If you like you can look at the (sketchy, incomplete) GM notes as well.

The News

Turn 1

In the Papers

Colonel Zero Announces Retirement

* AGED DESPOT TO STAND DOWN * FIFTEEN OLIGARCHS TO CHOOSE NEW TYRANT *

Let it not be said, however, that the Liberator refuses to acknowledge Zero's talents. Colonel Zero will leave behind him a career littered with marvellous achievements:

• In purely economic terms, his reign has seen the city recover and rejoin the family of nations.h Horizon can now bleed workers dry and reap vast profits for its plutocratic elite with the best of 'em.

• His willingness to do business with the Grey Order has allowed a whole new exploitative hierarchy to infest Horizon, with Grey devices threatening the jobs of thousands of steamworkers.

• The establishment of the trans-Wall colonies has provided vast new vistas for the oppressed classes to work themselves to death in for the benefit of a privileged minority. The government's skill in presenting a life of slave labour as a whirlwind of adventure and romance in the Treacherous Lands has been masterful.a

• The imposition of the Prime Emergency has allowed the Mayor to retain dictatorial powers long after the Imperialist threat has descended into irrelevance.

• The participation of Horizon in the Vegdarbarran and Lasinian conflicts of twenty years ago whetted the nation's appetite for military adventurism and expansionistic conquest.

• Above all, Colonel Zero has consistently sidelined, suppressed, and suffocated the people's struggle for civil liberties and basic rights, and has proven a capable servant of the elite interests that maintain the Mayoral system in Horizon.

While it brings cheer to our hearts and a spring to our steps to know that we will finally be rid of this blood-soaked menace to human dignity and social justice, we cannot celebrate this news.t The Mayoral election, which as tradition dictates will take place on Horizon's Day at the end of this year, will be yet another case of the ruling classes choosing a pleasing figurehead from amongst themselves, an individual capable of securing their profits and pursuing their policies.

Colonel Zero may be hoping to fade into obscurity, but we at the Liberator will not forget him; come the revolution, there will still be a place for him up against the Wall.

Architect Cuts Ribbon On Watchdog Museum, Announces Candidacy

Central Steam Begins Construction

The move has been met with disapproval by many steamworkers, who feel that such technology would cause vast unemployment in this already impoverished district.

THE PATRIOT WEIGHS IN

THE POST SAYS: Up with the Patriot! Lorcam for Mayor! And many more public appearances for Deborah Lorcam (25)!

[OOC: There follows a picture of the Patriot's rally which, for some reason, is almost entirely taken up with a depiction of his young and pretty wife.]

Plague Rumours Spark Unrest In Slums

In a curious twist, one source close to the the Church has revealed an unusual facet to this epidemic: many of the victims of the plague have been found to be in the early stages of addiction to Periplaneta Vulgaris, the Horizon sewer cockroach (whose egg-sacs are used by those sufficiently desperate to obtain a brief high). Whether the disease also brings on a craving for this high or whether the sewer cockroaches are carriers of this new disease remains a chicken-and-egg issue.

Democratic Congress of Horizon Announces Primary

Proposing the motion, David Wright, a popular figure within the DCH, explained how the Congress plans to make this Primary meaningful:

"Any individual may enter their name on the ballot for the Primary, but in doing so they must swear an Oath on a dog; an Oath that they will respect the result of the ballot, and that if they lose they will withdraw from the Mayoral race and lend their full support to the winning candidate.

"This motion furthermore urges the citizenry of Horizon to deny their signatures to the petitions of any Mayoral candidate who refuses to enter the Primary."

Once the motion was passed, Mr Wright made this further short speech:

"Congress, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for endorsing this motion.s This is a historic day for Horizon; it is the day when we, the Democratic Congress, adopted the means by which we will take back the Mayor's office for the people. Through the denial of signatures to those who refuse to participate in the Primary, we hope to deny the Mayorship to any candidate who refuses to submit to the will of the people, and through this Primary we hope to present the fifteen electors with a fait accompli.a The Moot of Years would not dare defy the will of the people of Horizon.

