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 3

This news covers events from the 1st of Spring's Glory to the 25th of Spring's Dusk - 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

David Wright: the Demagogue Speaks Out

(The Liberator, 1st Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) For months, the people of Horizon have been hearing about David Wright - a champion of the people of Horizon, a strident advocate of democracy and freedom. Wright has been denied a fair hearing in most of the press, which is either mired in petty scandal stories, or under the thumb of the devilish Mogul. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation. Thus, it is left to the Liberator to do what must be done, and give David Wright his voice in the press.

Earlier this month, I interviewed David Wright at a secret meeting in the Riverview tavern. I was struck by the handsome and kind mien of Wright; by his honesty and self-deprication; by the clarity of his vision, and by how deep his care for the people of Horizon ran. We spoke together on many subjects, and Wright made clear that his goal was a total revolution in the politics of Horizon. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation. His intent is to overthrow the system as it stands: to tear down the hierarchy of inherited privelage, to wipe away the last vestiges of the Imperialist system, and to make the government of Horizon totally accountable to its people. If this means tearing down the Goodly Chamber, so be it! If this means ending the lifelong appointment of Mayors, so be it! If this means the People of Horizon must struggle with all their might to overcome the opposition of the parasites that oppress them, so be it!

I call now for the People of Horizon to again make their support of this fine man clear! He believes that men should be born equal, not into privelage or squalor! He believes in giving YOU a chance. Gather in the square in front of the Mayoral Palace, and give voice a cry calling for democracy! For the Goodly Chamber to listen to the results of the primary! For no government to impinge upon the freedom of its people to choose freely its politics and its leaders! And if the Mayor in his palace, and the authorities with their badges and their guns will not listen? Protest! Cry forth your anger to the heavens! And most of all, never waver!

FREE MUG WHEN YOU SIGN THE MOGUL'S PETITION!

(The Horizon Illuminator, 3rd Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) You've heard him speak! You know what he promises and you've seen him around town hearing what YOU want, and now IAN LOVEDAY asks YOU dear reader to support his bid for MAYOR!

"How can I do this?" I hear you cry! Well, it's quite simple - all you need to do is to send in the petition slip below signed with your name to show your support! And while stocks last, everyone who sends in a slip will be sent a free "LOVEDAY FOR MAYOR" commemorative mug, so that in years to come people will see how you supported this great man in his election campaign... [OOC: At this point, like so frequently before, the article descends into what can only be described as Loveday propaganda]

Circle Executes Assassin: Arson Attempt In Ghoul Quarter Foiled

(The Horizon Tribune, 6th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) This week the Ghoul Circle passed judgement on a prisoner, being held for his assassination attempt on the Headman Sternos. The Ghoul was reported to have been put to death at noon yesterday. This follows shortly in the wake of an attempted arson attack on the cells where the prisoner was being held. It is believed that Circle members were forewarned of a potential attempt to break the captive free and were waiting when the fire broke out. The blaze was swiftly put out but unfortunately none of the arsonists were apprehended. It is believed that the aim was to destroy the body of the prisoner before it could be consumed to prevent the identities of his allies being revealed.

LA TRATTORIA BURNS TO THE GROUND!

(The Horizon Post, 8th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) PANIC ensued last night when a DEADLY FIRE broke out in the Theatre District. Watchdog forces were able to arrive in time to prevent the spread of the TOWERING FLAMES, however the upmarket restaurant La Trattoria, believed to be the origin of the fire, was destroyed. Investigations are commencing and it was reported by one waiter that the BLAZE broke out when an ECCENTRIC GUEST attempted to SET HIS BEARD ALIGHT. The unnamed waiter was unharmed by the ordeal, save for slightly SINGED facial hair. The man in question was described as having STRIKING RED HAIR and is believed to be in his early to mid twenties. Watchdogs are currently searching for a couple seen FLEEING THE SCENE shortly afterwards.

Mass Theft of Artwork from Storage

(The Horizon Tribune, 9th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) Lord Dalcrow spoke out in anger today after it was discovered that a number of items that had been displayed in his gallery had been stolen from storage warehouses across the city, where they were waiting to be returned to their usual owners. "It is an outrage that such prized artwork such as this would be targeted by petty criminals. It was shocking enough to for the priceless Page of Thezir - a personal possession of my family - to be stolen from my own gallery. Now, however, these pieces - which were loaned to the exhibition by friends, colleagues and institutions across the True Lands - have been stolen from storage before they could be safely returned to their owners! It is a disgrace; not only will these artworks no longer be available for public display, but the Watchdogs have failed to turn up any clues."

