fable town Crisis Commitee
Queen’s National Model United Nations 2021
1 Fabletown From the Secretary-General
Dear Delegates,
It is my privilege to welcome you to Queen’s National Model United Nations 2021! My name is Samuel Tobert, and it is my honour to serve as your Secretary-General for QNMUN 2021. Originally from Vancouver, B.C. I study Biochemistry, Political Science and Business at Queen’s University. Model UN has been an integral part of my High School and University careers, and through it, I have met some of my closest friends, made some of my fondest memories, and learned valuable skills, becoming a more engaged global citizen.
I am so glad that you have chosen to join us for this year’s iteration of QNMUN, held virtually for the first time in our history. COVID-19 has brought many challenges to our community and has presented new obstacles to Model UN; however, I can confidently say that our team has been working tirelessly to deliver a high quality and engaging conference for you. If there is anything we can do to make our conference more accessible in its online format, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With this year marking my 8th on the Model UN circuit, I reflect upon the many experiences that I have had in MUN. I can confidently say that Model UN is one of the most fulfilling activities I have had the privilege to participate in. It has made me a better speaker, a better problem solver and taught me so much about myself and the world we live in. From a small Crisis Committee negotiating the denuclearization of the Koreas to a 400-person General Assembly on improving the education of Women and Girls, I have found my love for MUN at conferences across North America. I hope that QNMUN will inspire all of you to learn more about how you can make a difference in the communities you are a part of and will inspire you to further pursue Model UN in the future!
This year I am excited to announce that we have many resources available to you to help you prepare for the conference. In addition to this background guide and the delegate handbook, we will be hosting a drop-in mentorship session for all delegates Thursday, February 4th, in the afternoon and evening. There you can gain tips and tricks on debate and research and speak to Model UN veterans – I highly encourage all of you to attend! I would also encourage you to talk to your sponsor teachers about having your team join the QNMUN Mentorship Program. This program, taught by experienced University Model UN delegates, can help guide your Model UN team throughout the school year with material and mentorship, preparing you for conferences and teaching you essential Model UN skills.
This year we have an incredible set of committees that I cannot wait for all of you to experience. From local representatives discussing Canadian Dairy Farming to Women of the Naval Auxiliary discussing Anti-Submarine Warfare in 1942, I am sure the committees you will find this year at QNMUN are like no other.
Whatever committee you are in, and whether this is your first Model UN conference or if you are a veteran in your final year of High School, I hope you will thoroughly enjoy your time at QNMUN 2021! Best regards, Smauel Tobert Samuel tobert Secretary-General, QNMUN 2021 2 fable town From your Committee Directors
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to QNMUN 2021! My name is Margaux Gauthier, and I am one of the Crisis Directors of the Fabletown crisis. I am in my fourth year at Queen’s University and am majoring in Political Studies with a minor in World Languages studies. I was born and raised in Paris, France and moved to Canada for my undergraduate degree.
I have been a part of the Queen’s International Affairs Association (QIAA) since my first year at Queen’s, being involved in the Model UN team and other QIAA initiatives. I’ve always wanted to run a crisis committee, and I am happy that QNMUN will be my opportunity to do so.
I hope the committee will be a respectful and educational space where all delegates can engage in civil conversation and learn from one another. I look forward to hearing all of your ideas and suggestions and how you approach the different crises at hand.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions about the topics or the committee, and I would be more than happy to help you, Margaux Gauthier
Margaux Gauthier One of the Crisis Directors of Fabletown
3 Fabletown From your Committee Directors
Hello Delegates of QNMUN!
I am thrilled to welcome you to the Fabletown Crisis. My name is James Condon, and I am one of your Crisis Directors. I’m in my fourth year at Queens and am studying History with aspirations to be a medievalist. I hail from Oakville, Ontario (Yeah, I know, not as cool as Paris).
I‘ve been participating in MUN for eight years now (help me, I’m old) and have been a part of the Queen’s International Affairs Association for four years. I‘ve taken part in the MUN team, QMUNi and QNMUN during that time and am ecstatic to be able to add QNMUN 2021 to my list of experiences. I am so excited to see how you all handle the crisis we have planned for you. I hope that it can be a fun experience and a way for you to debate and exchange ideas with fellow delegates. I am looking forward to seeing if you can fix (and hopefully, for my entertainment, create) problems in Fabletown or at least give yourself the Happily Ever After that you deserve.
If you have any comments or questions regarding the crisis, please contact Margaux or I, and we will be glad to assist however we can.
James Condon
James Condon Also one of the crisis directors of Fabletown
4 fable town Position Papers
Position Papers
Position Papers Position papers are an opportunity to gather your thoughts, prioritize issues, and begin planning for the committee before any debate begins.
