shifts his gaze back to Seyntillua, nodding slowly.
“A generous offer, Lady Vaervenor, though I suspect the life of an ascetic may be ill-suited to one such as me.” His smile is genuine, though laced with wry humor. “Still, I respect your devotion to stillness… even if the waters that surround you are anything but.”
He tilts his head, voice softening in inquiry. “You mentioned other visitors, aside from us and Mival. Who else has sought out your company here, if I may ask? Travelers from the surface? Or… others like yourself?” He chooses his words carefully, gently probing. “And… forgive the bluntness—but how long have you truly been here, in this sunken place?”
Mival's face is the portrait of the 'unease' when Seyntillua makes her offer to Elias - but the bard refuses and the Doppelganger is relieved.
Meanwhile, the ascetic wags a finger at Elias and replies: "It seems to me that now someone else is sidestepping my question... Do you not remember that you owe me the location of the Shrine to Eldath, Master Cerwyn?"
Paqen tilts his head and listens to her explanation then nods. “My vocation is the study of different cultures and ways of life. This ascetic way I have encountered before.. though never in this…detached. As for the week I also would have to refuse…the water mess with my natural oils and would be hell on my plumage. Already it will take a week or two the restore it after this.”
Elias offers a courteous smile and a respectful nod of his head.
“You are right, Lady Vaervenor—I did promise to share that.” His tone remains gracious. “The shrine lies on the level above us. A quiet place, but touched with a deep stillness… a presence of peace. One can feel the goddess there, unmistakably.” He adds lightly, “Though I imagine your chosen solitude might keep you from seeking it out. A shame—it would no doubt intrigue you.”
Then, gently, he circles back to his earlier question with a tone of genuine interest.
“Now, if I may return to what I asked before… what other visitors have come to you here? Apart from Mival and the Lords from Below, of course. This place isn’t exactly welcoming to travelers—so I imagine any visitor is worth remembering.”
"Worth remembering?" Seyntillua seems to ask herself. "Just because of the rarity of the encounters? Not necessarily... You know, Master Cerwyn? To tell you the truth, the last few encounters I've had, except the ones you mentioned, have been with adventurers driven by the thirst for fame or riches... Not really interesting personalities. A trio of a human, a dwarf and an elf, for example... were in bad shape from a recent attack and I offered refuge to Dain, the dwarf, a fierce fighter of the Balderk clan, who had evidently fought bravely. But conversation with him was short and unrewarding - he was only interested in possible treasures and, as you can imagine, he couldn't find them in my humble abode! I could offer him nothing but my attentions."
"Another party of sea elf explorers had arrived, probably from the same breach I told you about, to explore out of pure curiosity," the ascetic continues, apparently bored. "It was nice to talk to them about the community they came from... but when I had exhausted the pleasantries and explained how dangerous this place could be, they quickly left."
"I would say that you and your friends, Master Cerwyn," the sea elf concludes, "are by far the most interesting visitors I have ever had. For that reason, as well as out of sheer goodness, I recommend that you return to me, should any of you find yourself in need of safe rest. In all the time I have been here, no one has ever had a complaint about my hospitality."
Elias meets Seyntillua’s gaze with a gracious dip of his head.
“You honor us with your praise—and your hospitality. May your solitude bring you the clarity you seek.”
He then casts a quiet glance toward each of his companions, giving them space to speak if they wish. His tone softens slightly as he adds, more to the group than to her:
“If there’s nothing more, perhaps it’s time we locate this breach and see where it leads.”
He’s already mentally turning toward their larger mission—but stays in place for now, awaiting any final words or insights from his friends.
Paqen looks up at Elias with his jet black eyes, pleading almost and then turns again to Seyntillua, “You wouldn’t know anything of the Far Realms would you? We encountered someone not long ago who mentioned possible connections to the events that happened here long ago. I know that if I had come from or escaped from a place of madness that I might find some solace in peace and solitude…just thinking out loud.” He looks up straight into her eyes unblinking and dead calm.
Elias narrows his eyes slightly, the courteous mask slipping just enough to show a flicker of suspicion beneath. He does not speak, not yet, but studies Seyntillua intently—her posture, her expression, the rhythm of her voice. He’s seen the madness that trails in the wake of the Far Realm, and even the mention of it has changed the air in a room before. He watches now to see if it does so here.
His voice, when he finally speaks, is gentle but sharpened just a touch:
“Yes... Some things leave traces. Sometimes even in the soul.”
“And there’s been more than one curious fragment, more than one unsettled whisper... If you’ve sensed anything of that nature—anything that doesn’t belong in this world—I’d be grateful if you told us.”
He tilts his head faintly.
“Even the smallest detail may help prevent others from sharing the ruin of those who once called this place home.”
He does not press harder than that, but the weight of his gaze lingers, keen and searching.
