You travel with the trapper for a few hours on horseback. Travelling along Kardas' roads and then off the beaten path, you come to a small village.
Casimir knows the name of this village- it was known as Scorchbark, named after one of Erastil's favoured servants, an ancient treant. The village is home to a few dozen people, and is fairly isolated in nature.
However, as you get close to the village you can see something is terribly wrong. Whole wooden houses have been smashed apart, their roofs ripped away from the walls. The village is carnage incarnate, and you see no sign of survivors. Dead bodies are scattered everywhere, many torn apart and ripped limb from limb. The trapper pales, and then immediately sprints towards a ruined house, with only one wall left standing...
Malthir dismounts, draws his blade and rushes to follow the man.
"This does not look like the work of soldiers," Fenna says gravely as she draws out her aspergillum, "I fear we have no time for the stealthy approach, Kalev."
Casting her eyes around the carnage in search of its source, she urges Dandelion to follow after the trapper towards what was presumably once his home.
The trapper throws up his arms to the heaven in thanks as he moves aside a carpet in his ruined home to reveal a trapdoor, leading to a basement. Opening it, a scared woman and two young girls are led out and their blindfolds untied.
Oh Paeter! the woman sighs in relief, embracing the trapper. It was terrible... all we could hear was screaming and fighting upstairs... Oh Paeter... what did they do to you? the last question a whisper as the woman contemplates what was done to her husband...
You find one of the men of Karas, dressed as a slaver like the others. His body lies utterly broken, stripped of his weapons and armour- you identify him by the set of manacles they all seemed to carry. He seemed to have put up a fight outside the village.
A quick inspection reveals no survivors. You can easily make out at least a dozen footprints that are far too large to belong to any human. It also seems that many of the corpses have been feasted on, their bodies mangled by something sharp and clear teeth marks visible on many of them. The small hill that Scorchbark was founded on is drenched in the blood of the fallen.
Kalev, could this be the work of trolls? Maybe we can make out more from the tracks. Can you tell how many of them there might be?
[]While Kalev cannot confirm for sure that the tracks belonged to Trolls, he estimates that about twelve large creatures were involved in the attack. The tracks lead south-west, back into the forest. Kalev estimates the trail is about six hours old.[/i]
"Yes, I do happen to have one spell of invisibility left. If there is nothing else, we can head out now. Time is money, after all."
So many of them...this is terrible news that a group this large has banded together. So guardians what to do next? To go after them now would be a suicide mission.
I say we escort this couple and their children to the captial and then warn the kingdom of this threat. We then continue our scouting mission of the west until we find out where these creatures are hiding. A dozen trolls I imagine creates quite a path of destruction wherever they go.
One hour later...
Whatever they were, they left broken trees and a clear trail in their wake moving south through the forest- but they move quickly. I wasn't able to pinpoint where they were going...
"Quite, we have little hope of standing against such a force alone. But if there are more villages like this one to the south, we need to get word to them quickly."
I say we gather some hunters and other able-bodied men. If these be trolls indeed, I prefer if we have a good number of bowmen with us, as well as some with longspears. I cannot keep several trolls at bay at once. This, horrible as it is, may give us one good thing - realising the need to raise a militia, so we can defend ourselves if another large group of trolls or other creatures attack Kardas again. While my knowledge of trolls is not great, an old friend of mine always said, "When you face a troll's ire, remember to bring fire". Perhaps Bokken can help us with some alchemist fire.
Maybe we should ask Redeyes for his help? Maybe he could track them for us so we can figure out what we are really up against. Do trolls usually gather in such numbers? Either way going back to the capital to raise the alarm or a militia sounds a fair plan.
Heading back to the capital with the hunter and his family in tow, you leave the grim visage of Scorchbark behind you and reach Swordhaven by nightfall. Securing temporary accomodation for the family, you return to the castle for the night. As you travel the streets of Swordhaven you can't help but notice an atmosphere of tension and wariness. People seem frightened, even in the grand city of Swordhaven.
Heading back to the capital with the hunter and his family in tow, you leave the grim visage of Scorchbark behind you and reach Swordhaven by nightfall. Securing temporary accomodation for the family, you return to the castle for the night. As you travel the streets of Swordhaven you can't help but notice an atmosphere of tension and wariness. People seem frightened, even in the grand city of Swordhaven.
You haven't been back long before Akiros comes and finds you and gives you a report at the council meeting Malthir calls for.
A travelling merchant came into town with rumours of trolls slaughtering a village to the north... and we've also had two related killings in Swordhaven come to our attention. Its almost like something knew you wouldn't be around today... How fared your travels?
