The Scry

Revealing Real Recounts

*Editor’s Note: The recounts reported in The Scry do not represent an official endorsement but instead represent newsworthy tales from the author’s perspective.

Razing the Found City

People packed like Sardines. Suffocating smoke. City forsaken by the world. After strolling around in circles in the strange land known as the In-Between, having tea parties and crab cakes with cultists, our intrepid group stumbled into the soiled city, overflowing with filthy folk shambling about.

Now most explorers would be content to just spare the world of the terrible discovery, but our group is anything but ordinary. No, we were determined to not just to find the city, but to wipe it from existence! To that end, our daring team, whether through magic or mayhem, must slay the original founders, the elusive Rainbow Knights.

But things still were not so simple. The Rainbow Fools do not like to sit still like most. Nevertheless, our team had the skills and the smarts to single-handedly map out each of their hiding holes.

Our group returned with a simple mission: kill all the Rainbow Knights and make them regret ever founding the city! And, because our talents truly have no limit, we even ensured the Guild would not interfere with our noble, yet unsanitary quest - a task many once thought impossible! Many have already begun the hunt for the knights, and soon enough, the tainted city will be dismantled brick from brick.

~ Anonymous

(Written by Saorie Tylmae (success), edited by Murphy (crit fail), overall score: crit fail)

Inspiring Imaginations

The Scry proudly presents a Magical Masterpiece by Woods Dimpletwinkle:

I Was Teleported Into A Dojo And Created A Potato And Also Turned Into A Demon!?

Chapter One: The Fey Lands

The Fey Lands were a mystical place of otherworldly beauty and grandeur. The rolling hills and lush forests that made up the landscape were filled with all manner of enchanting creatures. Fairies, elves, sprites, and other mythical beauties roamed the land. But among them, the most beloved creature of all was the sprite. The sprites were small, delicate beings with wings like fragile petals, skin that shimmered like a thousand tiny stars, and piercing eyes that seem to peer into your very soul. They flitted about the Fey Lands in an endless dance of joy and wonder. They delighted in playing games of tag with one another and exploring the hidden corners of all the gods’ wonderful creations.

But one particular sprite, was different from all the others. She had a curious mind and a wild imagination that made her stand out among her peers. Despite her diminutive size, she was brave enough to go further than any other sprite had dared before; to explore new places and search for love and adventure. One day, while flying through the sky, she spotted something in the distance that caught her keen eye—a castle-like structure with four majestic towers reaching skyward as though searching for something hidden among the clouds above it. That castle was called “The Dojo” and it had been there since before anyone could remember; its purpose unknown but its alien yet alluring presence felt by all who lived nearby.

Seeing there was never any harm in taking a closer look, she flew toward it until she was hovering just outside its walls; intrigued by what thrilling mysteries lay within its doors. She peered into one of its windows but saw nothing save darkness within; she couldn’t even make out a shape or form within its depths no matter how long or deeply she stared into it… Suddenly there was a bright light that engulfed her entire being! Her heart raced with excitement as she felt herself being pulled forward into an unknown realm… then everything went dark….

(Written by Woods (success), edited by Saorie Tylmae(success), overall score: crit success)

Chapter Two: The Potato

The darkness swirled around me, a thick fog that tried to consume me the more I tried to see through it. Though I felt like I was pulled in every direction, through sheer force of my will, I held myself together until I suddenly felt a solid surface beneath me. I opened my eyes and realized that I had sent myself to a strange place. I recognized that it was a dojo, with its walls adorned with ancient symbols and weapons of mysterious origin that did little to impress me.

I was curious about the strange artifacts being presented to me, swords hanging from the walls and the symbols of power carved into the floor. But something else craved my attention - a faint glimmering light that seemed to originate from somewhere within the dojo. As I looked closer, I noticed an old stone tablet that could only have been created for this moment to be graced with my attention, was at the far end of the dojo.

On it were words written in an ancient language, so ancient that if I didn’t know it, it was unimportant. However, as soon as my gaze settled on them, the words desired for me to know them and became clear and legible - "Create a potato".

