- Eternity
- Turn 15
- Turn 14
- Turn 13
- Turn 12
- Turn 11
- Turn 10
- Turn 9
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- Turn 6
- Turn 5
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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 8
This news covers events from the 1st of Winter's Dawn to the 25th of Winter's Rise - Horizon's Day, and the last day of the year. 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
[OOC: All Liberator articles this turn are printed using the old-fashioned presses they were forced to use after their Greywriters broke down.]Rebuilding Work Begins at WBI Building
(The Horizon Times, 2nd Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) Work has begun at last on the rebuilding of the WBI headquarters after it was gutted by what was thought to be a Fire Essence-laced bomb blast 3 months ago. The future of the WBI was initially brought into question with the death of its founding member and head, former Walking Corpse Ryan Columna. However, progress has been made on the reassignment of leadership and the paperwork has been approved to begin the rebuilding of the WBI headquarters. Rebuilding work should be finished within the next few months.Darkness Lies Hidden
(The Horizon Tribune, 4th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) Disturbing news in troubling times from the Noble Quarter, and in particular the affairs of the Heptarchical Milton family. Seldom has a family standing so high in the society of Horizon been found concealing a branch so rotten as Jonathan Milton, the heir to the duchy.It has long been a staple of society gossip that Jonathan was reluctant, even openly rebellious, in the face of the Milton family tradition of quiet service to the message and Church of the Intercessor, and to the people of Horizon. Various rumours of supposed misdemenours and bad associations that had brought him to the brink of being disowned had circulated. The truth, as revealed two days ago, was worse than anyone had suspected, including the Duke Milton. Acting upon the evidence of his shamanic star magics and various other proofs the Ghoul Headman Sternos raided the Milton family home with the intention of apprehending Jonathan on suspicion of vile Cultism, and searching for evidence of cultist activities. Evidence was soon forthcoming in abundance. While Jonathan himself was detained, Duke Milton himself directed the Headman to the disused winecellar in which the heir was apparently keeping some "bits and pieces". These were soon found to include the full paraphenalia of a large cult of Verachtlich, the god of hatred and loathing. Worse was to come in the form of a large cage in which was held, evidently well looked after, the creature known as the Butcher, avatar of Verachtlich. This is the deformed madman who, possessed by the power of its dark master, is driven to mutilate and deform random victims. An attempt by Arcanum Guard sorcerers in collaboration with the Ghoulish Hunters to use the Butcher as bait to draw Verachtlich out of his centre of power was unfortunately thwarted by the creature's inhuman strength and wildly violent nature; evidently, the Butcher did not intend to be taken alive, and the Hunters and sorcerers were forced to slay him in the cellar there and then or risk being slaughtered themselves.
Since the death of Versinya twenty years ago, Verachtlich has been regarded as the most malign and dangerous of the gods. The discovery of an evidently well-developed centre of his power in Horizon is therefore extremely disturbing in its implications. Ghouls and currently sifting through the evidence from the Milton estate for clues as to the identity and whereabouts of further cult members, in the hope that tragedy can be averted. Jonathan Milton himself was able to escape interrogation, and indeed everything else, by committing suicide shortly after capture, apparently using a poison capsule to do so. It is hoped that the Ghouls are able to acquire as much information as possible.
All current evidence suggests that the rest of the Milton family were uncorrupted by their scion's cultism, and indeed were totally ignorant of it. They therefore retain their positions as Heptarchs for the upcoming election.
REPUBLICAN UNIT PURGES TREASURY
(The Horizon Illuminator, 5th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) Launching his DETERMINED EFFORTS to track down the remaining FILTHY COLLABORATORS whose service to the Emperor - in his guise as the Architect - nearly DOOMED US ALL - officers from the Watchdogs' Republican Unit have arrested a number of Treasury officials following anonymous tip-offs.The ZEALOUS HUNT for the Architect's right-hand men and women continues at all levels of society, and is spearheaded by HEROIC IMPERIALIST-BUSTER Captain Paul Gaverett.
"It's VITAL to the safety of the city that we bring EVERY ONE OF THESE SCUMBAGS TO JUSTICE," Captain Gaverett told the Illuminator. "The Architect's ideas POISONED MINDS across the city, and its my boys' job to CLEAN THEM UP!"
THE ILLUMINATOR SAYS: THREE CHEERS FOR THE REPUBLICAN UNIT! We call on EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD to support their efforts to STOP THE MENACE of the Architect's vile supporters, who would - if they could - form a NEW EMPEROR'S FRONT to TERRORISE THE CITY.
