Miscellaneous Information

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Help Wanted

-Notion City, January 8th 1924, Classifieds

General labor assistance needed. Mostly heavy lifting. Applicant must be able to lift excess of 400 lbs. over your head. Humans need not apply. Changelings of troll essence preferred.

Contact KL3-7656

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Shipping Improves After Contract Finalized with Water Court

-Notion City, April 14th 1922, Trade

After various fishing incidences revolving around the sirens off shores of Faery negotiations were finally able to bring an agreement about that would allow more ships to fish with less worry for the life of their sailors.

In the previous months, fishing has become a large source of meat production with the Earth Court's farmland beginning to twindle. However, no trade agreements were ever fully struck with the Water Court and as such many ships have been lost in the confusion.

The Sirens were often the most dangerous as their draw to sailors were the strongest and unlike the various levaithans which hide in areas easily avoided, as most fish do not live long in those areas long enough to be worth the risk.

Michael Anderson was one of the core representatives from Notion City that brokered the agreement.

"The key element was finding something that would result in a gain for both sides," said Anderson. "Unfortunately, the Water Court is a nation we seldom dealt with because we lacked anything they truly wanted."

The negotiations quickly deteriorated when that fact was established. However, Anderson was quick to act. The Water Court has always had a very limited claim in domain, oceans, rivers and lakes along with surrounding areas were making it difficult to further expand their numbers. But through the use of dive equipment and drill teams, Anderson was able to determine a method that would allow the Water Court to drill deep into the land which the Earth Court had no desire to claim.

"New land," Anderson said. "Or water to be more precise. It would alleviate difficulties on all sides. They would have a greater area to expand, and that would also increase our fishable population."

The agreement was struck, lessening the number of sailors now lost at sea. The Water Court even offered to work on a fetch making system that would at least replace some of the sailors lost.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Goblin Production of Dickens' A Christmas Carol Offers Style Unlike Any Before It

-Notion City, December 12th 1921, Style

Tonight was the opening of the all goblin acting troupe, The Miscreants, production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Those familiar with the famous play would do well to steer clear of this production. Those who have yet to see it may be able to handle the changes made to various scenes throughout the story.

Most critics have given the production rather low reviews, citing the massive changes and low quality of acting among the troupe. However, the show should be regarded as a new form of art before major criticism can be applied to it. The goblins had no real knowledge of the history of A Christmas Carol. Therefore, leaving them free of bias and able to make the changes they saw fit.

Tiny Tim, ironically played by the troupe player Big Jim, took his role a little further and became more active in the redemption of Scrooge. Instead of allowing his own passive nature to assist the change in Scrooge, Big Jim took Tiny Tim to a new level by having him pummel Scrooge furiously until he developed a dramatic turn for the better.

We were actually able to sit down with the director after the show, a highly acclaimed goblin by the name of Billy Blind. He explained his choice of Dickens' famed classic was merely a timing thing and had nothing to do with how well it was known. In fact, he said, he had never heard of it before but when asking humans a play appropriate for the winter this one constantly came up.

Mr. Blind is known for an interesting style of direction, that one has to attend a show to understand in full scope. But it seems he treats the actors just as he did in rehearsal and yells to them their cues, and even lines of dialogue if need be. Many say this destroys the suspension of disbelief, but Billy turns a blind eye to such criticism.

It's a suitable nuance here and there, that certainly does not hold a candle to the original. But again, what we're viewing here when watching Fae troupes such as the Miscreants is that to them theatre is a new avenue of entertainment for them. The show is not the show itself, but watching these players new to the scene attempt to discern the ways of human theatre.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Journalist Missing After Murdering Police, Wife

-Notion City, July 14th 1921, Local by Eric Parsons, staff writer

After covering the events of the fourth of July only a few days ago, one of the Informer's lead journalists has disappeared while in custody. While most find this a strange thing to report on in our city, what with disappearances quite common. But police are still requesting any information on this case as the person was last seen in a state that would make him a danger to himself and others.

Timothy Franklin who recently covered the fourth of July event was been missing since some time last night. Once a personable extrovert, he had slowly become withdrawn at work and social events. He became increasingly agitated as days progressed after the coverage. Refusing any story that didn't allow him access to Faery. His condition reached a boiling point last night in an argument with his wife. Neighbors called police after hearing the sounds of the argument, which included several loud bangs and crashes.They arrived to discover Franklin fleeing from his apartment in a state of panic and madness. After managing to subdue him, they also discovered the slain body of his wife upon the kitchen floor of their apartment. When questioned Franklin could respond with nothing beyond shouting and requests for being allowed to enter the Fog.

Franklin was placed in police custody for the night, but managed to escape en route to the police station. The patrol car was found with both officers slain, and Franklin's cuffs broken just near a Fog heavy district of the city. Franklin is still at large and police are requesting anyone who may have information on his known whereabouts to come forward. If you see Franklin, do not attempt to restrain him yourself call the police.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Center City Park Dressed Up For Fourth of July Celebration

-Notion City, July 1st 1921, Local

With relations going well with the Fae Courts, Center City Park looks to see an impressive turn out and celebration for the Fourth of July. Food and fireworks have been provided. And many are expecting quite a festival.


Today, tents are being put in place that will house vendors from all over Notion City and Faery alike. A few are already prepared, and the Informer was on hand today to sample some of the more interesting fare.

One booth contained artifacts of lost yore, the purveyors hoping to see a good turn out for their wares. They state that it would help them determine if setting up shop within the city would turn into a profitable venture. After some perusing, this reporter certainly found a few choice items. Unfortunately, purchasing doesn't begin until tomorrow. Hopefully, they'll still be around.

