by Fiammeta Castelon
Frost clings to the cobblestones in the early morning chill, reminding us that fall is here. And with it Hallow's End comes around the corner. For some, a time to celebrate the end of the harvest. For others, a reminder of their hard won freedom. It's true that we make light of the holiday now. Painting faces and wearing masks, giving out candy. It's easy to forget that there are true monsters waiting for us. Some, closer than expected.
I decided to investigate some of the rumors that circulate. Hauntings in places that the most common among us travel daily. I am chilled by what I have found...
My first stop was a home nestled in Elwynn Forest near the town of Goldshire. Hidden among the trees it looked like an average house, two story, white washed. Fishmongers dealt on the docks outside and Adele Fielder and Helene Peltskinner teach their leatherworking and skinning trades inside, seemingly making an honest living.
A group of children ran and played outside. No one could tell me who they belonged to. I watched them for a time before they decided to head indoors. It was when I decided to follow after, that I found the disturbing nature of this home. The children had all entered one of the bedrooms.
Standing in the doorway I could see them clearly, forming a pentagram. Staring blankly, silent and unresponsive, they held this shape. I lingered, trying to discern the purpose of these actions. As I began to consider leaving this unusual home, I heard it. A scream that echoed within my mind and a clear voice that stated, “You will die.” I admit, dear readers, that I could no longer
remain.
My second stop took me to the Trade District of Stormwind. Many of you have likely stopped in at the Barber Shop, to let Jelinek Sharpshear give you that new cut or curl. But perhaps it is time you consider just how much you want taken off the top.
While my Sayaad kept Mr. Sharpshear occupied in his shop, I found my way to the small apartment he keeps above. A bit of probing about found a loose floor board, under which lay a grizzly discovery. Two skeletons found their final rest here. They looked gnomish by height and size of their skulls. One clutched in its hand what appeared to be a razor and comb. Most definitely something of gnomish technology but difficult to discern after corrosion.
I made my exit before Mr. Sharpshear could discover what I was up to. A quick visit to the Royal Factor of the City Hall was in order. He informed me that before Mr. Sharpshear took over the lease of the Barber Shop, one Sween Neetod held ownership. Mr. Neetod signed off and Mr. Sharpshear has been running the business sense. Very curious indeed. So who is the true villain? Will there ever be justice for the poor souls trapped under that floor? And will you, my readers, ever feel safe when the barber of Stormwind asks you to tip your head back for a close shave?
My third and final stop was to the Blue Recluse Tavern. Located in the Mage Quarter, of Stormwind. Several sources had told me a trainer in the tower suspected a rift is forming in the tavern itself! All trainers I questioned on this firmly denied that anything was amiss. However, I got different reactions from local patrons.
One woman claims that a week ago she was eating dinner at the Blue Recluse when something pulled her chair out from underneath her. A man reports tripping over something when nothing was there. Most other reports seem to follow the same pattern, thumps and bumps at all hours of day and night coming from areas that by all appearances are empty.
Being a student of the dark arcane, I have certain abilities at my disposal. I was able to enter the tavern after hours in attempt to see what caused these disturbances. What I witnessed were elemental or void beings the size of a large gnome (or small dwarf). They crawl upon everything and will react violently if interfered with. I urge you readers to tread with caution and take your patronage elsewhere.
In conclusion, dear readers. Let the season be a reminder to you to remain alert. Lest you fall prey to the unseen threats that populate our world.
