Danse Macabre

Tungsten City Public Defender

[mitriletter]

I see you in the eyes and I feel that you are the most beautiful thing I have seen.

[idansemacabre-blog]

Darkest Before The Dawn

“There’s a saying that we have in the Stags, it comes from way back, and is in high english, which is a pretty garbage language but translated it essentially means “There’s always darkness before the fire is lit, but when it is, take heed that it does not consume the camp”. Essentially, we’ve been facing some strife within the past few weeks in our city, I’ve been hit by it pretty hard myself, but I just can’t bring myself to succumb to that sense that I should just give up, because at some point I know that that fire is going to be lit and it will warm us with the love of prosperity. So in honor of those who I’ve lost yet, I continue onward towards tomorrow. I have a life to lead. I have the Black Stags to lead, my Black Stags, and none of this is going to slow me down. But then there’s the second part of that saying. Essentially “Don’t get too ahead of yourself” in that weird, metaphorical, cryptic way that only Stag elders talk in. I think that’s the crux of the whole thing. While I strive toward tomorrow, we should seek to not forget about the camp. We must keep the present stable while we seek the future. But even still, even with that holding me back, I’m going to push. We all need to push. “ - Lexi Oppenheimer

[idansemacabre-blog]

Attention Torchbearers

5th Chair Lucan-Today at 4:02 PM

Attention all Tungsten citizens.

 Effective today, the pseudo-religious organisation known as Torchbearers has been declared unlawful, charges pending a full investigation into the group's financial support of terror activities, specifically the West District fire and related crimes. All members of the organisation are obligated to come forward and publicly announce, and denounce, their membership of the organisation. Failure to do so will result in prosecution according to Tungsten anti-terror laws. Any citizen who knows of anyone who is secretly a Torchbearer: It is your duty to report them. Failure to do so will result in prosecution. Any citizen possessing information about the group's clandestine activities: It is your duty to inform Tungsten authorities. Failure to do so will result in prosecution. 

 Thank you. God bless Tungsten and it's citizens.

[abnerslight-blog]

[marconisamuel-blog]

D7M53K18

I don’t have a lot of time to write this out, but I feel like I ought to update you.

For the first case: from the scene of the crime I picked up a hollow metal children’s sports bat, the end of which  had been flattened to make it more effective at breaking things; I got a pretty clear shoeprint that I sketched down the  fine details of; and I asked around the suspects’ neighborhoods and neither group has a solid alibi for that night. I’ll be doing a more thorough investigation tonight.

Wish me luck.

-Sam Marconi, PI

[thoseprecioussentiments-blog]

I live by three simple rules

1. Order your existence in a way which is necessary to meet your needs.

2. Surround yourself with people that can be manipulated.

3. In every conquest find a way to be victorious.

@idansemacabre

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

Announcement

We were unsure of whether or not to announce this publicly, but have been given clearance by the Tungsten City Police Department to do so.

Last night, we received a package at the Tungsten Tribune offices which contained two severed hands. Both hands appeared to have been detached from female bodies. “Bodies,” plural, as both were left hands, and both wore wedding bands- one silver, one gold.

Under scrutiny by the Coroner’s Office it has been confirmed, though the assumption was obvious, that the two hands were from different people.

We can only assume that this is a message from the “Lady Luck Killer.”

We at the Tungsten Tribune pray that our City is soon rid of this scourge and that he is brought to justice.

[marconisamuel-blog]

D5M53k18

I’m going to warn you in advance; this is going to be a bit of a long one. There’s a lot to cover since last I posted here.

Let’s start with the ‘showing’ I did with Suzette.

I needed a place to stage a stakeout. Luckily Suzette is friends with just about everyone in the neighborhood, so I ended up in the second floor apartment that’s used as storage space for the laundromat across the way from Suzette’s apartment building. I set up shop there at about 0800 sunday morning, before the papers went out at ten. I was there all the way through to monday, keeping watch. Nothing of note happened most of the time I was there, but that’s how stakeouts generally go. They’re considerably less interesting than the crime novels make them out to be. About 0200 Monday morning, I was sitting out on the fire escape indulging in a nicotine stick while I watched for any suspicious activity. I heard the sound of breaking glass from across the street, and immediately went to go investigate. I could see they’d broken in the window by the fire escape to get in, and I knew the front door was locked, so I headed in after them in hopes of cornering them. All I managed to do was get a glimpse of them before they saw me and took out one of the front windows as they ran off. There were two of them, pretty average all around in size, dressed all in black, with their faces covered. That eliminates our first suspect for sure, unless he’s hiring someone, but I don’t think he makes enough money to do something like that. I grabbed what evidence I could find from the scene of the crime, and I’ll see where that leads me with our remaining two groups of suspects, but that’s a story for another blog entry.

