- Eternity
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HORIZON IS OVER!
The webpage remains up as a permanent archive of game material, mainly for the benefit of nostalgic players - although if you'd like to run a Horizon-inspired game for your friends, that's wonderful too. Horizon will be succeeded by Legacyin Trinity term of 2006.If you like you can look at the (sketchy, incomplete) GM notes as well.
The News
Turn 2
This news covers events from the 1st of Spring's Dawn to the 25th of Spring's Rise - the day of the Riverview meeting. In each section, stories are sorted in roughly chronological order, although in the case of the Grapevine it's hard to tell precisely when rumours begin, and it's rare that anything appearing in the Pamphlet Gallery is dated.In the Papers
SAILORS KNOCK OVER CART FULL OF WINE
(The Horizon Post, Morning Edition, 1st Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) At the crack of dawn this morning there was a commotion in the Trade District outside a warehouse alleged to be controlled by NEFARIOUS STREET THUGS Inmack's Boys, when a group of sailors from the INFAMOUS AVENANT CREW of pirates and cutthroats jumped a cart coming out of the warehouse, believed to be carrying jurican wine. The sailors smashed up the cart, scaring off the driver, and made off with the wine cargo, clearly planning on a BOOZY NIGHT OUT. The reluctance of the cart owner to press charges, however, suggests to your friends in the Post that the cart was NOT in fact carrying legitimate wine, but NARCOTIC FILTH from the mysterious East! This venture by the pirate band could be in connection to the heist by the Boys of a sensitive "wine shipment" a mere day earlier.All-Ghoul HPLF Threatens Ghoulish Circle - Sternos Appeals for Vigilance
(The Horizon Tribune, 1st Spring's Dawn, 4021 HR.) The Headman of the Ghoulish Circle today called for vigilance amongst the Ghoul communnity in the wake of a threat made against the Circle's lives reported to be by an all-ghoul offshoot of the HPLF. In his speech Sternos called for co-operation between all Ghouls of good standing to prevent those who would cause chaos from doing so. He warned that should the HPLF make good their threats then their methods would almost certainly lead to the deaths of bystanders. He pointed to the attacks made by HPLF supporters in the past, and how the death toll in these situations had been greater than the intended target alone. He urged any Ghoul who saw anything unusual or suspicious to contact their local Circleman immediately so that swift action could be taken if required.Sternos also spoke of the need for open communication and offered to hear any Ghoul speak of any concerns they had over the running of the community in a private audience should they wish it. He damned the HPLF for their failure to pursue peaceful methods of change having instead to resort to terrorism to make their points.
Horizon Needs No King! A Call to the People of Horizon
(The Liberator, 2nd Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) The bourgeois masters of our city have proved again their ignorance and shortsightedness! Presumably cherishing the false belief that no good Horizonite had the education to read the propaganda spewed forth in the pages of the Horizon Tribune, they have attempted to sneak through a measure Imperialist in its evils and its implications; crushing to the legitimate hopes of the People of Horizon; another indictment of their villainy!I'mWhat could this be, I already here my readers ask? I will answer without further ado - the rulers of Horizon seek to enhance their tyranny over you further my instituting MONARCHY! In a letter to the Moot of Years, many of the swine in the Goodly Chamber have called for even the limited rights of the common Horizonite to be cast aside in favour of the position of mayor being made hereditary. Imagine it - one corrupt mayor, elected from the band of mediocrity and scum we are now burdened with by way of candidates (David Wright excepted, of course), forced upon us again and again as the diseased filth of his loins grind their bootheels into our faces for centuries! Absolute rule was the curse that made the reign of the Emperor the destruction of Horizon's good name, and its' people's liberty. Those that call for the institution of monarchy are calling for a return to the days where the whims of one man hold sway over all: they are Imperialists, whether they admit it to themselves or not. So are we now to throw away what few rights we have? By what means those cockrels already sitting at the top of the dungheap justify kicking further odure down upon those unjustly trapped at the bottom? I PROTEST! I cry out to the heavens in my anger! The people of Horizon should, nay MUST, join me!
