As she waits for Hyacinth to continue leading the group eastward, she shares a brief anecdote to lighten the mood. "You know, this reminds me of a tale my grandmother used to tell. In our village, there was an ancient oak that was said to hold the spirit of a guardian. People would leave offerings at its base, hoping for protection on their journeys. They say the tree would guide those who showed it respect. Perhaps, in a way, our green lady was a guardian too, though her methods were... different."
With a reassuring smile, Kesili continues, "Let's respect the forest and its secrets, and perhaps it will guide us to the witch. Stay alert, and stay together." She glances at Cordimis, Hyacinth, and Trix, drawing strength from their presence as they move forward.
Hyacinth took a moment to meditate after the battle - for all their skill with fighting, they never quite enjoyed cutting down anyone that wasn't obviously an evil-doer, even if it was in self defense. Who was that fey? What were they doing? Why put the old man to sleep? And how long had he been like that? Seems they would never know now. This forest grows more inhospitable by the moment. Hyacinth has a somber look to their face while they meditate - almost pained. But after a moment, a smile returns to their face and they hop up to their feet.
"Well, that's all well and good. Happy that we were at least able to free Mr. Thorne from his torpor. Now, we ready to move along, darlings? Then follow me!"
It isn’t too much further before you spot a large signpost stuck in the ground. Painted onto the sign in a clear script are the words:
Warning, evil witch hath claimed these lands
Return whence ye came, or risk a cursing most foul
Beyond the sign you can see a divergence in the terrain of the forest. The line of crowned kings has ended. Now ahead to the left (northerly) is a horrid bog, with trees withered and dying, and the ground is obscured by pools of stagnant water covered in green film. The waft of a sour stench reaches your noses.
To the right (southerly) is a clearing with meadow flowers, with butterflies flashing their wings in unobstructed afternoon sunlight, with a gentle downslope leading to more forest.
Cordimis light heartedly chuckles and offers, "Flip a coin to decide which way to go?" She knows which way they need to go, but is trying to swallow the dread rising in her throat. This is beyond any quest she's done before. The young cleric holds onto her faith with a vice grip, believing Lathander wouldn't send her anywhere she wasn't capable of surviving... right?
Kesili listens to her companions and then speaks up. "Hyacinth, thanks for leading us," she begins. Looking at the sign, she adds, "Evil witches don't usually leave warnings if you ask me. I'd say that's a good sign - no pun intended."
She studies the bog and the meadow. "Trix, the flowers do seem like a trap, I absolutely agree. The bog feels like the right path. If I were a witch not wanting visitors as the signpost suggests, I'd hide beyond something unpleasant."
Stowing her bow, she steps closer to the group. "We need to stay alert and look out for each other. We've come this far together; we can handle whatever comes next. Let's press on through the bog is my vote."
(Added detail as I manage to get some time at the computer. I'm travelling for ten days and I might do this more often, that is writing a quick response with the mobile and if there hasn't been any new post when I get to a computer, I might upgrade the quick post.)
"Should we rest for a moment before going into the bog and whatever might await us there? All this traveling has me a little hungry, I could use a little time off my feet. After that, I'll be ready to go." Cordimis indicates the last of the trees as a good place to sit against their trunks and take a Short Rest.
Sitting and pulling out her water skin, Cordimis takes a big sip. After an hour of collecting herself and lightly conversing with her companions, she's ready to enter the swamp. She'll cast Guidance on Hyacinth when they begin to lead the group again.
“Ya know, you’re right - witches typically don’t leave warnings. This may not actually be helpful, but… gimme a moment to meditate. Focus. Feel the world around me. Maybe I can find out the way to go now that we’re deeper in the wood.”
Hyacinth sits down criss-cross applesauce and closes their eyes, deepens their breathing. They meditate on the nature of the prey they hunt, that sinister fey presence that makes their stolen green hairs stand on-end. They don’t like to do it - intentionally put a pit in their stomach, let a sharpened nail slither down their back. But if it’s to help put an end to a curse, a little discomfort isn’t too much a burden.
(Primeval Awareness: Hyacinth is focusing on discovering if there are any Fey within a 1 mile radius.)
Hyacinth can detect the faintest impression of fey presence in the direction of the bog.
As you brace yourselves to enter the bog, perhaps studying the best way to enter and avoid the worst of the slimy puddles, you may make investigation checks.