My curiosity piqued, I took out some of the raw ingredients of reality that were lying around and created the perfect image of a potato. As soon as it appeared before me, something that I totally expected happened - its shape shifted into that of a potato! But this was only the start of something much bigger… 

In the display of my power of creation, my own body began to change too! My skin started glowing with a luminescent purple hue and long pointed horns grew from my head! Fully prepared, this transformation gave way to an immense power inside me - power that I knew I was destined to wield! With this newfound strength came to match the wisdom I already displayed beyond anything anyone else could have imagined before; knowledge about magic and combat that begged me to control the objects and perform incredibly powerful spells!

This new power showed me to every corner of this previously unknown realm with the eagerness of a puppy trying to please a master it didn’t know it needed. In fact, showed its willingness to serve me by showing exactly who had tried to transport me here: A powerful demon lord who knew the Power I would one day become and wanted to teach me how to use my newfound abilities for good while ingratiating itself to my will!

(Written by Woods (failure), edited by Swoom(success), overall score: success)

Telling the Truth

The Guild, the Tyrant King

Beware the power of the Guild. They rule over us with an iron fist. Set prices, control who comes and goes. Have final say over every group and excursion. The Guild “requests” us adventurers go out and explore but demands a hefty cut of anything of value found. At least we get some scraps and valuable “experience” for danger we face, right? And fear not, for if we perish at least the items we acquire will make it back to them alongside our lifeless body, courtesy of our mandated wayfinders. As an added bonus, the Guild gladly offers resurrection services, for a fee of course…

You may wonder why the Guild requires so much money, demands so much control. The answer is as clear as day: to conquer this new land and become the greatest power of both worlds. You do not need to look too far back, the recent Lunar New Year festival was on open exhibition of how extravagantly and wastefully they court the powers that be while leeching and swindling off money from ordinary folks through the means of gambling and other rigged games of skill, and then on other hand you see how they gladly displace the weak but preach caution and “neutrality” as they bide their time when faced with stronger foes. For now the Guild is King and we all must play along lest they let loose upon us their dogs, loathsome abominations such as Eiko the blood-sipper and Manqoba the fume-farter. But make no mistake, the time will come to choose a side and the reckoning will be swift and final.

~ R (Written by Saorie Tylmae (success), Editing by Murphy (success), Overall Score: Crit Success)

Most reports from the guild is making clear that this new world is dangerous. The guild has claimed ownership of the portal and now wishes to control the ins and outs of it, but it is only standing because of some courageous adventurers who risk life and limb every day, barely avoiding fates worse than death. When asked what they can do to help the brave heroes, they wave forms in our faces, to be files in triplicates to requisition information. Is there no end to this labyrinthine bureaucracy?

But by leaving these adventurers to their own with a free pass, the guild is failing them. Failing to provide them with the necessary tools, failing to warn them about the dangers of the new world and failing to even vet new recruits coming from protect the portal to the old world properly. Most of them are green behind the ears, some barely come of age, all of them poor and desperate, lured by promise of bare minimum wage and free food and board. And then they are sent in the bare wilderness, to die.. for what?

The issues that the guild is facing are many, and they have turned once again to some brave (sometimes foolish) adventurers to form organization to do what the guild could not.

How long until the guild failings go beyond the portal and affects everyone? How many unchecks relics and magical items are roaming First Landing streets or have been sent back to the old world? How many strange entities have replaced or are controlling your friends here in First Landing?

Unfortunately, if the Guild stays in charge, we will only have these answers when it is too late...

- Almin, the All-knowing (Written by Almin Tamor (success), Edited by Murphy (success), Overall Score: Crit Success)

A PerchANTS too PleasANTS Truth

Most certANTly you, my smart and elegANT reader, have heard sultry rumors of a series of trysts with giant ants , objectively magnificANT creatures with their rock hard exoskeletons and sweet sweet phermoans as well as other oversized beauties, near town. Just another "danger" that lurks in the strange wilds of this unknown island. Harmless in the end, with locals humorously naming the recurring ANTounters as "AntQuests", right? Well, what if I told we are laughing at the tip of a six-legged iceberg.

Unknowingly for the common folk, is the fact that numerous participants of these expeditions, who came back triumph ant ANT, just vanished without saying a word. According from sources at the Guild's office, some never claimed their bounty and were seen heading back to the hives never to return. Strange behavior for a successful adANTturer, isn't it?

