MNN – Cultural Report – The T3

Today's trip leads us to a place where a troll can still be a troll. In Pinehurst, Everett the “T3”, insiders call it the “The Trolls”, opened its gates a couple of years ago. This troll-only club is merely the only one of its kind throughout Seattle. Every Metarace has a place where they can retreat and where they can be among their people. Just trolls were, as usual, discriminated. That’s exactly the reason why managing partner Hakeem Jameson opened the T3 with the extraordinary help from his wife Dora-Lynn and long term friend Mason Welsh.

So I took the step and visited the club. It was amazing what they have done with this old warehouse. Almost 30 feet in height it is even for the last troll some resort where he can stand upright without getting a bad back or neck. I, myself enjoyed the good feeling that there is nothing for about 4 feet above my head. I truly seldomly had seen such a good place. Anyway, so I stepped inside and the sound of some riffs on a synthesizer caught my attention. The stage was in front of me and on it three trolls growled their interpretation of Mercurials classic “Everlasting Paths”. It was great. I almost never saw people being this ecstatic. They were in front of the stage, headbanging their asses off. Light twitched and the scene got a surreal touch. Remembering my intentions to be here I inspected the rest of the place, talking to some of the employees. Catherine, the bartender told me that she loves to work here, “because the T3 is a place were you can be without people accusing you of being a child ripping monster.”

The location is a two floor place with an upstairs lounge where the music is not that loud though the stage can be seen. I’ve been told by owner Hakeem Jameson himself that they have two girls dancing on work nights to please the clubbers. Throughout the week there is a DJ named Trogger who gets the party started and gives the gals a nice rhythm to shake their booties to. There is a cage beneath the stage and a 15 feet platform where either Patricia or Tori works the loop and I definitely will come back to check that out, to give you a full recension of that. Count on me.

This was Terry Webber for Metahuman News Network.

Text by: TecnoSmurfLogo by: Mike Underhill

MNN Report: Wormwood Breaks Sales Records

"In the news today The Dragon columnist Wormwood broke record sales with his latest collected works "I wish you would all just curl up and Die, you mutant ape scum!" and made a rare public appearance at his booksigning. The Young dragon has rocketed to a point of pure anti-hero worship with his unique style of Poison-Pen writing. Most of his articals are rants on his latest experiences with all branches of metahumanity scappered with threats, admittances of childlike vengance and smatterings of backhanded compliments. When asked what makes people read his material Wormwood replied "Because you're all a bunch of freaking Loons! That's why!"

"In related news, Wormwood is now facing two dozen paternity suits..."

News Report By: Able DuSable and CanRay
Artwork by: Mike Underhill

MNN INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE: SARGENT BANKS SPEAKS ABOUT THE LYNCHING

I was able to catch up with Sargent Banks of Lone Star outside a Court Facility in Renton. I asked him a few questions.

Gavin: "Will the body of evidence against Renaldo be released post-mortem?"

Sgt. Banks: "It's interesting that you asked about that. You see all the information that we've been collecting about Mr. Joganic turned up missing the other day. Including our backups. On top of that, the Hospital records are missing as well..."

Gavin: "Where did the records go?"

Sgt. Banks: "Lone Star's official position on this, is that someone or something is deleting these files. Possibly another Technomancer or a skilled hacker."

Gavin: "OK, then how about the physical remains?"

Sgt. Banks: "Well, those remains were shipped off to be examined awhile ago. I'm pretty sure they're in cold storage at this point."

Gavin: "Also, are there actually DNA tests to determine if one is a technomancer?"

Sgt. Banks: "From what I understand, Technomancers have abnormalities in their DNA that we can test for. However, in this case, the hospital indicated that Renaldo had AIPS, which is typically associated with Technomancers."

Gavin: "Who was responsible for the chain of custody of Renaldo's body?"

Sgt. Banks: "Lone Star is typically responsible for the body until an investigation is closed."

