A Most Prolong’d and Grave Assembly

Lo, upon a day of solemn import, the exalted Council of Durakiss was conven’d within the august chambers of the Crown, where many noble personages and officers of renown did gather in great number, more abundant than hath been seen in many a season past.

The Council, as is reported by those privy unto its sittings, endured for a great while, its discourse long and oftentimes grave, touching upon many matters of consequence unto the realm.

Foremost amongst the subjects was the governance of the city itself, for Durakiss hath grown mightily, and with its growth come divers burdens, be they of trade, defence, or the temper of the common folk. Voices were rais’d in earnest debate as to how best maintain the order and prosperity of the realm.

Most dire among the matters brought forth was the telling of a calamity at Black Lake, a place already dark in reputation. The full account of the catastrophe remaineth shrouded in uncertainty, yet whispers speak of grievous happenings, and of ill tides rising from those shadow’d waters. The council did treat this subject with utmost gravity, as one portentous of further ill.

Moreover there remaineth mystery still: for it cannot be confirm’d whether the Council did discourse upon the matter of certain enigmatic laboratories, lately discover’d in secrecy and provoking much rumour among the people. Some say these hidden places hold knowledge forbidden or powers untold; others whisper darker things besides.

Thus did the Council conclude, thoughwith no small burden left unresolved, and the realm now standeth watchful, its fate turning upon the counsels of those who govern it.

Let all loyal subjects heed well: the days ahead may prove most trying, and the shadows gather even now.