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The News
Turn 5
This news covers the period from the first day of Summer's Glory to the last day of Summer's Dusk, 4000HR, and is presented in rough chronological order - the first stories in each section appear just after last session, the last stories appear just before this session.In the Papers
FALCON KILLED BY WHITE AVENGER!!!
(The Horizon Post.) This afternoon a falcon, which graced the arm of notable society beauty Mia Delan, was pronounced DEAD at the tender age of 2 years. The Falcon was said to be the envy of many a man in Horizon, as it had the privilage of remaining close to Ms Delan at all times. The cause of DEATH is believed to be the firing of a oneshot by the individual, known as the WHITE AVENGER, upon encountering Miss Delan in the street. The WHITE AVENGER was heard by witnesses on the scene to proclaim the words, “look, an AVATAR of Versinya!”, before producing the one shot from a concealed pocket. No evidence has as yet been uncovered linking the Falcon to the malign goddess. Close friends of the Falcon commented that he would be sorely missed.Stirring First Speech By Count Moebius Columna In Goodly Chamber
(The Horizon Tribune.) Today the newly appointed Count Moebius Columna addressed the Goodly Chamber for the first time, speaking of the need to make Horizon "a well-respected city one again”. He suggested that Horizon’s role in international politics has been downplayed over the last few decades and voiced his sentiments on the “need for part of our former glory to be respected again”. The audience seemed moved by his call for greater respect and status for Horizon.He moved on to his concerns over the civil war in Lasinia, imploring the need for Horizon to support to aid the legitimate government. He claimed that if the “leftist demons” were not stopped in Lasinia, soon terrorists would come to lay waste to the city of Horizon. He spoke of his fears that the Lasinian revolutionaries have allied themselves with terrorists here in Horizon and the need to hold back the tide of bloody warfare.
The speech has served to cast aside at least some concerns over the Columna family’s stability, particularly following the arrest, conviction and subsequent escape of the former Count. The Horizon Tribune wishes the new Count the best in his new position and hopes he will live up to his aims to aid in the renewal of Horizon’s status.
Von Litkinstein Winning War Against Qveton
(The Horizon Tribune.) After the terrorist uprising in Vegdarbarra by rogue Imperialist warlord Captain Vasilievich, Baron Yuri von Litkinstein - a powerful warlord in the north of Vegdarbarra - declared war on Imperialists and all those that sympathise with them. He then went on to accuse Captain Qveton of Imperial sympathies and a plot to betray Horizon to these rogue elements through his suppression of the truth about Vasilievich's advancements.This accusation was backed up in Summer's Glory by the advancement of the Baron's troops through Qveton's lands. Few reports have arrived from the lands taken however scenes of carnage and devastation are reported by hundreds of refugees that have been flooding through the city gates, many of whom report entire towns being burnt to ground and Qveton's men being publicly executed. Many experts on Vegdarbarran politics have suggested that the Baron's advances are a sign of his confidence in the joint Horizon/Jurican force's ability to deal with Vasilievich's army of Imperialists. The joint force has now beseiged Vasilievich in his headquarters, Fort XLVII on the old Imperial line of Wall-forts, and anticipates total victory within the next few months.
Crace Columna Denies Abuse, But Appeal Fails
(The Horizon Tribune.) Crace Columna, recently found to be the victim of brutal sexual abuse by her brother Alric, last week issued the following public denial of the accusations:
Over the last few months some horrific accusations about my family have been made. Being a noble woman in fear of her reputation, which has been ungenerously tainted with comments such as "freak" and "should be locked up in an insane asylum" in the press, I have not as yet commented publicly on the charges brought against my brother, Alric, by my second brother Moebius. Apparently one cannot keep silent about such hurtful matters without garnering yet more suspicion from those who are not involved so to protect my family's reputation and exhonerate my brother from these disgusting false accusations I issue this public statement: at no point in my life has my brother Alric raped me.
I hope this will be the last I will have to say on the matter.
Kind regards,
Crace ColumnaDear Sir,
The letter came at a welcome time for the former Count's legal team, who this week attempted to launch an appeal against his conviction. However, with the disappearance of Alric tongues have been set wagging - more and more current and former servants from the Columna household have come forth to give testimony, and incriminating medical records have been uncovered indicating the severe wounds inflicted upon Crace by her brother, and the attempts to conceal them. Given the mounting evidence the court was swift to reject the motion for an appeal, and the 500 guilder reward for the capture of Alric Columna - dead or alive - or information leading to his capture stands.
