Adventure: Well of Memories

A letter, a note, a song, an insult, a poem, a plan, an oath, a declaration. Many missives have entered the Well of Memories but each has a select audience. None will hear of what is said but those for whom it is written. The secrets scribed upon the sheet stay hidden until the intended recipient appears. Only then will the Well speak, revealing the words cast into its depths solely to those whom it is addressed to – it is a magical vault that none have breached.

There are many who seek to take advantage of what the Well offers. Whether using the Well to send messages, or stealing information from those who listen, many seek to exploit this resource. Yet no-one controls it. The Well’s enchantment is strong and independent.

However, in the last few months peculiarities have occurred. Strange messages have been received. Others have not reached their intended target. The Well is not well and none know what needs to be done to fix it.

There are many mysteries about the Well of Memories. Many should be able to be easily adapted to suit your own campaign. Given the multiple possible NPC stories and motivations, you may wish to build up the player's knowledge about the Well over time with multiple visits. This sample adventure is one possible way to resolve some of the mysteries.

WARNING: The historical relationship between the Sidhelien of Aebrynis and the Faeries of the Shadow World is a fundamental part of the back story to the Well and why it exists, but this should not really be revealed outside of the adventure. Even there, you need not mention any more than that there is a linkage between one particular elf and faerie. None of the NPCs outside of the Well are aware of it (other than the one elf included).

THEMES: Death, souls, necromancy, faeries, Shadow World, religion, secrets, trust.

The Well can be located anywhere in Cerilia, but somewhere in Vosgaard or southern or eastern Brechtur would help explain the presence of the Vos bards and the use of the Well by the Temple of Might. If you locate it in Khinasi, then you may have to adjust how the Well is regarded by the locals as the temples of Avani and Ruornil tend to dislike it receiving messages from the dead. Khinasi communities also tend to not think much of bards nor the Vos, so the Vos bards will not be as welcome.

There are a number of reasons why PCs may be interested in this location. Some possible hooks include:

• Family: A family member of one of the party has travelled through the area and left a message. The PC needs to collect it urgently.
  
• Foe: An ally has heard that an important message has been left for a rival. They need the message intercepted and replaced with one of their own.
  
• Resolution: Some claim the Well is sending messages from the dead. The temple regent wants to end this necromancy.
  
• Protection: The instructions for the next part of business deal have been left in the Well. The party has been asked to escort the guildmaster’s bookkeeper to receive it.
  
• Testament: A close friend of the regent has died but they are rumoured to have left a will and testament in the Well addressed to one of the PCs that they also trust.
  
• Augury: A priest has read the signs and feels that an important truth is within the Well. They have said it will be revealed to one of the party if they listen.
  
• Enforcement: The regent is concerned that people are being duped by lies and falsehoods at the Well. They want this stopped.
  
• Control: A wizard is sure that this is a caerbhaighlien. They have given the party a warded message that they want to place in the Well, then report on what it says.
  

There are also a number of NPCs who have a need related to the Well. The PCs could encounter them and have interest in helping them.

• Interacting with the NPCs outside of the well
  
  • Motivations - finding out why people are here and what they know of the well, encounter with NPCs
    
  • Companions - deciding whether any NPC will travel with the PCs
  
  
• Entering the "psychic space" of the well
  
  • Getting in - travelling into the well
    
  • The messages (Part 1) - what happens to the messages
    
  • The silent souls - the soul messages of the dead, message trees, possible encounter with incorporeal creatures (tailored for NPC companion)
    
  • The mad seekers - those who have previously journeyed into the well, encounter with maddened creatures (tailored for the NPC companion)
  
  
• Finding the "truth"
  
  • Interacting with the elf - learning the basis of the well and the true problem
    
  • Interacting with the faerie - working around Cunas's lost voice, learning a possible solution
    
  • The messages (Part 2) - finding the W.E.L.L. A.I. artefact and the message horns
  
  
• Resolving the hook (optional) - encounter with elf, outcome for PCs and NPC companion (tailored)
  
• Exiting the well - may require a time sensitive escape due to flooding
  
• Aftermath - dealing with the NPCs at the top, encounter with NPCs
  

The only really safe places in the well for a short/long rest are at the start and where the faerie is interacted with. The change in daylight outside the well will influence the encounters within the well.

