Summer 2020 Newspaper Clippings

Kada · Jul 21, 2020

Some news is bigger than others, and some news is so prominent that it gets featured in the Manta Carlos Print, the cities largest newspaper. Anyone is free to post here, although stories might be fact-checked by reporters. If there's an issue with your story, or the staff team has questions, we'll contact you directly.

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[b]Headline:[/b] What's going on?
[b]Story:[/b] You can write this as an actual newspaper report, or just do a brief summary of what actually got reported on.
[b]Link to Thread / Chat Log:[/b] Did this happen in a thread, or in the ICC? Link us a thread or log to help people get more information.

Pallas · Jul 23, 2020

Headline:
Mertown Today: A Look in Manta Carlo’s Newest District and its Influence

Story:
It has been over two and half months since the emergence of merfolk kingdom and its subsequent inclusion in the community as the Manta Carlos Aquatic District, better known locally as “Mertown”. Despite the brief confrontation, the integration of the two communities has been nothing short of remarkable. Upon the opening of the new district has seen an explosive growth of tourism in the area as the surface people come to visit while Manta Carlos residents of aquatic origins have been moving into the district given how more accommodating it is for them. Mertown natives have in turn been quite receptive of the influx of visitors and is already seeing a cultural revolution, particularly among the the crowd whom are now able to openly express their admiration of the surface people.

Many young folk from Mertown are immigrating to surface to take advantage of new opportunities and take part of the cultural exchange. Already there have numerous artisans and musicians from Mertown propping up that are making waves among the communities above and below the surface. Despite the apparent progress there are still elements of dissatisfaction by some Mertown residents, particularly among the older generation that still harbor resentment for past grievances by the surfacers. Some more extreme elements have called King Choi’k’bon Suna’I XVII decision to call off the attacks on the surface and integrating with Manta Carlos a great betrayal to the kingdom’s independence.

These vocal detractors however remain few and most seem to continue to respect King Choi’k’bon Suna’I XVII and his decision. Though the king has relinquished his power and assumed a more figurehead role, he remains influential to the Mertown residents and continues to build support between the communities as well as preaching for a peaceful union between both land and sea. For now, the future of Mertown is looking bright and the vibrant culture being fostered demonstrates Manta Carlos mission of inclusivity of all people of those whom wish to be part of the island’s community.

Nameless · Jul 27, 2020

Headline: Man Jailed for Threatening Wife with Cursed Teapot

Story: An elderly man from the Farmlands has recently been caught by authorities after a concerned neighbor reported a domestic disturbance within the household. When police arrived on the scene, the elderly man, shirtless, covered in feathers, and 'had a wild look in his eyes' was sat across their dining room table from his wife, who was shielding herself with a frying pan.

The elderly man had been raving about pigeons for the past four days, and while he hadn't harmed the wife, he had been telling her to make an offering to a great pigeon deity or they would be sucked into the teapot and turned into pigeons.

Police report that the teapot was indeed just a normal teapot, but found that the elderly man was under a trance triggered by the breaking of a seal from an old joke box that the father of the man owned. Writings found inside the box where the teapot was found suggested that the box was from a friend who the father had been exchanging pranks with since they were teenagers right up to their golden years.

The elderly man was released a few hours later after the trance was broken.

Pallas · Aug 2, 2020

Headline:
Animal Mix-Up in the Farmlands

Story:
Once again the Farmlands is beset with another strange swap as ranchers tending to their livestock in the morning were surprised to find their herds in the wrong places. Wanaal in the pens where the dairy cows should be, horses and vynix suddenly in different stables, and even family dogs having been switched to different homes. There was even one case a farmer finding that his dog had been replaced with twintail fox wearing his dog’s collar. Thankfully it would seem that most farmfolk were able gather together to sort out most of the mess and were able to get everyone’s animals back to their proper owners (the aforementioned twin tail taken to a local animal shelter) despite the logistical hurdles.

While the culprit is still unknown, investigators may have a lead as several of the animals had strange symbols painted onto their sides. While the meaning of these symbols are unknown, investigators have ruled out the symbols as magical wards and believe the symbols as form of graffiti meant to provoke a message. What exactly that message is currently unknown as the symbols are still be deciphered but it hoped that they give authorities some insight on who is behind the recent events in the farmlands and the purpose of these harmless yet costly pranks.

