The broadcast opens, as usual, on a pair of newscaster navis. Once more they've donned their token effort at seasonal attire: the male navi is dressed in a sharp black suit, but tailored in a way that suggests an older era, while his skin has been powdered up to look deathly pallid. A set of fake fangs peek out from the top of his mouth, while the buttons on his white undershirt are made to look like little silver bats. Beside him, the female news anchor is wearing a distantly gothic-styled dress, with an off the shoulder design, and a pair of red fang marks, complete with small trials of blood, on her exposed neck.

The set, too has been decorated; fake cobwebs are visible at the corners of the shot, and the backdrop is of an ancient castle, beneath a full moon, rather than the usual city-scape live feed. Once again, someone seems to have gotten their wires crossed and decorated the spider webs with plastic bats by mistake. The female anchor flashes a smile.

“Greetings for the spooky season from your news server! It's that time of year again, when the young and young at heart get up to mischief and prowl the night seeking treats to sate their hunger for horror!”

“That's right, Mina, and this season, in between the spiced drinks and scary movie marathons, Soryu's Chip Shop is sponsoring another chip-trading charity event.” The male anchor took over smoothly with the barest glance at his notes. Most impressive was the delivery of his lines while fighting to prevent his plastic fangs from causing unprofessional lisps. He managed, just. “Just donate a chip to the event email address, and you'll receive a new chip in return, courtesy of Soryu.”

“It's very generous, John, isn't it?” The female anchor picked up again, with a constructed smile for her co-host. “These trades help generate donations for a number of charities and non-profit ventures, this year focusing on navigators in need. Each chip trade sponsors a matched donation! The event will be running all through the spooky season, so there's plenty of time to make your trade.”

“There certainly is, Mina, but don't delay, because the turn around from the mailing lines is prompt and you could be out there making mischief with your new chip in minutes! Details for the mailing lines will be on your screen now, and remember to play safe and stay safe these holidays.” The war against his false fangs was beginning to get the better of him, but he soldiered on bravely while his co-host took over.

“From all of us here at your News Server, have a spooky night!”

===

((This year's hallows event can be found Here! Normal trader rules for events apply, further details in the email thread.))

In today's top story, an unprecedented breakthrough that will change the way NetNavis travel the network. The Global Network Administration has released an open-source mass virus scanner software update for all NetNavis, disseminated through an automatic broadcast to every network. The installation has been tested quite thoroughly, allowing any and all NetNavis to instantly determine the behavior of any viruses they find on the internet to the tiniest of details. That's right, any virus!

Viral Behaviorist, Dr. Stephen Robert Irving, who led the research team that led to the development of this amazing new tool, commented that he hopes that their hard work will lead to a safer Internet for all, perhaps even reducing casualties by stray deletions to zero. Sponsored by the Global Network Administration, this new tool is also hoped to explore new frontiers in exploring the habitats of certain rare viruses that have been said to be less hostile to NetNavis.

This scanner software is also linked to a globally curated list of viruses, which may be accessed through the GNA's Information Databases. Any unknown viruses that may be discovered in the future will have its data instantly uploaded to this database, ensuring that all Navis can stay up to date on potential network threats. However, as always, NetNavis are advised to exercise caution when exploring networks, as this tool only provides information on viruses. Should any viruses encountered be too much of a threat, it is always recommended to find a way to avoid confrontation.

This is News Server, signing out.

Season's greetings, and welcome to News Server. We're here live from the ACDC Network, where we're reporting a high amount of festive mood from the local residents, with decorated trees along the roads and festive cheer among the Navis. But that's not all. ACDC wouldn't be complete without the centerpiece of the town setting up his own little twist on holiday festivities. That's right, Electopia's #1 Chip Shop owner, Soryu, is once again having his holiday trader open to the public, as a promotion for his shop to all Netbattlers.

Young Navis from all over the network gleefully showing off their newly-received chips can be seen along the networks, and you too can participate! We'll be showing an email address shortly on the screen, where you can send in a Battlechip of your own. Depending on the rarity of the chip that you send in, the automated holiday chip trader will send you a chip of relatively equal value back, or possibly more! Happy holidays to all from Soryu's -- the best place for all of your Battlechip needs.

The beginning of this scheduled news server report begins with a navi with her hands folded on a fairly standard news desk. Unlike most daily news reports, however, she is wearing a peaked black witch's hat, and in place of the normal desk-top decoration is a carved pumpkin, lit to display the silhouette of an iconographed Nightmare. The backdrop on the set seems to have also been decorated with a selection of fake spider webs, several of which bear plastic spiders or potentially misplaced bats. The reporter grins for the camera before speaking.