A position paper should be about one page in length, single-spaced in Times New Roman font. The format that will be easiest for you to write and the Dias to read will be in three paragraphs. In the first paragraph, you should outline what your delegation feels are the most pressing or significant issues facing the committee. Also, include facts that you have found in your research that you think will prove highly relevant. In the second, begin to present a preview of what your delegation will be arguing in committee. How are the interests of the individual, organization, or nation you represent uniquely positioned to address the issues you identified? In the third paragraph, you can present solutions to the problems that will benefit your delegation and ideas you would want to see in a successful resolution.
Please send position papers for Fabletown to [email protected] by 23:59EST on February 4th. All position papers will be scanned for plagiarism, so be sure to cite your sources. As in this crisis committee, you will be representing individuals and may use the first person when writing your position paper. Delegates who would like guidance on writing their position papers are encouraged to get in touch with their committee Director via Email or attend our drop-in mentorship session taking place Thursday afternoon and evening on February 4th via Zoom.
5 Fabletown Introduction
Fabletown is an area of New York where the Fables live in secret from human eyes. They have their own government and use magic to remain hidden. The crisis begins with the residents of Fabletown meeting to discuss what to do in response to two crises in the community. Glamour, the magic that hides Fables from everyday people, is becoming harder to get, leading to the Fables’ use of low-quality illegal glamour. Also, the community is under threat from the powerful crime ring led by the secretive mob boss, The Crooked Man, whose black market glamours, and racke- teering rings are all issues to be dealt with.
The Situation at Hand If all this was not enough, a few days ago, the town was rocked by the news that the mayor, the extremely popular Old King Cole, was missing. He disappeared from the mayor’s office without a trace, and nobody has been able to find him. In light of the vacant Mayor’s office, control should have passed to the Deputy Mayor Snow White. However, this was hotly contested by members of the lower classes of Fabletown. Opinion was split on Snow, with residents of the Woodlands expressing support for her while the rest of Fabletown being markedly less keen. Critics of Snow White have concerns about her being “elitist” and worry that she would be a harsher leader than the more relaxed King Cole. All Fables also have worries about Snow’s relationship with sheriff Bigby Wolf. Bigby has been known for rather “extreme” mea- sures, and Snow has been accused of failing to control the Big Bad Wolf. Rumours also abound that the two may be more than “professional colleagues.” Rather than let the issue fester, Snow decided to call a meeting of notable Fables instead to govern the Town until Cole is found. The Fabletown meeting has been given the powers of the local government temporarily to deal with these issues and any others that may arise throughout. The committee may pass laws and set policies for Fabletown to follow and use any re- sources that the community possesses as a whole. As this committee is a crisis, time will pass and the effects of any directives passed both privately and publicly will have a tangible effect on the committee. Most Fables have accepted the committee’s au- thority, but the longer King Cole is missing, the more pressure there will be to either declare somebody interim mayor, find King Cole, or hold a new election.
6 fable town History pensive, and can only be purchased le- gally from the Witches on the 13th floor Fables once all lived in a land called of the Woodlands, like all magical spells the Homelands. However, an unknown or items. However, cheap glamours can enemy referred to as the Adversary be found in the seedier parts of Fable- managed to conquer the Fable home- town. Do note that the cheap versions lands. Fables, therefore, had to flee to are often unreliable and prone to sudden the mundane world. Mundy, or the Mun- failure. dane, is the Fables’ slang term for normal Originally, the use of glamorous humans’ citizens, their technology, or the was an effective way to hide the -exis world itself. This event is known as the tence of Fables. Many fables could not Exodus. Fables arrived in the 17th century afford glamorous, or refused to use in New Amsterdam, later known as New them, but even if there were some slips, York City. They established what is now the humans would often not believe ac- known as Fabletown in a small area of counts from witnesses who had seen fa- Upper West Side, New York. As the city bles. However, with the advance of hu- spread, the Fables were not able to hide man technology came the popularity of as easily. As a result, Fabletown became cameras and cell phones. In face of ways a neighbourhood in New York and the for humans to acquire proof of Fables, Fables began using magic called “glam- it became clear that the slips could no ours” to change their appearance to look longer be tolerated. A piece of land