Eidetic Memory: Dark of the Woods

Guy Talbot, a traveling merchant (and presumable longtime friend) has gathered the adventurers, as he's received a most disturbing letter from his daughter, who writes that she's witnessed some gruesome magics at Swyngate Manor.
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== The Letter ==
Dearest Father,
I have long been blessed with good fortune, but now, as Pastor Bardas would say, the worm has turned, and I have bitter news indeed. My eldest son is dead, and my husband lies in miasma of bleak despair, for it was his own hand that slew him! A terrible hunting accident – or a horrid curse of black magic? My heart is heavy and I can scarce credit the report of the bizarre and ungodly transformation that befell my son, though there were credible witnesses. He is dead, and surely black magic was behind it!
Let me start again. It seems a sinister cult has for many centuries lurked in the dark woods north of our new estate. In recent months, they have risen again, allied with fell creatures such as giant spiders, hideous bears, and werewolves. The cult’s leader is one Rhedyn, former goatherd who is now an unholy priest; my husband had scorned his prior threats and posturing as mere words, but his power is very real and his reach is long. 
With my husband no longer riding on patrol, the roads that pass the outskirts of Swyngate Forest have reverted to haunts of outlaws and robbers. Brigands waylay travelers, then vanish into dens in the wood, to consort with a witchcult that offers them sanctuary where our foresters fear to tread. I have also heard whispers that the country folk at the forest’s edge now pay tribute to the cult. On the same day my son Galleron was murdered, lightning smote the village church. And others report an apparition i the hills, a foul idol or giant that some villagers now sacrifice to for fear of death! 
My lord and I still remain safe in our castle, protected by our retainers and hired men. Yet my anguished heart cries for vengeance for my firstborn, and I fear for the lives of the villagers and my daughter who is but 13 years old. With my lord succumbed to a malignant despondency, I have no one but you to turn to. 
Father, I know you consort with many adventurers, as you have often enlivened your letters to me with tales of their valor.this may be a good place to add mentions of the PCs specifically I implore you to prevail upon some of these stalwarts to journey to Swyngate Castle and come to my aid! I stand alone against a rising tide of darkness and chaos. While I am not rich, neither am I poor in goods, and surely the robbers and cultists must now be sitting on a mound of ill-gotten gains that might tempt such men. Too, I have heard tales that Rhedyn makes his lair amid ancient barrows filled with treasures (it was apparently seeking one such that cost the last lord his life). 
Indeed, my lord’s desire for vengeance is such that he would even consider some kind of alliance with the worthy gallant who slays the dark master and liberates our land from fear.
Your loving daughter, Alyssa of Swynwood
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== Swyngate Forest ==
Heavily wooded with deciduous trees (the kind that change their coats during autumn). It hosts an array of deer, wolves, owls, and bears--many of which may be allies of Rhedyn.
Owl Brook: A stream that crosses one of the more common walking paths in the forest, whose waters meander from somewhere deeper in the woods.
Whisperwind's Grove: Once a beautiful copse, now only stumps and ashes. Nothing of material value waits here.
Sleeper's Hill: About two miles into the forest--usually a much longer route due to the terrain. An ancient burial mound lies here, untouched for generations. Across from it lies a circle of standing stones. 
The High Grove: The deep heart of the forest, although not known precisely on any map. This is said to be the home of the archdruid, Rhedyn--although it's possible he lives near Sleeper's Hill, and one of his allies makes home here. 
== Characters ==
Guy Talbot, Venturing Merchant
* Deals in antiques, gems and jewelry
* As such, he has contacts with adventurers, gemcutters, and jewelers
** If the PCs need a wand gilded or a sword plated with silver, Guy can connect them
== Monsters and Such ==
=== Cultists ===
Vary in size, rather dedicated to the cult. Knives are standard for any cultist worth their salt, but beefy enforcers may carry maces or other cheap weapons. The cult survives through its hunters, so they're likely to have a few good archers in their ranks. They wear brown robes with hoods, and masks modeled after woodland animals.
=== The "Monstrous Spider" ===
A cunning supernatural predator, perhaps similar to an acid spider. She is intelligent and can speak, and loves poetry--which is fortunate, as Rhedyn is a decent poet. She is powerful being who typically captures birds and animals--she may even let a victim go, if they can recite a verse.
=== The "Hideous Bear" ===
An elderly female grizzly, perhaps similar to a guardian bear or bear ally. Long ago, Rhedyn saved her cubs from a forest fire, and the two have found a mutual respect. By magic or mystery, she is smarter than the average bear, and is occasionally accompanied by wolves or giant owls as allies. 
=== Rhedyn ===
A self-appointed archdruid, who's managed to bring back an ancient druidic cult through charisma and sorcery. He can shapeshift, often spying on people while in the guise of some innocuous animal, and will often turn into something agile to escape a dangerous battle. 
=== Werewolves ===
A clan of werewolve
== Note ==
This article does not contain the full text of Dark of the Woods, but should help one run such a game.
== References ==
* Pyramid 3/68: Natural Magic
Category:David Pulver
Category:Adventures
Category:Fantasy Reality
Category:Eidetic Memory