Olympia Times 005

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+----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times times@pbm.com | | July 27, 1994 issue g1-5 | | | | turn 5 110 players "Tolkien is hobbit-forming." | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com

Olympia PBEM

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My dreams are of a field afar And blood and smoke and shot. There in their graves my comrades are, In my grave I am not.

I too was taught the trade of man And spelt the lesson plain; But they, when I forgot and ran, Remembered and remain.

-- A. E. Housman

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Player-contributed press

The Olympia Atlas is now accepting contributions.

In the tradition of Oleg's Map (tm), the Atlas will be 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 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.

The Atlas is available by ftp on ftp.cp.tn.tudelft.nl, in the directory /pub/pbm/olympia. The file name is atlas.x, where x is the turn of the last update.

ATLAS.4 should be available now. Comments welcome!

Brought to you by the Skulking Vermin (sx6)

The Watcher notes (with great amusement) those who are trying to set forth various complex challenge and combat rules. True Chaos knows no boundaries, and those who try to force events into molds of their own foolish choosing may soon find themselves overwhelmed by their darkest fears come to life.

Remember the proverb: "Choose your friends wisely. Your enemies will choose YOU!"

A Public Service Message from....THE WATCHER.

P.S. You're welcome. Have a nice day.

The room swirled as Altimont cracked open an eyelid. He groaned. Perhaps the celebration last night had gotten a bit out of hand. Still, it was the last time all the members of the consortium would be together until they set sail at the end of the month. At least he wasn't in the hunting party. They must have left hours ago, on the foraging mission that would stock the larder for the long ocean voyage. Although most of the consortium had gone on the hunt, Altimont wasn't specifically needed, and, being of a more academic bent, he had elected to remain behind to get a bit of studying in. There were many skills that would be needed to forge a home on whatever island they would eventually settle. The summer sun streaked into the shanty that was his temporary abode. One would think that a town this size would boast a proper inn, he mused, but by the time someone got around to building one, the consortium would be long gone. He stretched, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves and the cries of the gulls in the distance, as the hammering in his brain slowly subsided. He bolted upright. Hammering? Yes, the sounds of the work crew should certainly be heard at this time in the morning. Altimont frowned, considering. It seemed implausible that they should have finished this far ahead of schedule. He had trained a couple of the peasant workmen himself, and while certainly brawny, they were remarkably lacking in initiative. Altimont quickly dressed and hurried down to the shipyard. On the dock, the soon-to-be ship captain and the construction foreman were engaged in a heated discussion. Beyond them stood a dozen or so laborers, milling about aimlessly in front of the half-completed roundship. Two large piles of neatly stacked lumber lay nearby, untouched. "I'm terribly sorry sir, and sir," said the foreman, acknowledging Altimont's presence with a nod. "Maritime Construction Code section 1247.32B expressly prohibits release of building materials without a properly executed transfer consent form. Of course you noble sirs filled out your forms correctly." He grinned, ingratiatingly. "But I'm afraid your compatriots were not so conscientious. Look here." Flipping through a sheaf of papers, he jabbed a finger at a form. "This one is completely lacking a signature. And this one, while signed, has not been dated. These forms must be completed before construction can be resumed." "Blast it all," Altimont fumed, "They won't be back for a fortnight or more. We are all members of the consortium. Clearly their intent is to return to a COMPLETED ship..." "I'm sorry. I'd love to help you, really I would." The foreman shrugged. "But union regulations, you know?" Turning to the workmen, he bellowed, "Now hear this! Due to administrative difficulties, you are all on leave for the rest of the month. Report back to work on the first day of 'Thunder and Rain'. Oh, and don't forget to pick up your wages as you leave." The workers filed out, their spirits buoyed by the unexpected vacation. Altimont did not share their feeling, and he stormed back to the hovel. Ignoring his stack of books, he reached for an unopened wine bottle. There would be time for study later. By all indications, this was going to end up being a very long voyage indeed.

Well, the silver city had certainly lived up to its name. Sparkling towers and streets that shined at night. While taking in the sights he had even managed to extract the location of a couple more cities. Where had the time gone?

