Atlantis 3.0: Times 7 From: Geoff Dunbar <gdunbar@prankster.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 00:00:00 +0000 Subject: Atlantis 3.0: Times 7 Atlantis 3.0 Times July, 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email admin30@prankster.com with game issues. Visit http://www.prankster.com (or email atlantis@prankster.com) for information or to join. A couple of minor corrections went into the rules and player instructions this week. You can get them from the normal places. The file diff3.txt from the ftp site details the changes in the rules. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ LeFevre sighed in resignation. Riding had never been his forte, but here he was about to embark on a lengthy journey. And in the middle of a blinking MONSOON to top it off! But there wasn't much choice. The lackeys assigned to him in this city simply didn't produce enough to pay for the equipment he needed. If he was to do even the most basic construction, he would have to increase his working funds drastically. He sighed again, as he tightened the cinches. One last gaze around the marketplace, and he headed for the city gate. Now which way was it? He always had trouble with this - northWEST or northEAST? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I just want to see if I'm fast enough to get the first Times entry in... Stone and iron available in Helsicke. Competitive prices. Contact psmith@apc.net for details. -- Diastrophism, Faction 83 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "There are three possibilities: Pioneer's solar panel has turned away from the sun; there's a large meteor blocking transmission; or someone loaded Star Trek 3.2 into our video processor." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well that was a waste of a first turn in the game. I did not realize that there would be so much difference in set up between this version and the last. I didn't even get my 50 silver for last weeks times submission. Perhaps I am doing this wrong. Regards MMB ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ***************************************************************** ************** News Flash ************** ***************************************************************** The Snow Workers are not having a very good time at the moment. They were brutally attacked last turn and this turn were molested by a tribe of centaurs. I'm sure the tables will turn shortly ! ******************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To the Shadows, This planet is not big enough for the two of us !! from The Night Dancers ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Magic what a concept, I love magic except when it explodes in my face ! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Looks like the building is proceeding quite quickly. Several towers and boats are in various stages of completion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The head of the White Lotus kung-fu school, Cao Cao, has apparently recieved a message from the leader known as Mr Smith. "It was quite unexpected", said Cao Cao, "we of the White Lotus had given up on ever hearing from him". However, when asked what the message contained, Cao Cao turned wary. "I'm afraid I can't answer that right now" was his only response. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In (30,104) these men jumped on a single unarmed man!! Attackers: Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd (1674), leader [LEAD], horse [HORS], sword [SWOR], chain armor [CARM], tactics 1, combat 1. Colonel Fairfax (5454), behind, leader [LEAD], combat 1; not a silly name. Penzance Pirates (5460), 10 sea elves [SELF], combat 1. 1st Cornwell Constabulary (5461), 10 sea elves [SELF], combat 1. 1st Yeomanry (5462), 10 sea elves [SELF], combat 1. Looe Pirates (5463), 10 sea elves [SELF], combat 1. Guieseppe Palmieri (5455), sea elf [SELF], combat 1; Helping Rab..... Giorgio (5456), sea elf [SELF], combat 1; Gondolier. Antonio (5457), sea elf [SELF], combat 1; Gondolier. Francesco (5458), sea elf [SELF], combat 1; Gondolier. Marco Palmieri (5459), sea elf [SELF]; Gondolier. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ahh Holidays ! Lying in the sun. No cares, no worries. What could possibly go wrong ? Why is that customs man putting on those rubber gloves ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hmmm, I don't believe that just happened. *Turns around and walks off in a sulk* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Black Hawk Society Trading Company: COBRA (148) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Salut a tous les Francais jouant a Atlantis III ! Mon nom est Gorgor Bey je suis le commandeur de la FAction "the Black Moon" (71). Je tenais a savoir s'il y avait d'autres francais ou personne parlant le francais dans Atlantis III ! Si c'est le cas mon adresse est remi.kamowski@st.com A bientot.