Atlantis 2.0 Times #1 From: Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 1995 07:20:04 +0000 Subject: Atlantis Times 1 Atlantis Times February, Year 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Game Master Notes: atlantis@rahul.net for information, problems, or to play. The first turn ran through, and everything looks OK. Let me know of any bugs that turn up, major or minor. Here's the first Times. Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Melvin opened his eyes and looked around the small room. The dim grey light of early morning trickled in through a small window; just enough to illuminate the narrow bed, small table, and coarse wooden walls and door. "Some bed," Melvin muttered. "More of a glorified cot if you ask me." He frowned. "At least it's private." The stocky, bearded northman swung out of bed and reached into the leather pack that was propped against the wall. "Blasted heat," Melvin grumbled. "These darned elves keep the place hotter than Uncle Uther's forge!" He snatched out the lightest jerkin he had, and pulled it over his head. Not long after, Melvin stumped down the stairs, pack in hand. The inkeep had just served his breakfast -- not enough to satisfy a MAN, in Melvin's opinion, just some cold porridge with a little fruit -- when a thin elf slipped through the door. "Abercrombe!" Melvin rumbled, "Don't you know better than to interrupt a man's breakfast?" "My Lord," the elf acknowledged with a nod. He seated himself at Melvin's table, and a small smile slid across his face. "Well?" demanded Melvin with a glare. "I have put the word in the correct ears," Abercrombe replied, impishly wiggling his own ears. "We will have two horses by this time tomorrow." "Good, for tomorrow we ride. Ready your things." An odd look, half glare, half hunger came over Melvin's face, and his next words were a fierce whisper: "All Atlantis will learn to know my name!" Melvin of the North leader of Melvin's Marauders ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ode to a new beginning: The colours of the lives of men are rarely simple hues, The purple robes of majesty oft hide cold hearts of blue, The silver robes of each fair lass reflect green envious looks And scholar's grey does dim beside the white truth of their books. To celebrate the tapestry of flaming red and yellow, We hoist a cheer to every ear, for every maid and fellow, To share the wealth of rainbow's light, of colors bold and pale, In harmony to blend our souls 'til from this world we sail. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Barto Longnose Current Affairs Correspondent Atlantis City January 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atlantis City is the Gateway from a million worlds to the Primordial Plane of Atlantis. As such, we see quite a few unusual sorts here. Over a quarter of the city's population are, in fact, transients of other-worldy origin. However, today saw an influx that was simply extraordinary. Not so much in quantity - some 200 beings - as in quality. Men, women ( & others of unknown gender ) of all shapes and sizes trickled steadily through the World Gate, all with an aura of, well, of Destiny about them. It was hard to say what gave that impression. There was little else to group them by. Some were warriors, others bards, others merchants ect....yet all had a look of determination, of ambition. Whether this is just another group of interdimensional tourists or not, only time will tell, but this reporter's hunch is.....there are going to be some changes in Atlantis! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greetings from the Mapping Guild (assuming my orders went thru correctly, ie faction 124), The Mapping Guild is simply a group of explorers who boldly go where no man (er, no one. Well in the case of atlantis no thing) has gone before. In order to go where no one has gone before we wish to trade information on map sectors, so we don't boldly go where someone has already been. If you have no new information for us we will, of coarse, accept donations of silver in exchange for information. The mapping guild is not only interested in mapping, but knowledge of all kinds will gladly be exchanged. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The black robed man shook the disorientation from his head and looked around at his new surroundings. The ceremonial chamber had been replaced by a filthy city alley. A drunken bum, lying in the protection of a doorway some 20 feet away, simply stared at him. The ritual was a success. He was the first initiate of The Circle to set foot in Atlantis City. His quest: spread the influence of The Circle to this new world. After waiting a few more moments for the last of the disorientation to fade, he walked out of the alley into the busy street, through the market district, and towards the chosen city gate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Ah, my brother, I have found you at last. Do you know what to do?" "Yes, I shall proceed with the dark master's plan." The dreadlords now left the ally heading toward the Atlantis City gate. Renard, thought this place was strange. Too many high elves and not enough rats. Could this truly be his destiny? No, he will remain here only as long as necessary. He just wished there were no fish. Just what purpose could all this fish and fur be used for anyway? Ah, but back to the master's plan. Send out the scouts to find a home and build the army of darkness. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Editorial by Psmith The immigration policies of the Atlantis governing body has once again let the citizens of Atlantis down. The point in question is this unrestricted entry of various desperate characters into the city. If it was not for our glorious Guards I have no doubt that our fine city would have been sacked. As it is such claims as made by Guild Master Smith that this huge influx will result in an economic boom for Atlantis ignore the fact that many of our fine upstanding youth will be lured away to mingle with tainted races. Is it right that foriegn silver should be allowed to do what our illustrious Guard Captain Smith assures us that they could not do by force. I say no! As does every proud member of our race, for are we not *High* Elves! Action must be taken now! Petition Mayor Smith! I am personally consulting the Lawyers Smith, Smith and Smith about legal action that can be taken to force these desperados out of our Glorious city. Act now! Let our voices be heard! Out with the Barbarians! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Charter of the NORTHERN EXPLORATION SOCIETY OF ATLANTIS (NESA) NESA was founded by H.Humboldt. The society aims to explore the northern regions of Atlantis to find a suitable place to attempt to realise the PERFECT STATE. The first aim after securing a sufficient supply of food and raw materials will be to set up a University open to all peaceful factions to train both leaders and common citizens in all skills known to the sentient races. All other factions are invited to join NESA in its quest. A close alliance with at least two other powers to allow subsequent specialisation would be most welcome. H.Humboldt, President ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Knaar Knaar cursed the fates again as his neighbors movement tightened the chains about his neck. What was wrong with the world when honest freeborn folk could be sold into exile and bondage for the profit of the City? And sold to whom? Incompetant fools who cared not whether they lived or starved? As fodder for the war-machine of a tyrant? Was there no hope or justice in the world? He looked up as the rattle of keys announced the arrival of the buyers.. Karen, Political Commisar (Atlantis2) Janet, Queen of North Karothea ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Long ago in a land far away there was a society of wizards known as "Ordi Templi Orientis". The sole guiding principle of this wizardly order was: And the whole of the law shall be "Do as thou wilt." Let us hope this is what the ANL does... wilt. :-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Damn, it was cold. The thought kept running through his head as his body sympathized with fierce shivers. He'd tried to convince the others to pick a more temperate climate for their entrance to this world, but had been out voted. Then, to make things worse they decided to move farther north. Damn, I hate cold. It wasn't the cold of space that technology could protect you from; it was the biting cold of snow, ice and a driving wind. It didn't matter that he was wearing layers of clothing under the heavy coat; the wind still seemed to find a way through the layers to his skin. Several councils had been called along the way, and each time the decision had been to push on. They'd been lucky to get out of the city with the weather so bad. He still had a fleeting hope that the rest of the team had made it through the portal. He had left signs that they should recognize along the way. If they had made the transition to this new world, they should be able to find him. He hoped none of the daemonites made it through. He'd been the last through the portal, but there was a chance they had followed after him before it closed. Damn, I hate cold. ---------------------------------------------------------------- David B. Stapleton Mission Viejo Room B245 N2 656-6421, (714)380-6421, FAX (714)380-6560 Internet: dbs@mp003.mv-oc.unisys.com or dstaplet@po3.mv.unisys.