Hello again dear readers, and welcome to the second issue of the revitalised Final Town Cryer, covering recent events of the Juilat-Alfthand period in the northermost town in all of Civil Anderon! I remain your trusty and intreped reporter Sharon Stormcaller, bringing you all the news that matters for a mere 10 Copper Pieces! What a bargain for such valuable knowledge!
Following on from our recent story on the mysterious lights above Weaver Woods, we have just this week received word on developments within the foreboding forest. It appears that for several years now this place has been deeply infested with monstrous gnolls - ravenous hyena-men, insatiable carnivores that crave the flesh of man! Reports of the carnage suggest that these awful beasts had been slowly growing in number within Weaver Woods for years, and the lights above the woods were the spirits of their consumed victims calling out in anguish. With the violent gnoll menace finally put to rest by the efforts of the 14th Tower's Branch Remnant Unit, and the assistance of Unnamed Adventuring Company, Esteemed local Spirit Hunter Corwyn Derek had this to say about the situation.
"Thanks for having me back again Sharon, you're doing great work here. Well, these spirits and lights, it's just as I was saying. It's the spirits that were trapped within Weaver Woods, subjected to such horrors by these dreadful creatures. Absolutely vicious they are, these Gnolls. Have you ever seen a Gnoll? Dear me they'd wilt your tea in the bag! But these poor souls, they've been subjected to so much, and we could see their terrible anguish! Just like I described in the last edition of your fine publication. But now people have been able to go in and out of those tragic woods the spirits have found their own way to escape, and must surely now be at peace. I for one am thoroughly relieved on their behalf. What terrible things I heard them speak of when the lights eventually ceased and the spirits were set free!"
I pressed Mr Derek further for additional detail on what exactly the spirits spoke of to him, but he was so deeply upset by his recollection that he had to lie down in my office for a time and be gently roused back to health through the application of smelling salts and biscuits.
An eye-witness to the events also came forward to speak of the experience, though on condition of anonymity, and so shall simply be referred to as Witness A henceforth. They had this to contribute: "The gnolls, they were great in number and fierce in both tooth and blade. One of them, deeply contorted by dark forces, appeared to be leading them and held an unnatural power. They had prepared a dreadful altar of flesh and bone, a mockery of their victim's bodies. We fought valiantly. Not all of us made it out. It shouldn't have happened like this. May the spirits of the fallen now rest peacefully in the next world."
Did you hear the Speech of the Spectres in the aftermath of the Weaver Woods Massacre? Have you ever seen a gnoll? Do you plan to visit Weaver Woods now it's safe again? Please get in touch with your views on this!
A group of brave adventurers out in the Lost North, "Excellent Adventurers Inc.", announced their return from the previously unexplored ancient ruins several miles north of Unity Wall, with some incredible finds! Spokesman of the party, Dalmation Johnson, had this to say:
"Well, Sharon, I appreciate your speaking with us on this. As the first ever people to explore this ruin, we obviously have important news to bring back. Firstly, have you ever witnessed such a strange structure? The architecture of The Last Ones truly was some weird shit, Sharon. I've never seen so many triangles and hexagons in my life, just to look upon it could drive a lesser man to dizziness! But once you've overcome the intimidating exterior, you're plunged into absolute darkness. These things, no windows! Madness I know, but there's the truth for you. We defeated some monstrous creatures in the basement of this place, horrible tentacled things they were, but no match for Excellent Adventurers Inc and the blade of Dalmation Johnson, I can tell you!"
"We found some incredible old books in there, true lost archive stuff, and I have to say that's what this is all about. True, the money and the women and the rush of blood in the thick of battle are all nice, but at the end of the day what's more important than rescuing lost knowledge? To give something back for our future generations. Speaking of which, Sharon, are you busy later tonight?"
We abruptly called the interview to an end but thank Mr Johnson and all of Excellent Adventurers Inc for their service, and wish them the best of luck out in The Lost North!
We in Final Town are known for our openness and hospitality, and as a neutral space in the midst of an ongoing war it's a welcome relief for all who visit! As part of this we're excited to be hosting a Squad of Dwarven artificers who will be taking advantage of the desolate environment of The Lost North for the testing of some new equipment developed in Blackspire. They will be providing some basic demonstrations of their discoveries in The Last Stop over the coming weeks, and if you hear any huge booming noises or bright flashes of light coming from the north, you can bet your last copper these brave lads are responsible in some way!
