NEW PBM - Third Foundation (interstellar conquest)

From: lvogt@digi.lonestar.org (Lee Vogt)

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1992 14:25:42 +0000

And now, a short break in the steady diet of Galaxy/Olympia/Diplomacy/DM
articles  :-)

A brand-new PBM is in its infant stages - "Third Foundation" has recently
'gone public' !  "Third Foundation" (hereafter referred to as TF) is a
strategic-level game of interstellar conquest recently advertised in 'Paper
Mayhem' and as a play-tester and avid fan of the game, I felt it was my duty
to disseminate (can I say that in public ?) information about the game over
the net.  Briefly, each player in the game picks a 'character type', which
not only determines how s/he scores points toward winning the game but also
gives that player a a special ability.  Everyone starts with a few (typically
three) systems under their control, and the total number of solar systems is
well over a thousand !  Of course, everybody else wants their 'piece of the
action' too, so some mighty fierce wars can get started.

TF is a mostly-strategic game, but the presence of a player's character
and his/her special abilities adds a touch of role-playing to the game.  Also,
there is a way for players to establish communication with each other and
work out diplomatic agreements, peace treaties etc.  In the gme I am currently
playing, the universe is REAL crowded so the diplomacy (read 'BS' ;-] ) is
flying thick and fast !!

Winning the game is simple: just be the first player to earn a
pre-determined total of victory points.  What is that total, I heard someone
say ?  Well, that's the tricky part - everybody sends in a vote in the form
of a number between 25,000 and 35,000 (not 100% sure of range, but I know it's
close) and all these votes are averaged.  This average is the score needed to
win the game, but it's kept secret from all the players.  After the winner is
declared, the players may elect to keep going in an extended version of the
game that boils down to 'eliminate everyone else'.

Anyway, here's the deal that was offered in 'Paper Mayhem': FREE setup,
FREE rulebook and two FREE turns.  If, after your two FREE turns, you decide
you want out, just return the rulebook and you owe nothing.  If you decide
to keep playing, they'll want $6 for the rulebook and $6 dollars/turn
thereafter.  It's possible to get your turns for $4 IF you format your orders
on a diskette rather than submitting an order sheet.  Details for this are in
the rulebook.

The address is:      Third Foundation
                         PO Box 380-273
                         San Antonio, Texas
                                   78250-0273

Go on, write !!  With free setup and two turns and only pay for the
rulebook if you keep playing, what have you got to lose ???

PS  When you write in, let 'em know that Lee sent ya.  Not only will the
    GameMaster be inclined to look favorably on you, he'll like me too !!
    (What did you think, that this was a Public Service Announcement ??  ;^}  )

****************************************************************************
* MY opinions, dammit !!!                      Lee Vogt                    *
*   Keep your grubby paws off !                DSC Communications Corp.    *
****************************************************************************
--
****************************************************************************
* MY opinions, dammit !!!                      Lee Vogt                    *
*   Keep your grubby paws off !                DSC Communications Corp.    *
****************************************************************************