A Nameless Man and Hidden Journal

[Avizo]

A rather lengthy note -- scribbled on parchment -- is pinned near the entryway of the tavern.

Citizens of Trollsbane and Fellow Forest Dwellers!

In the ensuing time since the beginning of my fervent arrival to the island and generous welcome by an unfamiliar bunch of charitable inhabitants of town, a carefully arranged expedition to precious, well-suitable land seemed usual for any farmer willing to work during the mid-morning hours of the day after; a journey I now deeply regret. For little did I know a blaring beast had lurked deep within the massive forest to the south, completely unaware of my closing approach. Of course, to pester an enormous fiend and to live to tell about it would surely be a story of remarkable interest among the general public, but no thought bearing to this had ever bothered to come in mind as I remained in a motionless and rather panicking condition, hidden beside the trunk of a nearby tree; urging myself to keep as silent as possible.

For a moment, the monstrous being appeared to have rambled onward, regardless of my presence. The subdued twittering of neighboring birds had encircled the region before the occurrence of the soon-to-be-spiteful hardship. Suddenly, a horrifying shriek soared into the open sky for there had obviously been another attendant scampering these grounds and to my astonishment, the figure of the brutal creature -- who was easily to be identified as a gruesome troll -- drew near. Before long, I was able to spot a broad, wooden club, dragging behind him in the grip of his bulky hand. The effort to remain calm occurred to me with a struggle as the never-ending, screaming pain of the other poor soul echoed throughout the entire forest. Yet, I would somehow manage to peek into the troll’s direction, watching it gorge the remains of the lifeless body.

Naturally, my planned attempt to hurry away from this particular scene gave me the impression that I could perhaps; wander off with a feeling of superiority, despite the hideous fate of the once-live human. Thus, both luckless and weary, I succeeded in sliding pass the enemy and ran as far as my legs could carry me until the storming sound of the monster’s clumsy feet emerged from the distance. Hesitation had struck me firmly and at that moment, a second casualty deep within the outskirts of town seemed likely. An immense number of thoughtful tactics to avoid the possibility of death had rushed within my mind before hurling myself to the rigid terrain below, the area that contained roughly five arid stones. The pounding feet of the raging demon would soon catch up to my hidden location, before coming to a flat halt.

In the corner of my eye, I spotted something, wedged under one of the five stones -- an old, thick journal.

Ignoring my recent discovery and re-focusing my attention on the brawny figure, I carefully inspected my surroundings, assuming I wouldn’t die, for the purpose of returning to examine the object. Consequently, the troll had careless wandered into a cluster of experienced adventurers and hunters, ending the ordeal almost immediately. So as the motionless corpse of my enemy lay, a discussion broke between my newly met companions regarding both the death of the forest-roaming mean and the contents of the mysterious journal. Within the hour, after proceeding to the midst of the town to speak with fellow citizens, it has come to my understanding that no missing person was reported by anyone as of yesterday nor does the journal belong to the man involved in yesterday’s fatal attack; ownership leads to a female author.

Anyone who may have any knowledge on the identity of this man should send a dove to either me or a town official to arrange a proper burial.

Furthermore, the journal is currently being held by claimed relatives of the owner and may be released for public viewing if necessary.

Signed,
Avizo the Halfling