The Willow-Waif is a mysterious Unknown bonded to the biggest, oldest willow tree of Willow Creek. Found slumbering in the bed of moss, amidst the roots of her tree, she resists any attempt to wake her up. A minor, makeshift shrine was erected around her. The Woven Weir (and thus, the Marshmere Lodge) is in close proximity to the Waif and her willow. 

Sometimes, she is visited by the will-o'-the-wisps from the local bogs of Irren, who grow unusually docile in her presence. Palinor can also be found there, trying to commune with the Willow-Waif. Other Fey of the region venerate her almost like a minor deity. Despite appearing youthful, it is said that she is ancient. 

GM Notes

Willow Creek

- The Willow-Waif is distantly related to Xōchitl, and thus to the Verdant Mother. Such birthright could afford her a high position at Aseron's Court, though evidently, she elected not to pursue it. Why? She did not even bond with Irren (the northern parts of the Millennium Forest), and instead chose a single tree. 

- She is sleeping because she drew the multitudes of local corrupting influences into herself, in an attempt to save the land. Now, she is slowly recovering... though so much absorbed corruption could overwhelm her. Some of it includes the dark, necromantic energies brought by Lady Agra and her Fey Vampire Cult; the infestation of Yellow Musk from the Willow Creek Ruin; and the tainted magics of Stone's Warden, to name a few. 

- Why do the will-o'-the-wisps flock to her, and why are they pacified by her presence? Palinor can commune with them, and maybe they carry fragments of her thoughts, allowing him to glimpse into her sleeping mind? 

- Eventually, someone should enter her dreams and help her dispel the absorbed influences, or she herself will be corrupted. 

- HHH, the spurned lover of Lord Lutrian, is frequently attacking Willow Creek with his toads and frogs. Among his goals, as instructed by the Verdant Mother, is the return of the Willow-Waif into the fold. 

Title
The Sallow Sleeper

Type
NPC

Gender
Male

Pronouns
She/Her