I call now for a great demonstration of the frustration of the People of Horizon! Of the frustration of those who oppose Imperialism in all its forms! Of the frustration of those who demand social justice! Of the frustration of those who look for a brighter tomorrow! Come all to the square that faces the Mayoral Palace - but come in peace. The Lords of Horizon must know that the people will not tolerate their criminal whims, but we must give them no excuse for the bloodshed they desperately crave! I call on all good and honest Watchdogs to take no action against the demonstration so long as it remains peaceful - to do otherwise would blacken your names forever in the annals of history.trapped
I also call on speakers and those sympathetic to the cause of the Horizonite to appear! Most of all I call on the fine David Wright, to make the case for a Horizon where the government works hand-in-hand with the People for a better tomorrow!
- by the Correspondant.
Ghoul Headman Expresses Concern
(The Horizon Times, 5th Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) Yesterday the Horizon Tribune published a letter in which Sternos, Headman of the Ghoul Circle, expressed concern at the tone of political debate in the city. In particular, he said that certain candidates had expressed hostility towards the Ghoulish community; he named no names, but it seems that some individuals lack a certain... reverence for the good work the Ghouls have done for the city over the centuries.In addition, again naming no names, he expressed how comforted he wss to find that some candidates "possess a respect for the status quo and the maintenance of law and order in the city. I will close by expressing the hope that the new mayor will have the strength of character to do what it takes to keep the people of the city safe; the ghouls of Horizon will ever hunt down murderers, but we would rather that no-one be murdered at all." Clearly, Sternos was obliquely referring to the Mogul, Ian Loveday, whose respect for tradition and order... [OOC: At this point the article degenerates into another sycophantic piece glorifying the Mogul.]
Arson Attacks Target Ghoulish Leaders
(The Horizon Tribune, 9th Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) In a shocking attack on the leaders of the Ghoulish community, the homes of all Ghoulish Circlemen were targeted by arsonists last night, many burning to the ground. These attacks come just days after an appeal by Sternos for vigilance after threats by the HPLF were made against the Circlemen. The perpetrators are believed to be linked to the previous threats, however no-one has been caught or brought in for questioning so far. It is a credit to the alertness and dedication of the community that there were only 2 fatalities - both staff members in one of the houses who were tragically caught in an attic room and were unable to escape. The Circlemen have been moved to a secure location as they discuss what course of action to take. The fires were eventually extinguished, but the ferocity of them indicates that perhaps flammable substances were used to exacerbate the flame.Rabble-Rousing Bluster Calls for Veteran's Army
(The Horizon Tribune, 13th Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) More passionate and fiery speaking from Speakers' Square today as the rabble-rouser Colonel Bluster continued his exhortations of the crowd. Bluster urged his audience - consisting chiefly of scarred veterans left over from Horizon's armies - to join him and march into Irgar as a peacekeeping force with the aim of uniting the warring tribes. "The Irgar civil war is a horror." said Bluster. "Women and children dying. Soldiers no older than your own son being drafted to die on a battlefield. Men I had once had the honour of serving alongside being mown down like cattle. Like cattle. We owe it to these people to save them from the nightmare of war. Zero sits afraid in the Hive, too heavy with words to do anything, so it falls to me. To me and to you, the greatest bodies the Horizon military ever produced, to take action where the government men dare not."For all his rhetoric, Bluster is drawing an increasing crowd. The Veterans' Army is growing in size, and has already begun to siphon the younger and more impressionable members away from the Mayoral Legions, as well as obtaining a contingent of Irgar ex-patriates and a large number of military veterans.
Treasury Debates Steam Tax Proposals
(The Horizon Tribune, 18th Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) Anonymous sources within the Treasury have informed this newspaper of controversial new proposals for a tax on steam power. The proposals come in response to the rise of heat factories, which heat steam at a central location and channel it across the city into homes and workplaces, and the Central Steam project, which intends to produce a network of high-pressure steam pipes across the city, fed by a central steam engine, in order to allow homeowners and small businesses to operate comparatively small steam devices."It's all to do with the loss of revunue from the coal tariffs," said one Treasury insider. "Since heat factories buy coal in bulk and burn it at a central location, it means that homeowners don't have to buy as much themselves, and overall less people are paying the coal levies. It will get even worse if Central Steam comes online; small businesses will be able to power all sorts of machinery without buying any coal."