It is surprising that such a heist was attempted, since the sheer volume of pieces taken from numerous locations would have required incredible co-ordination. This is coupled with the fact that the pieces stolen were not highly valuable but of moderate worth; few famous, unique, or distinctive items were taken. An anonymous tipoff had led the Watchdogs to place guards upon certain more valuable items of work, but the threatened burglary of these items did not take place, leading some to suggest that the Watchdogs fell for a distraction on the part of the thieves.

The Watchdogs released a statement shortly after Lord Dalcrow's address saying that they were looking into several leads, and that they would inform the owners of the items as soon as they had any information. The Watchdogs are also still following up leads after the theft of the Page of Thezir before the dismantling of the exhibition just over a week ago.

SMALL CHILDREN THROW STONES AT SAILORS

(The Horizon Post, 10th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) A BIZARRE CONFRONTATION in the Trade District recently, when a gang of SMALL CHILDREN - widely alleged to be PICKPOCKETS and NE'ER-DO-WELLS - began pelting a group of men from the infamous Avenant Crew with SMALL STONES.

The crew of sailors, led by DISGRACED TOFF Captain Michael "I'm really not a pirate" Avenant, REFRAINED from unleashing the violence they are known for upon the street urchins, who scattered as soon as the crew approached them. Their PESKY ASSAULT, however, continue a few minutes later, until the sailors left the territory controlled by the BOYS.

"VETERAN'S ARMY" EXPOSED AS SOLDIER CULT!
ANGRY MOB STORMS BARRACKS!
SUPPOSED AVATAR COLONEL BLUSTER GOES TO GROUND!

(The Horizon Illuminator, 12th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) The "Veteran's Army" of Sergeant Bluster has been revealed to be a CULT worshipping the SOLDIER! An ANGRY MOB today kicked down the doors of the abandoned barracks in the Ruins currently serving as HEADQUARTERS for the unit, revealing OCCULT PARAPHENALIA including shrines dedicated to Bluster, saucers of human blood and TAPESTRIES depicting GROTESQUE and BLOODY BATTLEFIELDS. The fight was swift and bloody, with the cultists using the DARK MAGIC of their god to ignore injuries that would have killed a normal man and conjure weaponry from THIN AIR. Fortunately, the Arcanum guard were swift to arrive on the scene. While most of the cultists fought to the death with TERRIFYING DETERMINATION, the few captured alive have, under interrogation, revealed to the Guard that the man named "Colonel Bluster" is in fact an avatar of the Soldier, the insane god associated with battlefield slaughter. Bluster himself has yet to be located, and has likely gone to ground with the surviving remnants of his cult. A city-wide search is beginning for the fugitive monster.

WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE COLONEL BLUSTER?

In an interview with the Illuminator, Inspector Phillips of the Arcanum Guard said: "If any civilians see Bluster or a man wearing the distinctive antiquated armour he was seen in, remain calm. Get out of the immediate area and inform a member of the Watchdogs as quickly as possible. On no account should a civilian engage a cultist in combat, no matter how harmless the target may look; they may have access to magic capable of greatly improving their martial prowess or even creating weaponry from nowhere."

Opportunity Beckons!

(The Liberator, 14th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) For too long, the rich and powerful of Horizon have hoarded the most powerful possession in the world. Not money, or poltical office, but KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge of the past, of what may happen in the future. The kind of education that would allow the underprivelaged to better themselves; to rise to the station in life that their skills deserve. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation. It is with this in mind that the Liberator can announce a new initiative beginning in the slums and ghettos of Horizon: the Free Horizonite Schools Initiative. Run by groups of skilled volunteers from all walks of life, the FHSI offers totally free education in practical and theoretical skills to any with an interest. Those interested should sign up on the posters placed in many sites around Horizon: they will then be contacted about their first lessons.

Remember! This is not irrelevant book learning, dry treaties on academic subjects and empty word-spinning! We will teach PRACTICAL skills - steamworking, horsemanship, blacksmithing, cobbling, and a thousand other skills to make a career. Join now, and leave behind the shakles of ignorance!

Steam Cannons Explode On Irgar Battlefield
Artillery Units On Both Sides Lost

(The Horizon Tribune, 16th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) Fresh evidence from the battlefields of Irgar now suggest that steam cannon technology, effective as it may have seemed in field tests, may still be in its infancy. There are reports from both sides of the conflict of steam cannons malfunctioning and exploding, wiping out entire units with showers of red-hot shrapnel and scalding steam. Irgarim generals have been quick to blame the loss on sabotage by battlefield spies.