EmiRose · Aug 8, 2020

Headline: Manta Carlos Island's Museum Renovation

Story:
The director of Manta Carlos Island's museum and the Manta Carlos cultural committee have started working on a project, whose goal is to renovate the old Manta Carlos history museum and upgrade its exhibits to cover a wider range of both cultural and historical events and phenomena.

The Manta Carlos Island's museum is located in a building, that in itself has a long and rich history. If the walls could speak they would speak of both disasters and possibilities. Many are curious how this building along with its various artifacts and exhibits will be renewed, but details of the project have not been shared and not much information has been leaked. It is known that the cultural committee is collaborating with the Starlight observation station to bring the museum's systems and showcases to whole new heights and the budget for this project is generous. "We are a community, that has a rich assortment of cultures, races, personas and backgrounds. A true melting pot in the truest sense. We must aim to remember how this island came to be and how our history made it possible for us to have such cultural richness that few places have", says the director of the Manta Carlos Island's museum.

The project has been told to last at least until the end of August, so we must wait with bated breath to see the new face of the Manta Carlos Island's museum. The building itself is not in use currently, but you can still go visit the main exhibits in the temporary location right across the street. In the meanwhile we will wait and see how our history will be brought to the future.

Kada · Aug 9, 2020

Headline: Radical New Directions for Veil Agency and Starlight Academy Scouts

Story: In the time since the entity calling itself the Veil appeared and put the islands of Manta Carlos in a bubble to protect us from a growing Disbelief in the supernatural, questions have risen over what changes would be occurring in the way we structure our society. No more has this question come up than with two of Manta Carlo's arguably most unique agencies: the Starlight Academy Scouts and the Veil Agency.

In the past, these two organizations worked loosely with one another but had distinctly different goals: the Scouts extended invitations to potential citizens directly on the behalf of the ubiquitous Starlight Academy. Meanwhile the Veil Agency's primary goal was to prevent knowledge of the supernatural from leaking into the Narrow Reality.

In a statement earlier today made by representatives from both organizations, we now know the answer to the questions about what they would be doing moving forward.

Both Agencies have been officially dissolved and are in the process of restructuring themselves to better fit the goals and roles that we need in these new and uncertain times.

The Starlight Academy Scouts are becoming the Manta Carlos Scouting Corps, made up of the administration of both agencies as well as their field operatives. While their day to day functions will largely remain the same, their goal is now more broadly affiliated with Manta Carlos as a whole, rather than Starlight Academy specifically.

Meanwhile, the Veil Agency has turned to a more academic role as the Department of Disbelief Research. They will be focusing on researching the Veil Entity as well as the phenomenon known as the Disbelief. It is their hope that by understanding how both of these forces work, we can minimize the damage done to the supernatural community as well as potentially reverse the effects that brought about our isolation in the first place.

Both of these restructurings have been in the works behind the scenes for several months now and will be finalized in the coming weeks.

Kathinja · Aug 11, 2020

Headline: Meat-Eating Plants May Have Evolved From Mammals, Scientists Say

Story: The Forbidden Forest has its share of mysteries, but scientists hoping to lift some of the air of secrecy surrounding the forest did not expect to find evidence of creatures of the Animal Kingdom crossing over into the Plant Kingdom.

Dionaeaursus unguibus, known colloquially as the Bear Trap Plant, are an uncommon plant generally found in the Forbidden Forest. On very rare occasion they have been known to grow just outside the borders of the forest as well.

As the name suggests, the Bear Trap Plant lay on the ground and snap small creatures into its ‘jaws’ to be slowly dissolved by their digestive enzymes. They are comparable to the Venus Flytrap, except much larger and able to consume creatures such as rats, lizards, and anything else that can be fully trapped inside once the ‘jaws’ are closed.

Some individuals who have gone into the Forbidden Forest have even had their feet snapped at. Fortunately, it is not difficult to pull oneself out of the mouth of the plant if they are bigger than it but it is known to have a fairly painful bite. The plants can be hard to spot, but on occasion it is possible to see the yellow teeth of the plant poking out from the soil.

And to say that the Bear Trap Plant has teeth is no exaggeration: Manta Carlos scientists that have been studying the unusual plant have determined that the teeth are no different from those of carnivorous mammals.

“While Dionaeaursus Unguibus is clearly a carnivorous plant in all other senses,” said Botonist Luris Ka, “it is clear by the unusual teeth that there is some missing link between plant and animal within the Forbidden Forest.”

