Toot attempts to cast create bonfire using the hat.

INT 18

 Flame springs up from the ground around the object and they watch as it is consumed. Toot grins happily.

The move on to the main building.

 Feldoran check the door.

Investigation 23

It is unlock and appears safe, so he enters. This cabin has a wooden floor and is divided into two rooms. The larger room is cluttered with logging equipment (saws, leather harnesses for climbing trees, and so on). The group enter carefully. 

Feldoran tries the inner door.

Investigation 18

 "Blocked from the other side." Feldoran whispers.

A trembling voice sounds then from within. "Hello? Who is out there?"

 The party hear the scraping of furniture.

A fat sweaty face appears at the doorway. "Are... you here to save me? They killed all my workers."

 "We are here to deliver supplies."

 "Pah! what use have I for supplies now?"

Wester opens the door fully to reveal his portly frame. "Is anyone left alive out there?"

 "I am afraid not. It would appear that you have been the target of dark magic."

 "Magic?" Squeaks Wester.

"They were just horrid beasts. They came up out of the ground and..."

 "They are called Ankhegs." Toot explains.

"They were drawn here by a shamans totem hidden in one of the buildings."

 "Regardless we have removed the threat and require a receipt of service."

 Wester gives Thomas a shifty look.

"Like I said, supplies are no good to me until I have more men so no receipt."

 "We just saved your life you fat fool."

 "Careful young lady, you have not heard my counter offer."

The man licks his lips, "There is a hunting lodge just east of here. You will escort myself and my belongings safely there and then I will sign for payment."

 "We would have done so freely, consider it a bargain struck."

Thomas offers his hand though his eyes remain hard.

 "No doubt, no doubt." scoffs Wester.

He looks at the proffered hand but does not take it, "Your word is your bond no doubt."

The party spend the next hour packing the merchants goods and readying the cart to return. All the time the unpleasant man barks orders and makes insulting remarks.

 "No wonder someone cursed the bastard."

 "Yet is was those around him who paid the price."

Elandra spits on the ground, "This man is bad news."

 Once they are ready Feldoran leads them back the way the came.

• Survival 15
• Survival 13

Dragon 16

It is growing dark when they come at last to the gates of the Hunting Lodge.

 Falcon is already waiting for them.

"Back so soon." the man calls out. "And with company?"

 "Master Falcon I will require a room."