Under Review Found! Ye Olde Smelt Articles

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Humidor 6, Yr. 1726



A Slippery Encounter

By Lace Von Miave

A rather large snake has been seen wandering the Imperium, causing confusion and chaos in its adventurings. The latest sighting was in the Insansely Rich Area on FlaggaTruffle Avenue.

The trespassing reptile intruded upon the sprawling estate of one Madame Trouseirre, a lovely, elderly, filthy rich ratess of high stature in the community. Alas, we were unable to interview Madame Trouseirre directly, but we did have a few words with her Butler, who also encountered the snake.

Madame had just returned from her day in the Insanely Elite Market, where she was buying SnobblyChops, a rare delicacy. Yes, they are simply heavenly, with bits of hazelnut cheese and tasty morsels of raspberry jam. Shnufflecrunchschnaaarrf. Delicious! Ahem.

According to the Butler, Madame Trouseirre happened upon the reptile as she entered her grand marble bathroom, saying that she was drawn to the room by the bubbles seeping out from under the door, and the strong smell of lavender in the air.

Upon opening the door she was stunned to find thick walls of fluffy purple bubbles rising from the stone floors to the vaulted ceilings, overflowing from her white, marble bathtub.

In the midst of the soapy clouds was a large snake reclining contentedly, and smelling suspiciously of her personal supply of bubbling lavender soap. The intruder had somehow donned the Madame's muffin cap and was happily dining on scrumptious wheat crackers.

At the ratess's terrified squeak the intruder fled the bathroom and slipped down the curved staircase, trailing bubbly bath water and cracker crumbs in its wake. Still wearing the Madame's muffin cap with little strings a-swaying, it startled the Butler who had just entered via the front door. At the Butler's shriek of protest, the snake slithered its way out of the mansion and onto the lawn where it was promptly lost from sight.

The Madame of the estate was too disturbed to relive the traumatic event, although she managed to say how devastated she was, mourning the loss of her muffin cap and lavendar bubble soap. She claims that the 'thieving reptile' tipped the entire glass bottle of crushed lavender petal soap into the bathtub, causing at least 20,000 gilders worth of damage.

Madame Trouseirre has now recovered from the shock of such a horrid experience, and is perusing the Elite Market in search of yet another bottle of lavender bubble soap.

Needless to say the intruder has not been apprehended, and is still at large.

It appears to be a large reptile, stretching five feet long with green and brown markings, and a pink forked tongue. The snake appears bewildered; still wearing the Madame's cap and covered in frothy bubbles it is assuming the identity of a slithering purple bubble shrub. If you have seen this beast please contact your local Fogeys immediately.

Reporting from FlaggaTruffle Ave, this is Lace Von Miave. Good day.


Meatier What?!

By Nairet Hrev

A wild mob attacked a building earlier this week, armed with torches, pitchforks, and other Various Pointy and Dangerous Implements. What could possibly have possessed the normally sane... well, at least semi-sane citizens of Bully Harbor to attack this seemingly innocent building? To find out, I took it upon myself to investigate the entire event: Who were the attackers and attacked? What is (or was, if the inhabitants have any sense) the purpose of the building?

Well dear Smelt readers, I have found out the answers to all these questions. As it turns out, the target of the riot was the headquarters of the Weatherbeast's Guild, also known as the Meatier Ology Department, though I was not able to find out what an ology was. (Every time I asked, the weatherbeasts just looked at me like I had lost my head.) Now, upon finding out the use of the building and the occupation of the beasts inside I found myself in a rather confused state. They seemed innocent enough. The statements I got from several of the beasts inside only helped this position, as was to be expected. Here are a few quotes.

"All we do is tell the beasts out there what the weather's supposed t' be doing. It's not our fault if we're wrong sometimes!"

"Blasted seabeasts... wantin' t' put me up as a wind sock. ME!!!"

"A what? Yer out of yer mind, miss. There ain't no such thing as an "ology." Kids these days. What do they teach 'em?"

"Why? WHY?!? They have no reason. That's why they're sailing. Anybeast insane enough t' go out there on th' sea in a wooden tub is insane enough t' do anything. Anything...."

After learning the victims side of the story, I left to find some members of the mob itself to see if they could give me a more definitive answer as to the cause of the attack.

The first creature I met told me this:

"Well, they didn' tell us wot we needed ter know fer easy sailin', an' we were... er... protestin'!" When asked about the mysterious "ology," he explained thusly: "Isn' that wot we do fer a dead beast b'fore we sends 'im off t' Davey Jones?"

The next few beasts I met looked like they were about to rip me apart with their bare claws as soon as I mention the words “mob,” “riot,” or “weather.” I ended up running aboard one of the great ships that were docked at the time, not realizing then that there were probably more of the unfriendly sailors there than in the streets. However, I was lucky and got several good answers from the beasts there and the other three ships.

One beast on the Skeered told me this:

"If'n a beast endangers our lives, we're bound t' react." At this point she gave me a rather frightening smile and I moved off rather too quickly for me to either catch her name or retain my dignity.

Another beast, one Crimson Vixen by name, on that same ship gave me this answer:

"Aaargh! The scabpawed wedder beasties tol' us it'd be stormy! Roarin' 'Gates! They perdicted it'd rain crabs n' cockleshells. 'Stead twas sunny, liddle ol' yellow beamies comin' down jest as harpy as yer please! Wedder beasties, harr harr, fishbait thass wot they be! Carve 'em all ter bits, wot I says... Oi! Don' ye hog the grog mate, pass it o'er!"

After that, I found myself on the Glory, where I gleaned this bit of information from lizardess Kreelen Gao:

"Well! I think we had a right to riot, we ran the ship into rocks! If not for a quick crew we'd have sunk! Hmph. All the Glorybeasts had to help get the water out of the hull, 'cause that's where the rocks hit the ship. It took forever. Everybeast was complaining. And the weather beasts didn't even apologize. That's what made me angry, as if running holes into the ship and bucket-by-bucket getting water out of the hull and we couldn't even get an apology.

Anyway, the riot got pretty bad. Beasts started to throw rocks at windows trying to break in, but the weather beasts boarded them shut. Then they tried to sneak out the back to get help from the Guard. But a couple beasts caught two of them. The others ran back inside. The captured ones they made go fix the holes better."

From there I wend to the BlackShip, where a second fox, Arokk Garrason, told me what he thought of the situation:

"Huh, those laggards, those meatyoroloicik type beasts, what ever you call them. Serves them right for what they done. You know how they randomly guess at the weather and expect us to believe it? Well you will never believe what they did.

We were to set sail, but some of the more wiser types warned us against it, because o' th' black clouds. The Captain prepares for a wait... But some random beastie goes quoting the forkcast, saying that the "Profeshinals" said that today was to be a three percent chance of being all warm and cloud-less. Then as soon as we pull out, an huge wind smashes us against the rocks.

So the majority of the crews stormed the station.

Ya quote me if you want, it will be good for "Those ones" to know what’s coming to them if they ever set a paw outside again."

Lastly, I set paw on the Hide, where Ireana Poysonar was kind enough to enlighten me to this fact:

"I don't see why everyone's so concerned about a weather station. Sure, those beasts’ weather reports made the captains decide to drive the ships right into an awful storm, but how were they to know for sure what the weather would be like? I don't see how a common beast can know for sure the weather. That's up to the Dragons that rule the sky is it not?"

In short, it would seem that the creatures of the Weatherbeast's Guild made one too many mistakes when giving their predictions. Perhaps the last straw was the fact that it was the day of a funeral (if that is indeed what is meant by the "ology".) Whatever the reason, though, this angered the navybeasts and they came to "explain" the proper way of doing things to the weatherbeasts. Or maybe they just did their best, and there is no other choice.

This is Nairet Hrev, out.

The Once And Future Kreehold

By Marscapone, Kreehold Accountant

There is a change in the Kreehold, and it is for the better. The previous Captain, Keinruf Wright, has been missing since the Mayor declared martial law. It is believed that he is hiding outside of Bully Harbour in the surrounding countryside. The Mistress of Torture, Leite Kiefer, has also vanished. With their absence, the new Minister of Commerce, Harisar Vernum, has taken over the Kreehold, removing both marten's status from the ranks.

Years ago, the Kreehold were a pirating force of mercenaries, with sailing ships of their own, and hundreds of beasts. They were destroyed completely in 1723, during the time known to some as "The Original Coup". In 1725, they were revived as a smaller mercenary group, headed by Dead Eye Trueflight and under control of Varen Verdeloth and charged with collecting taxes. The deaths of both Varen and Dead Eye found the Kreehold under the command of Keinruf Wright, who disbanded the mercenaries from the Ministry of Commerce (the MinoComm at the time being Calria Eagle, former Captain of the BlackShip.)

As pirates, the Kreehold were feared. Under Trueflight, they were simply hated. Under Wright, they were shamed.

Wright, being the former Master of Torture, was precisely the wrong beast to lead the Kreehold. No longer mercenaries, they became yet another stuck-up gang of criminals wandering the streets and causing havoc for the Stoatorian Guard and the Mayor's Fogeys alike.

The new Kreehold Captain is Tess Darkstar, also Cook on the BlackShip - under such a beast, what will the Kreehold become? Though I have yet to meet miss Darkstar, I have heard many tales of her honourable nature from her fellow crewbeasts; indeed, Darkstar is claimed to be a pleasant personality, with many morals, manners and more valour than the current MinoWar. Her pet bird is also noted as being "Handsome" - this I find to be true, for the crewbeasts I interviewed put a paw on their ear in reverence while mentioning his name (Cardigan.)

Harisar Vernum has lavished the Kreehold with Ministry funds - they now have new uniforms, a revised ranking system, and their barracks is currently under renovation to reflect the changes in both the command and the nature of the mercenaries. Vernum is a wise and charming businessbeast, not one to waste a gilder in hare-brained profiteering schemes. His interest in the Kreehold is a sign that they are not the scum they were before, but a worthwhile investment for the entire Imperium.

With such a team leading them, the Kreehold's reputation has shattered, and a new one will rise to take its place, one which must not - can not - be compared to their previous one - the glory of the Kreehold's future would obscure the darkness of their past. I beseech the Citizens of the Imperium to cast aside their old views, and to look forwards to a brighter future for us all.​


Dear Torl (Seventh Edition)

By Torl Wafflepaw

Dear Torl, I have recently acquired a pet octopus, named Inky. He attempts to climb in bed with me, and gets the sheets all sticky. I can't figure out what to do. Can you give me any tips on training him? I made him a box to sleep in, but he always gets out, so I need to train him. Sincerely ~ Octopi Rule

Dear Octopi, I used to have one when I was a little kit, so I consider myself something of an expert on these creatures. The common octopus is closely related to the closet monster, known as the Dark Forbidding Tentacles, which of course everybeast knows exist. My parents tried telling me my octopus needed some sort of basin of water to live in, since they are sea-creatures; but I knew better. I stuck my octopus into the closet so it could keep the Dark Forbidding Tentacles company. They eloped that very night, and I never saw either one again. My guess was that they didn't want to stick around in my closet, because a day or so later something inside really started smelling. So you see, your octopus is perfectly trained-- he's just lonely, and wants a companion at night, when everything's so dark and scary!

Dear Torl, I have a very moody kit, that won't eat her peas or spinach. She only wants candied chestnuts and scones. But I don't want her to grow up looking like a barrel! I've tried everything from forcing her to eat them (she spit them back in my face, though), to making spinach-flavored scones. What should I do? ~ Mother in Trouble

Dear Mother, I'm really sorry I was such a bad son, and I hope you can for-- oh. You're not my Mother! My mother let me eat candied chestnuts and scones all the time, when she wasn't feeding me other sweetmeats. You, on the other paw, are a horrible parent. Peas! Spinach! What are you, some sort of mouse? The Stoatorian Guard will be notified of this! I'm sure it's in the books, somewhere... "Sect 9, Artcl 1, Clause 12: Feeding vegetables to kits is seen as Torture, Imprisonment and Really Bad Parenting, and is punishable by..."

Dear Torl, I'm hungry. Can I eat the Mayor? Please? Or ... or Hubert? Please? Can I eat you? Please? I'm so hungry! I want food! Give me food! Give me the ex-MinoWar to eat - he's not doing much at the moment, just hanging around wasting gilders! Roast Kenshin? Please? - Starving

Dear Starving, your plight is pitiable and understandable, but at the same time, none of my concern. You want food, you don't write to an advice columnist (though that is indeed what you did so that advice is too late.) But here's my advice for you: Why do beasts have tails? Hint: Emergency rations!

Dear Torl, I... er... have a bit of a problem. I found a Missertross gull lying dead outside my door. I didn't kill it, but it's most certainly... dead. I looked at the ring around it's leg, and it says it belongs to the Ministry of War. Am I going to be in trouble? I've heard things about the MinoWar... something about pyromania? I didn't do anything! The silly bird just chose that place to die! ~ Worried For My Tail

Dear Worried, the Inexplicably Deceased Missertross Gull is taken by most beasts, myself included, as a sign of something to come; an omen, if you prefer. What does this omen say of your future? Very little. But beasts in Tookumberry may be surprised by snow, hail, kipper, and perhaps various kinds of eiderdown and bits of the Ministry of Commerce falling from the sky in-- and this is just my estimation-- twenty Imperial years. As for the bird, why complain about free dinner? The MinoWar cares very much for the well-being of the Imperium's citizens. Do not disappoint her by refusing her gift. And if it's not a gift, who knows? Maybe she wanted the bird dead anyhow. Maybe it had cholera.

The Grand Scheme of Crime, an Outlook

By The Ferret

TF: Here's an exclusive interview with one of Bully Harbour's own, Grolly Jeevers. Grolly, tell me, what role did you play? Fogey? Innocent citizen? Different faction member? Or, one of those poor, not so innocent, hunted down beast of crime?

