"Thank you! The Morninglord will look on you favorably for your help, best of luck with... whatever you're about to do."Cordimis will offer a soft, unsure smile and then take the advice and the hint to get going. Looking at her companions, she jerks her head East and begins walking. Once they exit the clearing back into the woods, she'll stop to let someone else lead again, content with taking up the third position.
"Well I'll be, that was thrilling! Smooth talking back there Kesili. Hyacinth and Trix, I trust how capable you both are with your blades, but I'm glad it didn't come to that just yet. Shall we continue?" Cordimis, feeling naively confident, stands tall with pride in how smoothly this adventure has gone so far. She lets her guard down for the next bit of the trek, believing the lore and stories about this wood are just tales spun for kids to keep them out. With Lathander's guiding light within her and her capable new friends at her side, she feels a hazardous haze of invulnerability settling over her.
Hyacinth gives the athletes a bow. "We will not forget such kindness - thank you much! Now, without any further ado, we'll see ourselves off. Fare thee well, good fellows!"
Hyacinth follows the group and lets out a content sigh at Cordimis' words. "Why thank you, darlin', I appreciate the compliment. I'll admit, a secret part of me wanted something to happen, but it's naughty to think like that. Better we save our strength for this witch... Say, while we're at it, why don't we catch up a bit. I don't think any of you folks ever mentioned your various claims to fame. What did you do that was so esteemed that you got invited to the palace?"
„Thank you so much!“ exclaims Kesili, eyes sparkling. „We will not forget that you helped us, thank you.“ Kesili turns to leave and continues the direction indicated to them, before the unlikely group of athletes would change their mind and include them in their next bout of competition. ‚Let them sort it out between themselves,‘she thinks and files away the encounter to make room for thoughts on the task at hand.
Speaking to Hyacinth as they continue through the Witchwood, Cordimis tells her story. "I usually traveled the countryside spreading Lathander's light where I could, sometimes it was welcome and sometimes I got a door in my face. I saved a local lord once, though."She shrugs as if it were a small feat, as if it were an action anyone would take."I came across his slain men in the woods, and then found him alone after he had been run through by a boar. I did what I could to help him back to his estate where he recovered to full health. I guess that was a good thing, but I treated him like I would anyone else."
She hesistates, knowing what's next is going to sound like quite the coincidence. "I went back to normal life after that; what happened next is what gained me renown. Several months later, I was tasked to help a rescue party in search of the lord's daughter. She was taken by goblins and beloved by all. So, yes, this is not my first time trying to save a young noble, but that trip had its fair share of set backs." She trails off for a few seconds, thinking back to how unready the group was for what faced them. "We got her back, unharmed... at a price." She takes a short, steadying breath trying to recenter herself in humility and her usual optimism, "I've had non-stop praise and requests for my services, even from those that used to turn me away. I like being among the people, I like feeling useful, but I don't feel any different than before it happened." She looks a little more sad than she should, reflecting on the mission, but not willing to say more.
Leaving the strange tuggers behind, you proceed into the thick of the forest, in the direction the goblin had indicated. The light here is dim for the thickness of trees, and you can hear the sounds typical of a forest, mostly various birdsong. Somewhere not far away a woodpecker is also active, sending rapid-fire knocking sounds echoing around you.
As you walk and chat, I’ll please ask Hyacinth for another survival check, if they still want to lead the group.
Even as Hyacinth chats, they seem to have a preternatural sense of their surroundings. Without even looking to see what's coming, they effortlessly move around trees, rocks, and other potentially tripping/bumping hazards. It's like they're one with this mysterious, sinister forest.
Even as Hyacinth chats, they seem to have a preternatural sense of their surroundings. Without even looking to see what's coming, they effortlessly move around trees, rocks, and other potentially tripping/bumping hazards. It's like they're one with this mysterious, sinister forest.
