+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | The Olympia Times                                      times@pbm.com |
   | August 17, 1994                                           issue g1-8 |
   |                                                                      |
   |                                            "Strong and bitter words  |
   | turn 8  127 players                         indicate a weak cause."  |
   +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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

			     Olympia PBEM

				*  *  *

		Yonder see the morning blink;
			The sun is up, and up must I,
		To wash and dress and eat and drink
		And look at things and talk and think
			And work, and God knows why.

		Oh often have I washed and dressed
			And what's to show for all my pain?
		Let me lie abed and rest:
		Ten thousand times I've done my best
			And all's to do again.

				-- A. E. Housman

				*  *  *


Extra day RECRUIT problem fixed
-------------------------------

Previously, RECRUIT would sometimes take an extra day to determine if
there were no more peasants available.  This problem has been fixed.

This was a general problem with COLLECT, so other collection tasks
are fixed also.


GM moderation
-------------

This turn I had a player express concern that I was meddling in the
affairs of the game.  Let me state to everyone that I do not do this.

I don't submit material beneath "Player-contributed press" in the _Times_.
I don't work for or against alliances or players.  I don't play NPC's or
control the weather.  In short, I don't "make things happen" in the game.
Olympia is designed to take care of itself, and the only meddling you will
see comes from the random number generator.

Game fairness is very important to me.  This is why you can only play one
position in Olympia, not as many as your wallet will allow.  This is why
turns are flat rate instead of charged per-order.

When a game bug occurs, I like to compensate the victim with a natural
resource entry point such as NP's or gold.  Even though giving back a
lost unit or granting something that "should have been" might be more
appropriate, these gifts from heaven can ruin other players' turns.
There's nothing worse than having your enemy suddenly obtain a GM gift
army between turns, even if the army is compensation for a bug.




			Player-contributed press



The Olympia Atlas is accepting contributions, and is available for
download!

In the tradition of Oleg's Map (tm), the Atlas is 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 (region & route info)
	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.

Contributions are needed even for areas already covered by the Atlas.  
Inner locations change ownership, market prices change, new buildings 
(castles, towers, inns, temples, mines) are constructed, etc.  
Information in the Atlas marked by turn number ages rapidly and needs 
updated frequently.

The Atlas is available by ftp from your nearest PBM ftp site
(ftp.erg.sri.com in the USA, check the PBM FAQ for other sites),
in the directory /pub/pbm/olympia, as atlas.X, where X is the turn of
the last update.

The Atlas is also available on the PBMGames forum on CompuServe, in
the fantasy games section, as atlas.oly.

The turn 6 version of the atlas is currently available at both sites.

Brought to you by the Skulking Vermin (sx6)   



"Your Grace, a public inquiry about where one learns about religion", the
scribe reported to the High Priest.  

An incredulous look suddenly came to Stewart's face, "Learn religion?
Where do they think one would learn about religion, in the city amongst the
thieves and prostitutes and pot makers?" 

"Very funny, your grace, should I send off a letter?", the scribe didn't
look amused.

"Yes, and make sure to include the plans this time! We don't want them
making any more lawful temples." 

---
Stewart's House of Divinity
666 Chaos Lane
Imperial City

Dear soon-to-be priest:

	Using the following plans, construct a temple with your supply of
50 stone and many fanatical religious followers (workers) that you have
previously prepared. Of course you know the Construction skill. When done,
enter the temple and repeatedly speak the "study 150" prayer. If you have
sufficient credit with the gods (one noble point) your prayer will be
answered in about 1 1/4 months (longer if you are not truly dedicated),
and you will have become a priest. 

			2nd Under scribe to Stewart,
			High Priest of Chaos

Appendix: Sample temple plans
	build temple "Chaos Temple"
	build temple "Nyarlathotep"
	build temple "Cthulhu Temple"
	build temple "Tsathoggua"



Very interesting!!! - "Jambalaya" folds, and comes back as "House of Cards"
(pn9)....(pun unintentional)

Latest rumors have the Avengers and AOO talking peace. Let's hope this is not
a smokescreen for further aggression and  reprisals...

