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

By TalkLoud, FNF staff gossip columnist

FNF Exclusive: Interview with an Empire 

The truth...unmasked!

 It’s a secret to everybody. At least, it was before FNF managed to track down the person we believe to now carry the Light of Eheih within them, and sit him down for an interview. As a disclaimer, we are not stating that this person is definitively male or female, but simply using the masculine tense for this interview as to avoid confusion, as the last person to carry the Light of Eheih inside of them was female and was thus referred to as the Empress.

 FNF: Thanks for sitting down with us today, Emperor. Tell us, what’s with the mask?
 Emperor: …

 That concluded our interview. It was at that point that we remembered that hearing the Voice of Thunder would make our heads explode and our souls bleed.

 Stay tuned in the future for further FNF Exclusives!

 The Gaties: the only award ceremony celebrating the heroes of Gate Town and their Vids

We took these statues from other, evil award ceremonies 

 It’s that time of year once again, when the glamorous hobnob with the beautiful, and are recognized for their outstanding work in the last year. Our eyes are transfixed upon the galactic red carpet as the stars arrive from the Gate and make their way to the awards hall. For a brief moment, we take a stand besides these brave and beautiful heroes of the galaxy, and bask in the light of their wondrous glow.

That’s right, it’s awards season. Sunday night’s ceremony was a huge smash, hosted jointly by the refreshing duo of Pulpiteer and Seeker. Nothing is dull when a lecherous drunk and a smart-mouthed lawyer are given live mics. The traditional play-off-the-stage music normally provided by Tractus Lupus was replaced this year by play-off-the-stage gouts of flame, provided by the Mistress of Fire. The jokes were fast and furious all evening, and here were some of the best lines of the night.

 Seeker: “Tulku Spy, you gave a fantastic performance in Not without my Mystic Electron Microscope. I haven’t seen someone alone and abandoned like that in a situation that didn’t involve Silver Alloy”.

 Pulpiteer: “Terra Cotta is nominated tonight. I haven’t really been following the controversy over Zero Bark Forty, based on a true story involving cyborg canine commandos, but when it comes to making tough decisions, I trust the guy who decided to go ahead and get married to X after her god set him on fire”.

Seeker: “The Mistress of Fire is providing us the play-off-the-stage gouts of flame this evening, for which we’re thankful. However, going to be passing around a donation box for her soon. What most people don’t know is that pyrokinetics suffer from a lot of debilitating problems as a result of their conditions. Tonight is the fourth time that she has been given a ticket by Orpheon for having an unlicensed firearm.”

Pulpiteer: “Is the good Baron Gambler wearing a Space Robe and Cowboy boots as he talks about the Empress?”

 Enough of the recapping, let’s get to the awards.


Best Romance - Jewel of the Quantum Sea: An Ethereal Love Story, by Snickersnak

Known best for being one of the largest single supporters of the romance novel industry with her enormous expenditures on the literature, newcomer Snickersnak has truly penned a screenplay for the ages. The tale is as old as time, a young man meets the intensified quantum presence of a beautiful warrior from a past age that helps him on his path of self discovery. A few of the particularly steamy scenes involve Jack Musclechest being dissolved into a fine primordial mist as he explodes the ghostly intimates of Serena Randy, and the multiple pairing scene of Jack, Serena, and the being of glowing conscious thought from beyond the cosmos. Truly, Snickersnak is one a course to become one of the most accomplished writers of her, or future generations.

Best Romance Actor without a Shirt - Displays-His-Abs 

 It has been said that there is no sin greater than wearing a shirt. We are not sure who said it, but Displays-His-Abs assures us that it is a saying amongst the Meurlain. This sounds just as likely as anything else we hear about this made up culture, so why not? This was a big year for Displays-His-Abs. His husband, long the primary breadwinner of the household thanks to his S.T.R.I.F.E. winnings, is now the second largest income of the family. Displays-His-Abs appeared in his preferred state on the poster art of Jewel of the Quantum Sea, staring soulfully into his psionic shard, which as we know from the novel resonates with an Intergalactic Love Frequency that attracts Serena Randy in the first place. The poster art was such that the picture was even voted as “Most Likely to Make a Robot’s CPU Overheat” by Mystic Machines Monthly.

Best Performance in a Comedy or Musical - Coffinstuffer in Funeral Trip

As if people weren’t already jealous enough of him for being the partner of the Lotus of Middian, we learned this year that Coffinstuffer is quite the comedian. Long thought of as a man of action and drama, he appeared in one of this year’s surprise delights, Funeral Trip. The story follows a young Kshathran who is convinced by his two crazy friends to become a bounty hunter that fulfills contracts on his own life. Coffinstuffer, known for his penchant for returning from the dead with ease, adopts a strong Imperial Accent and an outrageous fake mustache for his Bounty Hunter Persona, Max Explosion. The three friends quickly become rich, until they run afoul of a Dahhak Crime Lord, Demon Johnnie. The hilarious exploits grossed over 160 billion credits galactically, not taking into account adjusted 5-D inflated ticket prices.

