Just a Jump to the Left

HEADLINE:  IT'S JUST A JUMP TO THE LEFT

We live; we thrive. 

Everyone, please, take a moment to stop. 

Drop what you are presently doing, and look up. If you have a bag of Doritos at hand, hold it aloft, for a great thing has been done for each and every one of us. 

It is oft said that the key to a healthy body and mind is emotions, specifically joy. Sadness, depression, and general stress causes your body to not function as it should. Happiness, laughter, and love, all build up our bodies and help maintain a healthy immune system. That, in turn, allows us to be strong, stable, and resistant. This same principal was displayed by Engineer Zig during what we hope was the final battle against the Dark.

He strove to keep our emotions high in a time of great strife. He bid us to smile, laugh, and experience joy, thus, making the very magic about us stronger.

It was amid laughter and joy, that he uttered one final word, and ripped this world from where we once were. His magic, in his very blood, spilled that day, all the while, he held up strong. It was the core of something beyond a Blink. He had given his life to send not only the city, but everything out of our previous dimension. There are no questions, no theories, no... nothing. 

Inter-dimensional travel was confirmed before all of us.  

Now, what could all of this be? 

What world is this and what was it before? 

According to sources, this dimension he placed us within using his last breath was formerly dead. It was utterly wiped out by D-13, and because there was no life at all remaining, the Dark passed it up and moved on to another. That said, it was a place that held no Convergence. It was the perfect place for us to take root. 

There are some differences. We have regained some of the cities that  had been previously lost; seemingly reset to previous months. Some things are simply changed, but not too drastically. This dimension shares a great many similarities to our own, now lost, previous dimension. Some doors open in a different direction, though, that could even be a false memory, some hues upon tings are different, such as a previously red house is now blue. Observe each one of these changes and know it is because of a great man that you may see it at all.

So, what shall we do now? 

Live. Love, and be strong. 

Learn about what has transpired, and what has saved our lives, and our new dimension. Look upon the soil and know that it was once entirely dead; now feel the weight of your feet. Hold a Dorito up, and savor it, for you yet live to enjoy it. 

Reporter: Alexi Alkaev-Kurosawa



For ease in navigating the Convergence Chronicle, please click the links below to see which pages have been updated for the month of April.  Be sure to read this month's 'Conspiracy Theories' page to see an 'update?' to the sim-wide event involving DJ Slicer.  The Convergence Chronicle also has a new writer, please check out the musings of Mr. Reeds in his new column, 'In the Reeds.'  This month he brings us an interview with Humans First's own, Caesar.

Happy Corner
Sleepless in Convergence
Conspiracy Theories
In the Reeds
Obituaries

Did Someone Drop a House on the Dark's Sister?

HEADLINE: DID SOMEONE DROP A HOUSE ON THE DARK'S SISTER?

There are times in the city where one begins to write events as they happen, and can only stop and stare. This past month, even as recently as this Thursday, was such a case. 

Weeks ago, a man some have come to know as Engineer Zig, was visiting the fountain in central park. It was not for a relaxing stroll, however, as he had a task to perform. He placed a plaque upon the fountain proclaiming that he possessed something of interest to another party, a dagger, and a date. 

Correctly, he assumed this would act as the perfect summon, and three chronomancers emerged from a great blue light. They were three representatives of the Interdimensional Chromancers League; a woman with a sheep, to be called the Woman With a Sheep, as her name could not be pronounced chronologically; two finely dressed gentlemen; and a elephant by the name of Joshua, who was, at one time, a war hero.

The elephant, Joshua, had upon his back, a crate with an impressive Light device to trade. Despite this, it is assumed that the four decided that they wished to keep the device and the dagger as well. After taking the dagger from Zig, with a wish of thanks; they stabbed Engineer Zig, offering, "for the Timeline," in explanation. 

Having now in their possession the ill-gained dagger, the trio and animals, sought to flee from the city. One of our own protectors, an impressively sized figure with an even more impressively sized weapon, requested that all be calm, for there was illegal chronomancy afoot. This, however, quite obviously, was not well received by the trio and animal cohorts. The robot fired at them, startling them all. The sheep was so startled, he turned into a nude man. Rhys, also not content to allow the group to leave, gave chase, disappearing into nothingness. 

