Kesili awoke refreshed from a deep sleep, the softness of the bed a rare luxury that had cradled her into a peaceful slumber at first. But then she dreamt of a grand banquet, tables laden with sumptuous food, but even more tantalising than the exquisite treats were the vibrant life energies she sensed all around her, pulsating like a feast waiting to be savoured. The craving to consume some of it gnaws at her until she wakes up to a rumbling belly.
Entering the dining hall, she looked around for her companions from the night before, hoping to see familiar faces. She greeted Prince Karsted with a warm smile, thanking him for the splendid hospitality. “Your kindness is truly appreciated, Prince Karsted,” she said and adds with a curtsy , "I'm Kesili", while her eyes subtly scan his attire and demeanour for any clues that might explain the servants' hushed conversation from the previous night (Insight: 6).“I look forward to learning more about Threshwell and its wonders.”
Kesili gains no special insights into the Prince as they meet for breakfast. He seems a typical, thoughtful and gracious host. Certainly he has an air of self-importance about him but he holds it well and has plenty of deference to the group of heroes. He makes easy smalltalk with you all as breakfast is served. Soon enough his mother, Queen Leshia, arrives, along with King Barthus. You all rise respectfully and the Prince helps the two to their seats at the table. The Queen is a small, older, graceful woman who holds her head high, looks you each confidently in the eye, but says little during the engagement. The King, on the other hand, has a roaming gaze, a shuffling gait, a bent back, and the gleam of intelligence has left his eyes. He frequently makes non-sequitor remarks, which the Prince and the Queen largely ignore. The Queen helps him to eat as his hands shake unsteadily.
Hyacinth takes notice of Hauss’ reaction but doesn’t do much about it. They’ve been on the receiving end of suspicion for a long time now, a situation unfortunately out of their control. They’ve learned to just take it in stride. They had nothing to prove to this huffy steward.
The next day, Hyacinth gets ready with a grand view of the Witchwood, feeling a longing to get back out into the wilds again. Seeing what strange stories and fables they could find and take part in beyond this land of princes and palaces. But this story took precedence over others, for now. Plus the folks they met the other night seemed like nice people, it would be a shame to miss out on getting to know them.
Hyacinth comes down in a similar outfit to yesterday, no bathrobe this time, and quickly regroups with the others. “Good mornin’, ladies fair! Who’s ready to see how the royals do breakfast? I hope there’s some eggs Benedict or something.”
When the Prince enters the room and makes himself known, Hyacinth bows. “Hyacinth Hagsbane, pleased to make your most royal acquaintance, your grace!”
Hyacinth tries their best to grab a spot at the middle of the table when breakfast is served. They give the King a smile, feeling a bit of pity in their heart that he’s grown so old, but such is life. The icy reception from the Queen doesn’t quite sit right with Hyacinth but they try and lighten the mood at breakfast.
“I’ve only been in Threshwell a short time, so I haven’t known the royal family for very long. Though I’m grateful for the kind hospitality, your gracelinesses,” They say in response to Trix’s questions.
“So - back where I’m from, when we break bread together, we share stories. Could be anything, adventures, memories, tall tales, fables, anything. Anyone got any good tales to tell? Kesili, Cordimis, Trix?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cordimis leans over to Trix, "I have never met the royal family. I'm not sure, even after this week, I would consider myself friends with them. Maybe allies?"
It's hard to watch the king be so frail. She knows if it were her own father she'd show a bit more concern and care than the prince has done, but perhaps it's different for royalty and the duties they believe are above all else.
She then lightens up at Hyacinth's request for stories, "I have many stories! Growing up, I lived in an Inn that my parents still own, one time there was this dragonborn..." and she will share a debaucherous tale of a customer and repeat a story or two she over heard when patrons were deep in their cups.
Throughout the morning, she searches the back of her mind, trying to recount any personal experiences or stories she had heard to know what's wrong with the king. If there's anything that can be done to ease his transition out of this life, she would like to offer her services. (Medicine check: 6)
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Cordimis Fay - Aasimar Cleric // The Witchwood Finnan Superstes - Tabaxi Monk // Tending the Garden
Cordimis, from what you can glean by breakfasting with the king, but without actually physically examining him except with your eyes, you feel confident that he suffers the old age malady of “dementia”, where memory and mental acuity fade over time, and as far as you know, it’s a progressive and irreversible condition.
