Olympia Times g1-34 From: olympia@pbm.com (Olympia PBEM) Date: Thu, 16 Feb 1995 02:05:36 +0000 +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-34 | | Februrary 15, 1995 | | | | "Experience is the comb that Nature | | turn 34 186 players gives us after we are bald" | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com Olympia PBEM * * * The world goes none the lamer, For ought that I can see, Because this cursed trouble Has struck my days and me. The stars of heaven are steady, The founded hills remain, Though I to earth and darkness Return in blood and pain. Farewell to all belongings I won or bought or stole; Farewell, my lusty carcase, Farewell, my aery soul. Oh worse remains for others, And worse to fear had I Than here at four-and-twenty To lay me down and die. -- A. E. Housman * * * =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Player-contributed press =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Because of fear of unrest and a large influx of immigrants to a continent with low resources, visitors to Eastern Drucartan are asked to procure a visa before entering the area. ( We define Eastern Drucartan as the area of Drucartan that is east of the Uldim Pass). If you want a visa, please send a message to John Sen[m6f], describing the nobles in the party, the size of the party, and the reason for visiting Eastern Drucartan. There is no fee, and requests will only be refused in rare ( i.e. I am bringing 2000 men to kill all nobles ) circumstances. -- The Sen Clan [di4] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _ ___________________________________________________________ (_) ) | Hear yea, hear yea, | | Let all within this realm know that there is now a | | new force within. The Dragon has arrived. | | | | - ..........Silence, The Infinite. | | O ..........Zero, or an exclamation. | | OU .........A cry of pain; Ego. | | OUR ........Collectiveness, plurality. | | OURO .......Collective emptiness. | | OUROB ......Creation (Collective with an end-stop `b'). | | OUROBO .....Closed Infinity, or Being. | | OUROBOR ....Birth. | | OUROBORO ...Nothing, emptiness. | | OUROBOROS ..S = `Voice' (ie. the sound a serpent makes). | | | | Come not between the Dragon and his wrath. | | - William Shakespeare, King Lear. | | | | Argue not with a Dragon, for thou art crunchy and taste | | good dipped in chocolate. | | - David "Dragon" Cotterill | | _ __ | | ' ) ) | | / / _ _ _ _ __ | | /__/ / (_>(_)(_)/ /. | | /| | _| |/ | (_)___________________________________________________________) -- Draconian Elite [fg4] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oleg strikes back! While waiting for my allies to land massive forces to retake my castle on Tollus, I have launched a few minor attacks of my own. As a result of these attacks, I have dismantled 6 temples and an inn, and have reduced the income the the AOO gets from my castle from 1,786 gold per turn to 640 gold per turn. The maintenance costs for their troops in the castle is 658 gold per turn. Unfortunately, they have around 6,000 gold piled up in surplus, so they won't be starving any time soon, but I figure it's a start towards defeating them. BTW, I went out for chinese last night, and my fortune cookie was: You will be recognized and honored as a community leader. Thanks are due to everyone who has helped. I look forward to the crushing and total defeat of all AOO bandits. -- Oleg's Obstreperous Obtruders [iv9] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement "Very pleasing to the eye!" -- Ashcraft "Got them, they're great! No more having to switch windows to peer at an ASCII map!" -- Faction Amber "These aren't just maps, they're works of art!" -- B. Altmiller, new player. "The maps are cool!" -- R. Skrenta "The maps far exceeded my expectations; any new player will likely find the information contained exceedingly valuable.... I am especially impressed by the clarity." -- Crimson Sage MAPS MAPS MAPS I am now currently assembling data for the second major revision of the maps, which will include more information on Western Provinia, Krussos, the Ossicus/Tollus strait, West Camaris, and more! Revisions will be available to my current customers for half price; for everyone else, the price will go up. This will happen within the next few months, so if you want your map at the cheeper price, get yours today! Likewise, I am especially interested in gathering information from the far flung corners of the world for the second edition. If you've been thinking about sending me mapping data in exchange for a map, now's the time -- otherwise you may have to wait months to see your area in print. Remember, newbies flock to blank spaces on the map like flies to honey! But if they see that your area is mapped, they'll know someone is there already, and they'll be more likely to explore elsewhere! Mapping is the best way of keeping your privacy! What are these maps? They are drawn in 7 colors, with graphical symbols representing all kinds of terrain and internal locations. They are available by surface mail only, when you pay the Illustrated Man (s5e) 50 gold in the Imperial City, or send me the terrain of ten provinces. I will send you a map of Provinia, and a map of the entire known world as well. EXTRA DEALS!!!