The Luhond Gazette, July 13, 2535

Vandals Hit Flower Show

    The 12th Annual Flower and Garden Show has been marred by vandals. On the night of July 10, one or more persons entered the Exhibit Hall by unknown means, kicked apart the tub one exhibit was in, and dragged it out the door. The vandals down the door as they departed. A watchman was on duty at the time. He was found unconscious, and it appears the vandals stunned him with magic or an unknown drug. A spokesman for Police Commissioner Surdin told the Gazette that the police are concentrating heir efforts among students at the Royal Library and the Wizards Hall. "These criminals may have been clever enough to enter without leaving traces," said one constable, "but they left clews in plenty as they departed. I hope they enjoy their posy, because there are non in the Stone Pillow."

    The exhibit is an Abarthian Creeping Rose. It is 7-8" tall with vine-like branches growing from a thick central stem. Each branch has several brilliant red blossoms which resemble roses. It was provided the snow by Zosara Hamick, a horticultalist of Sembly. Mrs. Hamick found the Rose last winter when her ship was forced to put in on the Abarthian coast. Mrs. Hamick said, "I am appalled by the senseless theft or even destruction of a helpless plant."

    The Ladies Sponsor of the show voted Mrs. Hamick a special consolation prize. 

Temple Ward Wins Scholarship

    Thomas Meacham, 18, a Ward of the Temple of Azrath, has been awarded this years Crown Prize for Advanced Study. The Prize will pay Mr. Meacham's tuition at the Royal Library, as well as a stipend. It is awarded each year to the young man or woman who shows the most promise as a scholar from among those nominated. Candidates are judged on their schoolwork and on a written and oral test. Many of the winners have later distinguished themselves for learning. Mr. Meacham has trained as a Fighter. He intends to study military history and strategy, and to pursue a career in the Temple's regimens. 

Citizens' Group Protests

    On July 6 a group of citizens from the Dockside district met with Police Commissioner Surdin. They were protesting activities at a social club in their neighborhood. The group says the "high Heart Club" is a public nuisance. They complined of loud raucous music played late at night, the public drunkenness of patrons, frequent brawls in the streets, harassment of passer-by, particularly ladies, unlicensed gambling and of corrupting minors. The group also says the club is being used as a front for illegal activities such as drug selling. 

    Social clubs differ from taverns in that the entry is limited to members. Social clubs are free of the regular  places on taverns. However, many purported "social clubs have very liberal membership rules, allowing them to operate as taverns while evading the restrictions. 

    Jyles Danter, owner of the High Heart Club, said, "This is the Thantisties' doing. I'e been here 4 years and nobody said a word. Then they come in, out to 'purify' the neighborhood, and suddenly I'm a villain. hey needed a threat to preach about and they picked me. At least I get my money from pleasing folk, and don't cozen it out of windows and poor people."

    Abelard Mull of the Temple of Thantis said, Thantis opposes whatever is degrading to human spirit. No wonder Mr. Dantler thinks we're after him. We are."

Debate Planned

    The Temple of Arn and Azrath will sponsor a debate in Assembly Square on July 18. Admission is free to the public. The topic will be, "Resolved: That the spiritual nature of Man is self-evident." The clerics of Azrath will support the resolution, and those of Arn will dispute it. The merits of each presentation will be judged by the Debating Society of Sembly. his question was previously argues in 2530 and drew lively and enlightening comments from both sides. 

    While the formal debate is being judges, the audience will be invited to speak on the resolution and voice their thoughts. The Debating Society will pay cash prized for Lucid and original commentaries. 

The Luhond Gazette, July 20, 2535

Indentured Dissolved

    Miss Meara Foster, 21, was released from a 25-year indenture on July 15 by order of the Superior Court of Sembly. Judge Ashton Treer issued the order after a hearing on July 12. In it, Judge Treer said,  "The curt hereby finds that he said Meara Foster was indented on a fraudulent debt, in that her father Barry Foster was enticed to borrow money for speculation in a company which his adviser knew to be bogus. In reaching his decision, Judge Treet heard testimony from Miss Foster, her patron Dorvin Thorpe, and several others. Jdge Treet also received a quantity of documents recovered from a country house by Mr. Thorpe's agents.

