[[news:7]]

Asgard Stands

The Spawn of the beast, Fenrir, have been repelled from Asgard after many hours of bitter fighting. The defenders were able to enact a fighting retreat backwards across Asgard to delay the horde of wolves as long as possible. The destruction of the defences, and of Trollhatten, before the battle was an act of base treachery and those responsible (if they are ever discovered) are to be considered enemies of Asgard.

Solfrid was seen, after the destruction, riding through Asgard on the back of a giant bear rallying the Aesir and striking at the heart of the wolves. Also many of the Aesir who have been involved with these new Midgardians were invaluable in minimising the losses due to these attacks.

However many did die, especially once the lupine hordes were joined by Fenrir's first children, Skoll and Hati. Asgard mourns for the loss of Queen Frigg, who died at the hands of Hati while directing the defense of Asgard; and Idunn, who defending her orchard from a rogue band of Fire Giants who had splintered from Vigrid.

Asgard owes many thanks to Eydis, who conducted glorious funerals for the dead. They will be remembered down the centuries as those who gave their lives for Asgard.

The Battle Continues

The fierce fighting on the plain of Vigrid has lulled slightly, after the brave warriors successfully broke the major force from Muspellheim. The battle started with the army of humans and gods desperately holding back the fiery invaders, buying time for the other legions of Midgard to arrive. The Fire Giants surged forward, recklessly leaving their icy allies in their rush to overwhelm. They took a variety of forms, the meekest being merely large humanoids, while those far stronger appeared as colossal beasts of charred rock and flame, and then there was Surtr, greatest and most powerful, whose appeared to be fire incarnate, a raging inferno upon the battlefield. In the midst of the fighting, Surtr was cast into the sky, and the blazing battle above was witnessed by all, while on the ground the brave fighters turned the tide, striking at those leading the force and cutting the head from the beast. When their remaining commanders were cut down the foe began to panic and rout, returning to cower behind the walls of the Ice Giants.

In the midst of the chaos the great wolf Fenrir appeared, taking advantage of the confusion to strike at Odin and fulfil the prophecy, seemingly swallowing him whole. However it seems that afterwards a woollen simulacrum was recovered from the beast before it fled, and Odin's body is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, the retreat of the enemy gave a chance to reclaim the field, and bring the wounded back to relative safety. Though casualties are great, the sterling work of the medics, both mortal and godly, have saved many lives.

One force has been broken, yet behind them the Ice Giants of Niflheim have created titanic ice fortifications, which so far has weathered all attacks, and seems to be slowly encroaching further onto the field. Further still a colossal bone white ship has been sighted, which is surely Naglfar. It will land in the coming days.

Bifrost Holding Firm

Following Jormungandr's passage last month the rainbow bridge was left in a state of dangerous disrepair and there was considerable concern that it would collapse altogether. Thanks to repair efforts by Dr Reshvayov and Finnfrodr the Bifrost has been stabilised and though portions are still treacherous to navigate, the shifting surface of the bridge now seems less prone to giving way underfoot.

Alaric Fisher MIA

Following the first battles on the plain of Vigrid a prominent member of the Ragnarok Taskforce has been reported MIA, assumed KIA. In a speech, Director Jefferson thanks Pfc. Alaric Fisher for his few short years of service, and his contributions to Human/Aesir relations and the advancement of medical science.

Life in the Cavenson Domes

Although the Cavenson Domes are able to preserve the lives of a large part of Earth's populations, the conditions have been gradually deteriorating with the risen waters. Issues of policing, utilities and health have all exploded over the last few weeks.

The situation has been greatly helped by the actions of UNITED in promoting peace, co-operation and survival. A number of PR films, in multiple languages and with such experts as Dr Dubois, Dr Matthews and Dr Cavenson providing useful public information. The Dome populations have remained relatively calm and the standing of UNITED has improved vastly across all regions. Even the PAC has had to reluctantly make use of the informational videos in order to help keep the peace. Lt. Billingham is credited as the mind behind the campaign, having recently risen to prominence in UNITED.

Dr. Cavenson has not stopped in her improvements of the dome projects and has contributed new schematics for tidal- and wave-based renewable energy generators that are being fitted to the Cavenson Domes. This has provided a much-needed boost to the comfort and operation of the domes.

Thousands dead in Venice Blast

During an attempt to extract the infamous Lt. Marius de Winter from the UNITED Research Facility in Venice where he was enacting a punishment assignment with Dr Julia Rosales, a nuclear device was detonated somewhere in the city, destroying the city and severely damaging the Facility (the state of the lower levels is undetermined although no contact with UNITTED Researchers in the facility has been made thus far). Alongide thousands of civilians, the casualties include half of a team acting on behalf of Group Captain Everard Wilkinson, numerous UNITED Research Personnel and Dr Rosales, as well as Lt de Winter and his own research team. Wilkinson has been unavailable to comment on his action.

The repercussions of this event - beyond the minimal fallout from the device which was allegedly only a tactical nuclear device - are yet to be fully understood as the research in Venice has been kept top secret for many years. However, locals believe that whatever was being worked on in the facility has “escaped” and there are unconfirmed reports of a burning, screaming winged beast having flown from the blast out into the country.

Marius de Winter Reappears

We have received breaking information following that last report. There have been numerous sightings of Lt. de Winter in Asgard. We cannot be sure whether this information is accurate, as de Winter was reported lost in the nuclear detonation in Venice. Those with more clear information are being advised to come forward.