Prince Karsted plays a good host, listening to and laughing at your stories. Queen Leshia’s initial frosty attitude also thaws somewhat, and she smiles. King Barthus is not keeping up with the conversation and frequently interjects his own unrelated anecdotes or observations.
In the midst of this, Steward Hauss enters the room, swiftly makes his way to Prince Karsted’s side, and whispers urgently in his ear. The Prince frowns and murmurs back, “I’m sure it’s just some antic for attention, really Hauss, you should know better than to interrupt us, just humor him for a bit…”
But Hauss shakes his head and continues his urgent whispers (he’s a very good whisperer!) and the Prince looks at him sharply. A range of emotions quickly march across the Prince’s face, and then he rises and addresses you,
”Please forgive me, but it appears my son has suddenly fallen ill. Hauss informs me that it is quite serious. I must see to him at once. Please, continue your breakfast and I’ll catch up with you soon.”
He and Hauss turn to go.
Queen Leshia seems like she wants to go, too, concern for her grandson plain on her face, but then duty overtakes her and she stays seated, to remain with you, and with the king.
Hearing of the situation and seeing the conflict in the Queens face, Trix clears her throat, “Not to be rude but maybe we could just finish up breakfast more, you know, informally so our majesties here can take care of their grandson? I mean, family first, right?”
She looks around the table at the other guests for a response.
As Cordimis shared her stories about the inn and the colorful characters she had encountered, Kesili found herself smiling and laughing along with the rest of the table.
When Hyacinth invited tales of adventure, Kesili felt a momentary urge to recount her own daring escapades. But she restrained herself, opting instead to offer a modest explanation. "Most of my work with the city guard is tedious paperwork," she said with a wry smile. "Hardly the stuff of thrilling tales."
Throughout the breakfast, Kesili kept a close watch on the interactions at the table. Prince Karsted's attentiveness, Queen Leshia's gradual thawing, and the King's disjointed remarks painted a vivid picture of the family's dynamic. She noted how Cordimis seemed deeply affected by the King's frailty, clearly thinking of ways she could help, a sentiment Kesili found touching.
As Steward Hauss entered and whispered urgently to the Prince, Kesili's attention sharpened. She observed the Prince's reaction, the fleeting emotions that crossed his face before he addressed them. The news of his son's sudden illness sent a ripple of concern through the room. Kesili watched as the Prince and Hauss quickly exited, leaving Queen Leshia behind, her worry evident despite her attempt to remain composed.
Kesili's mind raced, wondering what could have happened to the Prince's son. She noted Queen Leshia's struggle between duty and maternal instinct, a poignant reminder of the burdens carried by royalty. Kesili remained silent, her eyes following the Prince and Hauss as they left, her curiosity piqued and her thoughts now tinged with concern for the unfolding situation.
She placed a gentle hand on Hyacinth's arm to get their attention. "Hyacinth," she began quietly, her voice steady but filled with a sense of urgency, "do you think we should see if there's anything we can do to help? I mean, with the Prince's son falling ill so suddenly, it seems serious."'If not dubious,' she adds in her mind.
She glanced around the table, catching the eyes of Cordimis and Trix. "What about you two?" she asked, including them in the conversation. "Are you finished here? Should we follow them and offer our assistance? It feels wrong to just sit here while the Prince's family is in distress." 'Or boring, really, when there is something going on out there!'
Kesili hoped her companions would agree, their combined presence might be able to provide support, or at the very least, gather more information about the situation. She waited for their responses, ready to act on their decision.
Hearing Trix mention family first, Cordimis nods in agreement. Family has always meant so much to her. Even if her parents didn't understand her, she knows they would rush to her side in the event she needed them.
Through last night and this breakfast, she is also drawn to the attentive nature of Kesili. She makes Cordimis feel seen in a way that really only the visit from Lethander in a dream made her feel all those years ago: special, not because of what she can do, but just for who she is. Through her god's teachings, she believes in placing more importance in activities that help others than in strict adherence to rules and rituals. At the display of outward concern for another person and the mention of offering assistance, Cordimis is fully on board.
