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

« on: Today at 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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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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...

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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. 

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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. 

9

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?

10

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

« on: April 02, 2024, 11:29:21 pm »

The Conch Champion.  Free of Thinking. 

Salvation!
Readers, I have made no secret of how much I detest having to be acting editor for this publication.  In pure desperation I reached out to the Champion's former editor Perrina Layne.  To my great relief she has agreed to come out of retirement and become the Champion's editor once again.  Her first editorial will come in our next issue as she must take time to reacclimatise to her role.  You will likely see her about town this week getting to know her readers once again. 

-R. Hurstport, owner and acting editor.

Festival of the Egg
The Church of Tyche held a celebration over the past weekend by hiding special eggs about Conch.  These could be cracked open by lucky citizens who found them to reveal confectionery and trinkets.  The event was a great success and attracted commerce and tourists to Conch.  However, some citizens and business have expressed displeasure at having strangers poking around their premises all weekend, and at least one reader complained that adventurers were finding all the eggs. 

-S. Hellworth, reporter.

Travel Restored
Recently Captain Shilah of the Creek Farms has been refusing to take travelers to Sable's Swamp or the Isle of Death.  She has informed the Champion that travel is once again available to paying passengers.  The good captain did express her concern about a "cult of the dead" operating in these areas, but could not offer many further details.  The Conch Champion is curious about this cult and also a village known as Gateway Haven.  Intrepid souls who can provide information about them will receive a reward from our grateful publication. 

-A. Nutt, reporter.

Positions Vacant
Several organisations in Conch have asked the Champion to advertise their need for staff.  West Netheril Trading Company is doing an intake of staff in a variety of roles, such as administration and security.  The Nebular University is about to begin a new semester and still has some places open for students.  Diiri's Boys of West Conch is seeking alchemists and guards.  House Sadardiel has expressed a need for warriors and spellcasters to help defend their holdings at the Lake of Tears.  Finally, the Meriwether Tannery has a few vacancies for hunters, trappers and leatherworkers but have asked that only humans apply.

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

11

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Manon's Journal

« on: April 02, 2024, 02:35:54 am »

The carriage journey was uneventful.  I arrived on the outskirts of the city of Conch which has grown remarkably in my years of exile.  I spent some time sneaking away from the estate and rowing there as a teenager so I am looking forward to exploring the city again.  It will be much easier to get into the taverns now.  The driver told me that a merchant guild, the university and one of the gangs mostly run Conch now.  From the farmland near Conch I took a barge to the family estate. 

The barge trip was nothing like the one by carriage.  When I left the Sadardiel lands, the Lake Vyctoria region was lush and fertile and several other noble families had prosperous estates near us.  But now those plantations are abandoned and overgrown and the manors are just burnt ruins.  "Ogres," grunted the captain when he saw me surveying the destruction.  "They call this place the Lake of Tears now, for so many have died and been wept for."   He told me my kin are the only noble family left in the region, and his tone made it clear he didn't think it would be the case for much longer.  I thought my father had been exaggerating in his letters to Druon...

It was past nightfall when I arrived at the village near the estate.  In the gloom I could tell that our own family holdings were intact and patrolled by a handful of heavily armed retainers.  Some were limping from old injuries.  My arrival had been expected and I was briskly escorted by one of the guards to the manor.  As I stepped inside I mentally prepared myself for the lecture of expectations and instructions I was about to be hammered with.  Mother would be waiting just inside the door like she always used to, ready to throw up her hands in despair about me sneaking off instead of doing my schooling and chores. 

But the manor was almost deserted, apart from the family servants who seemed almost amused to see me again.  They told me mother was exhausted and had retired early.  Father was in his study and had ordered he absolutely not be disturbed by anyone.  Valentin was asleep.  The twins were out patrolling with retainers.  The only direction left for me was to go to the armoury and tailor for fittings ahead of officially meeting my parents tomorrow.  "I demand to speak to Nael," I snapped at the servants.  Their quiet amusement evaporated immediately.  When they stammered I pushed past them and stormed up to Nael's chambers.   

