Aen Elle | Dossier

The Unseen Elder

"I am permanent, written into Law. I cannot be reduced. I cannot be scattered. I cannot be killed. Bind me, chain me, and muzzle me, but you cannot keep me. You cannot break me. I am the Hashan'Gaarhl, the Eternal Shadow, the Legacy of Jakka, and the Keeper of Gàidh. One day, one week, one year, one eternity, it matters not. Keep me contained, Aen Elle, for time to me is insignificant."

- The Unseen Elder, translated, in his singular communication to Aen Elle interrogators.

SPECIAL OBSERVATION UNIT 27

WITCHER SCHOOL OF THE VIPER | SPHERE OF THE FALLEN

FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY | BY DIRECT ORDER OF VIPER COMMANDER IVAR

REPORT TYPE: MILITARY/POLITICAL

URGENCY: HIGH

AUTHOR: SPECIALIST KOLGRIM

BRIEF OVERVIEW: By direct orders of the Lords of the Aen Elle, observation of the Sphere of the Fallen has continued fulfilling the mission as directed. This Observation Unit has continued to become successfully enmeshed in the socio-political climate of this sphere, by seamlessly integrating into it culturally, militarily, and politically.

This is as we continue to act as the forward unit for all operations within this sphere, as we document it's continued and sustained collapse, while serving as an emergency containment unit if necessary.

Attached to this report is a comprehensive overview of the current political situation on the primary world our operations have taken place on. The focus of this report will center on what has been referred to as the "Continent", the central landmass of the world which contains the primary political and military powers. To directly highlight the purpose of this report, historical background will be limited to a few subsections.

NOTABLE SPHERE CHARACTERISTICS: The Sphere has been identified as a Level 5 Sphere on the stabilization scale, meaning that it is at risk of dimensional unraveling and subsequent collapse. It is unconfirmed what originally caused this degree of dimensional deterioration, and the primary working theory is that the Conjunction of the Spheres was the instigating event, and the deterioration has steadily proceeded since.

The inhabitants of the Sphere are unaware of this progression and risk. The weakened Laws of the Sphere have seeped into the world and inhabitants, and subsequently allowed certain inhabitants to manipulate the dimensional fatigue of the Sphere in ways that go beyond what is normally possible in a Sphere that has a manipulable energy or psionic field. A significant number of the abilities individuals are capable of in this Sphere are impossible to replicate in any other Sphere.

However, it is believed that continued usage of tapping into the Fatigue – aptly called the "Source" by local users – accelerate this process, and have been known to create areas in the world which are believed to be dangerous, unstable, or "haunted". Until recently, it was believed that no individuals were aware of the concept of dimensional fatigue, let alone the danger it posed.

This assessment has recently changed.

BRIEF HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Interstellar exploration of this Sphere has found it to be nearly devoid of evolved life, with the exception of a singular world that is located near the core of its home galaxy. This planet contains a multitude of humanoid sapient species, a number of which are confirmed to be off-shoots of a singular ancestor, with others that are not.

It is unconfirmed if any of the existing sapient species originally evolved here, as a significant portion of this Sphere's life forms are invasive species that arrived in this Sphere through an unprecedented event known as the Conjunction of Spheres which saw the aligning of multiple Spheres of reality to converge on this one.

To this day it is unknown how this was triggered, or if it was natural at all. It is confirmed that at least several major species, particularly the Aen Seidhe and Humans, are not originally from the Sphere. The Aen Seidhe were the first to arrive, and quickly became the dominant power on the world.

Over the course of multiple centuries, the ruling Aen Seidhe collapsed following a conflict that has little documentation or details on, which led to the rise and dominance of Humans over the continent. As a result, they have become the dominant military and political powers of the planet, with all other racial powers isolated, displaced, enslaved, or wiped out.

THE CONTINENT – THE EAST: For the past century, the central political conflict has been within the East of the Continent, between the Northern Kingdoms – a collection of absolute monarchies that exist in a pseudo-state of peace and political tension, and the Nilfgaardian Empire, a highly expansionist and period-advanced constitutional monarchy that has made it a political objective to exercise control over the fertile northern part of the Continent.

