Olympia Times g1-25 From: olympia@pbm.com (Olympia PBEM) Date: Thu, 15 Dec 1994 03:28:17 +0000 +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-25 | | December 14, 1994 | | | | turn 25 188 players "A by-product of the arts of peace." | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com Olympia PBEM * * * The stars have not dealt me the worst they could do: My pleasures are plenty, my troubles are two. But oh, my two troubles they reave me of rest, The brains in my head and the heart in my breast. Oh grant me the ease that is granted so free, The birthright of multitudes, give it to me, That relish their victuals and rest on their bed With flint in the bosom and guts in the head. -- A.E. Housman * * * =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Player-contributed press =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Merchant of Venice is going adventuring. His raw materials business will be taken over by "Lumber for Sale"(v7h) His weaponsmithing and training business will be passed to Bayle Damon Please bring them any business you would have brought to me Thanks The Merchant of Venice(x9j) -- Sailboats [an7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Ex-Pinta(ef6l) has been returned to its' rightful owner. It is no longer a target for attack. The one who stole the boat has returned his name to the list of honorable nobles -- Sailboats [an7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Any information on the whereabouts of the following murdering thieves will be greatly appreciated. I can offer no reward at this time due to practical concerns, but rest assured that this information will be used to hunt down and kill these vermin. Your safety is at stake. WANTED: Menelaus [p6j] Philoktetes [r4q] Herodotus [y8i] The Roundship Talon [hs9y] email: llamas@xmission.com -- Shadow Warriors [ap4] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Green Alliance has decided to claim the Rimmonean provinces between cn71, cn75, ct71 and ct75, including these. We demand that travel and resource usage in this area will be reported to us before action. -- Green Alliance [ks2] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It would appear that the only thing that has changed in the Imperial City since our last start is that it is more crowded than ever. It will be interesting to see if the land outside the safe haven has become even more dangerous than it was the first time. Hopefully we will not need to see the Imperial City once again. -- Seekers of Knowledge [tt4] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ----------------------- S. CAMARIS Update ----------------------- A quiet time, for the large northern land mass. A time of contemplation, of exploration, and of study. A time in which fog lies heavy upon the forests and hills. The troops shake their heads at the unnatural weather, and move perhaps a trifle closer to the campfire, wondering what the future will bring... -- The Count of S. Camaris [b4q] -- The Crazy Quilters [vn7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The King's daughter (I heard her name is Patty) is a prisoner of Cyclops the cyclops at ad7n. Her ten companions are very found of her company and are not likely to welcome any rescue attempts. Saltstone [aa0n] is buying 26 wax [258] at 14 gold, 230 incense [116] at 30 gold, 100 fish [87] at 2 gold, and 9 clay pots [95] at 7 gold. The city is selling 20 dried fish [255] at 6 gold, 10 pitch [261] at 50 gold, 5 oxen [76] at 100 gold, 2 riding horses [52] at 130 gold, and 50 lead [102] at 1 gold. -- The Damned [vs2] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Count of Chardia ==================== Chapter II - The Meeting on Ilion ================================= Morrel stepped closer to inquire further into Edmund's stopover on Ilion. "Then did you see the Emperor's marshal?" Edmund nodded. "And how is the Emperor?" "In good health, if I could judge from my eyes." Morrel whispered urgently, "You saw Garion, then?" "He entered the marshal's tower while I was there." "And you spoke with him?" "Why, it was he who spoke to me, sir," said Edmund with a smile. "He inquired about the ship, her cargo, her course. He offered to buy her but I told him she belongs to Morrel and Son. He said that he was garrisonned with a Morrel on Greater Atnos during the Alpha Wars." "Bless my soul! That was my uncle!" cried the owner, obviously pleased. "You must tell him that the Emperor remembers him and you will see it bring tears to an old soldier's eyes. You will come and dine with my family tonight!" "You must excuse me please, Mr. Morrel. I owe my first visit to my father and my second to my betrothed." "Ah, I always knew you were a good son, and I would not delay for a minute your reunion with the lovely Mercedes after seven months at sea!" "So I am free to go, sir?" "Yes, yes, but have a caution. You did right to follow Captain Leclere's instruction but were it known you had