sugarvalves [1963573] —
Original article
Is SA's western alliance trying to resurrect itself? Where did TiredSaladlego really get their money? And who lost the most from Desert Eagle's vault theft? Find out in our local news roundup!
Our Local News column is back with a roundup of some recent stories you may have missed. In this article, we'll be asking how did TiredSaladlego really acquire those Dirty Bombs? Is a famous faction thief having second thoughts? Can Subversive Alliance's empire resurrect itself without them? And what are some of the most common scams going on in Torn City today?
Find out all of this and more in our roundup of a few stories you may have missed.
AN UPDATE ON UKRAINE
To begin, we'd like to draw your attention to a recent post made by Chedburn announcing a slew of charitable donations to various Ukrainian charities and organisations. Over $200,000 USD has been sent to several different groups on behalf of Torn, and Chedburn's post details precisely who is receiving this money and what they will do with it.
We have shared this information to reinforce our support for our Ukrainian friends in the development team, and we hope this transparency will inspire further donations from those of you who are able. Chedburn has indicated that the post will be updated when additional funds are contributed in the future, so even if you cannot donate personally, your continued support of Torn allows us to do so on your behalf.
Regarding this charitable representation, I have noticed a few dissenting voices in the forums who disagree with Torn's donation to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. While it is understandable that some may feel uneasy being associated with armed conflict, Torn's financial contribution towards the Ukrainian military merely represents our desire to see an end to the violence brought against the Ukrainian people. Any attempt to misrepresent that based on your own personal views is utterly contemptible considering what is at stake.
And yet regardless of our own feelings, Torn has been careful to allow reasoned debate on this matter on the forums - as we do all major news events. But some would do well to remember that our Ukrainian development team and players can see your comments. So, while this may be a mere talking point for you, Russian aggression has very real consequences for our Ukrainian players, developers, and friends. Bear this in mind before making your next comment.
Personally, I find it revolting when violent human conflicts like this are described as a "political issue" on which we mustn't take a position. This is a war, not a piece of legislation; moreover, it is a war with a clear aggressor on one side and a force of resistance on the other. To ignore the balance of power and intent behind this situation is either wilful ignorance, deliberate contrarianism, or moral cowardice - pick one - hence Torn's firm and continued support for those who seek to end the bloodshed.
TORN'S TOP HEALER
Just over two years ago, Jeez shared a post in the Achievements forum celebrating the fact that she had just hit 50,000 revives. Her healing hands meant that Jeez was, at the time, Torn's 2nd most frequent reviver, and the first response to her post was from Lat, who said that Medic, Torn's number one reviver, should watch out.
He was right.
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Jeez finally overtook Medic this month to become the most prolific healer in Torn with 83,850 revives as of 22nd of March 2022. Medic retired from healing in July 2021, as demonstrated by their new name, Medic-Retired, but Jeez's achievement remains impressive, and one wonders just how many more heals she's got in her!
"It's been a really lovely journey getting here! I signed up for Torn knowing I wanted to be a healer, but I spent the first several months of the game thinking revives were unlocked by taking the medical education course haha.
Torn City may be a hotbed for crime, violence, thievery, and war, but each player is still a PERSON behind whatever path their game takes them. One small act of kindness can make all the difference in someone's day!"
"When you've accidentally self-immolated from your arson attempt, when you've taken a bad batch of Xanax, or those pesky Swiss Guards appear to take down your assassination team, revivers are there to set you back on your feet.
I've watched the revive crown pass from RX8 to Leafeh, from Leafeh to Medic (Retired), and from Medic-Retired to myself. While I'm honored to finally sit on the #1 HoF throne, I'll be stepping down and retiring at 100,000 revives." - Jeez
A FISHY FRIEND
If you are the victim of an anonymous aquatic assault in the near future, here's why.
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BATMAN'S BOMB
Former Monarch kidnapper Batman has reportedly been trying to extort money from several HoF factions in exchange for DB protection. Batman famously stole his Dirty Bomb from Monarch after he left the faction in acrimonious circumstances last November, and since then, he has set up a Merc service at $1.5m per attack, while also selling access to the old Relentless Discord server to expose instances of "cheating" by his former factionmates.
