Atlantis 3.0: Times 6 From: Geoff Dunbar <gdunbar@prankster.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jul 1996 00:00:00 +0000 Subject: Atlantis 3.0: Times 6 Atlantis 3.0 Times June, 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email admin30@prankster.com with game issues. Visit http://www.prankster.com (or email atlantis@prankster.com) for information or to join. You can have reports resent automatically. See the Player Instructions for details on how to request a resend. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A new supply of round tuits has arrived and are available from Mary. Anyone who has been putting off work until they got a "round tuit" now has no excuse for further procrastination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ And so the new cycle of wars have been in Atlantis v3.0. Fortunately, not all factions have resorted to war to settle differences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This month passed quietly for the Master and his troops. Hard, strenuous training and candle-light research over archane scriptures and scrolls have payed off well. Looking out over the squallid city from his 5th floor balcony the Master contemplates on what the approaching rains will bring and how badly they will effect the movement of his servants. He has heard rumours of petty fights breaking out in the streets and the surrounding plains, but such trivial matters do not concern him at this time. Turning back into his chambers, he sits on his exquisitely carved wooden chair, pours himself some chilled blood red wine and waits to see what the next month will bring. Z. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dwight finished his studies for the day. Learning how to sail the longboat he had been building was difficult. Relaxing, he frowned when a knock was heard at his door. "What do you wan... My apologies, Your Imperial Majesty. Please, how may I serve?" "Let me in, child." The nondescript, fair haired man entered the small room given to Dwight. "How are your studies?" "Your Majesty, they progress in time for departure next month." "Excellent," his Imperial Majesty continued, "I am going to require an Admiral for my fleet. Of course, at present it consists of a single ship. However, there is great potential for a large fleet in Atlantis. Will you accept this charge, Dwight, knowing the resposibilities and consequenses of your actions?" "My Lord, it would be my honour to serve you in this capacity." "Then rise, Lord Admiral Dwight Sharnon, and prepare the Longshank to sail." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ah, yes the bloodshed in the desert continues. The joyous cries of my Fremen Warriors drown out the anguished cries of our dying enemies. We drink deep the smell of victory as we crush our second faction. Fremen Rejoice! There are more battles to come. Soon Dunster will be a sea of blood and the fool with his boat will be able to sail away but never hide from our vengefull forces! Paul Mua'dib: Fremen Warriors (4890) attacks Red Eagles (4858) in plain (6,104) in Jervbygd! Attackers: Fremen Warriors (4890), 2 vikings [VIKI], 5 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Re-education Committee (5000), 5 vikings [VIKI], 5 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Eve (5060), behind, viking [VIKI], combat 1. 2nd Scout (5106), viking [VIKI], combat 1. Torch Wielders (5186), 5 vikings [VIKI], 5 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Gr'v T'untka Obk (3650), behind, viking [VIKI]. Wolf Guard (5128), 10 vikings [VIKI], combat 1; Tyranny will not be tolerated!. Walking Dead Man (5363), behind, viking [VIKI]. Fremen Warriors (4891), 5 vikings [VIKI], 5 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Fremen Warriors (4892), 5 vikings [VIKI], 5 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Fremen Warriors (4893), 5 vikings [VIKI], 5 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Unit (5587), 4 vikings [VIKI], 5 swords [SWOR]. 1st Scout (5105), viking [VIKI], combat 1. Gr'v T'kaka Broqs (2539), 10 swords [SWOR], 9 vikings [VIKI], combat 1. scout nne (5054), behind, viking [VIKI], combat 1. Acers (5059), 10 vikings [VIKI], 15 swords [SWOR], combat 1. 2nd W Infantry (5109), 15 vikings [VIKI], 10 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Unit (5562), 5 vikings [VIKI], combat 1. 1st W Infantry (5108), 5 vikings [VIKI], combat 1. Horse man (4882), behind, leader [LEAD], combat 1. Capenter Boy (4883), behind, leader [LEAD], combat 1. Duncan Idaho (4884), behind, leader [LEAD], combat 1. Lenin (4998), behind, leader [LEAD], sword [SWOR], combat 1. Adama (5124), behind, leader [LEAD], tactics 1. Starbuck (5125), behind, leader [LEAD], crossbow [XBOW], crossbow 1. Band of Gypsies (5362), 15 vikings [VIKI], 10 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Party Commissars (4999), 15 vikings [VIKI], 10 swords [SWOR], combat 1. Defenders: Red Eagles (4858), 40 vikings [VIKI], combat 1. Fremen Warriors (4890) gets a free round of attacks. Red Eagles (4858) loses 40. Red Eagles (4858) is routed! Total Casualties: Red Eagles (4858) loses 40. Fremen Warriors (4890) loses 0. Spoils: 575 silver [SILV]. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Birth Of An Empire - Chapter 1 And so it was that Vlad found himself in an unoccupied piece of land. Using the money so thoughtfully provided by GGG he invested in a army of mercenaries. Enslaving the people occured only one month later. Very soon Vlad's army had outgrown the land and he set his sights on conquering his neighbours. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yes, Spells are not spells they are skills. You cannot pass skills on to other units..... SO much for cooperation and interaction between magic factions, with only 3 foundation skills you don't require training from other factions in the long run and with no spells to pass on, the INDIVIDUAL MAGIC faction is on even footing with the MEGA alliances. Good really. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ And in the begining God created the land and the sea and the sky and all things that did dwell on Atlantis. He saw that his creation was not complete and spoke: "Let there be nexus" and there was and it was good. Into the nexus he did gather one example from many peoples from many places. "Pick one of these six gates and take my offer of new beginings. Forget your mistakes of the past and flourish in peace and goodwill." And the choosen, armed with these instructions and a bag full of silver moved into the world, and with them followed the great evil one with his own set of gifts for man which he spread like nets for the unsuspecting innocents. At Dunster, Pride and Rage he did leave, soon it flourished and the first deaths by violence followed. At Helsicke, suspicion and indecision were spread to the masses and whole peoples were prevented from talking to others whom they counted as friends. Friends of theirs became friends to others whom they were not by decree to be friends with. Panic and accusations followed. Happy in his work the Dark One laughed, "soon the cancer of Helsicke will spread, woven in the very fabric of the sails they make to escape my gifts to them." CHAPTER I. vs I THE DARK ONES WAY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ hmm.. everyone better take a new look at gate lore.... its way different from atl 2.