Fiver plunges headlong into the swampy marsh, his large padded feet making a distinct squish against the murky bog water. His leather armor squeaks almost inaudibly against damp fur. Pushing away a gnarled bush to view the clearing where his house is situated, a near-blinding light shines directly towards him. A single paw reachs up to shield his vision. Squinting, his eyes adjust to the bright glow of a raging inferno that engulfs his home. If he could just get inside he might be able to save some of his more valued possesions. He moves quickly to carry out his plan, when a single strand of barely visible blackish thread shoots out of the swamp like a whip, entwining itself about his waist. It sears on contact, nearly melting the leather material of his armor, and leaving an orange glow ablaze apon its surface. Just as quickly as it had shot out, it recoils back, sending Fiver spinning and sprawling through the air. On impact, he rolls through the muck to his side, lying face to face with a more hideous creature than he had ever seen in his years as a swamp-hermit. Its shadowy cloak lies about its neck, and the face, which is utterly repulsive enough to curdle milk and mutate turtles, stares out at him with empty sockets where eyes should be. This creation that may as well be a slap in the face to mother nature stands upright, with more of the semi-glowing strands wrapped about its arms. It tilts its head slightly as Fiver grabs up his halberd and aims for the grotesque face, and suddenly snaps one whip at his neck, pulling him to his feet with sickening speed. His weapon falls to the murk, like so many things before it. Clutching at the rope entwined about his neck feebly with his paws, Fiver hopes for a miracle. Anything to get this freak out of his face.