1

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: October 12, 2024, 03:03:29 am »

It took some forceful persuasion, but I have finally convinced Nael to allow a cleric to examine him.  He is still refusing to go to a temple but consented to allowing a priest I have vetted myself to visit him in his chambers.  I don't think my input is of much use.  If I bring in my minister he'll just put Nael to the flame.  Honestly that's my final plan if things don't go well but I think in the case of my own brother it's a bit harsh to jump straight to that solution.  Therefore I've contacted one of the Temples to Tyche in Conch and they have agreed to send a priest to us.  It's the same temple I took the dead farm girl too.  I must be careful they don't assume I'm one of their parishioners with all these visits I'm doing. 

Otherwise our lands have been fairly quiet.  I've been staying in Nael's tower with him.  The spare room he gave me was a mess with cobwebs and a thick layer of dust everywhere.  I couldn't have been arsed to tidy it though.  I just toss my bearskin bedroll onto the bed and sleep on that.  I don't think Nael's health is improving but at least no more dead farmers have been found. 

The quietness bothers me though.  I am still doing my patrols but not finding as many ogres or giants as usual.  This doesn't mean we are safe, it means they are massing for a raid.  I visited the Scaly Boy estate to discuss the strategic situation with them but was alarmed to find they were absent.  It seems they've all gone off hunting another dragon relic together.  They had left an ample garrison of lizardfolk and kobolds but without one of their leaders on hand they are like a rabble.  I told one of the kobold shamans to send a runner to me if they need any assistance while Zeph and his friends are away, but he seemed offended by my "microaggressive questioning of our competence", whatever that means. 

2

Public Notices / Re: Issues of the Conch Champion (For public reading)

« on: July 26, 2024, 11:15:29 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

Lake Vyctoria's Rise
It has been an interesting time at Lake Vyctoria, the infamous "Lake of Tears" to our south.  I've heard many stories about lizardfolk, kobolds and others migrating there recently.  The resurgent Sadardiel noble family has also won some recent victories against the ogres that have plagued the area and given the lake its nickname.  I must say it's been a pleasant change to be talking about such things.  Usually Lake Vyctoria's only events of interest are growing casualties at the hands of ogres and pilgrimages from unhinged followers of the dead Archmage the lake was named after.  It seems that the lake is currently the place to be right now.  But Conch itself has some things of note going on too, so read on!

-P.Layne, editor.

Access to Enclaves
Two enclaves have recently acquired access to our fair city.  The famed enclave Hamring, said to be a place that "changes visitors", now has a portal located in Upper Conch.  Meanwhile the wizard Xathira Shade has created a portal to access their Shade Enclave.  It is rumoured to be a safe haven for Underdark races and to trade in rare materials from there.  Shade's portal is on the turf of the Diiri's Boys gang in the slums of West Conch.  However it is understood The Boys do not have a monopoly on access to it due to the growing power of the other gangs and Shade's lack of interest in local power struggles. 

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.

Kobold Migration
Large numbers of kobolds have passed through Conch in the past week in an unusual migration to the Lake of Tears.  Though Kerrar of the Scales gang sought to recruit each wave as they arrived in Conch, only a few took his offer and the rest continued their journey.  It is believed the kobold migrants have joined the Scaly Boys group at their estate on the lake's shore.  Where they came from originally is unknown other than they came from the north.  The kobolds left a mixed trail of commerce and mischief behind them and most citizens hope the resettlement has ended.

-A. Nutt, reporter.

Adventuring Scandal
A source who cannot be named has informed the Conch Champion of a brewing scandal concerning adventurers in the Market District.  Stall holders have allegedly been concocting work for local adventurers to keep them busy and therefore making purchases in the market district.  These stall holders are supposedly doing various misdeeds such as releasing livestock, luring vermin into town and faking Man-Bat sightings.  WNTC was asked to comment, and Notary Victoria Hastings said that if true such behaviour was reprehensible, counter-productive to trade and certainly not being done by any of their members. 

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

3

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: July 07, 2024, 03:07:09 am »

My interests neatly coincided with Zephor and the Scaly Boys once again.  I have been quietly gathering items from Nael's secret orders.  Nael doesn't know, and I'm not telling him.  I consider this my fee for keeping his return quiet.  One of the items I have been searching for is a firestone.  I thought perhaps it might be near the Vein of Kozah and had been fruitlessly searching that area, but a clue directed me to a nearby mine that was connected to the same lava tubes.  It turned out this mine was infested with kobolds that were kin to Zephor's sycophantic sidekick Konchord.  Therefore, Zephor and I decided to seek out the queen of these kobolds.  He hoped to bring them into his growing community and I hoped to secure the firestone.

The kobolds were not pleased to see either of us, and we had to fight them and their golems and elemental servants repeatedly.  Kobolds may be incredibly annoying pests but their traps were beyond even my ability to disarm.  Even the Kobold Queen and her bodyguards attacked us, and the tribe did not submit to Zephor until the leaders had all been slain.  We then slew the fiery guardians of the firestone and I was able to retrieve it.  I was grateful for Zephor's aid for I'm certain the task was far beyond me alone.  For this reason I tolerated the gaggle of yipping and yapping kobolds that followed us back to the Lake of Tears.  Then I was able to rest and go about my other work. 

A farm girl recently disappeared from the farmlands in our area and I personally investigated the matter.  I found her dead a few days later and the body had been exsanguinated.  Rather than notify her parents I took her to the temple of Tyche hoping the poor girl could be raised.  Unfortunately they felt the nature of her death warranted a cremation which I approved.  I rather cravenly sent her father a letter rather than seeing him myself.  His reply was as mournful and angry as one would expect, and he expects further investigations into her death. 

