EVENT #15: THE NETHER - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #15 - The Nether

OOC event plotting | settings info

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After a Conclave vote earlier this month, you're prepared to accept the formal request from the Nether for your assistance. By now, you'll know who the delegates are and that the dragons have suffered an illness from the rifts that opened this summer, due to the unfortunate actions of one of your fellow Summoned. Whether or not you agree with your Conclave's majority rule, the decision has been made.

The expedition will begin on October 16 and last 10 days. If you need to return home sooner, you can activate your portal stone at any point during the trip, but there's no going back once you do.

Though mysterious, the Draconae - or daemons, as others call them - are not elusive like the Fey. Anyone who's been to Nocwich will have seen a handful of them amongst the population, and some reside in the Free Cities or the outskirts of Thorne. The only nation they aren't found in is Solvunn.

Into the Heart

Your arrival to the Nether is a frosty one. The northern island is barren, save for a thick layer of snow, a few birds, and some hardy insects. Massive skeletal remains can be seen as you walk over the ice. Every few minutes, the ground trembles. The Draconae warriors greet you at the base of the volcano, including Orion, The Warden herself. Though they appear intimidating, they're grateful you're here and will clap you heartily on the back.

Entering the Obsidian Heart requires nerves of steel, but appearances aside, the narrow walkway is sturdy. As long as you're brave, you'll make it down without a problem. The less sure-footed are encouraged to ask for a hand. If they do, they'll be assigned a Draconum warrior who will cheerfully carry them down the winding path. You can also help each other, of course! Any Summoned who are capable can carry their friends, too.

As you venture down, the oppressive heat intensifies...until suddenly it stops. The moment you reach the fiery gates, the smell of brimstone fades from the air and the temperature eases into that of a pleasant summer's day. If asked, the Draconae will tell you this is how it is - a blessing from the two remaining dragons. Without them, the air would suffocate all life within.

Although the main purpose is to aid the dragons, the Draconae will invite characters to take breaks, participate in recreational activities, and explore the Nether. They want their guests to be comfortable, especially as the Summoned have arrived to help.

Around the City

At the center of the volcano lies the Obsidian Heart, where the Draconae reside. Made of stacking homes and stone bridges that spiral downward, it's a wonder how anyone finds their way. There are no maps, signage, or any form of direction. Their ability to navigate appears inherent. The most dangerous beasts lurk beneath the lava, so unless you intend to go swimming, you're unlikely to run into anything aggressive.

Doors and furniture are heavy and are made of iron, bronze, or steel. You might need to push or pull furnishings and doors with both hands and extra effort. Luckily, citizens are happy to help - as long as you ask. If you don't, they won't interfere out of respect for your autonomy. In fact, if they see you huffing and puffing, they might stop to watch and will sincerely cheer for you should you accomplish your objective by yourself.

Watch your sticky fingers. While petty theft is a minor offence in other places, the Draconae are highly protective of their belongings and treasures. Hands and heads have been lost over stolen trinkets.

The Hieran Wing

As a guest, you'll be invited to stay at the Hieran Wing. Named after Hierus, the oldest living dragon, the Hieran Wing is located in the eastern section of the Citadel. The rest of the Citadel is under heavy guard and inaccessible.

◎ The rooms are carved into the stone itself. Bedding is comfortable, if simple, with room to store your belongings. A curved stairwell grants you privacy even though many rooms have curtains rather than doors. The few rooms that have doors contain no locks. Your safety is assured, but if you're nervous, you can ask for a guard to watch you at night.

◎ The dining area consists of open-fire grills, pots, and raw ingredients - including spices and fiery hot peppers. As great believers in self-sufficiency, the Draconae will leave you to make meals to your taste and liking. You can hunt and fish your meat, as well. There are numerous lava pools where one can net jumbo shrimp, crabs, and flaming fish. For larger game, you can go after the Erymaes Boar or Petran Bison. Feel free to share your catch with your friends or offer to cook for the culinarily challenged.

◎ The library contains only fiction. You'll recognize several titles from your faction or Nocwich, suggesting they've brought back their favorite stories to read. Other titles are new, written by the Draconae. Novels and poetry span all genres, but the most common ones seem to be adventure, horror, and erotic romance - some of which contain surprisingly detailed illustrations.