Shaking himself out of a daze, a chill ran over him. There was something wrong in the air, the birds were silent. Then, screaming out of the nearby bushs came half a dozen figures. Wild Men! The melee was fast and furious, however his skill at arms told through. Four of them lay at his feet, and last one fleeing for his life back into the wilds that spawned him.

Wanderer hurried on, anxious to leave these parts. However in his hurry he missed the river he was going to follow north to Faelgrar. With a deep sigh he turned north, resolving that if he was going to have to head back West aways, he would at least do it through some new terrain.

Reports of a Sea Monster have been circulating recently, and captains are warned to stay well to the coast round Provinia. Passage towards Ossicus is fairly easy, and also along the coast of east Drucartan. Watch out for rocks!

Pseudo Heraldry 101

Hearldry is the science of armorial bearings. Right. As far as we are concerned, heraldry is how to describe your made-up coat of arms or banner.

Term Color ------- ------------------------------------------ or = gold or yellow argent = silver or white Azure = blue Gules = red Sable = black Vert = green Purpure = purple Ermine = black spots of one of various shapes representing ermine tails on a white field Pean = ermine spots of gold on a black field (there are lots more but this is a good start)

FORMAT: field color, beast, posture, beast color OR: background color, device, adjective, foreground color

EXAMPLES: Sable, Ferret Couchant Or (Lying down yellow ferret on a black field) Azure, Lemming Dormant Sable (Sleeping black lemming on a blue field) Argent, Dragon Rampant Pean (Rampant Black dragon with gold ermine spots on a field of white) Argent, Croix Gules (Red cross on a white field) Vert, Turtle En crout Argent (Albino turtle inside it's shell on a green field) Or, Dion Erect Azure (Standing Blue Wanderer on a gold field) Sable, Cannibal Monocled Purpure (One eyed purple people eater in a black room) Vert, Toilet Rampant Argent (White Toilet with the seat left up in a green room)

Getting kind of silly here, but you get the idea .

Disclaimer: There is _much_ more to heraldry than the above, and _lots_ of rules to follow, but this is for fun and bugger the rules .

The Dagda [s4b] Banner = Sable, Merkin Rampant Gules

Journal Entry, Sunsear, Year 1 of the Relocation - Gonzo Greybeard Well, it appears that the peace was short-lived, at best. Apparently there is not enough land on this vast continent and the other land masses on this world of Olympia. There are those who can not go for any length of time without inflicting misery on others. Why is it necessary to attack nobles for no apparent reason? What harm has been done? I do not condone this type of action, and I have discussed this matter with my liegemen. We are all in agreement that we will stand against this type of hostility with others who are not afraid to stand for right. On another note, it appears that we were able to recruit a number of crossbowmen from the area to add to the ranks. We will continue to recruit and build forces in an attempt to stand against those who would do evil for evil's sake. The good news is that we haven't seen any pots laying around on the ground for over a month!

Q: What is the latest Noble martial art? A: Thrown pots. Q: What is the latest market for baskets? A: Large ones to store pots in. Q: How can you tell if a sword belongs to a noble? A: Look for the basket hilt. Q: What is the latest noble fashion in armor? A: Pot helms.

More pot shots brought to you from the Normandy faction.

Wanted:

Additional Athelfrar Castle Construction Techniques.

Already have technique #1

Build next to a huge lair of giant birds. It reduces the competition for resources and the occasional loss of peasants and Nobles during the Harvest "feeding" season prevents boredom.

a friendly construction engineer

POSITION WANTED: Able bodied Captain with crew of sailors & pirates seeks to join high risk, high reward expedition to explore & map the uncharted wilderlands North or South of the known world. Willing to defend ship & crew against marauders but not interested in military or mercenary agenda. Contact: RumRunner Tar [l5c] with itinerary.

OP News - Mount Olympus - Buildings built on Olympus. Local residents report construction on Mt. Olympus. A tower has sprung up 'over-night' and a castle is under construction. Watchers from the Imperial City are concerned that these structures may be intended to control the route to the Cloudlands. However, Chief Engineer Rizo of the Imperial City was quoted as saying, "It will take them over a year to complete a castle on Olympus unless they are importing stone from other regions." Even so, local residents are worried these structures will provide conflict, not protection, to Mt. Olympus.

