ACT 1: Apistefuan Sirenix

A Vision of Storm and Chaos (PART 1)

CHARACTERS IN THIS EPISODE:
Avangard-Miraille, Disembodied Fighter (Soldier)
Frida Auquene, Halfling Cleric of Eldath (Acolyte)
Zakariah Faunill, High Half-Elf Bard (Performer)
Nereus Colton, Human Warlock (Haunted One)
Mahiro Oyama, Demigod Druid (Sage)
Rudmia Phlox, Demigod Wizard (Urchin)
Tiān Fēng, Human Ranger (Outlander)
Parvum Nebulonis, Half-Elf Rogue (Outlander)
Akrin Cuy, Dragonborn Barbarian (Outlander)
Roan, Changeling Rogue (Sailor)
Roey, Human Paladin (Acolyte)
Nia Iris, Astral Elf Wizard (Guild Artisan)

NPCS:
Seraphine.
Chief Zaya Elestree, Human Rogue (Noble) [Mentioned]
Penillea Ditterea, Drow Cleric of Selûne (Acolyte) [Mentioned]
Umberlee, Goddess of the Sea

PREVIOUS EPISODE: 'Part of Your World '

CHAPTER: MÁGIQUE NE MOURIN
(3933 words)

As our travelers swim closer to the imposing structure of Umberlee's Temple, they sense the deep, ancient energy radiating from it. The present travelers are as followed..

Zakariah Faunill, the Wayward Muse.

Mahiro Oyama, the Wandering Reclaimer.

Nereus Colton, the Scion of Shadows.

Rudmia Phlox, the Paradox Phantom.

Frida Auquene, the Thornless Guardian.

Avangard-Miraille, the Sentinel of Valor.

The temple's stone pillars rise from the seabed, adorned with carvings of sea monsters, churning waves, and jagged coral spires. Each carving seems almost alive, moving subtly with the water, as if guarding the temple and its secrets.

Frida rolls a 20 on her investigation check, her 'Observant' feat helping, and discovers an eerie inscription carved on the stones outside of Umberlee's temple.

FRIDA: "Such an ancient language.." Frida mumbled as she rolls yet another investigation check, and lands on a 16.

She notices that it's written in the Primordial script; however, she cannot make sense of what it says. The only languages she knows how to speak is common, celestial, and sylvan after all. Perhaps she may need someone who can read the text for her..

FRIDA: "Are any one of you dears familiar with the Primordial language?"

MAHIRO: "It says I have to punch this wall!" Mahiro claimed, yet Frida could tell she was bluffing.

Mahiro had already rolled for an investigation check, but she only received a 7. She could not read, nor make out what language it even is.

FRIDA: "Now is not the time for foolery, my sweet.." Frida said.

Suddenly, Seraphine swoops down from above and says,

SERAPHINE: "Oh, my! Dearies, you can't even read this simple script? Do you need my help..?" Seraphine taunts as she bared her fangs, before shifting her demeanor to share doe-eyes at them and plump pouts at them.

One can't deny that the creature still looks marvelous, even after the revelation that she works for Umberlee. Perhaps it may be an enchantment, or perhaps it is simply the natural gifts of her origin; that being a nymph.

FRIDA: "I believe we're good right as we are.. Miss Serpentine." Spouted Frida.

Mahiro on the other hand keeps smacking her head, saying how this task is not simple. Seraphine must've noticed such foolish behavior and couldn't contain her chuckle.

SERAPHINE: "Really, now? But.. go in without reading it, and you might never come back."

Mahiro then smacks Seraphine's head instead, which earned her an 'Ow! ' from the serpentine.

SERAPHINE: "You petulant bastard of a half-bred mistake!" She spewed.

Frida notices how Nereus scanned the texts, as if he knew bits of what it contained.

FRIDA: "Nereus, I saw the way you looked at the text. Do you have any idea what it means?" She asked softly as she approached Nereus like he were a sitting lion.

NEREUS: "I might be able to decipher some of these words." He said and began working.

The first text says..

"Tread lightly, land-born, to these halls of the deep,
Where waves are whispers, and shadows keep.
Beware the currents, the tides unseen,
For all souls lost are forever queen's."

The second text says..

"Gaze upon the darkened sea,
None leave unmarked by me.
Loyalty given, breath withdrawn,
In Umberlee's depths, all debt is drawn."

FRIDA: "Such fascinating poetry.." Frida spoke in awe.

SERAPHINE: "And to think you were almost willing to ask for my help... what a shame! Welp, back luck to you!" Seraphine said before teleporting away, turning into sea foam and bubbles.

These stones are lined with carvings of drowning figures and writhing waves, adding a ghostly warning to all who dare approach. The eerie silence of the water around amplifies each word, pressing their meaning into the minds of those who read.

'Beyond this entrance lies Umberlee's heart. She does not welcome visitors lightly. Once inside, your necklaces will protect you... but only if you trust them completely. The sea has a way of knowing who truly belongs.'

Frida turns back to check on her travelers, and Miraille is nowhere to be seen. Strange, she thought. I could've sworn she was here a moment ago..

One should assume she has just.. gone to the ethereal realm for now. She seems to be doing that an awful lot lately, one wonders why that is..

Frida also tries to scan the surroundings of Umberlee's temple by rolling a perception check, but receives a 1. It's just her temple.

FRIDA: "Best we say our last prayers. We can only rely on fate for what's coming now." She suggested, sounding way more ominous than she'd like to be.

NEREUS: "I hope I get great power without any responsibility, then." Nereus replied.

FRIDA: "..Alright.. but whatever happens in there, call for me when you're injured." She continued.

MAHIRO: "If I die, it's on you, Frida." Mahiro came in with a glare towards the granny.

FRIDA: "Well with that kind of thinking, nobody wins."

MAHIRO: "I wish I will get BLESSED by the god of absurdity!"

FRIDA: "It appears you've already received it, my dear.."

Inside Umberlee's temple, the atmosphere is an enchanting and serene contrast to the ominous exterior.