"Leaving the breakfast feast may not be the 'appropriate' thing to do, but it feels like the right thing." What good are her gifts if she can't share them?
-------
If the group agrees, Cordimis will look to the queen, "Your grace, would you like us to accompany you to your grandson's side? Perhaps we can provide aid; I was trained by some of the best healers in a temple dedicated to the Morninglord. His light shines favorably on me, I would like the chance to share that now with your family."Whether the queen goes or not is inconsequential to Cordimis. She is a bit impulsive and will begin to rise from her chair anyways at the end of her statement, mind made up on the matter to seek out the Prince that rushed off.
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Cordimis Fay - Aasimar Cleric // The Witchwood Finnan Superstes - Tabaxi Monk // Tending the Garden
At Cordimis’ pragmatic suggestion, Queen Leshia summons servants that can attend the king, and then she rises from the table and says, “Let’s go.”
She leads you through the corridors of the castle, briefly explaining along the way, “Young Princeling Jessin is Karsted’s only son, and the mother was lost in childbirth. He’s a good kid, I hope he’s alright.”
You quickly arrive at a room on the west side, where she enters without preamble, and beckons you to follow her in. It appears to be Jessin’s room, with the walls painted in mural scenes featuring pleasant woodland animals, with a bookshelf full of brightly-colored books, with a chest of toys that sits open. Jessin, you presume, lays on his bed, with Prince Karsted at his side, and Hauss, and another older man in green and yellow robes.
Jessin is a young lad, only about 10 years old. His eyes are closed and his face is scrunched as if in pain. Prince Karsted gazes down at him worriedly. He glances up at your arrival, but then only nods as though in approval and continues to regard his son. The man in robes has arms outstretched and hovering over Jessin, and is chanting arcane words and prayers, obviously trying to invoke magic. But in a moment his arms flop down and he says in a grave voice, “Yalen forgive us, the spell is not working.”
Prince Karsted says, “Perhaps our heroes can see some way out of this.” He invites you closer and asks Hauss to explain again what happened.
Hauss relates that Jessin was in the care of one of his tutors during breakfast, but he gave her the slip. She soon tracked the lad out of the castle and knew he had gone to the Witchwood. She followed in search of him, and soon found him on the forest floor, writhing and whimpering. She also saw a cloaked woman standing over him, with fierce yellow eyes. That woman said, “This one should have been watched more closely; he should not have come into these woods”. Then the woman turned away and disappeared into the shadows of the forest. The tutor carried Jessin back, and you see him now as he is.
The first thing you all notice, when drawing closer, because everyone’s gaze keeps straying to it unavoidably, is that Jessin’s hands appear to be turning into wood.
Prince Karsted asks you all, “What manner of witchcraft is this, can you tell? And how do we stop it?”
The question catches Hyacinth mid-bacon. They go to answer immediately, but remember where they are and instead cover their mouth and hold up a finger. Once they've swallowed, they will reply, "Er, healin' ain't exactly my specialty, more the opposite, but... suppose it couldn't hurt to take a look."
When Hyacinth and the others arrive and get the full picture, the hag hunter's eyes narrow in suspicion and apprehension at seeing the Prince's son slow transformation into a wooden boy. Some familiar apprehension tingled down their spine. They kneel next to the boy and get a closer look at the hand. "Easy, lad, easy, ye've nothin' to fear from little ole me,"They murmur, trying to soothe the boy. "Ye say he was found with a strange woman standin' over 'im, and it's resistin' magical treatment? No good. This is probably some ancient magic, too dark and foul to be unraveled easily..."
(Hyacinth inspects the hand. Does this look like Hag magic? Not sure what skill I should roll to try and identify.)
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DM | Dragon Heist: Hell of a Summer Jasper Garrai - Aasimar Ranger/Cleric | The Dark Below Hyacinth Hagsbane - Hexblood Ranger |Witchwood Petra Pebblefoot - Svirfneblin Wizard | Tomb of Annihilation
Hyacinth may make a nature or medicine check to determine how his condition may relate to non-magical issues, as well as to physically examine him more closely, and you may also make an arcana check WITH ADVANTAGE (given your background and prior history) regarding the magical nature of his condition. Also, as you get close to the boy and speak reassuring words to him, he does not seem to respond as much as one would hope. His eyes are closed and he frowns and groans a little, as though in pain.