>>> We will make custom maps! Let us know the size, scale and quantity of any maps you want made, and we'll quote you a price! Want a blowup of your kingdom five pages wide by five pages high? Write the Illustrated Man (s5e) and we'll talk! This offer brought to you by... The Midnight Carnival ___ ||||| /\ =====----`==== oo oo /\ /\ -- The Midnight Carnival [nx2] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Calliope likes The Lady of Shalott. She intended to read more poetry herself, but has been distracted by getting captured and all. -- The Midnight Carnival [nx2] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We will soon be near the end of the lands of Provinia. The land here is almost empty of any life, noble or monster. We may soon need to build a ship if we plan to go any further in our exploration. -- Seekers of Knowledge [tt4] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ----------------------- S. CAMARIS Update ----------------------- Finally met some of our neighbors. Glad to see you're garrisoning your coasts, too, folks. -- Compte du S. Camaris [b4q] -- The Crazy Quilters [vn7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Count of Chardia ==================== Chapter VIII - The Invitation ============================= Edmond and Mercedes strolled hand-in-hand past Papa Joe's. "Hallo!" Caderousse arose unsteadily from the bench. "Hallo, Edmond! Don't you see your friends? Or are you too proud to speak to them?" "No, dear neighbor!" replied Edmond, "I am not proud, but happy; and happiness blinds, I think, more than pride. For you see, tomorrow we are to be married. The banquet will be here at the inn and all my friends will attend. That is to say, you are invited, Mr. Danglers, and you, Caderousse." "And Fernand," chuckled the potmaker, "Fernand too is invited!" "My wife's brother is my brother," said Edmond; "and we, Mer- cedes and I, should be very sorry if he were absent." Fernand opened his mouth to reply but found he had lost his voice. "You are in such haste," quipped Danglers, "surely the Far- allon will not be under weigh for several months." "We are always in a hurry to be happy, Mr. Danglers; for when we have suffered a long time, we have great difficulty in believing in good fortune. But it is not selfishness alone that makes me thus in haste; I must go to Imperial City." "To Imperial City! Have you business there?" asked Danglers. "Not of my own, merely the last commission of poor Captain Leclere; you know to what I allude, Danglers; it is sacred. Besides, I shall only take the time to go and return." "Yes, I understand," Danglers mused to himself, "to Imperial City, no doubt to deliver the letter which the Emperor's marshal gave him. This letter gives me a capital idea -- you are not yet registered number One on board the good ship Farallon, friend Edmond." Then, turning toward the young sailor, who was walking away, "Good journey," he cried. Dan- lglers followed Edmond and Mercedes with his eyes until the lovers disappeared behind one of the angles of Ocean Watch castle, then turning round, he perceived Fernand, who had fallen pale and trembling onto the bench, whilst Caderousse stammered out the words of a drinking song. "How can you sit there, tearing your hair out, instead of remedying your situation?" he interrogated Fernand. "What would you have me do?" sighed the soldier. "I would stab the man, but the woman told me that should any misfor- tune happen to her betrothed she would kill herself. And whatever Mercedes threatens she will do!" "Come," said Danglers, "you appear to me a good sort; and hang me! I should like to help you, but ---" "But how," interjected the potmaker. "My dead fellow," replied Danglers, "you are three parts drunk; finish the kodva and you will be completely so. Drink, and leave the discussion to us, for that required all one's wit and cool judgement." "Drunk!" exclaimed Caderousse. "That's a good one, I could drink four more bottles. Papa Joe! More kodva!" He turned accusingly to Danglers. "Some men fear kodva, for they hide dark secrets and are afraid liquor will extract them from their hearts." He renewed his boisterous song. "Who robs cave orcs of their sight... Who rigs every Wednesday night..." "You were saying, sir---" said Fernand anxiously, "that you would like to help me, but---" "Yes, but I added, to help you it would be sufficient that Edmond did not marry her you love; and the marriage may easily be thwarted, methinks, and yet the sailor need not die..." To be continued... -- The Indomitable Gauls [wk7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hail my fellow Olympians! I have been having real problems reaching the Olympia Mirror site ftp.erg.sri.com as of late. I have therefore decided to set up a small site for Olympia information. I am looking for the current copies of the Atlas and the Pilgrim's Aid Land Claim Log. If someone can direct me to these documents I would be most appreciative. Also if you have some Olympia items that you think should be available online, please email them to me. The bravest among us can look at the skeleton of the new system by anonymous ftp to io.com pub/mud/olympia or by web to http://www.io.com/user/matrix/olympia. Please direct all submissions and comments to deek@io.com. -- Deek [e9b] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PILGRIMS AID SOCIETY The first order of business is to answer some anonymous questions for last issues Olympia Times. There are profitable trade runs. Almost 20,000 gold was generated through market trades around turn 29, more than any other single source of gold on Olympia (including Taxes!). Considering Baskets and Pots was NOT included in that total, either someone has sold the mother humper of all fish or there are good trade routes out there. The second question asked whether castles can be built without mountains. Sure, my castle was built entirely from a desert. Rocky Hills also provide stone. It's always more difficult without mountains, but it can be done. Feel free to contact me for more information if you wish. The new PAS Land Claim Log is out. There are a few new entries in version 4. They are mainly located in south western Olympia. As always, we are accepting submissions for version 5. -- Akmall Benhalla [p3p] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= MONTHLY NOTICE The Brotherhood of Ormos claims the city of Avalon [ao0k] and all lands and resources inside the boundary of [bp05]-[bp08]-[br06] -[br09] inclusive, as its sole and lawful demense. Those wishing to visit Ormos are required to request a visa and await clearance before attempting to make landfall. All unauthorized visitors are unwelcome and looked upon with extreme prejudice. Captains needing to make landfall at Avalon for emergency repairs will not be molested, but are still required to contact me for a visa. -- Pelinore Dragonslayer [p4s] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Visitors are welcome to the area controlled by the Cohorts of Colossus [vo4], as long as they obtain travel permits first. Not all requests will be granted. The affected area includes the land provinces bounded by bx25 and bz27. To avoid possible misunderstandings, do not enter this area without a permit. -- Sheriff Pelenth of Gentlewind [f3i] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= +------------------------------------------------------------+ | ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT AD | +------------------------------------------------------------+ Tired of remembering the code number for "Perform Common Tasks for Gold?" Ever lose valuable time because you inverted those pesky numbers in orders? Ever drop the wrong item? Nothing like issuing "drop 1 95" instead of "drop 95 1" to ruin your whole month! If this has ever happened to you, you need - DISPATCHomatic! DISPATCHomatic is a Perl script which replaces English words with Olympia codes. DISPATCHomatic provides some syntax checking, and can also mail the orders automatically*! What does all of this cost you? 500 gold? Less. 200 gold? No. DISPATCHomatic is ABSOLUTELY FREE. Send email to Mandrake <t8t@g1.pbm.com> with five province reports not in the Atlas, and I'll send you the program. If you send a city report, or 10 province reports not in the atlas, I'll provide free automatic updates as I improve the program. *DISPATCHomatic has only been tested on Un*x workstations. The Perl utility is required. +------------------------------------------------------------+ | ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT AD | +------------------------------------------------------------+ -- Mandrake [t8t] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Journal - Fierce winds, Year 5 Study and walk. Little to do. Little to see. The Lord of the Morning, The Dragon, -- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ship graveyard spotted outside Imperial city! Beware would-be galley captains! Three abandoned galley's have been found among the floatsome of bz22. Some enterprising chap should zip out with a prize crew & take these babies back. One even has a coveted ram! Rothenkirchen [cy1x], galley, 0% loaded, 53% damaged, with ram SeaSpray [hm3n], galley, 0% loaded, defense 6, 13% damaged Fulda [fv3y], galley, 0% loaded, defense 5, 12% damaged -- Norc of Trivendale [z1a] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This is monthly notice if you wish to visit the environs of Cycarth and Redwine please be courteous enough to let m9l know (you can reach him at heyman@camis.stanford.edu. I do not currently plan to restrict access, but would like to know who is wandering around in my front yard. I would especially like to know if you plan on using any of the natural rsources (peasants, wood, and