31

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

32

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. 

33

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. 

34

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...

35

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. 

36

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Giona Morton's Little Black Book

« on: November 11, 2021, 03:10:20 am »

1c Lauriella Sithir
The apprentice captain has escalated her campaign against me with OUTRIGHT HARASSMENT of me in the street.  Have had enough and will teach her a lesson.  Will notify H of my plan now in motion- he will be delighted.  Am expecting a payrise!

37

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: November 10, 2021, 02:41:12 am »

Sister Mylene has had a vision of a relic of the Broken God in our region!  The clues are vague enough to have multiple possibilities of the location.  I've been working hard to find it but it has been dangerous.  Lauriella is the only one outside our group I've dared tell of it.  She and Pearl are good folk but some of their associates make me wary of getting too close to them.  Lauriella did however give me an incredibly generous donation to put towards our work in West Conch. 

The first few places I searched bore no fruit, but yesterday I felt I was nearer than ever.  While searching a ruined building I heard whispering from a voice I have not heard since the vision that saved my life.  His voice seemed to suggest I was on the right track yet still not quite right.  So I must continue to search this area, though it is dangerous and the enemies are terrifying.  I was grievously injured in my first exploration but I will die in this pursuit if I must. 

A further complication is that my armour has gone missing overnight.  I don't know whether it was stolen or if I simply misplaced it.  Neither possibility seems likely at all since I was in our secure home at the time.  But whatever actually happened the facts are it is gone.  I have had to purchase a less protective set in the meantime... which only makes the prospects of facing those creatures again even more terrifying. 

38

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: November 07, 2021, 07:02:19 am »

I caught up with Pearl again in the Market District.  She had some herbs for me.  We were chatting when a coal-skinned tiefling approached us.  She seemed protective of Pearl until she was assured I was a friend.  Her name is Talia, and it seems she is partnered with a gnoll named Vyc.  It sounds like Vyc is one of Diiri's Boys, but has wisely kept Talia out of his work.  Vyc won a fighting competition in the arena whilst I was still bedridden which I remembered hearing about.  Talia said Vyc detests being seen as the "champion of the slums" because it was just a fighting event to him.  I said that the slums is a place that could actually use a champion, and Pearl agreed.  It would not surprise me if this is what Sister Mylene wants for me though I can't see it being possible at this point. 

Pearl had something she wanted to tell us about somewhere less public, and she spoke about a dreadful situation her kin are in.  Shadowy creatures are snatching halflings and using them to spawn more of their kind.  There was a major confrontation at Hilltop between the creatures and Pearl plus her allies, but the threat still remains.  Pearl seemed very tired, but as determined as ever.  Talia was pleasant company too.  Despite the terrible things we were speaking of, it felt like I was having a discussion with friends.  I haven't felt that sense of fellowship outside my flock for some time.  I have a hunch though that my presence would not be entirely welcomed by some others of Pearl's circle.  Pearl said her friend Sid had spotted some shadowy markings in the slums that served as harbingers for these "dark stalkers" as Pearl called them.  I told her I will keep an eye out for them and let her know immediately if I see them. 

I've been training my people in combat regularly.  We are fortunate to have a discrete place to do it without any nosey Brutes hearing us.  I wield a sword because that was what Trewin taught me to use, but I am quickly finding such a weapon isn't helpful to paupers and beggars with no organised fighting experience.  Therefore I've been collecting more rustic weapons like sickles, flails clubs and hammers to train them with.  As good as I have become with a sword perhaps I need to consider finding something more appropriate to my task and faith.  Speaking of faith, Lauriella has invited me to a regular Selunite ceremony she partakes in.  There would be some common ground for me at a ritual of the Moonmaiden so I am keen to do this. 

39

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Giona Morton's Little Black Book

« on: November 07, 2021, 03:54:14 am »

5. Antorino Nutt
Ant has been absolutely insufferable this week.  He wrote a piece on the halflings being snatched and received a reply from a reader.  On one hand he is strutting around the office saying he has fans and should get his own office.  But also is refusing to further investigate the story because he says these halfling snatchers might abduct him too.  Ridiculous.  Whoever these people are, if they can only seize those cute and completely helpless little folk they can't be too scary.  Am very irked about his ego and paranoia.  Dreadful personal traits to have.   

40

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

« on: November 01, 2021, 12:37:05 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

Tales of Conch
Hello again, dear readers!  As I completely expected I have not received any evidence of the existence of the Pied Piper or the Candyman.  Once again, I state that these legends are just boogiemen of no substance!  The Candyman myth has had some extra embellishments these past weeks with some claiming that this infamous snatcher of children is now targeting halflings.  Can these stories get any more ridiculous?  Yes, District Authorities have confirmed that some of the little folk have gone missing of late but let's be serious here.  They are small and hard to find at the best of times.  They're probably just hiding behind some little boxes, puffing on their little pipes like the adorably harmless little creatures they are. 

