Prince Karsted will say, “Hauss, would you agree that it sounds as if the witch Sulfura has done this? The lady with yellow eyes? People have sometimes told stories of encountering her in the woods.”
He will turn to Cordimis. “You believe that if we sought her out and killed her, that it would stop this curse?”
Hyacinth turns the boy’s hand over, gentle like they’d be with a glass bauble. “Huh. Strange… Like I said, ancient magic, definitely Fey in origin… no natural remedy could cure this. What’s strange is that this… ought t’ be spreadin’ like wildfire. Only it ain’t… it’s creeping like a vine on a trellis. Maybe it’s the lad’s constitution, or a peculiarity with the condition with which he’s been afflicted? Fey magic has all sorts of conditions and rules, most of which are never logical, quantifiable. There’s a mystery afoot… if he’s been like this ever since bein’ found in the Wood, I say Hyacinth Hagsbane ought to check it out. Of course, a little bit o’ backup wouldn’t be unappreciated,” They say, turning their bright eyes and cheeky smile toward their fellow adventurous guests.
Impressed with Hyacinth's experience, when the prince addresses Cordimis she composes herself feeling a little less lost, "Oh, uh, Prince Karsted, this is not my area of expertise. I may have put the cart before the horse when asserting that killing the witch, if she did this, could heal your son. I believe Hyacinth should take the lead on this, they seem more familiar with this... affliction. I'd be honored to aid them in this endeavor."
She turns to her companions, "Let's head out while the day's still young." She accepted the invite to the palace at the urging of one of her superiors to share Lathander's teachings. Aware that actions always speak louder than words, and she has a strong drive to save this young boy. His wellness will be the greatest show of the morninglord's generosity and light.
Kesili listens carefully as Hyacinth examines the boy, fascinated by the slow-spreading, fey-origin magic. She feels a surge of determination, her curiosity piqued by the mystery. "Hyacinth's right," she says, nodding, though it lies nowhere within her sphere of expertise. "This is ancient magic, and it needs an expert's touch. Let's follow her lead." The prince's mention and description of Sulfura intrigued her and gave her pause, "Prince, you say that she was with the boy when he was found?", and Cordimis' supportive stance bolsters her confidence. She feels a sense of camaraderie with her companions, especially Cordimis, whose sincerity touches her. "We're in this together," Kesili adds, her voice resolute. "Let's head to the Witchwood and find the source of this curse. We’ll uncover the truth and save Jessin. We should speak with this Sulfura, she seems to know something about it."
Prince Karsted bids you good luck, preferring to stay by his son’s side. “If you miss tonight’s banquet, that would be understandable. I don’t want to cancel festivities. There’s already some, ah, speculation around my coronation as it is, I’m sure you’ll hear of it soon if you haven’t yet. We need to keep some normalcy to the proceedings, let the kingdom feel stable.”
Prince Hauss will usher you down to the ground floor of the castle, where together you seek out and find Talia, a plump and bespectacled middle-aged woman who was serving as Jessin’s tutor this morning. She’s in the kitchens, sitting at a stool sipping tea with a shaking hand, obviously distraught. One of the cooks is patting her on the back and trying to comfort her. Other kitchen staff have crowded around her and are murmuring all manner of things:
”Did you really see the witch?”
“Sulfura of the yellow eyes… my granddad saw her way back in his youth, she tried to put a jinx on him but he ran like mad, never went back into the forest…”
“She put a spell on the young Princeling, did she? Maybe their whole line is fey-cursed!”
Hauss reminds everyone there’s a banquet to put on, and orders them back to work. He pulls Talia out into the hall where you can chat more privately.
As Hauss escorts them to find the tutor, Kesili walks alongside him, her curiosity piqued by Prince Karsted’s mention of speculation. She recalls overhearing the servants’ conversation the previous evening, their whispers hinting at underlying tensions and secrets within the castle. Intrigued, she subtly inquires, “Hauss, about the prince’s comment on speculation around his coronation—could you elaborate? We need to know all the details, as unrelated as they might appear.”
Upon arriving at the kitchen and seeing Talia’s distress, Kesili softens her approach, adopting a gentle, reassuring demeanor. “Talia,” she begins - taking initiative since she had suggested to interview the tutor - offering a comforting smile, “my name is Kesili, and these are my companions. We’re here to help young Jessin. We understand you’ve had a difficult morning, but your insights are crucial. Could you tell us exactly what happened when you found him?” Her voice is calm and empathetic, aiming to ease Talia’s nerves and encourage her to share every detail.
