this is the begining of a new fill in game for the Duel II guy's so beware this might get graphic.


The isolated town of Oaks Heart is situated in a small valley next to a large mountain range many miles south east of Tilverton. It was founded many years ago as a logging and mining town and has become a haven for retired adventurers and ex-military types that wanted to have a little more personal freedom than the large cities allow. It is a small town thats population ranges from around 300 to 500 people with a wide range of races and cultures.

Oaks Heart is surrounded by a large wooden pallisade and has the following features:
1.) a large sawmill run by Carus Dorn, a large friendly man that believes in hard work. He was an adventurer in his youth and is allways willing to share a tale or two.

2.) a large central inn called the Bellyfull owned and operated by an ancient Dwarf known lovingly as the Ol' Crook

3.) various stables and stockyards that house the mules used for skidding logs, as well as, sheep, goats, and some few hogs

4.) a full line blacksmith and armourer shop that employees many making saw blades and weapons for the residents

5.) a hide tanner and leatherworks area devoted mainly to suppling the local industry

6.) dry goods and mining supply store

7.) woodworking and wagon making facillity

other places pop up from time to time depending on who is drifting through and once a month a caravan usually stops in bringing a carnival like atmosphere to the town.

the mayor of Oaks Heart is a kindly old man named Finneous Brassile. an odd fellow with a strange twinkle in his eye. very revered by the older generations(especially the retired adventurers) his main confident is a rarely seen dark elf called "Whisper" that oversees the local militia and patrols the areas around Oaks Heart.

Due to the mix of population in Oaks Heart several gods are represented here. first and foremost among these is Silvanus who has a nice temple devoted to him and a strong following in the town. Shrines are also devoted to Mielikki, Tempus, and Tymora. to a lesser extent Beshaba, Ilmater, and Malar.

Oaks Heart is no stranger to strife. many monsters live in the forest and mountains surrounding this town and Oaks Heart is under constant threat.

RAT, a plain-looking, nondescript, but strong-looking halfling, was homeless and nicknamed as Rat from near birth. Growing up in the wild near mountains, with the help of a group of elderly rogues, he became proficient at pick pocketing and lock picking for survival. But his passion was mountain exploration, hence his proficiency in climbing and ropes, especially difficult peaks. Rat is a quiet sort, believing actions speak louder than words. He shies from battle, mostly due to his size, choosing instead the route of a sneak and a thief. He is true neutral, believing there needs to be a balance in all in nature. He is a dependable sort, when he wants to be, but his early environment taught
him to take care of number one first. He has no past girlfriends and, indeed, is shy and inexperienced at things
like love and sex. (But he is willing to learn!)
Rat will certainly be waiting on the steps of the Bellyfull when the mayor returns to tell the town about the problem. He is sure he can be helpful to a group that wants to adventure into the unknown and make it known,

