Troubles PlagueTraveling Troupe

Less than a week ago, the townsfolk and tourists of Duwamish Bay lined the dockside and business district to bid a sad farewell to a talented band of writers as they rode out of town on donkey back. The troupe had graciously given Duwamians a sneak preview of performances they had prepared for the cloistered halls of the world famous medieval Abbey located in nearby Lemuria.

When the return trip to their home base at the Grotto of the Sibyl was cancelled due to heavy rains and mud slides, leaving mountain passes temporarily inaccessible, tour directors quickly improvised, local donkeys were brought in, and a visit to the mysterious House of Serpents was added to an already impressive itinerary.

Unfortunately, the detour was not the last of the mishaps to befall the hardy group and it was soon set upon by hooded riders in the Murky Forest. Reports are still sketchy as to what the riders were after. There were no reports of theft, and although one writer was seriously injured, all of the travelers eventually found their way to the H.of S. only to discover the doors locked and no sign of staff. A cryptic note advised them to head down to Deadwood Hall Inn, where they could refresh themselves and spend the night.

"Good news, bad news," acknowledged a performer who asked not to be identified. "We were delighted to learn the reason the House of Serpents was closed was so preparations could be made for a festival that, for the first time in history, would permit outside guests! The bad news was we had less than twenty four hours to come up with original entertainment for a New Year's Sssnake Ssselebration that would be judged by a Gorgon!

Duwamish Courier roving reporter, Gianni Onadispoto