This seems to have heralded a new development in battlefield tactics not previously considered. Rather than openly trying to destroy the enemy's weapons through open battle, it is clearly more effective to destroy them through sabotage and subterfuge.

Irgarim ambassador Bjorn Svensson said today in a speech:

"With every day this war moves further away from the Irgarim ideal. First the cowardly use of steam cannon and automatic rifles on the battlefield, and now the employment of devious and underhand saboteurs. This war was started by King Wolfson's declaring the Broken Jaw 'Kha-Irgarim' [Not Irgarim]. I beg the Deep Stone and the Broken Jaw to stop hostilities before their country becomes Kha-Irgar."

SPOILSPORTS PROTEST IN TRADING DISTRICT

(The Horizon Illuminator, Morning Edition 18th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) CONTROVERSY in the Trading District after a CONTROVERSIAL march by CONTROVERSIAL new group Mothers Against Drugs and Prostitution, expressing CONTROVERSIAL opinions about matters of CONTROVERSY.

CONTROVERSIAL!

The BLUE RINSE BRIGADE was out in force in a protest against CUDDLY COMMUNITY LEADER "Sweet" Mahmoud and his associates, claiming that he is responsible for a wave of SMUT, FILTH, AND NARCOTICS that has hit the district.

"He'll have our sons shooting up on cockroach juice and our daughters spreading their legs for sailors, just like in the Docks!" twittered Elsie Smith, 56. "And the other way around, no doubt! Gamblin'! Smugglin'! Promiscuous behaviour! We've got a nice clean district here and we're not having it."

The GANG OF SPOILSPORTS was JEERED AND BOOED by many district residents, who see UNCLE MAHMOUD as a force for good, keeping the streets safe and defending them from the nearby STINKING SLUM GOONS. Others, however, supported their stance.

THE ILLUMINATOR SAYS: BOO HOO if the SILLY COWS don't like a bit of GOOD CLEAN FUN! There's NO PROOF that Mahmoud is involved in anything ILLEGAL, whereas the PICKPOCKETS AND STREET SCUM his friends have been fighting ARE! GOOD ON YER, MAHMOUD!

BRAVE WOMEN DEFEND THE TRADE DISTRICT

(The Horizon Post, Evening Edition 18th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) For YEARS there has been a stink in the Trading District; the foul odour of CRIME. Now, at last, some residents are speaking out!

Yesterday, a successful march by COURAGEOUS LOCAL WOMEN, Mothers Against Drugs and Prostitution, spoke out against the TIDE OF FILTH that has swept the district, blaming FAT JURICAN PERVERT "Sweet" Mahmoud for the crisis.

"He'll have our sons shooting up on cockroach juice and our daughters spreading their legs for sailors, just like in the Docks!" said Elsie Smith, 56. "And the other way around, no doubt! Gamblin'! Smugglin'! Promiscuous behaviour! We've got a nice clean district here and we're not having it."

A TINY MINORITY of district residents RUDELY HECKLED the ladies of MADP, but the majority of locals SUPPORT the BRAVE EFFORTS of the Mothers.

THE POST SAYS: GOOD FOR YOU, GIRLS! Speak out against that bloated foreign bastard and don't let his HIRED GOONS intimidate you! MAHMOUD IS A MENACE!

PIGEONS POISONED IN PARK: PUBLIC SAFETY ORDER SERVED AGAINST ANARCHOLES' "DOOM CAKES"

(The Horizon Post, 20th Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) In what was apparently a bizarre attempt to boost his non-existent Mayoral chances, less-than-respected pub owner ANARCHOLES THE BLACK led his family in a devastating wave of cake-selling this weekend. Giving out a leaflet of his mayoral pledges (tyranny with a creative touch, world conquest, DOOM) free with each cake, Anarcholes and his family were all smiles at their stall in the Parks last weekend.

Until disaster struck.

It swiftly became apparent that all was not well with the "the Black" family bake sale. Specifically, thirty pigeons and a dog called Dave had all dropped dead after munching on crumbs from the cakes. Local biddy Irene Joliss (76) said "I knew something was up. I've been feeding pigeons here for the last twenty years, and this is the first time they've all died. Or maybe the second. So I called the Watchdogs." The Dogs were on the scene quickly. Confronted with the evidence of his crimes, the putative criminal mastermind ANARCHOLES declared: "Ahahahaha! Foolish citizens of Horizon, this was your last mistake! Now the time has come for you to suck greedily on the jam-filled vengence of my DOOM CAKES!" before overturning the stall and running off. Watchdogs were quoted as being "not arsed" to give chase. Howard Fall of the Ministry of Public Works gave the Post the following statement.