"Fuel tax has previously been our main source of revenue," said another one of our informants. "Since the Last War importing coal had become sufficiently expensive that a tariff really didn't increase the price that much, comparatively speaking, and with the expansion of the Steam coal consumption kept growing and growing. But thanks to this centralisation agenda - as embodied by the heat factories and Central Steam - we've for the first time since the Last War seen coal consumption fall, and fall dramatically. If Central Steam is completed, we could even see Horizon becoming bankrupt before the end of the year."
The proposal of a steam tax - a light tariff for domestic users of heat factories and Central Steam, and a heavier tax for those who use those resources in the workplace - appears to be gathering favour in some quarters of the Treasury, who argue that if the projections are correct some stopgap measure of this kind is necessary. Others in the Treasury, however, have pointed out that the projections use a conservative estimate of the rate at which the Steam will expand in the coming months, and assumes a large increase in households connecting themselves to the heat factory network. Economists continue to debate the issue.
[OOC: The article is accompanied by various charts, mainly involving jagged lines shooting downwards.]
Mogul Enters DCH Primary
(The Liberator, 20th Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) Surprise developments occurred in the Democratic Congress of Horizon primary this week, as the Mogul, Ian Loveday, threw his hat into the ring.inWiping pie-crumbs from his bloated face with his finely-embroidered sleeve, the piggish newspaper owner declared that "I'm entering this ballot to establish an important point: that the people of Horizon aren't fools. They're not about to be duped by a wide-eyed idealist with ridiculous democratic visions; they understand what the city really needs. They're more interested in warm homes, peace in the streets, secure jobs and some good old-fashioned entertainment in the evening, and that is what I intend to provide."
Not daunted by the entry of this behemoth of self-serving corruption into the DCH primary, the Demagogue issued the following statement:
"I welcome the Mogul to the DCH Primary, but I do not feel that I need be too concerned about him winning. I have faith in the people of Horizon, faith that they can see through the tissues of lives which infest Loveday's newspapers, faith that they will vote in their own best interests instead of for the benefit of an odious plutocrat, and faith that come the ballot they will choose a candidate who will be a champion of the people, not of their oppressors."Scabrous as the Mogul might be, he at least is not a coward. The Reverend has outright refused to take part in the Primary, and has expressed contempt for the idea of taking part in any process in which he will be bound by the will of the people. He seems to think that he can run Horizon for the benefit of a small elite. Daddy's Girl, as well, has refused to present herself for the endorsement of the people of Horizon. I have this message for her and the Reverend: you may ignore the people of Horizon now, but you will not be able to ignore them as Mayor. Without the citizenry, it will be impossible for you to run this city. Perhaps you should think about getting them onside."
Meanwhile, rumour has it that the Architect's campaign team are debating entering the Primary as well. With a broad range of candidates beginning to take the Primary seriously, it looks like atavistic reactionaries like the Reverend and Daddy's Girl may be left out in the cold.a
Violence Intensifies In Irgar; Grey Order Impose No-Go Area Around Citadel of Steam
(The Horizon Tribune, 23rd Spring's Dawn 4021 HR.) The Irgarim civil war continues to rage out of control as the loyalist Deep Stone forces clash once again against the rebellious Broken Jaw. The fighting, which had recently reached a lull, is now intensifying once again as new supplies of armaments - including the newly-developed Steam Cannons - have appeared within the country, presumably shipped in by enterprising arms dealers.The Grey Order have responded to the escalating threat by declaring the land owned by the Irgarim Citadel of Steam a no-go area. The borders have been hastily shored up with barbed wire and the Order have declared that they will open fire upon any non-Order member trespassing. In a press release today, Grey Commander Stetz said: "We of the Grey Order deeply regret that we feel forced to take these steps. However, the security of the Citadel of Steam is paramount to us and our enterprise. Once the fighting has died down, we will of course open our gates and the Irgarim Citadel will be open for business once more."
