"Werewolves in the mist!" You've heard these dreaded words spoken again and again by farmers, merchants, and adventurers alike. The hamlets East of Daggerford  have fallen prey to a pack of werewolves that spills out of the Misty Forest on nights of the full moon, cloaked in crawling mists that follow them wherever they go. The beasts spread death and mayhem, slaughtering adults and stealing children before retreating back into the woods. Others have tried to combat the werewolf menace, with little success.

Several factions have needed the call for help given by Duchess Morwen of Daggerford. 

Harpers 

A Harper named Zelraun Roaringhorn knows a metalsmith who will silver your weapons for free. He also provides some helpful magic. 

 "We strive to protect the powerless," he says. " If the children kidnapped by the werewolves are still alive, I would see them safely returned.

He has cone to Daggerford to meet with Duchess Morwen and to offer the Harpers' support. He gives each Harper character a spell scroll of remove curse. He also had arrangements for a metalsmith in Waterdeep to sheath your weapons in silver for free. 20 ammunition can instead be coated.

Order of the Gauntlet

 You met with the Order of the Gauntlet chapter house in Waterdeep. They've stationed member of the Order in various inns and homesteads East of Daggerford, so that locals need not done fear the night. Now they're counting on you to find the werewolves' layer in the Misty Forest. Only then can the Order mount an organized assault. As you prepare to depart, a knight of the Order named Lanniver Strayl offer you his blessing. He is a devout follower of Tyr. He gives each member of the Order a potion of heroism.

Emerald Conclave

You don't need to consult with the others of the Emerald Conclave to know that the werewolves are upsetting the natural order. For balance to be restored, they must be eradicated. It seems the gods of nature agree, for they've went good weather and preserved the monsters' tracks. Every time the party kills a werewolf, members of the Emerald Conclave gain inspiration.

Lords' Allegiance

A Lords' Allegiance operative from Waterdeep named Eravian Huand comes to Daggerford hearing news that alliance agents have not only managed to capture one of the werewolves, but also performed a thorough interrogation before putting the beast out of its misery. He tells each member the following information. He also tells them not to share the information.

• The werewolf pack has almost a dozen members. The leader of the pack is a man named Kiril.
• The werewolves come from a distant land called Barovia. The Lords' Allegiance knows nothing of it.
• The werewolves worship a diety called Mother Night.
• The Allegiance assumes they are using a portal to travel back and forth from Barovia. Your mission is to close the portal.

Each member of the Lords' Allegiance gets a spell scroll of magic weapon. Eravian also promises a letter of recommendation of you succeed.

Zhentarim 

The Black Network sees the werewolf menace as an opportunity to provide lords and nervous landowners with mercenaries to protect their holdings. But at least one of your fellow member has a grudge against the lycanthropes. Davra Jassur, a member of the Zhentarim based in Waterdeep, arranges a private meeting with you. Her husband, also a member, was killed by the werewolves while escorting a caravan traveling from Daggerford to the Way Inn. She wants the head of the leader, and will give each member a special favor on completion. She says she is too tied up in "business" to do it herself.

The Duchess forms you all into a group and sends you on your way with wishes and prayers propelling you forward. After a few hours of walking along the forest road as evening falls across the land, you come across large, canine tracks. They break off from the road and disappear into the forest. Mountains dominate the land where the tracks lead.

Go ahead and introduce your characters. Describe what they look like as well. Feel free to interact with each other.

The small gnome, hood back in his cloak, eyes glinting in the moons light, turns to look at the rest of the party

Well then friends, looks like ‘ere is where we needs to leave the safety of this road. He pulls a small mask up over his mouth and nose, hiding the lower part of his face. Names Skip by the way. Now I know what I’m needing to do when we find this lair, gotta get me a head to take ‘Ome. So when the cuttings done, and these beasts are dead at our feet, I’d be mighty grateful if you’d all accept, the leaders head is mine. 
he flashes a small, rakish grin at his announcement, preparing to turn to follow the tracks

Quote from TheFoxofFinch>>

So when the cuttings done, and these beasts are dead at our feet, I’d be mighty grateful if you’d all accept, the leaders head is mine. 

There's a whisper, one meant only for the gnome to hear, coming from someone behind him: A slender figure wearing a dark cloak. "...I think you meant ours, my friend." 

Among the group, the cloaked figure was inspecting carefully the contents of an old and tattered backpack, making that all of his few belongings are still there (One could never be careful enough, he thought). For a brief moment, the translucent shine of the moonlight reflecting on a dark red gemstone is visible withing the backpack before he quickly closes it again with a satisfied hum.

The figure is an Aarakocra: His spotted, reddish brown plumage and huge wings are telling enough, as are his big, bright yellow eyes, his short and curved bird of prey-like beak and the sharp black claws and talons in both his hands and his barefoot feet. The black cloak he wears, anyone who is just somewhat familiar with magic might recognize it as a robe of the Archmagi, but any actual sorcerer or wizard who knows their stuff would quickly and easily identify it as just a costume, a mere disguise: There's absolutely zero magic to be found in his robes, and while the silvery "runes" are certainly pretty, it's just a badly drawn replica of the real thing.

