[The news as contained in this post you can take as IC knowledge. However any posts it links to are purely OOC information, unless you happen to have a good explanation why you would know about them IC.] Today's Edition is brought to you by Claw ... Hooded Claw.
Gentle readers,
One must be ever vigilant in these uncertain days of change and the stress that oft accompanies it. Many of these changes, such as the begining of the people to ask for their right of governance from their hereditary landlords, successful for only what their ancestors stole for them, are for the better. As the people's sovreignty grows and the voices of the many heard, we can shift away from the old aristoracy and forge a destiny like free men.
In the name of all this though, many serpents lay in the garden.
A man is easily swayed, when his stomach is more empty than his pokcets. A vote is a powerful thing, and shouldnt be for sale. Sadly it still seems that those with the means for spend on their voting base will always prove more often the victor when people's honor is tarnished.
Vigilance, too, must be taken to the methods of the vote's tally. Why was one forced to voice their choice, as opposed to a ballot, observed by a neutral arbiter, cove for example, or some pannel of men of justice? While a vote may be powerful, it is rendered useless, and more likely, dangerous, when it is not allowed the safety off annonymity, and the power structure in place is the observer of every vote, for and against it.
Do not fall back asleep now that your stomachs are full. A democracy is only as good as its keepers. Do not be swayed by fear, and be wary of those who too often tout patriotism- that last refuge of scoundrels. Almost all major risks to any state are economic. Look to those who stand to gain for any major policy shift and ask the tough questions. Demand accountability.
For those still under the sway of the crown, Organize.
~ Waiting for the Philosopher King.
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Hard day at the office?
Newly-elected Baron Kidnapped...
...and swiftly rescued by his Militia. Word from the north is that barstaff and patrons were dragged out of the Swaggers Inn, pinned against the wall and interrogated about the Baron's last movements - saying that he'd been kidnapped shortly after leaving the establishment! According to our sources the kidnappers came back to Vesper with a ransom note, and the Vesparians used a cunning ploy to lull the kidnappers into a false sense of security before striking them down and saving their newly elected Baron! On a more disturbing note, rumours say that under interrogation afterwards the kidnappers claimed to have been employed by wealthy Trinsicians!
Has Trinsic instantly blown its chance to make amends with the Republic of Vesper? Will Baron Samsca go eye for an eye with the nobility of Trinsic? More when we hear it.
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Vesparians infiltrate Trinsic...
...But withdraw shortly afterwards
Thats right, once again the Vesparians launched an attack on Trinsic, although this time they were deployed in a far different manner to their usual and well known raiding tactics. The Vesparians did their best to avoid Trinsic's defences and blocked off Paladin Isle - only recently known as a hotspot of the Blackrock Invasion some time ago, and as where Royal Commander Jordan Jurrel fell against the dark elementals. Our sources say the casualties for Trinsicians trying to stop the Vesparians were quite heavy, and inspection of the battle site revealed just a single Vesparian body on the ground compared to the swathes of defenders who had been lost. Your reporter dare say this was a far more calculated strike than the Vesparians normally commit to - perhaps to do with their recent change in leadership.
This all begs the question of what were the Vesparians so interested in on Paladin Isle. Naturally, the word blackrock was heard being shouted by the Vesparians according to eyewitnesses. Why would Vesper be interested in something so inherently dangerous, especially after having always dismissed blackrock as a fake threat! More when it comes, dear reader.
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A Small Pointy Letter
Ther' be a outragous rumor 'bout Gnomy goin' on in Vesper after the Election, Gnomy jus' wan'a clarify tha' tis' ain' even close to be true! ..
If yer hear tis' laugh at it.. as Gnomy 'nd Gnomys friends laugh at it.. Yer will find it very amusin' Gnomy promise.
Tis' rumor started because of jealousy Gnomy think.. Never knuw... Women!
*Signed Gnomy*
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Thanks to Hanse and Lyim and Gnomey! More News to squeeze in Tomorrow's Edition which features partial nudity, the undead and Captain Kaelyn! And not necessarily in that order!
Hard day at the office...
http://www.uoforums.com/showthread.php?t=29700
Blackrock Incursion
http://www.uoforums.com/showthread.php?t=29702