Carnival Cheers Downtrodden Trade District
(The Horizon Tribune, 4th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) A surprise carnival, organised by Jurican merchant and popular Dockyard community leader "Sweet" Mahmoud, has taken the Trade District by storm. With handsome young men and nubile young ladies parading down Grand Market Road to music from all over the world, the district - usually a drab place thanks to the recurrent criminal violence - became a bright and colourful place once again. Old-timers found it reminiscent of the days when a cohesive Jurican community helped look after the interests of the district's residents; younger people meanwhile simply enjoyed a day of partying in the street.Several community organisations and associations from the Docks provided security for the event, which helped establish an atmosphere of safety. This correspondant's heart was warmed by the sight of a lost child being reunited with her parents by a member of the Black Hat Trading Company, who were especially visible at the event and whose rambunctious tales of Trans-Wall gunplay and adventure proved popular with the children of the district; furthermore, the Black Hats' capable handling of any pickpockets caught at the carnival brought cheers from the crowd, as the lassoed sneak-thieves were hauled off to the nearest Watchdog Kennel.
With the exception of one unfortunate incident, during which members of the infamous Avenant crew overenthusiastically beat an alleged pickpocket bloody, the carnival was a great success. "You hear so many sad stories these days," said one Trade District resident, "this is no place to bring up kids, with these pickpockets and thieves running around. The carnival was wonderful, though, truly a ray of sunshine; Mahmoud is a saint, and I'm going to tell my children that if they are ever lost or in trouble they should ask to one of those nice Dockyard people for help."
Rowdy Sailors Invade Steam District
(The Horizon Tribune, 4th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) While most of the ill-disciplined Avenant crew were enjoying themselves at yesterday's carnival, some members of that rowdy band decided to cause some trouble in the Steam district. Going into many of the district's pubs and generally being loud and offensive, it was not long before they where requested to leave by a gang of burly steamworkers, resulting in a fight between the two groups and a considerable amount of property damage. Dockyard community leader Mahmoud is believed to have issued an apology on behalf of the sailors of the docks and payment for any damages caused, and the Watchdogs and the Steam Union have made it clear that they consider the incident an unfortunate mistake - one which should not, however, be repeated.HIGH-CLASS PIMP MAKES PALS WITH SLUM PEOPLE
(The Horizon Illuminator, 9th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) An owner of one of the classier "Shoreleave Houses", a man known only as Virros, has been seen visiting the slums recently and getting rather pally with the locals. Distinctive in his fur-lined coat, Virros has been offering discount visits to seemingly everyone he talks to. People have been walking away from him with a big grin on their faces and we can only surmise that they may have been offered "SPECIAL SERVICES" upon their visit to his establishment. We at the Illuminator can only assume that this is some BIZARRE new publicity stunt to boost custom, however the clientele chosen do seem to be somewhat below the normal market. It is possible that Virros is attempting to RAISE MORALE within the slums to curry favour with the Family, alternatively it may be some publicity stunt in support of a mayorial candidate yet to be revealed, however we would not possibly suggest that perhaps Virros was attempting to get those who cannot afford it HOOKED on his girls' services with special introductory deals before jacking up the price and SQUEEZING out the money from his new captured market.Rest assured though dear reader that the Illuminator will FIND and BRING you the TRUTH of the matter!
A FAMILY MAN!
(The Horizon Post, 12th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) With notorious nutjob ANARCHOLES THE BLACK enjoying a period of beer-fuelled popularity (if not much of a boost to his mayoral chances), the Horizon Post brings the people of Horizon the LATEST FAMILY DRAMA SENSATION HIT!It's THE "THE BLACK" FAMILY!
In the last few days, several of our readers have written letting us know that LORD of DOOM Anarcholes has brought the people of Horizon the entertainment they deserve by inaugurating regular outings of his FAMILY OF DARKNESS! Investigation by our dedicated reporters found this to be TRUE! From today onwards, follow the exploits of Horizon's FIRST FAMILY of FEAR in the Horizon Post!GASP! As Dad Anarcholes swears every other word and curses bystanders with "doom-filled spiders of doom" and threatens to call in his LEGION OF THE DEAD!
WINCE! As Mum Rita spreads her own brand of law and order using shouting and extreme physical violence!
LAUGH! As daughter Medea tries to spread the word of ABSOLUTE DARKNESS to anyone who listens!
GO AWWWW! As the baby with no apparent name gurgles "Doom! Mama! Dada! Doom!"