Zephor has told me he suspects Nael has been influenced or corrupted by dark magic.  Personally I think my brother is just run of the mill insane, which is barely any better.  Either way I feel it's too much of a coincidence that the girl died the night Nael returned to his tower.  I confronted Nael about it, but he is still claiming amnesia and confusion about everything.  I tried to get him to sip some holy water to put my mind at ease, but he refused.  We argued, and he refused all my offered solutions.  I ended up just throwing the water at him in frustration.  It shattered on his breastplate and some drops spattered his face.  He howled that it stung, and that was enough for me.  I told him father would see him immediately however Nael felt about the matter. 

I don't know what happens from here.  I needed to bring back a healthy and sane Nael to save this family, and instead I've brought back a tainted madman.  No doubt father will decide it's completely my fault.  And the twins will be pissed that I've wrecked their dreams of becoming heirs.  The only solution I've come up with so far is an ugly one...

4

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: June 19, 2024, 02:50:14 am »

I was drinking at the Happy Cow like any week day morning when the noise started.  The familiar thud of heavy rocks falling upon the farmlands followed by the obnoxious chanting that had preceded my previous encounter with the ogre mage.  I sent a call for aid and rushed to the farmlands, buckling my armour awkwardly as I jogged.  The farmers told me they had seen large skeletal creatures wandering the hills above their farms and it was they who were hurling the boulders. 

I expected to venture up alone (as usual the retainers and farming militia were hiding in their basements) when my friend Denny arrived.  Usually he is nowhere to be found when anything big happens, so I was rather shocked but welcomed his lanky company.  Together we marched up the hill and soon found the wild stories the farmers had told me were true.  While a few living ogres and ettins accompanied the enemy, most of them were skeletal and mummified.  The latter proved particularly resilient and it took much hacking and burning to put them down.  We were hampered by a foul purplish mist which clung atop the hill and the constant chanting coming from the mine.  Denny provided valuable fire support with this bow and charged in when we had thinned the undead numbers somewhat. Once again the mine was the source of the incursion so we went in.

As we passed through the cave mouth, we heard fast footsteps rushing up behind us.  It was Zephor.  He had heard my call and hurried to join us.  The three of us were quickly accosted by more of the foul mummies, and we were separated.  Sadly in the confusion Denny was overwhelmed and slain.  We covered his remains and agreed to collect them when we left.  Then we followed the sound of the chanting, and once again found our enemy from the last attack, the mutant ogre mage.  Obviously we had put a dent in his army for now the vast majority of it was undead.  The battle was musty, chaotic and bruising but he did not escape us this time.  Zephor was faster than ever and even if the ogre had fled he would have been run down.  We felled the brute, and prepared to collect Denny and depart.

But then I heard a low moaning at the back of the cave.  We cautiously approached it and found a man clambering from a pile of rocks.  In the gloom I could see he was shirtless and covered in a multitude of scratches, cuts and bruises.  It took me a few seconds before I realised who it was... it was Nael!  Against all odds, he still lived!  He was wounded, exhausted and confused.  He couldn't remember how he arrived in the cave, nor did he even remember his abduction by the ogres and could only mutter some gibberish about "the mission".  It was near impossible to contain my glee.  It even overwhelmed the shock of Denny's death.  I'd done what they brought me back to do, found my missing brother and the family heir.  I was already imagining triumphantly returning to Druon's estate.  Unfortunately, Nael insisted he needed some rest before he faced the family again, and asked us to escort him to his tower safehouse in the farmlands.  I agreed, but Zephor was much more cautious.  He chose to send us ahead while he scouted the rest of the mine.  I picked up Denny's remains on the way out, and told Nael it was only fair that our parents should foot the bill for his resurrection.  During our return journey we saw a white stag.  I had some grain on me and offered it some, and it followed us the rest of the way.  I told Nael it was his new pet, like it or not. 

At the tower, Nael slumped into a chair.  He was still insistent on recovering before I took him home, damn him.  I agreed to keep his discovery a secret until he was ready to face mother and father again.  I said "a few days" but I have a feeling he'll drag it out much longer than that.  To be fair, he really did look a mess.  Zephor caught up with us not long afterwards.  Nael assured us we would be rewarded both for our rescue and discreetness.  This noticeably perked up Zephor.  I told Nael I would come back in a day or two to check on him.  I left the stag with him.  It's friendly enough, and if he really doesn't want it he can just let it out the door. 

I'm still excited about having found him, and it was hard to hide it when I returned to the family manor.  I'm fortunate the others have so little interest in me most of the time, because I might have cracked if they badgered me.  There is no doubting that we found Nael, but he doesn't seem quite himself.  I thought he would be in a rush to get back home to his bed, and whatever he went through at the hands of the ogres has made him gloomy and confused.  He'd better not make me wait too long... otherwise I'll just cosh him and take him back in a wheelbarrow.   

5

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: June 05, 2024, 05:50:00 am »

I finally tracked down that druid I've been seeing about Conch.  Her name is Madie.  She's sweetly naive and into that whole "balance" thing.  I neglected to mention that I follow the Stormlord and handed over my gifts of penance.  Madie was confused but she accepted them.  I invited her to visit the manor some day.  Denny was showing her about town, but he's quite new too.  I hope someone who knows Conch well helped them out.  I suppose I could have done it, but frankly I just didn't feel like it.  Wouldn't have been long before Madie figured out I'm one of the "Unbalanced" as the Jannathians call us anyway.

