Atlantis 2.0: Times 7 From: Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 04:55:55 +0000 Atlantis 2.0 Times August, Year 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Game Master Notes: atlantis@rahul.net for information, problems, or to play. Next week's turn will be run on Saturday instead of Sunday, as I will be going out of town Sunday night, and don't want to cut things too close. Turns are due Satuday (the 18th) rather than Sunday. Also, I will be out of town all week, so don't expect any replies to email, though I will be back in time to run the next turn (possibly a day late, depending on how things go). Also note that I moved the Atlantis program from a Macintosh to a Linux machine this week, so it's possible some bugs may surface this week (actually, some already did, but I fixed them). Bug Fixes This Turn: 1) Pillage will no longer lower the economy too far. Also, economies that were really screwed up before should get a bit better. 2) Wandering monsters will no longer shoot Fireballs (eek!), unless they should. 3) Guardsmen were working in the cities; now they don't. 4) A mage who forgets all his skills will now turn into a normal unit. Additions This Turn: Sorry, no new spells this week. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Melvin huddled in his blanket. "Will this winter never end?" he grumbled. The brightly burning fire did little to keep the room warm, so Melvin slid his chair a little closer. The winter weather had all but stopped any sort of travel into and out of the swamp headquarters for months. Only a few mounted scouts could do any exploration at all. At least Melvin was starting to get an idea of the outlines of the continent -- the northern scouting party had sighted the sea. Melvin's dinner arrived, borne by an attractive young elfmaid. The elfmaid somehow managed to set the table and lay out the meal without once looking at Melvin, and without even seeming to go out of her way in avoiding him. Melvin watched with unusual calm, and then as the maid turned to go, he extended a leg in her path. Instead of tripping, however, the elfmaid somehow avoided Melvin's leg without even seeming to notice it. Melvin sourly withdrew his leg, and turned to his dinner. Abercrombe was seated across the table, of course. "Switched from interrupting my breakfast to interrupting my dinner, have you?" Melvin asked, a bit peevishly. Abercrombe didn't bat an eye. "Our long range scout was not attacked, and I have his report on the new town he has discovered. Soon, now, the mages will have all the funding they need for their studies, and we will be able to devote more of our resources to training the men." "Very well," Melvin said with a nod. He looked into the fire for a moment. "We are making the best progress that can be expected. Try one more time to see if the locals can tell you when winter will end." Melvin turned after a moment had passed with no response from Abercrombe. The tall elf was gone. "Blasted elves!" Melvin grumbled. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Captain hefted the bright blade of newly forged steel experimentally. "Very nice," he told the elvish smith who made it. The elf beamed proudly. Very nice indeed, thought the Captain. The claimed region's borders were locked down solidly, the perimeter was expanding, treaties were signed with the nearby neighbors, and fresh recruits, men of all persuasions, were rushing to join the Free Companions. And, he held a sword of fine elvish steel. Surely, now, the new homelands were secure. Still...there were reports of bands of looters pillaging poorly defended lands elsewhere. Security was paramount. "Make more," he said to the swordsmith. "Many more." [The regions SW of Kashmar are claimed by the Free Companions. If you have any travel plans leading you south or west of Kashmar, you would be well advised to contact yaj@cc.gatech.edu to declare your intentions in advance. We welcome small groups of peaceful tradesmen and entertainers, but frown on uninvited, armed guests.] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wisdom from the Desk of Tristam Hate is also creative, it creates more hate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TEAMSTER WAGONS ARE ROLLING! Wagons are rolling SW of Monzon - Place your orders NOW! Wagons are available in Carnforth [11,12] and Monzon [12,12] as you read this. Alternate delivery can be arranged - contact your sales-elf today. Horses are available to pull your new wagon as well. Please specify color. Why walk when you can ride in style? SEAPOWER - THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE It is never to early to plan for the future. Your enemies and competitors will have ships. Do you want to be landlocked? Do you want to miss lucrative opportunities because you could not reach your objective in time? Of course not. Catch the wave - get a ship. The Longshore & Longer Reach, a subsidiary of The Maurarhiannons, will meet your shipping needs in Year 2 with a full line of the latest in hull design and trained crew. Place your orders now for the spring sailing season. Remember - A rising tide lifts all boats, and drowns those trapped without one! The Maurarhiannons - We are transport. SPECIAL NOTICE TO WINDOW SHOPPERS All are welcome to stop by our Carnforth [11,12] production facility and check out our goods. Potential shoppers are warned however that shoppers who hide their faction number and / or fail to announce their presence and introduce themselves are likely to be mistaken for spies of the competition and ejected from this plain of existence. Do not make a tragic mistake. Personal property of transgressors will not be returned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are unfriendly. Do you understand ? Un - frien - dly. We don't like you, strangers. I don't like to read your letters. Go away from our claimed territory. It is Glomera (51,7) and (51,6), Rantlu (51,5) and (52,5), Huellevala (52,6) and Palmi (51,4). There is only ocean to the south and east. To the north, you can get otherwise. There are lot of free space, plains, wood, tundra, everything. Go there and don't bother us. Great Muuf and is family (117) Minister of Foreing Affaires of Slunecni Zare maxera@fzu.cz ------------------------------------------------------------------------ And off rides Boudiccea - through the wide plains of Atlantis and through stormy nights. She feels lonely under this dark blue sky only stars glimmering far away. The fireplace offers her a little warm and light - but she is alone. The only good is that life is cheaper than in the cities - but there's no entertainment nor school there is - besides gras and sky - nothing. And nothing is too little, so she speaks to herself in a low voice. One day she arrives in Crail - it seems to be a good place. She thinks for to rest here a while, perhaps hire a few men to work for her - but there are no herbs in this area and she needs herbs to heal the sick. And she rides again out to unknown regions - and the sun sets in the west. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE UNRELIABLE SOURCE Atlantic City (AP) - Lord Viper (217), head of the Assassin's Guild, was seen this week in deep discussion with his closest allies, Tomsk's Wombles (258) and Little Furry Creatures (266). The discussion apparently concerned damage control on the information recently uncovered by the Unreliable Source that Lord Viper was actually the leader of the innocuous sounding Teeny Weeny Training Company (217). The Unreliable Source will continue in the untiring effort to uncover crime and corruption wherever they exist. (Personal note for Lord Viper (217) -- Offer all the reward you wish, only the Great Geoff knows who I am, and he's not talking -- I hope). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SLEDMERE (AP) - The Atlantis II Olympic Committee announced yesterday that Sledmere has been selected as the host for the first Atlantis II Winter Olympic Games. In a press release, the chairman of the Olympic Committee had this to say about Sledmere, "With the unusually long winters, Sledmere certainly has a suitable climate for the winter games. In addition, the mountains just outside the city are considered to be some of the best in the world for skiing." The first Atlantis II Winter Olympic Games are scheduled to be held two winters from now. "We wanted to make sure each of the alliances had time to recruit ant train their athletes. We also wanted to make sure that the more distant teams had time to build ships and cross the ocean. Two years should be enough time." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE DROW ARE COMMING??? Recent reports wild indicate that the Drow, infamous dark elves are prowling the surface world. There have been two sightings in the city of atlantis to date. Eye witnesses said they saw a short(about 5'3") humanoid with white hair and ebon skin. The alleged Drow was dress in a hooded cloak and quickly disapeared into the shadows. If these rumours are true the city and indeed the world of atlantis could be in for torid times, if the Drow's history is anything to go by. Fair citizens of Atlantis beware, "the drow are comming". ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Short Dissertation on Spells By Master Kane Generally, spells and magiks fall into a finite set of categories: combat land skills For example: a combat spell might enhance a unit's healing potential or tactical skill, a land spell might change the nature of the region from plain to forest or alter its ability to support peasants, a skill spell might enhance or degrade a unit's ability to use a skill such as lumberjack. Virtually any spell can be categorized using the above list. The real debate is to determine the subtleties of spells and their relative advantages and disadvantages. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It is now the middle of summer on the frozen island of Komarken. The tundra has not thawed into a swamp. Expect a harsh winter in a few months. Still no trees. Nope, trees don't grow on tundra even in the summer. Hope someone comes with a boat. We would like to see what a forest looks like. Rumor is there is a forest in (6,14). If I ever get off this island, it's all mine. I don't care if anyone has claimed it first! Lets see if they can keep it. If only Sooper Dooper Air Max Winged Sandals were real I could be there by winter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As Karamon rides out of the city, he notes the plethora of signs asking for the name of the Unreliable Source. He notes curiously that until those who had been exposed wrote those signs.... It was just that -- the Unreliable Source. But he now takes out back issues of the Times... Just to see what the unReliable Source has to say! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If God is Will And Will is well Then what is ill? God still? Dew tell! -- Orcibald MacLush ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Overheard in one of the cheaper pubs on Atlantis, you know the ones I mean, elves and dwarves (with a few arrows rprotruding from them) drinking in the same pub, (elves entrails later found up the street) sawdust on the floor mopping up spilt ale and blood, furnature looking recently repaired (very recently repaired) >Impressive fight, did you see it? 1 Ione man standing alone against what >looked to be hundreds of vikings! whats that you say >Yes, he took a stand, must have been a super assassin to take on all >of these men! really? bit aof a martial arts expert then was he? >Er no not really, mage? >could have been, didn't cast any spells though So how did he defeat all those vikings then? >er, well, , , , he didn't [another piece of bar furniture gets added the the repairs list] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Free Companions weclome all visitors to our lovely resort on Dezhou mountain. Just a short walk SW from Kashmar or SE from Leighlin, you can spend the days touring our state of the art mining operations. In the evenings all units with STE training of 2 can be entertained as our combat-ready forces prepare to crush all other detected trespassers. So if you need a break from pillaging or just want to pick up a few orcs and a few laughs, stop by (2,18), we'll send you home with your tail between your legs. And don't forget to bring some SIL because at Dezhou mountain, we don't take Atlantean Express. Dehzou Mountain - where there's only room for us. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE ATLANTEAN ENQUIRER Maximus Tiberius Murderoch announced today that the Atlantean Enquirer has from last week closed its doors. The Old Rag is no more and if various Atlantis factions want mid-turn gossip and lies, somebody else had better start something else. >From now on the Atlantean Enquirer team will be more usefully deployed in Magickal Crytsal Ball production. Their first efforts, the Atlantean Enquirer Windows Mapper and General Graphical Interface (ver 1.26), is now available to the general public. Look in rahul.net /pub/atlantis/submissions/enq126.zip Their next offering, a Windows Report-Parser and Easy-Order-Writer, is undergoing stringent quality control checks, and may become widely available (unless it becomes 'Classified' first). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Un sourire satisfait passa sur les levres de Thorn. Malgre le froid de l'hiver et l'epaisse couche de neige, ses hommes avaient travaille avec ardeur en ce mois de juin. Les troncs d'arbre coupes et debarasses de leurs branches commencaient a s'entasser, de meme que quelques charettes et autres arcs. L'esprit d'initiative avait eu raison de la Deesse du Froid. Bientot, une premiere caravane de marchands partirait vers la ville pour ecouler les stocks de marchandise. La petite entreprise dont Thorn avait toujours reve allait enfin se mettre en place. Pourvu que la situation reste calme dans la region, pensa Thorn. Un climat de guerre permet de vendre des armes, mais il represente aussi un risque accru. Les mois a venir verront peut-etre les instincts animaux de certains se reveiller. Une sortie d'hibernation, en quelque sorte... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Oh the university is still here! The level 2 teachers in lumberjack,entertainment,weaponsmith,building,herb lore and horse training and armorer are here for you. Also a teacher is now avaible in longbow. Contact andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr (faction 181) Do you want to be a member of the Kashmar alliance ? The teachers of our university are at your disposal! Also you will be well protected from the war that is about to start soon everywhere. Think about it! Contact faction 181 (andrew@hra.ergasya.tuc.gr) for info ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 placed (Saturday, 3/11/95). We currently have mapping data on ~200 areas, with economic data on perhaps sixty. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ At last at last a spell a spell...Hmm enchant wagon..... Looks like I will have to buy a wagon so that I can teavel in comfort. Now if I could just get these lazy leves to leave the city. What other spells have been discovered? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo o O O ABOUT PRIVACY o o ---------------------- O O Another social chronicle o o O OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo Do you think that building a castle can give you more privacy in this crowded world ? YOU'RE WRONG ! A fellow gagman of mine discovered that the stones you extract from the mountains are all made of the purest transparent GLASS !!! When you're inside a building you can't hide as well as when you're in the open. Anyway you try it, and should you be the King if Thieves - you'll always somehow be hiding behind a window... Do you think, then, that in a modest ship, which is made of wood, you could get more privacy than in the mightiest citadel ? After all, anyone knows that wood, unlike stones, isn't made of glass... YOU'RE STILL WRONG ! Let it be an exercice for the most cunning or punning readers to find out by themselves what is wrong about marine privacy. I'll answer next month, but let's first make a proverb of these awful tidings : For a place to undress, Nothing like wilderness ! (Atlantis proverb #3) - Acrobatty the Rigolo (229) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The shadowy figure rode South on a thin strip of land devoid of any significant cover. Glancing left and right in a action which was almost human, the rider surveyed the water which defined this land bridge to the unknown. Anyone or any thing which came along could not help but notice travellers. More land or more cover, either would be good. It was too late to go back. Reports indicated that strange creatures had already occupied the base of the land bridge many miles back and they were coming this way. Their appetite for land seemed insatiable. The rider was beginning to think that there was no place far enough away to be safe. Maybe cover would be better. "I'd give my horse to find a tree." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ La vida continua su marcha imparable en el duro mundo de Atlantis. Por fortuna, he conseguido informacion sobre una gran batalla ocurrida en Atlantis, y no puedo hacer menos que comentarla: Hace falta ser realmente tonto para intentar atacar a alguien dentro de una ciudad! Mis informadores de la CNN (Crystalball News Network) que siguieron el acontecimiento con gran interes informativo, fueron testigos de como un triste y raquitico grupos de heroes y Altos Elfos intentaban hacer frente, ademas de a su objetivo, a toda la cantidad desbordante de Guardias de la Ciudad que, literalmente, los despedazaron. Mala Suerte.... La proxima vez os lo pensais primero `` `` o o ! ( ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ #-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-# Mr Azzoom proudly announces that the doors to Madam Sockscrotem chamber of erotic pleasures is now open for trade in the city of Abernethy. Madam Sockscrotem is fully versed in the ancient Orcish erotic arts described within the Kharna Excrutia also known as A Thousand And One Ways To Extacy Pain And Infinite Sufferings. So come on down for our opening offers. Whipping (per 10 strokes) ONLY 3$ while offer lasts Blow Jabs ONLY 10$ VIP SnM Massarge ONLY 15$ CLAWD KAPERS ONLY 15$ ORCISH ACCUPUNCTURE ONLY 20$ RACK OF EXTACY ONLY 22$ all opening offers subject to availability.Mr Azzoom takes no responcebility for any preminent ingury all customers are required to sign a standerd liability wavour. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Niall stared suspiciously at the broom which had just dumped him into the muddy street. A minute ago he'd been calmly flying along, minding his own business and now he was lying here in the mud. He remembered something about waving his hands and uttering some magic words, but it was still pretty hazy. "Well," he thought to himself, "I better get sorted out and find out where I am." Niall stood up and tried to brush the worst of the mud from his clothes. He succeeded only in smearing it more deeply. He spotted a peasant walking down the street, "Hey you, pointy-eared elf-boy! Where am I ?" "You're standing in the middle of Cooper Street, good sir." "But, what city is this?" "Why Atlantis City, of course. Even a fool would know that!" The elf began to laugh and he quickly became the centre of a crowd, explaining to them that this silly human didn't know what city he was in. "Stupid tree-huggers!," Niall muttered to himself. "Well, I'll just get my broom and get out of here." The broom attempted to skitter away but Niall finally managed to grab it. Clutching it under his arm, Niall stomped off sown the street. As he walked, Niall discovered a small book in his pocket. Opening it, he was delighted to discover that he had 5000 silver on deposit with the Bank of Atlantis, just waiting to be claimed. He thought to himself, "I'll just get some money, buy a sword and get out of this smelly dump. Maybe I'll set up a little herbalist's shop somewhere." Niall suddenly had a disturbing sensation. Even though he was certain that he had once known a lot about herbs, he couldn't recall any of it. "Hmm, maybe I fell further from that broom that I first thought. Well, I'll just have to relearn everything." At that point, an advertisement caught his eye. NOR'WEST COLLEGE BE A SOMEBODY! The talented instructors are ready and willing to teach any students! Learn valuable trade skills that will allow you to earn your way in this harsh world. As recent surveys show, an unskilled labourer earns only 15 silver here in Atlantis and the monthly wages are even lower in other parts of the world. With the skills training provided by Nor'West College, you can produce items worth many times this. Our affiliated institution, Nor'West School for Wayward Youth, also provides military instruction and discipline (LOTS of discipline) for both inmates and day students. For information on exact course offerings and tuition, contact our registrar at <john.petherick@lakeheadu.ca>. NOR'WEST COLLEGE An Independent Educational Institution (Affiliated with the Nor'West Company) As he stared at the poster, a tall distinguished man noticed his interest. "Thinking about enrolling?" "Yes, I am. Is it worthwhile?" The man flexed his hands which were covered with fine leather gloves. "Certainly! The discipline and instruction in combat that I received at Nor'West School for Wayward Youth will serve me well out in the world." "Glad to here it. What other courses are available? By the way, my name is Niall." The man brushed invisible lint from his clothes, either to subtly draw attention to Niall's condition or to show off his fine gloves. "I'm Aidan. Yes, the regular college also offers course in Armorer, Herb Lore, Hunting, Observation, Stealth and Weaponsmith. Most courses are available for only 5 silver, too." "Well, Herb Lore is what I'm most interested in. I might consider some other skills," Niall said. Aidan stretched his hands. "Well, hurry up. I'm on my way to register for Observation. Classes are said to fill up quickly." Niall shook Aidan's hand. "Thank you, so very much. Can I ask one more thing, though ?" Aidan responded, "Go ahead, ask away." "Those are really nice gloves. What kind of leather is that?" Aidan grinned evilly and said, "Cat!" really nice gloves ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ****************************************************************************** ** Come one, come all to Crazy Orlando's SPELL OUTLET. Located directly northeast of Abernathy in beautiful downtown Ettrick! These aren't just any spells either, uh uh, these are spells for everyone! You say that you have no Mages? Not a problem. You say that your a straight war or trade faction? Not a problem. You say that you want a lot spell for little money? Nado Problemo You say that you have no money? Now we got a problem. Crazy Orlando's SPELL OUTLET, easy on, easy off, located in the heart of thriving Ettrick. Why take my word for it, here is a sample... Orlando's Troop Summoning (an easy spell for everyone) Walk (or ride) into downtown Ettrick (home of Crazy Orlando's SPELL OUTLET) throw a whole bunch of money in the street, and then utter the magic words "press gang". It's just that easy. so come on down to Crazy Orlando's SPELL OUTLET today. If you don't leave with a spell that is custom tailored to your needs I'LL EAT AN ORC! ****************************************************************************** ** This message brought to you by Crazy Orlando's SPELL OUTLET. Any relation to any persons living, dead, undead, or (as Viper says) walking dead, is purely intended and should be attributed to my vast powers of intellect. etc4me@aol.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ AN ECONOMIC ENQUIRY INTO THE COSTS OF THE BATTLE IN ATLANTIS CITY A common aphorism declares, "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance." July's surprising suicide attack in Atlantis City illustrated the truth of these bon mots. In the spirit of the very interesting series of articles that recently have appeared in these pages offering economic analyses of life in Atlantis, your humble correspondent hopes the populace may find this econometric study of some interest. Unit 1197 and the other attackers were wiped out to a man in the first round of battle, losing two leaders and eight nomads. One leader had a sword and the other was skilled--modestly--in combat. The defending faction had two leaders and fourteen high elves, all of whom were at least as skilled in combat as the attackers. Oh, and we must not overlook the advantage to the defendants of having one hundred armed and highly trained city guards on their side. The costs to the attackers may be subdivided into the costs of (1) recruiting, (2) equipping, and (3) training each unit. One should also consider the opportunity costs of revenue forgone by having the units engage in combat instead of putting them to more productive use. Necessary assumptions follow. First, your correspondent has no direct data on the cost of recruiting nomads, and has therefore used the figure $60 as an approximation. Obviously, those with superior information may make a more accurate calculation. Second, the value of a sword is assumed to be the price for which it could have been sold in Atlantis City, or $120. Finally, the opportunity costs are assumed to be what the units could have earned WORKing this turn. With these assumptions in mind, consider the following analysis: UNIT # RECRUITING EQUIPMENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY TOTAL ====== ========== ========= ======== =========== ===== 1197 $120 $10 $15 $145 1198 $120 $120 $15 $255 1464 $360 $90 $450 1465 $120 $30 $150 ---- ---- --- ---- ----- TOTALS $720 $120 $10 $150 $1000 So, there you have it. One thousand silver gone in a single turn. One wonders at the futility of it all--that is, if one can stop chuckling long enough to wonder. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** MONZON WOOD EXCHANGE ** In the Monzon area? Carrying some heavy wood? Let the Monzon Wood Exchange (faction 289) take it off your hands!! We'll even pay you -- $36 for each and every unit of wood!! Get rid of that heavy wood and get some money in exchange!! Can't make swords from wood? WRONG!! Just sell seven wood to the Monzon Wood Exchange and you'll have enough to BUY a shiny new sword! Also -- looking to downsize? Craftsmen not fitting into your new business plan? Can't quite balance between pillaging and production? Your problems are over! The Monzon Wood Exchange will pay premium prices for your old, unwanted workers. Special arrangements can be made!! Need horses and wagons to drag your lumber in from neighboring provinces? We can get them! Need training? We can do it. Folks, we specialize in WOOD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rumors have it that the Red Rum Tavern is the hopping place to be in Atlantis. Despite the occasional brawl, most patrons seem to enjoy themselves. Says one satisfied customer, "Errrugph..S'long as yaz watch...ooof..out for...yeeeow!...lefties, itsa great place fer the Missez...uuuuuuuhhhhhggh...." So come on down, and sit a spell. Just about anything or any deed can be bought or sold, for the right price. Just ask for Mordak. Look for a Red Rum Tavern to open near your gateway city soon!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- KOMARKEN IS SAFE! I know because I've been there! The Bad News Bears are just playing "Scare Away the Newbies" because they want to keep all the goodies to themselves. Its an old PBM trick, don't fall for it. The same is true of the Sledmere weather warning "It is strongly recommended that all new players steer well clear of Sledmere for the foreseeable future". OOH YEAH RIGHT and in the meantime you guys will scarf up all the good territory without any competition. Based on these two phony-baloney reports it's safe to assume that the two most productive, valuable and underpopulated areas in the game right now are Komarken and Sledmere. See you there! +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- And from the latest Players list - Does this look the least bit suspicious to you? Faction (193), DPWHITE@ice.LakeheadU.Ca The Black Reavers (202), AHNORTH@ice.LakeheadU.Ca The Costa Rican Show Band (209), CBTHOMPS@ice.LakeheadU.Ca S.S.O.B. (210), jhardie@FLASH.LakeheadU.CA Faction (212), KMTURGEO@ice.LakeheadU.Ca Smugglers Near Atlantis Gates (213), BGMURPHY@ice.LakeheadU.Ca Hermetic Order (215), jepether@flash.lakeheadu.ca The Seelie Court (257), DCSMYK@ice.LakeheadU.Ca The Nor'West Company (259), john.petherick@lakeheadu.ca Faction (359), agscott@storm.LakeheadU.CA Faction (364), SMACINTY@ice.LakeheadU.Ca Run For Your Lives! Lakehead U. servers ice, storm and flash are running amok and trying to take over Atlantis! +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tax and Population Statistics: Mean Variance ---- -------- Mountain (10 surveyed) Tax $ $1152 $195 Pop. 347 51 $/Pop. breakdown: 60% $4/person, 30% $3/person, 10% $2/person Jungle (1 surveyed) Tax $ $438 -- Pop. 146 -- $/Pop. breakdown: 100% $3/person Desert (7 surveyed) Tax $ $312 $115 Pop. 138 25 $/Pop. breakdown: 43% $3/person, 43% $2/person, 14% $1/person Swamp (6 surveyed) Tax $ $386 $78 Pop. 147 25 $/Pop. breakdown: 67$ $3/person, 33% $2/person Forest (18 surveyed) Tax $ $851 $372 * Pop. 291 77 $/Pop. breakdown: 29% $4/person, 24% $3/person, 47% $2/person * Plain (18 surveyed) Tax $ $3048 $772 * Pop. 627 89 $/Pop. breakdown: 29% $6/person, 29% $5/person, 41% $4/person * Cavern (1 surveyed) Tax $ $270 -- Pop. 90 -- $/Pop. breakdown: 100% $3/person * 1 forest and 1 plain area were eliminated from the tax data due to plundering. Data from CCC map. Analysis by Dendarin's Generic Manufacturing Co. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTIS CITY (AP) - The Atlantis Guild of Professional Entertainers, a small but respected organization based in Atlantis City which was established to promote education and cooperation among the professional entertainers of Atlantis, has been dissolved. "Unfortunately, there was very little interest in our guild" said Barnacle Turing, the president of the AGPE. "We represented art at its most meaningful, with a strong emphasis on classical traditions. The hordes of immigrants coming into Atlantis seem more interested in low humor and laugh-a-minute standup routines. The red-light district in Atlantis City has expanded into formerly respectable areas of the city, former supporters of the arts have left, and we started to lose members to bankruptcy. Interest in the arts is now so low that the AGPE did not receive a single application for the scholarships it advertised for the last two months." Barnacle Turing is also the dean of the Turing Theatrical Institute, another important part of the Atlantis City artistic community that is being forced to close its doors. Barnacle Turing himself will be departing the city for places unknown. "I really don't know what I will do now," he said. "I've been thinking about going to a community of orcs. I understand they have no conception of quality entertainment, and I view that as a sort of a challenge to see if it is possible to elevate their sensibilities." Barnacle Turing is also the artistic director of the Turing Players, now playing at the Atlantis City Playhouse Theater. They will be departing Atlantis City with him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sir Cendre de Sang-Dragon, dans la petite chambre d'une maison quelconque d' "Atlantis City" la Merveilleuse, etait meditatif... Le bruit sourd des rues populeuses et grouillantes au dessous de lui, a peine etouffe par le rideau de sa fenetre, ne semblait pas le troubler dans ses pensees: Il n'etait meme pas encore chevalier, et voila que Dieu lui etait apparu, a lui, avec pour seul message: << Vas ! Prends la croix et parts delivrer le tombeau du Christ en Terre Sainte ! Chasses les Infideles hors de Jerusalem! Formes le tres Saint Ordre Guerrier du Temple !>>. La fin des paroles du demiurge etait claire. Il s'etait aussitot auto-proclame chef et unique membre de l'Ordre du Temple, comme Dieu le souhaitait...Mais, le debut de sa vision le laissait perplexe ... Quelle croix ? Et d'abord qui c'est ce type, la, Christ, qu'il devait retrouve... Meme pas puisqu' apparrement il etait mort...De la Terre Sainte non plus, il n'avait jamais entendu parler. Et Jerusalem ? Il avait etudie la geographie, mais ne se rappelait d'aucune foret ayant ce nom la, pas plus que d'animaux qu'on appellerait des Infideles (Pour sur que c'te bestiaux la devait avoir une vie dissolue avec un nom pareil !). Enfin, ce que votre Dieu personnel vous ordonne, il faut y obeir, mais c'etait a se demander si cette fois il n'y avait pas une erreur quelque part... Cat Lord, Page de Sir Cendre de Sang-Dragon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Knowleswright looked around at the new realm the magic spell had brought him into. The tap spell had been difficult to implement, but he wouldn't have to use it again. A whole world to see, some new things to accomplish, he could achieve great works (and amass some little wealth to). It was up to him, a fresh new start. "A fresh new start indeed", he thought to himself. "I will have to fire that scribe. I tell him to acquire 20 high elves, gave him more than enough money to obtain them." "The lame brain quill scrapper," Knowleswright curses, "Sends the messenger out with only a tenth the money needed. Then trys to dog the blame one me!" "By Geoff", he continues with a new Atlantis phrase he'd recently picked up looking around, "as if it is my fault that the last zero was reallly an oh." He looks again at the paper the orders were on: yes he can see '0' and 'O' do look similar. "But how can it be MY fault", he continues ranting at the scribe. "You are susposed to catch things like that! And for a while I thought you were making off with the nine-tenths left over. That, and only that, is why you are still with a head on your neck--the money is still here." The poor scribe cowers behind the writing stand. He doesn't dare say anything. He knew he'd better catch any errors for the next recrutment. At least the ally papers had been correct, and Knowleswright made friendly connections with some warriors and a couple of Magicians. Things were moving out now. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rumors are running rampant on the greater Stinhcar penninsula that the "Great Muuf" and his cronnies have discovered a land bridge to a southern continent, but have blocked off all access to it, to insure their own dominance. The inhabitants of nearby villages have said that there are a lot of "goings on" just south/southwest of Hullevala, but that it all seems to be very secret. "They ain't lettin' nobody in or out of there, I'll tell ya! Must be they found something pretty interesting down there!" said Hagar, a local sea elf. In other news, wood has been discovered to the north of Almeria, giving the locals some hope that "all these pesty furiners will build ships and set sail outta here!", a sentiment from Stella Mae, of the Orcish Ladies drinking society. She went on to note that "some of them are kinda cute, if'n you're drunk enough!". ------------------------------------------------------------------------ These last days had been hard on him; but things were starting to look better. He still didn't know how he ever arrived here nor what his name could be, but at least the picture of the man he used to be was getting clearer. He'd been a soldier, that much he was sure of. He remembered serving on a ship, a spaceship though, and figthing a galactic war. There didn't seem to be much of that going on around here and that was all for the best, he thought. Instead the place was said to be magical, a city-gate to a brand new world. He was not so sure about magic, but a whole land to be pioneered sounded pretty good to his ears. He knew he could get somewhere here, if he could find some trusted friends. But so far he'd had no luck... He decided he would spent somme more time in Atlantis-City looking for associates. "one more month", he thought,"after that, whatever happens, I hit it! Also I'll have to figure myself a name...that might come handy to socialise !". ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It is written that in the year 1, my master did order us to depart the great city of Atlantis and sent us out to the lands beyond. The Snow Leapord Clan departed the city with a great clanging of shields and shouting of song. We would win a kingdom for my master. We would gather our allies and prepare for the great journey ahead. Wintermute ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTIS - (UAI) This reporter for the United Atlantis International first broke the news regarding the recent debacle in Atlantis last month. Now, the gory details come out. This reporter has an *exclusive* report on the motives behind the recent attack in Atlantis. It seems that the new groups to town were aimlessly wandering around for awhile when their leader suggested that they hit the local brew pubs. Well, after 5-6 hours there, they were pretty darned tipsy. Everybody knows how well the local Elves can hold their liquor, but apparently the nomads don't do too well with the local brew. Well, after so much beer they just had to relieve themselves. As fate would have it, they chose the bushes (shrubberies) in which which these particular Knights of Ni were taking refuge. The Knights of Ni did not take kindly to being urinated on by the 10 out-of-towners, and proceeded to thump them soundly about the head and shoulders. When the City Guard eventually showed up, they separated the combatants and got each side of the story. When the newcomers were so obviously in the wrong, they were spitted by the city guards. Now, this reporter acknowledges that she is new to town. But after checking out the action of the City Guard in this particular incident, one must wonder about the wisdom displayed by these out-of-towners. Are *all* nomads and their leaders this dim-witted? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ershwin surveyed his motley troop: Four guards, two entertainers, and a weaponsmith. He'd hoped for so many more, but that was all he had. He sighed, and shook his head wearily. It was going to be more difficult than he'd anticipated... And where was The Man with a moustache? What could have kept him, when he'd promised, nay sworn to meet him there in Atlantis city? Still, he could wait, but not forever... Alone in his room, in the "Dancing Bear", Ershwin stared gloomily from his window at the rain. "Damn this Atlantian weather," he murmured. "Another day wasted." Training in arms required space, and even he didn't intend dragging his men out in a storm. Frustrated, he looked in on his musicians. They were in the process of composing. Ershwin caught a snatch of song, that struck a chord with his own mood. He envied the way that they turned depression into something constructive, and made him feel useless. Poets and bards - would he ever understand them? His guards were not in their allotted rooms. He found them dicing in the common bar area. Even they, in their way, seemed to be enjoying the bleakest of days. His frustration welled up, and he spoke with more force than intended. "I don't pay you to sit and drink all day," he yelled. They looked at him, shocked, as if asking what they should be doing. With that he retired unhappily to the solitude of his room. Something had changed. The room was even darker than before. Ershwin noticed that the shutter was slightly ajar. The floorboards were damp below the sill. Had someone been in? Were they still there? >From behind there came the sound of laughter. Ershwin whipped around, clutching his sword. A man stepped from the shadows, still laughing. It was The Man with a moustache... Mark Keen Ershwin's Adviser ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Undertaker is coming to bury you all. You may be a King or a little streetsweeper, But sooner or later you will dance with the reaper. You warriors need to work on your combat skills. But you builders need to work on more coffins. --Rest in Peace The UNDERTAKER-- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ABSTAIN would like to apologise to everybody for being so nasty. To say sorry in a big way, we're going to give anyone who asks 100 pieces of Silver! We love you guys! Peace! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As somebody asked in the previous Times, I send you a new sort that I learned this month : Mouse Cry (Nature 1): This spell allows the magician to fight as a mouse. The mage will shout 2 times per round with an effective noise of 2. All the elephants in the close regions are frightened and run away. But, all lions are attracted. This spell is not a combat spell, so don't use the COMBAT order to instruct the mage to use it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Horned Rat roused from his aeons long sleep. With some arcane mutterings and a few gestures he summoned his loyal servants to him. "A new world has come to my attention, one which is ready to be sewn with the seeds of Chaos. My legions have long been dormant; it is time once more to go forth and spread discord and strife. Slaves, polish my armor and oil my sword! I will personally lead our forces to Atlantis so that we may yet another world under the glorious dominion of Chaos." All his followers immediately went about their tasks, all but one. Azrael approached the Horned Rat. No ordinary mortal could stand in his presence without falling to their knees and worshipping him, but then Azrael was no ordinary mortal. "Master," she said, "should we not proceed cautiously? Long have we slept, and while our own skills have stagnated, the forces of Law have had time to train and prepare for our return. We will be crushed if we move too swiftly." "Truly Azrael, you are wise. Yes we must move slowly. But let there be no doubt that one day all of Atlantis will feel the icy grip of Chaos!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ahh, the joy of 250 men jumping on a lone (Platinum) mapmaker! How to describe the subtle pleasures of dividing the spoils 250 ways? Welcome, fair travellers, to our land of milk and honey!