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

The News

Turn 6

In the Papers

CHAOS IN COLONIES!!!

PANIC has striken the colonies as the EARTH-SHATTERING force appears to have been followed by numerous other unexplained tremors; bizarrely, some reports suggest that RIOTING broke out BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE, as if the people of New Horizon had some psychic premoniton of the coming destruction. Furthermore reports have just reached Horizon that the INFAMOUS CITADEL OF STEAM was damaged by the Dragons rampage. Rumours arrive in Horizon each day of Colonists TERRIFIED FOR THEIR LIVES. Needless to stay the collateral damage has somewhat hampered trade relations with the human colonies, and this could not come at a worse time given the current ECONOMIC CRISIS.

Natural philosophers at Horizon University are currently looking into the possible cause of the Earthquake and seeking ways to prevent further damage to the colonies.

Ryan Columna: Filthy Drug Dealer

Ryan Columna makes his money selling drugs.

Columna has connections to various groups in areas of the trans-Wall colonies, which he uses to acquire Vegda Dust. His authority as a law-enforcer then helps him smuggle the poison back into Horizon, where it can be distributed to wreck the lives of young, promising people. The details works as follows:

[OOC: Copious details of Columna's alleged drug-dealing operation are given here.]

I call on Ryan Columna to do the honourable thing and step down now! It can only be a matter of time before your criminal activities catch up with you!
- The Correspondant.

ARCHITECT AN IMPOSTOR!

[OOC: The article then launches into sycophantic praise of Ian Loveday, and thus ceases to be interesting.]

Obituary: Richard Renton

A fiery and dogged journalist and 21st winner of the Ridgway Journalism Contest, Renton was famed for his unwillingless to let up on a story and relentless pursuit of the corrupt excesses of the Merchants' Arm. His hard work pursuing the course of justice will be sorely missed by all.

Wrath Frozen In Starlight

Sorcerers and alchemists from the Imperial University have tentatively identified the material as frozen starlight, which would explain the anomalous shaft of starlight which many witnesses reported seeing descending upon the Imperial Parks late last night. A young couple who had been walking in the park at the time reported seeing the frozen man "transfixed" by the starlight, and surrounded by thirteen indistinct, glowing figures.

Authorities from the Church of the Intercessor and the Ghoulish Headman, Sternos, have identified the individual in question as the Wrath, an avatar of the dread god Verachtlich; Sternos's involvement is believed to be connected to his investigation of the murder of the Vegdarbarran ambassador's sons, and sources in the Ghoul community report that Sternos is a well-known Star shaman. Whilst the justice of the Stars is, in this case, welcome in Horizon, questions over the reasons for the slaying of the ambassador's sons; was it another case of the Wrath lashing out at random, or was some dark agenda of the dread god Verachtlich being served?

Weapons Factory Exposed, Owner Flees to Jurica

In perhaps the most shocking revelation, it was found that the workers brought in were children, working apparently with the parents consent – whether the parents were blackmailed into allowing their children to work, or whether they were enticed by the prospect of their offspring’s paycheck is unclear. The owner of the factory – one Lawrence Marcus, believed to have been affiliated with the Merchant's Arm - has fled to Jurica to avoid arrest. The Merchant's Arm have publicly expelled him from their association, and helped the government seize as many of his assets as possible before his escape - but not before he was able to get away with a more than healthy pension fund.

Of course, the knock-on effects of this exposure will be felt within the military as legitimate weapon production decreases; however, those who were being supplied with the illegitimate weapons - believed to be one of the Four True Nations - will also be deprived of their goods. This paper suggests that all Steam factories should be investigated in light of these findings to ensure that no other illegal activity is occurring "after hours", making all manner of despicable things and forcing young children to make such mechanisms of war.

SPUTTERING DEMAGOGUE FLIPS HIS LID!!!

We print here his LUNATIC OUTBURST verbatim, since little we could say could make his FROTHING MADNESS any more blatant.

"...and I say that freedom, above all else, must be the guiding principle behind a truly democratic administration. I have a dream. A dream that one day every citizen of this great nation will be judged on the strength of their character, not on the accident of their birth; a dream that one day... one day... one day I will fly. One day you will fly. One day ALL OF US will fly! Fly into the shining future which is ours to grasp! Fly into the bright sunrise of a new hope! Fly under our own power, without strings to tie us down! FLY! FLY! FLY!"

With this, he leaped off the stage and engaged in the BARBAROUS RABBLE-ROUSING PRACTICE known as CROWD-SURFING. His outburst may have appealed to the youngsters in the audience, but would CALM HEADS and SANE VOTERS really support such a TOTAL NUTCASE?