was human. bought in upstate New York to become Glamours are magical items in The Farm. Powerful spells were put into the Fables comics. They allow Fables to place to prevent Mundies from ever find- change their appearance and are primar- ing the Farm’s location. Currently, All Fa- ily used by non-human Fables to appear bles were given two options, find a way human in Fabletown so as not to be sent to get glamour, or be forcibly sent to the to the Farm. Glamour does not actually Farm. Rose Red, fraternal twin-sister of change the physical form of the user. It Snow White, is responsible for leading is illusion magic, that only changes how the Farm. The Farm is far from popular, others see the user. So for example while but so far has been effective in hiding the you could use glamour to appear to have existence of Fables that cannot or will 3 hands, you could not use said third not glamour. hand to give a “high-15”, or pick things up with the third hand. They are rather ex-
7 Fabletown 5. Lewis’s Antiques: A completely normal and inconspicuous antique Fabletown Layout store. 6. I am the Eggman Diner: The local diner owned by one Vulco Crow. Crow is one of the Crow Brothers. The three brothers have the ability to turn into crows (Shocking amir- ite). 7. Yellowbrick Roadhouse: A two-sto- ry roadhouse owned by Dorothy. Dogs are allowed. 8. Webb n’ Muffet Market: A grocery store owned by Miss Muffet, has amazing curds and whey. 9. Woodlands Courtyard: The front Fabletown is located in Upper Manhat- entrance to the Woodlands. tan, centred around Bullfinch Street. 10. Woodlands Garden: The gardens Some important locations include: of the Woodlands have seen better 1. Grand Green Florist: A flower shop, days... unfortunately not owned by Grant 11. The Woodlands: An apartment Green the American Jazz icon. complex that serves as both a resi- 2. Edward Bear’s Candies: A candy dence and government building for store owned by Edward the Bear Fabletown. The Woodlands houses aka “Winnie”. Fables that can both afford the cost 3. Ford Laundry: A laundromat owned and pass as human. The Building by The Washing Woman of the Ford houses the Business Office, where from Bean-nighe. Fabletown is governed from and the 13th floor, where the legal witches 4. Nod’s Books: A bookshop where operate. The 13th floor witches are Beauty works. Home to countless the oly witches legally allowed to old and rare books, who knows operate in Fabletown. Despite its what one could find in there… status as the leading residence for
8 fable town Fables in the Mundane World, the Woodlands also serves as a sym- Issues to be Addressed bol to some Fables of the inequality in Fabletown and seeming lack of care from the government. In gen- The Vacant Mayoral Position eral, residents of the Woodlands are supportive of Snow White for Mayor Old King Cole has been the vacant position of Mayor. mayor since the creation of Fabletown. He was awarded this lifelong position 12. Glass Slipper Shoe Store: A shoe thanks to his immense popularity at the store owned and operated by Cin- time among the Fables. No actual elec- derella and her assistant Crispin toral system has been put in place and Cordwainer. Fables just assumed that he would keep 13. Branstock Tavern: Tavern owned this position forever, as he is immortal. As by twins Sigmund and Signy. Gren- mentioned earlier, Mayor Old King Cole del is banned. is missing. As of now, there are no leads 14. Open Arms Hotel: A somewhat as to where he is; in fact everything has seedy, but liveable hotel. It also been so chaotic that no investigation has serves as a hub for illegal purchas- been started. It would be the job of Sher- es in Fabletown. But of course none iff Bigby Wolf to investigate, but it may of you would know anything about be prudent for the whole committee that…. to be involved. While Cole is gone, the committee has full authority to act as the A. An alleyway behind Bullfinch Street. government of Fabletown. You delegates It is quiet, secluded, and for some reason have the ability to set, edit and even re- any activities that happen there are invis- voke laws, access to the Fabletown mu- ible to scrying magic. nicipal budget, and control over institu- B. To the Trip Trap and Lucky Pawn. The tions such as the 13th floor. That means Trip Trap is a bar frequented by certain that in order to access these resources, members of Fabletown. Owned By Hol- the committee must act via PUBLIC DI- ly the Troll. Next door to it is the Lucky RECTIVE. Pawn, a pawn shop. C. To Aunty Greenwood’s Apartment The Fabletown citizenry are satis- and the Pudding N’Pie nightclub, owned fied for the most part with this arrange- by Vivian and Georgie Porgie. ment. That being said, they expect it to be
9 Fabletown a temporary arrangement. If the mayoral be some Fables in the room working for position is vacant for too long, a public the Crooked Man, and there are rumors push for an election will build. In the case that one of the committee’s Fables may of an election, Snow White would have even be the Crooked Man themselves. the support of the richer Fables of the Still others see the Crooked Man as a Woodlands, totalling about 30% of the symptom of ineffective governance of vote. The popularity of any other candi- Fabletown that has failed the poor of the dates is unknown at this time. Ultimately, community. however, King Cole was an overwhelm- ingly popular mayor and the people truly want him back. The Farm