The sun slowly climbed over the horizon, lending it's warmth to the town of Oaks Heart on a brisk early autum day. The sleepy little town was coming to life, as the roosters crowed their good mornings to the world. people were stirring in every household as the chimmney smoke rose into the bright morning sky brought on by the hasty rekindeling of the home fires. This was certainly a dusk to dawn town.
The cook fires of the Bellyfull were blazing high, spreading the intoxicating smells of crisp bacon, plump sausages, and fresh baked bread amongst the townfolk. It wouldn't be long til the line to get in would stretch out twisting and turning like a serpent into the surrounding yards. The loud clang of hammer on steel announced the opening of the blacksmith's forge as the load braying and commotion of livestock gave sign of the young shepards begining the the long quite stroll with there herds around the surrounding countryside.
Yes, by all signs, another typical day was begining for the town of Oaks Heart, but then again nothing is really typical in Oaks Heart. Just mere minutes into the morning the shrill call of the alarm bells in the central watch tower were being sounded. The well drilled militia were bursting forth from there barracks and mounting the walls of the pallisade like a swarm of ants. The nervous citizens of Oaks Heart were rushing children inside and grabbing what weapons they could, as they awaited word of what impending doom was upon their doorstep.
Up in the watch tower the cryer called out to the town. "2 wagons and 4 riders coming hard!!".... a few seconds later he voiced again "It's a logging team! Somethings wrong!! OPEN THE GATE!!
The massive wooden gate slowly swung open as people scattered before the approaching wagons. a general cry went up from the crowds for somebody to get Carus Dorn. several people speed off toward the huge sawmill to get the owner as the rest of the crowd watch in anticipation and fear. Faces pailed as the onlookers caught site of the wagons cargo. Dead men, stangly pale, lay in the backs of the wagons. wails of despair went into the air as people recognized the fallen.
Priests from various temple came rushing through the crowds to gather the bodies of the dead men as the mayor stormed up with Carus in tow. "Asland!" he snapped at the high priest of Silvanus."Examine them quick and let me know what killed them." "You men!" he pointed at the loggers " Get to my office now" "Carus, you go with them a start getting the story" he said as he shoved Carus back.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" he bellowed at the crowd "please give me your patience. We must get to the bottom of this first and the notify the next of kin. I will meet with you all on the steps of the Bellyfull shortly. For now go about your buisness. Thank you." and with the he rushed off.

Welcome to the sleepy little town of Oaks Heart
Where adventure gives way to survival.

now please introduce yourselves and let me know how you wish to start.

Anvil Ironfist was bigger than most Dwarves. Typically the largest of Dwarves stood 4’6” tall, yet Anvil was a full 4’8”. Not surprisingly given his size, strength and constitution, he became a warrior. He did not come from one of the large Dwarven homelands, but rather from a much smaller enclave of dwarves. A little over a year ago his clan’s lands were invaded by a large tribe of orcs. The orcs raided the Dwarves lands and mines, and also assaulted the gnomes and humans that shared the region. While on an errand, Anvil and a couple of friends came upon a group of orcs attacking the gnomish homestead with whom they were supposed to do business. Anvil and his friends fought off the attackers and then tracked the few survivors back to the orcs lair. There the small group picked off the orcs one-by-one as they returned from their various raids. By the time the orcs realized what was up the small group had killed off half the tribe. The ensuing battle was an easy one for the dwarves and made Anvil a hero amongst his clan.
But that first battle also gave Anvil his first taste of adventure. He did not like killing, but the adrenaline rush of doing what needed to be done was enticing. He enjoyed the excitement and he enjoyed helping people. It wasn’t long before things had settled back down to normal at home – and Anvil resolved to strike out into the world and discover what he could of it. He had hoped that he could convince one of his dwarvish or gnomish friends to join him, but it turned out that he was destined to start this journey on his own.
Oaks Heart was a logical place for a young Dwarf looking for adventure to find himself. The morning of the logging “incident” was only his second in Oaks Heart. He had been staying at the Bellyfull Inn and looking for a group that would be heading into the mountains. He had some skill at mountaineering and thought that might be his best chance to find a group to join up with. As with most Dwarves Anvil also was skilled in a smithy – as anyone who heard his name would expect. He had already had discussions with one of the local smiths who liked the breadth of the large dwarf about earning a few extra coins working in his shop until he found a trip to his liking. He has only been in town a short time, but already has come to enjoy the town and its people.

For this adventure – Anvil will certainly be waiting on the steps of the Bellyfull when the mayor returns to tell the town about the problem. He will be eager to join a group to deal with the problem. He will be particularly likely to seek out other Dwarves and Gnomes, although he has nothing against any other race. (Except orcs.)

With his morning study complete, Trillian stood and stretched away the stiffness in his muscles. He was accustomed to long hours of study, but in a setting more in tune with his needs as a wizard. The Bellyfull Inn was a nice place, though not one suited to Trillian's scholarly pursuits and certainly not suited to his many study notes, carefully scribed on sheets of parchment.

He gathered the parchments and placed them in his scroll case. Some mysteries of the magical realm would have to wait until after breakfast. He certainly was hungry and the smell of breakfast was wafting up from the kitchen to his room. It was then he heard the Oaks Heart alarm.