More than that, Hyacinth is quickly able to pick up on what the goblin meant, follow the path of kingly oaks. Here the forest is truly old growth, with sparser undergrowth due to low light, and many tall trees stand about like pillars in a royal woodland hall. Hyacinth sees mainly spruce and alder, but some of the trees are truly massive oaks. Their boughs stretch up and up, reaching ever higher for sunlight. Their upper branches are adorned with flowering vines and clumps of moss which link the branches in circular patterns much like crowns. Hyacinth can easily spot one kingly oak after another, spread out in a line, as though these magestic hosts are ushering the party further on in a due East direction.
Does someone else want to do the honors of rolling an unmodified d20, for encounter purposes?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Encounter: 3
Kesili listens intently to Cordimis' story, her admiration evident. "You're truly remarkable, Cordimis. Saving lives and spreading light is no small feat." She turns to Hyacinth, marveling at their effortless navigation through the forest. "And you, Hyacinth, are a wonder in these woods. We are lucky to have you both."
For passage of time, breakfast was at 8, you got underway about 9, you finished up with Talia before 10, you came across the tuggers at noon, and now it’s an hour after that.
Still following the kingly oaks, your progress is interrupted by a strange sight. Ahead is a young woman with elfin features, but with skin all greens and woody browns, clothed in leaves and vines. She sits on the gnarled roots of a great tree with her attention focused on something on the ground cradled among the roots. With one arm she gently brushes a wooden comb through long wispy white material. She is singing softly to herself.
As you realize her presence, she realizes yours and looks up. You then notice that the thing that her attention had been on, nestled among the roots of the tree, is an old man, apparently sleeping. His long wispy white hair and beard curl about his head and tumble down his chest. His clothes are encrusted with dirt and moss, with small flowers and mushrooms growing from them. His leather boots are rotting away so that you can see his toes sticking out, with long unkempt toenails.
The lady stops singing and regards you sternly. She speaks strange, lilting song-like words which none but Hyacinth would understand. Hyacinth recognizes the creature speaks in Sylvan:
Kesili stands transfixed by the melodious voice of the elfin woman, the song weaving an enchanting spell over her. She finds herself unconsciously humming along, mimicking the lilting phrases though their meaning eludes her. Her eyes flicker to the old man nestled in the roots, curiosity tugging at her mind, but the ethereal presence of the woman captivates her entirely. Despite the faint alarm bells in the back of her mind, curiosity triumphs, and she steps forward - unknowing that Hyacinth would have understood what the creature said - her voice gentle and respectful.
"Greetings, fair lady of the woods," Kesili says, bowing slightly. "I am Kesili, a humble traveler in these ancient woods. Might I inquire who you are, and who is this venerable man you tend to with such care?"
Cordimis will whisper to the group, "I don't know what she said, but if someone can understand her, ask if she needs any healing assistance." She'll stand back though and not speak directly to the beautiful woman.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hyacinth gives a smile at hearing Cordimis' story. "Hey, I'm with Kesili. Saving a life is a hell of a thing. You did good, girl. I'm sorry you've had so many doors slammed in your face, and I'm not so sure what's got you so down, but I'll say this: if Lathander has inspired devotion in someone with as true a heart as Cordimis Fay, then a good god he must be, for someone so fair would never worship something foul," They say gently to Cordimis. "Don't let the clouds get in the way of your sunshine, darlin'. You're a light for us all in this gloomy place, make no mistake. Let's save a life again, that Little Prince back in the palace, before he goes from a real boy to a puppet."
Upon approaching the kingly grove, Hyacinth lets out a whistle. "Just gorgeous! Unspoiled wilderness, life run rampant. Love to see it. Wish I could paint a picture of it all, but no time for that now."
The sylvan-speaking woman and the sleeping old man catches Hyacinth a bit off-guard, but they fall into the role of fairy tale translator more or less smoothly. "She says we horrid townsfolk are not welcome here. Oh, by the way, I speak the Sylvan tongue. Don't tell her your name."
Then replies to the woman in Sylvan: "Fair maid of the forest, townsfolk you name us? Do we folk really look of the town? Do I? Surely you and I bear more in common than boast differences. Warriors we may be, but our blades will stay in their sheathes. I will not give you my name, but you may call me Hagsbane. As the name may entail, we seek a witch with eyes as yellow as the Harvest Moon, that hath laid a curse on a Little Prince, changing him from flesh and blood to bark and root. Know you this witch and where we may find her? And who is this bearded elder, all dressed in rot and tatters? Is he one caught in her thrall as well, or in yours?"