GJ: Well, see, Ah've committed a few crimes now an' then. Ah jus' work o'er at th' docks. 'ey, where’s my grog? Ah was told Ah'd get some.

TF: Later, later. I promise. Now, tell me, what did the Fogeys do to you?

GJ: Well, they weren't really 'appy. The yelled at me t' stop what Ah was doin'…

TF: Just what were you doing?

GJ: Well, Ah was takin' my pay. Y'know, Ah'd helped this little beastie move 'er thin's t' a different ship, but she wouldn't pay me! So Ah stole 'er sword. She started t' cry an' yell. That’s when th' Fogeys came over.

TF: What did they do to you?

GJ: Well, one 'it me o'er th' head with a club. Then they took my sword, which was better then the little beastie Ah took it from, an' gave it to 'er along with 'er own sword.

TF: Did they arrest you?

GJ: Well, they tried t'. Bein' uncon- unconci- un- knocked out y' really can't do t' much t' keep them from bein' arrested.

TF: What were the cells like?

GJ: Dark an' dirty an' scary. There were scary lookin' beasties that must've committed big crimes like, like murder.

TF: But you're out of jail, right?

GJ: Me buddy Savvy Ovver's bailed me out. But those Fogey types made me apologize t' th' beastie Ah took th' sword from.

TF: Well, this wasn't really as informative as I hoped it would be. Grolly, your grog's in the kitchen.

GJ: Thankee miss!

TF: Well, I'll give the folks what I know, because this article is supposed to tell you about the Martial Law and such.

Well, esteemed Gordon Freemont, husband to Captain Nouri, declared Martial Law over the city and sent his Fogeys out to get rid of all crime. Things didn't go well and all the Trenches got set on fire. Ships were sent out into the water to deliver water to extinguish the flames. Many beasts were left homeless. A group of Fogeys went into the Imperial

And! The Grace his Emperor came into the city for a record five minutes. We should all rejoice having him graced us with his presence.

This week's tidbit: The Loch Ness monster (as seen in the Bugs Issue) has not been seen. Swimming is now safe.​
 
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Macabre 26, Yr. 1726


An Interview with the Emperor's Right Shoe


By Nicholas Snider

Nicholas Snider: "We still haven't quite figured out what a camera is, but we know it has something to do with a black box that steals your sole. Why anybeast would want just a sole instead of the whole shoe, we aren't quite sure, but there you are! On that same tangent... this time we've procured an exclusive interview with the Emperor's Right Shoe. So, how are you doing, sir?"

Right Shoe: "Squeak-squeaker-squeakin'! Squeakity-squeak-squeak."

N. Snider: "Pardon me just a moment, I don't speak bootinese. We've our lovely translator here, Miss Veronica Kelley, though."

V. Kelley: "Shall I, then? Mr. Shoe expresses his deep gratitude for being able to appear this evening. He's been feeling out of sorts lately due to the Emperor buying a new set of clogs."

N. Snider: "Clogs, really? Dreadful things if you ask me."

R. Shoe: "Squeaker-squeak."

V. Kelley: "He agrees heartily."

N. Snider: "Wooden?"

R. Shoe: "Squeaky...!"

V. Kelley: "Ehem! He...er...he says 'Yes.' Nothing else. Just 'yes!'"

N. Snider: "...Right. Moving on. What's an average day for you?"

R. Shoe: For the sake of the readers, we of the Smelt feel it best to simply go straight to translation for the remainder of the Mr. R. Shoe’s responses as some are rather drawn out.

V. Kelley: “-Well, I start every morning with a polish bath. You must know that royal shoes have a duty to look their best, even when not put to proper use. Squeaker-squeak-squeakit.* After that, I like to spend an hour or two by the pool just enjoying the sun. Next, I attend a few lectures with other footgear from around the Imperium. Minister Sleet's Left Boot held a particularly riveting discussion on the effects of revolution on the greater Bully Harbor area.-

"-After, I take a late lunch with the other shoes in the Emperor's closet and we discuss our academic pursuits. I'm currently researching the relationship between criminal organization and free trade within the Imperium.-"

N. Snider: "My! You've a full schedule, to be sure. How is it you find enough hours in the day to get everything done?"

V. Kelley: "-Well, unfortunately, I don't. We're having Minister Arbach look into creating a time machine of sorts fueled by liquorices. Very promising.-"

N. Snider: "You don't say? A time machine? There's a trick. Any way our readers might be able to view your research once it's finished?"

V. Kelley: "-I'll be publishing a few articles in The Academic Shoe and possibly combining my essays into a book tentatively entitled Giving a Boot to Crime in the Imperium.-"

N. Snider: "Brilliant! Well, friends, you've read it here! Be on the look out for Mr. Shoe's work in the near future in one of the most respected Boot Journals of the Imperium. Be on the look out for our next interview with some of most interesting individuals and groups to grace our fair Imperium. I'm Nicholas Snider. Good night and good luck!"

* Ms. Kelley assures me that she was not able to adequately translate this sentence.

Dear Torl (Eighth Edition)

By Torl Wafflepaw

Dear Torl, Why don't you ever write to me? I have to submit to the Smelt just to talk with you, Torl! Why can't you be more like your brother, John? He's in Amarone as an Imperial Guard! Sincerely ~ Mama Wafflepaw

Dear Mama, John died of soap poisoning in 1719. He's actually in the Imperial Graveyard now, his bones no doubt jumbled up with a hundred other Guards. I'm sorry I haven't been very communicative, but it's hard when you're chained to a desk all your waking hours. I've tried to hide a message inside all my articles for you, but nobeast's been able to crack it yet, apparently. Thank you for the carrot cake enclosed inside your letter. I threw it at the Smelt Editor when she came by yesterday. Most fun I've had since joining the Kreehold.

Dear Torl, Will You Marry me? Sincerely ~ Crushing

Dear Crushing, No. I don't know you, I sincerely doubt you really know me, and I like my wives to be not so violent - I don't want to be flattened by your "crushing".

Dear Torl, Who are you?

Dear Anyonymouse, I don't know anymore. If you ever find out, let me know.

Dear Torl, I'm your Number One Fan, Torl! I've organised a Torl Fanclub, do you want to join?
Dear ... Torl Fanclub Organiser, No. You lot sound like you're in need of some of that stuff, in your heads, you know, all pink and bubbly (there are some good pictures of the stuff I'm talking about in the Imperial Museum in the "War" gallery.) You probably don't even know how to have a good time.

Dear Readers, You seem to be forgetting this is an advice column. I will no longer be taking idiotic questions. Unless they're idiotic questions that I can answer in a helpful way. Requests for marriage, etc, will henceforth be ignored. Mum, I do have a postebox in the Smelt's Main Offices if you want to send more carrot cake. Here's the sort of question my column is meant for:


Dear Torl, My mother has been pushing at me for some time now to join the Imperial Navy. She says it will be good for me, and that I will enjoy it since I have always been quite interested in adventure. There's just one thing: Being in the Navy involves being on a ship, which in turn necessitates being on the water. I'm terrified of water. I get all weak kneed and faint merely stepping onto the dock or even the beach. But my parents still want me to join. Is there any way to either cure me or get my parents to let up? ~ Aquaphobe

Dear Aquaphobe, What sort of name is that? Your parents must be real herring-heads to have named you that. I pity you, I truly do. If you just want your parents to let up, you could always kill them. This works best, although you might have some relatives and lawbeasts harping on you after. Otherwise you might try getting them to join first, to see what it's like and make sure it's a good carreer option for their son, or daughter, or whatever you are. Navy ships are out at sea for weeks on end - auction off their house and sell their belongings while they're away, change your name (for Mar'kan's sake) and woosh! They'll never bother you again. Also, you should drink water at least once a month or you'll die.
A Tail of Death Pt I

By Nairet Hrev

Beware, all ye good Imperium beasts. A new terror lurks in the harbor. There is someone, or something waiting for any and all unsuspecting beasts. There's something's rotten in the state of Vulpinsula. I, at the risk of life and limb, have searched the city for news of this strange horror that, up until now, was nothing more than another myth or legend that beasts have no more reason to believe than the fact that there is a giant, stoat-eating crab aboard the Glory. And he's blue, to boot. (Right, bad example.) Or perhaps no more reason to believe than the rumors of a beast eating tree in the forest between Bully Harbor and Amarone. But this is different.

Very different.

Why, you ask? Because it is true. In the recent months, there have been reports of, most importantly, missing tails, mostly by beasts aboard his Majesty's ship the Skeered of Nothing. There have been whispers in the darker corners of the Bilge on stormy nights of a vicious creature with glowing eyes and a sharp knife aboard that very same ship. There have been rumors on the streets of a beast, or the ghost of a beast, with a very bad attitude lurking in the Mess, waiting for any unsuspecting crewbeasts.

But what is this thing? Can it possibly be real? On what facts is it based on, for surely, even if it is only a myth or legend, it must possess some grounding in truth, if ever so slight.

My good beasts of Bully Harbor, readers of the Saturday Evening Smelt: I have discovered the truth. There was a bad-tempered beast that remained, lurking, in the galley of the Skeered of Nothing for quite some time. Let me tell you the story, along with several details filled in by myself for clarity's sake.

On one bright autumnal morning that is now shrouded by mystery and the mists of time (about a year's worth, to tell the truth), a certain beast was given that honor filled position of cook aboard the ship in question. Slowly, ever so slowly, the daily grind of churning out meal after meal for the demanding crew took its toll on her friendly spirit, and little by little, she became a much angrier beast.

The crew would no longer loiter in the Mess before and after every meal. Instead, they did their best to spend the least time there as possible, so as to better avoid the angry eyes of the cook and any damage that may have come to their precious selves should they dare provoke her wrath. But still, despite the fact that the crew did their best to make her job as easy as possible, the cook's feelings towards them only got worse and worse, until they came to a head one night...​
A Tail of Death Pt II

By Nairet Hrev

Several days before the incident I am about to speak of, a beast set paw on the Skeered: a raw new recruit of the type that made the other, more experienced beasts of the Navy understand so much better why such beasts' rank was officially Decoy (Recruit). This beast was a fox of... average fox-ness, with very little setting him apart from your quintessential fox. However, his personality left much to be desired. His crewmates have told me that no matter what they said and how much advice he was given, he paid them absolutely no heed.

With this in mind, read on, though be prepared for the worst. All legends are based in facts, as I have said, and more often than not these facts are of the distracting-bordering-on-gruesome sort.

The night of the "incident" seemed to be like any other night. All the crew was sleeping save for the droopy eyed beasts given the cruel and unusual duty of the night watch, the ship was rocking gently on the waves, and all seemed as peaceful as anybeast would expect.

But not all of the crew was as asleep as was expected. In fact, the new recruit just spoken of had just slipped out of his hammock and onto the creaking wooden floor, intent on sneaking into the galley and performing a quick pilfering operation. Unfortunately for him, the cook had found herself striken by a vicious bout of insomnia, and was even now sitting, lurking even, in a corner of the very same galley the fox's heart was fixed on.

The cook heard his steps... the cook heard the door tentatively pushed open by the would be thief... the cook's eyes burned like twin blue beacons in the night as they watched him for the perfect time to give him his dues. She watched as he stepped lightly over to the newly stocked pantry and opened the door with a quiet creak. She waited, biding her time until the very second the unfortunate vulpine's paw touched the slightest crumb of her stores...

And then he did.

What happened next was even enough to chill my unperturbable hide. The cook jumped from her darkened corner, her paws clenched tightly about a carving knife of epic proportions. The poor would-be thief turned and backed up several steps, only to find himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, or more appropriately, a wall and a murderous cook. The cook raised her knife and brought it down...

The next morning there was no sign of the fox, but several beasts on the docks claim to have seen a shadowy figure bolt from the ship with a small knapsack tossed over his shoulders and a yelp in his mouth. On the ship itself, life seemed to continue as normal, though the soup that was served for breakfast seemed to have an unusual amount of red fur in it, and the crewbeasts did not dare ask the cook what kind it was.

So, the moral of this story is to never go lurking about and thieving in the galley, lest the cook is there and you lose your tail to a soup. That, and beware of cooks with knives. They may very likely turn into tail stealing, soup making fiends. If you happen to be on a ship with a cook like this, please take my advice: Go to your nearest general store, pick up a pitchfork and a torch, and get your friends to do the same.

Article of Wub

By Toby Scabear
In the midst of Bully Harbour events, there is an underlining layer of madness over everything. It fogs beast's minds and puts many into the most dangerous realms of the Imperium where there may be no escape from. This madness seeps into the dank soul of Imperium beasts before they even know its there. By the time they realize its existence, it is too late.

Wub is a sneaky beast.

The Stoatarian Guard has been recently debated on instigating a policy to slam a paw down on blatant acts of muzzelnuzzling, pawholding, olfactory overuse, and wubbing, put together in the collective term: BAMPOW. Tailstroking, licking, furmussing, footpawrubbing, whiskertweaking, and other public displays of wub also fall under the category of BAMPOW. This turn of events is due to the public outcry of innocent witnesses to the effects of wub.

"It is disturbing and unsanitary," one vixen exclaimed about a scene of two weasels muzzlenuzzling, "Why can't beasts just maim each other in public like the good ol' days?"

These acts have been said to be unnecessary and have been rumored to cause both physical and psychological pain in witnesses (though studies show that about 73% of Bully Harbour is already mentally defunct so the latter effect is not thought to be anything worth fretting about).

"AGH! ME EYES BURN!" one rat commented to one of the more blatant displays that happened, in the moonlight, on the docks, a fiddler fox nearby, a plate of pasta, both ferrets eating the same noodle, muzzles coming closer and closer until... "OH, THE RODENTITY!" the rat then screamed, writhing about in pain.