On an odd note, I think I have a secret admirer.  I was out on one of my usual patrol routes this week and found in the middle of my path a rose.  If wasn't an ordinary flower, it was made of the most sublime crystal and will never wilt.  It must be very expensive, and it's beautiful.  I strutted around the manor carrying it for quite a while.  It's very rare that I get male attention.  Anais was the one the boys were always chasing.  I did ponder a moment that the twins might have left it as a prank on me, but they'd never spend that much on a joke.  I wonder who it was?  Oh gods no... maybe it was Lezkin! 

6

Public Notices / Re: Issues of the Conch Champion (For public reading)

« on: May 21, 2024, 10:30:09 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

 

Interesting Times
The level of interest we received in our recent Scaly Boys interview was very pleasing.  I think Champion readers enjoyed hearing the words of someone more candid than the typically guarded witnesses and bureaucrats that usually feature in our articles.  But in today's issue I'd rather not dwell too long on my thoughts.  There are some intriguing events going on at the District Authorities of Conch, so read on and find out what my intrepid reporters have discovered.

-P. Layne, editor.

Gangland Diplomacy
There have been some strategic shifts in the dynamics of the gangs of West Conch.  The dominance of the brutal Diiri's Boys, the current District Authority of West Conch, has forced some of the minor gangs to unite to survive.  Leader of the Kolumbo gang, Ythnael Kolumbo, married a relative of Kerrar, the leader of the Scales gang.  This has formalised a truce between the two gangs.  The relative is said to be a "quarter-dragon" cousin of Kerrar.  Meanwhile, Crispin Knott of the Knotts and Priestess Mylene of the Angels of Small Mercies have forged a mutual defence pact.  Finally the Mourners bloodily crushed a recent attempt by Diiri's Boys to seize control of the passage to the graveyard.  It is the first major defeat the stim-boosted fanatics of Diiri's Boys have suffered and it is unknown by what means the Mourners managed their victory.  How Grymtol and his inner circle in Diiri's Boys will deal with these challenges to their supremacy remains to be seen.

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.

Chardalyn found!
The Conch Champion has been tipped off that a prospector has discovered a seam of the highly sought after gemstone chardalyn somewhere in the Columns of the Sky mountain range.  Chardalyn is a valuable substance due to its ability to store spells and large nuggets can hold very powerful spells indeed.  Nebular University has scrambled field teams and sent them to the mountains to attempt to find where the chardalyn source is.  Meanwhile, at least one rival team from Hadrian's Syndicate of the Weave passed through Conch a day ago on their way to the mountains.  The Columns of the Sky are sacred to the Rengarth people and they have killed intruders in the past.  With prospecting teams heading there, more conflict seems inevitable.

-A. Nutt, reporter.

Imperial Delegation Visits WNTC
An imperial arcanist and his retinue has made a visit to Conch.  The heavily guarded and warded arcanist came here to speak with Governor Every Hastings of WNTC and teleported back to Upper Netheril immediately after the meeting was concluded.  What was discussed is unknown and Governor Hastings sternly declined to discuss the matter with our newspaper.  However, a source the Champion has within WNTC tells us that the meeting was quite heated and the arcanist made numerous demands of Hastings and WNTC as a whole.  It can be assumed that WNTC is in an awkward position, given that it is an authority of a suburb of a free city yet also works under a contract issued by the enclaves of the Empire.

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

7

Public Notices / Re: Issues of the Conch Champion (For public reading)

« on: May 13, 2024, 04:28:28 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH A SCALY BOY
Hello readers!  I am pleased to publish this exclusive interview with a representative of the already well-known Scaly Boys.  They have recently come into possession via uncertain means of an estate near the Lake of Tears which once belonged to a half-dragon.  I hope this interview answers some of the questions readers have about this new group of neighbours we have.  The representative they sent was Lezkin, a redtailed lizardfolk.  He was quite an affable subject and I suggest you say hello should you see him in the market district one day.  Be aware that as a lizardfolk he will taste the air near you and objects with his tongue.  Having spent time travelling with lycanthrope pilgrims this was not uncomfortable for me but you should be aware it is normal behaviour for him and certainly not intended to be offensive. 

I hope you enjoy this interview.  I assure you it is an accurate transcript of my conversation with Lezkin.  I did my best to interpret his body language though he is the first of his species I have interviewed.  Thus I can only apologise to him and readers for any minor misinterpretations on my part.  If you have any opinions on what you read below, I invite you to write me a letter to the editor. 
-P. Layne, editor.

PL
Hello, you must be the representative from the Scaly Boys.  I'm Perrina Layne, editor of this publication, and very pleased to meet you.  How should I address you?

LEZKIN
Lezkin is Lezkin.  Is good meeting you also.  Desk is nice smelling wood, Lezkin approves.

PL
Thank you Lezkin, it's served me well I suppose.  I'm really happy that you've come to see me.  Many people in Conch are curious about the Scaly Boys.  Perhaps you could start by telling me a bit about yourselves?   What brought you to this area?  Who are the other Scaly Boys?

LEZKIN
Mmm, Scaly Boys is many things.  It started with Lezkin, Zephor, and Konchord.  We find one another and seek draconic ancestry and truth.  Others see scales, they see monsters.  We see one another and see noble creatures, be better than what the smoothskins call us.  We come to the area for rumours of dragons.  Found many young scaly boys- girls can also be scaly boys- in slums and in gangs.  Sad state of affairs.

