1.) A few words from the Assistant Editor
2.) Top Fives - Karma Freeze
3.) Changeman's Vault
4.) The Advocates - Foom, Kaesal
5.) A short request

This is officially the second issue of the Spectator that I've put out since Leyara's vacation. The death threats have reduced to the usual few, so I'm going to assume that the Spectator hasn't gotten incredibly worse since I've temporarily taken over. Unfortunately, I'm a lot less organized than she is, and our incredible paper has been, somewhat, late. I halfheartedly apologize, and hopefully everything'll be completely on time for the next issue!

The Top Fives
Karma Freeze

Most Insane Spurian

1. Sweetie
2. Jazbo
3. Callik
4. Paratwa
5. Mestoffa

Not at all surprisingly, over half of the votes for Most Insane Spurian were cast for Sweetie, and the other small percentage were cast by people who knew she was going to win, and decided to vote for Jazbo just to spite her. Congratulations, I suppose, to Sweetie for unquestionably being the most insane citizen of Spur alive!

Most likely to be enslaved by Frontacians

1. Callik
2. Oakleaf
3. Corrin
4. Alazam
5. Windfury

When I figured to put this topic in the Top Fives for this issue, I didn't expect you all to take the easy way out and vote for someone who's already currently enslaved by Frontacians. But aside from that, Spur's most annoying, with the exception of Alazam, made the top five Most prayed to be enslaved and executed by Frontacians in the near future.

Drake most likely to stage to third

1. Slepinfire
2. Nalpac
3. Litorth
4. Alsan
5. Alazam

Before I talk about who made this list, I'd just like to take a moment to brag about how much more intelligent our readers are than the readers of the DFC. Now that that's done with, congratulations to the three drakes that made this list and managed to barely beat out Alsan, Alazam, Netraa, and Vixen for the category of Drakes most likely to stage to third. I'm not sure how Alsan and Alazam managed to sneak onto the list, but we wish them the best of luck during their up and coming stagings.

Most bloodthirsty Taathian

1. Balor
2. Borus
3. Vost
4. Grachus
5. Headflinger

Lately there's been a lot of unhealthy activity by the Taathians. Not necessarily unhealthy for the Taathians, but unhealthy for anyone who happens to be around while they're "instilling fear" into Spurians. The random acts of violence got me wondering which Taathians were considered the most likely to randomly kill you for the sake of amusement. The newly elected High Priest Balor topped off the list of bloodthirsty Taathians, followed by the long time follower and ever-faithful Thugian Borus, Vost, former High Priest of Taath Grachus, and Headflinger.

Oldest Spurian

1. Weldo
2. Milanden
3. Sordum
4. Armonius
5. Michael'a

Weldo, proclaiming for days that he in, in fact, not old beat out some of the most decrepit and ancient Spurians still barely alive. Old Man Milanden came in a close second, with Sordum, the founder of the Psion's guild, not far behind. The High Priest Armonius and the long time third stage dragon Michael'a nearly tied for fourth, but one vote from Armonius' near-psychotic fan who will remain nameless set him slightly ahead of Michael'a.

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Changeman's Vault
Changeman Shadowlurk

::Your blind fold is removed and you find your self in a place thought by many to be nothing but a street myth. The inside of the large vault is cluttered with piles of scrolls and scandalous paintings of an extremely naughty nature. A depressed looking Sanene burglar picks through the paper mountains and tosses you some choice scrolls.:::

Salutations and welcome to my vault, where words are valued more than morbius and moonsilver. As usual dear readers, I need your help to aid my campaign of doing as little work as possible. If you hear a Spurian say something amusing, impressive, moronic, or interesting then please send it to me at Stlkerazzi in the poor quarter. I especially want quotes in other languages, even link conversations. At the end of this column is a collection of quotes from the trip of the first Spurians to go into the slaver city Emjedah, but I warn you it is very long. Only the hardiest adventurers dare read it. Many thanks and a barony in my imaginary kingdom to Cagliostro, Vixen, Weldoian, Karma the big shot editor type, Morpheus, Narc, Sheika, Kirrra, Reason of the frecklesnoot, and anyone else that helped.