With nary a sight of any of the group, attention returned to the fallen Engineer Zig, where he was promptly rushed to the Nexus. It was there that he fell into a deep slumber. There were whispers of what had happened while he rest. Some thought he was merely in a coma, others claim he was 'repairing.'

Either way, the city sought to revive their fallen ally, and on Thursday, at the request of ADA, merged at the windmill to offer all they could. Various robots toiled and pressed buttons, and machines roared to life. Everyone who arrived to donate was harvested for delicate Light magic, presumably, safely. Ever dutiful, Lady Iris conducted a ritual to gather and manipulate the Light on offer. 

In retaliation, Dark-infected flying monkeys appeared out of the park and immediately the protectors of this city descended upon them. Fair Harpies punched flying monkeys out of the air, and monkeys committed monkey violence. One cyborg achieved a fine paste out of a monkey. Please, do not eat it on toast.

A kitsune attempted to freeze the troop of flying simians. As he began to gather strength, the machines powered up; shooting lightning in all directions. As the lightning began blanketing space under the dome, the ender kitsune stopped everything and devised a new plan. With haste, he cast high magic and redirected the lightning to plow through the monkeys. There was too much at stake, the ground beneath us shook; and the news broke; Shock! the monkeys.

After all of this, our Engineer Zig walked out, not of the Nexus, as one would expect, but out of the windmill, where the Light had been gathered. Upon emerging, he expressed that he had no idea what had happened, and someone kindly offered him a sandwich. He explained, over the sandwich, that he was 70% sure the machines that had been used to revive him would have destroyed the city.  Good thing he was wrong!

One final thing of note, using both red and green levers at the same time resulted in a robot malfunction. You monster. 

In closing, Rhys, enjoy your travels, when ever you are. And, “There’s a lot of things you need to get across this universe. Warp drive… wormhole refractors… You know the thing you need most of all? You need a hand to hold.” 

Convergence is waiting for you. Your ducks are unhappy. 

Reporter:  Alexi Alkaev-Kurosawa

For ease in navigating the Convergence Chronicle, please click the links below to see which pages have been updated for the month of March.  Be sure to read this month's 'Conspiracy Theories' page to see an 'update?' to the sim-wide event involving DJ Slicer.   The Convergence Chronicle also has a new writing, please check out the musings of Mr. Reeds in his new column, 'In the Reeds.'

Happy Corner

Sleepless in Convergence

Conspiracy Theories
In the Reeds

Only Die When It Is Your Time

HEADLINE: ONLY DIE WHEN IT IS YOUR TIME

花は桜木

人は武士

Hana wa sakuragi

Hito wa bushi

"[In] Flowers it's Cherry Blossoms, [In] Men it's Warriors."

This is the suggestion that of all flowers, sakura is the best; in men, it is the warrior. Warrior, so written, is samurai, but there is a hidden, implied meaning. Often times, sakura is a representation of the samurai, largely implicit. So, how did this come to be?

There are two sources, among many, that suggest how this connection came about. 

The first was an old legend. An aged samurai had long outlived his family. He had buried the loves of his life, and all that remained for him was a single sakura tree. He looked upon it, and over time, it too died. 

Bereft of all of his loves and reasons, he stepped out into the winter snow and begged the Gods to grant him one last wish. If this tree were to bloom again, he would give his life. Then, the Gods looked down upon the fatigued warrior and granted his wish. The tree breathed again and it's branches became heavy with virginal, white blooms. 

True to his word and his commitment, he placed a blade into his stomach and ended himself with great honor and respect. His blood soaked the snow, soaked into the earth, and nourished the roots of his beloved tree. As the tree thrived, the bloom, once white, became pink with the blood of his sacrifice. To this day, all sakura honor the samurai in reflecting his blood as that of their own. 

This connection continues anew, as the samurai is again linked to the the cherry blossom. As in the story, a samurai only falls when it is ended, as does the bloom. Sakura, and samurai, are beautiful, striking entities, that are fleeting. When it is their time, they will fall, as is their honor, with nary a protest.