However, it was still the food that held the greatest interest. While Fae have only been importing in common meats and produce to keep to the palates of Notion City residents, they are now pulling out all stops with the great buffet to be held. They are now offering some of their rarer dishes to the adventurous gourmand.

Fire grilled salamander, with a fire actually started by the salamander was one of the delicacies of the Fire Court grill-meisters. It had a delicious smoked flavor, though the meat was a bit too chewy.

The Water Court offered boiled hydra tongue, a limitless dish. It came out like a spiced breast of chicken, layered and easily pulled apart. They told me it had to sit under a boil for forty eight hours to be safe to eat. Hydra is poisonous they say, truly a daring dish!

Unsurprisingly, the Earth Court pulled out their assortment of grains and vegetables. But within the farm fresh salad they made came an additional surprise. An interesting sort of mushroom, upon consumption this reporter felt himself a bit of a bigger man.

This reporter even got to try a sweet, tangy fruit fresh from the Air Court's lotus trees. Though admittedly, it ended up bringing quite a drowsy feeling and I had to find a bench to rest and take a lengthy nap.

Not all there though will require an open palate. Even a delightful blind woman had managed to set up a tent made entirely from sweets and candies, just for the kids. It's going to be a wonderful occasion for all and it begins tomorrow promptly at sunrise, with plenty of food, art and fun to captivate the whole family for hours. Hope to see you there!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Police Make Startling Raid

-Notion City, May 9th 1921, Crime

In the early hours of the morning, police led by vice detective Walter King raided one of the largest illegal distilleries to date. Authorities will not comment on the amount or location of the bust. However, they did state that many Fae were caught working in the distillery at the time.

Because Faery cannot be governed by any body of Notion City government they need not conform to the laws of Prohibition. However, officials have worked closely together to prevent the transportation of Faery liquor across the Fog and into the city proper.

Detective King stated that those officials are not working hard enough. Not only were police able to determine that the goods used to produce the alcohol were of Faery origin. But also, large quantities of a Faery specific liquor was found.

"It is a mockery to us and our laws that Fae are not respecting our right to rule ourselves," detective King stated. "They play games behind the scenes and circumvent our authority. I am personally making it my mission to keep the Fae in their place. And keep Notion City under the rule of humans."

Detective King has always been a staunch defender of Notion City, quickly rising through the ranks from steady beat police officer. Sources state that he already has a number of officers standing behind him in his defense of the city's moral codes.

"I do not think we need to run the Fae out of town," detective King added. "They have resources that our valuable to both Notion City and her citizens. But there must be a mutual respect between our two peoples. That starts with these places (distilleries) being shut down permanently."

Authorities have issued their support of King and have stated over four more raids on known distilleries are planned in the next week.

Friday, September 30, 2011

New Players May Bring Spark of Life Back into the Game

-Notion City, April 30th 1921, Sports

It's hard to look forward to this baseball season in Notion City. With only two teams in our current league most are looking to other forms of entertainment this Spring. However, to liven things up a bit the teams have now opened their doors for any and all to try out. That means anyone who has had a desire to step up to the plate, may now do so with either our home team the Notion City Greens or our rivals the Burlington Egrets.


Even more momentous is the decision to allow Fae to now try out for either of the two teams. This comes as a surprise to many who believe that the Fae should not be allowed the chance to play. But both team managers and owners have stated that they feel the decision is in the best interest of the city and its relations with the Fae.

So, far the number of Fae applicants has been low. With the Egrets having only two try out. And the Greens only one. A big fan of the game, Mr. Lump spoke with the Informer during his try out run.

Small group of prospective players.

"Without any doubt," said Lump pictured right and in the back. "Baseball is the greatest thing brought to us by man. It is a microcosm in which we learn how to interact with your kind. Others have said that it is your business structure that we can learn more from. But how will talking to each other help us interact?"

"You see, with no war, like so many of our kind has seen, we cannot determine who among us is the physical better. Baseball effectively is our war. But unlike smashing the front line, the rules of the sport require intelligent thought. It's not enough to send the ball out of the park. My placement within the batting rotation is as key as my ability to hit such a tiny target over thousands of yards."

The Greens were a little bit concerned with many areas concerning Mr. Lump. First being his uniform.

"We just don't have guys that big," says team manager Patrick Murphy. "We ended up having to take the biggest uniform we had and get some adjustments made on the fly. Needless to say, if he makes the team we're going to need to have a custom order put in."

Though, Murphy continues to play up what ifs he has trouble holding back the delight he has from fans sneaking in to watch the try outs alone. "We've had worse turn outs turning tournament play. Opening up applications to all was one of the best ideas for bringing in old and new fans alike."

Modest at first, Mr. Lump put on quite a show during the pick up game on the first day of try outs. And within no time had shattered over ten Notion City records. Including highest batting average in one game, .527 and highest RBIs in one game, 13.

The Egrets were not as lucky with their Fae applicants. While stealing third, one stabbed a second baseman. And the other brought his bat along with him in a home run celebration. Both the first and third baseman sustained bludgeoning injuries to the head and torso. While the catcher was at least able to get away.

The Greens only reported one injury caused by Mr. Lump, however, it was not intentional. While coming in off a double Mr. Lump charged, legally, into the catcher attempting to tag him out at home. Mr. Lump was declared safe and the catcher left with only a minor concussion from being flung into the dugout.

All in all, things are certainly shaping up to be an interesting season this year for baseball in Notion City.