Talisien’s Travel Guide - Part 3
Once again I, Talisien, Royal Bard Extraordinaire, find myself in your fine company, dear traveller!
Today I have a tale to tell you, a dark tale that will twist your heart, curl your hair and chill your flesh to the bones. The tale I speak of is the tale of The Lurkwood; a place so dark and malevolent that few who venture into that arboreal nightmare return unchanged… or return at all.
It is said that long ago, when the deities of our world created mankind, they instilled within him an insatiable curiosity, and coupled it with a desire to see injustices righted. Mankind flourished like a meadow of wildflowers, spreading across the land, taming and bettering it.
But as time went on, not all men were happy with their lot in life. They became lazy and selfish; they shirked their duties and took from the granaries that which they had not worked for, whilst depriving others of their hard-earned meals.
The people cried out for justice to be done, and so the deities sent a curse to the land, a curse that would afflict those who had turned away from the divine teachings. The curse spread like an infection, and those infected became shadow-men, beings of darkness who eternally hungered to live in the light but were doomed to a life of exile and deprevation.
The Lurkwood became their home, and there they yet dwell, growing hungrier, and angrier. Townsville mothers tell their children that if they misbehave, the Lurkers will come out of the forest to steal them from their beds and carry them back to the Lurkwood where they will be devoured. Alive.
As you might have guessed, we have very well-behaved children, in Townsville! And as for the tale of the Lurkwood, and the Lurkers which live within it… perhaps there is some measure of truth to the stories. I, too, have ventured into that shadow-land, and felt the unseen eyes watching me with an insatiable hunter. I feel no shame in admitting that I left that place as soon as the goosebumps graced my skin, and will never enter again.
To you, dear traveller, I offer this piece of advice: Live your life honest and true; work hard, do not shirk your duties, and above all else, stay away from the Lurkwood, lest the curse of the Lurkers take you.