The warning bell was ringing and a look at his window saw townsfolk scrambling for safety. The local militia quickly gathered and made its way to the front gate. Trillian, not one to miss an opportunity for adventure, quickly put on his robe and shoved his belongings into his backpack. If this was the start of an adventure, he would not be caught unprepared. He scooped up his weapon and headed out of the inn.

In his careful preparation, Trillian had missed all of the action. All he could gather from the locals was a few of the town loggers had run afoul of something and were killed while outside of the town gates. The mayor had announced a gathering on the steps of The Bellyfull to soothe the townsfolks fears and give them information on the situation. If there was ever going to be an opportunity for adventure, Trillian was sure he would find it here.

He had come to the town with a trading caravan, one week past now. While he found the town culture interesting, he longed for more up close and personal study of the area. Fortunately, Trillian was wise enough to know that partaking in such a task alone would be foolish. No, if he was going to experience all that Oaks Heart had to offer, he was going to do it in the company of others.

There was no need to go any further than the steps of the Bellyfull if the mayor was coming shortly. So Trillian looked around for a suitable spot to wait. Perhaps other adventurers would be interested in the loggers' plight and he could join them. He noticed a rather large dwarf, if a dwarf could be considered large, waiting on the steps. The dward had the look of an adventurer about him.

Trillian made his way over to a spot beside the dwarf and speaks to him in the Dwarven tongue, "Greetings, my name is Trillian Lightgrove," he says with a bow. "I missed all the morning commotion, any ideas about what has happened to those poor loggers?"

Trillian will move over beside Anvil and introduce himself. He will speak to Anvil only in the Dwarven tongue unless Anvil requests they speak in Common. Trillian will then wait for the mayor to appear and here what has befallen the loggers.

at the Bellyfull and he spots a dwarf strongman and a smart-looking elf on the steps chatting in an introductory manner. He says to himself "I'll just bet the are adventurers who just met and are discussing teaming up. They look like the type of people I'd like to be around." So the halfling hustles on over and introduces himself, hoping that this is the beginning of something good.

T'Sal Ixix had just entered the town when all the commotion started. She thaught at first she had caused it, since most towns aren't too friendly towards Dark Elves, especially one as beautiful as she is. She then heard, "It's a logging team!" and she felt a bit of relief and resentment!

She had come to Oaks Heart to find another school of magic to attend or to hopefully find some adventure. It had been 3 months since she was at the last academy which she had breezed through and she was bored of being by herself.

She heard a man shout something about the "Bellyfull Inn" and she thought that would be a great place to find out about. It was rather easy to find since it seemed everyone was heading towards it.

As she approached the Inn she saw an elf that seemed familiar to her. She couldn't place a finger on it but it was a good sign, she hoped. The elf went over to a rather large dwarf and started to talk to him and then a halfling joined the duo. She clutched her cape tighter and walked over towards the three...

T'Sal will introduce herself to the elf in elvish and if he is friendly she will then intoduce herself to the others in common.

[3 days previously]
Somewhere in the mountains high above the isolated town of Oaks Heart in a small tent near a mountain stream a lone Cleric of Clangeddin Silverbeard reflected upon the events that had directed him to this obscure part of the known world.

Hingatuli Hammer of Clan Hammer had recently turned 60 years of age and the 3’11” 159lb Male Hill Dwarf was braving the hostile surroundings to prove his devotion to the Dwarven god of War [Clangeddin Silverbeard] by showing no fear of cowardice while camping near the threat of unknown monsters prowling around the forests and mountains surrounding Oaks Heart.

Prayerfully seeking further direction as to the purpose of Clangeddin Silverbeard guiding the Dwarf to Oaks Heart, Hingatuli Hammer stared at his own reflection in the early morning still waters of the mountain stream that forked off into a small, but deep pool that fed an underground stream. The fishing was magnificent and Hingatuli Hammer studied his own reflection in the still water that revealed a seasoned warrior of golden brown skin, with a fierce yet handsomely rugged face encased in a full dark bluish beard and enhanced by long dark bluish hair which was cascading upon his broad shoulders from a part down the middle of his head and held in place with a leather headband that bore the Holy Symbol upon his forehead of the Crossed Battle Axes of Clangeddin Silverbeard the Dwarven god of War.

