#pensive day 2022 zine

[hello-archivist]

Happy Pensive Day!

In celebration I’m (re)posting the pages I did for the Pensive Day Almanac Zine 2022!

@hellofromthehallowoods

[pensiveday]

Subject: Percy Reed Art: Hiri @hirilelfwraith Writing: Aspens @doveinabowl

[ID: A page titled “Percy Reed” with an illustration of the character from Hello from the Hallowoods taped to it with browned masking tape.  Percy is a ghostly young man with a narrow face, hollow cheeks, short hair, scarred lips, and void-black eyes.  He wears a tattered dress that wisps around him, and his wrists are wrapped in wire that trails off the page.  His expression is grim but defiant.  

A smaller drawing shows Percy hovering next to Diggory Graves, a humanlike creature with stitched-together skin, dark hair, sharp-fingered hands, and a spiked jacket.  Diggory holds a piano key in one hand.  Wire from the piano key trails between it and the hand Percy is holding over his heart.  Also on the page is a close-up of a sketched nose and lips with puncture-mark scars encircling the mouth. Lastly is a sketch of a piano key. 

The second page is written in blocky, all-caps letters on  ink-stained paper, with notes added in different handwriting.  It reads:

Dangerous? No  (A note adds, “Unless you get him mad--don’t threaten Diggory when he’s around.”)

Sentient?  Full sentience - can be reasoned with

Encounter Location:  The Scoutpost

Description:  Ghost tied to an instrument (piano).  The Instrumentalist’s first victim looks to be in his twenties.  Short hair (a note adds “He says he cut it himself”), wears (”a tattered collared dress” is crossed out).  Has ghost wire coming from wrist to (”piano key” is crossed out and replaced with “bone fragment (creepy)”) kept by Diggory Graves.

Puncture wounds around lips, black eyes.  Gaunt--cause of death: Starvation.  (A note adds, “Usually shy but when he gets comfortable he can get pretty snarky.  He got new clothes somehow (from his dad?).  An old-man button-down shirt, sweater, and pants.  He’s literally and figuratively inseparable from Diggory (”except for that time he got kidnapped” is crossed out).  They’re both kinda creepy but I guess they’re cute together.”)

Abilities:  Invisibility, intangibility, telepathic communication, limited interaction with physical objects, ghost lighting and light.  (A note adds, “All the typical ghost stuff + lightning strong enough to explode trees.  Strong feelings let him touch stuff, except silver, which he can always touch.  He says he used silver scissors to cut Diggory’s hair!  Hair styling.  Keeping watch during long car rides.  Recently he’s made some progress on being able to pet cats.”)

Connections:  Diggory Graves (”friend?” is crossed out) partner?  Instrumentalist--father.  Can give information about the Instrumentalist (don’t push: He disappears if he doesn’t want to talk).  See also: Ghosts. (A note adds, “One of the Instrumentalist’s ghosts, the one tied to the fife, was his mom.  Al - Friend, also a ghost (tied to a toy drum).  The Scoutpost--friends.”) /end ID]

[riotrollingon]

preview of my pages for the @pensiveday zine :] can’t wait for this to come out it’s gonna be amazing

[cauldron-burn-and-fire-bubble]

my @pensiveday piece teaser :))

[pensiveday]

Art: @miskapestek

Writing: Claude

[pensiveday]

Art: Johnny @turbonicflaws Writing: Sue @wordsintimeandspace

[pensiveday]

Subject: Cookery Potts Art: Beck @xyzikxyz Writing: Boff @halfdoublecrochet

[ID:  A page titled ‘Cookery Potts’ with an illustration of the character from Hello from the Hallowoods.  Cookery is a humanlike creature with stitched patchwork skin of various shades, thick wavy hair, and blank white eyes.  They wave at the viewer with one hand on their hip, a wide friendly grin showing a gap between their front teeth.  They wear a red apron over a long pleated black skirt and white shirt with sleeves rolled to the elbows.  They have a bracelet on one wrist, and wear black Mary Jane-style shoes with small heels.  Next to the illustration is a note that states, “Try their veggie stew, it’s really good! -R”

The second page is written in blocky, all-caps handwriting, titled ‘Cookery Potts’ followed by the below text:

Dangerous?  No-- just stay out of the kitchen.