Olympia Atlas update:

For all those without FTP access, the Atlas has also been uploaded to the PBMGames forum on CompuServe. It's in the Fantasy Games section, as atlasX.txt, where X is the turn of the last update. Atlas4.txt should be available now.

Skulking Vermin (sx6)

The Royal Geographer Emeritus watched his sons at their practice. His fourth son had now taken up archery. The need for the fourth son to know archery so he could train archers to protect their new home was obvious, but the old Geographer was still concerned about the state of their finances. Training costs, maintenance costs for sailors, it all added up and was rapidly draining their coffers. Funding for the workers to build their new castle was going to be a problem!

Well, first they had to reach Krussos. After seeing the surprising number of ships damaged in costal waters, he had discussed keeping to deeper waters with the captain. Probably unforseen dangers in the deeper waters also, but he could not protect against the unknown, only try to avoid the known dangers.

All these worries were not what he had anticipated when he left his royal office and joined the 'land rush'. And Krussos was still a long way off yet. What would the weather be like in the southern waters as winter approached? How accurate were the maps as they neared West Ilion? Was he correct in assuming that they would be more protected from the weather in fall and winter by sailing down the west side of Atnos? He was more worried now about costal waters and accidental groundings. Perhaps he should have risked the open sea on the east side of Atnos. He called for the serving girl to bring more wine.

For those interested, the unprovoked attack on Taliesin the Merlin in Blossom bloom. The matter is being redressed. Scoundrels take note: this kind of thing brings out the worst in us. -The East Coast Avengers

Emperor's forest [by24], forest, in Provinia, wilderness ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1: Artur [n2v] attacks Taliesin the Merlin [e5s]! 1: 1: Artur [n2v], with 15 peasants, four workers, accompanied by: 1: Terminus [t6x] 1: Talia [z6p], behind 9, with three crossbowmen 1: Decessim [w2f], with two peasants 1: 1: Taliesin the Merlin [e5s], accompanied by: 1: Companion Gwydion [y2t], with one soldier 1: Achilles [y1n], with three soldiers 1: 1: Artur [n2v] is victorious! 1: 1: Artur lost five peasants, one worker. 1: 1: Taliesin the Merlin lost four soldiers. 1: Companion Gwydion [y2t] was taken prisoner. 1: Achilles [y1n] was taken prisoner. 1: 3: Artur [n2v] recruited two peasants. 3: Taliesin the Merlin [e5s] recruited two peasants. 3: Terminus [t6x] recruited two peasants. 3: Talia [z6p] recruited two peasants. 3: Decessim [w2f] recruited two peasants. 4: Decessim [w2f], with three peasants, went east. 4: Taliesin the Merlin [e5s], with two peasants, went east. 6: Artur [n2v] cut seven wood. 7: Artur [n2v] cut eight wood. 8: Artur [n2v], with nine workers, went east, accompanied by: 8: Companion Gwydion [y2t], prisoner 8: Achilles [y1n], prisoner 8: Talia [z6p], with five crossbowmen, went east. 8: Terminus [t6x], with nine peasants, went east. 14: Ulf the Unforgiven [w4y], with one peasant, arrived from the west. 15: Ulf the Unforgiven [w4y], with one peasant, went east. 20: Gonzo Greybeard [p0k], with one peasant, five pikemen, arrived from the 20: west, accompanied by: 20: Argent [j7l] 20: Chromium [w5q], with one riding horse 20: Dionysis [n8d] 20: Boron [q5k], with three workers 20: Ferris [k9y] 24: Kinder Brighteyes [i9t], with ten pikemen, arrived from the west, 24: accompanied by: 24: Brandon Myr [z4y] 24: Willan Chantri [m3f] 24: Teros Truehammer [k6f]

Routes leaving Emperor's forest: North, forest, to Emperor's forest [bx24], 8 days East, forest, to Emperor's forest [by25], 8 days South, to Ocean [bz24], Atnos Channel, 1 day West, forest, to Emperor's forest [by23], 8 days

