RESIDENTS PREPARE AHEAD OF HALLOWEEN SEASON

By: Porter

It looks like it's Spooky Season again!

With October rolling in, we're in the final quarter of the overall quiet year. Later this month, residents will be partaking in Halloween festivities and celebrations across the dream world. Many residents are looking forward to the typical doings of collecting candy, attending costume parties, scaring others, and more.

“I look forward to attending costume parties each year because it's so fun to dress up as something you're not,” Elisa, a resident from the District told me, “I'm not sure what I'm dressing up as this year but I have many ideas up my sleeve!”

“I like taking my son out to trick-or-treating,” Eliazar, head instructor at the DPF’s ROTU said, “I've done this for many years now though recently I've had Finn tag along too. It makes Benji really happy.”

“There's nothing wrong with scaring people!” Hubert, a resident from the Hotel tells me, “I like creeping around corners and scaring people during Halloween. Hahaha, it's great!”

Though with every holiday observation comes safety. The Dimension Protection Force is actively making sure holiday observations run smoothly without any incidents. The DPF does not expect any widespread incidents during Halloween but remains firm in keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

“It's important to be safe at any time of year though especially during holidays when crime seems to go up just a little,” a DPF spokesperson told me, “We think things will overall go smoothly this month but you can always report a crime by dialing *1. We hope everyone is safe this month while they observe the Halloween season.”

Elsewhere, there are rumors going around that famed Count Anastasius will be holding his annual Halloween party once again, though it will be held once again at the Club. While no official details are out, those close to him say the event will be a redo of last year's after the power went out unexpectedly.

“During last year's party at the Club, the power unexpectedly went out and we had no idea why,” close friend of Count Anastasius, Hazel, explained to me, “We later found out it was because of Francis but we think this year we'll be fine! I can't spill much more but I think everyone can look forward to having a good time soon!”

Halloween is approaching! For the latest news about this season, stick with the Tribune for the latest.

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES TWEAK GUIDELINES ACCORDING TO DIA GUIDANCE

By: Arial

Several social media sites have tweaked their guidelines in the past week following advice from the Dimension Investigation Agency, including LiminalSpaces— the top social media site in the dream world.

According to the latest information, the DIA reached out to various sites and explained that, due to the recent operations of the LATE unit, sites would need to have tweaked their rules to better align with the mission that LATE is looking to do. After reviewing the change in rules and guidelines among the sites told to tweak them, one main thing stood out: Lucid is now considered dangerous content.

Lucid, who has recently become the bullseye for the DIA and its relentless policy changes aimed to apprehend him, is now a topic that can be considered dangerous and threatening if discussed on these platforms. Chief detective Sylveran explained that LATE is attempting to investigate Lucid’s whereabouts and any other information about him and that people discussing Lucid on the internet could hinder those attempts.

“We’re trying to keep things organizing when trying to track down Lucid but if people constantly talk about him, it makes LATE’s mission harder,” he explained, “We’d prefer if people don’t discuss Lucid online or else we’ll think that you’re embracing his ideas and himself as a whole. He’s dangerous. You’d be dangerous. You don’t want that.”

Now, most platforms will warn users if Lucid is discussed with some platforms flagging such posts and content as inappropriate and, if warranted by the algorithm, flag user accounts as well.

“We hope that with these safeguards in place, it’ll keep the internet safe for everyone and make our work easier,” the chief detective said, “If you do manage to talk about Lucid too much, it will catch our eye and you might get a visit from LATE. You’ve been warned.”

 For the latest information about the DIA and LATE, visit their webpage on the DPF’s website for more.

Q/A: Ask Nate

Dear Nate, why do spirits seem to appear to children more than adults?

By: Emmy Ginarifren

Hi Emmy! It seems like this question is referring to humans in the real world. Yes, I’ve heard about this phenomenon before and the explanation isn’t too difficult or crazy. I’ll break it down for you!

As you know, some humans who die in the real world might be wandering in the real world or choose to visit the real world any time they please. In most cases, they are going back to visit family and friends or perhaps taking a stroll somewhere they miss. Now, spirits don’t always make themselves seen by humans as they want to keep a low profile. They will more often appear on video recordings and photographs albeit a bit blurry or faintly. However, they will make themselves seen to one particular demographic: children!

Spirits will make themselves visible to children as children will often be disregarded by adults as simply having an active imagination. Newborns and young children before they reach adolescence will have a chance to see things that aren’t there for teens and adults. Spirits can be so sneaky! They will often talk to children and leave adults wondering what and who they’re talking about. Of course, many parents and older people will just disregard it, but you know, if a child is telling you about something mysterious they’re seeing…believe them!

Younger humans are simply easier to get to for their imaginations and innocence, but this makes them easier to brush off by older humans who just assume it’s an imaginary friend or something else. Honestly, a lot of imaginary friends may just be spirits looking for someone to talk to without making a scene! Spirits might manifest themselves through objects too like dolls, stuffed animals, televisions, paintings, and more! Have you ever had a spooky encounter with a spirit when you were young? Tell me more!

Dear Nate, is ghost hunting legal?

By: Huyugon Acal

Hiya Huyugon! It’s that time of year again, huh? Ghosts live in the dream world and are former living humans who call this world their new residence. With so many ghosts inhabiting the dream world, it can become a sport to hunt ghosts, but is it legal?

Indeed so! Ghost hunting is legalized in the dream world but there are a few catches with it. First of all, there’s a specified ghost hunting season that allows dream world residents to partake in this hobby. The annual ghost hunting season takes place from September 25 until November 1. This means that starting on September 25 each year, you can go out and catch ghosts! November 1 is the last day you can legally do so which means that on November 2, it is considered illegal. It’s actually a pretty popular hobby that people like partaking in when they have the chance to do so. There’s even small groups and cliques that get together to try and hunt the most ghosts! It’s quite peculiar!

The other thing to keep in mind is that ghost hunting often means that you cannot actually keep what you hunt. Per the rules and law, all ghost hunters must properly release ghosts back into the environment once they are caught. No one is allowed to keep them! There is special ghost hunting equipment like EMF readers, nets and other gear that is specialized for this hobby. Think of it like going to fish or even actual paranormal hunters. For the general public, this is easier and merely a hobby. Our ghost friends are also residents too so it’s not nice to keep them from their environment.

Nonetheless, ghosts in the dream world actually enjoy this too as they too can be sneaky and playful. They might purposefully evade people or sneak up behind them and then start a whole chase! Both sides equally have a lot of fun while partaking in this hobby so it’s pretty nice! If you’re planning on ghost hunting, you should visit your local ghost hunting store for information about what to bring, expect and where to go! Get out there and BOOk it!