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The citizens cowered as the new masters marched through the bloodstained streets. Tales of Demon Worship and Donkey Molestation filled the air. Who will protect the weak and vulnerable from men such as these ? Not me ! I'm on their side ! Hee ! hee ! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *****The Troopers Of Light Show The Power Of Twee ***** The Holy Order Of The Brotherhood Of Twee has exerted its ownership of = the Holy Land of Deveron. All remaining residents of the Holy Land who = have not converted to the Twee Faith must leave now before they too meet = the Great God T'ni B'net in person. You have been warned! ric@digital-animations.co.uk Holy Father Of The Brotherhood Of Twee ********************* Battles during turn: The First Regiment Of Twee (5478) attacks Snow Workers (5039) in plain (27,105) in Deveron! Attackers: The Holy Father Of Twee The First Regiment Of Twee The Second Regiment Of Twee. The Third Regiment Of Twee Defenders: Snow Workers (5039), 5 swords [SWOR], 19 vikings [VIKI]. Cold Turkey (5393), behind, viking [VIKI]. Cold Turkey (5394), behind, viking [VIKI]. Snake Surprise (2051), behind, leader [LEAD]. Eyeball Soup (5391), behind, leader [LEAD]. Roach Canape (5392), behind, leader [LEAD]. The First Regiment Of Twee (5478) gets a free round of attacks. Snow Workers (5039) loses 8. Round 1: The First Regiment Of Twee (5478) loses 3. Snow Workers (5039) loses 7. Snow Workers (5039) is routed! The First Regiment Of Twee (5478) gets a free round of attacks. Snow Workers (5039) loses 9. Total Casualties: Snow Workers (5039) loses 24. The First Regiment Of Twee (5478) loses 3. Spoils: 1950 silver [SILV], 2 swords [SWOR]. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Just in case people didn't realise. To the northeast of Durness is a few plains hexes then the coast. As we were here first, I hereby claim (without any justification what so ever ) that the aforesaid areas belong to me and my chums. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --=>> BUILDERS FOR HIRE <<=-- Would you like to build a house in Helsickel, but can't afford to buy the builders, we can help you. The only requirement is that you provide the stone and pay the builders. Price for: Tower 250 + 10 stone Fort 1250 + 40 stone contact c928740@student.dtu.dk, Darklords (113) --=>> BUILDERS FOR HIRE <<=-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----=>> FISHERMENS GUILD <<=---- Would you like to join the fishermens guild in Helsickel and get full benefit of a ocean cruise, pay The Red Pirat (1652) a fee of 200 silver for a full years total membership with full benefits. You will get a cruise list and a discount Price for: Sight seeing 200 silver 2 months Cruise 400 silver Tour of the 7 seas 2000 silver contact pf@x.dtu.dk Black Sun (18) --=>> FISHERMENS GUILD <<=-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --=>> SHIPYARD FOR HIRE <<=-- Would you like to travel by boat and can't afford to build the boat. You can now hire 25 shipbuilders in Helsickel, the only requirement is that you provide the wood and pay the builders. Price for: Longboat 500 silver + 25 wood Clipper 1000 silver + 50 wood Galleon 1500 silver + 75 wood contact pf@x.dtu.dk, Black Sun(18) --=>> SHIPYARD FOR HIRE <<=-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As the might disciples of the crazed llama moved forward, they discovered resistance to their words of wisdom. They would be happiest to live in peace with the rest of Great Llama's chosen people, but if they must go to war so they must. All those who oppose the will of the Great Llama and all those who prevent his spread shall be struck down by divine might with the Llama's righteous spittle ------------------------------------------------------------------------ No scalps yet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Grand Dragon alliance has two announcements: 1. It has come to our attention that our name may have certain racial connotations. As this is not our intention, we have decided that we will henceforth be called The Dragon Allaince. 2. We hereby claim the city located at 67,71 as well as the six surrounding hexes. Any encroachment into this territory will be considered an act of war and dealt with accordingly. You have been warned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kudos to: The Efficient Empire, for being so damned efficient! The Reservoir Dogs for teaching the Monzon Confederacy a lesson! The Church of the Purple Snowflake for killing the birds! Geoff for a killer version 3! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Would the guy with the rancid body odour in 64,90 please take a bath! We can smell you in Helsicke! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ There is a light shining on The Shadow Circle. - Kendor (1613), The Shadow Circle (6), avoiding, behind, leader [LEAD]. It's so nice to know you love your neighbors. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Buy Burma Shave! (an ACME product) Some posts were never intended to deserve a reward, just to plug a great product! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In these lawless lands, we have only our own morals to control our actions. There is one rule that applies to all, King or criminal, Priest or prophet, Banker or beggar. The old 49er's rule of gold: "Do to others as you would be done to." Remember, the payback's a bitch. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Res dura, et regni novitas me talia cogunt Moliri, et late fines cutode tueri. "Harsh necessity, and the newness of my kingdom, force me to do such things and to guard my frontiers everywhere." Aeneid i, 563. - a faction who thinks that you should only put your faction name on your post when you want to and that you should only put someone else's address on it when you want to confuse people - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Unwritten rule #1: ALWAYS read your syntax checks and mail receipts! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm all for setting standards for the reward on Times articles! I'd say be arbitrarily selective, but that would be alot of work. Maybe a sliding scale, but then I'm a bit biased. Gimme my 50 :) -just another wimpy faction afraid to sign their lame article - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "My Fwemen Wawwiows wiw wuwo the waifwand!" Yeah right. Attention oppressed factions of Dunster and factions in the Nexus! The Emperor has commanded me, Baron Harkonnen, to organise an army of locals in preparation for the arrival of his crack Sardukkar Legions. If you want to join our army of liberation to free the region of Dunster from the treachery of the rodent "Mu'ad Dib" and his Fremen rebels, contact Baron Harkonnen at Harkonne@sprynet.com !!! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [This article was precensored by the author due to lack of meaningful content.] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ So, on the question of being loved or feared, I conclude that since some men love as they please but fear when the prince pleases, a wise prince should rely on what he controls, not on what he cannot control. He must only endeavour, as I said, to escape being hated. Niccolo Machiavelli, _The Prince_, Ch. XVII. - you figure it out (the first three to email me get something cool) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ================================================================================ ACME Public Bulletin #3 Announcements for May Year 1. Our messenger suffered temporary amnesia and could not complete the message posting spell last month so some of this is now old news. We are working to simplfy the spell to prevent the reoccurance of the problem. We are happy to announce the addition of a new member, faction 149, "The ACME Moving Company." After some initial confusion, our main borders seem peaceful, our development plans are progressing and hopefully we can begin offering goods for sale and services for hire after the new year. Last month we staked claims to the following hexes: 59,89; and 59,91. We will be expanding further westward, please check our map as our plans tend to fluctuate. We will not go on guard in these hexes until June. We will sink the mine shafts and open the workshops as soon as we have built ample lodging facilities for the workers and put up a nice strong fence to keep the cattle in. Just fair warning, so no one is suprised by the guards. A note about claims. We consider a claim to be a courtesy warning to neighboring factions. Our claims are an announcement of the presence of a force capable of taxing about 2/3 or more of a hex's capacity and of our intent to stay in that hex and fully produce from it. If you don't want to honor our claims, that's fine, we'll assume you want war. Advice to others - don't claim it unless you can hold it. Like the Moonshiners so eloquently put it, "no still, no claim." Right on. But, it takes more than a hooch still to stop a cavalry charge. Maybe that should be "if you can't maim, don't claim" ;) Again, any factions wishing access through claimed ACME hexes are urged to REVEAL FACTION and contact our Spokesman, Azthar at azthar@wolfenet.com. He has a tendency to get irritable when there are strangers lurking about. If your faction is known to be friendly to ACME, you need only be sure to REVEAL FACTION on your units, and we'll be happy. Tune your favorite Crystal Ball regulary to our map at http://www.wolfe.net/~azthar/atl3map.html There is more likely to be more on the map than at the home page http://www.wolfe.net/~azthar/atl3.htm for awhile anyway, but I will regularly post important updates to the homepage so check it out. I'll keep the pages small and no-frills to keep it fast, easy for me to update, and even LYNX friendly for anyone still stuck scrying through a shell! Please direct all diplomatic messengers seeking contact with the ACME alliance to azthar@wolfenet.com Faction 117: ACME Department of Administration and Management. Formerly known as, The Reformed Church of Azthar ================================================================================ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Skill reports from the "Not very useful" skills category: paranoia [PARA] 1: This skill allows the unit to detect imaginary hostile intentions in all other units in its hex. paranoia [PARA] 3: This skill allows the unit to produce evidence of imaginary hostile intentions from all other units in its hex. The proper command is PRODUCE EVIDENCE <faction number>. The faction number must belong to a unit in the hex whose faction number is visible to the player. A default of ALL is assumed if the faction number is omitted, or is in error. This will produce evidence of hostile intentions in all units in the hex regardless of declared faction status. Units with unidentified factions will have evidence produced against them, but their faction will not be revealed. Unlike other other PRODUCE orders, PRODUCE EVIDENCE occurs at the beginning of the turn with DECLARE orders, etc. and does not take up the unit's full turn, allowing it to move, or produce other items normally. "This message brought to you by" <thwack!> "AKGkg!!" <thud> - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hey! somebody stop that guy. He just killed that herald! Did you see that? Damn! I'm not gonna sign my post! I still need my fifty quid though, I'm up to my skivvies in mud. Please, please, please. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Black Hawk Society (Trading Company) Our creed: Honor above all else! If one has to think about honor, then one is already without it. "Oswald Spengler" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The University in Graevsbygd is now aware of over 20 spells. A pool is being organized to guess the final total of spells. Due to the complexity of the system, we do not expect a true answer until Year 7 at the earliest. Plans move ahead to peacefully occupy and develop the nearby lands. A lack of proper papers led to the demise of four of the Knight's scouts. It is hoped that future travel will be coordinated through the Shadowdragons. Two ships are built and we expect them to set sail within a couple of months. There may be some delay due to the monsoon conditions. Davros, Lord of the Shadowdragons (24) dwshelley@aol.