The Empire of Nilfgaard exercises influence over several autonomous states that serve as staging grounds or buffers between the two powers. The most prominent include Duchy of Toussaint, a monarchy that contains a mixture of exiles and political rivals of the Northern Kingdoms, and Dol Blathanna, the isolationist Elven state and last political remnant of the Aen Seidhe. Both can be considered proxies of the Nilfgaardian Empire, though their influence is exercised rarely.

THE CONTINENT – THE WEST: The final major power on the Continent is the Zerrikanian Empire, a reclusive power that rules over the areas throughout the west of the Continent, separated from the East by mountains and deserts. It is this region which has been identified as suffering the most from Dimensional Collapse affecting the Sphere.

While both Nilfgaard and the Northern Kingdoms have perceived Zerrikania's isolation as political, the primary reason is that Zerrikania is embroiled in multiple political crises while also attempting to stabilize their rapidly mutating territory and wildlife.

Aen Elle operatives are working to covertly assist in their stabilization. Please see attached reports from CONTAINMENT FIELD TEAM 15 for additional details on this ongoing operation.

BEYOND THE CONTINENT: There are several minor powers that exist beyond the Continent, of particular note is the Skellige Isles, a collection of large and small islands which are dominated by a collection of clans. They are relatively isolationist, and often devolve into infighting, usually due to internal clan politics and incidents of significant political strife, such as the death or assassination of a Jarl, the recognized ruler of the Isles.

The small continent of Ofir is also significant, as it is a region which is currently undergoing its own period of internal strife as a result of internal ethnic tensions boiling over. They have historically had little contact with the rest of the world, and we have limited insight into their activities.

CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION – THE EAST: There have been significant political developments on the Eastern Continent in the past five years. The first was the overthrow of the Nilfgaardian Emperor, by the previous usurped Emperor, EMHYR VAR EMREIS. It was estimated that this would reduce Nilfgaardian military readiness for at least one decade, following the successful removal of the previous emperor.

This did not happen. Nilfgaardian assassins failed to neutralize former Imperator RALVERN VAR SORA who fled the Nilfgaardian capital, prompting Emperor Var Emreis to designate him as the USURPER. Since this event, the Usurper has been primarily involved waging a mixture of a political and insurgent campaign in and outside of Nilfgaard ,with the purpose of eventually reclaiming his title and control over the Nilfgaardian Empire.

To this end, he has formed an alliance with RADOVID V, known primarily by his title as the "Witcher King of Redania." He is one of the most powerful monarchs of the Northern Kingdoms, and one who exercises significant influence over the Witcher Schools due to his own status as a Witcher. While powerful, Redania is weaker than most believe due to its poor treatment of Source wielders, most of whom are heavily monitored, enslaved, or killed.

Radovid possessed a strained relationship with the other Northern Kingdoms, and within the past five years, has been preparing for a full-scale conquest of the region, with the ultimate aim of establishing the Redanian Empire, with several small proxy and puppet states, creating a regional power equivalent to Nilfgaard.

It is known that he has made an agreement with the Usurper to return him to power in exchange for assisting him in his conquest of the Northern Kingdoms, as well as manipulating the Witcher Schools against Emhyr's Nilfgaard and the other Northern Kingdoms. Redania has been engaged in this war against the Northern Kingdoms for a significant amount of time, and has expressed concerns that Nilfgaard will act against them and initiate a two-front war. The Usurper agreed to address this concern.

To this end, the Usurper has been working in DOL BLATHANNA and the DUCHY OF TOUSSAINT to foment resistance with the mission of occupying Nilfgaard's attention while Redania pacifies the Northern Kingdoms. It was originally unclear how this was expected to be accomplished, and it was known that the Usurper was engaged with the Duchess of Toussaint to pledge fealty and recognize his title in exchange for unknown concessions.

These negotiations appear to have failed, and he has instead instigated an internal conflict within the Duchy that we were unprepared for, which has led to the production of this report.