    Miss Foster was indented for 25 years in May, 2532 on her father's unsecured debt of more than 7,000 marks. Her father, Barry Foster, a stock man in Sebly, died in March, 2535 after a long illness. During his illness Mr. Foster was treated by his brother-in-law, Dr. Nicodemus Albright. Some of the documents recovered linked Dr. Hibright to speculation companies indicated for fraud. It appears that he may have induced Barry Foster to invest in these companies as a means of subtle robbery.

    The action to annul Miss Foster's indenture was begun by her patron Dorvin Thorpe after he became suspicious of the grounds for her indenture. For his honestly Mr. Thorpe loses an indenture worth thousands. 

Art Exhibit Opens

    An exhibition of 1,000 brushes and ink drawing by Korandi artists opened July 16 at the Temple of Arath. The exhibit will run through August 31. Many of the drawings are the work of the Korandi artist Tis'chen. Among the subjects the exhibit covers are everyday life in the Empire, a military campaign, the arenas, and different land regions of the Empire. Viewers are advised that some of the work lacks the oral responsibility that Luhonnic artists feel. However, the exhibits which the Temple feels might offend are marked for the advice of parents. Admission costs 3 pence for adults, 2 for students and 1 pence for children. 

Coming Out in the Wash

    An unwary family from Chirat has learned a lesson about Luhonnic weather. On July 20 they were encamped for the night near Bodley. It came on to rain, and the Chiratians moved their camp out of the wind into a dry creek bed several feet below the plain.  Sure enough, an hour later the creek bed filled to the brim in a matter of seconds. Our correspondent in Bodley writes, "There were Chirats on the bank, on rocks, and in trees, but the prize went to the one who rode a loaded pack saddle 6 miles to Bodley" No one was seriously hurt but 7 of the Chirats' fine horses were lost. No horse-shaped flotsam had turned up, and it appears horse sense has called for drier pastures.

    Rains in Chirat usually fall in slow soaking drizzle which seldom produces flash floods of the sort common in Luhond. 

Gadfly "Buzzes" Tailors

    The meeting of the Tailors Guild on July 17 was somewhat livelier than expected. The speaker was to be Master Tailor Joachim of Dove. Master Joachim told the gathering that the Tailors' Guild of Dove had voted to abolish wearing clothes, and he proposed to demonstrate the benefits of this course with a comely female assistant. A quarrel soon developed between those eager for the demonstration, and those intent on hanging Master Joachim with a length of worsted. The police had to be called and "Master Joachim" was soon recognized as arch-prankster Albin Aleil of Sembly. He was charged with disturbing the peace and fined 5 marks in Police Court. 

    Mr. Aliel first came to our attention in 2530, when he posed as a soothsayer and convicted all too many citizens of Sembly that a disastrous flood could only be averted by wearing hats turned inside out. In spite of itself, the Gazette looks forward to seeing what he will do next.

VETERAN LAWYER DIES

    Egbert Talcerp, 84, the "dean" of Sembley's lawyers, was found dead in his offices of July 19. He apparently died as he napped at his desk. Mr. Talcarp had been failing health ad foul play is not suspected.

The Luhond Gazette, June 8, 2535

Rescue Sent South

    On June 1 the Royal Library sent an expedition to the aid of Professors Urbur and Wilville Hrong. The Hrongs spent the winter in the Swora Lands studying the winter in the Swora Lands studying the wildfire. They planned to return around Feb 2 but have not. In March the Library admitted the Hrongs were late, but did not see cause for alarm. 

    The Gazette has learned that the mission included warriors, magicians, clerics, and scouts. The library declined to comment on why it is sending such a strong force. However, a reliable source in he library has told the Gazette that auguries have now indicated the Hrong expedition is in difficulty. 

Liberationist Resigns

    James Quell, the Chairman of the Committee of Seventeen, has resigned. Mr. Quell has stepper down from the post, which he has helf for 3 years, on June 3. In his resignation Mr Quell reportedly cited health and family problems as his reasons for leaving. The Gazette has learned that Mr. Quell has been absent from his work numerous times since returning. 

