Olympia Times g1-21 From: olympia@pbm.com (Olympia PBEM) Date: Thu, 17 Nov 1994 01:58:35 +0000 +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-21 | | November 16, 1994 | | | | turn 21 179 players "An epidemic insanity" | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com Olympia PBEM * * * "Be audacious and cunning in your plans, firm and persevering in their execution, determined to find a glorious end, and fate will crown your youthful brow with a shining glory, which is the ornament of princes, and engrave your image in the hearts of your last descendents." -- Clausewitz, The Art of War * * * =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Player-contributed press =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= To those players who feel that there is no point in continuing on, let me simply say that you are wrong. The world does not end at the shores of Provinia. There is still plenty of opportunity for all, both alliances and individuals, beyond the shores of Provinia. There are even convenient "unexplored" regions on the map, unknown and waiting to be explored. If you are bored or feel boxed in, move your units out of Imperial City and off of Provinia. It will take some time but it is ultimately worth it. There are a variety of ways to do this but most involve building a ship. Once free of the resource starved Imperial City area, getting the resouces to build and sail a ship is trivial. It is quite easy to leave the Imperial City area so long as resonable precautions are taken. You should notice that very few people who have left Imperial City and Provinia are complaining about real documented dangers and monsters will leave even lightly armed units alone. Get about a dozen pikemen and crossbowmen to avoid monster attacks and random noble ambushes. Learn Forestry and Shipcraft, head for a coast, get some wood along the way, build a ship, train some sailors, and sail. Talk to the alliances around Imperial City and they might even help you, especially if you are just passing through and are willing to provide them with information. Sailing directly from Imperial City is also a good option since wood is readily available for sale by players and a ship can move ten or more sea locations per turn, making it very difficult to ambush you so long as you don't declare your departure time before you go. These suggestions require a minimum of resources, money, and men so even a single player can do them. There are people out in the wilderness who have not seen another faction's units in many (Olympian) months. You can get out there, too. And if you find the first place you look occupied, move a little farther or in a different direction. Eventually, you will hit unclaimed frontiers. If you are bored or frustrated, you have little to loose and everything to gain by taking some minor risks this way. Provided below is the Provinia area from the Olympia atlas. It is reasonably accurate if not 100% so. The full map can be found via ftp at pbm.com in /pub/pbm/olympia or see the Skulking Vermin ad in the Times. It is suggested that you consider travelling west if you go overland since that area is almost entirely mapped out and occupied by (from what I've seen) peaceful souls. It is also suggested that you look at the Pilgrim's Aid Society claim log so you know which alliances have claimed what lands and who you should notify before entering certain places. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 A 0123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890 r '''ppPp'''''''***** U M****''''''''''' s '''''''''''''mmmmmmUmmmmmm'''''i'i'''' t ''''''ffffffmmmmmmmmmmmmmffFfff''''''''''''''' u '''fff fffffpPffppppfFfFfffpf mi''''''''''' v ''ffsffFfffFppPfffpppffFffp f mm'''''''''' w ''fffffffpppppppffppppfffpff '''' x ''ppfffffppppfpppffppmfffFff 'i' y ''ppfffffppppPppmmmPpFfffMmm ''' z ''fffsffffpppppmmm'''i''''m 'i' C '''ffffffppppmmm''fmff'i''m ''' b '''fffsfffffmmii'ff ff'i''im p dDdd ''' c ''fffffffffmm'''ff '''''mmppdddddddd ''' d fsfffffssss'''ff f'''''pppppdddd ''' e ffffs ssi''ff ff'i'''ppppddddddd '''' f s'''ff f ''''P'''dddmmm''''''' g '''' 'i''ii'''i'i'''''''' h Z' ''''' ''''''''''''ii'''i''m Key: f - forest F - forest with city m - mountain M - mountain with city p - plain P - plain with city s - swamp S - Swamp with city d - desert D - desert with city i - sea with island ' - sea * - not accessible U - Uldim Pass Z - Summerbridge -- 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The view in Imperial City game me a chuckle: 140 or so nobles, many involved in chasing after 10 peasants: "Here, peasant peasant, peasant." "Just step into the nice rope circle, no, it's not a TRAP or anything" "Shh, quiet, you're scaring away the peasants" -- Circle of Light [kc7] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Calliope peruses her library and makes her first selection. Surprisingly, it's from Housman himself. The speaker is an imaginary friend of Housman's, addressing the poet: `Terence [Housman's nickname], this is stupid stuff: You eat your victuals fast enough; There can't be much amiss, 'tis clear, To see the rate you drink your beer. But oh, good Lord, the verse you make, It gives a chap the belly-ache!' That's enough for now. Next month: Noyes. -- The Midnight Carnival [nx2] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement NEW OFFER! The Midnight Carnival has a special offer for ====> YOU! MAPS MAPS MAPS Using Campaign Cartographer, the most powerful fantasy cartography program available, I have designed maps of Provinia which I am distributing via surface mail. These 7-color maps show all terrain features and internal locations listed in Skulking Vermin's Atlas. Each kind of terrain and internal location has its own graphical symbol: over 30 different symbols in use, and more available as new locations are found! If you want to locate the nearest graveyard, don't go flipping through the whole Atlas -- just look for the closest skull! Measure exactly how far apart your neighbors' castles are. Four different city types indicate size of markets. Currently unclaimed treasures, prisoners, and artifacts are also shown. Large (1/4 inch) squares and inlaid grid make finding where your troops are a breeze. End Ascii height/width distortion! Now, how much would pay for a beautiful, full-color, ready-for-hanging-next-to-your-computer map like this? Before you answer, there's more! We'll also throw in a map of known Olympia, based on lore provided by the Crimson Sage! It's sketchy yet, but you can plot the major sea lanes and measure the distances between continents quickly and easily with this beauty. Contains all the data in the Provinia map as well (just very, very small). You'll also get a full-page map key, and a letter from the Midnight Carnival on future deals. All for the low, low price of 50 gold! That's right, just PAY 50 to our representative in the Imperial City, the Illustrated Man (s5e) and e-mail us your carrier snail address, and two lovely 7-color map will go winging their way to you pronto! And once you've subscribed, all future revisions of the maps will be available for half price! Act now, prices may rise with demand. EXTRA DEALS!!!>>> All your nobles left the IC? Not to worry! Send us the terrain descriptions of any 10 squares not in the Atlas, and we'll send you a map for free! Must be willing to have this information published. EXTRA DEALS!!!>>> We will make custom maps! Let us know the size, scale and quantity of any maps you want made, and we'll quote you a price! Want a blowup of your kingdom five pages wide by five pages high? Write the Illustrated Man (s5e) and we'll talk! This offer brought to you by... The Midnight Carnival ___ ||||| /\ =====----`==== oo oo /\ /\ -- The Midnight Carnival [nx2] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The grizzled seacaptain shook his head mournfully and poured another glass of the dubious-looking, but satisfyingly fiery liquid down his throat. "By the Gods, I'll be happy when I get this lubberly bunch of misfits shipped off this misbegotten island!" He looked pleadingly at his tablemate, who immediately hailed one of the slouching attendants and commanded him to bring further refreshments. "Would you believe, three solid months we've languished here! First these idiots get lost along the few miles from the battlefield to the shore, and go traipsing off into a swamp. Then they're so happy when they finally get here that they run off to the ship on the very evening of our send-off banquet, leaving me all alone with all those barrels of half-spoiled wine they brought back with them from that accursed expedition. Well, naturally I couldn't let that go to waste, could I? I mean to say, it was perfectly drinkable, as long as you didn't get it near any open sores. And besides, the stuff was eating through the lining of the casks, so it was my social responsibility to keep it from being wasted, and no doubt even polluting the village. And then, when I finally manage to get on board of my ship, what have they done but taken the whole dratted thing over! Their dirty laundry was hung from all the lines, the stores were well-nigh exhausted, all those campfires they made in the hold had caused some really major leaks that needed plugging ... but worst of all were them accursed giant spiders: they had filled the entire for'ard lower deck with their webs, and it took nigh on a month to get it all cleared out. We're ready to set sail now, by Atnerks, but I wonder if we'll ever make it ... seems like we're cursed!" His companion, the long-suffering commander of the expeditionary force, sighed inwardly, muttered a few consoling words, and refilled the captain's cup. "He just has to be sober enough to get us pointed in the right direction every day, then he can drink all he wants", he thought to himself. "Pray to Atnerks that this time we'll make it ..." -- Aethelread [i3b] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Zeplin Cartwright fortune teller of Chaos gazes into his crystal ball... I see grave danger for those who would wontonly use the MAFOCian name in vain. Ye of little faith, and education, should learn that CHAOS has no structure thus formal declaration of war would be completely uncharacterisic of the devout followers of the true way. I see havoc on the wind but the faces of the perpetraitors are not but chaotic swirls, take heed the time will come when chaos will flow across the land like the tides of the North Sea. When the lowly of the land call your doom will come....... -- Zepplin Cartwright [o7v] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Imperial Shipwrights are open for business. We will build galleys or roundships on contract. Prices: Roundships 2500, Galleys 1250. Each unit of wood you contribute lowers the price by 15 gold. -- Bligh [s0u] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE VAARGESUNGALIED: The Rescue of Sieg-Amy Part One In the forest, verdant green lay a grove, thick with yew, dwelt there monsters, very mean, captive was a princess too. Giant spiders, horrific bugs, bound the princess, maiden royal, sticky webbing, thick as rugs, layer upon layer, with ceaseless toil. Screamed the girl, Help me I pray! that I might see another day! What a fate for a princess fair, to lose her life in a spider's lair. But wait, who comes, who rides here nigh, with gilded sword drawn way-up high? 