The Westbrooke Express: Special Edition, January 1st, 191 F.T

== DAWN OF A NEW YEAR ==
With the rising of the sun, today, a new year is upon us. And with it, an infinite realm of possibilities opens itself to the Republic of Westbrooke. The world is ripe with opportunity, and to us, the people of the east, this holds true more than ever. The third year of life dawns for this Republic of ours, and so, the Archon, Alheim Cornelius, spoke to a crowd earlier today, saying as follows:
"People of the Republic, Citizen and Non-Citizen alike, I am prouder to serve you now more than ever. This previous year has been full of hardship, and tragedy, but it was also full of hope, and kindness. The shining heart of the Republic glimmers brightly, and to this new year, I shall only hope that it will grow brighter still. I shall keep this speech short, for there is much to do, but I thought it apt that I layout what we promise to accomplish in this new year.
First, we shall finally put an end to the crisis of energy which has held us back for many years now. More than that, we shall ensure electricity is brought to every current settlement of the Republic, from Ieravon to Starcrest, distance from this city matters not. Day or night, our light shall not dim.
Second, we shall offer opportunity for you, Citizens, to make your fortune, with the creation of three new settlements, with which we hope you shall prosper.
Third, we shall crack down on illegal activities, so that all may know that freedom and justice go hand in hand.
Fourth, we shall provide ample amenities to you, the people, so that you will have ample chance to enjoy the lives in which we have been blessed with.
Fifth, we shall greatly extend our internal infrastructure, including the extension of our road system, railways, water-routes, as well as establishing suitable places of respite, and security, along these routes.
Sixth, we shall establish a place of worship for all of the gods of our people, so that all may feel welcome, and know that the gods watch over us all.
All of this and more to come, in what I can only hope will be another beautiful year for us all. I thank you for your hard-work, your spirit, and your dedication, people of the Republic. There is not a man on Farathia more grateful than I. On behalf of the council, I wish you all peace, fortune, and happiness. We shall speak again soon.
=== SILENCE OF THE GODS? ===
All across both Leomoth and Duloris, priests and clerics alike have been troubled by recent events, reporting that their prayers to the gods, often answered directly, seem to have fallen on deft ears. Many are puzzled by this occurrence, and while it seems the divine gifts granted to these people seem to be working as usual, many faithful folk are troubled by this turn of events, with some even going so far as to declare the current clergy to have fallen from the gods favor.
Still, there are some who claim to still hear the words of the gods, though whether this is religious truth, or some sacrilegious scam, is unknown. Even so, priests urge their flocks to remain faithful to the divine, and insist that soon, the voices of the gods will return to the world.
=== A VOTE FOR THORNE IS A VOTE FOR FREEDOM ===
People of the Republic, there is no other candidate for the position of Chief Magister who will uphold the freedom and justice that the Republic was founded upon, other than Janus Thorne. No other candidate knows what it means to suffer under the yoke of magic oppression. Indeed, Mister Thorne famously lost his left eye in battle against one of the terrible demonic beasts summoned during last years attack on the train yard, in an effort to protect the innocent people of the Republic. No other candidate would shed their blood for you, people of Westbrooke. No other candidate has already shed their blood. Janus Thorne promises to never sleep, never rest, until he creates a better Republic, one in which knowledge is free to all, and information is not censored by those with authority. Unlike the previous Chief Magister, Mister Thorne is not in it for profit; he is in it because it is the right thing to do. Remember: Better a thorn at your side, than in your side. 
[This message was paid for by the office of Janus Thorne]
=== AUCTION TO BE HELD ON CROMWELL ISLAND ===
Recently, the office of mercantilism announce that an auction would be held at their headquarters on Cromwell Island, with the date of February 28th marking the occasion. The most notable of events at this gathering will be the auctioning of many of the former possessions of the former Chief Magister, Kistarin Yvris, including parts of her personal library, many magic items, rare reagents, and more. Along with these items, others are welcome to put items of their own up for auction. Participants must submit a fifty dollar entry fee, and are encouraged to wear their finest clothing. Transportation to Cromwell Island will be paid for and supplied by the Republic Government, and ferrying across to the island shall begin at 8am, and last until 12pm.
