Eldritch Chronicle - turn 21 From: thomasSPAMGUARD@clark.net (Mark Thomas) Date: Sat, 05 Jun 1999 00:00:00 +0000 Eldritch is a computer moderated, play-by-email, strategy game of exploration and conquest for a variable number of players. Each player controls a FACTION, a group of champions and units, in a fantasy world where they can build an empire, explore the world, engage in trade, and/or study powerful magic. Each game of Eldritch runs either as an open-ended game, or until one or more factions meets the defined victory conditions. To read more: http://www.pmpro.com/eldritch Moderator email: eldritch@pmpro.com -------------------------------------------------- The Eldritch Chronicle Turn 21 --=== Articles ===-- ==================== The Iron March [F30] writes: The harpy champion was a strange addition to the Iron March, but a welcome one. It could hardly believe its eyes as the dwarves poured hundreds of coins into its greedy talons. Their message was clear. The mission rehearsed. With the gleam of gold still new, the harpy took wing and flew past the massive granite spires of the city. ==================== And Friends [F29] writes: Robin read his copy of the Chronicle with interest: It seemed that many factions are taking their second cities and made a note to urge his men on to greater efforts. The aquatic scouts had crossed the ocean and had reported a new town maybe it would be an area for future expansion, but who knows what powers may lurk. The forces of darkness seem to be multiplying. No sign of them here, (just giants) but we haven't explored the tunnels yet. ==================== Talon [F14] writes: Everyone's heard of Tr'chok the Death! Attackers: Tr'chok the Death [C1259] of Townsmen [F1] destroyed. Hand of Death [U1260] of Townsmen [F1] destroyed. Spears of Doom [U1261] of Townsmen [F1] destroyed. As promised our special envoy has explained our conditions for peace with Tr'chok the Death in much simpler terms. Our initial message to Tr'chok the Death was evidently misunderstood as he continued his attacks against our unarmed civilians. We are certain he now understands our position. Clan Talon ==================== The Uplifted [F21] writes: The Uplifted announce a drastic change in Leadership. Following a second hiccup in time caused by our esteemed Death priest, Ryotblah, we will cancel his appointment as fiend-in-charge of the dedication of the Shrines, and will replace him with a more worthy priest. May this serve as a lesson. Position and birth is no refuge against incompetence. ==================== Black Reavers [F42] writes: FAB UPDATE With regard to the difficulties with FAB, I haven't heard any response back from the latest message. It was sent on Monday morning. They have yet to offer to pay any reparations unconditionally. Their latest demand, which was refused, stated they would pay reparations for the attack only if they were given joint control the underground city where the trouble occurred. They have also failed make any type apology to me or claim any responsibility for their attack. From their reasoning, I caused all the problems because I prevented them from moving into an area where I was taxing. I only took this action after they protected a hex they were taxing that was immediately adjacent to the one in question. I also took this action after Storm, F45, attacked the militia in the town that I was in the process of taking over. So I protected my hex after they protected their hex. Now since I didn't protest THEIR protecting of a hex, FAB said it is all my fault that Storm decided to issue an attack order against a hex he knew I controlled. FAB took this stance regardless that this was the last message I received from FAB about the underground city. -----From Adrian of Storm/FAB--- OK, I'll have to talk to Neil and FAB and get back to you on this. The town is VERY close to me, so of course I am concerned about how it is developed. You would be too, with a town right on your doorstep. -------------------------------- Regardless that FAB never protested my protecting of the hex or contacted me to see if I still maintained control of the hex or got back to me as mentioned in the above message and regardless of the fact the underground city is located 5 hexes from my starting city and I