The Conch Champion. Independent & Accurate, Always.
A New MoonGreetings 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 SoundsParishioners 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 ReturnsAfter 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 BouldersOgres 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.