Abizyl glass workers are heading back to work today as the strikes have officially come to a close. Union leader Frederick Malady has this to say: “All our demands for fair treatment and safer working conditions have been met, we look forward to a safer more beneficial working environment and thank everyone who has supported us over these last few months.”
After several days of striking supported by the Underlings Union, Concrete Shoes Construction have given in to the demands of their workers - promising to take reports of unsafe working locations more seriously, and enshrine rights to hazard pay and to allow workers to refuse to attend certain sites. Much of the press is presented this as a great victory for the Union.
Reports on the Concrete Shoes Strike are somewhat dulled by a leak regarding the Union's finances - with sources reporting that at the same time as saying there was “no money for a real strike fund”, the Union was spending almost a full fifth of their budget on a state of the art personal assistance robot for the Committee. With many Union members across Nequam having gone above and beyond to provide for the Concrete Shoes strikes, some are wondering why exactly their regular dues seem to be going towards the few, at the expense of the many.
Requests to use the Union's safehouses have been under more pressure lately, after one of the buildings was totally levelled during an altercation with Argon Technologies. While all such requests have been able to be fulfilled, there is some concern that the apparent shortage might prevent some who need the safety from coming forward.
After a few weeks of blessèd1) reprieve, a dragon is ravaging across some of the territories controlled by the High Fantasy Villains. Oseneth the Inexorable, great sorcerer and if you don't use the adjective 'great' they'll be very pissed off about it, is taking credit, but really, so is every Villain and their mum2). Of course, Oseneth did take over the caves of Razeraith, so there's that… but then, two dragons were also seen flying over Central a while ago, weren't they? Remember, when the gold dragon first appeared and the folklore nerds were excited and the damages totalled higher than the value of most companies? Perhaps it's the meddlings of someone there. Also, there are strange things flying over the bay in Abizyl damaging boats, so perhaps some folks doing unwise things with portals and off-key chanting are to blame. Either way, people are excited to see what will happen next. Perhaps the dragons are proliferating because of *gasps of horror or adoration* dragonlings?
After the Union vote to require that underlings be allowed one day off every week, many requests for this change to work hours were met with open derision from villains. A considerable proportion of the Union's members approached their employers to ask for a regular rest day, and almost without exception they were denied. Some unfortunates working for particularly tempestuous villains were even summarily executed for having the temerity to ask, leading to a growing sentiment of anger among their colleagues.
From all corners of Nequam, even those considered usually isolationist and extremely parochial, people travel to Harmony to see the exciting new development. Accounts of the Union vary greatly through different crowds of the newcomers. Are they really here to debate equitably? Did the Union seriously vote that those whose cults, leaders, great unseen entities, etc., participate in sacrifice should have a say in who gets chosen? Will the Union really be able to enforce this new idea, voted in by people who truly3) had a say and opinions? If you go, will you have a great time networking, have a real say in the future of Nequam, or end up cursèd?4). Doubt abounds, but bookings of local accommodation soar. Hotel and B&B owners throughout Harmony are describing the UU with phrases like 'totally a good idea', 'definitely a boon for the transport industry', and 'a great opportunity for price fixing competitive value'. Meanwhile, tremulous and excited queues form outside The Club's back entrance waiting for their chance to finally experience the Underlings Union (for this Union may be an impressively bold idea, but you still can't go in through the front door, of course, that's for people with actual renown and power).
Last year's competition and show is back! The famous and fêted5) show is advertised throughout Harmony. It's a three-day event held in a massive complex with competition grounds and show areas. The crowning delight is the championship contest. There are competitions of Cutest Familiar, Deadliest Weapon, Weirdest Pet, etc., and the winners from each category will go on to compete for Best of Show. The winner receives the honour of the title, of course, but also the Championship Cup. Last year this Cup was only six inches tall and made of diamond to snugly hold a seal-point Ragdoll kitten whose ability to manipulate the surrounding air to be really, really, really hot was surprisingly powerful for such a fluffy wee thing. Past reviews praised it as 'fascinating', 'super fun', and 'best enjoyed at a distance'. Still, the event is eagerly awaited. This year, organisers are promising reinforced viewing panels and a major increase in the number of escape exits. Villains, don't miss this opportunity to enter! Everyone else, don't miss this opportunity to wonder at the most majestic and incredible Villainous companions in the world!