[OOC: That's a Major reward for getting Alric.]
AERIAL THEATRE TO "FAIL FASTER THAN TWO-LEGGED CAT"
(The Horizon Illuminator.) Much hilarity at the Joakhim al Bahrad's aerial theatre as a new villain, Arknobblynees the Confused, is introduced. Amongst the laughter of adults and taunts of children, though, is heard one voice of dissent - that of ANARCHOLES THE BLACK, self-proclaimed Lord of Doom (or whatever); passed over for the part of Arknobblynees, Anarcholes is now forced to act as understudy to that role. As al-Bahrad explains, "To be honest, Dave is just much better as an evil warlord than Anaracholes. He seems a bit menacing, and Anarcholes has rather weak delivery. Still, we have made him understudy." In retribution, Anarcholes has placed one of his famous curses on the aerial theatre - it will, in his own words, "fail faster than a two-legged cat" and be "plagued with occassional hailstones, no greater than 1/16'' in diameter." The aerial theatre, we are confident, is trembling in its collective boots.Massacre In Lasinia - DCH Weeps For the Lost Dream
(The Horizon Tribune.) Grim but less than surprising news from our correspondent in Lasinia, as government forces eliminate one of the two "revolutionary" factions in the time-honoured manner. It had seemed to many that the "Lasinian Democratic Assembly" was more interested in endless debate, and the perfection of a truly democratic voting system, than in organising a serious war effort. Such speculation was violently vindicated three days ago when soldiers loyal to the Lasinian government routed the LDA's enthusiastic but inexperienced (and frequently pacifistic) "volunteer defence corps" and arrested the entire assembly. The members of the LDA were arrested, court-martialled, found guilty and hanged within four hours. The Lasinian government troops then engaged in a punitive campaign of massacre and appropriations in the formerly LDA-controlled lands. The death toll is already thought to be in the thousands. When questioned about the harshness of these measures, the Lasinian ambassador to Horizon issued the following statement:
The Senate and loyal peoples of Lasinia are currently engaged in a deadly struggle against a collective of pirates, bandits, and blood-crazed Richterist terrorists. In circumstances such as these, evenly the outwardly laughable elements of dissention and subversion introduced by organisations such as the LDA must be fairly yet sternly discouraged. The loyal generals of Lasinia are currently enforcing a program of stern discouragement.
A representative of the other revolutionary group, the Lasinian People's Liberation Front, consented to be quoted as saying:
Although we did not agree with the testicle-free collection of toddlers that ran the LDA, and regarded them as an obsolete offshoot of the revolutionary construct, we nonetheless weep for the worthy people they deceived and naively led to inevitable destruction by the repressive revenants of the old regime. Be assured that the full price will be paid - in blood - for the crimes of the oppressors against the people.
Particular anger over recent events in Lasinia has been heard from the Democratic Congress of Horizon, who have strongly aligned themselves with the LDA in recent weeks. Indeed, following inspirational speeches by one James Ridgeway, a number of motions supportive of the LDA had been passed. The DCH has also organised for volunteers to travel to Lasinia to fight for the LDA, and raised funds. Feelings at the DCH can only be guessed at upon hearing of the execution of the entire LDA just twenty-four hours after the DCH had voted "full and unequivocal support for our brave fellow pioneers in Lasinia". This reporter was slightly surprised to find that the funds collected by the DCH members had been sent to the LPLF; DCH members contacted on the subject have also expressed surprise...
Freelance Drug Dealers Stamped Out By Cartel Heavies
(The Horizon Tribune.) Recent attacks on a number of small businesses are now believed to be linked to the so-called Cartel’s efforts to consolidate their hold on the Horizon drug trade. Last night a Vulgar Alchemist’s shop owned by a Mr. Roland Bryers was raided by a group of thugs, wearing the Cartel’s distinctive uniform, and its owner hideously assaulted. Mr. Bryers was taken to a Physician, suffering a broken leg in addition to severe bruising. Watchdogs investigating the scene of the crime discovered that Mr. Bryers had been keeping a small quantity of Crawjuice beneath the counter to supplement his income. A number of other similar attacks are believed to be closely linked to this one, as figures described as wearing similar uniforms were seen fleeing the scene. The official statement issued by the Watchdogs to the Tribune is as follows:
We already have some idea as to who is responsible for these attacks, from evidence collected from the crime scenes and we can confirm that we believe them to be perpertrated by members of the Cartel. We are focusing our efforts at present into preventing the possibility of another gang war erupting.