In other words, the sakura blossom does not set free from the tree until it is ready - ready to die.  So too does a samurai not leave this world, until true and ready of honor and spirit to lay down and die.

This month of February the Convergence Chronicle decided to do something a bit different.  As we look out and see fire, ash, sorrow and fatigue, may you also see beauty, splendor, honor, and the pink of the great sakura.

 "[In] Flowers it's Cherry Blossoms, [In] Men it's Warriors."

Those that are left in Convergence are the very best, the chosen few who have made it through life, death, and the pursuit of a world that while dying, has yet to fall from the tree.  We at the Convergence Chronicle encourage each and every one of you; only die when it is your time, and from the sakura blossom to the samurai, when it is your time: die with honor.

Reporter: Alexi Alkaev-Kurosawa


For ease in navigating the Convergence Chronicle, please click the links below to see which pages have been updated for the month of February.  Be Sure to read this month's 'Conspiracy Theories' page to see an 'update?' to the sim-wide event involving DJ Slicer.  The Convergence Chronicle also has a new reporter, Candi, and her page can be found under 'Candi's Around Town.'

Happy Corner
Sleepless in Convergence
Conspiracy Theories
Candi's Around Town
Obituaries

Enter The Black; Cover In Light

HEADLINE: ENTER THE BLACK; COVER IN LIGHT

Chest Bursters, Face Huggers, and Alien Queens; these things are typically relegated to the chapters of a Science Fiction novel, but at least one of them has entered our world.  Though not as expected, if one could say it was expected at all. 

What came to us was something greatly akin to the "Grim." They were great, malevolent black dogs that ripped through the chests of solitary dreamers, killing them, and one only need to see the dogs to plant the seed. These creatures, agents of the Dark, traversed the conduits of dreams to force their way into this realm, using a sacrificial body as a portal. More and more, this moved from a thing that happened in rumor, to actual people we knew being taken. 

It has been suggested that this was simply another, though gruesome, form of a breach to circumvent our dome and enter the city. It seemed that there was no way to combat this without risking exposure and 'contamination.'

As ever, Convergence stepped forward. The city responded, in droves, to the baleful call of the Grim. From the park, they emerged and set upon the windmill. From the alleyways they emerged, moving toward the tailoring shop. The seeped up, infecting our streets. Combat assured, and the answer came in the form of weapons of pure Light.

Every citizen had the perfect weapon, and they displayed this with confidence. The beasts were felled, but it was then that their true nature came to be. Dark tainted flesh, that of their victims was the medium they were comprised. From the fallen, blacked flesh, spirits emerged. Once twisted in agony, now freed, light, and flowing from their Dark prisons. It was those taken, used by the Dark to penetrate the protections of this city. 

The day was won. There were wounds, burns, and pains, but those who had been enduring the very worst finally knew their absolution.  Take a moment this day to appreciate those around you, and those no longer with us. Take a moment to feel pride in another, for it is at their sides we know another day's light.

Reporter: Alexi Alkaev

For ease of navigating the Convergence Chronicle, please click the links below to see which pages have been updated for the month of January.  Be sure to read this month's 'Conspiracy Theories' page to see an 'update?' to the sim-wide event involving DJ Slicer.

Happy Corner

Sleepless in Convergence

Conspiracy Theories

The Weather Outside is Frightful

HEADLINE: The Weather Outside is Frightful

The news is simple. It is cold. It is insanely cold, so much so, that some have questioned if this has been prompted by something external. Some even whisper that it is the work of the Dark. Perhaps the Dark Gale was the true harbinger of this horrible weather pattern. Many denizens of the outside forest now seek shelter inside the city walls, due to the cold, ice and snow. 

There is some relief to be had here, as it seems our loved city is seeking to render as much aid as possible. It is rumored that the light poles, located about the city, give off heat to those who stand under them. If you are traveling for any length of time these days and nights, be sure to utilize them well, even if bundled. 

For this brutal times of year, we would like to make everyone aware of the available assistance throughout the city. 

