TDM #2 - Down in the Underground

[pumpkinhollow]

Pumpkin Hollow Gazette Issue #3

Pumpkin Hollow Gazette

8/5/23 | TDM #2: "Down in the Underground"
Content Warnings: [Article 2] claustrophobia, caves, drowned corpse
[Article 4] Various violence by monster

We're glad you're here!

WELCOME TO PUMPKIN HOLLOW!

By Yorick Aberdeen

JACK'S MARINA - Reports from the Pumpkin Hollow Port Authority indicate that arrivals by otherworldly newcomers to Marrow Isle are continuing at a steady rate. The first batch of new arrivals, which had been the very first travelers to Pumpkin Hollow in at least five years’ time, began in early June of this year and have already proven to be an incredible boon to both our economy and our overall quality of life. We now have a new farm on the island for the first time in years, as well as clever new members of the constabulary, a few helpful craftspeople, and even our own brand new local musical act. Not only that, but the prestigious Ms. Dahlia Leeds has taken a personal assistant, which this reporter is pleased to announce has gotten him out of a number of mundane tasks. (No offense is meant to Ms. Leeds, of course--- the Pumpkin Hollow Gazette certainly harbors no ill will toward its most consistent donor!)

According to interviews with a number of these newcomers, they appear to all come from realms far beyond our own, to the point where they have homelands with unfamiliar names and have never heard of the Emerald Isles at all. Those willing to share more details report that they each met with a strange woman in a bland-looking office building who offered them a chance at a new life, then found themselves on the ferry here. None of them seem to know anything further, as far as the Pumpkin Hollow Gazette is aware. Curious circumstances indeed.

That said, we are beyond pleased to welcome even more new neighbors to our fair town. Any newcomers should feel welcome to come to Town Hall if they are in any need of assistance. Mayor Poe and any member of Town Council would all be more than happy to lend a hand.

Additionally, the Temple of Sacred Roots will be holding a small gathering on temple grounds to welcome any wayward souls who could use a bit of help adjusting. Reverend Degas Clayton would also like to remind everyone that he is always available to offer guidance after any of his Sunday sermons unless otherwise stated. He has expressed an interest in personally welcoming as many new residents as he is able.

Hopefully things will continue to look up for Pumpkin Hollow as more arrivals land upon our docks. This will be of particular importance as we draw ever closer to Autumn. October in particular promises to be an especially difficult time, as usual. The Pumpkin Hollow Gazette will report further on our paranormal forecast as the season of spirits draws near. We hope to keep local casualties to a minimum this year after last year’s record high.

In any case, best of luck to our new residents, and welcome again!

NOTORIOUS 'RIVER WALKER' SPOTTED AFTER LONG ABSENCE; EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED

By Yorick Aberdeen

The Paring River Bridge in Lockwood Forest.

LOCKWOOD FOREST (Paring River) - Woodland travelers beware! And not just for all of the usual reasons, either. This past weekend, local shepherd Joseph Peterson reported to the local constabulary that he had an encounter with a creature that had been presumed to have moved on from our fair isle. Peterson, 37, allegedly came across the beast colloquially known as the “River Walker” while crossing the Paring River bridge near the entrance of Lockwood Forest, where he was grabbed and knocked out. Once he regained consciousness, Peterson then reported being lost in an underground cave system whilst being pursued by the monster for an unknown amount of time estimated between six and twelve hours.

The River Walker, a spider-like creature with the face of a human corpse, is so named because it appears to exclusively use the Paring River as its hunting ground. The creature is apparently completely unique to Marrow Isle, as the Pumpkin Hollow Historical Society was unable to uncover folklore or recorded sightings of anything matching the River Walker’s description in any of the texts they have access to. However, through collecting data from resurrected residents who were its victims, the Town Hall Safety Board was able to glean information about this menace that should help citizens avoid yet another timely demise.

Firstly, all residents traveling in the Lockwood Forest should steer clear of the Paring River if possible. While it is true that the Paring River cuts directly through the forest near the entrance and arcs through the majority of the woodlands, and also that the main path through the woods which goes over the Paring River bridge is the only way through to Crane’s RIdge or any of the hunting areas, the river should still be avoided whenever residents are able. This will minimize potential contact.

Secondly, be aware of your surroundings when near the river. Data indicates that the creature will make a soft chittering sound before reaching up to grab a victim. Many prior victims also report the surrounding area seeming “too still” when the creature was in the area. If you experience any of these phenomena, it would be wise to run--- though most reports suggest that outrunning the River Walker aboveground is impossible. But still, it is important to do your best.