"Brothers and sisters in Congress, I have one further announcement to make. I have in my hand a small puppy. And I stand before you, and swear on this puppy that I will respect the result of the DCH Primary, and that I will lend my full support to the winning candidate if I lose. I am proud, brothers and sisters in Congress, to announce myself as the first candidate to enter the Democratic Congress Primary, and I hope to win your endorsement to become the first democratically elected Mayor of Horizon."

At this, the meeting-hall erupted with applause of an enthusiasm rarely seen at DCH events.p While this newspaper remains sceptical about the ability of democratic processes to enact social change, and does not recognise the validity of the Mayoral office, we nonetheless wish the best of luck to David Wright, the Demagogue, whose idealism will make a welcome change in the Hive.

The DCH Primary will be held on the 25th of Autumn's Dawn. [OOC: This means it will occur during the turnsheeting phase between the 5th week and 6th week sessions.]

Mogul Announces Candidacy for Mayor

[OOC: The article continues for several sycophantic pages.]

...and finally, the Mogul today announced that he would be running in the up-coming mayoral election, simply saying:

"What Horizon needs in these times of peace isn't a soldier. It's a good, hard-nosed businessman, who knows how to compromise and knows how to please the people. I want to do for Horizon what my brother has done for the Steam: I want to make Horizon rich."

Crushed Under the Presses?

We at the Liberator have to give the Mogul some credit, though. If it weren't for him, there wouldn't be a need for newspapers like the Liberator to reveal the truth about what's going on.n

Anonymous Thugs Smash Clarion

It brings us great sadness, therefore, to report the destruction of the Clarion.i It appears that just after midnight last night simultaneous raids took place at three locations in the Trade District, these being the locations of the Clarion offices. "Comrade Jones", the editor of the Clarion, was able to give us this description of the raids:

"They 'ad balaclavas on, aye, an' they weren't in any uniforms so I knew it wasn't a Watchdog bust.p They grabbed us, frisked us, took any copies of the newspaper they found on us an' chucked us out. Told us to go home, but nat'rally I hid and watched what they were up to. Smashed our Greywriters to bits, they did, and burned all the papers we'd printed up that evenin'.o Funny thing was that they didn't touch my notebook when they found it on me, despite it 'avin' me notes for an article on direct action on t' factory floor. I 'esitate to guess but I reckon this was an attempt to put us out of business, wreck our presses and our offices so we couldn't afford to stay in business. They didn't care what we knew about who, they just cared about shuttin' us up."

The Clarion staff remained unhurt in the course of the raids, except for one reporter who was shot with an automatic pistol when he tried to stop the raiders.t The level of professionalism shown by the anonymous brutes suggests to this reporter that this was more than just a case of fascist vigilantes trying to stifle the voice of the people; someone powerful wanted the Clarion closed down, and the Liberator won't stand for it.e Until the Clarion gets back on its feet, you'll find articles by its journalists in our back pages; turn to page 37 to find out how you can donate time or money to our Save the Clarion appeal.

ANARCHOLES FOR MAYOR? (ANSWER: NO.)

"For twenty, yes, twenty and a bit years this city of Horizon has given nothing but contempt and scorn - SCORN, I SAY!!! - to me - ME! - its rightful totalitarian overlord. BUT NO MORE! Now it is that I will gloriously march to complete democratically endorsed rulership over this city as you, the undeserving millions, bow before your true master. TRUE MASTER, I SAY!!! YOU!!! THERE!!! I AM YOUR MASTER!!! STOP DOING THAT!!! YOU WILL BE DESTROYED!!! You're not coming back into my pub. Ignoramus. Were I a younger man, the foolish people of Horizon would then be subject to HORRIBLE DOOM for their defiance. DOOM, I SAY!!! But no. Behold, I am grown lenient and forgiving. Instead, you will be forged into an army the likes of which has NEVER BEEN SEEN!!! ANARCHOLES' HORDE OF DARKNESS!!! Together, I (Anarcholes!) and you (the people of Horizon!) will sweep the ENTIRE WORLD in a tide of ABSOLUTE DOMINATION!!! POWER!!! GLORY!!! Free beer all round! A better deal for our hardworking government clerks! Petition for Anarcholes for Mayor, your only realistic alternative to COMPLETE OBLITERATION!!! YOU!!! DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO FOUL IN FRONT OF MY PUB!!! ALL HAIL GLORIOUS ME!!!"

