Exclusive! Missing Councillor Named
High-Ranking Member Disappeared Two Days Ago
VYRIA PROPER, Jun. 20--For days the city has been in a furor as the Lunar Council has frantically searched for an unidentified missing person of high standing. Thanks to this paper's investigative reporting, we now know the identity of the missing councillor.
The vanished dignitary has been confirmed to be Mother Pine, the Council's representative from Polaris. We've learned that she disappeared on the morning of the 18th, and that her chambers were left in a state of disarray.
We have also confirmed yesterday's reports that Council mages detected traces of shadow magic in her chambers. Many highly-placed individuals suspect kidnapping or other foul play.
Our diligent reporters spoke to members of the Council to get their thoughts on the record: see Council, p.3.
The devastation from yesterday's blast
Massive Blast Rattles Undercity; Cause Remains Unknown
Multiple Gendarmes Caught in the Blast
VYRIAN UNDERCITY, Jun. 20--Early yesterday morning, Undercity residents were jolted awake as a large blast rippled through the area.
The epicenter was quickly identified as the area immediately beneath 11 Arrondissement. This district of the Undercity is known to locals as "The Seedbed" owing to its particularly neglected atmosphere.
Council gendarmes quickly cordoned off the area, but not before the Gazette was able to determine that around a half-dozen guards were caught in the blast. The guards seemed dazed but physically uninjured, which has led locals to speculate that the explosion was magical in origin.
The specific location of the blast seems to have been an alchemy shop near the underground docks. We tried to track down the owner, known to be one Betharyl Fungeye, but we were unable to find any sign of her.
Accidental explosions at alchemist shops are not terribly unusual, but it seems that this may have been a deliberate evocation. Still, authorities are keeping mum on the details.
To get a local opinion, we spoke to an area resident, known only as "The Critter." This is what he had to say: "Blarghalbel blarghelablabh blarghagha blagharaghalblagh!"
Undercity Residents Urged to Stay Safe
The cause of yesterday's explosion under 11 Arr. is still unknown. Gendarmerie Centrale issued a statement this morning that the guards caught in the blast are all recovering, but refused to disclose any details of the blast, pending an official investigation.
Because the explosion's cause is not known, city officials have urged residents to remain cautious, and to report any suspicious activity in the area.
This paper hopes they find the culprit soon!
Council Elections Three Months Away
Head Seat Will Rotate to Armada
COUNCIL PALACE, Jun. 18--The political season is in full swing for the houses that will be electing new members to the Council. This year, Voldaen and Armada will each vote for a new representative.
The head seat will also rotate to Armada, signaling a shift in power towards the region's islands. Admiral Halvir, of Southsea, who narrowly lost to Captain Zailla four years ago, has ramped up his campaign in Vyria in recent weeks.
Do ya miss simpler times?
Do ya miss bitin' into a nice, juicy, dirt-grown tomato?
So does Farmer F.
Used to be, a good fella like Farmer F. could grow herself some beans or tomaters and make a mighty fine life for herself.
But now, all this newfangled magitech's been growin' crops like it's nothin'... and that leaves ol' Farmer F. out in the cold.
Here at Betharyl's, we still care about Farmer F.
So next time you're fetchin' vittles, keep an eye out for Betharyl's crops.
Just look for the "Big B" and you'll know you're keepin' honest folks like Farmer F. in business.
Remember, that's "B for Betharyl"!
Vyria Anxiously Prepares for Javelin Fish Haul
Residents Hoping for a Successful Hunt
SILENT SEA, Jun. 19--Every summer, great fleets of javelin fish pass through the Silent Sea, on an annual migration that takes them around the world. And, every summer, the brave fisherfolk of Vyria and its surroundings take to their boats to try to catch a fish of their own.
Yearly Hunt is City's Lifeblood
Following the Body Crisis, Vyria was in dire economic straits. The city was severely damaged, and the rebuilding process taxed our coffers beyond their limits, and brought the city deep into debt.
Some economists have said that the invention of the enchanted rigging, and the subsequent rise of the yearly javelin fish hunt, saved our city from ruin. What an amazing fish!
It's no small feat, because javelin fish can grow up to seven yards long, and concomitantly heavy. With muscles larger than a firbolg, they speed across our windless bay in just a few days, reaching incredible speeds of up to 50 furlongs per tick.
Naturally, such speeds are impossible for an ordinary ship to reach, which is why enchanted rigging has been such a great boon to Vyria. In fact, this incredible bit of magitech was developed at our very own Arcane Institute, and with it, Vyrian ships can hope to catch a fish of their own -- or maybe two, if fortune smiles on them.
All capable watercraft for miles around have by now taken to sea to try their hand at the great hunt, and across the docklands, everyone is astir in preparation for what they're hoping will be a large harvest. Now we can only wish our mariners the greatest of luck!