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You know, Hellsicke is such a beautifull place, With all this trees and a lot of flowers, But now there a big industrial desease with all the boats buils with cutting our trees... Let them lives, stop building boats... Please, for them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (..oh! that's what monsoon does) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To create light Odin took hold of some sparks from Muspellheim, the home of fire and light, and hurled them into the sky, creating the stars. At the same time, he decided to differentiate night from day. He took two large sparks from Muspellheim and set them in golden chariots to become the sun and moon. The chariot of the sun he gave to a beautiful young woman who had the power to see that the light of the sun shone clear and bright. In the other chariot he placed a handsome young man who had responsibility for the moon. For a time both Sun and Moon were visible in the sky simultaneously. However, then the giants exiled in Iotunheim saw these wonderous developments and determined that Midgard should be plunged back into darkness. So they sent two wolves, Skoll and Hati, to devour both the Sun and Moon. The two chariots fled from the wolves and, according to ancient Norse legend, will do so for ever more - moving continuously across the sky just in front of the ravening wolves. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Boy, all that unclaimed silver goes fast when you are training mages. Sometimes I wish I went to the plains.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Some rotten sneaky dog breath stole my horse. I'll follow him to the ends of the world (if there is one) & butcher his pet for my meat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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] @ $125. 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) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The journey Northward has been uneventfull. No attacks and surprisingly little population. We did run into one faction that seemed peacefull enough. I guess we will let him live. Maybe there will be someone to the North that we can kill. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Big Al looked at the report. He fumed. How could his workers not work!? It was impossible. He had given the order to work himself, he was sure of it. Too late to do much about it. Now he had no money, and his allies were pissed at him. What to do, what to do? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gorobei was starting to doubt his sanity. Once, but only once, very month he heard voices telling him what to do. He would not mind so much if the voices made sense. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Holy Order Of The Brotherhood Of Twee has issued a friendly warning = that it has laid claim to the Holy Land of 27, 105 in Deveron. Access to = the Holy Land is denied, on pain of death, to all non-believers and = pagans. They shall be expanding the Holy Land in the near future to take = in the surrounding environs. You have been warned! ric@digital-animations.co.uk Emissary From The Holy Order Of The Brotherhood Of Twee Be Twee To Each Other ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Hey, Ted, what do I put in the Times this week?" "I dunno, Joe. How about that joke you heard about the two peanuts crossing the road?" "I can't remember it. What's the punch line?" "One was assaulted." "If I write that, I will be assaulted." "Well, then, don't sign your name." "Okay." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The monsoons are a trial so early in the year. Communications are difficult and supplies are late in coming. We must see how long the storms last. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well, here we are again. Just found out why my Times entries were not getting through, silly me. Who needs passwords anyway? Total waste of time. OK, maybe not. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ One with the llama One with the llama Two of the llama The forces of the llama shall march on the earth again. The great llama itself shall ride the waves of time All those who oppose the llama may live, but they can also die ------------------------------------------------------------------------ With the dreaded rocs in the game again, expect early troop losses. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As the "newbie" looked around the Nexus, he pondered the almost 2 dozen individuals currently gathered there, including the ones he counted among his allies. "Where will all these factions go," he thought. Dunster, where the malicious group of evil-doers are said to lie? Perhaps. Who knows what is true coming out of Dunster anymore? Graevgybd, where the city is sieged by an unnamed group? Rantlu, where the assassins' guild is active? Or perhaps Durness, where little information is available? As he pondered this, he knew that his decision was the same. He and his allies would travel to Dunster, to fight evil! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This magic thing is looking more complicated every month. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wanted. 