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With regard to his own conduct, the caped crusader denies that he has been trying to extort anyone with the Dirty Bomb at his disposal, but Batman does admit that he is itching to use it.
"Not really true [the extortion]. I was ball-busting a friend but not something I have been actively pursuing. I do have a bomb. No solid plans but wouldn't be surprised if I drop it on Monarch when they get out of line. Could sell it. Might be paid to drop it on someone. Tough to say." - Batman
TSL DEPARTS
TiredSaladlego's swift departure from Torn has certainly set tongues wagging over the past week. Just a few days after their sixth and final Dirty Bomb was detonated at Monarch HQ's headquarters, TSL decided to self-fed by posting their account information in Global Chat. Since this information was accompanied by an offer to sell the TSL account, Torn's community manager bogie was left with no choice but to place him in federal jail, permanently.
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In the wake of this development, many have questioned whether TSL did this to prevent an investigation into their murky financial situation. Not many are convinced by the story that TSL funded their bombs through games of Russian Roulette, and even fewer believe that TSL orchestrated these bombings on their own either. The idea that the DB drops were organised by traders hoping to profit from the sale of Neumunes and Hazmats was debunked last week, but Exsisto contacted The Times with another potential explanation.
"I love TSL - she's someone I have known as a former faction mate and we've been playfully chiding about her DB acquisitions and intentions since VD. But even I don't believe the nonsense she's pushing about how she got the money for 7 DBs."
"Perhaps Ched wanted to address the open letter re ranked warring by offering a fix by way of TSL. Knock the top factions down a peg. Opens them up to better RW competition and maybe shuts them up. The bombs are all timed to cause minimal damage. Everyone gets out just a bit singed. Except for that loss of respect, and that makes RW rankings potentially juicier." - Exsisto
An interesting theory, but sadly, another incorrect one. I can confirm that Chedburn did not have any interaction with TSL regarding these bombs, and furthermore, the ranked warring matchmaking mechanics use a player's raw stats to calculate their strength - the system does not account for passive bonuses or debuffs which can quickly change.
Unfortunately, it is my solemn duty to inform you that the story behind TSL's wealth is as boring as their bombings were. Official investigations have confirmed that TiredSaldlego did indeed make their fortune through a few fortunate games of Russian Roulette, and this money was then used to purchase several dirty bombs. There was no secret cabal, no grand act of manipulation, just one player nuking factions to very little effect.
Sorry, but sometimes the truth is really f***ing boring.
YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE, ASSHOLE
Pretty much what I said.
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SWINDLER'S LIST
On the 22nd of February, the Torn City Times released an article entitled "Scamming: Torn's 4th Playstyle". In this piece, we explored whether some of Torn's most notorious faction scammers had ever suffered much in the way of consequences years after their crimes. Our conclusion was that they had not, and in response to this revelation, we stated that scamming had therefore become legitimised by the inaction of the community.
Less than 24 hours later, TheInfamous stole $72 billion from Desert Eagle and cited our article as the inspiration behind this heinous act. Our response was to amend the title of our article to "Scamming: Torn's 4th Playstyle?", with the addition of a question mark serving to make our position clear on the matter, absolve us of any responsibility, and help to prevent any further vault thefts. Probably.
Real-world events have distracted everyone from this situation since, including members of DE, with TheInfamous only ever suffering from 20-30 bounties at most whenever I checked on him. So what is TheInfamous up to now? How is he spending all of those ill-gotten gains? And does he feel any regret?
"I have invested in stocks, plus bought another 36 PI's to rent out! This makes my passive income high enough to train using cans and still increase my NW. I have stocked up on enough xanax, points, cans, meds etc to last me 6 months."
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TheInfamous told me that while they have occasionally lost a few million after walking around with billions on hand, the bounties they have received have done nothing to hamper their daily life so far. Indeed, TheInfamous describes the bounties as a form of "mug protection", a comment that only further illustrates how accurate our article's conclusion was.
