The City of Malifaux is thick with magical energies. Those newly arrived in the City often describe an electric feeling in the air, making the hairs on the back of their neck stand up. Almost all residents of the City develop some small ability to manipulate this energy, usually manifesting as minor magical abilities. A small number will display noteworthy powers, powers that represent a threat to the Guild presence in Malifaux. These individuals have been labeled Arcanists, and the Guild expends significant resources in hunting these dangerous men and women, dedicating their Witch Hunter task force to eliminating this unpredictable rogue element.

Miners & Steamfitters Union on Strike

Striking members of the M&SU shut down Hurrycross Bridge today with a march that prevented City traffic from accessing the popular River crossing point. Outspoken advocate for miners' rights, Dr. Viktor Ramos predicted further miner strikes if contract labor's working conditions were not thoroughly evaluated by the Guild and new policies and procedures put into place.

 

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The Witch Hunters have not proven very popular with the citizens of Malifaux. Each man and women is viewed with suspicion by the Guild, and even the most minor display of magical talent can result in unexpected midnight raids. It is unknown what happens to those taken by the Guild. Everyone has their theories, none of them very kind to the Guild. Occasionally, a fledgling Arcanist will succeed in driving off or evading the Witch Hunters. These cases always result in significant newspaper coverage, sparking the collective imaginations of every Malifaux citizen. These individuals are able to do what the common man is unable to, to spit in the eye of the Guild.

Of those few that rise to fame, their flames are often short-lived. There are very few options for a man on the run in Malifaux. Civilization is a very small place there, with few places to hide, unless a person is willing to brave the wilds outside the City. The shackles of the Guild may be a kinder fate. Hunted, these individuals often run straight into the arms of the Union.

Arcanist Threat Growing

Arcanist attacks continue despite the Guild's best efforts to bring the revolutionaries to heel. Originally isolated to the Guild's resources these attacks have broadened in scope to encompass the businesses of Malifaux citizens as well.

 

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The Miners and Steamfitters Union is an organization that represents the interests of the labor class in Malifaux. Primarily concerned with the well-being of those that mine Soulstone, it also represents any ancillary professions, such as those that operate and maintain the steam engines used to pump water from mines and drive the heavy machinery necessary for efficient mining. Founded by Doctor Ramos, the Union maintains offices in several places throughout Malifaux and the surrounding towns. Unknown to the large majority of its members, these offices also serve as safe houses for runaway Arcanists.

New Play Begins Run At Star Theater

The Star Theater opened its new play, The Gregarious Guardsman, to a packed house last night. Despite the many catcalls and boos from a normally respectful audience the actors performed admirably. The play blends song, dance, comedy, magic acts, and more than one slight jab at the Governor General into a ribald treat.

 

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Utilizing this network, Ramos and other established Arcanists are able to recruit new talent into a highly structured criminal organization. Behind the legitimate face of the Union is a society of professional criminals. This organization is responsible for several high profile raids on Guild property and maintains a lucrative Soulstone smuggling operation. New members are usually put to work on petty crimes, giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to the organization.

Because the Union receives overwhelming public support and because Union laborers exist in almost every aspect of Malifaux business and industry, the Guild finds it extremely difficult to fight these criminals. The Guild struggles with strong negative public opinion while charismatic and daring Arcanists are viewed as folk heroes. Every successful heist is celebrated quietly in the saloons and union halls, away from the ears of the Guild. To the citizens of Malifaux, Arcanists are a modern day Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The reality, however, may be closer to an underground crime syndicate. To the Guild, they are simply terrorists.

Bad Weather Closes Down Access to the Mountains

Travelers hoping to explore the mountains north of Malifaux and beyond were forced to return to the City when an unseasonably harsh spate of snow storms closed all known routes through the ranges. Evidence gathered by a joint Elite Division investigation points to the storms being magical in nature, but the cause of them remains undisclosed to this newspaper.

 

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In recent months, Arcanist activity has escalated dramatically. The scope of their operations has become ever more ambitious, even striking into the heart of Malifaux itself, into the mansion of the Governor General. The extent of the damage caused and what assets were targeted is unknown, but what is clear is that the Arcanist organization is establishing itself as a major power in Malifaux. To the population of Malifaux, the Arcanists represent the power to reclaim the fruits of their own labors. The Arcanists true agenda, however, seems to be profit and power.

New Species Discovered

Guild zoologists on an expedition to track the mating habits of the Slate Ridge mauler were stunned when they stumbled across an odd quadruped with what appeared to be wings and a human's torso. The creature left the area before the scientists could adequately document it.

 

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