FOLKLORE | The Old Bear Cave

[teagan]

This document was written by @teagan and proofread by @RexLobo and @ConeKicker.pt2
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Something whispered along the trees on the Itsbyoshi Trail–forgotten rumors that were left disturbed and restless once more. A cave that nestled in the cold, serving as a home to bears for generations. Evidence of their presence still lingers; deep claw marks across the stone walls, and faint paw prints that were frozen into the dirt.
Generations ago, it was said that a darker presence was felt around this cave. One that was not the wildlife. The cave was a beacon to many malevolent spirits, ones that slipped through the weakened spiritual veil of October. Drawn by these dark presences, a small cult was formed, later to be known as the The One Beneath–who sought out something that would bring a great change to the city. To permanently anchor the spirit portal open, allowing those entities to pass over as they please. The cult’s devotion was believed to be exploited by a particularly manipulative spirit, feeding off their willingness to serve. Even today, the cave sits there, nothing but old remnants to remind the town of the past. The candles that were long overdue, wax surrounding the bottom of it. A coldness that lingered around.
Ripped and worn pages, partially buried in grime and dirt;


An inscription written by The One Beneath; ‘October 19th, 1989’

Spoiler: Inscription - OCTOBER 19TH, 1989

‘October 19th, 1989’
To wash them of their sins
To begin anew, bring death forth
We will strike their next of kin.

A glimpse of darkness shall rain,
Upon those who dwell in pain.
Revenge. Betrayal.
This town shall no longer cradle them.
-TOB.

An incomplete ritual fragment was found after the cave began to break away, a heavily damaged stone plate, carved into;

Spoiler: Incomplete Ritual Fragment

A fragment recovered, undated but left heavily damaged

…in the blood, the seal shall weaken…
…chant beneath the **** bone…
…[illegible] … the gate must remain ajar…
…deliver the kin…deliver the debt…
…they mustn’t cradle the marked…

A strange sighting of this cult has been seen many times, reported of seeing eight figures, standing in formation inside the cave, surrounding themselves by red candles that flickered in the dark. They were described to be wearing long black coats, each marked with a single red circle on the back. The meaning of their symbol has remained unknown. They left nothing documented about it. They were merely faces with no names to them. Not one identity was brought to light. Hidden amongst the darkness is where they hid, taking everything about who they once were with them.

Though, from sometime, the cult soon stopped showing around the cave. Their presence became unknown, never to be seen again. Everything was left behind; old coats, over burnt candles, scriptures, along with the rusting offering plate. It was as if they turned to ash, they were never to be seen again. They never were able to finish their ritual. As to what stopped them? It was unknown. Many theories and rumors were talked over, speaking of how they may be still operating in secret. Whatever the truth, the locals know one thing: The cave stands as a marked reminder. A warning to those to not pick up where they left off otherwise their fate would follow theirs.

Is this all? No, there is still more to be found around the cave. After all, they left in a hurry, leaving all scriptures to be covered in rubble. ​