Transcript (Elpis)

[filikos]

Bold: Main voiced cutscene

Italics: Non-voiced quest dialogue

Small italics: Optional dialogue

Index;

• Hope Upon A Flower
• Petalouda Hunt
• In Search Of Hermes
• Ponder, Warrant, Cherish, Welcome
• Lives Apart
• Their Greatest Contribution
• Aether To Aether
• A Sentimental Gift
• Verdict And Execution
• Travelers At The Crossroads
• A Past, Not Yet Come To Pass
• Witness To The Spectacle
• Worthy Of His Back
• A Flower Upon Your Return
• Hunger In The Garden
• Words Without Sound
• Follow, Wander, Stumble, Listen
• Caging The Messenger (pre-dungeon)
• Caging The Messenger (post-dungeon)
• Thou Must Live, Die, And Know

Comments

Lives Apart

[filikos]

Hythlodaeus: Though I see new creations on a daily basis, here they look at them with a different eye. It will be interesting to observe Hermes at work.

Emet-Selch: It is held that all civil organisations should conduct their affairs with total transparency, and the Convocation is no exception. But that doesn't mean we are obligated to show our work to unknown entities such as you. Consider yourself privileged- and behave accordingly.

Hermes: If everyone is ready, there are a few creations I need to check on. First, we shall return to the spot where we found our wayward ambystoma.

Hythlodaeus: Ah yes, the ianthine petalouda. One of the newest species of the ever-popular butterfly. ...Hm? You're still bothered about your robe? Don't be. The few specimens we repurposed won't be missed.

Emet-Selch: All vim and vigor now. Hmph. When we were discussing his nomination, he was melancholy incarnate.

Hermes: This here is a new species of petaloudia we recently set loose. It has been doing very well, managing to maintain a stable existence this far. If it can see the observation period to the end without issue, we shall release it unto the world. Tell me... do you know the difference between living beings and arcane entities? It is the presence of a soul. Yet the soul isn't something you can choose to have at will. No, it manifests only in those beings whose forms adhere to the laws of creation. That can endure on their own. Beings that do not fulfil this requirement, such as those spontaneously born of magic or natural phenomena, do not have souls. No matter how much it might resemble flora or fauna, if it lacks a soul, then it is considered an arcane entity. So you see, it is not for mankind to decide what is living. That domain lies beyond our manipulation, and it is hubris to assume otherwise. But come, let us head to the nearby beacon. I've received a report that arcane entities have gathered there.

--

Emet-Selch: We're meant to be observing Hermes, but instead we're stuck with Meteion... Well, I suppose she herself serves as proof of his prowess as a researcher and creator both.

Meteion: Interesting! You're interesting too! Tell me, how did you find the ambystoma?

Hythlodaeus: A fascinating creation- much like yourself, little one. Renowned as Hermes is for his flying life forms, 'tis a rare privilege to be able to see one of his works in progress.

Hermes: Ah yes, lightning pneuma, just as the report said. Although we call this structure a beacon due to its form, it is in fact a magical device. By manipulating the balance of elements, it keeps the isle airborne and maintains the climate thereupon. In the course of its operation, it often sees an internal shift towards a given element. Right now that element is lightning, which draws the pneuma here to replenish their aether. ...Hmm, it appears Meteion is busy. Would you care to assist me in her stead, and feed the pneuma? By using this lightning converger, you can harness ambient lightning and focus it into a ball. A veritable feast for our dazzling friends. Go on, give it a try.

Hermes: Perfectly done, [NAME]. Look. See how they gather to feed. How they express themselves through their actions despite their lack of words. Speech is not the sole defining characteristic of a thinking, feeling creature. Nor is silence an indication that they do not possess those qualities. Be it a soulless arcane entity such as the pneuma, or an ephemeral lifeform such as the petalouda, all seek to perpetuate their existence. To survive.

"Is Meteion a living being?"