[ Trix, your clever eyes roam the room, and I will have results for you a little later today, as at this moment I am pressed for time, apologies ]
Kesili follows the group into the room, her eyes scanning the murals and the young boy on the bed. As Hauss explains the situation, she listens intently, her expression growing more serious. When she sees Jessin's hand turning into wood, a chill runs down her spine. "We need to speak with the tutor who found him," she suggests, her voice calm but urgent. "And visit the spot where he was found. There must be clues," she adds in what she thinks would be city-guard-style. 'A curse, perhaps? If so, there might be a way to reverse it,' her mind races with possibilities. When, or if, Hyacinth steps closer to the boy and reaches out to inspect him, Kesili offers to assist. (She is proficient in Medicine but has the same modifier.)
Trix, your scrutiny of the child's room yields nothing particulary out of the ordinary. The thing that instinctively draws your attention the most is a drawing table with a few sketches. One rather crude (just the unskilled hand of a 10-year-old) drawing depicts a forest scene, but with a strange leafy plant growing prominently in the forest, colored a vivid purple, and standing nearby is a man who is colored all monochrome brown, with a few green leaves apparently growing out of his head.
Kesili, Hauss agrees to connect you with the tutor and escort you wherever you wish, once you've finished examining Jessin. Prince Karsted also agrees that it is a good idea.
Cordimis looks at the boy and the accomplished healer; if that guy is in over his head, then what does she know? Taking a calming breath, she turns the sunrise ring on her finger to face her palm. She closes her hand tightly around the holy symbol until it makes an impression. Thinking, silently pleading for guidance and hearing nothing in return, she turns her mind back to training. She reflects on Hyacinth's assertion it might be ancient magic and Kesili's offer to look for clues at the scene.
Addressing the group mindlessly, "Often antidotes for poisons are made from the same thing that harmed someone, like anti-venom for a snake bite comes from a snake's venom. This affliction isn't poison or venom, but maybe that's how this ancient magic works? Go to the source, extract a bit, and then make a cure." She chews on her lip before adding, "Or, eliminate the creature that caused this ailment and the Princeling might be released from the magic's grasp and he might be okay..." She pauses a beat before correcting herself with as much confidence as she can muster, "Not 'might' be okay, he will be okay."
She looks to the group for reassurance. She wants to provide hope, but this isn't the same as mending a blacksmith's crushed fingers from his own hammer. Cordimis' furrowed brow and lip chewing betray her, plainly showing her lack of knowledge or experience on the subject.
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Cordimis Fay - Aasimar Cleric // The Witchwood Finnan Superstes - Tabaxi Monk // Tending the Garden
Hyacinth easily recognizes that Jessin is suffering from some kind of curse of transmutation magic from a fey source, which could be from a hag, but not necessarily. They are a little puzzled, however, that it seems to be taking effect so slowly. In their experience, these sorts of transformations are usually more rapid. Only the pinky finger and ring finger of each hand has turned to wood, with the affected area starting to spread up into the palms.
Kesili awoke refreshed from a deep sleep, the softness of the bed a rare luxury that had cradled her into a peaceful slumber at first. But then she dreamt of a grand banquet, tables laden with sumptuous food, but even more tantalising than the exquisite treats were the vibrant life energies she sensed all around her, pulsating like a feast waiting to be savoured. The craving to consume some of it gnaws at her until she wakes up to a rumbling belly.
Entering the dining hall, she looked around for her companions from the night before, hoping to see familiar faces. She greeted Prince Karsted with a warm smile, thanking him for the splendid hospitality. “Your kindness is truly appreciated, Prince Karsted,” she said and adds with a curtsy , "I'm Kesili", while her eyes subtly scan his attire and demeanour for any clues that might explain the servants' hushed conversation from the previous night (Insight: 6). “I look forward to learning more about Threshwell and its wonders.”
|| Myrla - Wood Elf Rogue - After the Fall || Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Trystane - Trollblood Lycanthrope - Vecna || Taiga - Genasi Fighter - Looking for Group || Riyphou - Loxodon Druid - Secrets || Tez - Half Elf Artificer - Looking for Group || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Zelaerys - Halfling/Celestial Divine Soul - NWN || Kesili - Human/Dhampir Monk - Witchwood || Trystane (main/gestalt) - Gestalt Trollblood - DOOM ||
With a pause, Trix continues and addresses the group.