There is a helpful guide of places about Convergence to seek aid in our Sleepless in Convergence column. As well as these 10 cold weather tips below. Stay safe, Convergence. 

1. FIND SHELTER AROUND YOU

If you are on foot, build a shelter or find one nearest to you. Hollowed-out logs can be cleaned and used, and caves can serve as good shelter. 

2. WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING IN LAYERS

Though it's tempting to wrap your clothing tight in extreme cold, wear loose clothing in layers to avoid restricted blood circulation. Tight clothing reduces the amount of trapped air, which acts as insulation. 

3. CONSUME SNOW

If you have no water available, melt snow to drink. One option is to use your body heat from activity to melt the snow. Put some snow in a sealable container and put it in between your layers of clothing, close to your body. Though it takes a lot of snow to produce a decent amount of drinking water (the ratio is about 10:1), the water will help you survive.

4. STAY HYDRATED

Speaking of water, the more hydrated you are, the warmer you will be. If you have a fire, here's another way to melt the snow: build a water generator out of three sturdy sticks, some binding, and a plastic bag, sock or shirt into which the snow goes. With the lit fire next to the generator, the snow will gradually melt.

5. LIGHT A FIRE

Both for warmth and as a signal, light a fire using pencil-thick branches and evergreen limbs; maintain it using larger branches.

6. TRY TO KEEP YOUR FEET DRY

Trench foot happens after hours or days of exposure to wet or damp conditions. With symptoms like the sensation of pins and needles, numbness and pain, the skin starts appearing wet, white and shriveled. This can be prevented by keeping your feet dry. Try lining your shoes with plastic. If trench foot has affected your feet, get your feet as warm and dry as possible to prevent any further swelling and numbness. 

7. KEEP YOUR CORE WARM

Keep the core of your body warm, using every useful object around including rags, cardboard and paper, to insulate your body.

8. PROTECT YOUR EXTREMITIES

To survive the extreme cold conditions, it is important to protect your extremities from frostbite using gloves, warm socks and boots or whatever is handy. 

9. DON’T TOUCH FROZEN METAL

Do not touch frozen metal with bare hands as it can peel your skin away. 

10. USE ANY HEAT SOURCE

Use any heat source around you, like a light bulb or flashlight, to help keep yourself warm.

((Taken from https://www.msn.com ))

Stay dry, stay warm, and a Happy New Year to you all!

Reporter: Alexi Alkaev

For ease of navigating the Convergence Chronicle, please click the links below to see which pages have been updated for the month of December.  Be sure to read this month's 'Conspiracy Theories' page to see an 'update?' to the sim-wide event involving DJ Slicer.  Also, check out 'The Man with the Van' and 'Sugar Cubed' for not one, but two interviews from Convergence Citizens this month!

Happy Corner

Sleepless in Convergence

Conspiracy Theories

The Man with the Van

Sugar Cubed

A Light in the Dark

HEADLINE: A LIGHT IN THE DARK

Rumor is a powerful thing. It can get people to move, act, and stand together in times they may not normally. Dreams are equally powerful. In this case, I do not speak of the dreams that come in the night, but of ideas, hopes, and intentions. 

First, a small story. 

There are some things that merely bring a person to smile. Those are what should be cherished most. Do what you need to smile, but do not do what would cause another to lose theirs. This is a simple rule. 

Yesterday, on November 29th, I had reason to smile. From my perspective, napping in my room, I had begun to float! What fortune had fallen upon me? At first I clamped onto the light fixture for dear life, because, in the seconds after rousing, what else would one do? Then, I was there, upon the ceiling of my sanctuary, experiencing bliss. 

Surely, the world was now upside down and I was regretting all of my jokes about those from Australia falling because they were upside down. We all know how the planet works, but explain that to one who is running around on his ceiling, having a great time. It didn't matter. This was a dream! Everything about me floated so delicately, it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. 

The ground rumbled and bright, near blinding light shown through the city. To my shock it was the Dome. Normally, that did not bode well, as the Dome is our primary protection from the harsh, outdoor world. Only those who have struck an accord with the outside dare venture out for long. But disaster did not come. 

