The grove was still. The last whispers of the banshee faded into the cold night air, leaving only the faint hum of [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s magic and the party’s ragged breathing. After a brief rest beneath the twisted trees, the group gathered what courage they had left and began to search the clearing. What they found turned their weariness into quiet sorrow. Lying near the ceremonial stone was the body of an older woman, her lifeless form arranged with unnatural precision — a ritual sacrifice. [[Ellette|Ellette]] knelt beside her, the silver comb with the blue gem still tucked in her pouch. “She matches the description,” she whispered. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] bowed his head. “The farmer’s wife.” No one spoke for a while. Then, with heavy hearts, they began the slow walk back toward Phandalin to deliver the grim news. The path was silent but for the crunch of their boots and the occasional rustle of the forest. That peace shattered when a low growl echoed through the trees. A wolf stepped into their path — but something was terribly wrong. Its fur was patchy, its frame small and thin, and around its neck hung scraps of _children’s clothing._ [[Ellette|Ellette]] froze. “Oh no…” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]’s eyes widened. “The missing child.” Before they could speak further, the creature lunged. Steel met claw, spells crackled through the air. The battle was fierce but brief — the child-wolf fell, trembling and snarling weakly as [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] pinned it down. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] knelt beside the creature, his hands glowing green. “Easy, little one… I can fix this.” The healing light flared — then fizzled uselessly. The curse held strong. [[Ellette|Ellette]] clenched her fists. “We need a priest. _Now!_” ![[Fur-Boy.jpg]] They ran. Through the dark forest, down the dirt roads, the first pink light of dawn rising over the rooftops of Phandalin. By the time they reached the church, they were breathless, carrying the unconscious child in [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]’s arms. [[Ellette|Ellette]] shoved open the doors — and was immediately met by a wall of heavy smoke. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] blinked. “Oh. Right. I… may have hot-boxed this place yesterday.” “What?!” [[Ellette|Ellette]] coughed, waving the haze away. A startled priest appeared, clutching his robes. “By the gods! What is the meaning of— oh dear heavens!” His eyes widened at the sight of the bloodied, exhausted party and the bound, furry child. “There’s no time!” [[Ellette|Ellette]] shouted. “He’s cursed — _help him!_” The priest hesitated only a moment before nodding. “Hurry, to the altar!” They laid the child down. The priest began his chant, voice trembling with holy power, while [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] knelt beside him, joining in with his own brand of druidic “holy” magic — which smelled faintly of herbs and something far more suspicious. Light filled the church, blinding and golden. Then it faded. The child stirred. Human again — mostly. A pair of wolf ears twitched atop their head. A furry tail flicked behind them. [[Ellette|Ellette]] sighed. “Well… it’s an improvement.” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] grinned proudly. “Told you I could help.” They thanked the priest for his aid and left the church, the sun now rising over the sleepy town. As they stepped outside, [[Ellette|Ellette]] caught sight of two small children kneeling beside a tiny body — a kitten, limp and tongue-less. Her eyes narrowed. “[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]],” she said, her voice dangerously calm, “do you see what you’ve done?” He blinked, smiling faintly. “A gift of silence?” [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s glare could have melted stone. After returning the semi-cured child to his mother — who, though confused, was overjoyed to have her son back — the party was invited inside for a meal and some conversation. The woman, still trembling, spoke of strange happenings in town: people vanishing in the night, hooded figures dragging villagers away, and a growing sense of fear. “They call themselves the _Red Brand,_” she whispered. “Anyone who speaks against them disappears.” [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s jaw tightened. “So the mayor knows about this?” she demanded. The woman nodded helplessly. “Everyone does. But no one dares act. Not after what they did to the last man who tried.” [[Ellette|Ellette]] stood abruptly, her chair scraping the floor. “We’re not leaving this town until this is sorted.” She turned to the others, eyes blazing. “Where the _fuck_ is the mayor, and why isn’t that prick doing anything about it?” [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] simply cracked his knuckles. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]’s golden eyes glinted. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] adjusted his bag of questionable herbs. The group exchanged knowing looks — then turned toward the town hall. Phandalin’s troubles were far from over. ![[cultist.png]] [[Chapter 5. Shady Activities]]