NEWS REVIEW - TRAGEDY ON GYMIR

By TalkFast

A review of the dramatic recent events involving the planet Gymir over the last year, summarized here by the Fringe Newsfeed: The Most Reliable News Source in the Galaxy.

Gymir is a dark and cold planet made up of vast glaciers and frozen seas. The Fringer community there was a hardy group well prepared for the dangers of mining and survival in that harsh terrain, but nothing could have prepared them for the horrors of alien invasion.

August 2009
As the five-year yeti migration on Gymir began, travelers from offworld as well as seasoned veteran hunters came to buy hunting liscences for what they hoped would be a season of extraordinary adventure. The Fringe Newsfeed (sadly, not widely syndicated at the time) ran an interview with a man who saw something different in the yeti travel patterns: renowned Taranis psychic and metaphysician Dr. Aaron Preston

Preston, who had visited Gymir to assist in an excorcism, reported that he felt a strange psychic energy from the fearsome creatures, even from the safety of a Gymir guest bunker.

*** Dr Aaron Preston - Yeti whisperer?

“The Yeti should not be hunted,” Preston wrote in his statement to FNF, “While on Gymir I saw footage of the hunts, but also maps tracking their migration patterns, and this migration is completly unique. There is a pattern in their trek that suggests something disturbs them. Not many people know this, but yeti are very psychically sensitive to changes in the cosmos, in fate, and the greater mysteries. Perhaps without even knowing it themselves, they are warning us that something terrible is coming.”

Preston went on to suggest that a group of scientists and psychics be assembled to study yeti movements and perhaps even try to communicate with these “noble creatures,” but he was largely ignored, and one of his students who ventured out to attempt to learn more was reportedly eaten.

Nov 2010
All communications with Gymir were mysteriously severed, the planetary Gate locked, and web travelers unable to reach the planet. Silence.

January 2011
After over two months of grim silence, communication to Gymir was re-established, but with a chilling revalation. The Zigani, slaves of the alien Ahramnhi Empire, had invaded the planet and brutally conquered the populace.

Invasions on other worlds only served to further demonstrate the aliens' brutal intentions.

March 2011
The gate to Gymir remained locked, but a small force of Imperial agents who had been on-planet during the invasion somehow managed to get off planet, many of them almost losing their lives in the daring escape. They reported horrifying tales of the mistreatment of the people of Gymir at the hands of the invaders.

Imperial Regent Liam Cormac Al’Eld called for unity against this new foe, which he rightly viewed as a threat to the Imperium as well as Fringe worlds.

May 2011
The Gymir Gate reportedly opened for the first time in months. No Fringer webguides were able to get close to them successfully in the webways, but chance encounters at Nodes revealed an uncountable invasion force moving through the Ways. The Zygnay took several smaller outposts near Gymir with little resistance, complicating any military action to retake the planet from the invaders. It was apparent that the invaders considered Gymir a strategic stronghold and were using it as a base in this galaxy for further military pursuits.

Soon after the gate was reported opened, Hank Jones, broadcasting from inside enemy territory sent a desperate warning. The Invaders had sent a battle train from the Gymir gate, loaded with explosives, speeding toward impact with the Taranis gate. This was the invaders’ cowardly and treacherous response to their failed attempt to invade Taranis by conventional means.

Disaster was averted when a brave group of combined Fringe and Imperial forces intercepted with the Forlorn Home. The two trains engaged in combat and the Forlorn Hope achieved victory in the last hop before Taranis.

Sept 2011
Now, the final tragedy of Gymir is revealed as the planet is found barren and abandoned, settlements razed. Were the people of Gymir all slain, or, as in other worlds, were their youngest and most vulnerable carried away into Zygani enslavement? As yet, the cold tomb of Gymir has offered no answers.

BREAKING NEWS - GYMIR ACCESS RE-OPENS

By TalkFast

Fringer Community Razed by Zigani Invaders!

