Cortex News Service, the 'verse's source for news in SL

RP: Reavers drive as poorly as they fly

From the Blackburne Observer:

Blackburne Downport was attacked by as many as three Reavers on Tuesday night. The Blackburne Militia sprang into action as shopkeepers shuttered their windows and families huddled inside their homes.

Militia member General Parkin spoke to The Observer, describing the scene. "Yeah, caught wind of a Reaver and next thing I know he's crashing a go cart into the front of the bar!" According to one of the Downport ATV merchants, one of the beasts actually stole a vehicle and buzzed around town before crashing it into the front of Firefly's Bar. The building escaped without serious damage.

Mikie Rhiadra-Cobb is credited with killing one of the Reavers while the other two were able to escape with only minor injuries. Medical Pavilion records were mysteriously absent, leaving one to only guess at Militia casualties.

Blackburne Security reminds residents and visitors to remain vigilant, noting similar attacks on Hale's Moon on Friday.

The Blackburne Observer welcomes reports of any activities and events in Blackburne Downport. Please submit information to Cholgosh Swindlehurst and/or Amyla Wakowski.

RP: Suzhou port open for business

From the Suzhou Sentinel:

The Badger Station, Suzhou's spaceport, is now ready for visitors.

The port, with bar, stores and fuel tanks, is the entry to the farming moon, which has had some changes of its own.

Suzhou has installed a working sewer system and built a new town hall where residents can go to pay rent on both market stalls and homes. A new clinic has also been built and is looking for supplies.

The moon, which is hoping to place itself as a refueling stop and breadbasket, has also planted more crops, including grapes and sunflowers.

RP: Hale's Moon starts reconstruction

From the Hale's Moon Herald






Following the news that there is a chance that the asteroid shield can be fixed we have started to rebuild the town.
The recent events have brought many of us together. But also pushed some of us apart.

More updates as things progress.

RP: Reavers return with firepower in Blackburne

From the Blackburne Observer:

Three well-armed Reavers stormed the Downport late Saturday afternoon. Brave members of the Blackburne Militia answered the call to arms, defending the town from the attackers while local residents and shopkeepers sought refuge in cellars and attics. According to Medical Pavilion officials, numerous Militia members were treated for serious injuries. Blackburne Security reports that all three Reavers escaped unharmed.

Witnesses reported a variety of weaponry in use by the three attackers, includng a bow and a flamethrower. Unverified witness accounts also point to the use of a firearm which, according to Blackburne Security, would be an unusual tactic for Reavers.

Among those who took up arms against the Reavers were General Parkin, Duncan Copperstone, Neutrino Nightfire, LilyBell Snoodle, Lilia Michalski and Ariadne26 Ethaniel. Belize Carver tended to those with minor injuries while those with more serious wounds were treated at the Medical Pavilion.

The Observer spoke to Nack Barnes, who expressed his gratitude for the men and women who took up arms against the attackers. "Blackburne Downport is a small community, and we are fortunate have the strength and courage of these fine folks to defend us when trouble comes. We couldn't do it without them, that's for sure."

Blackburne Security warns residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant.

RP: Hale's Moon devastated by asteroids, residents flee

From Hale's Moon Herald and other sources, photos by Mikie Rhiadra:

The skies over Hales moon lit up even brighter last night as several asteroids came crashing down through the limited atmosphere. It had been speculated since the failure of the protective barrier that it was only a matter of time before the asteroids began to impact with the surface.

At the time of the failure it had been estimated the chance of one of the asteroids striking the small colony to be less than two percent. Those estimates were shattered when not one but two of the large rocks plummeted from the skies striking the townsite.


Initial damage reports show a large crater behind Fook Yoo's, and another on the far side of town where the hydroponic gardens once stood. The intense heat and radiation from the asteroids have so far made close investigation impossible, however it appears that two apartments and two of the hydroponics bays were destroyed completely. The damage extends beyond the physical structure, as several months worth of food reserves were stored in the bays that were destroyed.

In reaction, Alliance officials on Washtown Staion in orbit around Burnet have opened up two levels for refugees from Hales. The village of Suzhou on the farming moon of Weisshorn has also offered space and grain for victims of the disaster. For shelter on the station, contact Station Coordinator Dui Zhang. To find a place in Suzhou, contact Mayor Tillery Woodhen.


In related news a wireless transmission from Alliance forces indicate the Sun Tzu has pulled out of orbit of Hale's Moon. Reports are that they are pursuing a group of "loyalists" who have stolen advanced weaponry, possibly capable of knocking the asteroids from orbit. It is estimated there are approximately 32 of the rogue Alliance soldiers.

It is possible those renegades are on the surface of Hale's at this time. Only hours after the initial impact of the asteroids, at least two individuals dressed in partial alliance uniform were gunned down in the mines after multiple explosive charges were detonated beneath the surface. In addition an alliance troop transport was found in the ravine behind the hangar, its markings blacked out, leading to speculation that the ship belonged to the renegade troops. Colonists detonated several charges, destroying he ship, effectively cutting off the loyalists from any means of escape.

There are potentially several more of these loyalists hiding deep within the mines, residents are advised to use caution when going near the mine entrances.

A town meeting is expected to be called to address concerns in light of the devastation caused last night.

