“Well we sent a scout party in didn’t we? It’s bad for business if our meat supply gets delayed, that’s how we know these few facts, we still don’t know what killed them or how they died, we only know what we found. Bilgore is literally arguing with the cook about the lack of meat we have, course it’s not his fault.” She explained, these hunting parties were regulars and the town took it upon themselves to investigate when they didn’t return after several weeks “The ones who were mad had to be pulled out of the damn forest by a stretcher and are in the Hoping Prayers Sanatorium, the ones who never returned are the ones who vanished. Poof! Gone.”

" Okay, now it sort of makes sense... Wait are you asking us to go find out what's going on? " Mislaia asks

The Goliath leans forward. "I find this to be mildly interesting. I will go into the woods, though I can't speak for the smaller people." Vishaal looks at the others at the table.

"I don't mind, assuming we'll get payed. I suggest we wait until daylight, then split up. I know my way around a forest, so me and someone else for backup can start looking for clues there, while someone else who can talk down a madman goes to question the survivors." Chain says.

" Dibs On the madman! Who wants to come with me? " Mislaia stands up 

Amber looks over at Chain “Well you’re friend here was looking for work and I know that if you could find any clues on what might’ve happened than the Bishop would be entirely grateful, might even offer a nice reward of coin, course we’re not expecting much but something is better than nothing.” She expressed before getting up “Anyway I must be getting home, I have a long walk ahead of me and the sun’s almost set.” She gets up and before she can leave she adds “At the Sanatorium you might want to talk to a man named Mad Eye Joe for some answers, good luck.” She bows her head and starts to head out towards the taverns front door.

( Ambers gonna die isn't she? )

"I can walk you home. Free of charge. I feel like stretching my legs anyway, might as well do something useful." Chain offers

" I'll come with, I really  don't know where to go in this town anyway. And it might be fun to have a look around. " Mislaia Walks up to The two

"I'll head into the woods with Chain. Do try not to be long. I will wait here, unless the lady needs a double escort." Vishaal states standing up as well.

((It's almost sunset now. Chain can't see in the dark, so if the party accepts his proposal to wait for daytime it'll be hours until we go anywhere anyway.))

( Imagine not being able to see in the dark... Oh wait... )

(Let’s wait and see)

Amber is evidently very flattered but she doesn’t want to risk more patrons safety “Aren’t you kind? I’d normally be delighted but seeing as the recent disappearances and the strange goings on, I wouldn’t feel right endangering you kind fellows like that.” She says as she takes her skit up a bit and reveals a dagger in a sheath wrapped around her leg “besides a lady is always prepared.” She takes her skirts down and offers an airy smile “Rest well and I’ll make you some eggs in the morning.” She opens the door to the outside world and leaves 

(you can follow if you’d like) 

Chain waits a few moments, then stands up, puts on his gloves and bandana, and makes for the door, intending to follow Amber at enough distance to keep track of her, but not close enough to be noticed.

On the way through the town Amber stops every so often to buy groceries, smelling produce and chatting with the locals, she’s the type of woman who doesn’t need to be a parting favour like the girls at the brothel, she was book smart and perhaps one of the most beautiful women in town, she had gained great respect from the locals and was beloved.

Continuing on her way she quickened her step when she saw the head of the bank and tried desperately to avoid eye contact, evidently scared of the balding vulture like half elf, whose nose were narrow and pointed much like the feared bird; he watched her carefully, but didn’t make an approach as he watched her enter the forest. 

Carlos pours out the remainder of his mug and says: "I am a bit of an expert on dealing with the undead. I think I'll come help you." He gets up, pays for the drink he didn't drink, and heads towards the door, 5 steps behind Chain, then stops, and says to the others: "Be ever alert. We're up against a cunning enemy. Stay watchful." Then he throws on his deep dark hood and walks out, also planning on discreetly trailing Amber, but at a slightly closer range.

He doesn't blunder towards the banker, though; instead, tracing her path mentally, then slips crosstown and enters the woods near where she did

Chain takes a moment to make sure he remembers that vulture half-elf, than continues following Amber. "Why would she go into the forest? Is her house through there? That seems rather odd." Chain thinks to himself as he follow her.

Mislaia is still in the tavern wondering how one would get to the mental ward, " Pardon me Mr. Ogre sir, How does one get to the place where all the crazy people are? "

As you enter the forest, the trees all have their fall leaves, oranges, browns, yellows, reds line the tree lines and forest floor, there’s wild patches of wild vegetables growing in scattered plot. Her cabin is nestled soundly within the woods as her husband was a wood cutter, she stops by a giant oak tree which towers above all other trees, it’s trunk is the width size of three smaller tree, looking up at the tree she rubs her hand against it and takes out some flowers she purchased by the large overgrown roots. she leans her head against the trunk and starts to cry softly to herself as she says through a mouthful of sobs “I miss you, my love.” As she cries you start to see the fog creeping into the forest and the wind whistling eerily through the trees.  

(for the players here, pls listen to this music for full effect)