    Mr. Quell disappeared under mysterious circumstances in March 2535. He returned home on May 9 under equally mysterious circumstances. At that time his wife said that he has been "gravely ill," but she did not elaborate, except to say his illness was not contagious. 

Tenancy Fraud Dismissed

    The charges of fraud in tenancy brought against Sir Abercrombie Pulifer on MArch 18 have been dismissed. The commission appointed to investigate the charges reported on June 2 that it found insufficient evidence to support the charges. The reports noted that many repairs had not been made, as the complaint charges. However, necessary materials had not always been received on time, and that the tenants had not supplied labor as their tenancy required. 

    An appendix to the report quoted a spokesman for the tenants as saying that the commission found no evidence because Sir Abercrombie had had time to "cover his tracks."

First Crop a Success! 

   Harvesting of the winter grain crops has now been completed everywhere. From all reports, this years yields will be ever greater than expected. News of the yields set off a flurry of trading in grain futures, and it is feared the price of bread will be forced up as speculators seek to keep prices high on withholding grain supplies. 

    Minister of Trade Brandomar Trook said on June 4, "My minister is on the look-out for signs of price-fixing and other wrongs. We reaffirm out determination that the poor shall not suffer when the rich seek to enrich themselves through the sale of food. No one shall go hungry in Sembly.

Murderer Arrested

    On June 1, Sheriff Rojir Ferrante of Folvia made an arrest in the Breen murder case. The culprit is identified as Sidny Lorenz, 28, an unemployed laborer of Folvia. In a letter, Sheriff Ferrante said, "Mr. Lorenz will get as fair a trial as any man. But considering what we found I am confident we have our killer." The Gazette has learned that Lorens had personal items belonging to the Breens in his possession, as well as a lead-weighted club of the sort known as a"protector."

    Hamilton and Cora Breen were beaten to death the night of May 4. Robbery is thought to have been the motive. 

Peculiar Occurrence at Sea

    Early on March 12, the warship KING ANDREW I witnessed a peculiar incident at sea. About 2:00 the lookout, helmsman, and officer of the watch observed a light beneath the waters around their vessel. Lieutenant Horace Trumpeter told the Gazette, "It first appeared as a diffused mass off the starboard bow. Soon it had formed 3 brilliant rays streaming from a central source. The rays seemed to turn around the center like the spokes of a wheel. It lasted about 10 minutes and then faded away. All was perfectly silent. At it's height it was bright enough to read the log by.

The Luhond Gazette, May 11, 2535

Missing Man Returns

    James Queil, who was reported missing March 6, was returned home on May 9. In a brief statement to the Gazette his wife Francis said, "My husband has been gravely ill, so much so that he has not been himself. We thank Arn for his recovery and return to us, and we believe he will make a complete recover." When the Gazette asked about the nature of his illness, Mrs. Queil said, " I would prefer not to discuss it's nature, for this experience has been painful to us all. However, I assure the good people of Semoly that his illness is in no way contagious."
    Mr. Quell is the chairman of the Committee of Seventeen, a Liberationist organization. There has been much speculation that his disappearance was somehow related to his groups activities. This has never been confirmed. The Gazette has learned that since his return, Mr Quell has been visited by a senior cleric of Arn, as well as a mage from the Wizard's Hall. However the nature of his affliction remains a mystery, as does the cause of his disappearance.

Murder in Folvila

    A shopkeeper and his wife were murdered in Folvila the night of May 4, the victims were Hamilton Breen, 52, and his wife Cora, 26. Mr. Breen was a dealer in dry goods. The Sheriff's office in Folvila reports that an intruder broke into the Breen's shop sometime in the night. The intruder ransacked the shop before creeping upstairs to the family living area in his search for valuables. Noting that there was no sign of a struggle, the Deputies investigating this heinous crime believe the killer bludgeoned his victims before they had a chance to awake. 

    Mr. Breen's children were awakened by the blows. His oldest daughter Zinnia barricaded the door to their bedroom with a chair and scrambled out a window to summon the police. She was too late to save her father and stepmother, but her quick action was credited with keeping her brothers and sisters safe. 

    Sheriff Rojir Ferrante of Folvia said, "I swear by Arn and Azrath I'll see this wretch hanged!"