Also, I’ve been getting a lot of emails about this “Lady Luck Killer.” I assure you I’ve already begun my own investigation into this. I don’t have a lot of leads just yet, but I’ll definitely be keeping you all up to date on any info I have. I’m not going to sit idly by while someone brutalizes people in the city I call home. If any of you have info that you feel would be useful, please share it with me.

-Sam Marconi, PI

[quinncurry-blog]

For everyone asking if I’m okay

I am totally fine, but I have no idea what I missed last night. What happened?

[quinncurry-blog]

Rather Concerning...

I had this blog sitting here for a bit, not sure if I was ever going to actually use it, but I seem to have found a good enough reason.

I got an email this morning for my Dear Quinn column at the newspaper, and we’re, uh, definitely not publishing this. But I felt like it was important enough to document it somewhere.

Here’s what it said:

“What are your opinions on the bountiful crimson nectar which crashes through our veins and into our hearts? Don’t you love how it drips how it drops how it sparkles and shines. Truly a wondrous sight, don’t you think? I know the Tribune is busy. I’ve arranged for you to get a helping hand. Or two. Enjoy!“

And this right after the article yesterday about the woman with her hands cut off… It’s rather concerning, to say the least. It could certainly just be an opportunist taking advantage of the situation to get a rise out of people. Or, alternatively…

Well, at any rate, I just wanted this taken down for posterity. We’ll see where it goes.

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

D3M53K18

Feature Article:

Fire Takes Out West District A fire took place this past Friday in Tungsten’s West District’s Westside Downtown area. Sources inside the Fire Marshal’s office report that the cause of the fire has been determined to be arson, although the City Council has requested that a secondary investigation take place to “confirm” the Fire Marshal’s original reported cause before the report is to be publicly released. Another source has confirmed that the devastation of Friday’s fire will cost the city somewhere around $1.5 billion credits in reconstruction fees. This total, however, is only in regards to rebuilding businesses and homes that were destroyed. Our source in the council’s offices are saying that they will not be reimbursing any civilian’s personal or business property beyond the buildings themselves. The same source has also reported that this cost total does not include the cost for repairing the now damaged or destroyed air filters from the smoke and ash. Air quality in the West District is feared to decrease substantially until the repairs and replacements can be made. Lastly we were able to secure a final number of deceased victims of the fire from the coroner’s office. The death toll has raised to a total of 150 people. The causes of death vary between simple old age unable to handle the pressure of the situation, to smoke inhalation, to being trampled, to being caught and unable to escape the fire. This is indeed a sad and unfortunate event, but hopefully with some help we will be able to rebuild and move on. With a little luck will also see the person or persons behind this troubling crime caught and forced to stand for justice. More information will be released as we get it.

Sources have not been named due to ethical standards and concern for their safety - both physical and career wise.

— Article by Dante V.N., Crimes

Community News

Officer Involved Shooting A robbery suspect was shot in the leg late yesterday by Officer Taylor Hutchinson, according to a police press release. The suspect, Russel Franks, 36, was reportedly in the middle of robbing a local bodega at gunpoint when Officer Hutchinson arrived on scene. The officer assessed the situation and concluded the best course of action was to disable the suspect as quickly as possible in order to protect the life and property of the bodega owner, the statement said.

Woman’s Body Found The body of an unidentified woman was found early this morning, washed up on the shore beneath the Blank Boulevard Bridge. Police stated that she was found stripped nude and her hands had been removed at the wrists. The woman is described as a caucasian with blonde hair, brown eyes, approximately five foot, six inches tall, and 160 lbs, appearing to be in her late thirties. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or this newspaper.

Briefcase

Business Spotlight Desideratum Clothing, owned by Karina Byers

Desideratum Clothing is located at 22 Filament Ave in City Center.  With an ample selection of clothing for everyone, it has made a wonderful addition to the block.  If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, or just that perfect piece to complete your look, Desideratum Clothing should be your first stop.  The owner, Karina and their staff (Galehaut O’Healaighthe and Summer Yazhu) are all extremely well versed in the current fashion trends, and are eager to help you look and feel your best. The changing rooms are private, the store is beautiful and well maintained, always stocking the finest and latest trends in fashion.  It also doesn’t hurt that complimentary mimosas, or flavor-infused waters are always always at the ready.  Good conversation, and great threads make Desideratum a must-see for anyone and everyone in Tungsten.

Thought of the Day

“Today’s thought of the day: If you plan to shepherd sheep, perhaps it’s best to use the carrot first instead of the stick.” By Dante V.N. - inspired by recent events

Advice

Editor’s Note: Dear Quinn is the Tribune’s new advice column. If you would like to have your questions answered in this column, please send them to our blog here, or email them to [email protected].