The Gate to Gymir has suddenly re-appeared on astrogation readings. The few bold souls who have gone through have reported that there is little sign of civilization. The buildings have been disassembled, and their foundations filled with ice. There is no sign that anyone still lives on Gymir. Vast empty pits are all that remain of the mines nearest to the gate. Explorers have been dispatched, but it could take weeks for word on outlying villages. The Gate on Gymir is in the middle of a seven week blizzard.

See Also: News Review - Tragedy on Gymir

NEWS REVIEW UPDATE

More Stories! More Value! More Fringe Newsfeed!
By TalkFast


FRINGE AND TRIBE SPACE: Despite massive panic Sorrow's threats appeared to have been empty. No worlds have reported bombs or explosions. The inhabitants of Eclipse released a transmission burst claiming responsibility for the defeat of Sorrow, however no other proof has been offered for the dissolution of the terrorist organization Sons of Sorrow.

VAIRYA - The business world was shaken this week by the news of the unexpected death of G'Kili Na'Lon Keresik, who passed quietly on her private estate on Haven this weekend. Cause of death is being attributed to heart failure. G'Kili (known as G.N. to her associates) was the Chief Intelligence Officer of Keresik Armouries, as well as being on their Board of Directors. She was also one of the candidates being considered to replace her nephew J'Toth Keresik on the High Council of Elders, after his disappearance. It has not been announced who will be taking her place on the Keresik Board. Also, no word on the location of the fugitive Councilmember Keresik, although gossip blogs point to his location on Middian.

VAITARANI - Expolsions rocked a deserted Keresik Armories factory this past weekend, utterly destroying the abandoned plant. The local corporations on Vaitarani have not claimed any damage to personnel or property.

TRITA - Negotiations are on hold as diplomats return from Middian and have secluded themselves in chambers to discuss new developments with their teams. The Dahhak made surprising concessions to the Nasu and agreed for a cease fire on Asha to allow both sides to seek more peaceful solutions to their arguments. Asu Dagir, head of the Nasu diplomat team has brought forth the nessecity of amendments to the Treaty of Tantive in light of the Ahramni threat, tentative negotiations are currently underway.

Grist Town: Sorry Sorrow, Party Time!

By TalkLoud, FNF staff gossip columnist

Sultry Surgeon Sheds Scrubs in Silent Support

The glamorous Dr. Firm recently shed her sensible, yet flattering, scrubs in favor of a sparkling top and short skirt that is bound to have all of the men screaming “Oh baby, take it Eioph!” Dr. Firm (in more ways than one, judging from that top) is known to provide outspoken opposition to the political ongoings of the Middian Imperium. To say she keeps a realistic and dour view of things is akin to saying I like booze in my drinks with umbrella. It’s true, but it doesn’t quite convey the necessity of the situation. However, in the fermentation festooned festivities of Man-O-War’s Drinkathalon, an all together different view of Dr. Firm’s political leanings was presented. Did her attire reveal her political desire? That’s the thought that’s circulating in everyone’s heads. Snarky Firm would have looked more at home amongst the Fringe than in the Imperium, that’s for certain. Her skirt was near indiscernible from the skirts and dresses of several known Fringer fashion icons. The bedazzling blouse screamed rave, not reserved. Of course, we all know the bare thigh being shown was nothing more than mind-control tactics, but, oddly enough, no one seemed to mind. As the evening wore on, she was heard to opine, “Boobies!”, more than proof enough for this reporter that she was full-on Fringe for the evening.

So, is this fashion trend a show of support for the Fringer systems? It seems likely. With the inhibitions sent home for the evening, Dr. Firm let her fun side for a walk, doing more for political relationships than a month of negotiations. She was a good-luck charm for Pie-Fingers, a well known Fringer bartender and former sports star, she was trusted to be the proxy for Wheeler Dealer, a merchant of some reknown, and even took advice from Man-O-War, with nary a sneer in sight. The clothes make the woman, as the saying goes, and it’s clear to this reporter that the woman in question is one that puts on a persona for her god and her Imperium, but wishes she could stand besides those she knows as friends. Expect this to be a trend. Club kids on Akeir have been wearing more and more Fringe attire over the past few years, and now that it is being worn as open support by the nobility it will spread even further. Remember, gentle readers, when you want to make a political statement, nothing speaks louder than short skirts and revealing shirts.

