Olympia Times g1-23 From: olympia@pbm.com (Olympia PBEM) Date: Thu, 01 Dec 1994 03:08:36 +0000 +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-23 | | November 30, 1994 | | | | "A conflict which does not determine | | turn 23 185 players who is right but who is left" | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com Olympia PBEM * * * When the bells jingle in the tower The hollow night amid, Then on my tongue the taste is sour Of all I ever did. -- A.E. Housman * * * =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Player-contributed press =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= While it is true there are some dangers to traveling through the wilderness, they are highly exaggerated in the Times. You SHOULD take some care when leaving Imperial City as was suggested earlier. Train some troops, talk to people, and look at the atlas, claim log, and back issues of the Times. You should probably avoid traveling East over land and building a ship is also an option. Many factions have an interest in scaring other factions away from the wilderness. It is because they, themselves, have a great advantage so long as they have no competition out there. If I am wrong and things are so dangerous, please provide details including locations where ambushes have taken place and the units involved. Signing the report might also help credibility. Perhaps those doing the alleged ambushing would do us the service of bragging in public? BTW, it was pointed out to me that "ftp.erg.sri.com" is probably a better place to get player provided information for Olympia than "pbm.com". Please try that archive first (or the archive nearest you as listed in the PBM FAQ). -- The Seekers [ad9] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Only the desert has a fascination -to ride alone- in the sun in the forever unpossessed country -away from man. That is a great temptation . . . *D. H. Lawrence* -- Red Nectar [dw2] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Version 1.5 of my Olympia battle simulator is now available at the following sites: 1) FTP to ftp.pbm.com in directory /pub/pbm/olympia fight.tar.gz source only fight.zip source + DOS and OS/2 executable 2) On Compuserve in PBMGAM forum library 5 fight.oly source + DOS and OS/2 executable Enhancements include input from a file to get around command line length restrictions of some systems, blessed soldiers, troops in galleys and roundships use "at sea" combat values, specify break level as a percentage, and more. -- Ross Inglis -- Hand of Fate [lv5] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Attention nobles of Olympia: Be warned that the faction [tr6] Spirit Reavers is run by a player without honor. Charles DeNaples (CharDeNapl@aol.com) and I came to an agreement that he and I would join efforts. We were to build a ship together and leave the IC. Charles was "concerned" that I might desert him on some island. (A valid concern considering what has happened in the past to others.) I offered a 1000gp to hold until we arrived at our destination to prove my honesty. He accepted. Of course, you can guess what happened. He received my 1000gp and will not respond any messages I send him. His primary character is Mindbend [x0f]. He appears to be working with others in the IC since his primary character was PROMOTEd to near the top of the list in the IC the turn after he started. Be wary of any agreements with this player as he does not keep them. Signed: Rich Comber - The Chosen Dark [tc7] (75147.3517@compuserve.com) -- The Chosen Dark [tc7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ----------------------- S. CAMARIS Pacified! ----------------------- The MACE alliance hereby claims dominion over South Camaris. Any who wish to stop by here, please contact me [b4q]. The continent has now been more or less fully mapped by us, and castle construction is underway. There are precious few things of value here, except land free from the ravages of war, and we would very much like to keep it at peace. For those of you unfamiliar with MACE, it is a group of about half a dozen war-weary factions who set out from Imperial City about 15 turns ago, to find a New World. Well, we found one, and here we shall settle. A *SMALL* number of like-minded individuals are welcome to join us, but again we caution that all the "easy pickins'" are gone by now. -- The Count of S. Camaris [b4q] -- The Crazy Quilters [vn7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= --Looking to buy lots of peasants, workers soldiers, pikemen, crossbowmen, or wood in IC. Sorry, no clay pots. Will pay top dollar. -- House of Wayne [wl7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Wanted: Someone to supply iron to West Ilion. Price and quantity can be negotiated. Please contact Zanna at the Dew Drop Inn, Argon City, Scenic West Ilion. -- Zanna [c6l] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I don't care what rumors you have been hearing. The Groundhog