Still, there are some that hold resentment against the negative reaction against BAMPOW.

"Everybeast has a right to show wub to another, whether in public or not," an upstanding female ferret said, "And I'll drown the beast in 'Tinge who says otherwise."

Research shows that it may not be anybeasts fault for BAMPOW, as it could be an unwitting mistake. Wub has been shown to turn the average beast's heart to goo, so that they do not have the mental capabilities to care if anybeast witnesses their displays of wub. It has been also found that nuzzling is good in increasing maw morale.

However, the question remains, should BAMPOW be restricted or supported? The fate of Bully Harbor hinges on the answer.

Either way, it is certain, nobeast can stop the wub.​
 
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Notempre 29, Yr. 1726

Ye New Craze

By Vladimir Ullyanov


A new craze has been sweeping Bully Harbour this month of Notempre. Beasts from all over our great city have been neglecting their jobs, locking themselves away from their families and friends and buying up almost the entire harbour’s supply of paper, pens and ink!

What is this new obsession sweeping our citizens? We sent a reporter in to find out, but the last we heard of him he was queuing up to buy a pen. So we sent in another one, this time one who had his own.

So, we asked again, what do they call this craze? Novel writing. Ever since some unknown beast decided that on the first day of Notempre to sit down and write something called a ‘novel’, more and more citizens have decided to do the same. The effects of this dangerous obsession are starting to become apparent. The profits of the Bilge in the Bucket are down by almost a quarter, many shops and businesses sit closed and unattended and the Navy is reporting increasing numbers of crewbeasts going Absent Without Leave. We put this situation to a representative of the Ministry of Commerce.

"I urge anybeast who is thinking of trying this novel thing to reconsider." Said the representative, "This dangerous craze is damaging the economy of the whole Imperium. More and more shops are changing what they sell and are becoming paper merchants. This is obviously a bad thing, as paper really doesn’t taste very good."

Meanwhile, although more and more stationery shops are springing up overnight, a shortage of paper is now being reported. Worried citizens are being urged to remove ink from old sheets and reuse them. Just don’t try and lick the Smelt. The last beast who tried that hasn’t regained consciousness yet.

Clearly this novel writing is highly dangerous, and we implore His Imperial Highness, and his Ministers, to work on some solution before the whole Imperium vanishes under a mountain of novels!


Dear Torl

By Torl Wafflepaw


Dear Torl, My son's feeling very cold this morning, and won't react to what I say!!! I fed him his favorite food last night, raw fish! Can you tell me why he won't move? Sincerely, ~ A Concerned Parent

Dear A, I honestly do not what could be the problem with your son. Did you make sure the fish was properly ungutted, and give him a glass of seawater to drink as well? Most importantly, check your pantry for any vegetables. If one got in his food, I'm afraid it will be very bad. If the fish itself ate a vegetable, then it's simply too late. I'm sorry. Except I'm not.

Dear Torl, My mom fed me the yuckiest fish last night. So I played dead this morning. Should I keep playing dead? Sincerely, ~ Raw Fish Is Not My Favorite Food

Yes, you should keep playing dead. Your mother sounds horrible. And keep playing dead when they put you in this big wooden bed with high sides, and even when they put the lid on. Don't stop there, or they'll find out you're alive and feed you more fish until you do die! You must keep pretending you're dead until you hear dirt being shoveled onto the lid of your new bed. Even then, you must wait two days before coming out, because they do this just to trick you into thinking they've buried you in the graveyard and have forgotten about you. If you come out too early they'll just laugh and you'll have to do it all over again. Remember to hold your breath.

Dear Torl, I am a caring, kind gentlebeast aboard The Golden Hide. I came aboard specifically to help beasts work out all those pent up feelings they seemed to have. But they won't talk to me about them! In fact, navybeasts don't even hug! Why is that? Any advice would be most appreciated. ~ Furry Bundle of Love

Dear Agent of Vulpu - Furry, Leave us alone! Why can't you just leave us in peace? Nobeast wants to talk about their "feelings", or ... dear Mar'kan ... hug. Quit this crusade and go back to the dark depths from whence thou came, foul beast! If beasts want to seek help for their problems, they'll write to an advice column!

Dear Torl, Who is IronPaw Skarblade? ~ Curious

Dear Curious, He'll let you know when you least expect it. Wear padded clothing and keep your gilder wallet in plain sight if you're impatient to find out. You might not see him, but you may catch sight of one or two of his little helpers, if you're a good little... whatever you are.

Dear Torl, I'm afraid of heights, but my Captain insists on putting me as lookout. What can I do? ~ Quivering In the Crowsnest

Dear Quivering, You can do a variety of things, such as squawk like a Missertross gull, yell loudly at unMar'kanly hours, and shout "Land ho!" at every passing cloud. The downside of acting like this is that your Captain will cease putting you as lookout. The benefit is that you'll get free room and board at Madame Sophie's House for the Observed as Uncommonly Schizophrenic Eccentric, or HOUSE. I hear one of the tenants gnaws your footpaws in the wee hours of the morning. Hoping to see you in the news! ~ Torl Wafflepaw



Paper shortage hits Ye Smelt!

By Mortimer de Vichiers


As you may have noticed from our other article, and from the date at the top of this, the latest edition of the Smelt, it is slightly delayed. We sent another of our intrepid reporters, armed with only his wits, a bit of charcoal and a small plank of wood to the editor's office to find out what's been going on.

Unfortunatley the Editor was found standing guard over a filing cabinet with a crossbow shouting "Ye'll never get me precious paper!" and our reporter was forced to retreat with only minor injuries.

Yes readers, the paper shortage is biting. The only benefits seem to be that the beasts known as Aides-de-Camp have had more time to get on with proper seabeast activites rather than all that messing around with paper.

Evening classes on how to chisel messages in lumps of rock are reported to be starting soon, contact your nearest Ministry of Niceties representative for details.

Ye Twelve Steppe Guide to ye Burglar-Proofing offe Ye Store

By Nairet Hrev


Any store owner who has set up his business in our fair city of Bully Harbor know that the most dangerous and preeminent form of danger to their enterprise is theft. Granted, there is a great deal of murder plaguing the town as well, but most respectable beasts are more or less immune to this. Assuming they can wield a weapon, of course.

"But!" you say, "But if they can wield a sword and protect their lives, why can't they protect their stores?" The answer is quite simple: your life is with you wherever you go. Your store, and the valuable goods inside of it, are not. As soon as you leave to run off some vagabond who has marked your store as a hopefully lucrative prospect, another rascal with exactly the same thought in mind is free to wander in and make off with whatever s/he can get his/her grubby paws on.

As you can imagine, this means that quite a few shop owners have found, upon their victorious (or so they thought) return from chasing off one problem, that their shop has been looted anyways. But what can you do?

Well, first of all, there is one fool-proof method to not having your precious store burgled. There is a hundred percent guarantee that, if you follow just this first step, you will never, ever have to deal with a robbery in your store. And not even attempted ones!

"Refrain from existing as the supercilious proprietor of an emporium," or in other words: "Don't own a store!"

Yes! That's it! That's all! Just don't bend to the desire of wanting to be known as one of Bully Harbor's best places to buy things of all sorts! Instead, join the Navy! The pay is much more constant for one thing, and if you live on the ship, the number of beasts who could steal your possessions is much smaller, and the number of beasts who would is often minuscule unto non-existence. After all, if your Gilders are kept on your person, the only things left in your bunk to steal would be, frankly, unwanted by anybeast other than you.

Unfortunately, if everybeast followed this first step, there would be no one left to supply all of Bully Harbor. So, for the rest of you kind-hearted and self sacrificing beasts, come back next time to hear how (or at least how to start) burglar-proofing your existing shop.​
 
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Primary 14, Yr. 1727

Ye Second Steppe to the Burglar-Proofing offe Ye Store

By Nairet Hrev


Spender Cielciosk's Nameday To Be Held at Captain Vulpera Cielciosk's House in 4273 Cordwood, Zann's Backyard.


[Jeshal's note: The above nameday declaration originally interrupted every article in this edition. Unknown if printing error or important party.]

As we stated before, theft is the biggest problem for Bouillabaisse Harbor shop owners. Assuming that you, as a store owner, can and do protect yourself, the reason you are still stolen from is probably because you can't be in your store at all times. At night, this is for obvious reasons. However, during the day, you may also be called out for various reasons, such as running off a would be burglar, a burglar-who-is-really-only-distracting-you, or perhaps just getting something to eat.

The second method to not having your store robbed is just as simple as the first, albeit a touch more expensive: Hire a guard. Preferably not the cheapest vagabond mercenary you can find off the road, because even though his initial price is the lowest, the cost in the end will be much higher. However, keep in mind that a beast who's initial price is high is just as able to swindle you, though there is (at least I hope) a much lower percentage of this sort of beast.

And you can never be too careful, either. Be sure to put all of your most valuable merchandise behind lock and key, and if you happen to be selling real estate, especially put your keys behind lock and key. Just think of all the trouble that would be caused should your guard get any ideas!

Also, when hiring a guard, makes sure that a) they don't hold a grudge against you, and that b) they are not currently hired by someone who holds a grudge against you. If the first is the case, there is little (probably nothing) that you can do to make this be a good situation. However, if the second is the case, see if you can find out how much the other employer is paying and top it if you are able. That way, if the other employer (the one who had the grudge against you) had ordered the guard to steal/wreck your merchandise, said guard is that much less likely.

Though in all honesty, I'd avoid either case.

One other note on protecting your goods from the hired protector... it is always a good bet to invest in a safe for at least the smaller of your valuable goods. Or keys. Or Gilders. As far as I know, most weapons will not be able to break through several inches of solid metal in order to get to the choice items inside. Just, as always, make sure that neither the manufacturer nor the seller of said safe have a grudge against you. A sabotaged safe or one that has been fiddled with by unfriendly paws will do you no good.

Until next time, here's hoping this does you poor abused shop owners some good. This is Nairet Hrev, out.

The Smelting Corner

By Nadya Volimova



Wherein our reporter "extracts" information by putting her interviewees on the "hot seat".

Yes, dear readers, the Smelting Corner has returned once again. This time, we managed to get an appointment to talk with the newly appointed Minister of Misanthropy, one Vladimir L. Ullyanov. Most all of Bully Harbor, not to mention the whole Imperium, wonders what exactly the Ministry of Misanthropy does. Well, we asked Minister Ullyanov himself, to find out, straight from the source.

Nadya: Good afternoon, Minister. How very gracious of you to give us some of your very valuable time.

Vladimir: Not at all, always a pleasure dealing with the press...

Nadya: Yes, I'm quite sure. I do realize that your time is limited, however, so shall we begin?

Vladimir: Of course.

N.: Well, as with everyone, let's start from beginning: how long have you been in the Imperium?

V.: [Thinks] I arrived sometime late in 1724 I think. Whenever it was, I quickly found myself aboard the Skeered of Nothing as a lowly deckhand.

N.: So you truly had to work your way from the bottom up. And in just over two years? That's quite an accomplishment.

V.: [Laughs] Just shows how much opportunity there is in the Imperium, if you know where to look. I was fortunate in my first few months on the Skeered though, attracting the Captain's attention I found myself as ship's Bosun after only a few months.

N.: Opportunity indeed. That must've been when our current Captain of the Stoatorian Guard, Raserei Gotalmo, was Captain of the Skeered. You two have a good relationship?

V.: Overall, yes. Like all relationships, there's been a few ups and downs. But Captain Gotalmo is an excellent officer, and he taught me a lot of things while I served under him. He also introduced me to this Ministry, although I'm sure you understand that I can't go into specifics.

N.: Oh, of course. [Nods] Now, you said that Captain Gotalmo introduced you to the Ministry of Misanthropy. Did he also introduce you to now ex-Minister IronPaw Skarblade?

V.: He did, although I didn't meet him in person until some time later. Minister Skarblade kept himself to himself, and you had to be part of his close circle to get to meet him for any length of time. When you have this job for any length of time, you become quite conscious of your security.

N.: I can rightly imagine. There are some rumors that there is no love lost, if you will, between you and ex-Minister Skarblade; that you two have not had the best history. Are these rumors true?

V.: You might think that; I could not possibly comment. [Slight smile]

N.: Ah... Of course. [Chuckles lightly] Moving on, then, I suppose. You were a Captain in the Imperial Navy for some time. Do you expect any trouble transitioning from that status straight to being the Minister of Misanthropy?

V.: Well, I spent a few months this autumn on Admiral Freemont's staff, so I had some time to start getting used to not being at sea all the time. But it is something of an adjustment from a life at sea to a life behind a desk. The Skeered is a wonderful ship, and I'm sure under Captain Rokford it will continue to prosper.

N.: The Skeered of Nothing has had a rather extensive list of Captains in its past. One of them being ex-Minister Skarblade. I don't suppose it's ever occurred to you that you might be following in ex-Minister Skarblade's footsteps, has it?

V.: [Soft chuckle] The Skeered does seem to have a history of Captains going on to greater things. After all, it's produced a Minister of Innovation, a Minister of War, two Admirals of the Fleet and now two Ministers of Misanthropy!

N.: [Whistles; nods] Not to mention many other Captains coming from the crew of the Skeered: half of the fleet is Captained by individuals that came from her ranks. That truly is a history of excellence.

V.: [Nods] Indeed, even the Admiral (Ed. Note: one Nuori Freemont) was once a crewbeast on the Skeered. We were good friends before she transferred to the Golden Hide. And of course, Captain deVispilio, her current Captain, another beast I know very well from my days on the Skeered.