“So how long have you been friends of family?”
Kesili gains no special insights into the Prince as they meet for breakfast. He seems a typical, thoughtful and gracious host. Certainly he has an air of self-importance about him but he holds it well and has plenty of deference to the group of heroes. He makes easy smalltalk with you all as breakfast is served. Soon enough his mother, Queen Leshia, arrives, along with King Barthus. You all rise respectfully and the Prince helps the two to their seats at the table. The Queen is a small, older, graceful woman who holds her head high, looks you each confidently in the eye, but says little during the engagement. The King, on the other hand, has a roaming gaze, a shuffling gait, a bent back, and the gleam of intelligence has left his eyes. He frequently makes non-sequitor remarks, which the Prince and the Queen largely ignore. The Queen helps him to eat as his hands shake unsteadily.
Hyacinth takes notice of Hauss’ reaction but doesn’t do much about it. They’ve been on the receiving end of suspicion for a long time now, a situation unfortunately out of their control. They’ve learned to just take it in stride. They had nothing to prove to this huffy steward.
The next day, Hyacinth gets ready with a grand view of the Witchwood, feeling a longing to get back out into the wilds again. Seeing what strange stories and fables they could find and take part in beyond this land of princes and palaces. But this story took precedence over others, for now. Plus the folks they met the other night seemed like nice people, it would be a shame to miss out on getting to know them.
Hyacinth comes down in a similar outfit to yesterday, no bathrobe this time, and quickly regroups with the others. “Good mornin’, ladies fair! Who’s ready to see how the royals do breakfast? I hope there’s some eggs Benedict or something.”
When the Prince enters the room and makes himself known, Hyacinth bows. “Hyacinth Hagsbane, pleased to make your most royal acquaintance, your grace!”
Hyacinth tries their best to grab a spot at the middle of the table when breakfast is served. They give the King a smile, feeling a bit of pity in their heart that he’s grown so old, but such is life. The icy reception from the Queen doesn’t quite sit right with Hyacinth but they try and lighten the mood at breakfast.
“I’ve only been in Threshwell a short time, so I haven’t known the royal family for very long. Though I’m grateful for the kind hospitality, your gracelinesses,” They say in response to Trix’s questions.
“So - back where I’m from, when we break bread together, we share stories. Could be anything, adventures, memories, tall tales, fables, anything. Anyone got any good tales to tell? Kesili, Cordimis, Trix?”
DM | Dragon Heist: Hell of a Summer
Jasper Garrai - Aasimar Ranger/Cleric | The Dark Below
Hyacinth Hagsbane - Hexblood Ranger | Witchwood
Petra Pebblefoot - Svirfneblin Wizard | Tomb of Annihilation
Cordimis leans over to Trix, "I have never met the royal family. I'm not sure, even after this week, I would consider myself friends with them. Maybe allies?"
It's hard to watch the king be so frail. She knows if it were her own father she'd show a bit more concern and care than the prince has done, but perhaps it's different for royalty and the duties they believe are above all else.
She then lightens up at Hyacinth's request for stories, "I have many stories! Growing up, I lived in an Inn that my parents still own, one time there was this dragonborn..." and she will share a debaucherous tale of a customer and repeat a story or two she over heard when patrons were deep in their cups.
Throughout the morning, she searches the back of her mind, trying to recount any personal experiences or stories she had heard to know what's wrong with the king. If there's anything that can be done to ease his transition out of this life, she would like to offer her services. (Medicine check: 6)
Cordimis Fay - Aasimar Cleric // The Witchwood
Finnan Superstes - Tabaxi Monk // Tending the Garden
Cordimis, from what you can glean by breakfasting with the king, but without actually physically examining him except with your eyes, you feel confident that he suffers the old age malady of “dementia”, where memory and mental acuity fade over time, and as far as you know, it’s a progressive and irreversible condition.
Prince Karsted plays a good host, listening to and laughing at your stories. Queen Leshia’s initial frosty attitude also thaws somewhat, and she smiles. King Barthus is not keeping up with the conversation and frequently interjects his own unrelated anecdotes or observations.