Tavern is not a strip club. My establishment is the finest in all of Tollus. Please come see for yourself. Proper dress required. -- Thales [e8q] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cloud trips recommence. From turn 24 onwards you can once more book passage to the cloudlands. Cost of a return ticked is 400 gold. We hope to provide a bimonthly shuttle service for those who would learn the wonders of Weather Summoning and Artifact Construction in our fair cloudlands. Those wishing transport should write to -- Wanderer [h7e] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PILGRIMS AID SOCIETY The gnomes of the Pilgrims Aid Society office are hard at work on version 3 of the Land Claim Log. We hope to have it available to all Olympians by Dark Night of year 3. If you have any updates to your claim or reports on the claims of others, please send them to me now. As always, the Pilgrims Aid Society offers assistance to new nobles in Olympia. During the holidays, I sometimes get behind in my mail, so please be patient. Send all inquiries to: -- Akmall Benhalla [p3p] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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 faction mk8. -- Captain Tarkus [c1s] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Olympia Atlas is accepting contributions, and is available for download! Be the first to contribute information for unexplored lands (Hades, 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= At last! An ideal castle site! Time to quarry stone. -- Dorlas Michtik [p1o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Announcing the grand opening of the Pig & Whistle Pub in Prytani. Noted for its great food, excellent ale, and soothing atmosphere, the Pig & Whistle will excite your pallet, ease your nerves, and heal what ails you. So next time you're in Prytani, remember to stay at the Pig & Whistle Pub. -- The Skald of Ossicus [q9z] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Captain's Log of the HMS Reluctant We are underway with good winds in the month of Harvest, in the year 3. Outside of Imperial City, Atnos Channel is shallow and treacherous. The amount of ship traffic makes it difficult to avoid the coastal reefs. Clear Sailing [bv2g] struck a reef and sustained minor damage. I hope they remembered to buy plenty of pitch before departing. Cartographers may want to note that cc24 is indeed a forest province. I would avoid Atnos, however. The borders are heavily patrolled from the air. -- Hercule [v6o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Intrepid Adventurer seeks information about the Channel Mountains will trade new aquired exploration data for information about areas already explored. -- Cerulian Crimson [f6y] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A thief has stolen the ex Pinta Do not board "ef6l" It will be sunk at sea unless paid for Mr. Katanga -- Ulysses [v4w] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Does anyone have some lana bark for sale near IC? -- The Weird One [j2g] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Her Highness Pel, Duchess of Atnos, must regrettably state that the borders of Atnos are still closed. Travelers are warned that they may be attacked by our Peace Officers if they do not have the proper authorization. -- Pel [q1v] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Journal - Harvest, Year 3 Sailing again! It has been a great delight studying without interuption. I have used this time to try to reach the True Source, yet I have met with no success. Ilyena has not met with success either. In serveral months of travel, neither of us has seen evidence of a single Portal Stone. Jearom Gaidin continues to place great faith in our ability to bring all three of us back home. I have begun to think that we may never return. Well, well, I must dismiss such black thoughts if I am to play my part in this great company we have formed. Now, if the Captain could only avoid those costal reefs... The Lord of the Morning, The Dragon, Lews Therin Telamon [m3m] -- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ----------------------------------------------------------- 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= MARTIAL LAW SOON TO END IN GENTLEWIND The Cohorts of Colossus [vo4] have assumed stewardship of the lands in the Newleaf and Gentlewind area. Sheriff Pelenth of Drassa [f3i] is in charge of peacekeeping in the area, and has imposed martial law. Several nobles have doubted the efficacy of this, and have flaunted the law by charging into the area. Those same nobles are now crowding the prisons in the Fortress of the Wind. Several other nobles have complied with the law and can testify that they have been unmolested or even assisted during their stay. This proclamation applies to the following provinces, as well as all sublocations in these provinces: bx25, bx26, bx27, by25, by26, by27, and bz27. This includes the cities of Newleaf and