Eldritch - how it is going. From: Simon Beresford <sb@sophron.demon.co.uk> Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 00:00:00 +0000 In the recent discussion about posting Carol indicated that it was interesting to get occasional reports on how games are going... I am a player in Eldritch, a PBEM in the Olympia/Atlantis tradition, it is commercially administered ($2 a turn) and programmed by Mark Thomas of Play By Electron Games (www.pbegames.com). I hope he doesn't mind me posting this, it is a one-off. Mark give really great support to this game, and normally responds to all queries inside 24 hours. The current game is on turn 49, with one turn/week. A couple of graphical front ends have been build by players to help in mapping and writing orders, and there are a couple of Excel linked mapping routines as well. It has 63 players at present and a number of non-player entities. One major player-player war seems to be going on and quite a few battles with the clearly evil non-player entities (the Goblin King, and in the past "Dorvad"), though some non-player entities such as the Free City, the Bards, and the Argoth Merchant Guild are benign. Mostly the game has been about resource building and city development (at least that is the way I play it). For a number of players (including myself) serious conflict appears to be building. Some of the posts seem to indicate that something very bad is on its way. One of the most interesting aspects is the degree of unknown in the game. There is a constant sense for me of "Gosh what a neat idea" almost every turn. There have been significant changes in the current version to the way that magic works, and some extra commands. I really love this game, it keeps getting better in ways I don't expect. It has far more options and depth than Olympia and Atlantis though I have enjoyed both of those and still play Oly. The big problem is that it is too addictive and you can, if you want to, spend a _lot_ of time on it. I would welcome other views on the game. Here is the Chronicle, and happy Christmas everyone Regards Simon (And Friends F29) -my faction name is not related to my viewing habits, just a co- incidence The Eldritch Chronicle Turn 49 --=== Articles ===-- ==================== The Iron March [F30] writes: The proud village of Vergs Edge was savagely attacked by The Order of the Great Llama! Our defenders stood their ground but were merely settlers, who had recently occupied that village. Despite the attack, many artisans managed to flee to safety deep within the village . . . The army of the Great Llama shall pay for their unprovoked attack! ==================== Erewhon [F80] writes: Erewhon gives notice to all factions with units in and around the town of Isbaona that elements of the 1st Elite Division are approaching under the command of Lord Grond. As an experiment, the dragon Firefly will set upon the town first to test his capabilities. As with all Erewhon campaigns, neutral parties are warned to vacate the area as collateral damage is often unavoidable. Note: Due largely to a nearly complete lack of communication on their part, a state of war still exists between Erewhon and the Ice Weasels. We are not currently prosecuting the war, as we have other priorities, but until an accomodation can be reached all Ice Weasel forces will be destroyed on sight. Ogrun, Battlemaster of Erewhon ==================== Tertius Fortuna [F27] writes: The attacks on The iron march by the great llamma will come to no good, No advantage can be gained by a protracted sniping war. ==================== Sons of Wo [F86] writes: The identity of my brothers and sisters of the Steel Jyhad will all be known in time. We are a new alliance, and to proclaim allegiance may prove, ah, "complicated" if the intentions of their neighbors are unknown. I? I have no neighbors to speak of, and feel confident in my ability to attack or defend as needed. My lookouts are numerous and highly observant, both in the Beneath and in the Overlands. Why do you taunt us so? Why not join us and become one with something greater? Find purpose and orientation in that all too open world? Should this world survive the millenium, I look forward to your reply. Even this exchange of words is favorable to the overwhelming quiet of old Wergon. A quiet we hope to change with change, trade and combat. ==================== Stoneburg [F115] writes: The Stoneburg Mining, Construction, and Engineering Consortium is pleased to announce the availability of a wide range of services available at reasonable rates. Though we are headquartered in the Beneath, our highly trained technical staff stands ready to assist you with all your building needs. We have already discovered surface access in the distant north-western reaches of the land, and new scouts are heading out every day. Contact our agents through the Chronicle with articles to the attention of the SMCEC. ==================== And Friends [F29] writes: Greetings, said Mandelson We are now at war with the Goblin King. The first engagement was turned by a quirk of fate from a victory to defeat, though the fields were littered with the blood of troll and ettin dead. Last month a scout was attacked by Raiders of the Goblin King. Out forces are building, and we will be revenged. Our wrath is a mighty thing, not easily doused, for we will destroy this evil. We will, for the next 5 turns at least, pay 3000 coin for all amethysts. Bring them to Agape, our capital. House Perigrini, we would welcome trade with you... Finally here are the forces which the late Awda faced, and nearly matched: Etterkin [U32214] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] destroyed. Trollkin [U32215] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] destroyed. Trollkin [U30922] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] destroyed. Trollkin [U32208] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] destroyed. Etterkin [U32209] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] destroyed. Etterkin [U32213] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] destroyed. Trollkin [U32210] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] 7 trolls [trol] (front center) CV: 1785. Etterkin [U32211] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] destroyed. Trollkin [U32212] of Warriors of the Goblin King [F116] 17 trolls [trol] (front center) CV: 2100. All units were at maximum size... , only 24 trolls lived to tell the tale. ==================== Black Reavers [F42] writes: The anticipation of battle was over. The outcome was anti-climatic. After many months of waiting, the core of the Black Reaver army engaged and slaughtered the FAB army comprised mostly of forces from Kepsuu Anarako with some assistance by En Taro Tassadar, Storm, and The Bofaescog Khanate. The battle was a complete route with over 1500+ FAB units killed and only a small handful (less than 100) of Black Reaver losses. The battle ended FAB's unjust assault upon the good people of Zacfipory. At the same time, a 2nd FAB army of almost equal size, comprised entirely of forces from Storm was repulsed outside the walls of Auhkmetyr. The battle, which lasted into the night, marked another failed attempt by Storm to take the city of Auhkmetyr. With this 4th major defeat of FAB's forces by the Black Reavers, much of FAB's power in the region has been curtailed. In other parts of the land, additional FAB members are under assault by Black Reaver allies who responded to the call to arms that FAB instigated. When offered a chance to surrender after losing every major battle, FAB declined. So be it. Those who try to live by the sword will die by the sword. --==== Rumors ====-- ==================== Units standing around and not shooting during combat? Target near. It gets results. ==================== The ancient tomes speak of the conquest of seven cities before the faithful shall emerge to scour the world and make it pure for the return of the Radiant One; in the ancient tongue, they are: Tor'dora, the Dark Watch, the dwarven stronghold found deep within the bowels of the earth where the Search shall begin; Tor'erath, the Forest Watch, where the faithful among the tribes of elvenkin shall prepare the land for the new Age; Tor'aram, the Silent Watch, where the mysterious shadow men shall recite powerful incantations to reveal the Way; Kel'daasar, Flame's Keep, where the many-armed mantid warriors shall train amid the burning sands for the great Battle; Kel'orlak, Shadow's Keep, where the cunning ratton shall delve deep into long-forgotten knowledge to reveal the Chosen; Kel'niira, Storm's Keep, home to the aviar wizards who shall call forth bolts of power to blast open the Gate; and Dar'ai'vok, the Door of Valor, from whence the elite forces of the Radiant One shall pour forth and reclaim the land. Beware, for four of these mighty holds have already fallen; when the last shall topple, thence comes the dawn of a new age and the cleansing of all which has come before. ==================== Wanted: For criminal activities, Gruaksh [C1115], and his roving band of marauding hobgoblins. Last seen prowling the Beneath. ==================== Foul play in the beneath! Gruaksh the Hobgoblin and his band of ruffians has attacked men of the Uplifted. The Yam farmers were all killed. ==================== Steel Jihad, Keep yourselves West of column 20. The Baron Alliance ==================== The town of Spekleg in Wergon is invincible. Come along my pretties. So sayeth the witch. Spekleg ==================== Baakra, I am coming. Zaark ==================== Apparently the Chaos of Dorvad still spreads. Almost 100 skeletons attacked an elf in the Ristaa forests of Gheg. It is not known whether the elf survived. All parties disappeared into the forest. A separate pack of skeletons attacked a number of elves, ogres and hobgoblins in the employ of the Fellowship of the Bloody Nose. Again, the outcome of the combat is unknown. In a third incident, a pack of skeletons chased a formicite of Ellariath Lothorian out of the woods. The formicite was able to outpace the slower skeleton pack and survived. Crier of Ristaa ==================== Wei Chi - Before Completion ----- -- -- above Li The Clinging, Flame ----- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Before Completion. Success. But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, Gets his tail in the water, There is nothing that would further. The Image Fire over water: The image of the condition before transition. Thus the superior man is careful In the differentiation of things, So that each finds its place. The fox is into his own; our armies are in their places; our scouts have returned; our commanders have returned to their commands. It is time. ==================== Garnog the Pillager has struck again in the mountains of West Argoth. This time it was peaceful miners of Starland's Storm. Someone needs to put an end to this wild man and his berserkers. ==================== This is how Princess Fruthany kills a Kobold. Princess Fruthany [C1091] directs a series of lightning bolts at Odsneetew [C6998], slaying all. [Hits: 20/20 @ Str: 25 Rng: 5 Dam: 5d6 (+12)] Coming into Eldri from the South East, Princess Fruthany of the Baron Alliance. All eligible bachelors should be well grounded. Free City Press ==================== Eew! Blorg still have little bits of goblin left on boot. Quick! Scrape goo off before starts smelling worse! ==================== Is there no end to this damned ocean. The giant has eaten all of our food and is now looking hungrily at the sailors. Captain B Sams Somewhere in the East Ristaa Ocean ==================== Lern the Good is flying into Thormak, on the back of a pegasus, with a Gold Dragon by her side, 30 glows lighting her way, and 20 unicorns in the lead. She wears the crest of the Baron Alliance. Thormak Free Press ==================== The Chronicle Sage is now available to answer those convoluted questions and problems that face all factions from time to time. Each month the Sage will attempt to answer the most cleverly worded question that appears in the Chronicle. ==================== Bordily Tampth the thief/assassin has been killed in single combat by a Xeno Holy Avenger! For years, Tampth has plagued the peaceful lands of Ristaa stealing from commoners and killing those of noble birth. No more! Three cheers for Xenocide and the Holy Avenger! Crier of Ristaa ==================== Chronicle End -- Simon Beresford Referenced By Up