A Curious Event in the Broken Forest

[Yllyrryon]

*inscribed on a  modest parchment in flowingly graceful, yet austere calligraphy*

I offer the following account in the hope that someone reading this may gain some insight into matters relating to what happened.  Clearly, this is but one piece of a much larger puzzle.  So please read on...

This past Wedlar, the third day of Augra, I accompanied a group which traveled through the Broken Forest.  As we passed near the heart of those fell woods, we were attacked by an enormous monstrosity of bone which stood larger than many giants I have seen.  It moved slowly enough that all of us were able to separate from it, upon which time one of the group turned to address it.  The creature demanded hawthorn leaves.  As these grew elsewhere in the woods nearby, we gathered several and offered them to it.  Upon obtaining the leaves, the creature said that it’s master was weakened and would be pleased with the hawthorn.  It refused to give its master’s name, saying that all of us would know soon enough, and that it’s master would turn us into undead, not unlike those in the Broken Forest.  At this point, it vanished in a cloud of blood-colored smoke.

We immediately departed from the Broken Forest for a safer spot near Krandor, where we discussed what transpired.  One of us stated his belief that the bone creature was a golem.  Another of us, an orc, had tried to address the monstrosity in orcish.  According to the orc, he received a vision of something which claimed to be the golem’s master.  I jotted down the orc’s words, which I recount here, with some clarification, based on later questioning:

The master wore “a helmet like bone men”
and had a necklace with many skulls upon it.
Its clothes were black and it spoke with a scary voice.
In the background could be heard moaning and the sound of what seemed to be swarms of bats.

Others questioned the relevance and reliability of the orc’s vision.  I offer it here only as a potential piece of the puzzle, in case it might yield some small clue for someone reading this message.

With hindsight, I believe we erred in offering the hawthorn without seeking more information from the golem.  Once it obtained what it sought, it had no need to cooperate with us in any manner.  At the time, the group’s motive for doing this was to dispell the creature from the woods, so it would harm no others.   It did not mention any master or anything else until it had seized the hawthorn.  

And so I openly confess my possible error, and I will not hide from others’ judgment.  Everything, including this potential mistake, must be brought to light.  Thus, I encourage others from our group to clarify what I have described here, or to contribute any further insights they might have.

Ael Rynthien, Monk of Rofirein

[darkwulf365]

*posted underneath, many scratch outs and changes adorn this small parchment which is written in large barely legible childlike letters*

Dew nut ferget th man appeered in a place that lucked like th void o deth.

*signed underneath in writing that looked like it was memorized years ago*
Daren

[Grid Blader]

*A note left*

I Quantum, would like to talk to you in person.  I am interested in what you are saying.  For I have been hunting a lot of undead of late.  I ran across an spector that was crying out for his master to come and save him from me.  I am also on a hunt for a female vampire, I am afraid if the two join forces I will not be able to stop them.

Thank you

[Yllyrryon]

*attached to Quantum's note, a modest parchment inscribed with flowingly graceful, yet austere calligraphy reads:*

I shall inquire about you and seek to meet with you immediately.

If you would like to hasten the time until our meeting on this matter, leave a message for me at the Temple of Rofirein in Fort Velensk.  If you specify a time and place for us to meet, I will do my utmost to be there.

Ael Rynthien

[Grid Blader]

Thank you for the meeting, you have helped me in ways I can not explain..  

Quantun Windword
Cleric of Toran

[Polak76]

**Ramanon walks past the notes and briefly scans them.  He takes out a small parchment and jots some of his own points then disappears into the shadows.**

[Shadowblade225]

*Michaelis sees this and sighs* They should have known better.  This is the third encouter of this type I've seen in this week alone. *he rubs his chin - a slight beard on his face - and appears to be thinking - he then nods to himself and walks away*

[Diamondedge]

I believe I may have dealt with that which you speak of once before, though I do not recall if it is correct.

I was to craft five candlesticks of black iron and blacker platinum for a ransom, that a noble of Haven might get his wooer back. I believe the perpetrators between these both are one and the same. I shall seek you out and we shall discuss how best to deal with this problem, for it is of no small importance that something of evil should need be destroyed.

Signed,

Turor Sunderstone

[Grid Blader]

Humm,

*Quantum stands reading the note to himself*

Well, they are getting braver now..  I must stop the undead from scaring these poor people from collecting those flowers..

*Quantun heads out in a hurry, the fire in his eyes have been renewed*

[mixafix]

It is with some regret that the Castle at Haven reports the demise of one of its loyal servants. Isak, son of Marin, accountant  of Haven Castle, is reported fallen in the Broken forest while out exploring. The castle could not explain why one of noble birth was out exploring this dangerous region.

[Yllyrryon]

A hooded figure in dark robes is seen standing before the posted written messages for a moment.  It quietly turns and steps into the shadows outside the inn, vanishing as immediatey as it had appeared.

[mixafix]

The Castle at Haven wishes it known that due to an increasingly irrational behaviour, following the death of his son, Marin, Accountant General, of Haven Castle, no longer represents the Castle and his outstanding debts will no longer be honoured by the Castle.

It is with some regret the castle reports he has made unauthorised payments, and has taken to purchasing flowers.