Gentlewind. Persons wishing to travel in this area should apply to Sheriff Pelenth to receive a travel permit. No unapproved resource utilization is to take place in these areas. This includes recruitment, pillaging, performing common tasks for gold, etc. If in doubt, ask. Travellers notifying Pelenth and obtaining travel permission will not be molested, and will be protected by the Sheriff and his forces. If all goes well, this will be the final month of martial law in the Gentlewind area. -- Sheriff Pelenth of Gentlewind [f3i] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I have been granted a franchise for by24 by the Sherrif of Pelenth and Duke Marat. Please refrain from gathering resources. This includes, but is not limited to recruiting, harvesting, and performing common tasks. Leases of these resources are sometimes available. For questions, contact Hermes [c9q]. -- Hermes [c9q] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= My, my! Look at all the drivel being written about me in the *Times*, one might almost think I had enemies! Let me start off by thanking Lili Marlene [e7m], for her apology for her remarks about me in last week's *Times*. It seems she did not read my previous post carefully enough, and thought I was saying something I was not. I publicly accept said apology. With regards to "Samuel Adams", if that is his real name, seeing as how he is hiding behind rumor and innuendo: You annoy me. I admit that I forgot to include the city location for Peash in my announcement of two turns ago. However, I had included it in my post the turn previous, and I have been more than happy to provide the information to those who could be bothered to inquire to me personally. Simply questioning someone's judgement and abilities without bothering to check your facts first is a good way to make enemies, and unless I receive an apology you would be wise to consider me as such. I quote you: Attention Seline Fireflower and other greedy despots! Claims such as "unauthorized actions in and around the city of Peash WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!" might even have some meaning (besides the obvious: as an expression of infantilism) if you condescended to inform those who might consider respecting said decrees as to the location of the affected provinces. In order to avoid the notoriously boorish manners of the local lords if for no other reason, I would like to avoid the provinces around "Peash" except that I haven't a clue as to where in the world "Peash" is. Truly there is some shock on the part of all thinking people to the idea that a lord would be offended that others have made use of the resources of the lord's provinces when that noble has failed to inform anyone as to the location of said provinces.... [a bit of off-subject rambling here, edited for brevity.] ...Irresponsible lords have a care! The guillotine awaites! -Samuel Adams. Now, to make up for my oversight of last turn, I have included the city information for Peash here. One again, let me state my desire to avoid having unexpected visitors. Except for Samuel Adams, and any friends he might care to bring, who will receive a VERY warm welcome.... Signed, The Crimson Sage [w0l] Peash [am1w], port city, in province Southern outer plains [bd15] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Routes leaving Peash: South, to Ocean [be15], Camaris Sea, 1 day Out, plain, to Southern outer plains [bd15], 1 day Cities rumored to be nearby: Coel [al5u], in Dragonwood [ba10] Skills taught here: Shipcraft [120], Combat [121], Stealth [122], Beastmastery [123], Construction [125], Magic [160] Market report: trade who price qty wt/ea item ----- --- ----- --- ----- ---- buy am1w 38 10 100 cassava [267] buy am1w 2 100 2 fish [87] buy am1w 4 15 1 woven baskets [94] sell am1w 6 20 5 dried fish [255] sell am1w 50 10 100 pitch [261] sell am1w 100 5 1,000 oxen [76] sell am1w 9 9 100 beans [263] sell am1w 110 3 300 riding horses [52] Inner locations: New Moon Keep [a54], castle, defense 40, "Flying the flag of Clan Shado", Gatehouse [b13], tower, defense 20, "Flying a black pennant" -- Seline Fireflower [w0l] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I am interested in renting or buying the following items. Please write to me if you have them and are interested in reaching an agreement. golden ring [bf5e] enchanted armor [ix8s] -- Kosar the Indefectible [n9o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This is official 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 dj4d know. 