Tinder says, "What stuff"
Zef says, "That's 100 gold down cuz of that wench"
Zef says, "My scimitar, my backpack"
Tinder wrinkled his nose.
Zef says, "My pants"
Rebakah asks Zef, how did she get that?"
Tinder asks, "Did she sleep ya?"
Tinder says, "And strip ya"
Voodo asks Zef, "who?"
Zef says, "She challenged me to a Drinking Contest"
Tinder laughed.
Rebakah coughed
Tinder comforted Zef
Zef says to Voodo, "Thief Alexua the Pent"
     -Tinder the Human Mage, Zef the Anthian, Voodo the Drake, and Remekah, talking about how Zef was robbed.

Stanrar says to Landoo, "Callik agreed to serve Jortow, if they wish to call it a slave relationship that's up to them"
Stanrar says to Landoo, "The truth of the matter is, that Callik agreed to it"
Stanrar says to Landoo, "That makes him a servant, not a slave"
Jortow says to Stanrar, "In Spur he is a servant, outside the city, he is my slave."
Stanrar says to Jortow, "Though, whatever you too wish to call yer relationship here, out of town, or in your private chambers is between you two"
     -Stanrar the Human Fighter, Landoo the Frontacian Nage, and Jortow the Frontacian Mage.

Dmajh says to Fey, "I thank you once again for your time...your charm almost blinds my eye to your...ummm...scales and sharp claws"
     -Dmajh the Sanene Barbarian talking to Fey the Drake.

'Maybe I'll join you. Wouldn't that be a sight, the leech and the zombie?'
     -Rother Blackmask the Leuian Locksmith, speaking to Changeman the Sanene Locksmith.

Vilken asks Vixen, "Well what?"
Vilken whistled.
Vilken says to Vixen, "You should ask me formally"
Vilken nodded up and down.
Vixen groaned Vilken batted his eyes at Vixen
Vixen says to Vilken, "Noble San Elf Vilken, would you do me the honor of hunting."
Vixen curtsied formally to Vilken.
Vixen says, "See I had to talk to myself to know how to curtsy properly"
Vilken says to Vixen, "While your beauty stuns even myself, I regretfully will not be around long enough to hunt with you this eve M'lady"
     -Vilken the Sanene Fighter and Vixen the Sanene Guildmistress of Locksmiths.

' Ack my mail'
     -Lathan the Leuian Cleric, as he ran away from Balor's kicks.

Fae asks Karma, "Why do all th'good ones get dusted?"
     -Fae the Drag-al Fighter.

Bushwig was fighting Litorth and Lestor, then ran north. Litorth snorted.
Bushwig yelled "haha!" Kagee chuckled Litorth stood up.
Kagee says, "That Gobbie cracks me up"
Kagee says to Litorth, "No offense, but he's got guts"
Litorth says to Kagee, "But lacks a brain"
Kagee says, "And zero brains"
Kagee chuckled.
Lestor says to Kagee, "More like no brains "
Kagee nodded to Litorth.
Kagee says, "I believe that was just a consensus"
     -Litorth the Drake, Madame Kagee the Sanene Sword cleric,
      Bushwig the Go-blin-al Fighter, and Lestor the Leuian Sword Cleric.

Borus says to Ambertiger, "Da only thing you are good for is fur coat in da winter"
     -Borus the Thugian Fighter, talking to Ambertiger the Leuian Cleric.

Morpheus whispered to Reason 'You should kick her!'
Reason whispers, "I'm a heart cleric, we don't kick people..."
Morpheus whispered to Reason 'Sweetie's a heart cleric, isn't she??'
Reason whispers, "Well, Sweetie's special."
     -Morpheus the Leuian Psion and Reason the Human Cousin of Set.