Hyacinth thinks for a moment - Do they know this song? This creature? This man? This story? What's happening here?
Hyacinth’s responses cause the green creature’s frown to deepen. It takes no great insight to see that she is displeased, though hard to say beyond that regarding the hows and whys.
The green maiden fairly growls back, “You have the stink of civilization upon you. Your blades have not stayed in their sheathes before; why should they now? As for the yellow-eyed one, she would not want you here either, so your intentions are doubly dubious. And that curse on your prince sounds to me more of a blessing. What a gift to trade corruptible flesh for a beautiful vessel of nature! Just as this old fool will soon be no more, his body so quickly ruined in a few mere decades of repose here at my side. See the mushrooms on his person? Soon the noble mushrooms will do that great work of transformation on his frame, that translation from profane to pristine.”
Trix smells her armpit at the mention of the stink on civilization. In a lowered voice she tells the group. “That might be me.” She just mouths the word “Sorry!”
Cordimis will pipe up, used to being turned away, but knowing she’ll feel better if she says her piece. “Hyacinth, say whatever parts of this you'd like, but I think she'll get what I mean even if the words aren't exact."
Looking to the green creature, she'll close he ring in her fist tightly and say, "Life is sacred: to take its form and twist it for the prince or this man without it being their choice is wicked. Your intentions, though undoubtedly good, lacks a certain level of compassion that free will bestows. Their flesh is theirs, it is their choice, not yours, how they should spend their days.” She gets worked up by the end, and adds,“Find a willing participant next time.”
She speaks from a place she feels is true, not thinking of the consequences. No one has ever accused Cordimis of being a diplomat.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Rori // Phandelver
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"Thank you! The Morninglord will look on you favorably for your help, best of luck with... whatever you're about to do." Cordimis will offer a soft, unsure smile and then take the advice and the hint to get going. Looking at her companions, she jerks her head East and begins walking. Once they exit the clearing back into the woods, she'll stop to let someone else lead again, content with taking up the third position.
"Well I'll be, that was thrilling! Smooth talking back there Kesili. Hyacinth and Trix, I trust how capable you both are with your blades, but I'm glad it didn't come to that just yet. Shall we continue?" Cordimis, feeling naively confident, stands tall with pride in how smoothly this adventure has gone so far. She lets her guard down for the next bit of the trek, believing the lore and stories about this wood are just tales spun for kids to keep them out. With Lathander's guiding light within her and her capable new friends at her side, she feels a hazardous haze of invulnerability settling over her.
Rori // Phandelver
Hyacinth gives the athletes a bow. "We will not forget such kindness - thank you much! Now, without any further ado, we'll see ourselves off. Fare thee well, good fellows!"
Hyacinth follows the group and lets out a content sigh at Cordimis' words. "Why thank you, darlin', I appreciate the compliment. I'll admit, a secret part of me wanted something to happen, but it's naughty to think like that. Better we save our strength for this witch... Say, while we're at it, why don't we catch up a bit. I don't think any of you folks ever mentioned your various claims to fame. What did you do that was so esteemed that you got invited to the palace?"
„Thank you so much!“ exclaims Kesili, eyes sparkling. „We will not forget that you helped us, thank you.“ Kesili turns to leave and continues the direction indicated to them, before the unlikely group of athletes would change their mind and include them in their next bout of competition. ‚Let them sort it out between themselves,‘ she thinks and files away the encounter to make room for thoughts on the task at hand.
|| 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 ||
Speaking to Hyacinth as they continue through the Witchwood, Cordimis tells her story. "I usually traveled the countryside spreading Lathander's light where I could, sometimes it was welcome and sometimes I got a door in my face. I saved a local lord once, though." She shrugs as if it were a small feat, as if it were an action anyone would take. "I came across his slain men in the woods, and then found him alone after he had been run through by a boar. I did what I could to help him back to his estate where he recovered to full health. I guess that was a good thing, but I treated him like I would anyone else."