Oh, yes. _Any_ messages from the "Council of Eumenides" or those like them
are pure, unadulterated 100% disinformative hooey.

You're welcome.

>>>THE WATCHER<<<



To the fair and fetching Miyuki,

(who has been cruelly abandoned
 for lo these many months by the
 philandering rogue Kovaq'nu)

Now folds the lily all her sweetness up,
And slips into the bosom of the lake:
So fold thyself, my dearest, thou, and slip
Into my bosom and be lost in me.

 - "Big" Al Tennyson.



***Killer Storm strikes shipping lanes***

   Sailors beware. While sailing to the south of IC our ship ran across a
major storm system which inflicted 45 points of damage on the ship. This
would have stopped our progress due to overloading, except for the
foresight of the captain to bring along some pitch and workers to fix the
damage.



A group of three nobles, rumored to be MAFOC, have been slain on Mt.
Olympus.  All nobles are advised to stay clear of that area.



Will whoever issued the Travel Advisory about the Uldim
pass please clarify the nature of the warning given in Times #7.  Are you
claiming all of Drucartan or are you commenting on the dangerous snow
conditions that closed the Uldim pass.  

                                     an interested explorer



Diary: Waning Days, day 13
     One day follow another with little to mark the difference. The ship
rises and falls. Rises and falls. The horizon offers no hope. Who would
have thought the world would have so much water in it?



Hmmm... it appears that there are just
enough gates, placed just far enough apart,
that the would-be gate-users are getting
VERY confused about which way to head to
find one.   Ah, the life of a deep thinker.



No response to last turn's query about Meditate, so I guess there isn't
much action yet on folks pushing their ca (current aura).  If any of you
do notice, though, please contact me, character b4q.  I'll find out one
way or the other in the next 2 turns.  Thank you.



Journal Entry, Waning Days, Year 1 of the Relocation - Gonzo Greybeard

     The weather has turned vile, as is its want this time of year.  One good 
thing is provided by the dreary weather, it keeps most of the vermin in their 
dens.  'Tis hard to keep the red rust from fine armor and weapons but the 
fighting man takes care of his tools.
     Scouts have ranged far and wide seeking suitable locations to obtain 
the necessary resources to meet our needs.  The needs of my people must 
be met.  We started out a small band, but many liked what they saw and 
have decided to follow me, bringing their families along.  We will seek lands 
that provide us a measure of security and that are rich in resources.  The 
willpower of the Company is strong.
     Recently a voice spoke from the ether(net? or was that Internet?) 
decreeing that stones could now be gathered in quantities from rocky hills, 
as if they were mountains!  I believe it was the same voice that told me how 
to obtain gold for the asking.  Just CLAIM it the voice said!  IT WORKED!  
We tried it for wood, and low and behold that worked too!  We have tried it 
for iron, but that doesn't seem to work.  Perhaps we are phrasing the request 
incorrectly.
     It will not be long now, and the new year will be upon us.  We wish all 
peace and health in their endeavors.



TRAVEL ADVISORY UPDATE: DRUCARTAN
---------------------------------
All so-called nobles are being warned to stay SOUTH of Drucartan,
that continent & surrounding area is about to become VERY DANGEROUS.
So don't even CONSIDER coming up here after Snowmelt to exploit the
VAST natural resources and excellent OCEAN access which we can't
possibly utilize all by ourselves.
If we can't have it ALL, nobody gets nuthin! So THERE. Nyah.

  Manger Dogs
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The Dragons of the Realm wish the nobles and peasants of all factions a Happy
and Prosperous New Year.  Peace on earth, Good will toward men.  Let us work
toward taming the wilderness together, and cease the senseless strife of
brother against brother.



And yet more interesting figures 

Now, (ta da) the promised figure on enhancing your nobles                                                        
Attack value with the USE 9580 order.