{{OOC: I would like to know if Trix shares the following from Post#55 with us:
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.
I'm asking specifically, because it is already on the previous page and I fear it is important and could easily be forgotten.}}
[ I believe it is okay to assume that anything “spoken aloud” at the table is shared among the adventurers. It can be assumed that Trix mentioned it soon, like as you were heading down to see Talia. Otherwise things can get weird and players waste time awkwardly saying “I explain my findings to the others”. If there is something that I think one player would want to keep private from another, I’ll use private message. ]
Talia will explain, “It was time for the Princeling’s book-learning, but he’s never enjoyed that. He gave me the slip. I figured he had ran outside, as that’s what he usually does. I hurried down to the doorman, Edward, and he confirmed that the Princeling had gone that way. Had run towards the east meadow…. I could plainly see that he had traversed the meadow. He had left a trail in the morning dew, you see. He had high-tailed it right into the Witchwood… I didn’t want to go in there, but I knew it would be my hide if I didn’t, so I warded myself against evil—“
(and here she repeats the gesture by crossing her arms before her, then moving both downward until they uncross and lay straight down at her sides)
“—and went into the wood. I wasn’t sure which way to go, but I didn’t want to give up on the Princeling. And sure enough, I found him, laying on the ground, with that horrible yellow-eyed witch standing over him, and she said…that I should have watched this one more closely, that he shouldn’t have entered the wood!”
[ weird, I’m 100% sure I posted this earlier this morning, but now it’s not here. Guess I’ll rewrite it ]
As you head down to meet Talia, in response to Kesili’s question, Hauss will reluctantly and tersely explain:
“Prince Karsted had 3 older brothers who were ahead of him in line for the throne. But they have all died in accidents in the last year. This has caused many people to speculate, but everything has been thoroughly investigated and the deaths were all clearly tragic accidents, no more.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cordimis speaks up, "Talia, you're incredibly brave to go after him like you did."After the compliment, she pushes for a request, "Do you think you could take us to where you found him? I know the Witchwood is large, so having a starting place could really aid in our pursuit for a cure."
Obviously the woman is rattled, so if I need a persuasion check: 24
[In the corridor with Hauss:] As they continue down to meet Talia, Kesili listens intently to Hauss’s terse explanation. Her brow furrows with concern, and she nods thoughtfully. “I see,” she responds. “When was the last incident?” She glances at Hauss, her expression serious. “With everything that’s been happening, I can’t blame people for speculating. But it makes me more worried about the Prince’s own life, given these recent events.” Her voice is low and measured, indicating the gravity she places on this information as they approach the tutor.
[In the kitchen:] Kesili listens attentively as Talia recounts her story, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considers the details, and have them stick out momentarily in played amazement when Talia performs her ward. She observes Talia’s gestures and notes the fear and determination in her voice. As Cordimis speaks up, Kesili nods in agreement, her expression encouraging.
Hauss will turn in wonder to look at Kesili. "You're... one of the only people to express concern for the prince's life. Most just gleefully assume the worst. Truly you have a heroic heart."
He will then explain (still briefly, you're almost to the kitchens) that the eldest, Prince Thedric, fell from his horse 1 year ago, while riding with the Hunters' Guild, and broke his neck. The next eldest, Prince Evren, about 9 months ago, was gored and trampled by a bull at the market in town. He was the only casualty in that incident. The 3rd eldest, Prince Vernish, a mere 6 months ago, fell from the castle ramparts to his death when a gust of wind imbalanced him. This was witnessed by none other than Queen Leshia, Prince Karsted, and their sister, the Princess Belyn.
~ ~ ~
[ I had every intention of Talia refusing to take you into the woods, but with such a high persuasion roll, I suppose things shall go differently ]
Cordimis says just the right things, in just the right way, that seems to hit just the right chord inside the older lady. A glint of resolve sparkles in her eyes as she draws herself up and says, "Yes, we must do what we can to save the young Princeling. This is partly my fault, and I must do what I can to make it right. Although..." and here she looks to falter slightly, "You can protect us from whatever strange magics await?"