Interestingly enough, I did receive an account about our legendary Man-Bat.  As you know I considered this creature an utter fabrication but the story sent to me was compelling.  A West Netheril Trading Company guard claims he saw with his own eyes the dreaded Man-Bat!  He said it was in hot pursuit of a blue-haired fellow in leather armour and the pair burst out of a residence.  At first the guard believed it to be a prank and had a good laugh.  When it become clear the Man-Bat meant to murder the blue-haired warrior he was forced to intervene and slay it.  The WNTC guard claimed the corpse was of some sort of mutant humanoid.  I still maintain that the vast majority of Man-Bat sightings were hoaxes by Selunite adventurers (bats are creatures of the night, after all) but clearly there were also a few caused by this pitiful creature.  Hopefully now the sightings will decline. 

Finally, we're still moving into our new office at the Conch Tenement Block.  We've purchased new furniture, but I became tired of my reporters squabbling over who should get the nicest desk and chair.  I graciously offered to take them myself, thus harmoniously ending the dispute.  Now that, dear readers, is leadership!

-G.Morton, editor.


Decline in Vermin
All across Conch there has been a marked drop in reports about rat infestations.  While there has been no official announcement, many believe that the Nebular University along with some mercenaries are responsible for the end to the plague.  Unfortunately, the crows that have plagued Conch remain as troublesome as ever.

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.


Missing Halfling Persons
District Authorities have been perplexed by the number of halflings being reported as missing of late.  Though they form a small percentage of Conch's total population, in the past few weeks missing person reports involving halflings have been disproportionately high.  Local historian Alain Otorr stated that the halfling settlement of Hilltop suffered a similar plague of missing "hins" over a century ago and he speculated that there may be some link between the events. 

-A. Nutt, reporter.


No Mercy for Thief
Chief Justice Mercy Pineblight has sentenced a petty thief to a year of indentured service to West Netheril Trading Company after convicting him of theft and disruption of trade.  Mr Leopold Vallen admitted to stealing a loaf of bread in the central market and overturning two market stalls in his attempt to flee the guards.  Pineblight rejected Vallen's defence that the bread was for his hungry children, and she placed the children under the city's care for the duration of the sentence.  "There," Pineblight stated "they will be taught there is never an excuse for disrupting commerce." 

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

41

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: October 25, 2021, 12:56:20 pm »

I took what I thought would be a simple job in the Forest of Tusks.  An injured lady hired me to delve into a ruined temple to find some idols for her.  I expected to make use of my trap-spotting and disarming skills.  What I did not expect was to be confronted by abyss-tainted orcs.  I could readily handle their warriors and wizards, although their shamans were formidable.  Their leader was surely the most powerful opponent I've ever faced and I came perilously close to defeat.  But somehow I prevailed.  Fortunately the treasures and experience I gained were well worth the great danger.  It does concern me though to find yet another nest of danger and evil so close to Conch. 

I've also noticed someone unusual in our turf.  There is a beggar dressed in green who is not part of our group, but she regularly camps in our corner of the slums before moving on after a few days.  I've asked her if she needs any help but her answers are always cryptic.  She's a shady character but she has never given us any trouble nor brought us any.  She is also a merchant of some sort, selling traps, weapons and trinkets useful to thieves and scouts.  Nobody seems to know her story and she isn't saying anything illuminating.  I suspect she's simply an opportunist selling to all sides of West Conch's gang wars and our camp is a quiet and fairly safe place to stay on occasion.  She's very welcome to do that.  Still, best to be careful what we say and do in her presence until I know more about her. 

42

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

« on: October 24, 2021, 02:01:49 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

Weekend Musings
While even a sharp journalistic mind like my own cannot quite pinpoint the reason, I am sure you have all felt a certain sense of contentment about Conch today.  Perhaps there is no one cause.  It's surprising for me personally because we are currently in the process of moving our newspaper to a new office in the Conch Tenement Block.  Moving, as everyone knows, is a HORRIBLE experience which no one should ever have to endure.  I'd even feel sympathy for an adventurer moving house.  Obviously that would be a hypothetical situation because adventurers (especially Selunite ones) are almost invariably wayward and neurotic drifters rather than respectable renters or home owners. 

Since I have all but proven that Man-Bat is a crude hoax, I have turned my mind to a few of our other urban legends in Conch.  Bring me your sketches and personal stories of the Pied Piper and the Candyman that supposedly haunt our sewers!  Personally I believe that these creatures are just two more scams invented by lazy or simply incompetent adventurers (yes, Jimmy Two Bones, I am looking at you!).  Truly we are cursed with gossips of poor creativity when all they can come up with are anthropomorphic boogiemen to scare us with.  What next?  Is someone going to spread stories about a web-tossing "Human Spider"?  Ridiculous! 

-G. Morton, editor.