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOW OPENING: The Bank of Helsicke Hi everyone. This turn, I'm opening The Bank of Helsicke in, suprisingly enough, Helsicke. I'm offering two investment programs - short term and long term. Short term investments offer a modest rate of interest (5%/month), but with instant access - you ask for your money back, I give it to you. Do you know in advance that you'll need to claim more money next turn, in order to finish training your men? Have you just brought in a pile of money from outside the city, enough to support your men in here for a few turns, so most of it will be sitting doing nothing for a while? Do you have some money you might not need for some time, but need the flexibility of knowing you can always get it back instantly? Then the short-term investment program is for you! In order to ensure that the money for repayments is always available instantly, the management regrets that it can only accept a strictly limited amount of short-term investment, currently $200. Hopefully, a lot more will be able to be accepted soon. Long term investments offer a better rate of interest (9%/month), but with no guaranteed cash repayment schedule. The long term investor, when they wish to withdraw their investment, has two options - you can take the cash as quickly as I can get it (which shouldn't take too long, unless the investment is very large or there's a sudden rush of withdrawls), or you can take part-payment in vikings. There is no limit to the amount of long-term investment I will accept. If you have a sum of money and you're not sure what to do with it, this could be for you. Q. Why should I bother with any of this, when I can make 10.3% simply by buying my own vikings and working? A. Yes, you can make more that way - but you don't end up with money, you end up with vikings. If you don't want the vikings, well, you could try selling them off, but you won't get full price for them, and it might take a turn or three... Also, your bank account is confidential, whereas anyone can see the vikings you've got working. Q. Can the bank be trusted? A. Yes. We all already know that money can be made by conning people - I am interested to see if money can be made in this unusual way. Besides, I'd have a hard time stealing the money, since it will all be in the form of vikings, hundreds and hundreds of vikings. Where could I take them? As soon as I walked out of the city, I'd be slaughtered by angry customers. Q. What about security - even if the bank is honest, can it be trusted not to lose the money? A. More or less. The two security problems outstanding are magically enhanced stealth and customers (who I have to declare friendly) pushing my units through a magical gate. I'm working on them both, and I'm fairly sure the bank will be secure enough. Q. So, how do I invest? A. If you're interested in the short term option, you'll have to mail me and find out how much is available. If it's the long term option you're after, you can simply give me the money, and it'll start earning interest right away. Make sure the unit which gives me the money is revealing faction, though, or that you mail me and claim it, or I won't know whose account to add it to. The current unit accepting payments is faction 81 new 1. Next turn, it'll have a proper number, and I'll let everyone know what it is. Any questions, comments or requests for other services are welcome. -- Malcolm Cleaton, MD, Bank of Helsicke. Email: big-d@meepmeep.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ April showers brings May flowers...monsoons bring typhoons... No farming and slow travelling for those in the S.E. of Atlantis. How long does monsoon season last anyway? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "But...you don't need an army against seven men. Seven ancient old men. The peasants say...they say..." Lord Hong's voice was slightly higher. "Come on man, who talks to peasants. I'm sure you're going to tell us what they say about these foolish and foolhardy old men?" "Well, that's it, you see. They say, if they're so foolish and foolhardy...how did they mnage to become so old?" >From "Interesting Times" by Terry Pratchett ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I really don't see the logic in the fact, that somebody who discovers a bug gets 50 unclaimed silver, whilst a person, who discovers a dragon loses a unit. De smaa Graa, 112 c917207@student.dtu.dk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Boats for sale. Price negotiable. Contact yummy shipbuilders at freg@zeep.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Things are sorting out in Helsickle. The big alliances have sorted themselves out and we now have a much clearer picture of what's happening. The UF is the largest alliance with over 18 factions, but they have been plagued by server problems and are showing signs of strain. COBRA, second largest shows a high degree of organization and should be considered as they are opne for new memebers. The MDU is a small alliance "temporarily" in the area until training takes them away. ACME is another small alliance doing what MDU is. In the future, look for the UF to fold and another, (smaller) alliance takes its place. COBRA should grow to encompass some of the old memebrs and several new ones. The MDU and ACME don't have a big enough stake in the area to pose too much of a problem. It looks like Helsickle will be COBRAn... Observations from a disintrested party... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Correlation of Force in a Blockade If the Times is to be believed, a number of exit cities are already blockaded, and fighting is already taking place. The economic realities of taxation mean that the blockader rapidly develops a very large advantage relative to his foe stuck in a gate city, so quick action is essential to break a blockade. Specifically, assume two players with $4,000 silver each, and recruits are available for $60 inside and outside the gate city. Turn Player 1(outside) Player 2(inside) 1 Buys 50 non leaders Buys 50 non leaders and has them study COMB and has them study COMB 2 Taxes and studies Works (can't tax) =50 men at L1(60)+$3000 =50 men at L1(30)+$500 3 Taxes and studies Works Spends $2940* Spends $490* =50 men at L2(90) =50 men at L1(30) +42 men at L1(30) +7 men at L1(30) +$2640 for next turn +$440 for next turn *maintenance fee for new men comes from existing units taxes or wages. By the end of the third turn, the player taxing has a huge advantage. In fact at this point could probably fight off two factions trying to exit the city. 50@L2 + 42@L1, against 114@L1. The bottom line is, if you intend to fight your way through a blockade, you must do so promptly. Bill aka Faction 119 :The Efficient Empire Bill_Larson@ncsu.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. --Macbeth ------------------------------------------------------------------------ UNCLE (Universal Nation of Commerce, Learning, and Exploration) controls the lands surrounding Riggenthorpe contact hesiden@stoner.com before coming that direction. The Seekers (40) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monsoon time again. I hate the rain... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tomorrow the gate lore will be tested. Randomness has some advantages in that you can't make a bad decision. There is no decision to be made. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Monsoon?" asked Gorobei " What monsoon? Surely we are in temperate climes!" "I'm afraid not. Next month the rains begin." said his advisor "What a damn nuisance!" stormed Gorobei "and why was I not told before?" "We all thought you had read the rules, my lord" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The little bird has left the nest and now must find his own home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Trust no one, talk to no one. All men are evil and are not to be trusted. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm not positive, but it feel as if I've been riding this darn horse in circles. I'm beleive I've seen those same mountains last month. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A look of concern crossed the brow of Boy is She Built as her gaze swept the southern horizen in the darkening twilight. Being an archtypical Dilbian female, 6"3" tall, 280#, almost all muscle and bone; and being engaged to the Uplands Wrestling Champion; you would think that something that gave HER pause (as compared to paws) would be terribly frightening indeed. Yes! There it was again. That faint flickering light in the swamps. They were here! They were everywhere Dilbians traveled! There was no escaping the Cobblies! Her human friends called it Foxfire or Swamp Gas. Shorties were pretty smart, sometimes pretty tricky, but they didn't know EVERYTHING. Yes. This world held Cobblies in the swamps and jungles. Maybe even had its own Cobbly Queen. Well, the Shorties had taught the real People how to protect oneself from Cobblies. Build your houses of good solid stone. In the meantime, all were safe within the confines of the city walls. Cobblies hated cities. Ah well, back to work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Merry Piper had run out of funds. What good was employing an expensive financial advisor if he creamed off all the the Fellowship of Song's profit and left no silver for magical study??? "You're sacked!" asserted the Merry Piper, handing the FA his cards. Then turning to his companions with an air of satisfaction said, "Now let us prepare to journey southwards. I hear that The General is going to rape and pillage some peasants and bring us all the spoils! There will be plenty of silver to study for at least a year!" Then he began thinking of the future, and one day when he would own a tower, and how he would hang bright yellow curtains at the windows... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Helsicke (AP) - Terrible Things Greet Adventures After a peaceful first month of exploration, confirmed reports of terrible creatures awaiting unwary adventures outside the city gates have caused a great stir among the populace. The Mayor has urged no one to travel alone, a suggestion which is often laughed at by scouts who value their independence and solitude. Yet, numerous scouts have failed to return after meeting up with some of the less civilized created of Atlantis, including liches and skeletons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ahhhh, gate lore... what to do now? That is the question which remains. Shall we all jump randomly or wait until we can choose our destination? With a few fire strike mages along for the ride, we could spread quite a bit of havoc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hear the words of the prophets: "Oh ye disparate tribes! Oh ye hardened peoples! These are desparate times for all who work under the sky of Atlantis 3. All hope seems lost, all joy gone, all laughter faded like a distant memory. But there is among us one who will one day lead us all, giving us back our hopes. But then a cloud will rise up, and strife will again seize our world, with every person taking sides in this hopeless battle. It will be the final battle. The great leader will rise up, knowing that the world hangs in the balance, and challenge the other to single combat. A great clash will ensue. None can no the outcome of that battle. But I see two roads leading forward into history from that turn. One to an engulfing blackness which whithers everything in its path, and the other to a wonderful light and peace such as the world has not seen since Pax Romanum, many years ago and many worlds away..." (scroll becomes unreadable at this point) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Is shadow jump a solution? _What if the jump fails and you loose your mage? _What if you jump on a 1-hex desert island ? _What if there is a giant or other horrendous creatures in the gate hex? _What if you are 'randomly' sent to where 225 other mages were 'randomly' sent? _What if you find yourself in a desert region? _What if you end up in yet another crowded gate city, or in the Nexus? Brother Pandolfo, Wet Pant Missionaries ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well, looks like the winds have blown me into Helsicke along with alot of others. This looked as good as any other place to start, maybe better then some. There seems to be alot of players willing to build me a boat so I can leave. Maybe I will try that way out. There is also magical study to be done here... Gate Lore has been discovered! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Atlantis 3 Skill report: lumberjack [LUMB] 1: A unit with this skill may use the PRODUCE order to produce wood in designated regions. Forest regions are generally the best producers of wood, though other regions may also produce wood. Wood may be used to construct boats, using the Shipbuilding skill, or bows, using the Weaponsmith skill. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Now is the time to strike .. The forces gathered at Riggenthorpe don't stand a chance against the likes of C.H.A.O.S. ... U.N.C.L.E., Prepare to be swept away by the Infernal flames of Gildar .. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Moonshiners continue their trek Northward looking for a isolated Mountain top to begin making our Mountain dew. Altough we have seen little in the way of development, there are alot of scouts milling about. Saw one poor city boy have his horse swiped from under him. Dangtest thing ever did see! There's a few thieves about, thats for sure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Strange thoughts assail me as I contemplate poetry. I never have understood it. If poets knew what they were talking about, they'd use the "=" sign. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Guild of Starfox is looking for allies in Deveron. Please contact Lord Starfox in Durness, in the house of <andyk@site133.ping.at>. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ When David defeated Goliat he was lucky. You won't be so lucky. When you're up against an alliance with more than twice as many factions as you have you'd better write your will first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -Right, where are those mountains you were talking about? -Erhh, I was told they should be here, sir... -You stupid elf! Haven't I told you not to believe everything people tell you?! You could have told me, at least! -Ahem, I'm sorr<SPLOTCH> -There, now let's get out of here before those sand worms find us again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kiruun looked up. He could see the clouds coming across Helsicke Bay toward the ruins of Old Helsicke. The monsoon approached. The marshes would become inundated with floodwaters streaming from the mountains to the north. The Keeper motioned to the rainforest to the east. "It iss good. Sssee the floaterzz are already drooping near the ground, their ssskinss are sslightly cracked due to drynessss. The rains will help them heal and then they will rize to the top of the trees again." "Aye. Good for usss, too." Mentioned the Elder One. He had seen nearly a handful of monsoons now, but there was great joy everytime it came. The floaters were not the only ones whose hides were starting to crack. The Elder One's own ancient hide itched enormously though he knew he had passed his last molting three years ago. "Kiruun, gather the otherzz." Kiruun slipped quietly away through vine covered doorways in Old Helsicke. He walked through passageways built in the Forgotten Ages two hundred lifetimes ago by an ancient sorceror and partially destroyed by that sorceror's demon. Now only the lizardmen inhabited the ruined city. "Jaak, SSiriss, Eaerr, Pajizz, Gronn! Meet the Elder One at the Keeper's garden!" He shouted. "Aye!" Rang out in various places "This year iss different." Declared the Elder One. "Thisss year, there are men nearby." "- But there are alwayzz men nearby" Interrupted Eaerr. "Pleazz. Let me continue. . . Although we have always seen the seafarers nearby, they have never traveled inland. They have always stayed on the shores of the ocean. . . No. These men are different. They have a sense of purpose. Many of them carry great banners declaring their loyalty to something. I myself had not such men before. But, my father's father's father's father's father had. They are such men as we hear in the Keeper's stories. And we must be wary of them. "Some men will enslave the lizard people such as they are. Others want glory and will kill you for the sport. Others fight each other and these are the worst kind. They will stop at nothing to win. "It is in times such as these that we must fight to keep our lifestyle." "Death to the humans!" Cried Jaak. "Aye. But not yet." Replied the Elder One. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ================================================================================ = Monthly N.E.W.S == Glorious Organization of Divineship ================ #5 = ================================================================================ GOD is a peaceful alliance located in Helsicke. The members are Roses On White Lace (91) & Elves Of Essedail (93) EXPANSION: The stupid shipbuilders hadn't got the common sense to give the ship to the sailors, who in turn refused to sail another person's ship. We'll try again this month, hopeful to reach new land with in 3 months. WAR: Peace flows all around the mountains of Kierrimurr. TRADE: No trade yet, but friendly words. MAGIC: ArtifactLore seems to be the only magical skill requiring 1 in all three foundations. First Mage Firebrand will study deeper into the magical items this month. OTHER: We still want to trade map info with everyone. ================================================================================ = 91 =============== Glorious Organization of Divineship ===smygelfh@kuai.se = ================================================================================ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ;*** mountain (62,94) in Kirriemuir, contains Helsicke [city] *** Ooooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm......... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am part of an alliance of one. Lets hope that these large alliances don't spoil the game as happened in A2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ********************************************************************* ***************** First Blood ************************** ********************************************************************* Well it certainly didn't take long before hostilities began !! Ok Once more unto the breach Tally Ho etc ********************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Deld looked out of the window at the darkening sky. The wind was blowing hard and from the looks of the clouds it looked like the storm was a big one. Some of the natives of the city had mentioned these rains would last for months. Already the magical studies were effected by these rains as supplies and equipment could not be moved in from Swat's province. Messages indicated that this would be a temporary problem and to work on more mundane skills such as fighting in the meantime. Deld still had his supplies for this month though and decided to press on towards artifacts as research indicated studying fire would not be useful until he had more of a foundation in channeling power. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dunster News Report: War! Death! Destruction! The two alliances in the Dunster region have begun fighting. Rumor has it that one side was betrayed by the promise of good faith only to have one of their factions slaughtered in the night. All hopes of peace are gone. All we can hope now is that the surviving alliance doesn't decide to start killing everyone in sight. Citizens of Dunster are advised to avoid travelling outside of the city, expecially in the northern lands. The monsoon season is upon us. Those of you planning that big trek across the Rath Luire Desert will need to reschedule due to flash- flood warnings. If you go outside, take your umbrellas. Scouts have reported that there are groups of undead scattered about the Dunster region. So far we have not heard of any attacks, but be warned. You don't want to be around when a lich decides it is hungry. Be sure and give a kindly wave hello when you see a city guardsman. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You killed our scouts and then said it wasn't your unit that committed such a vile act. Well, know this, Turgon, for each life you take from us, we shall wipe an entire faction from the face of this world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Why them boy's from ACME ain't all that bad. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Starfire Exploration and Trading, Inc (SETI) is pleased to announce the opening of the Trade Goods Service. This service is to help parties interested in buying and selling the high priced commonities available in the cities to communicate their desires and arrange trade routes. Remember, current prices are subject to change. Wanted Goods: Spices [SPIC] @ $121. Contact ctenhoff@aol.com Available Goods Ivory [IVOR] @ $72. Contact ctenhoff@aol.com Caviar [CAVI] @ $84. Contact ctenhoff@aol.com Truffles [TRUF] @ $78. Contact ctenhoff@aol.com Parties interested in supplying information to the Trade Goods Service should contact Starfire, at ctenhoff@aol.com. Please list the products you're looking for, the products you have available, and a faction number and/or address. Your current location and price of the items is optional. Posted by Starfire SETI Faction (97) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I _told_ you not to go play in the desert! Now see what you've done, gone and killed that scout. What if that scout has buddies? What if that scout was leading a platoon of troops? Oh well, I was looking forward to dying anyway -- I need some rest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ************** JOIN THE SAILOR'S BROTHERHOOD !! ************ Are you going to Sail? Are you going to explore the Oceans of Atlantis and maybe claim the coasts you'll discover? Then join the Sailor's Brotherhood today! Sailors in this brotherhood will exchange cartographic information and announce their claims. By publishing your sailing routes, directions and claims in the Sailor's Brotherhood Column, you'll be able to legitimate your claims, and get famous for your discoveries. Just as Magellan, Marco Polo or Christoph Colomb did!! DON'T SAIL IN THE DARK ! LEGITIMATE YOUR DISCOVERIES ! Join the Sailor's Brotherhood TODAY! (contact: cyrilb@microsoft.com) Pinpanikaye, King of the Minstrels. ************************************************************ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cliff Claven's Postal Confederacy Roll call: Cliff Claven, Norm Peterson, Sam Malone, Woody Boyd and of course, Coach. Where is Karla? Will Frasier and Diane appear only to elope? Will Rebecca replace Diane only to run off to get married to a rich mage? What could they be doing? Are they an entertainment group? Will Cliff's mom make him come home before he pokes his eye out with a sword? Will the entire Confederacy just quit and collect royalties from syndication? Who knows? Faction 151 exists in Helsicke and can be contacted at JZEH48A@prodigy.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Big Al wandered the city, looking around. It was good to get the lay of the land; to find the key hiding spots, escape routes, and such things. One never knew when they would come in handy. He just hoped he would never need them. However, one never knew in the cruel land... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To all the would-be journalists out there. I would like to create a Global News Network covering the news from all the areas of Atlantis. Of course, this network will be neutral and the information will be public. Those interested can contact me at J.M.Darrigol@frec.bull.fr. The service won't begin till contacts are knwon from all the major areas of Atlantis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Out we go Into the vast deep blue. It must be so: Warriors without a clue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are slowly recovering from our setback and will soon be a force to reckon with!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It was thought until recently that fighting might errupt on the plains northeast of Helsicke. In particular the White Lotus kung-fu school was thought to be gearing up for an attack. However, according to White Lotus master, Cao Cao, everything is peaceful. "Such talk of fighting is silly. This is a new world, with a fresh start. We should be able to settle our differences peacefully. The White Lotus kung-fu school is not one to attack over small disturbances." Apparently an unknown faction was blocking the entrance to the land of 64p90; now, however, that faction has revealed it's idenity, and agreed to let others enter it's land. According to the White Lotus general, Sun Ce, it was "all a misunderstanding. We enjoy very friendly relations with the faction in question." White Lotus troops had reportedly been in a state of readyness, undermining Cao Cao's peaceful words, but now they seem to be standying down. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Okay, so we all know that Orcs retain their combat 4 abilities in A3. And we know that there are only a handful of combat 3 races in A3. The other poor slobs will be relegated to combat 2 in A3. So where are all the Orcs? And what's the combat of the Whale that's approaching my ship? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To All of my fellow Atlantians, We were told the reason that we were attacked last turn was that we couldn't be trusted, even though all of our troops followed the agreement that they proposed to the letter. When someone is that distrustful and thinks someone else is a liar that just means that they are the LIAR and can't see how anyone else could keep their word. Here is the List of the LIARS alliance. (I shouldn't dignify thier group as an Alliance. It should be called the PUNK GROUP) 9, Order of the Sacred Touch 23, Muadibs Desert Raiders 51, Simpleton Socialists 66, Order of the Great Llama 74, Mariams Enchanted Items Trading Company 75, Weird Wandering Wizards 78, Grey Wolf Clan 100, Desert Marauders 125, Scarred Trading Guild 126, From the Darkwater 131, The Priests These people cannot be trusted, they make up things to justify thier actions. Why didn't they just say they are going to declare war? It would have come out the same way. If you meet up with one of these cowards you will be able to tell if he's not telling the truth because thier lips will be moving. Thats all for now. Grayson, The Gray Death Legion, Faction 17, next turn it will be a new number. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me. There won't be a second time for the following factions: 9, Order of the Sacred Touch 23, Muadibs Desert Raiders 51, Simpleton Socialists 66, Order of the Great Llama 74, Mariams Enchanted Items Trading Company 75, Weird Wandering Wizards 78, Grey Wolf Clan 100, Desert Marauders 125, Scarred Trading Guild 126, From the Darkwater 131, The Priests I know this must seem like sour grapes but when you deal with someone and think you can trust them and they stab you in the back, well I feel that you should let everyone know what kind of snakes they are. By the way all of the News coming out of Dunster was false until now. There were only 19 factions that went there and 12 of them are this GROUP of LIARS. We were cooperating with them about sending bad reports of this area. So far we have found 20 plains hexes and about 15 to 18 desert hexes along with 4 jungle and 4 Cities. I don't think this Group could pour pee out of a boot without instuctions on the heel. That all from the world of Dunster, Turgon, The Dark Legion, ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Rantlu claim total rights to regions plain (38,122), plain (37,123) & plain (36,122) in Suide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Chibchas have returned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ And so quietly the "The Endeavour" slipped from the side of the wharf and set sail for uncharted seas. She was not the most beautiful of ships, having been built in haste in time to leave port before the onset of the stormy season. Nevertheless she was a source of great pride to those who had worked so hard on her construction - their hopes of finding a new land where they could establish themselves lay with her, and with the success of her voyage of discovery. Rounding the headland sheltering the inner harbour, the wind caught her sails, and as they filled the ship turned her prow toward open sea, and with it adventure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Those wishing to leave the Nexus would be well advised to either join an alliance, study magecraft or prepare to build boats. The exit cities are quickly being surrounded by war units of many sizes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Helsicke: Peace continues as the alliances talk of greater things. Please remember to REVEAL FACTION and not to guard within 3 of the City. Signed, LEGENDS 118, not afraid to REVEAL. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Happiest of mortal kind King noblest famed of will You would now go far to find So hardy a host on hill. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ War is about to come to the Helsicke theater. Watch for deliberate and accidental attacks. Allies not understanding the rules will be in the attack Allies not understanding the rules will be left out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Will we see the first combat between monsters and factional forces this month? Look south of Helsicke for the action! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you are a mage, be careful. It is rumored that demons take exception to the study of demon lore by mere mortals. Of course, you'll probably ignore this warning. Just don't come crying to me when you disappear in the middle of the night. --Scait ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Behind slightly closed doors, the Helsicke conference continued. Heated discussion could be heard easily from outside. Rumors of what might be discussed were rampant, but suddenly everything went quiet. Could the conference have ended so soon? Room in a tower may be purchased for a flat rate of $50. No rents. $50 lets you enter as many units as you want and the may stay as long as they want. Improve your magic training without going to the expense of building your own tower. This offer is available in Helsicke only. -- Diastrophism, Faction 83, who is not afraid to sign his Times submissions. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike at him as hard as you can, and keep moving on. Overlord ------------------------------------------------------------------------ All study and no casting make mages dull boys! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Magic Spoiler: earth lore [EART] 1: Earth Lore is the study of nature, plants, and animals. A mage with knowledge of Earth Lore can use his knowledge of nature to aid local farmers, raising money for himself, and aiding the production of grain or livestock in the region. To use the spell, CAST Earth_Lore; the mage will receive an amount of money based on his level, and the economy of the region. Also, a mage with knowledge of Earth Lore will detect the use of Earth Lore by any other mage in the same region. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The way of peace has acquired the mystical art of Gate Lore. We will now jump into the unkown and conquer foreign lands. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mountain (60,88) is claimed by New World Explorers for ACME Current status: taxing & production: non permitted scouting: permitted rules: all units entering this hex must either REVEAL FACTION or contact NWE/ACME Any units not abiding by these rules are subject to elimination. New World Explorers for ACME, Faction 3. <jbroom@zaragoza.net> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Changeling's Homecoming an instant gels setting a quiet moment before the holocaust begins sheets of flame play upon the sky the air saturated with rain a single road stretches forward a road with a single lane there was no set destination the ending could only begin this way as the wailing suddenly stops and our carriage pulls away nightmare shapes line the lane bedded in inkwell blackness their movements never seen imagination screams they follow when in fact they do who the band plays their dirge music never meant to be heard so ends the prelude ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I have a few horses for sale in Graevbygd... Best offer (within reason of course :)) Knights of Solamnia (103) bfennema@galaxy.csc.calpoly.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Armand Saint-Just looked out apon the deserted streets, once they were exciting, colourfull, breath-taking and yes, even *dangerous* but now.. The cold wind sweeps rubbish, the taverns and clubs are deserted, even the bawdy house is closed, the fronteer is quite, the Court is closed, no regimental duties to perform, no use for influence, even his Mistress is gone! "Oh well" he sighs, I suppose it gives me more time to explore this new world of Atlantis, so Rantlu is surrounded by swamps and desert, perhaps we should war others that our alliance claims this dung heap for ourselves, and that since it can only barely support our factions as is new comers would not be wellcomed. No, "let them come" it might provide entertainment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Up