"Good morning," the Thing in the Well calls, "And how are we doing this morning Mrs. Westmen?" -- "Just wonderfully. How have you been keeping, Thing?" -- "Fine, fine. A little peckish, a bit in the mood for, you know, a nibble, a bite to eat. But don't worry yourself, perfectly fine." -- "It's quite alright Thing, I was just thinking I should bring by some lunch. How does a ham sound?" -- "You are too kind Mrs. Westmen, just too kind..." -- The Thing in the Well has lived in the village for longer than anyone can remember. It is traditional to fix regular meals for the Thing, and to present it with a sheep or pig on special occasions. Years ago a boy went down the well on a dare. He never returned. The subject has not been broached in the presence of the Thing. Instinct: To devour

• Politely collect tribute
• Leverage townspeople through secrets
• Purify water
• Hide in darkened waters

They exist in primitive societies in the underground mazes. Their ancestors may have been prisoners or trapped miners. But now they are twisted cannibals with wiry frames and crazed eyes, and reeking mouths full of rotten teeth, stained with the dried blood and flesh of their victims. Instinct: to feast on human flesh

• Use fingernails like scalpels
• Stage a distraction or lay a trap
• Transmit cannibal fever
• Shriek for reinforcements