Rahvin says, "You do realize.. you just invited DEATH...."
Cuervo says, "Death is such a transient thing...."
Piotr says, "Death can be a humbling experience, especially on inventory"
     -Rahvin the Anthian Forester, Cuervo the Drag-al Locksmith, and Piotr.

Grachus says, "Triumvirate forever!"
A deep voice bounced off the walls from all sides and those there felt were overcome with a feeling of terror, "Touch this temple and you will forever be mine in the after life" The voice continued, "I hold little power in life, but in death you all are mine, I will own each of your souls for eternity"
Foom exclaims, "Lies! Lies lies lies!"
     -Grachus the Leuian Sword Cleric, Foom the Sanene Fighter, and Moloch the pseudo God.

Amella asks, "Could anyone please tell me the way to the pet shop?"
Stanrar says to Amella, "I can sell ya a pet here"
Stanrar says to Amella, "One lizard, slightly used"
Stanrar pulled Jazbo closer to him.
Amella says, "No, I don't have any money, I just like to look at them"
Alynia asks Stanrar, "Slightly?"
Lilkin says, "Amella, you don't want that one he bites hard"
     -Amella the Secian, Stanrar the Human Fighter, and Lilkin the Secian.

Rayner says, "I mean..... am I required to wear a shirt?"
     -Rayner the Anthian Hand Cleric and non-shirt wearer.

Ciral says, "I was robbed by the HOD"
Cagliostro asks, "They stole your pants?"
Ciral nodded up and down.
Ciral says, "I haven't any money to buy more"
     -Ciral the pantless Draco and Cagliostro the Usil Fighter who we think wears pants.

Demeralda says, "Equality and justice for all!"
Demeralda says, "Except for Firs who are slaves, of course"
     -Lady Demeralda the Secian Air Mage.

Krittlrak spun a web at Danecker!
The attack barely missed
Krittlrak snapped his fingers.
Danecker says to Krittlrak, "You know your the pet out of the two of us.. so stop that"
Krittlrak smirked
Krittlrak says to Danecker in Secti, "Think what you will gem head"
     -Krttlrak the Arachnian and Danecker the Frontacian Fighter.

Weldoian says, "I do know that the ego's of Dragons seem to stage right along with them."
Kindramron says to Weldoian, "Most draco ego's seem to stage early"
Weldoian says to Kindramron, "And they keep staging."
     -Weldoian the Secian Heart Cleric and Kindramron the Hithual Bard.

Emjedah quotes below...warning, very long.

Waeleun says, "Greetings travelers."
(Many greetings from passengers)
Grundath yells, "The harbor master has a few words for everyone please."
Waeleun says, "I am the Harbor Master at this fine town of Emjedah."
Waeleun asks, "I believe none of you have actually been to the fair city?"
Waeleun says, "By Frontacian Empire Law, all of the High Race must register within the city."
Waeleun says, "All of Frontacians must wait on the boat with the good Captain."
Waeleun says, "My assistant Telfin should be around shortly to register you."
Grundath says, "If those of ya Frontacians would like to join me, ah'll share a bottle of wine with ya in mah cabin till they arrive."
Grundath smiled.
Waeleun says, "The rest of you will come with me, to meet the great Lord Grandeur."
Everyone followed.
Waeleun says to Grundath, "Everything seems to be in order"
Waeleun says, "All non-Frontacians to follow me please to meet Lord Grandeur."
Waeleun asks, "I believe I have everyone?"
Grundath says to Waeleun, "Ah'll make sure all of your race have registered with the assistant harbor master."
Waeleun says to Grundath, "I will be back shortly to make sure my assistant does his job."
Grundath says to Waeleun, "Ah thank you again for extending me the honor of shippin to your city."
     -Hithual Captain Grundath of the Forge's Love and Frontacian Waelun the Harbor-Master of Emjedah.

Kagee says, "Locked in a small room, no windows with Sweetie... this must be Taath's revenge"
Sweetie says, "Yes." Sweetie says, "Fear."
Kagee murmured something beneath her breath
     -Kagee the Sanene sword cleric and Sweetie the Psycian Heart Cleric,
      during the imprisonment of the Spurians in Emjedah.

