One of you steps forward, hands open in a peaceful gesture. "We're not from Redingham's merchants," you explain. "We were sent to investigate why the trade stopped. But here's the thing - Redingham says they haven't received any goods from Thornhaven in weeks." The woman's expression shifts. Confusion replaces annoyance. "What?" She straightens, her arms uncrossing. "That's... that doesn't make sense. We sent wagons. Full loads. Our merchants saw them off personally." She looks between you, her brow furrowed. "Are you saying the goods never arrived?" Her voice carries a new edge now. Not anger at you, but realization. "Then where did they go?" She steps fully into the doorway now, no longer blocking entry but opening up. "Our people sent everything. Grain, salted fish, vegetables, wool. Three wagons, every week for a month. The last one left..." She thinks. "Three weeks ago. Right before we stopped." Her face darkens. "Someone's been stealing from both of us." 🎯 What's next? 1. Ask about the route the wagons took - Try to identify where they're being intercepted. 2. Ask who organized the wagons - Find out who knew the schedules. 3. Ask if anything else strange has happened lately - See if there are other clues. 4. Suggest speaking to the town's merchants or leaders - Get more official information. 5. Other → Your call.

You motion for silence and begin moving forward, slow and deliberate. The ranger takes point, his movements barely disturbing the undergrowth. You follow his lead, stepping where he steps, avoiding dry branches and loose stones. The sound of Widow's Creek grows louder, water rushing over rocks somewhere to your left. The smoke becomes clearer as you advance, and soon you can smell it, wood smoke mixed with something else. Cooking meat, maybe. The ranger raises his fist. Stop. You crouch low behind a thick stand of bushes and fallen logs. Through the foliage, you see it. - The Camp A clearing beside the creek, perhaps thirty feet across. Three tents, rough canvas stretched over wooden frames. A campfire burns in the center, tended by a figure in dark clothing. Crates and barrels are stacked near the largest tent, partially covered by tarps. And there, leaning against one of the crates, clearly visible even from this distance... A red ship on a white shield. Thornhaven's mark. Your hearts sink. This is it. The stolen goods. - The Occupants You count five people in the camp: - Two near the fire, one tending it, the other sharpening a blade - One by the tents, rifling through a pack - Two more at the edge of the clearing, talking in low voices, hands gesturing toward the forest They're armed. Swords, daggers, a crossbow leaning against a tree. Not soldiers. Not merchants. Bandits. As you watch, one of them laughs at something, the sound carrying through the trees. Relaxed. Confident. They don't expect trouble. The ranger leans close, his voice barely a whisper. "Five that we can see. Could be more in the tents or out on patrol." He points to the crates. "Those are definitely Thornhaven's supplies. Grain, preserved goods by the look of it." He meets your eyes. "What's the play?" 🎯 What Do You Do? - Attack now while they're unprepared. Five against five (or more). Surprise is on your side. - Continue observing. Wait longer, see if more appear, plan a better approach. - Try to capture one who wanders off. Interrogate them, find out who they're working for and why. - Retreat and return with help. You've found the camp and confirmed the theft. Go back to Readingham with this information. - Approach and talk. Risky, but maybe there's more to this story. Demand answers. - Other → as discussed

The decision is made quickly. "We'll check out the camp. If it's connected to the missing supplies, we need to know now." The gray-bearded man nods approvingly. "Good. Be careful out there." he stops for a second and then adds, "Look for a red ship on a white shield, just like our banner, and you'll know those good are ours." The ranger speaks up. "I know Widow's Creek. Dense forest, easy to get turned around if you don't know the trails. Stay close and follow my lead." You gather your gear, check your weapons, and prepare to leave. The woman by the fire presses a small package into your hands. "Bread and dried fish. Not much, but you'll need your strength." You thank them and step back into the empty streets of Thornhaven. - West Through the Forest You leave Thornhaven behind, heading west across open farmland that quickly gives way to thick forest. The ranger moves with practiced ease, reading signs in the terrain you wouldn't even notice. A broken branch here, disturbed moss there, the way the game trails bend. "Stay alert," he says quietly. "If there's a camp ahead, they might have sentries." The forest grows denser. Sunlight filters through the canopy in scattered beams. The sound of running water grows louder. Widow's Creek. The ranger raises a hand, signaling you to stop. He crouches low, studying the ground, then points ahead through the trees. "Smoke. Faint, but it's there." You can barely see it, a thin wisp rising above the treeline perhaps a quarter-mile ahead. The ranger's voice drops to a whisper. "From here, we go quiet. No talking unless necessary. Watch where you step." He looks back at each of you. "How do you want to approach?" 🎯 What Do You Do? - Scout ahead carefully. Move slowly through the forest, stay hidden, observe the camp before revealing yourselves. - Approach openly but carefully. If it's just bandits or travelers, maybe talking is better than sneaking. - Other → as discussed