New Trends In the Theatre
(Fitzkarald Monthly.) The runaway success of Crown of Steel has sparked an intense debate within thespian circles about changing fashions in the theatre. The Crown's unusually understated, realistic script, coupled with uncharacteristically naturalistic performances from Joakhim al-Bahrad and Clia Rosto, seems to be inspiring playwrights to introduce greater depth into their scripts, even borrowing certain techniques from the amateur "underground" theatrical scene and applying a professional polish to them. Quills are scribbling furiously as each playwright struggles to produces the next Crown of Steel, whereas previously they would have been glad to crank out a melodrama every week or two. We at the Fitzkarald are already considering several scripts for the new theatre season and will be publishing our new schedule shortly.OLD CRACKY, STAR SHAMAN, BRAINWASHES PRISONERS!
DOGHOUSE WARDERS ARRESTED!
MAJOR REWARD OFFERED!
(The Horizon Post.) A major blow against the STRANGE AND TWISTED Powers that seek to DESTROY US ALL was struck today, as a COVEN OF STAR SHAMEN within the city's very own Doghouse was OUTED by the ARCANUM GUARD! A CLIQUE of PRISON WARDERS, headed by a former inmate and worshipper of the Stars known as "Old Cracky", was revealed to have been MOLESTING prisoners and BRAINWASHING THEM using strange magics, then releasing them on PAROLE as AGENTS OF THE STARS loose in the city!A representative of the ARCANUM GUARD announced: "While we have struck a significant blow today, the danger is far from over. Many prisoners we suspect to have been brainwashed by this coven have escaped during the recent jailbreak, including Old Cracky himself. The Watchdogs are prepared to offer a 200 guilder reward for information leading directly to his arrest. We would warn any would-be heroes, though, not to approach him if sighted. He has considerable talent as a shaman and, however harmless he may appear, should be considered extremely dangerous."
[OOC: That's a Major reward for turning Old Cracky in.]
WATCHDOGS DISRUPT THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE
(The Horizon Post.) SCANDAL broke out in theatreland after Joakhim al-Bahrad was arrested ONSTAGE and hustled away by a unit of Watchdogs! The Jurican actor was performing in a variety show at the Harrison Theatre, and was in the middle of reciting his acclaimed monologue from Crown of Steel when the Watchdogs INVADED the stage and dragged him off!The Jurican thespian was released after paying a STIFF FINE for Immoral Behaviour, the Watchdogs FAILING to substantiate other charges against him. The OFFICIAL story is that the "Immoral Behaviour" involved PROCURING WHORES AND RENT BOYS for well-off theatregoers, but the POST believes differently! OCCITAN SHAW, our in-house mystic, informs us that Crown of Steel was a runaway success due to its OCCULT CONTENT, which has only recently come to the attention of the authorities, and that Joakhim was most likely arrested as part of a BUNGLED ATTEMPT to cover up the DARK SECRETS OF THE EMPEROR. The POST will bring you MORE DETAILS as we receive them!
ORPHANS KIDNAPPED! TROUSERLESS MAN FLEES SCENE!
(The Horizon Post.) Avid readers of the HORIZON POST may recall our recent exposure of the SICK ARISTOCRATIC ORPHAN FETISHIST RINGS pervading our city's brothels. Today the POST can reveal that NOT ONLY are these FILTHY DEVIANTS drawing on ABANDONED, HOMELESS URCHINS but have now (no doubt because of increased public awareness from the Horizon Post's AWARD-WINNING expose) sunk to KIDNAPPING their PREY from the VERY ORPHANAGES SET UP TO PROTECT THEM!!! Only today FIVE ORPHANS were seen being taken from the ROSIE DEL ORTO orphanage by a SINISTER TROUSERLESS MAN. We at the Horizon Post ask: Why do our Watchdogs not take action against these SICK DEVIANTS? What do the WATCHDOGS have to hide???Marius Mustang and Prof. Jones Wanted for Shamanism
(The Town Crier, and various posters around the city.)
WANTED:
A 200 guilder reward is offered in exchange for the individuals known as Marius Mustang and Prof. Orville Jones, who are wanted on suspicion of Shamanism. Mustang and Jones are highly dangerous and not to be trusted.[OOC: That's a Major reward for turning in Mustang and Jones.]
