[X] You are a collection of random villagers who happened to get lucky and escape the abomination's wrath. You happened to go right when it went left. You happened to meet up in the woods. One of you happened to be carrying the village's Treasure. If you have nothing else, you seem to have plentiful supplies of luck.
[x] Your party consists mainly of women and children of the village. Others died to give you a chance to flee. The village's mage accompanied you, doing what he could to shield your escape and cover your tracks. There are many of you, but you move slowly. Most of the party's members were within their houses when the danger came, and even in their haste you were able to snatch food and valuables.
[X] You are a hunting party. You were well away from the village when the abomination descended on it. Your members are strong, well armed, and well prepared to deal with the dangers found in the woods. But you have no valuables, only the simplest of tools, and a limited skill set.