N.: [Nods] Indeed. I know him quite well myself. Well, Minister, I must thank you for your time here today. I'm sure our readers would like to know a bit more about what Misanthropy does, but I suppose that will have to wait until next time. Not that you'd be able to divulge too much about such topics, would you...?

V.: [Slight smile] I'm afraid the nature of our operations means secrecy is a prime concern for us. But I'm sure we could arrange for the Smelt to visit us again in the future. Just remember to make an appointment: I'd hate for there to be a misunderstanding...

N.: [Blinks; awkward chuckle] Of course... Well, once again, thank you for your time, Minister.

V.: [Smiles; nods] A pleasure.

N.: There you have it, dear readers. All in cold print for you to read, words straight from the new Minister of Misanthropy, Vladimir L. Ullyanov. We here at the Smelt wish the Minister a long and prosperous reign in office. Remember to check the next edition of "The Smelting Corner", when we will find another beast to interview. 'Til next time, dear readers!

The Weather Report

By Torl Wafflepaw



It is such a beautiful day. Sure, the skies are grey and there's snow drifts up to my waist, all ready my paws are numb and I've had to resort to charcoal after the first four words (my ink froze) and I have to write this under an awning because it's been pouring rain for the past four days, but it's a beautiful day.

You'd think so, too, if you've spent the last year chained to a desk being forced to write an advice column.

Yes, it's me, Torl Wafflepaw - the Smelt's finally unleashed me on the town once more, and the weather's been unleashed on me. So I better get writing about the weather.

It seems odd that the rain hasn't turned to snow yet - apparently it does at nights, otherwise how does all this snow pile up? But during the day, it falls so fast that the friction keeps it warm.

I'd written a larger paragraph here, but a stray chunk of hail tore it out of my notes just to prove me wrong on the matter. I continue:

We've visited the Old Folks Home to ask their opinion on the weather forecast. Everybeast knows old beasts can tell what's going to happen by the various pings and aches in their joints - the Emperor himself has only kept his grandma alive all this time because she can tell if there's good fishing at Kenny's Bunk Pointe by how long her nose hurts after eating breakfast.

Popular opinion is that a storm is on its way, a storm unlike any the Harbour has seen since sometime in the 1600's. Yes, worried readers: a blizzard. Write to Dear Torl for advice on how to survive through it.

Other popular opinion has it that oatmeal is overrated, the orderlies don't massage footpaws enough, and nobeast's taken the dead rat out of the bathing tub in over four years so pardon the smell. Also, Tookumberry will be expecting a rain of lettuce shortly after the turn of the year.

I've frittered precious time writing this article, so I'm going to enjoy the rest of my

I was unable to finish this article during my time in the outdoors, and am now chained to my desk to finish it. And it is done. Now write to Dear Torl.

Dear Torl

By Torl Wafflepaw



Dear Torl, I'm a bit of a fan of fishing, but my shipmates don't appreciate it. They always complain that I stink of fish! Yesterday they tied a rope to my tail and dunked me in the sea! How can I convince them that fish is a nice smell? ~ Bedraggled

Dear Bedraggled, First, stop bathing. Or, if you must bathe, do so in the bilge of the ship. In fact, offer to take the kitchen scraps out, go down to the bilge with them, and then have a bath. On raids, keep one or two of the dead woodlanders as pelt prizes, but don't gut them. Let them fester, then when you can, roll in the remains. By the end of all this, fish will smell like an expensive perfume to your shipmates. Or, if you're looking for a quick fix, lop off their noses.

Dear Torl, I've been sorting fish for the past five weeks now just to scrape a few gilders up for my poor ill wife's pawrot lotion. It's unfair and unjust that the poor have to work to get injury retribution! Why don't the Ministers give us money? Why not call it 'Slups Benefits Scheme'? We could give the poor a weekly wage of 25g! We could rise beyond the claws of injustice and hardship and give the drunks more gilders to get drunk with! Give the injured more money to buy better weaponry against their attackers! Give me 500g for thinking up this wonderful scheme! You're quite high up, Torl, could you talk to the Minister for us? I've organised the rally! ~ Fish Idealist.

Dear Fish, I've got pawrot up to my knees, haven't had a decent rum in years and recieve no paycheck. So I think this is a wonderful idea. I've talked to the MinoWar for you - expect many Stoatorian Guards to be at your rally. I'll also be watching from my window. It will be easy to spot me, as I'll be the one laughing.

Dear Torl, I need your help. I accidentally tore our sail. And no, I can't mend it. I tore it right in half. And no, I can't buy another one, 'cause I'm dirt poor. If the Cap'n ever finds out, it'll be my tail. What should I do? ~ Soon to be Tail-less

Dear Soon, What you should do first is make sure every rope is untied, as they can be dangerous with a ripped sail. Without sails it's also harder to steer the ship, so throw all but one barrel of grog overboard. Then pour tar all over the deck to keep the water out. When your Captain comes after you, apologise profusely while you smash a lit lantern onto the last barrel of grog. Your lack of a tail won't be a problem compared to this.

Dear Torl, Are Ministers edible? I'm so hungry, y'see ... so hungry ... I wrote to you once before, and you replied, so I ate the Smelt newspaper, but it only helped for a few hours ... can I eat you, Torl? Please? Please? ~ Gnawing On The Misanthropy Building

Dear Gnawing, Yes, Ministers are edible. I thought you ate your tail, though? Gosh, feed 'em once... Mmm... Smelt. Oh, great, now I'm all hungry! Look what you've done! I hope Mistoffelees tastes as good as he sounds. Or that new one, Ullyanov - he sounds like a sort of sweet potato. ~ Torl Wafflepaw


Editorial: An Apology

By Nadya Volimova



Dearest Readers,

I am printing this article to offer an apology to all of the Imperium.

Last time our brilliantly written paper was published and sent out, an article was printed, detailing some less than admirable behavior on my part, in regards to the recent paper shortage that has been spreading like wildfire throughout the Imperium. For this, I am sorry.

These last few weeks, I have gone through a rather rough spot, especially when considering and giving regards to my duties as Editor of Ye Saturday Evening Smelt. Because of said paper shortage, I had resorted to holing myself up in my office, only accepting visitors if they, one, had an article to show me for the newest publication, or two, were on The List.

For those curious, The List was exactly that: a list. A list of individuals who I deemed acceptable to come and have simple conversation with me. Or were bringing me supplies to extend my seclusion. More-so the latter.

Nevertheless, I must apologize for my conduct. Even despite the fact that I was doing it all for you, the readers, so that I may always bring you the very best in journalism from the Imperium's brightest reporters; I did not want to waste even a single piece of paper on a report that would not have garnered at least a raised eyebrow. Even despite this fact, I apologize.

I am still diligently working to bring you all the very best in journalism that the Imperium has to offer, and still am protecting the limited stock of paper the Smelt has left.

On the subject of one Louis D. Newport, the reporter mentioned in the article from the previous publication of the Smelt, who was allegedly injured by a crossbow bolt, which was allegedly fired by myself, I have no comment.

Keep reading, dear readers, and have faith: the Smelt be the chief supplier of journalism to the Imperium once more.

Yours truthfully,

Nadya Volimova, Editor of Ye Saturday Evening Smelt​
 
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Thermidor 19, Yr. 1727
The Imperium Upturned

By G. Eric Reporter

The night of Bugs 23, 1727 is most certainly a night to remember. Unfortunately, this is a bad thing as well as a good thing. Lady IceRain Sleet, MinoWar stepped down from her position, leaving it open for Admiral Nuori Freemont. Captain Aedan Kingussie was promoted to Admiral, and Soarana Mottle, former First Mate of the Glory was given the position of Captain.

In celebration of this joyous occasion (after all, the common crewbeast would no longer have to fear a burning from MinoWar Sleet), a magnificent party was thrown at the Freemont mansion. The ships were only manned by a small skeleton crew, and the Guard only patrolled with the smallest of squads. Everyone else was at the Freemant mansion, celebrating with those of new position. Or at least... most others.

The first hint that most beasts had that something was wrong was the shout that the ships were on fire. The Navy and Guard, all dressed for the party, rushed from the mansion in a vain attempt to stop the events that were already in full swing. By the time we all reached the docks, and the blazes were under control, the Glory was gone. She had not burned and sunk, she was just gone.

Rumors, threats, and distrust run rampant. You may say that this was already the case. I tell you that the way things used to be make it look like everyone trusted everyone else as his or her own family. Of course, that is with a few exception. IceRain and Keinruf never did stop trying to kill each other. No one knows if anyone here was involved with the hijacking, or if those missing are dead, kidnapped, or those who caused the trouble. Newly appointed Soarana D. Mottle is among those missing, and nobeast can say whether or not she was at the party.

In short, the Imperium is in turmoil, and the outcome will, and can only be seen in the days that come. The tension between the factions is at an all time high. Misanthropy seems to be blamed for the entire situation, at least by some, partially because Minister and Lady Ullyanov seemed to be restless before the news came, and some claim to have seen them receive a note. Neither have commented. Another, much smaller group blames War. What better way to cement your newfound power than to make a new threat that you must lead your people against? And even Niceties is under more scrutiny than normal, for Minister Mistoffelees took off into the night before the news, and was not seen again that evening.

However, most of us have a sickening feeling that it is nothing so mundane.

Dear Mr. Socks

By Mr. Socks


Dear Mr. Socks,
I heard there's going to be something called a blizzard coming. My friend told it means that lizards will fall from the sky. My dad told me he was wrong, and it meant snow would fall for forty days and forty nights. Since my dad's always right, what should I do to my friend? And what should I do about the blizzard?
~ Hoping My Dad Is Right

Dear Hoping,
If there's one thing I know it's that Dads are always right, and you need to be prepared for the blizzard. You must dig a bunker beneath your house, and begin to gather as much food as you can. I suggest that you should get lots of fish, as they stay fresh as long as you keep them wet. It is important that you tell nobeast about this, as they will panic and try to take your bunker and fish supplies from you. Your friend probably won't believe your daddy is right, so what you must do is tell him that you have to escape the lizards and that he can hide with you. That way you have an extra supply of food for when the fish starts to run out.


Dear Mr. Socks,
I'm a clown. I was hired to take a Pie-O-Gram to a certain birthday rat, and when I got there, she kicked me and locked herself in a closet! What should I do so I can give her the Pie-O-Gram? I've been out here for 3 days!
~ Mr. Funnyshoes the Clown

Dear Mr. Funnyclown Shoes,
You have a job to do, so you can't give up! The best way to get the rat out is to set fire to the closet. That way when she runs out you can hit her with the pie and the job's done. Ignore her if she starts to scream for help; she's just trying to fool you! The best way to start a fire is to pour any grog you can find over the door of the closet, and put paper and bits of wood around the bottom. Then smash a lit lantern against the door of the closet. You'll have her out of there in no time.


Dear Mr. Socks,
I'm writing this in a closet with a window. This is because... THERE IS A STRANGE FERRET DRESSED AS A CLOWN OUTSIDE MY CLOSET! AND HE KEEPS TRYING TO GET ME WITH A PIE! Help me! Tell me what to do! Clowns are CREEPY! And he's been out there for 3 days!
~ Scared of Clowns

Dear Scared,
I agree completely, clowns are creepy! You must stay in the closet as long as you can. The clown must be getting hungry now, and this will only make him more dangerous. It's also a well known fact that clowns start to melt after five days without paint. The first thing you must do is swallow the key to the closet, so that the clown knows you're serious. Then sit in the corner of the closet and wait. The clown won't hang around much longer, I assure you, as he'll see that you're not going to come out and go to try and find some paint. If you get a stubborn one, though (which may well be the case), you must stay in the closet for as long as you can. If you smell burning, don't worry; that's the clown melting. Just wait until the closet starts to get really hot; then you know the clown's melted properly and it's safe to come out. Then you can eat the pie!


Deer Mr. Socks,
Wat speesheez iz Fil da Ho-boe? I mayd a bett wif mi frend tat he waz a furit, an mi frend sayd he wer a fawx.
~Joweey

Dear Joweey,
This is a question that many creatures have been asking. After much consideration, I have come up with the perfect solution. Everyone knows that ferrets are filled with purple paw-kerchiefs, while foxes contain yellow beanbags. You and your friend must cut Fil open (I would suggest you do this together, and take him by surprise – he'll probably struggle). Once you've settled the bet, you must tell everyone else what you found. That way you get to become famous – you solved the great Fil question! The best way to do this is to go to the Stoatorian Guard and tell them what you did. Bring some kerchiefs or beanbags, depending on what you find. Then everyone will know what kind of creatures you are!


Dear Mr. Socks,
I found out about this treasure. It is a really big treasure, with lots of shiny gold and diamonds and stuff. However, to get to it, I need to be able to dig. There I face two problems. One, I don't own a shovel and can't find any ones that I can afford (hence the need for the treasure). Two, I don't really know how to dig in the first place. So if you could please give me advice on how to dig or find some other way to get to the treasure, I would be most grateful - the treasure is mine.

Dear Don't-know-my-own-name,
Teaching somebeast how to dig is very difficult. However, I am more than willing to dig for you. If you will show me where the treasure is hidden, I'll bring a shovel. Then you turn your back while I dig – you want it to be a surprise, don't you? When I've dug it up I'll 'let you have it' – and the shovel too. I'm feeling generous.
The Untiable Knot

By Beatrice "The Bee" Mewsed


It is the subject of many tavern whispers, pub rumours, and bar dance numbers: Where has the MinoInn been? Glimpses of Colonel Arbach are occasionally reported, but are doubted for the reason that eighty percent of witnesses leave the Smelt Offices out the door marked "Danger" and not the door marked "Exit". The other twenty go through the door marked "Free Fish". (This practice, borrowed from the Stoatorian Guard's prisons, has been insanely helpful in sorting liars from blinds from hungry beasts.)

