Horror Stories in the Fog

Uh, hello! You folks there. Are you adventurers?

Sure are. What's up?

I've been researching the origins of this town's old myths and superstitions. Like, have you heard the story about the ghost with no face that lives in the Man-eating Marsh?

Skip the fairy tales and get to the point. There's something you want our help with, right?

All right, I'll save that tale for another time.

I'd like your assistance investigating the recent spate of disappearances. Have you heard the rumors? On days when the fog is thick, people go missing and never return.

These disappearances are said to take place right in the middle of town. The spirits must be involved somehow. My theory is that these people are being abducted by supernatural means, spirited away, if you will. Just imagine what kind of fantastic new worlds they must be seeing!

A missing persons case, huh? Sounds right up our street.

Great! If you find out the truth behind these incidents, let me know...discreetly. I hear there's a girl around here who knows something. Try talking to her first.

Okay, we'll go hear what she has to say. This could turn into a big problem if we don't do something about it.

Doesn't this request sound a little fishy?

Putting aside all the stuff about spirits, people really have been going missing. We can't just leave this alone.

You don't have to help, but this is your hometown. I'd feel a lot better working with someone who knows their way around.

When you put it that way, maybe it would be best if I come along.

Thanks. Let's go find that girl who "knows something."

Hey kid, can we talk to you about the people that disappear on foggy days?

Uh... Sure, I guess. Are you trying to find out where they went?

That's right. It's the duty of any good adventurer to help out those in need.

If you've noticed anything that might lead us to the truth, it'd be really nice if you could share it with us.

I...I saw it happen. My friend got swallowed up by the fog.

Where was this?

Right on the edge of town, past where that little boat takes you.

My friend and I both go to the same magic school. We'd heard there was something supernatural going on here, so we came to check it out, but then the fog came down... The next thing I knew, she was gone. I couldn't even use magic to find her! It was over so fast, I couldn't do anything. When the fog finally cleared, I was alone. I was so scared... But now no one will believe me. What if she's hurt? What if they get me next?

Don't worry, we believe you. Thanks for telling us all this.

I guess our next step is to go check out that spot at the edge of town.

Right.

Urgh, I didn't think this would be so hard.

What's the matter, Myron? Not feeling too hot?

I'm fine. It's just...

Well, I can see my house from here, and it got me thinking. It's been years now since I ran away. If I saw my parents now, I don't know what I'd do...

That must be tough. I never knew my parents, so I don't really get it, but I feel for you.

We're here on a quest, I have to be professional. This is probably the area the girl described right here.

There's nothing really out of the ordinary here...

Hm? Looks like there's some remains of spiritual energy. But it feels...impure, somehow.

Where'd all this fog come from?

There!

Gyaaagh!

Myron, are you okay?

I think we've just found our culprits.

These aren't children! Whose job was it to keep lookout?

Are these guys...

Yep, these are the kidnappers. You've got guts, trying to jump me. What's your game, huh?

Hmph. What a pain. Let's get 'em!

Are we done already? I thought they'd put up more of a fight.

We should report this to the Palace Guard.

This fog, though. I wonder...

I'm curious about it, too. Do you think we should look into it some more?

Huh? Oh, no, it's probably nothing. I was just thinking out loud. Let's go find whoever's in charge of the guard and tell them what we've found out. Now we know who was behind all this, maybe some new lines of investigation will open up. The guards might be able to add something.

Sounds good. Let's head to Palsifal Palace!

Ah, you're the ones who apprehended the kidnapping gang in Acteul. You have my heartfelt gratitude.

Not a bad idea of theirs, using the fog as cover.

I still don't understand why they were targeting children with heightened spiritual senses. From what we can tell, they're just a gang of regular thugs who've been extending their turf lately. We'll get the truth out of them. I'm confident we'll find and rescue the victims in no time at all.

That's good. I hope the kids are all right...

Only thing left is to go report to that folklorist guy back in Acteul. You ready, Myron?

Sure. He'll probably be disappointed there's no weird occult explanation for these incidents after all.

I see. So it was all the work of some local crooks?

*sigh* I should have known I wouldn't stumble onto a real mystery so easily. But I can't get discouraged. I'll get another chance to meet the spirits, I know it.

Thanks for getting to the bottom of it, anyway. I'll let you know if I find another interesting case study.

Well, that's this request finished.

Right. Good job.

We've got some free time now. Do you want to drop in on your folks?

No, thank you for asking. I still can't show my face at home. Maybe one day, when I've become a more accomplished adventurer.

Okay, if that's what you want. Let's get back on the road.