Rumors of a massacre within the Woods of the Sharp Teeth

[Zhentil_Keep]

Rumor has it that there are several patrols of dead humans and elves found within the Woods of the Sharp Teeth.

3-4 patrols were found, some bodies have FAI uniforms while a rare few bodies have a silver harp and moon pin underneath their cloak lapel.


**After a few hours, the bodies have disappeared and only rumors exist**

[Cosmic Charlie]

An elf clad in a plain blue tunic waits until the auctioneer area is cleared of anyone who might recognize. The elf buttonholes each guard in turn, speaking very softly so as not to be overheard.

Questions abound: why patrols were sent out to the Sharp Teeth; what danger was suspected; what, if any, reports are available on the combatants.

Later that same elf, clad in more usual garb, wanders through the Woods, ostensibly collecting mushrooms but looking around for signs of a battle and gleaning any evidence that might be there.

[Zhentil_Keep]

After much investigation you come upon a cache of items hidden within the woods of the sharp teeth. By the collection of items, it becomes clear that the cache belongs to a group of orcs or other bandits within the woods. Among the booty are silver, gold and copper coins, some leather pouches, a steel belt buckle, a variety of broken iron swords and daggers of exceptional make. Most interesting is the 4 silver moon and harp pins.

Perhaps it would be worthwhile to see if any of the local orc tribes know anything about this massacre.

After heading back into town you overhear two FAI guards mentioning to each other of a few local FAI patrols searching the wood of sharp teeth for Banties and Zhentarim agents but never returning.
Nothing else is mentioned and no one seems willing to talk about the issue.

[Cosmic Charlie]

The elf briefs the partner on what was discovered as they travel and, despite the distaste at the idea, suggests a parley with the local Orc tribe. The partner mentions a well-known Grey Orc and the elf's response is not unexpected, "I don't entirely trust her."

The partner quickly shoots back, "But then, there's no Orc you entirely trust."

"Point," the elf concedes. "Still, I can speak Orc and you have a knack with people, especially on first meeting. Maybe together we can do this."

It doesn't take much cajoling to get the partner to agree to this hare-brained idea.

// PMs sent to determine next steps.

[Cosmic Charlie]

The elf and the partner gather an old acquaintance and head off to parley with the Sharp Teeth Orcs. Their goal is to find an elder shaman they heard about deep within the cave complex. They meet with little resistance on the way in, trying to be careful about needless bloodshed; causing mayhem would not advance their cause tonight.

Lower in the complex the going becomes more difficult. Their way is blocked, not by the weaker members of the tribe but by those the elf remembers from battles hard fought, not all of which won. Despite their caution, more blood is spilled than they intended before they corner a wizened Orc deep underground.

The elf speaks to the Orc in the latter's language which, it seems, is barely understood, communicating their desire to simply question him of the battles. The trio's restraint, coupled with the fact they gained entry so deep within the stronghold gives the old Orc pause. The fine greataxe offered as a gift finally loosens his tongue.

The partner, gracious and charming as ever, conducts the questioning, the elf serving as translator. Their companion, understanding Orcish, offers assistance as needed. The story is revealed, sporadically and haltingly, all that could be gathered by the tribe's sentries as they watched it unfold and reported back to the elder.

The "blue guards" of the Fallen Arms Inn, along with a handful of others, were set upon by figures that came from "the dark house" in the woods. The shaman reported these were mostly humans, priests and fighters of no small skill. The tribe, he acknowledges, fears them far more than the "blue guards", particularly the priests who he considers to possess great power. The guards and their company were overmatched and slaughtered.

The trio take their leave but as they work their way out of the cave complex it seems the crafty shaman has a change of heart. Several ambushes await them, again of the more stalwart warriors, priests and sorcerers of the tribe. They slog their way out and finally make it back to the Tradeway.

One thing is clear to them: the Temple of Bane, thought to be dormant, is stirring.

((Thanks to DM mdwagner for putting this together.))