The Rotting Ghost

The Rotting Ghost is a popular urban legend in Ashfire, particularly in lower class areas on the river. There are many different tellings of this story, but they all agree that the ghost is bad news. While many nobles scoff at the idea of such a creature, the increasingly large number of disappearances pinned on this legend suggest something might actually be going on at the river side.

Stench of Death

Walking alone at night by the river is a dangerous choice on its own. Ashfire has no shortage of criminals and the lack of guards and street lights in less privileged areas makes them prime targets. However, if you smell rotting flesh, you may be in trouble. If the smell follows you, you should run. If it stays with you, find people. If it follows you home, you are dead.

Squish

The sound of footsteps behind you at night is always a bad sign. Typically one wants to find their way somewhere safe, or where there are more people. This is especially good if you notice an unusual odor, and the footsteps make a slight squishing sound. You may have just been stalked by the Rotting Ghost.

Flee For Your Life

If you should notice the above signs and still be unable or unwilling to escape, you may see a figure in the distance stumbling towards you. This is your last chance. No one who has let the ghost get near has lived to tell the tale.

Victims

The Rotting Ghost has been implicated in over 50,000 disappearances, according to a recent study. Many of those who disappeared have been lower or middle class Fae and Iather. Remains or probable remains have only been found for about 20 of those people, though the authorities still deny the existence of any lake monster.

So Is It True?

It's impossible to say, really. There could easily be some sort of ghost or other supernatural happening in the region. Or, possibly a group of criminals operating in the area using the legend to cover their tracks. It's also highly likely that the Rotting Ghost is simply an urban legend made to explain the high number of disappearances in the area. In any case, it's unadvisable to be walking by the river alone. And if you smell rotting flesh, you should probably run. Just in case.

Related Locations

• Ashfire