already have 2 FAB factions located 4 hexes from my city. When I brought these points to FAB they were completely ignored. Now I am not sure what comments FAB plans to make about the whole situation this turn, but keep in mind those above points in case they fail to mention the other half of the story as I have seen in FAB's messages to other factions that were concerned about their attack. Black Reavers [42] ==================== Slash Y [F50] writes: Pikay smiled. His chidren were coming along nicely. Perhaps a new pet... ==================== Black Reavers [F42] writes: " I have scried F42 "Black Reavers" to my east, and I'm worried. I've been playing PBM for 11 years now, and "Black Reavers" sounds to me like something a 14 year old kid would make up. Does anyone know if they can be trusted?" Now this really sounds like something a 14 year old would write. How someone who supposedly has 11 years of PBM experience would write an article like this beyond me...Not to mention they didn't even bother to sign the message.... Makes me wonder if someone else wrote the message. On another note, we have dispatched the Bugbear Ghash the Crusher and his band of outlaws after they attacked the sheriff in Tuxyew. They will no longer plague Thormak or this area. Feel free to send any rewards or bounties this way. ==================== Kalishari [F5] writes: Princess, I apologize for my sudden departure: I am working on a haiku for you and thought I could use a change in environment (and the sea monster was a distraction). ==================== The Bofaescog Khanate [F47] writes: A WORD OF WARNING! To those factions who have dealings with The Black Reavers, I urge you to ensure any treaties you might have with them are airtight. Especially regarding areas of the Beneath. Although they are fair in their dealings, to the letter, these devious Ratton will exploit any loopholes and then publicly claim they have been wronged if you do something about it. What they lack in diplomacy, communication and people skills are more than made up with sound strategic ability. Watch your backs my friends and constantly observe any entrance to the Beneath you encounter. Yours truly, The Khanate of Bofaescog. ==================== Freedonia [F9] writes: Memo to Ursan Resource managers: Ursan employees are extremely finicky about wages, especially in developed areas. Even a skilled recruiter will have considerable trouble hiring if the offered wages are even a little bit below expected. Next time, stage a quick battle just before large hiring pushes. ==================== Erewhon [F80] writes: Erewhon would like to make contact with any of our neighbors who might be interested in trade or other cooperative ventures. We are located in the lower northwest region. We look forward to hearing from you. Ogrun, Chief of the Clans of Erewhon ==================== Meryllia [F55] writes: Conciliatory open letter from The Federated Alliance of Bofaescog (FAB). We are displeased with what Black Reavers wrote about FAB in the turn 20 Chronicle. On turn 18, a FAB faction attacked a protected underground hex near one of our home cities. At the time he did not know for sure who was protecting it and attacked only with a minor force to find out. The faction protecting the hex was F42, Black Reavers. FAB has a border- agreement with F42 that clearly states: 6) Joint exploitation zone all hexes not otherwise specified within this agreement. F42 and members of FAB agree to permit each other free passage through this zone, except where restricted by future agreements. The agreement says nothing about the Beneath, so it must fall into the quoted part above. The attacking force met much more resistance than expected, and was very lucky to win the combat, although the best attacking unit was lost. Black Reavers lost more, which we apologize for. Our member attacked to point out that protecting the hex was unacceptable, not to cause that much damage. This incident could have been avoided if the communication between the involved factions had been better. We regret that it wasn't, but blame Black Reavers as much as ourselves. We should have been informed WHY he was protecting illegally. But also, we could have asked him to stop protecting instead of attacking silently. Both sides made errors here, and both sides suffered losses. We do not intend to attack any faction. Yours, Kepsuu Anarako [F10] Illvaria (A white tree on a green field) [F22] Y'Chelle [F24] Storm [F45] The Bofaescog Khanate [F47] Meryllia [F55] Protectors of the Seine Forest [F72] --==== Rumors ====-- ==================== The Free City [L13218] city in Erhuli [LXXXX] (XX, XX) plain. 