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 in the area circumscribed by the provinces bu25 bu27 bw25 and bw27. By order of Darklord, caretaker of Dark Castle -- Dweezil [e5q] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. -- MacBeth [u0i] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rumors =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ******** SIGN FOUND IN EASTERN PROVINIA ************ **** OUTSIDE OF ABANDONDED WONDEROUS STRUCTURE ***** * * * FOR SALE FORMER BASE OF KANG THE CONQUORER * * CHEAP AND SUPERADAPTOID * * * * PRICE 10,000 GOLD (Deposit within) * * OR TRADE FOR ELVENSTONE AND 5 MITHRIL * * * **************************************************** =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It is becoming apparent that the AOO is intent on expanding their frontiers after they demolish what's left of the Iron Nationals & deal with those factions in MAFOC. Shall we allow this poison to spread even further across the fair visage of OLYMPIA??? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Land Bridge is an illusion, a rumor. I advise all of you to just stay away from the polar reaches, if you know what's good for you! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Don't get discouraged by a few bungled orders... A man's errors are his portals of discovery. - James Joyce It is the character of a brave and resolute man not to be ruffled by adversity and not to desert his post. - Cicero, 78 BC Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on. - Samuel Butler =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Great pate, mom. But our ship is complete, and we've got to motor if we want to sail this month! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Why is it that Marat stinks? Is it just that he never bathes? Is it a "personal problem"? Does he have a thing about bathtubs? Only his namesake knows for sure. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Morthain crept up the hill to the cave exit, his men behind him. Other parties circled the hill, looking for the cave mouth and other vents and exits. Morthain's men were to form a rear guard, permitting no escape. Foul things lived there, demons from Hades and beyond, it was said. Morthain had Seen this battle, and the vague portents given to him by the Wanderer had left him knowing that the destiny of his beloved Carellin was tied into the outcome. From the other side of the hill, Morthain heard the clash of arms and the high-pitched squeals of deformed, gigantic rats. Then shadows passed before the sun and the blood of each man in Morthain's party was chilled. Nazgul! Without thought Morthain screamed the Words the Wanderer had taught him, binding these travesties, shaping their horrible will and purging the evil from them, until they were little more than mindless tools. "Tools indeed", thought Morthain. "The Wanderer will need many such tools for the times that are to come." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= For all the bluster from MAFOC, we have yet to see a single move against the AOO. The trouble with anarchists is, you can't rely on them even to be disorganized. Looks like they're massing in secret for a highly disciplined, organized putsch against Chateau Olympig. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= To the person inquiring why no one has built a temple in Imperial City: Have you looked into how long it takes to get an Imperial Building Permit? About 312 years on the average. And then you have the peasent shortage, union jurisdicional disputes, building inspectors to buy off etc. And if you can get around all these problems when you go into the nearby mountains to quarry stone the AOO sponsored bandits will kill your workers, enslave your nobles and rape your oxen. Better look elsewhere for a temple. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= AOOga, the alarm sounds! Dive! Dive! The AOO is going down! Where will the next threat come from? Is it safe to leave Chateau Dungeon untended? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In last month's Olympian Times: > There are no sorcerors. There is only one wizard. That is not Him. This is an obvious forgery. All powerful users of aura know that the number of spells known is not the same as maximum aura. While there was only a single faction with 16+ spells known last turn there were in fact at least two wizards at that time and there is now at least one sorcerer. Baconlet tuce Andtomatosandwich [b1t] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Two months ago, they had been in the cesspit of the Imperial City. Thanks to the mage, they almost didn't make it out. The leader surveyed his motley party with a critical eye. "Hey boss!", chirped out the mage, drunk as usual," I wuz talkin' to one of the local merchants, and he said that there was quite a fracas in Aethelarn, about 10 days ago. He said that about 100 people were slaughtered in an ambush set by some slavers. Jeez, boss, we were about to go there, weren't we?" The leader replied,"By Atnerks brass balls, I'm glad that I couldn't read this blasted map! And I was about to yell at you again for your foolish little trick in the Green Anchors tavern, in the Imperial City. Now it looks like you saved our necks." "You see, Valerius? Sometimes there are silver linings to these clouds.", interjected A. Sennica, the shipright. All he got was a grunt