Sentient?  Full sentience-- can be reasoned with

Encounter location:  Irene Mend’s home (see: Granny Mend), Solomon Reed’s home (see: the Instrumentalist)

Description:  Revenant, approximately six feet in height and of middling weight.  Stitched together of mismatched skin, but fully functional.  While they share the stitched-together skin of all of Irene’s creations, Cookery has a warmth and friendliness to them.

Abilities:  Made the best soup-- (The rest of the entry is covered by a recipe card, titled “Magic Soup” and “from the kitchen of Cookery Potts.  Serving size: 6.”  The ingredients for the recipe are written in neat cursive.)   /end ID]

[pensiveday]

Subject: Irene Mend/Granny Mend Art: Lizard @whatlizardry Writing: Dev @littlebreadroll

[ID: A page titled ‘Irene Mend’ and ‘Granny Mend.’ An illustration of a wide, void-black eye is labeled ‘Ethereal Eye.’  In the upper-right corner of the page is a sketch of an old woman with light cast over half her face and the rest of her in shadow. The eye in the light is closed, and the one in shadow is open and staring at the viewer.  The eye is alarmingly sharp against the softness of the drawing.  She wears a simple, old-fashioned black dress with a white collar, and has her hair pulled back and severely parted. In the lower-left corner of the page is a ghostly illustration of an old woman from the waist up, eerily shaded against a halo of shadow that deepens towards the bottom of the drawing.  She wears a shawl and an old-fashioned bonnet that shadows her face, leaving only the lower half of her face and the handle of a knife clearly visible.  She holds an embroidery hoop she is stitching on, and her hands are stuck with dozens of needles.  In red ink, the note “Can be summoned by saying her name three (double underlined) times in a mirror” is added, and in different handwriting, “scary but nice?”

The second page is written in blocky, all-caps handwriting on paper with scraps of thread and cloth fibers stuck to it. It is titled ‘Irene Mend (See: Granny Mend)’ and is followed by the below text:

Dangerous? No

Sentient? Full sentience--can be reasoned with

Encounter location: Mend Mansion

Description: An older woman with only one eye; seems to be getting on in years. She’s aged well, but moves slowly.  Arthritis? Just age?�� Unsure.  She wears a leather apron when she works, and light clothes or evening wear otherwise.  Always carrying a silver bell and silver scissors.  Enjoys a good dinner, and treats the Mendies well.  Gave them funny names and has them help with housework (see: Mendies, connections).  They seem to be happy, or not mind serving her.  Seems a lovely woman aside from the revenant hobby.  House was empty last time I came through, moved out or moved on? (crossed out)  Killed by the Instrumentalist, after which he stole her bell and the Mendies.  (A note in red adds, “Pins says she was good.”)

Abilities: Creates revenants through unknown magic runes? Never did figure it out.  Only used bodies, never killed to make her Mendies.  Keeps them clean and preserved, filled with cotton and sawdust, and tied to a silver bell.  (A note in red adds, “The bell’s been hidden and buried.”)  

Connections: The Mendies, Townshend Rhodes, Huntington Waites, Cookery Potts, Leyland Blooms, Floris Scrubbs, Stitchery Pins)

The third page is titled ‘Granny Mend,’ and continues: 

Dangerous? Unknown

Sentient? Partial sentience--rudimentary communication

Irene Mend was a living human, Granny Mend seems limited in sentience or language

Non-sentient--entirely instinctual

Encounter location: Haven’t seen her myself, but she’s supposed to appear in mirrors? Say Granny Mend three times.

Description:  An old woman that sits in a rocking chair in the corner of your room and wears a bonnet pulled low over her face while she works on embroidery.  When she hums her lullaby and tucks you into bed, you cannot move even if you want to, and are dragged into sleep.  Supposed to be that her hands are pierced with needles, though not sure I believe she exists at all.  (A note in red adds, “Diggory saw her, says she has a dinner knife through her eye socket under the bonnet. Diggory says she didn’t answer their questions or stop singing except to tell them they were special and kiss their forehead.”)

Abilities: puts people to sleep with her lullaby when they suffer from insomnia.