But in a potentially more satisfying development, TheInfamous appears to be having second thoughts, and may one day decide to return some of the money he has stolen. TheInfamous provided The Times with a list of everything owed by Desert Eagle to each of its faction members, and while this list was later deleted, we saved a copy to ensure it could be published. TI still believes that he was right to commit his crime, but he also offers a glimmer of hope to those who lost out big.
"I am keeping it saved in my notes for now, who knows maybe one day if I quit I can return some of the funds... I believe it was the right thing to do for my personal long-term growth... Morally it was a bad choice. But, then again it can be argued that buy mugging is immoral. Even further than that, even simple mugging may be considered immoral. Both parts are already consistently carried out by top players. I never buy mugged and frowned upon this. Now I will never need to mug, buy mug, scam or steal ever again due to one act."
The debt list indicates that Dictator was his biggest victim, with his $37.5b representing more than half of the amount stored in Desert Eagle's vault. Dr34dn0u9ht was also owed $17.1b by the faction, with TIMinion losing $7b, three other members owed $1-2b, and everyone else losing between $5m and $753. The only exception to this is PrimordialBOOZE, who stored the princely sum of one dollar in the vault.
We are unsure if TI will ever make good on his half-promise to repay some of these funds, and we also don't know who he will prioritise if he does. But based on his comments towards Desert Eagle's leadership, my feeling is that Dr34dn0u9ht and Dictator will not be top of his list.
"Desert Eagle leadership couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery! Instead of paying back their members they are spending 10s of millions bountying me and on flight delays. They care more about revenge than paying back their own members."
DE member Spiffie says that activity is up since the theft, and while they admit that their recovery is difficult, Spiffie insists that the faction leadership are trying their best to ensure that all of the stolen money is repaid to their members. At the moment, DE is earning back some of their missing cash by winning ranked wars and selling caches, but Spiffie admits this is a bit of a grind.
It would be much easier if TheInfamous would simply pay back the cash. So does Spiffie think that TI is telling the truth? Would they really pay back $72 billion one day?
"I believe him. I don't think he planned on stealing the money, he just did it on a whim, surprising us all, and probably even himself. Of course, that doesn't mean he will return it, but he is more likely to than most vault thieves." - Spiffie
VIRTUAL REALITY TORN
Here's a clip of Heasleys4hemp playing Torn in virtual reality. Thank you to Ohadik for sending this in.
THE ALLIANCE RETURNS?
Are Subversive Alliance's massive network of proxies and extorted factions trying to regroup without them? Apparently so, with aXiom and Impulse reportedly leading the drive to retake the territory they lost when SA was defeated last year.
"It is believed that since the break up of the SA monopoly, they are trying to revive their ambitions of a mini conglomerate by taking back what they believe to be theirs. It is unknown if SA will help their former subordinates at this time." - Anon
Another source tells me that aXiom and Impulse are operating under the banner of The Nameless Alliance, and this group includes Naughty Souls, In Memory of the Fallen, and several other factions operating in the northwest of Torn City. Impulse and aXiom supposedly lead this alliance, and these two were seen invading Savage Plague's territories of BIF and CIF in mid-March, with being one of numerous territory disputes in the area that saw Nameless pitted in direct conflict with the Top Gun Alliance.
The TGA is a group comprised of former Animal Kingdom factions including Desert Eagle, Honey Badgers Medical, Wolverines, and Little Stompers, among others. Despite Nameless' attacks against these factions, Impulse leader RealmKeeper denies that this behaviour represents any form of territorial expansion on their part.
"We were asked by our new neighbors for some assistance in spreading out. Obviously we've got nothing to lose in helping out some factions that don't have a negative history or reputation with us." - RealmKeeper, Impulse leader
RealmKeeper says that their activity in the area has been "misconstrued", and he refutes the idea that Impulse is attempting to restore the old SA alliance alongside aXiom. aXiom's leader Kylar also denied that SA was involved, describing the suggestion that he would ever ally with SA as "the greatest insult I have ever received in Torn." SA leader Ashanie also
"We consider them [Impulse] friends and wished them all the best, they have gone on to form new alliances and are exploring Torn in a way they enjoy. SA is no longer in the West nor do we lay claim to anything over there. AK or Monarch would be the controlling force with proxies filling the area. They are probably a better point of contact for these questions." - Ashanie, SA leader
While it may be true that SA is not yet involved in this fight, a leaked comment from Kylar has nevertheless confirmed Nameless' true motive for their operations in the area.
