Editing The World Tree/Prologue (section)

=== The Toll Collectors of Thal ===
[[Image:The_Thal.jpg|left|300px|The Thal]]When the players are ready to continue, describe the following regardless of whether horses or by foot is taken.

The trip from '''Valea''' to '''Thal''' is a short one, only taking a day's journey to arrive. ''As you pass through the countryside, the coastal weeds and unkempt grass become shorter and less tangled. Trees begin to grow sporadically until the form small groves and meadows. The ocean smell is left behind as you insects begin to buzz around you if you pause even for a moment.  The air his thick with humidity as the sounds of songbirds and other wildlife become more abundantly clear.''

''The bell tower and town hall can be seen over the trees amassing in the distance, it would seem as if though you will be able to reach arrive in no time.  The stench coming from your armor and dust collecting on your boots tell you the rest will be well appreciated.''

==== Setup: ====
What happens next is up to the players.  As the DM narrates the following sequence, players may insist on a check to hide.  Two men are walking down the road. This will require a DC 17 Stealth Check, due to the two figures watching the party traveling. Keep whether the rolls were a success or failure a secret and continue with the encounter.

If the entire party hides successfully, the two will continue one, awarding experience equivalent for the two of them.  If anyone in the party fails, the two men will stage a conversation about whether one remembered the money for the toll ahead.  They will then be attacked with surprise as other members of the Scarlet Eye sneak up on those who failed.

If the party chooses to confront the two men with words, the following will take place:

''Upon the path in the distance, two men are approaching you from the road, seeming as if though they are traveling to '''Valea'''. As you approach one another, they call out to you.''

''"Hold traveler!  The toll for this road is 10 gold pieces. You'll have to turn back if you can't pay it."''

Then it is up to the players to pay or not to pay. The two can not be persuaded to ignore the toll and if questioned about the reason, will respond with threats and violence, possibly charging more for things such as horses, races, weapon possession, etc.  If the party pays and continues, no experience is given. Choosing to fight will invoke an encounter.

If the party failed a stealth check or refuse to pay, begin the encounter. Refer to Prologue Scene Levels for the battle map of this area.

==== Tactics: ====
The two collectors will use a whistle to alert those who are hiding to come out of hiding (DC 25 to spot). They will then draw their weapons, attacking the party as a distraction.  The remaining attackers (See Prologue Scene Levels) will fire from their hiding spots and surround the players (1st playthrough lycanthrope clan). These enemies would rather die than be captured, hoping to contain their purpose, but will flee if they are over run.  If captured, they will drink a poison to kill themselves, hiding the information.

==== Features of the Area: ====
Illumination: Bright on the road, dim if within the shadows of the trees.

Terrain Features: Flat dust and dirt on the road, dense foliage off the path requires a DC 12 Athletics or Acrobatics to pass through 5 feet.

Treasure: 70 gold dispersed among them. Each have a Scarlet Eye symbol either tattooed or carried with them.

==== Conclusion: ====
Whether the toll collectors are avoided or attacked, the path to the Thal is now clear. Upon investigation of the bodies, the players will find a symbol much like Glorik had with a labeling of "Scarlet Eye" below it. It is unclear as to what this could mean, but if citizens in the Thal are questioned about it, they will claim them to be mercenaries for hire but not a bandit group.  Be sure to show the players IMAGE#1 for memories sake (The Scarlet Eye is a group hired by Magnus to stop the travelers.)