TDM #1 - The Vengeful Forest

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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.

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Comments

[echoablaze]

Andy smiles politely at the man, his salt-and-pepper beard reminding her of her father. For a moment her attention drifts, a muddled worry creeping in as she considers her poor father, out there thinking his only daughter was dead. The worry is quickly exchanged for levity as she realizes this man supposes Andy herself could logically be a farmer. It was a fair assumption for a man who knew nothing about her, at least.

"Not a farmer, sadly," Andy shrugs. She smiles as she points to her head. "Just an abundance of useless Trivia Night facts whirling around in there."

Andy scoops something unidentifiable (but surely turnip-based...) onto her plate. "My name is Andy, by the way. I'm one of the, uh...newcomers? Although I'm sure that's fully obvious."

[preacher_in_reticence]

Something akin to a chuckle rumbles out of Degas. "Well, we all have our strengths. Up to us how best to us them, although it is an interesting fact none the less."

He considers the young woman a moment longer, his expression hazy. Almost nostalgic. It had been far too long since he or anyone other villager trapped in Pumpkin Hollow had laid eyes on a new face. His own children would have peppered her with so many questions...

"Andy," he repeats, still pleasantly rumbling. He places a hand over his chest, a tip of his head in a nod. "Degas Clayton. And yes, I'd be worried if I couldn't pick you out of a crowd. After a few years everyone here is well known to each other. But don't let that deter you, I hear some of you new arrivals arrived under unfortunate circumstances, so let me please reassure you. Although we have little at the moment," He gestures to the turnip mush to emphasize his point, "We'll gladly help one another out. Is there anything I can do to ease your transition into life here?"

[echoablaze]

Andy smiles toward the man as he speaks, silently wondering what it must feel like to be on the other side of this extraordinary circumstance. Based on the conversation Andy had with the Mayor when she arrived, life hasn't been rainbows and butterflies for this town, either. Sure, Andy was hastily dragged from her former world and placed here...but for Degas and the others, who once must've chosen this as their home, to now find themselves held hostage by it? Andy takes a quick bite of the mysterious turnip dish to hide her shudder.

"I appreciate your optimism, Degas," Andy beamed. "I do wonder what I'm supposed to do now. You know, the suddenness of it all. Yesterday I had a job, an apartment, a car. Today I'm thinking these turnips might be the highlight of my week. What have other newcomers done to get settled in?"

[preacher_in_reticence]

"What else but hope? 'Tis a curiously fickle and human emotion." The best and worst one of the bunch, perhaps, but it's not a point the the self-taught preacher will prattle on about.

His eyebrows raise, giving Andy a pointed, fatherly look of concern. "I should ask you if you hit your head since you arrived. Things are not so dire here that turnips are the best we have to offer." A joke, with humor dry as any desert. "Most are staying at the inn, I gather. Some have struck out. I believe we've a few fishermen among your number, a farmer, a few seeking to...hmm, protect the peace. There is no harm in taking your time either. Decompress, find your compass once more."

He pauses, considering the point further before adding, "What sort of job did you hold where you're from?"

[echoablaze]

Andy nods. Fishing, farming...it's not that Andy is opposed to any of these things. Her father fished as a hobby, though he left the river without fish more often than not. The inn her family ran had quite a sizeable garden, the fresh veggies used in vibrant salads and the small patch of pumpkins carved by families visiting during the autumn season. But these were background things; little fibers woven into the fabric that was Andy's childhood. They weren't necessities or expectations.

Andy's skills were less practical. She could craft a worthy martini and peel a perfect orange twist. She could compose a story both captivating and keyword-rich based on an arbitrary forum post...but something told Andy that particular know-how wouldn't help her much here. Hiking through the woods to try and find supernatural entities...well, that one might come in handy.

"My family ran an inn, so I grew up helping out around the place. Not unlike the Oak & Iron," Andy mused. "Thought I'd leave, never did. Found my professional calling bartending! And I don't mean that in a self-deprecating way. I really do--did?--enjoy the job. Is there a bar around here? Maybe a tavern?"

[preacher_in_reticence]

Degas hums thoughtfully. All skills are useful, even if the need isn't immediately apparent. There's something to be said for the fellowship of a tavern, even if he's not one to imbibe.

"Unfortunately most of our taverns have shuttered, but that's not to say you wouldn't be able to revive one...given enough time and brass, of course." He thoughtfully taps his chin. "For the time being, I'm certain the inn would put those skills to use in their tavern. You should continue the work you enjoy either way. There's something to be said about the comforts of a friendly bartender with a gift of speaking and also lending an ear. It's not to be undervalued, even here."

[echoablaze]

Something about Degas' subtle optimism feels comforting to Andy. Even while the world outside moves on--in some shape or form, presumably--the people of this quiet town still find motivation, pleasure, and companionship. Despite her fears, Andy finds herself drawn to it.

"Thanks, Degas." Andy smiles, her plate now full of various turnip dishes. "I really needed to hear that."

[preacher_in_reticence]

"Of course." His eyes crinkle a bit, hint of a smile mostly hidden by his beard. "I dare say that bartender and preacher have much in common. We're not often aware of how much of an impact we might have on others. But I'll spare you a sermon for now."

He briefly waves a hand, as if waving himself off from the topic before he really gets going. "However, you're most welcome to stop by the temple on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening for fellowship. Scripture aside, it's become a sort of...hmm, defacto community meeting as well. There is also our esteemed historical society as well, if that should interest you. Ms. Leeds is in charge there and I think you two would get along just fine."

[echoablaze]

Andy grins. "Truer words have never been spoken."

"Thanks for the invite." She shifts her weight from one foot to the other as she glances toward the temple. "I can't say I've ever been a church-goer, but there's certainly no temples like this in my hometown. Perhaps I will make an appearance."

[preacher_in_reticence]

"I only have my own frame of reference, but Temple isn't a rigid meeting. At times those in attendance bring up questions, we share with one another. At times, I steer the helm alone. Regardless, I would appreciate seeing you there," Degas quietly folds his hands together.

"Now, is there anything else I can help you with now or shall I let you...tend to those turnips." He says with an air of a man who intends not to eat a single turnip-based dish.

[echoablaze]

Andy nods, acknowledging the full plate of food that she probably won't be able to finish. "Yeah, I'd better get to work on this before I change my mind," she laughs, "but I appreciate the warm welcome, Degas. I'm sure I'll be seeing you around!"