Famed Actor's House Burns Down
(The Horizon Tribune.) Joakhim al-Bahrad, the Jurican actor whose popularity has taken a blow lately due to his arrest for Immoral Behaviour, has suffered a further setback. Returning from the Doghouse after paying his fine, he returned to find his tasteful trading district apartment a heap of burning ash, following a terrifying fire. Arson is suspected and the Watchdogs are making enquiries.HIGH SPEED CART CHASE FOLLOWS RAID ON DOGHOUSE EVIDENCE LOCKER!
(The Horizon Illuminator.) CHAOS erupted in the Imperial Ruins following a DARING theft of weapons from the WATCHDOG HEADQUARTERS! Officers disturbed a DARK-CLOAKED INDIVIDUAL looting the weapons - confiscated from the Loveday weapons factory - from the evidence locker and passing them to an accomplice waiting in a cart outside. LEAPING out of the window into the cart, the figure and his accomplice RODE LIKE THE WIND to evade the Watchdogs in HOT PURSUIT! The brigands BARELY made it through the city gates before they slammed shut, and SPED into the wastes of Vegdarbarra. Search parties from the Mayoral Legions FAILED to find any trace of them.WHO is responsible for this terrible crime? Has the spectre of IMPERIALIST TERRORISM returned to haunt our fair city? Was this a FOOLHARDY effort to obtain weapons and supplies for the beseiged IMPERIAL FORCES in FORT XLVII? Keep reading the ILLUMINATOR for all the FACTS as they emerge!
GHOUL PATROLS SEARCH SEWERS!
(The Horizon Post) GROUPS OF GHOULS have been seen entering the sewers of Horizon on some UNNAMED QUEST! Ghoul spokesman and Ocean shaman Zarasta REFUSED TO COMMENT on rumours that the Ghouls have uncovered rumours of nests of Sharkboy-like creatures deep in the city's sewers, and REFUSED TO CONFIRM whether the Ghouls were pursuing members of the much feared CULT OF THE POO GOD. He further DECLINED TO COMMENT on reports that the sewers of Horizon lead into a HIDDEN DUNGEON full of treasure and traps and monsters that extends to the VERY CENTRE OF THE WORLD!"It's very significant," said noted sewerologist Christopher Hammill. "I'm convinced that all these rumours are true: that the Sharkboys come from the Dungeon of Deyande, which is also the headquarters of the Cult of the Poo God." Turn to page 17 to see how you can buy your own copy of Crap and Crocodiles, Christopher Hammill's account of the SECRET HISTORY of Horizon's sewer system!
Watchdogs Report: "Just Say No!"
(The Horizon Tribune.) Recent reports suggest that the Watchdogs are implimenting a "zero tolerance" policy with respect to drugs traders working out of the city. A sting team was sent into the trading district last week and is though to have arrested 5 Jurican traders on charges of drug trafficing and dealing. The 5 men, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were caught while picking up a delivery of Crawjuice with a street value of around 700 gilders. It is hoped that a series of raids is to be implimented in the near future following leads obtained after several months of surveillance. Anyone with information relating to drug trafficing in the city should contact the Loyal Order of Hounds.NOBLE CHILDREN DISAPPEAR!!!
(The Horizon Post.)DUKE DEL ORTO SWEARS REVENGE!!!
HORROR swept the Noble distrinct as it was revealed that a number of Noble children disappeared, believed KIDNAPPED!!! Families of the six MISSING CHILDREN gathered round to share their grief. The Watchdogs have but ONE CLUE in this SHOCKING CASE. Lucius del Orto, the youngest grandchild of prominent figure DUKE DEL ORTO, was found wandering the streets of the SLUMS. However, his CRUEL CAPTOR has removed the boy’s EYES AND TONGUE to prevent him speaking of his horrific ordeal!!! Nothing as yet has been uncovered as to who did this to the boy or how he was capable of escaping. The Post is brought to ask, who could be capable of such TERRIBLE ATROCITIES??? Who would wish to harm INNOCENT CHILDREN???Duke del Orto made a statement to the Post, in which he swore “BLOODY VENGENCE” on the MONSTER who mutilated his grandchild. The Post calls to any of its readers who may have any information on the case to help the Duke see this criminal BROUGHT TO JUSTICE!!! All the latest news on the case brought to you only in the Horizon Post!!!
