''I see, thank you. And might I know who exactly these lords are?'' you asked.

"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."

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.

''First Kill'' 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.

"Really?" You asked.

"Yes, the damn thing nearly bored its tusks into my legs before Ortelstein managed to put a bolt in its skull." Baron von Wurzhof replied, a proud grin on his face. Poking the dead boar with a stick. ''If you don't mind, I would like to have its skull, for on the hearth.''

''Certainly, I shall have the servants put it apart.'' 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. ''Your Highness, it's your father. His disease has taken a turn for the worse. He is asking to see you immediately.'' Your heart sank as you rushed to your father's side, leaving the gathering behind and rushing back to the castle.

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.