Atlantis 2.0: Times 12 From: Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Date: Mon, 24 Apr 1995 00:00:00 +0000 Atlantis 2.0 Times January, Year 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Game Master Notes: atlantis@rahul.net for information, problems, or to play. One year down! I hope you have all enjoyed it, and will continue to do so. Some of the submissions are pretty weak this week. I may stop rewarding exceptionally short and worthless articles in the future, so shape up (you know who you are)! Bug Fixes This Turn: 1) Some item's weights were incorrect. 2) Fixed commenting (again). Semicolons should now denote comments in all cases now (unless they are in the middle of a word). 3) Failed studying now does not cost any silver. 4) Stealing silver now takes 200 or half the target's silver, whichever is less (as per the rules). Additions This Turn: 1) Spell reports now show what Foundation levels are required for the spells. 2) A boat load of new spells. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Another purse snatched. Last month, a horse missing. The men grumbled. But they watched. More and more carefully. The thief would be caught if he stayed in the area. And then he would pay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wisdom from the Desk of Tristam We're all in this alone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SWORDS WANTED Bids are solicited for the provision of 200 swords. All offers of at least 50 units will be considered. Contract[s] will be awarded to the provider[s] offering the best combination of price, availability, and delivery options. Partial prepayment available to bidders with demonstrated production capacity. Submit Bids to The Maurarhiannons, Faction 113 care of matthew@clark.net. Notice from the Teamsters. Wagons are no longer available for general purchase. If you have a special need, please contact us. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Definition 1: kruh Kruh is 7 pure magic factions together with one to one mapping factions -> -> foundation skills called "master", fulfilling following axioms: A1: Factions are either allied or friendly each to other. A2: Master of each skill provides teaching in this skill for other members of his kruh on as high level as possible. A3: Master of each skill researches related areas of magic and give spells to other members of the kruh. Furthermore, kruh, where all factions are allies each to other, is called rigid. Nonrigid kruh is called liberal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Great Muuf (117) is proud to annonce that he is going to found a liberal kruh, located east of Stinchar. Posibility of stable income available ! Please contact me at maxera@fzu.cz and include, whether are you willing to become full members of Slunecni Zare aliance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Boudiccea jumps around. "I can heal, I can heal", she sings out loudly. "At least, I have discovered the spell I have searched for. Now I can do what I want all the time. I can heal." Her first patient was a warrior with a broken leg. She casts the new found spell and the leg was well. "Thank you, Lady. Thank you for taking away the pain. But now I think you should look for the wound in the breast. It's bleeding , you see?". "Oh", Boudiccea says, "yes, as you mentioned it, I can see it. Let's do that spell again." And she cast again that spell and - oh no ... that seemed to have no effect at all. "Don't panic", Boudiccea says to the warrior, "than I must help you the old fashioned way with water, bandages and so on." And so she does, and she is happy that her first patient survived. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE UNRELIABLE SOURCE Atlantis City (AP) - The Unreliable Source is taking a sabbatical. The stress of avoiding repeated assassination attempts by Lord Viper (217) and the Assassins Guild (the original one, not the pale imitation run by Kermit (361)) has taken its toll. The Unreliable Source will be back periodically in the future with more truth, rumors, lies, and innuendo (only I know which is which). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Black Company gives you more on THE ART OF WAR by Sun Tzu. War is a matter of vital importance to the state; a matter of life or death, the road either to survival or to ruin. Hence, it is imperative that it be studied thoroughly. An excerpt from Chapter 1 : Estimates All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable of attacking, feign incapacity; when active in moving troops, feign inactivity. When near the enemy, make it seem that you are far away; when far away, make it seem that you are near. Hold out baits to lure the enemy. Strike the enemy when he is in disorder. Prepare against the enemy when he is secure at all points. Avoid the enemy for the time being when he is stronger. If your opponent is of choleric temper, try to irritate him. If he is arrogant, try to encourage his egotism. If the enemy troops are well prepared after reorganization, try to wear them down. If they are united, try to sow dissension among them. Attack the enemy where he is unprepared, and appear where you are not expected. These are the keys to victory for a strategist. It is not possible to formulate them in detail beforehand. Now, if the estimates made before a battle indicate victory, it is because careful calculations show that your conditions are more favorable than those of your enemy; if they indicate defeat, it is because careful calculations show that favorable conditions for a battle are fewer. With more careful calculations, one can win; with less, one cannot. How much less chance of victory has one who makes no calculations at all! By this means, one can foresee the outcome of a battle. Next week Chapter 2 : Waging War ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lets see now, what should I call my faction, hmmm The red and blue spotted small goods...nahhh The forces of light, umm Dark, I've got it twilight On second thought nahhh i need something that will let all the other players know where they stand with me and the proper attitude of respect that they should show....Thats it! Lets see name faction GOD! Whatyameanitstaken!!!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Komarken Tribune Vol.1,Issue 12 =========================================================== Winter Quiets Region With a thick blanket of snow on the ground, the violent activities of all parties in the area have virutally ceased. It is, however, a sure bet that with the passing of winter the violence will return as all sides will have had ample time to recoup previous losses and add training to their forces. Dwarves Hide Out in Mountains A rather vicious band of dwarves has established themselves in the mountains west of Komarken, killing all emmisaries sent to them. Mayor Hatred has expressed concern that "if these fools won't talk they will have to be eliminated". None of the other powers in the area have offered a comment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Land Claim Office ===================== The aim of the Land Claim office is to produce a list of usefull and dangerous land for the unsuspecting explorer, it is free and no claim will be enforced by the claims office. The decision to use it is entirely yours and you may claim as much land as you wish, although no claim of the whole world (or a large part of it) will be published. Claim Faction/Unit Contact Comment 1,18 The Free Companions (109) yaj@cc.gatech.edu Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away. 1,19 The Free Companions (109) yaj@cc.gatech.edu Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away. 2,18 The Free Companions (109) yaj@cc.gatech.edu Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away. 2,19 The Free Companions (109) yaj@cc.gatech.edu Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away. 6,14 Hand of Darkness g8512580@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca Entry into these regions requires our permission. 6,15 Hand of Darkness g8512580@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca Entry into these regions requires our permission. 50,0 Industry(88) alb@cwa.com None 50,1 Industry(88) alb@cwa.com None 50,6 Great Muuf and his family (117) maxera@fzu.cz None 51,5 Great Muuf and his family (117) maxera@fzu.cz None 51,6 Great Muuf and his family (117) maxera@fzu.cz None 52,4 Acme Labs 297 tajones@beagle.colorado.edu None 52,5 Great Muuf and his family (117) maxera@fzu.cz None All claims should be sent to the office (claim@forsyth.demon.co.uk) with a means of contact and a brief message to other explorers/traders and a summary will be included in the Times each month. If you wish your entry remeved then also let me know. The Land Claims Office. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Alright men, we're moving out tonight.", Karamon the Meek said as the men started gathering equipment. The Blind one, known as Paul, walks up to his Leader and says, "sire, the men are famished, we need food to eat." Karamon nods to his penman, "Yes I know... Combine the two meek teams into one and have them forage in the forest." Paul bows. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ****************************************************** * !!! Horses Finally Available In Abernethy !!! * ****************************************************** Magos has a very limited supply of fine desert bred horses for sale. Beautiful, well trained, and hearty, these beasts of burden are ideal for getting around the rough terrain in Orrebygd. The initial offering price of $240 per horse (payable upon delivery), was based on a detailed market analysis that considered: cost of goods sold, existing supply, and recovery of our investment in production capability. If you think the price is too high, then don't place an order. F.O.B. Abernethy. Delivery 2 turns after receiving order. Contact: Hadrian T. McRoot, Mgc.D. (matw@halcyon.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Still going strong. The Monzon Movers (a subsiduary of the Picts) is ready to take your orders. Mined some iron/stone/wood/etc? Need to move it to your customer? Call us now. C.O.D. orders taken as well. Complete discretion and reliability. Need to transfer a large amount of money to another unit as quickly as possible? Then you need our express service. Call now for details. Complete discretion and reliability. Armed and highly trained guards on request. CALL NOW AT pdxark@evol.nott.ac.uk Disclaimers. The Monzon Movers will not be held responsible for the effects of bad weather Compensation will be paid on losses due to robbery but will depend on the amount of protection bought. =-=-=-=- We've had several enquiries regarding the reliability and trustworthiness our our service. We would like to stress that this is not a ploy to rob you of your hard earned silver. Moreover we would like to point out the the Monzon Movers are based in hexes to the West and North on Monzon city including Monzon city itself. Call now for details ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mikey winced at the cold, not knowing if he would survive two more months of winter. But the omen of spring worried him even more. It would bring soldiers from the south. He looked at the edge of his map, where the tundra of 52 ended in tattered fragments. "Maybe I can go east from there", he thought. He hefted the cold weight of his sword in his tired paw, the word "mincemeat" echoing in his mind. Yes, he was hungry, but not for battle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ MIST Due to the Easter hols I've not had the chance to work on the MIST stuff much and I won't be able to mail any updates to anyone until I get back to my PC at the weekend. Expect a circular next week some time. Successful Spellcasting ! Raindog The Venerable (17) martin@raindog.demon.co.uk @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 20-plus contributing members strong, as of when this ad was updated (Friday, 4/20/95). We currently have mapping data on ~350 areas, with economic data on perhaps 100-120. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo!!!!! "Alright, which one of you bozos said that the northeast gate was Monzon?!?" "Grendel, Sir" "Convenient he was left behind in Atlantis City... Send word - have him executed..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Valdez walked into the cold winter air twirling his moustache and smoothing his wide brimed hat. He was happy. The air was cold but he had a good supply of coffee and his trades were working out well. He spied Prag standing at the perimeter of the camp and stepped nimbly through the snow toward him. Prag stood looking north through the forest as if in a trance. As Valdez drew up beside him Prag spoke. "He'll be here soon," he murmured, his eyes fixed to the north. "He is not like me, you know that," he finished turning to look at the stoic Valdez. "You'll be gone when he gets here?" Valdez shrugged. "I'm not sure. I still have some work to do on that arms deal. I am thinking that it would be good to get that matter finished before he gets here. I think that it would be good if I did that, don't you?" Prag turned back to the forest. "He cannot be that bad. We will get along fine, remember you have not seen him for a long time perhaps he has...you know...calmed down..." "No," Prag stated flatly. He turned and looked Valdez straight in the eye. "NO, he hasn't calmed. If anything he is worse. The last time he came back he was stronger. I don't see why it would be different this time" Valdez looked into the snow. "Why do you seek him then?" "He is my other half. Without him I'm lost." "Eh?" Valdez's gaze came up to the wide back in front of him. "He is strong. Where he leads men follow. Where he strides men fall back. He crushes all who stand in his way." "But, such a man as this...you are not like this," Valdez stammered. Prag turned to face Valdez. "You cannot know. He is noble and the very thought of his presence makes my sword arm burn with desire." Prag's eyes burned. Their fire sent a chill doen the spine of hte smaller man. "Such a man that can change another so...he is not a good man..." "Good! What is good?" Prag snapped. "Good means nothing to him. He simply does what he wishes and does not stop to think whether it is wrong or right, good or evil. He kills with no guilt. He uses men like paper and when he is done with them he lets them burn. And, he has a temper. I have seen him tear a man apart with his bare hands because the poor bastard was too frightened to talk. I have also seen him give gold to a man who shared his table with us. This is the man I would seek. A terible man, yet he is part of me." Prag finished, his hands were shaking and his breath wafted into the winter air. He turned to the north and left Valdez standing staring at his back. Valdez hastly turned. His fine mood was replaced by terror as he stumbled back to the tents. He sat down behind his desk and thought about what Prag had said. He could not comprehend why his friend should want to meet this man. This terrible man who must surely eat babies and drink blood was his friend's dearest companion. It was unthinkable Prag could befriend such a demon. Prag was not anything like this man. He was firm, yes, but not cruel. Valdez stood his mind made up. "I must leave," he thought to him self "better to leave and have nothing than to be beaten and torn limb from limb. He went off to make plans to leave. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GREETINGS TO ALL MAGI IN ATLANTIS CITY The Collegium of the Hermetic Order is still open for teaching the arcane arts. The process is still as easy as ever. Send 60 silver to unit 1841, set your attitude to friendly for faction 215 and notify the Registrars Office at: jepether@flash.lakeheadu.ca We check our inquiries on Tuesday and on Saturday of each week. For the next two semesters Professor Aidan, D.HA will be teaching Construct and Life. Aidan is one of our younger professors but at the present time holds degrees in both Construct (level 2) and Life (level 2). We hope to hear from you soon. On the Hermetic Philosophy of Magic As we mentioned last time, the assembled mages of the Hermetic Order are attempting to form a philosophy on magic. At present, this document is proceeding quite well and in the future exerpts of it will be published herein. We are hoping to publish it in its entirety at a later date. The Ruling Council of the Hermetic Order Aelfstan, D.HA Galen, M.HA Aidan, D.HA ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A few hundred silver here, another hundred there. It soon adds up to all I had in the first place. Yet, the gain is so small. So few areas of knowlege. So little wisdom gleaned from this old tome and from that tattered parchment. Now that my money is gone, and I have to work for a living, will I ever get that next spell learned. Will I ever have the time from work, the odd hundred here or there tucked, away to grow in this Magic Lore? Fell those trees, forge those weapons. Workers, as few as you are, you have to work just a bit harder. You need to bring in more silver, find more of those magical ingredents. The very power of our great cause depends on all of you. Keep at it, you will have your reward as I utilize what spells I achieve to make your work easier. But, for now, work, work, work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo o O O EQUIPMENT TURNOVER o o O OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo Friends of Atlantis, you are being stolen !!! When I began to recruit men (or orcs or elves or dwarves), they came to me with a new equipment. But now, when you look to the small serial number on the back of their vests, you can notice that more and more often you get second hand equipment with your recruits - and for the same price !!! I gathered my troups to make that clear. Here they came almost all of them, in spite of the stormy weather : Happy Purseday, the Name and Proverb Sellers, the Acrobattlers and the Humourlesses, the Overcomics and the Jokerwabbs (or was it jabberwocks?), the Swordonic Ones and the Ironic Ones, the Stonishing Ones and the Mazing Ones, the Lumberjokers and the True Warshippers, the Scout-Landyards - and the Jokomicalaughunny Circus themselves ! And they told me : Geoff made us cheat, we never would have deceived you. And by Geoff! I believed them. - Acrobatty the Rigolo and the Jokomicalaughunny Buffons (229) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The shadowy figure prepared the report. The words appeared on the strange dark paper as they were traced with a finger. The town had seemed friendly enough, although it was not as prosperous as most. The inhabitants are dwarves and are apprehensive about strangers. After just a few days the rider was encouraged to leave. The dwarves have a interesting sense of humor. The rider was escorted to a gate and sent on. The trail continued for a ways and then entered a swamp where it promptly faded away. Leading a horse through a swamp in the middle of winter was a fine jest. Some people live in the swamp and they took the rider in. The rider would not be able to continue the journey until the weather cleared. "With hospitality like that, the town should be wary of strangers." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abernethy too full man all thease morris men and street performers are stopping people on thear way to the brothels THIS MUST STOP so were leaving for more profitable locations see ya Mr Assoom ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hello Mortal citizens of Menter... We gave you an advice, leave the city. This is the latest advice: LEAVE THE CITY.... The time of dead and destruccion is coming. Hello Inmortal citizens of Menter... You can stay here. THE NEW COUNCIL OF MENTER!!!!!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The four companions trudged slowly onwards towards the border. Gunnar could catch glimpses of trees when the swirling snow eased up slightly. All he could hear, however, was the squeaking of the snow underfoot and the chattering teeth of Aidan and Arnulf. Gunnar wasn't too cold, since he had enough time to grab his cloak before the companions had to escape from the tavern. Niall also didn't appear to be suffering from the cold. In Niall's case, it was because he was still quite intoxicated from all the ale consumed before they had run out. Gunnar turned when he heard a whimpering sound behind him. Arnulf had collapsed into the snow. "Get up, you snivelling piece of maggot bait! If we don't make it to the border, the guards will use our guts for bootlaces." Gunnar tried to awaken the unconcious lad with a couple of gentle taps with his boots. The only answer he received was from Niall, "Don't yell so loud, Gunnar. I'm trying to hold my skull together and your shouting doesn't help any. As a matter of fact, I might be sick" Niall quickly turned and vomited an impressive amount of ale and pickled herring on a snowbank. "I-I-I th-th-ink he's out-t-t fo-fo-fo-for go-oo-oo-oo-od this time, Gun-un-un-nar," Aidan stuttered. "Ca-an-an you pi-pick him up-up an-an-and car-ar-arry him?" "I don't know why I bother," Gunnar grumbled. "It's his fault we're running away like cowardly dogs. If he hadn't tried to rob that merchant we would still be sitting by a cozy fire. And you! Trying to help him when the guards attacked!" Gunnar stooped to pick up Arnulf's slight form and turned to address the other two men. "Hurry up, you two - the guard has to be right behind us." Aidan and Niall joined Gunnar as he continued towards the border. A short time later, the one-armed man stopped his horse at the same spot. To his experienced eye, the marks in the snow made it obvious what had happened here. After glancing at the small furry creatures feasting on Niall's offering, he spurred his horse after the companions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Overworked? Looking for a break? Well who isn't, but don't fret good neighbor. you can afford a vacation! come to Monzon! Visit "The Mall of Atlantis" over 8,000,000,000 shops under one roof! Motel on site with free daycare. No more bother with the pesky younguns'. Glenda Da' Orc's daycare is liscensed, to serve alcohol, but hey its a liscense. Let that soothe your tattered little nerves. Plus security is not a problem! Armed Barbarians gaurd every exit. Just trty and leave without paying, please! I mean we have all these nice swords just rusting away in their scabbards. So come on down to Monzon, shop till you drop, and then try and steal something so we can kill you! thismessagebroughttoyoubythegreatermonzonmerchantguildnooffersexpressedorimpli edwillbehonored. Thank you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTIS CITY ULTIMATUM!! CITIZENS PANICKED, SOURCES SAY ========================================================= ATLANTIS CITY (-,-)--Unnamed sources in Atlantis City reported rumors today of an impending attack! Leaders of an unnamed faction gave all Atlantis City residents until April 1 of Year 2 to evacuate Atlantis City. "Write down that anyone remaining in Atlantis City after that date will get killed! or something like that," said the anonymous source. "Are you writing this down? Tell them I've got a WAGON! And I'm not afraid to USE IT!! I've had 2 high elves studying combat for a whole month!" When asked whether they were just copying the hype generated by another faction's threat to exterminate all units in Komarken, the anonymous source said, "no, of course not. Umm, we thought of this way before them. Just tell them they'd better all get out of Atlantis City by April 1, 2, or they'll regret it! I've given them 3 months fair warning, but after that, look out! I'm just crazy enough to DO IT!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note of interest: Sirius Cybernetics Corporation, s.: a bunch of mindless jerks who'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes. - from the latest edition of Encyplopaedia Atlantica. (Hmm.. it seems to me that the revolution is just coming...) *Sorry guys, I just couldn't help myself.. If you find this offensive, rude etc. mail Geoff to spank me and I will apologize* Disclaimer: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Para todos aquellos que no asistieron a la ultima batalla en Nork aqui teneis el report: Battles during turn: Task Force Gogol (2237) attacks 5th Imperial Scouts (2326) in Nork (46,54)! Attackers: Task Force Gogol (2237), 25 high elves, combat 1. Sir Fjodor Green (781), leader, tactics 1. Defenders: 5th Imperial Scouts (2326), high elf, combat 1. The Emperor (800), leader, 2 horses, tactics 2. Marius (2150), leader, 2 horses, combat 2. 4th Imperial Scouts (2325), high elf. 1st Imperial Vikings (2327), 5 vikings, combat 1. 5th Imperial Scouts (2326) gets a free round of attacks. Task Force Gogol (2237) loses 3. Round 1: Task Force Gogol (2237) loses 1. 5th Imperial Scouts (2326) loses 5. 5th Imperial Scouts (2326) is routed! Task Force Gogol (2237) gets a free round of attacks. 5th Imperial Scouts (2326) loses 3. Total Casualties: 5th Imperial Scouts (2326) loses 8. Task Force Gogol (2237) loses 4. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The strange thing about the Drowning Amputee was that, aside from the sound of Mr. Lunchnick's deliberate voice, there was no noise at all. No sounds of people walking outside, nobody else inside with us. In fact, I hadn't seen so much as an owner of the place the entire hour I had been there. Not even the sound of crickets chirping away in this ever-Springlike city. It was as if time stood still, as though the city lived in slumber to honor all the other cities of Atlantis that were buried in snow... Mr. Lunchnick's story grew darker. He told me about the time he had spent perfecting the art of killing. He told me about how he chose victims - whores, theives, street toughs, people that nobody would care about dead or alive. He liked choosing the toughest targets, waiting patiently and watching the victim's habits while he discerned one weakness that would give him the advantage. Sometimes it proved to be too easy. Wine, a well paid woman, simple distractions could get the victim's guard down. Sometimes he even quit the whole affair if it had gone too easily, figuring that someone so stupid would soon get knifed anyway. He told me once of a target that had been arrested two days before his trap was going to spring, and how he managed to sneak into the city jail and finish the job anyway. He was quick to note that he never did jobs for hire, that he only killed for his own amusement. I was beginning to see a certain sense of justice in this man, but I couldn't condone his ways of senseless slaughter. I asked him when he quit this game of death, and he didn't answer. Finally it dawned on me that he hadn't, and I began to wonder why I was still alive. Was I too easy? A tradesman cought in the wrong end of town on a rainy night? I wanted to think that I would have given him more fight than that - I am skilled with the dagger I wear, and can hit a mark at 20 paces with it - but then I realized that this was no place for me. I have no taste for it, and Mr. Lunchnick must have seen that right away. After a few minutes of silence, I asked him, "What were you doing here tonight? Who owns this place?" He looked past me and I thought he would speak, but said nothing. I stood, took the lamp and walked around behind the bar and parted the curtain leading to the back room. There in the dim light was a body lying on the floor... To be continued. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bad news is going from Stinchars neighbourhood. Roman Republic show your teeth. They blocked way in the north and west, and want expand somewhere else if it's a little atractive place... Oh, pride is big. And claims places is empty. ............................ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Los Dioses nunca estan contentos. Este bien podria ser el resumen del ultimo turno. Todavia no han acabado de crear un nuevo mundo y ya estan planeando crear otro. Eso si, un mundo muy especial en el que para entrar hay que pagar previamente. Confiemos en que el mundo actual dure lo suficiente para descubrirlo. Y es que las cosas ya no son lo que eran... . . /^\ . Con los respetos del /\ "V" /__\ I O o Circulo Interno. //..\\ I . (288) \].`[/ I /l\/j\ (] . O /. ~~ ,\/I . \\L__j^\/I o \/--v} I o . | | I _________ | | I c(` ')o | l I \. ,/ _/j L l\_! _//^---^\\_ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** MONZON WOOD EXCHANGE ** Monzon Bulletin #4 Published by the Monzon Wood Exchange (289), thayer@sangamon.edu * FROM THE EDITOR This has been a very busy week for the editor. The new version of the Register will most probably not be ready until sometime in the middle of next week. Also, I have not had time to rewrite last month's bulletin, so the sections titled "Monthly Reminder" and "Business Opportunities" are unchanged from last month. A new feature in this bulletin is "Monzon Beat". This column will include all information about violent encounters within 5 hexes of Monzon that the staff of the bulletin can ascertain. If you are involved in a battle, and feel you were wronged or that your actions were justified, the staff encourages you to write to the Bulletin and enclose the details of your combat. It is the policy of the Bulletin not to take sides or to pass judgement on any party; rather, we simply publish the facts as they are presented to us. * Monzon Beat Monzon has been quiet this month, with no reported incidents of violence. * In the News The Monzon area has been abuzz with economic activity recently. Highlights: - The Costa Rican Show Band(209) has sold foresting and herb collecting rights in region (12,11). Hunting rights are still available: contact cbthomps@ice.lakeheadu.ca - The Maurarhiannons(113) are looking for a few good swords. They are willing to pay $100 each for up to 200 swords. * 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@sangamon.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. * Business Opportunities The Monzon Wood Exchange still has a few opportunities for factions interested in cutting wood. Wood cutting is an excellent way for a starting trade faction to find their place in the Monzon market. Profits are competitive with herb gathering, and once a secure base is set up, wood production can be diverted to weapons, wagons, or ships. The Exchange continues to offer $36 for wood anywhere in the Monzon area, and $44 for wood within the boundaries of Monzon itself. Magic factions can still invest their money in the Monzon Wood Exchange. We continue to offer 15% interest monthly on all deposits. At these rates, a Magic faction could support five mages with a $4000 investment (although we accept investments as small as $300). If your interest were allowed to compound, this would amount to 425% interest over the course of a year. In case there should be any confusion, these are ATLANTIS months! For information on these, and other business opportunities, send mail to the Monzon Wood Exchange, thayer@sangamon.edu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Grand Archibold mused over the bodies of the dead Romans. That Fireflash had worked well. Many of the enemy had been blinded; had almost fallen onto the swords of his comrades. He scanned the horizon. The Legate would not be bothering them again for some time. However the silence was uneasy and unnerving. The Grand Archibold reached for his tome on mystic arts. It was time to summon his Brothers. War was nearly at hand... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The man was writing. He was hunched over his rotting, wooden desk clutching the lost tail feather of a crow. Feeble light from a candle on the corner of the table was lit the room in a dark glow. Shadows danced in the corners, spraying from the light, racing to get away. Slowly, one of the shadows moved in a way that wasn't entirely random. The man scrawling on the parchment froze silently, his hand trembling as the blade neatly severe the aorta while a strong hand cut off the man's air. Two strong hands gently released the man until he slumped over the desk. As the shadows continued to dance and mock the feeble light of the candle, all that could be heard was the steady drip of blood from the desk as it struck the floor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Long thought extinct, traces of the dreadful Wurm have been found in the highest mountains. Tell-tale claw marks in solid granite and impressively large, vitriolic 'sign' have been detected by highly trained Dwarven scouts. Well, 'highly trained' by dwarven standards at any rate. What will this new menace mean for honest, hard working peasants and the nobles who so nobly oppr...er, rule them? If we can teach a dwarf to draw, we will include an eyewitness sketch in next issue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TO ALL FACTIONS LIVING IN ATLANTIS CITY BORDER TOWNS: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Run! Run like the Wind! Run North! Run South! Run East or West, but by all means Run! The tyrannical despots known as W-Elf-aretonians are coming with their Elf minions, coming to control every aspect of our once prosperous and fruitful lives and they won't be satisfied until they've sucked every last Silver piece we have out of our pockets and stolen every hex of land we sweated and slaved over in order to make a nice home for our families. Because if we don't Run! we'll have to stand and Fight! to oppose the systematic destruction of our magnificent culture brought on by the perverse and degenerate values taught by this W-Elf-aretonian Oligarchy and its army of vile Elf politicians and their twisted lawyer henchmen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The snow made it impossible for travel so Dirk was stuck with the company he was with. This did not impress him... there was only so much drinking and wenching that he could do. Work was out of the question. Since he was a leader of men it would simply not do for him to be caught doing menial labor. With a snarl he serveyed the rest of the people in the inn. It was a motley bunch, with many different races... Over in one corner he could see some pointy-eared elves... while in the opposite corner he could see some smelly dwarves... could be interesting in a couple of hours when the alcohol addled the brains of both groups and the fight broke out... as it did every night in this frozen waste... With a sigh he picked up a bottle of wine and went to his room... after carefully bolting the door Dirk felt into the pocket of his jacket and after another careful glance about the room he pulled out the packet and open it. Within was a small pair of reading glasses and a book..."How to build a ship in twenty easy steps". Dirk put the glasses on his nose, uncorked the jug and put his feet up... time to study... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Terrain types by region name: Dezhou: 21 Mountain, 12 Ocean, 6 Swamp, 3 City, 2 Jungle, 1 Desert Orrebygd: 14 Swamp, 12 Ocean, 9 Desert, 5 Plain, 2 Forest, 2 Town, 1 City Carnforth: 12 Forest, 11 Swamp, 9 Ocean, 4 Mountain, 2 City, 1 Town Planken: 2 Forest, 1 Plain, 1 Town Galloway: 9 Ocean, 4 Mountain, 4 Plain, 2 Tundra, 1 City Grimnish: 4 Ocean, 1 Mountain, 1 Plain Adrano: 6 Plain, 1 Forest Skottskog: 3 Tundra, 2 Forest, 1 Ocean Corinth: 10 Forest, 3 Ocean, 2 Plain, 2 Town Nork: 4 Forest, 4 Mountain, 3 Swamp, 1 Ocean, 1 City, 1 Town Glomera: 14 Ocean, 10 Plain, 1 City Rantlu: 15 Plain, 12 Ocean, 9 Forest, 5 Town, 4 Tundra Sorisdale: 3 Tundra, 2 Plain, 2 Ocean Corwen: 7 Ocean, 6 Desert, 1 Plain, 1 Swamp Moffat: 3 Forest, 1 Ocean Tetuan: 3 Ocean Crail: 2 Plain Skomer: 1 Ocean Gifford: 2 Ocean City and Town region membership is determined by extrapolating nearby region borders. Data from CCC. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Is anyone interested in buying units in the Sledmere area? I have a total of 12 high elves in Sledmere, Ellesmere, and Menter. They are skilled (level 1) in combat. Price is negotiable, but payment must be made in the Kashmar, Abernethy, or Monzon areas (or possibly in Atlantis City). I also have (unskilled) high elves in Komarken and in Stinchar, one in each city, which I am interested in selling under the same conditions. If interested, please contact brent.johnson@ab.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ El mundo (tambien el de Atlantis) esta loco,loco,loco.?Que ha pasado con los buenos modales de antano?.Leo el Times y veo que Sledmere es declarado lugar prohibido para casi todas las facciones so pena de morir si se penetra en sus alrededores.Y ademas esto se anuncia de manera arto grosera y desagradable. ?Que pasa con los que unicamente queremos pasar de camino por las cercanias de Sledmere de forma pacifica?.?Nos cortaran pacificamente el cuello?.?Y los que tenemos negocios en la ciudad tendremos que habandonarla?.?No sera todo esto una bravuconada?.El tiempo lo dira,por lo menos a mi, que no pienso moverme de Sledmere, y animo al resto de habitantes a hacer lo mismo.De hecho en caso de necesidad se podria formar una temporal alianza de habitantes pacificos que impediria cualquier intento violento de expulsarnos de una ciudad que tan calurosamente nos ha acogido a todos. Por cierto, en el ultimo Times alguien decia que es realmente facil ganar 50 monedas escribiendo algun articulo.Tenia razon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ********************************************************** The Atlantis City Research Group is happy to inform all the AtlantIIeans of its new research topic : DOES GOD'S WEDDING ANNOUNCE THE BEGINING OF A POLYTHEIST RELIGION IN ATLANTIS ? ********************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Queridos hispano-hablantes, estoy seguro de que os alegrais de leer en el Times, algo que no este escrito en Ingles, incluso cuando encontramos algo en frances nos alegramos. Pero ahora al grano. Debido a la falta de eficacia de la Alianza hispana, al menos por el momento. Y tambien a la dudosa buena voluntad de alguno de sus miembros, hemos decidido: - Refundar una nueva alianza. - Sus miembros son aliados de probada fidelidad y bastante activos. - Esta nueva alianza, no se opone en absoluto a la antigua alianza hispana. - Esperamos que los miembros de la Alianza hispana no se lleven a la equivocacion. No pretendemos dejar de lado a nadie. Unicamente deseamos una mayor unidad, compenetracion e igualdad entre sus miembros. - Estamos dispuestos a la colaboracion. - Personalmente, continuare en la alianza hispana mientras no sea incompatible con la ahora fundada. De todas maneras, estoy convencido de que esto no supondra un trauma para nadie. Pieter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello I wrote to comunicate the foundation of a new alliance. We have no name in this moment, but we will name it soon. We are peaceful, but we are ready for any circunstance. Pieter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Taking a break from the studying, Moz examined his surroundings. Since leaving behind the smell of Atlantis City, things seemed to be looking up. New friends and alliances, working together. It seemed to him that he might even survive his first year in this world. Wherever or whatever 'this world' may be. Soon he would have his first products for sale and magic items for sale or rent... but before then, back to the books. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you afraid of assassins? Are you afraid of thieves? Are you approaching Abernethy? WATCH OUT! Do you want someone near Abernethy out of the way? Do you want someone near Abernethy to lose money? DONT BE AFRAID TO CONTACT: /------------------/ /#CCC# ++ #EEEE/ /C# #C CHURCH E# / /C@ of EEEE@/ /C# #C ENVY E# / /#CCC# ++ #EEEE/ /------------------/ We're about to build a brand new headquarter in Abernethy, and our evil forces will join us in March. We advise people to leave their money at home, or pay the protection fee. Very tiny of course, just to make our living. You can also hire us to take care of people you don't want to have around any more. We'll be back when we're ready to begin our hard work, in March, latest April. You can also join our church, but you got to be good first. We don't accept units with stealth and observation below 2. Church Of ENVY smygelfh@kuai.se ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THIS IS WHAT SSS AAA TTT AAA N N WRITES THIS WEEK: S A A T A A NN N SSS AAA T AAA N NN S A A T A A N N SSS A A T A A N N DEVIL: " Master, as you told me, I took some children's money," SATAN: " I think I changed my opinion: Having so many souls in our city, is quite useful! We should ask anyone to come to this area, they will bring a lot of money with them!" DEVIL: " And when they are trapped in the towns, they will burn in the fires of HELL ?" SATAN: " Yes! This is a great idea! FEGEFEUER!" TO ALL FACTIONS IN SLEDMERE, MENTER AND ELLESMERE: SATAN has decided to leave this cities remain in peace! The cities are guarded by the City Guards, so they will protect you from any war, thieves or assassins! There is no danger staying here! ANYONE is invited to visit the lovely city of Sledmere. What about a trip to Ellesmere or Menter for your holidays? Holidays in peace, spend a week or two, if you want! SLEDMERE ELLESMERE MENTER Are the cities of freedom, peace and trust. COME AND VISIT ! SSS AAA TTTTT AAA N N S A A T A A NN N SSS AAA T AAA N NN S A A T A A N N SSS A A T A A N N & the undead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thieves and assassins have been listed in Atlantis City by the Atlantean Police forces. This list have been made to warn the new players and the inhabitants of the city of Abernethy (8,17), Komarken (27,2), Kashmar (3,17), Stinchar (47,6), Sledmere (47,53), and Monzon (12,12), as now that they are noticed, these thieves and assassins will emigrate to these peaceful cities. The bad guys following are on their list. - ka-lek (276), 2 leaders, 16 horses, 2 longbows. - Ladrao1 (922), high elf; Bem Furtivo. - Scruffy (268), leader; Sewer Service. - Happy Rufus Himself Indeed (307), leader; Looking Rather Peculiar. - Chief Topssot (653), leader. - Kermit (695), leader, 2 horses. - Arturo (786), leader. - Xiombarg (985), leader. - Unit (530), leader, 3 horses. - Unit (1908), leader; A *really* confused looking chap. - Buffago Hagglegood (1938), leader, longbow; a roundish hobbit. - Muttley (585), leader. - Izzy (782), leader. - Unit (388), leader, horse. - Bronco Billy (2319), leader; Trying to ride, but keep falling off. - Unit (2417), high elf. - ladrao 4 (1948), high elf. - Freewheelin' Franklin (2497), leader. - Varain (2563), leader; a man of many talents. - Unit (2584), leader. - Linta Macar (2605), leader. - Althred (289), leader; loitering with intent.... - Hugo Amugo (326), leader; The big faction boss. - Brother Edmund (395), leader, horse; A Jolly Rotund Chiel. - Unit (416), leader. - Taranis (2647), leader; seeking to entertain you. - Unit (2650), high elf. - Ararargh's Evil Assassin (1940), leader; Eying the world through a curtain of hatred.. - Alfa Squad (2400), 3 leaders; labour pool. - Stimpy (2502), leader; A silly looking cat with no tail.. - Unit (2627), high elf. The Atlantean Police Dpt. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF T T T Greetings Atlantis !!!!!! After much studying, privations, and personal hardship, we have acquired our Teaching Permits and received approval of The Required Forms. ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF THE TRANSOCEANIC TRAINING TROOP !!!! T T T is now open for your business !!!! This University will train you while allowing you to save silver and gain quick months worth of skill levels. Your cost? Why low of course. We start out at a mere 15 silver per month per individual. But, you can gain big with a large enrollment. Three students for only 30 silver total. But look --> enroll 4 for only 40 silver And even better now --> each additional unit only 5 silver each. You need not have all students enrolled in the same skill either. Can you afford this? Can you afford NOT to have this training? Can you afford not to save silver and valuable time? Enroll now and get positions of your choice, enroll late and you might miss that valuable skill you wanted. What do we offer: Combat, stealth, observation, lumberjack, healing, mining, weaponsmith, riding, horse training, quarrying, mage skills, and more. At various levels. We don't have what you want right now? We can fix that too! Study for a secondary skill, let us do the hard work, and train you in your selected skill a couple months later. We are located just inside Atlantis City. Contact the dean of T T T for enrollment at apwinsor@cs.unlv.edu. Disclaimer: the registor's office informs me that there is a higher charge for skills that require 50, 100, or 200 silver a month. But you will still save by using our training. The second month will save you more as you enroll more students in a particular college of training: Type 10 Type 50 Type 100 Type 200 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- one = $15 one = $30 one = $50 one = $100 three = $30 three = $60 three = $100 three = $200 four = $40 each+ = +15 each+ = + 30 each+ = + 50 each+ = + 5 The registors office does note that the Mages and Tactics get the best deal, but it costs so much to train them before they are of any use anyway. *** Mage spells for sale or trade -- Make Offer *** {not all skills are available every month. Advance notice will help ensure your particular skill is available} Help is available to assist you in your training orders. Sponsored by the Anson Winsor Civilain Construction Corps apwinsor@cs.unlv.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ News Flash! The rumor of 235 Raiders landing at 45,6 has been confirmed. They were last seen marching Eastward. Locals reported that the Raiders were asking around for man named "Muff", saying they had a contract for his head. The locals also noted that the Raiders seemed peaceful otherwise. "Of course, we ain't exactly got much to take, since that Dragon Legion been through here, burnin' our women and raping our fields. Things is pretty dismal actually, cain't get nothin' to grow in them fields no more." Residents of the greater Stinchar area are advised to be wary of large parties of armed men in any event. In other news, local greenhouses report a booming business in cacti; oddly, area farmers seem to be the major purchasers of these prickly plants.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ New from this month onwards in the Atlantis Times : CRIMEWATCH You've seen it happen...report it and get rewarded. A $50 reward will be granted to everyone reporting thieves, assassins, pillagers, town sackers and their likes to the Atlantis Times. Give us their names, their faction and unit numbers. Every bit of information is useful. Let's make Atlantis a safer place for us all. Let the villains know that their crimes will not remain unpunished. Crime...together we can crack it ! Seen in December in Atlantis-City: -Freewheelin' Franklin (2497) attempted theft on Paradoss (778). Citizens of Atlantis, beware of the Freak Brothers, they can't be trusted.(Everyone should know that by now !).Rumours have it they might be herb dealers. No sighting of Fat Freddy nor of the third one (whatever his name is) have been reported... The cat was not available for comments. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are unfriendly. Do you understand, UNFRIENDLY. Kashmar is crowded. Don't come here. We are Un-Friend-ly. Okay? Don't go South of Kashmar City. Go SouthEast, okay? Or NorthEast, okay? Don't go South. We don't bother you, you don't bother us. Cleopatra II (still mad) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking for a trade faction in/around the Corwen and/or Sines area. Offering protection and money in exchange for production capabilities. Interested parties should respond to Don Quixote of the faction Lovers, not Fighters (389) at czarnik@engin.umich.edu Seems I own the whole place anyways. It would be nice to have some company. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The great mage Petrosilius Zwackelmann walks aimlessly through the city. -- "My beautiful books! I'll get you, Hotzenplotz, you'll have to pay! I'll turn you into a pig!" He laughs insanely. -- "A rat! A mouse! A --" Suddenly, he notices a large number of frogs hopping out of a small house. When he sees the three men with large, symbol-covered heads, his thoughts become clear. -- "Yes, a frog! A green, small, slimy, ugly frog!" He enters the building. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Skeletons - Stinchar thought police 23:6 ! 16 living skeletons skeletons attacked Stinchar thought police (712) last month in Rantlu (48,3). Forty-two nomads belonging to Stinchar thought police's faction were routed in three turns. The skeletons showed no sign or any combat or tactic skill. Stinchar thought police showed little combat skill too. Some of the spectators were so bored, that they fell asleep. We dreamed about great battle, said an anonymous observer. We dreamed about battle with dangerous enemy with two attacks per round, two hitpoints in each turn, and about great victory of our forces. But this - pfffff... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ***** NEWBIE STUDY AIDS Inc **** Does it look like you're going to waste 3 turns before your first orders actually work? Most new players waste several turns figuring out how to execute their first commands. Their units don't form, money doesn't get to the new units, and they generally dither. I have written up a clear explanation of everything you need to know to get your first couple sets of orders working. It includes clear examples of orders to form units correctly and get them moving! Plus other hints that could save you from making the same lame mistakes I started out with! Plus, as an added bonus I've made a file of edited questions and answers about rules that have appeared in email. You can have a copy for $40 by emailing rpeters@defenders.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The battle of Sledemere will now be soon begining, all people who want to join us to combat for delivering Sledemere are welcome. Fighters for a Free Sledemere ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Waiting for this WAR to start is such an exciting thing. All of you searching around for the best places to claim. You study this skill, forget it, study another. Trying to find the best balance for your units. Forget all this, you should seek good allies that will help you out. What better way to balance your lack of skills in an area. Find an ally that will fill your need. One that can sooth your brow when times get tough, and they will. You need someone to watch your back while you pillage, or harvest the forest. Who will be on lookout around you as you march forward or set up your caravan ferrying your trade goods. A good ally will help you train, buy your goods, help support your friends and Mages, protect you from possible enemies. You need to count on your ally. Can your ally count on you? You reap what you sow, You get what you ask for, But the Reaper comes unasked And reaps you sowers. RIP -- The UNDERTAKER -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - Chief ! Chief ! The barbarians don't want to give us 50 silver to pay the inn for the month. - What do you say ? I said them last week. Call me Barben immediately. A few minutes later, Barben a dark giant enter in the room. - Yes Chief ! - Elvin just said me that you refuse to give 50 silver to the elves in order that they pay the inn for the month ! What is this story ? - You did not say us to give silver but sole of shoe ! - Ahhhh ! What ! Have you still my message - Yes Chief. Here is. It is written "GIVE Elvin 50 SOL" - Let me see ! Stupid Barbarian, it is written ""GIVE Elvin 50 SIL" !! What do you want they do with SOLE ! It's SIL for SILVER. This short extract of a conversation between a faction leader and his Captains show how it is difficult to dialog with a lot of people coming from a lot of regions. To avoid this kind of mistakes, you can send a message to Tolendar (mickey@anacad.fr) who will send you something to verify that your orders will be comprehensible by your whole units. This is not a false advertising. Don't send any silver. I just send you my product, and only if you are OK with it, you would send me some coins of silver we meet together. So don't wait longer. Write me immediately at mickey@anacad.fr, and your headaches about orders will disappear in 2 days. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FlatLine and his traveling companions Survey the new land with a feeling of accomplishment. They fought against the cold of winter to get here, and now it looks like the journey has paid off. A new land for the taking, and it will be took. Securing the new hex's for the alliance is the first order of business, then, once the trade route has been firmly established, more land will be acquired (with the help of the alliance). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'll bet this is the most stupid note to make it into the Times. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As the cold winds blow, Karthan prays that it will be a short winter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Time: Now The Place: Stinchar The Scene: A darkened cellar where a group of conspirators discuss their plans.... A tall Elf with a stern demeanour stands up and calls the meeting to order. The motley group of elves, plainsmen, tribesmen and vikings fall silent and turn their full attention to the speaker. "Brothers!" "...and Sisters" interjects a particularly attractive high elf warrior. "Brothers and, er, Sisters", the leader continues, looking around the room uncertainly, "the time has come to strike back at the Roman Imperialists. Even now their legions advance to put into slavery the good citizens of Stinchar" A few of the assembled tribesmen & plainsmen nod their heads and mumble their agreement. "Their arrogant advances must be stopped! As diplomacy has failed we must be prepared for the worse. We must strike fear into them, I ask you, what have the Romans ever done for us? Before they came...." "Built Roads" calls out a voice in the darkness "Irrigation" cries out another "Sanitation" "Medicine" "Education" "Wine!" cries a Viking, fondly thinking of hangovers past, which causes an outbreak of knowing winks and backslapping. The leader bangs his gnarley fist on the table, fixing each each of the assembled with his steeley glare. Through clenched teeth, he continues, "All right, let it be known that -all- Romans -not- involved in construction, irrigation, farming, brewing, public health and commerce, are no longer welcome in Stinchar or its surroundings. Right, post that at every approach to the city and sign it the S.P.F." "The S.P.F.?", asks an elf who had been dozing in the corner "Yes, The Stinchar Popular Front!" [ With Apologies to M.Python ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "As you can see," continued the elf, as they wandered through the marketplace, "Atlantis draws many kinds of people from many races. There is royalty and poverty, there is good and there is evil, and there are the strong and the meek. Atlantis harbors merchants and dealers, musicians and actors, mercenaries and thieves, crafts people and storytellers. Some hope simply to earn a small living by doing honest business, but many seek employment with others. And some, like yourself, have deeper pursuits that are understood only by themselves." They had passed completely through the marketplace by now, and they were walking down a wide avenue lined with tall, magnificent looking buildings. They reminded him of the palaces and cathedrals that he had seen in the wealthy eastern provinces of the Land, but nothing he had seen had matched the elegance and magnificence of these structures. The domes and rooftops were covered with silver, and the stairs and columns were made of rich marble and alabaster. The battlements and spires were ornamented with carvings of many-colored crystal, and the metalwork on the doors and windows shined with gold. The arches and buttresses were larger than any other he had ever seen, in complete defiance of their natural tendency to fall down, and the towers surely reached far enough into the heavens to reach the realms of the gods. Willem observed the awe on Maas' face, and explained that they were in the neighborhood of some of the wealthiest merchants and bankers in all of Atlantis. "Their wealth surpasses that of any of the royalty in the city, for rather than stealing from the unwilling under the guise of Holy Right or Majestic Duty, they engage in the specialized art of fair trade, and cleverly pry riches out of the hands of those who are less wise in the value of material things." As he spoke, he turned and headed towards the entryway of an ebony colored building on their left. "But now, let us speak not of these matters in here, for we are to meet such a one as I have described. He is very powerful and can crush you with a mere glance. However, he is a benefactor, and he will tell you more of Atlantis. He may provide you with things that you need, and he may offer you an opportunity to perform a service for him. Do not disregard his offers--he has much power in Atlantis, and he operates at levels that are above us. He rewards handsomely for seemingly trivial tasks; do not choose to judge him, simply accept his bounty." They entered through the open doorway and entered a large antechamber. Willem motioned for Maas to stand in one place as he walked over to an elf that was seated behind a table on the far side of the room. The elf appeared to be busy writing on a parchment. Behind the elf was another door which was the only door in the chamber other than the exit to the street. While the two elves spoke, Maas looked around. The ceiling of the chamber was far above his head. It was decorated with many colors, but it was too far away to discern any details. The walls were bare, but the floor was decorated with a wide circle of azure which was dotted with bits of white stone. At various points in the circle there were odd symbols and shapes inlaid in the stone. The whole thing reminded Maas of sketches that he had seen in the past drawn by madmen who claimed that they were "maps of the heavens". His examination was cut short by the voice of the new elf. "Come, sir, The Corinthian will see you immediately." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The moment was slowly drawing nearer, surely the time had arrived for his triumphant leap cros the great void of the unknown to catapult himself back into the world of the living. He'd been a long time in limbo and now it was time time to get into some good old fashioned earth shattering destruction. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The first unofficial census of Atlantis: December 1 Territory Ldr Nom Hel Pla Idw Sel Trm Orc Vik Ddw Tel Hdw Total ________________________________________________________________ Komarken 4 102 48 3 1 1 --- --- --- --- --- --- 159 Stinchar 6 --- 22 --- --- --- 17 --- --- --- --- --- 45 Abernethy 38 --- 20 --- --- --- 9 218 17 1 --- --- 303 Sledmere 81 --- 403 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 5 --- 489 Kashmar 47 --- 112 --- --- --- 94 1 --- --- --- 7 261 | _, | Jason y sus Argonautas >?B | (464) `H H H H --: \\-O-Q-@-Q-O-Q-@-Q-O-Q-@-Q-O-Q-@-/| `\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ / D ~~~~~~~~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ And lo, the Crimson Crusaders arrived at Monzon and saw that it was good. "You know, I didn't know it was snowing quite this much. We march for a day, and go from sunny and mild Atlantis City to cold and windy Monzon!" complained Mr. Cohan. "I expected to get quite this far in a month." said il capitan. "If we have horses, can't we move 2 spaces even when it's snowing?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Despite discouragement at his lack of progress, Myth had been able to uncover a few hidden secrets. "Time to try some of this out," he thought, "see what we can do to liven things up around here a bit." Boldly he strode out into the crowds and set to work.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As Lady Jenna Curoon perused the latest copy of the Atlantis Times, she was dismayed to note that most of her potential destinations looked as though she'd be walking into the midst of war zones. She needed peace and quiet in order to build her house back to its former glory, and while the opportunities and high risks of leaping into battle immediately were obvious, she decided that she was too old for that, and anyway, she had to clear the way for her son to come out of hiding so that he could become the heir to a great fortune. "Lady, you look lost," said a young man in dark travel gear with a roguish smile as he slid into the booth of the inn's tavern across from her. "Excuse me, but I don't recall inviting you to sit with me," she replied with some hauteur. "Oh well," he laughed, "I could certainly get up and walk away, but if I did that, then opportunity would be walking away from you, and you don't seem the sort of woman to allow that to happen very frequently." "And just how would you have any clue what sort of a woman I am?" "Isn't that obvious? I've been following you for a month of course, listening to your conversations when I could, talking to those people to whom you spoke, generally making it my business to know who and what you are. Now don't be hasty," he exclaimed as her hand flashed toward her belt. "I've also let certain folk, who might have conceived, um well, unfriendly notions towards your person or possessions that you were under my protection, which has saved you some grief at minimum. Does this not merit at least your attention, if not your gratitude?" Jenna sighed to herself and shrugged at the other to go on. He was obviously a climber and a rascal, and God alone knew what portion of what had to say would be true, what exaggerated, and what untter fabrication, but if nothing else, maybe she could glean some information from the bundle of chaff she was expecting. She was just relaxing and about to invite him to go on, when both their gazes were drawn to a commotion in the doorway of the inn, where a large man stood, brandishing a crossbow and looking for all the world as if he thought he'd like to shoot someone with it. The young man's face paled as he saw the big man turn his gaze upon them. "You," the big man roared, taking a step into the room. "Well, well if I haven't managed to find both parties I swas lookin' for all at once. Now isn't that convenient?" No one in the tavern made a move to intervene as the big man strolled casually over to their table, his weapon cocked and aimed squarely at the dark man's chest. Jenna inched her chair back, and dropped her left hand down to her boot to where the thin-bladed dagger nestled against her calf. Her right hand closed on the beer mug from which she had been sipping, and she waited. "GEt up," the big one bellowed. "What's your business with him," demanded Jenna. "That's my business, not yours, and anyway, you're wanted too." "You must be mistaken, I am a stranger in this city," she replied equibly. "Get up the both of you!" Jenna swept the beer mug at his head, then dived out of her chair, rolling to her feet. With a startled bellow, the big man fired his weapon, but his aim had been knocked off true, and the quarrel buried itself in the wall over Jenna's companion's head. He too dove for cover, as the big man went for his sword. He never got it out though because Jenna, who was behind him, drove her knife into his back. It wasn't clean, but she knew she'd gotten a kidney at least, and anyway he dropped, screaming in agony. Jenna leapt over his form, grabbed her companion by the wrist and headed out the back, cutting down a man who stood in her path as she did so. Atlantis wasn't going to be a safe place for her much longer she thought as she and the man called Hakim ran through the night alleys of the poorer part of town. Oh well, come a month from now, I'm out of here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The loremaster, just arriving in Sledmere, looked around. "Well, well, this is just the place I would like to set up my new Guild" he thought. "Looks like we have a lot of studying to do first though..." he mumbled as he set out splitting his men into study groups. Lets see, a few bowmen for protection and skills that are for the common good for the others. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTEAN BANK & ATLANTEAN MONETARY FUND * Need to colonize that new region you have discovered? * Want to save those poor peasent villagers from themselves and bring them into the "First" World? * Need cash to build a useless "white elephant" of a monument to your leader? ****** THEN CONTACT US **** We loan $$$$ to nation-states at very competitive rates. At the same time, allow us to impose our renowned structural adjustment packages. (But don't worry! We believe in the trickle-down effect, so it won't affect you rich.) (WARNING : Non- serviced debts enforced by member nations of the old world order) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It's the end of the first year in Atlantis. One year of exciting adventures, trades, studies and also wars. I, Grendel, Bard of Gondor, hope for all of you peaceful leaders, workers, mages, priests, herbalists, hunters and so on, that the new year will allow you to develop your knowledge, your treasure, and the amount of your friends. Happy New Year ! Bonne Annee ! Gutes Neujahr ! Feliz Ano Nuevo ! Felice Anno Gelukig Nieuwjaar ! Feliz Ano Novo ! Godt Nytar ! Yeni yiliniz kutlu olsun ! Szczesliwego Nowego Roku ! Gledilegt nytt ar ! Hyvaa Uutta Vuotta ! - Grendel, Bard of Gondor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ An odd occurence had happened during his journey, that crazed man who had come running up the road to him and yelled and screamed at him Where Wolf? (I now think he meant werewolf) to which I quietly replied There wolf (pointing at a wolf) and there castle ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hogli's eyes, sad and haunted, met the cold steel of Desmorandus' own gaze across the polished wood table. Hogli had known this was coming for some time, an inevitable conflict. It seemed to be a mixed blessing of the magic studies; you started to have these premonitions, the sure knowledge that difficult times were just ahead. "As I said before, ser Desmorandus, that money is *essential* for my magical research and that of my assistant. These books are not easy to find, the materials are expensive..." Desmorandus stared back, unimpressed. "And as *I* stated, ser Hogli, my soldiers have far more important things to do than stay here in the Pavilion and tend to your needs. One can only train for just so long, eventually one must act." "But, brother of the spirit, we must not act in haste!" Hogli leaned across the table, subtly reinforcing the energies of the bonding spell. "Our magical research will have great use in conflict as well as peace! Imagine scouting the adversary's position from a great distance, or hurling fireballs into their ranks, or summoning great arcane beasts..." Desmorandus snorted. "Or making a rickety wagon float around, scaring the horses?" Hogli felt his face color slightly. Perhaps that had not been the best demonstration, though how was *he* to know the horses were that easily spooked? "Give me two hundred good men with swords any day, and you can leave your spell books at home, brother." Desmorandus stood, dropping a leather bag onto the table between them, making a hollow *chink* sound. "I accede for now, ser Hogli, because of the bond between us. But I tell you, do not grow too accustomed to this monthly stipend. Perhaps you should discuss this matter of funding with your loyal allies." Desmorandus walked out briskly, and Hogli turned back to his books with a sigh. Somewhere in this mass of cobweb scratchings, he mused, was a spell that would impress even a military man! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A butterfly flew through the dark room. It darted back and forth, casting its colorful, minute light around the room. Finally, after a few minutes of life, it landed on it's creator's finger. It beat its wings one last time while resting on the outstretched finger and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Ralf smiled. It worked, and worked well. His master smiled, too. Ralf was a fast learner. He learned far faster than the other students. It was as if some sense of urgency drove Ralf. His master had sensed it, and it worried him. What was Ralf in such a hurry to do? The master put the thought aside. It was of little matter. Ralf had along way to go before he was actually dangerous. Ralf knew otherwise. He was learning fast, far faster than his master knew. Later that night, in the privacy of his own room, Ralf continued his practice. He created not one, but a dozen butterflies at once. Ater that, he tried a gross. It came easy to him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The City Council of Monzon announces : ************************************** It's winter in Monzon since November... Warning to all travelers to and from Monzon: GIBOR (77) still keeps his units in Monzon (12,12). Two of them werre caught attempting to steal in Monzon last turn. Keep both eyes on your trade goods and money. The Circle of the Blue Mages (66) in combination with other magic oriented factions offers training for the foundation skills in Monzon. Price: $100 / student and week Next Skills on schedule: LIF-2 (FEB) and ETH-2 (MAR) The Maurarhiannons (113) are buying swords for $100 each. Further information concerning Monzon available: Information summary about Monzon and surrounding areas, send mail to: Circle of the Blue Mages (66), krumm@informatik.tu-muenchen.de subject containing "M.I.S." Monzon Register, send mail to: Monzon Wood Exchange (289), thayer@eagle.sangamon.edu with subject line "MONZON REGISTER" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The City Guardman glanced over his notebook. "A'righ. 'et me ge' t'is st'a't," he said in something resembling a heavy Cockney accent -- at least that was the closest one could determine from the consonants he didn't drop -- "'ou sa' t'is Fra'k'in bloke, unit two four nine se'en, ma'e an atte' to nick a quan'ity o' silver fro' t'is chap o'er 'ere." He indicated the man who called himself PARADOSS (Denbigh thought it was a man -- one could never be sure in Atlantis City). The Centre shook his head back in forth, which in Atlantis City meant yes. The Constable made a note in his book. "An' 'ou sa' t'at your faction, despi'e it' name bein' 'he CHURCH o' the Pu'ple Sno'flake, 'as no re'ation to 'he faction o' t'is Freew'eel'n Fra'k'in, t'at bein' 'he 'oly CHURCH o' FUND-- Funda'ig'on'i'm, faction four naught eigh'." "That is correct," replied the priest in clear intonnation. "Ve'y well," said the guard, "I 'ave no fu'er 'quiries. Goo' day, fa'er." "Centre will do nicely, thank you." The officer looked as if he were considering the issue of titles for a moment, nodded his head (which in Atlantis City did not mean no, but merely signified understanding), and turned back toward the street. "I guess declaring the guards allies makes them no less suspicious of religion," Denbigh said to himself as he reentered the bed and breakfast, "I wonder what Fundaligionism is anyhow." He sat down in the veranda and returned to reading his paper. Jennifer and Jessica were busy at the corner horse stables, earning some spending cash in preparation for their travels. Millie was talking with a Bandwith over recent gossip in the Atlantean plane. The Atlantis Times was hardly more informative. There wasn't even a real estate section in this issue. Kashmar appeared to be prospering depite the snow. No mention of the threat to the city come spring. There did appear an advert for a private tutor. Komarken continued to be an enigma, with a short ad ominously requesting immigration at the same time people spoke of blockades (perhaps the God Geoff's words had not been heeded...). A faction calling themselves Satan's company had declared Sledmere off limits to all immigration, while L'Ordre du Temple called for peaceful diplomacy. Calls for diplomacy were also voiced in Stinchar, even as a large force of raiders apparently loomed on the horizon. Denbigh scanned the paper a second time, looking for some mention of Abernathy, and finding nothing set down the newspaper. At least the Bandwiths had gotten word to the Monzon Wood Exchange and Circle of the Blue Mages in Monzon, as well as the Maurarhiannons. Their openness, including the provision of the Monzon directory, suggested that this city would be peaceful enough, dispite the continued presence of GIBOR. The priest dipped his pen and began writing. He would have a number of lettres for the Bandwiths today. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To all factions blocking entry to regions around Sledmere: It has been brought to my attention that highly skilled and well informed thieves and assassins are operating against on guard units in the Sledmere area. Anonymous warnings I have received indicate that the theives' master wishes to make the surrounding areas of Sledmere open to any travellers. Evidently he will only attack on guard units, as well as other units known to be associated with them. Please take heed of this message; I have already been affected by these Shadows of the night, but am powerless to stop them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A crisp wind blows today. It ruffles your hair, tugs teasingly at your clothes. There's a golden sunset; maker of memories, yes, it is that sort. This is a time of reflections, a time where present seems irrelevant. Read the times, sit back, drink of some of the local Kerasha, and think of the Black Rose. Is he good? or evil? or something of the two...? What will he mean in your future? He seems a powerful presence. Not in the physical sense, but the way he projects himself. Disturbing barely begins to decribe the sensation. Occupying your thoughts, you find you can only put the thoughts away for contemplation another day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It is almost too easy to earn 50 silver pieces each week just by writing something for the Times. You can even just write the same thing week after week! Not that anyone would dream of doing that... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Another Wonderful Day in the Life of the Legion ----------------------------------------------- The Legate barely looked up as the messenger arrived. He was too tired to do anything. This time, he had allowed one of the Centurions to take command of the battle, and if it went wrong again, he didn`t want to hear about it. "Sir, your weekly Times." The messenger saluted and handed over the paper. "And?" The messenger waited, drawing the suspense out as long as possible. "A victory Sir! No losses on our side." The messenger was hard pressed to keep his face straight as the Legate carried out an impromptu war dance around the table. "Good, good. You can go now." Relieved, the messenger left. The Legate`s squire came out with dinner, as the Legate began going through the Times. "Scipio, look at this. Someone is trying to threaten us with a whole 24 men." The Legate burst out laughing. "He even claims that the Republic doesn`t exist. Ha. He probably also believes that the world is round, don`t you think? And a trade faction on top of that." "Laughable, Sir." The squire said quietly. "You know Scipio, we require some more staff. How do you feel about being made a Centurion?" "If you say so, Sir. I`ll just go and pick out your next Cent...Err Squire from the 254 who are applying for the post, Sir." "Good, good..." ********************************************************************************** To those who doubt my ability to wreak havoc in the land claimed by the Republic, please keep doing so. See you in Spring, unless you`ve already met up with one of our other War factions. :) "The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am." - Darth Vader. I can say the same of the other War factions in my alliance. :) The Forum Romanum is the official Atlantis Home Page of the Dragon Legions and the Republic of Rome. Please visit, and give me your opinions. Forum Romanum: http//www-i8.auc.dk/~strategy/Atlantis.html -- Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Up