The answer to these whispers, rumours and, frankly, rather catchy dance numbers, is thus: Busy. For the past year or more, the Minister of Innovation has been deep in thought regarding a long-sleeved dress shirt, the sleeves of which have been tied into a knot. Whisper, rumour and lute-riff have it that it was a mere kit who tied the knot in the first place, and though our suspicions have been aroused, we immediately dropped the hunt for the kit. Bad memories lie there.

"'Twas no kit," a passerby said upon questioning, "I am not a cannibal. It was a sausage, with onions and leek in."

Another passerby, stopping long enough to actually hear our question, suggested, "Why not buy another shirt?"

This seemed quite logical to us, but we had to ask the Minister himself. This in itself was a difficult stakeout operation, lasting many days and nights, until we finally realised we hadn't actually given any of our staff the job of staking out there.

The MinoInn was apprehended at twelve in the afternoon as he left his manor for a relaxing walk, and to test a small device that set fire to, in the Minister's own words, "the garden I'd bought just yesterday? Blast."

Blast indeed!

Asked about the tied dress shirt, Colonel Arbach shrugged. "It's complicated," he confessed, "and physically unpossible." We looked this word up; it exists. "The fabric of the right sleeve passes through the fabric of the collar twice, then folds back on itself and exits beneath the shoulder - but not through a hole - where it forms a hawser bend with the left flappy-part with the buttons, which is entirely confined within the breast pocket. The shirt is entirely inside out, and I've yet to find the left sleeve."

When asked about future inventions and discoveries, the Minister merely heaved a sigh and mentioned Resolution and a very slow boat.

Ye Third Steppe to the Burglar-Proofing offe Ye Store

By Nairet Hrev


In the event that you can neither not keep away from the business life, nor find a decent guard, don't give up hope! While a very large percentage of Bully Harbor's citizens are little more than common criminals, there are those who, if you can find one who is honestly who and what he says he is, would make a wonderful partner. Assuming that your partner is faithful and not out to destroy you or your livelihood, the two of you can take turns guarding and watching the store. Or perhaps do it at the same time. That way when one of you bolts off to beat a prospective thief within an inch of his life, the other can stay and keep other prospective thieves away.

The only problem here is that it is hard to get a partner who is honest and not only out for their own gains. If they are set on ruining you, even having your guard won't help, because the guard was hired for the store, and is technically just as much under your partner's orders as yours.

One way to (hopefully) make sure that your partner is on your side, is to hire a relative that you are on good terms with. Be it a sibling, niece or nephew, or perhaps even a parent, there is the beautiful little fact that most things that help you help them. They are family, after all.

Or you could "make" family. Now I must proceed carefully here... I am in no way saying to marry a beast simply to gain a business partner. Besides... that would most likely only make it worse. However, if you do truly love a beast, and the feeling is mutual, and he or she is not an utter fool, making them your partner is one of the wisest moves you can make. Because of the close bond they have to you, they are not very likely to want to be your ruin (besides the fact that it would also be their ruin). You are also not likely to be their ruin, and so there is a happy chance that this will work.

Another way to up your chances of having an honest partner is to be honest yourself. Nobeast likes a dishonest creature, and if they have even the slightest inclination to cause you trouble, any lying or stealing on your part is only going to make them even more likely to cause you trouble. Besides... if you are dishonest, everybeast will be more likely to target your store. After all... who is the rightful owner of stolen goods or gilders? Surely not the thief...

And that's all for now. If you absolutely must have a store, then hire a loyal (or at least well payed) guard, and get a decent partner. Until next time, this is Nairet Hrev.

Blithertitus Epidemic Looms

By Dr. C. Rackpot


Many of you may have noticed friends, enemies, and/or complete strangers doing odd things over the last few days. Among these things may be attempting to lick Phil the Hobo, claiming to be "a fuzzy little berry", babble nonsense, and generally acting like a blithering idiot. Well, be alarmed at this, because they may have contracted a rare disease know as Blithertitus, a disease that enters when exposed to too much salt water, and makes its way through the body, causing idiotic, random, and/or downright odd actions until it reaches the brain, where it will force one to go into the fetal position and suck their paw. This disease can be treated by taking a vacation to very sombre areas, and eating only the blandest of foods. But if left unchecked, it could become Sillyosis, which will cause one to act like a Missertross Gull, play the old 'Got Your Snout' trick, and run around like a kit for 5 days before they drop dead while doing a very odd dance that resembles the motion of a worm. Sillyosis has no cure, and is always fatal. But if you keep open wounds, your mouth, eyes, ears, rear, and any other way a disease could get in, away from sea spray, you should be fine.​
 
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Humidor 16, Yr. 1727
Investigation of Ye Mythical Creatures: Bears

By Nadia Darkon


Having heard many whispers and rumors of strange and fanciful creatures, I have decided that it is time to put such ideas to rest. It is not fair that things such as bears, flamingos, gringlepuffs, and platypuses can have whole stories told about them if they are not real. Rest assured that each conclusion I come to will be fully explained to you with all the evidence accumulated in the search for such beasts.

The first creature I shall turn to is the bear. We've all heard stories of such a beast, but do they really exist outside of fanciful carvings and old legends? To clarify what I am talking about, a bear is usually described as a shaggy, brown-furred thing. It is supposedly four or five times the size of a badger and it is said to be able to decapitate other beasts with a single swipe of its paw. My own life and brains being much too valuable for a quest to find such a monster, I hired a weasel named Scrough to travel to the traditional home of the bears: The Caves of Morn in the Northern Mountains.

Scrough was to send me back regular reports as he made progress in his search. The first few that I received were quite promising. Apparently the inhabitants of the Northern Mountains had all sorts of stories about bears, more magnificent than what we had heard. Sadly, Scrough's reports stopped coming after these first few. I needn't tell you how upset I was. Obviously, he had found something more to his liking than tracking down these beasts. You can then imagine how pleased I was when a crate arrived for me bearing Scrough's name in neat letters on the side. Despite the horrible stench emanating from said crate, I opened it. Inside were the mangled remains of my decapitated little weasel. There was also a note, again in neat little handwriting. It read:

Dear Smelt,
Please do not come looking for us again. Normally, we would not let such good meat like this go to waste, but we wanted to show you how we deal with nosy beasts.
Sincerely,
Brendon Urzo, Chief of the Morn Bear Clans

In addition to this note and the body there were also two other things: a clay casting of an enormous but strangely shaped pawprint, and a large blunt claw. Of course, after seeing all this, I came to the obvious conclusion. There is no such thing as a bear! Anybeast could tell, just by looking at the clay pawprint, that such a large and clumsy paw is physically incapable of writing such a neat little print as the note and the marking on the crate were in. Why, I doubt with the muscle structure the paw has that it could even manage a legible scrawl! The only explanation for this is a conspiracy to cover up the murder of poor little Scrouge. As for the claw, I suspect that it, too, is a fake.

Now, if you receive any news of a bear wandering around Bully Harbor, rest assured that whoever claims to have seen it has had too much Seaweed Grog for their own good. Of course, there's always the chance that such reports may be about the ghost of little Scrouge wandering around in a costume. If this is the case, then please contact me. I still haven't had the pleasure of yelling at him for getting himself killed when he had a job to do.

Dear Mr. Socks

By Mr. Socks


Dear Mr. Socks,
My friends have been telling me stories of dead Fogeys roaming Bully Harbor at night. As I like to wander around the streets at night (I assure you, I don't do anything illegal) I was hoping you could tell me the approved manner of dealing with ghosts. Is it simple?
-Can't Wait To Meet A Ghost-

Dear Can’t Wait,
If you will know the moment you meet a ghost as the first thing it will say to you is ‘Give me your gilders’. Most ghosts you meet will be Fogeys, as they are the most unsettled of Bully Harbour’s spirits. When confronted by a ghost there is a strict ritual to follow. First you must proclaim loudly and theatrically; ‘Guards! Guards!’. The ghost will then know that you are in commune with the spirit world. The ghost will then come towards you, generally with a knife, as if to stab you. Do not be afraid. The ghost does not mean you any harm, but merely wants to test that you have the courage required to speak with him. Your response to this must be ‘Please don’t hurt me, here, take it’. Again, this must be said theatrically and with much gusto. Then you take the gilders and give them to the ghost. This will do much to settle the restless spirit, at least for one night, and you can go home happy that you have helped a dispossessed soul.



Dear Mr. Socks,
I have a condition where I spontaneously burst into fits of laugher when I find something funny. As this is very undignified, I would like to know how to stop it. I have also received several death threats for having such laughter at inappropriate moments. So far, stuffing my paw into mouth and biting down on it doesn't work, as I then have to pull my hurting paw out of my mouth and, finding that extremely funny, I laugh all the more.
-Laughing-

Dear Laughing,
Laughs are like hiccups. There are several ways you can get rid of them; the one most suggested is to get a shock. However, that can be difficult, especially as in your case a shock is most likely to make you laugh harder. I would suggest that you drink lots of water, as this may drown your laughter, solving the problem permanently. If you find it difficult to get enough water, tie a stone around your ankle and jump off the harbour wall.

Once you have drunk as much water as you can, get a round stone and heat in on a fire. Once the stone starts to glow red you must swallow it. This will heat up the water. Laughs are like fish; if the water they are in is heated up they will die. Your laugh problem with be gone forever!
Alternatively, you could go looking for ghosts.



Dear Mr. Socks,
If somebeast had you sacked and then took over your job writing the Smelt's advice column and the only job you could find was that of a commentator for one of the most degrading spectator sports in history, what advice would you give your mother so that she could bring you back to glory and forever shame your usurper?
-Mrs. Wafflepaw-

Dear Mrs. Wafflepaw,
The first piece of advice I would give is that you should always forgive your enemies. However, I can see by the tone of your letter that forgiveness is not on your mind. The best way to deal with the problem, then, is to challenge your son’s better to a duel. You should come yourself, and bring whatever weapon you choose. Noon tomorrow would be a good time.

If anybeast is interested in earning a few guilders, I will be hiring about a dozen heavily armed and muscled creatures. Please apply in person tonight at the Black Teacup. The job is expected to only last a day, but you will be handsomely rewarded.



Dear Sock Bloke,
For a while now I've suspected my husband of lying to me about his drinking habits. For a few days after I asked him to stop, he was okay, but then he started coming home later, smelling of alcohol, and usually wearing a hobo's clothes, so inebriated that he could not tell me where he was. None of his mates could remember where they'd been, when I asked them the next morning. Last night I followed him home from work - but he stopped at the Bilge in the Bucket. For hours I waited outside, hidden behind some barrels across the way. Finally he left, staggering out into the street and throwing up - it was then that I noticed I'd broken a claw on my left paw. The girls would disown me from the tea club if they found out! Can you recommend a good pawdicurist that I can afford with my husband wasting all our gilders at the Bilge?
-Elizayle Klench, of the Setting Duck Street Tea Club (Thursdays at noon)-

Dear Rude Creature,
My name is Mr Socks. MR. I did not spend twelve seasons of my life looking after twelve snivelling brats to be just ‘Socks’. If you talk to your husband in this way no wonder he goes drinking every night, I’d want to get away from you too! I’d stop whining to me about your problems and start thinking about why you have them.

That said, I’m not a heartless creature. I know a very skilled beast that can sort out your claws for you, and for a very reasonable price too. Go to see Mike the Butcher (his shop’s on the harbour front), and tell him I sent you.



Dear Mr Socks,
I have a problem, there are birds following me everywhere and they attack me when I am sleeping, so I haven't gotten a wink of sleep for two weeks. How do I get rid of them irritating birds. I need help.
-Birdy Insommniac-

Dear Birdy,
The birds have obviously mistaken you for some sort of food. Birds eat two things; seeds and insects. Either the birds think you are a nut, or a spineless crawling creepy creature. The first thing you must do is find out whether you are a nut or simply spineless. You will know if you are a nut because you will start to pop if held over a fire. If, however, you are stuck in a dead end job you hate, with no wife or children, unable to make the repayments on your blanket and living in the gutter, then you are spineless. If this is the case, then I cannot help you. If you are a nut, though, the best way to deal with the birds is to stand perfectly still with your mouth open. Eventually they will begin to think that you are a cuckoo clock, and will fly into your mouth (a cuckoo clock being the natural environment of all birds). When they do this, swallow.
Do It Yourself Autopsy

By Friedreich Angier


(Ed. Note: Because the literate citizens of Bully Harbour tend to be a bit more squeamish than the illiterate, we've removed any potentially offensive words in the following article to nouns and adverbs that are guaranteed not to cause any disgust whatsoever.)

A beast has just dropped dead in the street, and his pockets have been scavenged by passerby. Little does the average vermin know the real wealth that lies within the beast's [cookie jar]; a wealth of information! For this exercise you will need:
1 scalpel, dirk, dagger, knife, or meat cleaver (sharp)
1 pair of scissors (intact)
2 pints alcohol (or more)
2 rocks (volcanic)

First, take the cutting tool and open the beast's [vest], from their [boat] to their [navy]. Fold the two [pancakes], pinning them on either side with the rocks. You now have unfettered access to their [ducks]. Root around a bit for something that looks interesting. The [nervous] thing is called a [seagull]. And those aren't beans there. To get a better look at the [drapes] and the [general store], you'll have to crack open the [truth]. Use one of the rocks for that if you wish. Just be wary of the [pudding], as it's full of digesting [minerals], and the [everlasting] [pawsock] is worse.

Now that you're familiar with the [winner]-[employment] of a beast, it's time to figure out the cause of death. Note that if you have several cadavers around, do not wash your paws in-between [violin] with their [landslide], as this is Bully [Larder].

Sealed jars of foreign [potter] will do if you simply must [watch].