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ EFFECTIVE CAVALRY II Cavalry in Atlantis 2.0 will be significantly different than in previous versions. In Atlantis 1.0, a unit needed a riding skill of 2 to gain a bonus +2 advantage in sword. In Atlantis 1.1, this was changed so that the bonus is the minimum of 2 or the riding skill. The bonus in Atlantis 2.0 is the same as in 1.1, but it must be managed differently. The most important difference is that normal (non-leader) units may only learn one skill. A normal unit trained to a skill level 2 in riding will gain the +2 bonus. However, this unit cannot learn the combat skill also. The maximum fighting skill for such a unit would be 4 (+2 for the riding bonus and +2 for having a sword). This maximum is no greater than a normal unit trained in combat. A normal unit that can specialize in combat can fight with a skill of 5 (3 for combat and +2 for a sword), 6 for orcs. Also, the infantry unit may fight on all kinds of terrain while the cavalry is limited. It is not possible for a normal unit trained in riding to be more proficient that the same type of unit trained in combat. A unit of leaders may learn more than one skill, so it may be trained in both combat and riding. This gives a maximum fighting skill of 9 (5 for combat, +2 riding bonus, +2 sword bonus). Assuming a unit of leaders plans to remain in areas where the terrain favors cavalry and there are plenty of horses, the best sequence of study would be to train according to the following schedule: Month: Skill: 1 combat 2 riding 3 & 4 combat 5 & 6 riding 7 and later combat This schedule will produce cavalry of the highest fighting skill possible in each month. Having a teacher in either combat or riding would change the schedule. The following schedules assume the teacher is at least level 4 in sword or level 2 in riding. Schedule for having a teacher for combat: Month: Skill: 1 - 3 combat 4 riding 5 & 6 combat 7 & 8 riding 9 and later combat Schedule for having a teacher in riding: Month: Skill: 1 combat 2 & 3 riding 4 and later combat Schedule for having a teacher for both combat and riding: Month: Skill: 1 - 3 combat 4 & 5 riding 5 and later combat ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Karamon, suddenly finding himself in a strange, magical place, shakes his head to clear it. Sometimes Athena transports him with fair warning, but this last time was clearly a surprise (although none too soon!). He stumbles forward a few steps, trying to get his bearings and almost bumps into another befuddled adventurer. Reaching instinctively for his sword, he finds none there and soon discovers he is completely without equipment save his torn tunic! Fixing his gaze upon a nearby stable, he attempts to walk forward... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It's time to join the Etherial Circus! We are pleased to announce to the good people of Atlantis City that Jethro the Juggler has formed a new Circus. He has recruited a number of astounding and amazing acts. Over the next few months you are sure to see these masters of magic, mahem and myrth tripping through Atlantis City (and elsewhere on this magical world). Any member of the circus would be glad to hear from new members who wish to perform with us, or just want to have a good time. Roll up, roll up, and join the show. You can leave a message for us in the "Headless Dragon Inn", next to the North Gate, near the city wall. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greetings one and all! I'm ready to go exploring this great new world we have here, how about you? Scouting for choice pieces of realestate in which to establish your faction can eat up a fair amount of $, so I'm soliciting other adventurous types to join with me in a cooperative venture to "check out the neighborhood." If you're interested, drop me a line at matw@halcyon.com Hadrian T. McRoot, Mgc.D. Faction: Magos ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sludge looked around him and sighed. Once more he'd appeared in a strange city, confused. And again a large number of other strangers looked equally confused. Best to get started right away, he thought. Sludge looked around for the usual peasants that would be lining up to join with the strangers, but found none. While wandering, the city, he came upon a sight that surprised him. An open market, and one of the goods a number of peasant elves. He couldn't tell if the peasants were being sold into slavery or were selling themselves voluntarily to earn money for their family; in any case, it hardly mattered. Sludge bought one of the peasants and took him away from the crowd. "Can you juggle?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Classical authorities swore that if you tied together the beards of every wise man (and some of the women) in Atlantis, the coiffed masterpiece would stretch around the world twenty seven times. The only safe answer to this is, "That is amazing!" And that was the position the Master of the Embroidered Foliage found himself in. "Did you know," the two hundred and eleventh wise man said, leaning forward, "that the combined length of all our beards would go around the world twenty seven times?" The Master said in turn, unfortunately, "No, O two hundred and eleventh most wise." And he failed the first question. Our Master did not scrape before this very old man with a very long beard for nothing. He was taking the test. The wise man blew out his moustaches and said, "What is the velocity of the heavens with respect to the hells? Make a graph." Our Master could not. The wise man's eyebrows rose to two quivering arches. "Then what," this wise man said, "do you know? Tell me what you know!" And our Master said, "I know the Eggshell." And the wise man blinked. And our Master failed the third question, so he left the wise man, because he did not even know the Eggshell more than he knew that he knew it. He sold what he owned, and bought a string of horses. It was in this way that he left the city of Atlantis, and so this can be called the beginning of the story. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greetings and hello to all the new players of Atlantis. We, the Knights of the Rose, wish you well and hope to make friends with many of you. We seek peaceful relations and would like to hear from anyone interested in working together. Interested parties may respond to eckland@ais.net Saurm, Initiate of the 1st order Unit #403 <Rich Comber> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------- + The Chronicles Of Zarathos The Sage Master - Part One + ------------------------------------------------------------------- Into the land of Atlantis a power awakes. A mighty Warlord at whose steps the world will tremble. He will rule the land with an Iron Fist, his word will be law and all others will cower before him. For his is the divine right to rule... Yeah, yeah. I've heard it all before a hundred times. How many, I wonder, are already thinking like this? How many want to be absolute ruler and crush others under their feet? Let me tell you, it doesn't have to be this way. Zarathos the Sage Master aims are to foster education and understanding across the land of Atlantis, eventually leading to a culture where every man, woman and other being in the land can read, write and pursue his own path free from the fear of bullies and threat-mongers. How? Well, I have the following possible proposals which I offer up for public debate: 1. A series of Universities across the land of Atlantis, offering training and education to all. 2. A Council of Atlantis. This could deal with political solutions to problems such as territorial claims, helping to prevent unnecessary war and suffering. 3. An infrastructure of trade, commerce, transport 4. An information service, dealing in the buying/selling of information on the land of Atlantis i.e. Magic, Politics, hazards etc. Now I realise that these are long term goals but if we have something to aim for we may be less likely to tear the land apart by fighting amongst ourselves. I applaud the efforts of the CCC and other organisations who are making steps in the direction of peaceful cooperation. Zarathos will be offering his full support to these factions. I also realise that some or all of the above aims will develop naturally on a smaller or an individual level. I don't want to take control of these things, but If anyone shares these aims, please let me know and we can cooperate to the benefit of all. Let the debate begin! - - - - - - - - - - Zarathos The Sage Master - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Faction 176 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Knowledge is power ! - - - - - - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interested in Magic? So are we. If you plan to work some magic, watch this space. You will know us by this sign. Beer & Wine Do Not Mix ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As you know I have offered to all of you an alliance let it be given a name next week .I make an offer to everybody to join this form of alliance as even distant allies are useful because they may not help us in the wars with our enemies here but they prevent our enemies from there to come here.I believe that our alliance should be democratic and every decision should be taken by voting of the members of the alliance every Tuesday if possible so the results are known by Friday evening to everyone.I want to ask to any members of the alliance if they can send me their addresses and factions so that we'll be called and officialy in the game ALLIES.Till now I have sent 4 replies to ask for distant alliance and 10 for close alliance mainly in Kashmar,Abernethy and Monzon where the main events are going to take place. The working faction 181 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As I stand here, at the dawn of a new campaign...I realize, these 195 other factions...I look at them, all the same...but tomorrow or twenty years from now, they will be my allies...or my enemies... Somewhat sobering, really....now I ride! --Vanguard ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ********************************************************************** * _____ _____ ___ _____ ___ __ * * /\ | | |__ |\ | | | / \ |\ | * * /--\ | | |___ | \| | _|_ \__/ | \| * * --------------------------------------------------- * * * * Several young apprentice magicians, recently arrived in Atlantis * * City, seek sponsorship with interested factions. * * * * In return for living costs and research fees you can have a loyal * * magician willing to place his knowledge and skills at your disposal. * * * * Send details of your requirements to Magicians Attaining Greater * * Enlightenment (M.A.G.E.) today and our highly trained * * scribes will match your application to one of our apprentices. * * * * Here's what previous satisfied customers had to say about