"We've been looking for room to expand for some time now. After extensive research on who was allied with who, etc. we chose Savage Plague, as Wolverines had confirmed they were independent of TGA. We assaulted and TGA then held a vote to admit SP and demand that we end those assaults." - Kylar, aXiom leader
It seems that Nameless was unaware that Savage Plague was in talks with TGA about joining their alliance when they attacked. To TGA's credit, they allowed SP to proceed with membership even after they were invaded by aXiom and Impulse. Thanks to the help of the TGA, the Nameless' invasion failed, all territory claimed by Impulse and aXiom has since been returned, and Impulse agreed to leave the area after agreeing to terms of abandonment.
But my anonymous commentator says that a larger-scale war could soon be on the cards, with TGA factions all told to keep e levels at 500 and remain on war perks. I am told that Nameless' card has been marked by TGA, and while the likes of Impulse and aXiom may not wish to reignite hostilities, they might not have much choice in the matter.
"Will TGA decide to destroy all of Nameless and introduce new factions to that area? will TGA implode due to internal disagreements? will SA come back from the dead and try to reclaim the west?" - Anon
MOONSHINE SHENANIGANS
In the run-up to St Patrick's Day, we heard rumours that MightyGoober and Penicillin were collaborating to fix the price of Moonshine. MG admitted this in a brief interview with The Times.
"For the moonshine, I actually got a late start. I knew all year that I was going to be selling moonshines for the event. I worked with a new friend to make sure the stock was listed 24/7. Shoutout to VladBull, he's an excellent trader. In total (so far) between the 2 of us we sold 3,303 bottles at a premium price."
But did these three have much of an impact on the overall market price? Read next month's Market Report to find out - and don't forget to send in your own market observations and tips in exchange for a DP!
DUKE'S TRUE LEVEL
Cadc6 was playing poker one day and noticed that one of the biggest stacks on the table had left suddenly. The mugging side of their brain immediately activated itself, and they decided to take advantage of the situation. Unfortunately, Cadc6has used all their energy for chaining, so they had to acquire some from another source.
"I tried to get some real quick by changing my candle shop job points to energy. But poker was calling me in the other window and I rushed and accidentally clicked somewhere else and after playing my poker hand I returned to the message and read this..."
20:29:37 - 19/03/22 You used 250 / 1,077 job points on Meditation to see that Duke's true level is 121
"So I lost my full month of collecting job points to know that Duke is level 121. Just wanted to share that and whine a bit, so here I am. Thanks for listening, do better than me."
WATER IS WET
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KNOWN SCAMS
A few months ago, we asked you to send in stories of how you, the great Torn public, had been scammed in the past. We received a fantastic response to this request, and below, we've published a list of some of the most recent scams to help you avoid (or possibly commit) these heinous shakedowns and swindles. Some of these stories have been edited for brevity.
Traders will advertise that they will buy an item for more than they are actually willing to pay for it. They do this because they are often working with another seller who has posted the same item for sale at a higher than normal price in the hope you'll buy them up. For example, Trader1 tells you they'll pay $50k for LSD, and you see someone selling LSD for $47k. You buy up the $47k LSD and offer them to the first trader, but now they've changed their mind, or they demand a lower price. - Shaw_Ti
Trade cancelled, player waited until leaving the hospital to mug - TheDocotor
A player called Nitro said they were quitting and offered to sell Dual Hammers in a parcel for $20 million. They sold me a parcel containing two hammers. - King_Robb
Swapped Donator Packs out for Drug Packs at the last minute of a trade. - Yewnit
Gore will offer you 10 DPs in a parcel for $100 million. The parcel contains a Silver Necklace - Rpeacy19
Some players will not pay you for losses if you don't get the money up front. And if you pay them 50% up front for trains, they also might just keep that and do nothing. - _Rafi_
One player sold a bounty reveal, but faked it and inserted the name of their enemy to make the buyer fight them - BadassBaxia
TELL YOUR STORY
Thank you to everyone who submitted stories, gossip, and nonsense to the Torn City Times this month. Those who have had their tales or comments published will soon receive a Donator Pack. If you have something you'd like to share with the TCT, be it a juicy scoop, an observation, or an idea for an article, please contact us via the Tell Your Story function.