Murdach exclaims, "I say! You've gone and landed yourself in quite a heap of trouble now haven't you!"
Benni exclaims to Murdach, "Yes!"
Reason says, "No lie."
Aeslyn says to Murdach, "Not really...we Drakes are just resting"
Benni asks Murdach, "Do you know what they plan ta do with us?"
Murdach asks, "Do you know where you are?!"
Murdach flails his arms about wildly.
Stanrar says to Murdach, "Aye we're in a holding cell to be enslaved and sent to work in the mines of Emjedah"
Kyrinne says to Murdach, "It does look rather glum here"
Murdach exclaims, "Even Flerian don't come here! Well, very often, sometimes, when we get curious, but we usually don't come back, except sometimes, it's hard to keep a Flerian locked up and all."
     -Murdach the Mysterious Flerian and assorted Spurians held captive

Murdach says, "Some Fir Elf snuck into the city is what I overheard the Harbor Master say to some slave keeper chap."
Sweetie says, "Oh Gods.."
Reason exclaims, "Corrin!"
Kagee says, "That stupid ...."
Reason exclaims, "That little plague rat!"
Rictor says, "Ah'm gonna kill that dern elf"
     -Murdach the Adventurer and assorted Spurians.

Sweetie says to Murdach, "Think of the lines. "Murdach saves bands of adventurers from Frontacian Lord in Unmarked Slave City."
Murdach exclaims, "I say!"
Murdach exclaims to Sweetie, "You're right!!"
Starlyn exclaims to Murdach, "Think of all the gifts you'll get!"
Reason exclaims to Murdach, "You'd be a famous hero!"
Sweetie exclaims to Murdach, "Exactly!"
Murdach suddenly exploded in a thousand tiny shards of light.
Sweetie says, "Lets hope he's getting the lock.."
Reason says to Sweetie, "If that works, you're a genius."
Sweetie says, "Yay."
Thono says, "Great, A spontaneously combustible absent minded Flerian to the rescue"
Kedryn says to Elessil, "Unfortunately this town is a wound in Nature's side."
Kedryn says to Stanrar, "I go where Elindale wishes, I don't question Her desires of me."
Kagee says to Kedryn, "I'm sure you do a lot of her work, locked in here"
Kedryn says, "I was lead her to this blighted landscape."
Kedryn says to Kagee, "There is much one can do simply with faith. You all are here as am I, for what purpose none of us can say."
Elessil says to Kedryn, "Any information ye can share would be appreciated, just in case that opportunity to leave presents itself"
Kedryn says to Elessil, "The slaves work the mines and destroy the forests, the only desire of the denizens of this city is for profit through the rape of Elindale's gifts.
     -Kedryn the noble Fir Elf, Kagee the Sanene Sword Cleric, and Elessil the Leuian.

Stanrar asks Kedryn, "Do ya know anything of the Lord of this city?"
Kedryn says, "A Frontacian named Grandeur. Well, that is what he calls himself. I assume he believes if he bestows such a name upon himself he will grow to emulate it."
     -Stanrar the Human Fighter and Kedryn the Fir Elf.