our fast, * * discrete service :- * * "I don't know how I ever managed to run my * * faction without a mage. Your advert changed my * * life. - A. Grek" * * * * "I used to think it would be impossible to run a large taxation * * operation and still have the services of a fully qualified mage. * * Not any more. Thanks to M.A.G.E. I can still terrorise hundreds of * * peasants, and cast spells. - D. Ross" * * * * M.A.G.E. the first choice for all your magical needs. * * We can currently be contacted at 92536611@mmu.ac.uk * * * ************************************************************************ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANNOUNCING: THE CARTOGRAPHER'S 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 Atlantis 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 10 members strong, as of when this ad was placed (Friday, 1/20/95), with more coming in every day. With any luck, we should have entries for all 6 cities radiating from Atlantis City this turn. Cartographer's Consortium also realizes that there may be others of you out there considering setting up similar enterprises, posting to this very same issue of the Times. Well, "Cooperation" is our middle name at Cartographer's "Cooperation" Consortium. We want to pool our efforts with you. We realize that the more sources of information there are in such endeavors, the more information results. Get in touch, and we'll try to be in touch if you've just run your advertisement in the Times. Write for info now. The CCC can be reached at "tim.hruby@his.com". Please include the prefix "CCC:" in your subject line. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dateline: January, 2301 Place: Atlantis City THE NEW BEGINNING by our Travel Writer, Maxim Verr You've probably noticed one topic on everyone's lips during the last month. At the marketplace, where Joel still peddles his ridiculously expensive longbows; in the taverns, where wagers are made in a currency that values an elf's life the same as a jokka fish's; and most of all, in the Imperial Treasury, where officials have been overrun with claims for venture capital. The topic is the diaspora. Well, this reporter is here to tell you that the day has finally arrived. This month, much of the talk will be put into action, and some of it will turn out to be just that - talk. No-one knows the exact number of inhabitants of Atlantis City who are expected to take the plunge and venture out into the far-flung corners of Atlantis. Estimates range from less than fifty, to more than five hundred. Will it turn out to be the most exciting thing that these elves and leaders have ever done? Possibly. Will it turn out to be one of the most foolhardy and dangerous things these leaders and elves have ever done? Probably. Will it turn out to be the _last_ thing some of these Atlantis City inhabitants ever do? Definitely. But no matter what the risks and rewards, this reporter has been given a brief; go with the flow, see it first hand, and tell it like it is. Stay tuned next month for our first report "from the wild". ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ADVERTISEMENT HEARYE HEARYE If you in the Komarken area. Pop in to Mr O Azzoom's traveling gentalmans club. Our HighElf girls (and boys if such is your pleasure) are ready and willing to service all your most wanton and lacivious desires. Remember our motto. FOR BAGS OF FUN JUST COME So come on down and bring your frends/relations/servents/employees/livestock/pets etc ------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr Azzoom garantees satisfaction and discresion. All tastes caterd for. ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Turing Theatrical Company & Professional Dishwashers present... *** The Little Mouse on the Prairie *** Now showing at the Atlantis City Playhouse Theater! For information or tickets, contact Barnacle Turing c/o brent.johnson@ab.com. Donations gratefully accepted. Please contact Philibuster Cabbage c/o brent.johnson@ab.com. Thank you for your support. (Member, AGPE) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to Atlantis, my fellow adventurers! Allow me to introduce myself and my faction. I am the chosen leader of Bani Ghassan, an ancient and honorable nomadic tribe. We have traveled many lands, New Atlantis being only the latest. Our virtuous history history is recorded in many annals, should anyone care to learn more. As I hope those who have dealt with us in the past will agree, we Ghassanis deal freely and openly with those we meet. If at any time you wish to discuss matters of cooperation and coexistence, please do not hesitate to reach me by messenger pidgeon (mosherj@minerva.cis.yale.edu). In peace, Shaykh Ghassan ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Invitation to peaceful traders. The City Council of Komarken is proud to announce that there exists development oppourtunities in Komarken for all of the trader that would like to open upp trade with Komarken and another city or part of Atlantis. Please note that the citizens of Komarken has passed a law forbidding all law-abiding citizens