Den of the Winter Wolf

About the adventure

🐺 Wolves hunt in the night. Many dangers lie in wait for the unwary in Myrkvid Forest, but none so fearsome as Rukdolf, the Winter Wolf. For years the legend of the great White Wolf has been told around the campfires and in the tavern halls, for so long that even the old graybeards cannot remember a time when Rukdolf didn't haunt the long winter nights. His howls fill the dark cold of the nights, but few have seen him and lived to tell the tale. Those who did have refused to enter the woods ever again, for Myrkvid Forest is Rukdolf's domain. In the past, there were attempts to hunt him and his pack down...but no one was able to come close. On the edge of the White Wolf's forest kingdom sits the village of Beruvik, where the townsfolk have lived under the shadow of fear of Rukdolf for many years. In time, they’ve created a tradition of leaving sacrifices of their hunts to appease the wolf and permit them safe passage. A symbiosis developed between Wolf and Man, as interlopers and bandits would quickly meet their end in Rukdolf's forest, while Beruvik's hunters would be allowed free passage. This year, though, is different. Winters in Northreach have always been harsh and unforgiving, but this winter has been particularly harsh, and the sacrifices are becoming fewer as pantries become bare. The extreme cold is driving burrowing animals deep underground in pursuit of survival, while the unfortunately exposed forest creatures such as deer are freezing solid in their southward trek to flee the cold, and pack animals huddle together for warmth. Meanwhile, the wolves are getting hungrier. The Hawk Clan’s winter stores are looking to be less adequate as the days go by and the hunters, out in greater numbers to stave off impending famine, are starting to be attacked more often by wolves. In desperation, the dashing young Jarl Brand Einarsson has put out a reward for anyone brave enough to hunt down and kill the legendary White Wolf: Rukdolf, who has stalked the land and eaten men whole in just a single bite. The warriors who would kill such a beast would surely become legends in their own right. The promise of wealth awaits them, triumphant should they be, as does the mantle of legend. With everything at stake, will you take up the mantle to become one of their party?