Find out all of this and more in our roundup of a few stories you may have missed.
AN UPDATE ON UKRAINE
To begin, we'd like to draw your attention to a recent post made by Chedburn announcing a slew of charitable donations to various Ukrainian charities and organisations. Over $200,000 USD has been sent to several different groups on behalf of Torn, and Chedburn's post details precisely who is receiving this money and what they will do with it.
We have shared this information to reinforce our support for our Ukrainian friends in the development team, and we hope this transparency will inspire further donations from those of you who are able. Chedburn has indicated that the post will be updated when additional funds are contributed in the future, so even if you cannot donate personally, your continued support of Torn allows us to do so on your behalf.
Regarding this charitable representation, I have noticed a few dissenting voices in the forums who disagree with Torn's donation to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. While it is understandable that some may feel uneasy being associated with armed conflict, Torn's financial contribution towards the Ukrainian military merely represents our desire to see an end to the violence brought against the Ukrainian people. Any attempt to misrepresent that based on your own personal views is utterly contemptible considering what is at stake.
And yet regardless of our own feelings, Torn has been careful to allow reasoned debate on this matter on the forums - as we do all major news events. But some would do well to remember that our Ukrainian development team and players can see your comments. So, while this may be a mere talking point for you, Russian aggression has very real consequences for our Ukrainian players, developers, and friends. Bear this in mind before making your next comment.
Personally, I find it revolting when violent human conflicts like this are described as a "political issue" on which we mustn't take a position. This is a war, not a piece of legislation; moreover, it is a war with a clear aggressor on one side and a force of resistance on the other. To ignore the balance of power and intent behind this situation is either wilful ignorance, deliberate contrarianism, or moral cowardice - pick one - hence Torn's firm and continued support for those who seek to end the bloodshed.
TORN'S TOP HEALER
Just over two years ago, Jeez shared a post in the Achievements forum celebrating the fact that she had just hit 50,000 revives. Her healing hands meant that Jeez was, at the time, Torn's 2nd most frequent reviver, and the first response to her post was from Lat, who said that Medic, Torn's number one reviver, should watch out.
He was right.
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Jeez finally overtook Medic this month to become the most prolific healer in Torn with 83,850 revives as of 22nd of March 2022. Medic retired from healing in July 2021, as demonstrated by their new name, Medic-Retired, but Jeez's achievement remains impressive, and one wonders just how many more heals she's got in her!
"It's been a really lovely journey getting here! I signed up for Torn knowing I wanted to be a healer, but I spent the first several months of the game thinking revives were unlocked by taking the medical education course haha.
Torn City may be a hotbed for crime, violence, thievery, and war, but each player is still a PERSON behind whatever path their game takes them. One small act of kindness can make all the difference in someone's day!"
"When you've accidentally self-immolated from your arson attempt, when you've taken a bad batch of Xanax, or those pesky Swiss Guards appear to take down your assassination team, revivers are there to set you back on your feet.
I've watched the revive crown pass from RX8 to Leafeh, from Leafeh to Medic (Retired), and from Medic-Retired to myself. While I'm honored to finally sit on the #1 HoF throne, I'll be stepping down and retiring at 100,000 revives." - Jeez
A FISHY FRIEND
If you are the victim of an anonymous aquatic assault in the near future, here's why.
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BATMAN'S BOMB
Former Monarch kidnapper Batman has reportedly been trying to extort money from several HoF factions in exchange for DB protection. Batman famously stole his Dirty Bomb from Monarch after he left the faction in acrimonious circumstances last November, and since then, he has set up a Merc service at $1.5m per attack, while also selling access to the old Relentless Discord server to expose instances of "cheating" by his former factionmates.
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With regard to his own conduct, the caped crusader denies that he has been trying to extort anyone with the Dirty Bomb at his disposal, but Batman does admit that he is itching to use it.
