Read Issue XI: "The Roots of Discontent," by Andrew Greene
Plus, shocking allegations of an Imperial Treasury racketeering ring!
If it wasn’t for the saccharine stench of human corpses that still hung in the air, it’d be an idyllic morning.
The rains the night previous had lessened even that nigh-constant reminder of the recent tragedy. The warmth of the summer sun imbued the wreckage that still clogged many of the town’s thoroughfares with possibility; in the rubble of banks, shops, and tenements lay the seeds for a second chance. The Gods appeared to assent to the celebratory disposition that had spread across Amalcross, a fine omen on The Day of the Consecration.
“Healing Self Heals Others” were the words carved beneath the wooden statue of a twelve-handed shaman that greeted all who arrived at the Crossings neighborhood, a thrumming hive of construction and excavation. This ancient interpretation of Bouledar, the God of Healing and Community, reflected what many of the peasants who had lost their homes to the Great Quake believed: They needed all twelve of Bouledar’s hands and then some to salve their fractured families and the wounded, shaken city. At least on this morning, it felt as though Bouledar had answered their prayers — his salubrious digits had already begun their holy work upon the district.…
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“Shocking Allegations of Treasury Support for Racketeering Ring”
By Nathaniel Lucas
THE IMPERIAL TREASURY
To: Martus ‘ja Auric, Head of Collections
From: Hedronis Thellin, Manager, Remittance Desk
Regarding: DISMISSED — Tax Delinquency — The Whisper Wick
Sir,
I have dismissed the case against storefront THE WHISPER WICK (3347 Stonelayer’s Way #1B, Middenton) despite your direction. This report serves as my explanation and letter of resignation.
The two individuals around which this case revolves — PURROSHA, Ludon (co-owner); PURROSHA, Jeska (co-owner) — were charged delinquent in payment of two years’ Imperial taxes on their storefront, candle shop THE WHISPER WICK.
In business for fourteen years, the couple was never late or short on payments until the last three, wherein they filed appeals either for extensions or payment plans.
The Treasury approved the first year’s appeals. Those of the next two were rejected and the co-owners penalized.
Because this would be the shop’s fourth year of appeals, I was encouraged to levy the appropriate penalties and close the file. You personally visited my desk to insinuate as much….