In the midst of this, Steward Hauss enters the room, swiftly makes his way to Prince Karsted’s side, and whispers urgently in his ear. The Prince frowns and murmurs back, “I’m sure it’s just some antic for attention, really Hauss, you should know better than to interrupt us, just humor him for a bit…”
But Hauss shakes his head and continues his urgent whispers (he’s a very good whisperer!) and the Prince looks at him sharply. A range of emotions quickly march across the Prince’s face, and then he rises and addresses you,
”Please forgive me, but it appears my son has suddenly fallen ill. Hauss informs me that it is quite serious. I must see to him at once. Please, continue your breakfast and I’ll catch up with you soon.”
He and Hauss turn to go.
Queen Leshia seems like she wants to go, too, concern for her grandson plain on her face, but then duty overtakes her and she stays seated, to remain with you, and with the king.
Hearing of the situation and seeing the conflict in the Queens face, Trix clears her throat, “Not to be rude but maybe we could just finish up breakfast more, you know, informally so our majesties here can take care of their grandson? I mean, family first, right?”
She looks around the table at the other guests for a response.
As Cordimis shared her stories about the inn and the colorful characters she had encountered, Kesili found herself smiling and laughing along with the rest of the table.
When Hyacinth invited tales of adventure, Kesili felt a momentary urge to recount her own daring escapades. But she restrained herself, opting instead to offer a modest explanation. "Most of my work with the city guard is tedious paperwork," she said with a wry smile. "Hardly the stuff of thrilling tales."
Throughout the breakfast, Kesili kept a close watch on the interactions at the table. Prince Karsted's attentiveness, Queen Leshia's gradual thawing, and the King's disjointed remarks painted a vivid picture of the family's dynamic. She noted how Cordimis seemed deeply affected by the King's frailty, clearly thinking of ways she could help, a sentiment Kesili found touching.
As Steward Hauss entered and whispered urgently to the Prince, Kesili's attention sharpened. She observed the Prince's reaction, the fleeting emotions that crossed his face before he addressed them. The news of his son's sudden illness sent a ripple of concern through the room. Kesili watched as the Prince and Hauss quickly exited, leaving Queen Leshia behind, her worry evident despite her attempt to remain composed.
Kesili's mind raced, wondering what could have happened to the Prince's son. She noted Queen Leshia's struggle between duty and maternal instinct, a poignant reminder of the burdens carried by royalty. Kesili remained silent, her eyes following the Prince and Hauss as they left, her curiosity piqued and her thoughts now tinged with concern for the unfolding situation.
She placed a gentle hand on Hyacinth's arm to get their attention. "Hyacinth," she began quietly, her voice steady but filled with a sense of urgency, "do you think we should see if there's anything we can do to help? I mean, with the Prince's son falling ill so suddenly, it seems serious." 'If not dubious,' she adds in her mind.
She glanced around the table, catching the eyes of Cordimis and Trix. "What about you two?" she asked, including them in the conversation. "Are you finished here? Should we follow them and offer our assistance? It feels wrong to just sit here while the Prince's family is in distress." 'Or boring, really, when there is something going on out there!'
Kesili hoped her companions would agree, their combined presence might be able to provide support, or at the very least, gather more information about the situation. She waited for their responses, ready to act on their decision.
|| Myrla - Wood Elf Rogue - After the Fall || Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Trystane - Trollblood Lycanthrope - Vecna || Taiga - Genasi Fighter - Looking for Group || Riyphou - Loxodon Druid - Secrets || Tez - Half Elf Artificer - Looking for Group || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Zelaerys - Halfling/Celestial Divine Soul - NWN || Kesili - Human/Dhampir Monk - Witchwood || Trystane (main/gestalt) - Gestalt Trollblood - DOOM ||
Hearing Trix mention family first, Cordimis nods in agreement. Family has always meant so much to her. Even if her parents didn't understand her, she knows they would rush to her side in the event she needed them.
Through last night and this breakfast, she is also drawn to the attentive nature of Kesili. She makes Cordimis feel seen in a way that really only the visit from Lethander in a dream made her feel all those years ago: special, not because of what she can do, but just for who she is. Through her god's teachings, she believes in placing more importance in activities that help others than in strict adherence to rules and rituals. At the display of outward concern for another person and the mention of offering assistance, Cordimis is fully on board.