"Not really true [the extortion]. I was ball-busting a friend but not something I have been actively pursuing. I do have a bomb. No solid plans but wouldn't be surprised if I drop it on Monarch when they get out of line. Could sell it. Might be paid to drop it on someone. Tough to say." - Batman
TSL DEPARTS
TiredSaladlego's swift departure from Torn has certainly set tongues wagging over the past week. Just a few days after their sixth and final Dirty Bomb was detonated at Monarch HQ's headquarters, TSL decided to self-fed by posting their account information in Global Chat. Since this information was accompanied by an offer to sell the TSL account, Torn's community manager bogie was left with no choice but to place him in federal jail, permanently.
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In the wake of this development, many have questioned whether TSL did this to prevent an investigation into their murky financial situation. Not many are convinced by the story that TSL funded their bombs through games of Russian Roulette, and even fewer believe that TSL orchestrated these bombings on their own either. The idea that the DB drops were organised by traders hoping to profit from the sale of Neumunes and Hazmats was debunked last week, but Exsisto contacted The Times with another potential explanation.
"I love TSL - she's someone I have known as a former faction mate and we've been playfully chiding about her DB acquisitions and intentions since VD. But even I don't believe the nonsense she's pushing about how she got the money for 7 DBs."
"Perhaps Ched wanted to address the open letter re ranked warring by offering a fix by way of TSL. Knock the top factions down a peg. Opens them up to better RW competition and maybe shuts them up. The bombs are all timed to cause minimal damage. Everyone gets out just a bit singed. Except for that loss of respect, and that makes RW rankings potentially juicier." - Exsisto
An interesting theory, but sadly, another incorrect one. I can confirm that Chedburn did not have any interaction with TSL regarding these bombs, and furthermore, the ranked warring matchmaking mechanics use a player's raw stats to calculate their strength - the system does not account for passive bonuses or debuffs which can quickly change.
Unfortunately, it is my solemn duty to inform you that the story behind TSL's wealth is as boring as their bombings were. Official investigations have confirmed that TiredSaldlego did indeed make their fortune through a few fortunate games of Russian Roulette, and this money was then used to purchase several dirty bombs. There was no secret cabal, no grand act of manipulation, just one player nuking factions to very little effect.
Sorry, but sometimes the truth is really f***ing boring.
YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE, ASSHOLE
Pretty much what I said.
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SWINDLER'S LIST
On the 22nd of February, the Torn City Times released an article entitled "Scamming: Torn's 4th Playstyle". In this piece, we explored whether some of Torn's most notorious faction scammers had ever suffered much in the way of consequences years after their crimes. Our conclusion was that they had not, and in response to this revelation, we stated that scamming had therefore become legitimised by the inaction of the community.
Less than 24 hours later, TheInfamous stole $72 billion from Desert Eagle and cited our article as the inspiration behind this heinous act. Our response was to amend the title of our article to "Scamming: Torn's 4th Playstyle?", with the addition of a question mark serving to make our position clear on the matter, absolve us of any responsibility, and help to prevent any further vault thefts. Probably.
Real-world events have distracted everyone from this situation since, including members of DE, with TheInfamous only ever suffering from 20-30 bounties at most whenever I checked on him. So what is TheInfamous up to now? How is he spending all of those ill-gotten gains? And does he feel any regret?
"I have invested in stocks, plus bought another 36 PI's to rent out! This makes my passive income high enough to train using cans and still increase my NW. I have stocked up on enough xanax, points, cans, meds etc to last me 6 months."
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TheInfamous told me that while they have occasionally lost a few million after walking around with billions on hand, the bounties they have received have done nothing to hamper their daily life so far. Indeed, TheInfamous describes the bounties as a form of "mug protection", a comment that only further illustrates how accurate our article's conclusion was.
But in a potentially more satisfying development, TheInfamous appears to be having second thoughts, and may one day decide to return some of the money he has stolen. TheInfamous provided The Times with a list of everything owed by Desert Eagle to each of its faction members, and while this list was later deleted, we saved a copy to ensure it could be published. TI still believes that he was right to commit his crime, but he also offers a glimmer of hope to those who lost out big.