Seen here: Wild men [ir2n], savages, number: 6 Gonzo Greybeard [p0k], with one peasant, five pikemen, accompanied by: Argent [j7l] Chromium [w5q], with one riding horse Dionysis [n8d] Boron [q5k], with three workers Ferris [k9y] Kinder Brighteyes [i9t], with ten pikemen, accompanied by: Brandon Myr [z4y] Willan Chantri [m3f] Teros Truehammer [k6f]

Emperor's forest [by25], forest, in Provinia, wilderness ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11: Horde of rats [db2v] comes out of hiding. 12: Horde of rats [db2v] attacks Taliesin the Merlin [e5s]! 12: 12: Horde of rats [db2v], rats, number: 6 12: 12: Taliesin the Merlin [e5s], with two peasants 12: 12: Horde of rats [db2v] is victorious! 12: 12: Horde of rats lost one rat. 12: 12: Taliesin the Merlin lost two peasants. 12: Taliesin the Merlin [e5s] was taken prisoner. 12: 15: Pack of wolves [ca3n] come out of hiding. 15: Pack of wolves [cr2m] come out of hiding. 16: Pack of wolves [cr2m] attacks Talia [z6p]! 16: 16: Pack of wolves [cr2m], wolves, number: 5 16: 16: Talia [z6p], behind 9, with five crossbowmen, accompanied by: 16: Artur [n2v], ally, with nine workers 16: Terminus [t6x], ally, with nine peasants 16: 16: Talia [z6p] is victorious! 16: 16: Talia lost one peasant, one worker. 16: 16: Pack of wolves lost four wolves. 16: Pack of wolves [cr2m] was wiped out. 16: 21: Decessim [w2f] recruited ten peasants.

Routes leaving Emperor's forest: North, forest, to Emperor's forest [bx25], 8 days East, mountain, to Channel mountains [by26], 10 days South, to Ocean [bz25], Atnos Channel, 1 day West, forest, to Emperor's forest [by24], 8 days

The province is blanketed in fog.

No one can be seen through the fog.

Biggles: Hey vender-man, will you buy these 25 clay pots for 1 crown each?

Vender: No, noble-man, but you just earned 25 gold for talking to me.

Biggles: How's that, vender-man?

Vender: Noble-man, the walls have ears and your words are being issued forth to all corners of the world for your gain!

Biggles: (thinks: What a strange man!)

Why waste your life toiling in the fields? Don't spend months and months constructing castles. Don't mill about mindlessly exploring the wilderness. No, give up these ambitions. You can live a comfortable life by making and selling clay pots and baskets. Leaving you more than 3 weeks of every month of SPARE TIME!

Over the next few months I hope to construct a tavern (location to be determined) where idle nobles can use this spare time to engage in GAME PLAYING! Come to my tavern and engage in some card games, or darts, board games or even role playing games. Enjoy your life in Olympia, don't work too hard.

All this blood and gore. That means some nobles might need to be healed, or even given last rites. If so, then contact Clann Dhabaid -- we might be able to cut a deal. Remember -- contact qr2@g1.pbm.com. If we can't fix you up, it will cost you nothing!

The Geographic Society, after getting off to a slow start, has finally managed to begin acquiring a library of knowledge. The first issue of our magazine, 'Discoveries', includes an initial city atlas, as well as a cross-indexed table of trade good prices. 'Discoveries' will be published approximately bi-weekly, and is available to all members, free of charge. All that is asked of members is that they add to the store of knowledge of the organization. Interested nobles should contact: The Crimson Sage [w0l].

Innkeeping Tips from Chief Vitalstatistix -----------------------------------------

#1 - How to make a Kodvakaze :

1 liter Kodva (or other fermented fish oil beverage) 2 dozen Limes Pepper Ice

Squeeze limes then mix with kodva. Strain through ice. Add a dash of pepper (to taste) and garnish with anchovy. Serve immediately.

MAFOC is a bunch of lily-livered cowards, and.... what's that? You want my address? Ummm.... okay, it's skrenta@pbm.com (heh heh heh)

But seriously folks, isn't it time we cleaned up our world and got those vermin fixed, and fast? Sheesh!

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY The Black Talon Rangers seek partners to help establish a Mercantile Empire along the lines of the Dutch East India Company. Plans include land, sea and inter-world based operations. We intend to procure and purvey ALL cargos, to ALL customers; ANY time, ANY where. "Full Partner" & "Most Favored Trade Partner" status will be granted to founding factions who are willing to participate in this ambitious ground floor opportunity. Submit offers and inquiries to: RumRunner Tar [l5c].

Trien Company Gets Lost! On the way to the lovely city of Aethelarn, the mighty company was led astray by a uncouth guide. Promising a quick short cut, the Company was soon hopelessly lost. The Company got back on track once they executed the guide.

Val, spokesperson for the Trien Company

The violence of the surrounding nobles was astounding. But he had formed several allies, and it was time to begin hunting... First, though, to train these unruly peasants into a honed fighting force. The hunting would be delayed, but not for long. Justice would be served.

HERO OR FOOL?

The cowled man spoke swiftly and softly: 'My patrons are sympathetic to your views, but they are not yet convinced that you are the right vessel for our cause. We will study your performance and contact you again.' Anthony scowled, but contained his always-hot temper. 'Do you have any advice?' 'In combat,' advised the silky voice, 'Always sent your men into the front line, and hold yourself and other nobles back, to avoid injury in the early rounds. Let you men do the hardest fighting: you are paying them for it!' Anthony's restraint burst in a shower of metaphorical sparks. 'The Levellers are committed to the common man. Your suggestion is disgraceful! Rather, we will put the nobles in the front rank and keep the soldiers in reserve, or at least we shall fight together.' The cowl shook gently in the gloom. 'You are either a mighty hero or a great fool...'

Discussion List about Olympia available !

For all those who are not on Compuserver and them too, that want discuss game related strategies, or have questions others could probably answer, there is a discussion list called:

NETWORK

If you want to participate and share informations or opinions just write a short mail to

majordomo@spectra100.phys.chemie.uni-giessen.de

with the following line in the messagetext (not subject)

subscribe network

It would like to welcome anybody to participate and i think its the right forum to exchange opinions and perhaps enhance the game ?

Would like to see many of you there !

The information Network of Olympia Marco & Polo

Oleg the Pleasant's Lore Archive remains open for business!

Oleg's Lore Archive is now available at your favorite Olympia ftp site. Be the first noble on your block to retrieve a copy. Coming soon: differences between the alpha and final lore.

-- Oleg the Pleasant [b2q]

Ancient and honorable Order of Olympians?? I dunno, I sorta wish they were the Ancient Order of *honorable* Olympians!! grrrrr ...

Seen here: Horde of rats [db2v], rats, number: 5, accompanied by: Taliesin the Merlin [e5s], prisoner

Anyone who is considering the apparently wise and cogent words of Taliesin the Merlin should keep in mind that this is the individual with a level of intelligence to be taken prisoner by rats. Could it be that the rats are forcing him to deliver these scurrilous accusations?

Under the category of "Skills We'd Like Rich to Implement" we find this suggestion:

Eliminate drivel [7834] ------------------ Usage: USE 7834

Required aura: none Time to cast: seven days

Eliminate drivel from the Times. This spell will eliminate from the target issue of the Times all fictionalized accounts of characters going about such exciting activities as making pots and sailing ships. With the expenditure of the optional noble point, the spell will also send mail to each player who submitted drivel, pointing out in great detail just how bad their writing is and suggesting several alternate ways to earn 25 gold a month that won't bombard the entire player community with such swill.

The spell will, however, leave in all the Oleg jokes. Those things are great.

Handbill found in the ruins of the Imperial City, circa 340 SOR:

The Wanderer is coming! The chaos and struggle you see is a sign that he will soon arrive! Serve the Wanderer, and his mercy shall save you! His Hand is upon us all!

Commentary by Sirelius Morgani, circa 1617 SOR:

Although the rantings of The Wanderer cult are typical for the apocalyptic death-cults of the time, they were correct. The fact remains that their uncanny predictions of the coming troubles in the Imperial City temporarily gave them immense political and spiritual power in the time directly after the Fall.