For those who want to use this location for an adventure, here is a suggested set of encounters. They are fairly linear for the PCs with an Introduction, Development, Twist, Climax, Closure and Aftermath but each of them has options for the DM to tailor or simplify them for their own campaign. A lot of NPCs are outlined, but many can easily be omitted. It is recommended that you keep at least Cassian, Ja'ri, Beb, Fylycha and the elf and faerie of the well. If you want to avoid relating the well to the Shadow World or the elf/faerie linkage, then you can change Naeroc and Cunas to being lovers, siblings or some other reasonable partnership (and allow the well to work for elves), and make the well's enchantment just be due to mebhaighl and the Land.

Enjoy!

To be completed

Describe the well
Encounter the NPCs
- Learn about the well
- Learn about the NPC's needs
- Learn about the NPC's opinions on other NPCs
- Recruit one NPC to join the party for this adventure

Descend into the well (note the time of day and moon phase)
See the light (or lack of) above
See the recent messages fluttering around
See the direction the messages are heading

See messages flying around "trees", some getting stuck
Encounter: Reveal silent souls if a tree is approached or interacted with
- incorporeal undead like allips or banshee
- probably combat

Encounter: Listen to the no-longer-silent soul that is relevant to an NPC's need
- Temple of Might
- Mirage group
- combat discouraged

Encounter: Maddened people who have previously descended into the well
- one might be Temple of Might
- reveal that no aging or decay in the well but time passes outside of the well
- probable combat

Encounter: Naeroc the Enchanter
- physically in the well
- reveal the origin of the well: "death" of Naeroc, call and connection to Cunas
- hint at the problem of the well (the interference of the Inscriber)
- no combat, very much a reveal and leave

Encounter: Cunas the silent
- reveal that Cunas's voice is gone, only Naeroc can hear them
- can interact with the image of Cunas (body is in Shadow World, spirit is here)
- other means can be obtained to communicate with Cunas
- hint that there are a number of ways to solve the problems, including
-- find the voice
-- "free" Naeroc from the well
-- improve the connection of Cunas to the well so they can control the Seeming

See the message horns being used (subject to light conditions)
See the Inscriber
Reveal how the Inscriber is Connected to the horns and Naeroc
Reveal the location of Naeroc's voice
Encounter: possible combat with Naeroc
- possible destruction of the Inscriber
- possible recovery of Cunas's voice
- possible fusion of Naeroc and Cunas
- possibly leaving NPC as the guardian of the Inscriber or fusion

If the Seeming is destroyed, the well is no longer enchanted.
- well starts flooding
- only 1 or 2 rounds to grab any loot (so move and grab)
- a few more rounds to float up
Otherwise, the party will have to float or climb or teleport up.
- there are no walls to climb up

Reveal the NPCs' responses outside the well, depending on what the outcome was:
- the well is still enchanted
- the well is no longer enchanted
- the Inscriber was taken
- information was learnt from souls or other encounters
- the companion NPC was killed or left as a guardian
- combat is possible
- dialogue is possible
- pickpocketing is possible

There are a number of possible major outcomes in the well. Not all of them can co-exist.

• Destroying the enchantment behind the well
  
• Elf-Faerie fusion
  
• Leaving a guardian of the well
  
• Resolving the hook
  
• Resolving the needs of one NPC (possibly a companion)
  
• Changing nothing
  

No genders or pronouns have not been defined for most NPCs (Beb must be female as all Priestesses of Kriesha are women). You are welcome to define them as you wish. These NPCs are primarily created with D&D 5e (2014) multiclassing in mind, but for other systems you may wish to stick to a single class and give them character, abilities, feats and skills that allow them to have the capabilities of other classes and/or characteristics.

The class levels of these NPCs varies but is generally around 4 or 5, but some are more and some are less. Adjust these as you see fit.

For quick reference, the key NPCs are:

• The warlock's band
  
  • Ja'ri the Seer
    
  • Beb Viyar
    
  • Fylycha
    
  • Ronac 'the Pig' Cukarn
    
  • Kretz
  
  
• Outside the well
  • Cassian Tadholfer
    
  • Ma'li
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage
    
  • Leylan Dior
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light
    
  • Rien Vorto the Eidetic
    
  • Servant of the Blessed Rodent
  
  
• In the well
  • Naeroc the Enchanter
    
  • Cunas the Silent
    
  
  

The warlock's band

• Ja'ri the Seer (Sidhe, Warlock (Cold Rider) 5 or Wizard (Enchantment) 5, LE, Azrai Tainted bloodline)
  Charismatic poet and manager. Ja'ri is a con-artist, great at spruiking their capabilities. They insist they can see a path to greatness, but tend not to elaborate much more about where this plan comes from (or what it is).
  