I flinched when I reached his door.  It was locked and planks had been nailed over it.  Pinned to one of the planks was a tattered sign reading "Do not open by order of Lord Leon!" I must have stared numbly at the door for half a minute.  Where the hell was Nael?  Kye the steward placed a hand on my shoulder and waved away the other servants.   He spoke quietly to me. 
"Lady Manon, the house is broken.  Your brother is lost and we fear he may be dead.  Your father is shattered with grief, your mother by exhaustion.  Your elder siblings care only whom shall now be heir.  Your younger one is just a boy.  You must do something, milady.  It is time for you to grow up and serve your family properly.  Imagine how desperate your mother must be to see you of all people as an asset right now."

He almost had me until that last little jab.  I grunted and shouldered him aside on my way to the armoury.  My mood did not improve when they tried to cram me into a suit of armour that seemed to have a built in corset.  At least the evening dress is comfortable.  I am wearing it now as I perch here on my dusty bed in my familiar old room.  Tomorrow I will officially present myself to my parents and receive my orders.  I'm not worried.  Nothing they throw at me, be it an order or punishment, ever sticks.  I just have to ride this out until they send me away in disgust again.  They'll find Nael, or the twins will pull themselves together and take their roles seriously.  It's just a matter of time. 

12

Journals & Backgrounds / Manon's Journal

« on: April 01, 2024, 07:53:00 am »

Mother gave me this book years ago.  She said it would be good to record my thoughts and experiences here at the Laurent Estate so I could look back upon them when I eventually returned home.  This is the first time I’ve opened it.  My parents sent me here to straighten me up.  According to them, I was lazy, reckless, overweight, easily distracted, liked to wander, enjoyed luxury too much and associated with the wrong people.  They'd never tolerate even one of those things in my siblings but time and again I was able to dodge any consequences.  At first I thought I was pretty clever, but once I hit my teens I realised I could do just about anything and my parents wouldn't do much about it. 

I was a nuisance to my family, and I didn't think much of them either.  My parents are Lord Leon and Lady Apolline Sadardiel, first generation nobles.  They insisted we all introduce ourselves as 'lord' or 'lady', even little Valentin.  This makes me Lady Manon Sadardiel, fourth in line to the Sadardiel estate.  It's pretentious rubbish, but I happily exploit being a noble at every opportunity.  My father's nickname is "the Lion", at least he calls himself that.  Just to drive the point home he's covered the estate in lion statues and paintings.  Mother's a tireless worker and bookkeeper and that's about all there is to say about her.  She has no life at all outside of the estate and family.  I have her hair but little else.  My oldest brother Nael might just be the worst of the lot... intelligent, handsome, powerful, charming... ugh.  How is that fair?  Then there's the twins Anais and Yanis who think nothing matters but competing with each other.  Gods, we're doomed if either of those idiots inherit the estate.  Valentin's all right I suppose, but he's going to grow up just like the others.   

Anyway I finally crossed my parents' invisible line of tolerance when I was 15.  They found out (thanks to Anais and Yanis shadowing me and snitching)  I'd been hanging out with cultists camping by Lake Vyctoria.  They called themselves the Order of the Ascended Lady and worshipped some dead woman the lake is named after.  To me they were silly and harmless but my parents decided I'd gone too far and needed a firm hand to guide me.  They sent me east to the estate of Lord Druon Laurent, an Imperial army comrade of my father.    I was told Laurent was a fierce and strict father with equally spartan sons.  He was a mighty ranger and would teach me the hard life of fieldcraft and survival.  My parents told me if I didn't knuckle down I was in for a nightmare.  Instead, these have been the best years of my life. 