Magma Pools

Outside the Hieran Wing, unusual cerulean magma pools are provided for bathing. Despite how they look, temperatures are equivalent to that of a steaming hot spring. The magma bubbles naturally from within the volcano and provides soothing effects. No soap or cleaning agents are required. These magma pools contain tiny frogs that leap and jump around. The Draconae consider them a tasty live snack. Don't be surprised if you see a local munching on them.

The Foundry

The Foundry has expanded over the past two centuries. A marketplace now circles the ancient forge. Observing the tradespeople inside and their secrets are off-limits. However, you can browse a selection of tools, clothes, accessories, and potions. Healing potions are common due to the Draconae's lack of healing magic.

You'll have the chance to request custom-made jewelry and purchase glass ornaments that are blown for you on the spot. Merchants won't sell the large weapons on display, but daggers and other small weapons are available. They'll also modify any pieces you own by adding jewels, altering the fit, or repairing nicks and faults...for a price. The Draconae deal in Abraxan currency if you have any, but they'll accept a vial or two of blood or saliva as payment.

Negotiations & Meetings (Rank 5+)

The first order of business is to present your Conclave's terms to the Inner Sanctum, the Draconae's governing body. If you've been voted as a delegate, you'll be greeted by the NPC meeting you (and your partner, if you have one). If you haven't been selected, you can still speak to some of the NPCs available.

A Place at the Table

Negotiations will take place in The Solar on the second day, a hall lit with a fiery orb of light. This is where the Inner Sanctum conducts all of its business. Tightly guarded, you're the first outsiders allowed inside in centuries. Here, you'll have the chance to present your terms and convince the Draconae to accept. You'll also have the first day of your arrival to gather a few details about the NPC you'll be meeting.

Only one meeting is required. The Nether will give you their final answer the following day.

Be sure to reply with the terms before starting the thread. Mods will approve or ask for revisions, so try to submit your points by OCTOBER 17.

Once approved, please TAG IN with your character under the correct faction heading.

Meeting the Inner Sanctum

Members of the Inner Sanctum who are not involved in diplomatic affairs are Aster, The Guardian and Anneth, The Flame. Additional descriptions about the two NPCs and where they can be found will be in their character comments below.

Characters who are Rank 5+ (negative or positive) and who are not acting as delegates can speak with one of the two NPCs above.

To do so, TAG IN with your character under the NPC you want to meet.

Runaway at Pyritean's Rack

Abraxan outsiders will whisper that Pyritean's Rack is a nefarious torture device created by the Draconae for their victims. This is true if the victim in question is delicious meat. The Rack, in other words, is a giant cooking area filled with grilling racks and pits. Shelves of ingredients and spices line the perimeter. Its most striking feature is the primary heat source, which uses magma rather than fire. Ingredients and meat unique to the Nether result in dishes and flavors not found elsewhere. Hot peppers are a popular feature.

The Draconae cook and share their food each night at the Rack. The station is always occupied. Locals take turns hunting and fishing, preparing ingredients, and cooking. Consequently, food is provided without cost. You only need to lend a hand.

Not everything goes smoothly, though. An escaped hatchling has infiltrated the Rack, and Khloris, the baby dragon, is eager to snatch and steal food throughout the week.

Earning the Torch

Impromptu competitions are frequent. They usually begin when one cook sees another outdoing them and makes a challenge. You can either issue a challenge or receive a challenge. Challenges can be between you and the natives, or you can face off with another Summoned. Judging is done by the crowd, which can be chaotic.

Not to worry! There's no downside to losing except your pride. Though the competition can grow fierce and heated in the moment - including vulgar insults and much jeering - once all is said and done, there are no grudges when the food hits the table. Sore losers are looked down on as being thin-skinned.

Winners will receive a jar of spice mix or marinating sauce from one of the many talented cooks. We won't be modding this aspect, so just be realistic with your character's cooking skills. Be sure to work things out with your thread partner if the competition involves another player character!

Escaped Hatchling

One young dragon has escaped its sanctuary at Dragon's Glass. Curious, it's drawn to the smell of food at Pyritean's Rack. As a result, it's disrupting competitions, breaking equipment, and stealing ingredients or even chunks of meat off people's plates. Desperate to get the dragon back before it causes more trouble - or worse, injures itself - the Draconae have asked you to catch the hatchling.