 Best Short Vid - X Marks the Spot, written and directed by X 

The first short vid by that sumptuous sprite X, it was originally planned as a hard biographical look at the rise of King Rama, a known supporter of the FNF and our biggest booster. The first three minutes of the vid is a gritty, tracking shot through the slums of Taranis, which then deftly cuts away to a dance club, a field of butterflies, a naked woman using a dynamite plunger, and then a slow motion bubble blowing scene in an abandoned factory. When asked about this, X started to discuss the discordian life of the average Fringer, but then got up and left to go get ice cream, build a small bomb, and paint a pony.

Best Actor in a Drama - Empathic Cyborg in How Dark is my Guyliner

A gripping tale of a web guide who is unlucky in love, and is burned with a cybernetic module that makes him feel five times as much as the average person. He becomes addicted to the guyliner that he uses, and goes into a self-destructive spiral of pain and suffering. He later finds redemption when he witnesses a train crash in the web ways, and saves the heiress of the Midnight Mascara company. However, even this turn has its challenges. Can his heart compartment ever be given a new artificial muscle so that he may love again? Has his trust module been forever damaged? Empathic Cyborg turns in the performance of a lifetime, though many critics claim that he was “simply playing himself, albeit in a compelling tale”. Other claim that “someone just wrote a program and ran it on his cybernetic interfaces. That’s hardly acting”.

Best Documentary - Arned and Dangerous

The search for Arn is compelling in a way that few stories are. We got a first hand look as famous Middians participated in the hunt. Snickersnak, complete with her strange, chitinous structures and her intimate yet frightening style of attack-sniffing those around her. It has been described several times by viewers as an “assault snuffle”, and it’s hard to say that it is incorrect. We also get to witness Okay, the small, post-Midir, psion as she listens for the sounds of what exactly? Reviewers have called her the “Death Listener”. This seems a little bit morbid, but it sure is catchy. The tale itself is heightened with a bit of scripted drama involving ridiculous time travel that seems to undercut the serious nature of the rest of the documentary, perhaps a bit of commentary on the ephemeral nature of time by the director, but despite this, the critics have adored this work. It seems that the obviously sentimental heartstring tugging that is the climax involving a large fight and the cooperation of the all of the galactic races is forgiven, even though it does seem a bit staged as well. Still, people love a feel good story fraught with action.

 Best Sequel - Slamwich 2: Painnut Blooder 

 Based on the real life exploits of Sharkz0r and Traganasaurus Wrecks, the first Slamwich vid is one of the all-time classics of Fringe cinema. It is the true to life story of the two gladiators who are asked to rescue King Rama’s daughter, who has been kidnapped and taken to space prison of Absalom. The sequel follows the pair as they are charged by a mysterious being to delve into the Quantum Sea and confront the terrorists who are looking to collect the dispersed memories of the once living to power a mind-control ray attached to the space station weapon known as Mentalum. One of the climactic scenes (SPOILER ALERT) revolves around Sharkz0r ramming his cesti into the abdomen of two machine-gun armed synth soldiers and dual wielding them as they spasm and unload their payloads into an incoming Web Tank. Meanwhile, Traganasaurs Wrecks has his weapon knocked down to a nearby ledge and he is forced to wrestle with the gorilla crab mano y crabbo. We are assured that this is based on a true story.

 Highest Gross Vid of the Year: Dirty Doctors 3: Antivenom - in 5D

Originally advertised as Dirty Doctors 3: Antivenom - in 3D + DD (IF YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN!)

Technically a re-release from 161, this did nothing to stop the monster profits of this previous award winning vid. It has been hailed as the most innovative vid of all time, making use of 5D technology, and direct mind control to allow the viewers to believe they actually experienced the vid. Despite the mess this has caused, the job industry for industrial cleaners has since boomed. Honorary galas have been thrown in support of Chance, for his work as a job creator in a time of turmoil.

BREAKING NEWS: Imperial attack on Haven

By FNF Staff

Haven/Vohu:

Forces of the Imperial Grand Army have taken several sectors of Haven/Vohu in a surprise attack early this morning. Light artillery, aircraft, and personnel carriers came through the Gate at 5:00 AM local time, leaving a path of devastation in their wake.

As you may know, Haven is no stranger to conflict. Recent events have placed record numbers of displaced Tribe communities and even Fringer refugees on Haven. They do not seem to be taking this lying down. Fighting has been sporadic but brutal as the invading Imperial forces have cut a path to Adamus, a sector traditionally home to Nasu aid workers.

At this time, no one can claim control of the Gate. The area around the Gate Platform is a warzone, making travel possible but extremely dangerous.