JEER! As daughter Eristopholes stares into space, mumbles, and grins!
All in our new weekly column - THE "THE BLACKS"! - Only in THE HORIZON POST!
Anti-Monarchy Protest Gains Surprise Support
(The Liberator, 14th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) Regular readers of this periodical will have seen the Correspondant's eloquent call for action against the elitist political interests agitating for a monarchy. We are pleased, therefore, to report that yesterday's protest beneath the Hive was a storming success, and won endorsement from a surprising quarter.Thousands of people, representing a broad spectrum of Horizon society, turned out to protest and to hear the speakers on a pleasantly cool spring day. The keynote speaker at the event was the Demagogue, David Wright, who neatly summarised the objections of the crowd:machine
"Those of us who stand here - young and old, rich and poor, priviliged and deprived - stand here because there are certain principles we hold dear. We stand here because we acknowledge that despite our differences, we - the people of Horizon - have a clear sense of what is right and what is wrong, what is just and what is unjust."We are here becase we are appalled that certain individuals, doubtless with the best of intentions, have chosen to encourage the Moot of Years to make a decision, a decision which will have catastrophic consequences of Horizon. We hope that the Moot will not be so outrageously irresponsible as to make the next Mayor a King, that they will not be so foolhardy as to enthrone a dynasty above us all. Under the current system, it is difficult enough to oust a bad Mayor from the Hive; how much more difficult would it be to overthrow a dynasty? Must the future rulership of the city be at the mercy of fate? How can the Moot of Years hope to discern what their chosen Mayor's son, or grandson, or great-grandson, or several-times-great-grandson will be like?
"If the Moot of Years insist on voting to enthrone a dynasty, I cannot stop them. I can say this though: if they offer the crown to me, I will reject it. I intend to become the Mayor of Horizon. I refuse to become a King. I call on all other candidates for Mayor to join me in promising to reject the tainted prize of kingship, for the sake of Horizon."
The enthusiastic response to the Demagogue's speech was soon hushed by the appearance of the Mayor himself, Colonel Zero, on the lower balcony of the Hive. Was he about to read the riot act? Order in the legions? Massacre the protestors? Surprisingly not; he had in fact come to give a short statement.
"Good afternoon. Some of you may already be aware that the individuals advocating monarchy in Horizon approached me, not too long ago, and asked me to become King of this city. I refused. If I could take steps to prevent a King from being imposed upon the city, I would do; unfortunately, any measure I introduce under my own authority could be undone by future Mayors, and withdrawing the Moot's right to declare a King would entail renegotiating the Last Treaty; nobody in the diplomatic community wants to reopen that can of worms, and even if they did they couldn't finish the renegotiation in time for the election."I will say this though: while I can't tell the Moot of Years which candidate I would like to become Mayor, I can tell them that I want the Moot to choose a Mayor, not a King. If the Moot chooses to ignore me, so be it, but I will have done my part to end this irresponsible monarchist claptrap. Thank you for listening to this outmoded old despot, and I hope your protest ends peacefully."
With that, the Mayor withdrew. Whether his intervention is a covert sign of support for the Demagogue or a genuine objection to the monarchist vision is a matter of some debate; what is certain is that unless candidates and public figures come forth in support of the idea of monarchy, the plans of the Kingmakers seem dead in the water.maze
Sons of Havoc
(The Horizon Tribune, 17th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) Today, the Tribune joins with the entire media of Horizon (including, we hope, our colleagues at the Liberator) in condemning the storm of terrorist outrages perpetrated in the last month by the so-called "Sons of Richter". Claiming kinship with the so-called Horizon People's Liberation Front, the Sons have declared in a recent pamphlet that the time for Otto von Richter's ill-defined revolution is now. They have made good on their declaration with an outburst of ill-directed violence that nevertheless seems to be supported by considerable funds. High-powered and (according to our Watchdog sources) professionally prepared explosives were used in a raid that destroyed the premises of the conservative Pinto Club in the noble quarter, killing and wounding many passers-by and staff as well as the stated targets, the "reactionary absolutists" that attend the club (largely retired civil servants and well-to-do professionals). Similarly expensive instruments of destruction were used in attacks on the presses of the Horizon Times; our rival has been put out of action and many of its staff killed or wounded.The Times' proprietor, the Mogul, who was visiting the presses at the time, was only lightly wounded. But Mr Loveday was not long to remain unscathed. A few days after the raid, his daughter Nesta Loveday (16) was snatched in a dramatic assault as she left a society party. In an note delivered to the Doghouse, the Sons of Richter have claimed responsibility, stated that Miss Loveday remains unhurt for now, and demanded a vast amount [OOC: a Staggering amount] for her ransom. Most worryingly, an individual thought to be involved with the Sons was yesterday shot by Watchdog snipers at the Hive as he attempted to scale the Wall. He was found to be carrying a backpack filled with explosives and surprisingly well-made clockwork timers, and on the underside of the Hive a hastily-constructed framework - presumably set up by this terrorist earlier in the night - was discovered which could have provided an ideal position to place the explosives.