  The Tainted bloodline of Azrai has not yet made Ja'ri into an awnshegh as no Bloodform blood ability has really started to force any physical changes.
  
  Motivation: Ja'ri has a mentor in the form of its patron or some otherworldy force. This they keep secret and just present themself as a powerful elven wizard. The elf doesn't realise that the patron might be working for the Cold Rider, making Ja'ri a pawn.
  
  Ja'ri is seeking a message from Vasily Chernevik, the High Priest who built up the power of the Temple of Might in Kozlovnyy over three hundred years ago. The mentor claims that Vasily knows how to control the souls of individuals through song. Ja'ri wants to gain that power over people. The mentor wants to use the power to help create avatars of the Cold Rider and maybe eventually allow Azrai to return to Aebrynis in some form. As an elf, Ja'ri doesn't care about Vasily's church - the Vos band is just a way to work out how to get the message or contact Vasily. Without the help of the humans, elves like Ja'ri can't use the well. Ja'ri doesn't know much about the origin of the well, and certainly doesn't know the role of Naeroc and Cunas.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Beb Viyar - Ja'ri is known to have a lower bloodline score than Beb Viyar but needs the bardic priestess to survive long enough to "contact" Vasily. Beb gets the respect from the rest of the band that Ja'ri wants.
    
  • Fylycha - The old half-elf is a problem. They have been around long enough that they once knew some of Vasily's community. This makes it harder for Ja'ri to lie about the history of the temple.
    
  • Ronac 'the Pig' Cukarn - Ja'ri makes good use of the many skills of the Pig, especially their nimble fingers. Ron is dependent on the medicine Ja'ri supplies to deal with their illness, but the elf hasn't been providing much lately.
    
  • Kretz - Good for music and hitting things but little else.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - Seems to be trying to control the well with some device. Ja'ri would give them more attention but for the inventor's protective friend, Ma'li.
    
  • Rien Vorto the Eidetic - Ja'ri doesn't like all of Rien's lights and pizzazz, but wonders if there might be something to rituals and how they connect to the messages. Ja'ri is not sure there is magic involved or whether the gods play a part.
  
  
  
• Beb Viyar (Vos human woman, Bard (Eloquence) 3 & Cleric (Kriesha) 4, CN, Vorynn Minor bloodline)
  Singer and lutist. Beb is the figurehead of the band and tries to give them direction in the name of Kriesha (through the Temple of Might), even if she isn't always great at leading. Sometimes she has to stand up against Ja'ri to make sure the band members are being respected.
  
  Motivation: Beb is seen as the leader by other band members but she hasn't forgotten her ties to the Temple of Might. She wants their music to mean something to the church and Kriesha. She especially loves the Temple's chants and the affect they can have on followers. One song speaks that the faith of a lyricist can be embodied in their songs, such that their music relates to their soul. Temple records say that some old previously unheard chants were left in the well by their writers for specific Vos travellers. Beb wants to try to find these untransmitted messages and possibly gain new "soul music".
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Ja'ri the Seer - Beb thinks Ja'ri is helpful to the band but sometimes is a little narrow-minded. Ja'ri gets them in doors and onto performance spaces and the elf seems to have some interesting ideas about soul music but doesn't understand the ways of Kreisha (or religion in general). This can cause issues sometimes, especially when Ja'ri refuses to accept that there are alternate options to problems.
    
  • Fylycha - The old half-elf is Beb's best friend. While Fyl might not as agile as they used to be, they can always be depended upon. They can also blow a mean horn that gets everyone's attention. At times, Beb wonders if people are coming to listen to Fyl, rather than the band.
    
  • Ronac 'the Pig' Cukarn - The Pig is a bit finicky, their hands always moving, but they have been a wonderful addition to the band. Their dulcimer has added dimensions to the band's music in ways that Beb didn't think possible. Beb hopes that this can be worked into the soul music as well. She wishes that Ron was a bit more presentable when performing.
    
