Piccolo joins Drain and Uriel, for some reason, not looking particularly concerned about the giantesses' comments. In fact, she seems almost cheery as she moves around the castle, exploring the various strange rooms.

Although she appears to be perhaps 6 years of age, it is clear that she may be older than this. Her strange mixed race, her movements, some of her skills seem to demonstrate a level of expertise, which is clearly not represented by her tiny disheveled appearance. And her eyes, her eyes show a level of intelligence and almost a fey-like magical quality, she is indeed captivating.

Uriel:

Assessing the intentions of the hags, Uriel buys time by replying, “I do not know this man, but it would seem a shame to lose him to the maelstrom below without giving him a chance to make his case for continued life.  I cannot give life to one who is lost, so I try to refrain from taking life unless absolutely necessary.”

”I am Uriel.  Do any of you speak on behalf of the Queen?” he asks.

Insight on the hags:  21

<from the balcony overlooking the court kf storms, the distance to the frozen knight, equal to the minimum amount of rope required is 30ft.  Of note: the height of attachment is less than 30ft above the storms, so if he is unfrozen, the knight will srill fall in, but I guess it's better than nothing>

"Speak for the witch queen?  She, the consort of Demons, mother of the Godling, Iuz the Evil, exiled ruler of the Perrenland?  Hardly!" streaks the woman with the painted face.

"'Twas we, trapped Iggwilv in time to save Prismeer from her tyranny and debauchery," hisses the greenish woman with the bulging wayward eyes, who you now notice has two smaller but otherwise identical ladies by her side. "For centuries that demented archmage peered into the Abyss, studied it intently to learn how to summon and control demons, and used them to ravage kingdoms on the Material Plane."

"I knew we had to take action for the fate of our sisterhood.  I have foreseen the dissolution of our union." insists the gaunt woman.

"Why have you thus far kept this to yourself, Endelyn?" Scolds the woman with the key in her back

The gaunt woman replies, "Sister Nightshade, you know the witch queen's dragon yet lurks in this castle. We cannot hope to best it, but... perhaps if these brave petitioners focus their efforts on slaying the jabberwock, Prismeer may be free of her tyranny for good," answers Endelyn.

Sister Nightshade considers this, then offers, "Time will tell. Can you rid us of her pet? In exchange for this service we can teach you to use the power of Iggwilv’s Cauldron, which it guards. It holds immeasurable power."

The three women sway and chant in unison, reciting the lore of the cauldron:

"The iron cauldron can feed many a mouth and heal from any wound. It can scry across the planes and enchant your flying brooms.  It summons swarms that fly in the black smoke summoned by the golden pot, send to sleep the gathered court or hold them fast from rot. Turn them all to toads or snails or even little fish. You'll see and hear true sound and sight, or unleash the truth within yourself, if that be your wish."

As you carefully observe the women, something about their demeanor doesn't sit right with you. Despite their attempts to appear kind and harmless, you notice subtle inconsistencies in their behavior. Their smiles don't quite reach their eyes, and there is an underlying tension in their movements. You sense a strong malevolent aura around them, suggesting their true nature is far from the benevolent image they're trying to project

(Is Piccolo, Drain and Uriel part of this conversation, or are they still distant?)

Uriel:

Uriel is headed that direction after tying off the suspended knight.  He listens with increasing unease as the hags speak, sensing their scheming plans and animosity towards the queen to hide something far darker.

As he finishes tying off the knight, Uriel says to the others, “I don’t know much about the fey Queen other than she is purported to grant wishes, perhaps through the power of this cauldron.  From these hags, though, I sense evil intent.  Let us not be manipulated by them.”

Drain:

"Indeed, if one even judges by appearance they would seem...not friendly.  The real questions is what now.  Most appear frozen in time except for these three and the hungry horror downstairs."

Piccolo moves closer to the three witches, Then she plays her instrument. She appears very sweet and innocent as she looks directly at the three witches, her audience.

Anyone who can hear her notes and is within 60 feet (a visual image develops of her, asking the three witches with her tune: (a picture of a box with things hidden inside...."What are you not telling us?)
Persuasion: (33)

Quote from shimshon123 >>

(Is Piccolo, Drain and Uriel part of this conversation, or are they still distant?)

 Not even on the same floor. They're upstairs. You're down.

But yeah, they told you everything. 

"They're unwilling to bargain, I think." Says Sister Nightshade. "Did yoi foresee this, Endelyn?" asks the greenish hag.

"Indeed, Lorna. I have foreseen not only this moment but the next as well. Nothing surprises me. Each of us gets to play the lead in our own tragedy. I can’t change it, but I will do everything in my power to forestall it." Endelyn replies.

You may not have the sense to take your leave, little sister," Sister Nightshade says, "but with age comes Wisdom, and in my experience it's best to get while the getting is good."  At this, she mounts the wooden rocking horse and takes off into the air. As she flies above the court of storms , Lorna and her two small copies hop upon the large lily pad which crawls the the edge of the room.and flings itself out of the hole.in the tower wall, following behind Sister Nightshade.  As the near the castle walls, they cast plane shift  and vanish.

"All is as I have foreseen." the veiled woman comments, remaining within the damaged tower.

You folks up top want to see what's in the main tower or head back to the spot where the giant lady waits for cake or keep exploring upstairs? 

(Finish exploring upstairs?)

You've only seen thr top of one spiral staircase and the outside of the main tower. 'Finish' confuses me a bit. But okay.

Without crossing the court of storms, you csn access the hallway with doors to the left and right.

Piccolo creeps to the left door, opening it carefully after looking for traps. (Perception 24)

4 (there are four doors) 

This wing of the palace is reserved for Zybilna’s guests, including envoys from other archfey and petitioners from the Material Plane.

Each room holds a four-poster bed, a wardrobe containing outfits that magically tailor themselves to their wearers, and a dressing table. A bell pull mounted on the wall by the door enables guests to summon servants from their quarters

White Room. A handsome young male human in a white nightshirt sleeps in the bed.