Dear Quinn, I recently met someone who I think is completely amazing. They are intelligent, charming and talented. The problem is they don’t realize how wonderful they are and seem to have self esteem issues. What can I do to show how much I care and what that person has meant to my life? CHARMED

Dear Charmed, I know exactly the kind of person you’re talking about. You’ve just got to be persistent and communicative, and eventually it’ll get through their head that you really do care about them. Sounds like you and the target of your affections are lucky to have found each other. I wish you both the best. -Quinn

Classifieds

Citizens of Tungsten, There are families in need after the recent fire, please bring donations (Canned food, clothing, jackets, socks, shoes, toiletries and other hygiene items)  to Esposito’s, 118 West. Rd.

FRENCH LESSONS Learn French over some damn good margaritas!!  Contact Mitch Bradford at Bar None WANTED Bedding, sheets and pillows. Ours was destroyed in the fires. Please contact Lucy Harvey. Urgent Ahwt moces ot eb ervsed, ustm eb vrsede. Midnight, Under Luck’s. Knock Thrice. APARTMENT 2 bed, 1 bath. 47 Brine St. West District. Inquire at building office, ask for Suzette Conley PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR price negotiable, accepting all cases, contact at [email protected] or call 2-377S

[marconisamuel-blog]

D2M53K18

Now, those details I’ve been meaning to give you. First of all, I want to give you a better idea of the people we’re working with here. I can’t provide photographs and I’m certainly not an artist, so i’m going to try an paint you a picture with words as best I can.

My client, Suzette Conley, is a middle-aged lady who stands at 5'3" tall and is thin enough that you’d think a gentle breeze would snap her in half. She’s a really nice lady, but don’t let her appearance fool you: she’s got a lot of attitude and doesn’t put up with anyone’s bullshit. She’s pretty pale, with brown eyes and black hair that hangs down clear to the middle of her back, usually pulled up in a bun for convenience.

The first suspect, Ward Carver, is an older-looking guy who stands about 6'1" and seems like he’s nearly as wide as he is tall, but that shouldn’t fool you into thinking he’s out of shape. He may look a little rotund but he’s actually a really strong guy; you have to be strong if you work in the mines. He’s got medium brown skin and black hair and sports a pretty scruffy-looking beard. As I mentioned in my first post, he’s got a bad temper on him and a sense of entitlement to rival that of the entire Espinoza family line.

Next is Max and Jodie Britt. Max Britt looks a lot older than he really is, probably from a combination of drug abuse and the general state of living in West District. He’s about my height, 5'7"-ish, blonde, and looks like he could use a few good meals. I can’t really tell the natural color of his skin because he’s got this weird, pallid, ashy tone to him from using for so long, but I think he’s white? I’m really not sure. Word on the street is that he’s actually a pretty nice guy so long as he’s riding a high, but he gets really grouchy and lashes out at people when he’s not getting his fix. Jodie’s a wee little thing, only 5'1" or so, with that same pallid skin as her husband, but she’s got almond-shaped eyes that i believe to be brown. I couldn’t get a consistent review of her personality from anyone, so I don’t know what to tell you; seems she has pretty intense mood swings.

The first of the last group of suspects is Bertha Bailey. She’s a dark-skinned girl who stands at about 5'6", with long, black hair and dark eyes. She waitresses at Murry’s, and I stopped in there while I was shadowing her to see if I could learn anything about her. She seems like a pretty genuinely friendly person, though I heard her give the cook a real venomous earful while I was there, so I don’t know for certain if that’s an act of not. Chet Hickman is Bertha’s boyfriend. He’s about 6'1" tall, buzzed hair, built pretty well, white but tanned. He bartends at Bar None with his buddy Marty, and they both seemed pretty jovial, but they also work for tips, so who knows. People around town seem to think the whole lot of them are pretty cool people, when they aren’t fighting with each other and getting the cops called over to their place. Marty Bo Lancaster is the polar opposite to his friend Chet. He’s only about 5'8", skinny as a rail, longsish, shaggy brown hair, glasses, caramel skin. The girls at the bar were all but falling at his feet, he’s that kind of handsome. His girlfriend is Tami Orr, a light-skinned girl, stands about 5'5", brown hair, blue eyes, pretty unremarkable in appearance but was really friendly and engaging when I went into Mullins’ and she was my waitress.

Suzette’s got the apartment all scheduled to be listed in the classifieds tomorrow morning, so I’m going to be staking the place out all night and into Monday morning, when she’ll be taking me for a “showing.” I’ll let you know what happens when I get home, hopefully Monday afternoon.