1 small continent. Not too hot, not too cold Preferable large amounts of raw materials but no hostile inhabitants Will pay market price. Please reply to : faction 3667789, 'Restarts Unlimited' ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Why would someone want to go to a place so full of hate? Because hate is so damn easy, that's why. Trust is hard. Soon I will leave the Nexus. Are there any out there to befriend? I sure hope so. Don't let my message fool you, I do not travel alone. Sometimes I wonder if I can trust even some of those I travel with. But as they say, there is strength in numbers. Am I too late? Some have a 6 turn advantage. I would imagine greed and ignorance have some believing so. We shall see. Judging by the number of others in the nexus with me, quite a few believe it's not too late. Well soon I will arrive in the city of ... I've been instructed by friends to reveal nothing, unless it is untrue. Again the trust issue comes up. Soon we shall meet. I hope as friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please note, although the following is a satirical parody, it is intended to convey a serious message. Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I AM REALLY ANGRY. THE ACME ALLIANCE KILLED MY ASSASSIN. He was more devious and evil than you can imagine. Reckon this faction and all its allies who kill such units. For those who don't believe here is the list of pretenders: Jagged Knife (3000) is attacked by Paranoid Guards (5506) in mountain (59,89) in Kirriemuir! Defenders: Jagged Knife (3000), avoiding, behind, leader [LEAD], sword [SWOR], horse [HORS]; Lurking about suspiciously. Attackers: Paranoid Guards (5506), 15 hill dwarves [HDWA], combat 1; This area is claimed! contact: azthar@wolfenet.com. All seeing eye (6466), behind, leader [LEAD]; I see you, you no see me. etc. Tell me why they did it. The only solution I see is that they don't like strangers sneaking around their territory. I never spoke to them, this alliance called ACME. All time they were posting to the times and flagging their units urging scouts to contact them. TRUST ACME. THEY ARE NOT LIARS. THEY KILL SUSPICIOUS INTERLOPERS. No offence intended and special thanks for the inspiration to: Kash'd D'g, the local corespondent of Atlantis Times, Crieff. -Atlantis 2.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Buy Burma Shave! (an ACME product) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ================================================================================ ACME Public Bulletin #4 Announcements for June Year 1. In the World of Diplomacy: -------------------------- Candid talks and warm relations continue with both COBRA and the Mountainmen. We still regret that have not heard from any official UF messengers. We welcome contact from the MDU, that is, if you are not afraid of the light. Membership News: ---------------- We are happy to announce that our strategic partner, faction (3), "New World Explorers provisional," has joined ACME as a full member and is now known as "New World Explorers for ACME." This should not affect any pre-existing relations with NWE. Land claims, etc.: ------------------ The crisis on the plains was diffused peacefully, proving once again, that the majority of factions in the Helsicke region are willing to communicate and cooperate, with only a few exceptions. Last month we staked a claim to hex 60,94. If you care where we are intending to expand to in the immediate future, please check our map. Again, any factions wishing access through claimed ACME hexes are asked to REVEAL FACTION and contact Azthar, the ACME Grand BOHA, at azthar@wolfenet.com, or we will attempt to find productive uses for your body parts. If your faction is known to be considered friendly by ACME, you need only be sure to REVEAL FACTION on your units, and we'll be happy. Unless you are a member of COBRA, if you have not contacted the Grand BOHA, we do not consider you friendly. However if you extend the courtesy of contacting the Grand BOHA, chances are very good ACME will consider you friendly, if not actually declare you such. Hey, the Grand BOHA may collect monkey skulls and eat poisonous frogs, but really he's a nice guy. Really! Foaming at the mouth doesn't always mean rabies. Maybe he doesn't rinse after he brushes his teeth. >8=[]=||-------=====|) Jeepers the Zombie Mojo Sceptre sez: "See Map! Map good! Map save life!" You will have to excuse Jeepers' grammar and vocabulary, it's tough being an ascii representation of a disembodied spirit trapped in a feathered monkey skull jammed onto a stick. But he has powers that compensate for his lack of language skills, otherwise we wouldn't keep him. It's almost impossible to sleep with him around. We wouldn't want to upset Jeepers, now would we? Didn't think so. So tune your favorite Crystal Ball regulary to our map at http://www.wolfe.net/~azthar/atl3map.html It was hit about thirty times during the week prior to turn 6 alone! Not counting my test hits. That was before it made the Times! I will probably only update the map once a week on Mondays. The home page is growing! Check out the words of the Great Prophet! http://www.wolfe.net/~azthar/atl3.htm I will regularly post The ACME Bulletin and important updates to the homepage so check it out. As always, I'll keep the Atlantis 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, the ACME Grand BOHA, at azthar@wolfenet.com The ACME Bulletin is produced by: Faction (117), ACME Department of Administration and Management. ================================================================================ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Freedom is a two-edged sword of which, one is liberty, and the other is responsibility, on which both edges are exceedingly sharp; and which is not easily handled by casual, cowardly or treacherous hands. For it has been sharpened by many conflicts, tempered in many fires, quenched by much blood, and although it is always ready for the use of the courageous and high-hearted, it will not remain when the spirit that forged it is gone. - if you NEED to know the source for this, just ask me. come on it's not that hard to figure out Hint: it was NOT L Ron Hubbard! (and neither am i!