Several simple causes of death are objects lodged in the [flute], [consonant] and nose. Many a thief has been found [lost] for apparently no reason, their deaths credited to the Ministry of [Meandering]. If anything, it should be credited to their combined genius and [skill]. If you find a ring, keep it; that's what the [Blokeys] would do. (Ed. Note: The Smelt offers appraising for free if you send the ring via Missertross!) If you want to look in the [consonant-pawsock], use the scissors to cut it into smaller parts. That's where I found my glass eye. If the object is in the nose, you're on your own, or you can try [lengthening] the [candlewax] to an [lime] and then [happy] [smiling] [sunshine] with [candy apples].

When you're all finished, put the [waffles] back, wipe off the rocks, make sure you didn't leave your cutting tool and scissors anywhere you'd regret to go back to, and get somebeast else to [sing] the [sleeping] beast to [address removed due to inadequate advertisement payment].​
Ye Fourth Steppe to the Burglar-Proofing offe Ye Store

By Nairet Hrev


***Regarding the last Smelt's entry, the Ministry of Misanthropy offers a highly professional service at highly competitive rates. Why leave your store's protection to amateurs? Just call into the Ministry building and our helpful staff will take you through all the necessary paperwork! The Minister looks forward to welcoming you into the Misanthropy family!***

So... you insist on having a store, can't find a decent guard, and refuse to find a partner. Or perhaps all prospective partners vehemently disagree, and no manner of persuasion will remedy the situation. There is still another method for you to try.

Traps. Lots of traps. Sharp traps. Pointy traps. dangerous traps.

Several hidden artifices near windows and doors, and any other means of access to your shop may be quite useful, though just so long as they are not sprung on you, an (honest) helper, or a customer, as that is generally going to do more for step one of our program. It's dreadfully hard to run a shop successfully if you're maimed, and if you maim your customers, they generally won't return unless it's for revenge.

However...

If you do still want to set up traps, here are some ideas.

1) Trip-Cord Cage
--
Materials Needed ~ One (1) Squeaky Pulley, One (1) Length of Mum's Twisty Rope, One (1) Sturdy Iron Cage or Sturdy, Heavy Box

Best positioned over a window, so you do not have to reset it every time you go out or come in. The pulley should be suitably squeaky so that your would-be burglar gets an impending sense of Doom before he or she is captured. It should also be fastened to the ceiling above the window (or other entrance) by whatever means you deem necessary, with the rope running through it. One end of the rope should be attached to the cage or box, which should be pulled tight against the pulley. The other end should run down across the sill of the window or the threshold of the door and then be fastened loosely on something so that when the burglar's paw gets caught on it, the cage will come down.*

2) Guardian Ghost
--
Materials Needed ~ One (1) Spooky White Sheet, One (1) Jar of BusyBee Honey, One (1) Spool of Black Thread, Two (2) Sticks, One (1) Bit of Red Dye.

Drip the red dye on the sheet in such a way that it resembles eyes and a mouth. Be sure to make it look monstrous. Tie the sticks together cross-wise, and then tie the sheet to the crossed sticks. Hang from the ceiling near the door or window you would like to protect by a thread. Smear honey all over it. Your burglar should do one of two things. 1)He or she will panic at the sight of your “ghost” and run off before entering your store, or 2)he or she will continue onward, only to get the thing stuck in their fur by virtue of the honey. This should terrify anybeast.** After all, a ghost with a red mouth wrapping itself around you is hardly a pleasant thing.

Hopefully this will get you started. Be sure to guard all entrances, and you should be perfectly fine.

*Author's Note - I never was able to get it fastened just right. It seems to take an expertise that I don't have, so good luck to you.

**Author's Second Note – Unless of course your burglar is particularly fearless, for whatever reason. Then I can't help you. I can't help you if the burglar panics inside your shop and destroys all of your merchandise, either.

The Secret Life of the Indigo Mistoffensive

By Soarana D. Mottle


The story of Miles S. Mistoffelees is one familiar to many an Imperium-dweller. From rags to riches and all that sort of nice stuff, but is the public really being presented with all the facts? Yes, it is true that the beloved Minister of Niceties of today is indeed an ordinary sort of weasel- if a singer of the Opera who came out of nowhere to become a Minister with power of rather great proportions can be called ordinary.

The shocking truth was discovered late on a Saturday evening by our own very skilled and courageous reporters of Ye Smelt. After tailing the weasel for many perilous days through many perilous streets, our team of intrepid reporters found that the weasel in question was not, in fact, Miles Mistoffelees, but merely a funny-looking stoat with half a tail and a dirty broom.

So then our reporters headed on to the Opera, where they were subjected to cruel hours of ear-shattering Fine Art (they do tell us, however, that the peanuts are The Best in Town), before finally spying the tenor in question, clutching that broom of his while hurrying out of the building with furtive glances. Upon cleverly disguising themselves as furry statues against the wall, they saw the broom fly up, up and away, with the Minister astride it.

The reporters, exhibiting astounding stealth and cleverness on their part, ran under the flying broom through the streets of Bully Harbor, shouting, "Hey, you!" into the sky. We are told that the town experienced a peculiar rain of Missertross birds that evening.

The reporters witnessed many incidents, including the Indigo Platycodon exchanging a secret handshake with the Minister and addressing him as "Indigo Mistoffensive," and the so-called "Mistoffensive" swooping into the bedrooms of innocent citizens and coming out with various personal letters, diaries, journals, and much-abused copies of Ye Saturday Evening Smelt.

Unfortunately, two of the reporters were apprehended before they could confront Minister Miles, and the remaining rat would only reveal the story through a string of gibberish that was translated by a professional. All remaining details will be reported once our missing reporters, er, report back in.
 
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Bugs 4, Yr. 1728
What a Laugh!

By Seige Cielciosk


Well, this is a right surprise and no two pints of grog about it! Just what is Minister Freemont up to, kicking Minister Tinker off the Golden Hide after specifically stating earlier that she couldn't see an Imperium without the Minister of Niceties captaining one of the ships? Is she going back on her word, or is there a deeper plan up her sleeve? Will Captain Rokford on the Skeered be replaced by Tinker, or is Freemont yanking our chains? Why've we got chains? Aren't we free beasts in this Imperium?

No, we're not. We're bound by the Emperor's laws, which encompass the Ministerial laws, as well as the Stoatorian Guard laws, and, from town to town, the Fogey laws. Most beasts don't realise this, because the laws are not upheld well enough in all parts of the Imperium. But! Although you may sneeze when you are alone, it is still a crime! There are few things that aren't crimes anymore. This is a good thing! If we had no laws, and therefore no crime, we would be hardly better off than those "goodbeasts" in East Tookumberry!

We must be proud of our laws, however absurdly difficult they make our lives. We must be proud of our Emperor, and our Ministers, no matter what stupid, senseless things they do, squabbling like kits in a nursery over a wooden duck. We must be proud of our Imperium, however much we dislike the smell and our geography!

I propose, someday in the next few months, a proper celebration of our heritage, our land, our laws, and our Emperor. No reason. No namedays or holydays, no great and glorious traditions. Just everybeast lining the streets, waving our flag, singing our anthem, as the Emperor and the Ministers, the Captains and Admirals go by our houses and stores in their fancy carriages, spreading their golden fog into even the dingiest cracks of our dilapidated city.

And maybe we'll get those two pints of grog during the parade, eh?

Faults of the Imperium: Voting

By Unnamed Female Stoat


Editor's Note: The following view is expressed solely by the crackpot who wrote it, and, the Smelt assures you, nobeast else whatsoever. Especially not us.

Is anybeast as upset as I am about the recent mayoral election? 103%!? You call that a fair election? Even with the supposed mix-up on the election date, it should have at least come out 98% to 7% as I personally know some beasts who made the right decision by voting for Mr. Walruss.

This huge imbalance in the announced landslide victory by the MinoMis smacks of governmental conspiracy. Think of it. Who but the MinoMis has the power and the "influence" to sway the vote counters? I'm not saying that anything actually happened, and far be it for me to call our new mayor a liar and a cheat. All I'm trying to say is that it's not hard to imagine the illustrious MinoMis using his power to influence the counting of the votes. A whisper here about dead family if you don't cooperate, an exchange of guilders, and threat of bodily harm are all trademarks of Misanthropy. Such things could easily have swayed the vote away from Mr. Walruss.

What is to be done about this sad state of affairs? I call for a recount! Let us see if the numbers hold up under more scrutiny. I also propose that new vote counters be appointed. They should be beasts with no family or ties to the Imperium and, upon selection, they should be isolated. They should be guarded around the clock and then shipped off into anonymity as soon as the recount is done. Thus shall all possibilities of bribery and intimidation be done away with.

This is just one of the problems in the Imperium that is rooted in the overbearing and unchecked power of the Ministers. I hope, in future articles, to expound on some of these. I hope to one day see all you readers rallying to my cry:

For a Freer Imperium!

Or if that doesn't suit you:

Give us anarchy or give us a true democracy! (Well, I guess that communism wouldn't be so bad either, just anything other than an Imperium.)

Ads

By Bully Harbour Populace


Lost And Found
Several teeth, possibly incisors, four yellow two black
Inquire at 206 Setting Duck, ask for Happenstance Izatall
Might give them back for 50 gilders
Then again might not

WANTED
The Platycodon
Reward: 1000 Gilders
Wanted for vigilante crimes in Bully Harbor including assault, obstruction of justice, and murder.
Physical Description: A mustelid. Likes to travel at night using the rooftops and wears black. Primary weapon is a sword and seems to have a soft spot for kits.
Please bring any information on the whereabouts of this criminal to the MinoWar building, Office of the Minister's Aide.
(This ad paid for by the Stoatorian Guard.)

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Ye High Fashions of Thee Day: Cloaks in thee Vulpine Imperium

By Talia Sunspice


With my coming to the Imperium I have taken it upon myself to report on thee coverings adorning the beasts of thee Imperium. When asking one of the Bully's random passerby's if fashion is indeed an important part of the life of our Imperium one fellow responded simply enough.

"Soaks up grog better'n fur."

Of course a scientific bout of intense research lead by Doctor Duza Turt was to follow. It was concluded that clothing indeed soaks up grog better than fur. However, it was also discovered in 1725 that fur is better at soaking up blood than clothing.* Also it appears that a barrel is better for holding live fish than one’s pockets. In any event it was concluded that clothing is an important part of the everyday life of Imperium Beasts from the Slups to the highest towers of the Emperor’s personal estates.

All this brings us to our first fashion spotlight, the cloak. Long or short, black, purple, or white, it seems many beasts enjoy the use of this piece of fabric attached to one’s shoulders. When asked one Marquo Senderjay spoke of his beloved white cape.

"Goes with my fur."

It seems many beasts prefer a cloak that compliments their fur. Not all however. If you, dear reader, have taken a glance at the numerous wanted posters about our Harbor you will see a certain nefarious wildcatess complete with striking purple cloak. Is it for fashion or merely for attracting the eye of other piratical figures one may never know.

One thing is for sure, if you are wearing a cloak wear it with pride. From those who are truly dastardly to those wanting the sneak quietly through the streets, to those merely wishing to stand out or stay hidden the cloak is a fashion staple of the Vulpine Imperium.

Next edition: Hats off in the Imperium? Or Tricorn Wishes and Bowler Dreams.

(* With thanks to Keinruf Wright for this scientific finding.)

Comic

By Tess Darkstar



"Tell Mr. Johnson he has five days to bring me the two-thousand."

"Steady... steady..."

"Oh! I thought you said builders!"


[Jeshal's note: Regret no actual comic available. Not sure if torn out or meant to be transcript only.]



 
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Bugs 4, Yr. 1728
What's Wrong With The Imperium: Law Enforcement

By Adriel Blacktip


Incompetence, stupidity, and brutality. Those seem to be the order of the day when it comes to the supposed law enforcement branches of the Imperium. And it's not just one of them, it's all of them: the Fogeys and the Stoatorian Guard. There may be some of you out there who live such cushy lives that you have no idea what I'm talking about. Well, let me tell you what the masses are experiencing.

I shall start with the oppression of the Fogeys. No doubt when they were created, the Fogeys did their jobs adequately, keeping the daily peace of our rather rambunctious city. However, things have changed. The Fogeys are now mad, either acting as incompetent fools who can't quell a simple two-beast riot or as overgrown bullies, dragging random beasts from the street to their cells on trumped-up charges of conspiring with Turncoats. This needs to stop. We do not need to stand for this oppression and ineffectiveness of the Fogeys any longer! I beg you, citizens of the Imperium who have seen this with your own eyes and experienced it with your own senses, rise up! Show these Fogeys how disappointed we are about how far they've strayed from what they once were.

And now what of the Stoatorian Guard? Are they effective? Are they doing what they were created to do? By no means! They have been as incompetent as the Fogeys! Despite numerous complaints, sightings, and run-ins with a beast called the Platycodon, they have still not been able to bring this blood-thirsty murderer to justice. And it's not just that. They have also failed to bring a single Turncoat to justice, despite the rumor that they even had one in their own cells that escaped. Shouldn't they, as protectors of the dear Mar'kan, be doing everything they can to bring in these Turncoats? Shouldn't the might of the Minister of War be enough to crush such insolence? Apparently it's not. Do something Stoatorian Guard! We, the citizens of Bully Harbor, do not appreciate you sitting around on your tails anymore than we like the unchecked oppression of the Fogeys.

I hope you have listened to my complaints, Minister. Beware. If you don't pay attention to what's happening, you may just find yourselves in the middle of something.

I pray my fellow aggrieved citizens join me in my cry.

For a freer Imperium!