No, not at all. 

After some time, the gravity returned. Thinking it was simply another odd day in our city, I moved on with my day. That is, until my partner joined me. News he gave to me brought tears to my eyes. At long last, in his hand, he held the Light of our salvation. I asked him how he had found such a miraculous gift, that is after sobbing upon him for quite some time.

To me, he explained in detail what I had missed, while happily dancing upon my ceiling. 

When the light flashed; the windmills, long known portals of elsewhere, stopped all across the city. Eventually, the door to the central windmill opened and out popped a little frozen pod that looked rather like a gum ball. There was discussion of what to do with it. Perhaps have a friendly bird hatch it? Oddly, there were no volunteers.  

After about a quarter hour, gravity returned to normal, the ground stopped shaking and the lights returned to their standard luminescence. But, there was something or rather, someone who had emerged. 

It was from the pod that had fallen out, that a man named Zig came into view. He was a rather ordinary looking man, yawning and asking for coffee. It was those who were near that were gifted so greatly by the strange, but tired, man.  To them, he offered the gift of Light. It seemed that there were far fewer people than he has assumed would be surviving, but the Light must continue. 

Please, seek out those who were at the windmill, learn the gift of magic from them. Everyone, even if you think you cannot, try, DREAM! Understand the Light for it will be our single, greatest weapon. 

Dare to dream, Convergence.

Reporter:  Alexi Alkaev

For ease of navigating the Convergence Chronicle, please click the links below to see which pages have been updated for the month of November.  Be sure to read this month's 'Conspiracy Theories' page to see an 'update?' to the sim-wide event involving DJ Slicer.  Also, check out 'Convergence Renovations' for pictures and information about some of the new places in the sim rebuild.

Happy Corner
Sleepless in Convergence
Conspiracy Theories
Convergence Renovations
Obituaries

Dark Changes

HEADLINE: DARK CHANGES

This month has been one of great change. Change is not always unwelcome, but the entry is almost always difficult to endure. Something called the 'Dark Gale' moved in from the North.  The entire forest surrounding the city was enveloped in a black miasma. All citizens were warned well in advanced to flee to the city as the Gale swept over, plunging us into darkness.  As if enclosing our bodies within the heart of a beast. 

Despite what one would assume with such a population boom inside the walls, there were few incidents, save a few scuffles. In times of trials, as always, the Citizens of this island join together in something akin to harmony. That tumultuous friendship came through again as the dome flickered with the external batterings of the Dark Gale.  The threat was quite real and caused several to seek shelter, some going so far as to fall to the underground. Wards were erected and after several hours, the systems that support or wonderful dome were back online and once again functioning against the onslaught. 

In it's wake, the outside has changed dramatically. It is unknown if this cloud of darkness picked things up along the way and deposited them here, or if perhaps pockets into other places opened, causing things to fall into our world. It should always be stressed to exercise caution when exploring new areas, especially in the forest. 

In reply to the events, our Lady Ada is aggressively restructuring. The reasoning, again, is unknown, but do be careful when wandering the city as well. Expect to be lost and potentially have to get transportation assistance, as the laundry mat with tomorrow's clothing is somehow across town. Perhaps procrastination is not the best thing for the next few months. 

Little is known about the Dark Gale, but there are whispers that it may function like the dark malaise that surrounds Tokyo. While not exactly the same, this gale is one of the most caustic substances known. It causes organic and inorganic material to melt upon coming too close. It should be stated that in the Dark Dome of Tokyo, insectoid creatures have been seen within, and only some people, if they could be called that, were able to pass though, unscathed. Be careful, be cautious, and always be vigilant. 

Our surroundings may have changed, but our hearts remain set upon weathering any storm.

Reporter: Alexi Alkaev

For ease of navigating the convergence Chronicle, please click the links below to see which pages have been updated for the month of October.  Be sure to read this month's 'Conspiracy Theories' page to see the 'conclusion?' of the sim-wide event involving DJ Slicer!

Happy Corner
Sleepless in Convergence
Conspiracy Theories
Obituaries