The normally placid village of Bunton Bourne finds itself in the middle of a dark and foreboding mystery late this afternoon, as a noted international art and antiquities trader, Mr. H. Flambeau, has gone missing, apparantly not long after arriving last evening at the Red Griffin Inn. Mr. Flambeau claimed to be in possession of a very rare and valuable 14th Century Latin manuscript, the Codex Diabolicum, and had come to consult with Prof.Thaddeus Davis, a well-connected jewelery and antiques dealer, about finding a possible buyer. But, he never arrived for his appointment this morning, and a subsequent inquiry found only his luggage, left in his room at the inn.
Now, the long-banned Codex Diabolicum, sometimes irreverently called 'The Devil's Cookbook', is a treatise on demonology with a long and sinister reputation. It is said to be cursed, of course, and to bring horror, insanity, ruin, and death to all who delve into its terrible secrets. Perversely, this only adds to its value and mystique, and there are those who would go to any lengths to obtain a complete, authentic copy. It is rumored to possess supernatural powers, and perhaps it does, for there has been a palpable sense of dread hanging over the village like a threatening cloud all day, and the locals are becoming tense and edgy...
Two rival leagues have just arrived in Bunton Bourne, both determined to find the missing tome. Words, pictures, and more right here:
https://imgur.com/gallery/9xW3WTyThanks!
rags