Hingatuli Hammer smirked as the anomaly of his Bright Emerald Green right eye and Deep Ruby Red left eye stared back at him from the cool pool of mountain water.

During his recent years of warfare while serving Clangeddin Silverbeard the anomaly of his two very different colored eyes had served him well while directing his warring companions in quiet attacks upon the enemies of their Hammer Clan community.

When needing a silent command to proceed, Hingatuli Hammer would close his left eye so that the Bright Emerald Green right eye served as a signal to Go; while closing the right eye and opening only the left eye for his companions to view the Deep Ruby Red orb served as a signal to Stop.

What had once been a childhood game played with his friends had become in later years a matter of survival when quiet secrecy was needed to convey those simple messages in times of battle and guerilla warfare.

He remembered back to that fateful day 20 years earlier when the majority of the then thriving Hammer Clan had been wiped out by marauding Orcs while he was away in the mountains hunting for food and precious gems to bring back to the community to celebrate a great feast day of Moradin the creator god of the dwarves.

The temple shrine of the Hammer and Anvil symbolizing the supremacy of Moradin had been desecrated by the Orcs and used for the debauchery and slaying of the inhabitants of the Clan Hammer community. Hingatuli Hammer was unprepared for the sight and deafening stillness that greeted his eyes when he returned to the devastated community.

It took 5 full days to bury the dead and lay to rest the injured with the aid of the mourning and grieving male and female Dwarves who had either escaped the torture or had arrived from their own personal ceremonial quests as had Hingatuli Hammer.

Rebuilding the community took many long years and Hingatuli Hammer often pondered upon why Moradin had allowed the desecration of his followers on the eve of the great feast in his honor. Many remained devout in their faith towards Moradin, but Hingatuli Hammer turned away from the peaceful passivity of the majority of the remaining Hammer Clan members in their worship of Moradin.

In stark contrast, Hingatuli and a handful of survivors embraced the devotion to the Dwarven god of War named Clangeddin Silverbeard with the realization that making war against the Orcs was the only viable solution for ensuring the preservation of their remaining Hammer Clan.

Many bloody battles were fought in the name of Clangeddin Silverbeard in behalf of the remaining Hammer Clan and an outpost temple to the Dwarven god of War was erected on the outskirts of the Hammer Clan community to keep vigil against intruders.

After 15 years of rebuilding and creating a strong following of Clangeddin Silverbeard devotees to watch over and fight in behalf of the growing numbers of Clan Hammer residents, Hingatuli Hammer answered a call in a dream to leave the Clan Hammer community on a quest to join in the warfare against the Orcs and other vile evildoers in other parts of the world as yet unknown by the young Dwarf.

During the next 4 years young Hingatuli Hammer had undergone the rigors reserved solely for the servants of Clangeddin Silverbeard and finally fulfilled what was required of him personally to become a Cleric of the Dwarven god of War to journey forth into the world and faithfully serve Clangeddin Silverbeard while spreading the practical message of heroic action that “War is Indeed the Finest Hour of Dwarvenkind in Times of Trouble!”
Hingatuli Hammer blinked twice as he slowly turned his gaze in the direction of Oaks Heart. It was but a mere year ago that the Cleric of Clangeddin Silverbeard had seen the ghostly white letters “OAKS HEART” emblazoned upon a vast surrounding darkness in a troublesome dream that had woken him from a sound sleep.

Days later the Cleric of Clangeddin Silverbeard was consecrated by his fellow Clerics of the Dwarven god of War and sent forth alone to answer the call of Clangeddin Silverbeard to journey to this place called Oaks Heart that was foretold in his dreams.

