Matilda Blackthorn

Matilda Blackthorn is a mysterious fortune teller and seer who has garnered a reputation for her uncanny ability to glimpse into the future. With her piercing gaze and cryptic words, she offers glimpses of destiny to those who seek her guidance. Matilda resides in a small cottage on the outskirts of Krider Springs, where she practices her divination arts. Despite her ability to see fragments of the future, Matilda's visions are often clouded and elusive. She has learned to interpret the signs and symbols that present themselves to her, piecing together fragments of prophecy to guide those who seek her aid. Her fortune-telling sessions are enigmatic and captivating, drawing a steady stream of curious visitors.   Unbeknownst to Matilda, Griselda Thornbloom, the Green Hag, recognized the true potential of her visions. Griselda saw an opportunity to exploit Matilda's unique abilities for her own dark purposes. Under the guise of friendship, Griselda approached Matilda, feigning interest in her powers and offering assistance in honing her divinatory skills.   Over time, Griselda subtly manipulated Matilda's dreams and visions, enhancing certain aspects to further her own agenda. Matilda, trusting in Griselda's guidance, unknowingly became entangled in the web of the hag's influence. Griselda carefully cultivates a sense of dependency within Matilda, ensuring the fortune teller remains under her sway.   Matilda, in her genuine desire to help others, remains oblivious to the true nature of Griselda and her coven. She believes that she is utilizing her powers for the greater good, offering insight and guidance to the people of Krider Springs. However, her visions have become increasingly fragmented and distorted, a consequence of Griselda's manipulations.   As the player characters delve deeper into the town's mysteries, they may encounter Matilda and seek her assistance. Matilda will offer cryptic clues and visions, providing vital pieces of information that can aid the players in their quest to uncover the truth behind the coven's dark machinations.   With her connection to Griselda and her genuine desire to help others, Matilda becomes a key figure in the unfolding story. The players must navigate the intricacies of her visions, separating the truth from the manipulated fragments in order to thwart the hag coven's plans and restore balance to Krider Springs.   three examples of Matilda Blackthorn's foretellings: The Burning Tower: Matilda gazes into her crystal ball, her eyes clouding over with a distant vision. She sees the silhouette of a towering structure, engulfed in flames and crumbling to ashes. She warns the player characters of an imminent catastrophe that threatens Krider Springs. "Beware the burning tower," she whispers, "for within its destruction lies the key to salvation." Interpretation: Matilda's foretelling hints at a significant event that will occur within the town—a literal or metaphorical "burning tower" that symbolizes impending danger. The players must unravel the meaning behind this vision, discovering a plot or conflict that could lead to disaster. The burning tower may represent a corrupted source of power or a figure of authority whose downfall will be crucial to thwarting the hag coven's plans.   The Serpent's Kiss: Matilda's eyes glaze over as she sees a writhing serpent, its fangs dripping with venom. She warns the players of a treacherous betrayal, cautioning them to be wary of allies turned foes. "Beware the serpent's kiss," she whispers, "for betrayal lurks where trust is bestowed." Interpretation: Matilda's vision foretells a betrayal from someone close to the player characters. It suggests that a trusted individual, possibly an NPC or even one of the player characters themselves, will succumb to the influence of the hag coven or another malevolent force. The players must be cautious in their alliances and discern the true intentions of those around them to avoid falling victim to the serpent's kiss.   The Veil of Shadows: Matilda's face turns pale as she peers into the unknown. She speaks of a thick and suffocating veil of shadows descending upon Krider Springs, obscuring the truth and shrouding the town in darkness. "Beware the veil of shadows," she warns, "for within its depths, secrets and lies thrive." Interpretation: Matilda's foretelling suggests that the hag coven's manipulations will intensify, casting a metaphorical veil of shadows over the town. The players will encounter increased deception, hidden agendas, and obscured truths. They must navigate through the layers of secrecy and uncover the hag coven's true intentions, unraveling the tangled web of lies that threatens to consume Krider Springs.   These foretellings provide glimpses into the challenges the players will face, guiding them towards the key elements necessary to unravel the coven's plans and restore balance to the town. However, as with all prophecies, their interpretations may require careful investigation and discernment to fully grasp their meaning and implications.