PL
Ah now that is interesting.  Your group is not affiliated with Mr Kerrar's slums gang?  The Scales?  Some people have assumed you must be.

LEZKIN
No, Scaly boys is not criminals, is... more like... advocacy group.  Teach young scaly boys to love the scales on their skins and on their hearts.  Some peoples say Scaly Boys have done bad things, this is not true.  More evidence smoothskins see something different and call it monster.  You are journalist, surely you hears many interesting things yes?  You hear of any dragons in area?

PL
Hmmm.  I'm not aware of any stories of dragons living near Conch itself.  I have heard a tale that generations ago an ancient green dragon terrorised the cities of Hadrian and Hilltop, which are within airship distance of us.  It supposedly tore down one of the arcanist guild's enclaves and scattered mythal shards for miles around.  Some champions attempted to slay it but only managed to maim and scar it.  According to Hadrian folklore the green dragon will return for revenge on their city some day.

Back to present matters, I understand that the Scaly Boys have recently become landholders near the Lake of Tears.  How exactly did that come about?  I've heard some quite dramatic rumours,  but I'd like to hear your own account of events.

LEZKIN
Mmm sounds like tragic case of noble dragon being made villain of smoothskin stories.  Always the dragon is the villain, never the adventurers seeking to steal the dragons hoard.  Shows much about smoothskin mentality and culture.  Poor dragon probably just defending itself from arcanists who try use dragon for magic experiments.  Wizards always up to tricks like that.

Erm yes, is beautiful manor house near lake, new home of scaly boys operation.  Legitimate business peoples needs legitimate business grounds.  Noble cause need noble walls and such.  Lezkin was lucky, he was favourite nephew of uncle Larzk. Uncle Larzk sadly pass away recently, trouble with rogue adventuring party.  But in his will he leaves Lezkin his beautiful estate.  Only problem is, some sneaky snake woman, probably yuan-ti, disguised as half-dragon had snuck in!  She tried to claim the manor as part of hoard and used it as base of operations to commit genocide of Konchord's kobold bretheren.  Many noble young scalys perished.  Zephor, hero of scaly boys, tried reason with imposter-dragon but sadly, evil chooses violence.  Zeph had no choice but to strike down wicked woman

Good news is that is well within rights, morally and legally because Lezkin is inheritor and that makes her trespasser.  Silver lining of tragic situation, some gold found that scaly boys is using to fund the young scales, send young ones on adventure camps and teach them martial arts for discipline and personal enrichment.  Community uplift initiatives is goods.

PL
So you say you were willed this estate and this woman was not actually a half-dragon at all.  Intriguing.  Well, I am sure if you were legally entitled to the estate and she was an impostor then you should have nothing to worry about from the authorities then. 

Is there any truth to the rumour that House Sadardiel helped you remove this alleged usurper?  My reporter was told a family member has often been seen with your group in Laketown.

LEZKIN
Of course, Scaly boys is upstanding citizens.  Sometimes authorities mistreat us and our kind because of institutional bias, is hard to be believed of innocence when the guards see only guilty monsters.  Is part of why so many scaly boys have intergenerational trauma and multilayered intersectional disadvantage.  Is many courses taught about it at bard college.

And no, no house Sadardiel helped us.  Houses cannot fight. Who is this rumour-sayer? Who they say was with us? And IF house Sadardiel was there then it would’ve been probably for a good reason.  Probably because House Sadardiel is an ally of scaled folk, helper of the downtrodden.  They is smoothskins but have scales on their hearts.

But also they weren't there.

PL
As a journalist I'm honour bound to keep my contacts confidential.  One of the foundations of my trade, you see.  All I can say is someone in Sadardiel livery has been seen traveling in the company of your group through Laketown.  So you are a bard then, Lezkin?  A rememberer and spinner of tales and songs?

LEZKIN
Hmm Lezkin would remember if someone was walking around with Manon's liver on them.  He would smell it *what he meant by this statement is unknown*

And yes! Most renowned bard among the redtail tribe.  My yodel-hissing makes many females eager for mating and desperate to bear my clutch-broods.  Lezkin is also accomplished story-maker, can spin not-truths very quick-fast.  Not that Lezkin does that here.  This is official interview.  All very honest.

PL
So there is you, a bard and a diplomat too it seems.  Zephor... your hero, you said?  And Konchord.  Are there any other Scaly Boys?

LEZKIN
Mm there is also Gezara.... Gazael.... um Gez.  Gez is our wizard.  He doesn't have scales, but scales aren't always scales.  He has horns and those are a kind of scales, so he's also a Scaly Boy.  You should make sure in the article you mention we have powerful magics, wise teachers.  Going to teach the disadvantaged young scales some magics that they can't afford at fancy smoothskin schools.  Is good initiative.

PL
It sounds like education and welfare are important priorities for you.  So what other future plans do the Scaly Boys have for this region?  I expect that you are going to stay for some time now that you are homeowners.

LEZKIN
Of course, Scaly boys is in a growth and expansion phase.  We looking to recruit and build, bring good stuff to the region for the underprivileged.  Also hunting dragons, look for their mysteries.  The Scaly Boys all dragons on the inside, so we will become dragons on outside.  Someday soon, we will be benevolent protector dragons, mighty powerful with immense hoard of goods.  Is lucky we have secret hoard vault

That uh, Lezkin means to say, will need to build secret hoard vault... for charity donations to be safely kept.

PL
So you hope to... what's the word... metamorphosise yourself into full dragons?  That's a goal for all the Scaly Boys in the near future?  Surely something like that must be difficult to accomplish.

