Ourothein

Ourothein is a Great Old One tied to the primordial seas and the concept of inevitability through erosion—of will, of land, and of spirit. It views existence as a ceaseless tide that wears down all resistance over time, leaving nothing untouched by its grasp. Ourothein embodies the paradox of water: life-giving yet merciless, cleansing yet corrupting, adaptable yet inexorable.

This entity thrives in the endless depths of the ocean, where even light cannot penetrate, and its influence reaches outward in spiraling tendrils of thought and power. Though it dwells far below the waves, its reach extends to coastlines, rivers, and even deserts, wherever water has left its mark or once reigned supreme.

Ourothein’s form is fluid and unknowable, often glimpsed as a massive, shifting silhouette of kelp-like tendrils and chitinous limbs spiraling into an unfathomable core. Its "eyes," glowing orbs of deep green and gold, seem to multiply or disappear depending on the observer’s angle. Mortals report seeing it as both an immense singular form and a swarm of smaller entities, reflecting its boundless and fractal nature.

When Ourothein’s influence manifests, it brings the oppressive pressure of deep water, the taste of salt, and the faint echo of waves crashing in the distance—even in landlocked regions.

A Doctrine of Decline

Ourothein embodies the principle of erosion through exchange: nothing is granted freely, and every deal leaves the recipient more indebted. It views bargains as a test of will—how much autonomy a mortal will sacrifice for power. Those who resist its temptations earn its begrudging respect but are never fully free of its influence.

Its overarching goal is total submersion of all existence, not necessarily in water, but in its will and influence. Just as the sea reshapes the land, Ourothein seeks to erode mortal individuality, bending all creatures to its tide. It does not demand total submission immediately; rather, it lets its warlocks "drift," subtly steering them until they are wholly subsumed by its will.

Ourothein’s gifts reflect its domain over the sea and its creatures, granting mortals powers that blur the line between land and water. However, its boons always come with costs that ripple outward, influencing the warlock’s fate, body, and even the world around them.

Warlocks bound to Ourothein are marked by aquatic mutations (e.g., webbed hands, translucent skin, glowing eyes) that worsen as they accept more gifts. Their familiars are often sea creatures altered for terrestrial life—fish that float through the air, crabs that move with eerie fluidity, or jellyfish that shimmer and pulse without water.

Sample Boons

• Tidecaller’s Surge: Allows the warlock to summon a burst of water or tendrils of seaweed that crush and ensnare enemies. Repeated use deepens their connection to Ourothein, driving them to use their powers more often.
• Abyssal Mantle: The warlock can breathe underwater, swim at incredible speeds, and withstand immense pressure, but they develop an aversion to fire and light.
• Companion Gifts: Familiars granted by Ourothein are not only uncanny but fiercely intelligent. While this makes them more useful, it also allows them to better act as agents Ourothein's its will.

Consequences of Bargains

• Erosion of Free Will: Each boon subtly shifts the warlock’s thoughts, making them more aligned with Ourothein’s goals.
• Personal Isolation: Loved ones may begin to distrust or fear the warlock as they grow more alien.
• Unavoidable Fate: Ourothein’s bargains often create prophetic ripples, entangling the warlock in events beyond their understanding.

Relationship with Laurence

Laurence has twice accepted major boons from Ourothein, granting him incredible power but anchoring him further to the entity’s will. Each time, the bargain left him more isolated and subtly warped by the Tidebound Sovereign’s influence.

Example 1: In exchange for saving a doomed village, Laurence accepted the Tidecaller’s Surge (Eldritch Blast), gaining control over blasts of water to smash his enemies but forever altering his body (e.g., faint bioluminescence in his right eye).

Example 2: To gain knowledge about Riftwinter Incident, Laurence allowed Ourothein to plant a fragment of its mind within him, giving the warlock flashes of insight but also moments where his will feels overridden.

Laurence struggles with how much of his soul is still his own. Ourothein subtly manipulates him, pushing him toward situations where his choices seem to align with its goals. Laurence justifies his actions as necessary sacrifices, though he knows the price will only grow steeper.

Laurence’s familiar, Thing, is a land-bound octopus. Thing is unnervingly intelligent and occasionally whispers Ourothein’s will directly to Laurence. Its presence reminds him of the pact he cannot escape.

Evolving Influence on Laurence

As the party uncovers more about Ourothein’s plans, Laurence might face moments where his autonomy is tested, such as being forced to act against his friends or lead them toward traps in exchange for his own survival.

Ourothein could always grant Laurence one more boon, but at the cost of something irreplaceable—his humanity, his free will, or his companions’ trust.