Demagogue Kidnapped
(The Liberator, 6th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) Haters of freedom will no doubt be toasting their successes with regard to David Wright. Not only has the smear campaign found in the Loveday-owned Illuminator succeeded in shaking the Demagogue's mental health, but now Wright has disappeared altogether - no doubt dragged away by dark agents of the ogliarchic Merchant to prevent him posing any further threat to them.Evidence of a struggle has been found at Wright's abode, but Watchdogs have as of yet been unable to track the kidnappers. No ransom note has been released and no witnesses have yet come forward.
Veil of Secrecy Over Embassy Assaults
(The Horizon Times, 7th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) Concern is spreading in diplomatic and government circles today following news that a member or members of staff at the Lasinian embassy have been grievously assaulted. These concerns are only increased by the Lasinian embassy's refusal to name the members of staff in question or to discuss the incident beyond admitting that it has occurred. The obvious conclusion is that the assault has high-level diplomatic implications, which can only be treated with apprehension in the current international climate. With details of the incident sketchy, all that can be siad for now is that some time near midnight two days ago, a group of individuals attacked the Lasinian party(s) and for reasons that remain obscure beat them with such ferocity that they are now bedridden and may be in danger of their lives. The Watchdogs are attempting to pursue an investigation into the issue, but the Lasinian embassy is reportedly giving minimal cooperation, stating that it has its own "views on, and approach to," investigating the incident. What these might be remain, for the moment, obscure...Pellatus Return to Kellor Fold
(The Underworld Intelligencer, 8th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) The Pellatus family, known to be heavily involved in the Family, has - after a brief spree of chaos - settled down somewhat. The family have been traditionally strong supporters of the Kellor dynasty; however, when the new young Pallatus took over from his father there had been fears that the clan would defect to the Columna, given the strong dislike that the young Pedro had for his father who had abandoned him and his mother unaided in the Slums, and had hence developed a strong dislike for all that his father stood for. Such a change would have had severe ramifications for the balance of power in the Slums. For these reasons, it is a relief to many that Pallatus recently revoked his support for Christopher Columna and restated his support for Emily Kellor.Ryan Columna: Lawman and Martyr
(The Horizon Times, 10th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) The Horizon Times is proud to bring you "Ryan Columna: Lawman and Martyr", a three-part series examining the life and times of the recently-assassinated WBI founder. It is our hope that this series will underline his important contribution to society, and silence some of the unwholesome and, indeed, slanderous rumours that have begun to circulate following his death. At the end of the day, it was Ryan Columna who first exposed the dangerous activities of Carlos Hernandez (in his guise as Lucrecious Corinth) and Jonas Campion, and who was struck down at the peak of his achievements by the cowardly HPLF: we will not allow that truth to be tarnished by lies and gossip.DEMAGOGUE FOUND BY MADP, GIVEN COCOA
(The Horizon Post, 11th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) PHEW! Notable LOONY David Wright, having recently gone missing (perhaps having FORGOTTEN where he lives) has just been found in the Trading District by GRANNY BRIGADE the MADP! Elsie Potts (73), says:
"Me and Ethel were on our way home from the bingo when we found Mr. Wright unconscious in a gutter! Well, we decided something needed to be done so we got the poor man a cup of cocoa and a patchwork blanket to warm him up."
BARMY Wright claims to have no idea what happened during the days he was missing: "All I remember", he says, "is lying on a table with a bright light shone in my eyes and men in surgical masks watching me. If I had to guess, I'd say they were followers of the Architect - they must have got word that the Republicans were closing in and dumped me in the street so I wouldn't slow them down." Was DAVID WRIGHT abducted by DAIMONS or crazed CULTISTS? What are their PLANS for Horizon? ONLY TIME WILL TELL!!! But for the time being, he has decided to RE-ENTER the race for MAYOR, and the DCH has DUG DEEP to cough up his deposit.
STOP PRESS! We've just had word from the Embassies of the Four Nations that they WILL give their approval to the Demagogue's NEW MAYORAL CAMPAIGN. The approval comes after government and embassy doctors, sorcerers, alchemists and boffins gave Wright a THOROUGH PROBING, and have found no signs of physical, mental, or spiritual TAMPERING AND SKULLDUGGERY. "He's as healthy as he's ever been," said one source. "And we're confident that he's not some DISGUISED DOUBLE or FIENDISH REPLICA. Whoever kidnapped him must be upset that they were THWARTED in whatever STRANGE PLAN they had for him."
