Our next assignment took us to Willow Creek, a village approximately a day's travel from Springreach. Apparently, the residents had been experiencing a rather unpleasant problem involving undead creatures eating the villagers.

The Guild had recently dispatched a team to address the situation, but their efforts had proven unsuccessful. Piprim had apparently destroyed a statue of Orcus rather than seeking an alternative solution. Evidently, this did not resolve the underlying problem.

When asked about our compensation, Wesley remarked, "I don't know where they get the money, but you'll get paid." A reassuring business arrangement.

Upon our arrival, Aura attempted to gather information from a blue jay. Unfortunately, Cori decided to demonstrate her magical talents by imitating a zombie, which frightened the poor creature away.

We spoke with several townsfolk, who confirmed that the Guild had visited a few weeks earlier. Unfortunately, the undead had since returned, suggesting that the previous expedition had accomplished very little.

One particularly knowledgeable villager explained that the necromancer responsible for the original disturbances had not been present during the Guild's previous visit. Upon returning to the cave, the necromancer apparently suffered a heart attack and died. A rather mundane end for someone engaged in such extraordinary pursuits.

Unfortunately, the necromancer's death had created an entirely new problem. A bulbous plant had taken up residence in the cave, enriching the surrounding soil and causing the corpses to rise again. Our informant assured us of these facts, citing his Monster Manual as a source.

At the entrance to the cave, we encountered an awakened mushroom singing enthusiastically about how wonderful life was. It was positively delighted to be alive, particularly since it had only gained sentience last Thursday. The mushroom explained that it served as the doorman and intended to announce our arrival. Apparently, announcing visitors was the only purpose it had ever been given. We couldn't have that. Cori promptly butchered it.

Inside, we encountered another mushroom, which Cori dispatched with a burst of cold magic. Joc eliminated a third with an arrow.

I eventually lost count of how many mushrooms we killed. Despite our best efforts to proceed quietly, they always seemed to sense our approach.

At some point during our exploration, Cori commented on Piprim's baby monkey ears. I have the distinct impression that this particular observation will be repeated frequently.

Deeper within the cave, we encountered several considerably more aggressive mushrooms guarding a pile of corpses. We dispatched the creatures and began examining the area. Sevas took the opportunity to consume the blood from one of the corpses. Apparently, it had the consistency of gelatin.

Joc immediately began scribbling furiously in a notebook before wandering off to sharpen a stick. I elected not to question either activity.

With Locke and Sevas assisting, I attended to the remains of the deceased, ensuring they were treated with an appropriate measure of dignity.

Among the items recovered were two Sending Stones, 178 gold pieces, 12 silver pieces, 26 copper pieces, and an Owlbear Snugglebeast.

Continuing our exploration, we discovered a tree adorned with hanging skulls. We destroyed it.

Joc subsequently discovered two chests containing an Everlasting Sugar Bomb, an Orb of Shielding against cold, and a Dress of Many Pockets.

The dress was a particularly practical discovery. One can never have too many pockets, especially when collecting specimens.

Eventually, we located the source of Willow Creek's troubles: a corpse flower. The grotesque plant had apparently been responsible for the continued reanimation of the dead. Beneath it, we discovered the remains of the unfortunate necromancer whose untimely heart attack had precipitated this entire affair.

During my examination of the body, I discovered that the deceased had concealed a magical item within what is rather indelicately referred to as the prison wallet. My companions appeared remarkably squeamish about investigating this particular anatomical hiding place. Really, some people.

I simply donned a pair of gloves and retrieved the object myself. It proved to be a Spell-Piercing Wand. I cannot fathom why anyone would choose such an inconvenient storage location. The potential for injury alone is considerable, particularly with an object of that shape.

With the corpse flower destroyed, the source of the undead infestation had finally been eliminated. We returned to report our success, and Wesley awarded us a bonus for ensuring that Willow Creek would remain safe. A satisfactory conclusion to a rather unusual expedition.