The horse is easy enough to bring back. It is a trained horse so once it sees that it is safe, it actually starts making its own way back. Mana is able to speak with it, however (unless you have any questions I don't anticipate) it does not provide any answers that are helpful. It hasn't seen that scarecrow before, and it turned up at the stable and tried to kill the horses.

Mana would want to know the horse’s name (or at least what its owners call it). Also the names the owners call themselves so when we returned their horse, we could introduce ourselves. (Assuming we deliver the horse and not let it wander home.)

The horse is called Artemis and the farmer he works for is called Jeremy Fairweather.

“Well, nice to meet you Artemis.” Mana says as he strokes his neck. He digs in his pack to see if he squirreled away an apple to give to him.

”Team, should we escort Artemis here, back home and see if Master Fairweather or his neighbors have seen more than one scarecrow haunting their farms?”

Oriace nods with a warm smile as Mana strokes Artemis and takes charge of the situation. "That sounds like an excellent plan, Mana. Let's get Artemis safely back to Master Fairweather and see if he or his neighbors can shed more light on this matter. If there are more scarecrows out there—or anything else suspicious—it’s best we find out sooner rather than later." He adjusts his gear and pats Mana on the shoulder. "You're doing great, Mana. It's good to see you taking the lead. Keep it up, and we’ll have this scarecrow business sorted in no time."

Turning to the rest of the group, Oriace adds, "Shall we, then? It’s better to stick together for now. If nothing else, I’d prefer not to let any other surprises catch us off guard." With that, he gestures for the group to follow, taking his place near the rear to keep an eye out as they make their way to Master Fairweather’s farm.

You make your way back and start collecting eye witness reports of the scarecrows. You have a number of different reports you hear, but most of them you can group together due to people misremembering something, or not getting a good look and guessing (like the exact colour of the clothes). There is definitely three distinct moving scarecrows described, one of which is the one you have eliminated. The thing that told them apart most was the heads (which I can't remember off the top of my head so will check the module and update) 

Wagner tries to puzzle out whether there is any pattern to the locations of the scarecrow sightings, he will try drawing a rough map to help, if he can rustle up a piece of charcoal. For paper, he sighs and uses the back of an old love letter he kept on him.

[[Possible Investigation check: 13]]

"Looks like you were right," Sterling acknowledged to Oriace, trying not to grimace at the prospect of multiple animated straw creatures swarming them. "I suspect if we can quickly take out the other two, before more appear, we'll get the attention of whoever's behind this."

He thought for a moment more. "Hmm. If we could get a bird's-eye view of things, we might be able to catch these scarecrows sooner. I could transform Jasper into a hawk, although I'd need to head to town for the incense and herbs. Or... Mana, maybe if we could draw in a few of the local fowl, perhaps you could persuade them to scout for us?"

“That is a great idea, Sterling!”

Mana looks to the fields and nearby trees, listening and looking for roosting or scavenging birds taking advantage of the recently harvested fields for spilt grain or insects that are enjoying their own largess before the coming cold season.

If he finds a good prospect (possibly a murder of ravens?), he’ll keep a distance until he finishes ritually casting [Tooltip Not Found] and then will call out as he approaches. He’ll ask if they have seen, or heard from others, that there are moving scarecrows about, and where were they last seen.

He wonders what he may have in inventory to treat the birds with, should he need to negotiate a flight of survey, should they know nothing of moving scarecrows.

Toser also starts to look around for small birds or beasts that he may speak with, calling out to them.(feature: Speak with Small Beasts) entreating them to come closer and speak with himself or Mana.  The more we can speak with the better chances we will get the information we seek.

He keeps the questions simple, have they seen a scarecrow that looks like the two described we haven't seen yet, which direction. Could they speak more with Mana.

You employ your network of spies birds who are able to tell you that they have seen scarecrows like you described. They have been seen in various places, but typically in the more outlying farms. One is more to the north. The other is more to the west. 

"The plan of trying to go right after the scarecrows is a good one," says Wagner, "I'm barely winded after that fight, but does anyone else need to collect their wits a little more before we head out?"

Toser looks up at the where the sun is and tries to judge the time left till the sun sets.  "A short rest could be a good idea if anyone needs it.  I'm OK for the moment.  After that lets head north and find the next Scarecrow. I think there is enough daylight."

“I could continue, though I have only the capacity for one more (leveled) spell. Do you all think the effects of Bane warranted its casting to do it again or should I reserve my last spell for an emergency Healing Word?”

Mana fishes around in his sack and retrieves a new torch and flask of oil which he repositions in a pocket for handier access.

”Anyone else want to help douse and light up the next one? It would be faster if we could do both at the same time.” He says while still rummaging through the sack. Sounds of multiple oil flasks clinking together emanate from inside.

Oriace nods thoughtfully as he adjusts his gear, ready to press on. "I’m with you on continuing. Daylight is on our side, and if we can take down another scarecrow before the sun sets, it’ll be a victory for these farmers."

He offers a warm smile to Mana. "I do think Bane is a powerful tool. It helped to tip the scales in our favor, and if you feel confident, I’d say it’s worth casting again. As for emergencies, don’t worry—I still have Healing Word ready twice if anyone needs it. While I haven’t learned Bane myself, I trust your judgment on when to use it." Glancing at the others, he continues, "I like the idea of coordinating the oil and flame. The faster we can ignite these creatures, the better. I’ll help if needed, though I imagine Mana’s oil-flinging finesse will outshine mine!" He chuckles lightly, trying to keep spirits high. "Let’s head north and see what trouble we can stop next."

"Yes, I did not position myself well during that fight.  I will do better."  He then looks to the north.  "Yes, lets go."

"I agree with heading out now," said Sterling. "And for the record, I can also still cast a healing spell if needed.

"So, north, then?"

Can someone make a survival check with advantage to try and find the next scarecrow

(Toser, Wagner, and Mana have +4 modifiers)

Survival: 6

As the team approaches the suspected haunting grounds of the second scarecrow, Mana holds up a hand to stop everyone. He digs in his sack to distribute torches and flasks of oil to whomever wishes to arm themselves with them. He speaks barely above a whisper.

(Mana has 3 more flasks of oil and 8 unused torches. Maybe some of you have your own, or don’t wish to splash/light up the scarecrow. Please let me know who wishes one or more of the available oil/torches so I can reduce my inventory accordingly.)

”Sterling, would you please use your magic to ignite this (and however many more torches the team wishes to carry)? I feel we’re very close.”

Mana shields his lit torch from the autumn breeze and rolls his wrist to make sure the flame has solidly ignited the torch head. He keeps the flask of oil in a readily accessible pocket leaving a free hand for the casting of a spell, should there be the opportunity.