The Trapdoor Apprentice

This sailing vessel calls Fish Bone Harbor its home when not crossing the dark Margastly Channel to deliver motley goods from the dank little port. The one ray of light from this ship is it’s mermaid plaqued bow, Estelle.

Riding high in his bear-drawn carriage, Maestro Sambach embarks upon another dismal day of ordering his factory’s employees to create depressing, creepy objects.

Finn dejected and missing home, sitting on a decrepit stack of pilings next to Fish Bone Harbor.

A sad portrayal of Finn’s Mother, watching her only son set off for his new life as an apprentice to Crayfish, the Trapdoor Maker of Fish Bone Harbor.

In a rarely seen image of Mufflefinger, we are shown here a very private picture of him standing atop one of his favorite possessions: the Trapdoor Midas 3000, model X. It is a top of the line, highly experimental version of one of Crayfish’s most daring trapdoor creations.

Although, not enough information is available to further comment on this particular model of trapdoor, it is certain that the trap is of the highest quality. IN FACT, the quality is so high, there are no previous victims with whom we could acquire an interview about their misfortune of falling through this door.

Finn emerged from the alley to find himself being observed by a one-eyed, hunched over, larger than a rowboat sailor.  His quiet self-consciousness fooled no one, especially the sailor. With a booming, raspy voice the one-eyed man announced himself as “Brutus”.

Here’s the artist’s depiction of Brutus:

Crayfish is found here operating the trapdoor “Apparaticalus”.  A device that has revolutionized the production of trapdoors.  Although, it has also produced a high mortality rate among the very same group.

He’s the Trapdoor Maker of Fish Bone Harbor, and Finn’s boss.  At first meeting, he’s large, odorous, and gruff, but below the crusty surface lies a complex character.

What kind of individual works his entire life making trapdoors for dishonest clients?  His motivation is simple:  Income.  But, why would he decide to accept an apprentice?  Crayfish might seem like a monstrous, shifty thief, although a tiny heart beats somewhere inside his chest.

Martine is the evil, sinister leader of the Underground Society – The Society exist to rule all those that reside Below the passages.  Martine’s involvement as the leader can be traced back many centuries to when his name was first spotted on the Society’s minutes.  Those in the know Above, are frightened by the mention of Martine’s name, and usually choose to not think about his or the Underground’s existence.  Although, those in the know do test the floor everytime they enter a stranger’s house or shop – no reason to take a chance on having to meet Martine in person.

This image of Martine, is one of only two portraits made of him in existence.  The other is blocked from public view because of its location in the Underground Society’s officer’s chambers.  Please note, Martine is incapable of forcing anyone into the Below, or for that matter, helping anyone get to the Above.  His duties as a leader fall more into a political category.

Finn is seen here emerging from a trapdoor entrance.