Riot In Watchdog Mess Hall
(The Horizon Tribune.) Disciplinary action has been threatened against an unprecedented number of Watchdogs, following a bloody riot in the Watchdog mess hall. Accounts differ as to what sparked the riot, but it appears that a horrific "hazing" ritual gone terribly wrong may have provided the flashpoint. It appears that certain members of the Flying Squad attempted to put a "Jurican cobra" (actually a harmless Horizon gutter-serpent) down the trousers of Captain Backsladder, the Watchdog charged with investigating allegations of corruption against Commissioner Bryant. Whilst Watchdogs conducting internal affairs investigations expect a certain degree of hazing from their fellows, the incident rapidly got out of hand, with other Watchdogs lunging upon the Flying Squad members in order to rescue Backsladder, and soon the situation degenerated into an open brawl.Pleas by senior officers to cease the rioting fell on deaf ears, and eventually the Mayoral Legions were called in to restore order, presenting witnesses with the galling spectacle of Watchdogs grappling with Mayoral Legions troops. Many Watchdogs officers, including Captain Animo of the Flying Squad, were severely injured in the rioting and in the Legions' pacification efforts, and Captain Backsladder himself was killed. The High Commissioner has issued condolences to Backsladder's family and has promised that those responsible will be found and brought to book.
EXTRA: Just before we went to press, we received information from the Mayoral Legions that they had discovered traces of the illegal combat drug Battle Alpha in the mess hall wine, making the behaviour of the Watchdogs much more understandable. Questions are now being asked to try and establish who put the drug in the wine. Whether it was a deliberate attempt to spark off a riot or a poorly thought-out practical joke, the culprit can expect little mercy from the enraged Watchdogs.
The Wedding of the Year
(The Horizon Tribune.) Excitement across the Upper City as plans are announced for the wedding of reclusive aristocratic beauty Crace Columna (27) to dashing young businessman and explorer Philip Daynann (22), scion of the famous merchant house. The attractive and hugely wealthy young couple have been described as "very much in love" and "deleriously happy". Miss Columna has been described by friends as "radiant", while Mr Daynann has been described as "never more animated in his life".Both families must be hoping that the happy occassion will draw a line under their recent tumultuous history; the horrible accusations that have been levelled at the Columna, and the recent arrest of former Count Alric; hardly bear repeating in this column. Meanwhile, the activites of the Daynann in the business have attracted accusations of illegal goods and violent business practices. The awful accusations against Miss Columna are smilingly dismissed by the lady herself: "Rumours of improper relations with my brother are absurd. Philip and I hope to be very happy. He's been very supportive during this difficult time, and old Mr. Daynann has been like a father to me." The subject of this accolade, Stuart Daynann (46), told this reporter that he looked forward to having the charming Miss Columna as one of his children, and hoped that the wedding, as well as making the young people happy, would lead to a new era of relations between "old" and "new" money in the city, "exactly the opposite of the terrible things we hear of in Lasinia". The newly appointed Count Moebius Columna was gave out a statement from the locked, windowless room where he was conducting urgent business with the aid of his many bodyguards, to the effect that he wished his sister every happiness in this marriage, and hoped to give her away in person when enough security could be arranged.
LPLF PROCLAMATION: COMRADE HESPERCLES APPOINTED HEAD OF PRELANIA REVOLUTIONARY COMMITTEE, IDENTIFIES ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE
(The People of Lasinia.) ...we wish success and ideological purity to Comrade Hespercles who has been chosen for the honour of leading the Revolutionary Committee of Prenalia District. The taint of erstwhile Comrade Perius, revealed as a pigdog assassin counter-revolutionary and intellectual lapdog of the aristocrats, will hopefully soon be entirely expunged, along with anyone who cannot accept the wisdom of Comerade Hespercles.In view of the ongoing threat of reactionary, counter-revolutionary and aristocratic ideologies, Comerade Hespercles is to be congratulated on the timeliness of his first proclamation. He has reavealed the identities - and demanded the capture for trial - of several important enemies of the people. These include at least two no longer resident in our country, who are undoubtedly encouraging reactionary elements in other countries to move against us. In view of this, a reward of 2,000 Horizon guilders has been offered by the Prenalia Revolutionary committee for the capture (by whatever means) of Janus Voorash and Leander Tanlow, known to be agents of the counter-revolution.
[OOC: that's a Staggering reward for handing over Janus Voorash or Leander Tanlow to the LPLF.]
