The gargoyle-like creatures gloat, at Elias' words: "He doesn't know, he doesn't know!" "He's not one of them!" "We have fun now!"
But then Ardana makes her move and the two are left speechless in front of the 'transformation'... which, on the one hand is not a big deal, given the minor extent of what has been changed, on the other hand seems to be perceived as decisive due to the tiefling paladin's confidence and tone.
"No, wait! So they are members... 'Lords From Below'! They can transform!" "You can pass! Please, down, go down the ladder, if... want... join... others" one of the monsters gestures with a clawed hand to the nearby spiral staircase. "We always let 'The Lords From Below' pass!"
Elias exchanges a quick glance with Ardana and the rest of the party, gauging their reactions. He had no idea what "Lords From Below" meant, but it was clear that Ardana’s quick thinking had given them an unexpected advantage. These creatures believed them to be something—something that had free passage into the ruins.
Not wanting to ruin the ruse, Elias gives a small, knowing smirk and nods. "Of course you do. You always let us pass," he says smoothly, as if this was obvious. He takes a step toward the staircase, motioning for the others to follow.
But as they move, he whispers to Ardana, "Brilliant move, but we need to figure out exactly what we’re walking into. ‘Join the others’? We should be ready for anything."
((19 history check - has Elias ever heard or read of anything referencing Lords From Below?))
Elias's mind works fast... the beloved historical references follow one after another... but the scholar can think of nothing pertinent to this area and this time.
What these 'Lords From Below' might be remains a mystery to him for now.
Tarysaa speaks softly as they move forward, "The Harpells tasked me to investigate in the basement of Rassalantar's Keep as there is supposedly still an ancient Permanent Teleportation Circle created long ago by the famous Khelben 'Blackstaff' Arunsun to allow him to send, from Waterdeep, when needed, messages or aid to Rassalantar.
IF that circle is still down there AND intact, perhaps someone of something is using it to reach other circles? Or even sneaking in Beings from Waterdeep?"
She pauses to consider her Harpell lessons. "Now, "Lords from Below"... "
Elias bends down and selects a smooth, palm-sized stone from the ground. Holding it between his fingers, he murmurs a quiet incantation, and a soft golden glow blooms from the stone’s surface. The light spills over his hands, casting long shadows across his face before he extends it toward Wood.
"Here," Elias says, his voice steady. "This should help."
Elias furrows his brow as he listens to Tarysaa’s words, the glow of the enchanted stone casting shifting shadows across his face. He strokes his chin thoughtfully before speaking.
“A teleportation circle of that magnitude… if it’s still active, it could be a direct line into the heart of Rassalantar,” he muses. “If someone—or something—is using it, they could be coming from anywhere. Waterdeep, or beyond.”
He glances at the others, his expression grave. “If this is true, then we may not just be dealing with a missing boy. We could be walking into something far more dangerous.”
Elias exhales sharply and adjusts his grip on his staff. “Let’s proceed carefully. If we find that circle, we’ll need to determine if it’s still functional—and who else might know about it.”
Koran chuckles quietly. "I think we are already well past the dangers inherent in a missing youth." He kneeds his side so recently attached to the tentacled worm-thing.
Tarysaa pulls a blue-ish quartz crystal from a pouch and secures it to the end of her staff. Whispering arcane words as she strokes the rock with a clump of moss, she brings forth Light
With a wink to Elias, she moves toward the stairs.
[[ OOC: Note to Tarysaa: The Permanent Circle functions as a destination, so as a means to reach the Keep, not as a means to leave it. So it is not possible to use the Circle to teleport elsewhere - its function is to be a point to which one can teleport without error. It was used by Khelben to send help or news to Rassalantar if necessary.
As for her History check, she is pretty sure that 'Lords From Below' is not a title or name connected with local history. It is probably just a name a group of creatures choose for themselves. ]]
The spiral staircase is well preserved enough to be safe to use, and leads our heroes 'below', towards the unknown... and perhaps also towards the 'lords' who should be there?
After a descent of about 20', during which the temperature becomes decidedly cooler and a vague musty smell becomes gradually stronger and stronger, the party arrives in a large room, barely lit by the extreme halo of dim light cast by the magical lights the spellcasters have provided. The floor is flooded with 2'-deep water. [[ OOC: this makes the terrain difficult terrain, if you walk - not if you swim, of course) ]]
The walls are made of large blocks of worked stone, covered almost everywhere with mold (the stench of which is practically omnipresent) due to the humidity. The ceiling is 10' high.
