“ The player characters, experienced and somewhat well known, hear rumors and travelers' tales about a distant area being overrun by dragons (or other terrifying monstrosities). The locals have sent them a message, begging for heroic aid.
When they investigate, they discover that nothing of the sort is going on. It turns out that a group of thieves wanted them out of the way so that they could rob them (or someone who would normally receive their protection).”
“ No undead provokes more sympathy than a Motherthing.
These are the frightening remains of mothers who lost a child to violence. These undead gather children that are encountered alone and "mother" them ". They fiercely protect their "children"”