11213 Humans [humn] Taxes: $12378 Work: $10 ($4004) Entertainment: $800. Occasional roads wind between the trails and footpaths. Climate is tropical. This turn was spring in Zaya; next will be summer in the month of Siba. Conditions this turn were extreme precipitation, gusty winds, and normal temperatures. Next month The Bag of Ukeahia will be ascendant. Magical tendrils float through the region. A warm glow seems to stream from the earth. A crystalline mesh permeates the region. Titles: Marshall [mrsh] ($846) for $705. Held by Gochees Wadle [C1144]. Mayor [mayr] ($3525) for $4230, requires 2nd administration [admi]. Held by Jostin Cowcatcher [C1141]. Baron [barn] ($2468) for $3525, requires 4th tactics [tact]. Held by General Hildicky [C1153]. Parish Priest [ppri] ($1410) for $2115, requires 2nd religious [ANY]. Held by Father Balstion [C1161]. Master of Crafts [mcrf] ($3173) for $4230, requires 4th craft [ANY]. Wanted: Free City Fortress [L13219]: 4 bronze axes [baxe] @ $35; 6 bronze mails [bmai] @ $90; 7 bronze broadswords [bswd] @ $37; 8 bucklers [buck] @ $38 granary [L13220]: 45 corn [corn] @ $15; 43 wheat [whea] @ $12 healer [L13221]: 3 plorn roots [plor] @ $35; 3 stera flowers [ster] @ $33 herbalist [L13222]: 4 daan saps [daan] @ $34; 3 loracht mosses [lora] @ $29 hunting lodge [L13223]: 23 horses [hrse] @ $62 stable [L13224]: 42 oats [oats] @ $14 weaponsmith [L13225]: 39 coal [coal] @ $17 smithy [L13226]: 5 copper [copp] @ $14; 27 iron [iron] @ $93 animal trainer [L13227]: 18 wild camels [wcam] @ $34; 15 wild horses [whor] @ $38 armorer [L13228]: 9 tin [tin] @ $18 bowyer [L13229]: 6 steel [stee] @ $144 lumberyard [L13230]: 10 oak [oak] @ $31; 44 timber [timb] @ $14 market [L13231]: 23 coconuts [coco] @ $23; 32 cotton [cott] @ $19; 32 potatoes [pota] @ $15; 30 sugar cane [suga] @ $19 mill [L13232]: 41 barley [barl] @ $12; 43 rice [rice] @ $9 tavern [L13234]: 17 coffee [coff] @ $28; 10 stouts [stou] @ $66 stockyard [L13235]: 18 cattle [catt] @ $32; 5 pigs [pigs] @ $20 artisan's guild [L13236]: 33 lumber [lmbr] @ $27 The College of Mages [L13237]: 3 emeralds [emer] @ $1196; 6 onyxes [onyx] @ $455; 3 rubies [rubi] @ $1203 Fortress Crossbow [U1160]: 40 cattle [catt] @ $22; 10 coffee [coff] @ $15 Father Balstion [C1161]: 10 stera flowers [ster] @ $40 Jawatt, Master of Light [C1162]: 4 shilat cacti [shil] @ $55 Ssseron, Master of Air [C1170]: 2 sapphires [sapp] @ $260 traders: 10 ropes [rope] @ $49; 7 bronze tools [btoo] @ $53; 2 leric vines [leri] @ $42; 8 canvas [canv] @ $58; 7 iron javelins [ijav] @ $59 For sale: granary [L13220]: 18 oats [oats] @ $18 herbalist [L13222]: 1 shilat cactus [shil] @ $44 hunting lodge [L13223]: 10 hides [hide] @ $15; 16 leather [leat] @ $25 stable [L13224]: 11 horses [hrse] @ $76 weaponsmith [L13225]: 4 bronze axes [baxe] @ $41; 7 bronze broadswords [bswd] @ $45 smithy [L13226]: 4 bronze [bron] @ $77; 6 charcoal [char] @ $53 animal trainer [L13227]: 10 camels [came] @ $63; 10 elephants [elep] @ $127 armorer [L13228]: 5 bronze mails [bmai] @ $109; 7 helms [helm] @ $48; 3 steel plate mails [spla] @ $462 bowyer [L13229]: 6 bows [bow] @ $59; 2 crossbows [cros] @ $125; 4 oak [oak] @ $30 lumberyard [L13230]: 9 lumber [lmbr] @ $33; 15 timber [timb] @ $15 market [L13231]: 7 canvas [canv] @ $56; 11 ropes [rope] @ $45; 6 wagons [wago] @ $247 mill [L13232]: 19 corn [corn] @ $16 stockyard [L13235]: 12 goats [goat] @ $18 artisan's guild [L13236]: 11 iron [iron] @ $124; 1 mithril [mith] @ $192 FC Wagontrain [U11824]: 35 wheat [whea] @ $20 FC Conveyers [U12461]: 25 horses [hrse] @ $50 Bantha Morus [U1137]: 3 leric vines [leri] @ $45 Fliggen Upside [C1138]: 4 speed of the cheetah [spch] @ $65; 4 lungs of the fish [lgfs] @ $65 Ssselick, Master of Water [C1173]: 3 trela branches [trel] @ $70 traders: 3 steel bills [sbil] @ $131; 5 iron tools [itoo] @ $70; 5 steel broadswords [sswd] @ $104; 2 kvist roots [kvis] @ $46; 3 stone [ston] @ $29; 4 tobacco [toba] @ $30; 1 enchanted axe [eaxe] @ $263 Skills taught: Free City Fortress [L13219]: 5th blades [blde] @ $29; 4th leadership [lead] @ $57 healer [L13221]: 4th healing [heal] @ $39 herbalist [L13222]: 5th woodcraft [wood] @ $51 hunting lodge [L13223]: 4th hunting [hunt] @ $49 weaponsmith [L13225]: 4th weaponsmith [weap] @ $41 animal trainer [L13227]: 5th animal mastery [amst] @ $51 armorer [L13228]: 3rd armorer [armo] @ $40 bowyer [L13229]: 5th bowyer [bowy] @ $39 lumberyard [L13230]: 3rd lumbering [lumb] @ $40 market [L13231]: 5th administration [admi] @ $55 Church of Life [L13233]: 3rd electricity [elec] @ $50; 3rd light [lght] @ $50; 6th life [life] @ $40; 3rd mineral [mnrl] @ $50; 3rd steam [stea] @ $50 stockyard [L13235]: 4th ranching [ranc] @ $49 artisan's guild [L13236]: 4th agriculture [agri] @ $49; 4th construction [cons] @ $41; 2nd engineering [engi] @ $30 The College of Mages [L13237]: 4th artifice [arti] @ $105 Calicowr, Master of Fire [C1166]: 6th fire [fire] @ $55 Eugroes, Master of Ooze [C1168]: 5th ooze [ooze] @ $43 Dirutan, Master of Earth [C1169]: 5th earth [eart] @ $50 Pyrol, Master of Smoke [C1171]: 5th smoke [smke] @ $50 Its worth the trip... ==================== The valley was warm and misty. Many of the plants withered in the high heat and moisture while strange fungus feasted on what was left. Kyannim moved cautiously over the rocks to the small valley rife with steaming pools. The steam rises, coalescing into half-recognizeable shapes, then dispersing into other vapors nearby. Though he knows little of the ways of magic, he felt this area was laden with raw power. Suddenly, a column rose before him into the shape of a great four armed serpent with the head of a ram. Peering down at Kyannim, four arms fold as it hisses, "Speak". ==================== The Glows are starting to pour in. Where are they coming from, and why are they attacking? ==================== The Formicite Hunting Hordes are still on the march. ==================== The Sons of T'Koth [F54] are the force behind the Formicite Hunting Hordes. The High Queen of Sons of T'Koth [F54] commands the Hordes. ==================== Alas, Alotia Tothmuk, Explorer, Adventurer, is no more, eaten by the crocodiles who preferred humans to grapes, while searching for the land bridge that does not exist. ==================== A solitary fiend, battered and bleeding, scrambled away from the battlefield where the enemy still searched the remains of the vanquished for loot. Tr'chok had fallen! How could it be? None had ever beaten the warlord in a fight. The fiend looked back over the bloody field, then turned away towards his distant homeland. He shuddered for a moment when he thought about how this news would be received by the King. He was not known for his forgiving nature, but then fiends seldom were... ==================== The Ants [F31] have outstanding leadership. ==================== The Oracle says: You can't trust F42 Black Reavers. ==================== What a sight! A steamy vessel and a dragon's head sticking out! He asked me the way to Olympus. Said something about murdering a bard. He game me a bar of gold. Odd. ==================== The cryill are quite viscious. Some say they are attracted by shiny objects. ==================== Slash Y is friends with Naaman. ==================== Oh wise, chonicle sage, what are the ways to make enconomies grow? And what are the things that should be avoided? ==================== Was that a rabid unicorn? Maybe they are not just magical creatures? Maybe they can be turned...to the dark side. ==================== 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. ==================== The deaths of one's champions shall not go unavenged ==================== Be warned: The mason guilds do not approve of individuals beginning grand building projects. The large groups of men and materials necessary to complete the project may refuse to enter the construction site, leading to many delays and cost overruns. Negotiations with the Grand Mason are underway. ==================== Laban [C8804] the Mayor of Golaomlu offers employment and land to all who call upon him. Awsula [L3192] (92, 31) desert contains Golaomlu [L10012] village ==================== Snyder [C12851] of Slash Y [F50] was seen talking to