fables

“ Honored lady, I fear anyone who could threaten the Emperor. „
― Mudsnipe to the Snow Queen, Fables #37 — "The Saint George Syndrome: Chapter Two of Homelands Fables"


Mudsnipe is a human from Toscane, where he serves the Empire as a Senior Undersecretary. He first appears in Fables #37 — "The Saint George Syndrome: Chapter Two of Homelands Fables."

History

The stranger

Mudsnipe works as a Senior Undersecretary in Toscane, the Imperial Homeworld. One day, his colleague Muddlecock, the Junior Commissioner for the Ministry of Transworld Logistics, receives reports of the movements of a stranger causing trouble throughout the Empire. Disturbed at these news, the minister heads to Mudsnipe's office, where he shows his superior the events he's been noticing, starting in Kardan with the murder of a few goblin soldiers in the 4th Horde. The killer then assassinated Lord Chernomor, the grand general of that realm. Muddlecock then piques Mudsnipe's interest when he mentions that someone of Lord Chernomor's likeness passing through the gate to Skold, the wasteland where a dragon was killed. That would lead him to the world of The Rus, where the reports say that Baba Yaga's three riders, Radiant Sun, Bright Day and Dark Night all came across the stranger and were defeated in battle. Muddlecock and Mudsnipe are shocked at this feat, since the three knights have slaughtered armies on the field of battle. Muddlecock notes that the lands of Rus are vast, and it will take time for the stranger to cross to the next gate, time that Mudsnipe and Muddlecock will waste no time in preparing for him.[1]

Muddlecock also deduces from the encounters written that the stranger had access to items of great magical power. Since every magical artifact in the Empire is accounted for, catalogued, and traceable, the logical conclusion is that the outsider brought his in from outside. He comes from one of the realms they haven't conquered yet. The two conclude that the stranger is coming to the Imperial Homeworld and his target may be the Emperor. Mudsnipe declares that Muddlecock is wasted among clerks and accountants, and he will arrange for him to be transferred to his own department without delay, and tells Muddlecock to pack his office.[1]

Mudsnipe conveys their findings to the Snow Queen. She inquires whether he is afraid of the stranger, to which he replies affirmatively, as he fears anyone who could potentially threaten the Emperor. The Snow Queen instructs Mudsnipe to withdraw his agents and allow the stranger to come, stating that she will arrange a "nice reception" for him.[1]

Petition Day

On Petition Day, Mudsnipe is present in the Hall of Justice, where the Emperor "graciously hears" the grievances of his subjects. Mudsnipe notices that the Snow Queen appears troubled, and she confesses that she feels something is wrong. She instructs everyone to stop, declaring that there is an assassin in their midst. The assassin is revealed to be Boy Blue in disguise.[2]

Imperial conference

Later, Mudsnipe orders Muddlecock to pack a bag and his clerical tools, and dress in his finest clothes and robes of office, as he is needed for an important Imperial conference near a local woodcarver's hut.[3]

Appearances

Fables

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Fables #37 — "The Saint George Syndrome: Chapter Two of Homelands Fables"
  2. ↑ Fables #38 — "Petition Day: Chapter Three of Homelands"
  3. ↑ Fables #52 — "Some Ideas Toward the Prospect of a Final Solution for Fabletown: Part One of Sons of the Empire"