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As the night goes on; the strange animated skeleton makes his rounds around the village, spreading joy and cheer. The initial shock and panic of seeing a member of the dead walking around of its own volition wears off soon after- making the party relax. It seems the suspicious cultists were the only reason the town wanted security, but you caught them all before they caused too much trouble... or so you thought.
As the ceremony ends; you return to the graveyard with Benjamin in tow. He seems to like all of you very much; he knows everyone in the village- though of course he only sees them once a year, so everyone grows up so fast to him. To see strangers is rare on this special night, and he says with sadness that he hopes you'll be around next year to see him again- because until then, he will in the restful sleep of the dead.
But then, as you return to his grave- a lone figure kneels by the graveyard- using the distraction of the ceremony as cover- clutching his own bloody hand. All around the grave are arcane symbols and markings- and the Sages in your group recognize it instantly as dark magic. The cultists' plan was foiled when the ghouls-in-the-making were discovered and destroyed- but one managed to slip away and make this last ditch effort to complete their dark working.
“My masters below- I give you your vessel!”
