Elga Verniex

Elga Verniex is an elderly woman with fey lineage who lives alone in a dilapidated mud hut in the marshes of the Greenbelt. Locals call her the “swamp witch” and tend to avoid her, though she is not a hag despite appearances and reputation.

Appearance

Elga lives in a mud hut squatting atop a small hummock in the middle of a fetid marsh. A thin tendril of bluish smoke trickles through a gaping hole in the moss-covered roof. A wooden fence surrounds the perimeter, festooned with crude fetishes crafted from sticks, feathers, and animal bones. A pumpkin-headed scarecrow stands in the garden.

Personality

Initially suspicious and defensive of intruders (“WHO GOES THERE? LEAVE!”), Elga can be won over with the right approach. She was particularly taken with Leonardo, becoming immediately enamored when he mentioned the Black Rattlecaps she had requested.

Fey Heritage

Jacques recognized that while locals consider her a hag, Elga has fey lineage rather than being an actual hag. This heritage likely contributes to her magical abilities and knowledge of the region’s supernatural threats.

History with the Party

• Session-15 (Erastus 4710) The party discovered Elga’s hut during their reconnaissance of the marshlands. When Ryu (Lizzy’s fairy dragon familiar) flew to investigate, Elga ran out shouting warnings. However, when Leonardo mentioned the Black Rattlecaps, she welcomed the party inside.

  Elga provided valuable intelligence about several dangerous locations and threats in the region:

  • The Hateful Hermit - Lives to the west, younger brother of Bokken (the hermit to the north)
  • Candlemere Island - Warned it is full of Will-o’-Wisps and Shambling Mounds, extremely dangerous
  • Lizardfolk Settlement - Location of a lizardfolk community in the area
  • Haunted Graveyard - A cursed burial ground somewhere in the region

Knowledge & Abilities

Elga possesses extensive knowledge of the Greenbelt’s dangers, particularly its supernatural threats. Her warnings about Candlemere Island proved accurate, and her information about the region’s inhabitants has been valuable for the party’s exploration efforts.

Likely party attitude:

++ Leonardo: She was immediately fond of him

• Valuable source of regional information
• Helpful despite intimidating appearance and reputation ? Curious about her fey lineage and abilities