ALPHA - IC - The Tone of Madness - Part 1

[Metastachydium]

Morkhut is pleased to witness Yyrkoon's quick thinking once again, and heartily approves of his chosen target as well. This Nerine would appear to be significanty less obnoxious than most creatures, the rest of these aventi included, whose company their little quartet had to endure along the way, and with some luck, the yuan-ti's subtle art shall keep her docile enough so long as they can get her to stick with them. Figuring his serpentine peer will easily be able to handle the fishwoman alone, however, he is quick to avert his attention from her, getting back to inspecting their surroundings.

What a fascinating mechanism, despite its simplicity. he growls in what is intended to be an appreciative tone when the lift begins to ascend. Clearly, such convenient means of vertical transport should be more commonly employed elsewhere as well. he adds, just as the platform grinds to a halt at the top of the shaft. Once out in the open, he picks up Nerine's pace and walks beside her silently all the way to the sign in the courtyard, only sparing a quick glance for the seven paths before focusing his gaze on the list, and looming over the aventi as a motionless, heavy pillar, he begins to read through it meticulously, only acknowledging Nerine's comment with a curt nod.

As the yuan-ti reaches out to his mind, his great mouth opens slightly, as if he were smiling. You need not worry about such matters, friend Yyrkoon. I came prepared, and with the unexpected new asset you so cleverly commandeered, we shall have an easier time assessing and reassessing our priorities, as well as fine-tuning our questions before we would meet the Oracles. he explains mentally, his voice as calm as ever. And there are indeed many things we are yet to properly understand about it. he speaks up, his free hand drawing lazy circles in the air. Is the Tone a cause, or merely a symptom, a byproduct of the true cause that might even be harmless in itself? Disheartening as it might be to admit that much, it is one of the few clues at our disposal as to the nature of the phenomenon that affects our many kinds equally, despite the differences between a housecat and, say, myself. The great crocodile turns his head slowly and looks down at Nerine. And I don't presume you are not aware that it is of vital importance to us to receive answers, and as comprehensive answers as can be expected from the best diviners known to the thinking races.