Approximately fifteen minutes south of the road, near what many would consider the edge of Malduk territory, we discovered a deer whose hide had become bark. Not merely caught in brush, but transformed. This deer was under attack by a small raiding party.

After saving it and following its guidance it led us to a fortified encampment built around and in an enormous living tree. The position appears to have been held by a hobgoblin identifying himself as Fez'Duk, seemingly second only to Malduk himself. My companion Soraya received and bested the challenge to honorable 1-on-1 combat and emerged victorious. The remainder of his retinue proved considerably less interested in honor and are unlikely to trouble anyone again.

Useful information came before our departure.

According to those within the camp, Malduk himself has not yet arrived. He is expected to return with a black dragon in his company. Whether that boast was intended to frighten us or was simply spoken without realizing we were listening, I cannot say. I had no interest in remaining long enough to verify it.

What concerns me more is this:

If Fez'Duk was truly second-in-command, then this camp was almost certainly not the heart of the Malduk presence. It felt more like an outpost guarding territory than a seat of power. Coupled with the continued conflict between the Malduks to the north and the Flesh Rippers to the south, I suspect there is considerably more occurring beyond the road than either side has yet revealed.

Should anyone intend to investigate further, I would recommend bringing companions you trust, provisions you won't mind abandoning, and at least one plan for leaving in a hurry.

— Viggo Torlane

The Office of Small Truths