Vol IX

Something Stinks at the Farm Bureau

In the last issue - for those of you lucky enough to snag one before they were burned - I asked you what the Calamitous Carnage at the Colosseum was for? I believed at the time it was senseless violence to placate the mob, keeping us subservient. But after spending several days as a prisoner at the Farm Bureau - and several more days in the city lockup - I can now tell you the truth! The truth is an old story (some, but not I, would say akin to the story of the founding of the Empire). It was senseless violence to serve the ambitions of a ruthless, petty thug. That thug: erstwhile Commissioner Narius.

I was taken prisoner by Narius’ goons the night of the tragedy. I had just put out a special edition when I was seized, hooded, magicked, and stowed in a closet at the Farm Bureau. More goons seized and burned the latest run of the Mirror before it could be distributed. Helpless and ensorcelled, I was at the mercy of Narius and his duplicitous disciples. But then, in the nick of time, the Mirror’s Majestic Menagerie, led by little Arry himself, rescued old Tom from the bowels of the Farm Bureau!

Tom Behind Bars

The city guard picked me up the next day - apparently, there was a commotion at Narius’ house. According to Sgt Becker of the City Guard, Narius and his foremost fatuous flunky Ernst have disappeared. After my rough treatment at their hands, the guards suspected your exemplary editor of foul play. But as you know, I don’t take revenge. I just expose the truth. All of the truth.

What was Nefarious Narius up to? What was his pernicious plan? Find out in the next edition of the Mirror!

Dedication Ceremony

Thursday there will be a dedication ceremony at the Colosseum to commemorate the lives lost at the Triumph. The Empire has donated a polished marble bench inscribed with most of the names of the fallen. The monument will be in a small park adjacent to the Colosseum. Our own Parks & Wildlife bureau is building a walled alcove made with some of the rubble from the disaster to enclose the area. They will be planting trees and other flora in the weeks ahead.

Artist’s Conception of the Memorial Bench

Once complete, the memorial park is expected to be a quiet escape from the hurly-burly grind of daily life where we can all go for a moment of peace and reverie.

Mysterious Lurkers

The Triumph of Faberio brought a host of visitors to our city. It turns out some of them were a little odd, and some of those apparently haven’t left yet! There are reports of hooded, shadowy figures prowling the streets at night and other reports of a foul stench, possibly some kind of poison cloud, moving through random areas of the city, sickening unlucky passers-by.

Suspicious Person

Poison Cloud

Be careful out there friends!