THE ILLUMINATOR SAYS: Vote Mogul! Down with the madness of the Demagogue! Down with the elitism of the Architect! MOGUL FOR MAYOR!

STERNOS RESIDENCE ATTACKED!!!

Mogul Assassinated!

Ian Loveday Killed By Bomb During Speaking Tour. Blast Kills Ten. Destruction Followed By Riots. Brother Kevin Vows Revenge. No Claim Of Responsibility As Yet.

In the confusion that followed, the crowd's attempts to flee the square for fear of more deaths somehow degenerated into a free-for-all, with hurried pushing and shoving eventually becoming an all-out riot requiring the Watchdogs to be called in in order to quell the fighting. Fortunately, none were killed in the ensuing chaos, though the blast killed ten men: Loveday himself, as well as a staff of five security agents, Tina Powell, the Mogul campaign secretary, and three bystanders in the audience who have yet to be named. As many as fifty have been injured in the aftermath.

Kevin Loveday, Ian's brother and now the sole CEO of Loveday Inc., has released a statement to the press deploring this terrorist atrocity, though no known chapter of the HPLF has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing. Despite thorough investigation from the Watchdogs, no evidence suggesting a likely culprit has been found.

A talented businessman, Loveday was raised in...

[OOC: And here the article degenerates into what is hopefully the last piece of sycophancy to be printed about the Mogul.]

PHWOOOAR! STREAKER PROTESTS AT MOGHUL ASSASSINATION

[OOC: That's a Minor amount of money for the best likeness of the streaker.]

Hayes-Morton Reveals Nightmare of Desert Wine

In this exclusive supplement to today's Horizon Tribune, Hayes-Morton reveal how small after-dinner sips soon became bottle-guzzling binges, as his lifestyle spiralled out of control. He eventually decided to quit the drug when it began to have an impact on his work, Faithman's threats only spurring him on.

A representative from Mister Faithman's campaign told us that "Mister Faithman wishes Bernard Hayes-Morton every success in his attempt to rid himself of this distressing habit. He wishes it to be made clear that he bears Mr Hayes-Morton no ill will for his unguarded remarks, and has - as yet - refrained from issuing a libel action. Mister Faithman understands how friendly advice could look like vicious blackmail in the twisted perceptions of a drug-addled addict, and how easy it is to make rash statements when one is grappling with the agony of withdrawal, and hopes that the people of Horizon will not hold Mr Hayes-Morton's outrageous exaggerations against him."

The revelations have prompted Mothers Against Drugs and Prostitution to come out in support of the Demagogue in the coming Primary. "He's a very polite young man," said a spokeswoman for the Mothers, "and he doesn't take advantage of the victims of drugs like that beastly Architect."

Primary Day: Excellent Turnout Expected, Authorities On Lookout For Fraud

[OOC: Hereon in the article descends into prolonged weepy moaning about the death of the Mogul.]

Demagogue Resigns From Race, Denounces Vote-Rigging Supporters

It transpires that late last night independent observers from the Paperchasers and the Church of the Intercessor discovered that Steam Union volunteers and suspected HPLF sympathisers were "losing" ballots for the Architect. Counting was briefly suspended whilst officials searched for the missing ballots - most of which were never accounted for - and both candidates were informed that a full investigation would take place. At this point, the Demagogue threw in the towel.

"It's come to my attention," he said in his speech, "that certain misguided supporters of mine have decided to take matters into their own hands. Throughout this campaign I have consistently said that I believe in the democratic process. It seems that the HPLF and allies of theirs in the Steam Union do not. I refuse absolutely to benefit from a crooked ballot; I therefore withdraw from the race and concede victory to the Architect. I cannot say I support his policies, but he is the only candidate who can claim to have sought the endorsement of the people of Horizon; that, I hope, will stand him in good stead with the Moot of Years, and I hope the result of this ballot - distorted as it has been - demonstrates that he has won your support."

A source from within the Paperchasers reported that an investigation is taking place, but that it appears that the attempted vote-rigging took place without the knowledge of either candidate. "Evidently the HPLF were hoping to give their chosen candidate plausible deniability," said our source, "of course, it backfired when he turned out to have principles. It's very sad, but Mr Wright's made the correct choice."

The latest count, incorporating those missing ballots which were eventually located, seems to indicate a slim majority in favour of the Architect, but the Architect's true mandate will likely never be known; he has thus been saved a fair amount of embarrassment by the Demagogue's withdrawal. With the DCH now endorsing Mister Faithman for the Mayor's office, bookies are already predicting that the Moot of Years will face a straight choice between him and the Hound, whose support has begun to eclipse that of Daddy's Girl due to the accusations of shamanism levied at her.