EMERGENCE OF SIGNIFICANT PARACAUSAL ENTITY: The region of Toussaint is home of a reclusive species referred to as "Vampires", which are commonly associated with bloodsucking monsters. This is not an accurate depiction, as the species in question is better described as a species of humanoid shapeshifters who have blended into Toussaint society, to varying degrees of success.

We are uncertain as to what they refer to their species as, as no thorough research has been conducted, but they primarily alter their appearances to blend into Toussaint high society, though rarely seek to influence policy except when it threatens their interests. They maintain control over the Witcher School of the Bat, which acts as their proxy to the Witcher Schools and others who are aware of their existence. Until recently, it was not believed they had political ambitions.

After negotiations with the Duchess failed, the Usurper approached them, offering official recognition within his Nilfgaardian Empire, and control over their own autonomous territory, which they would gain by deposing the existing monarchy. This was purportedly accepted, and as of two weeks ago, Toussaint is currently in a state of conflict between the ruling Humans, and the so-called "Higher Vampires" – the latter covertly supported by the Usurper and the Kingdom of Redania.

We have as a result of this observed the emergence of the leader of this species, and investigation has revealed that their leader is a LEVEL-5 Paracausal Entity which we have not previously encountered in this Sphere. It is unknown what his capabilities are, but he has been observed wiping out a tenth of the standing Toussaint Army that was sent to the Hen Gàidh, a sacred place for them. Toussaint was utterly shaken by this, and agents in Nilfgaard are reporting that Nilfgaard is considering a full-scale invasion to bring it under control.

Should this entity be permitted to continue operating, it will almost certainly accelerate the collapse of this Sphere. It is RECOMMENDED that a Containment Team be dispatched immediately with support from Lord Eredin's Riders, equipped with reality anchors to capture this entity. While it risks discovery by the elements of the Sphere, doing so under the guise of the WILD HUNT protocol will likely assuage inhabitant fears.

This is a HIGH PRIORITY report. It is requested that this be responded to as soon as possible.

Journal Entry of the Usurper, Ralvern Var Sora, Prior to the Invasion of Toussaint

Vatt'ghern were created to slay the monsters of the world, and yet ironically, in recent years I have found myself communicating with such monsters rather than slaying them outright. Still I remember that even when I only held the medallion, my tasks were suited towards the sustainment of the Empire. The culling of monsters was a duty of the soldiers as well as the School of the Golden Sun.

How things change.

I have come close to death many times since my retreat, but such instances of life and death remained solely within my control. My own decisions, triumphs, and mistakes were within my control. I would live or die based solely upon my wit and skill, befitting the true Emperor of Nilfgaard.

In a sense, that remains the case.

These Higher Vampires are an odd people. Not monsters like the degenerate cursed forms that roam the world, but more of a separate, singular species and culture. Whatever these people are, they are not monsters, and there is little reason why the Vampires of Toussaint deserve lesser treatment than the Elves of the Valley of Flowers or the Dwarves of Mahakam.

Let it not be said vatt'ghern cannot learn something new.

Especially if one seeks allies.

The Duchess' refusal to communicate, and her fear of Emhyr proved too great to overcome. Unsurprising, in retrospect. For I am after all the one who was first outwitted and cast out. Radovid was correct in his assessment. The strong do not consider the words of the weak, and especially not those of the defeated.

It matters not the argument, the tactic, or the motive – fear will dominate the outcome.

The Duchess' support would have been invaluable, but Toussaint cannot be allowed to become a front in the coming conflict. The Toussaint nobility would not listen, but the Vampires would, and so I went to them. For creatures of such power, they are surprisingly reluctant to involve themselves in the affairs of mortals. Respectable in a way, but each has their price – although it was apparent that many are eager to intervene, but only under the commands of their leader. A being they simply called the Unseen Elder.

Vampires fear nothing, but when they spoke the name, there was a clear and present wariness and apprehension on their face. I have never heard of such a creature, though the School of the Golden Sun had speculated as to who the potential leader of the Vampires could be. How could one individual hold such sway over this small, but immensely powerful group of individuals?

They would not intervene without his explicit support. Thus, I proposed I would convince him myself.