Even stranger is the shocking testimony of one of the strongest and most ripped, yet surprisingly sensitive city guards, which identity will remain secret for privacy reasons, who remembers seeing advANTurers return from the underground hive with tranquil expressions as if they experienced true nirvana. Even mumbling some intelligible phrases about having their emotional needs met for the first time in their lives, walking absent-minded. "They even refused to try Elvira's new salted butter cookie recipe, when they arrived at the Pug. And then ordered a full jar of honey to eat for dinner." - said Steve, the city guard who can be found on the Scry’s upcoming seasonal calendar.

When asked about these abnormal events, authorities denied the evidANTS. "This is the sixth time I asked you to not knock at my door at 4 am!" "No, I'm not an ant in disguise nor I've pledged alliANTS to the Ant Queen even if the thought of the sweet caress of their mandibles keeps me up at night. Who the hell are you?"

A series of scANTalous findings, indeed. Are our comrades really coming back safely from the subterranean realm? Or did only their bodies escape that heavenly place? These are dull times and those in charge seem to prefer keeping the heart-throbbing truth hidden from us perhaps to keep us from experiANTSing true happiness. But do not fear, for I will be your light in the dark. Tune in for future discoveries. And remember: keep asking the right questions.

- Dom-inique-Baptiste Emanuel, detective ANTraordinaire and truthseeker. (Written by Dominique-Baptiste Emanuel (failure), Edited by Saorie Tylmae (failure), Overall Score: Crit Failure)

Sharing Serious Skills

Surviving in the New World

Hello there! Uzuto Sukemoru the Amazing here! I thought this newspaper would be a good opportunity to talk about my experience surviving! I think I have done a very good job so far, though there have been certain difficulties.

One of the first difficulties I encountered was finding a suitable spot. I had to dig many holes outside town before I found a satisfactory spot. And even once that work was done, I had to deal with pests! A family of foes made their home nearby and constantly attempted to eat my livelihood at the behest of their rude father. Luckily we were able to strike a deal that I would give them some of the results, in exchange for them looking after my 'property' while I am gone, and now I have only had to fight the father a few times since!

Another issue was my own inexperience. While my fellow disciples and I have always dreamed about owning 'property', dreaming and doing are too very different things. For example, I did not realize that the 'property' would need to be watered everyday. I thought they would have been hardier than that, but I suppose surviving is much like training. It is ok to push yourself, but go too far and you stand the risk of breaking. I also neglected to use proper 'fertilizer' and spacing between 'property'. I could go on and on about my mistakes, but that would make this quite long indeed!

As for things that are happening currently, I have been quite successful with my recent 'harvesting' endeavor! I have begun to grow new 'property' and even with the interference of the rabbit rascal, they have grown to quite an impressive size! They have fared far better than my last attempt of 'property', which somehow ended up poisonous. It is quite fortunate that Elvira discovered this fact before feeding it to others, otherwise there could have been problems. I wonder what I should grow after the new 'property' are harvested? If you have a suggestion and see me in the street, do not hesitate to suggest something!

(Written by Sukemoru Uzuto (success), Edited by Rose "Silver" Thorn (failure), Overall Score: Failure)

Surviving in the New World: a Monstrous Perspective

Well, you can tell by the way I stalk

I'm a monster dead, no time to talk
Weapons hot and morale low, I've been kicked around
Since I got spawnd
And now it's alright, it's okay
And you may look the other way
We can try to understand
First Landing Scry's effect on dead
Whether you're a balor or whether you're a mouther
You're slayin' alive, slayin' alive
Feel the city breakin' and everybony shakin'
And we're slayin' alive, slayin' alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, slayin' alive, slayin' alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, slayin' alive
Unlife goin' nowhere, somebony Harm me
Somebony Harm me, yeah
UnLife goin' nowhere, somebony Harm me, yeah
I'm slayin' aliiiiiiiiiiiiveeeeeeeee

(Written by Murphy (failure), Overall Score: Failure)

Revealing Real Recounts

Local Thug is a Joke

Self-proclaimed member of the corrupt First Landing guard named Gallias has recently been imprisoned for a public disturbance, after she sicced her lackeys Little Rocco and Big (but not where it counts) Jimmy on an innocent man's mistmas gift stall. She clumsily attempted to steal toys meant for less fortunate children in order to satisfy her perverse impulses, while ineptly framing an innocent local kobold for the intimidation and robbery.

This was simply one of the more recent exploits (and the author uses this word facetiously) of First Landing's wannable trouble-maker. Gallias is a self-proclaimed disciple of Gorum, a bloodthirsty deity that compels His cultists to fight and kill, with survivors telling harrowing accounts of occult rituals of blood sacrifice and the consumption of humanoid flesh.