  • Kretz - Kretz is undervalued. They are more than just a drummer. They help the band's sound work, tying it all together. It was Kretz who introduced the Pig to them. Yet Kretz doesn't like to be publicly thanked. This has to change. Kriesha likes to reward those who stand out.
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame - Jalan is quite a sight. They wear their wealth and status dangerously prominantly. It is a pity that they have nothing to show for it. Typical vanity of those who follow Ayairda.
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light - Beb can't understand why Hakim is normally seen with Jalan. They seem to be such opposites. Hakim is Jalan's silent shadow.
  
  
• Rien Vorto the Eidetic - Rien is another who is big on show but Beb can see some benefits for the band and the Temple of Might. It might be worth getting some ideas from Rien over a few flagons some time in the future.
  
  
• Fylycha (Vos half-elf, Bard 2 & Fighter (Champion) 4, NG, unblooded)
  Singer and trumpeter. Fyl is old and great for networking. With one Vos parent, they were accepted into the Vos community over 200 years ago and became a reliable fighter. They are the other lead singer and tends to support Beb when she is arguing with Ja'ri.
  
  Motivation: Fylycha has long been a dominant figure on the Vos battlefield, taking the fight to the opposition, signalling directions to others through their horn and their booming voice. As they grow older though, they have taken to using these skills in a more supportive role in the band. While they don't have a role in the Temple of Might, they have known Beb all their life and are treated like an uncle/aunt. They are willing to help the search for soul music, especially since they have meet some of the people that might have left messages in the well. Fyl hopes that this will help Beb better understand them and their messages. Unfortunately Ja'ri seems to be focussed on possible messages from an even older priest that died before Fyl's time. Fylycha doesn't think this is helpful and that Beb should focus on those people they do know of.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Ja'ri the Seer - Fyl has concerns about whether Ja'ri has their own plans and objectives that haven't been shared. They don't understand the elf's magic (or much about magic in general), but it often seems to rely on strange conversations that Ja'ri has with themself. Fyl doesn't completely trust the elf.
    
  • Beb Viyar - Beb is a great leader for the band. Fyl isn't sure whether the 'soul music' idea will work but the Temple of Might's community will always benefit from learning more from its old priests.
    
  • Ronac 'the Pig' Cukarn - This kid needs to look after themself. Maybe they should spend some time in the wild with Kretz.
    
  • Kretz - Ron's good friend. Understands music really well. Seems to also be more in touch with nature than the elf, but at least Kretz doesn't talk to themself.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - Seems to be some sort of tinkerer, always with tools in their hands and chanting some instructions or something.
    
  • Ma'li - Seems to be very attentive. Commonly seen talking to a young tinker but often notices any disturbance.
    
  • Servant of the Blessed Rodent - A quiet one who doesn't seem to mingle much.
  
  
  
• Ronac 'the Pig' Cukarn (Vos human, Bard 2 & Rogue (Thief) 3, CG, unblooded)
  Singer and dulcimer player. Ron is messy (hence the nickname) but has talented fingers when it comes to playing (and 'finding' things). Unfortunately, Ron hasn't been feeling great for over a year.
  
  Motivation: Ron is sick. Ja'ri has been providing herbal medicines which initially helped but seem to have decreased in their effectiveness. Healers from the temple have been able to work out that it relates to an imbalance in the harmony between their life spirit and their actions that is echoed in their body. Their nimble fingers are making themselves ill because of the guilt. Ron is hoping that Beb's soul music will help the temple get a better understanding of how to remedy this condition.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Ja'ri the Seer - The elf's poultices and herbs don't seem to be working and they keep forgetting to get fresh supplies. The elf seems to be distracted by this well we are going to.
    
  • Beb Viyar - Beb is always trying to be positive. She loved Ron's new solo last week for the cats and courts piece. Ron is rather fond of her. They know that she notices when Ron dresses up for a performance.
    
  • Fylycha - Fyl reminds Ron of their grandparents, always giving advice as if they have seen and experienced everything themselves.
    
  • Kretz - Ron gets along really well with Kretz. As the two youngest in the band, they understand each other better.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - This one looks both dangerous and not all together with it. Ron thinks he must have had a rough time in the past.
    