You haven't been back long before Akiros comes and finds you and gives you a report at the council meeting Malthir calls for.
A travelling merchant came into town with rumours of trolls slaughtering a village to the north... and we've also had two related killings in Swordhaven come to our attention. Its almost like something knew you wouldn't be around today... How fared your travels?
Akiros, what do you mean by two related killings? Can you give us more details on these? Are you saying that you think that there may be trolls operating near the capital as well?
My choice of words was poor... the killings are related to each other, not to the trolls. Not directly to the trolls anyhow. I can't help but think of these lands as a chess board for greater powers. A few days ago some livestock were slaughtered, but it was blamed on wild animals.
But then two nights ago, a serving girl at The Lonely Hippogriff named Saki never made it home after her shift ended. She was found dead this morning. Last night, a shepherd boy named Beven was slaughtered along with half a dozen of his sheep. We've rounded the rest up in case Fenna's special talents could be used to ascertain whats happening. We believe that its a particularily large wolf or perhaps a Worg- there is a renowned winter wolf to the east of Swordhaven named Howls-With-the-North-Wind that leads a Worg pack so that could be a lead. Both killings took place outside the city itself- and we have kept both sites secure. The local militia don't know what to make of it, and even if they did most of them would piss themselves if they were to face a Worg...
Either way, its two killings on two consecutive nights. The people are scared to leave their homes... Fearful that the killer will strike again later tonight...
Let us get some rest, and set out first thing tomorrow to investigate the murder sites and interview any witnesses - Fenna can start with the sheep. In the mean time, issue a curfew and double the city guard patrols.
Fenna, will you make sure steps are taken to get Paeter and his family situated in a new home and given reasonable help to rebuild their livelyhood?
As for the trolls, it sounds like we need to look more to our defences, and maybe provide Kesten with some more men and resources. It could be time to build a standing army.
Let us get some rest, and set out first thing tomorrow to investigate the murder sites and interview any witnesses - Fenna can start with the sheep. In the mean time, issue a curfew and double the city guard patrols.
Fenna, will you make sure steps are taken to get Paeter and his family situated in a new home and given reasonable help to rebuild their livelyhood?
As for the trolls, it sounds like we need to look more to our defences, and maybe provide Kesten with some more men and resources. It could be time to build a standing army.
Agreed, let's see if we can resolve hopefully a smaller problem closer to home.
I will go with Fenna to check out the place of the murder of the boy and his sheep. Perhaps I can pick up some tracks that may help us determine who or what did this.
But... there have been two murders in two nights. The people look to you to protect them from another killing. The wolf... worg... whatever it is... may strike again tonight!
"I agree with Akiros, these killings are an immediate concern. I will of course see that Paeter's family is tended to in the morning, but for tonight they can stay in the castle."
"Beyond being outside the city proper, are the locations of the two attacks within a particular region?" she asks the redeemed bandit, "if we can go there tonight without appearing too threatening, we may lure whatever is responsible to reveal themselves... not that we should do this blindly of course, as Kalev says, we might be able to derive some information from the areas of the murder. Where are the surviving sheep?"
The killings were both within a mile of each other and Swordhaven. Both killings were done near a small copse of trees. I had one of the Marshall's men examine for tracks earlier today- they found tracks leading into the copse at both sites but lost the trail in the woods themselves.
Akiros pauses, and then speaks up with a suggestion.
If it pleases you, the bodies of the slain are being kept in a chamber of the castle before burial, so that we can examine them. Perhaps we should start there?
A good idea, Akiros. Let us see if the bodies reveal clues to the attacker.
And if we have a trail to follow, perhaps we should let Kalev take a crack at it.
Take us there immediately!
Akiros leads you to the lower depths of the castle, a place many of you have seldom reason to visit. Laid out on two stone tables are the mutilated bodies of the victims. They appear to have been partially eaten.
You can tell the victims were definitely killed by a large, man sized animal- likely a particularily large wolf or a worg as Akiros suggested from his own analysis.
I may not be able to update for a while but after this Akiros leads you discretely to the killng grounds. As the Warden said, both sites are in open ground, but near a copse of trees.
These wounds were inflicted by a large beast, similar to a wolf, but at least the size of a pony. I suggest we proceed with caution.
"Yes," the gnome agrees, "as we have seen of Red-Eyes, such creatures are quite formidable... indeed, should tonight's investigations prove fruitless, perhaps he may be able to shed some light onto his kin to the east."