During all this time of back and forth with Elias, Paqen, and Seyntillua, Tarysaa has held back and stayed more in the corridor than inside Seyntillua's meditation cell. For all the pleasantries, something just does not feel right to her.
Passive Insight & Perception: 13
'At least we have learned of the breech and where to locate it,' she thinks to herself. 'Now, if only we can devise a means to close it.'
"Oh, the Far Realm..." Seyntillua seems to ponder. "No, no, absolutely not! That's not where I come from - if I had ever been there, I would have surely met a horrible end, with no possibility of return! Only nightmares, death and despair come from there, believe me! But it could be that, then, that strange sensation I felt near the breach... Investigating there and in the nearby rooms is probably your best bet, in my opinion".
Elias straightens, the warmth draining from his tone as a sharper edge slips into his voice. The courtly grace he typically wears now serves a different purpose—cool and authoritative, like a noble issuing a decree.
“No more riddles. No more sweet lies wrapped in silk.” “I’ve been patient. Polite. But I see the threads now—half-truths and misdirection.”
He steps slightly to the side, giving Zevriel the angle he needs. With a subtle nod toward the sea elf, Elias makes his intention unmistakable.
“You’ve been hiding something. Perhaps many things. I’d suggest you stay very, very still.”
His eyes, still fixed on her, now flash with steel—not malice, but cold purpose. The time for conversation is over.
((Elias is motioning for Zev to restrain her so that...more aggressive...interrogations can occur.))
"Oh, so we're at this point..." Seyntillua's lips twist into a wicked and not very reassuring grin "But are you sure you're ready to see the face..." the sea-elf's features seem to twist and change as Mival can do "...of the truth?!"
The sea elf has now become a sort of grotesque old woman with green skin and long, sharp claws, while the furniture begins to move as if endowed with its own will...
Time to roll for initiative! In addition to the roll, please also indicate in which exact square of the map you want to be (or if you prefer, give me a general idea of where you would like to be and I'll determine the exact place myself). Obviously those who have spoken to Seyntillua should be in a position to at least see her...
((Elias would probably have been standing facing her in the usual speaking distance. Probably not the best placement for a squishy but oh well. Oh and Elias was trying to ask for a long rest before the new players arrived because he's spent his2nd level spells and one of his first level spells. So hopefully this combat doesn't last too long! Rolled a 17 for initiative. Oh and now that she has shown her true form can I roll to see if Elias knows what she is?))
((Elias would probably have been standing facing her in the usual speaking distance. Probably not the best placement for a squishy but oh well. Oh and Elias was trying to ask for a long rest before the new players arrived because he's spent his2nd level spells and one of his first level spells. So hopefully this combat doesn't last too long! Rolled a 17 for initiative. Oh and now that she has shown her true form can I roll to see if Elias knows what she is?))
Now that Combat begins, doing so I believe requires an Action - so I don't know if Elias will decide to use his Action on his Turn to think about which creature 'Seyntillua' really is... It might be worth it, in case the information helps fight it later, but it might also be a wasted Turn.
(Paqen would be standing in or just inside the doorframe. Ideally just behind Elias. Striking a very imposing visage…not. Lol. And between the last wildshape and now would there have been a short rest at all?)
Rolled 7 on initiative.
Paqen watches the transformation his face agast and takes a couple small steps back. “Well, I guess I should be careful what I ask for. You shall not taint the shine of the Lady as long as I am still alive!”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
[[ OOC: You short-rested at Eldath's shrine before continuing to this underwater level, I think... so yes, it would have been after the last wildshape ]]
Rolling Initiatives for Mival and Old Green: Mival: 24 Old Green: 12
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Oh, I know that magic can do wonders..." the ascetic does not seem too impressed "You are probably disciples of the Art of Magic - or got the help of one who is".
"But I did not know of a Shrine to Eldath nearby..." the sea elf seems now curious "Where is it?"
Elias offers a faint smile—polite but unwavering—as he inclines his head slightly.
"A fair question, and I shall gladly answer it," he says smoothly, "but you seem to have sidestepped mine, Lady Vaervenor." His tone remains courteous, but there is a quiet firmness beneath it. "You mentioned having lived here for quite some time, and I’m curious as to why. This ruin is hardly the most welcoming refuge, particularly for one as refined as yourself."
He gestures gently to the crumbling walls and rotting furniture around them.
"You strike me as someone with purpose, not simply a passive observer of the deep. So if you’ll indulge my curiosity, I’ll be glad to satisfy yours."
Paqen grows concerned, almost protective at her sudden interest in the Shrine of Eldath and tries to assuade her interest in the shrine.
He speaks to her trying to speak in a similar way as Elias, affecting some of his tonality and mannerisms, as if out of habit. “What need have you of the Lady of waters. You already have greater boons than she could bestow. Perhaps just to pay homage as I might assume a Nereid such as yourself might do occasionally. I might even assume it was you who had erected it if you had not been unaware of it.”
