The pair are sisters and recently swam ashore during a storm and setup 'shop' at the bridge to waylay travelers. They have killed and eaten a few sea elves and a couple dolphins but not much in the past two weeks...until you arrived. They do not have anything else to say other than being vile and opportunistic.
You manage to tie up the unconscious hags and leave them near the bridge. The loot you take with you to show the elves as you continue your trek towards their village.
After traveling for a couple more hours along the road, you spy the village that can only be the sea elf habitation you seek.
The cliffs surrounding Acisazi
are sheer drops of 100 feet, and scaling them requires a
successful climb down the vines.
Half above and half below the water, Acisazi is a place of
beautiful decay; seaweed and anemones cling to surfaces
below the water, while above the surface weathering
has worn smooth the driftwood walls of its quaint
buildings.
The bulk of Acisazi’s structures are one-story
buildings with two to three rooms—most are the homes
Additional homes and buildings sit atop creaking boardwalks and piers—these structures house families.
Below the waterline dwell the rest of the village’s aquatic elves,
living in submerged caves in reefs or isles. Fog is nearly
always present in the village at dawn and dusk, and layers
of moss and lichen serve the structures in place of paint.
You do not see any elves or other inhabitants outside as you look down on the village from the top of the cliff you were warned about.
Kenji looks at the others.
“Maybe those that can speak elvish should say hello?“
Lubella cast another spell to improve her eloquence. She held aloft the shell the guards had previously given her, and approached the edge of the cliff to call down to the village,
After a moment you hear whispers and then a familiar face of Aava appears and calls up to you
”Hello again friend. Welcome to our village. We did not expect to see you. We have been having issues and have taken more extensive precautions. Let me show you the way down. “
Lubella cast a spell, extended with her metamagic rod, to help her companions with the descent, and climbed down the easy way down that Aava showed her.
"This spell instills powerful hope in the subjects. Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls."
Ahe told her friend,"I was hoping we'd find you here, Aava; I can't wait to see your village!"
Kenji waves his hands.
“It is great to make your acquaintance! I am a new member of the team and I am called the scarab! It is wonderful to be here but please be aware that we were ambushed on the way by hags. Unfortunately, it seems as if some of your village were victims of their machinations! We can give you the location and you can check for yourself!!“
"We were ambushed by two aquatic witches," Lubella explained. "We stopped the one that was still alive from bleeding to death, and left her tied up and unconscious at the bridge. I thought the village elders might wish to question her."
Talvek has no issues at all navigating the descent, and greets the elves together with the others. As Lubella and Kenji report on their earlier encounter, the tiefling looks around with interest, noting the differences in architecture between Acisazi and his native city.
"This is fascinating! How do you protect against high tides, and sea storms?" He examines the buildings above the water, seeing if any of the names of former ships can be read on the driftwood.
”Welcome. High tides do not bother us much. Unless the tide brings with it unwanted guests. But fortunately the tide is out and you are welcome visitors. We have much to discuss. Follow me.“
Arcos clambers down, eager to see this sea elf village.
Sidius nods and follows, This should be interesting...
"Yes indeed, Lubella replied, following behind Aava. She looked at the unusual buildings, Shensen is an aquatic elf, as I understand.
As you follow, you get a closer view of the village.
The dreary, sodden skeleton of a village clings to the shoreline
here, nestled in the embrace of fog-slicked cliffs to all sides
save the west, where the gray waters of the sea surge. With
buildings of driftwood and wicker connected by rope bridges
and soggy wooden boardwalks, the town does not present
a welcoming embrace. Even the sea birds that festoon the
roofs of the small village seem tired and listless
As Aava leads you to the center of town,
a large group of half-elves
gathers to stare nervously at them before one of them
makes his way through the crowd to present himself.
This notable aquatic elf speaks
Strangers, I am Nerrenn Aeelamna, the
village warden.
Once the commander of a group of scouts, you may recall Aava had mentioned him in her report after the rescue.
We are not accustomed to suffer visitors to Acisazi, even if you’re escorted by one of my own scouts. There are many perils in the waters and surrounding lands. Why are you air-breathers here? You cannot stay.
Lubella tried to read the expressions and body language of Nerrenn Aeelamna and Aava.
She explained to the elder, "We wanted to talk to you about cooperation against the Barzillai Thrune. We hope to one day regain independence for Kintargo; we are hoping to gain allies to protect our city, and the rest of Ravounel against naval invasion."
“We would appreciate an audience with your elders or leadership to discuss the matter that my companion Kyda presented. I am Scarab!“ he says and bows to show respect.
Talvek bows as well. "I can imagine that this is a big request, and I understand if you have concerns. It is our hope that the future of Kintargo and Acisazi is one of mutual aid and support."
