The Grimmermere

Author Unknown

The lake is an ominous place; no one goes there alone, at any time. The fishermen and women that work there do not do so by simple choice. They are the lowest classes and the jochu. These unfortunates have no other options open to them. They are unsuitable for any other type of work, uneducable in any other trade, and undesirable to all but the most dishonorable Houses. The lake is a source of food, a primary resource for protein in the caverns, yet most citizens would rather starve than work the treacherous waters of the Grimmermere.

The most popular type of fish is the pikea, which is served marinated and eaten raw. The pikea are carnivorous, much like the surface fish called piranha. Because of the dangerous nature of the fish, many Houses stock their own supply in large tanks. The pikea are vicious creatures as well as being poisonous. Their meat can kill a person if it not prepared properly. Chefs who learn how to handle the fish are highly prized for it is a great honor to be able to prepare the fish properly. When consumed, the diner's lips tingle from the remnants of poison. House Eukie-Kurai, House Tenshi, and House Katsu hold the honor of employing the only three master chefs currently are able to prepare the expensive dish.

Fishing for artifacts or other items of interest without any magical aid is one of the most terrifying tests of strength among the youth of the city. Although a horde of treasure lies quietly at the bottom of the lake, not even the bravest will dive for it; the creatures that nest in that watery grave are the stuff of nightmares. One type of animal, which recently we have found bears a surface name, crocodile, grows up to 30 feet long. Their white bodies cut through the water swiftly to snatch unsuspecting fishermen in their strong jaws.

Even those that are not frightened by the horrible creatures in the lake are usually alarmed by the ghost lights. Every now and again, a faint glow flickers far out in the dark waters. No one has ever discovered the cause, since the light only occurs in the forbidden zone, that which is beyond the safe waters. Some say that it is the spirits of those who await proper burial. Some say the spirits are those dishonored through treachery. And some believe that the lights come from benevolent ancestors warning their loved ones to say far from the lake.

On rare occasions, bodies are dumped into the Grimmermere. Many surface dwellers may not know this, but dark elves burn their dead. To bury a body, or worse yet, send it out to sea, is the greatest insult that can be wrought upon a family and anyone caught disposing of a dark elf in the lake will suffer Obliteration. However, if one is not caught, one cannot be held accountable. An old adage among dark elves is "no body, no crime." Under normal circumstances, no one from Kirishai will even speak of this dishonor and it is mentioned here only to make surface dwellers aware that to suggest such a thing is taboo.