The Post is glad to join every other paper in Horizon in nicknaming Anarcholes THE LOSER. Anarcholes the Black is 61.

Liberator Journalist Killed

Exhibition of the Decade Opens Today

Highlights of the collection include an illustrated accout of the capture of an avatar of Verachtlich during the Second Age, a collection of drawings of flora and fauna brought back from the Treacherous Lands during the Third Age and, finally, the centrepiece is the stunning Page of Thezir; this large manuscript is 8ft by 12ft and - if genuine - is thought to date from before the First Age and contains as yet untranslated writings from that time, and is therefore one of the most important historical relics in the city. The page has been in the possesion of the Dalcrow family for many hundreds of years and experts have argued as to its authenticity throughout that time. Some say the paper quality is too high to be that old, while others argue that if it is from the pen of Thezir, the God of Knowledge himself, then such paper quality was not beyond his capability. The piece is beautiful in its own right, however, and while it is on public display this reporter encourages everyone to view it.

Hess for Mayor?

This news was greeted by a round of applause from those present, many of whom support Commisioner Hess for the effort she has put into the Widows' Provision Fund and who they say has, over the past decade, consistantly worked for the good of the City.

Critics of this move have said that Hess is merely cashing in on her reputation amongst a small group to improve her status in the runnings for Mayor but these claims seem to be unfounded as of yet.

DARING EXPEDITION SETS OFF AS SNOWS MELT!

Von Jäger is due back in 6 months time, and is expected to display his findings at the University before putting them up for auction.

[OOC: The accompanying picture shows Bernard being waved goodbye by his mother, the Grafin Marie von Jäger, one of the seven Heptarchs on the Moot of Years.]

An Open Letter to the Moot of Years

Sirs,

It is our opinion that when Mayor Zero leaves office at the end of this year he will leave behind an enviable legacy: an economy revitalised, a nation secure, a city regaining its pride and a people enjoying a prosperity well beyond any previously experienced in the Fourth Age, or indeed most of the Third Age.

He does not, however, leave behind one thing: a successor. It is for the Moot of Years to decide that. It is our intent in writing this missive to make a proposal: a bold proposal, but one which we hope the Moot will take into account during its deliberations come the end of the year.

It is without doubt that the Imperial system held a deadly flaw, in the form of the Emperor himself; living far beyond his natural span, it should amaze nobody that he began to see us mere mortals as little more than mayflies, short-lived and short-sighted, and it is unsurprising that he eventually ruled solely for his own benefit. It is clear that one man cannot rule a nation forever, and it is clearly a wise choice of the Colonel's to step down while he is still in full command of his faculties.

It is our opinion, however, that there is a fatal flaw within the Mayoral system as well: the flaw of short-sightedness. Diverse interests are represented on the Moot of Years, and yet - while many of those interests doubtly take the long-term view to heart - it is all too common for them to elect Mayors who prove to be unsuitable. A mere glance at the Mayors elected after the Last War shows that an individual of the quality of Colonel Zero is the exception, rather than the rule. Why is this?

We believe that this is because Mayors simply have very little stake in Horizon's success and well-being beyond the end of their tuem in office; corrupt Mayors can cheerfully plunder the Treasury and sail off to a sunny island somewhere to forget about the city's troubles, and indeed have done so in the past.

The oldest commercial, merchantile, and political interests in the city of Horizon are the aristocratic families of this city. There have been criticisms of the nobility in the past by many individuals, often those who feel disenfranchised, but the fact is that the position of the wealthiest members of our society is due to one factor: the foresight of their ancestors. When one has children, they become the most important individuals in one's life; when one has a legacy to bequeath to one's children, one takes the very best care of it. There is little doubt that embezzling Mayors have passed their ill-gotten gains onto their children; if we are to solve the crisis in the Mayoral system, we must find some means to ensure that Mayors have genuine inducements to stay in the job and work hard, for the good of themselves and their children.

