The Nymph
The day wears on…
After several hours of walking, we happen upon a glade fringed with wildflowers. A stream weaves between the far trees, lulling us with its gentle song. A deep peace overcomes us. Lying in the grass, soon we are asleep.
We dream of the smell of apple blossom. We hear the lilt of a high voice, singing in some bird-like language. One of us even feels the touch of something on their brow. It feels like the kiss of a maiden’s lips.
The Nymph cares for those in need.
The traveller with the fewest Blessings wins the Blessing of The Nymph.
In case of ties, the Nymph chooses the eldest traveller.
HELP FROM AN ITEM
If a traveller carries a LOCKET, they may discard it as an offering to the Nymph, then draw a random extra Blessing from the deck.
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Blessings and Bargains symbolise the support of a spirit of the Elder Wood. Both offer protection against death for the traveller who wins them.
Blessings: When a spirit is pleased, it might grant its special protection to a particular traveller. Spirits who have bestowed a member of the party with their Blessing travel invisibly with them and will help to protect them when they reach the Heart of the Wood.
Travellers who win a Blessing should place the Blessing behind their Character Card so that the spirit's name and number are still visible.
Bargains: Sometimes, instead of granting its Blessing to a traveller, a spirit might instead offer a conditional protection called a Bargain. Bargains symbolise a trade between spirit and traveller; the spirit protects the traveller, but its influence affects the traveller's behaviour. The traveller must obey the Bargain rules written on the spirit's card so long as they possess the Bargain. In return, the spirit will convert its Bargain to a Blessing in the Heart of the Wood, thus helping the traveller survive.
Travellers who win a Bargain should place the Bargain card face-up to one side of their Character Card, so that they can read the card's Bargain rules.
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————By the time we wake, the light is fading overhead. Freshly invigorated, we walk into the dusk.