Steam Airship Lost On Bandit-Haunted Trade Route

It has come as no surprise to the international business community that the Stiles ship encountered difficulties on that route; Stiles International's recent financial woes had compelled the company to take greater and greater risks in order to minimise delivery times and maximise profits. What is concerning is the fact that the airship has not been seen or heard of since; pirates usually allow airships to leave after plundering them of valuables and treasures, since it does little good to them to destroy the ship - killing so many steamworkers would ruin their reputations as sauve swashbucklers of the skies.

Experts on aerial piracy have expressed doubt that the pirates would hijack a steam airship. "They'd need a vast number of steamworkers to keep the thing running," he said, "and that requires both money and a crew of steamworkers desperate enough to resort to piracy. They can't simply press-gang the old crew, since that would require a great number of pirates to supervise them to prevent sabotage. No, I think something went badly wrong on that airship - either damage during a pirate raid, or an accident completely unrelated to piracy. If you want to find SIT's ship, you'd have to look on the bottom of the ocean."

Grey Order Go Public With Grey Gun

"The Grey Order is now, and has always been, a politically neutral organisation." said Commander Stetz. "We seek to develop and market Grey Technology, but we do not wish to be aligned with any country: not in the True Lands nor Treacherous. Thus, we are opening sales of the Grey Gun units to the government of any human nation willing to pay us the asking price of two thousand guilders."

"We are not, of course, irresponsible. As our critics have pointed out, the power of the Grey Gun is a great and terrible thing, and while we consider the primary advantage of these weapons to be their value as a deterrent, we nontheless agree that such destructive power should not be given to those in danger of misusing it. This is why we will dealing only with representatives of Horizon, one of the Four Nations, or the United Freedom State."

Reaction has been swift. Jurican representatives remain adamant that the Grey Guns should be uniformly dismantled and no more copies built, while Baron Yuri von Litkinstein of Vegdarbarra has swiftly entered discussion with the Order upon the purchasing of several units. The Deep Stone tribe of Irgarim, likewise, seem eager to bolster the weaponry provided to them by the Order. Response from Lasinia has been cold. "Grey Technology is the creation of an elitist clique of technicians," said Daniel Priestly, General Secretary of the Lasinian National Soviet, "and wholly inappropriate for use in Lasinia. The Grey Gun is the perfect example of this. Expensive, cumbersome, and showy, it has no place in Lasinian defence."

[OOC: That's a Staggering amount the Grey Guns are going for, though the Order won't sell them to anyone lacking approval from a head of state.]

HORIZON DERBY A SUCCESS

The bookies were out in force and many people were enjoing the odd flutter at the horses. Some were lucky enough to make significant windfalls when "Never May Kit" came in first in the "round city race". Other activities arranged included first time riding lessons for children under 12 with accomplished riders and were encouraging people to consider the Horse Guards as a worthy and honourable career path.

The day went well with very little disturbance, and we can expect to see more horseracing in the Ruins in the future.

UFS Villages Attacked By Ghoulish Cultists, Horizon Weapons Used

Since the foundation of the UFS an uneasy equilibrium has existed between its more isolated villages, and the Ghouls of Adhania - particularly those honouring the Gods. It seems that the equilibrium has now been broken by the Adhanians' acquisition of what accounts indicate to be modern clockwork weapons, probably of Horizon manufacture. Cultists, reportedly those of the Soldier, have taken advantage of this opportunity to move against the (Intercessor-honouring) villagers of the UFS, who are year on year settling close to Adhania. Based on the appearance of Horizon-acquired arms, the UFS has already launched strong diplomatic representations to Horizon and the Four Nations, suggesting that individuals within the city administration are arming the Cultists purposely with the despicable aim of destroying the UFS through God-inspired violence.

Diplomatic point-scoring aside, this newspaper recalls to its readers the recent mission by Horizon Ghoulish Headman Sternos to Adhania, and his exchange of arms for food. In spite of the obvious benefits to our city in this time of economic crisis, we must now closely examine the wisdom of the deal done by Circleman Sternos. The servants of the Gods are not lightly to be courted...

Sternos Condemns Rwatha At Public Meeting; Rwatha Response Anticipated

The comments, apparently in response to Rwatha raising doubts over the wisdom of selling factory-made and clockwork weapons to the Ghouls of Adhania, were part of a tirade in which Sternos highlighted the sacrifices he and his family have made in the pursuit of cultists, and made much of his recent apprehension of the dreaded Wrath, avatar of Verachtlich. However, shortly before the meeting occurred the news broke of the Adhanian attack on UFS villages and farmsteads, an attack apparently carried out using Horizon-made weapons. The Circleman Rwatha declared that he had already been planning to go on a fact-finding expedition to see how the infusion of weapons and tools had affected Adhania; he declared that he would set off immediately after the meeting in order to discover the truth about the attack first-hand, and would thus wait until returning from the Treacherous Lands before delivering his rebuttal.