=== GETTING MARRIED? ===
To you love-struck couples of Westbrooke seeking to finalize your feelings for one another, look no further than Julius Von Parvel of Starcrest, lead Priest of the Church of the Eternal Forge. Julius is sanctioned by the church to officiate weddings in the name of Kaysenant. Pricing is 25 dollars for the ceremony. Julius is a well-acclaimed spiritual leader of the Southern Republic, and would love nothing more than to truly unite you and your future spouse.
=== WANTED: NIGHTINGALE FESTIVAL VANDALS ===
On December 17th, during the most holy day in honor of the God of the Dead, a group of criminals took advantage of the celebration, breaking into multiple peoples homes while the inhabitants were away. The Office of the Archon, and the Office of Religious Affairs both ask any person with knowledge that can lead to the culprits to report to their local Night-Watch station, as soon as possible. Information leading to their arrest will be handsomely rewarded. 
=== SEEKING ABLE-BODIED ADVENTURERS TO LOCATE RARE SPECIMEN ===
Olivia Leondra, renowned botanist, asks for any explorer with a great deal of experience to assist her in locating a particularly rare plant in Eastern-Duloris. If you are interested, she can be found at 55 Crestfall Court, in The Vale district.
=== ARCANISTS CORNER: ARCHWIZARD AMORN ON THE SEA OF STARS ===
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to report that our office was recently visited by Archwizard Amorn, son of Amorn, venerable leader of the International Mages Guild. He spoke with us at great length on the nature of the stars, and the space between, and we are pleased to relay his words to you in this months Arcanist corner. Please, enjoy the lecture.
"Across the unending sky, since the dawn of time, mortal-kind has looked upward, to the stars, for guidance. Whether for artistic inspiration, for navigation, or simple passing of the time, the stars have long since been the muse of our peoples. But, as is the nature of many old things, we have asked for generations: what are the stars, truly? Countless theories have cropped up over the millennia, with some bearing a small morsel of truth, while others are simply ludicrous in their inaccuracy. The Dwarves, for example, once held it to be true that when one died, their spirit would ascend above, and become a star of its own. The Murin once found, and some still find, that the stars are a great array of eyes, perhaps of the gods, perhaps of something else, which pass the time by gazing upon us at night.
The truth, however, is that each star is unique, in its own way. For example, some of the stars have been discovered to be distance suns, countless miles away from us, just as massive as our own, but distorted and shrunk due to distance. On the other hand, other stars are not real objects at all; instead being great swathes of magical force, their origins still unknown. And still, other stars are theorized to be outlets, entrances and exits to this plane of existence, from which we can travel out of, and which otherworldly denizens can travel into.
But what of the vast array of darkness in between the stars? Is it mere void, empty space in which nothing inhabits? Certainly not! This space is what we refer to as the 'Astral Void'. It is a boundless state of existence between reality, a mysterious, and magical place, where the rules of existence differ from how they do here. And it is full of countless objects, man-made and otherwise, which float endlessly between the stars.
Mankind has long since yearned to soar among the stars, though such a prospect is still far from our reach. Still, even now, in a world full of great knowledge and understanding, I find peace in knowing that there are still mysteries to ponder upon, including those which our ancestors wondered of, thousands of generations ago."
We thank Archwizard Amorn for speaking to us. He urges all to practice magic safely, and responsibly, and hopes that we enjoyed his lesson.
=== LETTING THE DAYS GO BY ===
Tired of the monotony of your daily routine? Need a vacation? The scenic waters of the Gulf of Swords beckons you to visit! Take a two-week cruise on one of the finest Steam-Vessels money can buy! The Sidonian Office of Tourism is offering a great deal for this tropical getaway: Only 500 Dollars per ticket. Sail from Vohnenheim to Tamesberg, and back again, while letting your every concern wash away with the water below!