NEWS REVIEW UPDATE

Latest from all sources

By FNF Staff

TRIBE SPACE:

VOHU: Haven has become more stable, with talks beginning on how to form a government. Negotiations are being held to determine how a constitution can be drawn up, so that the humans and tribes on Haven can have a central government. The major former fringe and imperial factions seem to be getting on board, but the tribes seem to be waiting for something. They have insisted that a war crimes commission be formed before they will enter into any major negotiations.

KERET: There are reports that many Aeshma are leaving Keret. They are commissioning every web guide they can. Where they are going is still a closely kept secret. There are reports that any convoys going near Keret are being detained. Witnesses say that the Aeshma are taking any foodstuffs, farming tools, and industrial supplies they come across. Luxury goods and non essentials are being allowed to pass. Notes to the bank on Keret are being issued, but there is no confirmation that the bank has honored any requests for compensation.

ASHA: Webguides report that no connections with Asha remain in the webways. A new Leng has been appointed, and many Dahhak have been emigrating to Vohu. Some have gone to Eclipse, and many of their warriors have joined the Free Peoples Defense Force.

VAIRYA: There has been no word from Vairya in the last few days. Reports are chaotic at best. It is known that there is still a war going on in the webways, but there have been no official statements. It seems that Vairya has been cut off from the rest of the Galaxy.

LETHE: The Yazata have issued a statement. "We have come to realize that the great Doom of our time is upon us. A Doom that has returned, which we thought was long past. All Yazata, be they vine, spore, or weed, agree that all sentient beings must unite. Or we will surely perish. The thinking machines have returned, as the Dreamers were trying to warn us. Through the vision of the Hydra, we have been shown our path. We support the Free Peoples Defense Force, and urge all to do as we have. Before it is too late. It may already be too late."

NEITH: The Nasu report that the situation is grim. The thinking machines have turned towards Vairya, to eliminate the Kshathrans, before turning to eliminate the rest of the Tribes. They urge that all support be given to the Free Peoples Defense Force, and their Imperial allies.

TRITA: Connections can still be made to Trita. However, no one who has traveled there has returned to tell their story. Reports confirm that Trita was occupied by the enemy.

FRINGE SPACE:

TARANIS: By all accounts, the army of the fringe are holding their own. No successful incursions have been reported into Taranis space. New technology has been used to great effect during this new war with the thinking machines. The government admits that there have been some setbacks, but their top men are working on new solutions day and night. Taranis intelligence services report that they have been receiving excellent information from their sources, which leaves them prepared to defend the fringe against this terrifying enemy.

NARAKA: Naraka itself has been captured by the thinking machines. Due to the foresight of Nadia Solarii, the vast majority of it's citizens had already left the planet with the bulk of their industrial supplies. Communities that call themselves 'Narakans in exile' have been set up on other fringe worlds, Haven, and Eclipse. Even now, they are dedicating themselves to the war effort. President Solarii issued a brief statement. "I urge everyone, human and Tribes, to support the Free Peoples Defense Force. If you can build or grow, then send supplies to them. If you have influence with your people, then trumpet their cause to the media. If you can fight, then join with them to prevent our annihilation." Recruitment centers for the FPDF have opened up at all Naraka refugee camps, and many locals are traveling to them to sign up.

VRITRA: The area near Vritra is reported to be more dangerous by the day. We are sad to report that one of our most intrepid reporters has disappeared in the ways near Vritra, along with her entire party. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Rittan Ness, of Vaitarani. She devoted her life to bringing the facts to the people. She broke stories of violence on Haven, and was embedded with the Army of the Fringe during the early fighting there. She, her crew, and those who traveled with them will be remembered as champions of the Truth. Tane bless them, and may Nornir guide their way.

VAJRA: Vajra space has been remarkably peaceful, with the fighting that is going on in the nearby webways. Refugees are flocking to Vajra, seeking a safe place in these troubled times. Reports are that refugees are quickly filling the undersea city, and the flood of cheap labor is helping Kagome to finish construction on additional cities. Reporters have not been allowed access to the new city, but a number of refugees have returned to the surface to sing it's praises. Clean, well built, a new home with none of the oppressiveness they might have feared. Where the artisans do not fear censorship. Where scientists and learned men do not fear repression. Where anyone can be great, if they are willing to work for it.

ERLIK: Connections can still be made to Erlik. However, no one who has traveled there has returned to tell their story. Erlik is reported to have fallen to the thinking machines.

