This bonus episode of the Sheridan Tapes was made possible by our backers on Patreon, ponytail Pope, Carolyn Diamond, Eggboy, and Kenneth Larson.

If you'd like to support the show as well, please go to patreon.com slash Homestead Corner.

For as little as $5 a month, you get early access to ad-free versions of episodes, a special weekly behind-the-scenes podcast, and patron-only AMA live streams. Before we get

started, this episode contains descriptions

of religiously motivated violence in a

fantasy setting, body horror, and transformation,

and some mentions of gore.

Content warnings and a full transcript are available

in the show notes.

Anathema Deep in the heart of the country, far from any sea, there stood a little town called Verona.

Quaint, quiet, wholly devoted to its bucolic status quo, like any number of rural towns.

Yet for all Verona prided itself on its traditions and apparent normalcy,

it was perhaps better defined by its fear.

Something lurked in the redwood forest outside of Verona,

where so many of its people would tell you.

Nameless, shapeless, wholly unknown,

yet present in every waking moment of the townsfolk. Its crate and eerie shadow lent gravity

to the words of guidance passed down by the town elders, establishing their place as a beacon to gather

round in the storied darkness.

The mothers of Verona reared their young on caution,

diligent to maintain one great unspoken rule.

Never enter the woods alone.

...