A town in upstate New York for Fa- The Question of Glamour bles that cannot or will not use glamour Some Fables want to stop taking to be contained to. Some of its residents glamour and exist in their natural state resent their confinement to The Farm, de- and question why they are bowing to spite its size and comforts. To them, The the rules. For those who want to obey Farm is a prison. They would be allowed the glamour rules, glamour is expensive to leave The Farm if they could pur- and unavailable to the Fables who are chase a glamour, but many do not have not doing well economically. In light of the money for something so expensive. this, there is a growing market for illegal Though some, like Colin, sneak out into glamour that is cheaper but that can fail the city anyway. The issue of the farm has and does not do as good a job of pro- led to tension between the animalistic tecting the identity of Fables. Fables and the humanoid Fables. Animal fables and the poor of Fabletown claim that the Fabletown government needs to The Crooked Man & Organized Crime do more to allow animal Fables access to glamour, while the official stance from the The Crooked Man is a secretive government is that the Farm is a wonder- crime boss who controls a ring of ex- ful place to live and therefore, it is not an tortion rackets, illegal trading, and loan issue that some Fables have to live there. sharks. Most Fables will want to find out Is it right to send nonconforming Fables his identity and that of his associates and to the farm? To some, the place is con- bring them to justice. However, there will sidered a prison despite being a pretty
10 fable town comfortable place to live. To others, it is Regarding behavior in the committee, a necessary evil and a fine place for its we ask that you remain respectful and inhabitants to live. The Animal Fables on open-minded. In order to do well in this the Farm are getting restless, with some committee, read the background guide such as Colin escaping and others still carefully, listen to Crisis and do not hesi- there getting more restless and belliger- tate to ask questions. We understand that ent. the theme of Fables is not well known and can be quite complex at times. Therefore, feel free to ask your chair if you have any questions or concerns about your char- acter or Fabletown in general. :) Committee Rules
In the world of Fables, there is a lot of magic (or magical items) involved. Some of your characters or those who can be interacted with through crisis may have powers to a certain degree. Howev- er, these will not be allowed in the scope of the committee. Your powers are lim- ited to what is written in the Characters section of this background guide or any additional powers that Crisis gives you based on your crisis arc. Your powers do not include what may be present in the comics or listed on the Fables wiki. We do apologize if this seems limiting but is necessary to ensure a fair and balanced committee (I’m looking at you, Flycatch- er). Magical items are subject to the same rules. Unless told that you have an item, assume that you do not. When magic is not involved, you should assume that the world of this crisis has the same laws of physics and reality as our world.
11 Fabletown Hood back in the day and is commonly known for having a short temper. As a re- Character list sult, the members of Fabletown gener- Fabletown residents consist of Fa- ally do not like him very much. One Fable bles from all sorts of stories, from the Big that Bigby can rely on is Snow White, the Bad Wolf to Cinderella to The Three Lit- only Fable that truly trusts him. Lastly, his tle Pigs. Delegates would take the role of intimidating personality, depending on one of these Fables, each with different how it is used, can also be an asset to views or objectives, and have portfolio gain information out of people. powers based on their character. Bigby’s powers include: accelerated healing, enhanced strength, agibility, endurance, and senses. Furthermore, Bigby Wolf he can manifest long, sharp fangs and claws. He is weak to fire and silver and suffers from sensory overload. Stances on the Issues: Bigby feels that Snow White should be mayor as he has worked with her many times in the past and believes she would be the most competent. She is also a close person- al friend, and he trusts her. Regarding the Farm and Glamours, he believes that the system currently in place is fair and that if one cannot afford a Glamour, they should “suck it up” and get a job. Last- ly, he thinks that people should give him Bigby Wolf, most famously known as the free reign to deal with the Crooked Man Big Bad Wolf, is a dedicated sheriff in as he sees himself the better suited to Fable Town. He has been markedly suc- deal with this issue. cessful in bringing criminals to justice. However, he struggles with his reputa- tion. Bigby has a bad reputation around Fabletown for the way he treated the Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding
12 fable town Snow White tastes. She also is bilingual in English and German and has excellent management skills. However, she does not have any natural protection against magic.
