Legend of Null the Nightmare
The legend of Whitebrook's most frightful figure carries with it an aspect of dread, as parents caution their young ones never to walk alone through fields at night. Early hours after midnight on the lowland hills have seen reports of a strange figure staggering through the heights. Whether the wails were just the winds howling through the valleys or screams of pain, citizens of Whitebrook know better than to find out.
Summary
A hundred years ago, the Partri Military fought a battle to win control over the mouth of the Whitebrook River. In the ensuing years, the battlefield was rejuvenated for agricultural use, but the bones of the dead were not all exhumed. As scarecrows were erected in these fields to guard them from pests, the souls of the dead began to coalesce around these avatars of fear.
During an otherwise peaceful time, a grisly murder-kidnapping saw fresh blood spilled over the rows of grain. The terror caused by this incident gave rise to the local legend of the walking nightmare, Null.
Growing up on the stories of the terror in the fields, a young Whitebrooker decided enough was enough. Enlisting the aid of an entire squadron of sympathetic (and superstitious) Partri soldiers, he set out to end the cycle of fear once and for all.
Two days later, a mangled wreck of a man bearing the crest of Partem crawled into Whitebrook on broken knees, raving about the horror of the three-armed demon that had eyes that held no soul.
Historical Basis
A hundred years ago, the Partri military did in fact fight a battle over the control of the Whitebrook river, however, conflicting reports on the nature of the scarecrows have led to skepticism by most scholars. The most vivid accounts come from children, whom most adults discount as having overactive imaginations.
Spread
Endemic to Whitebrook. Similar stories exist in other small communities.
Variations & Mutation
Over time, stories of the nightmare have led to a taboo on all scarecrows, with Whitebrook preferring to utilize poisons to ward off pests.
Cultural Reception
Odelanders received the legend upon its first iteration, and are confident in its accuracy. As a result, they seldom venture out alone in the fields of Whitebrook.
Date of First Recording
50 years ago
Date of Setting
100 years ago
Related Locations
Related People
Comments