Following the tracks by magical lighting with the fury of a bloodhound, Kalev swiftly tracks the pawprints of a large four-legged creature he identifies as a wolf- into the forest. Kalev is able to determine that these tracks are a day old. The tracks end in a small clearing in the tiny forest, where the wolf appeared to go into a feeding frenzy- blood and gore litter the clearing. Kalev's keen eyes also spot small rags of clothing scattered about the clearing.
Kalev's eyes widen in surprise as he tracks the pawprints out of the forest- they are no longer pawprints, but human footprints in heavy boots. Following them, they lead into the town- and not even Kalev is able to track the trail beyond the main street into Swordhaven. The bustling crowds of the city have utterly obliterated any chance of following a single set of tracks.
The curfew ordered by Casimir is starting to be put into effect as you re-enter Swordhaven. As the city has no walls, Akiros is attempting to keep the busiest areas of town and the most likely entrances covered by men of the militia. Kalev's hunters and some brave commoners have also been drafted into service as lookouts. Although the atmosphere is tense- the people of Kardas look after their own.
Casimir whistles softly as Kalev point out where the prints shift from wolf-paw to a mans feet. I know what did this....we have a were-wolf in our fair city.
He looks to the full moon above. Most likely the moonlight is driving it to shift and kill. It must be a recent arrival, otherwise, we would have had more of these. Let us check the inn and see if any of the guests stand out. If we have a chance to secure any silver weapons, it would be wise to do so. My sword is mithril, which will harm the beast, but it will be able to resist injuries from normal weapons.
"If it is indeed a were-wolf responsible for this, then the poor soul cursed with the affliction may not wish to cause any harm... perhaps rather than slay them, we could merely contain them during those times their condition poses a risk... I suspect a cell with silvered bars would contain the beast."
"If we ask the wizard Aristus to lend his expertise to what little research I have already compiled on the subject of a cure, along with a hopefully willing subject for study, such a thing might not be so far away."
The Lonely Hippogriff is extremely crowded filled with more than a hundred souls, the residents of Kardas seeking comfort and safety in numbers. Serving girls desperately try and fill mens flagons with ale fast enough, and the noise inside is a dull roar of conversation, speculation and anxiety. As you enter the inn, the people initially fall silent, but the noise quickly rises once again. The crowd does its best to part respectfully for the Guardians, but the sheer numbers mean you have to squeeze through the crowd. More than once, you hear whispers of 'werewolf' and 'last night of the full moon'. The innkeeper, a friendly retired soldier from Galt named Marius, nods respectfully to you as you make your way over to him. Scanning the crowd at a glance, you see only a combination of fear and good old stubborn Brevic steadheartness in the faces of Swordhaven's citizens.
The Lonely Hippogriff is extremely crowded filled with more than a hundred souls, the residents of Kardas seeking comfort and safety in numbers. Serving girls desperately try and fill mens flagons with ale fast enough, and the noise inside is a dull roar of conversation, speculation and anxiety. As you enter the inn, the people initially fall silent, but the noise quickly rises once again. The crowd does its best to part respectfully for the Guardians, but the sheer numbers mean you have to squeeze through the crowd. More than once, you hear whispers of 'werewolf' and 'last night of the full moon'. The innkeeper, a friendly retired soldier from Galt named Marius, nods respectfully to you as you make your way over to him. Scanning the crowd at a glance, you see only a combination of fear and good old stubborn Brevic steadheartness in the faces of Swordhaven's citizens.
Just before we enter. Kalev, can you watch the outside of the building, if the perpetrator is here and knows what he is doing he might try to sneak out while we try to find out any information about him. With your darkvision you can spot someone trying to leave in the darkness.
We ask to speak with Marius in private. Assuming agreement, Marius, these attacks started recently, in the past two days we think. Do you have any men that arrived alone and arrived here recently? We don't know if any of them are involved but we would like to try and talk to them? Fenna or Ilya is there any way to detect one of these creatures while they are in human form?
Aye, I'll stay out here and watch the exits. I'll call if something needs urgent attention. With that, Kalev finds a dark corner from where to watch the exit, while thinking "perhaps we fine lords should consider getting signal horns..."
Theres no shortage of gossip this evening. Neither Saki nor Beven were known to have any enemies. Alarmingly, the patrons are also whispering that undead have been spotted to the east, and people whisper that the Stag Lord has risen from the dead to gather an army from an ancient crypt in the eastern Kamelands.
As the other Guardians move off to a back room to speak with Marius, Ilya begins to 'work the crowd', reassuring the people of Swordhaven and lifting their spirits. Soon enough, the crowd are struggling to remember old Elven songs from their childhoods to sing in Ilya's honour. Meanwhile, Marius retrieves a key from a hook while he anwers Malthir. Even trying to be subtle and watch from the corner, Kalev's celebrity ensures that he is continually fending off enthusiastic conversation from his subjects in order to keep watching the exits.
