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<span class="mu-i"> ''I see, thank you. And might I know who exactly these lords are?'' </span> you asked.
<span class="mu-i"> "I cannot say, really; it's mostly rumours and background talks, the type of thing that gets discussed at small gatherings, and whenever the drink makes lips loose." </span>
You humphed at this as you cleared away a branch and a bush, clearing your sight to a hare nibbling on the grass. You shot it without a thought, and the creature died within an instant.
<span class="mu-i"> ''First Kill'' </span> Was Cousin Markwart's remark as you went over to retrieve the hare. The crossbow bolt had dislodged itself in the throat of the hare; you would have the servants slaughter it in full later on.
The two of you went on; there were a lot of hares out today, and fowl as well. There would be duck liver at dinner. But the real catch was a large herd of boars; there would be a lot of meat to bring back to the castle.
As per tradition, you returned around midday to partake of the hunting soup that was specially prepared. A thick broth simmered with chunks of hare, fowl, and boar meat, creating a hearty and satisfying meal for all. The hunt itself was already most successful; the tableau was rife with at least twenty boars, thirty hares, sixteen stags, and a variety of fowl. The hunters were pleased with their haul, knowing that the castle would be well-stocked with fresh game for weeks to come.
You were busy talking with some of the nobles afterwards.
<span class="mu-i"> "Really?" </span> You asked.
<span class="mu-i"> "Yes, the damn thing nearly bored its tusks into my legs before Ortelstein managed to put a bolt in its skull." </span> Baron von Wurzhof replied, a proud grin on his face. Poking the dead boar with a stick. <span class="mu-i"> ''If you don't mind, I would like to have its skull, for on the hearth.'' </span>
<span class="mu-i"> ''Certainly, I shall have the servants put it apart.'' </span> You already had enough skulls of dead animals in the hall of Goldenbaum anyway; they might not have been shot by you, but you found that of little matter. The only one that really stood out was the taxidermied head of a bear over the hearth of the great hall.
You were about to go and have a conversation with some of the other guests when a servant approached you. <span class="mu-i"> ''Your Highness, it's your father. His disease has taken a turn for the worse. He is asking to see you immediately.'' </span> Your heart sank as you rushed to your father's side, leaving the gathering behind and rushing back to the castle.
<span class="mu-s"> <span class="mu-g"> For Dietrich to make a full recovery, you shall need at least three successes with the 1d100 dice [DC 25]. No success means he will succumb to the disease, while one success will mean he will struggle on for a bit more, though the DC will lower and lower as his health declines, while two successes will raise the DC slightly for the next time it's tested. </span> </span>