Now Hingatuli Hammer of Clan Hammer was ready to break camp and begin the final leg of his journey to the isolated town of Oaks Heart whose location had been directed his way by the whispers on the wind. He pulled in his fishing net and secured the 3 largest of the catch, before releasing the remaining fish to spawn and multiply to provide sustenance to others at a future time.

It was time to venture forth to Oaks Heart and Hingatuli Hammer chose to make his way down the mountain at a leisurely pace, drinking in the serenity of the beautiful surroundings, while familiarizing himself with the flora and fauna inhabiting the area.

[Last night]
He could have hurried his pace to arrive in Oaks Heart long before now, but Hingatuli Hammer knew deep within himself that chances were optimal that this may be his last opportunity to enjoy the deep devotional solitude of communion between himself, his Dwarven god of War and these seemingly pleasant surroundings ... before whatever circumstances were to suddenly reveal themselves as to why OAKS HEART had been so vividly emblazoned in the dream from this past year ... that had led the Cleric of Clangeddin Silverbeard to journey to this place to answer the troublesome vision.

Surely Clangeddin Silverbeard would direct Hingatuli Hammer to others of like mind and like heart to wage warfare against the forces brought to bear against the isolated town of Oaks Heart ... no matter what deity or force of nature they chose to serve?

These were the prayerful thoughts that Hingatuli Hammer left unspoken upon his lips, but clearly radiated within himself before his Dwarven god of War as the Cleric of Clangeddin Silverbeard closed his eyes to get another few hours of sleep before waking before dawn to complete his journey to Oaks Heart.

Dreams of guidance are gifts that cannot be controlled or initiated by the dreamer. Only the proper preparation of the heart and soul to receive such guidance can be supplied by the dreamer. The reception is dependent upon the giver of dreams.

It was a peaceful dream of contentment and assurance that Clangeddin Silverbeard was indeed pleased with the progress and the preparation of his Cleric. As Hingatuli Hammer slept a refreshing sleep ... the image of a larger than usual Dwarf sitting on the steps of a large central inn named the Bellyfull ... was clearly a gift of guidance to Hingatuli Hammer of Clan Hammer ... from the Dwarven god of War ... in answer to the 3 days spent in devotional solitude ... by his Lawful Good Cleric.

[This morning]
Before dawn Hingatuli Hammer had broken camp and placed his belongings in his back pack before making his way to Oaks Heart. With his Heavy Crossbow and 20 Bolt Quiver slung across his back, Hingatuli Hammer gripped his Battle Axe with both hands in anticipation of a journey both finished and yet to begin ... as he lightheartedly made his way towards the isolated town of Oaks Heart.

As he drew within hailing distance of the walls of the large wooden palisade, Hingatuli Hammer could smell the aroma of freshly cooking breakfast treats that caused the Dwarf to salivate for some good home cooking by hands other than his own.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of speeding wagon wheels and terrified horses hoofs beating a fearsome tune in the morning light ... followed by the clamoring of militia upon the walls of the palisade and the distinct sound of the town alarm bells!

“2 wagons and 4 riders coming hard!! ... It’s a logging team! ... Something’s wrong!! ... OPEN THE GATE!!”
In the ensuing confusion, Hingatuli Hammer was able to discreetly enter the town of Oaks Heart and follow the flow of the crowd to where the mayor had converged with the populace to view the dead bodies in the wagons.

“Ladies and Gentlemen please give me your patience. We must get to the bottom of this first and then notify the next of kin. I will meet with you all on the steps of the Bellyfull shortly. For now go about your business. Thank you.”
So the Cleric of the Dwarven god of War took the mayor’s advice and went about his business ... to locate the larger than usual Dwarf that Clangeddin Silverbeard had revealed to Hingatuli Hammer during his peaceful dream the previous night.

As Hingatuli Hammer made his way through the crowd to the steps of the Bellyfull, he observed that a Halfling, an Elf and a female Dark Elf had gathered beside the larger than usual Dwarf that the Cleric had viewed in his dream the night previous.

