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Rumors circulate quickly through the Port and her many guilds and factions. A body was found floating in the water, killed in the dead of night. The taverns have it that the man was nearly beheaded, and the Meriadoc's conducted a man-hunt for the perpetrator. Others swear the body was half eaten by some monster. What all can agree on, however, is that there was no trace of whatever killed the sailor, and all should be wary in the night....
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"Now I know the full power of evil. It makes ugliness seem beautiful and goodness seem ugly and weak." -The Dance of Death -
In the days immediately following the attack, House Meriadoc organizes two public announcements - one at the docks and another in market square - addressing the incident. Spearheaded by the ever-present Evelyn Meriadoc, the announcement is delivered on the heels of increased patrolling orders for both the House guard and the Watchful of Helm.
In attire befitting a military uniform, the scion touts her message in strong, clear tone that encourages preparedness over panic.
"My friends, ensuring the safety of our citizens is the primary duty of House Meriadoc in Avanthyr, and today I would like to discuss an incident which occurred a few nights prior. As many of you have heard, a man was found dead at the docks. It is believed that he was attacked by a creature possessing the strength to disconnect his head nearly from his body. Very possibly a vampire.
"As you know, vampires are a fact of life in Sundren valley, and have lived among its peoples for some time now. Just because their threat has made itself evident here in the Port does not mean we should allow fear to overrule our wits. Rather, it is with knowledge, common sense, and heightened vigilance that we will be able to protect ourselves and root out any creature still hiding the this city once and for all. The men and women of the Port have weathered far worse storms than this, and I have every confidence that your resilience will be a model to all those in the valley who struggle with fear in these times.
"Until this threat is dispatched, I urge you: conduct as much of your business as possible during daylight hours. When about at night, never travel alone and always within eye of a Meriadoc guardsman or Watchful. If you ever feel unusually threatened, uneasy, or followed, proceed directly to the temple of Selune or to Avanthyr Hold. Finally, if any tip is given that leads to the capture of this beast, there will be a reward of 500 stags.
"Thank you for your time, my friends, and fair winds favor you."
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