The Darkness
An hour north of Phandalin, along the trail, a darkness has appeared creeping across the road and into the forest on either side. Looking up, the trees are open and it is a bright, sunny day. But for whatever reason, the sun does not seem to penetrate the forest floor.
As the party approaches the area, they quickly experience the same event. However, unlucky for them, 2 zombies appear on the road before them. A man, maybe a cook, as he still carries a large butcher's knife, dead, but not dead. Beside him, dragging her torso with only her 2 arms, her ribcage barely covered in rotting flesh, a young woman. They attack quickly. As the party attempts to hack their way through the dead, 4 halflings dart out of the bushes, swinging wildly at the adventurers. Once engaged in combat, Balasar takes note of their behavior, as well as their appearance. These are not undead. Very much not undead. But still in no control of themselves. Their mouths sewn shut, eyes wide with hysterical fright, muscle movements forceful with no appearance of control. Tears fall from one of their eyes.
In an attempt to rescue the poor souls living a hell inside their own bodies, Balasar tackles one and cuts the stitches away from his mouth. Snarling, spitting, and lashing out, the halfling only cries and begs for death with a mournful look.
Balasar believes these events are related to a faceless, wooden doll he gave to Anna for her daughter.
Themes
Undead and controlled halflings (as well as other creatures)
Anna is the trigger for strange happenings
Parent Plot
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