"This is off the record, right? Well, we've served a public safety order against these so-called 'doom cakes'. I don't know what kind of idiot would eat a cake given to him by a man calling himself Anarcholes the Black, but you can bet that some stupid would give it a go. So the public safety order it is. To be honest I think it was just catastrophically bad cooking rather than malice - that's how it turned out with his bar snacks."

WORM ON A HOOK: THE PATRIOT SQUIRMS

(The Horizon Illuminator, 22nd Spring's Glory 4021 HR.) Following the DRAMATIC EXPOSURE of the veteran's golden boy COLONEL BLUSTER as a filthy running dog for GRIM GOD of the GARRISONS the Soldier, toffed-up Mayoral wannabe THE PATRIOT finds himself in hot water! Having publicly given the CREATURE of EVIL a FRIENDLY HUG, and stood next to the CACKLING CULTIST on the hustings, the Patriot has for the last few days been trying to escape a wave of PUBLIC OUTCRY!

"Friends. Fellow citizens. Please believe me when I say that not only did I have no idea of this man's affiliations and theological defects, but I barely met him. Contrary to inflated and hysterical accounts that have been spread by malicious toungues..."

PULL THE OTHER ONE, VICTOR! So you're not a cultist. But that leaves you as a dupe, a dunce and a dope! Not the qualities that the city needs in its Mayor...

Seeking as always for fair and unbiased coverage, the Illuminator spoke to top industry figure IAN LOVEDAY on the subject....

[OOC: There follows several columns of Loveday-directed obsequiousness.]

CENTRAL STEAM EXPLODES, PROJECT DECLARES BANKRUPTCY

(The Horizon Post, 3rd Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) Earlier today the skyline of the Steam was changed dramatically, with a series of explosions and fires in the towering Central Steam production plant. Bucket chains were set up to fight the raging inferno, however due to protestors allegedly hampering the fire-fighting attempts and the sheer size of the fire little could be done. By the time the fire was put out, much of the half-constructed machinery was either destroyed or beyond repair. The Watchdogs released a statement later today announcing the discovery of bomb fragments close to the machinery, indicating sabotage rather than an industrial accident. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the alarm bell was pulled about five minutes before the explosion, enabling the building to be evacuated in before it happened.

The Sons of Richter have claimed responsibility for the attack in a letter delivered anonymously to the Post and many other newspapers this afternoon; meanwhile, the Steam Union have condemned the attack, stating that "while we objected to the construction of the Central Steam complex, we cannot condone violence, especially the sort of terrorism which puts innocent steamworkers at risk". With the destruction of so much of Central Steam's equipment most of its investors have pulled out and the project abandoned.

Broken Jaw Forces Breach Grey Order No-Go Zone, Turned Into Fine Red Paste

(The Liberator, 7th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) The war in Irgar continues. Despite the Grey Order's warnings, a squadron of Broken Jaw forces today breached the no-go zone around the Citadel of Steam. No survivors from the unit remain to describe exactly what happened, but they were wiped out to a man. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation.

The Order have refused to comment on the nature of the killings, saying only that the soldiers were well inside Grey Order territory, had ignored warnings from guards and fired pot-shots at Order members sent to escort them off the site.

For long enough the Grey Order have kept their secrets from the people of the free world. Is Grey Magic really capable of destroying a whole squadron of soldiers? Is this some new invention of genocide kept hidden from humanity? The Liberator demands answers!

Fence-Sitting Ends for Irgar Ambassador's People?

(The Horizon Tribune, 9th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) Another stage in the colosally destructive Irgarim civil war seems set to begin in the near future. As regular readers will be aware, the conflict has so far essentially consisted of a dispute between King Olaf Wolfsson's tribe, the Deep Stone, and the Broken Jaw tribe, recently outlawed en masse. A third group of tribes, most prominent among them the Raging Sky tribe (led by Bjorn Svensson, Irgarim ambassador to the City of Horizon), has remained largely neutral. In recent weeks, though, a much more hostile tone has entered King Wolfsson's official and unofficial pronouncements on and communications with the Raging Skys. The reasons for this remain unclear, but with the Raging Sky tribe reportedly mobilising their forces, it seems that they will not long be left outside the civil war. Whether they will consent to fight alongside the "kha-Irgarim" of the Broken Jaw tribe or form a third bloc remains to be seen.

