TDM #1 - The Vengeful Forest

[pumpkinhollow]

*** Using mobile? Try using your phone's landscape mode, or click here for a mobile-friendly version of the prompts!

Pumpkin Hollow Gazette

6/7/23 | TDM #1: "The Vengeful Forest"
Content Warnings: body horror mentioned, article 2

A typical view from Jack's Marina

FIRST NEW ARRIVALS IN HALF-DECADE: MORE TO FOLLOW?

By Yorick Aberdeen

TAWNY BEACH - Big news at Jack’s Marina--- for the first time in roughly five years, the Marrow Isle Port Authority has reported a new arrival by ferry. And it’s not just one person.

Since the advent of the Barrier that has plagued our fair island for the past 5 years, no transport vessels have been logged for departure or arrival by the Port Authority. And for good reason! Any boat that attempted to make the journey beyond the blackened waters surrounding the island has met with a terrible fate ranging from property destruction to untimely demise. While said casualties don’t quite carry the sting they used to, the situation has obviously proven less than ideal for those looking to leave and ultimately halted the mass exodus from Pumpkin Hollow indefinitely.

Today, for the first time since the formation of the Barrier, we are seeing brand new faces arrive at the docks. All of them have been somewhat disoriented and some have claimed to be from locations that do not exist in our world. We approached one of these new arrivals, Milo Fields, for comment on his experience.

“A lady in an office told me I was dead and then I woke up on a boat,” Fields, 26, was quoted as stating on the matter. Succinct and fascinating, indeed! It would seem that for once, our island’s propensity for supernatural oddities has brought us something that we can be hopeful about. More on this as it develops.

‘CREEPY LITTLE TREES’ SEEN IN TOWN

By Yorick Aberdeen

Artist rendition of a "Brutok".

NORTHWEST HOLLOW (Prague Mills) - This morning Town Hall received a report from the road by the lumber mill, which leads out to Crane’s Ridge, that there have been more sightings of the “tiny tree people” that have been appearing around Lockwood Forest. Over the past few weeks there have been multiple sightings of short-statured creatures with gnarled limbs, bark complexions, and leaf-shaped masks moving about among the trees. There have also been several reports claiming that they have been in town. These reports are particularly prominent in areas toward the outskirts of the forest such as the aforementioned Prague Mills.

However, movement is not the only activity people claim to have seen. Many of these sightings detail more insidious behaviors such as mean-spirited practical jokes, theft, and attempted kidnapping.

The Pumpkin Hollow Gazette reached out to local historian and town council member Dahlia Leeds for any insight on these creatures from her research.

“These creatures appear to be Brutoks,” Leeds, 23, concluded in her interview with us on Tuesday evening. “They’re angry woodland spirits known to appear in cursed forests, much like our own.”

Ms. Leeds went on to issue a number of safety warnings for residents. According to her research, these Brutoks often move in groups and will lock on to woodland travelers who make eye contact with them. Their eyes are not visible so this can be done by accident quite easily if one spends too much time staring into trees. If Brutoks attach themselves to you, they will follow you home, proceeding to destroy your property, hide your personal items, attempt to cause you bodily harm, tear up your garden, and eventually spirit you away to the woods. Victims of these kidnappings will be “planted” in the woods by the Brutoks and spend the next several hours enduring the deeply unpleasant process of being turned into a tree, ultimately killing the individual. A gruesome affair.

There are several ways to dispel a Brutok invasion before it escalates to kidnapping. Ms. Leeds recommends observing their behavior for clues and keeping an eye out for puzzles set by the creatures while outside, though there may be other solutions. If you are unable to dispel them, it is possible to fight them off with brute force. Those walking in or near the woods are advised to keep their eyes on the trail but listen carefully for sounds of distress and be prepared to intervene. Should you encounter any trees that look like people, Ms. Leeds has also cited the unfortunate need to burn the unsettling foliage in order to release the spirit of the victim so that they can regenerate as usual.