We can only express the gratitude of the city that whatever this lunatic was planning was prevented in a timely fashion...
NIGHTBEAST STALKS THE SLUMS!
(The Horizon Post, 19th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) Is it a SORCEROR? A KRAELING? Is it the DARK AVENGER, returned from the GRAVE? Is it even BARON MONTAGUE? NO!!!!! It is NIGHTBEAST, the newest VENGEFUL TERROR to emerge from the SLUMS. This dark monster stalks the streets of the SLUMS at night, striking TERROR into the hearts of would-be criminals and their victims ALIKE! Lock up your children - NIGHTBEAST is on the prowl!!!!!![OOC: The article is accompanied by terrifying-looking pictures of a hideous, monstrous figure pictured tearing a mobster limb from limb.]
Page of Thezir Stolen!
(The Horizon Tribune, 20th Spring's Rise, 4021 HR.) Shock and horror spread across Horizon when it was reported this morning that the legendary and mysterious Page of Thezir had been stolen late last night. Watchdog forces, called in early this morning when the page was discovered missing by a caretaker on the Dalcrow estate, are baffled by the turn of events. The apparent lack of evidence pointing to forced entry confirms that an expert perpetrated this.The rest of the Exhibition is likely to be cancelled, having been marred by this outrageous turn of events.
The Page of Thezir is said by some scholars to hail back to the Mythic Dreamtime and may even have originated from the pen of the dead god Thezir himself, patron of knowledge. If there is any accuracy in these speculations it no doubt contains a wealth of esoteric knowledge. Either way the page is itself worth a fortune.
The Dalcrow family have offered a Major reward to anyone who can offer information leading to the safe retrieval of the piece and the Watchdogs are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Architect Returns from Tour of the Colonies
(The Horizon Tribune, 22nd Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) The Architect (Mister Faithman) made a tour of the Treacherous Lands this month, in Mirror Horizon he made a speech about the advantages of continued links between Horizon and the colony and how if he becomes Mayor he will aid the colonies to rebuild such that they truly are a mirror of Horizon. He journeyed to Abhania, and spoke on how he would attempt to aid the impoverished Ghoulish tribes by opening up trade from Horizon with the Ghouls, which would he felt benefit both of our communities.Unfortunately, owing to safety issues, the UFS, the city of Kessereth and the Kingdom of the Fae were avoided in this tour, however while the party were returning from a remote colonial town the Architect was abducted by kraelings, apparently a raiding party from Kessereth. Search parties where sent out but he could not be found; he was assumed dead until he appeared in a bedraggled state a week later, having braved the Treacherous Lands on foot after escaping his captors.
Upon his return to Horizon he gave a moving speech about the hard nature of life for the colonists and how he would, upon becoming Mayor, do all that he can to improve life in the colonies. Our colonial correspondants report that the Architect's speeches were received with great enthusiasm by Horizon's citizens across the Wall, who - aside from a flying visit from the Patriot - have felt that the candidates have so far ignored them.
Body Found In Trading District
(The Horizon Tribune, 23rd Spring's Rise 4021 HR.) Late last night the body of Benjamin Harriot was discovered in the Trading District by a young clock working apprentice as she locked up the shop for the evening. The body is reported to contain multiple stab wounds and Ghoul Hunters have confirmed the violent nature of the death.Mr Harriot was described by friends as a "poor but dedicated family man". He was reported having gone missing three days ago in the slum district.