Not being one of extremely enhanced Charisma nor etiquette ... clad in Full Dwarven Plate Armor with a Medium Shield ... Hingatuli Hammer set the head of his Battle Axe on the ground, placed his left foot on the bottom step and leaned upon the shaft with his hands folded upon the end of the shaft, allowing him to rest his chin upon his top-most right hand as he listened to the various introductions and small talk, looking for an opportunity to introduce himself to the larger than usual Dwarf that he had viewed in his dreams.

“My Name is Hingatuli Hammer of Clan Hammer! ... Now ... Who is Ready ... for ... an Adventure?”

The breakfast crowd was slowly giving way to the lunch crowd as the sun neared it's highest position.A random mix of the curious broke like waves upon the steps of the Bellyfull as everyone awaited word. Hardly any work was getting done this day in Oaks Heart and the joyful whistle of the Ol' Crook could be heard above the clamor as the inn was filled to capacity and then some.
Rumors were springing up everywhere in the crowd and spreading like wildfire. Everyone had an opinion on what had happened to the logging crew and everyone was voicing it.
"I tell you, it's those foul strange orcs that did this." grumbled one man "You know those one's that's been pop'n up with that be damned black hand painted on there chests!"

"Naw Earl." droned his companion. "Dem wuz down south by the bridge." "'Sides ain't none been seen in a month or so."

"Black eyed, evil, soul-sucking undead!" shrilled one woman to another "Toril swears up & down he saw a zombie in the woods out west of here just last week!"

"Spider, Coswalt, I'm sure of it!" exclaimed one man to his friend. "You remember that one we seen in the spring?"
"Big as a damn pony and that wasn't half a days walk from there camp."

On and on it went. everything from evil faires to man eating mice was tossed about and consumed by the mob. This wasn't helped by the continual growing of the crowd. Nearly half the town now stood in or around the Bellyfull and it was evident the Ale was flowing as some few were getting deep in ther cups.
Finally, just as the crowd was starting to get boisterous, the chatter died away as Finneous the mayor approache with Carus and the dark elf Whisper. Members of the milita hustled people of the steps and started to control the crowd. As the mayor climbed the short stair the crowd errupted in a chorus of questions.

"Silence!" Finneous bellowed as the crowd hushed as one.
"My good townsfolk, may trials have we faced together and may more i'm sure we will have to endure in the futer as we try to carve out our happy, peaceful lives here. These are harsh lands we live in, with many dangers and threats, but these are also bountiful lands of great wealth and beauty. we are all dedicated to the settlement of this land and as you are all aware we share the costs. Be it farm or forge all give their best. every job here has it's danger. we are no stranger to strife and hardship, but it is our will to survive and our courage to endure that defines us. That is what makes our little township as strong as it's name."
he paused as surveyed the crowd.
"That said, once again we face a tragedy. Yes, my friends, once again we are put to the test. A sad sad day. 6, 6 of our friends, yes, six of our brothers are gone today." he stroked his chin as a tear slowly fell from his eye.
"Orwin Trammel, devoted husband and father of 3."
"Calais Thur, cherished son and wildeyed youngster."
"Samuel Farris, one of our first residents and good friend to all."
"Jameson Dells, a fine young man who had just recently joined our town."
"Malik Cornswell, good hearted soul and devoted family man."
"and Mater Axman Thews Glenfield, a man of honor and courage who had in some way helped us all."
Finneous wiped his eyes as the muffled crying enveloped the crowd.
"All fine men. They will be sorely missed. Services will begin tonight at the temple of Silvanus."

The Ol' Crook stepped forward with a tall glass of wine for the mayor. Finneous nodded his thanks and tokk a slow drink.

"Now, onto our investigation. The only silver lining i can offer you on this dark day is that these men were not slain by an act of evil intent. They were not killed by any dark sorcery. Their deaths appear to have ben caused by a natural beast or possibly more than one. We have not been able to positvely identify what it was that took the lives of our friends but we do think it to be an animal. We have reached a decision in this manner and have decided upon a course of action."