Monster       Your Noble's Attach Value         Gain after
Defense --------------------------------------  20 weeks of
Value     80      85      90      95     100    training
------- ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
1       98.77%  98.84%  98.90%  98.96%  99.01%  0.24%   
5       94.12%  94.44%  94.74%  95.00%  95.24%  1.12%   
10      88.89%  89.47%  90.00%  90.48%  90.91%  2.02%   
20      80.00%  80.95%  81.82%  82.61%  83.33%  3.33%   
30      72.73%  73.91%  75.00%  76.00%  76.92%  4.20%   
40      66.67%  68.00%  69.23%  70.37%  71.43%  4.76%   
50      61.54%  62.96%  64.29%  65.52%  66.67%  5.13%   
75      51.61%  53.13%  54.55%  55.88%  57.14%  5.53%   
80      50.00%  51.52%  52.94%  54.29%  55.56%  5.56%   
100     44.44%  45.95%  47.37%  48.72%  50.00%  5.56%
150     34.78%  36.17%  37.50%  38.78%  40.00%  5.22%
200     28.57%  29.82%  31.03%  32.20%  33.33%  4.76%
300     21.05%  22.08%  23.08%  24.05%  25.00%  3.95%
400     16.67%  17.53%  18.37%  19.19%  20.00%  3.33%
500     13.79%  14.53%  15.25%  15.97%  16.67%  2.87%

The percent is the chance or your noble scoring a hit
on the monster with the stated defense value.

Edmund Blackadder [s4b] Banner: Or, Adder Flaccid Sable



Journal Entry - 7/03/01

Landward bound at last.  Of course, this will only be a short visit (in 
theory, at least), but it will certainly be relished.  Standing on a 
firm purchase will be most pleasant, I must say.

The opportunity to spend a month or two on dry ground could not have 
come at a better time.  Our funding for studies is nearly depleted, and 
our interest in practice is rapidly decaying.  Rumors of rats, wolves 
and worse have been heard, but we no longer care.  Fruits and nuts will 
be ambrosia when compared to the salted meat which we have subsisted on 
for so long.

It is startling, however, to note the changes upon our group.  Virtually 
all of the men on our vessel have acquired some skill as sailors, by 
aiding the crew in rigging the mast or taking the sloop ahead to check 
for dangerous reefs.  We are no longer the seasick group that the crew 
scoffed at over the first month.  There is truly a sense of adventure 
here; if only we could manage to do this on solid earth...



Regarding the recent news:

  FRENCH AUTHORITIES HOLDING THE INFAMOUS CARLOS THE JACKAL

  PARIS (Reuter) - France said on Monday that "Carlos the Jackal," the
  international terrorist and kidnapper who eluded the world's security
  forces for two decades, had been captured.

I wish to state in the strongest terms that I disavow any knowledge of,
or association with, this thoroughly evil "Carlos" who has besmirched
the Jackal family name.  Really, I'm just a simple merchant trying to
eke out a meager living here in Olympia. He's not related to me at all.
Not in any way. Whatsoever.

Karlos the Jackal [f9a]



Mole in midst.
Ferret dispatched.
Trust none.
Suspect all.
Sun is rising.
All that glitters
Is at hand.

signed,
Yewer Theone



Rumor has it that a certain unreformed orc has been sighted wandering the
Imperial City.  At first, it was thought that this orc might turn out to be
a threat to someone, but then astute observers noticed the sign taped to
it's back.  No serious threat would not notice a 'Slay Me' sign being
placed upon their person.  It is now believed that the orc is meerly the
front man for a travelling band of jesters and acrobats.  We await the show
with anticipation, expecting to be well entertained.

Acuman, the Seeker



	Sighing deeply wanderer cursed the day that he agreed to look
	after the starving peasants.  His great war-steed chomped at
	the bit, anxtious to be off, but no.  The peasants had to 
	do their morning wake up routine, search out a local field
	to rummage round in for food, fail to find any, come to him
	begging for money to feed themselves with.  At this rate he'd
	never make it to Odwulf.