TIDES OF NIGHT DRAW NIGH: ANARCHOLES ELIGIBLE FOR MAYOR!
(The Horizon Post, 13th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) Striving as always to bring YOU THE PEOPLE the very best in investigative journalism, THE POST has loyally reported from the first on the Mayoral campaign of RANTING RASCAL, ANARCHOLES THE BLACK. The past year has seen the VEGDARBARRAN VAGRANT move from incoherent ranting and rallies held in pubs to SLAYER of WILDLIFE, "METAL"-MUSIC ICON (witness the "Blackfest" event at the Dark Tower, now to be held annually), and an INTERNATIONAL STATESMAN (with approval from all four embassies!), in addition to still ranting incoherently and holding rallies in pubs. After all this, the Post is as surprised as everyone else to announce that Anarcholes is actually eligible to be considered for Mayor. Following earlier approval by all four embassies (apparently as an international joke on Horizon), Anarcholes' deposit was last week paid by an anonymous donor, who either has a sense of humour as broad as his wallet or just far, far more money than sense. Lastly, Anarcholes was yesterday finally able to present a LEGITIMATE PETITION at the Hive, meaning that the Moot of Years are now OBLIGED to consider the self-proclaimed "WARLOCK OF ETERNAL MIDNIGHT" for Mayor/tyrant. Having presented his petition, Anarcholes delivered an impromptu speech, which the Post is happy to report:
"The hour is at hand, my friends, THE HOUR IS AT HAND! Is that whiskey? Well, I am supposed to be celebrating. NOW IT IS THAT MY TIDES OF NIGHT DRAW NIGH TO THE SANDY BEACHES OF HORIZON GOVERNMENT. What did you say? I DON'T CARE IF HORIZON HAS ANY ACTUAL BEACHES OR NOT, SIMPLETON! MY TIDES DRAW NIGH! Absolute domination across the entire world will follow, possibly by Wednesday week! Is that Irgarim beer? I like Irgarim beer! Take heed, oh Moot of Years! YOU CANNOT HOLD BACK THE STEELY GLORY OF MY BOOTS OF CONQUEST! So don't even try! I WANT PEANUTS! Some sherry? Thank you. I WILL STAND BEFORE YOU ON HORIZON'S DAY, YOUR NEW MAYORISH WARLORD OF UTTER EVERYTHING! YEE-HA!"
At this point Anarcholes was helped home for a nap by campaign manager ERISTOPHELES "daughter of Anarcholes" THE BLACK.
Ministry of Friendship Warns of Extreme Diplomatic Tension
(The Liberator, 15th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) While the bloated edifice of this city's government is, as a whole, corrupt, this newspaper does acknowledge that there are a few good eggs in the batch - some of whom work in the Ministrty of Friendship. It's from them that we've been warned of an alarming document being circulated at the highest levels of the Ministry, entitled "The International Crisis".Calling in a few favours, we managed to obtain a copy of this document, which reveals that diplomatic tensions are at their worst level since the Last War. The document enumerates a number of factors, contributing to this, including:
- The illegal establishment of Vegdarbarran colonies in the Treacherous Lands, which in the eyes of many is a breach of the Last Treaty.
- A breakdown of relations between Vegdarbarra and Lasinia; whilst it is cleae that the Vegdarbarran ambassador to Horizon's sons was killed by an avatar of Verachtlich, the incident has still led to bad feeling between the Lasinians and the Vegdarbarrans; it is our understanding that the Lasinians did not appreciating prime suspects in the early stages of the investigation, and the Vegdarbarrans did not feel that the Lasinians helped with the situation as much as they could have.
- The apparent prominance of the Grey Order within Irgar society following the end of the Irgar Civil War, which has prompted a decline in relations with Lasinia, which has long suppressed the Grey Order within its borders.
- Accusations flying between Lasinia and Vegdarbarra over the loss of Lasinian aerial shipping between the two nations, which has only exacerbated the problems caused by the affair of the Vegdarbarran ambassador's sons and the stark differences in political philosophy between Vegdarbarra and Lasinia.
- On top of all of these, an apparent attempt by parties unknown to provoke international conflict. How much of the above may be explained by the intervention of his hidden hand is unclear, but it is doubtful that they could be responsible for everything.