The spiral staircase used by the party occupies the northwest corner of this room, connecting it to the surface.
An ordinary 5' wide corridor to the east and a much more solemn 10' wide corridor to the south are the only other exits from the room.
The room is otherwise completely bare. [[ OOC: Really it is? Everyone interested can roll a Preception check ]]
A girl whose exquisite features and slightly almond-shaped green eyes are framed by a bob of short golden curls strolls idly near the east exit, occasionally raising splashes from the water as she playfully kicks it with her delicate little feet. She is dressed in a skimpy costume made almost entirely of shells; it is therefore easy to notice how her pale skin is so flawless that it gives the impression of being destined for eternal fresh youth.
Hearing the splash of the first members of the party entering the room, the girl turns, with an expression of genuine curiosity, and looks everyone over for a moment, before smiling: "Good day to you and welcome! What purpose brings you here? And what's the weather like upstairs?"
Elias suppresses a grimace at the overwhelming dampness and musty stench of the room. He lifts his robes slightly as he steps into the water, unwilling to let the fabric drag through the murky depths.
He casts his eyes toward the two corridors, noting the contrast between the ordinary eastern passage and the grander southern one. His instincts as a scholar and explorer tell him that anything important—be it danger or discovery—likely lies down the more elaborate path. But that could also mean traps or unwelcome company.
((16 perception))
Elias raises an eyebrow at the strange yet striking figure before them. His keen mind immediately registers the unnatural perfection of her features—no mere mortal youth, that’s for certain. His diplomatic instincts kick in, and he offers her a charming, if cautious, smile.
“The day greets you kindly,” he says, giving a slight bow, “and as for the weather—damp, though I suspect it’s considerably less fragrant up above.” He glances briefly at the mold-covered walls, before returning his gaze to her.
“As for our purpose…” He chooses his words carefully, sensing that this is no ordinary encounter. “We are travelers, explorers, seekers of knowledge and perhaps a bit of adventure. But tell me, fair lady, what of yourself? You seem quite at ease in this place.” His tone remains polite, but there is an undercurrent of curiosity—who is she, and what role does she play in these depths?
[[ OOC: The Perception roll reveals that the wider corridor is further embellished by the fact that it is paved in marble (a detail not easy to distinguish, from a distance, considering that 2' of water covers it) - the narrower one is not. ]]
"Oh, damp? How beautiful!" the girl begins to jump excitedly "And how many things you are looking for! Well," she points to the wider corridor "I'm sure you will find them there! But promise me that you will tell me what you have seen, when you come back from here! Promise? Promise? Promise?"
"Oh, what do I do?" she minimizes with a wave of her hand "I do not do anything important... I am here wasting time... and making stupid jokes like this!" and suddenly she begins to splash Elias with water, giggling (and thus wetting a little the clothes that the scholar had tried to preserve).
She stops after a while, however, and turns her playful gaze to the others as well: "And why don't you say anything? Don't be boring! Tell me a story! Do you know a story, don't you?"
Elias exhales through his nose as the cool water splashes against his robes, his lips pressing into a thin line. He gives the girl an appraising look, but there’s no anger in his expression—only intrigue. If she’s trying to distract them, she’s not being subtle about it.
He smooths the damp fabric with one hand, lifting his chin slightly. “A story, is it?” He glances at the others, then back to the girl, offering a wry smile. “I suppose we could indulge you… but only if you tell me your name first. It seems only fair, don’t you think?”
Elias keeps his tone light, but his mind remains sharp, wary of her attempts to direct them deeper into the ruin. He’ll play along—for now—but he won’t be led blindly.
Wood thanks Elias for the light stone, he slides it into his belt until he gets to the bottom of the ladder. (Assumingthe ladder ends at the top of the spiral staircase)) he draws his sword and pulls the stone, having a look around as the others descend the ladder. Using the stone for light, he'll lead the party down the stairs. Before stepping into the water he'll take a look around, perception roll 15. Once determined to be safe he'll step off into the water.
He takes in the sight of the girl as the light falls over her, the sound of a surprised greeting from him cut off as Elias steps to the front and starts speaking.
"Oh, but you're right! We haven't even introduced ourselves!" the girl seems more amused than sorry "Let's fix that right away! My name is Thetis! And what are your names?"
Elias, although amazed by the exuberance of the mysterious girl, does not detect ulterior motives in her... she really seems to him a simple playful creature.
Meanwhile, Woodrow, looking around, notices some details probably of secondary importance, as he turns to observe the west wall...