Pleasure and Pain
House Mistari and its affiliated organisation the Fane of the Thorned Rose have been actively advertising in Conch this past week.  House Mistari is seeking retainers and staff who "respect the teachings of pain" and the Fane is offering to discipline unruly underlings or teach masters in such techniques.  House Mistari is seemingly a noble house but does not currently appear on the register of recognised nobles of Conch.  This is presumably an oversight due to House Mistari's relatively recent arrival.  Some have cynically said that Conch is a city full of suffering and misbehaviour so House Mistari's advertising will fall on fertile ground. 

-S. Hellsworth, reporter.


New Librarian
The Great Library in Hadrian has announced Miss Arabelle Nelson has been assigned as librarian for all materials relating to Conch.  She was hired because of late the library has been visited frequently by residents of Conch and she is also the apprentice of Head Librarian Albert Pendragon Jr.  Of Miss Nelson herself little is known, although this reporter has been told that she has a personal link to Conch.  One source claims she is the illegitimate daughter of a famous resident of Conch, another that she lived here for many years under a different identity.  Whatever the truth, her presence should make research easier for those journeying to Hadrian. 

-A. Nutt, reporter.


Nebular in Lockdown
The Nebular University has announced it will be operating in a limited capacity "for a time".  Their short official announcement assured that "all was well", although also stated that an arcanist had been injured in an experiment gone wrong.  Residents of Upper Conch have expressed concerns about Nebular's secrecy in this matter and are already saying that staff and guards are only listening to the most urgent requests from the public.  "Aren't they our District Authority?" said resident Boabdil Kurdraus, Esquire.  "What if I get accosted by a beggar?  Or see someone drinking without a coaster?  Do I have to yell over the fence for a smelly brute from Diiri's Boys now for gods' sake?"  All residents of Upper Conch nervously await the next announcement from the university. 

-P. Krellin, reporter. 

43

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Giona Morton's Little Black Book

« on: October 21, 2021, 03:35:50 am »

4a. Soppira Hellsworth
Soppira wants to interview Carsen Sable, a known adventurer sympathiser, for her next article.  Am not pleased.  Of even more concern, today for morning tea she was eating an unusual dessert consisting of two baked chocolate circles with white goo sandwiched between them.  She described this as a "moon pie".  Clearest sign yet that she is a closet Selunite.

44

Journals & Backgrounds / Re: Eliezra Baldwin's File

« on: October 20, 2021, 10:35:14 am »

The Loviatarians have started advertising in our district, offering training in disciplining wayward underlings.   As if Diiri's Boys need any training on the arts of torture and brutal discipline.  I sent this "House Mistari" a warning letter and they replied via a public notice, so I am now in a war of written words with them it seems.  We can't tolerate their presence amongst such a vulnerable population but they look to be a wealthy noble house with resources far beyond our humble group.  It doesn't sound like they've been very welcome in West Conch in the past, so hopefully they stay out. 

I delved further into the Moanderite crypts west of Hadrian.  Walking the spiraling passageways was like a hideous journey through my personal pains and grievances.  But in the end I confronted a champion of Moander and another squalid being infested with Moander's essence.  Though alone, I destroyed them both.  If I can find the particular Moanderite I seek, my confidence that I can destroy him too should he not repent is growing. 

45

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

« on: October 18, 2021, 11:37:45 am »

The Conch Champion.  Independent & Accurate, Always.

A Nutty New Column
Dear readers, nothing stirs one to action quite like the pangs of simmering jealousy.  Reporter Antorino Nutt has requested that he be allowed a similar regular feature to his colleague Soppira Hellsworth.  Being impressed by his competitive resentment, I bring you Antorino's new project.  He shall profile less visible but equally notable people around Conch.  Being a man of wit and brevity (as well as a talented sketcher), Antorino shall give us a dose of his pencils along with notes on the person. 

Until next time, dear readers.  May the irritating radiance of the full moon not keep you up late!  Gods, it looks like a rotten block of soft cheese tonight. 

-G.Morton, editor.

A Pair of Workers
My first brace of notable residents of Conch are two of this city's quietest but hardest and most honest workers.

-A. Nutt, reporter.

Notary Victoria Hastings, West Netheril Trading Company

Ms Hastings is the only child of WNTC governor Every Hastings.  She's valued and respected at WNTC for her remarkable dedication and precision in what would be a tedious job to most.  Some have even described her as a prodigy in the art of business.  Yet one would have to wonder why this shining young scion of the Hastings clan is on her way to becoming a spinster.  Even more peculiar is her dropping out from her course at Nebular university last year.  Surely such a keen young mind would make a fine wizard?


Master Isekai, Nebular University

The perpetually solemn Master Isekai is Nebular's head of the school of Conjuration.  He is renowned for his plodding yet highly knowledgeable style of teaching which contrasts with his ferocity when it comes to disobedient or unruly students.  Naturally he is particularly skilled at summoning.  Why, his students often remark that Master Isekai can summon absolutely anything other than a smile.