"Leaving the breakfast feast may not be the 'appropriate' thing to do, but it feels like the right thing." What good are her gifts if she can't share them?
-------
If the group agrees, Cordimis will look to the queen, "Your grace, would you like us to accompany you to your grandson's side? Perhaps we can provide aid; I was trained by some of the best healers in a temple dedicated to the Morninglord. His light shines favorably on me, I would like the chance to share that now with your family." Whether the queen goes or not is inconsequential to Cordimis. She is a bit impulsive and will begin to rise from her chair anyways at the end of her statement, mind made up on the matter to seek out the Prince that rushed off.
Cordimis Fay - Aasimar Cleric // The Witchwood
Finnan Superstes - Tabaxi Monk // Tending the Garden
At Cordimis’ pragmatic suggestion, Queen Leshia summons servants that can attend the king, and then she rises from the table and says, “Let’s go.”
She leads you through the corridors of the castle, briefly explaining along the way, “Young Princeling Jessin is Karsted’s only son, and the mother was lost in childbirth. He’s a good kid, I hope he’s alright.”
You quickly arrive at a room on the west side, where she enters without preamble, and beckons you to follow her in. It appears to be Jessin’s room, with the walls painted in mural scenes featuring pleasant woodland animals, with a bookshelf full of brightly-colored books, with a chest of toys that sits open. Jessin, you presume, lays on his bed, with Prince Karsted at his side, and Hauss, and another older man in green and yellow robes.
Jessin is a young lad, only about 10 years old. His eyes are closed and his face is scrunched as if in pain. Prince Karsted gazes down at him worriedly. He glances up at your arrival, but then only nods as though in approval and continues to regard his son. The man in robes has arms outstretched and hovering over Jessin, and is chanting arcane words and prayers, obviously trying to invoke magic. But in a moment his arms flop down and he says in a grave voice, “Yalen forgive us, the spell is not working.”
Prince Karsted says, “Perhaps our heroes can see some way out of this.” He invites you closer and asks Hauss to explain again what happened.
Hauss relates that Jessin was in the care of one of his tutors during breakfast, but he gave her the slip. She soon tracked the lad out of the castle and knew he had gone to the Witchwood. She followed in search of him, and soon found him on the forest floor, writhing and whimpering. She also saw a cloaked woman standing over him, with fierce yellow eyes. That woman said, “This one should have been watched more closely; he should not have come into these woods”. Then the woman turned away and disappeared into the shadows of the forest. The tutor carried Jessin back, and you see him now as he is.
The first thing you all notice, when drawing closer, because everyone’s gaze keeps straying to it unavoidably, is that Jessin’s hands appear to be turning into wood.
Prince Karsted asks you all, “What manner of witchcraft is this, can you tell? And how do we stop it?”
Trix steps back to give the others more room. As she does, she examines the room for anything that may seem out of place.
investigation: 20
The question catches Hyacinth mid-bacon. They go to answer immediately, but remember where they are and instead cover their mouth and hold up a finger. Once they've swallowed, they will reply, "Er, healin' ain't exactly my specialty, more the opposite, but... suppose it couldn't hurt to take a look."
When Hyacinth and the others arrive and get the full picture, the hag hunter's eyes narrow in suspicion and apprehension at seeing the Prince's son slow transformation into a wooden boy. Some familiar apprehension tingled down their spine. They kneel next to the boy and get a closer look at the hand. "Easy, lad, easy, ye've nothin' to fear from little ole me," They murmur, trying to soothe the boy. "Ye say he was found with a strange woman standin' over 'im, and it's resistin' magical treatment? No good. This is probably some ancient magic, too dark and foul to be unraveled easily..."
(Hyacinth inspects the hand. Does this look like Hag magic? Not sure what skill I should roll to try and identify.)
DM | Dragon Heist: Hell of a Summer
Jasper Garrai - Aasimar Ranger/Cleric | The Dark Below
Hyacinth Hagsbane - Hexblood Ranger | Witchwood
Petra Pebblefoot - Svirfneblin Wizard | Tomb of Annihilation
Hyacinth may make a nature or medicine check to determine how his condition may relate to non-magical issues, as well as to physically examine him more closely, and you may also make an arcana check WITH ADVANTAGE (given your background and prior history) regarding the magical nature of his condition. Also, as you get close to the boy and speak reassuring words to him, he does not seem to respond as much as one would hope. His eyes are closed and he frowns and groans a little, as though in pain.