Hyacinth strokes their chin, deep in thought. "A child giving a Tutor the slip, a yellow-eyed witch in the Woods, a Fey curse, and a convenient string of deaths to result in a coronation? And here I thought this whole affair might be a bit dull. Got quite the story unfolding here... let's see where the threads of fate lead and find its end," the eccentric warrior will say to no one in particular. Seeing that Cordimis is more than capable of talking to the Tutor, Hyacinth turns to the others. "I can be ready within the hour, honestly, within the half hour. Maybe even fifteen minutes if no one's in line for the privy. Then we can get to the bottom of this. Is it bad to say I'm excited? Usually all my adventures are solo, so having some company will be a nice change of pace!"
Kesili listens intently to Hauss as he details the tragic fates of the prince’s brothers, her concern deepening with each account. “Thank you for sharing this, Hauss,” she says, her voice steady. “We must be vigilant.”
When Talia expresses her resolve to help and her hesitation about the strange magics, Kesili steps forward with a reassuring smile. “We’ll do everything in our power to protect you, Talia. Your courage is crucial, and together, we can uncover the truth and save the Princeling.” Hyacinth’s excitement add to Kesili’s determination. “Agreed, Hyacinth. Let’s meet at the gate in fifteen minutes, ready to face whatever awaits us.” She then turns to Hauss, her eyes thoughtful. “Hauss, could you also procure the Princeling’s drawings and bring them to us? They might hold clues that could be helpful.” In her mind, Kesili considers the importance of these drawings. Perhaps they contain symbols or imagery that the witch might recognize, or they might help them piece together more about this curse and its origins. With a firm nod to herself, she prepares to gather her gear and meet the others at the gate, ready to embark on this urgent mission.
Cordimis will take Talia's hand, "Thank you, sincerely. As soon as we get to where he was found, you can return. I do not expect or ask of you to go any further." She gives the tutor a reassuring smile when Kesili says the group will protect the woman.
The young cleric— who felt in over her head moments ago— is bolstered by Hyacinth's excitement, impressed with Kesili always thinking one step ahead, and prepared to travel with and discover Trix's skillset in the unknown forest. As the group splits to gather their things, she takes a moment to pray to Lathander at the makeshift altar in her room. She requests the Morninglord to bless and bring light upon her new friends and their expedition into the dark woods.
Within a few minutes of repacking her bag, she returns to the front gates to rally with the group and is ready to depart.
You all gather at the east gate, with the meadow stretching before you, and the forest looming not far beyond. Hauss obediently withdrew to fetch Jessin’s drawings, and now returns with them in hand. He gives them to Kesili. Then he explains, “I can go no further. I have many duties to attend to in the castle.”
Talia has steeled herself well enough. She now nervously smooths her hands down her dress, which is a gray ankle-length practical cut of thick wool. You all see that she has a pair of large pockets sewn into the sides of the dress, with a thick-spined book resting in each, titles facing up: Mathematica Generale and History of the Royal Threshwell Family.
As you traverse the meadow and steel yourselves to enter the mysterious Witchwood, please mention for me if you intend to keep to a certain formation, and how quickly you want to search the woods [cautious, measured/medium, or hurried]. A faster pace will cover more ground but may decrease your ability to detect danger before it is upon you.
Kesili prepares meticulously for the journey. She changes out of her fine breakfast dress into simple, durable robes, perfect for the forest. She ensures her weapons are easily accessible: a longbow slung across her back, a longsword at her hip, a dagger in her boot, and a few darts secured in her belt. She shoulders her backpack, which contains essentials like a rope and a tinderbox, and secures a pouch with water and rations for a full day.
Arriving at the east gate, Kesili nods in gratitude as Hauss hands her the drawings. “Thank you, Hauss. Your help is invaluable.” Kesili observes Talia's choice of items—a pair of large books—in her pockets. She raises an eyebrow slightly, intrigued by the practicality of such a choice in the current situation. However, she refrains from commenting immediately, understanding that everyone has their own way of preparing for uncertain circumstances. But then, the History of the Royal family might be an interesting read given what Hauss had said about last year's tragedies. Perhaps, she will ask later if she can have a look.
As the group gathers and prepares to enter the Witchwood, Kesili surveys her companions. “I would argue for moving forward cautiously for at least as long as we are with Talia,” she suggests.