VAITARANI: New planetary executive Odg Slitney has changed course on the escalating galactic war. "I have received new information on the threat posed by the thinking machines. We cannot stand aside, while letting others determine the course of galactic history. Our lives, indeed the future of man's freedom in the galaxy is threatened. The truth has been uncovered, and the facts laid bare. We must set aside improvements in social welfare and good works, to ensure that we have a future. The industry of Vaitarani stands with the Free People's Defense Force. We are switching our economy to a war footing, and recruitment centers have already started opening across the planet. I must insist that the new information must remain secret, as it's revelation would threaten the war effort." Reports are that his wife has shown some surprise at this change of course, but supports him, trusting in his renowned business acumen to see Vaitarani through these troubled times.

GYMIR: Contact has been lost with those few souls brave enough to still be living on Gymir. Our prayers go with them in these troubled times.

***Breaking News: Stabbington Escapes Avalon Custody***

By TalkLoud, FNF staff gossip columnist

Samatha Stabbington escapes while in Avalon's custody.

Pulpiteer heard to opine, “Well shit”.
It seems that the story of the Black Widow of Middian just won’t stop unfolding. The FNF has found out that Samantha Stabbington is the source behind the tip that lead to her own arrest. From inside accounts, it seems that Samantha Stabbington wanted to be arrested in order to perpetrate a grand theft. Avalon, known protectors and law enforcement for hire, has long been rumored to have a large storeroom in one of their holding facilities that contains all of the contraband and materials seized as evidence. This includes not only a large supply of stims, drugs, weapons, but archeotech and experimental research that was deemed too dangerous to be released back to the public or even private corporations and governments.

The heist occurred in the early hours of 05.09.162, when Avalon represented noticed that one of their premiere web guides, Dante Jones, was missing from his living quarters during a routine bunk inspection. Jones was said to have told his co-workers that he had a hot date lined up for the evening. One Avalon representative who wished to remain anonymous said, “Jones told me he was going to get him a sweet taste of space honey tonight. I seen him hangin’ around that Samantha girl, so I figured she was good to go”. Both Jones and Stabbington are missing, along with a vast, yet undisclosed sum in goods from the Avalon storehouse.

A careful investigation of Stabbington’s whereabouts over the past year have put her in close proximity to a theft at a Nog’s Grog facility, where several valuable grog vintages were stolen, a hushed up disappearance of a nanite-composite Smart Hound (tm) from the Cerberus Consortium, and the disappearance of a ceremonial pair of oversized gold-plated carbotanium scissors used as ribbon cutters by the Sellic Mining Corporation. When raiding a storage unit on Taranis believed to belong to Ms. Stabbington, Avalon, Ltd. found a supply of tight fitting black clothing, glass cutting tools, a state-of-the-art ICE breaker, and a prototype SCD that isn’t yet available to the public.

At a press conference on 06.09.162, Justice Jericho issued the following statement, “We now believe the Samatha Stabbington, alias Geraldine Garroteer, alias Caroline Cutterberg, alias Darcy Drownsmith, is actually the criminal known as the Sable Seductress. We believe she was posing as the Black Widow of Middian in order to be taken to our maximum security holding facility, instead of directly to a center of permanent incarceration. Be warned, this means that not only is the Sable Seductress on the loose, but the Black Widow of Middian is still at large. We are once again looking at our old suspects”.

The individual believed to be the Black Widow of Middian, once briefly believed to be the Sable Seductress herself, could not be reached for comment on this statement.

FNF wishes to encourage everyone to remain safe and secure during these troubled times.

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

By TalkLoud, FNF staff gossip columnist

War Front: Gymir

As war grips the galaxy and loss tears at us all, one would never think to look to the battered world of Gymir for hope. Looking at the air, ash mixing with snow, blanketing the world in grey, with only the red accents of blood and flame to break the monotony, it would seem that this first impression is the correct one. The joint forces of Rama’s Red Fist and the Army of the Covenant are taking heavy losses, and even though this union between the Fringe and the Empire is inspiring it itself, reports have had the forces taking heavy losses and struggling to hold on. The greatest industrial might of the Fringe, the Red Fist machines, have proven themselves ineffective against the Great Warbots. That is, until a few days ago. Reports are confused on the matter, but it appears as if a large number of Red Fist machines were reported as missing and unable to be located just after a new shipment arrived on Gymir. Sabotage was suspected, and there were those who even implicated the Army of the Covenant, raising tensions even higher. This changed when but two days ago, the stolen Red Fist machines were believed to be moving towards the front.
The Red Fist machines looked changed, slightly bigger somehow, and were covered in strange paint so that they were no longer Red, but were an almost tribal looking assortment of white, greys and browns. The larger warbots once again strode forward, looking to render the Red Fist machines useless. The Red Fist machines strode on, wading into the fray, ignoring the warbots. The gathered forces cheered, and then gasped as a warbot punched entirely through a Red Fist machine that was battling two other robots. The robot’s arm was covered in fur and blood. The other Red Fist machines then gave tremendous bellows of pain and grief, and all those gathered then knew the truth. The Red Fist machines were no longer machines. They were being worn as battle armor by the mighty Yetis of Gymir, who had risen up to protect their ancient home.
The Yetis, aided by unknown scientists and technicians, have altered the Red Fist machines to fit their unique physiology. Conical electronode amplification modules have been retrofitted into the helmets of the suits, allowing for the already devastating War Shouts of the Yetis to be shaped into concentrated beams of hypersonic destruction. Reports say that the frequency emitted is enough to disorient the smaller war bots, allowing the Yetis to maul them while their defenses are preoccupied. The claws of the Yeti, prized by poachers for their value to technology firms due to the ultraconductivity of the Yeti’s cryokeratin, have been infused with the dense carbotanium plated fibers used in the suits, allowing for massive jolt of energy to come sizzling out of their claws. This, combined with the Yeti’s natural skill to puncture even the thickest armor plating and their already incredible strength, makes the Mecha-Yetis a force to be reckoned with.
King Rama has been unavailable for comment on the matter, but many of King Rama’s forces have been heard to be training with the Yetis. Talks of mounting saddles or chairs to the back of the Mecha-Yetis and outfitting them with shoulder mounted machine guns has been bandied back and forth, according to inside sources. Time will tell if this turns the tide in the battle for Gymir, but one thing is for certain. The battle isn’t over Yeti.