in reply. The next morning, they awoke to find scores of fleeing peasants coming from Aethelarn. The refugees spoke of a terrible massacre, as some slaver named Menelaus, along with his two henchmen, stormed into the Athelarn Arms and demanded that all inside drop THEIR arms, and surrender to him. Of course, this didn't happen, and the intense fighting spilled out into the city square. Within minutes it was over; Menelaus had seized a ship to allow him to escape with his prisoners. "Where was Sir Sleepy?", inquired Valerius. An old grizzled peasant piped up," We wuz lookin' fur him, your lordship, but he jest hid in his castle whilst this wuz happenin'." The leader, seeing an opportunity, seized it. "JOIN ME,",he said," and I will guarantee that you won't have any more fears for your lives!" T.P. muttered to Cleo," What's he up to now?" "Dunno.",was the reply. "As long as it enhances my safety, it's got my vote!" About mid-month, the party's camp was bustling with activity, as eager peasants jostled and lined up to be trained as soldiers or workers. "I can't believe how easy it is to recruit here.", the leader said to T.P. "Yeah, boss, like I was telling ya, that mercenary we met in the I.C. pub told me that all we hadda do was to get out of the I.C.!" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Menelaus scowled at his force of soldiers. "Now, you know your duty, boys. 10 gold pieces for each noble captured by one of you!" A ragged cheer erupted from the 40-odd unit. "Herodotus, take your group to the docks, and get me a ship. Philoktetes, you and your men are to capture any nobles in the town square. I will attend to those nobles in the Athelarn Arms. Meet me at the docks in 30 minutes." His lieutenants saluted him, turned, and left. Meanwhile, in the Arms, Papa Joe( the proprietor), was chatting to one of the locals. He looked up with curiosity as about 15 soldiers filed in. "Ah.", he thought," It looks like this afternoon's purse is going to be quite full!" "You look tired from your journeys, gentlemen. What libations can my humble establishment provide?" "We seek not libation, rotund-one, we seek flesh.", answered the tall, strangely dressed leader. "Excellent! Mayhaps my ladies can provide?" "I don't think you understand, old man...ALL OF YOU, DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND SURRENDER!", thundered the captain. "On whose order?" A young lord stood up, unsheathing his sword. "MINE; ATTACK !!!!" The lord's body flew backwards, as one of Menelaus's thugs smashed a huge battleaxe into him. Chaos erupted; some nobles went for their weapons, while others thought of self preservation and hid under tables, jumped over the bar, or ran for an exit. Chairs and tables went flying, and mugs crashed against the walls, staining the wood with mead. In minutes, most of the patrons lay dead or dying. The remaining nobles had been overpowered, and were being chained together. Outside, Twenty-or-so soldiers charged at a tight knot of nobles by the square's fountain. The fountain's waters swirled in cloudy crimson as several bodies splashed into the basin. Resistance ceased quickly, and more chains were brought out. "Quickly, quickly, to the docks!", yelled the captain. The air was thick with moans of the dying, and the flagstones were slippery with blood. Someone screamed,"Someone, get Lord Sleepy to..." But he never finished his plea; a spear thrown with extreme velocity had punctured his throat. As they arrived at the docks, Herodotus reported the capture of the Talon. A quick head count was made; the raid was spectacularly successful. Later, in the captain's cabin, Menelaus thought about the castle he was going to build with the hostage money. Yes, this year was turning out to be a good one! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In the beginning there was nothing, and then the Great Atnerks said: "Let there be light!" and there was and there was still nothing, only you could see it. Wonder what he did on the second day..... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= If Baron Hobbes in Aethelarn cannot keep the peace, then we should replace him with someone who will restore safety to the streets of this brutalized city. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I heard a rumor that there is a VERY lucrative trade route between the cities in provinces cj17 and ck17, netting up to 300+ gold per turn. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I am still in this accursed city, waiting for somebody to give me a guarantee of safe passage, and so far, neither of the two big "factions" have been able to provide it. How much in control are these "factions" anyway? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Wind Running Free's hooves cut deep grooves in the thick sod as he climbed the small hill. The light from the moon lit his steep path up the hill, one of the highest that rose above the plains. Frustration ate at his heart as he took his stand atop the hill, overlooking the sacred field where the flowers of poison shown silver in the ethereal light. All four legs spread widely, he raised his arms to the night sky and began his chant, like he had for so many risings of the moon before. "Ancient High Lords of the Land Beyond, in sacred duty I call. Since time began, my people have served your way, and guarded the path to the World Beyond. The People of the Plains have brought you gifts. Open the Way Beyond, and bring your blessings to your loyal servant." And again, nothing happened. The plains stretched smooth and unbroken before him in the light of the moon. As it had for every moonrise before, so many he had lost count. Before he had left the tribe in his quest to reach the ancient spirits, the old herdmasters had warned him that his quest was without hope. Since the dark day long ago when the Talisman of Light had been lost, the Spirits Beyond no longer answered the tribe's calls. But Wind Running Free had been determined. He believed the spirits were still listening, somewhere. And that he could call them back in the old ways. But it had long since began to look as if he were wrong. Sighing, Wind Running Free started again. "Ancient High Lords of the Land Beyond, in sacred -". And then it happened. Across the field of deadly, sacred flowers, a dim shadow stretched across the plain. A shadow that grew darker as he watched, faltering in his chant with astonishment. A shadow that appeared out of nothing. The sacred field disappeared into the shadow as it reached the foot of the hill upon which he stood. Then it stopped, and small sparks of light begin to flicker and dance at the base of the shadow. Wind Running Free watched and the tiny lights spun and rose into the air above the plain, and slowly, another hill faded into sight. First a scattering of bushes appeared, and the lights played among the leaves. Then stones and grass came to exist beneath the bushes, high above the plains. And finally, the hill that the bushes and grass grew upon appeared, a hill fully as high as the one he stood on. And at the summit of the hill, an arch of ancient stone arose, a gateway to the Land Beyond. As Wind Running Free started down the face of his own hill, an animal stirred on one of the bushes behind him. Though its eyes were ill-suited for the night, the hawk had no difficulty in seeing the newly- appearing hill, as it glowed slightly with a strange light of its own. For a brief moment, the hawk shifted irritably, as its instinct for sleep struggled with the cumpulsion laid upon it. Then, keening once in anger, it rose into the night sky and flew towards its master. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= My, but those Harpies and Giant Birds are tough. The trick, however, is to swarm them with enough numbers that they rarely get a chance to strike. A force of 2 nobles, one in front with pikemen, one in back with crossbowmen, can take on quite tough monsters if each noble has half again as many men as the monsters, for a total odds of 3 to 1. One can add peasants to the front line as claw fodder to improve the odds. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Has anyone made a decent profit as a merchant ? Having to avoid Pirates, Despots and Beasts for a 1 or 2 gold per unit arbitrage advantage does not seem to cover the operating costs of a rowboat, let alone a roundship or galley. There must be enormous hidden profits available to this profession. If serious trade is going to develop then viable merchant routes must be revealed. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Well it seems I owe Baron Hobbes an apology. After changing his soiled armor, he did come out of his castle to lead the attack against the infamous bandits of Aethelarn. I commend him for this change of heart (and mail). -A reformed detractor =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Peace in Olympia!! Yes, at last, the wisest of all races, creeds and colors in our great world have come together in MANICLE, Mighty Ancient New forces of the Iron Chaotic Lunar Eumenides All Olympians are invited to join the cause of world peace. Send mail to g3y@g1.pbm.com for news on how to sign up. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The West Camaris Defense league announces the signing of a peace and prosperity agreement between the WCDL and the Alliance of the New Moon. The rumors of an east/west division of the continent of West Camaris are now official. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Torba Bacor Alliance wishes to announce the completion of a castle to enforce our claim of the island of Torba Bacor. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A Mighty Spell of Confusion has been cast upon my nobles! Supposedly sailing to a hidden island, they did instead sail straight to shore. The end result was mayhem for the crew. Hopefully the spell has worn off. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Up