"Seasons greetings from your news server! The time for spooky stories and mischief is here again, and what better way to get into the spirit than to give a friend a fun treat... or perhaps a sneaky trick! Several individuals from the local charity community are hosting an event guaranteed to surprise and scare, excite and entertain! During the event, mailing lines will be open for friends to exchange gifts of fun seasonal costumes with each other, and a charitable donation to help navis in need will be made for each gift exchanged throughout the event! Details for the broadcast will be on your screens now, so get creative and have some fun with it, in the name of a good cause. Remember to play safe and stay safe these holidays, from all of us here at the news server!"

====


This year's costume exchange give away is being held Here! The same rules as usual apply, with extra details explained on the event page. Each character pair can submit a seasonal costume to as many other players and NPCs as they wish, limit of one submission per recipient, to This Email, to gain FXP with that character. Exchanges can be given both ways, so you may design a costume for a friend, and receive mutual fxp, and your friend may design one for you in return, for a second award as well. The event will run all the way through the season, and likely into November, to give players plenty of time to get their submissions in. Links will become active here once the appropriate threads and email addresses are made.

This news broadcast begins with a navi dressed up in bright red and white Santa attire, ringing a large bronze bell above his head. The report is set in a snowy street, with several houses all merrily curling smoke from their respective chimneys in the background. He begins speaking in a jovial Christmasy tone.

"Hear ye, Hear ye! It's that time again everyone. The time for festivities and sharing. For appreciating what you have, and who you have, and giving freely to others as well. One particular group of charitable individuals would like to announce that they will be holding a charity event to run throughout the Christmas season!" The news navi had begun walking down the snow-covered street, still talking to the camera in a reporterly way as he continued.

"The wonderful thing about this event is that the navis running it aren't representing any particular faction or organisation. No, they are just a group of individuals who want to give something back to their community and help those less fortunate than themselves, and everyone can pitch in along with them! They will be accepting any and all donations of chips, to be gifted to less privileged navis everywhere. It doesn't matter what you donate, anything is appreciated!" As he said this, the address for donations began to display at the bottom of the camera view.

"Donations can be sent securely to the collection address showing on your screens now, though the navis organising the event have mentioned that they may run extra competitions throughout the season, for donations fulfilling special criteria that they'll talk about as they come up! As well as that, they'll also be giving away fantastic chip prizes as a thank you gift to anyone who donates a chip to their cause, so dust off those old folders you never use, folks, and give with all your heart!"

=============

This year's chip trader give away is being held Here! The same rules as usual apply, with extra details explained on the event page. Each character pair can submit one chip to This Email, to receive another chip in return. The event will run all the way through January, due to the late start.

We here at the News Server are happy to report that once again, Soryu's Chip Shop will be hosting a holiday giveaway! This is the notice we've just received.

Quote (Soryu)

The chip shop is thrilled to announce that we will be holding another chip trader giveaway! You just give one chip to the chip trader via this e-mail, and it yields a brand new chip for you! However, our BRAND NEW chip trader will be used, so there's some incentive to not just give up any old junk chip this time! Happy holidays, and remember to visit Soryu's for all of your chip  needs!

- Your Friendly Neighborhood Soryu

We attempted to reach Soryu for further comment, but he only reiterated what was already said. Nevertheless, it seems like a good opportunity to obtain a good chip for your Navi!

EDIT: Here's the link mentioned for easy access: Chip Trader E-Mail

Greetings, citizens:

PhotoMan.EXE has been the "man behind the magic" for the Showbizz Foundation's high-rated events for quite some time. His abilities have been called "uncanny" by several of his peers. Recently, this noted photographer took some time off to pursue his life-long dream. Amazingly, this dream has developed overnight into a media sensation, as well as a generous bonus for PhotoMan himself. What's all the buzz about? "Gravure."

Gravure photography came out of Electopia quite some time ago. The idea behind gravure photography is to compose books or magazines of photographs, traditionally featuring idols or models. In this case, the models are mostly celebrities from around the net. The first issue featured NetPolice Prosecutions Officer Cuffs.EXE, NetMafia Bloodhounds Member FireYaku.EXE, a famous museum curator known as Armor.EXE, and Strum.EXE, lead guitarist for the all-female rock group, Lit Fusion. Additionally, a mysterious fifth actor was featured. Several sources have speculated as to her identity.

We managed to get in touch with PhotoMan for the inside story.

Quote ()

Inky: Thank you for meeting with me.

PhotoMan: It's a pleasure.

Inky: Gravure photography. It's not a difficult passion to imagine for a man with equipment such as yours.

PhotoMan: (Shifts, Remains Silent).

Inky: Tell me, PhotoMan: how did you manage to get so many notoriously unsociable navis strip down for your shoots? Armor is known for never removing her armor. Several navis would be scared to even approach FireYaku or Cuffs.