Naaman. ==================== Phineas [C8809] is the Master of the Air. He will teach you or transport you. ==================== Dorvad the Ancient, we seek an audience with you. Your coming has been foretold by our priest. Let us join forces so we may bring about what must come. Let our envoys meet at L10859 so that we may better serve each other and bring about CHAOS! ==================== Magic can sometimes rule the battlefield. Other times it comes down to numbers and strength. But many times, it comes down to who strikes the first blow. ==================== The Beastmaster inhaled the smoke of the naar seeds and watched the shadows dance around the fire. The picture painted was disturbingly familiar. Everywhere the rumors were the same. Wights, undead, wraiths, worse. He inhaled once more, mind spinning outward towards the faint energies radiating from the barrow. Yes, the old one still slept, lost in dream and wonder. The Beastmaster sighed, then stood. He turned towards the mound, nudging aside the basilisk that nuzzled his hand, seeking a treat. He inhaled deeply, then shouted the first word. The word of opening. There was a moment of stillness, then a faint rumbling spread outware from the barrow. A thin line of palid ochre light spilled from an ever widening gap in the mound. He inhaled once again, then spoke the second word, quietly, but with conviction. The word of wakening. Again the ground trembled, the light flickered, as if its source was shaken, or moving. A last breath, then the final word. The word of friendship. A last rippling tremor shook the ground, then all was still. The light grew in the barrow, as if its source was drawing closer to the gap in the mound. Slowly, ever so slowly, the vast head slithered forth from the mound, the stony plates grinding as they pushed through the narrow opening, widening it in the process. The great eyes, glowing like two giant topaz stones, flickered, then came to rest on the Beastmaster. A tingle of thought touched the ursan's mind. Curiosity. "I'm sorry old friend," said the Beastmaster, "but the cycle turns again. He is risen again. Already the hordes rise to serve him." The creature stared for a moment, a gaze so intense that few could withstand it, then the great head nodded. The creature turned and glanced back at the mound that still covered its mighty frame. With a roar the creature reared back, ripping through the huge mound like so much dust. Wings a full hundred feet long unfurled and spread across the stormy sky. The creature reared back on its hind legs and roared again, a piercing cry that tore the heavens and shook the ground. "Yes old friend," the Beastmaster muttered as he turned back to the fire "it is a dark night, but we shall see the end, then you can sleep again." Later, the Beastmaster covered the coals of his fire and set off for the next mound, many days journey away. Behind him, outlined for a brief moment against the moon, the shadow of a dragon soared across the sky. ==================== Ethan [C8773] offers 5000 COINS to anyone who brings him the head of Naaman in Umwrig [L3333] (33, 33). ==================== Jokin [C8801] the Bard is in Nibu [L10197] town in Umwrig [L3644] (44, 36). He seeks an apprentice. ==================== Mikko [C8819] in Orcsovlowa [L4286] (86, 42) plain sells the best arms and armor in the land. ==================== Echitosssse is dead. Good riddance. He was a charismatic snake. One that should never have been trusted. ==================== Dearest Angel It was an evening I shared with the Brothers to find out where I belonged; Memories flash in and out, but non of them are from here. Creatures of dreams and nightmares are common place, bugs standing erect taller than I am, shadows moving without someo ==================== Astrologers claim that the signs in the heavens have mystical import beyond determining a person's outlook and personality. Some claim these signs reveal the true secrets of magic, while others say the signs change the very substance of mana, bending it this way and that. ==================== Chronicle End Mark ----- Mark Thomas thomasSPAMGUARD@clark.net http://www.clark.net/pub/thomas You can't manage creativity. All you can do is give it a place to work. Remove SPAMGUARD from address when replying. Up