The Road to Red Fern
"No, he doesn't sound familiar to me," Umast replies. "Though I suspect he isn't the type to spend a lot of time in a temple...
"Last year, a highly coordinated group of highwaymen suddenly appeared in this area. Known as the Vipers, they are ruthless and efficient, striking merchant caravans and vanishing into the countryside long before any response can be made. Trackers and constables have been used, but none have found the bandits' lair, believed to lie somewhere in the Brenn Forest. Trails from the marauders would lead into the forest but then vanish suddenly. Even with my priests aiding the search, the Vipers' base still cannot be found. For some reason, all attempts to pinpoint its location magically are foiled.
"Three months ago, the brigands raided a convoy carrying a holy item. The torque of faith was to be brought here secretly so as not to arouse the interest of thieves. The Vipers eliminated the entire procession and looted its valuables, including the torque of faith. My superiors were enraged at the item's theft and gave me permission to use whatever means necessary to reclaim it. To this end, I enlisted the aid of a ranger, Dura Gerathu, who makes his home deep within Brenn Forest.
"Dura knows the woods better than any other, and he promised to find the Vipers' hideout. Once a week, he would relay a written message to me via his trained falcon. This week's report is late, but I am not overly concerned, for this is not the first time. Dura will often remain in the field for days at a time before returning to send me a letter.
"This morning, people suddenly became ill. By sunrise, twenty-two ailing townspeople had arrived at the temple. After questioning the sick, we deduced that they had all imbibed water from the same well. The well was closed, and the water tested magically, but the tests showed nothing amiss. Nevertheless, suspecting poison, we began treatment. All of our magical attempts to neutralize the venom have failed.
"Our goddess, Tymora, has confirmed that the townspeople have indeed been poisoned and has instructed me to 'seek the viper of Brenn Forest.'
"Without knowing the nature of the poison, we are unable to provide even an herbal cure. Our magical divinations have also been thwarted. What we require is knowledge of the ingredients in the poison, and quick. The local constabulary is too busy allaying public fears and guarding the other wells to investigate the matter. My own priests are busy ministering to the poisoned, and nearby Dahstar is unwilling to send aid, fearing that they too might face attack. I have already dispatched messengers to Red Fern to request assistance, though I fear they shall arrive too late.
"I need you to find and infiltrate the Vipers' base and learn what you can about the poison they've concocted. If you could locate the torque of faith along the way and recover it, the gesture would be appreciated.
"I suggest you contact Dura and see what information he has to offer. I can provide you with a map that leads to the small valley where he makes his home.
"For your services, my church will pay you 400 gold pieces. If you bring back the torque as well, I'll provide you an extra 200 gold pieces for the trouble. If you travel to Dura's and he cannot help you, then return here, and you'll be given 50 gold pieces for your trouble. Either way, you stand to profit monetarily, if nothing else. So I ask, with so many lives riding on this, will you help us?"