Verna looked at the recruits, nodding as she appraised them.  She wasn't so sure about the mages; one looked too lazy to be much good, and the other she didn't trust one bit in that outfit.  At least the paladin looked like a fine, dependable fighter.  Same with the monk, although she seemed a bit young.  And then there was the gunslinger and her... associate?  Well.. so long as they were able to do something, it didn't matter too much, she supposed.  And if they weren't able, well, it wasn't likely she'd hear from them again in that case.<br/><br/>Clearing her throat, she began to address the group.  "I see you've heard the rumors about what's going on, then.  Yes, it's true, we've lost an alarmingly high number of patrols in the last few months.  Those that haven't gone missing have reported signs of a struggle, likely against some kind of beast, but almost never any bodies.  It seems whatever is attacking the patrols is either devouring them whole, or carrying them off somewhere."  She paused a bit, letting the seriousness of the situation sink in.  "Regardless, the job offer is simple.  We need information on what's attacking our patrols, and where they may have gone if they're still alive.  Several other groups have gone already, none with any success.  Some return, reporting no sightings of whatever's attacking the patrols.  Presumably, the ones who do find something are the ones who never return."<br/><br/>"The disappearances started in the village of Carthridge, about three days' ride north of here, so I suggest going there first.  That's also where we lost contact with the majority of the missing patrols, and we've had a lot of problems lately of getting in contact with the village.  Apparently several of their own villagers have gone missing, especially ones that often go out into the surrounding wilderness.  I've arranged with you to meet with Cardinal Nadia, the current leader of the village's temple.  I've also arranged for horses and a cart for your journey.  Does anyone have any questions?"