The Crystal pendant he wears on his neck, on the other hand, is very much real.

The cloaked figure, Alev, is visibly nervous, but as he walks he mentally reminds himself of the mission he had been given as he walks down the road, still unsure of how he's going to accomplish it but knowing that he had to, no matter what. That lady had seen promise on him (Why else would she had chosen him instead of some more experienced sorcerer if not for that?), he couldn't fail her or his newfound organization. He couldn't be a failure again.

After Skip speaks, he flaps his wings loudly for a moment and decides to also introduce himself. 

"...My name is Alev, fellow travelers" He presents himself theatrely, even if no one in the group had yet asked him for his name. His voice is similar of that of a teenager boy, clashing with the intimidating air that his cloak is supposed to give of. "I'm happy to see I'm in such good company, since we're all putting a werewolf out of its misery tonight. Let's all work together and give our best, shall we?"

While he's loud enough for the entire group to hear him, he hopes to have been quiet enough for the beast to not have heard him. He nods to Skip, whom he knew to be a fellow Zhentarim member, and waits for the rest of the group to answer and to also introduce themselves, all while keeping a watchful eye on the tracks ahead.

((OOC: Should Alev recognize/be aware of Skip? They are working for the same organization, after all.))

Sergei acknowledge’s Skip’s claim with a mumbled,

”No complaint here. The head’s all yours. I just want the job done so I can continue my studies by a warm fire.”

Sergei (a young human, only 18 years old) pulls the hood of his cloak up, covering a head of hair so blond it’s nearly white. His pale skin almost glows in the dark night. He is of average height and slight build. He had a dagger at his belt but a glance would tell any experienced eye that he is unaccustomed to using it. His hands move reflexively to the contents of a pocket in his cloak.

He tries not to show the mix of annoyance and consternation he feels at this task. He was surprised to be contacted by the Order of the Gauntlet for this job, but acknowledging his need for allies and resources in the months ahead, and remembering the sense of duty that his parents taught him, he answered the call, and here he is. 

Belatedly, Sergei adds,

”My name is Sergei, by the way. Pleased to meet you all. I shall do my best to accomplish the mission.”

Thadalas Willowlake, a tall and slender Wood Elf, walks alongside the others, curiously inspecting the canine tracks. His flowing, long dark hair is combed over his right ear, exposing the left side of his head that he keeps shaved. Despite his left ear being quite long, you won't be able to see his right ear at all poking through his hair. He's wearing leather armor that adorns the emblem of the Emerald Enclave, and the general color scheme of his outfit is dark green and brown.

"Werewolves..." Thadalas says with a disgusted tone. "Pure savagery. The Ear Seekers of Ardeep Forest could relate." he adds, with a bit of sorrow laced in his tongue.

"Nonetheless, I'm confident we'll be able to vanquish this foe." he says proudly, standing back up once he's finished inspecting the tracks. "I'm Thadalas Willowlake of Ardeep Forest. I'm here on behalf of the Emerald Enclave. This werewolf menace is an atrocity to the natural order of the world." he introduces himself to the others with a warm smile.

OOC: Above is Thadalas' from HeroForge, just to gauge his appearance.

Even with the full faced helmet in place, the stooped form and grey-ish skin visible between natural gaps in cloth and armor gave away the fact that Rudick was of orcish blood. An orc bearing a robust black beard that flowed out the bottom of his helmet, and whose shield's emblem resembled that of a Cog. Beyond this, he looked little different than heavily armored, armed, and well muscled mercernary. A big'un well over six feet in height, and a rather taciturn one at that. Or such was the case throughout the initial journey.

"Hmph. You do your part, little one, then by all means. I care not for some mutts skull... But if you flee fight, and we survive, I give fair warning... your head to be taken home if we find you." He spoke in a tone that brokered no argument, and so gravelly as to give the impression of stone given voice. After staring down the gnome for a tense moment, he finally chuckles and adds, "Name's Rudick, in case not said. Rudick Bleakstone, for what it matters... and I agree. We'll find no werewolves keeping to the path alone. No matter how duplicitous the beast."

Looking back up at the orc, Skip can’t help but smile ”Why would I need to run from a fight when I can stand behind a big old meat shield like you?

The Orc snorts and shakes his head. "Is that what you think? Have you ever faced a wolf before?" He asked plainly, and only gives a few seconds to even let the question before adding to it. "They are almost never alone, and are far more cunning that often given credit... You would be wiser to assume even in my shadow none are safe.... I will do my part, but I will make no false promises... Tempting though it would be for those who think so little of their comrades on a hunt." He said casually, and yet there was an implied sense of doubt in the gnome.

Sergei shrinks into the hood of his cloak a little more, trying to hide his features, hoping the others don’t see the nerves that he feels. The orcs words have unsettled him. What has he gotten himself into?