VULGAR ALCHEMIST'S SHOP ATTACKED; PRETTYBOY BODYGUARDS WEEP LIKE GIRLS
(The Horizon Post.) The WAVE of Mob Violence shaking our city continued today as a gang of CRIMINAL RUFFIANS wearing the insignia of the drug-dealing CARTEL attacked the shop of Vulgar Alchemist Roberta Petrel. The THUGS smashed valuable equipment, broke furniture and threatened the lives of the two assistants, Drak and Reb. His youthful good looks still shining through the bruises from the SAVAGE BEATING he received, Drak told the Post: "It was terrible. They knocked everything off the shelves, beat me and Reb to the floor, and kicked him in the face. I was lucky just to get away with bruising. Then they said if we didn't leave them with Roberta they'd kill us both. We ran, but by the time we could alert the Watchdogs they were gone."[The article is accompanied, for some reason, by several pages of illustrations of the bruising on Drak's torso.]
BARON MONTAGUE VANQUISHES ANARCHOLES THE BLACK!
(The Horizon Post.) FEARLESS ADVENTURER and INTERNATIONAL CRUSADER Baron Montague yesterday confronted his greatest threat - the self proclaimed WARLOCK of ETERNAL MIDNIGHT, Anarcholes the Black, in the Heart of his DARK TOWER! As the BARON HIMSELF tells it, "I knew the bounder had to be up to no good, and sure enough when I burst in, dashingly, through the window, there he was - WATERING DOWN THE BEER! Well, I couldn't stand for that sort of evil in my own city..." The Baron's account here unites with that of TERRIFIED neighbours of the Dark Tower, who tell how the Baron Montague pursued Anarcholes to the roof, where a THRILLING ROOFTOP SHOWDOWN ensued! After THREE MINUTES of dazzling swordplay (on the Baron's part) the cunning warlock escaped by pretending to beg for mercy and promise never to do it again. As the Baron states, "I couldn't really be bothered to do anything else to him, it was pathetic really." Anarcholes retorts: "I'll get you next time, Moooontaguuuuue!"DARK AVENGER VANQUISHES ANARCHOLES THE BLACK!
(The Horizon Post.) Following numerous threats to the safety of the city, Colonel Zero, all four nations, and the Intercessor, sorcerous menace Anarcholes the Black has finally been defeated - by none other than THE DARK AVENGER! The TIRELESS CHAMPION OF JUSTICE, sensing the SHADOW OF PERPETUAL MIDNIGHT falling on our fair city, had tracked the FIEND to his DARK TOWER! There, in a dramatic battle marked by people from up to two houses away, the AVENGER took on Anarcholes and his LEGION of FIENDS! The battle ended with the beaten Anarcholes, his vile schemes thwarted for the moment, PLUMMETING THROUGH THE NIGHT TO HIS DOOM after falling from a ground floor window. Anarcholes was quoted as saying: "It hurts. It hurts everywhere."WHITE AVENGER VANQUISHES ANARCHOLES THE BLACK!
(The Horizon Post.) Following numerous threats to the safety of the city, Colonel Zero, all four nations, and the Intercessor, sorcerous menace Anarcholes the Black has finally been defeated - by none other than THE WHITE AVENGER! The TIRELESS CHAMPION OF JUSTICE, sensing the SHADOW OF PERPETUAL MIDNIGHT falling on our fair city, had tracked the FIEND to his DARK TOWER! There, in a dramatic battle marked by people from up to two houses away, the AVENGER took on Anarcholes and his LEGION of FIENDS! The battle ended with the beaten Anarcholes, his vile schemes thwarted for the moment, PLUMMETING THROUGH THE NIGHT TO HIS DOOM after falling from a ground floor window. Anarcholes was quoted as saying: "It was completely random! All I did was call last orders and the madwoman just pulled on a mask and started hitting me!"Qveton Claims Asylum
(The Horizon Tribune.) Earlier morning guards at the Vegdarbarran Embassy where awoken by a party of highly disciplined riflemen lead by an uncharacteristically sober Count Logovo, Who demanded that he and his forces be allowed into to the Embassy to take control of its operations and remove the cowardly imperialist sympathiser Qveton who hid inside it.Captain Qveton, who a couple of weeks ago had entered the city as part of a diplomatic visit, was believed to have barricaded himself along with many of his advisors in the Vegdarbarran Embassy. Qveton was believed to have sent Ambassador Zitmik to the Mayoral Office with a letter from Qveton requesting asylum on grounds of fear of his life from Vegdarbarran rebel insurgents and their false allegations against him the day the prior to Logovo's appearance at the city gate.