Kedryn says to Voodo, "Wealth untold lies in the mines, any gold you could gather would be a pittance for those in power here."
Kedryn says, "Though there is the trouble with the demons."
Reason asks, "Demons?"
Kedryn says, "The lower levels of the mines are infested with demons, which is why they use slaves to work the mines. "
Stanrar says, "I didn't think demons were native anywhere hereabouts"
Reason says, "So they're imported demons."
Kedryn says, "They are from Taganoth, unleashed when Angren'sar was tricked into opening the rifts to those worlds."
Stanrar asks Kedryn, "The mine is an old one then?"
A grey scarf appeared in the air, it twirled around and a Flerian suddenly appeared wearing the scarf.
Sweetie says, "YES"
Kento exclaims to Murdach, "Murdach!"
Murdach exclaims, "I say! You're all looking rather healthy for slaves and what not, strong bone structures, my that chin will sell for a fortune I'm sure!"
Kento says to Murdach, "We a'h not slaves"
Murdach says, "Oh, perhaps I have the wrong cell."
Stanrar says to Murdach, "Ya haven't the wrong cell"
Kento asks Murdach, "Who were ya tryin ta reach?"
Murdach exclaims, "I was sent by a bunch of Spurian would be adventurers, who are on a super secret rescue mission, to tell their friends they will have them out soon!"
Murdach says, "Of course, if this is the wrong place, I better go find them and let them know."
Kento says to Murdach, "Ahh wait"
Sweetie says, "It's the right place"
Murdach asks, "Are you sure?"
Sweetie asks Murdach, "Are they coming by boat?"
Morlandin asks, "And how long till they can arrive? it's a couple days by sea"
Murdach says, "Oh no, they found a little path some place and their hiking I believe, of course, when I left them they were going west past Treehaven instead of east..."
Murdach asks, "I think perhaps their sense of adventuring isn't quite dead on, quite the wrong way to be going what?"
Reason asks, "So the cavalry's coming but they don't have a map?"
Murdach says, "Your little Firian friend could guide them, but I imagine he's too busy wallowing in his own terror. Not much of an adventurer that one."
Stanrar says to Murdach, "Who all is in this party"
Murdach says, "Oh, him, and that guy, and someone else."
Sweetie asks, "We have three people coming to save us?!"
Murdach exclaims, "Though word got out their coming, and a lot of the Taathian folks went off to kill them, making it that much more exciting!"
Murdach exclaims, "Race against time before you're all sold as slaves, and people are trying to kill them too!"
Murdach suddenly exploded in a thousand tiny shards of light.
Stanrar says to Reason, "The captain still lied"
Sweetie says, "He knew what would happen."
Stanrar says, "He told us the miners here were well paid"
Rictor says to Reason, "He told me the Hiths were paid well here, and not slaves at all"
Sweetie says, "Wisedeb is asking for clues to get here."
Reason says, "Center of town, the big stone building.'"
Audra says, "It was northwest till the roads split"
Reason says, "We're NW of the docks."
Audra says, "Then it was north"
Platinum says, "Locked steel door"
Reason asks, "Up some stairs somebody said?"
Sweetie says, "Okay. I told her"
Stanrar asks, "How does she plan to open the door?"
Sweetie exclaims, "They're in the slave compound!"
Voodo asks Sweetie, "That a good thing?"
Sweetie says to Voodo, "Yes, they're looking for the door"
A voice yelled, "There has been a change in the purchase, the Secian, Kyrinne, please step forward. Your freedom has been arranged"
Kyrinne yells, "I don't leave without my Bondmate!"
Sweetie screams, "Kyrinne can't go."
Voodo cursed.
Reason says, "Too late."
A voice yelled, "Attention prisoners, your freedom has been purchased by the Frontacians of your city. You are now their property under Frontacian law, we understand you are to be set free."
Audra says, "I ain't no ones property"
Sweetie says to Alynia, "We're owned by Frontacians."
Voodo says, " Good let me free"
Alynia says, "Property of Fronts"
Kagee says, "I'll show them who's owned"