This is merely the first in a swathe of mysterious deaths and disappearances that have been sweeping across Horizon. Victims all with similar wounds have been discovered all across the city, and apparently all the victims died within a short space of time. The Watchdogs are currently investigating the possibility of a link between the victims but as yet none has been established.
Election '21
(The Horizon Tribune, 25th Spring's Rise 4021 HR.)
A regular column discussing the upcoming election.
Today we bring you an update on some of the Mayoral candidates that have not been directly involved in current events. THE PATRIOT has undertaken a whirlwind public speaking tour of the city and her territories, including the Treacherous Lands colonies, which is due to culminate with a visit to the famous Riverview Inn at the next Twin Moons. His message of a good man leading a strengthened city, coupled with vows of greater social responsibility by the government, has found mixed but steadily growing support. In particular, he seems popular with the New Horizon colonists. THE HOUND has been vigorously (and publicly) throwing herself into her police work, stating that she hopes that "by serving the people of Horizon, she hopes to prove worthy to lead them". THE REVEREND has been delivering more of the speeches described by some commentators as "earnest and impassioned", but considered by this paper to be mindless tirades of divisiveness and bigotry. Predictably the Reverend has succeeded in aligning himself with some of the worst elements in our city. Such "fans" of the Reverend have been much in evidence at his recent speeches; collections of snarling, scar-ridden thugs, mostly lacking in regular legitimate employment, shouting their approval of their icon's bile. In one recent incident these "fans" beat to the point of death a man who attempted to heckle the Reverend; only timely action by a priest of the Intercessor was able to save him.
More commentary on the issues and candidates in tomorrow's paper...
On the Grapevine
Sternos Survives Assassination!
"I hear the writing's on the wall for Sternos.""Who, the Ghoulish headman?"
"Yeah, him. Someone's really got it in for him. Apparently some would-be assassin jumped him in his own house. Another ghoul, I hear. There was a load of shouting and when they arrived Sternos was beating his face into the ground."
"Ghouls. If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times. It's not healthy for them to bottle up their emotions like they do. They need to let go. Learn to live a little."
"No way, I've seen the ones who do that. That nutter who used to work for the Daynann, for example. No, so long as they keep it within their own quarter they can rip each others' faces off for all I care."
Slum Sewage Fixed
"So, they've sorted it.""What?"
"The cockroach infestation. Decent people coming down with cockroaches. Turns out it was a cracked sewage pipe. All being cleared up now; soon be as good as new."
"And I'm guessing it wasn't the Ministry of Public Works clearing it up, either."
"You bet it wasn't. Won't catch those government dicks getting there hands dirty down here in the Slums. No, as always, it was the Family as sorted out our problems."
"Whatever they say in the Upper City, it's the Family that cares about folks like us."
"I'll drink to that. Emily Kellor - Queen of the Slums!"
Clarion Smashed By Merchant's Arm?
"...so obviously it was the Merchant's Arm. Who else had anything to gain from it? They were too highbrow to provoke a revolution and too devoted to political theory to uncover any juicy scandals.""Bollocks. You know how the Arm operate these days: when they want someone stomped, they send the Watchdogs in. There's plenty Dogs willing to get involved in that kind of dirty work."
"There's loads of reasons why they might have wanted to use hired goons instead of the Watchdogs; for starters, what if the Clarion had dirt on some of the Arm members? Dirt which a corrupt Watchdog might use to blackmail the Arm?"
"But I thought you said the Clarion weren't the sort to expose big scandals? And anyway, the attack was directed at their Greywriters, not their notes."
"Well, maybe they were Watchdog thugs out of uniform?"
"Why'd they do that? Why'd they shirk the glory of shutting down a subversive underground newspaper? Why wouldn't they make the raid nice and legal? Look, my cousin's a waiter at one of the fancy clubs the Arm frequent and he says they were as surprised as anyone when the Clarion got smashed - not that that stopped them celebrating."
"Well, obviously they had to appear surprised..."
