[ToxicWrench]

Those who dare travel the cursed trails of the once Voust claimed land in the Southern Woods have made mention of a small tower appearing on the outskirts of the woods.

Despite the thick and unfaltering darkness that has plagued the area for as long as any can remember, strange sounds and lights have been spotted from the peak of the tower. Some mention that it's almost as if the shadows themselves have began to recede from the small plot of land the tower sits upon.   

[Master_Sarevok2021]

With the slow arrival of groups of refugees fleeing something called “The devil queen and her monsters” it is clear something is raising along the outskirts of Conch and other bastions of civilization.

For many of these refugees they find themselves pushed to the slums; of which the gangs both approve and resent as they get new members but so is their competition.

Still there is a slight light of hope. A cleric of Illmater and her congregation have been busily bringing in supplies to a well stocked soup kitchen and has become something of a tent town where beggars not wanting to join the gangs can at least have a warm meal and someplace safe.

Some of the gangs however grumble and speaking of “another gang coming up” when small shipments of clubs, sickles and a few lumber axes seem to be delivered to the slums under the eyes of the said cleric.

[Master_Sarevok2021]

Rumors spread around the lands near Sullivan and beyond towards Conch and Hadrian. A new tribe of gnolls has appeared. They make no parley with Sullivan, though do not earn his ire either. Instead they hunt the woods and lands, butchering monsters, beasts and others of their kind from lesser tribes. One noticeable factor is that these gnoll stop to eat those they fight so that they might rush into battle with blood on their maws.

No one knows who leads these gnolls, but it is clear that the land will be changed by their arrival.

[Master_Sarevok2021]

There is much of note of late in the realms.

In Hilltop, the hins and their many refugees find respite from their woes by an influx of coin and supplies from Allies and they have managed to get their food and housing problem mostly under control with the new refugee hins and have managed to form a militia. However postings from the Fane in Conch has some concerned and some curious. Most hins proclaim that all they need are their own gods to fortify them in the times to come, but many of the former Dark Stalkers seem interested in the fliers and mutter of “getting their just punishment”

In conch a religious duel of the minds seems underway in the Slums as the same Fane, a group of known lovaitorites makes offers of strength to those that bend to the maidens lash. Many fear and obey as the Angels of Small virtues advised and tear down the posters to use for fires.

But some of the more despondent stare towards the Fanes known location with a far off look. Could the lash ease the pain they few from their lose of home and family? Is a few moments pain worth the chance for strength…maybe revenge?

The Slums vibrate more with the throng of refugees, but it seems the stream has paused for now. Still the leader of the Diri boys rages at the Souppers and works to hire more of the desperate to their ranks. In the market, the West Netheril trading company begins hiring more guards for their caravans on the ground and bemoan the increase in bandits; with some openly exclaiming when the city was under Netherese rule nothing like this happened.(this is up for debate in many circles)

And the arrival of the rumored bands of mercenaries slowly comes true as four flags begin making their stand in camps on the outskirts of cities from Conch, to Sullivan to Hadrian and Southbank. The times feel calm for now though….but even the most drunk of fools can sense something is coming….

[Rainman]

An excavation crew has cleared a shaft to another level of the crypts beneath the Conch graveyard.  The crew were funded by West Netheril Trading Company and the company also paid the Solemn Mourners of Conch gang an undisclosed fee to be able dig unmolested.   Oddly, WNTC have not explored the level themselves but instead said they will pay good money to anyone who delves into it and brings back information.  There is much speculation amongst barflies about what is down there, with some saying it must be dangerous if WNTC are not willing to send their own people down there.  Nevertheless adventurers are already rushing to the graveyard.

[Rainman]

The annual Gift Day starts today over the next six days, where the West Netheril Trade Company setup a Gift Tree in the top market area. This tradition going back to the first days of the city and gifts are placed under a snow covered tree for the citizens. 

[Rainman]

Complaints from the citizens of the Upper District continue to be heard about small tremors that shake their houses, causing minor damage from time to time. These concerns of the citizens seem to fall on deaf ears or dismissed with the local authorities.

Some say it is some type of construct in the sewer area and other say it is coming from the temple, but rumours continue to be heard about what is causing these tremors in the Upper District.

[Rainman]

In an effort to attract halflings to defend and repair Hilltop, the Mayor has opened up a number of properties to rent. These funds will be put into the new walls at the eastern entrance and repairs to the hamlet.

Rumours persist that there is an evil within the hamlet, some point to the increased mining for the new walls and others think it is under the lake ... either way those left in the hamlet continue to live a hard life after resent events and the continued threat of war in the region.

[Rainman]

Those walking the streets of the Upper District of Conch, notice large creates and statues being moved into the Nebular University of the Arcane Arts. Some say these odd looking statues are being added to the university as decorative features but others say they have been bought in to study.

Stories are being told that the Hamlet of Hilltop is currently plagued and travellers/merchants a like have limited their travels to the area. Some say it was from the recent war and battles in and around the hamlet. Others say it is a disease that only effects halflings and due to this hin are questioned and sometimes turned away by guards of villages, towns and cities in the region.

[Rainman]

Stories and reports of more than normal amount of zombies being seen in the Graveyard area of Conch are of a concern. Some say it is The Mourners gang of the Slums but other say their must be more behind it.

A challenge has been set in the Slums Arena by a family of Half Orcs ... The Briqs ! Two brothers and a sister, it is said the sister is the eldest and has other skills the other two younger brothers do not possess. Make sure you do not become one of their trophies.

[Rainman]

The rumors swirling around Nebular University regarding their research into the Columns of the Sky and potential artifacts have certainly sparked curiosity among scholars and adventurers alike. The university's focus on arcane arts suggests that they might be delving into the magical properties or historical significance of these enigmatic structures. However, without concrete details, speculation is rampant, and many wonder if these artifacts could hold untold power or secrets from ages past.

The concerns of the West Netheril Trade Company regarding the Isle of Death and the Cult of the Dead are equally troubling. The notion of a cult gaining control over an entire island raises questions about their intentions and the potential threats they pose to trade routes and the safety of travelers. It's likely that the Trade Company is monitoring the situation closely, considering possible actions to mitigate any negative impacts on commerce and the reputation of the city.

As for the new Inn Proprietor planning to set up shop in the Slums, it's not uncommon for such establishments to emerge in less affluent areas of cities. The contents and location of this new inn remain shrouded in mystery, adding an air of anticipation and curiosity among the locals. Whether it will become a hub for adventurers seeking respite or a den of intrigue and danger is yet to be seen.

In a city as diverse and vibrant as Conch, these rumors add layers of intrigue and excitement to daily life. Adventurers, merchants, and scholars alike are sure to keep their ears open for any further developments on these intriguing topics.