SABERHAVEN NEWS May 6, 2000
In light of the troubles with Ebony and Ivory, the Lord Mayor announced
that no competitor is allowed to bet on the Games.
The next day, the House of the Dragon declares their wildly popular
flying casino to be an extension of their own extradimensional nation, thus
able to set their own laws and immune to the Mayor's decree against betting.
The Flying Dragon does record business that evening, able to accomdate all
comers with its dimensionally-folded accomodations.
The Mayor quickly blasts the HoD and her leader, Scourge the Undying.
"As long as they fly over our airspace," he thunders, "peddling their filth
to OUR citizens, they're subject to our laws!" The public shares a
collective chuckle over the thought of their Mayor expressing indignance
over the peddling of filth. The Mayor threatens to enforce his edict with
the full power of the City Guard.
Scourge issues a terse reply, via the town Bulletin Board. "The
strongest dictates the law, Mayor Slonhauser," the Undying says. "Thus, it
is the will of Scourge which prevails here. If you would care to take
exception to this, by all means, turn the full might of all your armies, all
your mages, upon my poor, flying Casino. You will find the lesson learned
most refreshing, I think, if not heartening."
In the next week, the City Guard cracks down on the skimmers used to
transport guests to and from the Casino, also the dozen or so teleportation
sites which access the Flying Dragon. Many skirmishes occur between
Guardsmen and potential guests, who display a surprising ferociousness.
Scourge issues another statement. "The Lord Mayor is attempting to
legislate the citizen's behaviour. Supply creates its own demand... The
Mayor combats not MY will, but the will of the people. That's what makes
this so amusing."
The Flying Dragon continues to do record business.
Owners of mega-casinos such as the Grand and the Pharoah's Palace are
outraged, claiming the Mayor is just handing their business to the black
market. Political forces seem to be taking sides as businesses are wildly
affected by the edict.
The fans of the Arena are still abuzz over the recently concluded Great
Tournament. Much of the talk focuses on the new rules, designed to prevent
powerful houses such as the Dukes of Hell on Earth or the HoD from
dominating individual fights with their vast resources. Among the most
debated changes are item registry and the vastly improved Dispelling screens
that ensure equal prep time.
The City Guard are constantly busting underground betting parlors and
bookies who continue to take bets on Arena fights. Jails swell.
Burglaries, assaults, robberies, and other incidents of violent crime rise.
Serial rapist/killer "Breathtaker" claims his sixth victim, terrorizing
Old Town. She was 15. His previous victmim was 38. Pretty redheads fear
for their lives.
The Emperor of Tokiwa-Dai intends to appear in Saberhaven two weeks
hence to discuss economic matters with the Lord Mayor. He is bringing two
of his best fighters to contest in the Arena... obviously, fans are excited
and rumours abound.
A team of adventurers returns from the Great Scar, the blot of forest
that disappeared a few months back a few days to the northeast of
Saberhaven, leaving a miles deep crater enshrouded in mists. This is the
first team to return. They report many demons and lower-planar denizens, as
well as dangerous creatures of the Underdark. Citizens are advised to stay
away from the area.
==========================================================
Terra Dyne, Land of Magic and Adventure -
http://www.oocities.com/Area51/6899/index.html
The Games of Saberhaven -
http://www.oocities.com/Area51/6899/games.html
==========================================================
To Unsubscribe from this list, please follow the instructions at the
following URL:
http://users.quadrunner.com/rezznor/listhelp.html (
geocities.com/area51)