conveyed a packet to Ilion and conversed with the Emperor it may bring trouble from certain Forces!" warned Mr. Morrel. "Why trouble? I only did as I was bade and answered when I was spoken to." As he turned to gather his possessions Mr. Danglers approached the owner once again. "So you are satisfied with his explanations?" interjected Danglers. "Yes, he was merely following the instruction of Captain Leclere." "And did he give you a letter from the Captain? I believe he confided one to Edmund along with the packet." "Of what packet are you speaking, Mr. Danglers?" Danglers turned very red. "I was passing by the door of the Captain's cabin and I saw him give the letter and packet to Edmund. Mr. Morrel, I beg of you, say no word of this to Edmund, for I may be mistaken!" Morrel turned once again toward Edmund, who was about to leap onto the Aethelarn docks. "Edmund! Did Captain Leclere, before his death, give you a letter for me?" "No sir, he was unable to write. But that reminds me that I must beg you for a leave of absence of some days." "To be married?" "Yes, first, and then I must go to Imperial City." "Very well, but hurry back. A ship cannot sail without her captain. We shall confer the title officially when you return." "Captain the Farallon?!? It is my most secret wish! Then for the present, Mr. Morrel, farewell and a thousand thanks!" He sprang lightly to the ground and disappeared into the crowd. Behind him, the two nobles watched his movements; the elder with a look of fatherly pride, the younger with a look of greenest envy. To be continued... -- The Indomitable Gauls [wk7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Imperial City Logging Corporation is open for business. Contact mmwang@mv.us.adobe.com if you wish to place an order for wood or yew. -- The Enlightened Ones [xf0] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I am hoping to visit Aethelarn sometime soon, at least if it's safe to do so. Would appreciate hearing from those of you who are at Aethelarn whether or not it's safe. Thanks. Corlin Singer [n0i] -- The Windfree [zw9] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= WANTED: Winged horses. Will pay for the animals themselves or for information on where/how they may be obtained. Parties are asked to contact Dega Spar [g4b], presently in Imperial City. -- Dega Spar [g4b] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sailing in unknown waters, I encountered an island. Hoping for cities full of gold, I thoroughly scouted all 14 squares. I found no cities; in fact, I didn't find much at all. Has anyone else had similar results - an island with no cities? -- Redrum Rasraf [m1w] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PILGRIMS AID SOCIETY New Land Claim Log released! Version 3 of the Land Claim Log is now available in your favorite library or ftp sight. Don't be the last on your block to know your new neighbors. Have you seen a garrison? Report all garrison and castle locations to the Pilgrims Aid Society. We'll mention them in the next version of the Log. We would also like to hear about battles, bandits, and other bad news so we can pass the information along to others. As always, the Pilgrims Aid Society stands ready to help all nobles in Olympia. -- Akmall Benhalla [p3p] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Seeking any travelers in East Camaris. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. -- Farseeker [q7b] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A surprising number of people seem to have thought We have been joking the last few months when We stated that the borders of Atnos are closed. These scofflaws are welcome to contact the court regarding the disposition and ransom of the bodies. -- Pel [q1v] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Horton, my lad! Do you happen to know Farley's whereabouts? We have a... situation developing." "It's not that big a ship, Ros. It won't take you long to find him." Farley is a great guy. You have to wonder why his brother is such a jerk. One of the peasants ventured, "I believe he's at the helm, my lord." Roscoe looked surprised, like it was our ox that had spoken. "My thanks, Charles." He strode off to the bridge. *I* was surprised that Roscoe had bothered to learn the man's name, until he stalked off muttering, "Charley is short and has a face like a weasel. I don't look anything like Charley." I went back to meditating until I was interrupted again, this time by a commotion on the forward port side. It looked like Farley and Mandrake were confronting a group of armed sailors, while others looked on. One of these sailors was saying, "But Capt'n, sor, we's been trained to the sword. We're *pirates*, Capt'n; and pirates don't fish." "What do you mean, you don't fish? You've suddenly forgotten how? You can't just stop; it's part of our livelihood, man!" "Sorry, Capt'n. It just ain't done. Pirates don't fish." I could see Farley was on the verge of