LEZKIN
Is not difficult for catepillar to become butterfly, just natural process of becoming.  The Scaly boys is all dragons in the making, just not look like it on the outside yet.

PL
All right, what happens next then?  How many Scaly Boys are there?  Four?  And you are recruiting more?  Do you believe this region can support several growing dragons?

LEZKIN
Four, and scaly boys grows much bigger as an organisation, but only the core disciples is dragons-in-making, so very sustainable number.  Dragons can roam far and have powerful magics.  Will bring new age of prospering.  Logistics will sort themselves out with time and magic, Miss Reporter not need worry about such things.

PL
Oh, I'm only concerned for yourselves.  You might find yourselves arguing about livestock, or who gets how much hoard storage space.  However, it sounds like you have given the matter some thought.  Do you know what colour of dragons you will all become?

LEZKIN
Mmm Lezkin is thinking Red Dragon in honour of red tail clan of his clutch.  Red Dragons are well known for being the fastest and most majestic with good temperament.  The others you need ask yourself, is personal decision.  But maybe Zeph go black dragon.  Would suit him I thinks

PL
Red dragon... good temperament?  Hmmm.  Very well, if you say so.  I have also been wondering how the Scaly Boys feel about ogres.  I understand the Lake of Tears has a lot of trouble with them.  Have they attacked your estate too?

LEZKIN
Scaly boys try not to generalise on species.  That's a microaggression.  But that said, ogres is often some of the most hostile stupid f*ckheads Lezkin has ever met.  Is enjoyable killing them.  Some rare ogre maybe good, maybe even potential friend, but in Lezkin experience the best ogre is dead ogre.

PL
I try not to judge others on sight either, hence my eagerness to meet one of your group.  I've met many lovely people of many races here in Conch.  But I must confess I've never met a pleasant ogre.

The final question I wanted to ask you Lezkin is how your group feels about Conch.  Is it a place you have good feelings about, a place you think the Scaly Boys can work with?  Or, no offence intended, is it just a future larder for when you gain your dragonhood?"

LEZKIN
Mmm mm, is reasonable you is concerned.  You still working through your internalised biases towards scaled folk, think we just human eaters.  Scaly boys quite like Conch.  Recently bought a lovely cave just outside of town even.  Is good place to live, nice taverns and bars.  Would never want harm the town and is not larder.  Is much too dirty in slums, people too skinny, adventurers and wizards around to get upset too- is just not practical.  Much better eating near Sullivans- minotaur flank is fatty and abundant.

PL
Well I am sure the Champion's readers will be very relieved and pleased to hear that.  All right, unless there was anything else you would like to talk about that's our interview over.  Was there anything else?

LEZKIN
No, no, Lezkin looks forward to reading.  Has been good productive conversation, am sure Miss Reporter will present good news about scaly boys presence and social initiatives.  Thank you.

PL
Thank you for coming to talk to us.  It's been a pleasure, Lezkin.  You are welcome to come back for a chat anytime.  Fare thee well.

8

Public Notices / Re: Issues of the Conch Champion (For public reading)

« on: April 26, 2024, 09:10:21 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

New Faces in Conch
I feel that one of Conch's most unique features and greatest strengths is its cosmopolitan nature.  Most of our citizens are humans but we live alongside such a wide variety of people- elves, dwarfs, wee folk, reptilians, goblinoids and more.  While we have occasional scuffles against each other or amongst our own for the most part things in Conch are reasonably peaceful.  I know too that should an outside danger threaten us such internecine squabbles will be quickly put aside.  Conch's multiculturalism is well-known and this draws an ever greater variety of peoples to our walls, many of them freebooters and adventurers looking for work.  Just this week I have seen and heard of a druid, a kenku and the motley bunch calling themselves "The Scaly Boys" operating in our fair city.  I welcome these newcomers, and invite them to stop by the Champion's offices for a chat with me should they need any help settling in.

-P. Layne, editor.

Drama at Lake Vyctoria
Astonishing events have transpired on the shores of the Lake of Tears.  An estate owned by a half-dragon named Argentia has changed hands and is now under the control of another draconic group known as The Scaly Boys.  It is unknown if they have any link to the slums gang called the Scales.  Argentia herself has not been seen since the loss of her estate and there are whispers that the takeover was violent.  Other unsubstantiated rumours claim that the nearby Sadardiel noble family played some part in this possible usurpation. 

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.

Upcoming Capstick Event
Acclaimed monster hunter Sir Theo Capstick has exclusively told this newspaper that he is eager to hold a special hunting competition.  "There are some rookie hunters and adventurers about, I hear," Sir Capstick said.  "I want to see if they're mere boofheads or have the bollocks to be real hunters of beasts."  Sir Capstick has not decided upon the target creature of this particular hunt, but hinted it would be a humanoid monster of some sort.  Winning one of his competitions always brings fame and a valuable prize though sometimes not all contestants survive the hunt. 

-A. Nutt, reporter.

Drums of War?
The Purple Wyvern garrison of the fort in the Howling Hills has reported to the Champion that they are hearing more drumming than usual from the nearby Rengarth tribes.  While this could simply mean a feast or religious ceremony is nearing it could also mean they are mustering for an attack.  The Rengarth people have sacred sites in the region so travel there is dangerous at the best of times.  However the Purple Wyverns advise that the situation may be far worse than usual right now so non-essential travel to the Howling Hills should be postponed.   