  • Leylan Dior - Shifty. Tried to sell Ron some potion that they insisted would remove the darkness from their life. Ron wondered if it was going to do that by poisoning them to death.
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame - Ron thinks Jalan looks too wealthy to be a good priest. Perhaps Ron could help teach them a lesson.
    
  
  
  
• Kretz (Vos human, Barbarian 1 & Bard (Valor) 5, CG, unblooded)
  Drummer. The best bard of the lot, but also the one who tends to say little. Where Ja'ri is great with lyrics, Kretz can add great rhythms, beats, harmonies and solos to their music. They sometimes seek breaks from the band as a barbarian, but haven't explained to the others what the motivation for this change is.
  
  Motivation: Kretz is interested in the possibility of music having souls, be they related to the writer or the performer. They have been wondering whether their bardic mastery is engrained in their soul and will also be reflected in their capability at other skills. For this reason, they have been investigating whether their precision and understanding on drums and other percussion instruments can be utilised in barbaric combat practises. They are not sure whether Beb's research into soul music will be helpful, but Kretz is willing to see what comes of it.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Ja'ri the Seer - Kretz feels that Ja'ri pretty much ignores them. While the elf is good for lyrics, they don't seem to appreciate the many dimensions of the music.
    
  • Beb Viyar - Beb is a great performer. She seems to understand the music she plays. Perhaps this is a Kriesha thing.
    
  • Fylycha - The half-elf can be a laugh sometimes. Fyl isn't afraid to stand out when they perform. It is fun to then respond to Fyl on the drums.
    
  • Ronac 'the Pig' Cukarn - It's great that Beb and Fyl let Ron join the band. Their dulcimer works really well against Beb's lute. Ron needs to look after their health better though. Kretz hopes that playing good music will led to good health.
    
  • Ma'li - Kretz is not sure how many weapons this "warrior" has. They all seem to be hidden unless they are startled.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - In contrast, this warrior seems to be regularly fiddling with their knife or their bow. They do not seem settled.
    
  • Leylan Dior - Not sure what why they are at the well. They pay more attention to the people than sending or receiving messages. Perhaps they are just a local.
    
  • Servant of the Blessed Rodent - Very helpful. Willing to give advice to any that ask, but tends not to know much about specific people.
    
  
  

Other NPCs

• Cassian Tadholfer (Anuirean or Brecht human or halfling, Wizard (Evocation) 4 or Artificer (Battlesmith) 4, CG, Brenna Minor bloodline)
  Young and eager, but doesn't think of the consequences of their actions. They aren't local.
  
  Motivation: Cassian wants to use the well to provide long distance communication. They want to make a business of this, but it isn't working. They put a prototype Articulating Inscriber on a rope into the well, but it disappeared. They are trying to contact or find it (or get it working), but they haven't had any luck yet.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • The band - Cassian has heard them playing a few times. It is hard not to hear them with that trumpeter and the drummer. The singer came over to chat once, asking Cassian about how to get the spirits in the well, but Cassian told him the well was dry and his Inscriber only worked with magic. Cassian didn't quite understand what the singer was meaning.
    
  • Ma'li - Ma'li doesn't understand magic or devices, but they have got Cassian some space to work next to the well. Ma'li makes sure no-one interrupts Cassian, not even the mice they hear in the roof at night. Cortu insists that Ma'li is what Cassian needs to finish the project but Cassian is not sure how. At least the company is nice.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - Cortu is sure that the Inscriber will work. They are are very supportive of Cassian's efforts, sometimes a little urgent though. As an investor, they are a little frantic at times, often talking to themselves about some image or mirage they lost sight of in the dark. Cassian offered to help them search for it, but they insisted that the Inscriber would be Cassian's best contribution.
    
  • Leylan Dior - Cassian found it a surprise to see Leylan for the first time in five years. Leylan wasn't very talkative but they were disappointed when Cassian told them that the Inscriber wasn't working yet. They seemed a bit wary of Ma'li.
    
  • Rien Vorto the Eidetic - Cassian saw one of their shows and wished they knew how to get the Inscriber to do that. It would be great. Rien insisted that Cassian needed to have faith in Ruornil, but Cassian thinks it just needs the right spells.
    
  
  
  
• Ma'li or Mawli (Khinasi or Vos human or goblin or dwarf, Fighter (Battle Master) 4/Rogue (Assassin) 3, CN unblooded)
  Efficient killer. "Friend" of Cassian, but being paid by Cortu.
  