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Out of the mist that surrounds Atlantis City steps forth a brave new warrior who has come to conqure the world. "It it Pinky and the Brain?", you ask. No. It is I, Karthan. The mighty minotaur warrior from the great beyond. (Some call it the "Real World".) As the great warrior pushes through the crowd, he selects only the bravest and boldest men (in this case, elves, but they die just as easily) to join his legions. All who stand in his way will be crushed..... Have a nice day. ;-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A tense excitement filled the camp. The leaders called it an exercise, but by the way they were all acting, it was clear that this was "for real". It all started a few days ago, when a messenger rode into the camp in a great hurry. Rumors flew like wildfire. There were bandits down south. Some said monsters. Others claimed it was a huge army marching up from the south. Others thought it might be ants. What ever it was, the whole camp was going to check it out. After a week of marching, Jack could still feel the excitement. He knew there was a battle coming up soon. The scouts were returning more quickly now. There were messengers from other armies as well. As far as he could tell, his army was the biggest. He just hoped that his army was big enough. Jack was glad to hear the trumpets sound. He was glad morning had finally come. He hadn't slept, so it was just as well. He found it hard to sleep the night before a battle. He expected the others had discovered the same thing. He hoped their opponents had the same experience. As he lined up with the rest of his troops, Jack saw the opposing side line up for battle as well. He suddenly felt that all his training was inadequate. He felt unsure of himself. He felt fear he had never known before... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sargon throws the last of the ancient tomes onto the pile in the dark corner to his left. He has the key to ultimate power over Atlantis City but there's missing this little part. 10 Wood!!! There seems to be no obvious way to get the wood into the city. No way back for lumberjacks sent out to the world. No summon spell. Sargon looks at the pile of his magic tomes. Wasn't there are short comment about teleport.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Denbigh, priest of the Purple Snowflake, servant to his otherWorldly creator, Centre to the `Aitches 'for the Eyes, Friend to The Eggshell, Bani Ghassan, and The Wanderers, and being of the Gathering, announces that his series of Talks on the Faith have been canceled due to low turnout among the populus of Atlantis City. Work continues however, in the recruitment of the faithful. Centre Denbigh ------------------------------------------------------------------------ VICTORY!!! All those who were in Atlantis City might have witnessed the attack of unit 1197 and the ensuing rout of themselves by the combined might of GIBOR, THE STRENGTH OF THE GODS and THE KNIGHTS OF NI, NI!, NI!, NI! Someone asked for it and we gave it to them. Whjow could expect anything less when they attacked with nothing more than a bunch of nomads with no combat and two leaders with combat 1? They didn't even kill one of the defenders. Together we will move on from Atlantis City to conquer the world and elimiante all those connected with unit 1197. And the Komarken Militia, don't think your safe!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The elven mage, after hiding himself away from the world for an entire month, opens the door of his study and shouts out to his allies sitting around the fire, "The things that I see now that my eyes are open!" After a dramatic pause as he waits for everyone to turn toward him, "It took me a while, but now I have a vision which is truly remarkable." The mage goes to the shuttered windows and opens them, providing an elevated view of the city streets leading to the marketplace. He stands there, frozen for a moment, and then turns around to address his compatriots. A wide smile crosses over his face as he begins to speak again, "Let me tell you who's out there..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As you read over the latest Times, you can't help but marvel. People. So different in every way. And then your breath catches hard within your throat. The same faded yellow note paper: Black Rose: Gathering of the Circle From the extremes of human nature To me the are drawn, Seeking safety in number With the naivety of a centaur's fawn. Come to me, a force of four Drawing to me thinking themselves inviolate Building sanctuary round my stem, Will they see it's thorns too late? One a happy man Searches only to find his way No other goal than to live and let live And see the sun, next day. Her, she the most beautiful one Could she be the one to cleanse My darken dreams and Myriad sins? The Other, mysterious man A faceless stranger With powers of unknow proport. Might his frozen touch pose some danger? They come to me Looking to me to complete their circle sphere This Black Rose may hope? Or will it slay those it holds dear? Blood seems to have stopped flowing within your veins. You can't help but mutter a prayer to your Gods. A prayer that seeks redemption for this ... Rose ... and salvation for his allies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINAL WARNING: Oozing regret from every pore, I must nonetheless issue a final warning to all Atlantean: BEGONE! I am bored with your company and claim all lands for myself. Any malingerers will be executed. KING KONG I EMPEROR OF ATLANTIS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Legate continues thinking. (I`m worried.) Legate Rayelin leant back after a hard day at work. "Michael!" Noone answered. "MICHAEL!" He looked round angrily for a few moments before he remembered. Michael had his own Cohort now, they had too few officers. Now he had to go without a squire as a result. He wrote a mental note to remind himself to recruit more officers, but what with recruiting and all little enough moeny would be left for that. There was a commotion outside the tent. Sighing, Rayelin walked out of the tent to see what was happening. It was one of their scouts. "Sir, we`ve located Grand Muuf and his family. They`ve claimed a strip of land to the east." The man said between gasps. "So they have, have they?" Rayelin nodded. "Get a fresh horse and ride to the senate. They must be informed immediately." Turning his back on the faining rider, he returned to his tent. "Those hypocrites, and without even giving warning." He sat down again. "Still, if they stay out of our affairs, that would be fine. But if they continue this policy of denying access, then..." The Legate looked into the air, while plans and counterplans went through his mind. Maybe it was time for the Republic to lay claim to a land. -- Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Up