Tunnels (50 page)
Sightless Rat: A rare treat and highly sought after. Bred on vermin farms, though the choicest specimens are caught in the drains by hunting parties.
Slug
Paté
: Nothing compares to a freshly ground gastropod when spread on a stout root biscuit, particularly if it's a juicy pitch slug reared on lichens.
Smithfield Barnacle Soup: A particular favorite of the inhabitants of the South Cavern, who breed barnacles in the slop gunnels.
Ever since Sir Gabriel and the Founding Fathers ploughed the first mushroom fields, Colonists have relied on fungi for their daily sustenance. Mushroom pastures are laid out to three main crops:
pennybuns
, stinking
bristleball
, and Mole's ear. In one form or another, these are the basis for nearly everything that Colonists consume, be it broths, stews, or fancies. But if the humidity is conducive, the delectable Hairy Ink Cap mushroom is worth the extra expense, although large amounts should be avoided due to its explosive laxative qualities.
But beware: Don't eat anything of which the source is uncertain. There are hoodwinkers in the markets attempting to sell trays of Destroying Angel,
Floy
Agarie
, and Death Hat. Be not tempted, as the outcome is painful. And usually fatal.
Every working man needs his daily sup from his pewter tankard. Currently on tap in the taverns and hostelries round the Colony or at the "Styx-easies" of the Rookeries are
New London
, Camden Bilge,
, and the most expensive brew,
Fourbees
(
. For the ladies and the young,
Frog's Bladder
is very popular, and an excellent remedy for teething or gripe.
Much
favoured
are the bare-knuckle boxing bouts in the Archway Cuttings, but the street brawls that take place outside taverns are not to be missed for the demonstrations of both pugilistic skills
and
the dirtiest fighting techniques known to man. Also to be found on tavern forecourts are games of chance such as
Pitch and Toss, Find the Painted Lady,
and
Newt Bating.
The
Rookeries
Built in the first years of the settlement by the Founding Fathers, the heart of the Colony is alive and beating in the
Rookeries
. Home to the salt of the Earth, we are one big family and we watch out for each other. Of course, as with any big family, we have been known to have the odd rumpus, but what's a death or two amongst kin?
We, the people of the Rookeries, are proud of our heritage. We are also the toughest, meanest, nastiest geezers ever to walk the dark ways of the Earth, and we can take anything the rest of the Colony — including those Styx
slitherers
and their
bandogs
— throw at us.
But one final word of caution: As a newcomer to the Colony, don't get it into your head that you are welcome in our neighborhood. Because you are not.
We await your arrival…..
