The once well known slaver and despoiler, Lord Wareth Von Tess, was found this evening floating in the fountain of a private residence. The body was horribly disfigured, to say the least, as it appears to have been coated in Sodium Hydroxide, more commonly known as lye, and heaved into the large fountain gracing the estate of Madame La'Vinuet. Screams were heard from neighboring estates, and the authorities were called, but they arrived too late.

Madame La'Vinuet has been out of town, wintering in warmer climes elsewhere, with her daughter and grandchildren. The body is in no way connected to her, nor is she a suspect. Due to the rather isolated and sprawling estate's location, it was a prime dumping place for whom authorities believe to be Rhydin's Avenger. No longer is this person thought to be an angel, due to the horrific ways in which "justice" is being served.

For any of you that may have not passed high school chemistry, Sodium Hydroxide, a base, reacts with the ph in the body. Both the body and the lye try to equilibriate, causing the dissolving of protiens and the emulsification of oils and fats. Basically? You melt.

Lord Von Tess was only recognizable by the hand bound to a pole, free and clear of the water, which bore the ring and crest of his family. This, as well as the well manicured nails, and a small tattoo of a cat'o'nine tails on his inner wrist seems to be enough evidence to convince authorities of his identity. When sought at his home, servants and slaves claimed he had been missing since yesterday afternoon. His money pouch and trade mark whip were also present at the scene; no money was taken.