[ Talia was too nervous to go and change. She was likely to lose her nerve if she returned to her home. This is simply how she was in the kitchens, or rather how she had prepared for a morning of lessons with the princeling. ]
Hyacinth returns to their room and dons their armor, nothing flashy by any means but a few leather pads, harnesses, and pauldrons that provide a measure of extra protection. The hexblood hunter usually relies on their speedy reflexes to avoid getting struck, but having a back up plan never hurts, especially if you're in mortal combat with something that could rake your guts out of you with a single claw swipe. Then they ready their weapons. A fine bow made of sylvan yew, strung with a gossamer thread of Unseelie spider silk - the finest bow you can get in the Feywild without relying on a proper enchantment. Arrows fletched with feathers from a silver turkey, their bronze arrowheads salvaged after a speedy flight from a pack of wild centaurs. And finally, Hyacinth's scimitar, stolen from the hag that imprisoned them, boasting a blade made from a sliver of moonlight and wooden hilt carved with Sylvan runes and a scrap of purple garment, a piece of the dullahan Princess Amelia's cape, wrapped around the grip. Hyacinth meditated on this blade for a moment, recalling all the foul hags it had slain, the lives it had saved. The blood it had spilled in the name of a better hope. They open their bright eyes, stand, and hold the sword aloft.
"By my fair blade and by moon's pale light, I shall cut out the rot and make day out of night. Though they may hide, conspire, and scheme, no hag escapes Hyacinth, hunter supreme."
With this pre-hunt ritual complete, Hyacinth makes their way to the gate and meets with the others. "Damn, took me sixteen minutes after all. Sorry, someone was using the loo. We ready to embark?"
Hyacinth would offer to lead, since they are probably the best tracker out of the group. Talia could stand nearby and provide direction for them. Cautious is all well and good, but Hyacinth would prefer a medium pace - the Princeling's corruption may be slow to spread, but they don't want to chance it any longer than is necessary.
Trix appears at the gate looking effectively the same, save a pack strapped across her back. She leans up against the wall and makes a few minor adjustments to her gear.
”Ya know, Hyacinth, the kid’s lucky you were here.”
Trix looks out towards the meadow.
”I don’t know who’s the tracker here, but i can take second position.”
Prince Karsted will say, “Hauss, would you agree that it sounds as if the witch Sulfura has done this? The lady with yellow eyes? People have sometimes told stories of encountering her in the woods.”
He will turn to Cordimis. “You believe that if we sought her out and killed her, that it would stop this curse?”
Hyacinth turns the boy’s hand over, gentle like they’d be with a glass bauble. “Huh. Strange… Like I said, ancient magic, definitely Fey in origin… no natural remedy could cure this. What’s strange is that this… ought t’ be spreadin’ like wildfire. Only it ain’t… it’s creeping like a vine on a trellis. Maybe it’s the lad’s constitution, or a peculiarity with the condition with which he’s been afflicted? Fey magic has all sorts of conditions and rules, most of which are never logical, quantifiable. There’s a mystery afoot… if he’s been like this ever since bein’ found in the Wood, I say Hyacinth Hagsbane ought to check it out. Of course, a little bit o’ backup wouldn’t be unappreciated,” They say, turning their bright eyes and cheeky smile toward their fellow adventurous guests.
Impressed with Hyacinth's experience, when the prince addresses Cordimis she composes herself feeling a little less lost, "Oh, uh, Prince Karsted, this is not my area of expertise. I may have put the cart before the horse when asserting that killing the witch, if she did this, could heal your son. I believe Hyacinth should take the lead on this, they seem more familiar with this... affliction. I'd be honored to aid them in this endeavor."
She turns to her companions, "Let's head out while the day's still young." She accepted the invite to the palace at the urging of one of her superiors to share Lathander's teachings. Aware that actions always speak louder than words, and she has a strong drive to save this young boy. His wellness will be the greatest show of the morninglord's generosity and light.