Of course, you'll need to contend with the dragon's unique abilities.

Khloris, the runaway in question, leaves behind small patches of grass. Its pollen dust coats nearly everything it goes near. When eaten or touched, the pollen causes flowers to sprout in your hair for a day or two. It can't fly far or very high, but it's prone to swooping down to snatch meat off the grill. The Flame informs you the dragon can be lured with gold trinkets or bright colors like red and yellow.

To see if your character can catch the dragon, submit for a roll HERE. Submissions will close October 18 at 11:59 ET. Results will be posted on October 19 so players can account for their success or failure.

Ailing Dragons

The two ailing dragons are Hierus, the Obsidian Drake, and Kruos, the Glass Serpent. Mated to each other, they're the only remaining adult dragons in the Nether and have been for decades. When you visit them at Dragon's Glass, their condition is worrisome. The dragons' scales have lost their luster and are grown over with painful white patches. They appear lethargic.

Those researching can offer the dragons healing potions or ointment to aid their symptoms while a cure is worked on. If you're not much of a healer or a scientist, you can feed them or simply spend time with them. The dragons are intelligent and appear capable of understanding you, though they can't communicate directly.

Characters have 3 avenues of participation, depending on their interests and strengths: gathering ingredients, researching the cure, and looking after the baby dragons and eggs. They'll have time to do all three throughout the 10-day excursion.

Finding a Cure

At first, you aren't sure where or how to start. The Draconae suggest the Ashlands may be a place to explore. It's dangerous, they warn, but they have a potion that'll help keep you safe. Due to the hazards, you're told not to go alone. As you travel through the deadened land, you notice an odd phenomenon: where you walk, the air around you clears, and the ground beneath your feet springs to life. You realize you don't need the potion to protect you.

The changes are temporary, fading behind you as you walk. Curiously, the effect you exhibit is similar to what the Draconae claim their dragons are capable of - though to a much smaller degree. Still, you have to wonder if you and the dragons share a similar magical connection to the Singularity. You can't help but notice that those of you who regularly interact with the Horizon and have been doing so for a while seem to affect your environment more. Your aura may be a little larger and the vicinity restored around you lasts a bit longer rather than melting away immediately - maybe even up to a minute or two.

Restoration and Gathering

Your ability to restore the land has unlocked a vital element. Ingredients once thought lost can now be gathered by the Summoned such as yourself, and they may hold the key to curing the dragons. Bring back these ingredients to your peers waiting at Dragon's Glass. The more you gather, the more they'll be able to research and experiment, so don't be shy about making multiple trips.

There are three sections for you to explore. Each one has its dangers and a specific ingredient to collect.

Due to its circumstances, Aetherie is only available on Day 9 of the event, shortly before the cure is finalized. The Draconae will seal the area once more when they realize what's happening. Cinder's Core and Featherhive are open for the full duration of the event.

◎ Cinder's Core

Filled with petrified trees and fossilized bones, the area that restores around you demonstrates its previous life as a flourishing rainforest: the humidity grows, the grass turns lush, and tropical flowers sprout under your fingertips. Although its sulfuric air won't affect you, you'll need to brave dangerous heights to reach the tops of trees and dried-up waterfall cliffs to retrieve the kydros fruit. The fruit smells like citrus and is surprisingly light despite its size.

Vines brought back to life can help you climb, forming ropes for you to climb and bridges that weave beneath your feet. They'll wither once more behind you, so you'll want to move quickly to avoid losing your footing. Height isn't the only danger - the ground below is littered with sharp skeletal protrusions and jagged trees. Beware of dangerous thorn bushes that will come to life in your presence and try to crush you in their spiny embrace as you ascend.

◎ Featherhive

The air here is too toxic for the Draconae to breathe in for long. Luckily you're unaffected. Scattered across the ground are the remaining husks of birds' nests. A dragon's skeleton curls under a rocky overhang. Use your restorative ability to journey deep into Featherhive's heart. Pushing aside the thick overgrowth reveals a small clearing covered in bright crystals for you to harvest.

Although Featherhive poses no physical danger, the land is haunted by shadow birds, ethereal spirits connected to the dragons - and you. As you pass through, they flutter around you and parrot familiar lines to each other. Their movements are jerky and strange. Quickly, you realize the birds are mimicking your memories. They might replicate an entire scene or echo a phrase or two that's plagued you all your life. Or, if you're lucky, they're merely repeating your grocery list. Shooing them will cause them to dissipate into smoke, but they'll soon return.

