Log Entry ### on [##/##/##],
The following is a transcription of Cross Stitch’s journal. An apprentice seamstress to Hemline of the earth pony-dominated town Gulp Gulch; an outpost on the far side of the Badlands that acts as a trading post between the fledgling town of Appleloosa and Equestria’s southern neighbours.
This journal was retrieved intact from the hospice located on the south end of town by S.M.I.L.E agents after a transitory merchant from Trottingham on their way south stopped at Gulp Gulch and reported the town abandoned by all forty-three residents to the Royal Guard branch at Appleloosa. The journal appears to be addressed to Cross Stitch’s mother Knitting Yarn who, on follow-up in his home town of Canterlot, has been found to have died within the last four years.
Further investigation by agents into the town showed no obvious signs as to what happened to the missing populace. There is significant damage across town from an unidentifiable creature. Of particular note is the destruction of most light sources amongst all buildings and trails of an unknown oil-like substance that S.M.I.L.E researchers are currently studying. The journal describes a shadowy monster as the cause of the damage, however, we have no record of any kind of beast that matches what is described within the journal nor a magical phenomenon that could replicate the behaviour of whatever ravaged the town.
Copies of this journal have been sent to the Canterlot Research Institute, and the overseeing Guard assigned from Her Majesty’s Personal Service in their ongoing investigation into what is being referred to as the Rumours incident.
In the meantime, Gulp Gulch has been locked down and public entry has been denied. A temporary outpost has been constructed westward of the town to reroute travellers until the cause of the town residents’ disappearance has been determined.
Agent Corporal Scribe