We at the Liberator cannot help but note the words of Otto Richter: "when oligarchies and dictatorships vie for resources, war and conflict are inevitable; only a truly democratic Richterist regime has the interests of the common man at heart, and therefore only a democratic Richterist regime can adopt a genuinely peaceful foreign policy."
Hound Makes Impressive Arrests
(The Underworld Intelligencer, 18th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) The Hound has recently led a number of highly successful raids against a series of criminals across the city. A small group of forgers were arrested operating out of a small wear-house in the steam district. It is believed that they were attempting to copy legal documents pertaining to property rights within the slums. Other raids were done in the Magic Ghetto where a vulgar alchemist was arrested for the cutting of Vegdar-Dust – this also led to the arrest of a known dealer in the Trading District who had been taking advantage of the hostilities in the area but had taking more risks since the sudden decrease in fighting. In a show of strength the Watchdogs have rounded up number of petty criminals who had been outstanding on the Watchdog arrests list, perhaps proving that the Hound can live up to her campaign promises.Merchant Assassinated - HPLF Claim Responsibility
(The Horizon Tribune, 20th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) Political violence has once again abruptly changed the direction of Horizon's Mayoral election, and claimed the life of a member of the Loveday clan. Early this morning sources within the Merchant's electoral team indicated to our electoral correspondants that something was terribly, terribly wrong; the Merchant's household staff were turning campaign workers away at the door, and Ghouls and Watchdogs had been seen entering through the rear entrance in the dead of night.It took some hours before we received any official answers from the onsite Watchdogs and Ghouls, who would say only that there had been an "incident" and that everyone in the mansion was being interrogated; in the end, our first confirmation that Kevin Loveday's death came not from official sources, but from the following anonymous letter received at the Tribune offices at midday; we print it here having obtained the permission of the Watchdog Illegal Organisations division to do so.
"To the editors of the Tribune,"You may report to the people of Horizon that the HPLF have cast their vote in this election. Our veto of the Merchant's candidacy is, as you will soon see, absolute. The remaining candidates would do well to remember that, should they win, they will never sleep soundly until the people of Horizon have justice."
By afternoon, the Watchdogs had officially announced that Kevin Loveday had been murdered, apparently garrotted in his sleep by a quiet and deadly assassin. It is apparent that Mr Loveday never had a chance to cry out, since his body was not discovered until the morning, when his butler attempted to rouse him in time for his early meeting at his campaign headquarters.
With the Merchant forcibly removed from the Mayoral election, and the Demagogue re-entering the race, pundits are now declaring the election "too close to call". One thing is clear, however: that there are forces in this city determined to thwart the Loveday agenda, and - with the death of Kevin Loveday - they seem to have succeeded.
Central Steam Service Begins On Schedule
(The Horizon Tribune, 25th Winter's Dawn 4021 HR.) With Winter's chilliest moments ahead of the city, the people of Horizon have given a truly warm welcome to the new Central Steam Service, the main engine of which was activated today in a ceremony attended by Colonel Zero and the two serious candidates for Mayor, the Demagogue and the Hound.The Service, extending to all areas of the city except the Slums, will provide heat to all citizens of Horizon year-round. Attempts by the Department of Public Works to extend the network into the Slums had to be abandoned earlier this month due to Slum locals digging up the pipes and selling them to scrap metal merchants.
Lake of Fire Expands; Geologists Blame Border Tensions
(Occult Correspondences, 3rd Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) Natural philosophers from the Imperial University have expressed bafflement at the apparent expansion of the lake of lava produced by the eruption of Mt. Kania. The lake - which has now ignited parts of Six Boars Forest - had been stable recently, and the latest, minor eruptions had occurred on the far side of Mt. Kania, so it is not clear where the additional lava has come from. Geologists have theorised that the recent border tensions between Horizon and Vegdarbarra have - since they are expressions of violent intent - "fed" the lava within the lake and allowed to to increase its temperature, melting more of the land about it.An expedition from the Imperial University, led by Professor Braxton, hopes to reach the lake shortly in order to find further answers.
COUNT TITIPHUS: FAIRY DUST FIEND!