There are a few (quite old) carvings on the west wall. Most are just consecutive numbers, as if someone had noted the progress of the score of some game. Others are sentences. For example:
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perception: 25
Koran smiles at the porcelain doll as Elias interacts with her. He can't help but wonder wat she might be, and how she manages to thrive down here as she seems to be doing.
"I am Thod. As my friend here said, we've come looking to see what we might find. You are unexpected, and I would say count as a find for that reason." He glances over at his companions before continuing. "But you said something about wanting a story. Many years ago, a lone man, traveling with only the clothes on his back, entered a village beset by a plague. The One Who Endures walked among them, touching them one by one, drawing their sickness into himself, relieving them of their suffering and pain. At first they were ecstatic and grateful, but as the disease began to wrack his body, to warp him and display itself in all of it's horrific glory, they turned on him. They began beating him with sticks to drive him out of the village. He left, taking the disease with him, leaving an ungrateful, healthy community behind him. The point of this story? Gratitude never lasts as long as it should, and those who most deserve it are usually punished the harshest."
Elias arches a brow at the name. "Thetis, hmm? A name fit for the sea, though we seem far from it." His voice carries a thoughtful lilt, but his gaze flickers briefly toward Wood, noting his interest in the west wall. Elias files that away for later.
As Koran begins his tale, Elias listens with half an ear, using the moment to subtly study Thetis’ reactions. Is she truly just a playful child—or something far more dangerous in disguise? And why is she so eager to lure them deeper?
His fingers idly trace the hilt of his dagger, though he makes no move to draw it. For now, he waits, letting the story unfold while his mind works through the puzzle before him.
Ardana takes in the strange incongruity of this flawless seemingly naive girl and the dank nature of the surroundings. The lords from below, indeed. She is familiar with the sort. She only hopes that the boy has not been enamored of the "lords" and what they seem to offer.
And where do you hail from, Thetis? In what land were you raised? And what brought you here to this wet, are you servant to the Lords?
(Insight: 18+1 to understand the girls role in this place, and her attitude about it)
Koran notices nothing out of the ordinary - except Woodrow inexplicably interested in a wall where the elf notices nothing relevant.
"Oh, what a sad story, Thod..." Thetis takes on the air of a saddened child for a moment - but then she recovers and shakes a warning finger at the narrator, as if to admonish him "Stories shouldn't be sad! For sadness there's already reality..." and for a moment her eyes shine with an awareness that would never be seen in the carefree ones of a child "In fact, your story is sad because it contains a grain of truth. I wanted a story that isn't true!"
The girl is immediately distracted by Elias's words: "Oh, 'fit for the sea', you say?" she raised an eyebrow, smiling "You know the sea? Do you like the sea? Yes, here we are far from the sea unfortunately, but there is still a lot of water..."
Elias, however, does not think of any historical references.
Finally, Ardana speaks... and her words seem to shock Tethis, who opens her eyes wide, shocked, surprised... perhaps even worried? "The Lords? Have you come looking for the Lords from Below? Or have you only heard of them? You did not mention them before... What ties you to them?"
As far as Ardana is concerned, the emotions the girl is showing are genuine, not faked... she was genuinely shaken (and probably worried) by the mention of the Lords.
Elias narrows his eyes at Thetis' reaction, carefully observing the flicker of emotion that crosses her delicate features. "We have heard whispers of them," he admits, keeping his tone measured, "but we are looking for something more tangible than just rumors."
He tilts his head slightly, studying her. "You seem surprised, Thetis. Do the Lords from Below concern you?" His words are careful, probing, but not accusatory. "Perhaps you can tell us what you know about them?"
((Natural 20 - total of 26 Persuasion roll to get her on our side and talking))
"Do the Lords from Below 'concern' me?" the girl now seems like a creature well aware of the dangers and evils of the world. "It would be more accurate to say that they 'own' me..." she kicks some water with her foot in frustration. "They have deceived me into slavery. And now I must obey them. Be their 'guardian.' I cannot rebel - they have deceived me well! So now they have a way of killing me whenever they want. The only thing I can advise you is to forget about them... and spend some time having fun with me. Tell me some cheerful stories. Or what you found in your explorations, when you come back. But beware of the Lords from Below. They have no qualms about deceiving. They have no mercy. Do not meddle with them."
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The gargoyle-like creatures gloat, at Elias' words:
"He doesn't know, he doesn't know!"
"He's not one of them!"
"We have fun now!"