Stance on the issues: Snow believes she should be mayor as she was already re- sponsible most day to day government while Cole was mayor. However, she re- spects the popular will. Regarding the Farm and Glamours, she thinks this sys- tem is necessary, however, believes that Beautiful and fierce Snow White is dep- the Farm should be more welcoming uty mayor in Fabletown. Snow is ag- and a better place to live. Regarding the gressively independent and is willing to Crooked Man, she is fine with letting Big- make hard choices for what she feels is by handle it as long as he keeps her in- the good of Fabletown. Snow vehement- formed and keeps collateral damage to ly believes in justice and has made it her a minimum. mission to fix the problems of Fabletown. However, she is known to be a bit cold and can seem callous to people, which Prince Charming has made her somewhat unpopular with the poor of Fabletown. Legally speaking, Snow White should be the interim mayor of Fabletown. However, due to the pro- tests from the lower classes of Fable- town, she decided to form a committee that would run Fabletown during the mayor’s absence. Snow has superhuman durability and is proficient in fencing and hand-to-hand combat. One magic ability she also has is conjuration: she can conjure armour and Prince Charming is a renowned wom- weapons corresponding to her individual anizer who has been married more than
13 Fabletown once. He is the prince figure from many be well suited for this position. Regard- (perhaps most) fairy tales. Prince Charm- ing Glamours and the Farm, he does not ing is the former husband of Snow White, look like an animal, it is therefore “not his Briar Rose, and Cinderella. Charming is, problem.” Regarding the Crooked Man, well...charming. In fact, he is so charm- he of course believes that crime is bad ing that he seems to have an uncanny but he also loves money….so…...yeah. ability to make people like him. Note that he had 1,412 romantic conquests by the age of fifteen. Despite this, he is current- Bufkin ly a newcomer to Fabletown and several of his noble titles are still held by Jack Horner, who won them off of him and is demanding great sums of money in ex- change for returning them. Charming devotes his free time to getting those ti- tles back as they hold a lot of sentimen- tal value for him. Without them, his con- fidence will drop over time, limiting his powers. He has superhuman durability in addi- Bufkin, a winged monkey, is perhaps the tion to his charm. He is very persuasive most knowledgeable creature of Fable- and once stated that he is able to win town. He is based on one of the flying over any courtship, be it that of a single monkeys in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. woman, or...a political election. However, He is the librarian of the Woodland Office people who are not attracted to men are and therefore has access to every an- largely immune to his persuasiveness. cient book we can think of. Moreover, it is He also possesses excellent swords- important to note that he can teach him- manship and incredible fencing skills. self skills and find out pretty much- ev erything with the collection of books at his fingertips. Bufkin is also often drunk Stance on the issues: Charming be- and suffers from pretty severe alcohol- lieves that the mayoral position should ism. He can fly; however, he cannot leave go to the person that is most popular the library. in Fabletown as it represents the will of the people. He also believes he would
14 fable town Stance on the issues: Regarding the mayoral situation, Bufkin is a student of Cinderella is the owner of the Glass Slip- Pierre-Joseph Proudhon and as such per shoe store. An Ex-Wife of Prince believes in the abolishment of the state Charming who divorced him after he was entirely and the creation of an anarchist unfaithful, Cinderella is pragmatic and utopia. According to Bufkin, “To be GOV- focused on fulfilling her duties. She cares ERNED is to be watched, inspected, for Fabletown and wants it to be the best spied upon, directed, law-driven, num- it can. She is happy with a simple life, bered, regulated, enrolled, indoctrinat- saying that whatever happens to her is ed, preached at, controlled, checked, better than when she served her step- estimated, valued, censured, command- mother back in the Homelands. It is well ed, by creatures who have neither the known throughout Fabletown that she right nor the wisdom nor the virtue to do has worked as a secret agent for Bigby in so.” However, he saw how well that went the past. She is proficient in marksman- for the French, Chinese and Russians in ship, hand-to-hand combat and stealth. the past so until he can “figure out how She has a magical translator in her pos- to reach the utopian ideal”, he supports session that allows her to communicate Snow White as she is a friend of his. Re- with birds. She also kept her original glass garding the Farm and the Crooked Man, slipper that she uses as a weapon. Bufkin cannot leave the library, so he does not seem to care. Stance on the issues: Cinderella believes in democratic processes, as long as said Cinderella process does not elect Prince Charm- ing. She thinks that Glamours should be more affordable to masses because no one deserves to be cut off from society. She truly hates the Crooked Man for tak- ing advantage of the vulnerable and be- lieves he should be brought to justice. To her, Bigby, while dangerous, is probably the best way to do that.
15 Fabletown Beauty ly engaged in politics but she is Snow’s friend. Snow has been really kind to her over the years and therefore has Beau- ty’s vote for now. Regarding Glamours and the Farm, she believes that Glam- ours should be more affordable as her husband’s glamour is a major part of their financial issues. She has yet to comment about the Crooked Man.