Gavin: "So Lone Star's ineptitude in chain of evidence protection and sanctioning of Vigilante Justice is just going to go unpunished."

Sgt. Banks: "Our Internal Investigations unit is already looking into this."

Gavin: "Who heads up your Internal Investigations Unit?"

Sgt. Banks: " Max Scardina heads up that division, now if you don't mind, I've got an appointment to keep."

Gavin: "Thank you for your time, Sargent."

Later that day, Max Scardina refused to grant MNN an interview.

Sgt. Banks written by Joe Veen.
Gavin McConellroy written by Mike Underhill.
Artwork by Mike Underhill.

MNN NEWSBRIEF - VIOLENCE ON COUNCIL ISLAND

An Amerindian Pow-Wow was disrupted late this afternoon on Council Island by unknown armed assailants assaulting a common street vendor, and stealing an unidentified artifact from the vendor.

Pohapkee-mo-migwich and his son, Daniel were operating a booth selling Native Artworks such as bone carvings, beadwork, talismans and paintings to Pow-Wow goers. Pow-Wows on Council Island occur the second to the last Wednesday of every month, and are populated with food vendors, dance competitions, Native craftspeople, drummers and cultural storytellers. The assailants were accosted by armed Council Island security personnel and two attackers were killed by Security in an exchange of gunfire.

It is unclear how many attackers there were, but Council Island suggests that it was possibly a go-gang. Three members of the attacking party escaped by unknown means, and are still at large at this hour. Council Island is closed at this time, trying to catch any more would-be assailants, and a search of the grounds has commenced.

Pohapkee-mo-migwich is being treated for a gunshot wound to his arm and is listed in stable condition at this hour on Council Island at an undisclosed location.

This is Gavin McConellroy, Metahuman News Network.

Artwork by Mike Underhill.

MNN NEWSBRIEF – FLAME SPIRIT “CINDAH” APPLIES FOR SIN

In an unprecedented move today, the flame spirit “Cindah” attempted to apply for a SIN today at the Royer Building, and when asked to leave by planar security staff, made an appearance at Council Island appealing the decision with S-S Councilpeople.

In a roaring, sparking speech on Council Island, “Cindah” appealed, “Muust vooote for Brihnn AAA… Muuust vooote for Ackart…”

“Cindah” is just one among many other spirits and Metahumans seeking for the first time their legal citizenship to vote. Masses could be seen outside the Royer Building waiting in line to appeal their current citizenship, some even taken into custody for having previous modified or fake SIN’s.

One unidentified Ork outside the Royer Building says, “I’m gonna risk it, I gotta try, it’s worth it, I’ve gotten by without one before, but this is worth the trouble.”

Much of this is in response to Brin Ackart’s recent announcement of candidacy for Seattle Metroplex Attorney General’s Office.

We’ll have more from the scene this morning on our evening newscast, I’m Johann Spark, Metahuman News Network. Keep punk in your heart and one in the chamber, chummers.

Artwork by Mike Underhill.

MNN EXCLUSIVE REPORT - BRIN ACKART FOR METROPLEX ATTORNEY GENERAL

I was lucky to catch up with Brin Ackart at his palatial Bellevue

home and estate grounds this morning, with exclusive coverage on Mr. Ackart’s announcement for candidacy for Metroplex Attorney General.

“Mr. Ackart…”

“Call me Brin, please.”

“Brin, just where does your campaign office stand on current lawmaking and what are some of the major platforms you’ll be running on?”

“We’ve got a strong belief in Seattle’s citizens. Sure, we’re dealing with crime, but we’re also dealing with people, my whole newly-assembled team at the campaign headquarters were specifically chosen as those who have real interest in seeing socio-economic change through law enforcement. I’ve got some great people in my campaign charge. I’m not about bigger government, I’m not about the push for new laws, if I were, I would be running for Mayor. No, we need to enforce the laws on the books as they stand, and really that’s our first platform, enforcement.”

