Silent Slough

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis says softly.

If it will help accept it. It lives here and could be a guide or provide information perhaps.

[Drathiranon]

Llelanni's pointed ears pick up Tarvis' words. With a slight nod, her sparkling red eyes turn back to the cube.

We greatfully accept your help, kind Guardian. Please lead the way.

Bludgeon and Slog, though clearly repulsed by the foul, musty oder of rotting organic matter, prepare to move forward with weapons at the ready.

[Lianaila of the Wood]

After seeing Llelanni's closing sign language, Daleah stands frozen in her space, awaiting the druid to face her.

She thinks within herself that if she perceives any threat, she would defend the party, drawing her weapon or readying her spells depending on the method of result. Daleah is principled and cautious. She as most paladins, chooses to stay wary of a creature that is unfamiliar and potentially dangerous.

Lady Llelanni, I’d sure as shootin’ say that ol' jelly is about as shady as a snake in a wagon wheel. I ain’t one to take kindly to bein’ led by somethin’ that’s slicker than snot on a doorknob, but I’d be mighty cautious before followin’ a thing that looks like it’s been sittin’ in a swamp too long. Who knows how long its been waitin' between meals or what kind of food it has a preference for.

Her demeanor is one of cautiousness and concern. She doesn't trust this creature, not because of its appearance but because of its odd and overly friendly behavior.

Best we keep our wits about us, or we might end up in a mess that’d make a cat’s tail curl.

Daleah decides to check out this cubes reflexes. She takes some hard tack with bacon bits from her pocket and tosses it onto the cavern cobblestone floor, just out of the cubes reach. The hard, dry ship biscuit makes a "thud" as it hits, rolling over the stone .

[Ssin'urn Streea]

As Llelanni is about to close dialog and telepathic link, she gets the intuitive feeling that it is a feminine creature. It asks her one final question.

I thought I felt a wonderous melodious sensation vibrating in the particles of the stagnant air. How many members did you say are in your party?

The conversation between the now noticably feminine cube and Llelanni is about to close when the behavior of the voice and cube seem to part ways.

Hmm?!! What is this?! An intrusion?!!

The cube quickly aknowledges the projectile biscuit as a foreign object entering its domain. The vibrations on the floor signal the morsel is right within its reach. The ooze, curious about new stimuli resembling something edible or interesting, approaches the ship biscuit cautiously, and attempts to investigate, even to consume it.

No! What are you...

With a slurp and a squelch, the cube extends a pseudopod, tentatively poking at the biscuit. It makes contact, and a muffled crunch echoes through the ooze as the hard surface resists the slime’s attempt at digestion.

Perhaps it's just an obstacle but the voice is clearly no longer in control of the gelatinous cubes movements.

The cube recoils slightly, a look of what could only be mistaken for confusion on its gelatinous surface. It wiggles its pseudopod, trying again, this time more aggressively, attempting to engulf the biscuit whole. The hard, dry biscuit refuses to dissolve, causing the cube to wobble and squelch in frustration.

Stop it! Stop it now!

Suddenly, the biscuit slips from the cube’s grasp and skitters across the floor, causing the ooze to jostle and wobble in surprise. It jerks forward, trying to catch the elusive snack, only to slip on the moist stone and wobble like a gelatinous jelly on a slick surface.

Something seems to pull the cubes behavior in line, changing its actions.

The gelatinous cube is repelled and reacts defensively. It emits a low, bubbling gloop that might be interpreted as a warning or a growl. After unsuccessful attempts to devour the stubborn ship biscuit, it begins to shift its form. The once curious ooze now wobbles with a hint of agitation, an unusual display for such a mindless creature.

(The telepathic link is still active. Llelanni is free to express what is happening through Drow sign and Daleah may sense another being is among the cast of characters in the cavern. Elron, Tarvis, and the orcs can clearly see something is amiss. )

[Bhaern Quel]

What appeared to be going well appears to be ruin by the biscuit Daleah threw. Somewhat surprised by how the cube reacts to it.

Tarvis speaks softly.

It is human food, called iron ration. Mostly flour can get very hard.

Elron sighs.

Lady Daleah, Friends are where you find them. The cube was surprisingly becoming a friend. Your offer of food however might have hurt that friendship offer.

He looks again to the rear to make sure no surprises are coming, but mostly focused on the encounter.