to wear arms. Only the Army of Komarken and the local sheriff office has the right to wear arms. For peace in Atlantis, ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Anders Lindb�ck (alindbac@sw.seisy.abb.se | webmaster@sw.seisy.abb.se) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greetings all, from Ulric the Conquerer. In this world of Atlantis, we are all beginning without a clear notion of our world's size or shape. I am willing to be the official cartographer for a small number of factions. The first 10 factions who respond to me, describing the area in which they find themselves after this turn, and providing me with the coordinates of that area, will become a part of my "map club". Every week I will take your descriptions and coordinates, put them into a map, and e-mail them back to you. I will provide this service to only 10 factions, so don't delay... tell me all about our world. Ulric the Conquerer Faction 40 tulrich@unlinfo.unl.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of elves? The FON knows. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890 THE AWAKENING This is very strange the last think that I remember, is that big vortex that originated from nowhere and suddenly I was running away, the Thing was after me I couldn't escape and finally my legs didn't respond at all. I was sucked into this new world. I have been asking to some people, those gurds, and they told me that this is Atlantis city a place in the limbo. What a place!, and so, so crowded. I wonder what the other people wants. Inquiring I decide to give the magic a try and start from there. I hope I can convince some other people to join me, but seems that everybody is doing the same. Well, Is useless to worry about it now. JA Juan A. Varela PhD Neuroscience Program. Bassine 201. Brandeis University. 415 South st. Waltham, MA. 02254 Ph#:(617)-736-3182 varela@binah.cc.brandeis.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Corwyn yawned, and opened his eyes -- first a little, and then A LOT. "Well," he thought, "twould appear that that mage's promises held true. Wherever I am, it's _certainly_ not in the Unweaver's Domain any more, nor anywhere close! She said 'twould be a new world, a new start - and so it appears." He hefted the sack that lay near the bed on which he lay, and a smile spread over his face. "Well now, it appears that I've more resources starting here than ever I had before. This may not be such a bad thing. Time to be out and about, seein' what there is t'see, and to try and find some friends in this new place - for tis truly said that a man without friends is an accident waitin' to happen. And there's always a need for skilled hands, no matter what land ye find yersel' in." And Corwyn Tinker, late of...an Unpleasant Place...stepped out into the dawn of an Atlantean day, to explore his strange new world. ========= ANNOUNCING the Incorporation of a New Endeavor, to be based in the City of Monzon. The Endeavor (hereafter known as "Monzon Mining and Manufacturing") shall have as its Mission the Providing of the Highest Quality manufactured Goods and Services possible, to all who value Honest Craftsmanship. Any and All interested in Furthering or Joining this Endeavor, in Good Faith and of Good Will, shall be more than welcomed. Inquire of Corwyn Tinker, Faction 54, currently residing at "ggainey@io.com". -- Posted on several Atlantis City tavern-walls and shouted by the Town Criers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Big Guy sat back and looked at his creation. He felt a feeling of both satisfaction and frustration. The world had taken shape, but there was still plenty to do, if only he had the time. Time. That was his big mistake. He should never have invented Time. It was a big mistake. Unfortunately, it was too Late to correct it now. The Big Guy looked as his world. He saw factions forming alliances. He saw great wars, and even greater slaughter. His creations were adding to the chaos. The Seamonsters were everywhere, raiding and growing with every moment. The Dragons were living up to their promise, frustrating even the greatest alliances. The world was working as planned. Almost. His smile of contentment suddenly turned to a frown. What was this? Beings were leaving this world. How could that be? He did not recall creating any exits. He could not see where they were going, nor could he figure out how. This would never do. He must find out how, and why, people were leaving this world. With a thought, he summoned one of his many minions... Karak was busy working. He was working on The Big Guy's next creation. Karak laughed, thinking how those puny beings thought The Big Guy did it all himself. They would be surprised to know who did the real work... The Big Guy's frown deepened. "So, I don't do the 'real' work, do I?". "My apologies, BG!" Karak's laugh died the instant he became aware he was in front of The Big Guy. "Your wish, BG?" "Look!". With another thought, The Big Guy explained the situation. "You must go and find out where they are going, and why. Report back at once!" "Yes, BG!" The