26. The Shadowed Standard
The Shadowed Standard
ANNUAL VILLAIN MASQUERADE BALL DRAWS NOTORIOUS ROGUES
By Maud Malcontent
The annual villain masquerade ball was held last night at the Blackthorn Estate, drawing infamous rogues and scoundrels from across the kingdom. Hosted by the notorious crime lord Theron Blackthorn, the lavish event featured debauchery and scheming in equal measure.
Villains turned out in dramatic costumes and masks, mingling and making deals over lavish foods and drinks. A menacing string quartet played throughout the night, accompanied by exotic dancers and other scandalous entertainment .
"It was a delightfully wicked affair, as always," Anton Vipera, head of the Serpent Syndicate, commented. "So many opportunities to network and forge advantageous partnerships."
The ball has become an important event for networking among villain circles. With the tyrannical king cracking down on their activities, these social events allow them to meet safely.
Notable attendees included Magmog the Minotaur, Jaxor the fierce, the illusionist warlock Rasmodius, vile necromancer Sir Bedivere, and the assassin twins Castor and Pollux.
However, the legendary sorceress Lillith Shadowend was absent once again. Though undisputedly the most powerful villain in the kingdom, she rarely makes public appearances anymore. Her fearsome reputation alone maintains her status.
The highlight of the evening was an impromptu duel between Rasmodius and Sir Bedivere over a business dispute. Their magic shook the hall threatening to tear down the cave system as each tried to destroy the other in inventive ways. Fortunately, Theron intervened before it could turn deadly.
In addition to such chaotic entertainment, backroom deals were struck over black market goods, smuggling routes, and more nefarious schemes. The masquerade ball is not just decadence but an opportunity for villains to further their aims free from meddling "heroes."
Whether for business or pleasure, the annual event cements bonds and rivalries among the kingdom's villains. They emerge reinvigorated in their opposition to the oppressive laws constraining their kind.
"The pathetic king and his tame princes cannot suppress us much longer," Theron declared in a toast. "A new age is dawning, my friends. Our time comes swiftly!"