But then Ardana makes her move and the two are left speechless in front of the 'transformation'... which, on the one hand is not a big deal, given the minor extent of what has been changed, on the other hand seems to be perceived as decisive due to the tiefling paladin's confidence and tone.
"No, wait! So they are members... 'Lords From Below'! They can transform!"
"You can pass! Please, down, go down the ladder, if... want... join... others" one of the monsters gestures with a clawed hand to the nearby spiral staircase.
"We always let 'The Lords From Below' pass!"
Elias exchanges a quick glance with Ardana and the rest of the party, gauging their reactions. He had no idea what "Lords From Below" meant, but it was clear that Ardana’s quick thinking had given them an unexpected advantage. These creatures believed them to be something—something that had free passage into the ruins.
Not wanting to ruin the ruse, Elias gives a small, knowing smirk and nods. "Of course you do. You always let us pass," he says smoothly, as if this was obvious. He takes a step toward the staircase, motioning for the others to follow.
But as they move, he whispers to Ardana, "Brilliant move, but we need to figure out exactly what we’re walking into. ‘Join the others’? We should be ready for anything."
((19 history check - has Elias ever heard or read of anything referencing Lords From Below?))
Elias's mind works fast... the beloved historical references follow one after another... but the scholar can think of nothing pertinent to this area and this time.
What these 'Lords From Below' might be remains a mystery to him for now.
{game log} History check: 25
Tarysaa speaks softly as they move forward, "The Harpells tasked me to investigate in the basement of Rassalantar's Keep as there is supposedly still an ancient Permanent Teleportation Circle created long ago by the famous Khelben 'Blackstaff' Arunsun to allow him to send, from Waterdeep, when needed, messages or aid to Rassalantar.
IF that circle is still down there AND intact, perhaps someone of something is using it to reach other circles? Or even sneaking in Beings from Waterdeep?"
She pauses to consider her Harpell lessons. "Now, "Lords from Below"... "
Wood moves to the opening, studies the ladder. I can go first if you like. Do one of you spell casters have a means of producing light?
Elias bends down and selects a smooth, palm-sized stone from the ground. Holding it between his fingers, he murmurs a quiet incantation, and a soft golden glow blooms from the stone’s surface. The light spills over his hands, casting long shadows across his face before he extends it toward Wood.
"Here," Elias says, his voice steady. "This should help."
Elias furrows his brow as he listens to Tarysaa’s words, the glow of the enchanted stone casting shifting shadows across his face. He strokes his chin thoughtfully before speaking.
“A teleportation circle of that magnitude… if it’s still active, it could be a direct line into the heart of Rassalantar,” he muses. “If someone—or something—is using it, they could be coming from anywhere. Waterdeep, or beyond.”
He glances at the others, his expression grave. “If this is true, then we may not just be dealing with a missing boy. We could be walking into something far more dangerous.”
Elias exhales sharply and adjusts his grip on his staff. “Let’s proceed carefully. If we find that circle, we’ll need to determine if it’s still functional—and who else might know about it.”
Koran chuckles quietly. "I think we are already well past the dangers inherent in a missing youth." He kneeds his side so recently attached to the tentacled worm-thing.
Tarysaa pulls a blue-ish quartz crystal from a pouch and secures it to the end of her staff. Whispering arcane words as she strokes the rock with a clump of moss, she brings forth Light
With a wink to Elias, she moves toward the stairs.
[[ OOC: Note to Tarysaa: The Permanent Circle functions as a destination, so as a means to reach the Keep, not as a means to leave it. So it is not possible to use the Circle to teleport elsewhere - its function is to be a point to which one can teleport without error. It was used by Khelben to send help or news to Rassalantar if necessary.
As for her History check, she is pretty sure that 'Lords From Below' is not a title or name connected with local history. It is probably just a name a group of creatures choose for themselves. ]]
The spiral staircase is well preserved enough to be safe to use, and leads our heroes 'below', towards the unknown... and perhaps also towards the 'lords' who should be there?
After a descent of about 20', during which the temperature becomes decidedly cooler and a vague musty smell becomes gradually stronger and stronger, the party arrives in a large room, barely lit by the extreme halo of dim light cast by the magical lights the spellcasters have provided. The floor is flooded with 2'-deep water. [[ OOC: this makes the terrain difficult terrain, if you walk - not if you swim, of course) ]]
The walls are made of large blocks of worked stone, covered almost everywhere with mold (the stench of which is practically omnipresent) due to the humidity. The ceiling is 10' high.
The spiral staircase used by the party occupies the northwest corner of this room, connecting it to the surface.