  Motivation: Cortu is paying Ma'li to protect Cassian on the pretence that there are others who want access to the new technology, at any cost. Ma'li was also told to tell Cortu if Cassian works out how to stop the well from transmitting.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Kretz - A bit rough around the edges, but seems to have a bit of brain. Ma'li has had a few chats with Kretz in the tavern and likes them. Rather handy with a drumstick but still a beginner with the weapons Ma'li has also seen Kretz practise with. Has some talent and balance though. Just needs to extend the range of methods.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - This kid is sure their ideas will work but Ma'li isn't sure. They can understand the benefits of the writing tool but Cassian makes no effort to develop it in secret. No wonder Cortu had concerns about the security of their investment.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - Cortu pays well, but is not willing to give much else. They seem more interested in Cassian's tool than Cassian. Won't really talk to anyone but themself.
    
  • Leylan Dior - Not sure why they are here. Cassian seems to know them and to a degree trust them, but they just seem to always be in the background.
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame - This priest is what is wrong with society. Their idea of enlightenment should go up in the first, second and third flames.
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light - A little too righteous for Ma'li's liking. Their order may be "quiet" but they shoudln't expect to be ignored when they travel around with a pompous noble.
    
  
  
  
• Cortu of the Mirage (Brecht or Khinasi human, Ranger (Horizon Walker) 5/former Paladin (Cuiraécen, Crown) 5, N, unblooded)
  This swap from Paladin to Ranger is not a multiclass. It is a complete class change. They no longer have any Paladin-specific abilities or features or spells. This may not be standard for your gaming system. If it doesn't work, just ignore that Cortu was ever a paladin.
  Disgraced former paladin who wants the truth of their Mirage group within the White Sword of Khirdai revealed. Great at surviving in harsh environments but not willing to take directions from others any more. Mutters to himself.
  
  Motivation: Cortu is after information about failed Mirage mission into a vanishing Khinasi city in the sands. They ended up in the Shadow World, with some killed, some driven mad and some simply vanishing. Cortu was one of the few who got out but believes the true purpose of the mission was hidden. They no longer trust the temple or the god and now relies on themself, using survival skills and new knowledge of the Shadow World to cope.
  
  Unfortunately there are voices in their head saying to use Cassian to get the truth from the well, but Cortu doesn't trust mages any more so Ma'li is being used as both a spy and messenger. The voices seem to be from the well itself so Cortu hopes that at the very least Cassian can silence or control the endless chatter they hear.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • The band - Noise. The sound. They are too much. Music speaks. Their message. Just a little. Too much.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - Must work. Connection. Pathway. Doorway. Closure. Help. The voice. Needs direction. Protect.
    
  • Ma'li - Asset. Expense. Substitute. Hands on. The pulse. Acquiring the truth. Vision.
    
  • Leylan Dior - Distrust. Falsity. Uncertainty. Truth. History.
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light - Shining blade. Purity surrounded by lies. No guidance. Misled enlightenment. Silence.
    
  
  
  
• Leylan Dior (Anuirean or Brecht human, Cleric (Eloéle) 5, CN, unblooded)
  Ordinary. They just seem like a simple trader who is an acquaintance of Cassian, but also seems to know everyone-else. They seem to be a good listener, whatever your concerns.
  
  Motivation: Leylan is an information broker. They endeavour to find what messages people have received at the well and sell that information others. Leylan likes to be in control of other people's secrets.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Ja'ri the Seer - This elf is clever but Leylan also thinks them to be devious. They are giving instructions but no information.
    
  • Beb Viyar - She says much about her god. She seeks power through others but not all see it as such. Leylan thinks Beb might be a good source of information but they will have to be careful.
    
  • Fylycha - The conscience of these musicians. While they may be old, their mind is sharp. Good to have as a friend.
    
  • Ronac 'the Pig' Cukarn - A mess. They can't look after themself and rely on others to help them. Might need a prod. Has medical needs.
    
  • Kretz - Respected musician, though seems to need guidance and direction with their life. Leylan thinks that perhaps they could also do with some advice.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - Cassian is still a fool. They are chasing a magical fantasy and seem to have others along for the ride. Leylan worries that Cassian will get in too deep one day and not have anyone to rescue them.
    