Trading Fleet Departs

    The fleet of the Far North-Western Mercantyle Company left Sembly May 4. The fleet will carry wine, brandy, glassware, paper, lumber, furs, tay, cheese, weapons, wine woolens, spices, silk, and gold and silver wire. It will consist of 18 northships, 3 large, 10 medium, and 5 small. The fleet will be escored by several war-ships. The total value of the fleet's cargo has been reported in excess of 1,000,000 marks. A public offering of 5,000 shares earlier this year sold out in less than 3 weeks.

       The fleet is expected to reach the NW coast in about a month. It will spend 3 months trading in Sorn, Bothas, and Soo-Land before returning to Corrasanti about October 1.

New Provocation by Raimorth!

    General Lurenna Talbot of the Royal Army revealed on May 5 that Raimorth has built a fortress in the disputed lands near the Corrasanti border. Yjis is a branch of the accord signed in 2530. That accord allows each nation to keep one garrison of up to 500 troops in the region, to protect it's border and prevent smuggling. General Talbot said the new fort is of timber and piled earth and can hold about 100 men. 

    Jean Valmont, the Raimorian ambassador, told the Gazette "If this fort is real, it is not the doing of my liege. I have sent full details of this affair to him, and I await his reply. 

   

The Luhond Gazette, April 6, 2535

Border Clash with Raimorth 

      On March 10, forces of Raimorth and Corrasantish fought a brief battle about 10 miles inside the Corrasantish border. The fight began after a troop of Raimorian horse persued a pair of slaves seeking freedom across the border. This illegal incursion was blocked by a Corrantish patrol. When the Corrasantish forces refused to surrender the slaves the Raimorians attempted to seize them by force. In the battle which followed four of the invaders and seven Corrasantish defenders were slain before the arrival of reinforcements drove the Raimorians off. The fugitives were saved
      When word of the incursion was receives by Sembly, His Majesty sent Louis of Raimorth.

      The Raimorian ambassador released a statement which said, "Raimorth regrets that the friendship of our countries has been strained by the lies of two bandits who concocted this story to avoid Raimorian justice. This unfortunate incident points up the need for our countries to agree to extradite fugitives, no matter what tales of misfortune they tell."

      Raimorth has sought to change the extradition treaty with Corrasanti since 2508. Corrasanti will not return slaves who can reach safety within it's boarders. Raimorth claims that many fugitives slaves are in fact criminals.

Marriage Plan Falters

     It was announced on April 3 that talks to complete the treaty between Corrasanti and Mihran have broken off. No further meetings have been scheduled. The marriage of Princess Alice to Prince Conrad of Mihran that was to have sealed the agreement now in doubt. No reason for this change was given.

      Sir Tarquin Peil, the Prime Minister, declined to say more. His Excellency would only say that unforeseen difficulties arose. "Despite this unhappy turn of events, our two countries remain friends," he said.

      Informed sources have speculated that factions in Mihran opposed the marriage, but this is not certain.

Judgeship Filled

     Mrs. Rovala Milkin has been appointed by His Majesty to fill the vacant judgeship in Salad, it was announces on March 31. She will begin her duties May 1. Mrs. Miliin was formerly and Assistant Crown Prosecutor in Sembly.
      Judge Milkin is 38 years old. She is the widow of the late Morris Milkin, a member of the Assembly for the Traditionalist Party. She studied law with her father, Arvis Wylie, and was admitted to the bar in 2518. Following her marriage in 2523, Mrs. Milkin reduced her law practice. She took it up again after his death in 2530.
      Mrs. Milkin has four children. She is devotee of Azrath.

No Leads in Disappearance

      A spokesman for High Sheriff Tomoldsy tells the Gazette that there are no new leads in the disappearance of James Quell, the Chairman of the Committee of Seventeen. MR. Quell was reported missing March 6, 2535 after he failed to appear at his offices in Sembly.
     Committee of Seventeen is a liberationist movement. It has been accused of murders and robberies in Luhond and Oran, but no evidence has even been forthcoming.
      The Committee of Seventeen has offered a reward of 1,000 marks for information leading to Mr. Quell's safe return.