The high level of uncertainty involved in the electoral process is a second concern to us. In this instance, we are lucky: the Colonel has had the foresight to announce his resignation a year in advance, to provide the maximum amount of time for the political process to unfold. We cannot always rely on the careers of Mayors ending so smoothly. Sudden illness, assassination, shock resignation and imprisonment can all lead, under the present system, to a snap election, and when one decides in haste one repents at leisure.

Even when there is plenty of time for the candidates to make their case, however, there is still uncertainty. While we find the electoral process as exciting as everybody else, we are fully aware that Horizon needs stability in politics, not excitement. Nobody can be sure of the future, nobody can plan for the long-term, when nobody knows who will be ruling the city after the current Mayor.

The undersigned, in consultation with one another, have discussed this matter at length, and we feel that we have found a solution to the problems of Mayoral unaccountability and political uncertainty. We believe that the Mayor's Office should be fundamentally reformed, so that it can become a hereditary position. If a man knows that the consequences of his errors will fall to his son, he is liable to take a much more responsible stance. If the city knows the character of his son, the city can prepare for his son's rulership adequately. While every family has its bad apples, it is highly improbable that an entire dynasty would prove unsuitable.

A study of the Last Treaty, historical precedent, and the law of Horizon clearly shows that it is within the power of the Moot of Years - if they choose - to elect not merely an individual but a dynasty. We urge them to make that momentous, historic choice. Horizon needs a ruler who looks to the future, not just the present. Horizon needs to know who will rule it ten, twenty, thirty years down the line. Horizon needs stablility and accountability in politics. Horizon needs a proud figurehead to command respect throughout the world, but a figurehead who is mortal, who will not fall into the crimes of the Emperor. Horizon, in our opinion, does not merely need a Mayor.

Horizon needs a King.

Yours sincerely...

[OOC: The signatories to this document are all members of the Goodly Chamber, some of them powerful and influential ones. None of the Heptarchs have signed it, but since the letter is addressed to the Moot of Years they are a part of this means little.]

A Statement From the HPLF On the "Sons of Richter"

"To the people of Horizon, and to all comrades in the struggle for social justice, it is with a heavy heart that HPLF Propaganda Cell 7, following instructions from the Revolutionary Council, issues this bulletin.i

"The HPLF Revolutionary Council wishes it to be known that our organisation distances itself utterly from the so-called Sons of Richter.a This statement will come as a surprise to few members of our movement; the complaints of Liberation fighters at all levels of our organisation about the Sons' behaviour have been well-aired, and we can find no reason to disagree with the assessment of our comrades within the movement.r

"To wit:

• The Sons of Richter have consistently proved to be a disruptive influence at every rally, meeting, and event they have attended.y It is unacceptable that members of the public attending a public rally, showing willingness to learn more about revolutionary politics and social justice, should feel threatened by HPLF members on security detail; furthermore, the Sons' assault upon 'Comrade Susan' of Propaganda Cell 6 was unprovoked, brutal, and completely antithetical to the principles of our movement.e

• The Sons of Richter have demonstrated a slipshot grasp of revolutionary philosophy, a miserable understanding of Richterist thought and have taken an apathetic view to HPLF policy statements.

• The Sons of Richter have repeatedly declared their willingness to target innocent civilians - including children and invalids - and the Revolutionary Council has received intelligence that they are preparing for a campaign of direct action.