Rori // Phandelver
Kesili listens carefully as Hyacinth examines the boy, fascinated by the slow-spreading, fey-origin magic. She feels a surge of determination, her curiosity piqued by the mystery. "Hyacinth's right," she says, nodding, though it lies nowhere within her sphere of expertise. "This is ancient magic, and it needs an expert's touch. Let's follow her lead." The prince's mention and description of Sulfura intrigued her and gave her pause, "Prince, you say that she was with the boy when he was found?", and Cordimis' supportive stance bolsters her confidence. She feels a sense of camaraderie with her companions, especially Cordimis, whose sincerity touches her. "We're in this together," Kesili adds, her voice resolute. "Let's head to the Witchwood and find the source of this curse. We’ll uncover the truth and save Jessin. We should speak with this Sulfura, she seems to know something about it."
|| 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 ||
Prince Karsted bids you good luck, preferring to stay by his son’s side. “If you miss tonight’s banquet, that would be understandable. I don’t want to cancel festivities. There’s already some, ah, speculation around my coronation as it is, I’m sure you’ll hear of it soon if you haven’t yet. We need to keep some normalcy to the proceedings, let the kingdom feel stable.”
Prince Hauss will usher you down to the ground floor of the castle, where together you seek out and find Talia, a plump and bespectacled middle-aged woman who was serving as Jessin’s tutor this morning. She’s in the kitchens, sitting at a stool sipping tea with a shaking hand, obviously distraught. One of the cooks is patting her on the back and trying to comfort her. Other kitchen staff have crowded around her and are murmuring all manner of things:
”Did you really see the witch?”
“Sulfura of the yellow eyes… my granddad saw her way back in his youth, she tried to put a jinx on him but he ran like mad, never went back into the forest…”
“She put a spell on the young Princeling, did she? Maybe their whole line is fey-cursed!”
Hauss reminds everyone there’s a banquet to put on, and orders them back to work. He pulls Talia out into the hall where you can chat more privately.
As Hauss escorts them to find the tutor, Kesili walks alongside him, her curiosity piqued by Prince Karsted’s mention of speculation. She recalls overhearing the servants’ conversation the previous evening, their whispers hinting at underlying tensions and secrets within the castle. Intrigued, she subtly inquires, “Hauss, about the prince’s comment on speculation around his coronation—could you elaborate? We need to know all the details, as unrelated as they might appear.”
Upon arriving at the kitchen and seeing Talia’s distress, Kesili softens her approach, adopting a gentle, reassuring demeanor. “Talia,” she begins - taking initiative since she had suggested to interview the tutor - offering a comforting smile, “my name is Kesili, and these are my companions. We’re here to help young Jessin. We understand you’ve had a difficult morning, but your insights are crucial. Could you tell us exactly what happened when you found him?” Her voice is calm and empathetic, aiming to ease Talia’s nerves and encourage her to share every detail.
{{OOC: I would like to know if Trix shares the following from Post#55 with us:
I'm asking specifically, because it is already on the previous page and I fear it is important and could easily be forgotten.}}
|| 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 ||
[ I believe it is okay to assume that anything “spoken aloud” at the table is shared among the adventurers. It can be assumed that Trix mentioned it soon, like as you were heading down to see Talia. Otherwise things can get weird and players waste time awkwardly saying “I explain my findings to the others”. If there is something that I think one player would want to keep private from another, I’ll use private message. ]
Talia will explain, “It was time for the Princeling’s book-learning, but he’s never enjoyed that. He gave me the slip. I figured he had ran outside, as that’s what he usually does. I hurried down to the doorman, Edward, and he confirmed that the Princeling had gone that way. Had run towards the east meadow…. I could plainly see that he had traversed the meadow. He had left a trail in the morning dew, you see. He had high-tailed it right into the Witchwood… I didn’t want to go in there, but I knew it would be my hide if I didn’t, so I warded myself against evil—“
(and here she repeats the gesture by crossing her arms before her, then moving both downward until they uncross and lay straight down at her sides)
“—and went into the wood. I wasn’t sure which way to go, but I didn’t want to give up on the Princeling. And sure enough, I found him, laying on the ground, with that horrible yellow-eyed witch standing over him, and she said…that I should have watched this one more closely, that he shouldn’t have entered the wood!”
[ Hauss will also soon elaborate for Kesili ]
[ weird, I’m 100% sure I posted this earlier this morning, but now it’s not here. Guess I’ll rewrite it ]
As you head down to meet Talia, in response to Kesili’s question, Hauss will reluctantly and tersely explain:
“Prince Karsted had 3 older brothers who were ahead of him in line for the throne. But they have all died in accidents in the last year. This has caused many people to speculate, but everything has been thoroughly investigated and the deaths were all clearly tragic accidents, no more.”
Cordimis speaks up, "Talia, you're incredibly brave to go after him like you did." After the compliment, she pushes for a request, "Do you think you could take us to where you found him? I know the Witchwood is large, so having a starting place could really aid in our pursuit for a cure."