When approached for comment, one member of the Squad - Captain Rockshatter - had the following for us:
"We've built some powerful new gear. We're gonna test it out. Folk'll see what Blackspire can really do. Open air o' Lost North beats a sweaty brick cavern any day of the week."
He then added, "Best you lot stay indoors in the evenings, you get what I'm sayin'?"
Best of luck out there to the brave engineers of Blackspire, and I for one look forward to the upcoming spectacle!
Reporting once more the exploits of local entrepreneur and respected businessman Dylan Barchost, we are pleased to report of glad developments from Bluepond Mine. Barchost has now uncovered a trove of valuable crystals and minerals deeper into the complex, sure to bring value to Final Town and bolster our trading potential.
When questioned on the matter, he had this to say: "Oh, yes, there's definitely a lot of value down there. Beautiful gems and other mineral resources which we'll now be setting on labour to retrieve. I think it could bring a lot of value back to the area, so long as we can keep the bandits off of our backs. I've had to hire some extra security recently. It's not without it's risks you know, running this business!"
Continuing to wish the best of luck to Mr Barchost in his endeavours to enrich us all!
"So rises a moon of blood The beasts arise to seek their feed Sinking through a fog of mud The sky begins to bleed A shape within a wicked cloud An eye within a rune A plague stripping the flesh away We sow our island's doom" - Seer Soranov. Untitled.
Treasure Hunt Part Two- by Lord William Saftlesantle Follow my writing, get loot without fighting!
"Atop verdant hills with jagged staves, Overlooking villain's graves, Sacred stones are ones to talk, The mouth is where you'll wish to walk"
"Looking to start a band. Anyone play lute? Enquire behind bar at Donny's Dive. PROFESSIONALS ONLY"
"In the market for books leftover by The Last Ones. Contact Alumnite Strange. You know where."
"Dear usual friend, I am a recently deposed noble from the distant southern land of Holorak usual. I am seeking assistance in reclamation of my vast fortune of GP 8.5 million Gold Pieces, which has been dishonourably stolen from me by the usual corrupt officials of my home nation state of Tawneria. I have secured safe passage to a haven state and have a contact who can assist me in reclaiming my vast fortune, and seek your help usual in completing the necessary processing fees to transfer the money back to me usual. Be rest assured, I will compensate you gladly and fully to the value of usual half my total 8.5 million Gold GP usual Pieces fortune. Please contact my esteemed assistant Mr John Warosa through Pigeon Box 419 in order to help me save my poor tragical usual family's legacy. Mr Barosa will provide all the necessary details for you to do me this great favour and you will be truly blessed by the many gods of our great lands for you kindness and honesty. Best thanks Prince Usual Arnanand Remaria"
Human Paladin, Adventurer, died in valiant battle protecting his comrades, cut down by vicious gnolls, 14/08/50 Fidel is remembered by his comrades of Unnamed Adventuring Company, and the friends he made on his journey. "He was a huge helmet! Nice lad, too nice really" - Danstar Fren, Proprietor of The Last Stop "Too honest"- Dolmire Lampton, comrade of the fallen. "Kind, brave, overall a good soul. I shall miss his company," Alsana Marion II, Cleric of Amara. "Wait, a *magic* missile!?"- inferred last words via witness testimony.
Bold members of the 14th Tower's Branch, slain in Weaver Woods battling a brutal gnoll infestation. Their bravery shall never be forgotten, nor their betrayal forgiven. The stars never abandoned them, nor shall we.
Half-elf Artificer, Misdirective-artist, Aspiring Adventurer. Missing presumed dead as of 03/08/50 Van leaves behind no family, but several friends in the Misdirective Community "Van knew a good trick when he saw it. Maybe a little too well," Danstar Fren, Proprietor of The Last Stop "Magic without the magic? Confounding. But somehow amusing. Shame he's dead," Alumnite Strange, Wizard Extraordinaire.
The Blackspire Brigadiers have steamed ahead of the South Tower Slayers in the Sprintball this past Season, netting 4 loops to three in their last match, and putting them at the top of the table and now ahead of the Aldernaughties, with the Dragon Spirits now trailing behind at the bottom of the league. An illegal slamming move has seen Team F3 (Frannik's Fierce Fuckers) disqualified from their next three games after a Dragon Spirits' player lost an arm in yet another act of disruptive and unsporting play from the Fuckers, who are known for their rough tactics and overall aggression. We look forward to seeing what the Slayers will do in their next matchup against the Independent Final Towners. Go get 'em lads!