Delphinium "Berries" All Doubters
One Yazata is working hard to make the residents of Gate Town say, “Hickory Who?” While she publicly decries her role in repairing the reputation of her race, Dr. Naughtyberry is, of course, beloved by all and needs no reputation repair, Delphinium has been working diligently. As we previously reported, her hammocks were the initial inroads used to start to gain respect and trust of the community. However, she isn’t stopping there to snooze in her good idea. She has become known as the bearer of a fabled concoction known as “Pink Drink”, and is not only welcome at Middian Mixers, but is desired for her knowledge of mixology. This past party was no different.

Delphinium showed up with the well-connected and respected journalist “Lucky J”, and carrying a tray of meticulously cut strawberries filled with a gelatinous concoction that did not simply whisper “I will inebriate you”, it sang it while dancing about the room in choreographed numbers. Her knowledge of the Altered States of Inebria has become her greatest reference that if she hands you something at a party, it’s going to be phenomenal. She played cards, socialized and, without even trying, had people coming to her, seeking out her knowledge. It might have seemed that they were simply being considerate, as she was involved in a card game, but Delphinium is clever indeed.

It is of little surprise that throughout the course of the evening the phrase, “We should talk to Delphinium about that” was uttered many times. Seemingly without trying she has become an integral part of the plans of Gate Town, and has shed the Yazatas stereotypes that once accompanied her. She has become so well-liked that even Man-O-War gave her a Get Out of Violence Free card, and we all know how much he likes to commit acts of violence! That, if nothing else, is proof of her acceptance into the community.

So what’s next for the saucy scientist? It’s hard to know, but it’s safe to say we can expect good things from the budding technician.

Gossip Scraps

• The web grows wider. X, a well-known (and much stared after) technician with Quad-Portals, was heard to opine that she really enjoyed the curves of a certain Middian Black Widow. The power of this image alone might be enough to topple those with weak constitutions. Even when she is not in attendance, the gossamer strands are working to ensnare the unsuspecting.
• “Silver Alloy” was overheard asking if he should collect on the sizable bounties currently being offered. Others, upon hearing this, began wondering the same thing. Remember “Silver Alloy”, if you can’t spot the sucker, it’s you.
• Nasu utilizing weaponized dolphins? It’s more likely than you think! A Nasu representative seemingly gave away a closely held secret of her home. The sea, from whence the Nasu sprung, also holds psionically potent dolphins. The Nasu developed their psionic potential from working with these Aquatic Arcanists, and work in harmony with them. Let’s just hope, Sorrow Supporters withstanding, that the inevitable army of dolphin mounted space slugs is on our side.
• Speaking of Nasu, Dr. Naughtyberry was seen dragging away the representative for some amount of time. This was the second Nasu that the good doc has been seen cavorting with.
• Baron Glow-Gun Gambler doesn’t play cards? The populace might demand he be renamed.
• Need a date? Be a hacker! When Seven-Less-One arrived to work with the hackers, it became apparent that the party hacker population were primarily lovely ladies. One party-goer was overheard saying he picked the wrong profession. Fellas looking for love might consider the secure arts. It’s a number game boys, get to hacking!
• A certain silicate playmate has been rumored to have attained the knowledge of the choral arts. People should be wary when asking him to sing them a song.
• Seeker should be checked by genetic specialists. His evil beard has authorities worried he might be his own evil twin.
• Lyre might soon be wanted for murder. She was heard to say, "I am trying to decide if I just need to stab everyone."
• The men of the cloth seemed relaxed at this shindig. The Empire's spiritual leaders were seen cracking smiles and even unbuttoning some of their collars. Could this spell the collapse of the Imperial Faith?
• Snickersnac is a problem solving specialist. The phrase “Tell Snickersnac about it, that will solve it” was uttered more than once over the course of the evening. If you are looking for a solution, look no further than Snickersnac Solutions, LLC.

Grist Town: Your gate. Your town. Your tawdry details.

By TalkLoud, FNF staff gossip columnist

Imperial aid to Taranis: Act of Good Will or Act of Lust?

