Olympia Times v4n2 From: skrenta@blekko.rt.com (Rich Skrenta) Date: Mon, 25 May 1992 00:48:48 +0000 +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times times@olympia.rt.com | | May 24, 1992 v4n2 | | | | "To wives and lovers, | | Turn 25 146 Players may they never meet." | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ *** No Olympia this week! *** Turn 26 orders due: Friday, June 5, 1992 Orders are due 6:00pm EDT, 22:00 GMT. Questions, comments, bug reports, to play: olympia@rt.com No Olympia May 29 ----------------- Note that Olympia will skip a Friday. The next turn will run Friday, June 5th. Entertainment ------------- The diminishing returns factor for multi-man entertainment units has been eased. There's also more money in the pot for entertainers, so they should be able to earn a good living if they work smart. You still can't make a living performing in a city with 1,000 other entertainers. New wait option --------------- Wait SIGNAL has a defect which limits its usefulness. Signals aren't queued for entities, so if an entity is signaled, and then waits for a signal on the next day, it will wait forever. I may fix the signaling system so that signals are queued. You may still use wait SYNC to synchronize the command streams of two entities: wait SYNC <entity> Wait until the specified unit issues a corresponding WAIT SYNC order. Used to syncronize order streams between two units. For example: entity 501 study 101 wait sync 1058 entity 1058 move 201 wait sync 501 After studying, 501 will wait until 1058 has completed the move order. Or, 1058 will wait for 501 to finish studying if the move completes first. On the To-do list, in no particular order: Switch to the new skill system Observation and stealth uses Replace the remaining "infinite" generators Break magic up into schools, and add more spells Redesign trade & markets Interior locations, such as cities New skills, including gatecraft and tracking Do something about lore research =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Foxx Shipbuilding, Inc a subsidiary of Foxx Enterprises, Inc The most skilled shipbuilder in all of Olympia is opening up his shop and breaking in his saw for YOU! Special introductory prices for this grand opening are being offered as well, so be sure to place your order right now! Galleys at only 14,000 gold! 10,000 capacity, plus extra defensive strengths make this an ideal ship for trade or war! (Approx. 2 - 3 months for completion) Schooners at only 8,000 gold! 5,000 capacity, cheap, and quick! Ideal for traders who don't have the time, or don't need the capacity of the galley! (Approx. 1 - 2 months for completion) Clippers at only 4000 gold! 1,000 capacity! Great for a personal ship for explorers, and those of you who just want the status that owning your own ship will bring! Or the freedom that only comes with the ability to sail away from your problems! (Less than a month for completion!) Ship repairs for under 200 gold per day of labour! Small boats for 200 each! You can even get up to 30 in under a month! Be sure to order now to insure these prices! Anyone placing their order before the end of May is garunteed these prices, but completion times are dependant upon the time of the order. All completion times listed are in Olympian times. May not be valid in some states. Send email to andrew@lamar.colostate.edu for more information, or to place your order. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Adventures of Don Quixote de Atnos In Atnos, A province of Olympia, lived Don Quixote. He was nearly fifty, yet hardy and of the walnut hue that comes from hunting in the sun. Long-legged and lean-waisted, he made up in hight what he lacked in flesh, and he held his head high above one on the stiffest necks in Christendom. He was a kind man, learned prehaps, and brave for sure, but no one called him wise. He awoke one day and read in his paper of the death in this land of his. He decided that something must be done to advenge the deaths, so he took to books, to learn the secrets of the knights of old... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Riddlecorner! ================= The answer to last weeks riddle: It comes in on little cat's feet, Is neither sour, nor sweet. Hovers in the air, And then is not there. is: fog! Now this weeks riddle is: Oh Lord! I am not worthy! I bend my limbs to the ground. I cry, yet without a sound. Let me drink of waters deep. And in silence I will weep. (Especially the first line made me pick this riddle, because of the nearby re- lease of the Wayne's World movie.) The answer in the next edition of the glorious, free ditributed OLYMPIA TIMES! P.S. I'm still waiting for your reactions wether I should continue or not! =>The riddler =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Well, looks like nobody got either of my riddles. The answer that is blowing in the wind is 42. (How many roads must a man walk down ... if you still don't get it, read The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.) Fat Man at Dead Man's Journey refers to the Trinity bomb test at La Jornada del Muerto, Alamogordo, New Mexico on the 16th of July 1945. The bomb design being tested was codenamed Fat Man. - Amber =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Well, I'm a newbie but I have a firm intention of staying alive ! (If I survive turn 1!!!!) Besides, I plan to waste all my money on turn 1 so I wont be a French bombom in the Hands of a gluton! Hasta la vista, Dr. Pain! Dr. Pain should be slain not by me nor by you but by the rage of my MOM! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It is a victory that shall not be forgotten soon. For those who do abide by the moral and ethical laws of the upstanding citizen, there is a pain reliever. Fear not Kircarth we shall maintain law and order to our best abilities. You may study my children. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= At last He had mastership of the guild. But with it, what could He do? Power was all very well, but what use without something to do with it. He pondered deeply. Well firstly He would reinforce the towers so that noone would dare attack them. Due to that unfortunate accident with the teleport spell last month, He was in Areth Pirn, so that would be the first tower to receive its guild payed Captain of the guard. After the guard captains were appointed, what then? Well, the obvious choice was some guards. Quickly he sent out his scouts, scouring the country side for the cheapest source of arms and armour. Yes, this was power. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= WANTED - for sale or trade. Magically reinforced weapons and armor. It would be post preferable if designed especially with Dr. Pain in mind (i.e. me holding the handle, him the pointy end). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Camaris Police Report ===================== Last month Mohammed ibn Musa al-Kwarizmi and his men attacked and kidnapped the controlled units Zypher[1389] and Mellet Urial[1355]. He, his Band of Mamelukes[1464] and the one-eyed Kalendars[1977] is now wanted in Camaris. If the prisoners are freed with all their possesions, and also each given 150g each as compensation, all charges against him and his men will be dropped. He should be considered armed and dangerous at all times. This report will be a reqular feature in the Times from now on, and will always end with the most up to date wanted list. WANTED ====== Mohammed ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi [819], for assault and kidnapping. Band of Mamelukes [1464], for assault and kidnapping. one-eyed Kalendars [1977], for assault and kidnapping. The Town Council of Camaris [355] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Log of Brillan Damar - Entry two: Alas, this place is just as corrupt as the last I had been to. Upon setting out into the city of Kircarth, I gathered with a few others that seemed as new as I. We went to an inn known as The Tangled Eel (hm... sounded like it was a personal problem), and planned of a future bonded in friendship and loyalty. All seemed that this would be a good idea, and we left as brothers of a larger family than some of us have known. However, betrayal was waiting for us during the next few days. Wulf, one of our brothers, was mortally slain by thugs in a dark alley. One of our members found that these men were supposedly recruited by Fengal Algor, another brother of ours. When told of this, another meet was set at the Tangled Eel. This time, not all brothers showed. Wulf, obviously, had more important things to do, and Spiney Norman was absent. A man named Tim the Magician had arrived as a representative for him. The meeting lasted long into the night, each person stating his alibi for the first few days. In the end Fengal was cleared, and our suspect list was brought down to four people, Spiney Norman among them. Tim was silent during most of this affair, and seemed to be nervous about something. It took a week to find the thugs who denied Wulf his future, but once we found them, we surrounded them and beat them into submission. After interrogation it was found that the man that recruited them looked nothing at all like Fengal, rather exactly like Spiney. After some deliberation, we've decided that these people should be punished with extreme prejudice, to set an example of what criminals should expect if they get caught in our fair city. Now, our action is clear. Hopefully by nightfall we will have Tim in custody as well, to see exactly what part he played in this foul deed. We will also be setting a trap for Spiney, if by any chance he should be coming back to Kircarth anytime soon. Let's see if he walks into it... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "M'lord we have found many followers amongst the citizens what would you have us do?" Commandant Strongbow asked. "Learn more about combat so you can defend yourselves," I replied. Always asking what to do, sigh, haven't they enough brains to study amongst themselves without continually asking me for advice. "Very well m'lord," as he turned and walked out the door. One day perhaps the sheep will be able to move without being led, but for now I must take their questions more patiently and not turn them from me as they are my protection while I study. As the days intervening between Beleg's report lengthened I began to worry. Finally I left my fair tower and went down to the troops. It's good for morale I kept telling myself as I greeted them all and talked amongst them. I knew well that I had best get back to studying so I could survive the onslaught of Morgoth's coming but I still needed these fine men to help me, although I had precious little funds with which to pay them. Several days later Beleg once again paid me a visit. "M'lord it was truly generous for you to come down amongst us last week. Many of the boys are truly excelling now from your small words of praise! I understand you're a busy man in much preparation yourself, but please don't forget about us as they will work harder with you taking some time out than with just my supervision. I will also try to keep the smaller less important decisions from you so that you can work with fewer interruptions." "Thank-you," I replied. "I think that arrangement shall work well. I shall from now on attend our training sessions once a month to boost morale as it looks like that will take less of my time with your offer." The rest of the month went smoothly just as planned. What shall we do next month though when all of the money with which I started is gone. Oh-well I imagine that shall be solved next month. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The black and white banner -- Per pale Argent and Sable an Owl displayed counterchanged. It flapped in the strong breeze blowing the fog across the plains of Pesbrand. "It's bloody rough in town," Touchstone said, twirling a gold coin on his finger. "'Tis luckly we could dip for a splash of drinks at the drunk house with these tips." "Too many people entertaining too few," Varian replied. He sighed. "We will be leaving soon, to Bayarth and Caburh." Varian patted the nose of the war horse he had bought as an investment. He was growing attatched to it, but he needed the gold he would get for it in Caburh. "Ah, well, find a real job for a week and then we'll be leaving." "A real job? I can really work a fake job but can I fake I real job?" Touchstone rubbed his chin. With a jerk, he raised his finger. "That is it!" He dashed off. Varian sighed. It would be good to leave. Pesbrand was growing stale and it was time to move on. But what of Pain and the letter from Maidez de la Montt? Perhaps he should hold the Men in Black a while longer to see how de la Montt behaves. A lot of people left without a leader were now wandering the town. They would be easy prey for Pain and his lackeys. An idea! "Perhaps we should carry them off when we leave," Varian thought. "They could be persuaded to join later or, perhaps, they could be released in safer quarters. Hopefully the others in town will understand." But the real question, Varian knew, was would his allies understand? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= JOIN THE ARENA TODAY !! WE WANT TO FIND THE GREATEST WARRIORS IN OLYMPIA !! GREAT PRIZES !! Join up now and fight to prove your skill and prowess ! Become recognized, become a local hero ! Sign up for the ARENA today !! Contact Kaspar [581] or mail "rob@ccc.govt.nz" immediately. Your CHAMPION could become the greatest fighter in all Olympia ! JOIN TODAY ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Roving Reporter's Column ======================== Peace Breaks out again ! ======================== Once again, the Obiturary columns are empty. Is this outbreak of peace a temporary aberation or only the lull before the storm ? Are the Dr Pain's and the Sheldon the Avatar's of the world running out of innocent suckers to leap upon with their armies ? Or are they both assuming that the death of Zyzak left no real competition for "Murderer of the Year" ? Or is it just that the reporting of these things has been temporarily put on hold ? Whatever the reason, the recent news that a complete land route from Drassa to the Chardia and the new continent and encompassing ALL of the new inhabitants of this land may cause some apprehension amongst all. Now invading armies can travel without pause from one end of the earth to the other. Dr Pain could march to capture Drassa !! The Protectors of the Olympian way from Drassa could march to Chardia to bring peace at the point of a sword ! It appears that the only safe place to live is on another continent, or on an island far away. And while a couple of such places have been located, it is not yet sure that they are indeed safe. Indeed, it wasn't long ago that rumours of Sea Kings were heard in parts of the land.... And where do these Birds of Death lair and breed that have been seen flying over the new world ? Perchance, somewhere, out there, breed the even fiercer beasts who live on these birds ...... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= * * * The Dragaeran Trading Company Endlessly Advertises * * * The Olympia turn checker! Tastes Great! Less filling! This marvel of the mideval age reads in turn commands, checks syntax, and prints out an english version of the commands for easy checking. No longer will you buy 5 of 6 instead of 6 of 5. It also does reasonability checks (ie. you can't buy Osswid, and you can't terrorize a rug). Binaries for Next, Vax, Sparc, Decstation and Sun3 machines running UNIX are available from shrimp.cs.washington.edu in pub/olympia. Source code is NOT available, so don't ask. Don't be the last one in your Cabal to own one! Comments/questions/bug reports to hauck@cs.washington.edu. Note: For bug reports, please include the line that triggered the bug, and the output the