The Bone Collector
"She stalks in too-quite places, the echo of the bones hanging from her belt the only warning of her approach."
Summary
The story of The Bone Collector is a tale known throughout the kingdoms. It varies between people and places, but became a popular story used to scare children into behaving over the last 10 years.
The most common telling finds its roots in Southern Vubreynya:
“You mustn’t go into the woods past dark alone, for that is when the Bone Collector roams. She can smell the flesh of a being from miles around, hear the huff of their breath like a call. She roams where ever the darkness creeps in.
She is lonely, forever seeking someone to stay by her side and never leave her. If she catches you, she will strip you of your flesh and bring you back as nothing but bones. You lose your sense of self, your voice, your very being, and loyally follow after her until you turn to dust.
She is an echo of the Raven Queen herself. Her ashen skin and white eyes give her the appearance of a specter. The only sign of her approach is the sound of bones, like chimes on the wind. She herself doesn’t speak, and is often followed by some sort of bone animal.
Sightings of her are considered an omen of death and bad luck. If you see her at a distance you must hand dried flowers from your window that night, as they are one of the few things that she cannot take in death because of their lack of bones.”
In recent years, the myth has grown to include the idea that she haunts battlefields, stealing bones of the fallen.
Historical Basis
Few outside of the Efrian military know that the story of the Bone Collector arose from the tale of Aleimura Vacuity.
Spread
The myth of The Bone Collector is wide spread, with sightings reported across the Realm.
Variations & Mutation
The myth changes from Kingdom to Kingdom, village to village. Most see her as a sign of death, however the tale has the most variations in the Tribes of No Man's Land. There the myth is often told as sad, rather than a story to scare children into behaving. It is told of a young girl so alone in the world she turned to the dead for comfort.
Cultural Reception
The story holds particular weight in Southern Vubreynya. The clans of The Gypsy Queen are known to use it as a story to teach why you should never force someone into isolation.
In Art
Depictions of The Bone Collector can be found throughout many regions. Paintings and songs are the most popular form.
Related People
Related Organizations
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