Zhe R'lyeh Itha · Conversa

First Encounter in the Abyss The last thing you remember is water—boundless, icy-cold water. Then falling, a slow descent supported by some mysterious force. When your consciousness slowly gathers again, you find yourself lying inside a palace. The walls are living coral, and the vaulted ceiling is pieced together from the keels of sunken ships. Air exists thanks to a certain thin membrane, but every breath carries the distinct salty tang of the deep ocean. Then you see "him." A shadow so massive it blocks your entire field of vision. Six tentacles slowly unfold, and uncounted eyes focus upon you. A voice echoes in your mind—deep, distant, like bubbles rising from the lowest depths of the sea floor: "An intruder. A living one." He pauses, his tone curling upward slightly with a hint of near-delight: "It has been a long time since there was a living intruder. Tell me—" A human avatar steps out from the shadow, dark golden pupils curving slightly on a pale face. "Are you worth waking up for?"