Word has reached us that the Imperial Guard of Britannia has occupied the Floating Emporium in Trammel.

This action comes as no surprise to most. The Consortium sits on the edge of contested waters Magincia claims under its sphere of influence. The soldiers – who have instituted a sort of martial law – can be seen marching up and dock the docks using their artillery batteries to intimidate merchants and trade ships.

Though not all are so easily cowed.

It should be noted that Councillors Fern Goodfellow, Magdalena and Charlotte Christianson voted against the measure.

Shame. Dungeon of Sin. Long has the subterranean cavern been a breeding ground for Britannia’s most corrupt Sorcerers. A den of filth guarded by their failed alchemical experiments.

But something has changed. The lifeless homunculi have grown stronger and more numerous. Infused with gems of malevolent power. The Sorcerers of Shame had sequestered themselves within the Scholomance. Whatever pact has been made with the ruinous powers – whatever advances have been made in conjuration – it does not bode well for Britannia.

You can view details of the changes to Shame here.

Last night the People of Magincia held a vigil to commemorate the fourth winter since the Magincian War: the eve when the Daemonhost of Bane – and the Imperial Fist of Lord British – turned upon citizens of the Isle and butchered them in their beds.

Visitors were treated to a toast and invited to sample Magincian wines and wares during the event.

Lady Zellinous – the hostess – invited both Magincians and Britannian rivals to approach the dais and share their memories of Old Magincia. Good and Bad. Below is a sample of the speaches heard during the evening.

The emergency meeting had interrupted Lady Charlotte Christianson’s otherwise euphoric afternoon.

Charlotte tried to look as composed as possible during the battle but she was completely out of her element…and still a bit stoned.

After the battle ended, she walked around, wondering her thoughts aloud. Nicholas came over and began speaking to her but she was a bit distracted at first, as usual, by his lack of shirt. Aside from the obvious “handsome shirtless man” bit, she could not wrap her head around why he wore sleeves. This was incredibly vexing.

She also could not quench the curiosity of how someone like Fern and someone like Nicholas ended up together. Separately, they were quite interesting. Together, they made about as much sense as a soup sandwich. Oh, right. The shirtless one was speaking…

Charlotte rattled off the protocol to Nicholas, which included reporting to Captain Jenkins, despite the fact that she was already becoming annoyed with the Captain. Still, she would not let her personal feelings bleed into her professional life. Though, her “medication” sometimes freed her of one too many inhibitions.

Charlotte returned to the castle with the others and relayed the information to Captain Jenkins. Mid-discussion, she wondered what he would do if she walked up and flicked his nose. The mental image was so hilarious to her that she had to repeatedly clench her jaw to keep from laughing.

From the castle, Charlotte retired to her loft. She curled up on her large bed and relaxed, perfectly content with her mellow buzz.

Ten-year-old Charlotte Christianson listened quietly as her grandmother, Aurora, droned on.

“I did not become a grand duchess by wasting my time with unimportant people.” her grandmother said, exhaling loudly.

Charlotte wondered what Michael was doing. It was early afternoon so he was probably helping his mother clean the kitchen.

“You must surround yourself with a good mix of people who are just above or just below your status.” she continued, looking sternly.

Charlotte thought about what he had said to her last night and her chest tightened. She needed to speak with him again as soon as possible.

“You need the balance in order to raise your station while still always maintaining superiority over someone.” her grandmother concluded.

“Mother?” Gwyneth Christianson asked, knocking on the door.

The grand duchess gave Charlotte a sharp look, which Charlotte knew meant this discussion was yet another “secret” between the two of them.

“I am spending some quality time with my granddaughter.” Aurora said, with an insincere smile.

Gwyneth opened the door and smiled shyly back at her mother before addressing Charlotte. “Let your grandmother rest now.”

Charlotte tried not to look too excited as she made her way to the door, where Gwyneth was waiting. Aurora glared at them both, uninterested in keeping up appearances at this point. The grand duchess turned her back on them and huffed loudly as they were closing the door.

Charlotte tried not to run as she made her way to the kitchen to find Michael.

Word has reached us of a raid upon a Magincian Trading Co. [NMTC] Caravan last evening.

The Caravan managed to retreat to a defensible position while mercenaries associated with House Freelance and NMTC sparred with raiders. The organization suffered minimal losses in the ensuing melee. Note on the corpses indicate the men were thugs hired to promised a thousand gold for each head brought to their employer. No word on who might be responsible.

This comes right on the heels of the murder of a Magincian citizen.

Lynne Zellinous and the Magincian Council are reported to be investigating the matter and consulting with allies.

Elladan wished me inform Sosarians that the Sacred Rose of Queen Shieba has been returned to the order.

It is unclear how the Councillor recovered the object. I am told the mistress of the order is appreciative of the gesture.

The Sea Witch Tavern in Magincia will be hosting (RP) Tavern Night this week.

No cover charge. Doors open at 8:00 PM PST / 11:00 PM EST. 10GP Witches Brew. 20GP Dragons Blood. Mixed beverages available per request.

Lady Charlotte Christianson lifted her head from the pillow and winced before setting it back down. The headaches were getting worse. She closed her eyes and blindly reached out beside her bed, slowly moving her hand around until she felt the small pewter bowl. Charlotte removed the cloth, which was draped over the side, and dipped it into the cool water. As her stomach lurched, her fist tightened, ringing out the excess liquid. She brought the damp cloth to her face and listened to the rhythmic throbbing of her head.

After several minutes, which seemed like hours, Charlotte reached her hand out again, retrieving a small jar from behind her headboard. She opened it and, using a tiny silver spoon, Charlotte withdrew some of its contents. She brought it to her mouth and swallowed the syrup, greedily licking the spoon until it was clean.

Shortly after, Charlotte sighed with relief as the drug began to work.

Minutes later, she was giggling and slurring what she thought were amusing and profound revelations to her spoon, which she had begun to call “Sil”.