Voodo says, "Well see whose property I am"
Leriel says, "No, they set us free."
Kento says, "A'h am so confused"
Morlandin says, "I'd like to see them claim me as property"
A click was heard from the closed dull thick steel door.
Rictor says, "If they wanna own me, they'll have to beat me to mah death first, which ain't likely to happen"
Sweetie says to Leriel, "We're their property."
Voodo asks, " Where's Waeleun?"
Thono says, "Crow owns all of you "
Cirrus says, "It took a great amount of gold to free you."
Cirrus says, "Crow and I both worked to free you."
Voodo says, " I want vengeance"
Voodo says, " and I want it now"
Jortow says to Voodo, "I would not recommend that"
Depravato'a says to Crow, "Where is Kyrinne......now"
Cirrus says, "Crow donated quite a bit."
Wisedeb says, "You better behave"
The overseer says, "The transaction is complete, the slaves are now the property of the Frontacians of the city of Spur, and the slave Kyrinne the Secian, who have purchased their freedom."
Stanrar says, "And we appreciate it, but we belong to no one"
Reason says, "Let's argue that when we get out of the city."
Rictor says, "Get me out of this damned evil city first, aye"
Jortow says, "How..ungrateful"
Cirrus says, "I prefer to think of you as no more then indentured to us. Certainly not slaves."
Voodo clawed at the overseer, wounding him.
Jortow raised one finger and pointed at Voodo. A flash of red crosses his eyes.
Crow says, "Now is not the time for disagreements. Please... "
Kento exclaims to Voodo, "No!"
A swirl of flame circled Jortow's fingertip. A split second later a blast of fire streaked out at Voodo! Then Voodo finished off the overseer with his claws, to the cheers of many.
Voodo yells, "FREEDOM"
Reason says, "Leave the Dragon, let's get out of here."
Depravato'a says, "No.........continue till I see my bond........"
The cries of guards sounded out through the air as the pounding of hundreds of boots on feet came towards the fight.
Kento says, "Oh no"
Sweetie says, "Oh Dear Gods."
Kento says, "A'h am outta here"
(Slave hunters entered the area and there was a battle. A few avoided the fighting to search for a way out of town.)
Wisedeb says, "You must behave"
Jortow yells, "Stop attacking the citizens and leave this city."
Wisedeb says to Sweetie, "They will put you back."
Benni says to Kedryn, "You should leave the city."
Reason asks, "Which way is out?"
Kedryn says, "I was planning on it, but it appears it is not safe."
Aliyah asks Sweetie in Secti, "You are okay?"
Kento says, "Stop da fightin.."
Wisedeb says, "Wait a second "
Wisedeb says, "Let me talk "
Kagee says to Wisedeb, "Easy for you to say, you weren't held in a small little room"
Wisedeb says, "Just for a second"
Kento exclaims to Wisedeb, "For hours! goin mad!"
Wisedeb says, "Aye, but we put up a lot to get you out of that little room"
Sweetie says to Wisedeb, "to own us."
Wisedeb says, "It is because we wanted to get you out"
Wisedeb says, "Gawd you are all thick"
Jortow says, "The customs here are much different. You lesser beings have no place here."
Cirrus says, "We had no idea that the Lord was confused as to your value. We were busy filling out our family histories."
Wisedeb says, "We need you to listen "
Wisedeb says, "Just for a few"
Sweetie says, "You let your High Priestess nearly black out."
Wisedeb says to Voodo, "You are outta your league ..and we risked a lot of gold to get you ALL out"
Jortow says to Sweetie, "We freed all of you. If you think any Frontacian wishes to own you, you are sadly mistaken"
Crow says, "Welcome to Emjedah..."
Wisedeb says, "This was not an easy deal "
Reason says to Wisedeb, "Well, for myself, thank you. I'm glad to be out of there no matter how it happened."
Wisedeb says, "We have put up a lot of gold"
Kagee says to Wisedeb, "I have an idea, I'll put up some gold for you, you sit in that nice little warm box for 1/2 a day"
Cirrus says, "My pockets are much lighter trying to clear the confusion that placed you in that room."
(After this some explored the city and some left right away.)