RP: Tremors rock Hale's Moon

From the Hale's Moon Herald:

Is Hale's Moon becoming unstable? That is the question asked today as a notable earthquake shook the small mining colony this afternoon. Todays' was the strongest in a series of tremors that have been noted in recent weeks.

While none have been significant enough to cause any noticeable structural damage, the frequency of the tremors as well as increasing strength have caught the attention of Alliance scientists aboard the cruiser Sun Tzu. Radio waves intercepted indicate the Alliance may be sending scientific teams down to investigate the cause of the tremors, as well as to assess potential threats to the colony.

Despite previous dealing with the Alliance, citizens are strongly encouraged to cooperate with the scientific teams in helping to determine the source of the tremors.

RP: Reavers Retaliate, Blackburne Burns

From the Blackburne Observer:

Reavers plagued Blackburne Downport for nearly a week, apparently in retaliation for one of their members being put on a spit in front of Firefly's Bar. The attacks, which resulted in numerous Blackburne Militia injuries, culminated in a fire which consumed several buildings, including Firefly's Bar and The Shelter. The Shelter will likely be rebuilt at some time in the future while Firefly's Bar has moved into a new--and hopefully fireproof--building northeast of the old location.


Firefly's Bar in flames. (photo by Imrhien Fargis)

It has been widely reported that Shelter founder x0x0 Zhangsun was killed in the blaze, but this reporter has uncovered information that suggests otherwise. While a body was indeed found inside the charred remnants of The Shelter, the remains have not been positively identified as Ms. Zhangsun. The Observer will continue to follow this story and publish more details as they emerge.

In other news, Blackburne has called in specialists to investigate recent geological upheaval in the Downport.

Update on Hales situation

For those wondering about the future of Hale's - this is where things stand now.

Tier has been paid by Aeon thru the 15th of November - 2 weeks away.  The new owners/GM's have agreed in principle to the following situation/scenarios after assuming Tier on Nov 15th.

1.  The value/peformance of an Openspace isn't adding up.
2.  Sans any change of plans - Hales will end in a rather massive RP conflict or ecological collapse.
3.  There will be a RP refugee center on another sim (place to call "home" without going thru a welcome area) - individual or small group RP's may continue there.
4.  A new full (owned) sim is planned/under development to replace Hale's - you may opt in as a citizen there or continue to RP part time as you choose.  Many of Aeon's visions will be carried over.  By popular request - there will be daylight.
5.  Rentals and other spaces will remain at the existing rate until Dec 31.
6.  Intersim RP is planned - already in place in some cases (DCS based) - this does not necessarily mean a new FF RP group - nor does it imply disrepect the rights or requests of other FF (or any) sims, current or future - the Intersim portion will develop separately of Hale's RP demise.

More as it becomes available.  Too many thanks to too many RP'ers and fun lovin FF fans.  A full list of credits will be forthcoming.  The first and foremost credit goes to Aeon - who dreamed of a canonical full-time RP scenario in SL and made it happen.  We hope to carry on that tradition.

Small Print - Except for rent until Dec 31, This situation is in flux - and no further guarantees can be provided.

Current Hale's Moon Owners/GM's Nov 15-Dec 31 are Mikie Rhiadra, Seana Kawashini, Krenshar Magic, Cobb Compton. 

The Alliance will be accepting no new recruits until the situation is stable.  Alliance Forces will be restructured after the new sim is built - and there are some new and interesting characters planned that everyone forgot about. 

Hale's, the refugee center, the cooperating intersims and the upcoming sim will be operating under DCS (current plan, until something better comes along).

OOC: Downing Blue Sun archives now on CNS

Since the roleplay area of Downing is no longer in existence, there is no real reason for that particular publication to remain.

However, there is still a bit of RP history on the site. For that reason, the Cortex News Service will now have the entire archives, including commments, of the DBS on its site. Under the fold are the full archives for the DBS. Any other Second Life RP blogs that would like to shut down but save the archives are welcome to have the archives held on the CNS site. Contact Tillery Woodhen either in-world or at tillery-pub@comcast.net.<< MORE >>

RP: Blackburne mourns loss of resident

Long time Blackburne resident x0x0 Zhangsun was apparently working in the Shelter when the Reaver attack began. Steps from the Cup,  Caesar and Lily lay wounded and unable to move but both report hearing one scream and then silence.  "Her cried out something sound like... like  'Ni zhao si ma' and then there wasn't no sound but the flames crackling," reported Miss Snoodle.   

When the Reavers were run off,  an inspection of the shelter's burned out insides revealed one charred burned up body.  When asked for comment on the incident, Miss Zhangun's long-time friend Neutrino Nightfire stated 'I don't believe it. I've seen the girl take out an entire regiment on her own and there's no way she'd be trapped in that building."  Long-time friend and fellow-militia member Imrhien Fargis had this to say about the Reaver's who torched the shelter:   'I'm going to kill every one of them."

Miss Zhangsun founded the Blackburne Shelter after divorcing herself from her family of origin and she worked there faithfully every day until the fire.  She was the Grandaughter of the one of the co-founders of Blue Sun Corporation.  When contacted about the loss, the company spokesperson stated "We are sorry for your loss but it has nothing to do with us."
 
The damage from the fire was significant. The Shelter will reopen when it is rebuilt and a new manager is found.