31

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: December 19, 2021, 02:05:34 am »

The tensions in the slums finally exploded today.  A new gang, the Black Tails, tried to seize some of the livestock the refugees had brought with them whilst some rogue mages attempted to take some children for slaves.  Several members of Diiri's Boys and Kizurra the White were on hand as well as myself so both groups of attackers were swiftly dispatched.  But what then transpired was far worse. 

One refugee by the name of Daggith has been in a state of maddened grief from his traumas.  His paranoia and guilt have been infectious and Diiri's Boys and the Fane of the Thorned Rose used this unrest to convince some of the refugees to leave the camp and go to their respective groups.  Vyc and Aarden the self-styled Mage Killer did not protest at Sid taking some refugees out of the slums to the Loviatarian den.   Sid is apparently a member of both groups, which I cannot see ending well for him. 

There were too many villains for me to fight alone, and I have no right to prevent people from leaving if that is their wish.  It filled me with sorrow that these people I have fed and tended to when others would not could so easily abandon us.  They will be hurt and even killed where they have gone and I can do little about it.  Kizurra was the only other one there I felt did not just view the refugees as exploitable resources.  She tried to cure Daggith's mental state but sadly could not.  I later met Volandis Webberman who also seemed to be a good soul. 

Some brave and grateful souls stood by me and will stay with us.  But Sister Mylene broke down when I told her the bad news that so many had left, though a generous donation for her from Kizurra was some small consolation.  Mylene was weaker than usual.  Ostian told me she had one of her visions while I was arguing with the thugs outside.  He handed me a sheaf of tattered papers she had been scribbling on during her rapture.

It was all sketches of people.  It was our flock.  I could recognise some of them easily- little Ostian, Arlow with his braced leg, some of the refugees who stayed.  None of the ones who left were pictured, so I realised she must have had a vision of the near future.  I leafed through the sketches and marvelled at how talented she is when channeling the Broken God. 

There was one of me.  At first I chuckled sardonically at how she seems to see me.  Standing resolute with my sword high, my cloak glowing with rays of light or energy.  The shrine was in the background and clearly I was protecting it.  After that little moment of self-absorption I noticed something far more significant in the sketch.  I was not alone.

32

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: December 17, 2021, 07:11:12 am »

For a few weeks refugees were flooding into Conch but it seems most of those fleeing the raiders have arrived now.  I've done my best to help them.  Many are camping with my people so I've been busy collecting food and bandages for them.  While they are reasonably safe for now, I worry.  The gangs see the masses as a fertile recruitment ground.  Diiri's Boys will naturally grab most of the desperate souls seeking such work.  They do not appreciate our shrine's work with the refugees, either.  I imagine anything that gives the refugees hope would infuriate the Boys. 

There was one small (though mixed) sliver of hope recently.  I saw an armoured woman in the Market District and the markings on her armour appeared to be those of an Ilmatari cleric.  I wanted to approach her and tell her of the shrine but unfortunately she was in the company of Vyc, the gnoll from Diiri's Boys.  Lauriella considered him an ally of sorts, but I would prefer to avoid any contact with Diiri's goons right now. 

33

Public Notices / Re: Posters appear on buildings in West Conch (the slums)

« on: December 13, 2021, 10:59:11 pm »

Any refugees arriving in West Conch are invited to visit the north west corner where the Angels of Small Mercies will treat your injuries, give you something to eat and a place to rest your head. 

IMPORTANT:  While this is a free service, we do need some tinder to start our campfires.  Fortunately we have found the fliers posted by the Fane of the Thorned Rose burn extremely well! If you see any of these on your way to us please remove them and bring them along to help us start a nice little campfire for you to warm your soup and rest at. 

THE ANGELS OF SMALL MERCIES

34

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: December 13, 2021, 06:10:14 am »

After a lull of a few weeks the Loviatarian cult the Fane of the Thorned Rose has begun advertising in West Conch again.  I've responded with proclamations and posters, but there has been no indignant response this time.  I imagine they are just assuming I am of no consequence.  As much as I detest any group of torturers and bullies residing in our city I'm realistic.  If the Fane would merely restrict their activities to the other two thirds of the city I would stay out of their business.  But in attempting to become players in West Conch they (or their dupes) will inevitably be preying upon the Sister's flock which obviously I cannot allow.  But furthermore, I can feel the Broken God's pleas that I do not allow any residents of the slums to become their playthings. 

It has also become rather lonely of late.  I have my friends within the movement of course, such Mylene, Ostian and Arlow.  But Lauriella has departed Conch, presumably not to return, and I have not seen Pearl for several days.  I did have some good fortune a few nights ago, however.  I was in Nebular vainly attempting to learn how to play chess properly (the city's chess champion is a regular guest at the Loving Lamb, but he always refused to impart his wisdom to me).  I knew that chess is a popular pastime at Nebular so hoped someone there might explain the rules to me.  But everyone there seemed extremely busy. 