losing it, and had forgotten that he was supposed to be piloting. None of the other nobles seemed to be nearby (Penny was probably staying far away, since she had had the bright idea of training the sailors to fight), but I noticed a worker in the crowd of onlookers who was short and had a notable resemblance to a ferret. Close enough. I called out, "Charley!" and he gave a start and turned to face me. "Yessir?" "Go find Rumpole and tell him what's going on; he might be able to straighten this out. And send someone to get Hercule to the helm before we hit another reef!" -- Horton [k7v] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Public Announcement: for a noble not to respond to messages is considered prima facie evidence of hostile intent! Even a lone noble has the capacity to do much damage by spying. I refer in particular to the noble Lyrx, currently cowering in Ullast and unresponsive to our messages; we will attempt to apprehend and execute him without further delay. -- Lucrezia [bx0v] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "If we do not succeed, then we face the risk of failure." -- Dan Quayle, Vice-President of the United States -- Black Ooot [y1i] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= maps maps maps maps Demand has been building steadily for our maps -- buy yours before the price goes up! Still just 50 gold to s5e in the Imperial City, or 10 hexes-worth of information. Maps now include some terrain information for Rimmon, Tollus, South Camaris, Krussos, and Bayarth! Mail me your address to get a seven-color map mailed to your home! -- Illustrated Man [s5e] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Martial law has been lifted in the provinces surrounding Gentlewind. The new policy for those provinces (bx25-bx27, by25-by27, bz27) is as follows: 1) Before entering those provinces, nobles should still obtain the permission of the Sheriff [f3i]. Failure to do so may result in the arrest of the offendors for trespassing. 2) Permission is required to enter any sublocations and/or gather any resources, including but not limited to men, wood, gold, iron, and stone. This includes skill use such as Performing Common Tasks or Petty Thievery. 3) Leases to resource rights are available. If you are interested in harvesting resources for one of the above provinces, write the Sheriff and we will see if we can arrange details. We will provide the police force necessary to ensure your safety. -- Sheriff Pelenth of Gentlewind [f3i] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Brotherhood of Ormos claims the city of Briwater [ao0k] and all lands and resources inside the boundary of [bp05]-[bp08]-[br06] -[br09] as its sole and lawful demense. All visitors are unwelcome and looked upon with extreme prejudice. Captains needing to make landfall at Briwater for emergency repairs will not be molested, but should contact me for a visa. Merchants or others wishing to trade at Briwater may also contact me to discuss their activities. -- Pelinore Dragonslayer [p4s] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= An ally and I are sailing east of Provinia. I welcome the opportunity to exchange detailed mapping data with anyone else sailing in that direction. Contact c1s. -- Captain Tarkus [c1s] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In last months times someone wrote: >Special Offer! Come to Mount Olympus! Sit on a Winged Horse! >Pay 400 Gold Pieces! Fall Off! Get Killed! Next Please! Well, this is just a little note to let you know that no one has yet died on Wanderer tours (tm). We have many satisfied customers who are willing to give references to the wonders they have learned in our fair cloud cities. In the near future I hope to be offering trips every turn, but for the moment they are still running every other month (even turns). Late notice. Savages have been sighted in the cloudlands! They seem peaceable at the moment but a security force is being sent out to deal with them before they can spoil the peaceful beauty of the land above. -- Wanderer [h7e] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ----------------------------------------------------------- I will make your weapons! I will train your soldiers! I will train your pikemen and your crossbowmen! *I will match the Merchent's offer in the Olympia Times.* I also will sell my services for 5 Gold per day of work. Orders will be filled on a first come, first served basis. ** I do be but a simple trader. ** ----------------------------------------------------------- -- Bayle Domon [g4y] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This is third notice that the castle that used to be known as Blazonhold has been renovated and is under new management. The castle will now be known as Dark Castle. 