Osk Murdered

The goddess Osk is reported slain, murdered by Niúsi as she led an expedition back from the chill world of Niflheim. Gods and humans alike witnessed as the gods appeared to quarrel, and then Osk was cut down with a dagger through her throat. Niúsi's motives became clearer as attempts to capture him were forestalled by Loki, the Trickster raising up a wall of fire to immolate the fallen goddess and allow his treacherous accomplice to escape.

Has Asgardian Science gone too far this time?

Reports are flooding in from Vanaheim that following the relocation of the majestic Hall of Science from Asgard, strange creatures similar to the infamous “Agnetha” have been terrorising residents of the world. Reports are coming in that hordes of red-and-black spotted, furry, fanged creatures are chasing people down and eating them alive. Reports of green, blue and even golden version of the abomination are also coming in but their numbers cannot be confirmed.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that related to this incident is a peculiar armoured being that is rolling around Vanaheim and shooting lasers at anything that moves. Midgardian UNITED Scientists quickly identified the creature described as a “Dalek” (a villain from the hit British Sci-Fi “Doctor Who”) and have suggested that fan clubs across the world be called in for questioning when there are less pressing issues.

Sun and Moon devoured. Sun Freed!

In a rather disturbing development the sun and moon recently vanished supposedly in line with the ragnarok prophesies. This phenomena happened across all the worlds as reports flooded in from terrified citizens as the six worlds were plunged into darkness.

There were numerous reports of riots as panicked citizens came to the belated conclusion that the end times were upon them and run amok. Fortunately PR efforts manage to avert any serious crisis.

About an hour after the disappearances however a quit literal ray of hope appeared in the sky as a jagged cut of glimmering light cut across the firmament illuminating around it the body of a giant wolf before the sun seemed to explode back into existence ripping itself out of the wolf and back into the sky.

The moon however remains absent and with the light of the sun returned a giant wolf can be seen running across the sky.

Niusi Dead?

Niusi has reportedly vanished after an altercation with Loki. He was last seen falling bound and bleeding from a helicopter so it was presumed he had perished however a search of the likely impact zones turned up no body so his exact fate is still uncertain.

In any case Tyr has asked that any sighting be reported to her in connection with his murder of Osk.

Surtr Sears the Worlds

… it was like nothing I had ever seen before a second sun appeared in the sky and from it rained fire and death.

A second sun has appeared in the sky over all the worlds spouting tendrils of flame which danced across the world leaving desolation in their wake. The Munich dome was directly in the path of one of these and was as far as early reports can tell completely destroyed as the sea boiled around it. The other domes however due to their fire proof designs, water coverage and lack of direct hits are able to cope with the pounding heat of two suns in the sky.

Of the other realms the Dwarfs underground status mostly protected them whilst Eydis managed to mitigate most of the major damage to Alfheim. Several Boroughs of Asgard were set ablaze however the underground tunnels and it's already destroyed nature meant the damage was less severe than it could have been.

The people of Vanaheim prepared by Kurtesleiga his in numerous tunnels under the earth but their crops suffered badly with reports of vast swaths of the countryside a smoking ruin quickly on it's way to desertification under the blistering heat. Reports from Jotunheim indicate that it may have suffered even worse than this information is patchy as of this moment.

At the time of the meeting the suns orbit the six worlds leading to severe heatwave drought conditions. Strikes continue to rain down at random from the second sun leading to a climate of fear across all the worlds as people wonder where will be hit next.

There are also reports of the three hour night causing physiological problems but this seems rather minor under the circumstances.

XS-42 Reformed

One of UNITED's headline teams, XS-42, has recently undergone serious changes. In a shake-up resulting from an alleged audit and investigation, has resulted in the appointment of a new leader for the team. Colonel Jan Hueppals, a star of strategic and air combat, has been appointed as the leader of XS-42. He has agreed to temporarily stand down from command of the Nightwings ornithopter unit and step into the exciting new leadership role.

It has been confirmed that the team has also shrunk, losing its former commander Colonel Dmitri Voronov (some say assigned to Brigadier 'Damocles' Smith) as well as Lieutenant Gwen Augustine.

Speculation is rife as to the causes for change of command and personnel, ranging from outrageous suggestions that Colonel Hueppals is using mind-control powers to get his hands on the best people in UNITED to the murky hand of a trickster god wishing to destroy the biggest threat to him.

Armies of Hel poised to Attack

As the great ship Naglfar approaches shores of Vigrid, all know that the armies of the dead will soon join the assault on man and god.

With breaches between the worlds still reporting to open with an increasing frequency, some have also expressed the fear that the armies of the dead may assault our lands from places other than the sea.
A squadron of Gyropters bearing troops from the International Brigade attempted a reconnaissance mission into Hel itself, but Col. Demotte has yet to recover from the ordeal sufficiently to report.

Little is widely known of the abilities of the Hellish dead, who never before have left their realm in great numbers, and any who could advise upon the threat are asked to share their knowledge before it is too late.

Day of Ceasefire

Fighting on the battlefield has been halted for a day, as a brief ceasefire offers a moment's respite before the conflict is rejoined. A summit will be held near the 'Alpha Site' of the original Earth/Asgard gate (radiation levels in the area having been judged safe for limited human exposure). Several enemy riders have approached bearing flags of parley and it has been agreed to hear them out.

news/7.txt · Last modified: 2014/01/21 09:49 by gm_joe
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