Big Guy was not patient. Karak set off... Karak looked around. He wandered about, wondering where he was. He knew the place was a city, and that it was called Atlantis. How odd. He explored, finding paths to other cities. He also noticed many others around as well. Some he recognized. He had seen them in The Big Guy's world. At least they looked like them. In any event, he had seen enough. It was time to report back. "Damn." Karak thought to himself. How do I get back? His magic seemed to have left him. He tried everything he could think of the return. Nothing worked. He even jumped up. He was beginning to realized he was powerless in this world. It was a humbling experience. After a time, Karak gave up. He'd have to settle down and explore this world for a way out. He also realized that survival in this world would be as difficult in his own. It was time to seek some allies... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HAIL!!!!! We of the Ebon Hand (who will remain anonymous) would like to wish everyone well wishes in their travels from Atlantis City to the frontiers beyond. There is one problem, however. As leader of the Ebon Hand it is my duty to protect all members of the Ebon Alliance. My battle ready troops are waiting for you to attack or steal from a member of my alliance. If you do, be forewarned that your death will be slow and painful as my chief torturer will extract every last ounce of blood from your body. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!! Currently, the members of the Ebon Alliance are residing in Atlantis City so you had better not mess with anyone there that could be a member of my alliance. THAT IS ALL!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Denbigh, priest of the Purple Snowflake, has been born to the world of Atlantis. The servant of his otherworldly lord, bearer of the faith to the Atlantean plane, Denbigh is charged to recruit for the three Pillars, under the name of the Aitches, to whom the dedication of learning, home, and control shall fall. So begins the training. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ New Life From the Ashes: Cosmopolitan Trading and Distribution begins a new life. Judas Jebediah Johnston, formerly well-known entrepeneur, whose family business was wiped out by a combination of a sagging economy and bad luck, announced that as of January 1, CT&D would be a going concern, open for all business if the price is high enough. Mr. Johnston's reputation as an businessman is well known, and stories of the shadier of his dealings are a quietly-spoken legend in parts of Atlantis.. The emergence of CT&D from the debacle of the collapse of the former Atlantis Development Corporation marks the beginning of something unpredictable in the business world. A Source high in CT&D hinted that "We are in the business of doing business." When pressed for more details, he smiled and said, "Hey, if there's silver in it and the risk is right, we're your company. Tell people to contact faction 78 if interested." The source refused to speculate as to CT&D's eventual realm of business, saying that it was far too early for such guesses. But one thing's for sure, the world is liable to be a bit stranger with JJJ back in the saddle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chaos UnInc. is looking to form a NON-alliance to counterwieght the pull of all these other joinings that already want to throw thier wieght around. We are looking for factions whose interests are the same as ours...Having a good time anywhere, anytime, and anyhow we please. We know we will have a good time because in the end, all order must come to entropy, and that is what we love best! So if your interested, or just want to have fun yelling at me, send a messager to smellack@crash.cts.com and we'll have some fun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Roy of Concord deftly pinned the scrap of parchment to the wall. He measured three long strides backwards, pulled a large handkerchief from his pocket and tied it across his eyes as a blindfold. Roy paused a moment, head held still as though scenting the air, then slowly raised his right hand, casually twirling a dart between his fingers. With a flick of the wrist he launched the dart at the parchment target. There was a satisfying thud as the dart hit the wall. Pulling off the blindfold, Roy walked to the wall and examined the parchment. "Hmmm, let's see, Sledmere." he muttered. "As good a place as any for seeking my fortune..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A faded vellum scroll with fine calligraphy has been found pinned up adjacent to several houses of noble (and some not-so-noble) blood: "The All-Seeing Monks of Tyrell offer you their services and training in the arts of overt (and covert) defenses. We have come from across the sea but can currently be located in the glorious city of Atlantis. If you wish to enlist our services place a golden lantern in your highest westward-facing window. We will contact you, in time." (signed in a flowing script) -Fahrud the Elder -- Geoff Dunbar <atlantis@rahul.net> Up