By now we have all heard of the exciting events of the previous week. A speeding battle train with an atomic payload crashed into the gate in Taranis, only to…not detonate. This is, of course, after a pitched battle at the first node out from the planet, in which the so-called Army of the Covenant (rebranded after realizing that the name Army of the Scourge just wasn’t getting them invited to the classier parties) helped route the retreating Szgany forces. How was this army able to be deployed in such a timely manner? Why, it was the work of the Champions of the Covenant! The real question is why were these champions so involved in the defense of Taranis? Is it as it seems? Is it simply a case of the Imperial Champions defending the homes of the Fringers they call friends? Is it the work of the Empire to show good faith to King Rama or is it something less benevolent? Did the Imperial Champions send their forces simply because they wanted to keep being allowed to make sweet, sweet love to their Fringer women?

Word on the street is that there is tension amongst the Champions when it comes to what aid should be given, with those with “close ties” to Fringer women crowing for full support whenever and wherever. One of the female champions has been linked with a certain cold-shouldered Kshathran. This same Kshathran has been seen in the company of one of the Fringer women with “close ties” to another one of the Champions, and is maybe idolized by at least one more of them. Other Fringer women have been heard to swoon over the stolid man of the cloth who is the spiritual leader of the Champions. Will he give into their crushes? It’s difficult to say one way or the other.

Those urging more thought are met with the aggression that stems from potential nights spent on the couch. One has to wonder of the intentions of the Imperial Champions. Their deeds might not be as pure as they first seem. They might simply be trying to protect their way of life…if you know what I mean. Still, it’s not like you can fault the Imperial men. I’ve seen the Fringer women. I’m fairly certain that the striped socks are an experimental form of kinetic mind control. For the ladies, who wouldn’t want a hulking, powerful silicate playmate?

The Middian Black Widow

You’ve all seen her. She’s always there. She’s in the shadows, stalking her pray, waiting for her moment to strike. She studies her prey, learning their weaknesses, the way to approach them without making them nervous, while still trying to provoke responses. The subtle allure she exudes as she waits for her moment to strike. She’s a certain Meurlain photojournalist.

Let’s look at the facts. Not much is known about this photog. She claims to be a photojournalist, a perfect cover for a deadly killer. She always has an excuse to try and learn more about her victims before she strikes. She has recently been seen cozying up to a certain “sword and wolf” Baron, a glowing gun-slinging Baron, and an agent of the Tulku Council with some dance-hall drawers. All three are men of potential import in their respective areas. Coincidence? This reporter doesn’t think so.

By all accounts, The Widow stunned the gathered masses with her glamorous outfit and looks during Baron Sword-and-Wolf’s Battle Day celebration. However, she then proceeded to maintain her glamorous outfit through the course of the rest of the evening, including a fight against the forces of Sorrow. During the course of the evening, one brave adventurer was heard to opine, “I like socks”, while dreamily looking at the Middian Black Widow.

Her strands have been cast wide, slowly drawing the men of Gate Town into her nefarious web of desire.

What will she do once she has all of the men under her sway? Only time will tell…

Gossip Scraps:

