‘Do-gooders and ne’er-do-wells’, said the bishop of the Scarecrows. These men and women, dressed raggedly in greatcoats and capotains, wander across the Shrouded Lands causing mischief for the authorities and helping the poor and downtrodden. Famously skeptical of faith and sorcery alike, they rely on wit and wisdom to carry them through the wilderness. Each carries a crude iron knife that they use for almost any purpose—skinning prey, fighting off bandits and as a sundial.
Although the arrival of a Scarecrow is a welcome event in beleaguered villages, the parents of impressionable young men and women have cause for concern. Many’s the lass that’s listened starry-eyed to a grizzled Scarecrow, followed him into the woods, and returned nine months later with an iron knife, wearing a wolf pelt and swearing to defend humankind against the forces of chaos.
Throughout the Lands, the Scarecrows have built nests: hidden rooms with emergency supplies, maps and notes, beds and weapons. These nests take all forms, from tree houses to abandoned bears’ dens and huts. The paths to each are marked with the travellers’ marks known to the Scarecrows and several other groups.
There are Scarecrows’ nests even in the Kingswood. Each has a single entrance marked with a rod of hawthorn (38.06), past which the elves will not pass. However, if the elves realise that the nest is inhabited they will do what they can to cause strife to those inside—perhaps leaving a beehive poised above the threshold or leading a bear to the cave.
Connections
- The Scarecrows are concerned about the Skinscratch Murders (02.11.02).
- A Scarecrow named Anyissa has taken a golden egg from one of the treasure stashes of a dragon named Celadon (10.12).
Hooks
- What other groups recognise travellers’ marks?
- What are travellers’ marks like?
- Why does the hawthorn rod repulse the elves?
- Who are some famous Scarecrows?