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ De Smaa Graa wrote: >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. Interesting point. Is a Sand Worm a bug? Or must it truly be an insect before it can be considerd a bug, thus ruling out Giant Spiders and Centipedes. If it need only be invertebrate, what then about Giant Squid? I am curious as there seems to be a marked absence of insect life on Atlantis. - Dr. Carmichael, a concerned entymologist from Helsicke. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I bet the glove they found in OJ's driveway would fit Sirhan Sirhan. Even better, I bet it fits Sirhan and was bought by Ted Turner. ;) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here's an interesting idea: Septannual awards ceremonies. Since there are no set victory conditions, how about an awards ceremony every seven years like the Oscars or whatnot. With categories for both alliances and indivdual factions. Categories like: Most trustworthy. Most ruthless. Largest territory. Most entertaining times posts. Most annoying times posts. Most informative times posts. Most entertaining unit descriptions. Most successful trade outfit. Most advanced university. Largest city population. Most hated. Best external utility. Most creative webpage. Most popular webpage. Most informative webpage. Every faction would have one vote per category, and the recipient of the most votes in each category would win that award. The award would only convey reknown, rather than anything tangible. I won't post my address more than once a week so if you're still lost, just post your comments/sugestions to the times. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Emperor has decided that the vermin of Dunster deserve each other and has withdrawn his plegde to commit his prized Sardukkar. Any messengers to the Harkonnen Embassy, not bearing large gifts of Spice, will be eaten. Baron Harkonnen Harkonne@sprynet.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The time has come the Raptor said, To drink the blood of kings. To wound, to maim, to flay on racks, and deprive them of their rings, by garrotting off their fingers, with a dwarf-wrought iron string. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I thought that I might take this moment to wish everyone a nice day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The WAY OF PEACE has discovered new lands with noone in sight. We will no begin our massive peace building campaign by building a large deterrent force. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well Gate lore with the new rules is almost as good as the old shadowjump. On the 4th turn you can be in a new location from scratch. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The time of the great crusade is upon us. Our destiny is now in the hands of our makers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The blood has been spilt and now its time for the janitor to clean up the mess. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The lone explorer had ventured south for 4 months now and all he saw was sand. When would the desert come to an end. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Its a funny old world. Here I am a large power military faction dedicated to conquering the world, but what do I find myself studying ? Farming and Ranching. Sigh, next it'll be converting swords into ploughs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the wake of the harsh winter, the sun begins to thaw the weapons of destruction, from the newly discovered cannon to the mages with great knowledge of fire. How can the peaceful native settlements defend against such power? The land will soon be taken, spoils to the victor... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Violent wind and thrashing waves lashed the sails and the deck of the Endeavour. "Hard to port" called the captain. "(aye, sir)" came the reply. Although it was merely a longboat, sound traveled interrupted over the short distance and communications by shouting resulted in communications that seemed like whispers in the wind. "Land ho!" called the captain. But it was so rainy that he couldn't tell what kind of land it was. It was truly difficult to navigate and sail in this monsoon. And it looked like it wouldn't let up for a while. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It seems that many (if not all) magical gates are in cities, so gate jumping mages are somewhat safer than many had dared hope... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Fnords faction claims the city of Deveron and its environs for the use of our faction and its allies. From the depths of the earth to the heavens above. --Corison Lord High Chief Chef and Bottle Washer ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ;*** mountain (62,94) in Kirriemuir, contains Helsicke [city] *** Ain. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It is interesting what you can postulate on the Atlantis players by the names they pick for their factions, trends, similarities, problems, wit. Looking one of the early players lists 6/27/96 The clear winner by volume is the darkness=power=victory mentality. Dark this, Shadow that, Black something else. These might just be people who have a need to prove to others that they are in control, they are menacing and not the kind of guy who sits up nights writing E-mail for fake money in a fantasy game. I'm glad I'm not one of those. Perhaps the compulsion to use Shadow, shows that far too many of us watch Babylon-5. Not a bad thing, if you're into mildly telepathic lesbian soldiers. Lets all join hands and pray that the user of Chaos in their faction name is a confused person and not a reader of M.Moorcock books(pulp trash, at least the 20-30 I have are.) Of course the ones you really have to look out for are those who make great claims with their names, Overlord, God, Emperor, Pope, Grand PoohBaa. The fact that there are so few of these is truely comforting. Some factions pay respects to great persons of history and literature. Sun Tzu, Steve Austin, The Animaniacs, Ghost rider, I do hope This is is a reference to the Marvel Universe. I'm realy hurt that we have no Galacticus, Avengers, or X-men, I guess that dollar a week is just too much for most 14 year olds. Those with religious references I must ignore. Be it priests, churches, or the world protectors of ancient India. If I start on that I might just get banned from the game all together. The most fun of all of the names are those which show a little humor and wit. you say" simpleton socialists", I have to say, "what other kind". Of course there is that group that can only be described as the private joke crowd. Well, I don't care how much you love your stumpie, just don't tell me about it and wash your hands before you handle anyone elses food. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Tardy read over the dispatches carefully. When he thought he had finally understood them, he read them again. World wide Monsoons! From the deserts to the mountains, the plains to the jungles. Monsoons. First his Dilbian co-workers balked at the prospect of Cobblies in the swamps. Now this cursed weather was messing up his delivery service. Oh well, sure beat living where the Twee grew in Brooklyn or in Mau'Dib's Neighberhood. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - It's better to burn out, then to fade away... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Come on come on where are all the postings about magic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Fellowship of Song was now five-score strong. Soon they would begin to equip themselves with swords. Then they would be ready to capture their first town... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Helsickian Exodus Please declare 123 friendly (or better) if you guard any hex in the Helsicke-Bayonne area or contact paulo@saci.gso.uri.edu if you have any restrictions. The Tribe (123), a member of the MDU, is leaving Helsicke next turn. Our silver is almost gone and staying means starving, there is no other choice but to abbandon the gate city. Our destination is to the east of the village of Bayonne. Friendly factions (COBRA/UF) claimed the area between Helsicke and Bayonne. We recognize their land claims as legitimate therefore negotiation is necessary before any movement. Dear neighbors, please grant us safe passage as our intents are peaceful and our pockets empty. We are a small group of 6 or 7 leaders that will swiftly move through your lands. Paulo, Parrot-Man of The Tribe ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ah, one more faction has gone to meet their ansestors. Soon peace will prevail in Dunster and the New World Order of Mua'dib's Desert Raiders will prevail. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dunster News Report: The news desk has been temporarily closed due to the violent acts of war surrounding the city. Citizens are encouraged to stay out of sight until things return to normal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This turn I boldly step into a gate to "sail the ether". Perhaps gate lore users should be allowed "Associate Membership" in the sailors guild, for they too sail the world of Atlantis, and their discoveries might prove useful to their "Blue Water Brethren." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bruce stepped into the portal and instantly found himself...trapped! "No!" cried the fledgling mage, "The jump from the Nexus to Helsicke should be an automatic move!" Offering up a quick prayer to the Great God Geoff, Bruce calmed himself and resisted the urge to smash and break things. And then, his prayers were answered. In a flash, the God of Atlantis had squashed that gosh-darned bug and Bruce found himself standing in the great city of Helsicke. For a while Bruce wandered the streets, reading his back issues of the Times and gleaning from them what information he could. He also studied his worn copy of the Rules. Bruce knew that he had to have a plan. Already he was six months behind in the rush to grab up the riches of this new land, not to mention all the warmongering he was missing out on. But Bruce was not discouraged. After all, Atlantis was rumored to have 30,000 regions. It was not possible that they were all claimed yet. Finally, Bruce found himself in a park near the center of the city. As far as the eye could see there were hordes of people, belonging to countless factions. There was literally no place for Bruce to even pitch the little popup nylon tent that his mother had insisted he take along. So Bruce sat down on the grass and put his head in his hands. "A plan...a plan" he mumbled to himself over and over. Two days later Bruce was still sitting on the grass, and he was starting to gather dust. Suddenly he sat straight up and cried "A-HA!". "By Geoff, I've got it!" he said to a mage sitting near him, "The problem is one of how to get away from this crowded starting city". The mage looked annoyed and grumbled something under his breath. "Of course that's the problem. So buy a horse, or a boat, or study Gate Lore and gate yourself away" he said. Bruce wasn't to be put off though, and he pulled at the sleeve of the mage's tattered robe, "I think that Gate Lore is the way to go. But what if you were to gate *two* groups out of here? Wouldn't your faction have a better chance to find a decent place to start building?" The mage looked only a little less annoyed, but Bruce could see that his new friend thought that he might be on to something. "That might be true" allowed the mage, "but it will cost you twice as much to gate two groups, and that 5000 silver will disappear fast enough just spending it on yourself". "I know that" Bruce replied, "but one small group that gets killed gating into a horde of creatures, or into a region claimed by one of the less tolerant factions will be just as dead whether it has unclaimed silver or not. Gating two groups will double my chance of finding an unclaimed region in which to settle. In three months time a second mage and I can study enough to get Gate Lore and train ten Viking bodyguards to Combat 2". The mage perked up a bit and said "You probably even have enough silver to equip the Vikings with swords, making them Combat 4. They should be able to protect you from low level creatures that you might encounter. But you're assuming that Gate Lore can be learned in three months. I don't know if that's true. You may have to have the soldiers work for a while. Also, I don't know how many people the spell enables you to transport". "Agreed" said Bruce, "but I must put a plan into action as it is already Thursday and orders must be written soon. There will be time to modify the plan as new information is obtained". Suddenly Bruce realized that he was faint from hunger and he got slowly to his feet. When the dizziness had passed he saw that there was a inn just across the street, and the delicious smell of broiling buttsteak wafted from that general direction. Bruce turned, surprised, to see his mage friend standing also. "My name is F. Thomas" said the mage, "and if you're looking for that second leader then I'd like to apply for the job. You seem a decent fellow, and I'm getting bored just sitting here on the grass". "Fine by me" Bruce replied, "you look a lot like a man I used to know. You ever been to California?" F. Thomas laughed. "Not in this lifetime" he said. The two men shook hands and then crossed the street to the inn. Now if Bruce could only remember where it was that he saw all those unemployed Vikings. Bruce R. Faction 155 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The desert has been cleansed of the annoying scum. Now we can settle into bending this land to our will. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lord Peloquin looked upon the city as he left. Quite unfortunate that our chosen homelands suffered from monsoons. It will be some months hence before the mages and craftsmen he left behind would get needed funds from his holdings in the south. He had never left the city, and soon will look upon the work of his loyal Legionaires in the south plains. Doubtless some discipline and further buildup would be required there. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Damn Monsoons! Just when things are starting to work out well, a monsoon has to come along and screw things up! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "All Aboard!" came the call, and moments later the ship slipped away from Helsicke, in the hands of Lord High Admiral Dwight Sharnon. Soon the Longshank hit the Ocean, and began its journey. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ************** 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. ************************************************************ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Sirs, I wish to protest in the weakest possible terms about the lack of statutary law governing the import and export of onions. Sadly, there don't seem to be any onions...only wood, horses and er...deserts - which only goes to prove a point - although sadly not mine. Regards, Mr. Van of the Wholly Order of Oranges...no Onions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm a bit confused here, last turn it said that the weather was clear last month, and would be clear next; this turn it says that I'm up to my tush in water, and next month I will be again. What's the deal? This is a fantasy, and what could be more fantstic than accurate weather forecasts? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Stumpie Lovers would like to point out the amount of bickering in this game is rediculous. You are all acting like school kids. For goodness sake grow up. Shake hands and be friends or go to war like men! But STOP wasting bandwidth with your petty messages! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dog gone varmits wiped me out. Time to restart. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fair queen without a flaw She glanced with eyes of grey A seemlier that once he saw In truth, no man could say. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ spirit [SPIR] 1: The Spirit skill is not directly useful to a mage, but is rather one of the Foundation skills on which other magical skills are based. Spirit skill indicates the mage's ability to control and affect magic and other powers beyond the material world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pattern [PATT] 2: No skill report. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm looking for students wishing to study Force next month in Dunster. Ten spots available, 50 silver each. Or trade for teaching of your own. And yes, I have advanced to level 2 and now so can you! Agent of Kosh ------------------------------------------------------------------------ gate lore [GATE] 1: Gate Lore is the art of detecting and using magical Gates, which are spread through the world of Atlantis. The Gates are numbered in order, but spread out randomly, so there is no correlation between the Gate number and the Gate's location. A mage with skill 1 in Gate Lore can see a Gate if one exists in the same region as the mage. This detection is automatic; the Gate will appear in the region report. A mage with skill 1 in Gate Lore may also jump through a Gate into another region containing a gate, selected at random. To use Gate Lore in this manner, use the syntax CAST Gate_Lore RANDOM UNITS <unit> ... UNITS is followed by a list of units to follow the mage through the Gate (the mage always jumps through the Gate). At level 1, the mage may carry 15 weight units through the Gate (including the weight of the mage). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It's not monsoon everywhere: nexus (-,-) in Atlantis Nexus. ------------------------------------------------------------ The weather was clear last month; it will be clear next month. Atlantis Nexus is a magical place; the entryway to the world of Atlantis. Enjoy your stay, the city guards should keep you safe as long as you should choose to stay. However, rumor has it that once you have left the Nexus, you can never return. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ... and suddenly all the men where enlightened, and they joined to make a greater strength. And it was good. Chonicles of the New World (YEAR 1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ When the going gets though... the peasants pay taxes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ================================================================================ = 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 colonists have finally left Helsicke, but they were surprised to face the heavy rains called moonsoon. Lord Firebrand, the mage, said they should reach new lands within four months. MAGIC: New skills have been studied, and both Brimstone and the Elven Archmage shall learn how to summon beeings this month. First Mage Firebrand discovered how to enchant items through Artifact Lore. ALLIANCE: Negotiations with Cliff Claven's Postal Confederacy (151) took place in Helsicke last month. Perhaps they will join GOD, time will tell. OTHER: We trade map and magic info with everybody. ================================================================================ = 91 =============== Glorious Organization of Divineship ===smygelfh@kuai.se = ================================================================================ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ observation [OBSE] 2: No skill report. stealth [STEA] 2: No skill report. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ My moccasins are wet! Why is it pouring in the desert? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greavsbygd waits with excitement as the first of its intrepid explorers ventures into the underworld. What terrors will it hold? And what treasures? The University continues its work, bringing the number of known spells to over 30. Davros, Lord of the Shadowdragons dwshelley@aol.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Where are all the deadly creatures? Are they merely waiting to feast on the bodies lost in war? Perhaps it is the spell casters who will release the beasts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Sea Serpent has parralled our ship for most of the month. Its shiny scales seem to slide perfectly through the heaving seas. We have some hope that it is merely curious and will not snack upon our crew. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ An independent faction seeks to trade magic info with others. Also looking to trade gate lore info on the gates in each starting city. Contact Pi@mcs.com Mouth of Sauron Mordor Inc.(107) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ An army of deer led by a lion is more to be feared than an army of lions led by a deer. Overlord ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jag har hittat en portal! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Behold the gentle red fox Celebrating the equinox ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The areas surrounding Helsicke are now under the control of the Helsicke Thieves Guild. Anyone in those areas must pay tribute or face the consequences. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fremen sleep with camels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mountain (60,94) is claimed by Traders of the Clan Forsyth for ACME Taxing and Production in the hex is not permitted, but scouts may pass through freely. All that I ask is that all units entering this hex either REVEAL FACTION or contact ToCF/ACME. Traders of the Clan Forsyth for ACME, Faction 48. mark@forsyth.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The times are getting tough and they are getting nervous, seems we are now in a position to hurt them and they are worried. They offer us garbage. Well they will be sorry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here we go again let's see if I can get this right this time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lost, blind, delayed, confused, Bochica - mythical founder of the Chibcha people - struggles onward... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ha! I thought that the magic was going to be more advanced in this game. I figured that there would be more interesting spells, a better variety, and less emphasis on trading spells. I was wrong. There are better spells and a better variety, but I hope that new opportunities are created at higher levels. If Spirit/Pattern/Force 1 gives you all the areas you will ever be able to study, this might be disappointing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I now command the respect from the earth. I can see as an eagle, run as a deer, be as swift as a river. I am as strong as a mountain and silent as a tree. Oh, by the way, I get money too..... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It was a rainy night in atlantis 3, it was a rainy night in atlantis 3.... It feels like its raining all over the game. Monsoon season is for the birds :) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Changling's Homecoming welcome to our story yes, its yours and mine no need of overture you will recognize the tune blues harp quickens the pace the ones the missing horses keep but now you are curious what is yon castle we see the home of a great Magus the towers blazing in the sun perhaps the heated air simmers but no, it is the walls that breathe small branches and rocks leap into the inferno above the rain becomes a blistering steam the carriage dissolves under the acid blast we grasp the backs of our unseen mounts each widening stride perhaps our last we race across the charred terrain scraping twisted trees the blackened grass grabs at invisible hooves the strained pounding becomes the beat of the concert's first movement the musicians in concert of a demon flame still following, as black as the darkness from which it came rippling muscles try to throw us to the evil behind primeval, never born of mind a thousand bleeding cuts ignored we enter the great estate our terrible mounts are no more never really having been in our headlong flight we strike the ground the cymbals strike a crescendo and the curtain is drawn end act one ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Skill reports: mining [MINI] 1: A unit with this skill may use the PRODUCE order to produce iron in designated regions. Iron is found primarily in mountain regions, but may also be found in other regions. The Weaponsmith skill is used to forge iron into weapons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sorry to step out of character here for a moment. But I've got something to say. I was at the Olympics this week. I'm OK, because we made a decision on Friday night to head back to where we were staying, rather than see what the band was up to. It seemed like such a little thing. Even if we had gone into Centennial Park, odds are we wouldn't have stayed long. The friend that I was travelling with is very impatient, and as well has certain specific musical tastes. We would not have been present when the bomb exploded. But it kind of makes me wonder, makes me sit up and say: "What if?" Life is a strange trip people, so make the most of it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Riggenthorpe....those were the best of times..the worst of times. Enough of studying already...lookout world here I come. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Up