Grassroot Campaign Changing the Season of Yazatas Politics

A paid advertisement by Pollinate the Vote, a Leithe Political Action Committee

Now more than ever, the soil of the change is fertile and ready to be sown. It’s time to germinate the Council of Elders with a new voice. When thinking about who to vote for in this election cycle, we invite you to remember that much like in the bedroom, three ladies are better than one. With killer bodies and killer intellects, the Triumvirate of Technological Triumphs are the choice for our Troubled Times. These ladies have been on the frontlines as the vines of the Enemy slowly spread, seeding terror and reaping the fruit of discord. The Triumvirate are no mere wallflowers. They simply blossom under pressure.

Dr. Frostberry is not only a skilled psion, respected medical physician and a galactic-class researcher,  but she’s also one of the most trusted of all the people of Gate Town, on the planet of Eclipse, when it comes to genetics, investigation of death and protection against virulent planet killing diseases. With a honk frog in one gloved hand and a blaster in the other, Dr. Frostberry fights illness in all of its myriad forms. As the Yazatas say, “The sweetest berry is the berry picked from the vine of knowledge”. Then again fellas, remember that old saying about doctors. They are used to seeing a lot of little pricks. With Dr. Frostberry, there is no need to put out feelers for the right choice. Drink the wine of change, vote Frostberry!
If that wasn’t enough, Dr. Frostberry is accompanied by the luscious lily of learning, Larkspur. A self-made woman, Larkspur is one of the foremost experts in the field of energy and energy research and development on a planet where the tree of genius has taken root. She leafs all the other competition behind her, embarking into fields where only the bravest scientists dare plant their ideas, hoping they bloom into discoveries and breakthroughs. Larkspur is an orchard of innovation, with apples of inspiration, invention and utility falling off of her branches. There is no problem too complex for the brilliance of Larkspur. She’s choloroFILLED with good ideas! Spring into action and support Larkspur and the Triumvirate.
Last but certainly not least is the spiciest of all the Triumvirate, no other than the skilled healer and medical worker known as Rosemary. Some would say that by any other name she would smell as well, but no one would ever forget the skill and care that Rosemary exhibits. While she might appear delicate, her enemies would be smart to watch out for her thorns! She is no defenseless flower. She can survive in the harshest environments and she’s no stranger to having a good time. She’s a woman of the people and keeps the Triumvirate rooted in the needs of Leithe. With Rosemary, there is no need to put out feelers for the right choice. As you can see, she is firm believer in recycling, too. Spring into action and vote Rosemary in this summer of change! Don’t let it fall by the wayside and have to winter more of the same!

This election, vote the choice that makes sense. Vote Frostberry, Larkspur and Rosemary!

It’s time to reap the fruit of change!