Home for Disturbed And Dangerous Children Used for Political Ends

It has become apparent to us that the "Del Orto Home for Disturbed and Dangerous Children" is being manipulated by members of the Dockyard Rats - specifically the high-profile poor-Ghoul-made-good Virros - into taking a partisan hand in the struggle between the Rats and Inmack's Boys.

We're sure the staff at the Del Orto Orphanage must have welcomed the opportunity to open a new facility for their most difficult and violent wards, but it's come to our attention that Virros's recent "Save the Mothers" campaign was little more than a bid to imprison large numbers of members of Inmack's Boys - specifically, members of their information-gathering arm the Butcher Street Irregulars - without any due process or trial. We're sure the general populace of Horizon has little tolerance for pickpockets - but the fact that a private organisation was able to get away with this raises questions about how much other organisations can get away with. How soon before adults are imprisoned illegally for being a remember of the wrong gang? Or for paying protection to the wrong gang? Or for reading this newspaper?

We'll keep you updated on future developments.

Grey Order War Machines Deployed On Battlefield, Sold to WBI

Enhanced Defense Armour, slow and cumbersome powered armour for battlefield use, has been developed by the Grey Order to provide a platform for the use of Grey Guns, and to protect soldiers in combat. The armour stands at seven feet tall, and in its shape only vaguely resembles a human being; these monstrosities have been deployed to guard the Grey Order's original Citadel of Steam in Irgar, and is believed to have been purchased by the WBI for "riot control". Sources in the WBI denied that they had purchased any Grey Guns, but we at the Liberator fully expect those weapons of mass murder to be deployed in the streets in due course.

Clashes Between Vegdarbarran and Horizon Forces In Treacherous Lands

Recently, Vegdarbarran forces have reoccupied the village and has begun a series of reinforcements of the village, with row upon row of steam cannons and a couple of grey guns as well as many lines of the disciplined troops of baron Litkinstein patrolling the walls.

The village is, however, under close watch by Horizon forces, which have set up camp a few miles away and send regular patrols around the local area to attempt to find any invaders. The situation is tense, with both forces heavily armed and ready for combat. Litkinstein announced last twomonth that any further attacks on the village would be considered an act of war, and it is likely that a similar view will be taken by Horizon forces if the Vegdarbarrans attempt any further expansion. The situation is hanging on a knifeedge; let's just hope it can balance there.

CAMPION EXPOSED AS UNREGISTERED SPY

Under the conditions of the Last Treaty, SLIPPERY Campion is to be extradited to Lasinia. But HOW MANY MORE unregistered spies are walking our streets? Anyone you see could be a DANGEROUS SPY!!! The Illuminator says: STRING 'EM UP, it's the ONLY LANGUAGE they understand!

WALKING CORPSE'S FAMILY VANISH IN NEW HORIZON

WBI Building Bombed, Ryan Columna Believed Dead

Additional troops were called in from the Doghouse and a combined effort enabled the fires to be eventually extinguished and the excavation process to begin to hunt out survivors. The WBI headquarters was believed to have an extensive underground layout, most of which collapsed in the explosion, so full excavation will take some time.

During the commotion several bodies were pulled out from the wreckage, and while Priests of the Intercessor worked valiantly to try to save them they were already beyond aid. One body that was pulled from the wreckage is thought to be that of Ryan Columna – founder and head of the WBI. Exact identification cannot be verified, since the body was so badly burned that Ghouls could get no details from it - however, consumption of another corpse revealed that Ryan Columna had been seen by one of the Watchdogs killed by the attack entering his office shortly before the explosion, which seemed to come from within said office. Watchdogs are currently combing the site for clues and have issued a statement that the perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice.

Election '21

A regular column discussing the upcoming election.

The election itself was a tight-run thing, with the Demagogue taking the Trade and Craftsman's Districts and the Ruins, as well as surprisingly getting a wave of support from the Ghoul Quarter. This proved a blow to the Architect, who had considered the Slums a safe vote; however, the Architect got the majority in the slums as well as the docks and managed to win by a mere 2% margin. Such a close result would usually have precipitated challenges for a recount, were it not for the discovery of electoral fraud preformed in the name of the Demagogue, who ashamed of the association and owing to the considerable stress he has of late been under declared his resignation, thus removing another candidate from the running and making the Architect the winner of the primaries by virtue of being the last man standing. Having won the backing of the DCH, the Architect has also won access to its campaign fund, and has used it to pay his deposit.