Obviously the woman is rattled, so if I need a persuasion check: 24
Rori // Phandelver
[In the corridor with Hauss:]
As they continue down to meet Talia, Kesili listens intently to Hauss’s terse explanation. Her brow furrows with concern, and she nods thoughtfully. “I see,” she responds. “When was the last incident?” She glances at Hauss, her expression serious. “With everything that’s been happening, I can’t blame people for speculating. But it makes me more worried about the Prince’s own life, given these recent events.” Her voice is low and measured, indicating the gravity she places on this information as they approach the tutor.
[In the kitchen:]
Kesili listens attentively as Talia recounts her story, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considers the details, and have them stick out momentarily in played amazement when Talia performs her ward. She observes Talia’s gestures and notes the fear and determination in her voice. As Cordimis speaks up, Kesili nods in agreement, her expression encouraging.
|| 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 ||
Hauss will turn in wonder to look at Kesili. "You're... one of the only people to express concern for the prince's life. Most just gleefully assume the worst. Truly you have a heroic heart."
He will then explain (still briefly, you're almost to the kitchens) that the eldest, Prince Thedric, fell from his horse 1 year ago, while riding with the Hunters' Guild, and broke his neck. The next eldest, Prince Evren, about 9 months ago, was gored and trampled by a bull at the market in town. He was the only casualty in that incident. The 3rd eldest, Prince Vernish, a mere 6 months ago, fell from the castle ramparts to his death when a gust of wind imbalanced him. This was witnessed by none other than Queen Leshia, Prince Karsted, and their sister, the Princess Belyn.
~ ~ ~
[ I had every intention of Talia refusing to take you into the woods, but with such a high persuasion roll, I suppose things shall go differently ]
Cordimis says just the right things, in just the right way, that seems to hit just the right chord inside the older lady. A glint of resolve sparkles in her eyes as she draws herself up and says, "Yes, we must do what we can to save the young Princeling. This is partly my fault, and I must do what I can to make it right. Although..." and here she looks to falter slightly, "You can protect us from whatever strange magics await?"
Hyacinth strokes their chin, deep in thought. "A child giving a Tutor the slip, a yellow-eyed witch in the Woods, a Fey curse, and a convenient string of deaths to result in a coronation? And here I thought this whole affair might be a bit dull. Got quite the story unfolding here... let's see where the threads of fate lead and find its end," the eccentric warrior will say to no one in particular. Seeing that Cordimis is more than capable of talking to the Tutor, Hyacinth turns to the others. "I can be ready within the hour, honestly, within the half hour. Maybe even fifteen minutes if no one's in line for the privy. Then we can get to the bottom of this. Is it bad to say I'm excited? Usually all my adventures are solo, so having some company will be a nice change of pace!"
Kesili listens intently to Hauss as he details the tragic fates of the prince’s brothers, her concern deepening with each account. “Thank you for sharing this, Hauss,” she says, her voice steady. “We must be vigilant.”
When Talia expresses her resolve to help and her hesitation about the strange magics, Kesili steps forward with a reassuring smile. “We’ll do everything in our power to protect you, Talia. Your courage is crucial, and together, we can uncover the truth and save the Princeling.” Hyacinth’s excitement add to Kesili’s determination. “Agreed, Hyacinth. Let’s meet at the gate in fifteen minutes, ready to face whatever awaits us.” She then turns to Hauss, her eyes thoughtful. “Hauss, could you also procure the Princeling’s drawings and bring them to us? They might hold clues that could be helpful.” In her mind, Kesili considers the importance of these drawings. Perhaps they contain symbols or imagery that the witch might recognize, or they might help them piece together more about this curse and its origins. With a firm nod to herself, she prepares to gather her gear and meet the others at the gate, ready to embark on this urgent mission.
|| 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 will take Talia's hand, "Thank you, sincerely. As soon as we get to where he was found, you can return. I do not expect or ask of you to go any further." She gives the tutor a reassuring smile when Kesili says the group will protect the woman.
The young cleric— who felt in over her head moments ago— is bolstered by Hyacinth's excitement, impressed with Kesili always thinking one step ahead, and prepared to travel with and discover Trix's skillset in the unknown forest. As the group splits to gather their things, she takes a moment to pray to Lathander at the makeshift altar in her room. She requests the Morninglord to bless and bring light upon her new friends and their expedition into the dark woods.