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 bu25 bu26 bu27 bv25 bv26 bv27 bw25 bw26 and bw27. By order of Darkman, caretaker of Dark Castle -- Dweezil [e5q] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= All Orcs, Savages, and Barbarians in the vicinity of Newbald will be considered independent and fair game, unless I hear from the owners before next turn. -- Barone de Guiche [ft2s] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Tai Lung was getting close to capacity, so we stopped and built a second ship, the Lao Yong. Both ships are now sailing the Camaris Sea, exploring and seeking adventure and treasure. -- Hidenka Sencho [az7t] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Boy, look at that scenery wiz by! Too bad there is no time to stop and smell the roses. But hey, life is short, so you gotta play hard, hard, hard.... -- Silverthorne [u9i] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I too have a copy of the maps sold by The Illustrated Man [s5e] and Midnight Carnival [nx2]. The maps far exceeded my expectations; any new player will likely find the information contained therein exceedingly valuable. - The Crimson Sage - -- Seline Fireflower [w0l] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= An itinerant band of travellers is looking for new places to explore. Would like to hook up with one other small group of adventurers. We are now heading out to the NW of the Imperial City. If you would like to share in new knowledge, loot and fun, please contact Lyran Alexander. -- Lyran Alexander [p8f] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= More delays! May the gods grant my prayers and let the work on this castle begin! -- Dorlas Michtik [p1o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rumors =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Long after the return of the dispossesed to their ancient home shall come a tide, to the home of all. Three times have the waves beaten against the shore only to be turned aside. The one who came alone shall return, though none shall recognize him and all will know him. Allies he does not have will aid him, friends who bear him no love shall prepare his way. The warnings will there to be seen, but when the day before the end of days arrives there will be surprise, and in the time left before the end the doomed shall fail to find their strength, and this will be the end of power. As he did before, so shall he again, but in a new way, and what had been done but undone shall be done again. Seven Signs you will witness that warn of this end: All that is ours shall be held by a few, and the centers of power will be counterfeit, many, even by the few; The one who came before and again shall disappear, and in his last he shall tell of the name of the doom to come; The third of the triad shall be calmed, and those who sought to be what they had before shall they themselves be stemmed; All the points of the compass shall be brought to one, and that one shall lead, and flare, and dim; Within the house of the doomed shall a snake be found, and cast out, but the day will come when the cry shall be for venom; The contest to be the first to hold the fist of power shall be won, and lost, and won anew, but it shall not win the day; and the waters shall be calm and and the sky virgin, but the end shall appear from wide emptiness, terrible in design, inescapable in number, and led by the fallen one, who shall fight as he fought before, with terrible difference, and the land will know the destruction it has sought since the dawn of days." from Prophesis, book 6:02. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This month's headlines in the Occasional Olympian News: ELVIS SEEN SPORTING MAFOC TATTOOS IN TOLLUS STRIP CLUB! Startling Pictures from the Groundhog Tavern pages 54-55 COUNT MARAT SELLS MOTHER TO VISITING SAVAGES FOR 50 GOLD! DR. PAIN BUILDS SUBMARINE IN ATNOS BASEMENT! His Secret Plans Revealed, pages 24-25 WEST CAMARIS CONFLICT REALLY OVER BEST PARTY BEACHES! DOGMATIX FOUND TRAPPED IN SOFA-BED AFTER TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS! TERRIBLE SUMMERBRIDGE SWAMP CREATURE STRIKES AGAIN! OLEG LOOSES AN INCREDIBLE 718 POUNDS WITH LANA BARK DIET PLAN! Complete Details and Sample Menu on page 15 OUR ASTROLOGER'S AMAZING PREDICTIONS FOR OLYMPIAN YEAR FOUR! - SEN CLAN FINDS ALIEN REMAINS IN EASTERN DRUCARTAN! - A BLOODBATH ON TOLLUS AS AN ALLIANCE TURNS ON ITSELF! - MIYUKI FINALLY GIVES UP ON PHILANDERER KOVAQ'NU! - SOUTH CAMARIS SINKS INTO SEA, LEAVING NO TRACES! - THE ANCIENT ORDER OF OLYMPIANS INVADES TORBA BACOR! - STARVING CITIZENS RESORT TO CANNIBALISM IN IMPERIAL CITY! - FIVE NEW CONTINENTS DISCOVERED IN UNEXPLORED REGIONS! - RIMMON INFESTED BY UNDEAD KILLER BEES! - ULDIM PASS AVALANCE KILLS SIX NOBLES! - MINERS STRIKE THROUGHOUT OLYMPIA FOR BETTER PAY AND BENEFITS! - THE PILGRIMS AID SOCIETY FINALLY RELEASES CLAIM LOG 3! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Squire Adam, The underside is real, for I have been there. You who doubt me, do a scry on zz30 if ye dare. --- Doubter of Squire Adam =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Case of the Missing Gerbils Every month, 200 gerbils are delivered to the castle of Duke Marat. They are never seen again. Does anybody know what happens to them? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= REWARD OFFERED for information leading to the location of Arthur Haket, "author" of "Plagiarism made Easy". This book is, in fact, mainly a copy of the articles of Hugo Rune's "Plagiarism for Fun and Profit" series in the Olympus Authors Quarterly last year! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cognoscenti, This is to let you know that the most powerful alliance is one that only the people in it know about. This alliance has no name, but has members from most of the major alliances, maybe even your's. We prefer to keep our identities secret for obvious reasons. But I would advise you to be careful about whom you insult, because we are everywhere, and we are watching. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Funeral Services and Holy Communion Of the dearly departed, Silver Mist Will be held in the Dungeon of Doom Vespers, a fortnight hence. Shay Tollin, Disciple of the Wanderer, conducting. Musical accompaniment by the Moaning Hordes. A Pantarastar Production. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= F R E E L I L I M A R L E N E ! ! ! "The life of man in the state of nature is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" -- Hobbes, Leviathan Yes folks, ol' Tom Hobbes knew what life's like outside the IC! And yes folks, what you saw in the last Times was true! Lili Marlene was taken prisoner last turn by the notorious captain of HIMPH (His Imperial Majesty's Prison Hulk) Raging Queen. Rejoicing in the name PowderedToastMan, this individual exceeds his authority at every opportunity, citing BOSS (Bureau of Olympian State Security) as justification. Lili's "crime"? Supposedly, "Un-Olympian Activities". Really, this is too much. I proclaim the founding of the ONC (Olympian National Congress). The ONC is not just another whining protest movement. It has serious political objectives. The ONC has a simple program: - Free Lili Marlene! - Stop the Draft! Why should peasants go and fight other people's proxy wars? - Hell, No, We Won't Go! - Assassinate PowderedToastMan, on commission from the AOO - Free Lili Marlene! - Storm the Bastil---sorry, Chateau Olympique with 50000 disenfranchised angry peasants, on commission from the IN - Overrun Provinia with the 50000 disenfranchised angry nobles currently in the IC, on their own account - Proclaim the Sixth Republic! - Free Lili Marlene! - Give peasants the vote! The Peasants United will Never be Defeated! - Free Lili Marlene! - Exterminate MAFOC, on commission from MAFOC - Proclaim the Seventh Republic! - Win the World Cup - Free Lili Marlene! - Self-destruct F R E E L I L I M A R L E N E ! ! ! -- Contract Charlie [v6x] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Who has planned the end of the AOO? Is it a small faction promising what it can not deliver? Is a an alliance of those who have had enough? Perhaps it is an alliance that includes current or former members of the AOO itself. The Absolutely Obnoxious Organization wants to know. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= So where are the frontiers, where do the youth go? With so much claimed, and yet new travellors continue to pour into the Imperial City, has anyone thought where these disenfranchised will go? Seems likely there will be a war soon between the established and the want to be's. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Advise for all new players: Only trade on the open market. I have been burned for a large amount of money. Nobles are just waiting to scam new players. They know who they are. Revenge will be sweet. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FOR ALL YOU ASPIRING MEGALOMANIACS OUT THERE: Special Offer!!! Winewood Printers has *ALL* your needed supplies to post YOUR Favorite Obnoxious message to those interlopers who dare to enter your domain without paying you the proper respect. We carry all sizes of posterboard and printing materials. Let our friendly staff provide a catchy commanding statement from their database, or you can provide your own, or you can have us create one from scratch. With our many years of expertise, we will provide to absolute best in sales and support. Examples from our world famous database: [1]IT WAS REALLY I THAT MASSACRED ALL THESE FACTIONS!! I MEAN it when I say that unauthorized actions in and around <your location here> WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!!! [2] Because of fear of unrest and a large influx of immigrants to a continent with low resources, visitors to <your location here> are told to procure a visa before entering the area. [3] <Your name here> must regrettably state that the borders of <your location here> are closed, until further notice. [4] MARTIAL LAW IMPOSED IN <YOUR LOCATION HERE> Unauthorized travel through these lands will be regarded as a hostile act, and will be dealt with harshly. As you can see, our creative and witty statements have been used frequently by some of the biggest names in the business! LordCharge and Provinia Express cards accepted. Member of the Greater Winewood Commerce Council. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Has anyone outside the AOO actually been on a cloudlands trip with Wanderer and survived? (It would be a good deal if it weren't a trick) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Beastmastery is the way to go! Learn to capture monsters and beasts and then to use them in battle. Start out with pikemen and crossbowmen and begin with the small lairs. Then work your way up through the tougher lairs. Before long you will have a veritable army of tough monsters. The best thing of all is you don't have to pay monsters anything! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Notice to travellers - bx23 has been clearly posted as being for the exclusive use of Duke Marat for the purposes of collecting resources. Transit is free. Some nobles have ignored this injunction and are hereby notified that they have been listed as violators and outlaws and will be dealt with accordingly whenever and wherever encountered. Rage the Powerful [d2m], is one such noble. Knowing the ways of the world, I understand that such behavior can at times be inadvertent, or be regretted after the fact. Rage the Powerful is called upon to contact me immediately to offer restitution, or suffer the consequences. Bellabane [o3z], Forester of the Wheel =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= To those in Aethelarn: I have seen a large stack moving in your direction. Beware of suprise attack. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oh well, it was not really a promise of safe passage, more of a threat that I WOULD be attacked, and sent anonymously to boot. Just how safe does that make me feel? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Half a dozen figures huddled in a small group on the far side of the campfire. In the darkness and shifting shadows thrown by the flames, they looked to be a group of quiet monks, wearing long, cowled robes of brown and whispering together. The beastmaster scratched behind the ears of the wolf that lay at his feet and watched the figures closely, his mind reaching out to touch them and seek any sign of unease. For now, they were calm. "Them there beasts gi' me th' creeps, I say," the weathered noble sitting next to him observed quietly. "I don' know iffin I kin trust 'em not to snap me up, snack-like, whens th' git a min' ta." The beastmaster shook his head. "You needn't worry, old friend. Despite what you may have heard, I don't sense much of the supernatural about them. Outside of battle, they seem to have very little interest in much of anything. And in battle, they become even easier to control." The second noble absently rubbed the skull tattoo on his cheek and shift his grip on the gleaming spear that was never far from his side. "I 'ave a bit o' trouble seein' 'ow that kin be so. Sumtimes, I 'ave problems controlin' meself in a fight!" As he spoke, his voice rose a bit, and one of the figures on the far side of the fire shifted, its 'robe' moving almost as a living thing in its own right. "Atnerks created them to be great fighters," the beastmaster answered, "and so they are. Battle is the normal for them, and so they are easiest to reach. Once I show them an enemy, they are content." "Yeah, well jist don' show them me." "Well, I like them." the young woman stepped into the fire's light from the direction of the tents and sat down next to the beastmaster. "They are simple, direct, and honest in all ways. There is a lot to be said for that." She turned to face the beastmaster. "You did say you would teach me how to control them, right?" The beastmaster nodded. "It'll be useful to have more of us able to handle the creatures we've begin to collect. We are going to need to spread out a bit more if we are to tame this land." He leaned forward and caught the eye of the fourth member of their group. "What do you have to say about this, good sir?" The older man, who had so far spoke perhaps a score of words since they had rescued him several day before looked up from his contemplation of the fire. He studied the whispering figures for a moment, then turned his gaze on the three others. It seemed as his attention rested like a weight on each for a long minute before his gaze met that of the beastmaster's. "Fine." he said, and then turned back to the fire. "You'd better get used to them." the beastmaster turned back to the second noble. "If your bird is right, we should be able to recruit several more tommorrow." "She's ne'er failed me yet." "Good enough. Then the three of you should get some rest." He stood up and started around the fire. "First, I want to get our new allies fed. They seem to prefer to hunt at night." As he appreached, the figures across the fire rose to their feet. Their 'robes' spread out around them, resolving into large, leathery wings. Their voices climbed to a higher pitch, whispering shrilly in a maddening way that almost convinced a listener that if he tried hard enough, he could understand what they were saying. Gleaming red eyes fixed on the beastmaster, as his mind reached out to mesh with theirs. "Time to hunt," he said, and with the thunder of their wings, they climbed into the night sky. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= heard on the streets of the Imperial City: "The Liberator Cometh!" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Apparently, an alarming level of peace has broken out between the IN and the AOO. The MAFOC forces appear to have tossed their independence and pride to the wind, and joined the AOO in conducting bandit operations against newbies. The game is just starting to get interesting <g>. If only a few non-provinia powers would conduct some blindside strikes on over-extended AOO garrisons (Peasant garrison at Saltstone ?). Add some nasty castle termites or a demon visit to Marat central, and the holidays could see chaos, opportunity and excitement for all. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= water, water, everywhere ... but not a drop to drink! - A thirsty noble PS. Plenty of Cyclopses too. Perhaps they have wine? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Repeat after me: I will stack after promoting. I will stack after promoting. I will stack after promoting. I will stack after promoting. I will stack after promoting. I will stack after promoting. I will stack after promoting. This has been a public service message from someone who forgot... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What's the matter with the skills I'm learning? They take a long time to see returns. Should I try to be a Gatecraft Master? Come through OUR gate and you're gonna burn! Where have you been hanging out lately honey? All you need is wood and a whole lot of money. Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new bandit, funny, But it's still Olympia to me. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Attention! Axomin [k0d], who in the past year has openly infested the environs of the Imperial City with hundreds of gold worth of opium appears to be in league with the Aethelarn bandits. He was seen last month entering (& overloading) the Serpent [fv3y]. Thus we can get a picture of their little operation: Talon [hs9y], roundship, 4% loaded, 6% damaged, owner: Doublecross [e6o], with ten sailors Serpent [fv3y], galley, 120% loaded, defense 10, owner: Herodotus [y8i], with ten workers, four pikemen, 11 crossbowmen Lykian [u3t], with 15 sailors Axomin [k0d], priest, with four peasants, 12 workers Be on the lookouts for these ships when they leave mates! They be dangerous, & if some of us be valiant men, they'll be dead! -a concerned citizen =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Chaos Has Always Observeded Someone Question is who has observed CHAOS lately? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Group known as the Alliance of the New Moon has made dire threats to my group. I consider this most barbaric and will seek to find the West Camaris Defense League against the ANM. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Libertarianism is all well and good, especially when those involved intend to stay in cloud cuckoo land (or at least visit) but can anyone name one Medieval state where libertarianism actually worked? Just a thought. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Obscure People and Ways of Olympia. Most people don't know that not only can some orcs read but that they have their own written language. This mistake is so common because so few orcs can read and because of their choice for a writing material. They write by putting gashes in bones so their "books" look like an orcs will gnawed meal. In fact most people who see an orc reading mistake it for an orc who has just finished a meal. Because it is difficult to keep a book made from several bones in any type of order, orcs choose a bone of the proper size so that the entire book will fit on the one bone. Orc poetry (*1) is generally written on a humming bird bone. While books on torture are most often written on elephant bones. These are so large slaves are needed to help the reader. (*2) *1 Yes it does exist but it should be noted that most orc poetry is not written, but discovered in the remains of a particularly robust meal. *2 the largest known orc book is written on a fossil dinosaur bone, requires several dozen slaves to help read it and deals solely with methods of torture of orcs who write poetry. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= You Surrender! Very well I accept! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Up