TRAVELLERS ADVISORY ------------------- All peace loving nobles active east of the Imperial City are warned to beware the bandits active in the region. I, Taliesin the Merlin, leader of Companions of Caerleon, was assaulted in Blossom bloom of the year 1 while travelling to the city of Newleaf:

Though my companions fought valiantly to defend us against these thugs, they were sorely outnumbered. My closest friend Gwydion has since died of the wounds he received from the attack by these scoundrels. Achilles was able to escape their clutches and has since made his way to Newleaf; but his freedom may be short lived as the criminal Artur is present there also. Though I will not make a blanket indictment of the Ancient Order of Olympians as some have; in this instance it was some of their members that undertook this act of banditry.

I implore all noblemen of good conscious and courageous heart, to join me in a quest to eradicate all such vermin from the face of our world. Let it not matter whom they have attacked or where they may try to hide. To allow such criminal acts to go unanswered is a threat to us all. Toward the fulfillment of this quest:

ANNOUNCING

"MAD MERLIN'S BANDIT LIST"

Mugged by thugs while travelling?

Peacefully about your business and beset upon by bandits?

Tell Taliesin the "TAD MAD" Merlin about it. We'll see to it that all peaceful nobles hear of their nefarious deeds. A list will be compiled of all known bandits and will be available to all on request. Anyone providing information will remain anonymous, so you don't have to give the bandits a clue as to your identity. The list will also include the last known location of any bandits, providing that the peaceful nobles out exploring our world will provide anonymous sighting reports. I hope eventually to make it available via the incantation of "FTP", but for the moment you should use "csc2bds@cabell.vcu.edu" "Subject: Bandits".

Taliesin the Merlin Companions of Caerleon [oz0]

Ben csc2bds@cabell.vcu.edu

Horses for sale. NOT YET :(

Due to unforseen difficulties, the opening of the Imperial City Horse market has been delayed two months. We will post an update when the horses arrive.

Thanks for your patience,

- the dark riders

The Jihad continues its battle against the evil machinations of the netherhordes.

This turn Brother MoonPlague and his brave companions have engaged in battle with undead, scattering them to the four winds.

Long Live the Jihad!

DRAGONS SIGHTED IN CHANNEL MOUNTAINS ====================================

A report has come in that a group of travelers was attacked and mostly eaten by a group fo 7 wandering dragons. Only one noble escaped, and he died shortly after descibing his adventure. Be carefull out there!!!

Thomas awoke to the sound of seabirds in the harbor of the Imperial City. He scratched himself, yawned mightily, and blinked sleepily in the wan light of the early morning. He got out of bed and rinsed his face and hands in the washbowl, then moved to the window. Looking out over the harbor, he inhaled deeply of the sea breeze, and thumped himself on the chest. "A fine day to start a new career," he thought, and turned to dress.

A few minutes later, he emerged from the inn, and sauntered towards the academic quarter of the city. As he walked, he occasionally fingered the leather purse that hung at his belt, as if to assure himself that the money was still there. 100 gold pieces wasn't much by some standards, but it represented a significant portion of his father's liquid assets. It wouldn't do to have it stolen.

At last he approached the towers of learning, and paused to sample the scent of sawdust that hung in the air. Even now, before the day's work had begun, signs of prior labor lingered. He looked up at the tower, straightened his shoulders, and entered.

********************************************** ************ NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH ***********

*** Robin Hood Spotted in Emperor's Forest ***

DateLine: Emperor's Forest

Seems once again, bandits and self proclaimed protectors of the lower classes are active in the Emperor's Forest. Not willing to clear the forests of Wolves and other vermin, these brigands have begun robbing even Nobles!

What has happened to our peaceful world? Will the Emperor finally call out the army and do something? Will the peasants have to arm themselves, and do the job?

Greetings to all who have inquired about the new construction on Mt. Olympus. Please be assured that we have no intention of restricting trade or travel, or of attacking anyone who does not give us cause by attacking or interfering with our construction. Please also be assured that preparations have been made to defend ourselves from those who plot to tear down, rather than build up, our fine world. -- The Management

I'll be leaving the Imperial City soon, to strike off for the unknown reaches of our land mass, and invite and suggest that other like-minded folks rendezvous at Mount Olympus one turn from now.