Who let such a person in to First Landing? They're a disgrace! An unidentified local community leader has advocated for her expulsion from the settlement, citing his own fears for his life. "I heard Gallias brag, quite unconvincing, about eating babies. If left unchecked, Gorum Himself will descend upon First Landing to restore honor to His name!”

Fortunately, everyone can easily steer clear of Gallias for her stench can be smelled for miles.

(Written by Daggoth (failure), Editing by Saorie Tylmae (success), Overall Score: Success)

A Fey Adoption

Heir ye! Heir ye! Succession in the Fey Baronies as a certain Lord has adopted a commoner! Kakkariel Attysson was invited by Lord Attys to perform in his play. Kakkariel took over the play and changed out the script to fit his future Daddy's needs. He cast himself as the child and another actress to portray Lady Attys. During one scene the play, it got quite maternal as Kakkariel suckled the lead actress. 

After the play was over, Lord Attys was seen with Kakkariel going to the adoption office, where they were with the magistrate for several minutes. Moments later there were seen coming out of the office both smiling, with Kakkariel riding on his new parent's shoulders.

~Midwife extra no 5 (Written by Kakkariel (success), Edited by Murphy (failure), Overall Score: Failure)

Scandal at Lical Tawdry Celebration

In the super bad afterparty celebrations of Tylmae and Damin's victory at the rigged arena games, the musky local druid and the cheeky champion of Love, the former betrothed and soon to be wedded and the latter, widely known to have their own spouse and sad offsprings in the Old World, were seen holding green hands, in full view of other yellow revellers.

They whispered sour confidences as they drunk cheap wines and exchanged weeds, and even practiced openly in the arts and crafts of hasty weak armor donning, in preparation that in case their subsequent private clumsy trysts draw attention of the ugly masses, they may appear to be engaged in an innocent bout of wrestling.

These holier than thou sheeple are mistaken if they think their grass facades would be enough to elude the watchful eyes of the common rubes. Be ever vigilant and report any sightings of such public promiscuity. We must protect the minds and morals of our gullible youths by exposing the hypocrisy of those who undermine family values

~ Efioa Oos the Terrible (Written by Aoife Soo (failure), Edited by Saorie Tylmae (crit failure), Overall Score: Crit Failure)

Inspiring Imaginations

Shadows, Death, and Discovery

Not long ago, and not far away, I laid dying beside a shadow rift. Or so I am told. I recall the fear as this new home was swallowed whole by the eclipse, and the wounded warrior who bravely revealed a rift which powered it. Vaguely, I know I stretched my magic and medicine to the absolute limit to keep everyone up, and we struggled with a deadly, mounting foe. It became clear to us that survival, not only ours but all of First Landing, meant closing the rift at all costs. But nothing, not the pain nor the desperation, remains so vivid as the feeling of breaking through magic, reaching into oblivion, and falling. Falling into an endless, featureless void. Prey to innumerable creatures of shadow, beyond the reach of life or even death itself...I remember every. single. moment. of my spirit being flayed.

I remember a voice, coarse, yet kind. Daggoth is a troublemaker, but I love him, and I earnestly believe he loves me. We met at the Mwangi festival, and we kissed at its close, despite our chance meeting on disparate walks of life. It wasn't enough time together. Some part of my soul so firmly held to this, despaired so deeply, that it reestablished a connection to life. As it returned, so too was I delivered. Everything else is a blur of medicine and sleep.

They say that I only spent an instant in the rift, and a legion of shadows perished right then. They say — and I felt — that a shadow beast was to kill me in turn, yet inscrutably retreated. There are so many mysteries...

You will know our deep ignorance as you wander this vast world at the side of the last world's children. We are capable of great and terrible things, the spreading eclipse which must spare our fellows; to learn where we are going, and who our true enemies are, is to learn how to get at the cores of our dreams without drowning this world in its blood. It is my sincerest hope that, whether from fonts of held hands and kisses, the joys of discovery, or enlightened self-interest, we can forge an ending of peace and not pain. That the thresholds of experience will prove ever so blissful.

~ Sato Tamiko of the Great House Miyagawa, scion of Azumada near Higashita Coast (Written by Tamiko Sato of House Miyagawa (success), Edited by Saorie Tylmae (crit success), Overall Score: Crit Success)