PhotoMan: I had help from a dear friend of mine, SplashLady.EXE. She organized many of these photos, offered professional advice, and remained with me throughout many of the shoots. She deserves a lot of credit.

Inky: Indeed. As for the identity of the fifth woman-

PhotoMan: I'd prefer not to reveal it.

Inky: Does the setting and wardrobe not perhaps fit the name of the navi you just offered? SplashLady.EXE? Some have speculated that she nearly matches the appearance of a navi by that name who participated in the Colosseum's latest tournament.

PhotoMan: (Shifts). She was very helpful.

Inky: And the actor, whose face is excluded from most of the photos?

PhotoMan: (Mechanical Noises). His identity will remain a secret for now.

Inky: I see. Some images have been circulating around the net from an unidentified source who some speculate to be a beach patrol officer. Those images seem to paint a different picture of this actor's involvement with SplashLady.EXE.

PhotoMan: Pictures are easy to fabricate. As you know if you saw the magazine, my gravure was very candid. I didn't hide the risque elements and I probably made a few parties cross with me. Some sources out there may wish to try to tarnish my new career.

Inky: So you're saying that the pictures of you straddling SplashLady are fake?

PhotoMan: Yes.

Inky: But you admit that you're the actor in the original photograph?

PhotoMan: No.

Inky: I apologize if I've offended you, PhotoMan. Thank you for your time.

PhotoMan: Showbizz will be happy for the additional publicity for my work.

There you have it. Could the identity of the mysterious woman be SplashLady.EXE? Is there more to their relationship than meets the eye? It's the sort of thing that a nosy reporter really wants to dig in further than she can.

News Server is your number one news source for all information regarding the latest celebrity news, as well as all of your other news from around the net. This is Inky.EXE, signing off.

Greetings, citizens:

This is News Server reporter, Inky.EXE. We all know about the Neo-Shogun Army, the rapidly growing imperialist faction looking to rival the NetPolice and NetMafia. Perhaps you've also heard of The Voice, an audio broadcast performed by VoiceMan.EXE. Doubtless you're also familiar with Showbizz.EXE, the event mogul who makes her money organizing game shows, events, sports, and all kinds of video broadcasts. What you may not have known is that recently, all three of these elements came together during the Showbizz Friendly Feud.

The Friendly Feud delighted the Showbizz fanbase with the usual array of explicit-but-not-adult content. The ratings shot up at the end, where Showbizz announced a deal contracted between herself and VoiceMan. The deal would trade Kindle.EXE and Capo.EXE, two of VoiceMan's staff, over to the Neo-ShogunArmy for a small period of time. The girls looked none too amused, but the audience was shocked and excited.

How has all of this worked out? I managed to get hold of one of the shogun's generals, a ninja by the name of Vee.EXE, to learn more about the situation.

Quote ()

Inky: Thank you for your time, Vee. What's your take on the new recruits?

Vee: (Murmuring).

Inky: I couldn't quite hear that. Please repeat it into the microphone, if you would.

Vee: I don't see what we're supposed to do with them. One has no combat abilities nor relevant skills. The other has the combat abilities, but no motivation to help us. It's really a mess.

Inky: That's unfortunate. Several of the Showbizz viewers were curious: what happened to the strip tease that was supposed to follow the program? They had heard that Capo and Kindled were supposed to perform, stripping off their new uniforms.

Vee: The Shogun granted them a pardon, alleviating the two of that responsibility. For a period of time we were worried Showbizz was going to take action to counter that breach of contract, but she backed down. It was just a noble action from our Shogun. Hopefully it counteracts some of the bad public opinion about us.

Inky: I see. As I recall, you were recently involved in Showbizz programs. Considering how reluctant you were to do this interview, I'm surprised that you'd go in to those.

Vee: We're short-handed and Showbizz would only agree to use one of the officers at that point. That's why I ended up in that Generational Violence event.

Inky: And what about the- (pause)- Showbizz Slumber Party Fundraiser? Vee? Are you still here?

Unfortunately, the ninja disappeared while I was organizing my notes. My apologies, news readers, but I hope that the interview cleared up some of the lingering questions left after the latest Showbizz event.

News Server is your number one news source for all information regarding the latest factional developments, as well as all of your other news from around the net. This is Inky.EXE, signing off.

Greetings, citizens:

This is News Server reporter, Inky.EXE. I've recently had a chance to conduct an exclusive interview with a navi known as Cabal.EXE, an officer of the NetPolice's Investigations Department. For those who could not catch it live, we're offering a transcript here outlining some of the most important segments, including her thoughts regarding the recent capture of the rogue officer, SoapMan, and the recent surge of faction employment.

