Under Kynes's stasis, the Hooded Figure strains against the spell and lifts a small, worn locket. It matches the carved seal in the pedestal's bright seam.
Mara
Look at it. I did not come here to betray anyone. I came back for this, and for the truth behind it.
Mara
My hands shake, but the locket is mine. They have twisted everything else.
Bren's grip eases a fraction. Her stern look softens as the locket and seal line up, and the room's red glow throws their cast shadows across the floor sigil.
Bren
Kynes, that matches. They are not lying about the locket.
Nezznar glares through the stasis, furious and unable to move. The Hooded Figure keeps the locket raised, pleading into the silence for a chance to explain who they are and why the seal answers them.
Kynes
The locket is the key to this.
✓ Quest Accepted
Claim the locket
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn who the Hooded Figure is
“I increase my grip on everyone I have a hold of. " Who are you and tell me why I shouldn't snap every neck in here." I turn to Nezznar. " Except you old friend. Your death will be awaken lloth herself."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Kynes tightens the stasis again, and the chamber goes utterly still. Even the red light seems to hold its breath over the pedestal seam.
Kynes
Who are you? Tell me why I should not snap every neck in here.
The Hooded Figure swallows hard, the locket trembling above the bright seam. Their eyes flick to Bren, then back to Kynes, as if choosing each word hurts.
Mara
I am not here to die for Nezznar. I came back for what was taken from me, and for the truth buried under this seal.
Bren shifts closer, blade lowered, her stare moving between the locket and the pedestal mark. The match is exact, and her suspicion begins to give way to caution.
Kynes
Except you, old friend. Your death will awaken Lolth herself.
Nezznar's glare sharpens into naked fury, but the stasis keeps him locked in place. Beneath the locket, the carved seam answers with a faint click, and a hidden ring of silver script shows through the glow.
Mara
Then let me say it plainly. That locket is mine, and the seal knows my blood. If I speak my name, will you let me finish the story?
“I try to sense the magic between the locket and the pedestal”
SUCCESS (Legendary Arcana, rolled -2)
Kynes lets the spell-thread stretch between the locket and the pedestal seam, feeling for its shape instead of its force.
Kynes
The locket is keyed to the seal. The magic is older than the room.
A thin silver current answers his senses, running from the locket into the carved ring beneath the red glow.
The Hooded Figure jolts as if touched, their grip tightening around the charm. Bren stills beside Kynes, watching the reaction with sharp focus.
Mara
It is a blood-lock, not a trap. The seal opens only for the line that made it.
The silver script resolves in Kynes's sight, nested with a name, old and carefully hidden, while Nezznar strains helplessly against the stasis.
Mara
I am Mara of the old house. If you want the truth, let me speak before he breaks the spell.
Quest Complete
Learn who the Hooded Figure is
New Gift: Hooded Figure's Insight