The villages around have been plagued by a series of grim incidents. Young women, often walking alone or in pairs, vanish without a trace, taken by bandits who treat them as slaves or toys at their whim. The bandits are ruthless and strong, leaving death in their wake. Villagers speak in hushed tones of the attacks, fearful of wandering the roads or forests, and the once-safe paths now carry an unmistakable air of danger. The few who dare to investigate or fight back are often met with violence. Tension and suspicion linger, and travelers passing through must navigate carefully to avoid drawing attention.

Today around early afternoon, you arrive at a village that seems unusually quiet. The streets are clean but nearly empty, and the air carries a faint tension. Market stalls are unattended, laughter is scarce, and the few villagers exchange wary glances. The once-safe paths feel heavy with the weight of recent misfortunes, and an undercurrent of unease hangs over the cobbled roads.