Breaking News: ZYGANY ATTACK ON TARANIS!

By TalkFast -
Originally Posed 5/6, Multiple updates below

Last message from the defenders describes crisis.

[Voice transcription]

"This is going out live because I don't know how long before they take control of the Gate! The Zigany have sent in several .... JERDA'S MASK!!! Sorry, that one was close. They appear to have a ton of functional Gate breaching machines that look like armored web trains...They crashed through the damn Gate and hit the soldiers there like a battering ram! And then another one came through, and another and another!

The square around the gate has been destroyed and everyone down there looks dead. All these troops just started unloading from the trains and they were getting mowed down pretty good by the remaining weapons platforms in the gate square but then these...these things came out and they can't be hit by bullets! I've never seen so many mutants in one fight! They've got these huge guns and ... SONOFANIMPERIALWHOREMONGER!!! Move, MOVE they're coming this .... "

[communication breaks here]
FNF offices on Taranis are cut off, and all attempts to contact Taranis have failed since the time of the above transmission, but offworld staff members will continue to publish news here as the crisis unfolds. Anyone who received other information is asked to please contact TalkFast

Note: This message was likely sent out three hours before this posting.

=====================
Story Updates:
2:53PM, Webguides on Eclipse report that the Taranis gate has been locked.

3:15PM, An expert source (name withheld until permission given) reports, "There was just quite a struggle over the Taranis Gate. We could feel the Gate lock and unlock multiple times, but it is now unlocked and has been for a small time. Perhaps they were able to overcome the forces holding their Gate."

5/10 (Link) Exclusive Embedded report by Mason Havok!

5/11 8AM Unconfirmed report from multiple sources that the Forlorn Hope, the legendary military imperial gate smasher, has been taken by the Zigany. That it will be seen entering Tribe space soon.

5/11 1:08 pm
Transmission from "inside the Arahmni Empire" claims a Battletrain attack approaching Taranis. Link: AENN Update


5/11 2:39pm
An FNF Field contact reports that a train engaged in a firefight with another train in the webway on the Gmir/Taranis trade route.


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Zygany infiltrate Fringe Space
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HEROIC "WAR BEES" DEFEND TARANIS

Zigani Soldiers Swarmed

By TalkFast

(Artist's Interpretation)

An amazing story has emerged from the fierce fighting to repel Zigani invaders from the planet Taranis. An unknown defender of the planet has released a swarm of armored "War Bees" to drive the Zigani from Fringe territory!

The elite, genetically modified bees are protected by armored carapaces that are impervious to ordinary swatting. They are fitted with tiny gps devices and rumored to be controlled by a handler, though it is not clear whether the control is technological or psionic, or even who the mysterious handler may be. Other reports say that the bees are trained to sniff out explosives, search for hidden enemies, and attack on command!

FNF staff members interviewed Jonas Faern, a local man who claimed to have witnessed the swarm in action from atop a nearby building:

"Them Gizanees were marchin' up like the owned the place, but then I heard this weird buzzing noise, like an engine in the distance that's not quite running right, and the next thing I saw, those soldiers started slapping and hopping and a couple of 'em fell over rollin on the ground. It was really somethin' to see!" [all sic.]

No official confirmation of these swarms has been made, but it seems likely that such a weapon would be kept a secret.

Missing Scientist
Dr David Lorani

One source has speculated that the bees are the work of noted Taranis researcher Dr. David Lorani, former employee of Falltech industries, who was rumored to have been working on something “revolutionary”, involving animal genetics, before his mysterious disappearance and an explosion in his lab. Lorani's wife could not be reached for comment, but prior to the Zigani invasion, she was actively seeking information on his whereabouts.

ZYGANY ATTACK ON TARANIS - Story Update

Exclusive Embedded report by Mason Havok!
(used by permission, Free Eclipse Newsfeed)



Related Article:
ZYGANY ATTACK ON TARANIS

TOP TEN TIPS FOR SURVIVING INTERSTELLAR WAR

by Tom Topptin - FNF Staff

The universe today can be a scary place. Are YOU ready for war, should it come to you? We here at the Fringe News Feed have compiled our Top Ten Tips for Surviving an Interstellar War so that YOU, our dear readers will be ready for anything that comes at you.

1. Don't Panic - Unless you are currently in a war zone or live very near your local Gate, take some comfort in knowing that the majority of fighting probably won't involve YOU. Running around and screaming, while emotionally satisfying, is probably not helping you and your loved ones.

2. Be Prepared - Have you cleaned your armor lately? Spent some quality time repairing that broken hunting rifle? Now is a great time to get all those chores you've been putting off done. Tidy up the workroom, dig out those clips you've been meaning to fix, and get your house in order so that when the doors get busted down during a house to house raid, the enemy will appreciate how nice the place is, providing you with valuable seconds to escape.