◎ Aetherie

The loss of a dragon released a noxious gas through this village without warning. Escaping villagers were forced to leave behind those they could not save and seal the doors. The Oblivion is a painful moment in history for many, and none have set foot near the area since. Near the end of your stay, the Draconae request you use your ability to venture where they can't and gather Anoix pods, powerful healing seeds from a plant that only grew in Aetherie. They believe the abandoned huts will contain pouches of the pods on shelves and cabinets.

Entering the village, you expect a tragic scene of corpses. Instead, you find something far worse. The dead have mutated into grotesque arachnids, limbs fused to bulbous abdomens. They show no signs of recognition or awareness and attack you on sight. Hidden in the depths of the purple haze, rat-sized spiders scurry forth. Their venom causes painful sores that will fester and spread if left untreated. Multiple bites may result in temporary blindness or paralysis of a limb. Luckily, this will clear up within 24 hours to a few days, depending on the severity.

Grab the pods if you can or flee if you're overwhelmed. When word reaches The Warden, she'll rapidly send her people to reseal the abandoned village and come to aid any who need it. If you're injured, The Flame and her apprentices will tend to you at Dragon's Glass.

Research and Magic

Dragon's Glass is a glass-domed temple said to be forged from the fires of Kruos. It's located in the Spiral, which is outside the Obsidian Heart. Here, the two remaining dragons reside while ill, along with their clutch of eggs and a few precious hatchlings.

Anneth, The Flame, will invite you into the temple's alchemy labs, where you can apply your skills and knowledge to create the healing elixir that cures the dragons. Doing so requires you to experiment with key ingredients found in the Ashlands. You'll have access to basic alchemy books and apprentices at the temple. Use any additional tools, supplies, and knowledge you possess, and take advantage of the resources donated by the factions.

How you approach your research is up to you, but each ingredient comes with a set of risks - so be careful while you work!

◎ The kydros fruit contains seeds that will explode when heated, causing a chain reaction like popped popcorn. The explosions aren't large, but they might scorch your supplies. Crushing them in the open air results in a similar chemical reaction. However, soaking them in water makes them soften into mush, allowing you to turn the seeds into a paste that could be useful. The fruit is similar to grapefruit and is excellent for a sore throat.

◎ The crystals come in three colors: red, blue, and black. Extended contact will dye your skin that color. The stains are extraordinarily stubborn, so your clothes may not recover. These crystals resonate with a strange hum that suggests they respond well to magic spells. Combining them with a liquid will give off a foul-smelling smoke, so you may need to find ways to neutralize the stench before combining it into an elixir.

◎ The Anoix pods must be used sparingly, as no more can be gathered from Aetherie. They possess strong healing properties, but each pod is very delicate and must be split open with care so as not to damage the soft seeds inside. In addition to researching the cure, you can also attempt to help the Dracaone grow new Anoix plants using the preserved seeds.

The final cure will use all 3 key ingredients. Don't worry too much about continuity! As long as your character participated, you can assume they made a valuable contribution.

However, to assist with coordination, we've provided a RESEARCH DISCOVERY section where you can present any findings your character would share with others in-game.

Hatchlings and Eggs

While curing the adult dragons is a priority, the hatchlings and eggs aren't to be neglected. Baby dragons are active troublemakers, and without their parents to keep them in line, they've become especially unruly. The apprentices at the temple can only do so much. The Keeper has even made rare appearances in Dragon's Glass to lend his assistance.

Meanwhile, the eggs are beginning to show signs of affliction. The shells are beginning to weaken, and the feathery growths appearing on them will suffocate the hatchling inside if left untreated.

Babysitting the Dragons

If you have a spare moment, you can look after the baby dragons. Keep them out of trouble by reading their favorite stories, singing songs, and playing with them. They'll also need to be fed, watered, and their bedding changed or fluffed. The hatchlings are mischievous but friendly. They're eager to bond with the Summoned for reasons unexplained, as if they feel something resonating within you.

Many are attracted to shiny objects and bright colors and will attempt to steal them. Conversely, they might gift you a trinket that they've pilfered from someone else. The local Draconae would appreciate it if you returned any missing tools or jewels.