Luris Ka and fellow scientists will continue to study the unusual plant and what may have caused such an irregular case of evolution.

To say that a plant could have evolved from an animal may sound quite bizarre, but it goes to show that truly just about anything can happen on Manta Carlos.

ArcanaFate · Aug 18, 2020

Headline: Call to Manta Carlos for Historic Lighthouse Return

Story: The Manta Carlos Historic Preservation Society calls to the public to donate to the restoration of the historic Beacon Lighthouse back to its original home on the southeastern end of Manta Carlos. Once a prominent tower of stone meant to guide those seeking refuge, the building had been moved to the downtown district to help keep the building protected due to eventual disuse. The lighthouse was designed and built over a hundred years ago as a magical waypoint for those sailing to Manta Carlos without attracting attention from those who reside in the Narrow Reality.

Genevieve Lightbloom, a representative of the MCHPS and island immigrant herself, commented on her own experiences and the value behind the monument. “It was one of the first things I saw when I came to the island over eighty years ago. It was so… ethereal, unlike anything I had seen previously back in my homeland. I cannot put into words how valuable of a building that lighthouse is for Manta Carlos as a whole, both culturally and historically. It deserves to stand where it was originally built and should be maintained as a national monument, not a set piece for the museum.”

A proposition has been pushed forth to the Council and President to have the Beacon Lighthouse as well as the small island it resides on marked as a historical site to preserve a piece of Manta Carlos history as it was originally. But, while the Council is discussing whether to approve said proposition, Lightbloom worries that the Beacon Lighthouse will not get the respect it deserves from the museum staff who she believes see it as a prop piece rather than a historic building. If you or anyone you know would like to donate to the Beacon Lighthouse Restoration Fund, please contact the Manta Carlos Historic Preservation Society for further details to save a piece of Manta Carlos’ history.

ArcanaFate · Aug 24, 2020

Headline: Old Nightclub Burns Down; Owner Missing

Story:
One of the older nightclubs in the Manta Carlos Strip, The Black Box, burned down last night in a wild blaze that left very little of the original building. Authorities say the fire began around 2:30 AM and was reported quickly. Despite the quick response of the Manta Carlos Fire Department, the blaze was too wild to safely tame in time to save the structure. Authorities are currently investigating whether the fire had been deliberate or an accident and refused to comment at the time of interview on any current findings.

The Black Box had been around for nearly seventeen years on Manta Carlos and had been one of the most popular clubs during its run up until three years prior. The owner, one Giorgio Ricci, had been a regular staple in the club itself and was known to be a very positive influence within the club scene as well. Ricci has been unable to be reached for comment regarding the loss of the club and sources say that he hasn’t been seen in nearly a week prior to the fire. Authorities are looking through the remains of the Black Box for any signs of the owner and any information on his whereabouts should be reported to the Manta Carlos Police Department.

Kada · Aug 26, 2020

Headline: Sleeping Beauty No More: Elven Princess' Magical Coma Dispels

Story: A little over a decade ago, knights from another realm brought a special package to Manta Carlos for safekeeping: their princess, Ailonwey Falchurin Trinessta. The kingdom they hailed from was embroiled in a bitter civil war and her highness had been placed into a magical coma by an enemy of her family.

The curse proved to be too powerful to dispel and the conditions of natural removal - True Love's First Kiss - were off the table for ethical reasons. So the fine staff of Manta Carlos General Hospital cared for her as best a they could with the hope that her people would return for her one day. Sadly they would not, as only a handful of years later we learned that the war had been lost and that her kingdom was no longer a safe place for her.

But it would seem that after over ten years, the princess' fortunes may have changed for the better. Her attending nurse entered her room to find her disoriented but awake. She seems in good health despite the long time spent asleep and she was eager to leave her hospital room and see the city.

Though she declined an in depth interview, Princess Ailonwey did give a brief statement that she has a lot of catching up to do and hopes to be able to enjoy her newfound freedom on the island.

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Summer 2020 Newspaper Clippings

Kada

Comradmin

Pallas

Moderator

Nameless

I'm under your bed

Pallas

Moderator

EmiRose

The Shipping Enthusiast

Kada

Comradmin

Kathinja

The Lesbian Factory

ArcanaFate

aRCANE lORE mASTER

ArcanaFate

aRCANE lORE mASTER

Kada

Comradmin