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Advocates
Our Spurian Aristocracy--Paragons or Parasites?

Foom:

I often go out walking in the woods, hunting boars, bears, Fir elves, or other dumb beasts. It is a common sight, in the deep groves, to see a magnificent old tree all shrouded in ivy or moss. A common sight, and at first glance an impressive one, this mighty titan dripping with green like some enormous fountain. But look closer, and you perceive that in fact the tree's beautiful covering is strangling it. Underneath, the limbs are dry and dead. The very heartwood of the tree may be rotted out. The parasite, in growing high and thick, smothers the entity that made its spectacular growth possible. On seeing such a thing, I am usually reminded of the City of Spur and the plague of aristocracy that now besets it. The Lords and Ladies of Spur have grown immensely rich and immensely powerful. In their dazzling costumes, indulging themselves in witty banter and graceful swordplay, they are indeed a splendid sight. And yet, while they talk of honor and order and charity, of goodness and generosity, it seems they grow ever stronger and richer as the common folk of Spur grow weaker and poorer. They toss a few silver to the poor in TSC by day, but in the dark of night, on their way to the Anything Goes Club for their debauched revelry, one sees them callously kicking the beggars as they pass. I could, of course, name names--the traitorous Lord who thought to bring the entire city under the sway of his accursed gods; the Lady who claims to be a healer but in truth deals death with her magick; the Baroness who belongs to a race loathed and feared by virtually all Spurians--but you all know of whom I speak. With precious few exceptions (a certain ex-Inquisitor comes to mind), they are a burden and a curse to our city. If they and their minions (for example the Knight better known for murder than for chivalry) are not soon recognized as the parasites they are, then it is very clear that Spur will soon go the way of those mighty trees I see in the forest. The branches will be festooned with greenery, but at the heart all will be rot and decay.

Kaesal:

Spurian government a Paragon? Far from it. Even less of a parasite, despite the fact that our lords and ladies are not always honorable or honest, without them, the structure of society would crumble, and there would be no order. If the government was greedy, feeding off of the people of Spur, then why would they bother employing guards, watchmen and such which no doubt takes a portion of their gold. The appearance of these noble people may seem like they indulge themselves to their liking while ignoring the problems of the common and the poor, but that is not true, as they have every right to use their gold and they have earned their status, whether through bloodline, successful business, or a completed achievement. They have every right to tax the people, as these nobles own their land and people live on their land, thus the people pay to live there, and for the protection of guards. You cannot blame the nobles for the poor, for it is the peoples fault that they are poor. Yes, there are starving children and people in the poor quarter and other areas, and most of the people blame the nobles, yet they never blame the merchant who is selling the food at a price they cannot afford. They blame the nobles for the homeless, but never the carpenters who charge a hefty price for even a simple house. The main reason why the poor are poor is unemployment and lack of education, which reduces any chance the poor has to earn decent silver for basic life needs such as food and shelter. People accuse the nobles for being greedy and selfish, but selfishness delves into almost every persons mind, whether they deny it or not, for it is this selfishness that created the fragile economy, encouraging many people to value pieces of metal over many things. Without these high lords and ladies, there would be no control over land. There would be no guards, except ones personally hired, and even then the guard could kill his employer and take whatever he or she wants. There would be no justice system as all the judges are nobles themselves, there would be no Guildmasters, as they are controlling the guild and benefit from income of the guild. There would be true Chaos, although some people look forward to that. The nobles does not have to help the poor or the common people as the nobles are not responsible for many of the problems that the common people themselves created, and as for possibly referring nobles as parasites, know that a parasite feeds on a host in which the parasite gains while the host loses. This is not true for nobles as in order for them to receive income, they must do something beneficial to society to achieve their status, an example are Guildmasters who receive the income of the guild, and in return they organize the guild and invest gold on the guild. A society of equality is not possible in a city with different races with different views on what's morally right and wrong.

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Well folks, I'm going to try something new for a change. Lately there's been a lot of debate over what makes a thief a thief. Even though this isn't anything new, this time around the argument was sparked by the presence of a Leuian thief--err..locksmith, as she prefers to be called, who had some unfortunate run ins with the Pride. In an effort to get the confusion cleared up once and for all, send us your definitions and explanations as to what makes one a thief. In the next issue, I'll put up, based on your responses, the official Spectator definition to what makes a thief a thief.

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The Spectator Staff