Connections: Diggory Graves   /end ID]

[pensiveday]

Subject: Leyland Blooms Artist: Bren @gemstone-art Writer: Bren @gemstone-art

[ID:  A page titled ‘Leyland Blooms’ with several illustrations of the character.  The first is a shoulders-up drawing of a smiling humanlike creature with long, stringy black hair, stitched-together skin of several different shades, and blank white eyes.  They wear a grass-stained shirt and overalls with flower embroidery on the straps and front pocket.  A smaller drawing labeled ‘Leyland at the Scoutpost’ is a side shot of Leyland in a green plaid shirt, smiling at a large white flower held in one hand.  Another small drawing is a full-body illustration labeled “at the Instrumentalist’s.”  Leyland stands in front of a bush, unsmiling.  They wear a reddish marching band outfit that goes to their knees and elbows.  One arm is much longer than the other.  The last drawing is a close-up of Leyland’s left hand, labeled ‘very sharp!’  The hand is of the same grass-stained, stitched-together skin.  The visible fingertips come to dirt-stained points, and the inner edges of the first two fingers form shears.  

The second page is written in blocky, all-caps handwriting, titled ‘Leyland Blooms’ followed by the below text:

Dangerous?  Yes

Sentient?  Full sentience-- can be reasoned with

Encounter Location:  Irene Mend’s home (see: Granny Mend)

(The line “Solomon Reed’s home (see: The Instrumentalist)” is crossed out in red ink, followed by a note in red that reads, “The Scoutpost”)

Description:  Leyland Blooms is very tall (seven or eight feet) and very obviously stitched together from other people.  Their eyes are entirely white.  They’re of middling size compared to Irene's other revenants and wear overalls embroidered with flowers and covered with dirt, and no shoes.  Their fingers are sharp and claw-like, and the pointer and middle finger of each hand fit together like garden shears.  The Instrumentalist dressed (?) them and the other Revenants I saw in uniforms that remind me of middle school band and seems to be using them as guards/ holding them hostages (unclear).  

(A red asterisk follows this line, with a note in red at the bottom reading, “Stinky old bastard music man was FORCING them to be guards/staff.  Leyland says they weren’t serving him completely willingly, but won’t elaborate, which, fair.  Could be either supernatural control or something that would work on living people too—blackmail, threats, etc.  I think they’re worried someone else might be able to force them to do things they don’t want to.  They have new clothes now!  They picked out a green flannel from the Scoutpost’s supplies and I think Stitchery is making them new overalls when they have spare time.)

Abilities:  Sharp claw fingers.  The first two of each hand fit together like shears and can cut surprisingly well.  Supernaturally fast and strong.  Have the best green thumb of pretty much anyone I know.  (A note in red adds, “Weirdly, they have a decent singing voice!  I wouldn’t expect it but it’s actually quite lovely.”)

Connections:  (see pages listed)  Irene Mend, Cookery Potts,  Huntington Waites, Floris Scrubbs, Townshend Rhodes, Stitchery Pins, Diggory Graves, the Instrumentalist (antagonistic).  (A note in red adds a comma and the words “the Scoutpost” to this list.)

The bottom of the page is stained with a spatter of ink.  /end ID]

[pensiveday]

Art: Delano @cauldron-burn-and-fire-bubble

Writing: Sue @wordsintimeandspace

[pensiveday]

Artist: Monica @marvelousmawn

Writer: Chir @dreamcatcher-ranger

[pensiveday]

Subject: Dogsmell

Artist: Digby Dogby @digdogdraws Writer: Silas

[ID: A page of illustrations of a white borzoi dog with black eyes.  These include a close-up side view of its head, a close-up of one paw with electric blue light sparking around it, a drawing of it sleeping with its head resting on its paws labeled “stinky,” and one of it leaping forward snarling ferociously surrounded with electric blue lighting.  The last is labeled “good dog” with a smiley face and hearts.  At the top of the page is the title “Dogsmell” with a streak of red behind it and a few small hearts off to the side.

The second page is written in simple, messy handwriting on  dirt-streaked paper.  It reads:

Dangeorus?  Yes - pretty much only if you threaten Clara.

Sentient?  Non-sentient - entirely instinctual.

Encounter Location:  The RV

Description:  I’ve never seen it clearly, but there’s always a wet dog smell that follows it around.  Clara says it’s white in all the paintings at the Rathbone house, and its body and eyes are kind of luminescent. Otherwise I guess it’s like a regular dog?  You know, aside from being a ghost made of a bunch of other dead dogs.

Advice:  Dogsmell is a good dog.  You should make sure to tell it.  

Abilities:  Uses its claws and teeth to bite and scratch when fighting; able to hold its own against opponents.