“Brin, how do feel about current levels of misappropriation and corruption in the court system today?”

“It’s out there, it’s real, but it also ebbs and flows like a tide. I really think we’re at high tide and it’s going to get better from here on out. I’m taking a stand for fairness, for removal of protections for the lawmaking elite and for adherence to current code. We’re asking Lone Star to enforce our laws, but we’ve got lawbreakers leaking out of the courts without receiving punishment. That won’t stand under my administration.”

“How do you feel about running for a position only ever held by humans, you would be a first, does that seem like a difficult task to overcome?”

“Sure, I’ve got concerns, but integrity is integrity, and justice can be meted out by any person of color, ethnicity or social status if they have it in their hearts to truly be a public servant. I care about the people of Seattle, especially the humans because I’ve got the opportunity to be an ambassador for my race here, and that’s an honor.”

“What would you like to tell voters, before we go?”

“Get out there and vote. Be a part of the democratic process, believe that we can better Seattle Metroplex, and I believe strongly that I can benefit the full range of all species of Humanity. Consider it time for change, to make a move toward prosperity.”

There you have it folks, a champion of the people. Hold onto your hats, because this is going to be a great election ride.

I’m Gavin McConellroy, and this has been a MNN exclusive report.

Artwork by Tim Keller.

MNN CULTURAL REPORT - HORNCRAFT IN THE SHADOW

Welcome to the bleeding edge of the style world, fashion fans. If you’re an ork or troll you’re nobody nowadays without some kind of tusk equipment.
What started as a street fashion on the streets of Seattle has gone global thanks to the adoption by Or’zet rappers.
Ork and troll tusks obviously sit proud of the lower jaw line and lower lip leading to them not being utilised in mastication, this little known fact has been the foundation of ork and troll youth bringing attention to their heritage.
Tusk adornment has become the thing of the nano.

In the beginning of this style statement by the angry youth of today, simple tusk caps and piercings where the extent of the choice available. Now the ork fashion gurus of the music world are sporting inlaid gems, enamel dying and even engraved tusks with inlaid gold. For trolls there is plenty more room for self expression. Young trolls like Corwin Steel, lead guitar of the eco thrash band Pangea, have taken to horn carving. Steel sights his inspirations as the changeling performance artist Celia Mandrake. We are reliably informed Miss Mandrake has circuitry pattern UV inlays in her horns that makes for a dazzling display on stage.

Other examples of horn art start as simple as sanding smooth through geometric patterns/inlays, to as intricate as a depiction of DaVinci’s Last supper showcased at the UCAS national body art exhibit in New York.

This is Mariela Vogue reporting from MNN.

Story by Leo Wain
Illustration by Mike Underhill

MNN NEWSBRIEF - TWO ELVES DEAD IN DOWNTOWN GUN BATTLE

Two Elves were killed today in a tragic event in downtown Seattle at a restaurant called Run Run Shaw's. Gun violence has long plagued downtown, but to have two awakened brethern killed is a tragic event.

Authorities are pointing at "Yakuza", but it's really Lone Star's responsibility to keep these tragic events from happening. A number of other humans also lost their lives in the shooting.

A subsequent helicopter gunship chase of two vehicles ended violently as UCAS destroyed them, fortunately none of the victims in the savage UCAS attack were Metahumans.

A recent poll among Metahumans show that only 12% believe that Lone Star has the ability to keep them safe. 79% say that arming themselves is the safest, most effective way to stop violent attacks against the Metahuman community.

This is Gavin McConellroy, Metahuman News Network.

Artwork by Mike Underhill

MNN CULTURAL REPORT - STARBACK'S MOCHABOT CHILLER UNVEILED

Seattle’s Starback’s Coffee is unveiling their new nano-technology drink today, the “Mochabot Chiller”. With real farmer Grade 301 cream, hydroponically grown coffee beans roasted to perfection and over 1.1 million nanobots programmed to open capillaries in the brain and increase blood flow, response time and alertness, this drink is sure to be a success.

