Shadowdale—What began as routine preparations for the upcoming Greengrass festivities has taken a troubling turn, as several farmers on the outskirts of Shadowdale report animated scarecrows roaming their fields at night.
The first sighting came from Old Tannor’s farm just east of the Ashaba River. “At first I thought it was boys playing tricks,” Tannor said, gripping his hat tightly. “But then it *turned its head*—no wind, no nothing—and started walking against the rows like it knew the land.”
Since then, at least five other farms have reported similar encounters. Crops have been trampled in precise, almost deliberate patterns, though no livestock has been harmed. Tracks found in the soil appear inconsistent, alternating between straw-like impressions and something resembling clawed feet.
Local residents have sought guidance from Elminster, the Sage of Shadowdale, who was reportedly seen near the Old Skull Inn late last night. While he has not issued a formal statement, witnesses claim he appeared “less amused than usual” when approached about the matter.
“I’ve lived here my whole life,” said miller Jessa Corvin. “We’ve had goblins, the odd Zhentarim spy, even a dragon scare once—but scarecrows? That’s new.”
The disturbance has drawn the attention of travelers passing through the region, including a small band of adventurers who have volunteered to investigate. One member of the group claimed to have found faint traces of residual transmutation magic near one of the affected fields.
Speculation as to the cause varies widely. Some villagers suspect a mischievous druid testing boundaries, while others fear a darker influence tied to ancient magic buried beneath the dale. A few have even connected the events to recent reports of strange arcane lights seen far to the west along the Sword Coast.
The Shadowdale Council has advised residents to avoid traveling alone after dusk and to report any unusual sightings immediately. In the meantime, festival preparations continue under a cloud of unease, with several families opting to keep their children indoors at night.
As dusk fell this evening, extra lanterns were lit along the main road, casting long shadows across the fields—shadows that, some say, seem just a little too eager to move on their own.
By Marra Feldon, Shadowdale Village Correspondent
