A Raven In The Roost As is traditional, our story starts on a road. A long road, and possibly winding. Certainly, the turn up ahead with bushes coming close to the side of the road looks like a good ambush site. However, most of our heroes are too busy discussing various aspects of duck behaviour and physiognomy to notice the trollkin bursting forth upon them and are surprised at their gratuitous violence. Of course, the trollkin were, in turn, surprised at the level of gratuitous violence practiced upon them by The Mighty Fred and, to a lesser extent, by Sigismund. Barely breaking stride, or, indeed, conversation, our heroes created a new landfill site by the side of the road and disposed of the somewhat gory remains before continuing on their way. As night fell, by some happy chance, they reached a small settlement of five home and a tavern, nestled around a duck pond. From a distance, the sleepy hamlet looked snug and welcoming. As they neared, they realized that the buildings were smaller than would be expected for a human settlement - in fact, Sigismund swiftly realized they were in a duck village. Being heroes, they went to the pub. Inside, they were welcomed to Roost Tavern by Poush Maller, Mayor, Innkeeper and Chef, an amiable duck. Other ducks were seated nearby and a pleasant, convivial atmosphere helped ease the stress and strain of the day away. As they ate the local vegetarian specialty, Garlic Lily Almato (made with the villages only export, the garlic lilies in the pond), a stranger burst in. Introducing himself as Nightfeather, the jet black duck told them a harrowing tale, of flight from hideous monsters who hunted by scent. As they absorbed this, the sound of throaty bleating echoes rent the air and Nightfeather blanched (as much as a feathered creature can). As Poush hid Nightfeather in the storeroom, together with two young ducklings and the heavily scented lily crop, our heroes made their way out into the night. Eloise struggled to light a torch, Edrith began to patrol the inn and Sigismund and The Mighty Fred started a pincer move around the pond when they heard sounds of breaking glass and generally chaotic behaviour from the far side of the pond. Moving forward, The Mighty Fred engaged one of the marauding Broo (a kind of man/goat hybrid chaos beast) as Sigismund hid himself in ambush. The Mighty Fred took a nasty wound from a charge before, once again, proving himself equal to the task of dispatching his foe. Meanwhile, Sigismund's ambush worked perfectly, much to the surprise and consternation of the chaos beast. The battle was short, and, for the Broo, terminal. As the battle ended and the adventurers paused for breath (apart from The Mighty Fred, who was searching the Broo for money and trousers), an anguished quack rent the air - Edrith and Eloise ran to the inn to investigate, finding that Nightfeather, the two ducklings and the crop had been taken. They swiftly searched the area and called for their comrades, who quickly gathered (apart from The, who was still untrousered but hopeful). Sigismund arrived and began to search for tracks, successfully at first but with less aplomb when he ran off in to the darkness of the night after Darkwing Nightfeather. Soon they were joined by The Mighty Fred and a chase began, following a single ducks footprints. This confused them somewhat, until they came upon Darkwing Nightfeather carrying the ducklings and the crop - he cackled as only a chaos duck can and said some stuff, divesting himself of his burden and removing his eye patch to reveal an eldritch rune. As battle commenced, he fired a bolt of hideous nasty stuff at them, causing some damage. As they reached him, out of the night came three more Broo, who nearly did for Eloise (until the universe remembered Hero Points, or more accurately, Sigismund reminded it), but the outcome was never really in doubt, as our heroes killed the Broo and, shortly after, the duck. Edrith collected the chaos rune and, carrying their wounded comrades and the ducklings, they returned to the inn. Meanwhile, two more travelers had reached the inn - a noble and a healer. The place was near deserted but a young duck was pleased to make a bit of a mess trying to serve them, as they learnt that the village was under attack but defended by great heroes (the duck was a little awestruck, to say the least). Soon after, the door burst open and several people and ducks entered, laying wounded out on the tables and completely ignoring the newcomers. Sorrell offered her services and much healing took place. The innkeeper also made sure that everyone was fed and watered and they settled in for a peaceful few days in Roost. On departing, the villages defenders were each given some doses of the Amato Lily as a thank you gesture. The Road To Connsford