checker gave. Note2: If you were the person looking for the Next Binary - my mail started bouncing to you. Try sending me something else =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Chronicles From The Undiscovered Country Even though I'm new to the area, I could tell that spring comes early in this part of the world. As I stepped into the little seaside fishing village, I see children playing on the beach, old women gossiping in the market, and a boring little lonesome tavern. The villagers seem to take notice, but mainly of the heavy sack of gold I'm dragging behind me. Little did these people know that their lives were about to be irrevocably altered... But wait, as I enter the tavern I see that I'm not the only newcomer in these parts. Not willing to seem tenative, I drag my sack of gold over to the bar and greet the other traveller. "Hi, dude! You haven't seen Dr. Pain around here have you?" "No?" the stranger says as he discretely nudges his large sack of gold behind him. "Well you still haven't." says I dropping my load on the bar with a loud metallic chink. Once he sees that I'm a rube like him he lets out a loud sigh. "Well, what's say we team up and go find out were the fame and fortune is hiding. I can see the headlines now: "Raucous Rampage, Two Newbies Slaughtered" "Sounds like a plan to me. I have no idea what I am doing yet!! Do you want to hold all my gold? You look like an honest sort!!" says Stryder as he introduces himself. "Phillipe's the name and maybe you better hold onto your on gold... with both hands. I've heard talk of us newcomers being referred to as 7,000 gold piece pinatas." "Say Stryder, who's the inert looking dude over in the corner?" "Hell if I know." says Stryder, "The bartender said his name was Silk something or other but he hasn't moved in hours." As the night wears on into the wee hours, Stryder and I plot our tactics for our first month... ==================================== "You dolt!" says Stryder stomping into the tavern. As I look up from the new, cold steel blade I'd been working on I see Stryder approaching with one of the locals. "What's up fella?" "You told be to go and recuit some help. So this guy's been going around town all month yelling 'RECUIT 5'." "So, did he have any luck?" "Hell no! Nobody answers a call for 'RECUIT'...You have to say 'RECRUIT'!" Shaking my head.."Sit down and listen, we've got a lot to talk about. My scout found another jerkwater village with no market and no people." "Who are all these guys?" says Stryder pointing toward the back of the tavern. As I look over at my newly formed unit of skilled swordsmen I see that two are already passed out drunk, the big oaf is pissing on the two on the floor, and the others are all trying to patch the bleeding buttocks of the one that sat on his sword. "Never mind. What did your guy find to the south?" "Worse." says Stryder sitting down. "My guy found no market either and the local's tell him that he's at least 22 days from the next nearest town. They also said that where we are now is the region's hot spot!" "Sheez, and we were worried about Pain. Hell, I'm beginning to think that NOBODY even knows about this place but us. It's not on any of Oleg's maps either." "Who's Oleg?" quizes Stryder as he finishes off his ale. "Never mind, and wipe the foam off your face." Stryder glancing over toward the empty chair by the window, "Where'd our comatose friend go?" "The bartendar said that he was making the patrons loose their appetite so he threw him out back by the dunny." We suddenly jerk toward each other and simultaneously say "Where's his sack?!" "Wheeooo! I was really worried there for second." says Stryder coming back into the common room. "Ya know, if this goon doesn't respond soon we're going to have to do something." says I. "You don't mean..." "No, no. I'd never, never killdoing him any good out there by the outhouse either." The oaf pipes in, "Let's kill him boss. I'd like to kill him. I'd really like to kill him. But I won't kill him unless you say. But I'd really like to kill him, if you say its OK." "Stryder, remind me later to teach this guy entertainment." Just when it was looking like the only excitement we were ever going to see out here on the frontier was the oaf, into the tavern walks a most beautiful vision of loveliness... "Excuse me, my name's Lady Mantika and I was just wondering if you gentlemen would mind if I sought shelter from the unfriendlies of the region under your protection. I have little to offer as yet for recompense, but maybe we can work something out later...." Tune in next month as Stryder and Phillipe ponder their new moral dilemma.... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A lone figure stands on a hilltop, surveying the surrounding countryside. It is unsettling that he, the hunter, is as defenceless as a grazing antelope on the plains. His entrance into this new world was not unexpected, but his vulnerability has shaken him a bit. The hunter is forced to hide like a common beast, relying only on his wits to survive as he deciphers the rules of this strange world. Once he has done so, and established his position here, the hunt shall begin again... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Version 2 of Oleg's Lore & Map Set is now shipping. This information is free. In fact, if you have any information you'd like to get rid of, send it to me and I'll give it away for you! Version 2 of the Lore only includes a few terse new details about shipbuilding, construction, and Equestrian skill. Version 2 of the Map, however, includes some of the changes between the old and new map system, plus the complete land route from Drassa to Chardia, plus lots of information near Kircarth and Atnos Forest, where many newbies have been placed. The north-of-Summerbridge blackout is gone. A sketch-map of almost all locations is included. The only things missing that I know of are sea provinces. If you have the old version, which is hereby named version 1, feel free to request the new one. I will be printing a notice here, in the Times, every time a major upgrade is available. Finally, I'd like to thank the people who have contributed heavily to this effort, even if they didn't know they were doing so: Milinkthos, Prenola, Evor, Kaspar, and others who probably don't want to be mentioned. -- Oleg the Loudmouth [810] <gl8f@virginia.edu> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oleg the Loudmouth's Interesting Player List ============================================ Milinkthos claims that someone has been falsely accusing people of murder and aiding murderers. I would like to point out that I have not accused anyone; I have merely attempted to reported the facts, as best as they can be known. For example, I pointed out that Milinkthos was in Chardia when Dr. Pain started his killing rampage, and was not attacked. Milinkthos does not deny this. I pointed out that Milinkthos was listed by Dr. Pain as an ally here in the Olympia Times. If you want to defend yourself, Milinkthos, feel free to do so. But please don't think I am accusing people or lying when I am merely repeating what is obvious to all. If you would like to contribute information to this list, such as the information that some of the units attacked were independent at the time, feel free to send me a message. I have incorporated the information from your article into my list. Thanks for the contribution. Some people have mistaken the intent of this list. It is merely a place to publicize what has happened in the past, because people tend to have bad memories. I do not advocate blindly killing anyone who appears in this article; I recommend knowing the facts and using your head. I do not continue to repeat information which does not seems relevant; for example, after Dr. Pain claimed Tharkin the Cool was an ally and Tharkin denied it, I mentioned this once and did not repeat it again. I am not judging anyone. Everyone should judge for themselves, if they judge at all. So here goes: this is a list if people you might want to watch out for, because they've done, erm, "interesting" things in the past. Note that obituaries are no longer promptly reported, if at all -- so you'll have to watch & contribute to this list to see what's going on. Dr. Pain [814] -- Killed at least 18 players. Known throughout the world as an efficient and wealthy but evil dude. On turn 24, he execuated all his prisoners and also killed players 821 and 827, collecting some 15,000 gold. Maybe now he can afford to raise the bounty on my head from 5,000 to 10,000 gold. Units owned: 1034 1301 1376 1461 1993 2002. Bastrestric ther Archymonaged [801] -- Killed 1 unit on turn 23 in Chardia, which Milinkthos claims was independent. Listed as a friend by Dr. Pain. Seldon the Avatar [809] -- killed 1863 in Pesbrand on turn 20. Killed 1 player and 3 units in Ilion on turn 23. Units owned: 1400. 5,000 gold bounty offered by Tony Wayland [572] for "Seldon the Avatar and all his units." Mohammed ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi [819] -- Attacked newbie player in Ilion on turn 21, but was unable to beat one man. Units owned: 819 834. John Smith [823] -- killed unit that killed player 830 and others in Chardia (i.e., apparently 830 was pro-Pain and the attacker was anti-Pain, then John Smith killed the attacker.); killed 4 other units in Camaris since, which he says were independent. Says he is the protector of Camaris. Units owned: 1317 1494 1935 1972?. Maidez de la Montt [868] -- formed unit Men in Black [1918] that attacked Longshot in Pesbrand turn 21. Attempted to kill 4 players on turn 22. Attempted to personally kill 1 player on turn 23 in Ilion. Men in Black have since been captured. Units owned: 1991 1995 1998 2007 2012. Unit 2020 is apparently not owned by Maidez de la Montt, as was guessed last issue. It was just stacked with him and had stealth skill sufficient to outrank my observer. Spiney Norman [878] -- Apparently the owner of Fengal's Hoodlums [2037], which killed a newbie on turn 23 in Kircarth. Fengal's Hoodlums was captured turn 24, and the combat reports lists 878 as the faction of Fengal's Hoodlums. Nice attempt at a coverup, Spiney. Sightings last turn: ==================== Maidez de la Montt [868] ended turn 24 in Pesbrand. Dr. Pain [814] ended turn 24 in Habyn. He was stacked with 67 men with armor, weapons, and an average of combat 1 skill. If you believe any information on this list is incorrect, please write me. This includes you, Milinthkos. If you would like to contribute information, especially combat reports and/or sighting reports, please