She hesistates, knowing what's next is going to sound like quite the coincidence. "I went back to normal life after that; what happened next is what gained me renown. Several months later, I was tasked to help a rescue party in search of the lord's daughter. She was taken by goblins and beloved by all. So, yes, this is not my first time trying to save a young noble, but that trip had its fair share of set backs." She trails off for a few seconds, thinking back to how unready the group was for what faced them. "We got her back, unharmed... at a price." She takes a short, steadying breath trying to recenter herself in humility and her usual optimism, "I've had non-stop praise and requests for my services, even from those that used to turn me away. I like being among the people, I like feeling useful, but I don't feel any different than before it happened." She looks a little more sad than she should, reflecting on the mission, but not willing to say more.
Rori // Phandelver
Leaving the strange tuggers behind, you proceed into the thick of the forest, in the direction the goblin had indicated. The light here is dim for the thickness of trees, and you can hear the sounds typical of a forest, mostly various birdsong. Somewhere not far away a woodpecker is also active, sending rapid-fire knocking sounds echoing around you.
As you walk and chat, I’ll please ask Hyacinth for another survival check, if they still want to lead the group.
(19 in game log for a 25)
Even as Hyacinth chats, they seem to have a preternatural sense of their surroundings. Without even looking to see what's coming, they effortlessly move around trees, rocks, and other potentially tripping/bumping hazards. It's like they're one with this mysterious, sinister forest.
More than that, Hyacinth is quickly able to pick up on what the goblin meant, follow the path of kingly oaks. Here the forest is truly old growth, with sparser undergrowth due to low light, and many tall trees stand about like pillars in a royal woodland hall. Hyacinth sees mainly spruce and alder, but some of the trees are truly massive oaks. Their boughs stretch up and up, reaching ever higher for sunlight. Their upper branches are adorned with flowering vines and clumps of moss which link the branches in circular patterns much like crowns. Hyacinth can easily spot one kingly oak after another, spread out in a line, as though these magestic hosts are ushering the party further on in a due East direction.
Does someone else want to do the honors of rolling an unmodified d20, for encounter purposes?
|| 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 ||
For passage of time, breakfast was at 8, you got underway about 9, you finished up with Talia before 10, you came across the tuggers at noon, and now it’s an hour after that.
Still following the kingly oaks, your progress is interrupted by a strange sight. Ahead is a young woman with elfin features, but with skin all greens and woody browns, clothed in leaves and vines. She sits on the gnarled roots of a great tree with her attention focused on something on the ground cradled among the roots. With one arm she gently brushes a wooden comb through long wispy white material. She is singing softly to herself.
As you realize her presence, she realizes yours and looks up. You then notice that the thing that her attention had been on, nestled among the roots of the tree, is an old man, apparently sleeping. His long wispy white hair and beard curl about his head and tumble down his chest. His clothes are encrusted with dirt and moss, with small flowers and mushrooms growing from them. His leather boots are rotting away so that you can see his toes sticking out, with long unkempt toenails.
The lady stops singing and regards you sternly. She speaks strange, lilting song-like words which none but Hyacinth would understand. Hyacinth recognizes the creature speaks in Sylvan:
Green lady speaking in Sylvan:
Horrid townsfolk, you are not welcome here.
Additionally, Hyacinth, you caught some of the words of the song she was singing (in Sylvan) (which I will attempt to generate now, lol)
Sylvan song lyrics:
Leave the broken body, bound to grass and earth,
Dance in purple shadows and in orange twilight,
Your spirit can feel sorrows but can also fill with mirth,
While the body molders, losing touch and sight...
Kesili stands transfixed by the melodious voice of the elfin woman, the song weaving an enchanting spell over her. She finds herself unconsciously humming along, mimicking the lilting phrases though their meaning eludes her. Her eyes flicker to the old man nestled in the roots, curiosity tugging at her mind, but the ethereal presence of the woman captivates her entirely. Despite the faint alarm bells in the back of her mind, curiosity triumphs, and she steps forward - unknowing that Hyacinth would have understood what the creature said - her voice gentle and respectful.
