A speech, first given by Dearheart Lovejoy in the City Centre, near the base of the Grey Trees. It was then repeated around the City by the Pigeon Courier Service:
My fellow animals; feathered, furry, scaled and beaked; we are in danger.
Winter has always been a time of struggle for many, though the gifts of the White Raccoon have allowed us to largely see its arrival as an inconvenience, as opposed to a genuine threat. But times are changing. I’m sure we need not remind anyone that just last Winter, large sections of the Great Lake froze over, driving hundreds down towards the dangerous depths to conserve warmth. This year, the effects will be even more severe.
For as long as any of us can remember, we have kept to ourselves. Some of us have banded together in small communities, but even the farthest-reaching communities have failed to cross the City’s borders. The Boy’s Cows try to help those in need, but they work on far too small a scale, and they fail to address the root of the issue.
There is only one way for animalkind to protect itself, and that is by coming together. Truly coming together, in a community which transcends any border, any distance, any barrier. Large-scale sharing of resources and cooperation.
To those of above and underground, of land and water, heed this warning: Winter will not spare anyone. We are warmer together.
To those who wish to help us in creating a new, more cooperative world, we will have members stationed in central locations across The City and its outskirts for the foreseeable future.
We are Helping Paw. Please, join us.
There’s been a hubbub in the Suburbs recently, as a number of Scholars are flocking to the Terrace. Word on the street is that, following a loud crash late one night, one of the metal barricades, which block entrance to many buildings, has been dented inwards, resulting in the base being lifted high enough for some to squeeze beneath. A few Scholars have already made their way to the new site, but all have yet to report on their findings. Notably, popular lecturer Professor Pancake has yet to make an appearance.
It is unknown who or what caused the metal to move, but we are sure that the Scholars would like to thank them for their contribution to continuing research. A group is working on removing the metal sheet entirely, and would appreciate aid from whoever can offer it.
Her Grandiloquence Bushy-Tail II, Lord of the Revels, She Who Reigns For This Year Alone, Not So Cocky Now She Sees What The Workload’s Like, requests the assistance of brave souls to ensure the success of this year’s Carnival. In the coming weeks there will be a quest into the Deep-Wood Places, to ensure the Spirits look favourably on this year’s festivities. Her Grandiloquence will provide more details to visitors to the Carnival grounds.
Hear all about it! Hear all about it! Boy is looking for new recruits to Boy’s Cows, I repeat, Boy is looking for recruits! Prospective applicants should have a strong desire to help those in need, boldness to go into danger tempered by wisdom to know how to not become an extra casualty, and most importantly, the need; the need for speed!
Okay, I may have added that last one myself. But definitely the first two! If you think you’ve got what it takes to join the elite emergency response herd, seek out Boy in the Plains! But be warned! Boy doesn’t just accept anyone; prepare for trials!
A particularly loud penguin has been proclaiming the following in the name of Her Majesty the Empress Penguin:
Her Majesty the Empress Penguin is offering a human artefact capable of emitting animal sounds when a cord is pulled, in exchange for a small collection of stones in a colour that matches the colour of the feathers on her life-partner's stomach. Anyone interested in this quest should deliver them to the Empress herself on the Shore, where she will also be available for any questions about the task you may have.
Casssiopoeia has once again curled up on the Shore with a new selection of unique trinkets to trade. Zie is also looking for someone to repair something zie found, a strange rubber item that appears to be punctured.
Gather all, gather round! In those so-called dark and mysterious depths that lie beneath our City, there lies an undiscovered gem. What could that be? Why, it's shelter, of course! Find a blue beacon on any City street corner, and follow the stairwell down, and you, too, can be covered from the terrible chill of Winter if you choose to take up residence in a shiny new burrow in the Underground. Come on down today, and enjoy the comfort of nights in which your safety is ensured.