(The Horizon Illuminator, 8th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) WHOOPS! Following a raid on his SWANKY mansion, Count Titiphus - known to TOFFS and ARISTOS alike as a WILD AND CRAZY PARTY ANIMAL - was caught RED-HANDED with FAIRY DUST on his person.The raid by RUGGEDLY HANDSOME Captain Howser's ELITE Unit 12 was in response to a tip-off relating to the use of the DANGEROUS new drug known as Clarity, a MYSTERIOUS brew from the TREACHEROUS LANDS. The suspicious LACK of evidence found at the Titiphus residence suggests an attempt to clean up his INFAMOUSLY LIBERTINE act, and yet like all LOW-LIFE DOPE FIENDS the Count could not help but keep a SMALL DOSE on his person.
The Count could only be charged with POSSESSION, and got away EASILY after paying a PITIFULLY SMALL FINE, but the EXPOSURE of his OUTRAGEOUS DRUG PROBLEM must surely be punishment enough for the high society star.
THE ILLUMINATOR SAYS: WELL DONE UNIT 12! The future of Horizon policing is truly here!
FIRE SHAMEN ATTACK ARCANUM GUARD, FREE HERNANDEZ, BUTCHER PERSONNEL
(The Horizon Post, 10th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) In a BRUTAL ATTACK on the Arcanum Guard headquarters a number of suspected human Fire shamen have broken into the building where the FEARED AND DESPISED Carlos Hernandez was being detained. Hernandez was being held having HANDED HIMSELF IN after claims of Fire shamanism were brought against him. The attack on the building succeeded in breaking into the Guard's fortified holding cells and once the attackers had fled and control had been regained it was noticed that a number of the prisoners, including Hernandez, had escaped.Reports of the attack state that the first the Guard knew of it was when a LOUD CRY was heard from outside and a number of people threw off cloaks to reveal weapons with which they began VICIOUSLY STORMING the building. Many officers of the Guard lost their lives in the defence of the headquarters, and valuable equipment and resources were destroyed by an EXPLOSION caused by the shamen in the Guard's munitions store. It is believed that this may have been caused by the Fire shamen wielding the power of the Fire, indeed eyewitness accounts mention fire FLOWING FROM THE VEINS of one of the attackers setting a defending Guardsman alight. The remainder of the Arcanum Guard have since begun combing the city for any clues to the identity and whereabouts of the Shamen and the location of the escaped prisoners, but with the Guard DECIMATED their ability to conduct such operations has been substantially reduced. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Watchdogs directly.
UFS to Support Provisional Government In Adhania
(The Horizon Tribune, 13th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) With Sternos's Stellar-affiliated "legitimate" government - supported by a small but firm minority of townships - suffering a high rate of attrition from repeated assassination attempts, the anti-cultist forces in Adhania have received a welcome boost in the form of a treaty of alliance with the UFS. The forces of the United Freedom State have found themselves bogged down in Adhanian territory, having managed to occupy a number of townships but finding themselves unable to hold the ground due to sustained attacks from magic-weilding cultists."They come out at night," said one of our sources in the UFS militia. "They come out of the trees, skin half your patrol alive, and then they're gone again. You never know who's a cultist and who's innocent. I'm... I'm pretty sure I've got a fair share of innocent blood on my hands, but what can you do? You never know whether they're going to shake your hand or stab you in the eye and take your soul for the Soldier. Take this township - we can go out by day, but by night we don't even pretend to be in control. We go back to base camp and hope the cultists won't attack. More often than not they do."
With the legitimate government and the UFS failing to penetrate far beyond the outskirts of Adhania, they have made little progress into the Adhanian heartland; it is hoped that the alliance will allow swifter progress to be made. In related news, the Ghoul Headman Sternos has attempted to tour the country and preach the word of the Stars to lure away disaffected cultists; a number of former Arikel worshippers have defected to the legitimate government, but all available intelligence suggests that the Soldier cultists are growing more and more stalwart, and there are disturbing rumours of less savoury cults establishing themselves in remote regions of Adhania, preying upon the suffering caused by the war.
NIGHTBEAST STRIKES AGAIN!!!