[Drathiranon]

The dark elven woman's piercing red eyes flicker with a cautious curiosity as she blinks slowly with an unwavering gaze. Intrigued, she raises an arched brow of suspicion. It has become clear that she now engages in a complex communication, perhaps with two entities, or maybe with a single presence that has cunningly assumed multiple forms. The creature’s current guise, a seemingly innocuous gelatinous cube, adds an unsettling layer of uncertainty to the scene.

Llelanni's keen senses attune to the strange anomaly and quickly initiates her response through Drow Sign. The intricate series of gestures and signals convey her thoughts swiftly and silently. Her movements are precise, translating her suspicions and observations so that the others may understand what is happening.

Meanwhile, as the gelatinous cube remains momentarily distracted, its amorphous form fixated on the biscuit it has claimed as a snack, is seemingly oblivious to the tense exchange unfolding around it.

With her signals completed, Llelanni lifts her voice, continuing the inquiry through the established telepathic link, her tone probing, yet calm.

I sense another presence within. Can you also understand me? We mean you no harm. Are you trapped inside this form? Is there any way we might assist you?

Her words are gentle, earnest, carrying a true genuine desire to understand and help.
Again, her hands move with practiced ease, translating her thoughts back to her companions, each gesture suggesting that perhaps the entity within this gelatinous prison cannot see beyond the translucent exterior that encloses it.

The atmosphere feels thick with anticipation or humidity. She awaits a response, wondering if this mysterious consciousness is friend or foe, victim or villain. The cube’s unassuming appearance belies the potential complexity of what lies within it. The elven druid’s observant silence afterwards reflects the possibility that there is more to this situation than previously thought.

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Daleah's jaw drops open. She looks to Elron.

Well now, what do yall know? Looks like we got ourselves a little secret. Ah reckon there's someone else a hidin' round here right under our noses.

Daleah's eyes narrow slightly in the torchlight. She translates the drow sign aloud, no longer taking into account the awful lingering smell.

Can ya hear me, friend? We ain’t here to cause no trouble, just lookin’ to make sure you’re alright. Are ya trapped inside that form of yours? If there’s any way we might lend ya a hand, just give us a holler if in it so.

Daleah nods to the orcs, removes her hand from the hilt of her sword, and prepares to respond in Drow sign to Llelanni, looks to Tarvis.

Sir Tarvis, whatcha reckon we outta do? This could be a bad apple or a hidden treasure.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

The Gelatinous Cube’s slick surface shimmers, revealing glimpses of a living, trapped being's form within it. Tiny, glowing motes of magical energy swirl inside the dim environment, projecting a dungeon-like chamber that reflects in the flickering of the torch light.

As the Druid speaks, a faint, almost human, muffled voice echoes within the cube’s translucent interior.

The gelatinous mass levitates a few centimeters from the cobblestone floor to slowly spin around to face the druid. A skeletal face with greenish glowing eyes, is partially embedded in the translucent, pulsating mass of a Gelatinous Cube. Tattered, robes cling to her bony form, with arcane symbols faintly glowing along the remnants of fabric. Her long, skeletal fingers grip a shattered staff, her once-powerful personal magical artifact.

She speaks common, but not being able to be heard inside the gelatin, must continue to use telepathy.

I'm not a monster, I was once a mage of great power. I fell into darkness, deceived by my own hubris… now, I am simply a product of my own conviction. If only I could regain my freedom and perhaps, redemption. I would seek nothing more than release from this prison.

(Llelanni is able to sign this information onto the others and Daleah will not detect any evil or good from this creature as the two entities are both neutral.)

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis now having something to act on.

Cube that being trapped in you is bad food for you, can you reject it or do we need to help you get it out of you? Mage do you have items of power or protection that could cause danger.

Lady Lielanni you are doing a great job.

Slog, Bludgeon stand ready we might need to cut into the cube, to help it or kill it we will know better.

Elron What can live long in a cube? Lady Daleah stand ready we might have something for you to offer redemeption and also might need healing.

Elron considers the question,

The only thing that should be able to last long in the cube could be a lich, a type of undead. However this cube is different or tyere is much not known about cubes so I can not say for sure what this mage maybe . I though would think lich is best answer until another is proved.

[Drathiranon]

The dark elf looks into the face revealed inside the cube.

So, you’re… a lich?