And lastly, should you be taken below ground with this monstrous creature, it will transport you to tight underground caves where you will be forced to crawl, squeeze, and climb for your life. All the while it will follow you, taunting and toying with you. Utilize these long, grueling hours to your advantage! Studies have shown that the River Walker struggles to attack groups of two or more effectively, so while you are being tortured, search for a traveling companion!

If you do encounter the River Walker, please report the sighting to the Town Council or the Historical Society regardless of whether or not you die. Those killed by the River Walker are encouraged to stop by the Oak & Iron for a copy of the Safety Board’s Advice Pamphlet for the Recently Deceased after resurrecting. And remember, quitters are tastier prey, so don’t give in to despair! Even if you are caught and killed, you can at least say you persisted out of spite.

BLUE ISLAND CRAB HATCHING SEASON BEGINS AS SUMMER HEAT PERSISTS

By Yorick Aberdeen

A little sketch by yours truly.

TAWNY BEACH - If you’re out on the beach enjoying the last month of warm sea water, be mindful where you step! Earlier this spring, the local Blue Island Crab population had their mating season. Males of the species came up on the shore with clusters of tiny but durable eggs bundled up in their claws and buried them in the sand, and they’ve been warmed by the summer sun all season. As we enter the last month of summer the new crabs are finally ready to emerge from their birthplaces and begin their lives.

It is worth noting, however, that newborn Blue Island Crabs tend not to go directly back to the sea. In fact, it is common for them to spend the first few weeks of their lives searching for food and nesting materials such as seashells, driftwood, broken pottery, or small pieces of metal roughly the size of the average piece of valuable jewelry. They are also very adept climbers and are capable of scaling stairs and countertops with relative ease. Additionally, they seem to be able to communicate well with others of their species and are capable of collaborating. Many townsfolk have even gone so far as to describe their behavior as “scheming.” Blue Island Crabs are also notorious for not being very picky about what they eat. All this is to say, expect to have your food, personal items, and practically anything that is not tied down stolen by small blue crabs.

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.

But there is good news! Hatching season and the subsequent early life of the crabs, all told, will not last more than a few weeks before the crabs mature enough to return to the sea with the rest of their kind. And of course those lucky enough to catch some will report that they make for a fine meal. There is no finer party dish than a Blue Island crab boil!

INCREASED PINE DEVIL SIGHTINGS SPELL BAD NEWS FOR LOCAL PEDESTRIANS

By Yorick Aberdeen

A painting of the Pine Devil provided by Mayor Poe

ISLAND-WIDE - In more concerning news, reports have been coming in from all over the island that there have been an uptick in sightings of the Pumpkin Hollow Howler. Otherwise known as the Pine Devil, this extremely dangerous man-eating beast has been a staple of Marrow Isle’s rotating cast of horrors for at least the past 15 years. Much like the aforementioned River Walker, the Pine Devil has a tendency to come and go and sightings fluctuate with some regularity. It seems that as we draw closer to prime haunting season we will be faced with increased appearances from the island’s least-favorite celebrity.

Here’s what we know:

The Howler’s primary motivation is to eat and he prefers larger prey. This includes pigs, cattle, deer, and humans. He has no known den and is apparently nomadic. No one has ever been able to locate the Pumpkin Hollow Howler when he is not actively hunting. At full height, he stands a whopping eight feet tall on unguligrade legs. He has clawed hands and large fangs which are its primary method of attacking and is capable of flight, and his eyes glow blue in the dark. He is a strong, fast creature who has no qualms about coming into town if necessary. Surviving encounters with the beast is notably rare.

If you have any encounters with the Pumpkin Hollow Howler, report to Town Hall or the constable’s station at your earliest convenience to make an incident report. The constabulary is taking reports 24 hours a day, so please make your report either immediately after the incident or upon resurrection. May your lanterns stay lit, and be safe out there!

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Captured by the River Walker? Click here…

Perhaps you didn’t read the paper. Perhaps you didn’t take the warnings seriously. Or maybe you simply had no other choice. Whatever the case may be, the Paring River Bridge lies before you, and the world around you is unnaturally still. The sounds of chirping birds, burrowing mammals, and chittering insects have all died and left the air uncannily silent.

You attempt to hurry across, hoping to make it before anything unsavory catches your scent. But the moment you place your foot upon the stone pavers of the bridge, it is already too late. Behind you, you can hear the scuttling of much too large insectoid legs and a soft rattling sound, almost like the sound of a woodpecker drilling into a tree but somehow… wetter.

