GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between! My name is Salendar, and I'll be your host for yet another instalment of this literary purgatory I call home. Tonight we have three more tales for you, and a rapidly dwindling number of ways to announce that! We have talk of more strange happenings in the Whispering Woods, the death of humanities most constant companion, and the rising of an ancient beast, long thought forgotten... Now, I don't get paid by the hour, so let's get right to it!
First up on our entirely benevolent agenda, we have bizarre tales of dancing dryads in the Whispering Woods! Of course, anyone who's lived a day in these fine lands has heard the old stories of spirits of the forest, known for their graceful movements and haunting melodies. But recently, reports from travellers and woodland denizens alike speak of an unprecedented event: the dryads emerging from their hidden glades to perform elaborate, mesmerising dances beneath the light of the full moon. Witnesses describe the experience as both enchanting and eerie, with the forest itself seeming to come alive in response to the ethereal spectacle. Some speculate that this sudden burst of activity may be a portent of changes to come in the natural world, while others simply enjoy the otherworldly beauty of the forest's dance. Of course, a much deeper question burns in my mind; How did 'woodland denizens' report... anything?
Well, this week does seem to focus on the unintelligible gaining independence. Alongside sheep now being considered worthy news sources, in the bustling metropolis of Ordume, there are rumours abound of a peculiar phenomenon plaguing the city's inhabitants: vanishing shadows. Residents report witnessing their own shadows behaving strangely, darting and flickering as if possessed by a mischievous spirit. Some claim their shadows have even taken on a life of their own, leading them on bizarre and sometimes dangerous escapades through the city streets. Theories abound as to the cause of this mysterious occurrence, with some attributing it to arcane experiments gone awry, while others suspect the influence of ancient curses or malevolent spirits. Last night, this all took a turn for the worse. A baker was found dead in his home. No visible injuries, but he had no shadow... What could this mean for the citizens or Ordume? If this episode turns a profit, you may just find out...
And now, a tale of ancient legend and primal terror stirs in the forgotten corners of our world. From the depths of the earth rises the legendary Beast of Ash and Bone, a fearsome creature long thought consigned to myth and memory. As ancient runes begin to glow with renewed vigour and arcane energies surge through the land, whispers of the Beast's awakening spread like wildfire among those who dare to listen. For centuries, the Beast has slumbered in its subterranean lair, but now, driven by unknown forces and primordial hunger, it emerges once more to stalk the world above. As the earth trembles beneath its massive claws and the skies darken with its looming presence, civilisations tremble in fear, knowing that the ancient terror of the Beast of Ash and Bone has returned to reclaim its dominion over the land... So what is it, and how does it affect you? Well, it's rather simple. If you're an adventurer, this is the creature you're going to throw yourself at in the vain hope that your life might be remembered as something worthwhile after you die. It won't be. If you aren't an adventurer, then the beast may cause some... distortions, in day to day magic usage. Watch out for sudden power surges, magical draughts, or other forms of arcane instability. If you see the monster, trust me, you're better off dropping to your knees and begging than trying to fight or run. If you don't see the thing, don't worry about it! Once enough adventurers have thrown themselves into the meat grinder, either it will die, or it'll sate it's appetite.
And there you have it, dear viewers, three captivating tales to spark your imagination! There are a lot of scary things in the world, but we here at Bright Side News are always here to keep you informed, and safe! If you come face to face with a killer shadow and live to tell the tale... remember to whom your life is owed. As always, if you have any extraordinary stories or uncanny experiences of your own to share, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 0800-notmyproblem-1701. Until next time, thank you for tuning in to Bright Side News, where the glass is always one tenth full!
