Communique #4

Grigor,

I have executed the emergency protocols as you requested. Please be aware the shelving is vacant save this journal.

I am surprised there is a shop called Ellard’s Oddities in Shadowmount. I have it on good authority that there is a shop of curiosities in Carrageen called Ellard’s Oddities.

I will begin researching a “Crow-man” at once.

You describe a truly horrific experience and my prayersd are with you and our friends. I am thankful for your survival.

Two nights ago Halvenspring was attacked by Redcaps. It was the first such attack in decades. They came out of the Firnockt in the dead of the night and I am sorry to say that the Springwell family was slain in their home before the alarm was raised. We counted perhaps two dozen Redcaps in all. A group of us met them in front of the Sleeping Dragon and drove them off, slaying half of them. The battle was viscous and they seemed maddened. I confess the stories do not do them justice and I was beside myself with fear. None the less I joined our impromptu militia which consisted of: your father Pharun, Bajol’s father Marc Risus, Mark Bellows, your brother Dorian, Father Theodore (who as it turns out can swing a mean mace and can be quite frightening when enraged), Fyn’s uncle Styren, my brothers Calverson and Porter, Klaus Steelpick, Bruno Allade, and Shivatha Goatsman. We lost Shivatha and Bruno. The rest survived with no major injuries.

Observations about and from the battle:

1) Marc Risus has a bow that is clearly enchanted, and is an obviously experienced fighter. When moved to melee he used a longsword.

2) Mark Bellows the quiet unassuming turnip farmer can beat the living shit out of someone with a gardening hoe.

3) Father Theodore can kill with a mace like other people breathe and has a focused icy rage that I never want to see again. Marc Risus and Pharun had to stop him from chasing the retreating Redcaps into the woods.

4) Dorian is still quite young. While he was helpful, if he had squared off with a Redcap alone he might not be alive today.

5) Styren has an enchanted rapier and a fighting style unlike anything I have seen before. It looks like he is dancing instead of fighting.

6) Calverson, Porter, Bruno, and Shivatha should be applauded for coming out to defend their friends and family, but clearly had no idea what they were doing and were running on adrenaline.

7) Klaus Steelpick fights with magic. He threw a ball of flame into the midst of the Redcaps which exploded like an old naptha can.

8) The Redcaps fight with cleavers that leave infected wounds. Bruno might have pulled through otherwise and Theodore had difficulty patching the rest of us up.

9) The redcaps did not flee, but retreated.

10) I am useless in a fight, but Redcaps do not like bright light, especially in their face, so my small spells lent some aid.

After the fight Klaus retreated to his tower, and in the morning Marc Risus, Pharun, Father Theodore, and Styren had a long meeting at the church. They talked the day away and would not allow anyone to enter.

Oh, I know I told you about Klaus in my last missive, but there is one other new addition to the village. An odd little fellow came in with the last round of merchants, a Halfling by the name of Salavic. He built a small shop/residence about a mile outside of town in the Firnockt where he weaves baskets and makes simple toys. He is not very sociable but seems harmless enough. There was something else about him I wanted to mention, but it escapes me at the moment.

Anyway he apparently was not attacked, even though his dwelling is alone in the Firnockt. It’s almost like the Redcaps purposely went around him!

Speaking of Klaus, he politely asked the other day about any books we might have in our tower. I as gently as I could told him I was not at liberty to say, and that he might inquire with you when you return. He immediately acquiesced and turned the conversation onto more idle things. I didn’t feel threatened, in fact I dare say I like old Klaus, but in light of your entry I felt you should know. Through his, ah, influence I find that I enjoy smoking a pipe – much to my mother’s disgust.

After the meeting in the church I was rudely not invited to, we have begun the construction of a wall of logs around Halvensprings proper. Marc Risus calls it a “palisade.” We also sent for Slignigh and asked that he come have a more stable presence in Halvenspring for the time being. Yesterday evening our runner returned; apparently Halvenstomb was also attacked the same night, and Slignigh was there and was wounded (and thus would not be coming).

This morning Styren left for Templemount to have an audience with the Baron. The Grey Circle has empowered Marc Risus and Pharun to handle the defense of Halvenspring incase another attack should occur. They have asked all able bodied men to gather two hours before sunset each day for simple arms training. I am not thrilled as this takes away valuable study time from my day.

I researched banshees for you. What I found is not good. Apparently they are a higher form of undead that is often created with a curse. Most recorded instances (of which there are few) involve them being release from old tombs or crypts. Their keen or cry can slay instantly and they are impervious to most weapons. I advise avoidance or barring that, extreme caution.

I gave your father the message you asked me to, but he did not seem overly concerned (in light of recent village events I’m sure).

Last time the Redcaps attacked, only 6 came. But it has now been decades as I said. Many villagers seem to believe that we will now be safe for another few decades, but one look at Pharun or Marc Risus tells a different story.

Respectfully yours,

Osgood Hawthorne