Coronal Zero has given Qveton temporary asylum in a safe house while the allegations against him are reviewed and we can expect a lengthy extradition case to ensue.
In related news, Count Logovo has just been escorted into the Vegdarbarren Embassy and taken up the post of Horizon's Vegdarbarran ambassador, the other Four Nations of Horizon ruling that Baron Litkinstein had a far greater claim of rulership over Vegdarbarra than Qveton's. Count Logovo is expected to sign the treaty on the Baron's behalf soon.
Shortly after Logovo's arrival he gave a speech in which proclaimed that the Baron's forces would not rest until they had purged all Imperialists from his beautiful country and went on to demand that Qveton be deported to Vegdarbarra to face trial for his betrayal. Calling on Vegdarbarran locals to recognise Baron von Litkinstein as their liege-lord, he went on to state "when my own lands were annexed, the Baron generously allowed me to keep my title. The benefits of absolute and unconditional surrender can be vast!"
Before we went to press we received reports of an unusual three-way standoff at the Qveton-controlled village of Urtovsk between troops loyal to Qveton, the Baron's invasion force, and a third party of mercenaries. We will be printing further details as we receive them.
Baron de Montague Reinstated
(The Horizon Tribune.) A couple of months ago the it was looking as if the hearing for the identity claim of Baron de Montague looked uncertain, due to the loss of key witness Alric Columna who readers will remember was arrested on charges of incestuous rape and ghoul-murder. However with renewed help from Count Moebius Columna, who presented to the court an original picture of the Baron which had hung in the Columna estate for almost 50 years from which experts where able to identify that the picture did show considerable similarity to defendant. Further medical evidence was then able to clinch the case and the judge ruled in favour of the Baron, entitling the Baron De Montague both with the return of his title and what lands still exist under his title including his family home. The Baron is expected to be welcomed back to the Goodly Chamber shortly.Grey Order Unveils Flying Taxi
(The Horizon Tribune.) More and more one must wonder how many technological marvels are left to be discovered in the world, as the force of Progress marches inevitably onward, bring with it ever more devices of staggering artifice. Today saw the unveiling of one such wonder: the Grey Order's latest invention, the flying taxi. In a speech at the unveiling ceremony Order member Simon Tanner, the genius behind this project, said: "We at the Order are delighted to have finally finished this work. With pieces such as this prototype, we can extend our service to any city at all, whether it has rails or not."At this point a full demonstration of the flying taxi was given; it soared overhead driven by taxi driver Daniel Trevithick. Few of the audience could believe their eyes at what they saw; while the air has previously been reserved only for the fast, expensive and agile users of clockwork wings, it is now apparent that more weighty devices can also be made to take to the skies. And take to the skies they will; the flying taxi has now been put to work ferrying passengers about the city. And its driver? None other than Mr. Trevithick himself.
Watchdogs In Crisis: Martial Law Declared
(The Horizon Tribune.) The Watchdogs have been plunged into turmoil following the mess hall riot, the assassination of High Commissioner Philip Meretham, and the arrest of Commissioner Bryant. Today, the 25th of Summer's Dusk, limited martial law was declared.The mess hall riot has already been covered in these pages; the death of Meretham, the arrest of Bryant, and the imposition of martial law have all come in swift succession that we were still confirming various details at the time that we went to press.
Meretham died last week in the Imperial Parks, where he was addressing graduating detectives from the Watchdogs' detective academy at the annual Policing Parade, a popular summer event, having been shot by a hidden assassin with a high-powered rifle. Watchdogs searched for the assailant but failed to locate him, the close proximity of the city forest offering a perfect place for the killer to hide until the heat died down. The following day, Commissioner Bryant was arrested on corruption charges, after various documents were released from safety deposit boxes on the death of Captain Backsladder, the Watchdog assigned to investigate Bryant.
The exposure of high-level corruption in the upper ranks, the death of the High Commissioner, and the apparent disintegration of discipline in the lower ranks have caused the Mayor and his government to take firm action to ensure public order. In the early hours of this morning the Chancellor's Man has issued the following announcement:
Last night, the Privy Council voted unanimously to suspend the Watchdogs from active service until reforms of the organisation can be completed. Members of the Loyal Order of Hounds, accompanied by a Mayoral Legion patrol, have sent all Watchdogs home from the Doghouse, place new locks on the doors, and will be maintaining the Watchdogs' paperwork while they are suspended. Colonel Zero has asked the All-Fields General to impose a state of limited martial law until the Watchdogs are once more ready to take up their duties.