Wish me luck.

-Sam Marconi, PI

[debra-lancaster-me]

My assigment for Public Works

Public Works Staff:  “We are planning several new greenspaces in the South District, and would like to hear your ideas on locations and features. You may reply to this thread to pitch your ideas.”

My answer: It needs to be social space, or spaces, where people meet together and chat and go on walks, that kind of social contact and interaction builds social networks. That’s probably where the real impact is coming from that gives people a sense of wellbeing. Parks without those features do the opposite. If a green space is difficult to get to, has poor lighting or is not clean, it may be seen as unsafe or inaccessible and probably wouldn’t boost peoples mood. Therefore it needs to be build in the West District. People there need more green spaces and opportunities to interact with each other, gaining back a kind of hope and spirit to rebuild, together.

So, Im saying West district instead of South. We need to prioritize our means, and the West needs us! Badly. Like, reply or reblog if you agree with me!

[marconisamuel-blog]

D1M53K18

I just got a copy of the newspaper, and in the obituaries it lists a couple of young kids who died in West District. I asked around to get the scoop on what happened, and I can’t believe what people told me, even though I should expect it by now. It’s a perfect example of the class separation that goes on in this city.

The two kids were a couple, but the girl, Hannah, was from a poor family in W.D. and the boy, Levi, was from a rich E.D. family. The boy’s family was trying so hard to keep them apart that they tried to force him into marrying off to another rich family’s daughter against his will. Rather than face a future where he was married to a woman he didn’t want and she was forced to live with no hope of ever being with the man she loved, they committed suicide together in a tragic reenactment of the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet.

It just disgusts me that something like this had to happen.

-Sam Marconi, PI

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

D25M33K18

Today In History:

-2K631 Tungsten City attacked by bandits. 247 residents reported dead or missing.

-2K699 construction of the walls around Tungsten City, which, at that time, comprised only the area that is now the West District, is completed.

-2K790 ruins outside the city begin producing thick smog. Illness and mortality rates in the city skyrocket.

Community News:

Attempts to sink a constructed “pirate ship” into the small artificial lake in the East District children’s park did not go as planned. It turns out that sinking a ship that was built to float is quite the difficult challenge, as the Dept. of the Environment representatives in charge of the project found out yesterday.

Holes precut into the ship to help it sink proved inadequate, as did several hundred pounds of weights hefted on board. The craft stayed afloat until the bottom was cut out several hours later and now rests at the bottom of the clear pool for all to see.

As a reminder, the lake in the children’s park is not intended for swimming.

Briefcase:

Olivia Welch, owner of Welch Insurance Agency Inc. in South District, has become a partner of LaFontaine Industries and will be expanding her business to a new location in East District.

Classifieds:

APARTMENT 2bed 1bath, corner of Steel and Cornerstone in East District, inquire at Delaney Housing, 14 S. Cornerstone. Ask for Anita. HANDMADE TABLECLOTH white with floral print and hand-crocheted edging. 60in across. 30cr obo, inquire at 13 Fade st. in South Dist. Ask for Jocelyn Glover. BONE CHINA DEMITASSE SET 4 4 ½ in. saucers, 4 3in. cups, white and gold leaf with handpainted floral design. 40cr obo, inquire at 4 Lovers Ln. in East Dist. Ask for Odessa Collins. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR price negotiable, accepting all cases, contact at [email protected] or call 2-377S BABYSITTER price negotiable, experienced, will work long hours. Call 3-412N, ask for Sang Reid.

Obituaries:

Jacqueline Kaitlin Schroeder - West District Jacqueline Schroeder, 18, passed away D23M33K18 at East Side Memorial Hospital in Downtown East, City Center. Jacqueline was born D8M42K999, the daughter of Kyle Schroeder and Cassandra Maddox. Surviving are her parents; one sister, Faith Schroeder; an uncle, Denis Schroeder; an aunt, Rhoda Stephenson; and three cousins. Foster Tyron Reyes - East District Foster Reyes, 54, passed away D22M33K18 at Founders’ Memorial Hospital in East District. Foster was born D16M112K963, the son of Benton Anthony Reyes and Freda Blackburn. Surviving are his mother; his husband, Garth Le, whom he married D3M62K992; two sisters, Tami Guzman and Mercedes Rebekah Heath; one brother, Clinton Ross Reyes; one sibling, Korey Lea Reyes; an aunt, Elsa Pennington; and seven cousins.

[tungsten-tribune-blog]

Blast From The Past!

While going through some files, we found copies of the campaign posters from the 3K8 election, when Governor LaFontaine was first elected to office.

[idansemacabre-blog]