Within a few minutes of repacking her bag, she returns to the front gates to rally with the group and is ready to depart.
Rori // Phandelver
You all gather at the east gate, with the meadow stretching before you, and the forest looming not far beyond. Hauss obediently withdrew to fetch Jessin’s drawings, and now returns with them in hand. He gives them to Kesili. Then he explains, “I can go no further. I have many duties to attend to in the castle.”
Talia has steeled herself well enough. She now nervously smooths her hands down her dress, which is a gray ankle-length practical cut of thick wool. You all see that she has a pair of large pockets sewn into the sides of the dress, with a thick-spined book resting in each, titles facing up: Mathematica Generale and History of the Royal Threshwell Family.
As you traverse the meadow and steel yourselves to enter the mysterious Witchwood, please mention for me if you intend to keep to a certain formation, and how quickly you want to search the woods [cautious, measured/medium, or hurried]. A faster pace will cover more ground but may decrease your ability to detect danger before it is upon you.
Kesili prepares meticulously for the journey. She changes out of her fine breakfast dress into simple, durable robes, perfect for the forest. She ensures her weapons are easily accessible: a longbow slung across her back, a longsword at her hip, a dagger in her boot, and a few darts secured in her belt. She shoulders her backpack, which contains essentials like a rope and a tinderbox, and secures a pouch with water and rations for a full day.
Arriving at the east gate, Kesili nods in gratitude as Hauss hands her the drawings. “Thank you, Hauss. Your help is invaluable.” Kesili observes Talia's choice of items—a pair of large books—in her pockets. She raises an eyebrow slightly, intrigued by the practicality of such a choice in the current situation. However, she refrains from commenting immediately, understanding that everyone has their own way of preparing for uncertain circumstances. But then, the History of the Royal family might be an interesting read given what Hauss had said about last year's tragedies. Perhaps, she will ask later if she can have a look.
As the group gathers and prepares to enter the Witchwood, Kesili surveys her companions. “I would argue for moving forward cautiously for at least as long as we are with Talia,” she suggests.
|| 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 ||
[ Talia was too nervous to go and change. She was likely to lose her nerve if she returned to her home. This is simply how she was in the kitchens, or rather how she had prepared for a morning of lessons with the princeling. ]
Hyacinth returns to their room and dons their armor, nothing flashy by any means but a few leather pads, harnesses, and pauldrons that provide a measure of extra protection. The hexblood hunter usually relies on their speedy reflexes to avoid getting struck, but having a back up plan never hurts, especially if you're in mortal combat with something that could rake your guts out of you with a single claw swipe. Then they ready their weapons. A fine bow made of sylvan yew, strung with a gossamer thread of Unseelie spider silk - the finest bow you can get in the Feywild without relying on a proper enchantment. Arrows fletched with feathers from a silver turkey, their bronze arrowheads salvaged after a speedy flight from a pack of wild centaurs. And finally, Hyacinth's scimitar, stolen from the hag that imprisoned them, boasting a blade made from a sliver of moonlight and wooden hilt carved with Sylvan runes and a scrap of purple garment, a piece of the dullahan Princess Amelia's cape, wrapped around the grip. Hyacinth meditated on this blade for a moment, recalling all the foul hags it had slain, the lives it had saved. The blood it had spilled in the name of a better hope. They open their bright eyes, stand, and hold the sword aloft.
"By my fair blade and by moon's pale light, I shall cut out the rot and make day out of night. Though they may hide, conspire, and scheme, no hag escapes Hyacinth, hunter supreme."
With this pre-hunt ritual complete, Hyacinth makes their way to the gate and meets with the others. "Damn, took me sixteen minutes after all. Sorry, someone was using the loo. We ready to embark?"
Hyacinth would offer to lead, since they are probably the best tracker out of the group. Talia could stand nearby and provide direction for them. Cautious is all well and good, but Hyacinth would prefer a medium pace - the Princeling's corruption may be slow to spread, but they don't want to chance it any longer than is necessary.
Trix appears at the gate looking effectively the same, save a pack strapped across her back. She leans up against the wall and makes a few minor adjustments to her gear.
”Ya know, Hyacinth, the kid’s lucky you were here.”
Trix looks out towards the meadow.
”I don’t know who’s the tracker here, but i can take second position.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread