Atlantis 2.0: Times 19 From: Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Date: Sun, 11 Jun 1995 00:00:00 +0000 Atlantis 2.0 Times September, Year 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Game Master Notes: atlantis@rahul.net for information, problems, or to play. There will be no turn next week, as I'll be moving. In addition, I'm going to disable the player list for part of the next two weeks. Bug Fixes This Turn: 1) A certain spell now works differently with regards to the STEAL order. Please RESHOW the spell in question (you probably know which one I'm talking about if you have it.) 2) PROMOTE was broken. 3) DECLARE xxx will now clear an attitude correctly. 4) Another spell dealing with detection was broken, but is now fixed. Additions This Turn: 1) An event is now given when a unit receives a spell. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ At last the weather was clearing. Melvin was pleased to see the end of the snow, but he knew that it would only be replaced by mosquitoes, snakes, and poisonous frogs. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he hated living in a swamp. It was time for a change. "Abercrombe," he called. When his lieutenant arrived at the desk, Melvin gave him his assignment: "I want to move this operation. We need to find someplace better than a swamp; maybe a nice forest, or some empty plains." "Very well," Abercrombe replied. "I will look over the maps and bring you some suggestions." "Soon, Abercrombe," Melvin urged. "I do not intend to winter in this swamp again, and I do not wish to be caught on the road when the next snows fall." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The guard captain shaded his eyes against the sun as he watched yet another party of men in olive drab enter the town. Six so far today. Twelve had arrived yesterday. "Looking for work," they claimed. And the ones who had come earlier had gone to work, just as promised. But they didn't have the look of laborers. The way they moved, the way they talked, all told the guardsman that these men were going to be trouble someday soon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chroniques de Tristam Sordesire (extrait) (...) Au retour de son long voyage dont il n'avait ramene que des desillusions ,Tristam repris son royaume en main. Il commenca par reorganiser ses troupes pour mieux defendre ses terres et recruita de nombreux elves pour joindre les rangs de celles ci. Les paysans n'avait que peu a faire car l'hiver etait rude,si rude qu'il en etait difficile de voyager. Les gens attendaient tous avec espoir la venue du printemps pour retrouver leurs parents et amis,sachant qu'un grand exode allait commencer.Ils contribuaient tous a donner des idees a Tristam pour publier dans le times afin de financer l'expedition. Ce fut le debut d'une periode tres incertaine. (...) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1st Rantlu War continues ! Slunecni Zare defeated Roman Republic 89:0 in Rantlu (49,5) ! Let me announce, that region Rantlu (49,5) is now claimed by SZ. Great Muuf (117) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Boudiccea sees a pigeon arriving. "Are you back from old Atlantis, little pigeon. Ah, I see, Undine has answered my letter". She puts the letter and reads it: Dear sister, I am glad to hear that all is okay in this new land. We have troubles here - a lots of troubles. A dragon awaked in the mountains and has killed many brave workers. I ask you to help us. Have you any idea, HOW to get rid of a dragon. All my spells seem to be useless. Do you know a new spell and can you send them to me? Bye your sister Undine (sorceress) Boudiccea sighes: "Poor Undine, Vox and a Dragon - that's too much." And she tells her apprentices to research battle spells. Perhaps she can find a way to help her sister. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We can fly! We can fly! Let's offer a money transfer service for those who want their money in Abernethy to get to the frontier fast! Interested parties contact the Hand of Darkness. ***** The Hand of Darkness, and our allies the Dire Didgett of Darkness, and the Melniboneans, now claim the desert in (6,15), the swamp in (7,13) and the forest in (6,14). All factions entering this region are requested to state their business. Hand of Darkness g8512580@mcmaster.ca Dire Didgett of Darkness richard@majinga.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Gustavus Adolphus Gustavus' Grenadiers (142) To: The various leaders who have contacted me. Gentlemen, I currently have been occupied with other concerns and lacked time to make a personal response to all your messages. I will attempt to respond to you all very shortly. Gustavus Adolphus ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arrrrrg!!!!!! If I hear one more 'Avast', 'Yo ho ho', or 'Davey Jones locker', I'm going to split some heads. And if you want Lust and Greed, I'll give you _LUST_ and _GREED_ (the things I could do with that Lust, but for two silvers I'd see to it that you couldn't find Greed). I am the chairman for ABSTAIN, the Alliance for Brutal Subjegation, Torture and Intense Narcissism (just in case you forgot or haven't been around long enough to be afraid, yes, be afraid, be very afraid). The rumors of the passing of ABSTAIN are just that, a bunch of rumors being spread by a pack of drunken freebooters that think that walking the plank is torture (I'll teach them _TORTURE_). Those seaborne thieves have been slopping all over here in Komarken after their pathetic victory over the towns guards. It won't be long now before the rest of the world knows the terror that is ABSTAIN, even as we speak my scouts are entering Leighlin, Monzon, Kashmar, Abernethy, Ettrick, Eskerfan, Sledmere, Ellesmere, Menter, and a few others that most of you wouldn't even know about yet. So, KNOW FEAR. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bloodied and barely walking, Karamon looks down at his fallen comrades with sadness... "Dear Athena, why did you not warn us of the impending danger..." A whispered voice could be heard speaking to Karamon... Once finished, Karamon's sullen face once again glowed with the energy of his goddess.... "It shall be done." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **MONZON MOVERS** ***** UPDATE ****** Why YOU need the Monzon Movers: Your units are near starvation and you need to get money to them fast. Our speciality. Give silver to one of our units and the closest unit to your destination will give them the money you need (less a small fee of course, athough this is negotiable). ** Still going strong ** You have just produces goods which are too heavy to carry to your customer/ nearest town: With several wagons in operation the Monzon Movers is the service for you. Armed escort available on request. *** book NOW for any orders leaving Monzon** *** book well in advance to avoid disappointment **** * watch this space for further MM enterprises* CALL NOW AT pdxark@evol.nott.ac.uk *** Offices are now fully staffed *** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I don't think this is such a good idea," whispered Ingle. He and Mikey crawled quietly up the plank leading to the boat, "What if there are orcs here?" "Orcs are afraid of water, have you ever seen an orc on a boat?" Mikey whispered back. "Anyway, we'll just sleep here and in the morning we'll do and find something to eat." They huddled together under a sail and were soon asleep. They awoke to incredulous laughter, "Lookie mates we have a couple of stowaways," yelled a burly sailor as he picked Mikey up by the scruff of his neck, "we got an elf and his mutt." "We're not stowing away," cried Mikey, "we'll be getting off now and not causing any tr......," but looking around, Mikey could see that they were already in serious trouble. Everywhere around the boat was blue sea. "Sorry little guys, we left last night," said the first mate, a tall and handsome man, "looks like you two will be scrubbing the floors for the next month. We're headed for Skottskog and you won't be getting off until we get there." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The House of Azthar has moved. We now claim the following regions: 9,11 (In cooperation with faction 30, The Renaissance) 10,12 10,13 10,14 Travellers to Arlon and points west are welcome in 9,11 and 10,12. Keep clear of 10,13 and 10,14! Azthar Septragen Founder of the House of Azthar, Keeper of the Silver Star Faction 165: The House of Azthar contact: azthar@interserv.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bishop sat at his ease, his riding boots up on the window sill, and a telescope dangling from his fingers. Idly, he flicked nonexistant dust motes off his purple satin jacket, and primped the ruffled lace at his throat... His Leige, the King was roaring around the Palace, and Bishop chuckled as he overheard his excited shouts echoing thru' the cool marble corridors, "It works! by Geoff, it works!" Ah, August in Glomeria, the poplars turning gold, the harvests coming in, sweaty peasants stretching out their last weeks of good weather, bringing in a bumper harvest, and celebrating with dances and feasts. Tonight in fact, old man Dubinak, was broaching a cask of mead and bringing in the minstral boy from Palmi. Bishop, leaned back, stretching, there'd be a few fair country lases, with happy smiles and rosey cheeks, yes, but there could be Republican spies as well. He'd better go and keep an eye on the festivities. Course, the thing about the Republics spies was, they were so easy to spot. Once you'd worked it out, it was dead easy to see the aura of desperation that drove them, The Legate had their wives and children, held hostage in his Spartan Camps. Such a squalid chap, if he was still alive after that battle in summer, brimming with visions of Conquest, a big talker, and even bigger loser of battles. Who'd of thought such a lover of Military history would be so indescisive, and so raggelty-tag. CRASH, the door burst in, and King Chromic Acid charged through, his beard just managing to keep up. "It's almost finished man!", he yelled happily, as he tousled Bishops hair, "just come in to borrow ya telescope". "Oh, by the way," an afterthought " there was a battle last night, out near Almeria it was, just got word, ah, you know the Legates crack legion, the um" he clicks his fingers, "White Dragons! thats the one, hmm all dead. We killed the lot, no casualties, are you sure you don't want to look at the contraption?" "No thank you, my Leige, we must be ever more vigilent as the Legates desperation grows stronger, and his attempts to control his allies by subterfuge and henious plots increases. There shall be a village dance tonight and i must prepare." "Oh, righto" As the King left, Bishop straightened from his deep bow, thinking 'Maximus Tiberius McMurderoch, the old rogue, would have been proud of his Grandson. Taking the rag, the Atlantean Enquirer and turning it from broadsheet fit only to line parrot cages, to what has become a marvel of geographical endever' NOTE* The Atlantean Enquirer, the Windows Map Viewer and Gamers Database is now having version 3 beta-tested by a crack team of Enq-thusiasts. Ver 3, has more terrain types, more flags, roads, railways and rivers. It runs in 256 colours, and has easily programmed hooks for DDE conversations. Better than it was before, faster and more powerful. due Real.Soon.Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mass production has started in Kashmar. --------------------------------------- I can product now many swrods and PLTs but what am I going to do with them? Sell them! Swords are sold in Kashmar for only $100 each. PLTs are sold for $450 each. Are you interested? Call the working faction 181 Andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Still Going: THE CARTOGRAPHER'S COOPERATION CONSORTIUM ! When you go out on a long series of travels and explorations, what should you never leave home without? No, it's not the Atlantean Express(TM) card. A Map! All travelers should have as accurate a map as possible. Well, here at the Cartographer's Consortium, we're endeavoring to put together such a map. But, we can only do it with your help. So, we're asking you to send in a copy of the reports from areas you have recently explored. In return, you'll get the up-to-date compilation of all Consortium entries. We're over 40-plus contributing members strong, with about 20 or so of the "regulars" contibuting on any given turn, the others contributing every 2 or 3 turns, as of when this ad was placed (Friday, 6/9/95). We currently have mapping data on ~520 areas, with economic data on perhaps two hundred thirty, including portions of continents previously unknown and basic surroundings of the new gate cities. The CCC is now cooperating with the services of the Platinum Map. If you like the Platinum Map, you might like the additional service of the CCC, which adds a complied gazeteer of many of the regions mapped by the Platinum Mapping project. Write for info now. The CCC can currently be reached at "tim.hruby@his.com". Please include the prefix "CCC:" in your subject line. P.S., Sorry for the constant repetition (I've received a complaint), but the ad gets responses from new players every turn. I'll cut it back when/if the game is closed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "It's all very well for you to be going around casting a 'Cause Fear' spell during the semi-finals of the Atlantiad, but you're not the one who has to fork out for damages. Murtyar has served the school with an invoice for eight thousand silver. And that's only for the registered wagers! If ever he decides to collect on the illegal bets, nothing will save your miserable hide." "Pah! Murtyar may have you scared, but not me. If he lost silver, then it serves him right for betting with Trolls!" "I don't know what makes you so cocky, Alsace. It can't be those Nature spells you've been learning." "And why not? Some of them are very useful." "Oh, sure. Try blessing a forest when Murtyar's Barbarians are after you!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To those in and around Monzon. Let it be known that the Costa Rican Show Band formally apologizes for any inconveniences that arose from pillaging of hex 13,11 last month. I had not considered the implications of such a selfish act of violence. In the future, I will refrain from pillaging the Monzon area. Please accept my most sincere apology and forgive my past sin. I have learned from my mistake and will not repeat it. Regards CBT faction 209 The Costa Rican Show Band cbthomps@flash.lakeheadu.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ******* DR GALAN'S MIRACLE ELIXER AND TONIC ****** That's right folks, Dr. Galan's Miracle ELixer and Tonic will cure what ails ya; Got stabbed in the back by yer best friend; no problemo, one chug of our special formula will get ya back up and ready to take his head off (at the knees). It will only cost ya a pittance so step right up and buy it. Ya won't be sorry. NOTE: The Hermetic Order (faction 215) is selling Potions of Healing under the Name "Dr. Galan's Miracle Elixer and Tonic". If you are interested contact me at: Jepether@flash.lakeheadu.ca. Costs: 25 silver each, 10 silver for allies (remember you must be friendly to the Hermetic Order to buy). *** ***** * * * * * * * *** * ************* * ***** * * * * * * * * * ** ** * * ***** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Em fim chegou, Temos um exito que presta. Nao temos que morrer de fome pois. tasmos em allianca com algumas groups de gerra e fabricacao. Que vida Joia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO o o O MINERS: CALL FOR STRIKE O o o OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO Mithril ? This myth thrills me ! Let all the level 3 miners unite against their fate ! Let's create a syndicat ! It is a shame to think of these hard workers, who studied a long time to get a good job, and will be sent as simple scouts to explore the world just because they were fool enough to claim that mithril exist and they were the only ones to see it... THIS MUST NOT BE ! LEVEL 3 MINERS, PREPARE THE REVOLUTION ! - The Prime Minester of the Jokomicalaughunny Buffoons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ _/_/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/ _/_/ _/ _/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ 's _/_/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ $ $ $ $ $ COMPANY $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ I just declared formed THE BEGGAR's COMPANY Beggars of the world UNITE. $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ If you want join mail me. (I ACCEPT DONATIONS $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 4 $ $ $ $ $ iduran@mest.unizar.es ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (See previous times' message of trainment... it's the same...) Well, i offer you trainment services as i've done these weeks, but i must talk about other things at this number, so if you want to see my offering just see previous times. Well, this week theme is: ARE THE MAGE, TRADE/MAGE AND WAR/MAGE GOOD FACTIONS?? Well, some people has said that mage factions are not as good as trade or war factions, but that's not true. Mages can be as powerful as trade are, and mage/war factions can be also as pure war factions. People said: mages can't earn money, 'cos they can't tax or trade. That's no real: mages can have supporting units (entertainers and workers) for obtaining money, and, after reaching a few levels, they can also gain their own money. How?? they can use spells for having the equivalent to entertainment 20 one month, the can enchant wagons and weapons for earning money (as traders produce the items)and create magic items for selling or using them when combating. If you think that that's not enough just think for a moment: a trade unit can earn about 140 silver for selling a sword, a war unit can earn 50 per men by taxing, but a mage can earn about 400 silver just in a turn by casting a spell... if you think mages are not productives then what is for you productive?? I'm a war/magic faction, and probably one day change to a generic one, but by the moment i like very much my two mages with their spells. They are great...!!!! I love them!!! /* TO SATAN: Sorry for using your name last week, but as you could see it was not with a bad way or bad intentions, just for giving an example of why the times orders must continue being in a order. */ /******************************************************************************* //////// Al Pertierra Al Pertierra: | _ _ | C/ Feijoo N49-4-A u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es 6| * * |9 Gijo'n (Asturias) (u0904872@156.35.141.8) | < | Spain C.P.33204 Soldados Drakull (Drakull Soldiers) | _ | Faction 237 |____| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I Moustafa the prophet, Sledmerian ( I just changed my nacinality)...continuing...I am looking for allies in the area of Sledmere. .... I am open to everybody. If you are interested send me your curriculum with the following info. Your Faction number: Your faction type: Skills that you got: Location of your units Hexes claimed ........ Troops, magicians i.e. what is your purpose in the game and what are you interested in. And every info that you think that is important If you only want info, teaching..... ask me. Moustafa The prophet moustafa@mest.unizar.es u8943261@odin.etsiig.uniovi.es ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yet again the Atlantis Police have branded my unit a Thief or Assassin. His only crime is to have stealth 1. FACT 1. Tiny is not a thief. FACT 2. Tiny has been the victim of a wagon stealer. FACT 3. The Atlantis Police do not have the guts to show themselves and prove their claim that all the units they list are thieves or assassins. FACT 4. Being branded in such a way does not help units carryout honest trading All units on the police list unite. Lets find out who these police are and have a chat. Anyone who has information about the faction number or address of the Atlantic Police call "dean@memex.co.uk". Its time internal affairs visited the police. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DIRTBAG CHRONICLES - PART VI Dirtbag swung at the dangling jooba-fruit with all his might. The satisfying "SPLAT" that it made did little to clam his anger. "Doze nasty elfy-welfy wizards! Dat 'Erminic Oder done catch da gnazhki dat I send to look at dem! Ooooh, I hate dat! And dey cut da gnazhki widout da rites to Gdunbar! Dey desercrate da perfect gnazhki body!" Dirtbag swung his hickory club at another jooba-fruit, spraying the mashed yellow fruit pulp across the clearing. Dirtbag was particularly angry since the captured spy was denied the traditional funeral rites of the orcs - rites which involved cannabilism (ed. it should be noted that Dirtbag was an VERY enthusiastic high priest when funeral rites were necessary). He peered around, hoping to find one of his most loyal vice-presidents. Unfortunately, thay had correctly read his mood and they were all off somewhere else performing vital vice-president duties. "And da slaves snuck away. During da worship of Gdunbar, no less. Dat be why doze elfses not be beloved of Gdunbar, dey have no fear of wrath of Gdunbar. Gdunbar punish doze elfses scum! Gdunbar promise Dirtbag dat we punish doze sneaky slaves! Oooh, Dirtbag see dem slowly roasting over hickory fire, da hickory smoke make da squishy bits taste so gud. And de songs dey sing to Gdunbar's might while dey roast sweet to gnazhki ears." Dirtbag had worked up an appetite, between venting his anger and thinking of the delicacies that can be prepared using elves. He licked the jooba-fruit from his club and walked towards the stone pile that was slowly taking shape. Progress had been slow since the scape of the first group of slaves. It had taken an entire month to hatch a new crop of elves to serve as construction labourers and the hatchlings weren't quick learners. Of course, the instruction methods of the orc overseers were somewhat harsh. Still the elves which had died went into the communal stewpot, so it wasn't a total waste. "Gdunbar need new eyes to peer at doze 'Erminic Oder finger-waving wizards. Where be dat sneaky gnazhki Snoopy? Dat vice-president was to be here." A slim, nondescript orc stepped from the shadows, staying carefully beyond the reach of Dirtbag's hickory club. Snoopy cleared his throat. Still, Dirtbag was startled by Snoopy's abrupt appearance and the wisdom of staying out of club range was evident. "Doan do dat! Dirtbag no like surprise! "Snoopy, we gnazhki have gifted much mana to Gdunbar for you to learn how to spy on enemies. But be careful, de elfy-welfy wizards done kill and desercrate da last sneak. If dey catch you, dey likely do same to you. Go, in Gdunbar's name!" Snoopy slipped into the shadows and was gone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It's that time of year again! Thats right it's time for the Sulenni Zarre Cookie drive! Look for the SZ Scouts to come knocking on your door with little sugar laden packets of joy and arterial destruction. Buy soon, Buy often. Remeber, we only do this once to finance a whole yar of warfare. All purchases are tax deductible, so the more you buy the more you save. Group discounts available. SZ Cookies, they're not only tasty, but they help underprivlaged plainsmen wage war which normally they would not be able to do. Your silver helps support and underwrite these costs. Please, please don't let a hapless plainsman set around and just farm all summer long when he could be leading a full life of mayhem, destruction, and even death on the front lines of this years SZ Offensive. Thank You for your support, and don't be bashful. We have plenty of SZ Cookies for everyone, in such popular flavours as: Tundra Crunch: packed with yummy snow. Iron-Mine-a-ding-dongs: chocolate covered filings. Plain-o-lots: natures own soil, direct to your mouth. Orc Globules: don't ask. but orcs love 'em! Rublic-of-Rome Mints: yum. ...and many many more! So be on the look out for SZ Scouts in your hex, and if they don't offer you some cookies ask for them. Our Scouts are always eager to help. This message brought to you by the SZ Scouts and it's affiliates. No warranties express or implied; 'specially with the Orc Globules. SZ and SZ scouts is a publicly registered for profit faction. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Nine Billion Names Of ...? --------------------------------- (apologies to the late Dr. Asimov) Part II: The Monotheistic Heresy Thingy The Big Universe Thingy some call Atlantis now is home to around 800 different individually numbered pre-packaged sects, bands, denominations, churches, and cults. Their ideological clamor fills the Times. But are there really 800 different deities watching over Atlantis? A controversial new study says "no." Dr. Henry Krastner of the Atlantis Metaphysical Research Foundation says, "it's true! There's really only 1 god! Just read the Times. Notice all the references to `Geoff'? With 800 factions, what are the odds of THAT, huh? Why, it's even possible that the Gdunbar of the orcs is the same entity." But how, I asked Dr. Krastner, do you explain all the Purple factions? Snowflakes, Kumquats, all those? "Well," admitted Dr. Krastner, "that's a little more difficult. Current theories speculate that, um, all or part of Geoff itself might be purple. Research continues, of course, as always." Next week: Let's kill that heretic! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I had learned from our first encounter, so when I went back to the Circle of the Gods that night, I crept up the back side of the hill. Approaching the crest of the hill, I got down and crawled up to the back of one of the Gods. As I peered into the Circle, I scanned the faces of the gathered throng - the faithful, the indigent, and the devious. I was looking for the latter. Mr. Lunchnick had been here earlier, and I feared that he was falling back into his violent ways in this new nightly vigil. I watched a man for a full five minutes before I realized that he wasn't my target, and then I started to think that Mr. Lunchnick wasn't here at all. Maybe I had just imagined seeing him earlier. I was about to crawl back down the hill when a hand touched me on the shoulder. "AaaMPH!" I shouted, but my mouth had been covered by a hand. I quickly looked around and saw that it was Mr. Lunchnick, and he smiled at me. "So, thought you might ferret me out, eh? You didn't do too bad - I didn't see you until you were almost up the hill." "Again, you've been watching me all this time? You're evil, you know?" He smiled again, and I realized that this was the first time I had ever seen him do that. He had a boyish grin - no, it was more impish, I would say, with a mischevious twinkle in his eye. "What's got you so cheery tonight?" I asked. "I'm finally leaving Atlantis City." He didn't have to comment any more. I knew what this city represented to him, and I understood his excitement. "Want to come with me?" he asked out of nowhere. I hadn't really thought about it when I left the house this evening, but now I realized that I had been subconscously preparing for this - why else would Mr. Lunchnick be here, and why would I seek him out. We had had no dealings in the past weeks, but I had thought about him often. "Why would you want me? I'm nothing but a town fancy. Couldn't find find food in a forest if it walked up and bit me." (a likely possibility, I thought). "I'll need a face - someone to make contacts, to schmooze clients, someone who knows how to influence people. You've got that clean, never-worked-a-day-in-his-life look. You'll impress people." "What exactly are we going to be doing out there?" "Oh, not much. Just a little hit here, a heist there, small stuff." I was stunned. I had thought that Mr. Lunchnick's leaving Atlantis City meant that he would leave all that behind - it was so painful for him. But I guess you can't take the theif out of the man, or something like that. I wanted to help him. It seemed silly, though - a person like me trying to help a survivor like him. Still, he needed help, but not with crime. "O.K. When do we go?" A God started to groan with a sound like the world was splitting apart. "Now. Right now." We jumped up and ran... To be continued... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** MONZON WOOD EXCHANGE ** Monzon Bulletin #10 Published by the Monzon Wood Exchange (289), thayer@uis.edu * 13,11 pillaged The forest region 13,11 has been pillaged by units of the Costa Rican Showband (209), a faction based near Monzon. 13,11 is home to 119 members of various factions as well as 191 peasants. Wages in the region have dropped to $9. Experts predict an exodus from the region as occupants seek subsistence wages in neighboring regions. * Winter Coming For those who may have arrived in Monzon since last year, winter conditions are in effect starting the *October* turn. By the time you read this, you will have 1 turn of favorable weather remaining to reach your winter quarters. * Seen in Monzon - New in town: Faction (421). - Leaving: The Maurarhiannons (113). Monzon can no longer be reached directly from Atlantis City. * Monzon Beat - 13,11 has been pillaged. * Monthly Reminder The Monzon Register is a freely available almanac of information about the Monzon area. To receive a copy of the Register, send email to thayer@uis.edu, with the subject 'MONZON REGISTER'. You will receive the most up-to-date version via return mail. We continue to solicit contributions of economic or mapping data, as well as faction descriptions or land claims. *NOTICE* My University is undergoing a name change. Send all correspondence to "thayer@uis.edu", starting immediately. Mail sent to the old address will still reach me through the end of July, possibly longer. * Business Opportunities The Monzon Register contains a section covering business opportunities with the Monzon Wood Exchange. It can be retrieved according to the instructions given above. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Archibold handed the gadget to the high elf. "How do they work?" enquired the elf. "They're gloves," said Archibold. "You put them on your hands." The elf slid the gloves on. They stretched halfway up his arms. "They're a bit long," he said, "and tight..." He pulled at the enchanted fabric. He looked worried "I don't think I can get them off!" "Now," said Archibold, ignoring the elf's protest. "Prepare to defend yourself!" With that, five large hounds were released. Achibold pointed at the elf, saying "KILL!" The elf fearfully tried to back away, but found himself surrounded by a ring of snarling teeth. He covered his eyes with his fists. The hounds sprang... As though they possessed a will of their own, the gloves suddenly danced into action. A left hook landed squarely on a hound's snout. A flailing right swing toppled a second hound and came crashing down on a third's skull. A forth was sent flying and a fifth brought to his haunches... + + + + + Ershwin relaxed at the bar, listening to Archibold's tale. "And then?" he asked. "Well," said Archibold. "That's when the hounds got really annoyed - the poor elf didn't stand earthly..." Ershwin frowned. "Didn't the gloves of strength have any effect?" "Oh, yes," said Archibold "gloves of strength always ensure victory... however that elf was the test case - he was given the placebo." "Ah," said Ershwin, and they both chuckled at just how stupid elves could be... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The house, or what remained of it, smouldered in the scorched patch of earth that was once a farm. With barely a glance backward, the man rode on. He was tall, but not so tall as to attract attention. Indeed, everything about this man exuded power, but very faintly, as if the strength behind the cloak was masked to remain hidden from casual observation. Clasping his sword with his hand, his glove of mithril sparked puple flame, causing his horse to curiously glance back on the strange rider which sat upon it. Drokar rode onto richer areas, where he would not be challenged as a mere beggar. He had not wanted to kill the farmer, but he'd be damned if a simple peasant would run him through with a pitchfork merely because the peasant was too dull-witted to understand the honor presented by a Lord of the Ancients requesting to rest in your dwelling as he passed through. Others would learn not to interfere with the travels of agents of the Council. Some would learn the hard way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peace in our time! Many lives have been lost on the plains of Stinchar as the Republic of Rome wages war with the SZ alliance. The unaligned body of the United Federation of Stinchar is deeply troubled by this loss of life, and we are worried that the violence may spread. Indeed, the children of Sorisdale, Rantlu and Glomera often cry themselves to sleep from fear. Besides, The Band of Green has seen plumetting demand for his rainforest nut chocolates. Due to these events, the current UFoS chaiman, Mohammed Mohammed Ali has outlined a course of action. Every faction in the Stinchar environs will contribute 1 man each to a peacekeeping force. These men will be stationed in areas bordering the SZ and RoR. Each will wear a blue helmet, a tailored sports jacket, and carry a funny tube-shaped piece of glass. When violence flares, each member of this force will be instructed to hold up one hand and confidently demand the parties to STOP. If this fails, the peacekeeper will administer one hit from the tube-shaped device to each participant. Ali feels that loss of life can quickly be mitigated with his plan. Acting UFoS Secretary Dr. Boris Plotkin Acme Labs ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [ This message comes to you from the Most High Aide to the Lord Hallelujahgobble. Note that this is the true Lord H., not the faker from the (Un)Holy Church of Fundaligionism. ] The Lord Hallelujahgobble is pleased to note that not once was His magnificent name used in vain in the last issue of the Times. He wishes to extend His heartfelt thanks to the poor and misled followers of the church of fundaligionism for this small token of respect that has been offered. The Great Lord hopes that this pleasing trend will continue, and wishes the church well in its endeavours, however misguided they may be. Signed by the Most High Aide to the Lord Hallelujahgobble ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DiBiasi looked around. Hadn't there been a crowd of other people in this region just last month? They must've moved on. Still, the region is getting pretty crowded. Better to move some people into the town for the winter. With the new magic wagons, it'll be possible to transport troops and supplies to a limited extent. Thinking about magic wagons gave DiBiasi an idea. Perhaps we could make a Lira or three off of this... Advertising: WAGON ENCHANTING Where: Arlon (8,11) When: Sometime during winter Because enchanting wagons takes up valuable study time, the slots for enchanting are limited! Email now to reserve your slot. Note that we DO NOT provide the mundane wagon for enchanting, but we can help arrange one to be constructed (for a price) in Arlon. Email for price negotiations. Contact Renaissance at: vjg@cbnea.att.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Calling all traders and those in need of traders... Let us form a co-operative. We can get together and upgrade our skills and hire ourselves out to those that require our services. Please send me a message to join. Aelric, Lord of Melnibone... Long live King Elric... (Faction 309) TIRELAND@MC1ADM.UWATERLOO.CA &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Moz considered... What he said last month about his current friends was slightly in haste. Perhaps he did indeed need that sabatical. Yes, that would do, he would move off and study in seclusion with only his study partner with him. Then perhaps he could learn more of the mysteries. Things were in order here, They could run themselves. Yes, it is time to go... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >From zeppelin-l@cornell.edu Thu Apr 21 15:33:03 1994 Hello again, newly the music journalist write to the Times. This time the song which I write for all of you is by Led Zeppelin too, it calls: Travelling Riverside Blues *Asked sweet mama *Let me be her kid *She said, "You might get hurt *If you don't keep it hid" Well I know my baby If I see her in the dark I said I know my rider If I see her in the dark #Now, I goin' to Rosedale #Take my rider by my side #Still barrelhouse #If it's on the riverside, yeah I know my baby Lord, I said, is really sloppy drunk I know my mama Lord, a brownskin, but she ain't no plum See my baby, tell her Tell her hurry home Had no lovin', since My baby been gone See my baby Tell hurry on home I ain't had, Lord, my right mind Since my rider's been gone Hey, she promises She's my rider I wanna tell you She's my rider I know you're mine She's my rider She ain't but sixteen But she's my rider #I'm goin' to Rosedale #Take my rider by side Anybody argue with me man I'll keep them satisfied %Well, see my baby, tell her %Tell her the shape I'm in Ain't had no lovin' Lord, since you know when (Guitar Solo) Spoken: Why don't you come into my kitchen +She's a kindhearted lady +She studies evil all the time +She's a kindhearted woman +She studies evil all the time #Squeeze my lemon #'Til the juice runs down my leg #Squeeze it so hard #I'll fall right out of bed #Squeeze my lemon #'Til the juice runs down my leg #Spoken: I wonder if you know what I'm talkin' about #Oh, but the way that you squeeze it girl #I swear I'm gonna fall right out of bed Ah, she's a good rider Hey yeah +She's my kindhearted lady #I'm gonna take my rider by my side +I said her front teeth are lined with gold +She's gotta mortgage on my body +Gotta lien on my soul She's my brownskin sugar plum From Spain to Atlantis: see you soon. [ Editors Note: Does this have _anything_ to do with Atlantis? ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ abERneTHy's NEweST reLIgiON: _ / \ Cooler Than Ever! ____the____ C H U R C H We have claimed ORREBYGD(8,18), and there's more to o f come! The churc invites friendly factions to use our E N V Y resources, but no taxing or pillaging will be accepted. | | | | Join us! (100s/6months) We offer you: | | Axs to our claimed land! | | Protection! | | Cheap Training (Observation,Stealth) \_/ The Church Of ENVY - We want YOUR money... smygelfh@kuai.se ------------------------------------------------------------------------ per akd TURC ad SINE olona rune time ORKON! SASD SADA SFADA folinum Perish! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Le Temps... Voila la denree la plus rare. Celle qui allait lui manquer le plus... Le caporal des troupes entra dans la tente; << - Chevalier, devons nous envoyer des emissaires ? - ... NON ! Qu'ils attendent. Ne nous laissons pas flechir des les premieres pressions. >> On ne le chasserait pas facilement de la taniere qu'il s'etait choisi... << - Que doivent faire nos eclaireurs avances ? - Qu'ils aillent au Sud et au Nord, je suis sur que les cartes sont fausses ! >> Heureusement le beau temps etait de retour. On allait pouvoir explorer de plus en plus loin... Toutes les forces pourraient se rejoindre. Ils y auraient bientot une cinquantaine d'hommes dans la region, puis beaucoup plus... Mieux valait rassembler les troupes, c'est par beau temps que les guerres commencent, quand le moral des hommes est au plus haut, et qu'ils sont restes inactifs tout l'hiver ! Sang-Dragon ! La guerre n'avait jamais ete aussi proche ! Memoires de Sainte Quete, par Cat Lord, Page de Sir Cendre de Sang-Dragon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Oh, what trials you must go through to establish a Trade empire. First you must train, then hire workers and train them, then find some lands you can work. You have established producing workers, if you managed to find lands that would support them, but you are not finished. You must now move those goods somewhere and find buyers for your goods. The warriors want to buy some finished products, but should you sell to them? They are so fickle, only want to grab what they can and fight anyone that MIGHT oppose them. But you need the money, and they might just decide to grab it from you, at least they threaton to do just that if you don't produce for them. Then some of them sit on valuable land and do nothing with it. They don't even have enough units there to Tax it fully, let alone have any producers there to utilize its resources. But do they let you on it to produce for yourself? NO! They sure don't! If you come to their lands to produce what is otherwise wasted, they expect you to become their slave workers. All goods produced must go to them (its their lands) and they get to set the price. Ask them any questions about you doing something to advance yourself, then they blow up and either attack you or force you to leave under threat of attack. No, you cannot trust most warriors at all. But you manage to find one that will ally with you without being too demanding. Now you try again to establish your trade routes. What happens? These same warriors are on guard and won't let your peacful caravans pass through. Some will after a lot of negoiations, and you sometimes are able to move your caravans after all. Now, you are at last making a profit. But what happens? WAR, that is what! Two war groups decide they both want more land, and the land is claimed by the other. Are peacful trade groups safe? What do you think? No, you get wiped out too. After all, you had to ally with a war group to even get started. But, you will try again. Such is life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To all those lovely young lasses who have been contacting the Holy Order of the Sacred Purple Kumquat, apparently in a response to a bogus add in last week's Times: I'm afraid all concubine positions are currently filled, and 37 is really all I can handle. I am a very busy man, and cannot tolerate further disruption of my on-going diplomatic efforts and magical studies. Hence, further visitors who do not have clearly stated business with the Holy Order, on matters other than the above stated bogus add will be fed to the Hippogriff, or put to work in the mines. And to the juvenile delinquents who put that add in the Times in the first place: your writing belies a great ignorance in the affairs of the Holy Order of the Sacred Purple Kumquat; in the first place it's not a church, and in the second place, the "stans" that you imagine have more to do with needing to deal with ignorant bozos like yourselves, than with female companionship. Get a life. High Preist Ralph ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Ca y est, Per'Ubu, ca y est ! Ahahaha ! Je sais voler....Ahahahahaha !!! - M'enfin, Mer'Alia ! C'est pas la peine de vous mettre dans un etat pareil. Moi aussi, je sais voler...Rien d'exceptionnel a cela, tout le monde sait voler ! Par contre, ce qui est important c'est de ne pas se faire prendre; car alors on a tout un tas d'ennui avec la police et tout ca, et ca ne fait guere serieux. J'espere que vous aller laisser tomber cette idee ridicule, ma chere ! - Non, Per'Ubu ! Vous ne comprenez pas...Je sais VOLER, je VOLE...Flap Flap...comme les petits oiseaux...dans les airs... - Beuh...Sans deconner ! Voler dans les airs comme un oiseau pas comme un voyou dans les rues...J'y crois pas. Faites donc voir un peu... - Pas de probleme...Ouvrez la fenetre, pendant que je vais me changer... Mer'Alia revint vetu d'un body bleu avec une cape rouge, s'elanca a travers la piece et sauta la tete la premiere par la fenetre dans un grand cri. Per'Ubu etait stupefait; il la savait un peu derangee, mais a ce point la ! Il se precipita vers la fenetre pour voir dans quel etat elle s'etait ramassee. Il esperait quand meme qu'elle s'en remettrait rapidement, c'etait la fin de l'hiver et peut-etre bientot la guerre. A sa grande surprise, il arrivait pres du bord de la fenetre quand il la vit arriver, en volant, les deux poings en avant, droit sur lui. Le choc fut terrible et depuis Per'Ubu a mal aux dents. Estunoizo...Estunnavion...Non, c'est Mer'Alia. Skifopaferpourdesbrouzouf.Desole. S'il n'y avait pas d'Atlantis, il n'y aurait pas d'Atlanteens (Per'Ubu). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dem Free Companions dun burn me hous and kill me dog! I am peisful trader see, I dun mined iorn for Free Companions. They dun pay me 20 silver for iorn see. Everyting is good see. I happy, they happy! But then the Captain see, he say only want pay 10 silver for iorn! I say no way! deal is deal see! pay me 20 silver. Last week I dun give him lots o iorn and he done give me 10 silver for iron. I say where is 20 silver? He say sorry, only 10 silver. I say no way! This no fair, deal is deal see! I say I sell iorn in city for 37 silver, is better for me. He say no! I no sell Captain iorn he no let me mine on his land. I say fine, me no like Captain, me go Abernathy, live in swamp. He say fine. Next turn, I leave, but Captain dun declare me unfriendly, he block my path. I can no leav! I surrond by Free Companion! Captain say give iorn, 10 silver. I say no way me just work and train! Captain say no! He want iorn, make sword, burn Kashmar. I say 15 silver for one iorn. Captain say okay. Next turn Captain dun burn me house, kill me wurker and beat me dog. Captain dun give me land to someone new. Some Newbie now dig Captain iorn and make he sword. Me run, me no stealth, me hide! I in Kashmar now. I hav 150 silver. You asasan Captain. I give money, yes? -Rollen Bones (425) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part II - The differences between taking a town and a city. Obviously, cities are more desireable than towns. Why, you may ask? Well, aside from the obvious prestige associated with wiping out 100 soldiers (vs. 50 for a town), there is a greater potential income associated with owning a city. And usually, there are better opportunities for traders in a city as there are better items (rather than having towns sell fish.) But me, I'm a country girl at heart. I don't like all the hustle and bustle associated with the big city. Atlantis City was just unbearable, you know. I mean, all that light and noise pollution! Who need or wants it? Not this down-on-the-farm girl, that's for sure. Bottom line is, if you like clean living, stay in the towns. They usually have friendlier people anyways. If all you're interested in is making a buck, the city is probably a better place for you. Y'all come back now, y'hear? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hello again, As Dave mentioned, I shouldn't spamm the list by mailing fakes, so I am saving them for the times, here goes : (Thanks to Dave for the help on this one) Spell Class : JELLO Sproing (Jello 1) : The mage with this spell can create a giant redcurrant jello that is used by the surrounding populous. The jello acts like a trampoline, and the use of which is used for entertainment. All entertainment available is attained by the mage. In addition, the peasants are so happy that they have food for the month, as do your men in that region. For every man you gain $20 and no effect to their orders this month, they can do their usual jobs. Use this spell with the CAST order : CAST Sproing. Required foundations : Construct 1, Jello 1, Redcurrant 1. Thanks for listening Tony Sheldon (cs0u308d@liverpool.ac.uk) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ershwin lounged idly on his sunbed. He sipped at his cocktail and admired the beautiful surroundings of his personal baths. He was pleased with the construction, chiefly because he'd designed and planned it himself. He was especially pleased with the tiles. He'd had to import them especially from Atlantis city. They were arranged as a dead-Roman motif, on a backdrop of dead-Romans. Ershwin found himself wondering at his irrational dislike of Romans. The only live Roman he'd ever known, he had great respect for, and communicated with regularly by pigeon. Rayelin was his name - Colonel Rayelin - or was it Major?... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *******NEWBIE HELP AIDS*********** Because of continued positive feedback from Newbies in Need, the Highly Altruistic Kindness to Newbies Guild continues to offer, free of charge, our useful packet of Newbie Hints. Send requests to RPeters@defenders.org ************************************ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BLASPHEMOUS DOES NOT RHYME WITH PHINEAS!! hallelujahgobble!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The winds of time blow through the lands. It is a cold wind. You are chilled to the bones. Your bones ache and yearn to be warm again. My master can help you to warm your bones. First you cast off your flesh and let the flesh melt away from the bones, then your bones can be ground and used as mortor in a fireplace. For there they will stay warm all winter long. What? You don't want to cast off your flesh? No problem, the Reaper doesn't mind if you want to or not. He will free your encased spirit and your flesh is left behind while your spirit is free to roam, or be collected if you have sold it to the wrong deamon. Cast your spirit free, Let it roam the tides of time, The Reaper will help you, Get free from the flesh of thine. RIP -- the UNDERTAKER -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ At least we have settled down!We earn money from the iron we sell We won't have to move again said the single dwarf everything is fine here. We have splitted in two hexes though we'll have to split in many more if we don't find more iron here said the leader miner. Nobody wanted to leave this hex it was a quite good mountain but what could they do? Another unsuccesful faction. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Production starts! ------------------ Anyone that is interested in buying fine herbs or iron in the area near Kashmar please contact me. I sell herbs for $70 each. I sell iron for $60 each. Anyone interested? aggelos@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mr Ally, Right or Wrong Recently the Monzon Confederation were debating what action to take about a member pillaging a hex . The hex was not claimed , nor were any bystander units attacked. The objection to outright war, apart from being a massive overeaction, was what powerful allies did the offending faction have and how would they react. Noone thought of actually asking them. They were assumed to follow blindly. This is an illustration of my point. What stance does an ally take if your comrade in arms/magic or trade commits , what is considered by others , an unacceptable act. Be it theft, assasination or dishonest trading. do you follow them over the cliff?? The rules of the game say , yes. You are automatically sucked into any conflict involving your allies in adjacent heses. Your trade units are massacred at the very least and possibley other units will be damaged. this of course only applies when the situation becomes a violent one. If somehow you manage to avoid the consequences of your allies actions, expulsion from a host hex, war, whatever. Where does that leave your relationship?? would a deserted ally wish to retain an alliance with someone who looked the other way in his /her hour of need?? Would anyone trust you again?? Possibly the greatest loser would be the "sensible " ally. Who would not follow his errant collegue. Distrusted by his erstwhile allies who feel betrayed and scorned by others for his desertion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Another month has passed, winter's coming closer..... A horse or two would be nice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANNOUNCING THE ATLANTIS CITY LOTTERY! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Yes, you too can play, be you newbie faction or ancient! It's this easy: If you want to pick "HEADS" then "DECLARE 1 ALLY". If you want "TAILS", then "ATTACK 1". This way everyone who picks TAILS will attack everyone who picks HEADS. Note that the HEADS team get the guards, but of course, TAILS are more lucky! Let's have fun, people. Atlantis is a great game. I love it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "The thieves to the north of Sledmere have lived off of my troops long enough. If they do not retreat from their current positions, I will personally serve them for breakfast." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Osram smiled, at last they had reached a place to call home. The wide plains of Sorrisdale beckoned and his men were keen to explore. All around, the other members of the Riders Of the Rising Sun toiled, from the arcane mutterings of the Mages to the clash of steel of the warriors, all were intent on their study. An emissary from the Holy Order Of The Sacred Purple Kumquat rode up to greet them. "Greetings Osram, welcome to our humble realm, make yourselves at home." "Thanks friend", Osram saluted with the inverted ziggurat salute, a particularly difficult manouver on horseback... After he had picked himself up and dusted himself down, Osram climbed self-consciously back into the saddle. "Ahem, Er, How far do these plains stretch, friend?" he asked. "Several leagues to the east, until the coast of the Whispering Surf but the lands just south of here lead into the Wailing Wastes, a seemingly un-ending frozen plain" Never mind, Osram thought, this seems the ideal for the great inverted ziggurat temple project.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Harald heaped another body on the pile. It was Slugi Minemaster, a man who had taken him into his hut, and had been beginning to impart some of his vast knowledge of harvesting the rich iron ore form the mountains. What a waste. He had watched this friend, and 21 others like him whither away. The corpse was so pathetic he could have lifted it with one hand. What a waste. They had all starved over the last month, only the stongest survivng. And they were now sorely malnutritioned. A few, like Slugi, had stopped eating, giving their food to others until they died. The first emergency supplies of food had arrived three days ago, saving the lives of some fifteen men, but already these were dwindling fast. Looking down, Harald saw a bedraggled figure climbing the steep Tor. Olaf Fingil, one of his comrades in the mines. They nodded to one another as the man reached the plateau at the summit. "News, Harald. The House Mibs will be giving us food, this month." "Too late for these poor souls", he gestured at the score of corpses heaped to his right, "but welcome enough for the rest of us." "Aye, lad. Life goes on." Olaf produced some coals from the sack on his back. "Well let us get on with it", he said, wearily. As Olaf proceeded to add coals and some kindling to that already beneath the pile of dead, Harald began the Commendation of their souls to Loki, on of the Masters of Chaos whom all Melnbone worshipped. Loki was the patron of the Norsemen within Melnibone. "For you, Great Loki, we burn these corpses, So that you may garner their souls wherever you see the trails of smoke. Let them prove to be valuable sevrants to you in all your works, michief or otherwise, and . . . ." ----------------------------------------------- Steve Dillon email: m.l.wilson@ncl.ac.uk Atlantis site: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/~n264946/new/ NEW - Html-ised rules at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/~n252263/Atlantis/rules.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ved Magikernes Cirkel pa Heden menes en venligtsindet and at vise sig ved sommersolhverv. Kerestepar plejede at drage til dette sted for at aflegge deres egteskabslofter Stenstotter lofter sig dystert over Sledmere i den sydlige del af Atlantis ocean. Mange legender omgiver disse sten; en forteller, at en race af kemper har baret stenene fra Komarken. So long ago. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Ancient has arrived The glorious race of Ancient has arrived in Atlantis. They have been able to conquere the lands of Elinza and are ready to take over the village of Tyungh. So far there have been no resistance to the Ancient. The lands are closed to the public and no threspassing will be tolerated. Lord Daynic, Devine ruler of the Ancient ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Sledmere Police Department -==============================- Because of increasing criminal activities in the Sledmere region, the Sledmere Police Department will start to report any possible crime-doers in the region. The following units have a stealth training and could be possible thiefs: - Caballero Negro (865), leader, horse. (* Obviously from the faction Caballeros (553) *) - Negoro Yoshio (2407), leader, horse. - Negoro Takasi (2409), leader, horse. - Negoro Tetsuo (2410), horse, leader. (* Obviously from the faction The Clan Negoro (350) *) - The Crow (2513), leader, sword. - Wilber The Wanderer (1956), high elf; Off for a look around. <dean@memex.co.uk>. Watch out for these guys! And evil-doers remember: WE ARE WATCHING YOU! - The Sledmere Police Department (SPD) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greetings Atlantians! The Wandering Wizards wish to extend well wishes and peaceful intent to all factions. The Wandering Wizards are travellers who wish only to learn more of this world and it's inhabitants and consider all to be friends and none to be enemies until proven otherwise. Also, the Wanderers hold no land and do not seek any, so threaten the holdings of no one. Let it be known that those who welcome the Wandering Wizards and associated Wandering units can call on them for help, those who express a desire for them to continue wandering can expect their wishes to be respected and those who react to their presence with violence or agression can expect retribution. Feel free to contact the Wandering Faction (5) for any reason. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Targon walked around and found the Loremaster sitting in his tent. "So, here we are. Still camped in Sledmere city. I wonder what is yonder..." he said waving with his hands vaguely to the cities outskirts. "Because we cannot find ourselves a magic teacher, you guys will have to come up with some extra dough so that I can study by myself." Before the loremaster could react to that bold remark Targon had already left the tent and went straight to the others announcing that we would start studying magic this turn. [We still need a teacher, we can also offer teaching by way of payment. Any factions that can help Targon become a magic user? We are situated in Sledmere city only. Any offers are welcome, The Guild, andre@targon.uucp ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vull scratched his head quizzedly. Life in this strange new world was not as easy as it seemed. Lots of strange things had happened... His partner Noid had disappeared into the wilds. A month disappeared a couple of months ago. Vull chuckled at the irony of his thoughts. Yes, it is difficult in this new world. I barely have enough to feed my grunties! However, mused Vull, I do like the magiks that I am learning how to command. With a flourish, sparks jump from his fingertips. At that time, Vull's form begin to phase and shift. "Damnation! I hate it when that happens! I need to study Ethereal, and fix this stupid thing before I phase out of this world again, just when I'm getting a handle on it!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ South emisphere seems a little hostile. Why people want to be so agressive. Can't we live in peace and freedom. A lot of my units are walking around Yakleks and Spakker. Going south and answer the question : Is there an end of this world ? The last hex is near an "empty zone" or perhaps it is ice ..... OOh, fine and we can go more in the south until the north !!! But, how to go on ice ? Having a special skill ? Yes, good. Let's go until the South limit. Now, the weather is clear, I will go faster ... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PAGES FROM THE TEUTONIC ANNALS... --------------------------------- Death and dread raze across Atlantis City in the shape of a blazing inferno. The material dammage so far exceeds thousends of silver coins and every hour more damage is caused. According to public gossip the fire storm started in a building on Divine Georf's Avenue. Unofficial rumors claim that a small squire of the Knights had been fiddeling with a Wand of Fire an accidently burned down the Head Quarters of the Knights. From there the fire had then spread. Still no proof has been found to support this, but someone will pay... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well, so much for a quiet little Carnforth. In (13,11) just outside of Monzon City: Robusta Roasters (2142) pillages Carnforth (13,11). For those of you who do not know, the Robusta Roasters are associated with the Costa-Rican Show Band (209). Also for those of you who do not know, the CRSB has claimed the hexes to the NW and SE (12,11) and (14,12), and it is presumably to one of these regions that the cowards have fled. Anyone with a suitably large army might try to challenge these villians on their home turf, but be aware that you will have to ADVANCE on them. An attempt at scouting in (14,12) was met with: Forbidden entry to Carnforth (14,12) by Coffee Growers United (895). so we can presume that the CSRB is Unfriendly to all as a default, and has units on guard. This report brought to you by an agent of the Greater Monzon Area Tattler's Association (GMATA). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Muon, Muon, camped in Monzon, seeking mentor Observation. Nine long fingers on two worn hands, ready to wander war torn lands. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ They had arrived at the coast. Nothing but ocean as far as the eye could see. Nice land here though, a small settlement here would be fine. Others were willing to set up camp, but wanted to build a ship and continue across the ocean to other lands. They thought that better lands must exist other where and be better than these sparce areas. The troops didn't mind, as long as they had food, their dice, and were allowed to consort with the civilain pub owners. But their leaders were not satisfied, they wanted a larger tax base. They wanted to expand. No telling what sorts of danger might be around. The guards were set up and scouts sent out to explore the nearby forsets. A few lumberjacks followed them and started cutting down trees to make the palisade. Soon, they would have a small town here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NEWSFLASH! BEWARE DONT come to Spakker, unless you want your faction Ambushed in a Cold Waste Land. Or at least be careful. War is in the air in Spakker. One faction was destroyed last month. This Newsflash has been brought to you by, The House of Nightsword. (568) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------oooo0000 Spakker Decree 0000oooo------------------- Please stop! For those of you who are considering coming to Spakker, DO NOT! There is nothing to come to. The ground all around the city is either inhabited by wondering monsters or the swamps are frozen solid! The city is so far south that the winter lasts 5 or 6 months of the year, making travel through the swamps impossible. Unless you are interested in living a life of continous hell, try another place to move to. This has been a public service message of a newbie faction in Spakker. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Attention Newbies!!!! Attention Newbies!!!! Interested in magic? Contact the Greenpoint faction (572) at xuequin@unix.asb.com for a once in a life time training opportunity. Pick up a new foundation and spell at a dirt cheap price. Don't miss it! First come, first serve. This offer will not be repeated. So contact me today. Magic is expensive. This is a chance to make your first foray into magic at BIG cost savings! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I don't know," moans Wednesday, "I'm sick, Daphine." "Now, don't you worry," replies Daphine soothingly, "We will soon get you some more of those Girl Scout Cookies." "Yes, you know real Girl Scouts made up those cookies", adds Mortisha with her knowing grin. "Now, just lie there and drink some of my potion," says Elvira. "Sooner than you know it, you will be a new person." "It sure tastes good," mumbles Wednesday, as she lapses into sleep. "Do you think she suspects?" whispers Morganna as Wednesday falls into a fitful sleep. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The toradoe swoops down upon dorthy and her friends carrying them to another city. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greetings, fellow Atlantians! For some of you the winter is coming, for other's it's spring. But whichever season, it's nice to have a good scroll (some call it a "book") to nestle up with while your people are out doing their duty. This month I present to you the first part of "The deed of Paksenarrion", written by Elizabeth Moon. This first scroll is called "Sheepfarmers daughter", written in 1988. Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter (Paks for short) was not ment to be a pig farmers wife, so she run away from home to join a mercenary company for the exciting and adventurous life as a soldier. In this first book we follow Paks through her time as a recruit and her first campaign. This is an extract of her first battle. As the sun rose higher, Paks felt sweat crawling through her hair under her helmet. The dust cloud ahed came closer as the Czardians advanced. Somewhere of on the right wing, a confused clamor began: crashing, metallic and a deep roard that seemed to shake the earth. Her hart pounded, her sword grip felt slippery. She opened her mouth for air. Surly Stammel would tell them if they were supposed to do anything. She watched his unhurried stroll back and forth in front of their ranks. Behind him the mass of enemy came closer and closer. Someone in the ranks let out a sobbing groan. "Take it easy, now," came Stammel's rough growl. "Remeber your drill. I'll tell you when to worry, recruits. And you veterans, stop acting up to scare the new ones. I'll dock you a day's pay if anyone tries to unsettle 'em." Paks took a deep breat and tried to relax, flexing her hand on the sword. The noise and the dust came closer. One of the captains trotted along the front of their line and paused to speak to Stammel. Paks saw him nod. Stammel swung round to face them; Paks felt him capture and release her gaze before giving the expected order. At his command they began to march forward, and now the corporals began chanting a ritual encouragement and reminder. "Stay in formation now, file two; keep your swords up; keep your shields up and ready; steady march, slow march, count y'r cadence, slow march; file three, pick it up; steady march; no crowding there, third and four! Remeber your shields, up and out-" And then the front rank was engaged with the enemy, and the noise of battle drowned out their voices. Paks suddenly found enemy swords thrust at her as the first rank moved into the enemy formation. I recomend this book, not only beause it's such a grate story, but also because it gives you such a good insight in the life of a common soldier fro that era. With regards! Pal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I wonder if Sledmere is attacked this turn! So winter lasts until September... The GOOD SSS S SSS S SSS atan ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Why are all of you fussing about what to do in this world? Just go out there and take over everything, that is how to do it. War is best, war is good, go to war, just like you should. You should all change to war like me. I have no trouble in this world at all. I simply tax and take from the lower life forms trying to scrabble in the dirt beneath me. Let them build it Then take it. Let them bring it to market Then steal it. Produce those horses Then demand them. Make those wagons You can use them. Enchant the items They are mine now. Ask for enough to live on Beg please. You are my slaves. The world belongs to me. All you produce is mine. Don't try to hid anything, I will find it. You will be sorry you attempt to do anything without permission. War is great, war is good, We go to war, Because we could. You are making me a King with your devoted work. Now, go ahead and resist, I will win, Because I Am WAR. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hogli shook his head sadly as he read the parchment. Whatever was he going to do with that Desmorandus! The fellow sounded positively ebullient, no doubt drunk on the combination of rum, battle-hormones and fresh sea air. It seemed the surprise attack on the guards had gone off smoothly, as expected. Hogli imagined Desmorandus had taken great glee in slitting the throats of the guards who had humiliated and harassed him in his youth as a street urchin. But Hogli frowned as he read of this months activities. It necessitated some reading between the lines, of course...but it seemed that the boys had gotten a bit out of hand. A number of innocent citizens had fallen prey to the newly-acquired swords. Now, it was true the streets of Komarken had never been the safest place, but a military leader should exercise proper restraint! That had been Lord Vox's biggest problem, too: lack of restraint. Proper discipline could not be taught if one's leader didn't model it, after all. No, Hogli thought, Desmorandus couldn't be allowed to run around chopping off heads like some renegade Pirate, now...he'd need to be put on a bit of leash once he got back to the Pavilion. No doubt he'd protest, but Hogli had the blood-bond to rely on for control. Perhaps a nice long teaching assignment for the winter months would help cool his blood. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here is the land to use. We will build a ship now. A ship to carry our goods to market, our troops to action, and a means to explore the rest of the world. We have designed our flag. It looks very handsome with its black field and white design. When we raise our colors, all will flee in terror. But our ship will be the fastest on the seas. We will catch them We will take over their ship and the booty will be ours. But back to the basics. We need to hire workers now. We need wood. We need shipbuilders. We need iron. We need weaponsmiths. But, we hire no troops, we can train ourselves. We are Vikings, and we are out to have fun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ With a cry of many voices and the tramp of many feet, the hostd of the lord march to the promised land. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don't go on the moors lad, y'dunno what may be lurking there, ghoulies, beasties and things that go bump in the night. Strange things happen to foolhardy travellers when passing through Nyx lands, most are never heard of again, those that do come out speak of hordes of Orcs running riot in the mountains just waiting for a reason to strike. They are restless it seems, it shant be long before blood is spilt that's for certain.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is a message from the Atlantean Police Department: WANTED FOR POSSIBLE CRIMES & THIEVERY : This warning is especially for the new players and the inhabitants of the city of Spakker (80,53), Cremona (15,31), Komarken (27,2), Kashmar (3,17), and Yakleks (76,54), as now that these thieves and assassins are no more safely hidden, they could emigrate to these peaceful cities. The people following are considered to be potential thieves and assassins by the Atlantis City Police forces: - Tiny (846), leader. - Ezekiel (543), 3 leaders. - Chief Topssot (653), leader. - Kainmanar Teriz the Trader (986), leader; black robed man eyeing everyone suspiciously. - Bronco Billy (2319), leader; Trying to ride, but keep falling off. - Varain (2563), leader; a man of many talents. - Taranis (2647), leader; seeking to entertain you. - Dustmote (2400), leader; dancing in the air. - Lord of Rheadon (2938), leader, horse; Tough looking elf with a well-chewed cigar stub in mouth. - Under Influence (2932), leader. - Uuseff Tammuz (3096), leader. - Unit (3347), high elf. - Maerdnim (778), leader, horse; A gaunt man with a pale ascetic face.. - Fedayken (3602), 2 leaders, 2 horses. - Sammy the Shepard (871), leader. - Flying Eagle Shadow (3929), leader, horse; Always hiding. - Fink Angel (3958), leader; With His Ratty Friend. - Unit (1105), 2 leaders, horse. - Noble Leader (4104), leader. - Marta's Followers (4166), 2 leaders, horse. - Daniel Griffon-Feather (4342), leader, horse; A large Indian shaman. - Myster 1 (4403), leader. - Myster 2 (4404), leader. - Unit (4417), leader. - Opps (4457), leader. The people following were considered to be potential thieves and assassins by the Atlantis City Police forces, but since at least the last month, they are no more reported in Atlantis City, whether they have gone or they became too stealthy for the Police: Disappeared on the month of January , Year 2 : - ka-lek (276), 2 leaders, 16 horses, 2 longbows. - Scruffy (268), leader; Sewer Service. - Unit (530), leader, 3 horses. - Buffago Hagglegood (1938), leader, longbow; a roundish hobbit. - Muttley (585), leader. - Izzy (782), leader. - Freewheelin' Franklin (2497), leader. - Unit (2584), leader. - Linta Macar (2605), leader. - Alfa Squad (2400), 3 leaders; labour pool. - Unit (2627), high elf. Disappeared on the month of March , Year 2 : - Unit (388), leader, horse. - Althred (289), leader; loitering with intent... - Adlai Stevenson (317), leader. - Hugo Amugo (326), leader; The big faction boss. - Duke Buddha (416), leader. - Honorable Okram (244), leader; walking in worn shoes. - Ararargh's Evil Assassin (1940), leader; Eyeing the world through a curtain of hatred.. - Stimpy (2502), leader; A silly looking cat with no tail.. Disappeared on the month of April , Year 2 : - Ladrao1 (922), high elf; Bem Furtivo. - Xiombarg (985), leader. - Unit (1908), leader; A *really* confused looking chap. - Unit (2417), high elf. - Serenity (374), leader. - Brother Edmund (395), leader, horse; A Jolly Rotund Chiel. - Unit (2650), high elf. - Unit (2652), leader. - Rogovsky (382), leader, horse. Disappeared on the month of May , Year 2 : - Happy Rufus Himself Indeed (307), leader; Looking Rather Peculiar. - Divine Bean (634), leader. - Unit (296), leader. - Mr Smith (309), leader; Wearing a well cut business suit . - . (2782), leader; .. - 'Mr (2784), leader; Wearing a well cut business suit . - Unit (926), leader. - Unit (2948), 2 leaders. - Stefan Sharpe (840), leader; A Cool Looking Karro. Disappeared on the month of June , Year 2 : - Kermit (695), leader, horse. - Arturo (786), leader. - Audrey (327), leader. - Unit (856), leader; Bucolicas y alocadas florecillas silvestres. - Mr Jones (2949), leader; Wearing a well-cut business suit. - Unit (605), leader. - Unit (712), leader, horse. - Unit (847), leader. - Arendal (3422), leader, horse; A slightly off high elf. Disappeared on the month of July , Year 2 : - The Sound (800), leader, horse. - Unit (320), leader, 2 horses; I promise to do my atlantis turn earlier.. - Ich (3424), high elf, horse. - Unit (3502), leader. - Unit (3553), 2 leaders. - Unit (3613), leader. Disappeared on the month of August , Year 2 : - Moonbeam (3040), leader; diligently studying something he doesn't understand. - Sundog (3041), leader; lost, confused, and not very bright. - Boozeman (647), leader. - Unit (3584), leader. Finally, a mage named Tiny complain about the Police. From his point of view, he's only a peaceful mage. So why does he hide ? To our point of view, anyone hiding has something illegal to do. So he's on the list. Just let the others known your faction number and intentions, and they will know why you're hiding yourself. Just reveal your unit and faction, and you will no more be hiding, and will no more be on our list. The Atlantean Police Dpt. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Advertisement!!!! ******************* Looking for spells for sale in the Spakker area. Please contact Elistar@aol.com if you are willing to sell any. Price is negotiable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- The Cooperative ---------------------- Faction 627, representing the Atlantis Guild Cooperative ("The Cooperative") announces the a new alliance with the Greenpoint faction, 572, who was already allied with the Church of the Purple Snowflake (Faction 72). The continued growth of the alliance illustrates the good will and harmony throughtout Atlantis. The three factions are now involved in negotiations at the highest levels, the nature of which is confidential, but it is fair to say, is strictly honorable and noble. Any other factions interested in joining a growing and energetic alliance, please contact us. Address correspondence to kalmar@acf2.nyu.edu ----------------------- The Cooperative ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q: How many policemen does it take to beat an egg? A: None, it must have fallen down the stairs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Heigh-ho, heigh ho, invisibly We go . . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Everybody has a price if the bid is good... that appear to be the only think sure i've found here... You can buy a good trained elve if you have money, buy weapons if you have money, buy knowledge if you have money... all time money... that's the only purpose of this game?? having the most money available?? well.... i will then earn more money... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jessica was getting more than a little frustrated. Between the terrible hiring conditions here in the City, Tana's mysterious disappearance, her complete inabilty to get so much as a hint about where that thrice damned laser rifle got off to, that thing with the guy in robes last month, and worst of all, a strange sense of WRONGNESS that seemed to permeate the air around her that made her nervous and edgy all the time. It was enough to drive a person nuts, she reflected, especially in a place like this where nothing seems to make much sense. There were people here in Atlantis who made her time-travelling team of interspacial explorers seem positively mundane. The worst part was the incongruity of some of it. Guys calling themselves the 'Borg' walked the streets side by side with magi dripping with sorcerous power. It made Jess almost glad that Dan hadn't made it here. The poor techie would have been down for a ten-count trying to come up with a rational explanation for it all. Luckily for her, she was just the pilot, so it only bothered her a little. But STILL... Shaking her head to clear it, Jess stopped in her stroll to try and figure out where her random meanderings had brought her. She was in a nicer section of town, looking at a small home with a neat lawn and a large sign posted prominantly on it. Curious, she perused its contents. *Be a Hero to towns like Nork! *Why pay others to observe what you could see? ENROLL NOW! ----- Atalantis City School of Observation ----- She chuckled to herself. Oh, another one of THOSE. There seemed to be almost as many schools and acadamies and universities and whatnot in the City as there were elves. And you couldn't sneeze in here without bumping into a set of pointy ears. She turned to be about her business when her eye caught on the small line of text under the advertisement. a division of the Church of the Purple Snowflake, in coordination with *CRIMEWATCH* and T T T Church of the Purple Snowflake? She did a quick 180 and stared at the small house again. The man she'd seen by the Unemployment office, he'd had a purple snowflake on his chest, dangling form a chain around his neck or something... Almost before she'd completed the thought, she was striding up the walk to the front door. She wasn't sure why, exactly, but she had this feeling deep in her gut that it was something she had to do. At the door she hesitated for a moment or two, then with renewed resolve she rapped on the sturdy oaken door. * * * * * * * * Falcon sat in his corner seat and once again surveyed the room. The crowd, almost exclusively high elves, was quiet. Which wasn't doing much for poor Songbird, trying to bring in a little silver with her tunes. But with so many wide and various forms of entertainment to be found in the city, it was a bit surprising that she did as well as she did. He smirked a bit, but then again, she was mighty fine to look at, after all. Looking over toward the center of the room, his smirk faded, replaced by his more familiar scowl. The outlander David was drinking again, and the man's cronies, the 'Red Guard' were right there with him, trying to make sure there was never an ale surplus in Atlantis City. He didn't savor having to trust his life to those drunken idiots, but as long as they slowed down the opposition long enough for him to put a shaft in the enemy.... The door to the inn slammed open, and the Lady Jessica burst in like a fireball with legs. his smirk grew once again, and what fine legs they were at that.... "Okay gang, we're out of here. We march at dawn, be ready!" What? Sitting up, he scanned the room again. Songbird's seranade had faltered and she look scared at the thought, the various Guardsmen were in equally various states of shock, and even the Lady's companion David seemed taken aback. David protested, "But Jess, honey..." She cut him off with a gesture. "I'll explain later." She gazed around the room much as he himself had just moments earlier, "In private. Just do as I say and trust me on this, alright?" She turned towards the stairs, only to be stopped by David's hand on her shoulder. They stared into each other's eyes for a few heavy moments, then Dave looked away and nodded. Jess smiled very briefly then retired up the stairs to her room. Dave took a deep breath, then turned to his men. "Alright gentle-elves, you heard the lady, let's get to it!" As the Guard prepared thier gear, the burly commander turned to his second and added, "Send someone to inform the Vigilant and the League. They may want to know about this one." The red clad elf blinked, "What should I tell them?" David considered, "Tell them we had an....omen, yes tell them the Gods say its time for us to move." He shook his head as the elf obeyed and muttered to himself in a voice meant to be heard by no one, but Falcon's keen ears heard every word, "Its as likely to be true as anything else...." Deciding that now was as good a time as any, the slender archer made his move and sidled up next to David. "And what are my orders, Sir?" Looking up with a bitter smile, the man replied, choosing to ignore the implicit sarcasm in the archer's question, "I hope you're as good with that thing as you say, because you're going to be our point man. You get to scout out our path and make sure its safe." Falcon smiled and nodded confidently, then moved away to check his gear. At last, some action!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Businessmen E-Mail Pages If you would like to have your company in the E-Mail Pages, then send them to me at or if you have changed your add :send to ae485@freenet.toronto.on.ca The Price: A report of your current city that you are in. Delivery people Name Price Address Location MONZON MOVERS n/a pdxark@evol.nott.ac.uk Kashmar and Monzon? ITEMS FOR SALE NAME Price Address Location horses $60 shook@ibg.colorado.edu swords $150 M.L.Wilson@newcastle.ac.uk 9,9 wagons $150 M.L.Wilson@newcastle.ac.uk 9,9 Colonists Name Address King Chromic Acid pfleming@eros.otago.ac.nz Name Price Infomation Location Spy Reports 30 u3jph@csc.liv.ac.uk Atlantis Spell Reports 50 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Protection Theif 30 u3jph@csc.liv.ac.uk Teachers (based on groups of 5) Transportation Name Price Location Boats n/a vlatimer@hilbert.maths.utas.edu.au Komarken Name Price Address Location Armorer n/a andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr Kashmar $50 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar Building n/a andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr Kashmar 50 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar 50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Ellesmere Combat $50 mlyon@interramp.com Monzon $ 50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Ellesmere Energy 125 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar 50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es ellesmere Entertainment. n/a andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr Kashmar $50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Ellesmere Herb n/a andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr Kashmar $50 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar Horse Riding n/a u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Sledmere Horse Training n/a andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr Kashmar n/a u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar Lore n/a andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr Kashmar Lumberjack 50 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar Magic $60 maximum) opt93ph@soton.ac.uk. Ellesmere Nature 125 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar Observation 150 mlyon@interramp.com Monzon 90 Landt@acf4.nyu.edu Atlantis City 50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Sledmere Riding 50 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar 50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Ellesmere Tactics 50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Ellesmere n/a landt@acf4.nyu.edu Atlantis City 500 Mlyon@interramp.com Stealth 125 u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk Kashmar 50 u0904872@soneto.etsiig.uniovi.es Ellesmere Weaponsmith, n/a andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr Kashmar Reward Capture of Theif 100 NORK 46,54 *Most prices based on five students Sledmere/ellesmere JOBS LOOKING FOR WORK Type of work Address armorers stu2@ergasya.tuc.gr weaponsmiths stu2@ergasya.tuc.gr AVAIBLE WORK SPYS WANTED (49,54) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The companions left through the great portal in the North West part of the city. In total they numbered over 30 strong. Each of them well trained and equipped to face the dangers of the unexplored reaches. They looked like every other eager bunch of young men that left Atlantis City. Would this group be any different? Would they make a mark on the history books? Only time and the chronicles would tell. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ralf sat back against a tree, flipping through The Times. It was a lovely spring day. The flowers were blooming, the trees were budding. There was a slight, gentle breeze that just made one relax. Suddenly, Ralf leapt up with a jerk. Whatttt???? Komarken had fallen? That damned Mayor Hatred. It was he who had forced Ralf into exile. It was he who turned Ralf's life upside down. Ralf flipped through the paper quickly, not believing what he read. But there were too many stories about the battle. It had to be true. Ralf knew what had to be done. He knew that he must seek vengence on this 'Mayor'. He knew it, and immediately summoned his faction. "Men, we have a new threat facing us. This evil Mayor will eventually find us, and kill us all. We must begin preparations at once to fight him. It may take us years, but we must be prepared for the day when we meet the Mayor and the PCP. On that day, either they will die, or we will!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "You set up everything" Charles says, "You're using two of them." "You have units of 50?" asks Doug. "Yes, four of them" "Don't just move them, Doing something with them" "Soon we will have two of everything" "Then we will be able to use them all!" exclaims Doug "We can take over the world!" they entone together. The evesdropper quietly stealths away before being caught. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Robert the Fox called DoLittle, his new apprentice, to his chambers. "DoLittle, give me your report on the new regions you explored last month so I can send this vital data to the CCC." "Report, how can I give you a report when all of the surrounding lands refuse access to their realms. You've sent me on a fools errand and now I've wasted a month I could have spent studying" DoLittle stated angerly. "Remember your place nave" Robert reponded. "Send riders to these realms and negotiate some type of agreement so we can start exploring these new lands. "Remember the CCC is depending on this information and I saw not fail." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A new, powerful Troika is arising to conquer the lands of Atlantis... The combination of all the three powers of Atlantis and the close cooperation makes this Troika stronger than most other alliances on this world. Keep your eyes open for the darkblue banners of the Troika... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is a message from the Atlantean Police Department: WANTED IN ORDER TO EARN AN EASY 50 SILVER A MONTH This notice is especially for the new players and the inhabitants of the city of Abernethy (8,17), Komarken (27,2), Kashmar (3,17), Yaleks (76,54), and Spakker (80,53). The Atlantean Police Department wishes to set up Station Houses in the above peaceful cities. We are looking for Factions to set these up on our behalf as we are too afraid to venture outside of the shelter of Atlantis City. The successful applicants will have the following attributes. - Have an observation skill of 1 or less. We certainly have no intention of identifying any real thieves. If we can't see them then we don't run that risk. - Have a love of posting inaccurate and useless information of no use to anyone. This is the role of all good bureaucrats. - Have a real fear of revealing your true identity. As public officials the last thing we want to be sent is information on the real criminals in this land. We might then have to leave our nice warm donut shop and investigate. - Be entirely familiar with the trial by media technique. It makes finding innocent people guilty much easier if the full facts are not revealed and accusations can be made without any real evidence. If you feel you have these attributes and need that extra 50 silver each month then contact us now via the 'atl-players' mailing list. The Atlantean Police Dpt. We are here to serve nobody and protect our own interests. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shaat walked into his office and made his way through the stacks of books to stand before the map on the wall. Skritch's eyes danced about the mess before he too walked into the office and made his way toward the same wall. "Now then, were did the gatekeeper say that new gateway leads?" Shaat didn't bother to look at Skritch as he asked this, his mind seemingly focused on the map. "Is here-here" Skritch exclaimed excitedly as he pointed a clawed finger at the map. Looking at the indicated portion of the map, Shaat nodded to himself. "Perfect. That looks like a whole new region. You have about two and half months to pack your things and get your business in order Skritch, we're taking that gate." "Kesado?" "Hmm? Oh, is he still snowed in?" Shaat took his eyes off the map and looked at Skritch. "No-no. Kesado say dat weather clear-clear." "Perfect. Ok, then tell Kesado to start scouting in a south-westerly direction. I already have all the information I need in the other directions." Shaat waved a hand absently at the map on the wall. Skritch looked at the map again and noticed that most of the area in which Kesado was suppose to scout was already mapped. Skritch looked at the rest of the map and noticed that a goodly portion of the world was already there. He wondered how his master had accomplished this trick. Skritch shrugged that thought away, it was probably magic, and the last time he asked about magic, his master raved about how it was driving him crazy. Skritch understood that much, he'd always thought that those who mucked about with magic were a bit loopey. Skritch darted through the books and out of the office. Shaat sighed as he looked at the books about him and shook his head. "Well, I guess I should get back to studying..." With that, Shaat sat down behind his desk and opened a book and started reading. House Dervish [666] dervish@gcomm.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- Continued from June issue of the times --- Searching the streets, you finally give up all hope of seing the mysterious stranger who appeared from the shimmering gate, so you deceide to head home. One day, as you walk down the street looking for a news story, you accidentally bump into a stranger. You turn to get a closer look, and much to your supprise standing before you is the stranger from the month before, followed by 3 high elves. Appologize for your clumsiness, you step away, but then turn around and start to follow him. This time, there's no way he's getting away. --- To be continued --- --An Atlantian Times Reporter ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Saga of Clan Stoneheart ...Continued "Greetings, Allon Stoneheart. I am Beldar the Storyteller. Welcome to Atlantis." Allon disentangled himself from the elves beneath him and looked around. None of his friends were nearby. It appeared as if he had come through without them. He turned to lend a helping hand to the elves, who were still lying on the ground. "Old man," he said, as he hauled elves easily to their feet. "You seem to know an awful lot about what's going on. Were are my friends?" "They are safe, Prince, scattered across the face of Atlantis, as are your people. But you must find them and bring them together if you are to ever to rekindle the honour of clan Stoneheart." Allon looked around at the crowded streets. There seemed to be thousands of people of all descriptions wandering about. His task seemed somewhat daunting. Shrugging, Allon turned back to the old man. "Where are the markets? I need some supplies before I set out in search of my people." "And what'll you use for money, Prince?" sneered on of the elves. Allon reached into his jerkin and pulled out a large ruby. The elven warrior whistled. "That's gotta be worth 5000. You're rich. Hey, do you need any help finding these people. For a small nominal fee, my colleagues and I will help." "Very well. You're hired. Now lets get going, I want to leave this city by the end of the month. My month. 30 Days, whatever." Allon, followed by his newly loyal troops set off in the direction of the market place. Behind them, Beldar the Storyteller sat chuckling quietly. Continued next week ... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CEO Bob (tm) sighed. No matter how hard S. Balrog flogged them, the stupid high elves just couldn't seem to make much progress on Sword 1.0, G.O.O.D. Ltd.'s wonderful new GOOEY sword extension to their cheap daggers. People had starting making fun of the ship date at all of his press conferences- all he'd done is promised it by next Tuesday every Wednesday for the last four months! What more did the press want? Thankfully no other companies could seem to get it right either. Fruitbat's new GOOEY sword, the Marge, was just too expensive. Bob (tm) had heard rumors of a new, cheap version of the Marge being worked on within Fruitbat- he'd have to ship Sword 1.0 first! He heard some clanking coming his way. Balrog shouted up- "Hey Bob (tm), we got the lastest build of Sword 1.0 to show you!" A burly guard stumbled into Bob (tm)'s office, dragging the new weapon behind him. "Ok, show me what it can do." The guard struggled to lift the heavy sword, then swung it against the test dummy in the corner. The dummy cringed, but the sword snapped in two as it hit, sending the heavy blade crashing through the wall. "Balrog! Get up here!" Balrog hustled up, then stopped as he surveyed the accident. "Oh *&#$^%!. We just got the weight below two hundred pounds. Stupid elves must have taken the weight off the connection between the sword and the dagger." Bob (tm) fumed. "Look at this- the blade isn't even sharp! How on earth do you expect anyone to actually use this?" Balrog shot back, "They'll just have to hire bigger guards to carry it and a team of people with grindstones to keep it sharp. Come on- you know it doesn't have to work well, just enough for the marketing folks to sell it." "All right, all right. But you've got to have it done by next Tuesday, you hear!" "Next Tuesday, right boss. No problem..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *************************************************** * The Confederation * * Monthly * *************************************************** This month the Confederation is attempting to remove dangerous factions from N and NW of Spakker. This area is a warzone and all non-combatents are advised to mail Swat (kbrors@mindscape.com) to avoid being added to the 'target' list. After clearing this area the Confedration will be claiming this area. Other factions may move through our lands but will not be permitted to tax unless given permission. Swat, Speaker for the Confederation kbrors@mindscape.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The snowmelt came and once again travel and exploration around Spakker was possible on foot. Not that it is a good idea, it seems from all the rumors of hostile tyrants roaming the woods. But the small band of Red-shirted high elves and sea elves didn't mind. There job was to scout out the surrounding area to see if enough wood could be produced to build a bost and leave this stupid city. It might get them killed, but that's what they had been hired for. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The wheel spins. Which city is next on the list? Kashmar is no longer an option for travelers, at least not in the forseeable future. Me, I'm hoping it's Spakker again. I just love that city to death! And having three exits leading to Spakker makes it sooooo easy for people to get there. "All aboard ladies and gentlemen, next stop Spakker. Three exits, no waiting." I mean, that way if everybody got really drunk in Atlantis city and went stumbling around, 50% of the people would fall through exits leading to Spakker and we could keep partying there. Did I mention that Spakker was my favorite city? There's just so much to do there! And all that snow! We could all have a big snowball fight. Have the war factions study the Snowball skill (SNO) next month. That allows you to throw snowballs accurately. But don't forget about the potential first strike of a high tactician. Of course, you had better have some trade factions on your side. They'll have to PRODUCE the snowballs for you. The order would be, PRODUCE SNO, and give them to your troops. But the mages would probably decide who the winner would be, as they could cast spells such as "Create Flaming Snowball". It's the Fire(3) spell, right after Fireflash and that other one I keep forgetting. So like I said, come on down to Spakker and let's mix it up! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yes, Magic is it. One must go for magic to become the most powerful in the world. Our mages do not require much, just 600 silver a turn. You can help us out and contribute to the just cause of intellectial studies. We won't wipe out our allies and benifactors when it comes down to checking out how the level 5 spells work. Just point us at your troublesome enemies that you have made. We will take care of them with a gesture of two and a few magic words. yes, Magic is the way to control the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Mayor Hatred's advisors had it right." said Centre Denbigh to his disciples, "Religion motivates. Without Faith, man, elven, indeed all people are but living in the mundane corners of their Existence." He paused. "One of the Mayor or Komarken's advisors said that there are three things which motivate: 'sex, silver, and God.' But they are not on an equal footing. For sure it is Faith which is the Ultimate motivator! Consider the motivation which inspires Dingbat the Orc to the construction of the tower for his people. "Would a Gnazhki build a tower for sex? Most surely they would take their Gnazhka without need of a shelter over their heads. Would a Gnazhki build a tower for silver? Most surely the concept of selling property is beyond their capacities, and we could not envision them as doing anything but eating their tenants. "The only thing which motivates the orc to build is Gdunbar, the Orcish God. And although the elven or human races may be more advanced in their nature, and so more equipped to find motivation in sex or silver, we too derive our greatest inspiration from Resmoreinres, from Envy, from Atman, from Lord Hallelujahgobble, from God of River Lethe, from Geoff, Nancy, the twelve on the hill, from God or gods whatever they may be called! Denbigh took a deep breath. Someone coughed. Denbigh continued, "That which is Sacred is that which drives us, through which we find life in Existence. Without Faith, we are those disenchanted souls you have seen on the news: misguided, restless, playing air lute, all the profanity which lives in the corners of Existence. Without Faith, we are all but Agoraphobes fearful of Existence." With that, Denbigh finished his talk and stepped down from the lectern. As the congregation moved out into the street, there were mumblings of concern. Something was wrong, but no one was sure what. Someone saw Mr. Reid approach the Denbigh. They walked off, past the sign for the ACSO, talking to each other quietly. _______________________________________________________________ | | | * Be a hero to towns like Nork! | | * Why pay others to observe what you could see?! | | | | ENROLL NOW! | | ----- Atlantis City School of Observation ----- | | just $30 per student | | | | a division of the | | Church of the Purple Snowflake, in coordination with | | | | *CRIMEWATCH* and T T T | | | | ...classes in Tactics also available... | | (landt@acf4.nyu.edu) | |_______________________________________________________________| | | | | wwwwww [This fictoid brought to you by the Church of the Purple Snowflake (72) -- landt@acf4.nyu.edu] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Obsidian looked at the contract of loyalty he held in his hands. Signed in blood. Irrevokeable. The way he liked all his buisness contracts,unbreakable. The Alliance of Lightning would soon know the rewards of befriending his Coven. The light of the moon gleemed off the silken black of his robes as he crossed the room to examine the gift he was to soon give to his allies. A row of metal shone in the grey light of the moon,turning the iron chain momentarilly into silver. Obsidian's shadow fell between the armor and window , shattering the illusion cast by the moon. A crooked smile crossed his face unseen.."And this is only the beginning. Much more will be available for those who can pay the price." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEATH TO THE FREE COMPANIONS! War will be waged, People will die, and a lot of them will be yours! I can see you now, laughing at my *feeble* remarks, but watch out Here we come!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Citizens Of Komarken ! Arise and Fight the dictator ! Are you going to sit there and be butchered in your beds ? Are your Sheep going to be safe from the pillages of these mutant scum ? Save your city ! Avenge the Dead ! Join the Resistance now and overthrow the dictator Mayor Hatred and his evil alliance. PS Rumors that we are upset purely because he beat us to it are completely untrue. 'The Fish Shall Return' Jamie. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---===******===--- ---===*** Support the CCC! ***===--- ---===******===--- For the past 18 months, the Cartographer's Cooperation Consortium has been dilligently processing region reports, and distributing them on a free (as long as you contribute ;) and open basis! For those of you that want to know what is what and where is where, a copy of the CCC map is a must. The more people that help out, the better the map will be. So don't hesitate. Send in your region reports TODAY! Email address: tim.hruby@his.com (put "CCC:" on the subject line) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greatings Fellow Mages!! It is my intention to trade low level spells with other mages in AC for other spells of equal worth or cash. Interested? Then watch this space!! Or mail me. ~Aquila -- The Floating Clouds (757) email izzie@meepmeep.