They laughed at that. They stated it was suicide, that doing so was tantamount to death. Perhaps I should have listened to them, but I insisted all the same – and they agreed. Radovid would be furious, no doubt, but he not need learn the details. His is a Northern mind, unkempt and small - the Vampires are simple monsters to him, and the details are unimportant.

Another reason why this is necessary. Radovid's military brilliance is undercut by his destructive actions towards the minorities of his lands. Distasteful, but such men are a means to an end.

The Vampires sent me to a place they called the Hen Gàidh, a simple cave upon first glance. Inside they told me they would find him. I descended into the cave, one which seemed unnaturally bright to my sharp eyes. It soon became apparent that this was a place of magic, or something deeper.

There were things inside that I have no explanations for. I saw voids of stars within, I saw the air shimmer and move, sometimes giving me glimpses into other places. Parts of the cave were covered in snow, others in sand. I saw water flowing upwards, and trees growing and reducing in size before my eyes.

Throughout it all, my medallion would not cease vibrating, and I had never felt the Source so close to me. Had I attempted, I believed that I would have been able to replicate the awesome powers of mages with my mere Signs should I have attempted it. I did not, of course, because I believed such would be too dangerous.

I entered into a small clearing, one with high ceilings and walls. This part of the cave seemed to have been carved out, and there was nothing within it. Yet this was without a doubt where the Source was the strongest. The Vampires had said this was where I would meet the Unseen Elder – and he would kill me, or let me speak.

I withdrew the gift they had given me, which was to be presented to him. I do not know what it was or what it meant, but it was to be offered with a single phrase, keeping your head bowed low. I did this. I felt a rush of air, and when I opened my eyes, my hand was empty, and the Unseen Elder stood before me.

My body instinctively reacted in a way that was distinctly unnatural. My blood seemed to boil in my body, turning it hot. It was as if I was about to overdose on potions. I felt lethargic, slow, my mutations useless as I seemed to be reduced to simply that of a regular Human. The world itself seemed to warp in his presence.

The entity that stood opposite me was not what I expected. The Vampires are a cultured people, one that would not be difficult to discern from the high society of the Toussaint nobility they infiltrate. The Unseen Elder seemed to eschew such tendencies. He wore a simple cloth around his waist that descended to his feet, a well-tailored cloth, but a simple one all the same.

All he wore above it was a necklace with a large ring that rested upon his chest. His body was tattooed with ritual markings, ones that I had no explanation or understanding of. Or perhaps they were ritual scars. I did not get close enough to see them. His skin was a chalk white, on the verge between unhealthy and alien.

No hair could be seen, and his limbs and body were altogether unnatural. Unlike the Vampires, the Unseen Elder had not conformed his body to the standards of Humans. He presumably had no desire or need to do so. The eyes had no pupils or irises, but were black pits, as if staring into the void. True darkness is discomforting.

He asked me why I had come. The voice was grating, cracked, and old, as if it had not been spoken to for a long, long time. I explained the situation, and that I requested their assistance in dealing with the Duchess. Naturally, the Unseen Elder had little care for power or the political ramifications. There was only one thing that he could possibly care about.

The Vampires had warned me to keep my sentences short and curt. I did not waste time, because I knew what would convince him. I gave the offer.

The Unseen Elder considered it for a long moment. Long enough that I wondered if I had miscalculated. Then he met my eyes and said one sentence "My permission is granted."

Then he vanished before my eyes. I did not spend any time wondering further, and I left. To say the Vampires were surprised that I returned alive was an understatement. They were not surprised when I said that he had agreed. This was interesting, for I was expecting them to demand proof, so I asked.

All they said was that if the answer had been no, I never would have returned. A logical explanation.

Now the hardest part is done. Tonight I will sleep, and pray I do not dream of the eyes of the void. Tomorrow will begin the end of the Duchess, and the fall of Toussaint to the rightful Emperor.