"I am keeping it saved in my notes for now, who knows maybe one day if I quit I can return some of the funds... I believe it was the right thing to do for my personal long-term growth... Morally it was a bad choice. But, then again it can be argued that buy mugging is immoral. Even further than that, even simple mugging may be considered immoral. Both parts are already consistently carried out by top players. I never buy mugged and frowned upon this. Now I will never need to mug, buy mug, scam or steal ever again due to one act."
The debt list indicates that Dictator was his biggest victim, with his $37.5b representing more than half of the amount stored in Desert Eagle's vault. Dr34dn0u9ht was also owed $17.1b by the faction, with TIMinion losing $7b, three other members owed $1-2b, and everyone else losing between $5m and $753. The only exception to this is PrimordialBOOZE, who stored the princely sum of one dollar in the vault.
We are unsure if TI will ever make good on his half-promise to repay some of these funds, and we also don't know who he will prioritise if he does. But based on his comments towards Desert Eagle's leadership, my feeling is that Dr34dn0u9ht and Dictator will not be top of his list.
"Desert Eagle leadership couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery! Instead of paying back their members they are spending 10s of millions bountying me and on flight delays. They care more about revenge than paying back their own members."
DE member Spiffie says that activity is up since the theft, and while they admit that their recovery is difficult, Spiffie insists that the faction leadership are trying their best to ensure that all of the stolen money is repaid to their members. At the moment, DE is earning back some of their missing cash by winning ranked wars and selling caches, but Spiffie admits this is a bit of a grind.
It would be much easier if TheInfamous would simply pay back the cash. So does Spiffie think that TI is telling the truth? Would they really pay back $72 billion one day?
"I believe him. I don't think he planned on stealing the money, he just did it on a whim, surprising us all, and probably even himself. Of course, that doesn't mean he will return it, but he is more likely to than most vault thieves." - Spiffie
VIRTUAL REALITY TORN
Here's a clip of Heasleys4hemp playing Torn in virtual reality. Thank you to Ohadik for sending this in.
THE ALLIANCE RETURNS?
Are Subversive Alliance's massive network of proxies and extorted factions trying to regroup without them? Apparently so, with aXiom and Impulse reportedly leading the drive to retake the territory they lost when SA was defeated last year.
"It is believed that since the break up of the SA monopoly, they are trying to revive their ambitions of a mini conglomerate by taking back what they believe to be theirs. It is unknown if SA will help their former subordinates at this time." - Anon
Another source tells me that aXiom and Impulse are operating under the banner of The Nameless Alliance, and this group includes Naughty Souls, In Memory of the Fallen, and several other factions operating in the northwest of Torn City. Impulse and aXiom supposedly lead this alliance, and these two were seen invading Savage Plague's territories of BIF and CIF in mid-March, with being one of numerous territory disputes in the area that saw Nameless pitted in direct conflict with the Top Gun Alliance.
The TGA is a group comprised of former Animal Kingdom factions including Desert Eagle, Honey Badgers Medical, Wolverines, and Little Stompers, among others. Despite Nameless' attacks against these factions, Impulse leader RealmKeeper denies that this behaviour represents any form of territorial expansion on their part.
"We were asked by our new neighbors for some assistance in spreading out. Obviously we've got nothing to lose in helping out some factions that don't have a negative history or reputation with us." - RealmKeeper, Impulse leader
RealmKeeper says that their activity in the area has been "misconstrued", and he refutes the idea that Impulse is attempting to restore the old SA alliance alongside aXiom. aXiom's leader Kylar also denied that SA was involved, describing the suggestion that he would ever ally with SA as "the greatest insult I have ever received in Torn." SA leader Ashanie also
"We consider them [Impulse] friends and wished them all the best, they have gone on to form new alliances and are exploring Torn in a way they enjoy. SA is no longer in the West nor do we lay claim to anything over there. AK or Monarch would be the controlling force with proxies filling the area. They are probably a better point of contact for these questions." - Ashanie, SA leader
While it may be true that SA is not yet involved in this fight, a leaked comment from Kylar has nevertheless confirmed Nameless' true motive for their operations in the area.