Only one, my lord. A Kellid tribesman named Kundal arrived two nights ago. Polite enough, but the man drinks like a demon each night. Once hes finished here he seems to go drinking elsewhere once I close the bar- he comes back each morning looking worse for wear. Kundal left to go hunting in the Narlmarches at about midday my lord, but assured me he'd be back tonight. Would my lords like to search his chambers?
"His behavior does fit the correct pattern," Fenna comments to her fellow guardians, "and while his room is unlikely to yield great insight to his current location, there may be something within to confirm our suspicions... and perhaps indicate whether he was trying to combat the effects of his curse, or if he welcomed it."
Divination mostly. Their difficulty to detect has always been the reason Lycanthropes continue to thrive. It is likely that in his animalor hybrid form, he will detect as evil, but that does not necessarily mean the man himself is evil.
Marius bows and leads you to a small bedroom chamber. Kundal is apparently rather messy, but nothing immediately stands out as suspicious.
I will leave you to your investigation my lords... Marius says with a polite bow.
** spoiler omitted **
Marius bows and leads you to a small bedroom chamber. Kundal is apparently rather messy, but nothing immediately stands out as suspicious.
I will leave you to your investigation my lords... Marius says with a polite bow.
** spoiler omitted **
As the other Guardians move off to a back room to speak with Marius, Ilya begins to 'work the crowd', reassuring the people of Swordhaven and lifting their spirits. Soon enough, the crowd are struggling to remember old Elven songs from their childhoods to sing in Ilya's honour. Meanwhile, Marius retrieves a key from a hook while he anwers Malthir. Even trying to be subtle and watch from the corner, Kalev's celebrity ensures that he is continually fending off enthusiastic conversation from his subjects in order to keep watching the exits.
Only one, my lord. A Kellid tribesman named Kundal arrived two nights ago. Polite enough, but the man drinks like a demon each night. Once hes finished here he seems to go drinking elsewhere once I close the bar- he comes back each morning looking worse for wear. Kundal left to go hunting in the Narlmarches at about midday my lord, but assured me he'd be back tonight. Would my lords like to search his chambers?
Marius, can you also provide a desription of this man for us? If you see him enter the Inn, let us know immediately. We appreciate your help in this matter.
Big, dirty, hairy Kellid man. Polite and generous with his coin though. I thought he'd be causing trouble in his inebriated state every evening, but he seems to just drink quietly to himself.
"I know of no direct method of detecting a werewolf while it is still in its human form," Fenna replies to Malthir's question as she begins to search through the clutter, "though if we find no evidence in his room, it may be possible such a creature would receive some mention in my old writings, given time to check through them I may be able to find something to indicate whether this man is indeed cursed."
While Malthir painstakingly lays out Kundal's clothing and begins to search each item meticulously, Fenna makes a mockery of his efforts by following the moonlight shining through the window and looking under the bed. She comes up from under the bed bearing a severed human ear with a distinctive copper earing...
"I know of no direct method of detecting a werewolf while it is still in its human form," Fenna replies to Malthir's question as she begins to search through the clutter, "though if we find no evidence in his room, it may be possible such a creature would receive some mention in my old writings, given time to check through them I may be able to find something to indicate whether this man is indeed cursed."
seeing the ear, Malthir curses to himself and his hand shifts to his sword. I know you wish to see if this man can be healed, but no one else's life will be lost trying to capture it! If he surrenders to us you will have your chance to help him, but if not then we will not take any chances of it escaping. you notice immediately that Malthir no longer calls the man "him" or "he", just "it".
We must find this evil immediately before it kills any more of our people to satify its bloodlust! Malthir storms out of the room almost tearing the door of its hinges when he opens it.
With the potential werewolf identified and the curfew and rumours preventing anyone from leaving Swordhaven, it stands to reason that the wolf will enter the city to feed tonight...
Fenna sends a concerned look after the Baron as he storms out of the room, but rather than rush after him she looks to Casimir, "Malthir is right that this thing must be stopped, but rushing ahead blindly is unlikely to end well," she looks down to the ear for a moment, then back to the spymaster, "do you think this belonged to Saki? Or might it be evidence of an as yet unidentified victim?"
"In any case, I think we should pay a call to Mr. Flintfire, I think I may be able to use what I have learned of this curse to suppress it, but only temporarily, so it would be best if we had a pair of good manacles to contain him."