He winced slightly as he said it as if he didn't wish to continue.

"You all know me. You all know Whisper. You know our word is true." again he paused hoping his words would sink in.

"we can not send the milita." The crowd roared with disapproval.
"I'm not going to risk this towns security hunting for a beast that we not only know what it looks like but have no idea where it has gone. we have to keep up our parols and defend these walls." The crowd was in a fit. Angry shouts and accusations were filling the air. Finneous could understand there frustration, But Carus didn't like the tone. He quickly mounted the stairs.

"Quite! Quite I say!" He snapped at the crowd " You all know the truth of Finneous' word"
"No one hates it more than I but i know it's true."
"I ask now for voulnteers! I need people to search out this foul beast and bring it head back to me!!!"
the crowd fell silent. Some men started to come forward.
"No my friends." said Carus"I will not accept family men you have your own responsibilites"

"Any one else? Any at all? I'll give each 10 gold from my own pocket."
Carus then sat down upon the steps feeling defeated. would no one answer his plea?

looks at each of his new friends - Anvil, Trillian, T'Sal, Hingatuli, two dwarves and two different kinds of elves - and whispers "We gotta help these guys out. Whaddayasay? You guys in?"

Little did he expect the sudden quiet as the crowd quickly silenced when it appeared that no one would step forward. Hence, his whispered words were heard by nearly all at the Bellyful.

All eyes turned to the band of five adventurers in anticipation.

After each nodded a "yes" to the halfling, the crowd broke out in cheers! Some citizens clapped the adventurers on the back. It was apparently a momentous occasion.

The wizard elf, Trillian, being the tallest of the group, stepped up to Mayor Brassile and said, "Where do we sign up, Sir?"

Finneous looked down toward the halfling with a warm broad smile on his lips. "An odd group of friends you have here my dear halfling." said the mayor "Please, let's all go into the inn and get a table. I could really go for a cold glass of wine right now."
"Whisper stop drooling on yourself and find us a table." he said perhaps a little to loudly as he nudged his friend the dark elf. "Carus you will join us as well, my friend."
With that the kindly old man ushers all of you into the inn. Whisper has taken a table at the far corner away from most prying ears and has gathered the needed charis for all to sit. after all are seated wine and ale are brought out along with bread, cheese, and some fruit.Introductions are made all around and brief smalltalk gets all aquainted with each other after which Carus starts the serious discussion.
"Our main logging camp is some few miles south of here at this time. We're currently running 2 six men crews cutting and skidding and 1 crew doing cleanup, removing stumps and such. The men that were killed weremy cleanup crew. I had them clearing an old area that was clear-cut several years ago by another group that used to be here. there's you a long story. anyway, my Treesinger told me that much of the forest was very angry over the waste and abuse that happened there and said that more trees would give themselves to us if we respected there wishes and cleaned up the area and did a little replanting. It's a real mess over there. Rotting piles of unused logs, broken and stunted trees, all that has brought some nasty things to the forest. Big bugs and i mean BIG, snakes, and all manner of loathsome creatures. We're not really sure what all is in there, but that's where the beast that killed my men came from. they had setup a little camp there and would spend a feww days each trip working on the area. My Treesinger says that the whole forest is being assailed by a great evil and that this area is just an example of what lies deeper in ,but i don't know. we've always seen stuff out in the wilds, but i think it is getting worse." he falls silent for a minute and Finneous takes over the conversation.
"Well yes , it is a rather gloomy picture but i'm sure our new young heros will root out this evil Carus." He smiles at you all."I believe that your crew is going back to the main camp int the morning Carus am i right?" Carus nodds his agreement."So these fine adventures here can bunk up with your men for a few days and investigate the area. they usually leave close to first light so make sure none of you sleep late, also come by my office in the morning before you leave i've got a few things for you to take on your adventure." He gives Carus a nudge to get him out of his dark thoughts "the gold Carus."
"Oh yes!"exclaimes Carus"I near forgot" he says as he places 10 gold pieces in front of each of you.
"Do any of you have questions for us? If not we'll see you at dawn."