You can tell Aava looks surprised at the response from her former commanding officer.
His actions seem very guarded and inappropriate under the circumstances.
.
Nerrenn pauses to let you speak, but clearly did not want to listen at first.
”Very well. This village is in perpetual danger and if you had not helped our scouts we would send you away. You will have to take up your plea regarding your city problems with our village elder. She will deal with you. “
He points the way and steps aside.
As Lubella walked in the direction indicated, she whispered to those closedst to her, "Aava seemed surprised by what Nerrenn said. He seems to be acting inappropriately."
"Oh? That is curious. I wonder if there's a reason for it." Talvek is not that surprised by the almost-hostile response - it was clear that these people lived under constant threat, and while the Silver Ravens had saved some of them, they were offering nothing but promises for the future. And they were, effectively, strangers.
Sidius nods at Talvek's observation, then adds, "I'm thinking we might need to discover the why of that before it becomes a bigger issue."
Aava sighs as Nerrenn steps aside.
I’m sure Speaker Athannah will wish to speak with them.”
Nerrenn looks at you again with disdain apparent on his face.
Aava offers you a small smile. She seems to know something is amiss with Nerrenn. But the longer you linger in the village, it seems something might also be off with the area in general.
“Please come with me and I will bring you to the Speaker“ Aava says.
She leads you to a small house in the center of town.
"The sickness…some of us are more affected than others," she adds as Nerrenn walks off.
"Our leader is Athannah Quhurill, and the sickness has only made her old age worse, yet she's still quite sound of mind. I think you'll find her easy to talk to, and open to your help,"
Aava leads you inside the building. An elderly half-elven woman with long white hair tied back with strips of dried bladder wrack sits in a chair of driftwood, wrapped in furs. Seer
Four half-elves at her side, adding furs to keep her warm, bringing her food, and otherwise tending to her needs.
Aava enters, her hands together. "Speaker Athannah, these are the friends that rescued us from the skum in Kintargo. The Silver Ravens," she looks over, urging you forward.
Kenji looks around and bows.
”Dear Athannah Quhurill, it is a pleasure meeting you. I am Scarab and these are the silver ravens that you might have heard about. We very much hope that you allow us to provide you with more information about what is happening in the city and how the actions of the current Thrune ruler are changing the balance of power… the hiding game that you have been playing for years might not work much longer. We are here to offer you an alliance to prevent the Thrune government from gaining control and absolute power over the whole region!“ the Ifrit says and inappropriately howls again at the end.
”We believe that the silver ravens have proven their skill and that their track record in defeating the forces of House Thrune speak for themselves. But we surely would be able to provide further concessions in case you need support. Maybe to give strength back to you and your community?!“ he asks carefully.
"The... sickness? I am sorry to hear that." Talvek looks inquiringly at Aava, but if she does not volunteer more information he asks her directly. "What sickness is that, and can we do anything to help?"
As they are introduced to the seer, Talvek bows respectfully, but remains otherwise silent - Kenji had summed up their position quite well.
Athannah listens closely, coughing every so often as her caretakers tend to her needs.
"Right to the point, I see. How fortunate we are that you've chosen to visit," she forces a weak smile. "Sadly, most of our warriors are missing, scouts sent to investigate who have never returned. And a cursed sickness blankets the area. We cannot help your city issues while this sickness continues here."
"The source is the Drowned Eye. I... worry that sending a failed attack on Menotheguro may bring deadly repercussions to Acisazi, but at this point, we have no other choice. If you intend on going, please be sure you are prepared. I can offer water breathing assistance, if needed. “
When asked about the reasons for plaguing Acisazi, Athannah shakes her head. "Our long-dead elders placed wards within the Drowned Eye many years ago, and it seems something has interrupted those wards, allowing the ancient magic contained in the Eye to become unsealed." “
Sidius nods, "That would be most helpful. While I have magics that can allow us to breathe water, they last mere minutes."
He then pauses, and then asks, "Do we know what the wards are meant to be holding in? It could help us prepare."
She considers Sidius's questions for a moment.
The influence coming from the ancient magic
found within the Drowned Eye is
ancient and mysterious. A power not all that well understood
by ourselves. We only know the Drowned Eye is source of
the malaise. There was a known connection to control undead, especially draugr, and that is likely been reactivated.
I can provide assistance with the water breathing, but undead and necromancy is beyond my skill.
As you listen, you notice this unique structure has been built over the bones
of a long-dead blue whale that beached itself here decades
ago. The whale’s skeleton creates the building’s frame,
which is draped with sheets of weatherproofed leather,
thatched with seaweed, and shored up by stacked stones
and driftwood.