Connections:  Follows Clara everywhere. /end ID]

[pensiveday]

Subject: The Instrumentalist’s Ghosts Art: blueirisvibes @blueirisvibes Writing: Chir @dreamcatcher-ranger

[ID: A page of illustrations of ghostly figures titled, “Instruments (Ghosts).”  Most of the ghosts are vague gray shapes with just the suggestion of form, all with red thread trailing from them.  A few are more solid humanlike figures drawn in harsh shades like charcoal figure drawing.  One of these appears to have pegs stuck in the sides of their head like on a violin.  Various instruments are scattered across the page, including a trumpet, flute, violin, and piano.  At the center of the page is a key with a crowned skull on the handle.  

The following pages are written in blocky, all-caps text, with red notes added in different handwriting.  It reads:

Instruments (Ghosts).  Dangerous:  Yes - if controlled by the Instrumentalist.  (A note in red adds, “Otherwise they’re just people.”

Sentient:  Full sentience--can be reasoned with.  Playing their instrument can puppeteer them, though.

Encounter location:  According to Diggory Graves, piano-connected ghost Percy Reed has been found in the abandoned Alder House.  All the other ghosts instead can be found in the possession of the Instrumentalist Solomon Reed, who owns their instruments.  Where the instrument is, the ghost is there too. (A note in red adds, “That slimy old bastard kept them prisoners by storing their instruments in his basement.  The ghosts are connected through strings that can be cut only by destroying the instrument; once they’re all broken, the ghost is gone.

The Instrumentalist travels and fights using the ghosts.  Since the instrument is required to be played in order to do so, the Instrumentalist attire is similar to a one-man-band.  (A note in red adds, “Like one of those ridiculous toys.”  A large drawing of a fermata symbol is drawn in red at the bottom of the page.)

Description: The ghosts look like they did when they were alive, except their appearance is modified as to how it was necessary to create the instrument.  (A note in red adds, “Examples:  Percy had his bones used, you can’t notice whether or not a person’s body contains bones.  Can’t say the same for poor Al, though.”)  Their bodies are translucent and luminous, but the colors are still discernible.  They wear red band-players’ outfits.  Can turn invisible.  (A note in red adds, “Can you also build rock instruments?  A guitar haunted by me would be sick...)

They’re created by building a classical instrument (Note in red: “nevermind.”) with their remains and then placing the instrument inside (Note in red:  “Solomon you fucking psycho!”) Solomon’s cabinet(?).  (Note in red:  “You can change a ghost’s look by putting them inside the cabinet, together with new clothes.  Diggory has also been able to cut Percy’s hair with silver scissors.  When Percy is injured he bleeds black, and black are his scars.”

Abilities:  Cannot interact with the external world on a normal basis, but since the moment that Solomon uses his ghosts to fight and travel, playing their instrument probably allows them to do so.  As said before, the precision of their shape can vary, and they can turn invisible.  (Note in red:  “Zelda told me that Al can get, and I quote her on this, ‘real scary.’  I don’t know what that means.”)  Can touch silver.

(Note in red:  I saw this happen only a couple times, so maybe only Percy is capable of doing so, but when there are strong, like, really strong emotions at play the ghost’s body starts glowing white and becomes solid.  But not just solid, also sharp.  Percy has been able to smite that monster before the Spring Solstice party this way.)

Advice:  You can hear the Instrumentalist’s orchestra music from a long distance.  If you do so, run.  Fast.  The ghosts in themselves aren’t an issue; Solomon Reed is.  Even if you could reason with them, if he plays their instrument the ghost will be puppeteered into doing whatever he wants them to do.  (Note in red: “Also, Percy’s glowing death hands were activated (question mark) when Diggory was in danger.  I wouldn’t risk threatening another of his loved ones.”)

Connections:  The instrumentalist.  (This is followed by a doodle of a skull and crossbones, and a note in red that adds, “Formerly.  now all the instruments have been destroyed, and the ghosts freed.  Only Al and Percy remain.  Al lives with Zelda Duckworth at the Scoutpost, while I wouldn’t say that Percy is affiliated to the Scoutpost as much as he is affiliated to Diggory.  I don’t want to be sappy, but I think he likes me and Olivier too.”) /end ID]

[pensiveday]

Subject: Olivier Song Art: PurpleNickel @crazydreamer6 Writing: @SnarkyWallflower

[ID:  A waterstained page titled “Olivier Song” with illustrations of Olivier, a young Korean person with thick, curly blue hair.  One is a full-body illustration of Olivier hovering in front of a cloud, one arm raised and crackling with blue lighting and the other hand clenched in a fist.  He is wearing a white collared shirt beneath a sleeveless thigh-length tunic, leggings, knee-length boots, and a thick flowing blue cloak decorated with swirling white clouds.  Next to this is a close up of Olivier’s face, blue lighting streaming from her eyes as her mouth is open in a wide-mouthed snarl, showing a hint of sharp teeth.  Their blue hair is lifting to swirl around them.  At the bottom of a page is an ugly doodle of a person with long spikey hair, scowling and spitting with his tongue out.  A note in elegant script written in blue ink adds, “Not funny, Riot.”

