Albion Herald - The warmth of a Kouznets soup

22nd day of March of the first year of The Pact

I have spent the last few weeks within the old artisan district of Albion city, now renamed the Kouznets quarters by the common folks. All around me, I saw overcrowded houses, too many orphans and people carrying everything they owned in small wooden crates. Living in these conditions would sap the will out of any ordinary people.

But the Kouznets are no ordinary people; no, they are used to the harshness of winters, to look after each other, to make the most out of nothing. The past 30 years have been more than challenging for them, from the near collapse of their society when most of their nobles, including the Vedmid’s Tsar and his family, disappeared overnight, to the war between them and the Shikai Empire allied to the vile Septis, and of course, their country falling to the living dead.

It has been harsh indeed, but the Kouznets stay proud and strong through their tough bonds with each other. Every single one of them makes sure that no child goes hungry nor any elder feels the coldness of winter. With their efficiency, they managed to form production lines within months of their arrival and, with it, shared some of the wonders they invented with the Albion citizens. A few years ago, you might have seen one flintlock pistol in a cabinet of curiosity here in the capital, but now it seems like almost every other guard carries one!

They make the most with the coins they get from the goods they sell, they started buying many properties, and I heard that in Lettrecoeur, they have taken over the city! They also have giant outdoor kitchens running all day, serving warm and comforting soups and stews to anyone, free of charge!

I, for one, can’t wait to see all the wonders the Kouznets will bring to our great Kingdom, and as they say:

Das vidaña!

Until next time!

Theophile MacArthur