An ordinary 5' wide corridor to the east and a much more solemn 10' wide corridor to the south are the only other exits from the room.
The room is otherwise completely bare. [[ OOC: Really it is? Everyone interested can roll a Preception check ]]
A girl whose exquisite features and slightly almond-shaped green eyes are framed by a bob of short golden curls strolls idly near the east exit, occasionally raising splashes from the water as she playfully kicks it with her delicate little feet. She is dressed in a skimpy costume made almost entirely of shells; it is therefore easy to notice how her pale skin is so flawless that it gives the impression of being destined for eternal fresh youth.
Hearing the splash of the first members of the party entering the room, the girl turns, with an expression of genuine curiosity, and looks everyone over for a moment, before smiling: "Good day to you and welcome! What purpose brings you here? And what's the weather like upstairs?"
Elias suppresses a grimace at the overwhelming dampness and musty stench of the room. He lifts his robes slightly as he steps into the water, unwilling to let the fabric drag through the murky depths.
He casts his eyes toward the two corridors, noting the contrast between the ordinary eastern passage and the grander southern one. His instincts as a scholar and explorer tell him that anything important—be it danger or discovery—likely lies down the more elaborate path. But that could also mean traps or unwelcome company.
((16 perception))
Elias raises an eyebrow at the strange yet striking figure before them. His keen mind immediately registers the unnatural perfection of her features—no mere mortal youth, that’s for certain. His diplomatic instincts kick in, and he offers her a charming, if cautious, smile.
“The day greets you kindly,” he says, giving a slight bow, “and as for the weather—damp, though I suspect it’s considerably less fragrant up above.” He glances briefly at the mold-covered walls, before returning his gaze to her.
“As for our purpose…” He chooses his words carefully, sensing that this is no ordinary encounter. “We are travelers, explorers, seekers of knowledge and perhaps a bit of adventure. But tell me, fair lady, what of yourself? You seem quite at ease in this place.” His tone remains polite, but there is an undercurrent of curiosity—who is she, and what role does she play in these depths?
[[ OOC: The Perception roll reveals that the wider corridor is further embellished by the fact that it is paved in marble (a detail not easy to distinguish, from a distance, considering that 2' of water covers it) - the narrower one is not. ]]
"Oh, damp? How beautiful!" the girl begins to jump excitedly "And how many things you are looking for! Well," she points to the wider corridor "I'm sure you will find them there! But promise me that you will tell me what you have seen, when you come back from here! Promise? Promise? Promise?"
"Oh, what do I do?" she minimizes with a wave of her hand "I do not do anything important... I am here wasting time... and making stupid jokes like this!" and suddenly she begins to splash Elias with water, giggling (and thus wetting a little the clothes that the scholar had tried to preserve).
She stops after a while, however, and turns her playful gaze to the others as well: "And why don't you say anything? Don't be boring! Tell me a story! Do you know a story, don't you?"
Elias exhales through his nose as the cool water splashes against his robes, his lips pressing into a thin line. He gives the girl an appraising look, but there’s no anger in his expression—only intrigue. If she’s trying to distract them, she’s not being subtle about it.
He smooths the damp fabric with one hand, lifting his chin slightly. “A story, is it?” He glances at the others, then back to the girl, offering a wry smile. “I suppose we could indulge you… but only if you tell me your name first. It seems only fair, don’t you think?”
Elias keeps his tone light, but his mind remains sharp, wary of her attempts to direct them deeper into the ruin. He’ll play along—for now—but he won’t be led blindly.
((6 insight - natural 1 on the dice))
Wood thanks Elias for the light stone, he slides it into his belt until he gets to the bottom of the ladder. (Assumingthe ladder ends at the top of the spiral staircase)) he draws his sword and pulls the stone, having a look around as the others descend the ladder. Using the stone for light, he'll lead the party down the stairs. Before stepping into the water he'll take a look around, perception roll 15. Once determined to be safe he'll step off into the water.
He takes in the sight of the girl as the light falls over her, the sound of a surprised greeting from him cut off as Elias steps to the front and starts speaking.
"Oh, but you're right! We haven't even introduced ourselves!" the girl seems more amused than sorry "Let's fix that right away! My name is Thetis! And what are your names?"
Elias, although amazed by the exuberance of the mysterious girl, does not detect ulterior motives in her... she really seems to him a simple playful creature.
Meanwhile, Woodrow, looking around, notices some details probably of secondary importance, as he turns to observe the west wall...
