Week 0

Sunday April 17, 1880
Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1880 The London News is pleased to announce the next Crystal Palace Exhibition on May 14th. The main categories of the exhibits will include Machinery, Fine Arts, and Archaeology. A complete skeleton from a newly discovered dinosaur species will be on display. This skeleton was uncovered by Odie Smith on an archaeological dig in Egypt. A steam-powered engine invented by George Stephenson shall be revealed publicly, however this technology is already being used in our London trains. A brand new collection of paintings by Oliver Merritt will be unveiled, though the masterpiece of the set remains in his studio. His previous collection is still on display at the National Gallery. A device that reportedly allows conversation with ghosts, given the moniker “Ghost Box,” will be at the exhibit, despite protests from several notable scientists at the University of London.

La Giaconda The new season of the Opera is now under way. The showing of La Giaconda includes a new star singer, Faina Castelli. The first week of her performance has been a disappointment for many. She is reported to be incredibly beautiful, but her voice much less so. One especially harsh critic was reported to have said that, like Giaconda, she too would have preferred death.

Stalker in Whitechapel A stalker has been rumoured to be haunting Whitechapel. Reports from witnesses claim that the man had a terrifying visage, claws for hands, and even wings. Scotland Yard calls the reliability of the witnesses into question, as it is well known that too much drink can lead to seeing visions of things not really there. However, residents are beginning to fear that it could be a second Spring-Heeled Jack.

Hansom Cab Racing The newly popular sport of hansom cab racing began its third season in London. The reigning champion Sylvia Jarrott lost her first race last week. As per championship rules, she will have to work her way up from the bottom of the bracket if she wants to reclaim her title. The next race will be this weekend at King’s Cross station.

Cases of Catatonia A few cases of catatonia have been reported at the London Hospital. Several completely unresponsive patients have been brought in recently. Thus far, doctors have been unable to identify the source of this illness.

PERSONAL, &c.
HECTOR VAN DER VORM -- In honor of the start of the season, L’oeuf Murmurant is offering an exclusive discount for couples. There will be a new special each week and thus always a reason for adventurous patrons to return.

METROPOLITAN POLICE. -- A number of articles were reported stolen at events this week, including jewelry, purses, coats, cloaks, shawls, opera and field glasses, pocketbooks, &c. Please report any leads to the Stolen Property Office. Great Scotland Yard, SW., between the hours of 10 and 5.

CHARLES MOORE -- The opening ball of the season will be held at the grand Moore estate. As usual, they will spare no expense for this grand occasion. As their son has been deemed one of the “catches” of the season, it is expected to be an especially memorable event.

Gods' Wars Addendum
''As you finish reading the news, a roll of parchment tied with a golden ribbon falls into your hands. You swear you can hear the sound of distant thunder as you open it. Shimmering gold text proclaims the following:''

''I can start? Well how am I supposed to know how your enchanted quill works? Okay, get rid of this part before you send it.''

''Welcome to Gods’ Wars. The thirteen of us are pleased to sponsor you in our competition and give you a chance at true power. Not as impressive as mine, of course, but much better than mere mortality.''

''To properly motivate you, we will reveal the top three scorers in each Aspect at the end of every week. You will get bonus points at the end of the event based on your placement in the Aspects. My points- oh and my brothers’ too- are worth more for obvious reasons. Impress me! Uh, us! You can reach us by missive- don’t bother with the incredibly slow mortal post, we’ve set it up so that they’ll get to us with divine intervention. Perhaps we’ll even grace you with our presence.''

''Apparently there’s a rulebook with this information that you should have read. Do that.''

''My words mark the official start of the Gods’ Wars. Tiresias will send out any future news or relevant information you all should know. Don’t contact me if you have questions- contact them or visit them in their enchanted room in the British Library.''

May the Gods be ever in your favour.

That’s it, you can turn it off now.