• “Silver Alloy”, of Insane Ideas, LLC., has become obsessed with something he calls the “Fertile Void”. Is the madness of the Epherium becoming too much for the skilled Web Guide?
• Tulku Council playboy? A certain agent of the Tulku has been seen in the company of several lovely Meurlain ladies recently. After a “private” excursion with The Widow to Ushas, the agent was spending a lot of his time planet-side with The Lady of the Argent Fire. He claims this was in the name of science, but the Yazatas claim that about everything.
• Fears of a Cyborg Plague have reached Middian. A cyborg man was seen spewing blood near as he looked for Baron Sword-and-Wolf. Witnesses say he was a cyborg and was under the effects of a deadly sickness that only affects the technologically enhanced. Others say that he was expressing a mutation, and that his body was at war with itself. The body was whisked away before too many questions could be answered.
• Yazatas using “hammock diplomacy”? One Yazata has become something of a local celebrity for her use of a hammock as place to sleep. She is now renting out the hammocks to others as they are becoming more and more popular. As a result, she has become more trusted and respected in the Gate Town community. This, of course, leads to the question, what are they laced with?
• The lack of any Zealanders being seen on Zealand has led many to speculate that the Zealanders are masters of invisibility and are way more sophisticated than first thought. After a silent alarm was tripped, a horde of tamed dragon wolves were dispatched to dispose of the “miracle crops” grown on the weapons platform. Rumors persist that some received visions of a dark and terrible woman whispering “Nothing shall remain for the interlopers”. These seers could not be reached for comment following the successful defense of the crops.
• The shores of Zealand played host to a beautiful and private ceremony wedding the fearsome gladiator Sharkzor and the powerful psion Displays-His-Abs. Those that were in attendance say the ceremony was presided over by a certain Yazata doctor, and that the vows exchanged were intense and private. No one is sure which party provided the dowry.
• Further rumors have the Empathic Cyborg Web Guide having a cybernetic camera installed in his ocular cavity. He has reportedly signed a deal with an undisclosed corp. to air a Middian Reality Vid. His disappearing for hours at a time begins to make much more sense.
• Beachgoers have been heard relating a story that is difficult to swallow. They claim that the Zealand beach was attacked by shark creatures that spewed flame, and that they were not only quelled by the Mistress of Fire, but that afterwards she tamed the shark-beasts and is in the process of teaching them to be her aquatic means of conveyance.

MISSING SCIENTIST’S LAST DAY?

By FNF Staff

Dr David Lorani

Brilliant researcher believed lost.
Wife continues to search.

Myrena Lorani wondered where her husband was.

David’s research was ever important to him, and not just because of his almost dogged loyalty to FallTech; the science of nature intrigued him. Talking about it genuinely made him happy. She remembered a time before he was hired by FallTech, though – a time when Dr. David Lorani was a poor graduate and struggling to get his foot in the door. None of the major corporations wanted a zoologist; Myrena knew this and David knew this, and yet he chose his path anyway. She supported him because he was always loyal – to her, to any cause he decided to take up, to his friends and family. Loyalty defined who he was.

Myrena remembered the stories David told her of his childhood, how he always preferred to be outside, under the night sky; how his father had the hardest time keeping him inside during the rare rainstorms. David Lorani grew up loving the wild, loving nature, and loving Myrena, for she was one of the few people in his life to embrace David for what he was, rather than abuse his kindness and loyalty. “Animals are honest, at least,” David would often say, “even if you have to learn how to read them. People will just lie to you.”

Of course, that time had come to an end, and once more, his loyalty – and his dreams – were being used against him once more. David had always wanted to grow closer to the beasts he loved – “What if you could grow gills like a fish, and swim in the ocean? Or wings, like a bird, and fly? What would stop you from exploring your world?” – and FallTech gave him his chance to realize that dream. They hired David to assist, and eventually head, research into a drug capable of imbuing the imbiber with bestial qualities and features. They underpaid him and overworked him, but he didn’t care; he was so focused on his research that he often forgot to eat or sleep. Myrena had the cot removed that David had brought into the lab. Myrena was happy for her husband, that he was so close to realizing his dream, but really…

…where was he? The cot stood empty next to her; he hadn’t taken it back to the lab (again). She tried his comm, got nothing. Myrena had just gotten up to go to the lab and drag her husband home when it rang.

“Mrs. Lorani?”

The voice was somewhat familiar – it was Dr. Jonathan Greitz, who was in charge of the FallTech satellite office on Tyranis. It was not a happy-sounding voice.

“I don’t think Dr. Lorani will be coming home tonight.”

---
Related Article: Heroic 'War Bees' Defend Taranis

ZIGANY AND IMPERIALS BATTLE OVER WEB-GUIDE BRAINS!

By Doctor Carlyle La’Broche, guest columnist

Shocking Experiments Revealed!

This reporter has been waiting on the final confirmation of Imperials being in their in final testing stage of Web Way device that uses captured Meurlain brains. Obviously this is an atrocity, but reports have just come in that confirm the Imperials are not the only ones to possess such technology. The Zigany have apparently possessed this knowledge for centuries. It has now become apparent that the Imperials recovered this technology two years ago from the first encounters they had with the Ahramni.