write. This includes you, Milinkthos. Information is like a breath of fresh air: it makes everyone's day happier, except Milinkthos. OK, no more Milinkthos jokes, I promise. He really is a nice guy. If he wasn't a nice guy he'd put a bounty on my head for cribbing his map diagrams. -- Oleg the Loudmouth =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The recruit enters the sergeant's tent bearing a sealed scroll in hand, "Sir, a messenger just delivered this to our encampment. Even though I have yet to meet our lord and patron, Erekosse; I've seen his seal several times on our orders. This appears to be from him." Hmm, Sgt. Cluspanes mused, "bright boy and he can read too. He just might be officer material with a bit of seasoning." He looks up at the recruit and says, "You may leave it here, and I'll take care of it. Back to your duties soldier." He stared at the griffin seal in the wax for several moments pondering. Were these the long awaited orders to join Erekosse, or simply a specification of more maneuvers? The recruits were still a little wet behind the ears; however, it was about time for them to swear allegiance directly to their lord rather than through me. He carefully picked up the scroll and broke the seal. Yes, the orders had arrived. They were to meet Erekosse in his current location in Drucartan. Aside from several training maneuvers along the way, they meet up with Erekosse within the next two moons. The sergeant left his tent and issued orders to his corporal, "Corp. Ged, issue the orders to break camp. We leave east towards Drucartan as soon as everything is packed and ready to go." The corporal looks at his superior, "Have the orders arrived?" The sergeant responds with an amused glint in his eyes, "That is none of your concern. What is of your concern is the orders I just gave you. Get to work." The sergeant chuckled to himself as he re-entered his tent and began packing his gear. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Adventures of Mawgli -------------------- On the dusty trail heading north and east out of Ilion, young Mawgli had much time to ponder the events of the past few months. It seemed as if just yesterday that he had met the strange and exotic young woman, who called herself Shakti. He had come to beg a pitance from her purse and instead, she had handed him a large pack and requested that he follow. Not sure of what to make of this, Mawgi had followed the woman to a spacious cabin near the edgo of town. There, she fed him and insisted that he bathe and stay for the night. One thing led to another and soon the young lad found that he had become a member of a growing family. Shakti, in her firm, effusive manner had managed to gather the interest of about half a dozen young women from about the village. She taught them various things -- some of which, Mawgli had no idea of the purpose. In general, though, they spent much time playing at song and dance -- the manner of which, Mawgli had never witnessed before. It was about this time, too, that the silent Arjuna arrived. Where the dark, brooding warrior had come from and why remained a mystery to the lad -- one which, he was certain would remain so for some time to come. All of these thoughts of Shakti, the Sisters of Kali (as Shakti's disciples had come to call themselves) and even the silent Arjuna brought a warm longing to Mawgli. Particularly now that he was returning to Pesbrand. The thought of sitting round the hearth fire at night listening to stories or songs and eating some of Shakti's wonderful cooking nearly caused the lad to stumble over an small rock sticking out from the trail. A couple of his travelling companions laughed and joked about lack of experience and his obvious inability to walk and chew chawla leaves at the same time. They were a callous lot, this band of ruffians who followed the man named Maidez. How he had been so foolish as to become entangled with this group, Mawgli could not fathom. But one thing was for certain, once they reached Pesbrand, he would be rid of their company and return to the warmth and safety of Shakti's cabin. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A lone figure gazed from afar at the silver-and-sable pennant, barely visible in Pesbrand's perpetual fog, flying above a makeshift camp of armed men. Men sworn to slay him. Would this be the day of reckoning? Had the enemy captain's patience been yet worn out? Perhaps. Perhaps not. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rasputin breathed a sigh of relief, he had survived the first month in this inhospitable land that he had heard so much about. He had heard the rumors of the evil men who were just looking for a beginning adventurer to kill and rob. In the month since he had left his home and loving family he had met a number of other beginning adventurers and together they had formed a small faction in which to make a name for themselves in this new and dangerous land. Rasputin himself had joined the magicians guild and was at this time learning the basics of this difficult careers. If he was to contribute to his factions fame he knew he would have to study long and hard before he could make his first journey beyond the walls of the guild. But he was determined to succeed. -- 4371 commands queued for 601 units Up