The second page is written on waterstained paper; only a few lines are written in the original blocky, all-caps letters, with the majority of the writing in simple messy handwriting, occasionally crossing out or replacing the original notes.  The page is titled “Cloud Witch” in the former, which is crossed out and replaced with “Olivier Song” in the latter.  The remainder reads:

Dangerous?  Yes - if provoked (a note adds, “(on our side now, though!)”)

Sentient:  Full sentience - can be reasoned with

Encounter location:  (”Northmost Hallowoods - but is not confined there” is crossed out, followed by a note in different writing “the Instrumentalist’s house,” also crossed out, followed by “Currently at the Scoutpost.”)

Description:  Seems to be about 5′2″, blue hair (possibly natural), East Asian.  Always wears intricately detailed cloak with designs of weather.  Intelligent, vicious and skilled with powers.  (a note adds “(Korean)”)

(A note begins, “A real jackass, honestly,” which is crossed out before continuing, “Pretty vulnerable to physical force--a couple of hits, bat or other, do some solid damage. (smiley face)”  In all caps, “Very good at long range attacks.”  It continues, “Powers are not granted by an artifact - was born with powers.  Genderfluid--uses he/him, she/her and they/them--make sure to ask.  Distracted pretty easily by books--for maximum damage, get the sequel to that Twilight book.  She’s been talking about it for hours!  He’s got really good hair.  His eyes are this pretty sparkling blue.  And his eyelashes are so thick--he has to be using mascara, right??  Has covenant blood--one of their ancestors made a deal with an Indie, which is apparently a cosmic being, not an independent band, and it gave that ancestor powers.  Powers passed down the family line, and now Olivier can be like Elsa (he could really rock that dress).  Olivieir is surprisingly fun to hang out with, and their weather powers are cool like whoa.  They’ve messed up in the past, no denying that, but they’re trying hard to be better.  They belong here, with us.  I’m so glad I got to meet them.)

Abilities:  Controls the weather--snow, rain, fog, lightning, ice, possibly more.  Can fly--likely related to control over the weather.

Values:  (”Possibly the favour of the Instrumentalist” is crossed out and replaced with “knowledge (often books)”)

Connections:  (”Allied with Instrumentalist” is crossed out, replaced with “Former student of Downing Hill Public Library, allied with the Scoutppost.”) /end ID]

[pensiveday]

Subject: The Instrumentalist Art: Dev @littlebreadroll / @littlebreadrollart Writing: Claude (main entry) @SnarkyWallflower (added note)

[ID: An illustration of Solomon Reed from Hello from the Hallowoods taped to a page with black tape.  The page is titled ‘The Instrumentalist.’  Solomon is an old man with long, flowing white hair, a white beard, blank black eyes, a long red cape, and black trousers.  He plays a violin, with three doodles of wispy black ghosts rising from the strings.  A note on the page pointing to him says ‘asshole (good riddance).’  The page also has a drawing of a book titled “Church of the Hallowed Name” and a small bell.  There is also a scribbly doodle of a skull and crossbones and a pair of cracked glasses, which has the note “don’t forget I broke his glasses (loser)” pointing to it.  The page is smudged in red and black.  

The second page is written in blocky, all-caps handwriting, titled ‘Solomon Reed (The Instrumentalist)’ followed by the below text:

Dangerous?  Yes - On sight

Sentient?  Full sentience but unreasonable

Encounter location:  Lives in an old fashioned mansion near the Scoutpost, surrounded by close trees.

Description:  An aging man with long white hair.  Tall, wears round glasses and a red robe.  Carries himself with an air of authority.  (a note in red adds “because he’s a condescending mansplaining idiot”)  Often heralded by the sound of violins (from the enslaved souls of his victims).