Druon (he insisted I not address him as 'Lord') reframed everything I'd believed and been told about myself.  I was bored, not lazy.  Bold, not reckless.  Robust, not fat.  Perceptive, not easily distracted.  He took me under his wing and trained me personally.  Accepting that I'm heavy and a little clumsy, he trained me in trapping and surveillance rather than sneaking and concealment.  He introduced me to his faith, that of Kozah, and said unlike his sons I had the right frame of mind to follow it.  His boys were tough warriors though, and I learned I could rely on them in a scrap.  Druon trusted me completely, and allowed me to read all the correspondence my family sent him.  I was rarely mentioned in it and my father spent most of the letters complaining about ogres.  Taking note of this, Druon trained me in how to deal with large opponents.  I came of age here at the Laurent estate, and spent the night with Druon's sons getting drunk and roaming the town.  Truly, I finally felt I belonged somewhere.

I should have known my parents couldn't allow that.  Today Druon received a letter from my mother.  For the first time he refused to allow me to read what they sent.  Instead he insisted I immediately pack my things and prepare to travel back "home" to the Sardardiel estate.  I was furious, this is my home now!  But whatever he read had unnerved him.  He mouthed the name "Nael" as he read.  I suspect my magnificent, good at everything and loved by all oldest brother has convinced my parents to take me back.  I'll give him a piece of my mind about this.  Maybe some bruises too!

My things are packed and I've boarded the carriage.  Druon gave me a fine cloak to take with me.  While I wait for the driver I've written all this down.  I'm going to take mother's advice and look back on it some day and get all pissed off at my family all over again.  Kozah take them, I was happy.  And now I'm back to their haven of judgemental and pretentious fools.  What the hell could have been so important for them to forget how much they hate me and drag me back home to them?

13

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: March 15, 2024, 07:54:42 am »

I have suspected this moment was approaching for some time now.  I could feel it in my bones when I woke this morning- Ilmater is content with what I have achieved in Conch and wishes me to move on.  He calls me south, to lands I have never ventured to before.  I am both excited and afraid, and sad to leave my friends.   Though it pains me I must depart abruptly without saying a proper farewell to any but Sister Mylene.  Pather, Ostian, Mylene and Arlow were all kindred spirits to me, saved by the same kind god and given strength to do his work.  Others like Gabriella, Pearl, Locke and Lauriella did not hold quite the same beliefs as me, but were brave and true comrades I was honoured to fight alongside. 

The Helm of Heroes shall remain here in our secret shrine until it too is called elsewhere.  Until today I was its defender and I pray a new one emerges.  More than that, I hope that new warriors arise to protect the people of our part of the slums.  There is a man named Knox I feel may take up this cause.  He is a gladiator and acolyte of Targus we saved from death in the arena.  Though his faith is nothing like ours, he is a man of honour and has sworn to repay his life debt to us. 

Farewell Conch.  You took my face, but gave me so much more in return.  Please be kind to my people, as you ultimately were to me. 

14

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

« on: January 18, 2024, 11:46:06 am »

The Conch Champion.  Free of thinking.

Conch's right to know!
When I was a lad my parents occasionally took me to see the Skettus Memorial Menagerie over in Hadrian.  A marvelous place in those times, but I recently learned that tragedy has befallen it.  It seems that something awful has happened, something ghastly that the people of Hadrian would rather outsiders not know about.  Hearing of their wishes I naturally dispatched a reporter to cover the story!  After all, as a fellow (but superior) city in the same region Conch has a right to know what is going on, do we not?  Read on and learn what she discovered.

-R. Hursport, owner and acting editor. 

Horror in Hadrian
The Skettus Memorial Menagerie has a proud history in the city of Hadrian.  Named after a now fallen noble family who had a penchant for collecting strange artifacts and fauna it was a key tourist attraction.  But sadly that history has been tainted with a recent disaster.  A virulent affliction of unknown origin spread through the attractions of the menagerie.  Witnesses interviewed by this reporter described the disease as akin to rabies.  Animals and monsters were driven mad with rage and turned on their attendants, tearing them apart.  Tragically, the menagerie's longtime manager was amongst the staff killed and devoured by the former exhibits.  City exterminators were sent in but suffered the same grim fate.  Hadrian's government has therefore ordered the menagerie's doors sealed, but from the sounds this reporter heard, the horrors inside still live on. 