A fuller statement was issued from the Mayor's office later.
To prevent chaos and disorder in the streets, the Mayoral Legions have been given the full powers enjoyed by the Watchdogs, as well as certain other powers that I have decided they need in order to keep the peace. These additional powers are as follows: the Mayoral Legions may use as much force as they deem necessary to thwart crimes in progress and to apprehend criminals. They may use automatic weapons in order to pacify riot situations. They may use whatever means they deem necessary in order to obtain statements from witnesses.
This is not a state of full martial law. Those Legions on law enforcement detail will report to the Loyal Order of Hounds. I will expect almost all criminals to be dealt with through the justice system. The Legions will not be able to conduct searches without due cause and a Loyal Order warrent. However, in cases where they have determined that individuals are presenting a clear and present danger to public order, they may use as much force as they deem necessary to eliminate that danger. I will expect them to use this power sparingly, and only in cases where more conventional policing cannot accomplish the job, but if and when they need to use those powers they will do so with my backing, so long as their action seems justified.
Rest assured that should the situation in the streets deteriorate in the absence of the Watchdogs I will not hesitate to impose full martial law. This will entail empowering the Legions to make unannounced house-to-house searches, enforce unlimited on-the-street penalties for any crime, deal with criminals through court martials as opposed to the civil courts, and disperse any unauthorised gathering with lethal force. I hope things do not come to that.I have declared a national state of emergency and asked the Mayoral Legions to impose limited martial law. I do not do this lightly. However, it is opinion of both myself and the Chancellor's Man that the Watchdogs have lost control of their own officers. I have asked the Watchdog Commissioners to conduct a full investigation of their ranks in order to root out any troublemakers who are bringing the force into disrepute. The Commissioners will be overseen in this by members of the Loyal Order of Hounds, who will have full powers to question witnesses and seek evidence themselves. If the Commissioners are not able to root out the bad apples within the Watchdogs, they will be asked to step down so that new brooms can sweep the Doghouse clean.
On the Grapevine
Joakhim Is the Dark Avenger!
Pssst! You wanna know who the Dark Avenger is? It's simple - Joakhim al-Bahrad.Quit laughin', think about it - he doesn't seem athletic enough to pull off some of the Avenger's stunts, and he doesn't seem to be a great fighter, but he's a master actor, obviously he's covering up his skills. Naturally, as an actor, he's probably a master of disguise, that's why nobody recognises him in his Avenger getup. He took to the clockwork wings at exactly the same time as the Dark Avenger did - that can't be a coincidence. And they've never been seen in the same place at the same time.
But the real kicker is how much he denies being the Dark Avenger. Nobody would deny it that much if he wasn't really the Avenger!
Goodly Chamber Debates Humanitarian Intervention In Lasinia
"Did you hear what them in the Goodly Chamber are considering?""No, what?"
"Invading Lasinia."
"WHAT?"
"Well... send aid to Lasinia, but it's all the same really isn't it?"
"Technically speaking... no."
"You say this... but I'm not convinced. Sending in troops to distribute humanitarian aid packages just screams 'invasion' to me."
"Are you sure?"
"Well... they're debating it, but it's bound to go through if you've got the right people behind you."
"You mean enough people."
"I know what I mean."
"Two problems with that. Firstly, you and I know that the Goodly Chamber's only an advisory body, Colonel Zero won't take that kind of step unless they give him some damn good reasons. Secondly, you know the other nations would never stand for it - besides, where's your faith in your fellow man just wanting to help people in need?"
"Gone, along with the LDA..."
In the Small Ads
Art Appreciation
(The Horizon Tribune.) Discerning collector seeks items of beauty to complete otherwise perfect collection. Discussions with any traders willing to selling the desired goods are welcome. Strong incentives and discretion assured. My representative will be at the Riverview Inn at Two Moons. He will wear a white carnation.Art Appropriation
(The Horizon Tribune.)
For Sale:
Recently found Lost Masterpiece by Riesling. If you are interested in viewing and placing a sealled bid on this magnificent item contact our red carnation-wearing representative at the Riverview during the next Moon Truce. Serious Callers only please.