Several days ago the Fated released the indigent from their tax obligations and a colleague of mine published an article praising them for it, expressing high hopes for a brighter future. Readers, I encourage you to look at the evidence.
While this Factor Kholl did release the impoverished from future taxes, she did not levy their past debts and Mercykillers are still scouring the streets for these poor folk and tossing them into prison. From within they'll enjoy the hospitality of the Red Death without impending taxes, but are still quite responsible for outstanding debts. Furthermore, several witnesses purport the Factor's decision was not one of altruism either, but rather to curry favor with Sigil's own Shemeska the Information Broker. Why, you ask? Some claim to have overheard the Factor asking after the King of Thieves's Crown.
We all remember the days when the so called King terrorized the Hive under the guise of a benevolent dictator while harassing the authorities with his own special brand of thievery. Why else would Factor Kholl seek his crown unless she believed that she could wield a similar power? Do we want a Fated who can take what she wants, whenever she wants?
Meanwhile, while the Mercykillers continue to collect the debtors of Sigil, the Syndicate has been witnessed conversing with those very people. This reporter followed up with some of them and learned that one Mr. Goodman, joined by the Taker Jingo, have been purchasing their debts for liens against property and labor arrangements. Does this not have the air of a wide sweeping tactic to consolidate property and work forces into the control of those with the power of money?
My dear readers, I'm afraid that I simply don't see a brighter day on the horizon. With events unfolding as they are, I tremble at the next day to come.
Fated Ploy Sign of Corruption