STERNOS DODGES ANOTHER BULLET

(The Horizon Illuminator, 10th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) The Ghoulish Headman, Sternos, has today been subjected to another attempt on his life believed to be connected to the All-Ghoul HPLF threat against all Circlemen. The would-be ASSASSIN stormed into a meeting at which Sternos was addressing a hand-picked crowd of Ghoulish loyalists, drew his weapon (a badly crafted oneshot), shouted "For Freedom!" and fired his ONESHOT at the Headman. As soon as this occurred the surrounding Ghouls WRESTLED him to the floor before he could try again. The shot luckily missed Sternos, and the attacker was DRAGGED AWAY by the Ghoulish Hunters for questioning. Following this, Sternos repeated his call for CONSTANT VIGILANCE amongst the public and warned that such attempts on the Circlemen would not be tolerated, and those responsible would soon find themselves brought to JUSTICE.

HPLF Strikes At Watchdog Museum

(The Horizon Tribune, 13th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) In a striking move by the HPLF, the Watchdog Museum (opened at the start of this year by the Architect, and very much seen as an expression of his creative vision) was broken into last night. Several exhibits were stolen and replaced with new pieces, depicting incidents of Watchdog brutality, incompetence and corruption throughout history - dwelling especially on the worst excesses of the Third Age. All of the "new" exhibits were accompanied by informative captions, signed "HPLF". One of the most noteworthy "new exhibits" was a crude model of the museum its self with figures of cat-burglars entering through the window whilst Watchdog guards are seen asleep below - the caption points out how the Watchdogs can't even protect their own museum. The curator (Archibald Watts, 56) of the museum has ordered the items taken down, although the break-in was not noticed until several hours after opening due to no signs of forced entry being present and the display cases not being empty. "We cannot in good conscience let these exhibits remain in what was conceived as a celebration of the most noble qualities of the Watchdogs. It is a danger to society to let this kind of cynical twisting of the truth take place in the public arena," said Mr Watts.

Anyone with any information on the missing items or HPLF activities is asked to contact the Watchdogs immediately.

SLUM THUGS INVADE TRADE DISTRICT

(The Underworld Intelligencer, 15th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) The Trade District is, as most reader will be aware, a battle ground between rival local gangs - the Boys and the Rats. However, lately a new element seems to have entered the fray. On Thursday last week a collection of thugs from the slums, believed to be connected to the Family, entered the Trade District and began a campaign of terror, ransacking markets throughout the district, turning over stalls, setting fire to shops, breaking windows and generally disrupting business in the Dockyard Rats', with a small amount of spillover into Inmack's Boys' territory. The Slum thugs were beaten back both by forces from the Boys and forces from the Rats, both of which then went about aiding the repairs of the damage in there respective territories; it seems that while the Boys showed a great deal of preparedness, the Rats' patrols were thick on the ground and anticipating trouble.

The reasons for these attacks are hard to find; the only rumour we have heard is that as the Slums border on the Trade District the Family were attempting to make use of the instability of the Trade District to expand their territory, a theory that is greeted with dismay by the weary residents of this war-torn district.

Massive Explosion In Steam District Threatens Industrial Activity

(The Horizon Tribune, 16th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) Following the recent attack on the Central steam, the Steam District became once again the subject of a terrorist attack as a coal depot was destroyed by an explosion. The workers reported hearing an alarm and were forced to evacuate the area just prior to a malfunction forced them to shut part of the system down. The coal depot in question utilises a steam process to remove coal dust from the air in its silos, but due to an unprecedented build up in pressure the system had to be shut down to prevent it blowing up. The result of this meant that dust began to build up in the silo, enabling parties unknown to ignite the coal and cause an explosion, which subsequently set the entire depot ablaze. Watchdog forces were called in and remained in the area till the early hours of the morning attempting to but out the blaze and to prevent the fires spread. Sergeant Barton of the Watchdog forces was recorded as saying:

�There is little doubt that the equipment was sabotaged and we are currently looking for suspects. It is believed that the perpetrator had some insight into the inner workings of the steam process to be able to successfully sabotage it; certainly, they wrecked just the right bit of equipment to cause maximal chaos.�

The Sons of Richter are already claiming responsibility for the attack but at this time all leads are being investigated. The Merchant�s Arm are reported to be outraged by the entire ordeal, as the sudden loss in coal supplies is roughly estimated to have put one quarter of the Steam District out of action, even with other coal depots working double shifts.

PICKPOCKETS STRIKE IN DOCKS

(The Underworld Intelligencer, 18th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) In another turnaround of mob territories this week, while conflict has intensified between the Rats and Boys in the Trade District a group of Boys decided to hit the Rats at home. By invading the Docks itself, pickpocketing sailors, looting ships and so forth, the infiltrators were never caught; for a start, they were not actually seen though it is strongly believed that this was the action of members of the Boys infiltrating the docks. As there has been so much deployment within the Trade District there have been few Rat gang members policing the Docks, enabling these actions to continue.