Nothing can deter you, apparently, so gingerly you approach and try to choose the driest path forward. It it soon becomes clear that the whole thing is an illusion. No slosh of putrid water wets your boots, no sticky spiderweb clings to your face, as you advance. The image of the bog lessens and appears to your eyes as a faded image overlying the real forest, which is as ordinary as ever.
Emboldened, you press on and soon find ahead, nestled next to a small thicket of trees, a quaint little cottage. One storey, maybe 20x20 feet, quite small. The door is shut, but the windows are open. A small wisp of smoke rises from its chimney.
Kesili approaches the cottage cautiously, her senses alert. She signals for the group to halt a few paces from the door and whispers, "Let's be careful. This could still be a trap." She takes a moment to listen for any sounds coming from inside, then gestures for Cordimis to stand by with guidance and for Trix to be ready with her bow. She motions for Hyacinth to stay close and lend a hand if needed.
After ensuring everyone is in position, Kesili steps forward and gently knocks on the door. She calls out, "Hello? We mean no harm. We seek the lady of the forest who can lift a curse from a young prince." She waits, poised to react to whatever response might come from within, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement or danger.
Cordimis stands behind Kesili with a hand on her shoulder, ready to cast Guidance once the witch comes to the door to talk. (IF the witch comes to the door)
The knock goes unanswered and you hear no stirrings within the cottage. But after only a few moments, you do hear a voice say softly, "Please lower your weapons. I mean you no harm."
The voice came to the side, not from within the cottage. But no one is there.
Kesili smirks and sheathes her longbow, though she knows her entire body is essentially a weapon. She calls out in a calm, clear voice, "We mean no harm either. We only came to talk." She glances at her companions and signals for them to assume non-threatening poses. "Who do we have the pleasure of speaking to?" she asks, her eyes scanning the area where the voice had come from.
Cordimis is ready to continue moving and puts her hand out for someone else to lead the way.
Rori // Phandelver
As she waits for Hyacinth to continue leading the group eastward, she shares a brief anecdote to lighten the mood. "You know, this reminds me of a tale my grandmother used to tell. In our village, there was an ancient oak that was said to hold the spirit of a guardian. People would leave offerings at its base, hoping for protection on their journeys. They say the tree would guide those who showed it respect. Perhaps, in a way, our green lady was a guardian too, though her methods were... different."
With a reassuring smile, Kesili continues, "Let's respect the forest and its secrets, and perhaps it will guide us to the witch. Stay alert, and stay together." She glances at Cordimis, Hyacinth, and Trix, drawing strength from their presence as they move forward.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Hyacinth took a moment to meditate after the battle - for all their skill with fighting, they never quite enjoyed cutting down anyone that wasn't obviously an evil-doer, even if it was in self defense. Who was that fey? What were they doing? Why put the old man to sleep? And how long had he been like that? Seems they would never know now. This forest grows more inhospitable by the moment. Hyacinth has a somber look to their face while they meditate - almost pained. But after a moment, a smile returns to their face and they hop up to their feet.
"Well, that's all well and good. Happy that we were at least able to free Mr. Thorne from his torpor. Now, we ready to move along, darlings? Then follow me!"
(22 Survival)
It isn’t too much further before you spot a large signpost stuck in the ground. Painted onto the sign in a clear script are the words:
Warning, evil witch hath claimed these lands
Return whence ye came, or risk a cursing most foul
Beyond the sign you can see a divergence in the terrain of the forest. The line of crowned kings has ended. Now ahead to the left (northerly) is a horrid bog, with trees withered and dying, and the ground is obscured by pools of stagnant water covered in green film. The waft of a sour stench reaches your noses.
To the right (southerly) is a clearing with meadow flowers, with butterflies flashing their wings in unobstructed afternoon sunlight, with a gentle downslope leading to more forest.
Cordimis light heartedly chuckles and offers, "Flip a coin to decide which way to go?" She knows which way they need to go, but is trying to swallow the dread rising in her throat. This is beyond any quest she's done before. The young cleric holds onto her faith with a vice grip, believing Lathander wouldn't send her anywhere she wasn't capable of surviving... right?
Rori // Phandelver
Trix winces as the stench wafts across her nose. “Yikes . Sthmells like Hangers Bay at low tide!” She says through a pinched nose.
