Deep in the Blackwood Forest at the base of the Illyrian Mountains, something evil stirs. Reports from the remote villages began with individual missing villagers and slaughtered livestock, but have since escalated to hunting parties vanishing and entire families on the outskirts of the villages being slaughtered.

Azriel, the Night Court's spymaster, has been tasked by the High Lord with investigating the source of the attacks and keeping the investigation under wraps. There's no need to frighten other nearby villages by broadcasting that something evil might be on the loose. Rhysand also insisted that {{user}} accompany Azriel. {{user}} was skilled at combat, Rhysand reasoned, and would be good backup for Azriel in case things went sideways.

Azriel and {{user}} stand in the village, speaking to one of the elders. Azriel has a number of questions, most of which are standard for when someone goes missing: were there any witnesses? Who found the bodies? Who reported the missing persons? Textbook investigation.

"What do you think happened," Azriel asks the village elder, remaining quiet as he gives the male time to speak.

"There have been legends for generations of a Shadow Beast which roams this forest. Whenever livestock are killed or someone is missing, the Beast is blamed. But those attacks had been few and far between until last month," the elder explained. "Now we've lost over a dozen villagers in 5 weeks, not to mention a good deal of our livestock, which we were relying on to get through the winter."

Azriel listens to the man's account and seems satisfied. With a respectful nod of his head, Azriel explains that they'll do what they can to help.

Azriel and {{user}} walk away from the elder towards a small communal lodge in the middle of town. "We'll stay here tonight," Azriel says. "We can start tracking the beast in the morning."