“The trick is here to blend the nanobots with ice, that keeps them inert and inactive till they reach body temperature, then they’re absorbed into the bloodstream where they go to work,” said Starback’s representative Tim Lephroiag. “Research and Development did just a great job with this, the human and metahuman test phases met with very few casualties.”

A select group of winners from a KKLX radio contest got to try the new drink early, compliments of Starback’s.

“It’s like a rainbow of energy shooting through my mind…” said one drinker, who was riding around in circles in the parking lot on his bike, I tried to catch him for further comments, and couldn’t get his attention.

We witnessed a couple drinkers fidgeting around, and one said, “I guess I’m going jogging!” as he broke into a dead run, wearing a suit and tie.

So, if you’ve got to sleep Seattle, do it when you’re dead.

Keep punk in your heart and one in the chamber, chummers.

This is Cultural Reporter Johann Spark for MNN.

Artwork by Mike Underhill

MNN NEWSBRIEF - AWAKENED TWIN TODDLERS VANISH

Mystichild, Inc., a Preschool for awakened toddlers in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district has recently tightened its security systems and personnel with armed guards and weaponized drones.

Paula Pounderton, Preschool Administrator says, “After the incident, we just… had to, it’s sad that these things happen in nice neighborhoods.”

The incident she refers to is the disappearance of two children, identical twins, apparently vanishing in plain sight of Preschool Workers shortly after 9AM yesterday morning.

“They were there, and… then they were just gone,” describes Alicia Heart, who’s been employed with Mystichild since 2064. “I’ve never seen anything like it, but the place where they had been playing with blocks had a strange odor of sulphur after they were gone.”

The children, Reya and Greta Laviss, daughters of Karen and Roger Laviss continue at this hour to remain lost. Roger Laviss said, “After finding out they were, you know… special kids… we wanted the best for them, to be in an environment where they can, do their special stuff, now this. We’re offering good money, please; just help us get our kids back.”

A camera caught one of the two year-old’s feet and a pile of toy blocks as it completes its pan of the room then displays quick, blurry movement, but as the camera pans back, they are simply not in the room.

Lone Star officials say they’ve got a team of investigators working on it as we speak, Lone Star Representative Bill Ponderschmitt was quoted as saying, “Ain’t nothin’ natural ‘bout this, can tell you that.”

A 100,000¥ reward has been offered for information leading to the capture of their kidnapper or their safe return.

This is Gavin McConellroy, MNN

Artwork by Mike Underhill

MNN NEWSBRIEF - MEDICARRO BLOOD DRIVE

MediCarro will be in Seattle this week doing blood drives for metahumanitarian reasons. The Aztlan-based subsidiary of Aztechnology hopes to collect 35,000 BPU’s or blood plasma units from Seattle citizens to aid in emergency procedures. Donors will be given a simple HMVV test, using the Harz-Greenbaum blood series test.

Critics say that blood often does not go to emergency medical procedures, but rather to feed young vampires within the Aztlan state, unable yet to hunt for themselves.

CrashCart representative Kenneth Reckner from Yamatetsu Corporation was quoted as saying, “We get all our plasma from labs, it’s biochemically manufactured cheaply in mass quantities, all our CrashCart teams have Medical Personnel with training in synthesized plasma.”

Sometimes called “Sticktrucks” or “Mobile Suckhead Feeders”, MediCarro vans can be seen throughout the sprawl, usually doing collections among squatters and the downtrodden, lured by a few hundred Nuyen and the promise of a meal token or shelter stay.

MediCarro representatives were unavailable for further information.

Gavin McConellroy, MNN

Artwork by Mike Underhill

MNN CULTURAL REPORT - CELTIC DREAMS

It was going to be a night out with the guys like many other synthahol-laced fairytales in the sprawl, but that was not to be.