Investigation of Ye Mythical Creatures: The Albatross

By Nadia Darkon


Welcome once again to my hopefully edifying column. This time I decided to pick a creature that, far from being mythical, is a well-known sight to sailors everywhere: the albatross. Generally speaking, they are the birds you see flying around that have a rather large bill, and are white with a black back. I chose this particular bird because, while its existence is not in question, the beliefs that circle about it are confusing to say the least. For this article, I interviewed two beasts who are well-versed in the legends surrounding the albatross.

Mr. Willoughby, from the Ministry of Innovation, has studied albatrosses for the past several months, and is considered the foremost expert in the Imperium on them when it comes to factual information. I interviewed him for several hours, sitting in his office and trying to get the owl over his door* to stop staring at me. Once we'd gotten past migratory patterns and feeding habits, this is what he had to say about the superstitions regarding albatrosses:

"It is sad that these remarkable soarers are seen as meals, omens of bad luck, or decorations. The black market trade in albatross feathers is ridiculous and barbaric. Why, these creatures have the largest wing span you'll ever lay eyes upon, and all you can say is that that they're bad or profitable? Really!"

Sadly, after this, he was rendered rather speechless by what I can only guess is indignation.

The second expert I consulted was a rat named Old Scruddy. He likes to sit outside the Bilge, and will accept free ale in exchange for tales of his eighty-seven years at sea. In popular circles, he is known as the beast to go to for any complex questions on rope tar, paw soars, and Captain's orders. We talked for half-an-hour outside the tavern. He was full of fascinating stories about incidents with albatrosses, but when asked to sum them all up, here is what he had to say:

"Albatrosses are fine birds, they is. Fine. Had me one on a dinner plate once. Best roast meat I've ever tasted, I tell ye. Had a lookout shoot one down once, ship was completely wrecked the next day and only yours truly survived that terrible 'venture. Shot one down myself once too. Nothin' happened, 'cept next day we found gold on the island we was on. S' far as albertrosses go, do whatever in Mar'kan's name ye want ta' do with 'em."

I leave you to draw your own conclusions on the subject matter. If you wish to test any of these theories for yourselves, you can usually find albatrosses nesting in the rocks on cliffy, remote islands.

*We contacted Mr. Willoughby's office to register a complaint about the owl, only to be told it was "stuffed."


[Jeshal's note: Aha! This edition has the illustrated comic]

Comics

By Tess Darkstar and Aedan Kingussie


http://www.rovl.org/vi/gallery/img48376df03cbc9.gif
"Tell Mr. Johnson he has five days to bring me the two-thousand."

http://www.rovl.org/vi/gallery/img48376e03275c5.gif
"Steady... steady..."

http://www.rovl.org/vi/gallery/img48376e13af0c0.gif
"Oh! I thought you said builders"

~ Tess Darkstar


---

http://www.rovl.org/vi/gallery/img4845f698569f9.gif
"The turncoats have been spotted again, Minister."
"Send in... the specials."

http://www.rovl.org/vi/gallery/img4845f6ac4809e.gif

"... duuurr ..."
http://www.rovl.org/vi/gallery/img4845f6bc02c76.gif

"... 'Eaten'? Which Specials did you send!?"


~Aedan Kingussie


Miles Mistoffelees: Finally Dead

By Arghan Dalas


Miles Mistoffelees, former Minister of Niceties and Opera tenor, passed away - finally - on Bugs 1st, 1728. His last hours were spent in a coma; his last days incomprehensible. The ex-Minister suffered from an undiagnosed disease for the past several months. He was kept in Ward 141 of Hazel's Home For Ailing Mustelids, a private infirmary he had helped fund. The decision to transfer him to the Pyrostoat Memorial hospital was made after pretty much all the staff had themselves been transferred.

During the transfer, Mistoffelees died. Nurses were quick to point out that he had the bruise on his head at least several hours before his cot was jostled. They assured the Smelt that there is no possible relation to his death and the bloodstain in the Pyrostoat Memorial's lobby floor where he had fallen out.

Mistoffelees has been incorrectly credited to having died some months ago when he fell asleep during a visit; we assure readers that this time it's real. He's gone.

The operaweasel was a popular sort, although not among anybeast of any merit. As a tenor, he was enjoyed by many, and constantly badgered by hordes of adoring females. As a Minister, he was incompetant, kind, caring, and a total loon. A thus-far unrecorded incident has been unearthed in which the Minister had several thousand books re-printed on asbestos paper and a half-million gilder library constructed to hold these new books. He then had the library set on fire in order to, as his proposal stated, "See what burned and what didn't."

Of course, everybeast remembers his infamous doughnut sledding and numerous tavern fights - his most famous one involving Minister of War Freemont.

But not many know of his relations with the poorer citizens of Bully Harbour, those in the Slups and dingier parts of the Trenches. After the fire during Mayor Gordon Freemont's declaration of Martial Law, Mistoffelees not only set up temporary housing in the basement of the Ministry of Niceties' grand ballroom, but helped fund the majority of the rebuilding of the burned buildings - even going so far as to allow land-owners to make personal changes to the blueprints. (This is no doubt why the average street width of the Slups went from three feet to two feet, 1/3 inches.)

The Bully Harbour Opera will be putting on a play written by Wesley Arrowshivre about the numerous exploits of Miles Mistoffelees.

A funeral will be held on Bugs 5th, following the procession of Mistoffelees's coffin throughout the streets. They say there'll be candy and free jerkins. You'd be a fool to pass that up, even if you hated the weasel. I did.​
Announcement

By Society of Restoration, Protection, and Preservation of Imperial Artifacts of Familial and Historical Value : Bugs 1-7


We are proud to announce that for the entire first seven days of Bugs, the collection of Mar'kan family heirlooms will be on display for loyal citizens of the Imperium to gaze upon in awe. This includes suits of guilded armor, tapestries from the far south, and weapons born in bygone battles that furthered the glory of the Imperium. Admission is 50G per beast, no kits allowed.

We encourage you to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to enrich your life.​
 
[Jeshal's note: The next bits and pieces I will try to put in order. They consist mostly of articles and horror-scopes by the late Dr Bellfleger]

[Edit: Bear with me while I edit this post and the ones below to get them in order where possible. I'm an ex Commerce not a Niceties expert and I'm not as young as I was, bleedin' papers everywhere]



This month’s Navy Zodiac: The Bucket (Primary 20th – Frimary 18th)

The weather-beast suggests there’ll be a good deal of rain this horoscope month, and for you Buckets born at the end of Primary this means you’d better keep your heads from getting wet before you fill up. If you don’t understand what I’m saying here, it means keep out of trouble or you’ll end up with more of it than you can handle. With the rumblings going on in government these days, when the water starts getting hot, you do not want it scalding your guts! Unless of course you’re used to that sort of thing.

On another note, Buckets are quite used to filling up with all sorts of paraphernalia and whether by intention or not, take on other beasts’ burdens and quite often end up being the errand-runner with very little thanks. The plus side to this? You could be raking in the money – so long as you don’t have a hole…​



Rumblings In The Ranks?​


Something is happening. That’s what every news story will tell you. Embarrassingly for The Smelt, not only have we missed several months’ worth of news but we are also convinced something is going on within the Ministries. We have been unable to ascertain what exactly that is! I consider this a failure on our part but it is not for want of trying. Only the other day I tipped a snoopbeast to get a peek into the MinoWar complex. I am informed he is still in the Infirmary having the ladder removed.

Despite our close links with the Minister of Niceties, being our good Editor, either he has had very little to do with the source or he is likely held under oaths of confidentiality.

You know what?

Confidentiality stinks. We as a people deserve to know what’s going on behind all these great snobby doors. The Minister of Misanthropy, Vladimir Ullyanov, and his wife Vertherian, have not been seen in the vicinity of the Mis building for at least several weeks. Just exactly where have they gone? And why has His Grace Mar’kan III become so eerily quiet?

As with the case of the ladder removal, further attempts to tease information from Admiral Ryalor have fallen flat. Surely a broken arm can’t take up that much of her time and energy? She may have a fleet to run and a Guard to organise, but really! Where is her sense of civic duty? Speaking of that broken arm, is anyone else more than a little unnerved at how quiet people are being about it? Has Toxic Tanya lost her edge? Oh we could speculate she and the captain with the damaged footpaw were attacked, but come on, we can guess what really happened. So why all the hush? Money? Power? Pressure from the inner workings of the secretive Ministries?

Who knows? Let us hope whatever changes are taking place ultimately lead to the betterment of the Imperium. And badgers might fly.

Our apologies from the Smelt. In anticipation of bringing you better scoops in the months to come!

Dr Pombosta Bellfleger
 
Last edited:
[Jeshal's note: The previous post may in fact be for a later year since it looks to be that Bellfleger may have only just started in this edition here. That'll teach her not to put dates on her proofs. You know, if she weren't dead.]

Navy Zodiac

By P. Bellfleger

This month’s Navy Zodiac: The Mop (Frimary 19th – Smarch 20th)


For beasts whose sign falls in this time, the Mop is the symbol of creativity and cleaning up after one’s mistakes. Mopeans tend to be in touch with their emotions, even if this is not shown on their surface, and are very sensitive to others around them. They are also the most likely beasts to have a psychotic breakdown, so be sure to check someone’s zodiac sign before you begin harassing them, unless you don’t value your extremities. This month, Mopeans may find themselves a little strapped for gilders. Keep an eye on those money pouches, and avoid gambling. Get investing, sharpish!


Suspicious Stench Outside City

By P. Bellfleger

There have been a number of complaints about a curious odour coming from a cave just on the outskirts of town. This cave is believed to be inhabited by FC Callix Noxi, not particularly renowned for her social capabilities. Sources say the smelly complication appears to have arisen shortly after the unfortunate death of her partner, Cadet Blaine Hinkley (a.k.a. Blinky) on this last Beatings Day. It has been observed that plant life outside the cave has diminished and there has been a distinct increase in dead insects found in the vicinity – time of death believed to be around the hours that Miss Noxi opens her boulder door before and after her Fogey shifts.

“It’s simply awful,” moaned one citizen, still holding a paper bag. “I popped outside the city for a spot of fresh air and was walloped with that!”

Another beast had this to say: “I fink ‘s a conspiracy. Ministries actin’ all secretive-like. They’s plannin’ some’at an’ no mistake. I fink ‘s a weapon. Cultivatin’ the world’s worst smell. Next fing we know, the Navy’ll be equipped wi’ nosepegs an’ we’ll be rulin’ the world, mark me!”

It is speculated that Miss Noxi is holding a keepsake to remind her of Hinkley (deceased), and rumour has it that it might be the ex-stoat’s renowned ‘blanky’. Said item was once a piece of soft fabric that has now evolved into a putrid jungle of fungi and potentially new life forms the like of which we have never seen.

When questioned about the unpleasant stink, Constable Noxi merely stated, “Vhat zmell?” before retiring where our reporters dared not enter for the sake of their breakfasts.​


Riddle of the Month (Smarch)

By P. Bellfleger

Try and guess the answer to this! 1000G prize to the first two correct entrants! Send your answers to: [REDACTED]

I can be found where beasts like to sing.

When my friend is sticky, to him I cling.

Be sure not to lose me, and make sure you use me,

Else you’re likely to leave a ring.

What am I?


Introducing Dr P. Bellfleger

By P. Bellfleger

It is an honour to be writing to you, my dear Bouillabaisse citizens, in this, the comeback of your beloved news provider, The Smelt. For the past few months I have been operating as a discreet service for psychological therapy (a service I still offer to those who can afford it), but the opportunity to become a journalist and discover the colourful voices of the Imperium was something I simply could not ignore.

Over the coming months I hope to pry my nose and paws in on the daily life and thoughts of our fellow vermin. The truth is after all, what I aim to bring, and indeed, the truth is in the pockets of the beholder, is it not? ‘What can I do?’ you may ask. If I have not already had the pleasure of your contact, please do send me a Missertrosse, or freepost to [REDACTED]. So far my information has been mainly limited to sailors from the Golden Hide, but I hope for this to change. All beasts from all over the Imperium, I want to hear your voices. Tell me what has been going on in the Navy. Tell me what you saw in the street, in the market, in the taverns. Have nothing to say? I’ll give you an interview. You only need to ask. Events past, present or future, I am all ears.

Dedicated to uncovering your naughty secrets,

Doctor Pombosta Bellfleger

Smelt Comix
By Zilaco Wyndshard

Zil comic.jpg
 
This month’s Navy Zodiac: The Anchor (Smarch 21st – Soggus 20th)

By Dr P Bellfleger

O Anchorites, you hardy and grounded of beasts. Unlike the previous sign, you are determined in your path, whether it be flying high and drawn into the arms of your fellows or sinking to the depths, others praying they aren’t dragged down with you to be crushed and henceforth drowned. Occasionally you can be found covered in slimy barnacles. Gilders are on the out for you too, unfortunate mooring tools, so watch those money pouches when you are next stopped in the street by seedy cake dealers, especially seedcake merchants – the villains! If you own a shop, pack up and sell up now before the riots get too hot. If you have an expensive item on display in your home, lock it up and make sure no one’s hidden anything sticky inside. Watch your tongue, or you may never find it again!

Culinary Catastrophe as Cake Consumption Ceases!

By Dr P Bellfleger

As alluded to in last month’s comic strip, Bully Harbour is in uproar over Emperor Mark’an’s (m.h.b.t.d.u.y.l.a.g.f.*) abolition of the allegedly ‘delicious’ compound of eggs, milk, flour and various other ingredients. Vermin seen to be handling any of these goods in the same vicinity are being eyed suspiciously and sometimes even with contempt.

Riots have practically blancmanged throughout the streets. Amidst supposed tangles with the elusive Platycodon, Mayor Nocturne herself was splattered mercilessly in the face by the now illegal substance.