Instinctively, you turn to look behind you. A bulbous, lumpy abdomen drags the ground, and from it extends a set of eight black legs, chunky and irregular, as if they were wooden stakes hewn into rough points with a careless knife. Long, spindly fingers extend from thin arms on either side of an emaciated torso covered in shiny black insect carapace. And on top, the face of a human woman who looked as though she’d been drowned, bloated and rotting. White eyes, matted brown hair, and a wicked smile framed by patchy blue lips.

You black out before you even have the chance to scream.

When you awaken, your head is pounding as if you’ve just woken from a bender. You are on a dirty, irregular stone floor. The beginnings of stalagmites jab into your back. In the distance, you can hear dripping water and the shifting of something moving. It is dark, but light enough to see by, allowing you to see plainly that the ceiling above you is significantly too low for you to stand.

Then, you hear a laugh, hoarse and cruel. “Rise and shine, little morsel. Oh, how I do love to play with my food…”

That’s your cue to get moving.

For the next several long, grueling hours, you crawl your way through this tight and unrelenting fortress of stone on hands and knees as rocks cut into your hands. In caves that are tall enough to stand, you have to walk sideways to proceed or even hold your breath in order to make it, and all the tunnels look more or less the same. The River Walker’s raspy voice echoes off the walls, making its location imperceptible… but it’s close.

You need to find a traveling companion. And soon.

Interested in encountering the Pine Devil? Click here...

The Pine Devil is a mod-run NPC and we can only handle a certain number of encounters at once. For this TDM we will be favoring new characters on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you may still handwave or summarize the encounter by rolling a D20 with 15+ to survive and 18+ to walk away unscathed, and write out the aftermath. You do not need a mod’s permission to do this!

You also do not need to fill out a Death Certificate if you're not fully apped in, but can if you want to. Your character will resurrect as normal either way!

Comments

[somebodychildofanyone]

River's ears swivel in the new arrival's direction, tracking him with far more articulation than his...

...Recent Huntress, let us say. River doesn't look up, absorbed in her work, but she does reply in a casual tone, her accent lilting: "Thought a dead man would know necromancy when he sees it. I'm making some minions."

[lordoftheozarks]

He halts. More than that, he goes deadly still. A necromancer. This could be dangerous.

"Undead, if you want to be specific." He's not bothering to hide how insulted he is in his tone. "I am a vampire, thank you very much. And, if it's minions you want, take these." He drops the dead crabs he collected from his home right at her feet.

[somebodychildofanyone]

River glances at them, then shakes her head. "No dice, they're tainted. Or hooked, maybe? Let me show you a neat trick, Sir Vampire - stop perceiving the bodies. I'll do the same."

She rolls up a sleeve, casually, yes, but revealing those scarred sigils...

And closes her eyes.

[lordoftheozarks]

"I cannot pretend to understand what you mean." Stop perceiving? Does she mean for him to look away? He does so by virtue of focusing on those scars marring her arms instead. Did she do that to herself?

[somebodychildofanyone]

If she didn't, she held very still while someone else did; the marks are extremely precise, likely done with a scalpel or even a needle. It would have taken a great deal of time.

It must have hurt very much.

River opens her eyes and looks down, and with a faint smile, points to where the bodies were. Were being the key word. They're gone.

[lordoftheozarks]

His gaze follows to where she points and his eyebrows spike up. "What have you done with them?"

[somebodychildofanyone]

"That's what worries me. I didn't do anything." River turns her attention back to the corpses she was working on, resuming her sewing of crab shells, as if Erik is not a threat to her. She does, however, continue explaining in a soft voice. "I need more evidence before I'm certain, but there's something very specific wrong with death here. New crabs I've killed vanish just like those did, and if I'm sensing things right, no part of them is dying properly. I'd need someone who can talk to really dig into it but you can't exactly just ask a guy to be your human sacrifice for research. But...even while they're here, my necromancy can't touch the fresh corpses. These, on the other hand, are properly dead - and a few years old."

[lordoftheozarks]

"That doesn't exactly surprise me given what we all were presumably told before arriving here. The entire point is that death does not behave as it should on this island. But I would be interested to hear your insights on it. I have not ever met a necromancer before." Also, he will not be volunteering as your dummy, thanks.

[somebodychildofanyone]

"Honestly, good. It's not a profession you get into because your life has gone well." River looks up and flashes a self-aware grin. "You seem nervous, sir vampire. Sit with me. I'm not the 'undead puppets' sort of necromancer. It's frowned on."

[lordoftheozarks]

"I did wonder what might have attracted you to it. I can't help but notice the significant scarring you bear."