"Of course I'm only interested in paying homage!" Seyntillua assures, answering Paqen "At most, also out of curiosity about who might have erected it... but surely first of all to know where best to pray to the goddess of the Still Waters!"
The sea elf then turns to answer Elias: "I apologize if I seemed evasive - I only didn't answer because the reason seemed obvious in itself to me... But I realize now that those who are far from the ascetic life may struggle to understand. You see, there is nothing passive about meditation... it's not just 'observe', but rather 'internalize'... and solitude helps a lot with that. Solitude and detachment from material things - that's why I don't feel the reason to upgrade the furniture (not that I know how to upgrade it, even if I wanted to). This place has a nice balance of solitude and occasional company. Visitors are rare - but not nonexistent, so I don't lose touch with the rest of the world entirely. But solitude is the norm, and that helps me meditate. And the fact that predators almost never come here makes my retreat from the world less dangerous than it might otherwise be."
"But I do not pretend to convince you with words alone, oh my Lord of House Cerwyn," the ascetic smiles. "When you have finished... whatever you and your friends have come to do, instead of leaving immediately, stay a week with me, to try a short period of asceticism... and all the beauty of this practice will pervade your soul! It will be a pleasure, for me, to be able to offer you this, Master Cerwyn."
Elias’s expression remains pleasant, but there’s a subtle tightening at the corner of his eyes as he turns to glance briefly at Mival—gauging whether the Doppelganger reacts with unease, amusement, or something else entirely. Then he shifts his gaze back to Seyntillua, nodding slowly.
“A generous offer, Lady Vaervenor, though I suspect the life of an ascetic may be ill-suited to one such as me.” His smile is genuine, though laced with wry humor. “Still, I respect your devotion to stillness… even if the waters that surround you are anything but.”
He tilts his head, voice softening in inquiry.
“You mentioned other visitors, aside from us and Mival. Who else has sought out your company here, if I may ask? Travelers from the surface? Or… others like yourself?”
He chooses his words carefully, gently probing.
“And… forgive the bluntness—but how long have you truly been here, in this sunken place?”
Mival's face is the portrait of the 'unease' when Seyntillua makes her offer to Elias - but the bard refuses and the Doppelganger is relieved.
Meanwhile, the ascetic wags a finger at Elias and replies: "It seems to me that now someone else is sidestepping my question... Do you not remember that you owe me the location of the Shrine to Eldath, Master Cerwyn?"
Paqen tilts his head and listens to her explanation then nods. “My vocation is the study of different cultures and ways of life. This ascetic way I have encountered before.. though never in this…detached. As for the week I also would have to refuse…the water mess with my natural oils and would be hell on my plumage. Already it will take a week or two the restore it after this.”
Elias offers a courteous smile and a respectful nod of his head.
“You are right, Lady Vaervenor—I did promise to share that.” His tone remains gracious. “The shrine lies on the level above us. A quiet place, but touched with a deep stillness… a presence of peace. One can feel the goddess there, unmistakably.” He adds lightly, “Though I imagine your chosen solitude might keep you from seeking it out. A shame—it would no doubt intrigue you.”
Then, gently, he circles back to his earlier question with a tone of genuine interest.
“Now, if I may return to what I asked before… what other visitors have come to you here? Apart from Mival and the Lords from Below, of course. This place isn’t exactly welcoming to travelers—so I imagine any visitor is worth remembering.”
"Worth remembering?" Seyntillua seems to ask herself. "Just because of the rarity of the encounters? Not necessarily... You know, Master Cerwyn? To tell you the truth, the last few encounters I've had, except the ones you mentioned, have been with adventurers driven by the thirst for fame or riches... Not really interesting personalities. A trio of a human, a dwarf and an elf, for example... were in bad shape from a recent attack and I offered refuge to Dain, the dwarf, a fierce fighter of the Balderk clan, who had evidently fought bravely. But conversation with him was short and unrewarding - he was only interested in possible treasures and, as you can imagine, he couldn't find them in my humble abode! I could offer him nothing but my attentions."
"Another party of sea elf explorers had arrived, probably from the same breach I told you about, to explore out of pure curiosity," the ascetic continues, apparently bored. "It was nice to talk to them about the community they came from... but when I had exhausted the pleasantries and explained how dangerous this place could be, they quickly left."
"I would say that you and your friends, Master Cerwyn," the sea elf concludes, "are by far the most interesting visitors I have ever had. For that reason, as well as out of sheer goodness, I recommend that you return to me, should any of you find yourself in need of safe rest. In all the time I have been here, no one has ever had a complaint about my hospitality."
Elias meets Seyntillua’s gaze with a gracious dip of his head.
“You honor us with your praise—and your hospitality. May your solitude bring you the clarity you seek.”