“I’mb fime einther wbay. Although all them flowerth over there lookth like an ombvious twrap.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Kesili listens to her companions and then speaks up. "Hyacinth, thanks for leading us," she begins. Looking at the sign, she adds, "Evil witches don't usually leave warnings if you ask me. I'd say that's a good sign - no pun intended."
She studies the bog and the meadow. "Trix, the flowers do seem like a trap, I absolutely agree. The bog feels like the right path. If I were a witch not wanting visitors as the signpost suggests, I'd hide beyond something unpleasant."
Stowing her bow, she steps closer to the group. "We need to stay alert and look out for each other. We've come this far together; we can handle whatever comes next. Let's press on through the bog is my vote."
(Added detail as I manage to get some time at the computer. I'm travelling for ten days and I might do this more often, that is writing a quick response with the mobile and if there hasn't been any new post when I get to a computer, I might upgrade the quick post.)
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
"Should we rest for a moment before going into the bog and whatever might await us there? All this traveling has me a little hungry, I could use a little time off my feet. After that, I'll be ready to go." Cordimis indicates the last of the trees as a good place to sit against their trunks and take a Short Rest.
Rori // Phandelver
"I'd absolutely support that idea," opines Kesili to Cordimis proposal. "Best we take a bite before the rations get wet in that swamp."
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Sitting and pulling out her water skin, Cordimis takes a big sip. After an hour of collecting herself and lightly conversing with her companions, she's ready to enter the swamp. She'll cast Guidance on Hyacinth when they begin to lead the group again.
Rori // Phandelver
“Ya know, you’re right - witches typically don’t leave warnings. This may not actually be helpful, but… gimme a moment to meditate. Focus. Feel the world around me. Maybe I can find out the way to go now that we’re deeper in the wood.”
Hyacinth sits down criss-cross applesauce and closes their eyes, deepens their breathing. They meditate on the nature of the prey they hunt, that sinister fey presence that makes their stolen green hairs stand on-end. They don’t like to do it - intentionally put a pit in their stomach, let a sharpened nail slither down their back. But if it’s to help put an end to a curse, a little discomfort isn’t too much a burden.
(Primeval Awareness: Hyacinth is focusing on discovering if there are any Fey within a 1 mile radius.)
Hyacinth can detect the faintest impression of fey presence in the direction of the bog.
As you brace yourselves to enter the bog, perhaps studying the best way to enter and avoid the worst of the slimy puddles, you may make investigation checks.
Investigation: 4
Rori // Phandelver
Investigation: 11
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
(Only a 13)
Alright, into the bog we go!
Nothing can deter you, apparently, so gingerly you approach and try to choose the driest path forward. It it soon becomes clear that the whole thing is an illusion. No slosh of putrid water wets your boots, no sticky spiderweb clings to your face, as you advance. The image of the bog lessens and appears to your eyes as a faded image overlying the real forest, which is as ordinary as ever.
Emboldened, you press on and soon find ahead, nestled next to a small thicket of trees, a quaint little cottage. One storey, maybe 20x20 feet, quite small. The door is shut, but the windows are open. A small wisp of smoke rises from its chimney.
Kesili approaches the cottage cautiously, her senses alert. She signals for the group to halt a few paces from the door and whispers, "Let's be careful. This could still be a trap." She takes a moment to listen for any sounds coming from inside, then gestures for Cordimis to stand by with guidance and for Trix to be ready with her bow. She motions for Hyacinth to stay close and lend a hand if needed.
After ensuring everyone is in position, Kesili steps forward and gently knocks on the door. She calls out, "Hello? We mean no harm. We seek the lady of the forest who can lift a curse from a young prince." She waits, poised to react to whatever response might come from within, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement or danger.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Cordimis stands behind Kesili with a hand on her shoulder, ready to cast Guidance once the witch comes to the door to talk. (IF the witch comes to the door)
Rori // Phandelver
The knock goes unanswered and you hear no stirrings within the cottage. But after only a few moments, you do hear a voice say softly, "Please lower your weapons. I mean you no harm."
The voice came to the side, not from within the cottage. But no one is there.
Kesili smirks and sheathes her longbow, though she knows her entire body is essentially a weapon. She calls out in a calm, clear voice, "We mean no harm either. We only came to talk." She glances at her companions and signals for them to assume non-threatening poses. "Who do we have the pleasure of speaking to?" she asks, her eyes scanning the area where the voice had come from.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||