As always, the sharing of information and community vigilance are imperative in warding off this new threat. Please share any information you have on the message boards at town hall or with your neighbors, and consider reaching out to Ms. Leeds or any other respected community figure if you find yourself in a bind. Keep your lanterns lit, Pumpkin Hollow. We’re in for quite the summer.

CUCUMBER FESTIVAL CANCELED DUE TO UNFORTUNATE TURNIP HEX; REPLACED WITH POTLUCK

By Yorick Aberdeen

They haunt my dinner plate and my dreams.

DOWNTOWN (Temple of Sacred Roots) - In lighter news, a solution has been found to the much-loathed Turnip Hex debacle.

As most residents of Pumpkin Hollow are aware, earlier in spring a crop hex was placed on the island by an unidentified witch that turned all ground crops sown at the time into turnips. While this is not as bad as it could be, it has resulted in mounds upon mounds of turnips and a complete lack of other crops until later harvests. The witch who cast this hex is still at large.

An unfortunate side effect of the hex has been that the beloved and highly anticipated Cucumber Festival, which normally takes place in early June, had to be canceled due to a lack of cucumbers. This has earned the ire of a great many residents who have cited the festival as “their last source of a modicum of joy on this goddess-forsaken island”, among other more colorful statements.

Reverend Degas Clayton of the Temple of Sacred Roots of our Four Earthly Mothers has proposed an alternative to the festival. While not nearly as exciting, Clayton, 57, believes that a turnip potluck is still a great community-building exercise and excuse for a social gathering. He encourages attendees to find the most inventive ways they can think of to cook up excess turnips and present their dishes on the temple lawn during the party. “The sooner we eat the blasted things, the sooner we’ll no longer have to look at them anymore,” said Mayor Poe in her endorsement of the event. It would appear she plans to be in attendance.

To participate, please bring an appropriate dish to the Temple of Sacred Roots on Friday at noon. The party will run until sundown and wine will be provided, which may improve the taste of the turnips. New residents are encouraged to attend even if they are not able to provide a dish so that they can meet their local community and learn more about the church.

Page 1

code

Comments

[preacher_in_reticence]

"A pretty name, Ms. Zelda." And so very polite. Melly would have been endeared to her immediately. The thought brings a faint smile back to his expression.

"A curse in another place? Truly these are dark days. But come, we can either commiserate or you can regale me with a story from your home. What is this Hyrule and what fate has befallen it?" He indicates a nearby bench to sit.

[hyliasblessing]

Zelda took a seat, her demeanor softening with sadness. "Well... it's a long story. A very long time ago, far in the distant past, there was a war between a holy goddess named Hylia and an evil god called Demise," Zelda began, almost robotic in her retelling of the age-old tale.

"For thousands of years, Hyrule has been locked in a cycle. Darkness, light, then balance. Catastrophe, miracle, then peace. Over and over. With the avatar of Hylia, her chosen hero, and the wicked demon king reincarnating each time to play out a different version of the same script. The hero of courage. The princess of wisdom. The usurper of power. There are a dozen of these tales, all different and yet all very much the same. When I left, the demon king had just risen once more. He destroyed the hero's sacred sword, and I fell. I don't know what will become of my home if I don't return."

She looked up, having realized she was staring down at the vegetable-ocarina in her hands, and met Degas' gaze again. "My apologies. I didn't mean to--- darken the mood."

[preacher_in_reticence]

Taking a seat at Zelda's side, Degas sits in patience silence. Listening intently, hands loosely clasped together. Were some of the words changed this could easily be a mythic tale from one of his tomes, a tragic story to use as a teaching moment. And had Pumpkin Hollow not been plunged into its current state of trapped chaos, he might have been tempted to use it as such.