'Tis Dugrik, the hero, the adventurer, the saint, the perfect knight that nothing could taint. Bedecked in armor, enchanted helm, with shield in left, and sword in right, he rides the breadth of the wilderness realm, and always is ready for a fight. Roguefire, mighty steed, bears his master on his way, flinches not, to do the deed of charging on our hero's prey. Xaosbane, adamantine blade, sword forged from rare mithril gray, cuts through the enemy as though a shade, and sends foemen to the shade's dark way. Dugrik hears the maiden's plight, and urges Roguefire to the fight. Warmount and rider sillohette the moon, a sign that spiders will be a-dyin' soon. To be continued.... -- The Skald of Ossicus [q9z] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It seems that Orcs have a definitely bad effect on the income received by inns in provinces that they end their turn in. Also, has anyone had any experience's with Enchanted Forests that they would like to share -- Wilberforce [y3x] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Her Highness Pel, Marquise of Atnos, must regrettably state that the borders of Atnos are still closed. Travelers with specific needs should contact the court before attempting entry. -- Pel [q1v] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= All those who have dealt with me, through my stint as president of the Geographic Society, and publisher of 'Discoveries,' know me to be a reasonable person. Therefore, it is with great sadness that I am forced to announce the destruction of the following factions: [ip9] Order of Silver & Scarlet [nh5] Zombies in Belgium [zs7] Jade Lotus Society While a few nobles of these factions still survive, they experienced a 70% loss in the battles of turn 20. Their remaining forces will likely be disbanding shortly to avoid capture. I mention this sad event in order to warn all the other factions of Olympia that: I, as spokesperson for Clan Shado [eg6], and the Alliance of the New Moon, meant it when I said that unauthorized actions in and around the city of Peash WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! -- Seline Fireflower [w0l] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. The turn 17 version of the atlas is currently available at both sites. Brought to you by the Skulking Vermin (sx6) -- Sludge [x0o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Serobyn invites all who are in, around, or destined for Mysa to contact him. My faction seeks to establish trade relations in the region and would appreciate assistance in identifying partners. -- Serobyn [h8e] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= He smiled to himself, as he looked North, down off the cliffs towards the ocean. When he had started his journey, he was looking south towards the ocean, he had now travesed the whole of West Camaris. Turning his horse to the right, he set off for the East. With luck, he and his men would hit the East coast in two months, to meet with the groups that had already gone that way. Then back to the interior. By then, he thought, the mountain fortress will be done. Let others battle for the coastal cities, we will own the interior. -- Habid [k1k] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Roll up! Roll up! We've got everything you need to venture out of Imperial City with complete confidence: longbows, pikes, crossbows, archers, pikemen, crossbowmen, soldiers, sailors can be yours for mere money. Contact Erik the Well Read for all your pointy stick needs. -- Erik the Well Read [l4o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= General training available. Give me your hungry, your tired, your poor, and let me make them into lean, mean, fighting machines! Will also provide necessary combat materials (pikes, crossbows, etc.) for a small fee! I will not be undersold. Contact me ASAP to arrange delivery and training dates. This offer valid at only certain IC locations. Satisfaction guaranteed! -- Lyran Alexander [p8f] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= YOU MAY ALREADY BE A WINNER!!! ============================== "It happened to me, it can happen to you", says a happy Taira Yoshinawa. Yes, you too can be DUKE FOR A DAY!!! Just return the enclosed sweepstakes ticket to confirm your winnings and you can be DUKE FOR A DAY! Just think of the fun you'll have ordering garrisons, dispensing justice, torturing prisoners, reading garrison reports. Imagine the thrill of seeing your name on the turn report, like I did: "Province ruled by Taira Yoshinawa, duke"! Think of the bragging potential at