Slythe, the Goblin Council of Elders' thief member, has been removed from office by the Noodle Prophet's divine retribution. Her offense was a remark questioning whether the Prophet is a true prophet.
During a heated council debate on fermented pickle juice versus swamp sludge as a fuel source, Slythe said offhandedly: "The Noodle Prophet may be wise and charismatic, but let's not get carried away. They're more like a saint than a prophet, if you ask me."
The Prophet took this as a direct challenge to their authority and spiritual legitimacy, and invoked the ancient goblin law against slander, which prescribes amputation of the offender's hand.
Being a creative and somewhat vengeful deity, the Prophet added a personal touch. With powerful goblin magic, they turned Slythe's head into a grotesque, oversized hand, and then severed it.
The other elders watched, stunned. Slythe's severed hand-head, still muttering curses and threatening lawsuits, was promptly dumped at the GGG's newly reopened Snuggly Snoring Slug, which, despite claims to the contrary, still functions as a brothel.
GNN has dubbed the incident "Handgate." Some goblins applaud the Prophet's swift action. Others question the harshness of the punishment and the Prophet's commitment to forgiveness.
The Council has issued a statement condemning Slythe's "blasphemous" remarks and reaffirming its loyalty to the Prophet. The search for a new fifth member begins at once, and candidates will be vetted for theological knowledge and their ability to keep their opinions to themselves. Staff at the Slug report that the hand-head has already picked two pockets.