And now, a look at the other candidates: the LOSER, Anarcholes the Black, did finally send in his petition to the Hive; however, it was rejected and returned to him as only a quarter of the names where determined to be genuine. (One "Ivor Biggun" signed the petition 121 times, and "T. Emperor" signed it 60 times.)

Meanwhile, DADDY'S GIRL is arranging equipment and transport for another trading expedition to Adhania. Meanwhile, the HOUND's campaign has received an unexpected boost after an anonymous donor paid her deposit to the Hive on her behalf.

It is expected that in the coming twomonth the Embassies of the Four Nations will express their approval or disapproval of the remaining three candidates for Mayor; if at least two of the four embassies object to a candidate they may not go before the Moot of Years. We can therefore expect all three candidates to begin courting the international set in the coming twomonth...

On the Grapevine

Jess Departed, Black Hats Leave Town

[OOC: Jess Macintyre has been retired as a PC.]

Virros Now Leader of Shoreleave House

“That Virros though, took it all in his stride and was ahead of him every step of the way – no wonder he got the support to become leader of Shoreleave House!”

"I'll say. He sent his toughest girls to face William's ambush, and those ladies sent him and his bully-boys packing - they daren't show their faces anymore."

Ivan Alcock Beaten Up

Quickpistol to Lead Rats

Clarity Inna Bottle

[OOC: In game terms, Clarity counts as an Exotic Drug.]

Avenant Mooks Playing With Fire

“Who?”

“The notorious Avenant crew!”

Sternos Speech Supported Adhanian Trade?

Anyway, it seems that Sternos really wanted to say that he didn't appreciate Rwatha's attitude to Adhania; he wanted to start trade with the Treacherous Lands ghouls to help them dig themselves out of the hole of poverty and cultism they've got themselves into. Yeah, it was embarrassing when word of the Adhanian attacks got out partway through the meeting - someone burst in waving a copy of the Tribune and shouting at Sternos - but he stands by what he did. He says it was a risk, an important risk to try to bring civilisation and a healthy hatred of the divine to Adhania, and it's not paid off but that doesn't mean it wasn't worth taking - especially since it meant that Slum folk didn't starve to death in the streets. If you ask me, I say putting guns in the hands of Soldier cultists to put food in the mouths of our people is too much of a deal with the divine for my liking, but then again I wasn't hard up for food last month...

No Wedding for Christopher, Kellor Wedding Cancelled

The Pamphlet Gallery

DOWN WITH THE MOGUL

If you vote for the Mogul in the upcoming DCH Primary, do you know who you are affiliating yourself with?

Yes, he helped with the recent food crisis, but have you asked yourself why? Who exactly is providing this food? Dangerous cultists from the Treacherous Lands! Can you really trust Adhanian citizens who openly go against the Intercessor and the good people of Horizon? And the Mogul is supportive of these people! Would you vote for him and support them too? You would stand alongside terrorist groups such as the admitted bombers the Merchant’s Arm? You will if you vote for the Mogul. And do you agree with the underhanded HPLF who are trying to subversively spread their ideas via their influence on the Mogul? If you vote for him, you are saying you do?

Make sure you are not among supporters who include terrorists and cultists! DO NOT vote for the Mogul!

A NOTE ON THE CANDIDATES

Mister Faithman: Mister Faithman has prepared hard for this battle for the soul of the people of Horizon, by falling in with MONARCHISTS, who would see the return of the Imperial system and the death of freedom. If you think Mister Faithman's association with known Monarchist Christopher d'Avenant is acceptable, vote for him.

Ian Loveday: The Mogul has prepared for this contest by publishing slander in his newspapers, and by SELLING FIREARMS TO CULTISTS of the Soldier, and their evil avatar Colonel Bluster. Vote Loveday if you think cults and malign deities are acceptable business partners.

David Wright: David Wright has prepared for this contest by performing good works at the Church of the Intercessor. He is present frequently before the people, notably at the great rally against Monarchism of the spring. Vote Wright if you want greater FREEDOM and PROSPERITY, along with a government that is accountable to its people!

In the Small Ads

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

WANTED: Aid with difficult extraction. Thanks to GO I'm MIA in the NH CoS. I suppose you'd call this a deus ex machina situation. My arm is out and all that's needed is a good tug. When I'm out I'll be angry. When the other's out, he'll live up to his old name.
- Harry Kell.

To the Wrath

I Know Why They Died

You Can Trust Us

From: the Vegdarbarran Embassy

News Sources