I won't make a puppet of you sounds just like something an evil necromancer would say but... fine. He sits.

"I'm not the kill and turn a person kind of vampire, either. That is also frowned upon."

[somebodychildofanyone]

"We're already off to a nice working relationship. The scars aren't necromancy, they're diabolism. Hellfire, quite literally." River flashes Erik a smile, knowing damn well that he's about to realize that the reason she wasn't worried about him attacking is that he's been in incineration range this entire time.

It doesn't last long. She's not trying to establish dominance, just her bona fides. River returns to her work. "I made the mistake of desecrating a graveyard protected by my new adoptive family. The la Croixs wrote the books other necromancers steal, and they take a pretty dim view of graverobbing. Honestly I'm lucky I didn't die over it. This's been better."

[lordoftheozarks]

Working relationship? Erik is skeptical. But that feeling only lasts as long as it takes for River to drop that information about how close he's currently sitting to a firebomb. He's awfully grateful he isn't capable of sweating anymore or he might be now. Why is is ALWAYS fire?

"I see..." he answers her stiffly. Perhaps he should try to cultivate a good relationship with her. Just to be safe.

"Were you adopted by that family before or after you attempted to rob those graves?"

CW incoming smut adjacent content possibly I'm being safe

[somebodychildofanyone]

"After. I was signed on with a mercenary company, and we took a job that ended up uh. Being to invade said graveyard. Hunger makes a girl stupid like that." River sighs, wistful and full of regrets. "...You seem to have your head together, sir, which is reassuring. How's your blood supply?"

CW: forever (just in case)

[lordoftheozarks]

"I know just what hunger can make a person do." Comparatively, this is lower on the list of offenses he himself committed as a starving pre-teen. It was lifetimes ago, but that kind of knowledge never dulls.

His breath leaves him in a surprised exhale. That's a bold question. He likes bold. "I'm glad you find that reassuring. I am, actually, very proud of that fact. A thousand years is a long time to keep one's sanity." Is he flexing a little? Yes. Yes, he is.

"My supply is variable. I have a regular willing donor in town and I have animals in the forest failing that. But I do so crave variety."

[somebodychildofanyone]

A thousand years. River raises her eyebrows at that; even most liches get got before then, and they technically don't need to hurt anyone at all. She sets the crabs she's working on aside so she can turn to Erik and give him her full attention.

"Variety. Well, let me be a professional first - a donor doesn't sound good for their quality of life, meaning no insult to you personally. It's just that blood takes time to come back." Her ears swivel slightly, focusing intently on Erik. "So, if you're willing to take a gamble on blood from another world, I'm willing to stress test how much of a gentleman you can be about it. But I've got some conditions."

She holds up her wrist. "First, can't bite the arms. You'll burn. That's not a threat, that's a description of what will happen even if I try to stop it. Second, I'm already about to be living openly as a necromancer, so I'm disinclined to bite marks where people can see, for unfortunate reasons of managing the impression I give. I hope you understand that. So my thought is, you bite my leg, above the ankle. Rich vein, out of sight."

Notably River did not ask if feeding is an erotic experience for Erik; that question would be crass, hence laying out the conditions and letting him decide if he's willing to be at her feet.

[lordoftheozarks]

He likes that he has her full attention now. And, well, well, if he thought she was bold before then she's only just reaffirmed that conclusion.

"Yes, I'm aware. But you should know that as an Elder I require far less per serving than you might think. I am not being that irresponsible, I assure you." Still, Lucas is going to need a break. Even small doses will stack up over time.

"I am willing. And I am grateful for that warning." No biting the arms. Got it. That's not his most favorite of places anyway.

Now. Here's the thing. He could tell her that her concern over wearing marks isn't necessary because he has the ability to heal them instantly. He could tell her that. But he won't.

"I do understand. I am still in the process of slowly introducing myself openly as a vampire to the town. Many of them will not be welcoming as they have a negative impression of vampires already. I can't help that. But I respect your want to preserve your image. I have a counteroffer if you wish to hear it. Above the ankle is not the only rich vein in a leg. There is one that is even more out of sight."

[somebodychildofanyone]

River's eyebrows creep up, and she reaches out slowly to put a single finger on the tip of Erik's nose. "Sir Vampire, it almost sounds like you think I'm the sort of person who'd fuck someone when we don't know each other's names."

"You're right, but assuming is still rude."