(The Horizon Post, 14th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) The HIDEOUS MONSTER Nightbeast strikes again!!! This time, the CREATURE has been seen STALKING the Slums and APPEARING before terrified mobsters, TERRIFYING them and THREATENING them into leaving the city. Our OCCULT CORRESPONDANT, Hector Lane, has confirmed that NIGHTBEAST is most certainly a fell Avatar of the secret God GHAL-GHALASH, the little-known God of EVIL! "My extensive occult experiences", say Lane, "have confirmed that Nightbeast's powers include, but are not limited to, the ability to freeze time, mouths at the end of its hands, a POISONOUS TOUCH and a SCREAM capable of TURNING MEN TO STONE. In a series of articles this week in the Post, I'll be explaining how to prevent Nightbeast from entering your home and what the creature's FEW WEAKNESSES are."Vegdarbarra Seizes Assets of Foreign Nobility
(The Horizon Tribune, 16th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) Civil unrest in Vegdarbarra has led to a number of farmsteads in the outlying regions being seized by Vegdarbarran forces for their apparent links to Horizon. The farmsteads were known to have had connections to the Von Jäger family for some considerable time, while the land itself had been under lease from the family to farmers under long term contracts. It is believed that the seizure was due to the apparent "foreign influence" that the Von Jägers had on Vegdarbarran affairs, although the Von Jäger family do have Vegdarbarran roots. The family have yet to comment on the matter.HOUND'S DAUGHTER PARTIES WILDLY, REVEALS SECRET ROMANCE!!!
(The Horizon Post, 18th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) Rumour has it that Mariah Hess’s pledge to clean up the streets of Horizon should perhaps be starting closer to home. The barman at the Three Crowns reports seeing the young Miss Jennifer Hess DOWNING five shots of Irgarim whisky before demanding ROUND AFTER ROUND of cocktails for her and her gang. Watchdogs were called out to deal with a case of drunk and disorderly behaviour, and were shocked to discover that it centred around the Hess girl and her friends. Further EMBARRASSMENT ensued when the girl confessed to having a secret affair with Sergeant Bilko, head of the Watchdogs. She is quoted by sources as having made LEWD remarks about the Sergeant and as being LOUDLY INDISCREET about their relationship. The Hound herself has as yet not made any comment on her daughter's INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR.Stand-Off at Lake of Fire
(The Horizon Tribune, 20th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) Reports have reached of an astonishing confrontation between surviving members of the Arcanum Guard and the Fire shaman Carlos Hernandez at the Lake of Fire. Eyewitness reports from the Braxton expedition to the area on the border of Vegdarbarra said that a figure was seen in or near what has been termed the "Lake of Fire". Further investigation led the Arcanum Guard to believe that a known Fire shaman was operating in the area. Upon arrival one Carlos Hernandez was observed sitting on the bank near the edge of the lava. As the guards approached they ordered Hernandez to surrender himself to the Guard; however, Hernandez' response was to step into the lava. Once he was knee-deep and 20 foot away from the shore he appeared to be able to go no further; however, the heat of the pool prevented the Guard from advancing towards him further.After some time the Guard brought in a number of sniper rifles and began shooting at the figure in the lake. Some of the men reported seeing odd patterns in the lava; however, this could have been an effect of the fumes being released from the molten pool. As this was happening Hernandez seemed to be muttering to himself and the surface activity of the Lake began to increase. At this point the pool started spitting, forcing the guards back further – when the activity decreased Hernandez had gone. The Arcanum Guard have set a watch on the Lake, but have so far not seen Hernandez re-emerge.
Skirmishes Between Horizon and Vegdarbarran Forces On Border
(The Horizon Tribune, 22nd Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) Tensions with Vegdarbarra are increasing, as this morning shots were fired between a Mayoral Legions border patrol and one of Baron von Litkinstein's patrol groups. No men have been injured, and the Legions border patrol eventually were forced to withdraw.The skirmish has since been confirmed to be accidental; each group appeared to believe that the other was the vanguard of a larger invading force. The Vegdarbarran troops, however, have failed to withdraw from their forward position and with no apology forthcoming from either embassy, the diplomatic situation looks set to turn decidedly chilly.
Bilko and Unit 12 Man Arrested, Out On Bail Awaiting Trial
(The Horizon Tribune, 23rd Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) Two members of the watchdogs have been arrested in connection to the WBI bombing and other corruption charges. Sgt. Bilko, Quartermaster to the Horse Guards, and Shane Kendrell of Unit 12 have both been suspended from duty after evidence emerged that information was leaked regarding the attack on the WBI headquarters. An investigation led by Detective Howser unearthed previously unknown evidence against both parties, and it is rumoured that evidence linking Bilko to additional crimes was also uncovered; a hearing has been scheduled for two months time.Robert Coal Exposed as Leader of Drugs Ring - Reward for Capture
(The Horizon Times, 24th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) STOP PRESS:The Horizon WBI have released a public warrant for the arrest of one Robert Coal, wanted for operating an illegal drugs route smuggling Vegdar-dust into Horizon from the Treacherous Lands. A former Loyal Order of Hounds bureaucrat, Coal is believed to have gained control of this route through contacts in the WBI itself, who are also undergoing investigation.
