The Aratai West Highway is an important trading route which connects
Aratai with the lands to the west of it. It travels through the city of
Hamia.
The highway is a well maintained road that is essential for trade in the nation of Aratai and is thus well protected by patrols. The highway has traveller's rest stops at intervals between the towns to allow travelers to rest, eat, sleep in shelter, without fear of thieves or bandits.
The only stretch of the highway that bandits have been able to gain any foothold is in the small stretch where it passes through the
North Forest.
A rumour exists, that if you stop near the edge of the forest for too long items go missing from your carriage, many people think there are magical beings in the woods that streal things, but in reality it is a bandit troupe called The Shadow Talons. The Shadow Talons use ravens to help alert them of potential victims and to cause confusion so that they may steal from any unprotected caravan.
In the densest part of the forest that the highway passes through the remnants of broken wagons, skeletal remains of unfortunate souls, and faded remnants of cautionary signs, are visable just 50ft deeper into the forest, further fueling the pass's fearsome reputation. The Shadow Talons' base of opperation is near this site.
The way the Shadow Talons opperate is they wait for insufficiently protected caravans to pass by, they disguise themselves as ghostly spirits, which together with their ravens, frightens their victims, and gives them an edge to attack. They take possessions, but rarely kill, as their leader knows that any deaths along the highway would bring swift retribution from the forces of Aratai.
The Shadow Talons are led by an elven ranger known as The Ravenlord.
Ravenlord (real name is Eldari Furywood)
Medium Wood elf, Bandit, Any
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 34
Speed:
35 ft
Skills Stealth: +6
Survival: +5
Perception: +5
Persuasion: +5
Senses Darkvision
Languages Common, elvish, orc, dwarvish
Proficiency Bonus +3
Description
Driven by a deep-rooted resentment towards corrupt merchants, oppressive nobles, and those who exploited the land's resources, the Ravenlord vowed to bring justice to the trade routes and protect the vulnerable. The Shadow Talons became his instrument of retribution, their actions designed to disrupt the flow of wealth and expose the excesses of the privileged.
The Ravenlord is the leader of a band of bandits that live in the North Forest of Hamia.
The Ravenlord treats their ravens which such kindness that the other brigands in the troupe are resentful of them.
Suggested Environments
Lives in the North Forest in the region of Hamia, in the nation of Aratai
Archery fighting style: +2 with ranged attacks
Beast companions - an unkindness of ravens. The Ravenlord can command, see through and speak through a flock of ravens. As an action The Ravenlord can command the ravens to attack.
Actions
Long bow. +8 to hit. 1d8+3 piercing damage. Range 150/300
Short sword. +6 to hit. 1d6+3 damage.
Raven swarm: see monster manual p. 339
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