[ Trix, your clever eyes roam the room, and I will have results for you a little later today, as at this moment I am pressed for time, apologies ]
Kesili follows the group into the room, her eyes scanning the murals and the young boy on the bed. As Hauss explains the situation, she listens intently, her expression growing more serious. When she sees Jessin's hand turning into wood, a chill runs down her spine. "We need to speak with the tutor who found him," she suggests, her voice calm but urgent. "And visit the spot where he was found. There must be clues," she adds in what she thinks would be city-guard-style. 'A curse, perhaps? If so, there might be a way to reverse it,' her mind races with possibilities. When, or if, Hyacinth steps closer to the boy and reaches out to inspect him, Kesili offers to assist. (She is proficient in Medicine but has the same modifier.)
|| Myrla - Wood Elf Rogue - After the Fall || Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Trystane - Trollblood Lycanthrope - Vecna || Taiga - Genasi Fighter - Looking for Group || Riyphou - Loxodon Druid - Secrets || Tez - Half Elf Artificer - Looking for Group || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Zelaerys - Halfling/Celestial Divine Soul - NWN || Kesili - Human/Dhampir Monk - Witchwood || Trystane (main/gestalt) - Gestalt Trollblood - DOOM ||
Trix, your scrutiny of the child's room yields nothing particulary out of the ordinary. The thing that instinctively draws your attention the most is a drawing table with a few sketches. One rather crude (just the unskilled hand of a 10-year-old) drawing depicts a forest scene, but with a strange leafy plant growing prominently in the forest, colored a vivid purple, and standing nearby is a man who is colored all monochrome brown, with a few green leaves apparently growing out of his head.
Kesili, Hauss agrees to connect you with the tutor and escort you wherever you wish, once you've finished examining Jessin. Prince Karsted also agrees that it is a good idea.
Cordimis looks at the boy and the accomplished healer; if that guy is in over his head, then what does she know? Taking a calming breath, she turns the sunrise ring on her finger to face her palm. She closes her hand tightly around the holy symbol until it makes an impression. Thinking, silently pleading for guidance and hearing nothing in return, she turns her mind back to training. She reflects on Hyacinth's assertion it might be ancient magic and Kesili's offer to look for clues at the scene.
Addressing the group mindlessly, "Often antidotes for poisons are made from the same thing that harmed someone, like anti-venom for a snake bite comes from a snake's venom. This affliction isn't poison or venom, but maybe that's how this ancient magic works? Go to the source, extract a bit, and then make a cure." She chews on her lip before adding, "Or, eliminate the creature that caused this ailment and the Princeling might be released from the magic's grasp and he might be okay..." She pauses a beat before correcting herself with as much confidence as she can muster, "Not 'might' be okay, he will be okay."
She looks to the group for reassurance. She wants to provide hope, but this isn't the same as mending a blacksmith's crushed fingers from his own hammer. Cordimis' furrowed brow and lip chewing betray her, plainly showing her lack of knowledge or experience on the subject.
Cordimis Fay - Aasimar Cleric // The Witchwood
Finnan Superstes - Tabaxi Monk // Tending the Garden
(17 on both Arcana and Nature, present in the game log)
DM | Dragon Heist: Hell of a Summer
Jasper Garrai - Aasimar Ranger/Cleric | The Dark Below
Hyacinth Hagsbane - Hexblood Ranger | Witchwood
Petra Pebblefoot - Svirfneblin Wizard | Tomb of Annihilation
Hyacinth easily recognizes that Jessin is suffering from some kind of curse of transmutation magic from a fey source, which could be from a hag, but not necessarily. They are a little puzzled, however, that it seems to be taking effect so slowly. In their experience, these sorts of transformations are usually more rapid. Only the pinky finger and ring finger of each hand has turned to wood, with the affected area starting to spread up into the palms.
Hyacinth is also certain that there is no natural, non-magical, disease or other ailment that would cause this.