Ravenhood Warden

The halfling, Hyuef Longstall, pulled the door of his daughter's burrow shut and limped down the narrow dirt lane, leaning heavily on his cane.

Night had fallen, and the stars twinkled merrily in a sky lit by a full moon. Hyuef closed his eyes, took a deep breath, smiled, and sighed contentedly.

Something cold and hard pressed against his neck. Something steel. A dagger.

Hyuef's eyes flew open. From behind him came the ruffle of feathers, and a raspy voice whispered, “They weren't your sheep.”

The halfling blinked. “What? I don't—”

The dagger pressed harder against his skin, drawing a thin trickle of blood. “Don't lie to me. You know why I'm here.”

“But I was just a boy!”

“You were still you.”

Hyuef's heart raced, and his hands trembled. “Please. Spare me. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you.”

A soft chortle. “You took something from us, now we'll take something from you. I hope you kissed your child goodbye.”

The dagger was withdrawn. Hyuef turned to face his assailant. Before him stood a black-feathered Ravenhood Warden wearing a midnight-blue cloak. Two beady black eyes peered out at him from the shadows of a hood.

Hyuef lashed out with his cane, but he was too old and too slow. The Warden knocked the blow aside and struck with his fist, catching the halfling on the temple with a right cross.

Hyuef saw stars. He dropped to his knees. His vision swam, and darkness closed in around the edges of his vision.

Unconsciousness washed over him, but not before he heard a knock on a door, and a voice called out, “Papa, is that you?” The Ravenhood are an unkindness of ravenfolk that live in the Fenmoor Basin in Praetoria's Shimmering Coasts. They are followers of Nestal, Goddess of Vengeance, Pestilence, and Disease, and forgive no injury or offense, seeking retribution (for years if necessary) until avenged.

The Ravenhood are fiercely territorial, and their Wardens serve as guardians of their land and people. Ravenhood Wardens patrol the forests, plains, and swamps on the outskirts of their settlements. They also enforce the laws of the Ravenhood and keep the peace.

And when outsiders commit offenses against the Ravenhood (whether the offense be violent, moral, social, or simply displeasing), it is the Ravenhood Wardens who dispense vengeance.