Treasury Panics, Economy Falters, and Starvation Beckons for Poor

(The Liberator, 20th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation. Mere months after dire predictions were leaked to the Horizon Tribune - prediction so serious that even that bastion of the establishment felt compelled to bring them to national attention - the crisis has arrived. A major coal silo and the Central Steam complex have exploded. The sudden loss in Horizon's coal processing and storage capacity, and the damage caused by the attacks, have caused a quarter of all factories in the Steam to cease work - and that's the establishment estimate. Doesn't the air smell so much sweeter now? Don't breathe too deeply, because that's the scent of economic meltdown.

Treasury officials have been holding crisis talks. It is clear that a steam tax, while temporarily helpful, will not be able to cover the entire budget shortfall. A new tax is needed, one which can be applied quickly and generate revenue swiftly without crippling industry or putting unjust pressure on the working man - whose personal circumstances are liable to deteriorate rapidly should the coming economic crash occur. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation. It is the opinion of this newspaper that only a progressive income tax, sparing the working classes whilst placing a firm burden on the upper classes, can prevent complete disaster in Horizon.

We have already received reports of families - rich and poor - stockpiling food and other essentials in preparation for crisis. If something is not done, our city could be in for a hungry winter in eight months' time.

TOP COP SHOP SMASHERS SONS OF RICHTER! HEROIC KRAELING SAVES DAY!

(The Horizon Illuminator, 22nd Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) Cop chief RYAN COLUMNA'S new HERO DOG SQUAD, the WBI, yesterday netted their first BIG WIN! With murderous loony psychopath druggy terrorist KILLERS the Sons of Richter holding Horizon in a GRIP OF FEAR, the brave boys of the WBI launched a daring raid against their MAIN LAIR! There was BATTLE! There was BLOOD! There was GLORY! There was a five-year-old child, trapped by the crossfire! In spite of everything, there was almost defeat for the Dogs - until the day was saved by new recruit Ralikka'Rey, Kraeling and proud citizen of Horizon!

THE ILLUMINATOR SAYS: The Dogs done good! The city needs more like young Ralikka!

[OOC: There follows a picture of Ralikka'Rey holding the five year old child, whom she also apparently rescued. Ralikka has a human form resembling an attractive young woman, and is here dressed in an unusually tight-fitting Watchdogs uniform - torn in a few suggestive places to (presumably) indicate she has just transformed back from her battle form. In other words, it's typical work from the Illuminator's illustrators.]

I Suppose You'd Call This a Deus Ex Machina Situation

(The Liberator, 23rd Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) AGED DESPOT TO STAND DOWN. His reign has seen the city recover and bleed workers dry and reap vast profits for His willingness to do business with the Grey to infest Horizon, with Grey devices threatening. You mustn't cross Harry Kell but they have.

At this, the meeting-hall erupted with events. Regular Liberator readers will be aware of Richterist theory and debate. It brings us great sadness, an' they weren't in any uniforms, so grabbed us, frisked us, took any copies of us out.

We certainly proved again their ignorance and shortsightedness! Not daunted by the entry of this the Demagogue issued the following statement: "We stand here because we acknowledge of Horizon - have a clear sense of is just and what is unjust." It can announce a new initiative beginning in the Schools Initiative.

If this be it! For no government to impinge upon the Order and its leaders! Protest! Book, I hope to teach and inform the forces of Historical Inevitablity. I'm Plenipotentiary Effectuator? CHOOSE NEW TYRANT. Order has allowed a whole new exploitative hierarchy, the establishment for the oppressed classes to work themselves to minority. The government's skill in presenting a life and romance in the Treacherous Lands has allowed the Mayor to retain dictatorial powers.

Once the short speech: "I have one further announcement small puppy. They 'ad balaclavas on, I knew it wasn't a Watchdog bust. This was an attempt to put us out so we couldn't afford to stay in business. They just cared about shuttin' us up." FROM each according to his ABILITY. FEEL THE HEAT closing in, feel them out doll stool pigeons, crooning over my spoon and vault a turnstile and two flights down trapped in a machine maze. Don't think you got away with it m-d I know what you've done.

Liberator Greywriters Break Down

(The Liberator, 23rd Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) [OOC: The following article comes immediately after the above piece. From this point onwards in the Liberator all articles - including this one - are printed with small, inefficient hand-powered printing presses.]

We apologise to our readers for the above article, entitled "I Suppose You'd Call This a Deus Ex Machina Situation". It was printed in error by our Greywriters, immediately before they ceased operating entirely.