BLACK SANCTUM

PARACAUSAL RESEARCH CORPS | SPHERE OF CONTAINMENT

REPORT 0092

CLASSIFICATION: Level 5

SUBJECT: "Hashan'Gaarhl" [Unknown if name or title] | "The Unseen Elder" [Official title]

SPHERE OF ORIGIN: Sphere of the Fallen

QUARANTINE: Yes

PHYSICAL OVERVIEW

APPEARANCE: The Unseen Elder presents himself as a largely-humanoid figure with unnaturally pale white skin, frail stature, and simple clothing. Physiological scans do not detect traditional genetic manipulation, but return atypical results for the expected body type. The eyes are pupilless, and the body lacks hair of any sort. Scans have further revealed that the body is covered in scars we believe to be ritualistic in purpose, though we lack context as to the possible meaning.

SPECIES: Note: Due to there being little to no research on this identified species, this will serve as a baseline overview based on updated information. Future reports will not have this level of detail.

Interrogations and interviews of other members of the same species have resulted in the acquisition of a name they refer to themselves as, which we had previously been ignorant of. They refer to themselves as Yahrnas ohr Gàidh, which roughly translates to "Changelings of [the?] Gàidh". They have insisted that the name is not translatable to our language. There is discussion if it is "Masters of [the?] Gàidh" but this has not been confirmed.

We believe Gàidh is either the world or galaxy they originated from. We originally believed it meant the place where the Unseen Elder has become secluded in, but this context implies that Gàidh is not even within the Sphere of the Fallen. We have no current information on this location or Sphere.

Nonetheless, the Yahrnas, as will be referred to for the duration of this document, are an extremely atypical and dangerous species that would normally be classified as changelings or shapeshifters, which retain a base humanoid form. Yahrnas are capable of significantly altering their physiology to alter facial appearances, grow talons, grow wings, multiply and decrease muscle mass, or regrow limbs almost instantly.

We have not encountered a single species that has this kind of morphic and regenerative capabilities. Further analysis, on other Yahrnas, along with the Unseen Elder, has clarified the nature of this shapeshifting capability – that the entire species is paracausal. The shapeshifting capabilities demonstrated are not physically based, but are the result of an intrinsic capability to alter the causality of the Sphere they inhabit.

In effect, the Yahrnas are capable of forcing themselves to adopt or shed various physical features by breaking the established causal limits. We are unclear how they do this, but a clear link has been established by performing experiments in different Spheres, some of which possess stronger causality. In Spheres that have weaker causal rules or high Dimensional Fatigue, they are far more effective in being able to shapeshift, whereas in more stable Spheres, they can still perform it, but it is significantly more difficult. Reality anchors are capable of 'locking' the current form of the Yahrnas, and they have not been shown to break it.

More concerningly, Yahrnas have demonstrated a capability to be nearly unkillable. We believe they utilize this intrinsic capability to, for lack of a better word, 'write' themselves into the standard causality, making themselves a Law where they cannot be removed. Their culture has very specific rites around death and punishment, and while it is confirmed that Yahrnas can die, thus far they have only died at the hands of one of their own.

We are working to establish the methods this ritual is carried out, and the limits of their immortality.

In legends and folklore, they are referred to as 'Vampires', creatures that hunt down others and drink their blood. We have confirmed that blood is an important element of their culture, used in specific ceremonial rites, the Yahrnas have not shown a tendency to actively pursue this in favor of remaining isolated.

What is notable is that there are several other species that have genetic similarities to the Yahrnas which do perform this action. We believe these to either be offshoots, or devolutions of the Yahrnas baseline, but are unclear if these are natural, or were artificially created. What we do know is that these creatures are able to be commanded and controlled by the Yahrnas, implying that their origins are deeply tied together.

While the Unseen Elder is objectively a Yahrnas, there is evidence that he is unlike any other one. No one who is ordinary could command such awe or instill such fear over this species.

AGE: Unknown [Estimated thousands of standard years]

ASSESSED CAPABILITIES

Assessments and field reports have been difficult to parse and appropriately determine the accuracy of, especially since many of them came from native sources, the majority of whom lack strong objective and scientific bases. This report will primarily focus on what has been confirmed, along with logical extrapolations based upon the capabilities of the species.