Hatchlings you'll encounter in Dragon's Glass are:

◎ Okenus spouts water instead of flame. Bearing fins instead of wings, this sea dragon is vital to bringing lakes and rivers back to the Nether. Currently, it can only make tiny puddles and rainclouds. Watch that your belongings don't get wet. Standing near the dragon might cause a small storm cloud to spawn over you and rain down on your head. A simple spell will make the cloud disappear, but if you don't have any magic, you might have to bring an umbrella.

◎ Epeius can form miniature gusts of wind beneath its wings, but it doesn't have firm control and frequently spawns them when excited. These small dust devils and whirlwinds will follow you around. Though they aren't powerful, they can be a nuisance, knocking over cups, blowing away hats, and sending papers flying. The other hatchlings will find your misfortune a source of amusement.

◎ Ledas can help salt deposits form in the shape of large salt crystals. Salt is important to the Draconae, which the hatchling is aware of and thus takes great pride in its abilities. The crystals can be eaten as is or crushed into granules. Ledas will strive to impress you with the largest crystals that it can make...which occasionally results in the structure collapsing, littering the ground with salt. You might find yourself sweeping often around this dragon, but at least you'll never be short on seasoning.

◎ Anthusa is a very special hatchling that creates bioluminescent algae. The algae grow on its scales, forming a symbiotic relationship. Unfortunately, without a proper habitat for this algae in the Nether, its glow has dimmed in recent years and the hatchling has become languid and sickly despite its youth. Nonetheless, Anthusa is friendly and curious even if it struggles to keep up with its siblings. You can help Anthusa play by lifting it to heights it can't reach, and carrying it back when the dragon is too tired to walk.

Weakened Eggs

As noted, the eggs demonstrate signs of suffering, too. Three eggs are waiting to be hatched. Whether all of the eggs survive is dependent on the decision that each faction Conclave made regarding resources found, as well as the help provided by you and your fellow Summoned.

The eggs can't be cured until the dragons are cured, but you can help slow the growths by gently scraping them off and wiping the eggs regularly with a clean cloth. They must also be kept heated, so check the magma frequently and refill any magma basins. The growths can be donated to those researching for additional study if you wish.

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Comments

[abraxasnpcs2]

Anneth is always aware of the people that pass in and out of her chose domain and that means anything revolving around the dragons. She may not always be at their side but they are always at the forefront of her mind, their physical and mental well-being. With a dragon the two are more closely interlocked than any other creature she has encountered.

She notices him and raises her brow when their eyes meet. Anneth shakes her head once as she lowers her hand from one of the crystals.

"No need to apologize. You're just as welcome here as you are in the rest of the Nether." Instead she beckons him forward. "Curious about this place?"

[gynvael]

Good to know. Geralt approaches when indicated. He seldom speaks to anyone of authority in these places. Or anywhere, really. His preference is to observe from the background and let others do the talking.

He's here now, though, and at least the Netherfolk seem as disinterested in playing games as he does. Judging by her dress and her presence here, she must be the one they call The Flame.

"I am," he confirms. He nods towards the crystal that stands before them. "How does it work?"

Is it by touch? Are only the Draconae connected to the crystals? The notion of exploring one's memories through a veil is an interesting one. It isn't unheard of; he knows of mages who employ similar spells. But this appears to be something more. Almost a common aspect of their lives.

[abraxasnpcs2]

Anneth has always had a dislike for formalities, preferring to keep to what she knows best and what interests her. Besides, there is a singular reason the draconae come to the Echoing Halls and what memories they seek aren't her business. What does matter is the transfer of those memories to the dragons and thereon after.

She turns to face the crystal again, the gentle glow illuminating her hair and horns.

"You just put your hand on its surface," she says simply. Though it doesn't need a demonstration, she does it anyway out of habit. "You can either search for something specific in your past...or you can let your consciousness guide you."

The latter usually brings up memories people may not want to confront, but she leaves that unsaid.

"Searching memories can be helpful but they can also be painful. They keep us honest." She drops her hand again. "And they provide valuable energy and wisdom to the dragons."

[gynvael]

Though Anneth raises her hand, Geralt does not follow suit. He knows what lies in his memories, and he has no desire to search through them before another. It's an intriguing concept, though. The ability to look into your past with renewed clarity. Were he alone, he might've considered it.