"Oh, think nothing of it. You have but to look around you to know that while our tragedies pale in comparison, turnips included, we are not so free from strife that we wouldn't understand yours." He sits in silence, forehead wrinkled in thought. "You mentioned, this demon king, an a hero. if you have a part to play, am I to presume it is of wisdom?"

[hyliasblessing]

Zelda breathed a laugh. "I hadn't claimed a role in this tale... but you'd be right, yes. I, like all the women in my lineage who bear the name Zelda, am blessed with the voice of the goddess and some of her power. Though obtaining it was no easy feat, but that is another matter."

She let out a sigh, looking off at the setting sun. "I worry about him. The swordsman. He is a dear friend. But destiny has a large role in my life. It's possible that if I'm here, it is because I am needed here. Either way, I hope that I can help."

[preacher_in_reticence]

"Often times the story is found in the details missing from it," He remarks lightly. Her thoughtfulness is clear, but so is how heavy the weight of this fate rests on her shoulders.

"And just as often, when carrying a heavy burden, we find that sharing it lightens the load. Perhaps you've come here to help us, but let it not be said that we can't help you in turn. Perhaps not much more than the turnips you hold, for now. But, in time, the Mothers willing."

[hyliasblessing]

Zelda smiled at that. "Turnips or no, there is no blessing like that of home-grown, home-cooked food. Living in a farming village for the past few years has taught me that." A beat. "You know, I rather like the sound of your goddesses, from what I've heard. They're much like ours in Hyrule."

[preacher_in_reticence]

"Hard work is always rewarded." Even if it's not often apparent. That bit of his sermon he decides to hold onto for later.

"Is that so? If I may impose, I should like to hear of them." If they were similar enough...well, wouldn't that just show the extent of their power? That thought alone holds so many branching questions, some rather troubling, that he holds his tongue. Best to hear her words first.

[hyliasblessing]

"Well, there is the goddess Hylia, the goddess of light and creator of life, but then there are the three Golden Goddesses, who represent the three pieces of the holy Triforce, which represents balance and virtue. Din is the goddess of fire and power, Nayru is the goddess of water and wisdom, and Farore is the goddess of earth and courage," she gladly explained. "They're obviously a bit different, but the basic principles are the same. Divine feminine entities that represent the most important parts of the world and balance one another."

[preacher_in_reticence]

"Hmmm," Degas rumbles thoughtfully. In a few ways, some similarities between the two, in others the differences are stark.

"I thank you for sharing with me, Miss Zelda. Although we have the Four Mothers here, I hope the differences aren't too great that you wouldn't stop by Temple on Sunday mornings." Not that he won't check in on her otherwise, of course. Or any of these curious newcomers. "Perhaps the familiarity will help ease what is no doubt a troubling time for you at the moment."

[hyliasblessing]

"You know, I believe I will. There is comfort in routine and familiarity." She smiled warmly. "Though I do not know if I will make it out every week. I've taken up fishing work and sometimes I stay out at sea for a few days at a time."

[preacher_in_reticence]

"Whenever you can then," Degas says, in lieu of agreeing outright. he does raise his eyebrows, just a touch.

"Fishing can be rather dangerous in the best of times, although I'm sure you already know this." He gives Zelda a fatherly look. "Have you already settled on a boat and crew? Otherwise I can make a few arrangements."

[hyliasblessing]

"That I have. I was assigned to the same crew as a few other newcomers for the time being," Zelda explained. "Jon and Beatrix are their names. I've not yet spoken too much to Beatrix, but she seems pleasant. Jon, on the other hand, is... difficult. But very clever."

[preacher_in_reticence]

"I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting Mister Jon, but Miss Beatrix. Hmm. She will keep you on your toes," He says gently. "I'm sure it's a fine crew either way, but do take care out on the sea. It isn't what it used to be, that's for certain."

Degas doesn't exactly mean to be cryptic, but the reasons why should already be obvious. Plenty of things aren't the same as they once were in Pumpkin Hollow.