When asked about the affair Mayor Nocturne responded:

"What are you talking about? If the Emperor decrees that cake shall not be eaten, then naturally I, Mayor of Bully Harbour, support his decision. I really wish that beasts would stop making such a big deal about it. It's just cake, after all. Just warm, gooey, crumbly, moist...sticky...sweet...delicious...Would you excuse me? I have...somewhere else to be right now."

It has been commented that even war zones held friendlier times. Smuggling and theft is on the rise, with delicacy indecencies being discovered in broad daylight as the reduction in sugar highs causes hundreds of beasts to suffer from withdrawal.

“I saw one rat get his eye gouged out yesterday for refusing to share a hidden slice with his friend,” commented a Mr K. Quilane. “I still have part of the eye, would you like to see it?” An anonymous polecat furthered the reports of radical behaviour, claiming that he had never seen anything “so strange in my life…weaselwives pushing prams of concealed cake, beasts eloping with bakers… I’ve seen three vermin this week rushed to the main infirmary after an overdose of Tsarmina Sponge!”

Rumours of anyone getting too close to cake rings, sometimes referred to as “party rings” for effect, suggest figures in black are keeping hush. Whether these are agents of the Platycodon or a higher organization can only be speculated.

In an interview with the Golden Hide’s Captain Ironclaw, he had this to say: “’Tis not fer me ter be commentin’ on the laws of ‘is Grace. If ye don’ be likin’ ‘is policies, says I, ye’d best move on ter other pastures. What use be it ter argue with an Immortal?”

Other pastures, indeed. Or should that be other pastries? I digress…

There have been dismayed complaints: Why could the Emperor not ban the particular kind of cake that harmed him? Why not find the exact ingredient that presented the danger? Why not simply abstain from cake and let his subjects continue to eat the comestible at their own risk? Most likely because he is Immortal, and may do as he pleases. Others suggest this may be some devised prank by his Grace, as with this brief chat with a Mr Ashpaw in the Imperium’s Navy:

Ashpaw: Well, clearly he’s just pulling our tails, isn’t he? A big royal jest upon his people. Good ol’ Mar’kan. Must be a joke. What month is it? Soggus! Well, it’s probably just a Soggus Fool!

Myself: The law was passed in Smarch.

Ashpaw: He was eager?

Another reason, as proffered by the aforementioned Quilane, might be that this is all an exercise for the Fogeys. A few health conscious beasts have uttered their delight at the new ban, praising the Emperor for removing temptation from their sights at last. Backing the law, seasoned war veteran Col. W J Khan remarked upon the need for citizens to slim their waists, saying, “If'n th' emperor wan's 'is subjects ter na' look like tubs o' lard, tha's 'is choice.”

The source of this rule is at times in contention. Some have even gone as far as to suggest the law did not come from Mar’kan at all. “I don't know who but ziz whole thing ztinkz like a three day old fish,” remarked Officer Mhavek Xhokorai.**

For now it may be safest and wisest to take the opinion of a local ship’s surgeon: that the Emperor “has his reasons, however odd it may be to us”. Keep sending in those Missertrosses with your thoughts upon this matter, and we shall conclude with the words of a young sailor: “Thankfully we still gots our dear cookies!”

* May His Blessings Tumble Down Upon You Like A Golden Fog

** Name courteously disguised to protect the interviewee​



Riddle of the Month (Soggus)

By Dr P Bellfleger

Nobeast answered last month! New and greater prizes awarded for correct answers!

This month’s riddle. 2000G prize to the first two correct entrants

I can be found where beasts like to sing.
When my friend is sticky, to him I cling.
Be sure not to lose me, and make sure you use me,
Else you’re likely to leave a ring.
What am I?

send your answers to: [REDACTED]

Ye Advertisments

By Zilaco Wyndshard


Do you feel like you've been washed up on shore
and smell like it to boot?
Then go get a bottle of Farnix's fur fluffer
and fluff yer fur by the roots!

That's right new Farnix's fur fluffer
tis the only choice for the sophisticated beast of Bully Harbor
put a spring in yer step
and curl in yer tail!
~~~~~~~~~

Are ye tired of junk Misstrosse gulls badgering yer abode?
Try new 'Gull Be Gone' on sale today on the public market.
All it takes a a short blast of this specially designed whistle
And you can send the gulls and their junk mail flappin'!
~~~~~~~~~

When asked whot they thought of Gricco's new love elixer
9 of 10 beasts clearly stated:
"I love it!"

(the 10th beast was not available as he was at a wedding)
~~~~~~~~

When I've had a hard day at sea there's nothing I like better than coming home to...
A great big kettle of kipper soup!
Yes kipper soup! That fashionable meal that is sweeping the Imperium. That drink of drinks. That sip of sips. That texture of fine scales and fresh kipper.
Nothing beasts a big steaming bowl full of kipper soup! Go out and get soe today!
~~~~~~~~~

"Dr. Magic's fire dowser saved my life!" Jaques Firebottom

That's right! If you need your fire dowsed don't delay. Get yourself a good sized portion of Dr. Magic's fire dowser today!

"Tis good for more than just fire! I used it in me kipper soup just yeasterday." Bully Harbor resident

At a nominal fee you too can reap the benefits of this fire stopping wonder!

Available in pail, bucket, and barrel quantities. Also take advantage of our 'gather it yourself' deal and bring your own pail!
~~~~~~~~~

And now a word for our announcer:

"Whot 'ave I been reduced to eh? I used to be a respectable pirate... not one rum ad..." ~Zilaco Wyndshard​
 

NO MORE SOFT CENTRE?​

[??by Dr P Bellfleger]

Over the past year or so it has been commented that the Imperium underwent a period of what could almost be described as ‘peace and harmony’. Aside from the typical bar room brawls, the loss of the Opera House, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the destruction of the Heartwood Eagle, hardly ever has such delicate behaviour been reported amongst Bouillabaisse’s citizens. Weddings were on the rise, kindness spread like a plague, and previously murderous figures of authority settled into comfortable bureaucratic offices, playing their games coldly and privately. Punishments in the Navy have dropped drastically in severity since the days of yore, crewmembers even outwardly boasting their lax attitude to work. When speaking to some of those serving in his Emperor’s naval force, there was a clear implication that some of them were baffled by this change in attitudes and a desire for the old ways to return.

“Too often zeze dayz beaztz are all too villing to step back from a fight becauze zey don't vant blood on zeir pawz,” remarks First Mate Mokorai. “I zay pawz becauze for now I have yet to meet a monitor who vazn't ready to take life to prezerve zeir own. Maybe ve lizard'z are juzt made of zterner ztuff zen you furriez.”

Veteran Col. Khan aboard the Golden Hide also comments, “I've seen i' more an' more in th' military 'specially. Once was a time when beas’ fough' an' bled an' di'n whine abou' it. Naw y' can' even raid a village wit'ou' some r'cruit goin' an' sidin' wit' the woodlanders. If'n y' ask me 'tis only goo' beas's like Wyndshard an' Ironclaw 'ho 're keepin' th' vermin blood alive.”

Some may claim that even Wyndshard has drifted from the admirable savagery of his youth, but is that not to be expected when his energies are channeled into the essential distribution of knowledge to you, the people? How dare anyone suggest that his marriage to Ms Sunfire tamed him? That his recent government position will make him sluggish and a mere pawn compared to the unpredictable, magnificent leader on the waves? Not I, that is for certain. His power moves through you now, my dear citizens.

As for Ironclaw, can it really be said that he has even half the nature of the older ruthless captains? What has he done to show for it? Rumours of dressing up his crew in laughable disguises on missions (more to come on this); seen to have killed barely more than two or three woodlanders since signing up; a scrawny fox whose strength can surely be sufficient only to bear the weight of his ridiculous metal appendage – how does that thing work anyway? What has happened to dealing with insubordinance? Lashes? Brigging? Keelhauling?

Perhaps the truth of the matter is finally leaking out. The Imperium’s brief stint of gentility has aided the plunge into economic disaster. Beasts have plundered less from raids out of guilt. Mounting debts swamp officers with paperwork. Fewer weapons have been purchased, beasts favouring talking through their disputes instead of fighting. Alcohol sales have also decreased along with an astonishing disappearance of poisons at the apothecaries. This could all soon change.

In the last week, the streets have exploded, one of them literally, with outbreaks of violence. Reports of the Indigo Platycodon’s followers wreaking havoc against the Fogeys are piling in by the thousand. As I sit here in the Smelt office, the windows are barricaded and the sounds of vandalism and agony pierce the walls. Shouts of revolution wind about the city and tighten their coils. We’ve already had to scrape a marten off our roof. It seems Bully Harbour just cannot cope with bottling its true nature. The General Infirmary is bursting at the seams.

Yet, now I feel it is the time to break the news to you, those of you cowering in your homes and clinging to your families. This is what we are. It is in our hearts and minds. We are vermin. We cannot be contained by rules and kind words. We simply abide when it suits us. Change is coming and yet always has been, so stop fighting it. Get out of that door and fight for what you believe in, whatever that may be. If you think the carnage is beyond you, read these final words from Mokorai and rejoice in your birth as vermin!

“I zink part of ze problem iz zat non-navybeaztz are under ze azzumption zat all ve do iz go out and kill beaztz. Zat zimply izn't true. Ve patrol, ve ztave off piratez, AND privateerz, ve raid, but mozt importantly ve obtain treazure for ze glory of ze Imperium… ve alzo need to invoke zpme pride in our heritage… all zoze little petty beaztz who zit vith zeir tea and dizcuzz ze 'ztate of ze empire' go out and zee vith zeir own eyez vhatz going on! Get off your comfortable pedeztalz and come down here vith beaztz who die for you! … . Oh and here'z a little zomething zat'll vake zoze zoftiez up, voodlanderz have a zaying and it goez like ziz; 'Ze only good vermin, iz a dead vermin.' I zink zat zayz it all right zere."​



This month’s Navy Zodiac: The Hull (Soggus 21st – Merry 20th)

As can be seen in the activity blazing through our streets, now is your chance to shine, Hulligans. Confidence surges through your veins in your special month, so go on, take arms and take life into your own paws. You won’t even need to lock your doors. Who would even consider burgling anyone as charismatic and bold as you? Leave that door wide open. If you’re truly worthy, not an item shall be removed nor abode burn to the ground. If you have the courage, put a sign up indicating the presence of strongboxes and safes. This is sure to deter trespassers and believe you clever enough to have set up a lethal trap, which you won’t have to. If, however, any of your possessions do go missing, please do pop along to our office on the off chance a kindly beast has turned it in to us.*

* Negotiable service fee applies.​


New Smelt Riddle!


Fill me up and off we go,

When I’m out, no need to row.

Take care, don’t let me die

Else going home you’ll kiss goodbye.

What am I?


Congratulations to Zheep (Keinruf Wright) and friend on solving the last one. That sneaky vermin! The answer was: A coaster.
 
Strudling To Get Out Of Bed?

[??by Dr P Bellfleger]


Investigations have been made into the reasons for the widespread desolation that has befallen the Imperium in these past few months. Whilst some beasts claim to be enjoying the weather in sunnier climes, thousands of residents are suffering the aftermath of the Emperor’s recent ban on the popular comestible ‘cake’. Peeping jills have reported seeing beasts in bed clutching swollen stomachs after extensive illegal cake binges. There has also been a drastic increase in hospitalization, not only through greed but following the mass outbreaks of violence caused by the ban. Organized crime syndicate, MAUL, was rumored to have been involved in several raids upon underground bakeries. Despite this, Fogeys have mainly focused their attention elsewhere, for His Grace the Emperor has decreed these bakeries forbidden, so ‘why bother sticking your nose in a pie that’s hot enough as it is?’

Whilst it does appear to be the case that the quiet streets can be attributed to over-consumption, the victims will most likely go unpunished. Evidence will doubtless have been obliterated and Fogey incidents have reduced in number. Those poor beasts need a rest.

As for what has become of the ships of our beloved Navy: the <I>Golden Hide</I> has taken a vacation to Downel, winding down on the beach. Missertross reports have come in regarding the disturbing fate of the BlackShip – having run into a place strangely dubbed as ‘The Sea of Inactivity’. We hope for their safe return. As for the Skeered, reports are hazy but there has been implication of an incident regarding airborne food.

Now that Milarkus is upon us, we hope to see more beasts out and about jogging, or drinking, off that extra summer weight. Shake off that laziness and go share your copy of the Smelt with a friend or enemy. There’s more to life than cake!

But not a lot.​



This month’s Navy Zodiac: The Figurehead (Humidor 22nd – Milarkus 21st)

Slow down, Figgies. You were supposed to relax this summer! You did? Well, I don’t believe you, and I’m a doctor. Being at the forefront of the ship you need to think things through and plot your course before you hit a rock or an iceberg. Don’t spend all your gilders on illegal substances. If you still choose to do so, at least make sure the cake is responsibly sourced.* We fund enough terrorism (a.k.a. MAUL) with our taxes. Save your money for future discount Smelt goodies instead and keep loading up that Epicurean Banke. Want better entertainment in Bully? Donate some gilders to our fine editor, the good Minister of Niceties, Zilaco Wyndshard. Now, he’s our kind of vermin! But seriously, my dear Figureheads, you are the shining beacons in the front line of the Imperium. Pamper yourself and show off your good looks, you handsome and beautiful beasts. Soon it will be too cold to snuggle outdoors, so get to it, and buy your sweetheart something special. I heartily recommend a tonic from Dricco’s.

* The nation’s hero, the Indigo Platycodon, is rumoured to have stamped his seal upon such items. Whilst the Smelt does not endorse treason, those beasts wishing to risk their lives for a sampling of delicious, mouth-watering desserts would be best giving their money to a sensible cause.​
 
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