Olympia Times g1-10 From: olympia@pbm.com (Olympia PBEM) Date: Thu, 01 Sep 1994 02:00:43 +0000 +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times times@pbm.com | | August 31, 1994 issue g1-10 | | | | turn 10 143 players "Cross on the green, not in-between" | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com Olympia PBEM * * * I did not lose my heart in summer's even, When roses to the moonrise burst apart: When plumes were under heel and lead was flying, In blood and smoke and flame I lost my heart. I lost it to a soldier and a foeman, A chap that did not kill me, but he tried; That took the sabre straight and took it striking, And laughed and kissed his hand to me and died. -- A.E. Housman * * * =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Player-contributed press =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Olympia Atlas is accepting contributions, and is available for download! Be the first to contribute information for other lands (Cloudlands, 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. Contributions are needed even for areas already covered by the Atlas. Inner locations change ownership, market prices change, new buildings (castles, towers, inns, temples, mines) are constructed, etc. Information in the Atlas marked by turn number ages rapidly and needs updated frequently. 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 7 version of the atlas is currently available at both sites. Brought to you by the Skulking Vermin (sx6) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Gaulish Homecoming Festivities Planned -------------------------------------- OPI - Provinia The tiny village of Diuran, wedged between the vast Darkwood Forest that blankets the western half of Provinia and the storm-tossed Balatean Sea, is preparing itself for a month-long celebration honoring the return of many of its most famous citizens from a year-long sight-seeing tour of Central Provinia. Non-Gauls have been advised to avoid the area as there is a certain amount of drinking expected. "These Gaulish banquets are a bit reminiscent an Australian wine-tasting party or an Irish wedding with an open bar; there's often quite a bit of small-arms fire," noted distinguished OT restauranteur Calvin Trillion. The village's chief and his wife, delayed in Winewood for unspecified reasons, are expected to spend at least another four months on their trek home, due to his constant gustatory over-indulgences and her penchant for shopping. Rumor also has it that they hope to relocate the village dog, Dogmatix, entrusted to their care, rather than arriving home empty- handed. OT readers are requested to please pass along any information they may have as to the current whereabouts of Dogmatix to the Indomitable Gauls. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE EMPEROR BREAKS HIS SILENCE ------------------------------ The Emperor has decided to create the title of "Lord" for all the noble that manage to build a castle in his realm. The Emperor is considering the creation of greater titles for npobles that brings law and order to several provinces. The Voice of the Emperor LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Anarchy is alive and well on Olympia !! Don't pay taxes to extortionists allowing them to fund larger standing armies so they can forcefully raise your taxes. Temporarily band together into small groups and execute every last one of the Tax happy factions, Pass Blockers or other loonies with imperial delusions. Empires will eventually come about, but allowing them to maintain chokeholds this early in the game will prevent the establishment of a viable trade structure, reasonable travel routes or the exploration activities that make Olympia enjoyable. Remember, the only good imperialistic, tax happy, pass blocking bandit is a dead one !!! a friendly observer =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Merchant of Venice is now open for business. I will buy anything at a slightly lower than fair price. That includes anything you would otherwise just drop. I will buy ships, peasants, workers, items, goods, even promotions. If your workers are done building your ship, you can sell them to me, or sell me the ship, or both. Any legal business dealing involving cash I can lend a hand in, a cause I got lots of cash. But don't get greedy, I won't leave the city with it. The Merchant of Venice. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Be it known, that on the 1st day, of the 8th month, in the Season of Night, of the 1st year of our pitiful existence, there was rendered, one act of noteworth praise. The Grand Nagus [r9r], a noble, a gentlemen, a master of seamanship, did render unto us, assistance in our hour of need. The Grand Nagus did, cease construction on his vessel, and proceeded to repair the extensive damage unto our vessel, out of the kindness of his most generous heart, and sought no compensation for his deeds. The Grand Nagus [r9r], a noble, a gentlemen and all around nice guy, has for all time, our undying gratitude! signed, Barnacle Bill [x8s] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We are about to set out for the continent of Krussos. If anyone is already there we would appreciate you contacting us. We have no interest in upsetting the plans of others. We would appreciate any advance information you can give us about cities on the continent. If there is anything you would like us to carry from Imperial City, include that in your communique. Axomin's Tree =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Deadman's Middleman Service is now open for business. We specialize in anonymous arrangements. Do you feel a need to protect your identity from a possible employer? Would you like to provide a service, but feel that retribution is a possibility should your identity become known? Would you like to ransom back a captive, but need a method to guarantee safe delivery of captive and ransom ? The Deadman's Middleman Service would like to provide a means of connecting the buyers of covert services with the sellers of covert services. If you have special skills that you would like to contract, or if you are in the market for such services please contact the Deadmen [vh0]. We guarantee that the identities of buyer and seller will remain anonymous under all circumstances. Avoid retribution, remain anonymous. And remember, "The Deadman tells no tales!" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Diary: Fierce Winds, Day 3 Fierce but favorable, the winds have blown us around the Southern tip of West Ilion at last. Soon we will be setting ourselves back on a northern course. We have passed islands guarded by fearsome beasts. On one, a captive noble waved forlornly, but we could do little to ease his plight. Perhaps after we have built our strength . . . =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Journal Entry, Firce Winds, Year 2 of the Relocation - Gonzo Greybeard The first month of the ne wyear, and the winds are living up to their name. We were pleased to hear from some traveling minstrels that the fighting seems to have died down. This can be nothing but good for all. The peace that we have enjoyed seems to be lasting. The lands are being pacified and great efforts are afoot. Mages are working their magic uncovering new lore. There are whispers of those who have uncovered the dark secrets of Daemon the Necromancer. Some say these foul deeds will immediately damn those who utter the words forever. Others say that the spirits of light have massed their forces to do battle when the dark ones come forth. My Mage says that the future is very clouded and that the mists of what may be are swirling and have taken no firm shapes. We continue to look for that land that calls to us. The place that we can call home. We feel that we will find it soon. We welcome all that come in peace. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The faction of the VARANGIAN FREEHOLDERS wishes to greet all new factions formed in Olympia during the last several turns. We desire peace with all, but serve notice that will defend ourselves and our allies against any aggression. Diplomatic contacts may be made via INTERNET at DAZCapn@aol.com, or via CIS to 73474,262. (Please do NOT send net Email to the CIS address, as it will be deleted without reading!) Harald Hardrada =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= From the Captain of the Tai Lung [w3g], To all Interested Parties: We passed the Hawkroost mountains in northeast Provincia this month. The mountains we saw were at bu39, bv40, and bv41. The crew and nobles all desire some time on dry land. We still would like to hear from other parties as to their experiences, and exchange information on ports. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The question "How many Olegs does it take to change an oil lamp?" only leads to a further question, to wit: "30 weight or 20-40?" (With apologies for this unrefined humor.) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thristy, yes a drink Forty day and more, nothing but water In our sights and on our skin but... Death to drink, so tempting though. That promised land, we feel it, smell it, And soon we shall hold it, carve it to our taste And eat it. And we shall be more than before.... The Raptors =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ode to a Rocky Atoll Behold! Something that does not sway With the waves Something other than water. Something that does not smell Of fish Stored for sale Or peasants below decks. Perhaps the captain will stop and let me off To stand on land again. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HEADHUNTERS WORSHIP VOLCANO IN MYSTERIOUS "HIDDEN VALLEY" ON GREATER ATNOS Atnos Press, Fierce Winds (AP) -- Noted explorer Fent Fennel returned to the bustling metropolis of Fearn early this month with shocking news of a mysterious hidden valley in the center of Atnos. Surrounded on all sides by impenetrable mountains, the valley is only accessible through a tiny hidden cleft. "It was three long, hard months of searching to find the passage," reported Fennel to a rapt audience at the Fearn Explorer's Club. "Mapping had told us there had to be something behind the mountains," he continued, "but it didn't tell us where to look for a passageway. We had hundreds of men combing the mountains." But finding the hidden passage was only the first of many surprises. Led by Fennel himself, the first party through the passage discovered a lush, green valley, filled with the calls of tropical animals and the music of rivers and waterfalls. And by some trick of geography -- or perhaps by magic too ancient to comprehend -- the valley appeared to be much larger on the inside than the outside. Eager to discover the extent of the valley, Fennel set off on a mapping expedition with a group of hand-picked men. That was when he got his next surprise. "Savages," he explained to the Explorer's Club. "But not just any savages. Oh, we'd seen plenty of savages on the trip to the Atnos Mountains. And beaten back more than one attack. But these weren't ordinary savages. These were headhunters." The headhunters, Fennel explained, were much more dangerous foes than normal savages. They were much more effective in combat -- each headhunter was more than a match for a soldier. But more importantly, many came armed with blowguns. Standing in the back ranks, the blowgun wielders took a heavy toll on Fennel's party. Forced to retreat, he spent over a month at the entrance to the valley recruiting and training new men before he ventured in again. This time Fennel made it past the greeting party. Backtracking the headhunters to their last camp, Fennel found a trail leading deeper into the jungle. Cautiously following the trail, Fennel soon came upon the headhunter's main village. "We crouched in the bushes at the edge of the jungle and were literally dumbfounded," recounted Fennel to a rapt audience. "The village was alive with hundreds of headhunters. And behind the village rose up a mighty, smoking volcano. From the bushes we could see the headhunters streaming in and out of many openings in the side of the volcano, bringing out shining chunks of raw gold." Discovered by a headhunter scouting party, Fennel and his followers were forced to flee. In his closing remarks, Fennel announced his intention to outfit a much larger party to penetrate the hidden valley and lay claim to the volcano of gold. Fennel confidently predicted that investors in his expedition could expect "wealth beyond their wildest dreams" and industry analysts agreed, saying that even "a 1000 to 1 payoff" was not unlikely. Interested investors are encouraged to contact Fennel at v3k@g1.pbm.com. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ____________________________________________________________________________ <<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>> >> DDDDD IIII SSSS CCC OOOO VV VV EEEEEE RRRRR IIII EEEEE SSSS << << DD DDD II SS SS CC CC OO OO VV VV EE EE RR RR II EE E SS SS >> >> DD DD II SS CC OO OO VV VV EE RR RR II EE SS << << DD DD II SSSS CC OO OO VV VV EEEE RRRRR II EEEE SSSS >> >> DD DD II SS CC OO OO VVVV EE RR RR II EE SS << << DD DDD II SS SS CC CC OO OO VV EE EE RR RR II EE E SS SS >> >> DDDDD IIII SSSS CCC OOOO VV EEEEEE RR RR IIII EEEEE SSSS << << >> >> Vol II, issue 1. Fierce Winds, Year 2. << <<__________________________________________________________________________>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ############################################################################ # 'Discoveries' magazine highlights new discoveries each issue. To # # obtain the full Olympia atlas, the complete and unabridged guide to # # the known realm, contact the Skulking Vermin [sx6]. # ############################################################################ (~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~) ) This is the anniversary issue of 'Discoveries.' Once again, we ( ( manage to bring you new cities in our "city pages", and we have ) ) several more cities on line to be reported next turn. ( ( ) ) Our entrepid explorers have filled in a large area of the Balatean ( ( sea, specifically the bay between Provinia and Drucartan. Look for ) ) these on our updated map. We also have reports from a deep-sea ( ( expedition in the Osgean sea that gives us large ocean charts as ) ) well. ( ( ) ) May all your journeys be exciting, yet never frought with peril. ( ( ) ) - The Crimson Sage [w0l] ( (________________________________________________________________________) This is the title page to the ALTERNATIVE Olympia news magazine. A 100% player-moderated magazine expressly for Olympia factions, which highlights new areas of discovery in the realm of Olympia. Each issue contains new city lore sheets, an updated map of the known world, and other useful articles. 'Discoveries' is not available in stores. It is only available with your FREE membership in the Geographic Society. That's right, your FREE membership. All you need to do to be a Geographic Society member in good standing is to contribute every once in a while, as the sole purpose of the society is to encourage members to trade information, and to add to the store of geographic knowledge of the organization. A sample issue of our magazine, 'Discoveries', is available on request. Interested parties should contact the Crimson Sage, [w0l]. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ahoy travelers! The V.S.S. Venture will be completed next month and will depart the Imperial City for Tollus and Ossicus on the twelfth day of Blossom Bloom. The fee is 30 gold per hundredweight. (That's only 360 gold for a party of twelve!) The ship will sail towards the continents of Tollus and Ossicus. No final destination has been set. Passengers are welcome to make requests. Construction on the Venture has not yet started so the unit id has not been assigned. Interested parties may get the ship's id from their turn results for turn 10 or contact Captain Vandervecken [z7p]. Remember to issue the WAIT FERRY <id> order, then the BOARD <id> order. Contact Captain Vandervecken [z7p] for more information. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= __ __ / /\______________________________________________________________/ /\ \_\/ \_\/ | ##### | |# # ## ##### ###### #### | |# # # # # # | |# #### # # # ##### #### | |# # ###### # # # | |# # # # # # # # | | ##### # # # ###### #### | | | | | | Are *You* trying to piece together a map of the gateways? | | | | Do *You* have a reading on a gateway, but not enough time | | to get a full fix? | | | | Do *You* want help? | | | |<--------------------------------------------------------------->| | | | The Gatemasters are hear to help *You*. | | | | Here is how it works. We have already located two gateways | | and are rapidly pinning down another two. 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 put in. | | | | Interested? Send mail to q4y. | _| _| / /\______________________________________________________________/ /\ \_\/ \_\/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "At last!" the mage exclaimed. The party leader signaled the group for a halt. "Have you found the portal, my friend?" "Almost, my leige. Within two more months if things go poorly, within a if we took the right path back at the forest." "That is good, it is time that we leave this crowded place and find a place to call our own." "By your will," said the mage and the party began the long trek to the West. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The region of the city surrounding the docks seemed from a distance to hum with the activity of the day. Merchants hurried through the streets followed by small crowds of bearers, clusters of sailors wandered from bar to bar, and long lines of workmen laden with cut lumber wound their ways towards the docks. In front of one small tavern on a small hill with a good vantage point of the main gate two men leaned against a wall and watched the stream of passers-by. "Shouldn't you be doing something useful down on the ship?" the man in grey asked his companion. The other man spat a stream of dark juice in the general direction of a passing wagon. "You 'ear a horn, late like?" he asked. "No." "'E said, when I's a horn 'ear, then 'e's caught enuff loafers ta make a good crew outta. I ain't 'erd a horn, sos 'e don' need my efferts." The man rubbed absently at the skull tatto on the side of his face and squinted in the direction of the harbor. "'Course, 'e'll hav' ta blow a horn _real_ loud fer me ta 'ear it alla the way up 'ere." The grey-clad noble laughed and turned back to watching the moving crowd. Shortly, a disturbance in the flow of traffic caught his attention, and he stepped out from the tavern wall to watch. Several merchants pushed their way to the edge of the street to allow someone coming in their direction to pass, calling out curses and warnings as they made way. As the disturbance moved closer, he was able to see a small group heading into the city. A dozen soldiers and crossbowmen followed a slender young woman, who waved as she caught sight of him. Around her feet, several rodents of unusual size scampered along, the sight of which caused several other travelers to move well out of her way. Most travellers had already seen many more unusual groups, and so paid scant attention. "See." the tattooed man moved up next to the other. "I tol' ya she'd be fine. Got's no cause ta worry, ya do, 'bout that one." "Still, one cannot be too careful, these days. Dark times are brewing ahead, and she'll need to lead the others well on the path of Balance." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Gatekeeping 101, continued: It seems odd to find several provinces that are adjacent with the same gate distance, but perhaps gates themselves clump together. Or else the distance estimate is just that, an estimate which improves as one's rating goes up. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Well the disinformation campaign continues unabated, with a handful of greedy (and strangely anonymous) factions wailing "ooh, don't come out East, it's really, really dangerous out here!" BUNK. Once past the pinheads who are building castles in each others back yards around Newleaf, the area one days ride Southeast of Silver City is literally EMPTY. Check Atlas #9 for yourself. The area, mostly unexplored, is gigantic. If anything we need MORE factions out this way to help with collecting and transporting stuff. Plus we need other players to trade with and to help clear out some inner locations. And we still haven't seen the East coast yet (where all the primo trade routes will be a year from now). Don't be fooled by the weasels who just want to keep all the goodies for themselves. It's downright lonely out here! The East needs YOU! Contact Cyrano Jones [w5l], Mgr. of the East Provinia Development Council for more information. Oh, and as an alternative to taking the overland route from IC or Aethelarn to the Heart of the East, a shuttle service run by a Council member out of N. Atnos will be in operation soon (turn 12? Hurry up Dr. P!) to pick you up from either city and deposit you safely on the shore across from Atnos, at cf32 or thereabouts, depending on weather conditions and type of ship. See you soon. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= To all those who meditated on meditate, last turn: thank you for your data. The question for this week is: how summer weather adversely affects travel, or how weather in general affects sea travel. As always, we will share all responses among the respondees. --- b4q =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Whoa is me, Whoa is me, Up at night 'til 11:23, Doing my orders, So many, there be, Coordinating, So much activity, And making mistakes, Repetetively, Whoops, Repetitively, *sigh* *pause* *sLURP of seltzer* Ahhhh....... The latest mistake, I wait to see, Acknowledged, So that I might be free, To send a correction, Hastily, And thence to bed, FINALLY, But alas, My mail has naught for me, I stare at my biff, Impatiently, And it stares back, Quite silently, I sense it laughing, Tauntingly, And I recline, Resignedly, And rot in my chair, Unendingly, And wish for release, That will never be, Whoa is me, Whoa is me... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Jake's eyes abruptly fluttered open. Staring into the darkness that enveloped him, he became alarmingly aware of his still slumberous body. "Why can't I move? Have I been taken by a spell?" he panicked. Slowly as the paralysis drained away, he instinctively groped for his longsword. It wasn't at his side! Before reason could illuminate the night, a searing spasm emanating from his shoulder ripped through his probing right arm clear to his fingertips. In resignation the arm fell lifeless at his side. Breathing was now deep and irregular. The air swelling his chest was sweet and cool. "This _can't_ be Hades...this is no spell! What place _is_ this? Carefully, using his good left arm, he pushed himself upright. As if on cue, a cloud slid softly away from the moon. Moonglow outlined four crumpled bundles on the forest floor. Jake's mind raced. Suddenly his vision filled with a grotesque, woolly savage hurtling feet first as if shot from a crossbow straight at Edmund. "Down!!" he cried. It was too late. The savage struck Edmund squarely in the lower back. His head snapped backward and with an odd, half-grin he collapsed. The eerie tilt to Edmund's head told Jake he had died instantly. Rage engulfed Jake. He wheeled around and rushed headlong toward the three cudgel brandishing wild men. A heavy blow caught him just below the right shoulder. Ignoring the pain, with the strength of ten men, both hands shot toward the throats of two assailants. Empowered, his fists closed like vises. He felt the sinews in their leathery necks snap. His purchase was near perfect. In a flash, he tore away. Skin shredded almost audibly as great force blocked his breathing from behind. Arching his back, with a quick motion he catapulted the choker over his head and was on him in an instant, blade across his throat. He slashed. The body heaved and sighed. He whirled...Edmund's murderer froze mid-thrust. Jake's eyes engaged his two beady, rodent-like eyes set deep in hollowed sockets. The beastmaster had taken control. "Cur!" he roared. Terrorized, the apparition turned and fled into the forest. Jake squatted next to Edmund's body and wept himself into a deep sleep. It was day 7 of Fierce Winds in the Emperor's Forest. The young mage and his fierce companion had each gone dream time, perhaps to reunite in this or some other land. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sailing the seas one sees many interesting things on the little inner islands. There seem to be a number of captives: a Nobleman held by 12 Giant Spiders or a King's daughter held by 14 cyclops, as well as a number of pirates gangs and Cyclops isles. One gang of Pirates even had 5 nazgul as retainers. That's one tough pirate captain! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Fear and Loathing in Olympia We were somewhere around Atnos in the middle of the ocean when the potion began to take hold. I remember saying something like "I feel a bit lightheaded maybe you should pilot the ship...." And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge bats, all swooping and screeching and diving around the galley, which was going about a 40 stroke towards parts unknown. And a voice was screaming: "Holy Jesus! What are these goddamn animals?" Then it was quiet again. My first mate had taken his shirt off and was pouring ale on his chest, to facilitate the tanning process. "What the hell are you yelling about?" he muttered, staring up at the sun with his eyes closed and covered with wraparound Rimmon sunglasses. "Never mind," I said. "It's your turn to pilot." I ordered the drum master to slow the rowers down to a 10 stroke. No point mentioning those bats, I thought. The poor bastard will see them soon enough. It was almost noon, and we still had more than a couple of sail orders to execute. They would be tough. Very soon, I knew, all the nobles would be completely twisted. But there was no going back, and no time to rest. We would have to ride it out. The world was being rapidly settled, the land rush was on, and we had to get to an uninhabited territory as soon as possible. Our luck had been good so far and we had built ourselves a beautiful racing galley and equipped it with the strongest rowers in the land. The game master had given us gold, most of which had been spent on extremely dangerous items. The hold of the galley looked like a floating Wizards potion lab. We had two bales of pipeweed, crates filled with opium, 100 vials of orcsweat, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored potions that illuminated the hold with a sinister glow......and also 100 pots filled with plumwine, a 100 with kovdka, 200 cases of ale, and a pint of raw orc oil. All this had been rounded up the turn before in a frenzy of high-speed exploring all over Provinia- from Imperial City to Ebow, we picked up everything we could get our hands on. Not that we needed all that for the trip, but once you get locked into a serious potion making collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can. The only thing that really worried me was the orc oil. There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a noble in the depths of an orc oil binge. And I knew we'd get into that rotten stuff pretty soon. Probably in the next location we get to. We had sampled almost everything else and now---yes it was time for a long snort of orc oil. And do the next three turns in a horrible, slobbering sort of spastic stupor. The only way to keep alert on orc oil is to get the drum master to pound out a wicked Bo-Diddley beat and keep the galley moving at top speed. "Man this is the way to travel," said the first mate. He turned to yell at the drum master "a little traveling music if you please?" Bum-a-bumma-bumma-bumma-bump-bump Love is real not fade away....... With apologies to Dr. Thompson To be continued =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ANNOUNCING: Pilgrims Aid Society The first Olympia organization for new nobles is now open. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping new nobles in Olympia. We offer travel advisories, mapping and lore referrals, and all the free advice you can stand. The Pilgrims Aid Society is also open to older nobles well. We especially welcome postings, announcements of new structures or creature groups. To reach the Pilgrims Aid Society, contact Akmall Benhalla [p3p]. Good journey to you. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Noviate Wizard Tanner glanced nervously around the bleak, desolate clearing deep in the Olympian wilderness. Only scraggly trees broke an endless monotony unmarred by city, town or even lonely farmhouse. Since leaving the Wizard's College over a month ago, he had travelled through progressively less civilized provinces to reach this barren area. The last three provinces he had passed through had shown zeros on the civilization meters handily located at the entrance of each province throughout Olympia. Truly this was as deep as the wilderness got in Olympia. It would do for his grand experiment. Taking a deep breath, he began incanting the spell he had learned one dark night in the College library. Surely, he had thought at first, no spell had the kind of power this spell professed. Certainly not one so readily available. But since then he had seen certain signs and portents that indicated to him that many other wizards across the land knew of this spell. And that had led him to this wilderness, to test whether that dusty, ancient book had spoken truly of the awesome power of this spell. With a slight croak, he intoned the final syllable of his incantation. A sudden silence descended upon the wilderness. Tanner held his breath, anxious. Then, faintly, he heard the sound he had hoped for: the distant drumming of feet. Searching about, he spotted the dust cloud approaching from over a distant hill. He held his ground as the dust, and the mob within it approached him. Suddenly he was surrounded by peasants. "Cure my warts!" screamed one. "I have money!" "Bless my pots!" called another. "I have money!" Quickly Tanner cast some ineffectual charms and grabbed greedily at the proferred money. As he claimed his hundredth gold piece a sudden silence fell over the peasants. "I just spent my family's fortune!" cried one. "I'll be in debt to the Duke for my life and my son's life!" bemoaned another. "I didn't even know I had a hundred gold pieces!" said a third in a voice of amazement. Dumbfounded, the peasants looked at one another. As one they chorused "Back to the farms, then!" and disappeared in the manner in which they came, the dust cloud and drumming of feet slowly fading across the wilderness. An evil smile slowly grew on Tanner's face as he contemplated the hundred gold pieces in front of him. Chuckling and snorting, he greedily stuffed the money into his belt pouch. "The book was right!" he crowed. "Money for nothing and chicks for free!" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Observed in various alleys near Imperial City Harbour... Q: What does Miyuki do when she's not with the sailor she loves? A: She loves the sailor(s) she's with. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Norfolk Shipbuilding Company is pleased to announce the results of their intensive shipbuilding research. We are now in a position to perform any of the following tasks for your ship, if you provide the components, and for a suitable fee. Contact Dahlgren [c7p] for for further information. num skill time to learn --- ----- ------------- 9555 Install catapault in roundship one week 9558 Add iron plating to ship two weeks 9559 Mount cannon three weeks =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Strange cursed books have been found, and beasts which travel the sky. Look out above, below, and know that poor humankind has no way of controlling the sadness of destiny, or the glory of fate! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Red Horde faction (lead noble Thulsa Khan, g0g), will be sailing for the open ocean soon. Contact us if you wish to cooperate in putting together navigational charts! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The new gold rush is on. The north side of the Uldim Mountains has visible gold veins. All you need are some workers and wood, and you could have more gold than you have ever dreamed. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hello again all. The GOWYN company (GO West Young Noble) will be leaving Imperial City soon. If you would like to go along, well write us a letter and we just might have room for ya! - aegis [b3e] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= GOURMANDS' CORNER by Calvin Trillion As the regular readers of my column know, I prefer to spend my eating time amongst the sophisticated palates of the Imperial City. As a frequent dinner guest at the table of his Imperial Holiness I've become accustomed to the finest of fare. When I do leave the Imperial City it is usually a gustatory disaster, such as my recent meal at the Fatted Boar. So earlier this month when I was first approached by my adventurous but oft misguided friend Dolphin Crater with a suggestion that we sally forth across the Atnos Channel for a meal at the infamous and oft-advertised Dr. Pain's Inn and Shipyard, I responded with a resounding "No!" This had little effect on Dolphin, of course, because he's deaf as a brick. Still, I conveyed much the same information using universal signs, such as pantomining vomiting and rolling my eyes up into my head. Dolphin, however, was not about to be dissuaded by such a mundane fear as death by food poisoning at the hand of some dockside chef, so somewhat later in the month I found myself aboard a swift cutter in the company of Dolphin and a host of misgivings. Our crossing was swift and marred only by one small crash into Channel Island, for which I could hardly blame the captain, who had only sailed these waters perhaps a hundred times before and had probably overlooked the large and prominent island on previous trips. However, we soon arrived at Atnos and disembarked in the company of an immigrant family and their pet ox. Atnos has long been celebrated for its pristine wilderness and desolate beauty, but as we discovered coming down the boat ramp, civilization has indeed arrived at this backwater. In addition to the bustle of Dr. Pain's Inn, we witnessed several boat landings, a busy shipyard, and in the nearby areas temples and castles under construction. All that was quickly forgotten, however, when I caught a whiff on the late afternoon breeze of what smelled to my highly-trained nose to be a simmmering pot of paella. Quickly leaving Dolphin behind, I hurried down the path to Dr. Pain's. (Dolphin, unable to sell his handcrafted pots in the Imperial City -- due, no doubt, as much to his ineptness with clay as to the crowded pot market -- had brought along samples of his wares and spent most of our visit trying -- unsuccessfully -- to sell them to the local peasants. I theorized later that the peasants had no money to buy pots because they had spent it all on Common Magic, but Dolphin disagreed, alleging a vast "pot" conspiracy.) Several surprises awaited me when I entered Dr. Pain's Inn, but they must await some future column, as I see my alloted space has run out. Until next time then, I am, Calvin Trillion, food and travel critic for the Olympia Times. (Editor's Note: If you'd like Calvin to review your inn or other structure, please write Calvin Trillion c/o The Olympia Times.) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Imperial City Logging Corporation is open for business. Contact mmwang@mv.us.adobe.com if you wish to place an order for wood. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ********************************************************* **** Imperial Times Enquirer **** ********************************************************* Seems good times are finally upon us in the Imperial City. The brigands and bandits seem to have left the Emperor's Forest for lands unknown. And peasants galore have been hired for employment. The major construction project atop Mt Olympus seems a major source of employment, in its glorious attempt to build to the Cloudlands. But Inns and Ship have also drawn from the population for workers. Hopefully, there will be a need for more of these structures, to keep us all employed. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= For the guy who's been posting these Rules of Acquisition, let me remind YOU of rule #33: It never hurts to suck up to the boss! The Boss =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dearest Miyuki, To be with you again is my greatest wish and, with hope, it will soon become reality. We are finally underway! The Miyuki Maru is finally finished and our spirits have been lifted. We are not sure where we will finally make landfall but we will be moving. You have become a master at the defensive arts! I am quite impressed! But please take care. It seems as though the streets there have been filling with cads waiting to sully your reputation. But I know you are waiting faithfully for me as I remain faithful to you. Please think of me while you practice as I think of you every moment of the day and night. My journey shall end soon and I shall return. - Kovaq'nu =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ************* ARCHERS FOR SALE ************** Next month, Genji will be pleased to offer for sale in the Imperial City, archers of high caliber, ready to use to conquer new lands. Nominal price: 40g per archer. Supply is limited. For those of you far down the list, exclusive contracts are available. Contact Hermes [c9q] for details. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Angus Enterprises is proud to announce the opening of the first Inn outside of Provinia - the "Mellow Yellow Pub" on Tollus. Come see us for our fine selection of Ales featuring Tollusian Hops. Outside Yellowleaf in the Winetar Forest. All Nobles with good intent are welcome! Angus McAttle (b60) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Q: What comes out from the jaws of Hades? A: MAFOC =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rachet stood among the crowd carefully watching newly arrived nobles make their way to destinations unknown. Upon seeing a likely fellow, he said, "Sir, I'm Rachet Storm and my men and I am looking to team up with . . .." and let his words die out as the man totally ignored him. Again on spotting another noble he called, "Hello, I'm looking to team up with someone like you for mutual protection. I'm skilled in the art of war . . .." when the noble flipped him a curse and disappeared into the crowd. Hmm, Rachet thought, Are most of the nobles here so concerned with themselves that they ignore the chance of friendship or alliance? Perhaps he would fair better in a different city? Well, time will tell. Centering the freshly painted sign, he carefully posted it in the market square. It read "Wanted: nobles of adventurous spirit towork together to the regions far northeast of the Imperial city. Contact Rachet Storm (m7s) at the Spirited Mare tavern." [RCOMBER@delphi.com] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The fog crowded the salt-covered streets of the port, dulling the usually blinding white reflections from the towers. A dark man slipped from a dark spot in the otherwise shadowless street. His eyes and mouth were featureless dark maws, sucking in the fog relentlessly. "I am the first of the Council here. But not the last..." The sleeping children of the port whimpered in their sleep, unknowing. A murder of crows, sensing the changes to come, silently took wing. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A messenger bird squawked loudly and alit on his shoulder. He quickly detached the paper from its leg, and hastily scanned the scrawled message. He peered longingly to the southwest, then shook his head. "All right, lads, it's off to Gentlewind with us. Seems that one of our friends has lost a fight with rats again." The gaggle of peasants accompanying him broke camp, and they headed southeast. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Official Notice of Disbandment ============================== Effective this date (the season of "Snowmelt", month 2, in the year 2), the Council of the Eumenides proclaims itself at an end. As we have received no support in the fight against the AOO, it is now necessary for us to join with them, as that is the only way in which we may justly punish you who have not taken our warnings seriously. From this day forward, we shall be known as MOO, the Modern Order of Olympians, and we shall stand by our Ancient brethren. Let all know our will: that any attack upon the AOO shall be met by overwhelming retaliation from us, their brothers in the MOO. The ex-Council of the Eumenides =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Up