Abilities:  Turns living humans into spirits by killing them and attaching them to instruments.  Done with the knowledge of some arcane art, presumably learnt through the Church of the Hallowed Name and the Books of Downing Hill Library.  Seems to use a baton to orchestrate their movements?  (more research needed)

Spirits have the ability to injure and kill, but cannot be touched unless their instrument is destroyed.  However, the spirits have been turned against their will, and victims are often previous residents of the Scoutpost.  They are not the enemy.  (A note in red adds, “Apart from Percy and Al, they were all set free after we killed the Instrumentalist.”)  The bottom of the page is spotted with red stains, like blood.

A key is used to control or potentially turn these spirits--key in question was previously stolen by Riot Maidstone, drawing the wrath of Solomon upon her.  Controls (the “s” is crossed out in red, with words added to make this “used to control”) the Mendies with Irene’s bell--likely stolen as I can’t imagine her handing them over willingly.  Could be brought back to our side.

Connections:  Church of the Hallowed Name, Downing HIll.  Has done business with Ethel.  Father of Percy Reed (spirit).  Employer of Olivier Song.  (a note in red inserts the word “former” before this, and adds “and Clara Martin” at the end)

Values:  Traditional Christian values of female submission, repentance and humility.  Believes his way of life is the only correct path and pushes these values onto others.  Is especially hateful towards gay, transgender, and pagan individuals.  (A note in red adds, “Seems to think murdering everyone he lays his ugly eyes on is the way to enlightenment.”)

The page continues in red:  Status: Dead, thanks to Zelda, Mort, and some sort of demon guy.  And me, of course.  This (all caps) fucking slimy rat man.  Rest in pieces, bastard. 

The last page is a note that says, “Riot, I figured you deserve at least a note from me, because I most likely won’t be coming back from this.  I’m sorry I couldn’t stay longer for you, but I know the Hallowoods will be safe in your hands.  You’re brave, and stubborn, and I’ve taught you all I can.  Don’t let this job consume you.  Protecting the Hallowoods is work that needs to be done, but don’t let it become your whole life.  You’re going to be so much better than me.  I trust you, Riot.  Good luck.”  A note in red adds, “He knew.  How did he know?  I’m going to kill the Instrumentalist.  I’m going to kill him with Walt’s own sword. /end ID]

[pensiveday]

Subject: Mx. Morell Art: Law @ace-ugo Writing: Jack @organchordsandlightning

[ID: A page titled ‘Mx. Morell and Baby, proprietor of the Museum of Broken Promises’ with illustrations of the characters from Hello from the Hallowoods.  Mx. Morell is a humanlike creature wearing a tailored suit, waistcoat, and a green bow tie.  Their head is formed of frilly mushroom caps from the cheekbones up, with the chin suggesting the gills or stem of a mushroom.  A pair of glasses rest on a nose made of a spotted toadstool mushroom.  Their neck is formed of shelf mushrooms, suggesting the look of a ruff, and more green frilly mushroom caps rest on their shoulders like epaulets. The second picture is a waist-up illustration of Mx. Morell cradling a baby with the head of a stag beetle.  Mx. Morell smiles fondly down at the baby as it reaches for their bow tie.  

The second page is written in blocky, all-caps handwriting, titled ‘Mx. Morell’ followed by the below text:

Dangerous?  No

Sentient?  Full sentience - can be reasoned with.

Encounter location:  Museum of Broken Promises

Description:  One of the fungus folk: head made out of shelf mushrooms and other fungi.  Wears black spectacles.  Mx. Morell currently runs what they call the Museum of Broken Promises.  On account of it traveling on the back of a giant beetle, no fixed location (unless you’re lucky enough to find them playing at the Resting Place).  Think too much about the people you swore you wouldn’t leave behind and it has a funny way of showing up, though.

No violence in them, and an ever-expanding museum collection.  Mx. Morell informed me that when this world breaks down and decays into the stars, their museum will be preserved.  Cheerful thought.

Abilities:  Museum curating.  Good to have another person in the Hallowoods interested in preserving the world around us, even if it’s under glass (or in an almanac).

Beetle raising:  Never seen a baby or a beetle like that before.  Cute fella.  

Connections:  Rothogroth:  The Crown of Decay, aka their employer.  Seems like a big deal.

Baby:  Sharp pincers on them.  Wonder if they’ll get any bigger?

Barb:  Plays cards with the owner of The Resting Place.  Allegedly, no good at holding their liquor.  /end ID]