Tales from Tabletop

Session 6.4: Divide and Conquer

Chapter IV: Revelation

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The pair stared into the darkness for a moment, before they both bolted into the newly revealed room. Neither seemed all too worried of the possibilities of a negative outcome.

True, it could be a trap, Selene reasoned to herself as she ran inside, but who can pass up a hidden room?

As they stepped inside, an enchanted fire lit up the room. The room stretched onwards almost endlessly on either side. In the distance, you could see the distant walls were lined with rows upon rows of books. The walls stretched high above to a vaulted ceiling covered in a strange enchantment that made it appear as if clouds were hovering above them. Facing them was a grand mural, depicting some kind of historical event, using similar imagery shown in the temple above and the chambers below.

Hovering before the mural was an inscription in the air, written in a strange script. It stretched high above them, yet appeared legible no matter where you stood.

At the center stood seven thrones in a circle, each was ornate and covered with distinct ornamentation and enchantment. They were each a marvel, likely rivaling thrones of the greatest kings this world had ever known.

Strange they're buried so deep beneath the surface.

While Selene inspected each throne in kind, Jezran was focused on the words and mural on the other end of the room.

After a moment staring at one that appeared to be enchanted as if it was moulded from a wellspring of molten lava, Selene joined him in his study. While covered in fancy ornamentation, it became clear quickly the thrones did not include anything she could take as a souvenir.

"Any idea what it says?" Selene asked as she sidled up beside him.

Jezran squinted, then sighed, "No, sadly. The old tongue has been difficult to decipher, even with the Eye of Arcana. I suspect it's enchanted to block the use of magic to decipher it, though I do see a few words that I've seen repeated throughout my research, particularly this symbol." Jezran pointed to one of the words on the mural.

Selene looked at the word closely, suddenly recognizing it as the name that appeared in the temple. Confused, she whispered, "...Igryss...here too?"

Jezran turned to her, shocked. "What did you say?"

"I...I was just...reading what you pointed towards," Selene stammered.

Jezran's eyes became as large as fish bowls, "You...can read this?"

Selene tried to read the rest, but found that the words still looked like scribbles in the air. It was completely indecipherable, save the one word.

She shook her head.

"Well, it was worth a shot, I suppose," Jezran sighed. He continued to study the mural, brow furrowed.

Annoyed, Selene turned away to look at the rest of the room, hoping to find something useful.

Or at least interesting.

Before she could get far, a massive headache sought to split her skull wide open. She doubled over on the floor. Jezran, who had been writing down notes on the mural, rushed over to her as soon as he realized she collapsed.

"Selene, are you alright? What happened?"

"I...don't...know." Selene said through gritted teeth.

Suddenly words spoken, similar to the voices she heard in the strange chamber flooded into her mind. They all spoke in unison as the inscription suddenly became clear.