Many of our readers have objected to our practice of using Greywriters to produce the paper, but the fact of the matter is that, whilst we do not support the Grey Order and its elitist tendencies, we do find them extraordinarily useful. They are small, print quickly, and easy to use; if some of our Greywriters were functioning, we could reprint this entire issue without the above article in time to distribute it. With the inefficient hand-powered presses we are using, it does not look as though this will be possible.

We wish to warn our readers that in the immediate future the Liberator may prove a little more scarce than previously. We hope to resolve this situation soon, and we can guarantee that we will still be able to present the Liberator at any spontaneous social justice rallies held by the HPLF in the near future.

Expedition Vanishes - Noble Family Distraught

(The Horizon Tribune, 24th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) Concern is bulding in the Noble Quarter and across the entire city as to the possible fate of Bernard von J�ger, the famed explorer and second son of heptarch Grafin Marie von J�ger. In the three months since the expedition set off from New Horizon, fans of exploration and adventure have looked forward eagerly to each fresh messenger pigeon missive from the von Jaeger expedition. In the last two weeks, though, no communication of any kind has been received from the explorers. There is no indication of any problems in the last received dispatches, which express optimism and an intention to turn Wallwards in an attempt to acquire specimens for the Imperial University. However, the expedition was travelling in areas far removed from any settlement, and it is feared that in the event of difficulties the explorers would have great difficulty alerting the civilised world.

Publicly, the von J�ger family has remained upbeat, but private sources suggest that the Grafin von J�ger is deeply worried and is looking into the possibility of putting together a rescue operation, possibly headed by one of Bernard's brothers such as society darling Hans, or even the disgraced Klaus.

Election '21

A regular column discussing the upcoming election.

(The Horizon Tribune, 25th Spring's Dusk 4021 HR.) With the twomonth at a close, it's time once again for us to take a look at the progress of those candidates who have not taken a high-profile role in recent events, and whose campaigns may have thus been relegated to the back pages.

THE ARCHITECT has conducted a recent speaking tour of the city and those villages and towns owing it fealty, and has addressed sell-out crowds. His moderate policies, mingling a realistic and pragmatic approach to foreign relations and the economy with a progressive view on social issues, has struck a cord with many; by the end of the second date on his speaking tour his mayoral petiton had already accumulated more than enough signatures to be submitted to the Hive. He has furthermore shocked some observers by entering the DCH Primary. "The people of Horizon do not want a naive idealist," he said when he made the announcement, "nor does it want a cynical businessman. It needs a realist, a pragmatist, yes, but it also needs a man who understands Horizon's full potential, and believes that we can enjoy a better life than we have now. I believe I am that man, and I am therefore presenting myself for the endorsement of the public."

DADDY'S GIRL, meanwhile, has paid her deposit to the Hive, and thus needs only to gain the approval of the Four Embassies and sufficient verifiable names on her candidacy petition to qualify for election.

THE DEMAGOGUE submitted his petition to the Hive at the time of going to press; it is believed that he would have been able to submit it significantly earlier, but was having trouble gaining the last few endorsements from the nobly-born. It has been suggested that recent speeches of his in which he condemns the "betrayal of the Lasinian people by those who claim to represent them" have allayed fears that he is an extremist revolutionary.

THE HOUND has expressed concern with the amount of public funds that has been invested in the new Watchdog Bureau of Investigation. "With so many run-down Kennels across the city, how can we afford to build this lavish headquarters for the WBI? I'm sure that the Illegal Organisations budget can't cover the full cost of the place, especially given that it is so luxurious. Do we really need another clique in government, a group whose purview has significant overlap with the Watchdogs', when for so long the Watchdogs have been without so many other important resources?" The Hound went on to suggest that a transparent complaints process and a strong "internal affairs" investigative branch would increase public confidence in the Watchdogs greatly.

Finally, THE MOGUL'S free mug campaign has managed to win him enough signatures for his electoral petition.

[OOC: For a quick view of where the candidates are in the electoral race, see the elections page.]

On the Grapevine

Patriot Winning Support Amongst Watchdogs

You know, The Hound has it in for any Watchdog trying to make a decent wage. She's all talk about rooting out corruption within the Watchdogs but that's really going to hit those who try to make a little bit on the side just to make ends meet - nothing too dodgy, just the odd thing here and there, but she'd come down on us like a ton of bricks! Nah, what we want is someone like that Patriot guy, he'd see what was important and deal with the bigger picture rather than bothering with the harmless small fry. He'd be looking out for us and in turn, we'd be looking out for him!

Ghouls Reverting to Cultism?