Lubela asked Athannah, "Can you tell us where the Drowned Eye is located? We will invetigate and stop whatever is casuing the problem"
Aava replies to Lubella
”The Drowned Eye is about four miles due east, amid the reefs. You cannot miss it, as the sharp drop undersea almost looks like a dark eye peering up out of the depths,“ Aava replies.
"Swimming or magical flight may be the only way, unless you have a Captain willing to brave getting that close to the Eye," Athannah adds. "Not many would dare do such a thing.“
Talvek shudders. "Yes, I can imagine why, what with all the ship-wrecking reefs in the area, although that hasn't stopped a number of people trying to get to the wrecks and loot them - only to be wrecked themselves." The tiefling raises a finger. "And that is without mentioning its ancient history as an aboleth outpost, from where the veiled masters and their minions surveilled the tribal societies of humanity on the mainland, and where they created faceless stalkers and other horrors to visit upon the land-dwellers." He gives everyone a bright smile. "But I'm sure it's fine now, it was abandoned even before Earthfall."
His expression turns serious again. "We can ask our good captain, but if he refuses we should think of an alternative. I, personally, cannot fly, and we're a little far from shops that sell magical enhancements. And swimming four miles... I'm sorry, but I never was that athletic, nor do I aspire to be."
Lubella was rather hazy on the history of the Drowned Eye, but Talvek seemed to have a good knowledge of it.
"I have a magical ring that helps me swin, but I think I will struggle to keep going for that distance. We're willing to explore the site, but I think we're going to need some help getting there. I have an associate back in Kintargo who can help with the means to breathe underwater, but he didn't come with us on this trip".
Aava confers with the Speaker for a moment
” Athannah is willing to cast her own water breathing spells and will offer 8 more potion to assist with this dangerous mission. I can guide you close but am in no condition to fight due to illness. Will you be ready by morning? I would not recommend at night with the undead.“
Lubella replied to Aava, "We can be ready in the morning. We may need some assistance to swim out to the location of the Drowned Eye."
Sidius nods, "We can certainly be ready to head out."
Aava nods.
”Very well. We will meet you at the Dawn, provide you with what few spells and items our village can muster and convey you to the Eye. I will show you to an empty house to rest for the night. Unfortunately we have too many of these of late.“ she motions you to follow.
The home has three rooms, all cleared of any personal effects. You are able to rest or make whatever plans and preparations for the morning.
”We do not have much but let us know and we will try our best to find anything. You should be safe here. The sickness takes time to take affect. By being away from the village is why I am still able to function as well as I can. Unfortunately for the others, they have had the longer exposure.
One last note: Nerrenn has not been seen in the village since you entered the speakers hall. Whether he went to patrol or some other purpose, we do not expect to see him tonight.“ Aava sighs and closes the door.
Kenji will ask for any weapons that be well used below the water.
He is otherwise ready.
”Certainly… “
Aava nods and produces a trident and a pair of common short spears used for underwater fishing.
At the morning greeting she hands you the cask of 8 blue potions and says ”The speaker will cast her spells just before you depart.“
"Do you think Nerren will try to hinder us? I can imagine it is not easy to trust outsiders with such a critical task, so it would be logical for there to be dissent among your people," Talvek remarks.
In the morning, he spends some time preparing his extracts for the day.
Lubella asked Aava, "Do you have any light crossbows that are my size, adapted to operate underwater? I'm not equipped the best for fighting beneath the waves."
”I am sorry, we do not have crossbows of your size. Spears and daggers sized for our youth would be the best we can manage. “
Without incident, you are able to arise at Dawn and Aava leads you back to the Speaker.
”Greetings, travelers and friends. We owe you a great debt for undertaking for our village what we cannot. We have no claim on you and it is not too late to turn back. But if your destiny is to continue, we will provide what aid we can.“
She holds open a cask of the 8 blue vials. She then motions you to draw near as she casts an extended water breathing spell of her own.
”Safe travels. Do not take unnecessary risks nor put yourself in unwinnable situations.“
Kenji is ready to depart.
Once everyone is ready, the Speaker casts extended water breathing before you enter the water. Aava hands you each a water proof bag.
”We will need those back as we have lost the means to make them. “ She then dives into the cold sea and makes some odd splashes with her hands. A small pod of dolphins appears within a moment
”Grab a fin like this. But do not pinch. They will carry us quickly as close as we dare risk them. Getting back will be another matter. “
Sidius nods, "We will protect and return them."
Lubella was delighted when the dolphins showed up, "This is great! The journey will be so much easier."
She she grabbed onto a fin as instructed, being careful to be gentle.