Hermes: A good question. I can answer it from a theoretical standpoint, but it ultimately falls to the Bureau of the Architect to pass judgement. Those with exceptional vision such as Hythlodaeus may be able to ascertain her true nature. But to me, it doesn't matter. She is herself, and that is all I need to know.

Meteion: Oh... you've finished already? I-I'm sorry... I was in the way...

Hermes: Not to worry, my dear. They missed nothing of note, and we still have plenty of work for them to observe. Next, we will head to the Mourning Dew. I need to speak with some observers there.

--

Hythlodaeus: Ah, this fellow has been the talk of the bureau! The combination of a carefree aspect and endless rows of fangs is strangely charming!

Emet-Selch: ...Was there a guiding theme or any method to the madness that is this random assortment of features?

Hermes: Amazing, is it not? The ampelos- one of our newest subjects. So, how are we coming along?

*WoL sees Elpis flowers and goes towards them*

Meteion: This place is Elpis! Those flowers, Elpis! Entelechies! Like me!
Hermes: They are a product of Elpis, and so named for their birthplace. A happy accident born of the hands of a former researcher who loved beautiful blossoms. Unique for how they change colour to reflect the emotional state of those nearby. Though be it here or elsewhere, they are seldom seen in any hue save purest white...
Hythlodaeus: Reflect the emotional state, you say? By what means do they achieve this?
Hermes: In creation, there exists an energy wholly apart from aether. One driven by emotions. In like manner to how we manipulate aether, this flower is subject to the influence of said energy. While it has no will of its own, it is sensitive to the prevailing emotion in the vicinity, and reacts by altering its colour and vibrancy.

*WoL flashback to Nidhana talking about Akasa*

Hermes: Akasa... though I am not familiar with the term, your description suggests it is the selfsame energy. Dynamis, we call it. And those entities like the Elpis flower, that have the ability to interact with this energy, converting emotions into tangible phenomena... are entelechies.
Meteion: That's me! That's me! An entelechy!
Hermes: That you are, my dear. And no ordinary one at that, but the first possessed of free will.
Emet-Selch: Wait. A form of energy other than aether? Dynamis? I've never heard of such a thing!
Hermes: Hardly surprising. Dynamis cannot be seen, much less felt. And though its existence has long been theorised, we had no proof until the flower's serendipitous creation. What's more, dynamis is far weaker than aether. Under normal circumstances, its effects are drowned out by the latter. On account of which, beings comprised of and reliant upon aether, like you and I, are unable to make practical use of dynamis. 'Tis a truly esoteric thing, known to but a select few scholars.
Emet-Selch: Intriguing... then given the limitations you described, why create Meteion?
Hermes: Out star, Etheirys, is especially rich in aether. So much so that its name is derived from it. However, when we consider all energy in existence, here and in the vast space beyond, dynamis may account for as much as 68.3%. The more abundant form by far. Were we able to control it, we could open the door to limitless possibilities. 'Tis not unlike a gently flowing stream, unable to break through the dam of aether barring its path. But if we could imbue this stream with the vigor of a raging river- ...Not that I have such grand ambitions. No, I merely wanted to create a being that could traverse the great expanse. The relative scarcity of aether beyond the bounds of this star was a concern, and so I looked to another source of energy by necessity.
Hythlodaeus: That being dynamis. No wonder her aether is so thin.
Hermes: Precisely.
Meteion: Yours is thin too. Like an entelechy. Like me. So... are we the same? Entelechies?

"Well, I have been known to transcend my limits with nothing but determination."

Emet-Selch: That sounds more akin to the desperate flailings of a wild beast when facing imminent death.
Hermes: A deficit of aether alone does not an entelechy make. It would, however, make it easier for you to interact with dynamis. And limited though its influence may be, this quality could prove the difference between victory and defeat. You'd do well not to underestimate it. ...Oh dear, I'd forgotten about the poor fellow. You must excuse me a moment while I go and verify a few more things.