He peers at the crystal alongside her. If the dragons can receive the memories, then these crystals must've emerged naturally. Or were they enchanted so long ago that the history was forgotten?

"And what do the dragons do with this wisdom?" he asks.

Does she know? Zerrikanians have been known to serve dragons—and he'd met two of them himself—but Villentretenmerth was capable of human speech, of transforming himself into a man. These dragons can do neither, and he can't help wondering what the relationship is between them beyond breathing life into the land.

[abraxasnpcs2]

"What would any living thing do with wisdom?" The answer is a simple one, though Anneth manages not to sound pedantic in her explanation. "They learn from it."

She looks away from the crystal directly in front of them and to the multitudes that line in the halls.

"They see what we see and feel. Back when more of the world was theirs they could explore freely, but here their first experiences with it are through us. Our thoughts and emotions give them insight as much as it gives them power; insight to the world's struggles and successes. As for the power, well, the magic that exists inside these crystals helps them develop their unique abilities. As far as we can tell, it's transferred through the process of their experiencing the memory."

She looks back to Geralt with hints of a wry smile.

"But for the young ones in particular, the first memories they experience leave a larger impression. So we always hope they choose wisely, but ultimately it is up to them."

[gynvael]

Is that why their people journey out into the world? To bring back those experiences and memories for their dragons? He'd assumed it was a simple thirst for adventure—and that must be part of the reason, too—but perhaps there's more to it.

He wonders, maybe, if a Summoned were to place their memories here, if it would affect any hatchlings in the future. What would they do with visions of travelling the stars or massive machines?

"The dragons on my sphere were driven to near-extinction. People hunted them for cures and treasure, or feared they'd destroy their homes. The ones here...what happened to them? When did they start to fall?"

It must've been some time now. The way he's heard them speak, it sounds as though few, if any, recall a time when the Nether flourished with life. Then again, he's gathered not everything they say is true. There secrets apparently run deep, something he can't blame them for.

[abraxasnpcs2]

Anneth's expression softens and sombres when Geralt shares the plight of dragons from his world. They are protected in the Nether from that kind of treatment, but they are far from thriving.

She's quiet for a moment and offers a single nod and sigh.

"It's not as clear...not that I'd ask for our dragons to suffer similarly."

She uncrosses her arms and turns to look down the long hall of crystals.

"The thing is that we don't know. They were vibrant and strong as they'd been for centuries, but slowly and surely, they started to shrink in numbers. Their influence shrank too, they had fewer eggs, and the nether drew in on itself." She pauses for a few beats. "Have you seen the wastes outside the city?"

[gynvael]

To him, her description sounds rather like what Thorne fears the Singularity would do to entire spheres. Swallow them up. Worlds drawing in on themselves until they vanish. But it strikes him as unusual it should be isolated to the Nether. Is it because of the dragons' unique influence sustaining the land that makes the Nether more sensitive to fluctuations in Chaos?

He's considering his next question when Anneth poses one of her own. The wastes?

"You mean what you call the Ashlands?" He nods. Sure. He's seen it. He's plucked fruit and crystals as requested, though he hasn't any idea if it will do anything. No reason not to try, though. What else is there to do?

Anneth is evidently leading towards a point. He waits for what she means to say next.

[abraxasnpcs2]

Anneth nods. There is a story forthcoming, albeit a short one. She is usually concise in her accounts out of habit.

"They were once as alive as the Heart is today, thriving under the protection and supervision of dragons. The volcano itself could be inhospitable for us without them. But the dragons made this their home and with it they formed it to their liking."

The draconae followed in their footsteps, opting to work alongside the powerful creatures and learn from them.

"Outside of the volcano, records show a decline in the population beginning with Thorne's expansion and when they began summoning. They still thrived in the Nether."

Protected and far from outside forces and free to influence their surroundings.

"But in the volcano, the effects of their losses are dire. It was only within this last century that we lost the Core, and with no clear predecessor, it may not be salvageable. The appearance of the rifts isn't anything we've seen before and we only guess it's the related to the illness they're experiencing."

[gynvael]

His brows draw together. Beginning with Thorne's expansion? A correlation is all it may be—linking historical events is Istredd's expertise, not Geralt's—but he would not be surprised if the spread of an empire wreaked havoc across the land. Dragons included.