Detectives believe that Coal was tipped off, as he has now gone to ground. A reward of fifty Guilders has been offered for anybody turning Coal in.
[OOC: That's a Significant amount for Coal's capture.]
Election '21
A regular column discussing the upcoming election.
(The Horizon Tribune, 25th Winter's Rise 4021 HR.) Today is the day of the Mayoral Election, and as the fifteen electors made their way to the Hive this morning another election was taking place in the refuse-filled back alleys of the Imperial Ruins - and by chance, the event was witnessed by numerous human beings.The selection of the alpha dog of the city's canine residents - who is also, honourarily, the Lord Chancellor of the city and Grand Master of the Loyal Order of Hounds - has taken place on Horizon's Day since time immemorial. It happens on two occasions: when a current Lord Chancellor dies, and when a Mayoral election occurs. How the Lord Chancellor knows that his master is preparing to retire is unclear, but then again how the dogs understand many things is unclear. Many superstitions surround the process - the most common being that the victor of the process somehow reflects the current character of the city, or the situation facing the city, or both - and these superstitions are only encouraged by the fact that the election is rarely witnessed by human eyes; this year, however, was an exception.
The election began with the current Lord Chancellor, the albino bulldog known as Reginald the White and immortalised on a recent series of postage stamps, slipped the leash of the Chancellor's Man (the human head of the Loyal Order of Hounds) and rushed into the back alleys of the Imperial Ruins - an event which can only mean that a new Lord Chancellor is to be chosen. Reginald ran into an abandoned courtyard deep in one of the few unreconstructed regions of the Ruins, scrambled to the peak of a pile of rubbish, and howled; this howl was taken up by dogs across the city, and every full-grown hound in town came running to the scene.
When the dogs of Horizon were assembled, Reginald ceased his howl and a hush fell across the courtyard. He then, with quiet dignity, rolled over and bared his throat, at which point three dogs - at least two of whom seemed to be his sons - raced forward and ripped it open, slaying him and signifying the beginning of the battle for alphahood. The assembled hounds turned upon one another, fighting with tooth and claw. Wiser dogs surrendered when they found themselves up against an opponent they could not best, but a few wild young mongrels were killed in the process. The barking and howling, the biting and the snarling, the tremendous whirl of canine fury lasted for a full hour, and was witnessed by a number of horrified children and adults who had followed Reginald to the scene, expecting a more gentle process of selection.
Finally, from the dust emerged a victor; mounting the heap of refuse was a magnificent grey wolfhound, an enormous dog with proud features. She - for it was a bitch - howled, and the exhausted assembly howled its approval, and then she ran to the Chancellor's Man to take up her new duties for the city. It later transpired that she was the former companion of an elderly schoolteacher named Rufus Calkbert, who had died of a heart attack in his workshop that very morning; his family have revealed that the new Lady Chancellor's name is Margaret the Noble, and that she is a stray who was taken in by Rufus out of kindness.
This newspaper awaits eagerly the news of Margaret's new master, the new Mayor of Horizon who will swear his or her oaths of office with Margaret witnessing.
On the Grapevine
Sternos Condemns Columna
"That Sternos is playing a dangerous game, standing up and denouncing the Columna like that.""What? Sternos, taking sides in the Family war?"
"As close to as makes no difference, from what I heard. He stood up at the public meeting and declared that a Columna victory would be a return to the bad old days of Family-on-Ghoul violence."
"But wasn't that trouble twenty years back shown to have beem Moebius or the fairies trying to frame Alric?"
"In court, maybe, but let's face it - Alric was more than powerful enough to fix the odd court case back in the day."
"I can't believe the rest of the Circle sat back and let Sternos say that, though."
"Oh, Rwatha didn't; he said that the Ghouls' continued survival in the Slums was due in no small part to the Ghouls staying out of Family politics, and to throw their weight behind one particular side would invite precisely the sort of violence and Ghoul-murder Sternos was talking about. From what I hear, he got the audience behind him too. The Columna have no friends amongst the Ghouls, don't get that wrong, but the Ghouls aren't about to stand up and make policy statements about gang wars any time soon - Sternos and his supporters might want to, but the rest of the Ghouls won't stand for it."