"Rubbish, my cousin's a sharp guy and can tell when people are pretending. The fact of the matter is, the Arm/Watchdogs theory makes no sense, no matter how much you like it..."
Under-Chamber to Invite Candidates For Interview
...I just got back from talkin' to the boss, see, an' he's been writin' these fancy invitations in his nice handwritin' to all the Mayoral candidates. Looks like the Under-Chamber want to talk to the candidates, see how reasonable they're goin' to be about the mobs' business interests. Smart move if you ask me, with three of the electors being mob bosses the candidates can't afford to ignore 'em. 'course, some of the candidates are bound to have more ideals than sense - can't see the Demagogue goin' for it...Juicy Jobs Up For Grabs In the Secret Police!
"Did you hear? You too can join the secret police if you want!""You're kidding me?"
"Nah, I'm serious mate, trust me."
"What? They having a recruitment drive or something?"
"Got it in one! Think about it, you could become a city spy or an undercover op or anything! Really cushy jobs by the sound of it."
"Right, point me in the direction of the nearest recruiting officer!"
Posh Jewellery For Sale
"Hey, Bill. Isn't your anniversary in two days' time?""Bugger! Now you mention it, it is. Why d'you ask?"
"Well, I hear there's all this posh jewellery for sale on the black market. Someone's suddenly really started shifting it. Here's the thing, though - the guy I was talking to got it really cheap off'f some other guy, who got it off some other guy, who says he got it off a worthless fence with no connection to the mobs at all! He's got no protection, so nobody wants to buy his stuff, so those who are willing to take it can ask whatever price they want!"
"Hm, I better see if I can find this chump before the Under-Chamber send him to the bottom of the river. Now I think about it, a tiara or something would be nice."
"Yeah, it'd suit your missus."
"Uh, yeah. My missus."
Rats Patrolling Trading District
Even after the carnival's long finished, word on the street is that the Rats are still thick on the ground in the Trade District. For the first time in twenty years, people are beginning to feel safe there, free from the worry of having their purse swiped or their store broken into. The Rats' patrols have more-or-less halved pickpocketing by members of the Boys in the Trade District.The Pamphlet Gallery
Any articles appearing in this section represent pamphlets circulated widely throughout the city of Horizon.MISTER FAITHMAN'S TREACHEROUS ADVENTURES!
(The back-cover blurb of a cheaply-printed pamphlet, sold for pennies on the streets.)NOW IT CAN BE TOLD!
POLITICS and HEROISM combine in a FABULOUS ACCOUNT of the FAITHMAN EXPEDITION!
What began as a simple SPEAKING TOUR of the wild and dangerous TREACHEROUS LANDS turns into a STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL when THE ARCHITECT finds himself abducted by KRAELING FIENDS!
This EXPLOSIVE account of his escape and subsequent return to civilisation will THRILL AND ASTONISH all and sundry, and will shed NEW LIGHT on the DANGERS faced EVERY DAY by our BRAVE COLONISTS BEYOND THE WALL!
[OOC: The pamphlet itself is a lurid account of the Architect's troubles in the Treacherous Lands. Its opening chapter covers his last speech in the colonies - conveniently reprinting the entire speach verbatim - and goes on to describe how he was snatched away from his camp in the night by wandering Kraelings (it's interesting that the author is careful not to blame the Architect's escorts for failing to prevent this, stating that "being foes too powerful for any guard to battle, the kraelings could only be defeated by trickery").
From this point onwards things become somewhat reminiscent of Baron Montague's wilder yarns. The Architect overhears the Kraelings talking about taking him to Kessereth, a prospect which rules out any chances of them keeping him alive and demanding ransom; he thus launches a daring escape attempt, and begins to make his way back to Mirror Horizon on foot and alone. The rest of the book consists of the various exciting encounters and challenges - Faithman often wins through using wits and wise words rather than violence, but is more than willing to fight when there's no other choice - interspersed with long meditations on the bravery of the Treacherous Lands colonists, who are truly vital to Horizon's continued success, and can expect every possible support from the Architect should he become Mayor, and blah blah blah blah... thankfully, the pamphlet is only small, so these monologues are mercifully short.
Small print on the back of the pamphlet mentions that proceeds from its sales are going to Mister Faithman's campaign fund.]