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

9

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: April 26, 2024, 04:18:38 am »

I visited "The Scaly Boys" in their new home a few days ago.  The meeting eased many of my reservations about them, and I am starting to see them for what they are- yet another of the "bad influences" I inevitably enjoy spending time with.  Zephor gave me a fine pair of boots to reward me for my assistance and his little disciple Konchord told me the story of just why they hated Argentia so much. And to be fair to them, the Scaly Boys have decorated their manor very appropriately.   

After that meeting I felt good enough about my ability to gets things done that I got up early the next morning.  Knowing I couldn't sneak past a wooden post without alerting it somehow I gulped down an invisibility potion and left the house.  After some hours in the hills I found a trail left by an ogre warband and followed it into a canyon.  I made no mistakes this time.  I led each group of ogres into an ambush.  Nael's sword sliced through ogre flesh readily and I cut through wave after wave of the creatures.  Their leader proved a worthy adversary.  A nimbus of crackling energy surrounded him and his flesh glowed with eerie runes.  But he too fell to my blade. 

With the creatures death I felt a great weight lift off me.  I'd proven to myself I could handle these beasts that have terrorised my homeland and family.  The dutiful mask I've been straining to put on before my family left with it.  I hacked off the ogres's head, took it home and dumped it on father's desk.  Let's see him lecture me now about thoroughness and diligence.  Then I hit the local inn and downed whisky until I puked. 

There's only one thing bothering me.  It wasn't until I'd slain the ogre leader that I could examine the runes on his flesh.  I believe I slew a fellow devotee of the Stormlord.  Kozah won't care.  Hell, he's probably pleased that I removed an unworthy follower from his ranks.  But I feel some personal regret about this, so I will make a small act of contrition.  I believe I saw a druid in Conch last night, if I see them again I will approach them and make my amends. 

10

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: April 21, 2024, 09:39:01 am »

Zephor contacted me to let me know he and his group were assembling in Laketown and I could meet them there for an outing.  I had lots of family matters I had been directed to attend to, so naturally I skipped those and went to Laketown.  I was expecting just him and Lezkin but was a little alarmed when he had two other companions.  A mage of few words who kept his helmet on at all times, and a kobold who proudly said he was "Zephor's first disciple".  They were seeking a tree by Lake Vyctoria and wanted me to come along for reasons that still escape me.  My initial thought was they wanted a human along to negotiate but it became quickly apparent they weren't terribly interested in much I had to offer.  Oddly enough the addled lizardman Lezkin was the only one who had anything resembling a normal conversation with me.  He's a bit witless but easily the nicest one of the lot and even asked if I'd had any luck finding Nael yet.  I thought Zephor seemed a decent leader until later events showed him to be disturbingly unstable. 

I accompanied this motley group on a rowboat trip across the lake where we arrived at a neighbouring estate owned by commoners.  I didn't know them, and the guards had barricaded our path and ignored our hails.  We found a cave opening hidden nearby and entered.  My thought was we were bypassing the estate though Zephor told us he expected danger, so we all went in fully armed and prepared.  We emerged in the basement of a building and were attacked by human guards.  In the chaos we slew them all but one, and in the interrogation I learned that this estate belonged to another half-dragon, a silver. one.  Our party seemed surprised at this development, but Zephor's comrades were also delighted by the possibility of their leader meeting a lady half-dragon. 

We fought our way through more rooms.  Diplomacy was of little use for we were invaders.  Eventually we confronted the lady of the estate, a silver half-dragon named Argentia.  Things seemed calm if a little strained at first.  Zephor said the entire matter was a misunderstanding and he merely wanted information.  Some gibberish about apotheosis for his friends.  Lezkin then accused her of committing some massacre.  Things turned even darker when someone mentioned the word "hoard".  This changed Zephor's mood completely.  He seemed consumed by greed and rage and a fight broke out.  I wasn't sure what to do at first but Argentia was powerful and I feared what might happen if she was victorious.  So I stepped in and joined my scaly allies and Kozah willed that it was my blow that felled the woman. 

The rest of them lost all control then.  They began frantically searching the manor for this hoard of Argentia's, even as more guards stumbled upon us.  In the chaos I was separated and forced to fight some of the guards alone.  They were not impressive warriors but there were a lot of them.  Fortunately I stumbled out of the estate alive and joined the rest of them.  They were ecstatic.  They'd found treasure and even more they'd claimed the estate for their own.  The wizard paid me an insultingly small share of the coins of their plunder, but they did allow me to keep a nice pair of boots from the hoard.  Then the group then split up and departed.  I headed home, confused and a little worried. 

Zephor and his friends, assuming they are able to retain control Argentia's estate, are now my family's neighbours.  It is fortunate that I seem to be on good terms with them, but I highly doubt my parents will be pleased by this development.  I fear too that I was manipulated into being a part of their raid on the estate.  Was it all a misunderstanding or did they go in there intent on murdering that creature and stealing its home?  I honestly didn't want to kill that half-dragon woman, but my newfound allies are unpredictable and don't listen to me.  First though I must find a way to tell father about this that doesn't make me sound gullible or incompetent.  I'd rather let him assume (as usual) that I am those things than have it immediately obvious from my words. 

11

General Discussion / Small Pleasures in NWN

« on: April 17, 2024, 07:10:03 am »

Here are a few of mine.  Feel free to add yours!

When my opponent drinks a healing potion and my attack of opportunity is a critical hit

When I pass the spot the arch-rival of my previous PC died at

When an undead monster drinks a healing potion

The death animation of giant frogs

When an enemy mage casts magic missile and I've got shield or blur up

12

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: April 14, 2024, 08:57:13 am »

I stayed in Laketown Hamlet a few days waiting for the next ogre movements.  It started with another rain of boulders from the hills upon the farmlands, and an ominous shaking of the earth.  Hastily I donned my armour and rushed to the scene.  None of the Laketown guards followed me, insisting they needed to protect the town.  The farmers were both relieved and surprised to see Lord Sadardiel had apparently sent one of his own children to the scene. 