There have been three key top-secret labs among two of the major Imperial Houses identified as testing grounds. All three facilities have been reported as existing on Ottar without the knowledge of House Vinro. Reports indicate that no less than 43 Meurlain have gone missing last month alone! Their only connection being that they were students on the Planet of Ogun and that they had been assigned to various psionic/web-way projects originally commissioned by a joint effort of House Cormac and House Svarog.

The basis of the technology was explained by Dr. Romulus De’Luing

On a physical level, the human brain consists of four principal parts: the brain stem, diencephalons (consisting of the thalamus and hypothalamus), cerebrum, and cerebellum. Although all four are important, we’ll be discussing the cerebrum. Found in the upper area directly beneath the top of the skull, the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. The surface area of the cerebrum is known as the cerebral cortex or neo-cortex. Billions of neurons are contained in the neo-cortex. On an evolutionary scale, this is the most recently evolved or developed area of the human brain.

On a psychic and spiritual level, the crown Shiak’tianra is positioned over the top of the head and the cerebrum. It is through the crown Shiak’tianra that the Universal Intelligence above directs energy downwards. This energy – known as Tul flows from the crown and into the top of the head.

A spiritually awakened or enlightened person can work with this energy. Through meditation and other techniques such as psionics and dancing, the individual can sometimes feel this universal energy on the top of the head as a warm pleasant feeling. This means that the crown Shiak’tianra or energy center has “opened up.”

As the universal energy expands downwards into the brain itself, tingling sensations will be felt all over the head and within. This is an indication that the Tul energy (which is also known as divine light) has stimulated the neo-cortex causing many neurons to “fire.” These firing neurons send electrical energy to other parts of the brain, in particular the rest of the cerebrum. The divine light also travels to these areas of the brain during this event. This has also been related to being a Web Guide and “feeling” the path.

The doctor goes on to explain that work has been done to preserve the minds of some of the best in order to better understand both their nature and to reproduce their results.

Enter the Zigany; from reports of conflicts on the mysterious planet Eclipse, the Zigany possessed unnatural and amazing control of the web-ways. Their ability to control such things was beyond understanding until a group effort from House Huron and House Svarog contested and drove them back. Some secretly recovered tech showed they were able to utilize the brains directly of web guides. It is for this reason presumably that they have been taking so many prisoners. Tapping directly into such energy burns out the brains after only a few jumps. Below is the reconstruction mock up of the recovered device.

Reports indicate that House Svarog contacted the Imperial Church immediately and that is when House Cormac became involved. Further reports indicate the current friction between House Huron and House Svarog and House Cormac have stemmed from this conflict of stolen technology.

Once the funding from the two Imperial Houses came in, it was not long before the research took a more nefarious turn. Hiding the facilities on Ottar has certainly caught the attention of the Zigany. Attempts to recover the technology have lead to wide spread and sporadic attacks all over the planet. With this latest attempt of Zigany to take Taranis, it is the Fringe that is reaping the results of the Imperial plunder.

Further reports have come in, about teams utilizing this new technology to bypass standard Web-way procedures and nodes. My sources include a doctor who claims to have worked on the research team. Her identity is being kept secret until confirmation of her voluntary involvement has been confirmed.

How the device works is still unknown and the Imperial Wainwright guild had little to say on the matter.Allegedly, the devices that have allowed Imperials to go “under” the current Web-ways similar to the Zigany attacks.

Of course standard means of Web travel are still the most efficient which is why the Zigany are desperate to hold both a gate and a world in which they can fuel their web-guide-brain devices.

The Tulku Council had no comment on the missing Meurlain and refused to confirm the viability of Meurlain brains as useful in and of themselves. However, their press representative could not hide her disgust at the knowledge that the Imperial houses would do such a thing. Other experts have reported that House Svarog has been involved in such experiments for some time.

This reporter expects there to be a lot more fall out and a lot more cover up before all this is done. There is no indication if Tribe brains can be used for such dastardly uses. We intend to uncover just how many people and what races the Imperials have utilized thus far.

More to come…