We believe that the Unseen Elder has mastered the 'localized' capability of the Yahrnas, which enables complete and total physical transmutation. We do not know the limits of this, but reports from the Red Riders during the capture, along with video/audio footage from the operation, show rapid growth, near-immediate regeneration, bodily hardening, limb and wing growth, size growth, and other major physiological changes. This was only mitigated by the usage of the White Frost and emergency Reality Anchors.

There were significant indications that the Unseen Elder is capable of expanding this paracausal capability beyond himself, as from the research recovered by the Containment Teams indicates that he was trying to discover a way to weaken or break the causal laws that governed the Sphere, for the purposes of returning to his Sphere of origin.

This research was incomplete, but he demonstrated a basic understanding of reality-alteration at its most basic level, performing simple acts, such as slowing the passage of time, geomorphism, imperfect erasure of hostile targets, gravity manipulation, and primitive energy manipulation. He is one of the few entities that have the potential to grow to a Level-8 threat, but fortunately his understanding of his potential remained limited.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE

Difficult to ascertain.

Even among his own kind, the Unseen Elder was regarded with fear and respect in equal measure. We believe that he is significantly older than the majority of his species he was found with, and repeatedly noted to be a recluse that did not interact with the outside world, and where approaching him for any reason was treated as both a dangerous event, and one done only when absolutely necessary.

From our intervention and seizing his materials within his lab, we believe that this was primarily due to him being driven to research dimensional law and manipulation, in a place that was heavily destabilized. The Sphere of the Fallen lends itself extremely well to these kinds of experiments due to its weaker laws and continued dimensional deterioration.

He was classified as a 'leader' of the Yahrnas, but this was out of respect or tradition, as he did almost no actual administration or leading. We are uncertain if the term has a different meaning for their species, and are attempting to find an answer to this to gain greater context on what his position and role was within it.

Nearly everything we have points to the ultimate goal of the Unseen Elder being to return to his sphere of origin. He and the other Yahrnas arrived against their will, almost certainly during the Conjunction of the Spheres, and have almost never ventured beyond the area they arrived in, due to it being a region of dimensional fatigue.

Commentary from several of the Yahrnas have speculated that the reason the Unseen Elder refused to leave was because of a belief that the gateway would open again, allowing them to return home. This has weak support based on what we know, and it is far more likely that the reasons he remained was because it was most useful for his research.

Very little of this we have learned from the Unseen Elder himself. Outside of his initial comment, he has steadfastly refused to communicate. He is resistant to any kind of coercion or interrogation, and we are hesitant to move him beyond the Black Sanctum even with Reality Anchors due to an incomplete assessment of his capabilities. Psionics would be useful, but we are uncertain how his species interacts with them, or could distort them due to their fundamental control. Usage of psionics would necessitate the deactivation of Reality Anchors, which cannot be permitted.

He appears to be content with indefinite detention and experimentation, and we lack a complete psychological picture of this species to determine if this indicates something deeper or can be undermined in a reliable way. For now he is assessed as psychologically stable and requires constant monitoring and documenting to mitigate any risk.

RECOMMENDATION

The protocol for paracausal entities is on a case by case basis. In normal circumstances the danger posed by the Unseen Elder would necessitate immediate termination. However we are currently recommending against this for two reasons:

The first is that this is our first true investigation into this species, and we have an obligation to learn as much as possible about them to protect our own sphere as well as others. The second is because we are uncertain that execution would be permanent. Due to the Yahrnas being capable of avoiding conventional death, there are strong concerns that execution would, for lack of a better term, 'free' him and return him to the Sphere of the Fallen.

We are uncertain if this is an actual risk, but we cannot rule it out, and right now he remains fully under our control and there are no indications that he could escape, and if he did, he would be unable to threaten our Sphere or return to his own. For these reasons, we are recommending against termination of the Unseen Elder. This will be reassessed in one year.

We are also recommending that a dedicated detachment be sent to the Sphere of the Fallen to observe the Yahrnas and ensure that they do not follow in the Unseen Elder's footsteps, intentionally or otherwise (Potentially under another Witcher School). One of their kind learning their potential is bad enough – a species is intolerable.

Further recommendations on the Yahrnas will be collected in a separate document.