Beast
Beauty is based on the fairytale Beau- ty and the Beast. In the Homelands, she fell in love with Beast and married him in his enchanted castle. However, after the Exodus, their relationship in Fabletown became strained due to financial issues, and Beauty found herself keeping se- crets from her husband. Now they live in a modest studio in Fabletown, New York. Her marital issues are the worst kept Beast and his wife, Beauty, left everything secret in Fabletown. Though times are behind when they escaped the Home- hard, with Beast working multiple jobs lands in the Exodus. Without his former to pay the bills, the couple have the lon- wealth, Beast must pick up extra work gest-lasting relationship of all the Fables. to make ends meet. He can get around Fabletown without a glamour most of the time, but if Beauty gets too angry Stance on the issues: Beauty is too pre- with him, he becomes more beastly in occupied with her marriage to be ful- a matter of minutes, growing horns and large teeth. Despite occasionally bicker-
16 fable town ing, the two are truly in love and have the Briar Rose “Sleeping Beauty” longest-lasting relationship of anyone in Fabletown. Beast can transform into a large, hairy, horned creature. When in his beastly form, he possesses superhuman strength, sharp claws and large canine teeth.
Stance on the issues: Beast does not like Snow White because he thinks she is too involved in his marriage, being Beau- ty’s friend and all. He has been very vocal that Old King Cole is the rightful mayor and that we should just put more efforts One of the few Fables to find fortune into finding him. He believes that if elect- in this world, Briar Rose, also known as ed, Snow would be micromanaging ev- “Sleeping Beauty,” has even turned her eryone’s lives. He believes that the cur- weakness into a strength. When her fin- rent Glamour system is fair and works, ger is pricked, it not only puts her to sleep, that he does not need anyone’s charity but also affects those within a certain or pity. If Beauty has yet to comment on radius of her slumber, putting them to the Crooked Man, Beast has a lot to say! sleep as. However, thorns and brambles He is in favour of dealing with the Crook- will begin to grow around her, protecting ed Man as swiftly and brutally as neces- her from harm. She is quite wealthy giv- sary. He wants Bigby to have free reign en success in the stock market and has over this issue, and even volunteers to a large amount of cash to throw around. be a deputy if Bigby needs some extra Additionally, she is a trained boxer, de- muscle. spite having no superhuman strength or durability. She also has a dog named Fuego, he is a good boy.
Stance on the issues: Briar Rose wants the return of Old King Cole as soon as possible. Due to his incompetence, he
17 Fabletown would commonly forget about her taxes. off with warnings and fines (ironic eh?). She would be an asset to any candidate However, Toad has only one more of- due to the large sums of money she has fence before he would legally have to be acquired throughout the years. Rose be- sent to the Farm. He also has some de- lieves that Glamours are not that expen- cent connections throughout Fabletown sive and that the current system is fair. and, more importantly, throughout the She strongly dislikes Bigby as he once underground markets. He possesses a outbid her in a blind auction on a luxury three-meter long prehensile tongue that hair dryer (he needed it for the fur, she is pretty sticky (use that as you will). wanted it for her dog, Fuego).
Stance on the issues: Toad has stated Toad that he would run for mayor if an election would take place. He has even created a political group named the “Fable Pros- perity Alliance” or FPA. Toad believes that Glamours should not exist, and that the existence of Fables should be known to the Mundies. He claims that Fables should be proud to be who they are and not have to act as “second class citizens”. He has long been an advocate for this, yet no one has taken him seriously in the past. However, with the potential of an election looming, his preaching has gained a bit more notoriety. Lastly, he He is based on Mr. Toad from the sto- believes that the actions of the Crooked ry The Wind in the Willows. Formerly of Man taint the perfect society he knows Toad Hall, Mr. Toad left everything be- Fabletown can be. He wants to create an hind in the Homelands during the Ex- actual police force, and says that justice odus and relocated to Fabletown with should not be left in the hands of Bigby his son TJ, where he owns a tenement. alone. Toad is a repeat offender against the Fa- bletown glamour laws for not glamour- ing himself or TJ. He claims it is because he cannot afford them and has gotten
18 fable town Colin versity), he found himself intrigued by the works of Karl Marx after taking a class en- titled, “Introduction to World Literature.” He believes that the issues of Glamours and the Farm is a perfect representation of the problem of class divides and how the rich exploit the working class. He does not fully support what the Crook- ed Man is doing. However, he sees it as a potential first step to class revolution and overthrowing the current unfair capitalist system. In the election, he would support whoever represents marxist ideals the Colin is better known as one of the Three best. He does like Bibgy despite Bigby Little Pigs. Back in the Homelands, they being a product of the system that Colin were harassed by The Big Bad Wolf, who despises and trusts his opinions. blew down Colin’s house of straw. After the Exodus, Colin and the other Fables who couldn’t pass for human were sent Tweedle Dee to live at The Farm in upstate New York. Unable to stand such a boring life, Col- in constantly makes trips down to Fable- town to bother Bigby. He is always caught and after a few nights sleeping on Big- by’s couch, sent back to The Farm, but he does not let that stop him. Colin has great knowledge of the layout of the Farm and Fabletown. He is currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix (online university) in architecture due to his architectural mis- takes in the past.