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thakram Miles Exploring Company Report, August 02. -------------------------------------------------- Have established myself in the what the natives call Atlantis City. Its a rum place indeed with all sorts of queer folk coming and going all the time. Makes a fellow's head spin. I thought I saw my fellow explorers Wilmington-Smythe, Carstairs-Alsop & Ffoukes Johnson in one of the market places here. Unfortunately, before I could speak to them, they had dissapeared into the crowd. It gives me hope that the rest of my ill-fated expedition did not die in that accursed South American jungle after all.. Am concentrating on getting an expedition out of here. Perhaps it will be possible to find a way back to New Jersey somehow. Progrees is slow since competition for supplies seems fierce. Good news! I have found with Wilmington-Smythe. He seemed to be suffereing from some kind of amnesia but he has agreed to lead an expedition out of one of the great gates of Atlantis City. He is a splendid fellow. All my hopes rest with him. More next month ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chronicles of Tharnush ,vol. XXXVI The chronicles of this world have been compiled by me,Euluchus the Scribe,and it has been a tradition of our family to write into these ancient tomes the knowledge we have gained as a nation throughout history. This book relates the tale of the fall of the dark one,back in the year 3491 of our Lord,under the rule of High Prince Arctorian III.The info here gathered is a collection from many parchments and popular stories,since at that time my great-great-grandfather Solunicus the First One,had not yet been born. The End of the Age of Darkness,by Euluchus the Scribe: Prince Arctorian stood on the top of the small hill,towering above the plains where the sounds of battle came from.For three days and three nights his men had been fighting against the undead legions of the dark wizard,and yet no clear result was to be made from the battle.He frowned at the thought of his enemy,once a noble wizard at his grandfathers service,now for two generations oppressing the people like a tyrant,and responsible for the death of two of his bravest ancestors. He did not know the tale for sure,yet he knew the evil one had promised to his grandfather,King Helluthio II the secrets of immortality and immense power,as long as the gold,silver and riches kept flowing in.The wizard had apparently discovered the way of the undying,yet it used forces darker than the night itself,and powers unknown up until that time in the land. Using foul treachery and devious plots,he managed to build for himself a tower,the very same tower he was now gazing upon,surrounded by the remains of his family's castle,and inside the tower perform the rites so inhuman and nefarious that made him into a being not of this world,but a creature of darkness,whose immense power took over the land. The death of Helluthio and his still young son,was the first step in what was to become a series of events that lead the land into darkness,the people into fear,and honor and nobility,once respected qualities,into shame and oblivion.Thanks to a faithful servant,Arctorian had managed to escape the killing and,still a baby,took refuge in the Northern lands,where he grew into a strong man,became a fearsome leader,the first to join the Northern tribes into a strong army,and came south to claim a title that was his birthright. A messenger swiftly rode up the hill,his mount almost exhausted by the obvious speed of the ride. "Sir,our men have managed to siege the tower,and all of the enemy forces in the plains have been wiped out.There still remain,however,some small bands of the enemies...creatures throughout the land,but we have hunting parties tracking them down.We are currently encamped outside the tower,and there does not seem to be great movement in the inside.Your orders,sir?" "Spread word that we will spend this night outside the tower walls, the men need some rest.We will attack at dawn,tell the men to be ready then." "Your orders will be carried out...sire." "Good." Sire...at last he was treated according to his right,and soon he would be able to put an end to this madness...but now,rest was needed,for his troops would need guidance in the morning. /**/ The attack on the tower was a deception.No-one was to be found inside the tower,not a single soul to account for.There were remains of recent activities on the inside,accompanied by numerous piles of dust,and dead corpses everywhere,but no signs of defenders or magicians anywhere! Fearing some sort of invisibility magic,Arctorian had ordered his men a complete search of the tower,which had lasted for about half a day now,but without success.He was standing in the main entrance hall surrounded by his most faithful men,trying to figure out what had happened,when the esquire came running in: "Sire we found this next to a dead corpse in one of the underground levels.Its seems some sort of ritual magic was performed during the night yet only this parchment and twelve dead bodies could be found..." Arctorian pointed to one of his men,after grabbing the parchment "Uthgor,get a group of your best men,and go search the area,be careful my friend,we do not know what he has yet planned for us" Arctorian read: "...I write this down with my dying hands,to record the events that took place in the last night of the battle with the forces of Arctorian,so that others know of the fate of my master,and that there is still a shadow of the man I was in the monster I am now. I have been in the service of my master for more than 200 years now, ever since my master first initiated me in the ways of the undead.I am,and I do not know why,different from the other creatures in the tower,for my masters servants are usually void of will and consciousness,and their single desire is to serve my master and nothing else.Perhaps my master has created me with the intent of having some company,who am I to question his ways? I was guiding our forces in the field today,and as we retreated to the tower,it was I that was to inform the master of our unsuccessful efforts to keep the enemy away from our walls.As I entered the throne room,where my master was seated,he looked at me with raging eyes,and as if reading my mind,spoke to me in harsh words: "Silence,peasant! I will not tolerate to hear from you the news you bear,for in my anger I would most certainly...eviscerate you!" "Yet I still need you to play my final move.So,make haste to the dungeon,there is much to be done until dawn!" All night I helped my master,positioning the candles in the pentagram, readying the ingredients he ordered me to,and placing the appropriate dismembered humans from the few we had captured,in the correct places.I was the hour of the Owl when the arrangements where completed,and my master, without even looking at me,spoke: "Holav,I will leave this world in a few minutes,you can,if you wish come with me,for you have been a faithful servant,and I will need servants, where I am going to.Be warned,though that,we are not guaranteed to survive the journey,and I do not know where the portal will lead us.If you stay, however you will most certainly die,for it is my power that keeps you alive, and without it,you and all my other creatures will perish" The thought filled my mind,to be able to,even if by a few minutes, enjoy the liberty of being myself again,away from my master.The price, death,but what is death to one like me that has suffered in agony for 200 years! My master had already begun chanting,and a pillar of blue light appeared in the center of the pentagram.Without hesitation,my master entered, and I stood there,dumbly watching the portal closing behind the last vision of he that had been my unjust ruler,torturer and false rescuer... I was awakened from my bewilderment by a scream of pain,and as the portal finally closed,I watched with horror the bodies of the captured prisoners,now completely without life as the blood spilled from their eyes and ears,as if their heads had exploded from the inside,driven by the magical force of my master into destruction. I lay now,sitting at this table,using the last moments of my earthly life to record these events so that others may be aware that He has not been destroyed,but left this world never to return...." Arctorian looked out the window,the sun's rays feeling warm on his face,the thought of a new dawn for his kingdom in his mind,and smiled. /**/ Another time,Atlantis City,a man wearing a dark robe lies on the floor in the middle of the street: "I AM ALIVE!" -AJR (erm,sorry for the size,but I kinda got carried away!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Wha...What am I doing here?" Andrew Martin exclaimed upon his arrival to Atlantis City. He soon discovered the reasons. Just like the movie TRON, Andrew had been zapped into a computer game land. Fortunately, he is not alone. His user watches over him and protects him. But his user is new to the game, and Andrew will be seeing the sights of Atlantis City for a few turns. But Andrew has no fear. Through the guidance of the user, The Fellowship will grow to a mighty faction. And so, Andrew waits... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kethry daughter of Kerowyn, who hath proudly traced her line back to those who had been friends of those famed far-travellers the elder Shinian, looked at the ruins of her clanhold and wept. All that was left were three old, two young and herself, the only remaining warrior. She turned to the Great Magus from the Athar Circle and said "What is our hope? We are all but destroyed. How can we revenge ourselves on the Warlock who has done this." The Mage looked at her and smiled, "Do not be without hope little sister. There are others who have also suffered at the hands of this evil. They stand at the other side of this Gate, in a magical place called Atlantis. Go forth into Atlantis and form of your fellows, a great alliance. Be it known as the Fellowship of Little People. Those who I have sent before you will recognise you and your worth. Your clan will live again when those who have done this evil have met their fate." "As you will my lord" she replied. So it was that in the Tenth Day of Shortlight, Kethry stepped through the gate and so into another world and place. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Your messenger strolls into your office again, for the third time this week. You sometimes wish he'd run in like the other messengers, but this guy just saunters in chewing on bits of tobacco. "Er..master-man! I've got a bit more noos for ya" "Well..what is it?" (God dammit all. Why doesn't he say NEWS like normal people?) "The Little Furry Creatures snuffed it!" "What!? Not Dave McGaw's lot?? Now what the hell are we gonna do?" "S'ok mate, he's back again!" (Mate? He called you "MATE!") "He's back? But how?" "He yelled at the Almighty Geoff, the Over-seer of the big AT, to give him another go. Which it looked like he did!" "That's great, tell the men to stop work and pray down to the Great one for the day. We are gonna need a sacrifice to show our pleasure. But where are we gonna get one, I wonder ....??" "Dunno, sport! Ya got me!??" "Yes, indeed we have. We've got YOU!" (You eye him with the glare of an owl looking at a rat!) "Sergeant!" (You yell from your office, with a shril piercing noise that wouldturn milk sour) "SIR!" (comments the Sergeant on arrival) "Dave McGaw's got took a battering and left us last turn ..." "I'm sorry to hear that, sir! He's a great bloke that Mr. McGaw. And the perfect gentleman when dealing with newbies. We have lost a good man!" "It's ok Sergeant, he has returned, thanks to the Almighty Over-seer!" "Geoff, Sir?" "Yes! I want you instruct the men in a day of prayer to the almighty and I think we should have a sacrifice, to boot!" "Great Sir. The lads'll enjoy that. We haven't had a burning since that last messenger brought you your frozen slippers from the Northern regions. That was a day and a half, that was. Who do you suggest?" (With menacing looks, you stare at the uncouth messenger. The Sergeant's eyes follow yours, and in a blink, the former spy for your faction is linched off to the parade ground.) "Oh Sergeant!" (You holler as he leaves) "Sir?" "Bag me another messenger and train him in Observation for next month will you?" "Of course, sir. Always a pleasure!" (With this final remark, the burly Sergeant exits stage right, and a resounding scream fill the countryside. You sit back in your pyjamas, light another canary, and contemplate mailing the illustrious Dave will a few more worries!) Dave (Namely I) can be reached by mailing : u3djm@csc.liv.ac.uk so if you have any newbie questions, or info you want to share with me, or messages to the Spells Syndicate, just mail me! C ya in the wilderness! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking for someone to teach magic and OBS skills. Please let me know. brian@stars.den.mmc.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Revelation by the Prophet, Wallace Stevens. --- Men Made Out Of Words --------------------- What should we be without this sexual myth, The human revery, or the poem of death? Castratos of moon-mash - Life consists Of propositions about life. The human Revery is a solitude in which We compose these propositions, torn by dreams, By the terrible incantations of defeats And by the fear that defeats and dreams are one. The whole race is a poet that writes down The eccentric propositions of its fate. --- So has the Prophet spoken. So is the Truth revealed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Story of The Stoneheart Council of Elders Athron jumped up from bed as the runners started alerting the people. Hurredly throwing on his clothes, he rushed out to help organise the evacutation, while his wife gathered up their few prescious belongings. His people were well drilled and disciplined, and it was only slightly longer than expected before they gathered at the gates. "Move through people." He surveyed those before him. "We'll join up on the other side. Remember your heritage, be strong." He watched with pride as dwarf after dwarf filed quickly through the gate. As the last entered he sounded his warning horn. Prince Allon would know it was safe to retreat, that the Council of Elders had got his people to safety. After one last look around and a quiet shake of the head, he stepped through the gate... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ WANTED TO BUY 1 horse 1 wagon In A.C. only Also looking for teachers in OBS and STE in A.C. Contact gft_jon@gsbvxb.uchicago.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kil'tar arrives into the mining camp through the mountain pass. He smiles at the progress as he dismounts his horse and moves toward the entrance to the mine. As he approaches the mouth of the cavern, a very dirty elf emerges. "Kil'tar!" the elf exclaims. "We weren't expecting you for a few months yet." Kil'tar smiles. "It's good to see you too, T'lan. Well, the Council just wants to know how everything is working out around here." "The money they sent for training is really helping. And with the new tribesmen miners, our iron production has been better than double what it was during your last visit." "Good to hear. The Council received a tip regarding some Under Dwarves in a nearby region. We'll be procuring a few in the next few months and send them here for training. You think you can handle it?" "Sure thing! I heard those dwarves are quick studies at mining. Can't wait to start!" Kil'tar and T'lan continue discussing daily events as they move toward the mess tent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ... laugh with the greatest of mirth. Could it really be possible that a simple command of allying oneself with the guards would cause them to assist me in a fight? I doubt it, for doesn't alliance go two ways? I may assist them but I doubt that sort of assistance against the fool who attacks them would yield much benefit. Ah, but that which amuses me the most? It is hypocrisy. Plain. Simple. They fancy themselves a *CrimeWatch*, denouncing all who would seek to protect themselves through the stealthy hidden ways, or use it for other means. Myself? It is a wonderful thing their hypocrisy, so blatant, it is absurd. For though they betray the existance of others, they themselves remain hidden. Conceivable that they simply don't announce the name of their faction, but maybe it's not just hypocrisy after all. It seems to me that, through these actions, they attempt to cause the deaths of those factions that would protect themselves this way. Not the champions of justice they claim to be? After all, it is well known that stealing is impossible in this great city... From the journals of the Black Rose -- Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Up