"We realise it is unusual for the Revolutionary Council to so publicly denounce a cell, but we feel that the extreme circumstances in this case merit this move.f In particular, the indiscriminate nature of the direct action campaign the Sons of Richter are apparently planning is an affront to revolutionary ethics, and threatens to associate the name of the HPLF with a bloodbath.f

"This we will not allow.e We have every sympathy, and indeed once held admiration, for the Sons of Richter's revolutionary zeal.c However, our involvement in the Liberation struggle for social justice in Horizon is based on our conscience, our natural revulsion when encountering injustice, brutality, and evil.t It is this conscience that the Sons of Richter appear to lack; it is this conscience which prevents us from supporting them.u

"As of now, we wish it to be known that the Sons of Richter are no longer associated with the HPLF.a We would further wish it to be known that we are entirely willing to pass information to the authorities in order to foil the attacks plotted by the Sons of Richter, and indeed have already done so.t While we doubt that the well-being of the innocent civilians of Horizon is far from being the highest priority of the Mayoral government, we nonetheless hope that we will take what steps are necessary to bring these mad dogs to heel.o We certainly will.r"

Waite Announces Mayoral Candidacy

Miss Waite’s tendency to follow in her father’s footsteps has already earned her the somewhat dismissive name of “Daddy’s Girl”. However, despite this she appears to be extremely focused and determined towards the task at hand. This determination is likely to make her a very serious competitor in the Mayoral election.

Drugs Stolen In Warehouse Heist

STANDOFF AT CENTRAL STEAM

This paper has asked before, and continues to ask, why our government refuses to take the necessary steps to reform labour relations...

[OOC: Dry discussion of current government policy follows.]

STOP PRESS: We have just received reports that the standoff has died down, with both Watchdog units and Union sympathisers withdrawing. The pickets remain in force, but it is believed that a small number of strikebreakers have managed to cross the picket in the confusion - not enough, however, to manage a full shift at the plant. The situation seems to be stalemate for both Union activists and the authorities, and tension in the Steam remains high.

On the Grapevine

Colonel Bluster, Is That You?

"A man in an old Legionary's uniform, talking to the people about how the warring Irgarim are getting out of control, and how we need to take direct action to stop them fighting before they hit us. Calls himself Colonel Bluster."

"Colonel Bluster? I thought he was an urban legend!"

"If it is, I've never heard of it."

"Pretty much everyone in the army's got a friend of a friend who met a soldier calling themselves Colonel Bluster who saved the whole squad. If he's just one person, he gets around a hell of a lot. Sounds to me like the man's just using the name."

"If he is, it's a powerful name. He's been speaking a few times in the past week. He's gotten all the old veterans stirred up, and some of the new recruits are getting excited as well. I hear the Patriot's gotten fond of his ranting, too - came over and clapped him on the shoulder and said this was the kind of man Horizon needed."

Hung-Over Under-Chamber

"Old Vinnie? Isn't he the one who still tries to freelance? I thought the Underchamber would have him strung up."

"They would have, yeah, but they're in no fit state to do anything this twomonth. The schedule said they were going to meet the morning after Horizon's Day. Yeah, right. Like anybody's going to be getting anything done that morning. They've cancelled the meeting 'til the next twomonth."

"They're going back to the usual schedule then?"

"Yep, next meeting's on the 25th of Spring's Dawn, exactly one month after the Riverview meeting. Family's chairing this time."

The Pamphlet Gallery

Manifesto of the Sons of Richter

In response to these self-evident truths, we, the Sons of Richter, regard ourselves as a intellectual-political construct dedicated and united by the following principles:

• The "alienating minority" has long achieved a kind of social-political self-consciousness. It must be regarded as an inhuman entity, dedicated to totalitarian repression. An insect, if you will.

• The totalitarian insect that feeds upon the life of the people must be cast down.

• It is the right and the duty of all citizens of Horizon to take part in the struggle for freedom.

• The only possible means for this struggle must be the armed revolution, and if necessary the revolutionary war.

• Therefore, the people must regard themselves as at war with their oppressors from the moment the struggle becomes self-conscious. All citizens who are not part of the struggle must necessarily be regarded as opposing the struggle.

• The Horizon People's Liberation Front is the only viable organisation to assure peace and liberty after the revolution.

• Therefore, the Sons of Richter regard themselves as the armed vanguard of the HPLF - we are the first of the deliverers, and will stop at nothing to see the oppressors overthrown. This is our right and our duty.

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