Inanimalia

.-.-.-.-.-.-.When first checking into any of the hotels around Verboten City, outsiders are given the same odd warning; lock your door and push something in front of it before you go to sleep. When asked, the hotel owner will simply shake their head and give you your room key. Those who do not heed their words are prone to a rather sudden bout of sleepwalking. Most are stopped by the city guards before they get too far from the civilized streets. Those who slip past stumble out into the swamp and are rarely seen or heard from again. The lucky few who return in the morning are haggard and worn, their wide eyes reflecting the horrors they have witnessed.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.It is not the screaming beast that takes most who are lured by the nightly whispering - it is the silent beast. The towering creature of rotting flesh and burning magic that reaches out into the fresh minds of travelers and calls to them. Nine twisted maws mumble and chatter, and strike at any movement within sight of their dull eyes. The permeating scent of decay keeps all conscious beings far from their path, but the sleepwalkers are entranced, unable to resist the call unless woken by another.

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Prettiest Dragon Above You: 1