The Town Snatcher

"HE SHALL NOT BE UNDEINED!" -battle cry of Krazen the Undeniable

Summary

The Town Snatcher is a myth perpetuated in the southern Free Kingdoms by priests and strict mothers alike. The legend goes that a demon waits in dark alleys, deep forests, or dangerous bar’s disguised as a traveler. If a wayward youth, or disobedient child were to speak to this man, he would speak untold horrors into their minds, and compel them to follow him into a place to total darkness. The youth disappears for 12 days and 12 nights, before returning a changed man. The youth will have the bearing of a preacher, and will spread the word of his god. He will denounce the true teachings of the Great Works as lies, while encouraging debauchery, lawlessness and human sacrifice. The magics of the town snatcher will infect all who listen until it has corrupted the entire town. The cult will round up the remaining faithful and drag them beneath the city.There a chamber waits for the unfortunates faithful. They sacrifice the faithful in an orgy of bloody violence, and the town sent into the snatchers realm. Then the survivors will return to their sense as it forces them into demonic servitude for eternity.

Historical Basis

Events relating to versions of the town snatcher exist dating before forging. The myth gained traction post Forging, when chaos consumed the continent. Towns would often vanish of the face of the earth. Despite the claims, it is more likely that conquest rather than a demon destroyed these towns.

The myth survived to the current era, used by priests and mothers to scold their children and sinful youth into behaving. Unlike many legends, this one has evidence to it existence. The Steel Talons, a famous Free-Kingdoms mercenary company, allegedly stopped a demonic cult from committing a mass sacrifice during the necromantic incursion of 722. The description of the events that transpired in the town matched the descriptions from the myths.
No village since then has experienced any kind of cult activities, so scholars assume it to be a wives’ tale. assume it to be a wives tale at best.