While I was staring at a chess board, a young hungover mage slumped in the chair across from me.  He introduced himself as Apprentice Locke, a name I had heard from Lauriella.  She implied he was a very wayward student.  I am not sure of his ancestry, but the eerie blue tint to his eyes and hair indicated it was not fully human.  He told me he was about to do some Nebular work to avoid being evicted from his dorm.  Because he was so tired and seedy I decided I had best accompany him to keep him safe.  Fortunately a few others came along too- an archer named Jamie and a dwarf warrior named Rurin.  We made a formidable team and completed Locke's task.  Perhaps I can arrange to work with them again, for they seemed good folk. 

35

Public Notices / Re: Posters appear on buildings in West Conch (the slums)

« on: December 11, 2021, 05:40:15 am »

We here in the slums of West Conch know suffering and endurance far beyond the experiences of those in the Market and Upper Districts.  The Angels of Small Mercies say we have no need for sadistic perverts from Uptown who question the strength and courage of the people of the slums in their propaganda.  Reject the false prophets of the Fane of the Thorned Rose! They seek only to bring yet more pain into your lives and even possess the audacity to demand coin for their "services"!

THE ANGELS OF SMALL MERCIES

36

Public Notices / Re: Posters appear on buildings in West Conch (the slums)

« on: December 10, 2021, 12:53:31 am »

A tournament of bloodshed and death approaches.  The Angels of Small Mercies do not judge the rightness or wrongness of this crude method of releasing tension in the slums.  But any contestants who are wounded and have no treatment should make their way to us, either via asking at the store Small Mercies or any beggar can direct you in exchange for alms.  The Angels will heal you at no charge and you may then make your own decision about your path from there.  We Angels will even endeavour to save those left to die and dissolve on the grate. 

THE ANGELS OF SMALL MERCIES

37

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: December 05, 2021, 08:46:51 am »

I had my first encounter with the raiders of the army Lauriella warned me about.  They were pursuing some women fleeing from a village which the raiders had just torched.  They ignored my pleas to simply turn around and leave and made threats to drag me off and I was forced to fight them.  Though strong and resilient they bled like any other creature and I slew them.  I am told they are clones and mutants, bred for nothing but cruelty and war.  Yet, I must still offer them the chance to mend their ways even if none take it. 

A mage fairly new in town but personable, Kizurra the White, has also been trying to recruit me for the war.  She was more determined than Lauriella but I still refused.  I don't want to be on the frontlines, whether as a soldier or medic.  I need to be here in Conch to protect the shrine, Sister Mylene, and the people of Conch.  Already we have had refugees arriving in the slums so I need to continue gathering bandages and food for them while I still can.  We must give them support and hope lest in their desperation they be drawn to Diiri's Boys or the Kolumbos. 

It sounds as if another tournament will be held in the slums arena again soon.  Hopefully we can save a few poor souls from dissolving on the grate...

38

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

« on: December 05, 2021, 06:25:11 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

Exclusive Investigative Report
Reporter Peela Krellin has concluded an investigation into the strange artifacts known as "soulstones" or "soulgems".  I commend her courage and diligence in this matter.

-R. Hurstport, owner and acting editor.


Stealers of Souls
Those acquainted with magical artifacts will surely already know of or have encountered the unsettling items known as soulstones.  To the uneducated, one of these would seem to be a pretty gemstone of moderate value.  But in truth they are disturbing creations into which the soul and essence of a killed sentient creature has been bound.  Activating the stone will cause a magical effect, usually a physically enhancing one, but this can only be done three times.  On the third use, the stone will crumble and the soul bound within obliterated forever.  Most folk would consider such a deed utterly abhorrent, and yet increasingly these items are appearing in our markets.  So presumably some have no qualms about their use. 

The rulers of West Conch, Diiri's Boys, have effectively used these soulstones to seize and retain their dominance of the slums.  As District Authorities, that is entirely their right and their business.  But one would have to wonder if their use by the Boys has played a role in these once rare items being regularly found in the Conch area.  If the soulstones were to be entirely in the hands of their employees perhaps there would be little cause to worry, unless you were their enemy of course.  But increasingly soulstones are falling into other hands. 