"That's mad. That's crazy. They'd never do that."

"I tell you it's true! They do it in their little realm off in the Treacherous Lands, it couldn't have been long before they started doing it here. Soldier, Illaria, bunch of others, they're turning to god-worship as we speak."

"Bollocks. Sternos would never allow it."

"Sternos isn't the only authority in the Ghoul community these days. Not only has the All-Ghoul HPLF won lots of backing, but there are Ghouls from the other side of the Wall lurking there these days; they've sneaked through, they're working to teach cultism to the Ghouls here, and they don't give a tinker's cuss what Sternos thinks."

"I can't believe they'd betray the city like this."

"When the city's represented by a tyrant like Sternos, why wouldn't they?"

"So, have you met any of these Ghoulish cultists?"

"Nope. Never go near the Ghoul district. It's full of Ghouls. Can't be having with inhuman filth."

Avenant's Crew Moved On By Watchdogs

It doesn't make any sense. The Watchdogs and the Rats are buddies, and the Watchdog hate the Boys' guts. Most of the Dogs I've talked to have been all for the Rats' "community policing" in the Trade District, so they should have been all for Avenant and some of his men strolling into the Boys' area of the district to shake down the locals and convince them to switch their loyalties. Then a Watchdog patrol showed up and moved them along. Precisely how does that make sense? Something is up with this.

Mister Faithman Interviewed By Government Agents

...so the word is that Sebastian Quin - spit - and some of his well-dressed men paid a visit to the Architect with a doctor in tow. No idea what it's about, but when they left they were all "sorry to waste your time," and "thank you for your co-operation, we shan't bother you again" and "good luck with the Primary". Something odd there.

Under-Chamber to Crush Sons of Richter

Pass it on. Inmack, Mahmoud, the Queen, and the Hidden Mob have voted, and it's unanimous. Word'll be coming from on high soon. The Sons of Richter have to go. Dead, arrested, or hounded from the city - we're not putting up with those loonies no more. I hear the guys out collecting protection money are already shaking people down for word on who's involved with them, giving known Sons a one-way trip to the bottom of the river, tipping off the Watchdogs and helping them co-ordinate their raids... The Sons' days are numbered.

Low-Ranking Kellor Arrested

The Queen's not happy. Oh no. Watchdogs been moving this past month, and they've been taking her flesh and blood. Walnock, Madeleine, Georgie-boy - none of them near or dear to her heart. But all of them employed by the Family... and all of them surnamed Kellor. There's going to be trouble over this, mark my words.

The Pamphlet Gallery

Any articles appearing in this section represent pamphlets circulated widely throughout the city of Horizon.

THE BLUE BOOK - CHAPTER ONE

Richterism teaches us that the world is divided into people of two types - producers, who create services or goods needed for the functioning of society, and capitalists, who cream off a proportion of the rewards justly due to the producers in order to fund their own lavish lifestyles. If there is a justifaction for being a capitalist, it is that organising labour is neccessary in order to ensure efficient production, and that efficient production is neccessary to produce the heights of civilisation we see here in Horizon. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation.

This justification is flawed though, for it chooses to address only one part of the problem - whether capitalists provide any benefits at all. There is another, more salient part of the problem - the problem of reward. Why, all people should be asking, should those who organise, whose work is simple, safe, secure and warm, conducted from offices, soirees and parties, be rewarded as lavishly as it is? Why do capitalists reside in the mansions of the Noble and Merchant districts, while their workers, doing dangerous, tendious work, live in the horror of the slums? There can be no justification for this profound injustice, and that is why Richterism calls for equality of reward. Capitalists are evil not because of what they do, but how they do it - wealth must be redistributed to those who do the honest work, redistributed so that all can survive in comfort. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation.

Look at the wealth all around you, but held back from you. We live in a world of surfeit, yet this surplus is accessed by but a few. In this Blue Book, I hope to teach and inform the people of Horizon about the Future, a Future demanded by the forces of Historical Inevitablity. A Future we can already see in forward-looking lands like Lasinia. I ask only a fair hearing, and that all keep in mind that the poverty in which they are mired now need not endure forever.

FROM each according to his ABILITY. TO each according to his NEED.

SONS OF RICHTER CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR STEAM CHAOS

(A leaflet, from various piles found on subway carriages.)

We have achieved justice! The justice of the future!

The Sons of Richter claim full responsibility for the destruction of Central Steam and the main coal silo. These bombings will continue until the Steam is levelled and the fat, bloated factory owners brought to their knees before the poor of Horizon!

News Sources

So that you can make a decision on how much to believe each news source, here's some details on the various peridoicals.