He leans against one of the stone walls, studying Anneth. Does she know? That it was one of the Summoned fucking about with the shrines? He's certain it isn't all it was; their connection to the Singularity must be causing ramifications far beyond what happens when the natives make their offerings.

It feels disingenuous not to say, but dangerous to do so. He makes no mention of it for now.

"I am sorry for your losses," he says finally. "Men drove dragons to near extinction on my sphere. I hope yours can rise again."

[abraxasnpcs2]

A small nod of acknowledgment is all she offers for his condolences even though they are accepted. She prefers to be practical and look at what can be done rather than lament on what they have lost.

"Our hope was that your experience with the rifts might give us a better understanding of their affects on the world around them."

It's an open invitation for Geralt to share what he knows or believes of them if he accepts.

Anneth takes more interest in what he says about his own dragons. To here, there is a very important distinction to be made:

"By choice or by happenstance?"

[gynvael]

"That may be true of the others." Geralt's understanding of the rifts, while not entirely lacking, isn't up to par. He only knows what he observed, and nothing about what he observed could help with the dragons here.

Especially not since it appears the rift itself has vanished. Had they even seen where it formed?

He shrugs. "Both. Greed, mostly. Dragons were said to hoard vast treasures and possess organs capable of miracle cures."

Greed and desperation. Fear. There is never one easy answer to anything in the world, and he imagines that's the same of the Nether. What happened to the dragons, what's happening now—it's tempting to blame a singular event. Maybe the truth is, it's the culmination of too many things to untangle.

He studies Anneth for a minute. "Are you afraid your dragons will ever be seen as a threat?"

[abraxasnpcs2]

She gleans his meaning well enough. Anneth is in search of useful knowledge and if this man suspects that he has nothing to offer in regards to the rifts and their potential effects, then she believes him. It's only a theory on her part that they are the cause at all. Correlation is not causation, even if there is plenty of reason to wonder.

"How did you close them?" Maybe that is something he is able to answer.

"Miracle cures..." Her tone is wry. The dragon nearby huffs loudly through its nostrils. It seems they have the same thoughts on the irony.

"In a world that hasn't seen dragons for some time? Yes, I think we'd be fools not to believe that others might see them like that. The fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all. But someday I'd like to see them regain their old territory and power."

[gynvael]

"Hard to say," he admits. "My theory is that they closed once the creatures tied to the rifts were killed, therefore severing the connection."

A theory alone. Nothing concrete has been confirmed. The vision suggested the cause of the rifts was traced back to a certain...individual, but the truth is, Geralt doesn't know if he believes what they saw. It all seems so convenient.

And even if it were true, it doesn't explain how the rifts closed completely unrelated to anything. No one has stepped forward to say Solvunn did anything in particular. They'd fought the monsters, same as everybody.

His gaze flicks upward. He has no wish to wear out his welcome, but he has got one more question: "What do their old territory and power encompass?"

[abraxasnpcs2]

"I see." She's silent for a moment. "Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one." Though whether or not she has any moral quandaries about the methods is left unsaid. It is a sound enough theory.

Anneth hopes that the Summoned wouldn't need to go head to head with the Anomalies again, but it could be a sign of something bigger. All options have to be considered.

"Everything," she says simply. "They are tied to all elements of nature and they roamed the land above far and wide. They were stewards of their realms, like a river or a glen, and kept the balance. What they managed to do here in the Nether could be brought outside the mountain someday."

[gynvael]

He's not sure if it was the right one or not, but the rifts have closed for the time being. They'll find out if any ramifications lie ahead eventually.

"Hm." The sound is noncommital. Anneth describes an event that could be disastrous or a boon. If the dragons' power is brought to all of Abraxas, what will happen should they begin to falter once more? Will it cause the entire sphere to die off as the Nether has?

The idea of a flourishing land is a nice thought. But he knows better than to believe it would not have its consequences.

He has no intention of speaking his concerns out loud to Anneth, though, so he nods. He should return to the task at hand. "Thank you. For your time."

[abraxasnpcs2]

Anneth nods in return. Sharing the knowledge of the dragons to their guests is an accomplishment. What Geralt does with that will be up to him, but hopefully benefit the dragons in the long term.

"And you for your interest. You can visit as often as you want."

Anneth will be easily found there.