There are a few (quite old) carvings on the west wall. Most are just consecutive numbers, as if someone had noted the progress of the score of some game. Others are sentences. For example:
Ander always stays under!
Kosef stinks like a goat
Randal like two!
Rassalantar prefers a chestnut to ivy!
Kerri Graycastle is always a hassle!
Just another day guarding the cellar
Perception: 25
Koran smiles at the porcelain doll as Elias interacts with her. He can't help but wonder wat she might be, and how she manages to thrive down here as she seems to be doing.
"I am Thod. As my friend here said, we've come looking to see what we might find. You are unexpected, and I would say count as a find for that reason." He glances over at his companions before continuing. "But you said something about wanting a story. Many years ago, a lone man, traveling with only the clothes on his back, entered a village beset by a plague. The One Who Endures walked among them, touching them one by one, drawing their sickness into himself, relieving them of their suffering and pain. At first they were ecstatic and grateful, but as the disease began to wrack his body, to warp him and display itself in all of it's horrific glory, they turned on him. They began beating him with sticks to drive him out of the village. He left, taking the disease with him, leaving an ungrateful, healthy community behind him. The point of this story? Gratitude never lasts as long as it should, and those who most deserve it are usually punished the harshest."
((14 history check on the name Thetis))
Elias arches a brow at the name. "Thetis, hmm? A name fit for the sea, though we seem far from it." His voice carries a thoughtful lilt, but his gaze flickers briefly toward Wood, noting his interest in the west wall. Elias files that away for later.
As Koran begins his tale, Elias listens with half an ear, using the moment to subtly study Thetis’ reactions. Is she truly just a playful child—or something far more dangerous in disguise? And why is she so eager to lure them deeper?
His fingers idly trace the hilt of his dagger, though he makes no move to draw it. For now, he waits, letting the story unfold while his mind works through the puzzle before him.
Ardana takes in the strange incongruity of this flawless seemingly naive girl and the dank nature of the surroundings. The lords from below, indeed. She is familiar with the sort. She only hopes that the boy has not been enamored of the "lords" and what they seem to offer.
And where do you hail from, Thetis? In what land were you raised? And what brought you here to this wet, are you servant to the Lords?
(Insight: 18+1 to understand the girls role in this place, and her attitude about it)
Koran notices nothing out of the ordinary - except Woodrow inexplicably interested in a wall where the elf notices nothing relevant.
"Oh, what a sad story, Thod..." Thetis takes on the air of a saddened child for a moment - but then she recovers and shakes a warning finger at the narrator, as if to admonish him "Stories shouldn't be sad! For sadness there's already reality..." and for a moment her eyes shine with an awareness that would never be seen in the carefree ones of a child "In fact, your story is sad because it contains a grain of truth. I wanted a story that isn't true!"
The girl is immediately distracted by Elias's words: "Oh, 'fit for the sea', you say?" she raised an eyebrow, smiling "You know the sea? Do you like the sea? Yes, here we are far from the sea unfortunately, but there is still a lot of water..."
Elias, however, does not think of any historical references.
Finally, Ardana speaks... and her words seem to shock Tethis, who opens her eyes wide, shocked, surprised... perhaps even worried? "The Lords? Have you come looking for the Lords from Below? Or have you only heard of them? You did not mention them before... What ties you to them?"
As far as Ardana is concerned, the emotions the girl is showing are genuine, not faked... she was genuinely shaken (and probably worried) by the mention of the Lords.
Elias narrows his eyes at Thetis' reaction, carefully observing the flicker of emotion that crosses her delicate features. "We have heard whispers of them," he admits, keeping his tone measured, "but we are looking for something more tangible than just rumors."
He tilts his head slightly, studying her. "You seem surprised, Thetis. Do the Lords from Below concern you?" His words are careful, probing, but not accusatory. "Perhaps you can tell us what you know about them?"
((Natural 20 - total of 26 Persuasion roll to get her on our side and talking))
"Do the Lords from Below 'concern' me?" the girl now seems like a creature well aware of the dangers and evils of the world. "It would be more accurate to say that they 'own' me..." she kicks some water with her foot in frustration. "They have deceived me into slavery. And now I must obey them. Be their 'guardian.' I cannot rebel - they have deceived me well! So now they have a way of killing me whenever they want. The only thing I can advise you is to forget about them... and spend some time having fun with me. Tell me some cheerful stories. Or what you found in your explorations, when you come back. But beware of the Lords from Below. They have no qualms about deceiving. They have no mercy. Do not meddle with them."