Shadow in the Ridge

As a group of adventurers arrive at the cove of Fox Ridge, they discover bones and other remains of undead scattered around. An ambush of shadows takes them by surprises and uneases them. As the rain arrives for the day, the adventurers decide to pursue the shadows into the cave and discover what else lays inside with the gnolls.

Some exploring takes place, and the group hears whispers and echoes of a master and its minions. "Stop the humans" the whispers say. "They must be stopped at all costs. Send out the hounds!". The whispers continue and more shadows and mummies assault the group. Eventually, they reach one of the chambers in the cave, and a series of gnolls try to attack. One casualty is suffered from the attack, and more whispers can be heard. "Abandon the corpses. Destroy the humans and this cavern. Abandon the corpses!" After the whispers, the minions of the master spread chaos throughout the cave and start exploding various walls. The result is a violent shock felt throughout, and the group hastily makes it for the exit of the cave. As they reach the forest, the entrance of the cave collapses on itself.

As the day continues, and the fog and rain over the ridge persists on, three return to the cave site to inspect the remains. They come to discover that a dark fog has taken over the surroundings of the cave, as well as a wooden wall. They learn that the fog is quite dangerous, and any who enter risk being in severe danger.

The woman named Acaria speaks in length with one of the shadows present. After a long chat, any present onlookers see her leaving toward Shadowdale, having learned some information about the place.

The whisper of the shadows lingers over the ridge "Master will perish those that enter the darkness."

Adventurers and travellers continue to try to investigate the strange fog, only to be thrown out and hurled beyond the nearby lake. A group of the Dales' rangers bands together to examine the place further, only to find themselves with unexpected surprises.

Shadows and mummies are ever present in the area as the forest close to Shadowdale proves to be more dangerous than it used to be.

A large rocky creature known as ember guard to those familiar, standing at the entrance of the caves daily fighting them constantly, not seeminng to suceed much but at least holding them at bay as for each one he kills other two appear. The few hours the creature rests a celestrial bear replacing it fighting fiersly the undead till the creature returrns.
Some travelers say that this guard is Richo a former farmer of shadowdale.

Word is left at the ranger camp for Richo to find the ranger Norlamin, so that he may pass on what they have learned.

In adition, several notices have been posted along the road:

"Travelers,

Shadows and dhaerow prowl these woods, even under the sun. Be on your guard.

And for the love of all that you hold holy, stay out of the mist!"

The bitter Priest of Bane returns from the outskirts of the mist, coughing as he walks, once again strapping his large greatsword to his back while muttering something about Cyricists, Sharrans and nonsense in the Dalelands.

"Where's that damn Watchful Sister Acaria? The Dread Lord alone is worthy of this fear, not some pathetic shadows and mists!"

Sometimes those who watch Fox ridge could see patrols of new established mercenary guild walking inside fighting with gnolls and shades.

A dark faceless figure, visible only to the most skilled spotter lurks about the ridge from time to time, gazing upon the shadows that patrol the land, simply watching, never interfering.

An armored knight wearing a bright yellow cloak is seen one of those nights hacking away at the shadows.
"From darkness you are born to darkness you shall go!" he shouts out as he dispatches the last of them for the moment and departs to the forest.

A human in mithril chainmail with two swords, one flaming one dripping acid is seen entering the Fox ridge area.

He seem to know the terrain and scouts well outside the mist.
As he sees a shadow in the mist he takes out and strings a large composite bow and shots at the shadows in the mists.

The shadows get deeper and three greater shadow undead leaves the mist and attack the human. The warrior draws his swords and hold fort an amulet and suddenly a blinding flash of light can be seen and the shadows seem to diminish somewhat.

The warrior starts a defensive spin with his swords and cuts the rest of the shadows to pieces.

He then cast a light spell at the edge of the misty area to see if it dissipates by the light, but with no obvious result. He mutters and leaves the area.

*the tiefling surfaces from the pool near the collapsed cavern entrance with a grin, her eyes glowing in the darkness*

not so bad....still boring without the screams but strangely relaxing

*she lounges in the pool a little longer before finally getting out to "play" with the creatures watching*

c'mon boys adn girls you can do better than that
*swinnging massive punches and sweeping kicks grinning like a lunatic as she does*

*a few moments later and netheria can be seen sliding back into the pool and kicking back*

The fog expands in size over the first half the week, covering the nearby lake and spawning more shadows and mummies that harass any nearby travellers. Some courageous enough fend them off, and some even dare to step inside, most finding themselves picked up by the wind and thrown toward the cliff nearby.

More recently, Zhentarim patrols can be noticed in the area and some of the local rangers say that deadlier things than shadows have been seen in the region during the night time.

As the second half of the week begins, the fog however slowly shrinks in size overnight and the presence of the shadows is lessened. The rangers of camp nearby continue to warn any travellers in the region to avoid the ridge and to avoid it during the night time at all costs.

A decree by the Zhentarim states that going to Fox Ridge is punishable by death. Guards have been posted to make sure no-one travels there, and a lot of conversations take place behind closed doors, as well as letters sent to the commanders of the Zhentarim.
Malik seems busy as always.

The Jaelre were told of this mist by those who call on winters wrath. The elf and his hin interloper suffered greatly near the road where the mists form.