"We've been looking for room to expand for some time now. After extensive research on who was allied with who, etc. we chose Savage Plague, as Wolverines had confirmed they were independent of TGA. We assaulted and TGA then held a vote to admit SP and demand that we end those assaults." - Kylar, aXiom leader
It seems that Nameless was unaware that Savage Plague was in talks with TGA about joining their alliance when they attacked. To TGA's credit, they allowed SP to proceed with membership even after they were invaded by aXiom and Impulse. Thanks to the help of the TGA, the Nameless' invasion failed, all territory claimed by Impulse and aXiom has since been returned, and Impulse agreed to leave the area after agreeing to terms of abandonment.
But my anonymous commentator says that a larger-scale war could soon be on the cards, with TGA factions all told to keep e levels at 500 and remain on war perks. I am told that Nameless' card has been marked by TGA, and while the likes of Impulse and aXiom may not wish to reignite hostilities, they might not have much choice in the matter.
"Will TGA decide to destroy all of Nameless and introduce new factions to that area? will TGA implode due to internal disagreements? will SA come back from the dead and try to reclaim the west?" - Anon
MOONSHINE SHENANIGANS
In the run-up to St Patrick's Day, we heard rumours that MightyGoober and Penicillin were collaborating to fix the price of Moonshine. MG admitted this in a brief interview with The Times.
"For the moonshine, I actually got a late start. I knew all year that I was going to be selling moonshines for the event. I worked with a new friend to make sure the stock was listed 24/7. Shoutout to VladBull, he's an excellent trader. In total (so far) between the 2 of us we sold 3,303 bottles at a premium price."
But did these three have much of an impact on the overall market price? Read next month's Market Report to find out - and don't forget to send in your own market observations and tips in exchange for a DP!
DUKE'S TRUE LEVEL
Cadc6 was playing poker one day and noticed that one of the biggest stacks on the table had left suddenly. The mugging side of their brain immediately activated itself, and they decided to take advantage of the situation. Unfortunately, Cadc6has used all their energy for chaining, so they had to acquire some from another source.
"I tried to get some real quick by changing my candle shop job points to energy. But poker was calling me in the other window and I rushed and accidentally clicked somewhere else and after playing my poker hand I returned to the message and read this..."
20:29:37 - 19/03/22 You used 250 / 1,077 job points on Meditation to see that Duke's true level is 121
"So I lost my full month of collecting job points to know that Duke is level 121. Just wanted to share that and whine a bit, so here I am. Thanks for listening, do better than me."
WATER IS WET
Larger Link
KNOWN SCAMS
A few months ago, we asked you to send in stories of how you, the great Torn public, had been scammed in the past. We received a fantastic response to this request, and below, we've published a list of some of the most recent scams to help you avoid (or possibly commit) these heinous shakedowns and swindles. Some of these stories have been edited for brevity.
Traders will advertise that they will buy an item for more than they are actually willing to pay for it. They do this because they are often working with another seller who has posted the same item for sale at a higher than normal price in the hope you'll buy them up. For example, Trader1 tells you they'll pay $50k for LSD, and you see someone selling LSD for $47k. You buy up the $47k LSD and offer them to the first trader, but now they've changed their mind, or they demand a lower price. - Shaw_Ti
Trade cancelled, player waited until leaving the hospital to mug - TheDocotor
A player called Nitro said they were quitting and offered to sell Dual Hammers in a parcel for $20 million. They sold me a parcel containing two hammers. - King_Robb
Swapped Donator Packs out for Drug Packs at the last minute of a trade. - Yewnit
Gore will offer you 10 DPs in a parcel for $100 million. The parcel contains a Silver Necklace - Rpeacy19
Some players will not pay you for losses if you don't get the money up front. And if you pay them 50% up front for trains, they also might just keep that and do nothing. - _Rafi_
One player sold a bounty reveal, but faked it and inserted the name of their enemy to make the buyer fight them - BadassBaxia
TELL YOUR STORY
Thank you to everyone who submitted stories, gossip, and nonsense to the Torn City Times this month. Those who have had their tales or comments published will soon receive a Donator Pack. If you have something you'd like to share with the TCT, be it a juicy scoop, an observation, or an idea for an article, please contact us via the Tell Your Story function.
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