04-15-2012, 10:31 PM
The Stormwind Daily Post
Westfall on Hard Times
The farmers and people of Westfall seem to be facing even more threats, despite the downfall of the Defias kingpin, Edwin VanCleef. Reports state that many splinter groups of the defunct 'Defias Brotherhood' have taken to the fields and forests, and nowhere is this worse than the plains of Westfall. While the returning troops from Northrend have provided the People's Militia some new blades for their cause, farmers report that the improvements to the guard force are 'too little, too late'. Compounding the bandit threat there is an influx of attacks from the local gnolls of the region, and murlocs are a threat for any workers on the coast. Some guardsmen of the People's Militia have even reported on some undead from Duskwood spotted roaming the fields from across the bridge. Gryan Stoutmantle, leader of the military forces of Westfall, was not available to comment.
Duskwood Smuggling Ring Dispersed
Ello Ebonlocke of Duskwood and his Night Watch Guard have reported the downfall of a notorious smuggling ring within the boundaries of their city recently. The unnamed smuggling ring has plagued the regions of Westfall and Redridge over recent months, and has reportedly been using Duskwood for a hideaway between its illegal operations. While authorities have yet to disclose the names of any of the collaborators behind this nefarious organization, the ring has apparently been the confirmed carriers of black market goods to the remnant Defias in Westfall, and may even be aiding the hostilities from the Blackrock Orcs in Redridge. Unsettling news, as to all accounts the ring is comprised soley of human conspirators.
Perhaps even more disconcerting are the rumors that there was some involvement of the Stormwind House of Nobles concerning this smuggling ring. There has been no comment yet from any of the accused noble houses concerning these allegations.
The War Goes On
On the front lines, officers are saying that tensions between the Horde and Alliance may be due to escalate. Concerns are apparently rising from within the Horde as to how they will be maintaining resources, especially lumber, and Darnassian officials have stated that incursions into the Ashenvale wood are growing more and more numerous by Horde lumber groups!
The recent increase in lumberyard work has brought everyone onto their toes. Darnassian troops are anticipating increased aggression on the front, and the Stormwind navy has stated that it is standing by to assist, should the need arise. Whether or not we're going to see an outbreak or not remains to be seen, but commanders are anticipating trouble in the months to come.
Survey Says: Financial Woes Only Increasing
Meanwhile in domestic news, surveys of the trends of taxes across the kingdom seem to point to harsh times ahead, especially as the Alliance prepares for the possibility of a renewed conflict with the Horde. Just this Friday a tax increase was issued, and with it prices rose all around the city to accomodate the new legislation. There has been noted outcry from Baron Andreas of the Stormwind House of Nobles due to its particular fixation upon businesses.
"It's an outrage. This is Stormwind's idea of rewarding those who are keeping it afloat in these hard times? Well let them levvy their taxes. Just so long as they take the blame when our prices rise to accomodate the loss of revenue."
An official had this to say in response to Andreas' comment,
"To say that we are punishing the successful is a harsh light to view it in. Noblemen like the honorable baron are not in the least inconvenienced by the adjustment, and have no need to punish their customers for their call to pay their rightful share."
More to come on this matter as it develops. Until then, families will do well to start saving up for the price hikes coming up.
News From the North: Argent Victory!
On a much more uplifting note, the Argent Crusade has reported sweeping victories across the Western Plaguelands after recovering from its most recent defensive at the city of Hearthglen. On Thursday the 12th the former cultist leader and commander of the renewed Scourge forces of the Western Plaguelands was given a public execution upon the gallows. Argent forces report that with the downfall of the renewed cult there have been fewer and fewer coordinated attacks upon the city, or upon Argents traversing the Plaguelands in general. Commanding officer Entari says that he is 'cautiously optimistic' concerning the safety and growth of the city now that their threat from the Scourge has been lifted.
A festival is to be arranged in celebration of the downfall of the cult, to be planned by the Hearthglen Town Council shortly. We have heard that there will be portal services available for those wishing to attend from Stormwind.