Llelanni flinches.

But you seem so benign…

She glances back to her teammates, still using drow sign.

If you can truly assist us, I see no harm. Though, I'm not sure we can help release you from this confinement. How can we trust you?

The orcs take a defensive stance, readying their weapons, eyes fixed on the cube.

Llelanni attempts to seperately reconnect telepathicly with the gelatinous cube, hoping to see if will respond to Tarvis questions.

Guardian, what do you know about this other being communicating with us from inside you? Can you expell it?

[Lianaila of the Wood]

With wide eyed expression, her voice tinged with surprise and concern at Tarvis' mention of offering redemption and healing.

Well, butter my biscuit. Ain't that a sight for sore eyes. I’ve seen a lot in my day, but I ain’t never thought I’d be chattin’ with a lady of the undead, wantin’ to turn over a new leaf. Looks like even a caged bird can dream of takin’ to the skies again. I do gotta admit, I’ve seen a lot in my day, folks do all sorts of things, and some of ‘em leave a body wonderin’ if there’s any light left inside ‘em. You’re tellin’ me you’re just a lady lookin’ for a second chance, even after bein’ trapped in that gooey mess? I gotta say, I’m a might skeptical, but I ain’t one to turn my back on hope.

Pausing to soften her tone, Daleah narrows her eyes, taking notice of the broken staff in the liches hands. She continues with her assessment carefully.

Now, I ain’t one to judge folks by what’s beneath the surface, Sir Tarvis, as everyone’s got a story, and I reckon even a lich might got a spark of goodness left inside. If she's lookin’ for a way outta that gooey prison and a shot at redemption, well...I'd say we need to find a way to safely destroy and unbind her from her phylactery. Not in that order, of course, but she will have to relinquish her imortality. I'm kinda wonderin' if it might be tied to that there broken staff she's got clenched in her hands. Any thoughts on that Elron? I'm sure a bard's got tales of such things that might teach us a lesson or two about dealin' with necromantic powers and such.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

The female lich's ethereal voice echos, tinged with patience and lingering sorrow.

I, Lysara, was once an arrogant, mortal mage. I embraced lichdom not out of desire for personal power, but was foolhardy enough to believe I could guard a fragile rift, an opening between worlds, to prevent chaos from spilling into this realm. Now I find myself equally bound within this eternal prison of gel and essence by an unseen hand.

Lysara's glowing eyes dim within their sockets of bone, responding slowly, thoughfully with her words.

This gelatinous prison is a barrier, a safeguard. To free me without risking the devastation I seek to contain could be perilous. I sense your concern, your wish to see me expelled, to restore my mortal form. But beware, if I am released prematurely, the chaos I guard against may find its way through. I feel as if I am bound here by purpose, by duty.

Ask your questions, druid. I will answer as best I can, for understanding is the first step toward trust, and perhaps, redemption.

The gelatinous cube steals this moment to respond to Llelanni.

I am but a humble cleaner and guardian. (slurp bloop) I may look like an unthinking vessel of gel, but I too have perception, conscious. (splortch) I also am bound by a purpose and circumstance. (bloop blip)
Is there any solution that preserves the safety of all, including myself? (squeech plop)

I wish only to fulfill my duties, not to be destroyed, for I remain here guarding what must be guarded.

The cube sends out a moist tendril like a hand to recapture the hard tack biscuit. It flips it front to back as if examining it closely, occasionally taping the hard biscuit on the cave floor like a person impatiently awaiting a response.

(Llelanni of course will be able to translate in drow sign and Daleah to common tongue.-- So no need to reiterate those actions, all shall be able to understand.)

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis speaks

It appears to be a bad idea to release Lysara until the correct conditions exist. That and for it to best safe for us all. So for now we will need to hear what she needs. I still think we will need Guardian to help by moving forward and maybe guide us more,

Lady Lysara what can we do to aid your quest and free you from Guardian safely for all of us?.

Do any of you others have any ideas?


Elron considers what lore he knows.
It is true that some liches do so to protect. It is said Evermeet has about 100 as Guardians for that Realm. A power tat can trap or limit a lich is either very powerful or clever with less power. Either way a dangerous foe.It seems to me we should help this power to face te other power We can tip the balance of the struggle of two greater powers for the god.
Wonders how soon his atonement to the pocket knife will occur as turning undead might be needed soon.