Private Investigator and twin of Tweedle Stance on the issues: During his studies Dum. Dee is a malcontent that is known for at the University of Phoenix (online uni- having a flexible moral and ethical com-
19 Fabletown pass. He is physically strong, although Flycatcher’s real name is Ambrose; in the not as powerful as Bigby, the Woodsman homelands, he used to be a prince until he or Grendel. Dee has skills in investigation was turned into a frog by a witch. Before and several contacts in the Fabletown the Exodus, Flycatcher’s kingdom was underworld. His brother Tweedle Dum is invaded and destroyed by the Adversary. extremely loyal to him and is always will- He is convinced his wife and children es- ing to help him out with anything. Twee- caped and has made it his mission to look dle Dee also has a network of spies work- for them. Currently, he is the janitor at the ing for him. Woodlands and is relatively innocent and friendly to all. He turns into a frog when his stress levels are high. He can only be Stance on the issues: He wants the re- turned back into a human if he is kissed. turn of Old King Cole as he appreciated He is also a competent swordsman and that Cole let his technically illegal busi- possesses an old sword from the Home- ness operate. Regarding the Farm, he is lands, named “Excalibur.” perfectly fine with its existence as track- ing down Fables is a lucrative business for him. He does not really care about the Stance on the issues: Flycatcher has Crooked Man as he puts it, “whether he is no real stances on the issues. He simply around or not, I’ll still have business any- wants Fables to be happy, notably after ways.” the hardships they all had to suffer in the Homelands. Ambrose sees the good in everyone.If anything, he just wants his Flycatcher pay as janitor of the Woodlands to be higher. He has just discovered the game Magic the Gathering and… it is an expen- sive game to be invested in.
20 fable town Aunty Greenleaf the issue is just that non-13th floor glam- our should be allowed so that prices can be lowered. Regarding the Crooked Man, Greenleaf operates with a don’t bother me and I won’t bother you policy.
The Woodsman
A witch living on the outskirts of Fable- town, Aunty Greenleaf is one of the only witches outside of those on the 13th floor of The Woodlands. She has strong magical abilities and is the owner of the Ring of Dispel, which can cancel mag- ical enchantments. She has access to a spellbook, filled with different recipes for potions. Greenleaf is unpredictable and Known as “Woody,” the Woodsman is one subject to mood swings and has been of the few Fables who can go toe to toe known to be quite paranoid. with Bigby Wolf and hold their own. The Woodsman possesses amazing strength Stance on the issues: She wants her and healing ability and has a near-obses- Glamours to be legal as she wants to sion with his axe. He is the one who saved practice her witchcraft outside of the Little Red Riding Hood from the Big Bad 13th floor. She believes that it would also Wolf back in the Homelands. Despite make them more affordable to Fables. wanting to be known as a hero, he is cur- She wants an electoral system to be put rently a drunk who is more feared than in place and would support any candi- liked by the residents of Fabletown. He date that would allow her to practice her commonly uses that knowledge for in- witchcraft freely. Regarding the Farm, timidation and persuasion. He is a regular she believes that the system is working, at the Trip Trap, and has never paid once.
21 Fabletown Stance on the issues: Woody dislikes he can break it out to give himself great Snow White and her “ivory tower attitude.” strength and speed when he needs to He does not feel like the government has fight. Grendel is quick to anger and can done anything for the working-class of be set off with little provocation. Howev- Fabletown and sees the potential elec- er, he is also fiercely loyal and will do any- tions as a way for lower classes to be fair- thing to help his friends. Grendel is cur- ly represented. He sees Glamours as an rently disillusioned with the Government example for the government not being of Fabletown, which he feels ignores the able to take care of lower classes. Lastly, poor Fables like himself. He is a regular at he believes that the Crooked Man should the Trip Trap, but unlike Woody, he has to be dealt with but that Bigby has too much pay. power. He thinks it is dangerous for Fable- Stance on the issues: Grendel has said town if Bigby is allowed to deal with this that it does not matter who is in charge on his own. In the end, Woody is a good as whoever is elected will just exploit the man at heart and wants to make sure as poor Fables anyways. For him, the entire many people as possible live good lives. governmental institutions need to be re- worked for him to be invested in it. Regard- ing Glamours, Grendel has often lacked Grendel the money needed to purchase his own. He believes that Fables be allowed to live in their natural forms and be exposed to the Mundane civilization. Regarding the Crooked Man, Grendel believes that he at least brings opportunities for lower class Fables to get affordable Glamours, but dislikes how they extort businesses such as the Trip Trap.