He then casts a quiet glance toward each of his companions, giving them space to speak if they wish. His tone softens slightly as he adds, more to the group than to her:
“If there’s nothing more, perhaps it’s time we locate this breach and see where it leads.”
He’s already mentally turning toward their larger mission—but stays in place for now, awaiting any final words or insights from his friends.
Paqen looks up at Elias with his jet black eyes, pleading almost and then turns again to Seyntillua, “You wouldn’t know anything of the Far Realms would you? We encountered someone not long ago who mentioned possible connections to the events that happened here long ago. I know that if I had come from or escaped from a place of madness that I might find some solace in peace and solitude…just thinking out loud.” He looks up straight into her eyes unblinking and dead calm.
Elias narrows his eyes slightly, the courteous mask slipping just enough to show a flicker of suspicion beneath. He does not speak, not yet, but studies Seyntillua intently—her posture, her expression, the rhythm of her voice. He’s seen the madness that trails in the wake of the Far Realm, and even the mention of it has changed the air in a room before. He watches now to see if it does so here.
His voice, when he finally speaks, is gentle but sharpened just a touch:
“Yes... Some things leave traces. Sometimes even in the soul.”
“And there’s been more than one curious fragment, more than one unsettled whisper... If you’ve sensed anything of that nature—anything that doesn’t belong in this world—I’d be grateful if you told us.”
He tilts his head faintly.
“Even the smallest detail may help prevent others from sharing the ruin of those who once called this place home.”
He does not press harder than that, but the weight of his gaze lingers, keen and searching.
During all this time of back and forth with Elias, Paqen, and Seyntillua, Tarysaa has held back and stayed more in the corridor than inside Seyntillua's meditation cell. For all the pleasantries, something just does not feel right to her.
Passive Insight & Perception: 13
'At least we have learned of the breech and where to locate it,' she thinks to herself. 'Now, if only we can devise a means to close it.'
"Oh, the Far Realm..." Seyntillua seems to ponder. "No, no, absolutely not! That's not where I come from - if I had ever been there, I would have surely met a horrible end, with no possibility of return! Only nightmares, death and despair come from there, believe me! But it could be that, then, that strange sensation I felt near the breach... Investigating there and in the nearby rooms is probably your best bet, in my opinion".
Elias straightens, the warmth draining from his tone as a sharper edge slips into his voice. The courtly grace he typically wears now serves a different purpose—cool and authoritative, like a noble issuing a decree.
“No more riddles. No more sweet lies wrapped in silk.”
“I’ve been patient. Polite. But I see the threads now—half-truths and misdirection.”
He steps slightly to the side, giving Zevriel the angle he needs. With a subtle nod toward the sea elf, Elias makes his intention unmistakable.
“You’ve been hiding something. Perhaps many things. I’d suggest you stay very, very still.”
His eyes, still fixed on her, now flash with steel—not malice, but cold purpose.
The time for conversation is over.
((Elias is motioning for Zev to restrain her so that...more aggressive...interrogations can occur.))
"Oh, so we're at this point..." Seyntillua's lips twist into a wicked and not very reassuring grin "But are you sure you're ready to see the face..." the sea-elf's features seem to twist and change as Mival can do "...of the truth?!"
The sea elf has now become a sort of grotesque old woman with green skin and long, sharp claws, while the furniture begins to move as if endowed with its own will...
Time to roll for initiative! In addition to the roll, please also indicate in which exact square of the map you want to be (or if you prefer, give me a general idea of where you would like to be and I'll determine the exact place myself). Obviously those who have spoken to Seyntillua should be in a position to at least see her...
((Elias would probably have been standing facing her in the usual speaking distance. Probably not the best placement for a squishy but oh well. Oh and Elias was trying to ask for a long rest before the new players arrived because he's spent his2nd level spells and one of his first level spells. So hopefully this combat doesn't last too long! Rolled a 17 for initiative. Oh and now that she has shown her true form can I roll to see if Elias knows what she is?))
Now that Combat begins, doing so I believe requires an Action - so I don't know if Elias will decide to use his Action on his Turn to think about which creature 'Seyntillua' really is... It might be worth it, in case the information helps fight it later, but it might also be a wasted Turn.
(Paqen would be standing in or just inside the doorframe. Ideally just behind Elias. Striking a very imposing visage…not. Lol. And between the last wildshape and now would there have been a short rest at all?)
Rolled 7 on initiative.
Paqen watches the transformation his face agast and takes a couple small steps back. “Well, I guess I should be careful what I ask for. You shall not taint the shine of the Lady as long as I am still alive!”
[[ OOC: You short-rested at Eldath's shrine before continuing to this underwater level, I think... so yes, it would have been after the last wildshape ]]
Rolling Initiatives for Mival and Old Green:
Mival: 24
Old Green: 12