A concerned parent recently wrote to this newspaper saying her child found one when collecting rocks.  The parent accidentally triggered the stone's power.  Initially confused, they were horrified when they took the soulstone to a priest who explained the nature of it.  The parent was frightened that someone would come after them or their child for having possession of and using such an item.  Adventurers have also been known to collect or carry soulstones, either to use them or hand them over to priests in hopes of releasing the trapped soul.  They have been finding soulstones in the possession of monsters and bandits.  Many sellers in the market district told this reporter that more soulstones than ever are being sold to them by adventurers, scavengers and traders.  Interestingly not all of these soulstones are genuine but many are. 

There is little consensus on how these soulstones are made, or by whom.  Evidently Diiri's Boys have some insight into their creation, but it is also likely that any powerful arcanist could learn the necessary artifice.  It is said that rival gangs are also seeking the secrets of their creation.  But should such cruelly created items be allowed in the possession of anyone outside District Authorities?  Do religious institutions have a responsibility to intervene when the destruction of souls is the ultimate result?  I make no judgement, but simply report these facts for the reader to decide.

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

39

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

« on: November 22, 2021, 12:56:56 pm »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

The Perils of Ownership
The greatest burden of owning a business is knowing that ultimately, the coin stops with you.  Without any serious interest (oh there have been pranks, believe me) in the editor's position I am forced now to act in the position myself until it can be filled.  It seems that wherever Giona Morton went, he is not coming back anytime soon (truly a shame, for we have finally completed the move to our new office in the Market District).  I even asked previous editor Perrina Layne to consider returning but she seems quite happy in retirement.  My idiot son Flokki expressed interest in the job, but I'm not going to inflict editorials about which ladies at the Loving Lamb give the best value upon you.  I'm not a journalist, so you'll have to bear with me and forgive some mistakes.  The editor's position is still open so do please send an application if you are interested! 

It seems I have taken up this job in a perilous time.  Some are even whispering that war could be coming to Conch.  Fear not readers, The Conch Champion has proudly served and informed this city in times of strife and war in the past.  We are on your side, never doubt that! 

-R. Hurstport, owner & acting editor


Nebular Exclusive
The Conch Champion can exclusively report that Nebular apprentice Lauriella Sithirr has received an astonishing dual promotion to both journeywoman and acting head of the special projects and dangerous experiments section of the university.  The latter promotion has occurred due to the kidnapping of her superior, Arcanist Cassandra.  Our sources, who cannot be named, say that the news has stunned her fellow students who look upon her new role with a mixture of admiration, envy and resentment.  Though Sithirr has been a ferocious critic of  this newspaper, in the spirit of forgiveness we wish her well in her new roles. 

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.


Darkness in Hilltop
The woes of halfling village Hilltop have continued.  The disappearances and murders it has suffered recently culminated in a great shadowy mass blotting out the village from view for a time.  It is believed that the actions of halfling defenders and allies from Conch were able to defeat whatever horror caused this and allowed the sun to shine upon the village once more.  However, disturbing reports of raiders and warbands in our region almost immediately followed.  A link between the two events seems likely. 

-A. Nutt, reporter.


Conch Man Murdered by Rengarth
Sketchy reports have filtered to us that a man from Conch was recently killed by barbarians when he tried to enter a sacred cave on Rengarth land.  Although the location of his death is not yet clear, the Conch Champion can exclusively reveal his identity as Anders Yates, an enforcer for Conch's Kolumbo Gang.  One can only speculate what a ruffian from West Conch was doing in such a place.

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

40

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: November 22, 2021, 12:03:45 pm »

The Iron Helm of Heroes now sits proudly in our shrine.  It cannot stay with us forever, for that is Ilmater's will, but until it moves on it will aid Sister Mylene in sparing her own energies.  For a few days after we placed it there was a burst of ambient good health in the slums though few if any would guess why. 

Pearl has been ill these past weeks due to a shadowy sickness or possession the "dark stalkers" inflicted upon her.  She was deteriorating rapidly and asked me to pray for her and ask the Sister if she could provide any aid.  However Pearl eventually found a cure through an unlikely (and disappointing) source- the Loviatarians of Uptown.  I shudder to think how many they must have tortured to lift that curse, for that is what fuels their magic.  Hopefully this does not come between Pearl and myself... I am told that she regrets her decision.  But whatever the case I must not judge her.  I also suffered a near fatal illness recently but I only had myself to worry about, whereas Pearl was concerned her whole village. 

Lauriella told me some disturbing news.  War is brewing, and its origin lies in the creator of these dark stalkers.  She wanted me to fight at her side as an officer, but I told her I am no soldier.  I can help to prepare the defences and morale of the slums, but in the field I would be of less use and a potential liability.  If an enemy came to me begging for healing I could not turn them away.  Therefore I am working to gather non-perishable food and healing supplies in case Conch comes under siege or is otherwise cut off.  I fear that any attack on Conch would sorely test the resolve and unity of the various factions of this very divided city.  It is even more urgent now that I train our handful of followers how to defend themselves. 