Grendel is a creature from the Anglo-Sax- on story of Beowulf. In Fabletown, he hides his true form with a Glamour, but
22 fable town Dr. Swineheart cheaper as these Fables could just live on the Farm. Lastly, he has seen many times in the ER the damages that Bigby can cause and wants him reigned in.
Jack Horner
The resident doctor in the Woodlands. Swineheart is a skilled surgeon, veteri- narian, and has worked as an army medic with Mundane Armies. He has the ability to heal and treat wounds with far greater effectiveness than any mundane doctor. He is also used as a crime scene investi- Notorious con man and ex-boyfriend of gator or forensic analyst by the commu- Rose Red, Jack is nimble, Jack is quick, nity. and Jack is also an idiot. He is obsessed with get-rich quick schemes and will of- ten try to trick the residents of Fabletown Stance on the issues: Swineheart has in attempts to make money. However, been a long time participant of Toad un- he is unnaturally incompetent at most der a false name “Dr. Heartswine” (Be- of these and is treated as more of an an- lieve it or not, nobody was any the wis- noyance than a threat. He is a pathologi- er). However, with Toad’s political party cal liar and will often boast of complete- gaining momentum, he openly supports ly false adventures. Jack is currently in the Fable Prosperity Alliance (FPA). Re- possession of some of the magic beans garding Glamours, he believes that the from the Homelands and currently holds government is doing a fine job and it will several of Prince Charming’s titles that he be a waste of money to make Glamours won from him. He is a regular at the Trip
23 Fabletown Trap, when he is allowed in. However, the Farm has released an of- ficial statement on their website: “THE Farm insists that, despite rumours being Stance on the issues: Jack is a firm be- spread, the Farm is an exceptionally nice liever that flexibility is the most import- place to live. Our wonderful managing di- ant part of personal policy. No one truly rector Rose Red is constantly finding new knows what he supports or does, just that ways to improve the living situation at he does whatever will make him the most the Farm. The Fables residing there have money in the shortest time. not complained once. The Farm recent- ly concluded an evaluation by six of the best evaluators and has passed with the Rose Red highest score ever received on the eval- uation.”
Holly
The fraternal twin of Snow White. Rose is currently the manager in charge of the Farm. Despite being a notorious party girl in the past, she has since attempted to set that behind her. She and Snow White do not always get along, but at least for A Troll who owns the Trip Trap Bar in Fable- now, the two are cordial to each other. town. Holly is known to be a loyal friend She is quite popular amongst the Fables to her regulars at the Trip Trap. She dis- at the farm as she is considered a fair and likes the government of Fabletown and trustworthy manager. believes that it does nothing to take care of the poor Fables who frequent her bar. Stance on the issues: She has not com- Holly is well connected with residents of mented herself on any of these issues. Fabletown, and her role as a bartender
24 fable town means that she has heard many stories A dancer at the Pudding N’Pie. She was and secrets about various Fables. She formerly known as the Little Mermaid, can also transform into a troll but regu- but after failing to win the heart of a larly stays in her human form by using a prince she was madly in love with, she glamour. came to Fabletown. Nerissa is fervently loyal to the other employees at the Pud- ding N’Pie and wants them to have a bet- Stance on the issues: Holly disliked Old ter life. If you ask her, she will say that is King Cole, who she blamed for letting all she has left to strive for. Nerissa is in- small businesses like hers struggle. She credibly charming and seductive, some is hopeful that with new leadership, at- would say supernaturally so. However, tention can be given to the lower classes her powers seem to only work on people of Fabletown and their small businesses. who are attracted to women. Holly is in favour of Bigby (or anyone for that matter) taking a crushing action to- wards the Crooked Man as he continues Stance on the issues: Nerissa supports to exploit small businesses such as the Snow White becoming the new mayor as Trip Trap. Regarding Glamours, she has she believes that Snow has Fabletown’s no problem buying official ones but -un best interests at heart and the ability to fix derstands that others perhaps cannot af- the city’s problems. She believes that ev- ford them and are not as lucky. eryone should have access to Glamours. Regarding the Crooked Man, she trusts Bigby, however, she is still concerned Nerissa about the approaches he could take due to his reputation. She has been quoted stating that “the wolf is big but also bad.”
25 Fabletown References “Fables Wiki.” Accessed November 13, 2020. https://fables.fandom.com/wiki/Fables_Wiki. Fables Comics. Wolf Among Us. Telltale Games, October 2013.
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