3. Drill Baby Drill - Have you worked out escape routes from your home and place of business? Run "invasion drills" with your family and friends? You haven't? You should maybe consider it. When fleeing from an enemy that can enslave your body via drugs to do their dark bidding, you don't want to try and figure out the best direction to run right there and then. Drill and practice make for flawless execution!

4. It Takes a Village - Organize a meeting with your neighbors and pool your resources. There is safety in numbers and being on good terms with your co-workers and neighbors can be an extra helping hand when you need it. Also, potluck dinners are a great way to both build communities and clear out some leftovers.

5. Need Before Greed - When deciding what to pack into your "trouble" bag, be sure to only bring what you need to survive. Sure, where else are you going to get another set of commemorative Teela O'Malley ceramic dishes at such a good price, but wouldn't you rather have, say, 2 weeks worth of food rations instead? Ceramic doesn't taste good, and doesn't trade well in refugee camps.

6. Don't Get Cocky - Should you find yourself in an occupation situation, remember that you should always be on your guard. Don't think to yourself "Well, they won't come after me. I'm not a mutant/cyborg/soldier/etc...". That doesn't matter. Sure, they didn't come looking for you today, but what about tomorrow? Stay alert, keep your head down, prepare for the worst, pray for the best.

7. Move Along - It can be difficult in these tough times to keep living your life. Don't let fear consume you! Take reasonable precautions (like those outlined in this article), but do not let it ruin your day to day existence. Take in a vid, read the feeds, perhaps attend a local talent show. Remember, if you are constantly huddled in a corner of your house, gibbering to yourself about "them", then the enemy has already won. Of course, when the shooting starts, feel free to run like heck.

8. Cardio - Living a state of constant fear and worry is no way to live, but you can do something about it! Exercise and proper nutrition can keep you alert and ready to move at a moment's notice. As a side bonus, it should help relieve stress and keep you focused on the tasks at hand.. After the trouble passes, you'll be ready for a night on the town too!

9. Know Your Foe - There is a lot of tension in the universe these days, and what you might have to deal with depends greatly on where you are, dear reader. Research the most likely threats to you and yours so you won't be caught off guard!

10. News You Can Use - Turn to trusted information sources to keep abreast of happenings in YOUR area! Stay tuned to the Fringe News Feed and your local feeds for the latest information on the growing Arhamni threat, the looming Imperial Civil War, and other happenings throughout the galaxy!

MORE TROUBLE IN THE IMPERIUM!

Huron sides with Covenant, Mutants. What will this mean?

After Duke Huron of Taiowa made a startling series of declarations, the Empire’s High Inquisitor has declared Huron a traitor, called for his death, and called for the people of Taiowa to rise up in rebellion. The Imperials say he’s siding with the Zygani, but what’s really going on here?

After calling for the validity of mutants within the Empire, Huron accused Regent Cormac of putting a false baby Empress on the throne. Huron declared himself for the Army of the Covenant, previously known as the Army of the Scourge, a vicious holy army within the Empire.

After mutinying against their previous Warmaster, the Army of the Scourge/Covenant is now under the command of 10 Imperials thought to reside on Eclipse. Who are they, what are they going to do with their Army? Is the baby Empress a fake? What of rumors that the Empress faked her death, or that she was a secret mutant? Have the former Warlords been reborn in these 10 so called "Champions?" And, if so, where is their Jerich Al'Eld?

===========
Update 3/11
"Mr. Ion," a noted Imperial preacher, spoke out against divisions in the Empire in a recent speech:

"We must follow the will of the divine in this matter. Let us not squabble. The truth will break free, and we will all know the Scion of Ehieh".

Is this meant as prophecy?
Who is the "Scion of Ehieh?"
Should Fringers care about Imperial religious matters?
Share your thoughts in the comments section.

DOOMED SHIPS MARKED BY DARK MAGIC?

CURSED SEAS OF VAJRA - Story Update!

By TalkFast

The Fringe Newsfeed reported last month on the mysterious disappearance of ships in the waters near the Varja city of Voreko and eye-witness accounts of strange apparitions in the sky.

More recent reports say that normal weather has returned to that region, and that local CEO, Eric Bransen, of Kagome Shipping led an expedition to search for the lost. Bransen’s group found the wreckage of twenty-two ships, including seven that had not previously been reported missing. Only fourty three survivors were recovered, clinging to a reef and close to death. over 1,500 other sailors are still missing, now presumed dead.

Mack Headen, recovery diver for Kagome Shipping, reports on what he found in the sunken ships:

"It was like someone had been summoning demons or something! There were all these weird markings on the hulls, swirly designs and sigils I didn't recognize. Gave me the absolute creeps! You find this stuff in scary children's stories, not on a ship with no crew! I swear, I surfaced so fast I thought the bends were gonna be the death of me! But I'll tell you one thing, that Eric Bransen, he's a real hero, you know. Didn't have to go looking for those people or those ships, coulda written the whole thing off and no one woulda blinked. Real hero to go after those men."