Finneous looked down toward the halfling with a warm broad smile on his lips. "An odd group of friends you have here my dear halfling." said the mayor "Please, let's all go into the inn and get a table. I could really go for a cold glass of wine right now."
"Whisper stop drooling on yourself and find us a table." he said perhaps a little to loudly as he nudged his friend the dark elf. "Carus you will join us as well, my friend."
With that the kindly old man ushers all of you into the inn. Whisper has taken a table at the far corner away from most prying ears and has gathered the needed charis for all to sit. after all are seated wine and ale are brought out along with bread, cheese, and some fruit.Introductions are made all around and brief smalltalk gets all aquainted with each other after which Carus starts the serious discussion.
"Our main logging camp is some few miles south of here at this time. We're currently running 2 six men crews cutting and skidding and 1 crew doing cleanup, removing stumps and such. The men that were killed weremy cleanup crew. I had them clearing an old area that was clear-cut several years ago by another group that used to be here. there's you a long story. anyway, my Treesinger told me that much of the forest was very angry over the waste and abuse that happened there and said that more trees would give themselves to us if we respected there wishes and cleaned up the area and did a little replanting. It's a real mess over there. Rotting piles of unused logs, broken and stunted trees, all that has brought some nasty things to the forest. Big bugs and i mean BIG, snakes, and all manner of loathsome creatures. We're not really sure what all is in there, but that's where the beast that killed my men came from. they had setup a little camp there and would spend a feww days each trip working on the area. My Treesinger says that the whole forest is being assailed by a great evil and that this area is just an example of what lies deeper in ,but i don't know. we've always seen stuff out in the wilds, but i think it is getting worse." he falls silent for a minute and Finneous takes over the conversation.
"Well yes , it is a rather gloomy picture but i'm sure our new young heros will root out this evil Carus." He smiles at you all."I believe that your crew is going back to the main camp int the morning Carus am i right?" Carus nodds his agreement."So these fine adventures here can bunk up with your men for a few days and investigate the area. they usually leave close to first light so make sure none of you sleep late, also come by my office in the morning before you leave i've got a few things for you to take on your adventure." He gives Carus a nudge to get him out of his dark thoughts "the gold Carus."
"Oh yes!"exclaimes Carus"I near forgot" he says as he places 10 gold pieces in front of each of you.
"Do any of you have questions for us? If not we'll see you at dawn."

After receiving their money from the town’s leaders, the newly gathered adventurers moved to a quiet corner of the tavern to begin making plans.
Anvil suggested that the group consider adding some muscle in the form of a few war dogs and that they attempt to find out more about what might be waiting for them out in the woods. With that in mind they called over the well named barkeep, since most of them were already familiar with him from their previous days in his tavern. He seemed likely to know where to find things in town.
Anvil put these questions to the man. As part of this he also hinted that there might be some willingness on the part of the townspeople to supply them with what they need at a “reasonable rate for the security of the town.”

The Ol' Crook smiles up at Anvil as he recites his questions."My your a bigun. Good to see some fellow dwarves out here."
"so, your the group goin to investigate what killed those men." he says "Mighty queer don't you think. All the blood drained right out of em'"
"No telling what in the nine hells it was. Theres all kinds of weird creatures moving into that area."
"Theres been reports of all types of oversized creatures. Lizards, Snakes, Beetles. Something is drawing them in."
"As far as War dogs go, there's a few around here but i don't know if i'd call em war dogs more like a watch dog or such nothing with any real training. I've got 2 under the Inn i'd be glad to send with you. a little long in the tooth but they'll get after something when needed. "

"Guard dogs? Well, beggars can't be choosers. We would be happy to add their muscle to our little expedition."

With that the little group accepted the Ol' Crooks offer of the dogs. (If I read that correctly, at no cost?) The rest of the day will be spent in provisioning the group, I suppose. Anvil will certainly want a months worth of food - as well as some supplies for the dogs. With that done the group will make plans to meet in the morning to head out with the loggers.