"Greetings, fair lady of the woods," Kesili says, bowing slightly. "I am Kesili, a humble traveler in these ancient woods. Might I inquire who you are, and who is this venerable man you tend to with such care?"
|| 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 whisper to the group, "I don't know what she said, but if someone can understand her, ask if she needs any healing assistance." She'll stand back though and not speak directly to the beautiful woman.
Rori // Phandelver
Hyacinth gives a smile at hearing Cordimis' story. "Hey, I'm with Kesili. Saving a life is a hell of a thing. You did good, girl. I'm sorry you've had so many doors slammed in your face, and I'm not so sure what's got you so down, but I'll say this: if Lathander has inspired devotion in someone with as true a heart as Cordimis Fay, then a good god he must be, for someone so fair would never worship something foul," They say gently to Cordimis. "Don't let the clouds get in the way of your sunshine, darlin'. You're a light for us all in this gloomy place, make no mistake. Let's save a life again, that Little Prince back in the palace, before he goes from a real boy to a puppet."
Upon approaching the kingly grove, Hyacinth lets out a whistle. "Just gorgeous! Unspoiled wilderness, life run rampant. Love to see it. Wish I could paint a picture of it all, but no time for that now."
The sylvan-speaking woman and the sleeping old man catches Hyacinth a bit off-guard, but they fall into the role of fairy tale translator more or less smoothly. "She says we horrid townsfolk are not welcome here. Oh, by the way, I speak the Sylvan tongue. Don't tell her your name."
Then replies to the woman in Sylvan: "Fair maid of the forest, townsfolk you name us? Do we folk really look of the town? Do I? Surely you and I bear more in common than boast differences. Warriors we may be, but our blades will stay in their sheathes. I will not give you my name, but you may call me Hagsbane. As the name may entail, we seek a witch with eyes as yellow as the Harvest Moon, that hath laid a curse on a Little Prince, changing him from flesh and blood to bark and root. Know you this witch and where we may find her? And who is this bearded elder, all dressed in rot and tatters? Is he one caught in her thrall as well, or in yours?"
Hyacinth thinks for a moment - Do they know this song? This creature? This man? This story? What's happening here?
Insight check, if applicable: 24
Hyacinth’s responses cause the green creature’s frown to deepen. It takes no great insight to see that she is displeased, though hard to say beyond that regarding the hows and whys.
The green maiden fairly growls back, “You have the stink of civilization upon you. Your blades have not stayed in their sheathes before; why should they now? As for the yellow-eyed one, she would not want you here either, so your intentions are doubly dubious. And that curse on your prince sounds to me more of a blessing. What a gift to trade corruptible flesh for a beautiful vessel of nature! Just as this old fool will soon be no more, his body so quickly ruined in a few mere decades of repose here at my side. See the mushrooms on his person? Soon the noble mushrooms will do that great work of transformation on his frame, that translation from profane to pristine.”
Trix smells her armpit at the mention of the stink on civilization. In a lowered voice she tells the group. “That might be me.” She just mouths the word “Sorry!”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
OOC: Did the green woman speak to the group in common saying all that?
Rori // Phandelver
Hyacinth mentioned being ok with translating for now, so I rather assumed she would translate. The green creature has continued to speak in Sylvan.
OOC: Great callout, Brianad! I should have asked that before I responded.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Cordimis will pipe up, used to being turned away, but knowing she’ll feel better if she says her piece. “Hyacinth, say whatever parts of this you'd like, but I think she'll get what I mean even if the words aren't exact."
Looking to the green creature, she'll close he ring in her fist tightly and say, "Life is sacred: to take its form and twist it for the prince or this man without it being their choice is wicked. Your intentions, though undoubtedly good, lacks a certain level of compassion that free will bestows. Their flesh is theirs, it is their choice, not yours, how they should spend their days.” She gets worked up by the end, and adds, “Find a willing participant next time.”
She speaks from a place she feels is true, not thinking of the consequences. No one has ever accused Cordimis of being a diplomat.
Rori // Phandelver