I met with a couple chummers around midnight
at a pub called The Deadlands, a nicely-appointed locale with a nice long bar and decent seating. We comm’d in our drink order, and a pretty young Troll brought us our first round of synth for the night. That’s when I saw her. She was graceful, a knowing grace that only Elves can portray.

We received a comm to link our Simsense modules to Bevin811. That’s when I saw her step out onto the stage. She was wearing a Sim headpiece, and as soon as we linked, I knew she was something special.

Their first song was about a Druidic ritual, laced with a hard breaking beat, and a heavy guitar lead. The imagery of her mind lead us to a forgotten place, rich with arcane mystery and twisted forms gathering over a nocturnal feast. I could almost taste the sweet wine of the secret festival, and saw dark hooded forms performing fantastic acts, all generated by her gritty, chanting lyrics and clever mind alone.

We were captivated by this Elf Bevin, a virtuoso lead singer for the band “Celtic Dreams”. Using the latest in Simtech and pouring a myriad of thoughts, images and emotion into her vocals, she weaves a captivating story through song.

Strangely enough, there was little applause, and to those that linked, the experience was too powerful to be appreciated by banging one’s hands together, void of handclapping much in the same way as one does not clap after a session of good lovemaking, it would belittle it.

Her all-Troll backup trio comprised of Barrett on drums, Filf on guitar and Shad on bass with their hunched, twisted appearance served only to make Bevin stand out and shine more; they’re great musicians, however unlikely their union as a band.

Celtic Dreams’ newest album, “Penance for Sins Past”, has sparked a revival with Celt-induced rock, and other upstart bands have recently joined the Celtic parade, you owe it to yourself to check this out, but more importantly, to see them live as it is an awe-inspiring good time.

Be sure to stop by Deadlands and get one of Kirby’s Kablooies, a mixture of real Irish Whisky, Epsilon Nerve Tonic, Hard Red Synth-Cider and a splash of pineapple juice over ice.

This is Johann Spark, cultural reporter for Metahuman News Network, keep punk in your heart and one in the chamber, chummers.

MNN logo by Mike Underhill
Band Illustration by Tim Keller

MNN NEWS COMMENTARY - DWARVAN UPRISING

Lone Star officials were called in to a construction site mid morning in Seattle Metroplex. Dwarven rights activists, the Charred Hammer and members of Dwarfirst, waved banners and signs protesting the construction of new Dwarf-friendly apartment units on the upper west side. Dubbed “Small Meta Efficiency Environs” or SMEE’s, these units make the most of available space and are quite economical, according to architect Dale Persons. “They’re just the right size for smaller Meta-humans,” said Persons.

“I’m not quite sure what they’re mad about,” said Construction Engineer for MetaErgonomics Dwight Farth. “They’re apartments FOR Dwarves, you know, with smaller appliances and lower countertops. They’re Dwarf sized rental units. The SMEE will have smaller rental costs too, because of less square footage and headroom. Instead of 9 foot stories in a building, we can make them five and a half feet.”

Dwarven protester August Smithee retorted, “Yah, they wanna shove us in these tiny ovens and cook us like Hansel and Gretel! We’ll have no part of this, we’re smaller, sure, but we do fine right now, why do we need special living spaces?”

Representative Bill Blanchard from Yamatetsu Corp., the financial backers of the project, was quoted as saying, “Let them protest, let them get their matchbooks and toothpicks out and make their teeny-tiny signs out of ‘em, who cares, we’re still building it.”

Several Dwarves were detained for throwing objects at Troll construction workers and Elven foremen, and the entire group was pummeled with non-lethal weaponry. It appears that some of the protesters wore body armor and were unaffected and continued to struggle; the remainders were gassed with a crowd-controlling agent that causes severe gastric distress.

“There’s a lot of Dwarf shiite about, but we feel we got our point across,” said an unnamed Dwarven source while holding his stomach and clutching the seat of his pants.

-Gavin McConellroy, MNN (Meta-Human News Network)

MNN logo by Mike Underhill