Writer for GeeklyInc. Currently sitting on the bottom of the word in New Zealand. Tweet me outside of my normal time-zone @mrk_bennett. Comic recommendations, cat pictures and recipes for pie are welcomed.New Coventry. A town located somewhere between over there and around about here. A town full of people, places and stories. Depending on who you talk to New Coventry was built on everything from fertile farming land to an ancient burial ground and was founded by pious pilgrims or lizard-headed demons. Whatever the case, New Coventry has had its share of good times and bad and it sure has a lot of stories to go around.
The Living Campaign series aims to bring those stories, good and bad, to the fore. Each article will explore a new place, or a new person, or some new event that’s taken place in New Coventry. It may be something good, something not so good or just something that the good folks of New Coventry just don’t like talking about.
The setting is rules agnostic, so feel free to pick and choose whatever you like, but the general feel is 1920’s small town; don’t expect too many dragons (maybe). If you’re running short on inspiration, every so often the Living Campaign will talk about how to use its various bits and pieces.
So with that, welcome to New Coventry stranger.
Sally Mae, The Girl At The Bottom Of The Lake
In much the same vein as “The Lamp-Lighter”, “Old Ben”, or “The Grindle-Snatcher”; “Sally Mae” is another popular New Coventry folk-tale. Sally Mae is said to be a small, drowned girl that appears in New Coventry lake. Whether she causes drownings or prevents them is up for debate. Her exact origins are also slightly muddy, though most widely accepted version is that which is found in “Sally Mae, A Story” by author Penn. E. Hubbins. A transcript follows, however due to the complexities of New Coventry copyright, we are unable to bring you any of Mr. Hubbins’s original illustrations.
Sally Mae, A Story by Penn. E. Hubbins.
Sally Mae loved the little lake. She, and her momma, and her poppa lived near the little lake and Sally Mae would visit it every day.
She loved the way the little waves in the little lake would splish-splash on the little shore. She would dip her little toes in the water and squeal when it was cold.
But most of all, she loved the way the little lake would talk to her when she visited.
“And how are you to-day Mr. Lake?” Sally Mae would say.
And the little lake would reply “Glub-Glub” which Sally Mae knew meant “I am well to-day, thank you Sally Mae.” And Sally Mae would clap her little hands, for she loved the little lake. Her little friend.
One hot summers day, Sally Mae went down to the little lake and splashed her little toes in the water.
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake.
“It is very hot to-day Mr. Lake” said Sally Mae. And it was very hot, momma was inside making fresh lemonade and poppa was in town buying ice.
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake.
“No I don’t that momma would like that Mr. Lake, even if it is very hot to-day”
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake. And Sally Mae thought, and thought, and thought that it was rather hot to-day.
So, Sally Mae rolled up her underclothes to her knees and walked further into the little lake.
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake, and it splashed softly around Sally Mae.
Sally Mae laughed and laughed with the little lake.
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake.
“No I don’t think poppa would like that Mr. Lake, even if it is very hot to-day”
“Glub-Glub” sad the little lake. And Sally Mae thought, and thought and thought that it was rather hot to-day.
So, Sally Mae took in a big breath and put her head under the water.
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake as it pulled Sally Mae under.
Sally Mae said nothing.
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake as Sally Mae tried to take a breath.
Sally Mae said nothing.
“Glub-Glub” said the little lake as Sally Mae reached the bottom of the little lake.
“Glub-Glub” said Sally Mae.
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Not able to sleep after the tale of little Sally Mae? Then take the time to catch up with the rest of New Coventry and check out these other previously discovered places and people!
Introduction and Johnson’s Eatery Anna Ripley
The Coventry Conversation Coventry Conversation Microfilm Archive
New Hope Housing Cornelius Weatherhorn
Salt Lick Farm McGregor’s Boat Shed
Mr. Mackerton’s Magical Menagerie Campaign Adventures Part 1
Campaign Adventures Part 2 The Blackvittle Meatworks