41

Development Ideas - Feedback / Re: Monster/Creature Re-Balance

« on: November 22, 2021, 01:02:23 am »

The minotaurs on the Longwalk quest near Sullivans are fairly easy to defeat now.  Other than perhaps the casters (they are still reasonably challenging) they could all use a boost. --- Done

42

Public Notices / Re: Posters appear on buildings in West Conch (the slums)

« on: November 21, 2021, 06:50:45 am »

The Angels of Small Mercies have scored a triumph for the people of West Conch this week and brought something wondrous to our district.  Did you notice your pains and ills were relieved faster?  Did you notice that you were not required to pay any fee or service for this relief?  The Broken God cares not who or what you are, nor how you were hurt, nor how much money you have.  His only care is that your pains and ills are relieved.  We will continue to serve him for your benefit. 

THE ANGELS OF SMALL MERCIES

If you wish to support our work, either shop at our store near the old wizard tower or leave a message for the store owner. 

43

Public Notices / Posters appear on buildings in West Conch (the slums)

« on: November 19, 2021, 01:07:10 am »

Angels are watching over you.  We see your pains, ills, dangers, addictions and vices.  We do not judge, we do not charge.  We merely heal, cure, rescue and counsel. 

THE ANGELS OF SMALL MERCIES

Needy?  Curious?  Leave a message at the Small Mercies store near the ruined wizard tower. 

44

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: November 14, 2021, 11:44:38 pm »

My second exploration of the ruins of the prison on the Isle of Death has proven far more productive.  I found an illusory wall within the old church and beyond it a small Ilmatari prayer room.  Sister Mylene later explained to me it once belonged to a priest who had administered to the prisoners at the prison.  Tragically he was eventually murdered by those he sought to aid but until then he had used the relic to heal and cure them.  The relic still sat in his room- the Iron Helm of Heroes!  I had found it at last. 

I immediately began the trek to return it to Mylene, but on the journey back to Conch I realised how completely this mission had consumed my thoughts.  All thoughts of vengeance against Madam Tylna and the Moanderite who disfigured me had been left me and I felt better for it.  Most importantly, I had no desire to return to that purpose.  Doing this quest to aid others had felt far more healthy and moral than one devoted to punishing them. 

When I gave the helm to Mylene and explained this, I was struck by feelings of warmth and comfort so overwhelming that I fell to my knees.  It was the Broken God's blessing, and I felt his strength lifting me when Mylene asked me to rise.  We will keep the helmet here in our hidden shrine and use it to heal and cure the needy.  It will give Mylene the chance to rest and recover her own energies, at least until Ilmater feels the relic is needed more elsewhere.  I have pledged to defend it and care for her, our people and indeed all the people of  West Conch.  Even those who seem beyond redemption, such as the Diiri's Boys.  They are suffering as much as any here.  It is a vast undertaking and I cannot do it alone.  But I have a few allies... the Captain, and possibly Pearl.  There is one other I feel could help me, one of the few gangsters of the slums seemingly in possession of a good heart.  I must come to some agreement with him...

45

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

« on: November 13, 2021, 10:51:38 pm »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER
Readers, you will all have heard the rumours that our beloved editor Giona Morton has gone missing.  Sadly, they are true.  I will try to put your minds at ease by describing what I believe has happened.

Giona's editorials give some hint of his deteriorating mental state, though sadly I have only realised this in hindsight.  I am told he was becoming paranoid in the office and even searching reporters' desks for signs they were spies sent by his enemies.  I was one of the last people to see him in Conch.  I spoke to him the morning he disappeared and suggested he take a long vacation to "get away from the world".  He agreed, and said he just had to make a deposit at the bank to pay an invoice first.  While we spoke, he was doodling on the front of a newspaper, which is when he wrote the cryptic message reported by the WNTC guards who searched the office. 

As we now know, the bank was the last time Giona was seen in Conch.  I know the man well and I believe that there is nothing sinister about his "vanishing".  He simply took my advice too literally and has retreated somewhere isolated.  Unfortunately this means the newspaper must struggle on without him.  For that reason there will be no issue this weekend, and I apologise for that inconvenience.

Naturally we need a new editor.  Therefore I open applications to the public.  Please send a letter to the editor detailing your interest and qualifications.  I feel that the Conch Champion needs to mend bridges with adventurers and Selunites so I warmly encourage them to apply too.  In the meantime I shall administer the newspaper myself as best I can.  May the Lady of Mysteries watch over us all.

-Rudolph Hurstport, owner


OOC note:
This is open to interested PCs.