Under his cloak, his hand clutches at the glass sphere in his pocket. Well, he thinks of it as glass, but doubts that’s what it really is. It feels warm, but not in a comforting way. It seems to pulse in his grip, and he hears a voice in his head, speaking in a cruel mocking tone,

Fear not, little pup, my powers shall get you through this ordeal. Isn’t this what you wanted? (Laughter)

Steadying his voice, Sergei says,

”I won’t run. I’ll see this through.”

Sergei’s appearance

Alev wishes he could have smiled back to Thadalas, but having a beak comes with certain limitations, so he just friendly nods instead. 

He thinks a little of the orc's comment. Do werewolves hunt in packs, just like actual wolves? It made sense now that he actually thought about it, but it was a horrifying concept all the same. Davra and the Zhentarim had sent Skip and him here to fight, kill and bring back the head of one werewolf, so he hadn't fully grasped the concept that he might have to fight against more than just one. I'm an idiot, what else is new? 

Now aware that there might be more than just one of those beasts in the mountains surrounding him, he begins to pay more attention to his surroundings, trying to listen every sound. It's then that he overhears what he thinks might be the voice of the other cloaked person in the group.

"...I'm sorry, did you just said something?" He turns to ask Sergei, his big bird eyes staring directly at the human as he silently waits for him to answer.

Sergei startles at being confronted.

"Uhh, just that I won't run. That's all. You can count on me!"

He gives what he hopes is a winning, confident smile.

”So it sounds like none of us’ll run from this, so you can stop wetting  yer knickers there Rudick.  Now, I know my talents, an’ trackin ain’t exactly one of ‘em.”

Skip looks each member in the eye, hoping one of them will have the skills

Sergei shakes his head,

"Don't look at me. I'm more booksmart."

Sergei points at Thadalas.

"I'm guessing he's the one with the tracking skills."

Lucan stay silent for most of the journey, The half elf wears a dark grey doublet over lavender long-sleeved shirt with leather reinforcement on the shoulder and gauntlet. Silver rapier hangs on his belt, as well as an ornate scroll case. He carries small harp on his back. His eyes as black as his hair, focused towards the road. Tonight he might finally see a werewolf or even a pack of it, maybe he can find answers soon.

“I might need to keep one of the head.” He finally says something.

”I‘m Lucan, I study lycanthropy at the College of New Olamn.”

"...You damn mammals and your smiles! I hate it!" Alev exclaims, in a tone that seems to indicate something more along the lines of excitement and slight envy than hate. "You all manage it to make it look so cute and pleasant, it's not fair!"

After getting that little outburst about smiling out of his chest, he thinks about how cowardly this guy seemed despite his brave words. Here was a man who was much older than him, but who had looked startled and nervous and young for his kind, and yet here he was talking about how he wasn't going to run and that they all could count on him. Well, wouldn't you look at that.

As for me, if everything goes horribly wrong, I can't imagine other choice except flying away. We'll just have to see what happens, tough guy.

He knew better than saying that though (Especially after what he had overheard the orc saying to Skip), so instead he asked. "I'm sure of that, counting on you I mean. But... Sergei, was it? What are you, exactly? You don't look like a fighter, and while you have a dagger you don't look like a rogue either. I would know." Playful joy gleams on Alev's eyes.  "Are you a magic user, too?"

Quote from afqwertyuiop >>

Lucan stay silent for most of the journey, The half elf wears a green doublet with leather reinforcement on the shoulder and gauntlet. Silver rapier hangs on his belt, as well as an ornate scroll case. He carries small harp on his back. His eyes as black as his hair, focused towards the road. Tonight he might finally see a werewolf or even a pack of it, maybe he can find answers soon.

“I might need to keep one of the head.” He finally says something.

”I‘m Lucan, I study lycanthropy at the College of New Olamn.”

 "So... Are you a researcher?" Alev asks, curious. "I thought you were a bard for that music thingy you carry on your back, but bards are supposed to be loud, and you have been so very quiet."

Sergei nods at Alev and says,

”Yes, I can do magic. I hope it will prove useful.”

The confession (that he has magical power) was easier to make than he ever imagined. He supposed they would have found out sooner or later, anyway. Sergei feels some relief to be in the company of other magic-users. His “gift” may not be so out-of-place and noticeable as he had feared.

Still, hoping to change the subject, he asks,

”Have you ever encountered werewolves before?”

If he notices that Sergei is purposely changing the subject, Alev doesn't show it. "No, I haven't. But I think I have a good idea of what they are like. Giant bad wolf that was a person but is now a monster. We should be able to recognize it right away when we find it... Or when it finds us."

He quickly adds: "It really doesn't matter, you know? We are stronger than that dumb beast, I'm sure of it. Even if it is a pack of them, all we'll have to do is fight them and kill them. Then we go back to the town and tell everyone how we saved their asses, return home, the end."

Even as he says that, trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation, he's still trembling a little under his cloak, and his feathers look ruffled. He turns to the bard, hoping for some validation than this mission isn't as scary or dangerous as it looks like. "Ain't that right, Lucan? You said you study werewolves, you are the expert here."