the like) in the provinces bt25 bt26 bt27 bu25 bu26 bu27 bv25 bv26 bv27 bw25 bw26 and bw27. By order of Darkman, caretaker of Dark Castle -- Dweezil [e5q] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Olympia Atlas is accepting contributions, and is available for download! Be the first to contribute information for unexplored lands (Faery). In the tradition of Oleg's Map (tm), the Atlas is a compilation of geographical information useful for explorers, traders, and adventurers. Best of all, it's absolutely free! To contribute to the Atlas, simply send turn excerpts (cut out all the incriminating parts) that contain the following information: o) Mapping data (region & route info) o) City market reports o) City skills lists o) Inner locations and send it to sx6@g1.pbm.com. We'll include it into the next version of the Atlas. The Atlas is available by ftp from your nearest PBM ftp site (ftp.erg.sri.com in the USA, check the PBM FAQ for other sites), in the directory /pub/pbm/olympia, as atlas.X, where X is the turn of the last update. The Atlas is also available on the PBMGames forum on CompuServe, in the fantasy games section, as atlas.oly. Brought to you by the Skulking Vermin (sx6) -- Sludge [x0o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Chateau Olympique is home to a sniveling mama's boy who behaves traitorously and violently and who cries like a baby when his early demise is called for. 1000 gold to the first noble to kill its owner. -- Captain Tarkus [c1s] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The great bard Edgar Allen Poe wrote Gaily bedight, A Gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Sining a song, In search of Eldorado. But he grew old - This knight so bold - And o'er his heart a shadow Fell, as he found No spot of ground That looked like Eldorado. And, as his strength Failed him at length, He met a pilgrim shadow - 'Shadow,' said he, 'Where can it be - This land of Eldorado?' 'Over the Mountain Of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow, Ride, boldy ride,' The shade replied, 'If you seek for Eldorado!' -- Robert Bruce [q4w] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rumors =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ironfeather stretched his wings and called to his fellows. "Squaa!" He cried, using the greater insistant. When they had gathered, he performed the Hop of Dominance so that he could control the flock's conversation without resorting to combat. Although he was experienced in battle and had never been beaten, he was growing old and weary, and no longer relished battle. He was secretly glad when the other nine giants birds flocked to him without contesting his Hop. "Do you see?" He cried, bobbing his head at the distant grove. "Do you see them there, my brood?" The rest of the birds twisted their heads to look where he indicated, some lifting briefly into the air to see over their fellows. "Look at them there in that grove. That grove should be ours! Imagine the nests we could build, the ripe fruit waiting for us! That grove should be ours! There are only ten of them, as there are ten of us. I say we attack, and take that grove for ourselves!" Ironfeather head the flapping of wings, and looked to see one of the birds was ruffling his feathers, asking for permission to speak. It was Humanbeak, and Ironfeather sighed. Humanbeak was a coward, and a weakling besides. His beak, as his name implied, was not fit for rending, and his talons had no strength. This was not likely to be a message of support. "Caw! Caw! Caw!" cried Humanbeak, using the crow tongue to indicate that he considered what he was about to say was craven. Yeah, right, thought Ironfeather. "Ironfeather, none are greater than you in combat. We would follow you anywhere in battle, and we behind you are mighty as well. But they are (200, 150, 0) as well, and they may defeat us and pluck our eyes. If we do not fight to the death, this is what happens: ATTACKER (Break at 50%) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [5.68] Average losses : 4 giant birds DEFENDER (Fighting to the death) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [4.65] Average losses : 5 giant birds LIKELIHOOD OF WIN 28.20%" Another bird ruffled his feathers, and cried out in the tongue of the owls, to indicate that he would speak reason. "That would be foolishness! We would be risking certain defeat. If we are going to fight, we must fight to the death!" He called as did the eagles. "We will fight until all eggs are broken, and the serpents shall feed on the young of the weak!" "Even so!" Cried humanbeak, "even so we will be defeated! If we fight to the death, this is what happens: ATTACKER (Fighting to the death) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [2.79] Average losses : 7 giant birds DEFENDER (Fighting to the death) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [2.87] Average losses : 7 giant birds LIKELIHOOD OF WIN 49.10% Three of us may live to sample the fruit, but even that