Then it was my turn to be surprised when two saurian creatures arrived behind me.  For one awful moment I thought they were part of the attack but in fact they had heard the ruckus and come to aid the farmers.  One was clearly draconic in origin, and called himself Zephor.  I had never met such a being before and had in fact thought them to be legendary.  He seemed cultured and friendly, though had the greedy gleam in his eyes I had been told the draconic possess.  His companion was Lezkin, a sadly addled lizardfolk who was adamant that he is a half-dragon too.  Lezkin was a less comforting ally, being crude and incapable of being silent for any length of time.  But without them I would be venturing alone, so I accompanied them into the farmlands. 

The ogres were atop the hill as expected and quickly fell bloodily to our assault.  I spotted the mine entrance they had used to reach the hilltop and we followed their trail in and confronted a much larger band of ogres.  This battle was much closer fought and we were separated on a few occasions, but once again we broke the ogres.  Their leader was a shaman who in his grunting speech swore retribution upon us as he fled.  His spells were far more impressive than his nerve.  I allowed my saurian allies to keep the bulk of the creatures' plunder, only taking those things for myself that obviously belonged to my family. 

There were two such things- a sword and a shield.  Both were magnificent items of war and bore the heraldry of the Sadardiel family.  A hidden compartment on the shield contained a letter written to my brother Nael.  They were his!  This did not bode well for his fate, and I wondered if his bodily remains were in one of the piles of ogre dung in the mine.  Intriguingly, the letter and some other paperwork in the shield detailed the requirements and construction of an artifact of Valstiir.  The Lake of Tears was originally named after Archmage Vyctoria Valstiir so surely anything bearing her name must be powerful.  Indeed, the lakeside cultists I used to fraternise with worshipped her as a goddess.  I don't have the required apparatus to build it yet but it is certainly something worth pursuing. 

There is only one complication.  Nael.  I already suspected he was dead, but finding his personal sword and shield amongst ogre loot is all but proof of his death.  I suppose I will have to tell my parents about it.  I'm keeping the sword and shield whatever they say.  But I shudder to think how father will react.  The letter hidden in the shield indicated that Nael was searching for the items to build Valstiir's  artifact on behalf of someone else.  Was he working outside the family?  I suppose he always did seem just too perfect.  Perhaps before I inform my parents I should do a quick search of his chambers, assuming I can get in at all...

13

Public Notices / Re: Issues of the Conch Champion (For public reading)

« on: April 10, 2024, 06:08:14 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

A New Moon
Greetings citizens of Conch, I am Perrina Layne your new editor!  Longtime readers of the Champion will know that statement is not entirely true for I edited this publication until I retired two years ago.  I watched on with frustration during Giona Morton's tenure and was delighted when Mr Hurstport asked me to return as editor.  Conch has changed somewhat since last I edited this newspaper.  The Kolumbos no longer dominate west Conch and the threat of the Empire has receded somewhat.  I feel this is a new chapter in our fair city's history and a more hopeful and prosperous one. 

I have been spending this past week personally delivering newspapers to our loyal subscribers and meeting people about town.  My initial goals as editor are to restore trust in our newspaper, promote worthy businesses and individuals of Conch and to rehabilitate the Champion's relationship with Conch's adventurers after Mr Morton's stint.   When I was a young lass I was an adventurer myself and know of the good work many of them are capable of.  Indeed, this week has seen me don my armour and pick up my mace and shield once again to do some small deeds for the needy.  My equipment is far heavier than I remembered!

My office is always open to tip-offs and requests for stories and you are all welcome to have a chat with me if you see me about town.

-P. Layne, editor.

Strange Sounds
Parishioners at the Market District's Temple of Tyche have told the Champion that they have heard eerie sounds coming from the crypts during services.  The sounds were described as a dry scrabbling or rattling.  Priest Zolo declined to make any comment to the Champion.  But one of his staff told this reporter on the condition of anonymity that some of the dead interned beneath the temple have risen for unknown reasons and must be forcibly laid back to rest.  They pleaded for adventurers or mercenaries to come to their aid. 

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.

The Man-Bat Returns
After some months of quiet, sightings of Conch's own boogieman the Man-Bat are being reported again.  The creature is said to resemble a man with a hideous face and wings sprouting from his shoulders.  Some tales say that the Man-Bat is a supernatural portent of doom and appears in Conch just before a major calamity occurs.  Others say that he a mutant child of a forbidden relationship, to be pitied as much as feared.  The more rational insist he is merely a Nebular student playing pranks in an outlandish costume.  What is known for certain is that Man-Bat sightings almost invariably occur in wine cellars. 

-A. Nutt, reporter.

Rain of Boulders
Ogres are continuing to raid and sack farms owned by the Sadardiel noble family near the Lake of Tears.  When not committing full assaults, the creatures hurl huge rocks upon the farmlands, causing much damage and effort to move.  The Sadardiels have been suffering from a shortage of retainers and their terrified farmers can generally do little but cower in their farmhouses when attacks begin.  However there have been unconfirmed reports this past week that the noble family has begun making counterattacks.

