Trouble at the Fuzz Ball

A one-night social event that seemed to stretch on for years came to an abrupt end a fortnight ago as cries of foul play shook the gentry in attendance at the First Annual People’s Guard Ball. The soiree was being held to commemorate the recent successes of the People’s Guard in actions against organized crime in Daelows and to honor outstanding achievement and bravery of Guardsmen both noble and common.

Eyewitnesses report that the Deputy Commissioner of the Guard, Baron Leon V. Belrotte—at who’s estate the event was hosted—had just began to deliver a speech to the assembled gentry when a commotion broke out elsewhere in the estate.

“The Baron, ‘ee wasted no time gettin’ up them stairs an’ tae the source o’ tae commotion, lemme tell’s ya. Tha’ man’s got cat-like reflexes, and ‘ee’s cool as a cucumber, boi thunner’. …yew’d almost think ‘ee knew what was commin’, ‘ee’s so quick.” Said a source claiming to be close to the Baron, but who requested to remain unidentified.

“Next thing we knows, down comes tae Baron an’ ‘is bully-boys all huddlin’ aroun’ a man covered wi’ tae Baron’s jacket. Oi got a peep at ‘im though, an’ dem mai eyes if et weren’t tae Marquess ‘imself, white as a ghost an all covered in blood, ‘ee was!”

Herald sources report that the estate of the Marquess D’Ergland, Commissioner of the People’s Guard, has been under heavy guard since the occurrence. Guards at the gate were turning back all comers, though it is unknown if the Marquess, himself is under arrest or allowed freedom of movement.

The Offices of the Deputy Commissioner have released a statement to the Herald confirming that a crime took place during the Guardsmen’s Ball. The announcement also indicated that the victim has been identified while the perpetrators have not. It goes on to state that members of the Guard may be involved and that the Guard and Daelows Army will be conducting a joint investigation of the crime. No specific names or identifying information was contained in the statement.

Our readers may rest assured that the Herald will closely follow this story as it develops, bringing yew the latest information available in future issues.

The Dark Forest Alight!

Adding to the misery of the hot weather holding most of Aniada in it’s sweaty grasp, is a giant conflagration burning near the stretch of the Lorimar known as “The Knight’s Walk.” Unconfirmed rumors of giant serpents, dueling warlocks, and even a black-winged devil-child indicate that this perilous stretch of the Lorimar remains as dangerous to travelers as ever. However, the only confirmed hazard, as reported by numerous reliable sources, remains the inferno charring its way through the forest and surrounding areas.

Travelers on the Lorimar between Seven Oaks and Terajin are advised to use extreme caution or perhaps delay their plans until the rains extinguish the fires and bring relief from the deadly heat.