  • Ma'li - Cassian's protector. Very competant, though not very social. The long tips of their hidden blades will get their mark. Leylan hopes that Cassian doesn't find this out.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - Cortu is a worrier about everything. While they have put money towards Cassian and Ma'li, they don't seem to trust others. Except they seem to be getting information from someone-else, but Leylan is not sure who or how.
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame - This noble can be read like a book. They are so in your face that it is a disgrace. Their flaws and secrets are so obvious that Leylan wonders if it is no more than a show.
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light - They may stand like a beacon for Avani but little is said. Leylan has not learnt much about them and certainly nothing from them. They advise Jalan according to their faith and protect them by their blade, but seem to seek nothing else. Perhaps this devotion to duty is their flaw.
    
  • Rien Vorto the Eidetic - Their shows hide their background as a priest. It is their faith that gives them creativity, not their mind. Unfortunately many are fooled by them. They are selling lies about this well. There is no need for rituals or illuminations. Many have told me of their success without them.
    
  • Servant of the Blessed Rodent - A local faithhealer, though few would notice their presence. Very willing to talk iof approached, happy to joke, friend to everyone. Tends to only talk to creatures if not approached. Not a threat, though much could be learnt from their method. A possible good ally to have.
    
  
  
  
• Jalan from the Third Flame (Khinasi human, Cleric (Laerme) 2/Noble 2, NG, unblooded)
  Vain. Their image is everything and eternal. They want to make sure they are remembered.
  
  Motivation: Jalan is a noble and wants fame and posterity. They hope that the well can help provide that. After all, there are tales of people hearing the voices of celebrities long after they have died. Jalan wants something like that to happen for them. They have heard that there are others who trying get old messages as well and hopes that they can help (and that they aren't rivals).
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • Fylycha - Delightful and quaint. Jalan doesn't see their type much. They are not surprised Fylycha is no more than a musician.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - A creative mind. Jalan sees them as having a narrow mind but if their creation can control the well, then Jalan wants it.
    
  • Ma'li - Darkness, but may bring light. They are little more than thug, but thugs can be used. Cortu seems to trust Ma'li but Jalan doubts that Mal'li is able to help him.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - A soldier who doesn't know their own worth. They could get a lot further if they put their money and resources where it counted. Jalan thinks Cortu worries too much about the past.
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light - Jalan considers Hakim to be their wall, their shield, and maybe a friend. Hakim seeks radiance but not beauty in the world. They have good intent, but Jalan wants Hakim to reward those who shine not just welcome them.
    
  • Rien Vorto the Eidetic - Another entertainer but one who has a mind for business. A possible future investment or tool for Jalan.
    
  • Servant of the Blessed Rodent - Street scum. Like their goddess, the Servant associates too much with negativity. Even their name promotes their lack of ambition. They will never succeed if they don't aim to lead by example.
    
  
  
  
• Hakim of the Quiet Light (Khinasi human, Paladin (Avani, LN, Glory) 3, unblooded)
  Honest warrior. Friend and guardian of Jalan. Focusses more on recognising the positives and glory of others than themself.
  
  Motivation: Hakim is Jalan's bodyguard, advisor and conscience. As such they are there to protect to physically Jalan, but they are also worried that Jalan is heading towards necromancy by dabbling in voices of the dead.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • The band - Hakim thinks their music has a deep beat to it, like the tribal tunes from Aftane. They are concerned though that the band is interested in connecting to souls through their songs. Hakim hopes they are only talking about the souls of their audiences.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - Some mad inventor. Seems to do some magic. No threat but wasting money. Seems focused on tring to send message in the well using their inventions.
    
  • Ma'li - Hakim is not sure of this one. Their stance and readiness is of a warrior, but they have little to show.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - Clearly a warrior, but seems tainted. They have worries. They have uncertainity. They need help. Hakim is not sure what Cortu will do next. They need to be watched.
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame - They have hopes for the well, but no plans. They seem interested in the inventor but won't talk to them.
    
  • Rien Vorto the Eidetic - To Hakim, this entertainer has misused their faith in Ruornil. They do not show the truth. They show nothing but lies, and tell lies to others. They keep things in the dark. Hakim thinks Rien has no warmth in their heart. Rien just sees the visitors here as a source of money.
    
