- They notice that the sound of footsteps fades.
- Internal arguments become uncomfortable to continue.
- Wounds do not hurt less, but they hurt differently.
🎲 Accidental Encounter — The Queen Who Does Not Interrupt
Encounter Type: Social / Environmental Recommended Party Level: Any (not scalable through combat) Expected Outcome: Shift in party tone, not immediate XP
📍 Opening Scene
The party enters an area that was not on the map.
Not because it is secret. But because no one thought to mark it.
It is a warm place. Gentle steam. Pale stone. The air smells… good. There are no enemies. There is no tension.
Roll Perception (low DC):
At the far end, sitting at the edge of the water, there is a winged figure.
She is not watching. She is not waiting.
She is resting.
🪽 Appearance of Ophanimon
Five pairs of wings, some metallic, others organic. Blue-and-gold armor, heavy… but partially set aside. Helmet resting on the ground. Hair loose.
She does not stand when she sees them.
That alone is unusual.
🕊️ The Greeting (this is key)
When the party stops, she lifts her gaze and smiles faintly.
Not like a queen. Not like a judge.
She says, in a clear but calm voice:
“Hello. You are not lost. You simply arrived earlier than you thought.”
She does not ask who they are. She does not ask for weapons. She does not react to defensive stances.
For the duration of the encounter: no one can lie comfortably no one feels urgency to impress impulsive decisions feel out of place
There are no Charisma checks against her. Because she is not negotiating.