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

14

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: April 08, 2024, 10:12:49 am »

I did something a little reckless.  Not wanting to accompany my father and the twins on their ogre patrol, I found out from a retainer named Kashia where they planned to go.  Then I went there alone ahead of the others, thinking they'd arrive to find me sitting atop a pile of ogre corpses.  I'd never fought an ogre before but imagined I was more than a match for any of them.  I wasn't exactly wrong.  One on one or even one on two I could dispatch the brutes fairly easily, but once they were aware of my presence and charged me en masse I had to beat a hasty retreat.  I expected them to be heavy hitters but underestimated how difficult they would be to injure, let alone put down.  Naturally, father's party then conveniently came riding over the crest to rescue me.  At least they didn't find me roasting on a spit, I suppose.

I know I should be grateful.  And I would have been if father hadn't launched straight into one of his "Manon you have disappointed me!" lectures, with the twins sneering and rolling their eyes at me in unison (which never stops being creepy).  They also entirely overlooked that I'd slain nearly a dozen ogres entirely on my own.  Father turned it into a big triumph for Yanis and Anais and told me and the slightly embarrassed retainers at length how amazing they are.  Nearly as good as Nael, he said.  The twins lapped it up, but once the accolades were over they began accounting for how many ogres each had slain, how effective their orders to the retainers had been and so forth.  I'm sick of them already.  They'll seize every opportunity to remind each other who should be heir now and remind me that I'm the black sheep who can't do anything right.  I decided right then that I would deny them their next opportunity for either.

The next morning, fate gave me my chance.  Whether intentionally or by mistake, Kye the steward left a letter to father on my desk.  The plantation farmers are having trouble with boulders being hurled at their defences and begged for father to send someone to do something.  I sent a reply to this Farmer Jason assuring him I'd investigate personally.  A few boulders thrown at a farmyard without a major assault following sounds like a few stray ogres, not a warband like the one I encountered on my solo patrol.  I can handle this, and I'll grab all the rewards and praise.  Not because I really want them, but because I don't want father or my siblings to get them. 

15

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: April 04, 2024, 10:31:47 pm »

Today was my formal presentation back to the family.  We did the ceremony before breakfast.  It wasn't bad so much as creepy and strange.  These aren't quite the people I left behind those years ago.  I immediately caused a problem by refusing to wear the body-crushing armour and surcoat I'd been provided with.  The armourer and tailor both had to improvise.  I was quite happy with the result but my father's dropped jaw when I entered the hall indicated he was not.  I bowed, as is expected.  Even after my absence I'm still quite adept at going through these motions without feeling a thing.

Father hugged me with a manic intensity that frightened me.  He welcomed me back, then spluttered into loud outrage about my weight and "disgraceful" custom livery.  Mother's hug was stiff, but warm.  I could tell the poor woman actually was glad to have me back.  Valentin was the happiest to see me, however.  He began rattling off everything he'd learned in numismatics while I was away, at least until father barked at him to shut up.  The twins just watched the whole scene without saying a word.  Merely nodding at my greeting, they both perched in their chairs with their arms folded.  To me they looked like a pair of praying mantises waiting to strike.  The only words I heard them speak was a quiet argument between them about who has slain the most ogres this week.  Father continued to grumble about my appearance and twitch nervously throughout breakfast. 

Then mother took over and and updated me on the situation.  House Sadardiel was indeed the only remaining noble estate at Lake Vyctoria.  The increasing frequency and intensity of ogre raids drove everyone else away.  With no other holdings my parents have agreed to stay here to the bitter end.  Many of our retainers have been killed or wounded over the years of my absence, including a few of my cousins.  But the heaviest blow was the recent loss of Nael.  He was leading the defence against an ogre raid and became separated from his lifeguard.  He was overpowered and subdued.  Rather than continue the battle, the ogres then unusually withdrew with their prize.  Father is convinced that Nael is still alive and that any day we will receive a ransom demand.  Mother did not disagree but I could tell from her grief-lined face she suspects he is dead.  Ogres generally carry people away only to eat them later so she is probably right. 

Though I've barely arrived, I was then given weighty tasks.  Using the skills that Druon taught me I am to investigate a labyrinth near our estate.  Some of our plantation workers disappeared in there recently and I am expected to venture there and learn of their fate.  I was given no information about what I might face and the retainers are refusing to go in there.  Unless I get some other help I will be delving in there alone.  Assuming I don't die "or just make a complete arse of things like you usually do" as father put it, they want me to join the search for Nael. 

Meanwhile I must make some plans of my own.  This place is going to the dogs and I need to do something.  The most we are likely to find of Nael will be his marrow-sucked bones, and who knows what dangers await me in this labyrinth the retainers are so deathly afraid of?  I fear father will completely lose his mind if Nael is confirmed dead.  Yanis or Anais are going to be made heir eventually, and I don't want to be around for that.  Mother is going to work herself to death.  But I'm bound by law and honour to my oaths to my family and this land, however I feel about that.  There aren't any nearby noble families left with a witless son I could marry myself off to.  If I just walk out I lose all the privileges that come with our title and I am certainly not giving those up.  Will finding Nael fix all this?  What if that is not possible?

I'm going patrolling for ogres with father, the twins and some retainers tonight.  After breakfast, mother quietly warned me to watch my back saying "Leon loses his wits and discipline at the sight of an ogre now, and your brother and sister care only for their headhunting."  If I am going to do anything fun or constructive around here I will need people at my side I can trust.  Nael used to have his own personal retinue, and I can understand why right now.  Odd too that mother called father "Leon" rather than "your father" when she spoke with me today.  I'd forgotten that the servants used to gossip that she'd had an affair before I was born.  Was she making a reference to that, or am I reading too much into this I wonder?