  • Servant of the Blessed Rodent - This Servant is good to many. Nesirie guides them well, though they need more light in their life.
    
  
  
  
• Rien Vorto the Eidetic (Brecht human, Magician (Illusionist) 4/Cleric (Ruornil) 2, NE, unblooded)
  Creative extrovert, but the image they show is everything, not their physical self.
  
  Motivation: Rien wants to put on a good show and wants to include the well in a new project. They need to be able to send messages to the audience on demand but it seems the well doesn't do that. If only Ruornil would provide!
  
  In the meantime, Rien is charging people for a "ritual" to help design visually impressive messages for the well, using charms and illusions to give fake sample transmissions that are more than just a voice.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • The band - Rien sees something in the band - money. They have a reasonable audience already, but Rien can see his show getting them more, if they pay him right. The singer might be the one to approach, provided she shuts up about Kreisha. The elf is a concern though. They might be difficult to convince.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - To Rien, Cassian is a naive target, but he seems to know a bit about magic and seems to be treating the well like it is part of some mechanical system. Wierd. The normal ritual racket might not work on them. Their devices though might help Rien's show, if they work.
    
  • Ma'li - The kid has Ma'li watching over them. Rien thinks that they will never win over Cassian if Ma'li is still around.
    
  • Leylan Dior - Some local. They don't to be interested in the well or Rien's show.
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame - Jalan liked the show but Rien doesn't think they were convinced. However, Jalan did seem to appreciate the effort they put into the effects.
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light - Some bodyguard. Seems to be linked to some temple of Avani.
    
  
  
  
• Servant of the Blessed Rodent (??, Cleric (Nesirie) 2, LG, unblooded)
  Caring. Has simple needs but caters for all, especially once those they love are gone. Has a love for animals and their role in life, especially those whom others don't appreciate. They rarely show their face and tend to hide their hands within the sleeves of their tunic. Some people wonder if they are one of the beasts themself.
  
  Motivation: The Servant is not after anything for themself. They just want to help those who have left the messages and those who need to hear them. They are worried though that the messages aren't working properly. They know that even those who left messages but are now dead would be grateful for this to be fixed, especially if their messages can finally be told.
  
  Opinions of others:
  
  • The band - The bards speak of gaining wisdom in the well, but the Servant fears that they will unsettle the dead. This is not good. The well should allow those who have gone to be silent. They should not listen to the priest of Kriesha who leads them. The Servant is also particularly worried about the elf. They do not fit in. They are after something, but it isn't wisdom.
    
  • Cassian Tadholfer - This youth is dabbling in dangerous things. Applying technology to powerful magic like the well is causing problems. The Servant thinks that Cassian is part of the problem.
    
  • Ma'li - While Ma'li may seem to be helping Cassian, the Servant knows that Cortu is really the one in control. Cassian thinks that Ma'li is there to be dangerous when challenged.
    
  • Cortu of the Mirage - This soldier has many enemies, particularly themself. Their mind isn't completely there. Nesirie could offer guidance and comfort, but the Servant fears that Cortu would not accept it. The warrior is listening to others, but the Servant fears that those voices are not good.
    
  • Leylan Dior - The Servant knows Leylan is but a mask. Leylan shows little of their true self. The Servant is not sure what that is, but knows that Leylan is often at the well but does little.
    
  • Jalan from the Third Flame - This one is arrogant and aloof. A typical noble. They do not care for the community or others. Laerme finds beauty in many things but the Servant doubts that she sees it in much that Jalan says and does.
    
  • Hakim of the Quiet Light - The paladin is of a good heart but the Servant thinks that it is misplaced in helping Jalan. The Servant knows not why Avani would want Hakim in this role. Maybe Avani wants Hakim to be Jalan's conscience. Some insight from Nesirie to Hakim may also help.
    
  • Rien Vorto the Eidetic - Another false face. Rien wishes to deceive all for their own gain. They misuse their faith in Ruornil.
    
  
  

The inhabitants of the well

• Naeroc Draicht or Naeroc the Enchanter (Sidhe Wraith Wizard, Great bloodline?)
  
  
• Cunasgeimh or Cunas the Silent (Seelie Faerie Ghost?, unblooded)
  
  
• Silent soul
  - including former priests of the Temple of Might, Mirage officer, ...
  
  
• Mad seeker