Gossip Scraps

• Real estate scam exposed! Wild Card reports that Middian is filled with lovely ladies in skimpy bikinis, fruity drinks and the finest in grog sponsored beach entertainment. What sort of legal mastermind could be profiting from such a scam? Well, it’s not like Middian is exactly filled with criminal lawyers, emphasis on the criminal...
• In an unrelated note, the FNF is looking for the address of one Seeker to deliver a stack of unmarked bills.
• Ernesto’s Emotional Emporium, a subsidiary of Mood Make-Up, a holding of LaSandra’s Life Choices LLC., a child of SpaceCorp, has shot up in after hours trading as a run on black waterproof mascara and eyeliner has been seen on Middian. Ernesto is reported as saying that he assured the buyer, who emptied his supplies, that the make-up would not interact poorly with cybernetics, and that yes, it would fit in any number of the buyer’s pouches and bags quite comfortably.
• The Agent of the Tulku was seen leaving Iron Town with an actual member of the Tulku Council. Well, we suppose that answers that question.
• The Fringe News Feed would to issue an apology to the person formerly known as the Black Widow of Middian. It turns out one Samantha Stabbington, formerly of Taranis, was arrested under multiple murder charges by Avalon in the small colony of Morgan’s Landing on the planet of Middian. A neighbor said, “we should have known something was awry when we found out that Samantha changed her name”. When asked what alias she was under the neighbor responded “Oh no, she changed it TO Stabbington. I guess that should have been a clue in hindsight”.
• The person formerly referred to as the Black Widow of Middian has instead been revealed as the Sable Seductress, who is able to wield her considerable talents to been the will of even the most stalwart soul. She is believed to be responsible for eight intergalatic bank robberies on various planets around the galaxy, including three on the same day in the most lucrative crime spree in recent memory. We here at the FNF would have surely have recognized this sooner had we not fallen under her considerable sphere of influence and had our minds mesmerized, as is her wont. The Sable Seductress is known for becoming friendly with various web guides months before a planned heist, in order to have several getaway routes secured off node. Coincidence? We leave that up to you!
• If you have seen the whereabouts of the memories of Lotus and Coffin Stuffer, please return them at once. They have offered a very large reward for their return, but they have forgotten about this. We can assure it, it’s a big one!
• The Mistress of Fire earned her name once again as she was overheard delivering some wicked burns to an unknown bedridden figure. Even as she stood guard for this person to recover, her fiery tongue was delivering scorching rejoinders.
• It seems that X’s man, Rock Falconson, really lights up her life.
• Snickersnac was seen arguing and growing agitated several times during the trip to Iron Town. Are the claws about to come out? I’d watch out, she means business.
• Lyre was seen stabbing things in the foot quite often this past weekend. When asked about her new technique she replied “Sometimes I forget what I’m doing by the time the spear finishes swinging and start reading a book. I finish more novels in combat, you wouldn’t believe...”
• Displays-His-Abs wore no shirt all weekend. More on this story as it develops.
• The people of Gate Town have begun the domestication of the deadly Narakan Acid Wasp. Smuggled off planet before the robots arrived, the people of Gate Town have taken to sharing their houses with them and training them as best as they can. They have not yet perfected the training, but soon enough foes of Gate Town will be screaming, “Oh Hel NAW!”
• Kills-With-Her-Mind now wants to take your blood into herself. I’d warn against this but I don’t think I’d be able to finish delivering the wa-
• Kills-With-Her-Mind is one of the loveliest people in Gate Town and everyone should give her presents.
• Pulpiteer was seen reminding everyone that in this time of war, Confession helps ease the mind and body.
• The Gate Town Summer Concert Series is in full swing. Singing may now be heard constantly and without cessation. Free of charge!
• In a strange move, the people have declared hunting season to be Open for ravens.
• Dr. Firm is rumored to be once again seeking out the comfort of a certain silicate playmate. Is love once again in the air? We’ve seen Dr. Firm, the answer is yes.
• Silver Alloy has stablized Insane Ideas, LLC. in recent days, restoring some confidence in the enterprise.
• Tibia was seen with a frown on his face for most of the past weekend. What’s up with that boy?

NEWS REVIEW UPDATE

Latest from all sources

By FNF Staff

IMPERIAL SPACE:

The Empress, and House Cormac on Akeir, still control the Grand Army of the Imperium. The war with the Emperor of House Vinro on Ottar seems to be over, all troops have been pulled back to Ottar for unspecified reasons. Combat continues with the Grand Army of the Imperium and Duke Huron on Taiowa, who leads House Weilok on Spentha, and House Fi'Grim on Kala. House Eioph on Tokpela, and House Kree on Atira, remain neutral, and call for unity.

AKEIR: A statement has been issued from Akeir speaker Delana Cormac. "Our glorious army continues to gain ground on the Huron Heresy. New advances have broken the stalemate near Kala. Soon, the heretics will taste our righteous fury, and we can calm this galactic storm. Glory to the Empress, and Honor to the Faithful. So sayeth Grand Regent Liam Cormac Al'Eld."

TRIBE SPACE

MIDDIAN: The survivors of Asha have been gathering on Vohu and Middian. Recently a pilgrimage to the Warp was undertaken by the Enlightened and they emerged with a new Leng, as is traditional in the Dahhak-Sundrav religion. The Leng has departed for Vohu to unite and give guidance to the remaining Dahhak, whose numbers are estimated to be near 3 million, a drastic drop from their previous numbers of 3 billion on Asha and throughout the galaxy.