She trails her hand down, down, keeping her gaze locked on Erik's. Don't look at her hand. Don't worry about it. "But that hardly addresses me wanting to know if you can be a gentleman, sir. Especially if you want more than sustenance from me. I'm not intending on giving birth to any dhampir any time soon, and it's hardly a casual fling sort of activity, so...how do you intend to prove to me that you'll listen when I tell you my limits?"

[lordoftheozarks]

His eyebrows raise in kind, but he doesn't allow himself to go cross-eyed looking at her finger where it touches him.

"Lady Necromancer, I am literally the town's premier whore. Name exchanges are not a necessary part of the transaction. But, you are right. It is rude that I haven't properly introduced myself."

He doesn't so much as twitch as her hand goes lower.

"I am more than a gentleman. Lord Erik Osborne, leader of the Ozark Mountain Clan, at your service."

Okay, when she suggests the possibility of getting pregnant, that makes him blink. She'll have to hold for the answer to her question of proof because he needs to seek clarification on this issue.

"Pregnant? I am not capable of impregnating anyone, even if I wished. I hardly think that's a concern?"

[somebodychildofanyone]

The actual town whore? River vaguely regrets her teasing disrespect now - River is a big supporter of whores, socially and economically - but not enough to swerve.

They're both deadly to each other, and River knows for sure she can keep a level head. She needs to stay in control of this admittedly impulsive decision.

"River la Croix, journeyman necromancer," she introduces back. "And consider my concern about pregnancy...best practices, which I am willing to explain after negotiations conclude. Though I'm curious..."

Down, down...

"Just minutes ago you were rather justifiably nervous. When did this head -" River's hand finishes its slow journey by gently but insistently squeezing Erik's crotch through his pants, "Start helping your decision making process?"

[lordoftheozarks]

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss la Croix."

He is still willfully refusing to look down while her hand travels lower, but she is going to find that second head growing eager when she reaches the bulge between his legs.

"Just minutes ago I could not be sure if you were the reasonable sort. I am more sure of that now. I am also a reasonable man, in case you were getting any ideas about puppeting me by my cock instead. I can be dealt with, but I won't tolerate being controlled." He slightly resents the insinuation that he's thinking with his dick.

[somebodychildofanyone]

"I'd never disrespect a professional like that, sir vampire," River protests with just a hint of mischief. "Both out of genuine respect and because, to be frank, being stupid enough to try and seduce a whore is much like going down in history as being stupid enough to try and bribe a dragon. This -" another gentle squeeze, "is your art."

Listen. River hasn't been fucked in nearly a year now, and she likes what she feels. Her cheeks get a kiss of pink, but she's still in control. "...If I had certain supplies this'd be easy, unlock the back door, but none of that was in my pockets when I stepped off the ferry. So...your bona fides as a gentleman, sir?"

[lordoftheozarks]

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm a proud man, you know. And I like when someone has the proper appreciation for the arts." The corner of his lip quirks into a lascivious little grin.

"You may need to be more direct about what you are asking for if you want to avoid confusion. You'll no doubt note that I have kept my hands entirely to myself thus far. I am not overly greedy or selfish in my lovemaking. I can be satisfied by more creative means if that's your desire. But, please do be clear."

[somebodychildofanyone]

River's mischievous smile widens in pleasure; that was the right kind of question. "Let's be clear then, sir. You seem to like what you see - tell me the vision for your art, and I can make my counteroffer if I feel it needs... adjustments."

It's a playful way to say 'seduce me', but if the way River's nimble fingers are working on Erik's pants is any indication, she's very ready to be seduced, right here outside near the beach.

[lordoftheozarks]

With an invitation as clear as that, how can he resist?

"I would like to taste from your inner thigh, my dear. I can be ever-so-gentle with my teeth, making it feel no more stinging than a particularly strong hickey. I have no natural venoms, but my tongue is skillful enough that I cannot guarantee to leave you thinking clearly when I'm finished with you. The blood tastes best when it's heated by pleasure, you see, and my face will already be there between your legs, it's not such a long march up from the stem to the flower petals is it?"

[somebodychildofanyone]

River bites her lip, clearly tempted. The image in her mind's eye is appealing, and the idea of someone who doesn't need to breathe squeezed between her thighs...

Her legs rub together.

"I can hardly leave you high and dry, sir vampire. What a poor way for me to appreciate your art..." If Erik's not stopping her, River is getting his cock out, squeezing it in her hand calloused from swordplay and the forge. The heat from her sigils spreads through her arm, giving her grip a distinct and steady warmth. "I like your offer, not least because anyone walking in on us will only see me enjoying it rather than being fed upon, but before I return my own are you certain that's all you want? Being caught naked in public will pale before the scandal of my profession, sir."