sad end is less than likely." Humanbeak wailed like a swallow, the voice of the small and powerless. "Better we should stay here among the rocks, and eke out a living among the mice and snails." Ironfeather shrilled out the hunting note of the shrike, sounding a call of sudden victory and the vicious killing of enemies. "You are like the mice, humanbeak, but even with you in the flock we will rout out our enemies and seize the grove for ourselves- with little risk!" "You are a great leader," said Talonwing, a younger bird, "but even so how can you be so confident that you will lead us to victory?" "Look over there, and consider what you see." Ironfeather pointed toward a nearby pit of mire, where a pathetic group of peasants mucked about, smearing pigments on their faces and eating mud. "Humans!" said Bloodclaw. "What good are they?" "They are not even good to eat!" said Carrioneye. "They are less than worthless." Ironfeather spoke with the certainty of the hawk. "They are our victory." "Foolishness!" "(1, 1, 0)!" cried Bloodclaw. "Watch and learn," said Ironfeather. "Come here, mudworm!" he called to the men. A single man walked over. "What are you doing?" "Uh, me and the boys are just eating dirt, trying to stay alive." "How many of you are there?" "There's me, and Wat, and some others... Ten, I guess." "How would you like to feed on fruit, human?" "Sounds good." "Follow us into battle--" "Uh, gee, I don't know--" "--or die now." "You got it." The human called to his fellows. "Boys, we gotta follow these here birds into battle." He went off to gather them. "It is a funny joke you make," said Bloodclaw, "but they are nothing. They have but 1/150th of our endurance, and only 1/200th of our strength. If you had two hundred of them, they may equal one of us, but even so we would be but little better off." "Not so. They will bring us victory. With these men, we are assured victory if we fight to the death: ATTACKER (Fighting to the death) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [8.87] 10 peasants (1,1,0) [2.13] Average losses : 1 giant bird 8 peasants DEFENDER (Fighting to the death) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [0.17] Average losses : 10 giant birds LIKELIHOOD OF WIN 96.14%" A wildness broke out among the other birds. They took wing, spiraled into the sky and wheeled about. It was many minutes before they returned, but they did return, and flocked about Ironfeather in a circle of submission. Again, it was Humanbeak who spoke. "Caw! Caw! Caw!" he began. "Oh, cut it out! Speak your piece, Humanbeak!" Ironfeather ruffed his neck insultingly. "Surely we will win with your leadership, Ironfeather. Still, isn't it a risk that we will all die in this? Shouldn't we wait for our winglets to reach fighting age? I cannot believe that these humans are worth anything." "You are a bug with painted-on feathers, Humanbeak. The advantage these muck divers give us us great, even against fellow mighty birds. Even if we do not fight to the death, even if we play it safe, we will not lose 71% of the time. Instead: ATTACKER (Break at 50%) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [9.10] 10 peasants (1,1,0) [2.10] Average losses : 1 giant bird 8 peasants DEFENDER (Fighting to the death) : 10 giant birds (200,150,0) [0.40] Average losses : 10 giant birds LIKELIHOOD OF WIN 91.32%" The rest of the birds immediately set upon Humanbeak and ripped him pinion from drumstick. "Nice going, nestlings. Now we've got to find five more humans to go with us... The ways of Atnerks are strange indeed." [Combat data (C) Ross Inglis 1994. -Thank you, Ross] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What is the difference between a Nazgul? One of its slathering mandibles is both the same! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Journal entry, week 16: "We are finally nearing our last port of call, and have so far not encountered any of our old bandit friends. We have high hopes that the final stretch will be as uneventful. Our old pals will be surprised!" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dear Doubter, Mayhap you misspelled scried last turn? Oh, sweet miscry of life and all that. Now your attention do I earn but what next rabbit, and what next hat? --- Squire Adam =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Yes! I've arrived! I finally get to torture my first prisoner!! And it's a Distressed Lady, how apropos :) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Is it true that even Faery isn't safe? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What is the ugliest truth about Oleg and Marat? They really deserve each other. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sorcen crawled out of the crypt he had been hiding in half his life. He could sense that the boneys were gone, but he didn't know why. He blinked hesitantly at the bright sun that he remembered only from his youth. He looked around at the scattered bones, and saw the footprint of another man. Sorcen followed the footprints, hooting out a strange call, but they mysteriously disappeared in mid-stride, far from the cemetery Sorcen had hidden in all these years. Straightening up, Sorcen looked over the plain, and started walking again with pride. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Times received the following comminique from a blood-stained bottle found floating in the Atnos Channel. "We have seized the ship! We have overthrown our masters! The day of the peasants is at hand! '"It's not just a job, it's an adventure!' "Or so the tricky nobleman said to me when he recruited me from my peacful hovel for his grand schemes! One day of training and I'm supposed to be a sailor! My hands are raw from running this darned boat. I can't even swim! But my brother's worse off. He just stands around with this longbow like he knows what to do with it. Aye, those noblemen make me sick. They sit around all day shooting arrows into the mast and talking about how they're the only ones with free will and how we peasants can't do a lick for ourselves. Aye, but that could've been me. I had plans to become a magi myself, but my wife squandered all our money to have her palms read. Guess what the magi told her? 'Never-ending toil shall be your lot.' dough! But I've a future now! First the boat! Then the Ocean! Then the world! Haha haha haha! Oh shoot, that stupid noble escaped! damned heroic noble abilities. I'll have to..." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Does anyone know why the marat and its AOO [censored] hate Oleg enough to go out of their way to rub him out? Is it just that they're all sore-loser egotists who don't like Greg? Or is there a rational explanation? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Last month's Times contains yet another AOO smoke- screen. It proports that MAFOC is not a creation of AOO. If MAFOC exits in any form whatsoever then let it DO something, anything to discomfort the AOO instead of all these wishy-washy proclamations that "Chaos, as always, rules behind the scene,..." Yes, it rules so far behind as to be non-existant just like the so called MAFOC. The AOO are at least obvious present villans. Real scum, not pretend. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Clifford's City Market Database: 85 city market reports, and more every day. Send in a city market report not yet in the database and you will receive a report each week on the commodity of your choice. For further info, write to w4t@g1.pbm.com. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Graffiti spotted on Chateau Olympique: "Bastrestric - the 6th black circle jerk" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Many months ago there was some talk in the Times about the "unexplored" lands. I know that a few brave explorers have set off to the north and to the South in hopes of taming the unknown. What ever happened to these men? Have they fallen off the face of the world? I would hope that some day soon we will hear stories about what lies at the extremes of our world. Hopefully I can live vicariously through these stories as I sell my clay pots in IC... dreaming to one day join them... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A response to the inquiry in the _Times_ regarding Beastmastery: The skill is taught in Aethelarn, among other places. The city has seen only isolated violence. For the most part it has seemed to be a safe place to study. -One who has spent some time in Aethelarn =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Strange Events in Provinia ========================== During the past month a number of well-known mages in the major Provinian centers of learning have either disappeared or been found dead. In the cases where the bodies have been found they invariably showed no apparent cause of death but autopsies revealed that large parts of the interior of the cranial cavity had been burned as if by a very hot flame. Also investigators found the remains of half-eaten apples at the scene which the victims seem to have dropped at their moment of death. Even without these deaths and disappearances, all the major arcane seminaries and colleges are in uproar. The reason is that the overall skill level of all mages including the rankest novices seems to have improved notedly. While this may be a blessing in the long run, a number of unfortunate incidents have occurred during the transition. For example at the Imperial University a number of senior, but less than popular lecturers have found themselves with a number of embarrassing and disfiguring anatomical modifications. But spontaneous magical effects are developing even among the population at large. For some reason metamorphosis between human and various animal forms seems to be particularly common. In Trion, for example guards men were called to a tenement to settle a domestic dispute. When they arrived all they found at the scene was a male pig and a female dog staring at each other in a hostile manner. There even was a wild rumor that a man professing to like a certain Loudmouth had appeared at a tavern in Aethelarn. Investigation however revealed that it was just a former trained parrot who as soon as he was informed of the meaning of what he said refused to repeat it. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I have the body. This month I learn the Resurrection ritual. Now to do the ritual before the year is over. There's just enough time! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Well better late then never I suppose. As I wrote last month, I had started swimming towards the mainland. I quickly ran out of steam and was resigned to drowning, when 'lo and behold, a sail appeared. It was my rather late companions and I was rescued! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Riddle of the Week: How does one learn Weather Magic when you're personna non grata in Provinia? (I don't have answer, does anyone???) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= At last, I have made landfall on Ossicus. I have not seen any claims for this land. Can I be the first to land here? I doubt that. If you have made any claims on this island please respond via the Times. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ahhh this is the life. Wide open plains with clear blue skies overhead, and AOO only a distant threat on the horizon =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We have discovered that bandits infest Hades. Be on guard at your graveyards. There is no telling when and where they will pop out. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= To Jurij Paranoiev on the problem of being given more treasure than you can carry: simply use a computer and Advanced For Loop Techniques (tm) to generate drop commands for all possible items after each attack. This will reduce your encumbrance to a handy 0% (but does have a minor drawback left for the vigilant reader to discover). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Seen in IC last turn; 1: Dixtheus [e3i] bought one wild horse [51] from Dixtheus [e3i] for 1: 80 gold. Huh? Buying stuff from yourself? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE NORTH COAST OF PESBRAND Includes the Forgotten Forest and the city of .5.....6.........7 A45678901234567890 w~~sssSsssmmff x~~~~SssssmmF y~~~~~~~~~~~~ z.~~~~~~~~~~ D..~~~~~~~~~~~~ b..~~~~mmmf~~~~~ c..........f~~~~ d.........m~~~~~~ e..........~~~~~~ f..........mffFpf Obraed [au0n], port city, in province Forgotten forest [df67] Routes leaving Obraed: North, to Ocean [de67], South Sea, 1 day Out, forest, to Forgotten forest [df67], 1 day Skills taught here: Shipcraft [120], Combat [121], Persuasion [124], Construction [125], Forestry [128], Magic [160], Gatecraft [163] Market report: trade who price qty wt/ea item ----- --- ----- --- ----- ---- buy au0n 2 100 2 fish [87] buy au0n 7 9 5 clay pots [95] buy au0n 45 47 25 tea [270] sell au0n 5 25 10 fish oil [97] sell au0n 50 10 100 pitch [261] sell au0n 58 25 30 wood [77] sell au0n 16 6 100 walnuts [264] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How much longer shall the inhabitants of this realm suffer under the oppressive thumb of the AOO? Surely if we band together we can take them! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= * Market Survey: I am interested in the potential profits of bounty hunting. Has anyone made a serious reward offer with satisfactory payment procedures? Please address "serious reward and payment plan" responses via the times, and include an e-mail address. I will contact you directly if I am willing to pursue your target. I am currently completing a contract and will be available in 2 turns. * Low Profile Bounty Hunters =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Can anyone tell me what happens if an artifact is lost over water? My ship was sunk in ca19 and I'd like to recover my golden ring. If you can help, send mail to skippy@aol.com. Thanks. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PLUNDERER'S THEME (to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius) Pillage, rape, and loot and burn, but all in moderation. If you do the things we say, then you'll soon rule the nation. Kill your foes and enemies and then kill your relations. Pillage, rape, and loot and burn, but all in moderation. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= And so it was that they found themselves wandering through the deserted forests and mountains of Ossicus, not sighting a soul, for months on end. And still on their minds was the question: "What happened to them? Where did they go?" There was still no answer. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Are you tired of looking for that just right article in your copy of Arthur Hakets book "Plagiarism made Easy. Well Arthur Haket has come to your aid again. He has written a line of exciting novels in serial form and he will sell the exclusive rights to them for a small sum. Each chapter is written to make it an excellent article for the times. No more wondering what your next months article will be. Or even next years. With one purchase you will have planed out your articles for decades to come. Act soon and have the first choice of fine novels like these. Lees Miserables - After being captured a new noble escapes and becomes rich, but is constantly hounded by the AOO. The Scarlet Pumpkin - The daring adventures of an IN noble sneaking new nobles out of the Imperial City. Gone like a breeze - The story of a beautiful young noble woman coming of age during the AOO-IN war. Flash Rodgers - The exciting tales of a noble that goes to sleep and wakes up 500 years in the future to find the world full of magic more advanced than ours. A Huckleberry Noble - The adventures of a young orphaned noble that runs away with his aunts ork and travels down the Sloskum River =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Here's a playing tip: if you wander into a province with nobles you don't know, or one that is garrisoned, send email to them! This is a multi-player game, and that means that you are not the only person playing it. I've noticed that castle holders seem to be particularly paranoid (notably Sheriff Pelenth and Duchess Pel), but despite their bad press, I have in fact found that they are perfectly reasonable people to deal with as long as you talk to them before barging into their territory. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Allmighty Omnipotent Obliterators are coming for you Soon! So you better preapare yourself, load up with treasure and other stuff we can loot. And feel free to drop any non-beast fighting units, we don't mind. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Anyone know anything about a rumored new world? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ******* Apollo The Bard's Balladry Box ******* * * * Tennyson's Lady of Shalott continues ... * * * * Part II * * * * There she weaves by night and day * * A magic web with colours gay. * * She has heard a whisper say, * * A curse is on her if she stay * * To look down to Camelot. * * She knows not what the curse may be, * * And so she weaveth steadily, * * And little other care hath she, * * The Lady of Shalott. * * * * And moving thro' a mirror clear * * That hangs before her all the year, * * Shadows of the world appear. * * There she sees the highway near * * Winding down to Camelot: * * There the river eddy whirls, * * And there the surly village churls * * And the red cloaks of the market girls, * * Pass onward from Shalott. * * * * continued * ********************************************** =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= To celebrate the recent return of our beloved Miyuki to the Olympian social scene, the Imperial City Chapter of The Olympian Order of Miyuki Fans (OOMF) is pleased to announce... The 1st Annual MIYUKI-O-RAMA-THON! Join us in a Naughty Night of Frisky Fun and Frantic Frolic! There'll be TONS! of: Fun! Prizes! Booze! Sex! Drugs! Rock! Roll! And More! For your entertainment: Roving gangs of thespians from the Olympian Order of Miyuki Fans (OOMF) will reenact scenes (some in the nude!) from a variety of unforgettable incidents in the life of our dearest Miyuki! Get a personally guided tour of the bedrooms of Chateau Olympique by the one, the only (thank Atnerks), Duke Marat! Hear selected readings from "The Count of Chardia" by those wild and crazy Indomitable Gauls! Play Pin-the-Tail-on-Kovaq'nu, Miyuki's ever-faithful beau, with volunteers who dress up and squeal just like the real thing! Condoms, hash pipes, clean syringes and Miyuki Brand Rolling Papers will be available at The Pilgrims Aid Society booth! Free face painting, tattoos and nipple/nose/ear/other piercing will be expertly and hygienically performed by (who else) Imperial City's own Illustrated Man! Non-stop Orc Oil & Kodva tasting sessions will be conducted by Bastrestric ther Archymonaged at the Vulgar Unicorn groggery! Novelty map makers The Skulking Vermin and Midnight Carnival are teaming up to offer a limited edition "Memories of Miyuki" commemorative map with special heart-shaped icons to mark the location of each & every liaison of love engaged in by our idol! Special guest appearance by a newly revitalized Oleg the Bard! Hear his toe tapping rendition of "Stairway to Heaven" played on a nose-hair lute! Free winged-horse taxi service, provided by none other than the Ferry Master himself, will whisk you swiftly and safely to and from the party! Our special thanks to both the AOO and MAFOC for graciously co-sponsoring this fine, fine cultural event! Come one! Come all! Come as you are! No reservations necessary! Don't miss THE coolest monster blowout extravaganza of the year! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Come on MAFOC, come on Oleg (dead or alive) we'll take you all! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= duke marat doesn't want any newcomers in provinia, he's afraid of the competition. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Up