VOHU: The ceasefire on Vohu seems to be holding. Observers report that relations and trade are normalizing. There is still a tension in the air, as if something is still unresolved. Once the situation is confirmed to be more stable, more reporters will feel safe enough to begin reporting again from Haven. It is reputed that the Leng himself has just arrived on Vohu.

KERET: There are reports that the Aeshma are exploring nodes beyond Trita. Their space is heavily patrolled, and reporters are being actively harassed.

ASHA: Webguides report that no connections with Asha remain in the webways.

VAIRYA: Kshathrans and Nasu are engaged in the Ways against Thinking Machines. All travel to Vairya unrelated to the conflict in the immeidate area has been shut down by armed patrol. It is reputed that they have been joined by Dahhak forces, although there is a great deal of strain between the Kshathrans and Dahhak forces who are primarily serving as psionic back up forces behind the Kshathrans front walls.

LETHE: Political upheaval on Lethe. The Enlightened Dreamers have reportedly issued a statement. "The ancient enemies of all life have returned. The Robots, under the leader of their King XII, are even now attempting to destroy all that is green and good in the galaxy. We must stand together, and stand with the other races, to confront our Nemesis. We urge our young leaders to join with the Free Peoples Defense Force, and their human allies." Mixed reactions among the political parties, as the Great Elders have splintered along Clan lines. The Vines support the statement entirely, but the Weeds and Spores are refusing to agree with the Vines.

NEITH: The Nasu are issuing public statements in support of the Free Peoples Defense Force. "A great devastation spreads across the galaxy. A blight on the surface of the great ocean of life. We urge others to join the Free Peoples Defense Force, as we have. To work together to cleanse these wounds which threaten to become infected, and to Doom us all." Nasu are reported... (sic.)

TRITA: Connections can still be made to Trita. However, no one who has traveled there has returned to tell their story.

FRINGE SPACE

TARANIS: Rama goes to war. Declaring himself the "defender of the Fringe", Rama has launched counter-attacks against the force that seems to have invaded Erlik, and is threatening Naraka. His army of the fringe, proudly displaying the banner of the red fist, marches into the webways. Rumors of mass conscription are being suppressed, but this reporter has heard it from too many people to discount it. Men and women between 16 and 50 are definitely being rounded up in great numbers. This reporter went into a village and found only children and elders. I started asking questions, but no one was willing to make statement.

NARAKA: Connections can still be made to Naraka. However, no one who has traveled there has returned to tell their story. Most of the population of Naraka has been relocated throughout the galaxy. They all report that they have fled a Robot invasion. Chair of the Board of Naraka, Nadia Solarii, is reported to be organizing many of the refugees of Naraka. It is said that she has a great plan, and is awaiting the proper time to make it known. Most of the refugees have remained organized, and the worlds that they now inhabit report being pleased with their organization and industry.

VRITRA: There have been reports of fighting near the Vritra gate, in the web ways. Some say marauders, some say robots. All that can be known for certain is that web travel in the area has become very dangerous. Numerous convoys have gone missing recently. Perhaps two thirds of those traveling through Vritra space are arriving safely. Those that travel safely do not report anything unusual, except for an upsurge in the numbers of chills reported seen. Attacks by chills have gone up 300% since the same time a year ago.

VAJRA: Communications with Vajra have still not been fully restored. The Kagome corporation has blamed sabotage, originating on Taranis. They have stopped short of putting any blame on Rama's government, but they have not stated who on Taranis would be capable of such a feat. Vajra has announced through other channels that they are a safe haven in these times of conflict. The first underwater city has been completed ahead of schedule. Construction had begun well before the official announcement, and refugees with trades are welcome.

ERLIK: Connections can still be made to Erlik. However, no one who has traveled there has returned to tell their story.

VAITARANI: New leadership on Vaitarani. Noted exective Odg Slitney has united the squabbling factions on Vaitarani. The latest board meeting resulted in planetary stock markets going up by almost 300 points. Mr. Slitney has a rather sketchy background, but his recent works have been legitimate, and have benefited many in the fringe. Vaitarani looks to have a more stable future. Mr. Slitney has promised a program of good works, and a broad-based improvement in jobs and social welfare. In his words, "All this running around the galaxy will not make a stronger Vaitarani. Only the solid investment of profitable investment will bring Vaitarani into the modern age. This wave of war will not affect us, and it's time that people enjoyed some stability." It is rumored that his wife, heir to a powerful family, is the real secret to his success. Now Vaitarani is his to rebuild, or allow to lapse into anarchy. Time will tell.

MEURLAIN SPACE

OGUN:Tulkus Giam Noala and Cian Mae have announced they will be visiting Eclipse to check up in person on the research station founded near Gate Town to study the unique Way system surrounding the planet. Sizable advances in Web Way Theory and theoretical travel have been made recently on planet, mostly due to the innovative research of Bhu'Tan Tenjin of Ushas.