that next Chivalry class reunion! And imagine the thrill the next time your in-laws complain about how you are doing nothing with your life. You can show them the turn report that says "YOUR NAME HERE, duke" !!! Enclosed is your entry card with your WINNING NUMBERS printed on it. To claim your prize all you need do is make one decision, then attach the entry card to the enclosed carrier pigeon. And while you're at it, I'd like you to consider some of the fine beers we have available by subscription. If you see a beer you like, just paste the stamp to the entry form, and that beer will be delivered straight to your home for just pennies on the dollar. Congratulations, and Good Luck, Taira Yoshinawa -- Taira Yoshinawa [t6k] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= +---------------------------------------------------+ | WORKERS FOR TRADE | +---------------------------------------------------+ | 20 hard workers experienced in the shipbuilding | | industry will be available for trade in the month | | of Harvest (turn 22). We will trade one-for-one | | for soldiers, sailors or peasants. Contact | | Hercule [v6o] in the Imperial city [aa0m]. | +---------------------------------------------------+ -- Hercule [v6o] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The lands of Tarculin, Bayarth, Pesbrand, and Denestria are hereby claimed by MacBeth for the use of his allies and descendants. Trespassers will be viewed with extreme suspicion and prejudice. Anyone carrying tree branches or flying the banner BIRNAM WOOD will be assumed hostile. -- MacBeth [u0i] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= PILGRIMS AID SOCIETY Welcome to all our new nobles. The Pilgrims Aid Society offers free assistance to new nobles. We also maintain a log of claimed lands. The log is available by ftp on ftp.erg.sri.com, in the directory /pub/pbm/olympia, as PAS.claimlog.X where X is the turn of the last update. It is also available in the library of CompuServe's PBMGAMES forum in the Fantasy section. Good luck and God speed. -- Akmall Benhalla [p3p] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Journal - Sunsear, Year 3 Soon, we go to sea. Our transportation will be waiting when we arrive. It has been some time since I have seen Ilyena's beautiful hair against the backdrop of the sea at sunrise or sunset. Studying will become a more full time task, once we are at sea. No doubt life at sea will become boring for some. Study, train, train, study. But then, those poor souls do not have my Ilyena beside them... The Lord of the Morning, The Dragon, Lews Therin Telamon [m3m] aka Erik Ker <eker@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> -- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Be it known, that from this day, the 30th day of the month of Thunder and Rain, in the 3rd year of our Great Lord Atnerks, that I, Stryder de Ragar, Duke of Western Krussos and King Deisgnate, do hereby declare, that the unnamed mountain range on western Krussos, shall be known from this day forth, as The Grey Towers, in honor of House of Grey, of the clan Tyr-Sog, paternal head to the Grey Dwarves. -- Stryder [g2g] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rumors =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Can the AOO survive its bad press? Can it survive the resurrection of its foes? Sure, the question is: can you survive the AOO. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= >Hmmm. It takes three men to carry one unit of wood. Ok. And you can >use that wood to create -- one pike. > >Now if only we could figure out a way to use all that sawdust! > Noble friend, I see that in your above message you mispoke. It seem to me that you ment _one man can carry three wood_. As for what to do with the sawdust, that is a very good question. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important. - T.S. Elliot =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= AOO Locator Remember that AOO ship, Uroko-Saki [cc2n], that sailed from the Imperial City early on? Ever wonder where they went? Well, now you know part of the answer. The following nobles are in Sunsear plains [cs27], in Krussos: Koris Kane [l5p] Amberlynn [f0a] Boris Deviltooth [h8u] Cassandra the Seer [i0h] Brought to you as a public service by the Society for the Elimination of Egregious Ancient Obnoxious Olympians (SEE-AOO). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I have some advice for those remainin on Provinia: Even if you thought you were neutral in the Iron Nation-AOO conflict, you aren't. The AOO has a history of attacking neutral parties, and they have recently been extorting items from non-Iron Nation members. You need to either band together for defense, or leave Provinia by ship. Start organizing now, or you'll be sorry. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Shay Tollin rallied his men near the Tower of Power, one of the many towers in the Chateau Olympique. The acolytes began a rhythmic chanting, which slowly picked up in volume and tempo. As Tollin's rich baritone began a sonorous melody over the chant, the first of the invaders began scaling the walls of the Chateau. Lightning played around Shay Tollin's bushy white eyebrows, his eyes pools of starlight, as the chant counterpointing the melody raised to a crescendo. Most of the attackers scaling the walls fell screaming. The will of the Wanderer's chosen filled their minds with a vision of Shay Tollin's own fall through the void. Their bodies only had to endure the vision for a few short seconds, until they hit the ground below. Their spirits were not so fortunate, and rose from the shattered corpses at the ground, wailing madly. The manifestations shattered the wards that Silver Mist and Laurel of the Tempest had placed around their guardians, leaving the common soldiers defenseless against the Duke's bowmen. The harpies and giant birds circling above were so entranced by the song they forgot how to fly, plummeting on the beasts and men below. As the common rabble on the hills below began to run and retreat, Shay Tollin's voice broke, and he stumbled to his knees, the power of the Wanderer gone from him. He mumbled hidden words to himself, then passed out from his exertions. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Do you think it's a Mox?" The draconoid shook his head. "It is something far older and stranger than even those legendary gems. For that matter, I doubt the Moxen even exist on this world." "As far as I can tell," the sorceror commented, "it's linked to another plane - the home of this world's equivalents to the Llanowar and Scryb, among others. It's sort of a charm of goodwill, at least in part." Arcades considered his companion's words. "Fascinating. Of course, since we know of no entrances to that plane, it's mostly academic, is it not?" "Well, perhaps. But certain gates to that world are said to open at irregular intervals - faerie hills and the like. If we could find one, then I think I could focus enough power through the stone to open the way at any time. It's a fascinating object." "If you say so," a large man in furs and leathers said, sharpening his axe. "Myself, I'm more worried about where we go from here. In case you hadn't noticed, things are getting a bit civilized around here for my tastes." He shrugged. "I'm off for some food, and to watch for Ramierez." He hefted the axe, turned, and left the campsite for the dark woods. The draconoid and the oddly-painted sorcerer watched him go for a moment, then returned to contemplation of the odd stone. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CHORUS: Weep and lament! Our dead Are made the ocean's spoil, Tossed on its restless bed, Their folded cloaks spread wide Over the drowning tide. MESSENGER: Our bows and arrows were no help; there, overwhelmed By crashing prows, we watched a nation sink and die. Aeschylus, The Persians =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Since the Sheriff of Drassa has restored order in the Gentlewind area, very little banditry has been reported there. Even Percival the Prim, *BANDIT OF THE YEAR* (BOTY for short) has announced a total cessation of violence after being (cough) _questioned_ by the Sheriff. But what the Emperor wishes to know is: Does a *total* cessation of violence amount to a *permanent* cessation of violence? Percival has refused to answer this... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Murdering bands of AOO thugs are continuing to attack and kill travelers without provocation. These thugs include: Ian McDougal [q2x] Shimizu [c4a] Alyx [a1y] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Why are MAFOC and IN at odds with each other? Because they both want to get EVEN! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "HAVE YOU QUITE FINISHED MUCKING THINGS UP?", he shouted. The mage, taken aback, mumbled into his beard,"Er, sorry boss." The remnants of the map that he had( at great cost) purchased from the old mapmaker now lay plastered wet against the booth. Just minutes earlier, the four of them were discussing their next moves out of the smelly pit called the Imperial city. The mage had just graduated from the Imperial College of Magic, and wanted to show off his newfound talents. "Hey boss, check this one out!", he yipped, as he fired off 8 orange-sized fireballs. The booth exploded in chaos; no one expected this. The other three dodged and dove, then the map flew up, and it connected in midair with one of the flaming homing missiles. FPLAPFH! With a cry, the leader quickly splashed his mug of ale on the burning vellum. But to his dismay, the damage was done. "How the hell are we gonna leave this hell-hole, can you answer me that?", yelled the leader. "Be easy on him, Valerius, we've all been under big pressure these last months...with studying in the college and all!", said Miss Cleo. With a grumble, the leader ushered them out, toward the Lion Gate. The guardsmen snickered under their breath as the intrepid party stopped a heavily laden merchant wagon to ask directions to Newleaf. "On yah way, ya buncha troglodytic greenhorns!", was was all they got for their troubles. Three hours later, with the sun setting fast, in a thick wood, and no signs of any towns nearby, the leader shrugged his shoulders heavily. "I'll be a son of Atnerks! Looks like we gotta spend another fortnight in that accursed ville, 'cause I have no clue as to where we are." Without dissent, the party trudged sullenly back to the safe haven. The leader thought to himself, "next time I'll give my MOVE orders more clearly." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= There's a rumor that you can make a RUMOR look like PRESS... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= excerpt from a letter home: The peasants flock to our banner, and they have begun building us a fine castle to call our home in this new land. The keep was raised in an incredibly short time. The walls are taking somewhat longer, but we expect completion in a few more months. We have had a couple of attacks from wolf packs, but the encounters have fallen off as we have tightened our hold on our new realm. As a result, the men-at-arms have become restless. I have therefore resolved that the army should attack a band of elves that has been seen to be holed up in an Enchanted forest. I await the outcome with great interest. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How is anyone starting out in Imperial City supposed to anything like a chance? Training costs money, and when you try to use your skills, someone has beaten you to it, or takes offence, and just beats you! So you try to move away, and find that you are jumped as soon as you leave IC, so you try to go by sea, and you are then killed or thrown overboard of the ferry. So you try to build your own ship, but cannot because it is not possible to harvest wood (see above), so you try to but it, but cannot afford to as you have spent all your money on training! I guess there is a way out of this endless loop, but where? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Our attack against the evil Cyclopses has been successful. In fact, we freed an prisoner and she joined us in gratitude. I only hope that our attack against the scurvy pirates next turn is as successful. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Aric gritted his teeth as he jostled through the crowd in the forested wilderness. He didn't mind the people, horses and various beasts much, but he was getting a strained neck from having to keep a constant watch for flying horses. Getting hit by their droppings would not be a pleasant experience. Was there any spot in Provinia where he could relax without running into somebody? Aric had doubts about the possibility. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __ __ / /\______________________________________________________________/ /\ \_\/ \_\/ | GateMastery, the final frontier? | |<--------------------------------------------------------------->| | | | The Gatemasters are here to help *You*. | | | | Here is how it works. We have already located five gateways | | and are rapidly pinning down another four. We want to help | | you help us. Send us in your gate readings and we will send | | you back other information we have that will help you to | | pin point the gateway. If you can pinpoint a gateway that | | we have not, then you get to become a full Gatemaster will | | access to all the gate information we have. | | | | Why do we do it this way? Well there is a large effort that | | must be made in locating gates, and we don't think it's fair | | that people free-load. So long as you are actively trying | | to locate new gateways, you will continue to get help. | | essentially people get out what they put it. We work this | | way to encourage people to contribute. | | | | Interested? Send mail to q4y. | _| _| / /\______________________________________________________________/ /\ \_\/ \_\/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= All I Ever Needed to Know, I Learned Standing on a Beach or Advice for Sailors 1) Make sure you unstack _before_ the original stack leader moves off. "But Sir, there is a trackless swamp to our south!" "Go south, I said! South!" 2) If you disembark from your ship, make sure you get back on. Particularly if you are the Captain. "Sir, the Admiral claims he will sail the ship from his position on the beach." "I guess it is time to increase the Admiral's dosage!" 3) Once you get back on the ship, make sure you are the owner, i.e. you are at the top of the stack. "Sir, I don't care if you personally pounded every nail into place in the entire hull. The turn sheet says 'Lub the Dense' is the ship's owner, so he is the only one we can let into the wheelhouse." 4) And finally, _never_ forget to add a time n or day n clause to any wait order. "OK, it's been 22 days. Obviously, the ship isn't going anywhere this month, either. Everybody off, let's stretch our legs." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Is the West Camaris Defense League going to officially work against the Alliance of the New Moon? Will West Camaris be the next big battle- ground of Olympia? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A: "Who's on the ship?" B: "Right!" A: "Right is on the ship?" B: "No, Who is." A: "Right, right?" B: "No, Who!" A: "If it's not Right, then who is it?" B: "Right." A: "But you just said it wasn't Right." B: "Right." A: "Then Right _is_ on the ship?" B: "No, Who is." A: "%@!$#&*^%#!!!" <With apologies to everyone> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Alliance of the New Moon can officially neither approve nor disapprove of the actions of its members. We are only a society for exploration, knowledge sharing, and mutual defense on the continent of West Camaris. Be it said, however, that we stand ready to defend each other as it becomes necessary. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Up