The rescued survivors were found in a near-comatose state and are currently hospitalised. FNF attempts to interview them or get statements were unsuccessful, though we are told that their condition is slowly improving. Medical staff did admit that other than the effects of exposure, the doctors can find no explanation for the symptoms. One unnamed source said that, “none of the survivors can really talk, but a few mumble about ‘SHADOWS’.”

TOP TEN WEB TRAVEL TIPS

By Tom Topptin - FNF Staff

We all know Web Travel is the safest method of speedy interplanatary travel (heck, it's the ONLY way!), and we at the Fringe News Feed want to make sure our readers are safe and healthy as they walk the Fringe. With the recent issues plaguing web travel (that have thankfully died down), we at the Fringe News Feed are here to provide our top ten Web Travel tips, as compiled by our edititorial staff and readers such as yourselves.

1. Plan Ahead - Unless you are a licensed Web Guide (and even for them, it's a hassle), it is VERY difficult to just walk up to a Gate and hitch a ride. Make sure to arrive at the Web Station at least one hour before traveling so you can deal with customs and security. If possible, try to greet your Web Guide beforehand and learn his or her name. It is polite, and in the event of running for your life from a Shiver, you'll know who you need to protect!

2. Pack Light - Travel in the Web Ways isn't like travel on a transport or a shuttle. YOU provide most of the power with your own two legs (or a motorchair for the handicapable traveler). You WILL be walking at least an hour or so, usually longer, but there may be "rest stops" along the way on Nodes. So all that luggage you are thinking about carrying? Remember that YOU will be the one carrying it.

3. Fashion Sense - The Ways are chilly for the most part, so make sure to dress in layers. If you are traveling to a warmer destination, you can easily unlayer to acclimatize yourself. If you are traveling to a colder destination, you can throw on some more clothes. Do try to look your best, though. No one wants to be caught in last year's cargo pants if they have to run screaming out of a gate while being pursued by Chills.

4. Stay on the Path - The Ways are very interesting to look at, with lots of swirls, colors, flashes of light, and so forth, but remember this rule: Do Not Stray From The Path. Stick with your Web Guide (or Guides), and do not leave the path. Sure, you might be tempted by the sight of something just outside your periphrial vision that is just aching to be chased, but resist your curiousity and stay with the group. You know what we call people who stray from the Path who aren't found? Chills.

5. Know Your Nodes - For longer trips, you may have a slight layover on a Node as your change web paths or wait for another to come into alignment. Nodes are generally stable sections of the Ways that paths connect to and from. While you wait for your next Path to open, you can sit and relax, perhaps have a bite to eat, and chit chat with your fellow passengers. Making friends will be handy in case you need to fend off a Chill or Marauder attack.

6. Guide Safety - Your Web Guide (or Guides) is probably the most important person in your travel group, because he or she is the ONLY thing that can keep you going in the right direction AND get you out of the web ways safely. Even if you are right at the end of a Way, if you have no Guide to open it, you are stuck. Keep your Web Guides safe!

7. Always Be Prepared - As safe as the Ways can be, sometimes something goes wrong. Someone gets a cramp, someone forgets to pack water, Shivers descend to suck your very lifeforce from your fleshy body. You know, things happen. With that in mind, it is a good idea to bring along a little food and water, as well as some weapons in your travel kit. Extra ammunition is also not a bad idea for those of you who carry firearms. You never know when you'll be diverted to Erlik due to a random Marauder raid on a Node.

8. Cardio - In many emergency situations, the best Defense is a good "running away"-ense. You may need to flee from the aforementioned Marauders or Chills, so wear a good comfortable pair of shoes and be ready for running. Screaming is, of course, optional.

9. Know your Foe - The Ways are full of Chills and their bigger siblings, so here is how to recognize them, listed in ascending order of Lethality:
- Chills - Shadow-like humanoid forms with Grey faces. Their touch causes bone-chilling cold and will act like a stun stick. Known to drain heat and vitality from downed victims. A good Force Screen should keep them off you, or heavy armor. Normal weapons will work against these.
- Shivers (blue) - These look like blue-faced Chills that glow eerily in the dark. They actually manifest shadowy claws, and are tougher than Chills. Can blow a Force Screen or put a dent in heavy armor.
- Shivers (green) - These look like green-faced Chills that glow eerily in the dark. These can also manifest shadowy claws, can rend armor in just a few swings, and are generally immune to bullets. Nasty and tough, unless you are well armed this is when you run. Rare.
- Wraiths - These are monstrous shadowy creatures with glowing red eyes. RUN! Do not engage, do not attempt conversation even if they speak, just run as fast as you can. Capable of feats beyond anything Shivers and Chills can manifest. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Very Rare.

10. News You Can Use - Always check to see if there are any problems with Web Travel before stepping through a Gate. Stay tuned to the Fringe News Feed and your local feeds for the latest information on Web Travel! Forewarned is Forearmed!