NEWS REVIEW UPDATE

Latest from all sources

By FNF Staff

IMPERIAL SPACE:

The Empress, and House Cormac on Akeir, still control the Grand Army of the Imperium. They are at war with the Emperor, with House Vinro on Ottar and House Svarog on Tokpa. They are both at war with Duke Huron on Taiowa, who leads House Weilok on Spentha, and House Fi'Grim on Kala. House Eioph on Tokpela, and House Kree on Atira, remain neutral, and call for unity. House Juntach on Jord remains weakened from the purges by the Army of the Scourge, and is currently undeclared.

TRIBE SPACE

VOHU: A suicide bombing in a Haven neighborhood killed fourteen people this weekend, further unraveling the already tenuous ceasefire. All 23 separate factions had agreed to stand down, and the latest bombing threatens to shatter the peace. Fringe factions seem to be the most interested right now, and the Imperial factions are lessening their demands. The Tribes factions seem the most likely to break the peace.


KERET: Non-Aeshma that are not slaves are being deported from Keret. Amid increasing signs of mobilization, the Aeshma are becoming more insular than ever. Aeshma diplomatic missions to other planets are being reduced to the minimum 3. The Aehsma have been contracting webguides as fast as they can. Many of the Dahhak who remain have taken contracts with the Aeshma, their longstanding allies. The Aeshma have made no public declarations of intent, and a number of nearby governments are getting anxious.

ASHA: Webguides report that no connections with Asha remain in the webways.

VAIRYA: The Kshathrans continue arming as well. Reports indicate their outposts are being fortified, and gate defenses on several of their main worlds are being signicantly enlarged. No statement has been made on the exact nature of their defensive improvements, but the Kshathrans don't do anything small.

LETHE: Sad news today, at the death of the Grand Master of the Ancient and Honorable Society of the Pointed Hat, Dr. Coscinium Surny. A well respected scientist, Dr. Surny was on an expedition to fringe space with noted industrialist Kent Morb. Few details on the ill-fated expedition, but authorities report that there is no sign of foul play. Aide to the minister Lesarr stated today, "It was a sad day for everyone involved. Dr. Surny chose his path his whole life, and it is with great sadness we report his death on the path of science. New Promise Technology was unavailable for statements on the death of Mr. Morb. Survived by his wife and three daughters on Haven.

NEITH: Many nasu are choosing to go on religious pilgrimage these days. Entire monasteries are emptying as they travel to locations in the Fringe and Imperium. Naraka and Jord are rumored to be favorite locations, although I still don't understand why they're going. Can you tell me? In other news, a Nasu ambassador was reported to be traveling to Middian to sign some treaty, I don't know much about this defense force, but I bet it'll be one hell of a party.

TRITA: Connections can still be made to Trita. However, no one who has traveled there has returned to tell their story.

MIDDIAN: The surviving Enlightened have been called to Middian to take the Walk of the Leng. An accounting of the surviving Dahhak is still uncertain, but numbers on Vohu indicate there are at least 2 million on planet or in nearby stations. Dahhak questioned indicate that likely no statement will be made until a new Leng is chosen or the old one reveals himself.

FRINGE SPACE

TARANIS: The Szgany war trains were on display in freedom square, near the gate. Thousands of soliders in uniform paraded down the avenue. Armored Wasps danced in well choregraphed displays of aerial prowess. Artillery and mortars were on display. Rama seems to be investing in a lot of mechanized armor these days. A lot of it seems to be Imperial built, but modified. A display of the strength and discipline of the "Army of the Fringe".

NARAKA: Naraka is under planetary evacuation. Some say the Robots are coming. Some say the rumored MegaVolcano is getting ready to erupt. A few say that it's all the work of space aliens, but everyone else laughs at them.

VRITRA: Life returns to normal on Vritra. The residents of this desolate place spend all their time trying to squeeze a living from this barren planet. Exports continue to expand, as webway disruptions make supplies of rare minerals even more important. Increasingly, Vritra is relying on Tribes worlds for needed equipment. Supplier Commgor Don has recently released long stored supplies of industrial equipment and fine tools.

VAJRA: Communications have gone out on Vajra. Apparently, it is some kind of technical glitch. Parties are still arriving on Vajra, although fewer people seem to be leaving Vajra every month. Maybe they know something we don't, and it's some kind of safe haven from the things that are happening.

ERLIK: Contact was lost with Erlik four days ago. There were a few confused transmissions, but they are still having trouble deciphering them. Many sound like burst of hissing static. There are a thousand stories of what is happening on Erlik. None are very credible.

VAITARANI: The economy of Vaitarani continues to decline. Stories are being reported of vast over-investment in new machinery. Vaitarani corporations are now receiving an average DD credit rating. Tribes investors are getting nervous, and a run on the remaining tangible currency on Vaitarani seems inevitable.