You continue your journey through the woods, westward bound. After a short while, you make a rest under an oak tree by the road. It is late afternoon and hunger has reared its ugly head. You unpack some of the provisions you brought with you. A piece of cheese, a small bread roll, and half of a dry-aged sausage must suffice for now. While you sit there eating, you notice that no other traveler has passed you.

Odd, you think to yourself. This road is usually well-travelled as it leads to Eatonfall. You enjoy the quiet ambiance of the forest before you continue well rested. Eventually you reach the end of the forest. Close to its edge, you spy a small military camp. You approach it.

The camp consists of five tents. They are all made out of plain canvas and wood. Four of them are medium-sized and required one to duck when entered. Only the fifth is of proper height. It is located at the end of the camp, with the other four pointing towards it. This must be the commander’s tent.

Outside one of the tents, you find a soldier sitting on the ground. He is wearing an old armor. It is dull and dented. He lifts his head as you come closer.

Ay there, traveler.  

I see you came the forest way. You must be a brave one. Count yourself lucky you made it through alive. Hardly anyone travels this road anymore.

…

Why, you ask?

It is the Gnarls, of course!

A nasty group of them have taken camp in the Pineforest limits and took it upon themselves to ravage any traveler who crosses their path.

Ruthless beasts, I say!

The soldier huffs and returns his attention to the flask in his hand. You decide to leave him be and step deeper into the camp. In front of the Commander’s tent, you find a wooden post, on it a withered paper. Its writing has almost faded. It must have hung here for quite a while. You step closer to read it.

WANTED: IVAN THE TERRIBLE

Leader of the Gnarls

DEAD

Reward: 5 Gold Pieces

Bring his head to Sergeant Stanton at the Pineforest Military Camp!