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.

Defective Constructs
Citizens in Upper Conch were excited to hear about a new golem workshop opening in their district.  Unfortunately, an insider who cannot be named has told the Champion that the workshop has experienced major difficulties with their products.  The golems have been made from a variety of materials but all allegedly share the same flaw.  Our source refused to reveal the actual problem but the dull "booms" coming from the workshop which some residents have complained about of late give a strong hint.  In another troubling development groups of fully armed adventurers have been sighted visiting the workshop.

-A. Nutt, reporter. 

Gnomish delegation arrives in Conch
Nebular University is currently hosting a group of gnomes from the underground colony of Cogsworth Haven.  The gnomes are here to promote trade relations with Conch and say they have a variety of raw materials and crafts to sell.  It is understood that one of the many things they produce are clockwork golems, a product sure to be useful with the production problems at Conch's own workshop.  Talks are reportedly going well with the recently elected mayor of Cogsworth Haven, Zilros Bafflehide.  Bafflehide succeeded the late and long-serving ruler Don Botsutonni.  However, West Netheril Trading Company is furious that they were not informed of the gnome party's visit, nor were they invited to be a part of the negotiations.  Lieutenant-governor Neville Gloucester informed this newspaper that he has sent a scathing letter to Nebular demanding an explanation.  Relations between Nebular and WNTC are accordingly tense right now.

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

15

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

« on: July 28, 2023, 04:40:44 am »

The Conch Champion.  Free of thinking.

Omens and Portents
Before I begin, I must confess that I am a mere newspaper owner and reluctant editor of said publication.  I claim no particular powers of prophecy, beyond having the gut instinct one would expect from a man in the newspaper business.  Yet, I feel a hunch that strange events and visitors are heading Conch's way in the near future.  My gut is telling me something.  Perhaps it's been set off by the startling stories below in today's issue.  Or perhaps it was just that dubious block of cheese I nibbled on last night.  Read on, and decide for yourself!

-R.Hursport, owner and acting editor.

Madman terrorises Market District
Conch's Market District was in chaos yesterday afternoon due to a crazed rampage by a citizen of Conch.  Mr Bromden Toole, a Creek Farmer, ran into the markets screaming nonsense and overturning stalls.  WNTC guards struggled to capture and restrain the husky farmer, eventually succeeding.  A witness to the event exclusively told the Conch Champion that Mr Toole was "screaming some nonsense about a well.  He was saying that he fell into it, and that it was big down there and things tried to stop him climbing back out.  Sounds like the crazy talk of a lunatic to me."  This reporter is inclined to agree.

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.

Strange tunnels near Lake of Tears
Off-duty plantation workers of the Sadardiel Estate flanking Lake Vyktoria (better known by locals as the Lake of Tears) have seemingly come to ruin exploring some labyrinthine tunnels discovered nearby.  After a few brought back modest trinkets and treasures from looting the depths, others attempted the same and vanished somewhere within.  The tunnels are now deemed cursed or dangerous and no other workers have dared to venture in.  The Sadardiel noble family has said it cannot spare retainers to learn the fate of the lost workers due to severe casualties suffered in recent ogre raids upon their holdings. 

-A. Nutt, reporter. 


Cults brawl in Upper Conch
Rival cults have fought vicious battles in the streets of Uptown this week in the sort of violence usually associated with the slums of West Conch.  Both sides used magic including necromancy in the scuffles, forcing Nebular guards and mages to take decisive action to end the violence.  Most of the cultists were killed or captured in the Nebular response, but it is believed some fled and are still at large.  It is not clear yet what the name, beliefs or goals of either cult are.  What is known is that one side painted their faces like skulls and the other had the letter "V" emblazoned on their robes. 

-P. Krellin, reporter.