Quote ()

Inky: Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I understand that you've been busy lately, between your daily work and your open-door policy for recruits.

Cabal: Not at all, actually. I'm locked away near the back with that open-door policy precisely because little is sent my way. Most of what I investigate these days I have to scrounge up myself, so my expectations are what you'd call "minimal."

Inky: I see. Why don't we start with the hot button issue right now: the recent reveal of the rogue NetPolice officer, SoapMan.EXE. There are those who say that without your public report of his misdemeanors, which include kidnapping and assault, that his crimes would have been kept out of the public eye.

Cabal: I was actually second whistle-blower, you know. If not for the outstanding efforts of another navi, entirely unassociated from the NP and whose name I will keep hidden for his own safety, SoapMan wouldn't have been exposed. Furthermore, he wouldn't have even been caught. My primary concern is squeezing the truth out of our organization, no matter how uncomfortable it may make some of our officers. SoapMan was a stooge for someone and I hope that while he's in custody, we'll manage to get a little closer to pegging the mastermind.

Inky: Bold words. And what of those who say that you've done a disservice to the NetPolice? There are some who believe that by revealing the navi's identity and crimes, you've demoralized the officers of the Public Safety Department, of which SoapMan was a part, and cast unnecessary inconvenience onto ordinary officers.

Cabal: The criminal had over two dozen navis held hostage in a secret chamber inside his own office. I'd say our Public Safety Department deserves a little embarrassment over this one, personally. (Laughs).

Inky: Perhaps. Let's move on to the next topic. Recently, a new recruit contacted you to learn more about the newly formed imperialist group, the increasingly well-known Neo-Shogun Army. She did so of her own volition and DimensionMan commended her publicly for that initiative. What's your reaction?

Cabal: I was pleased to meet another NetPolice officer outside of the Investigations department with a ticking brain! (Laughs). It's nice to see someone who's not just following the point and shoot mentality, especially amongst the new recruits. I'm making it my role to get my hands on as many of these inquisitive minds as I can before [criminals inside the Netpolice] get a chance to.

Inky: Can you tell us what you told her?

Cabal: I'd rather not. Ordinarily, I love flapping my lips, but seeing as I did not ask her consent to share that information, it would be unethical for me to do so.

Inky: I understand. One last observation: I happen to like that unique cloak you wear. I myself still regularly take notes and do my writing in ink, even though recording is such a simple matter. What are your reasons?

Cabal: I'd suppose my reasons are the same as yours: a sentimental affinity. I feel like when I write [my observations] down in my own handwriting, that helps to cement them in the truth that I see. I also enjoy coating my room in these used cloaks to observe my handiwork. It makes me feel accomplished.

Inky: That's a bit more of a grand reason than my own.

Cabal: (Laughs).

Several bold claims from the mouth of Officer Cabal. Even as she berates the negligence of the Public Safety Department, she offers praise for the new candidates brought in by the GNA-sponsored recruitment kiosk. Perhaps it's a bright day for Cabal, with old injustices coming to light and new potential on the horizon? Or perhaps she prefers it in the dark. I was asked prior to the interview to dim the studio's lights for her.

News Server is your number one news source for all information regarding the latest factional developments, as well as all of your other news from around the net. This is Inky.EXE, signing off.

Public concern has swept the internet this morning as our top story for today has circulated amongst the populace: Are viruses getting smarter? Presenting some chilling new evidence to support that theory, a navi by the name of "CrasherMan" stumbled upon what at first appeared to be more random devastation by what witnesses have said was a "trio of strange, blue-hat-taped Metools", but was in fact, something more.

Late last night, CrasherMan was in the middle of what he refers to as a "Bold, daring experiment by a brilliant and dedicated scientific mind", wherein Crasherman subdued a Canodumb virus, loaded himself into it, and then coerced it to fire in an attempt to see if he could "shoot [himself] out of a Canodumb!" Crasherman further went on to state that while the idea was "really cool" and a "total shoe-in for the Hikari Prize", it sadly backfired and the Canodumb did not survive the "historic event".

This series of events, however, lead to CrasherMan being propelled high into the virtual air over ACDC Network, whereupon he saw, stretched out beneath him, a gigantic metool! ...In panel form! Yes, the devastation caused by the trio of strange Metools is, in fact, a panel-art piece, created by said Metools, that portrays a Metool wielding a Swordy virus' sword and dressed with a long, billowing cape.

Although he tried repeatedly (Much to this reporter's chagrin) to reach a height sufficient enough to take a picture of the panel artwork, CrasherMan sadly failed to do so. NewsServer will keep you posted should CrasherMan manage to retrieve a shot of what Viral Researchers are now calling a "Panel Circle", but for now this is News Server, signing off.