  A bit of scholarly leg-work turned up this description in
Bulfinch's Mythology:

  EUMENIDES : Literally, the gracious ones.  A euphemistic term,
  used by the Greeks to refer to the terrible Erinnyes or Furies
  in order to propitiate them.

  The Furies, according to Bulfinch, were "three goddesses who
punished by their secret stings the crimes of those who escaped
or defied public justice."  The following tale may illustrate
the power the Eumenides were thought to hold over the criminal
element amongst our ancestors.

The Story of Ibycus
-------------------

  In order to understand the story of Ibycus which follows it is
necessary to remember, first, that the theatres of the ancients
were immense fabrics capable of containing from ten to thirty
thousand spectators, and as they were used only on festival oc-
casions, and admission was free to all, they were usually filled.
They were without roofs and open to the sky, and the performances
were in daytime.  Secondly, the appalling representation of the
Furies is not exaggerated in the story.  It is recorded that
AEschylus, the tragic poet, having on one occasion represented
the Furies in a chorus of fifty performers, the terror of the
spectators was such that many fainted and were thrown into con-
vulsions, and the magistrates forbade a like representation for
the future.

  Ibycus, the pious poet, was on his way to the chariot races
and musical competitions held at the Isthmus of Corinth, which
attracted all of Grecian lineage.  Apollo had bestowed on him
the gift of song, the honeyed lips of the poet, and he pursued
his way with lightsome step, full of the god.  Already the towers
of Corinth crowning the height appeared in view, and he entered
with pious awe the sacred grove of Neptune.  No living object was
in sight, only a flock of cranes flew overhead taking the same
course as himself in their migration to a southern clime.  "Good
luck to you, friendly squadrons," he exclaimed, "my companions
from across the sea.  I take your company for a good omen.  We
come from far and fly in search of hospitality.  May both of us
meet that kind of reception which shields the stranger guest from
harm!"

  He paced briskly on, and soon was in the middle of the wood.
There suddenly, at a narrow pass, two robbers stepped forth and
barred his way.  He must yield or fight.  But his hand, accustomed
to the lyre, and not to the strife of arms, sank powerless.  He
called for help on men and gods, but his cry reached no defender's
ear.  "Then here must I die," said he, "in a strange land un-
lamented, cut off by the hand of outlaws, and see none to avenge
my cause."  Sore wounded, he sank to the earth, when hoarse
screamed the cranes overhead.  "Take up my cause, ye cranes," he
said, "since no voice but yours answers to my cry."  So saying
he closed his eyes in death.

  The body, despoiled and mangled, was found, and though dis-
figured with wounds, was recognized by the friend in Corinth who
had expected him as a guest.  "Is it thus I find you restored to
me?" he exclaimed.  "I who hoped to entwine your temples with the
wreath of triumph in the strife of song!"

  The guests assembled at the festival heard the tidings with
dismay.  All Greece felt the wound, every heart owned its loss.
They crowded round the tribunal of the magistrates, and demanded
vengeance on the murderers and expiation with their blood.

  But what trace or mark shall point out the perpetrator from
amidst the vast multitude attracted by the splendor of the feast?
Did he fall by the hands of robbers or did some private enemy slay
him?  The all-discerning sun alone can tell, for no other eye
beheld it.  Yet not improbably the murderer even now walks in the
midst of the throng, and enjoys the fruits of his crime, while
vengeance seeks for him in vain.  Perhaps in their own temple's
enclosure he defies the gods, mingling freely in this throng of
men that now presses into the amphitheatre.

  For now crowded together, row on row, the multitude fill the
seats till it seems as if the very fabric would give way.  The
murmur of voices sounds like the roar of the sea, while the
circles widening in their ascent rise tier on tier, as if they
would reach the sky.

  And now the vast assemblage listens to the awful voice of the
chorus representing the Furies, which in solemn guise advances
with measured step, and moves around the circuit of the theatre.
Can these be mortal women who comprise that awful group, and can
that vast concourse of silent forms be living beings?

  The choristers, clad in black, bore in their fleshless hands
torches blazing with a pitchy flame.  Their cheeks were bloodless,
and in place of hair writhing and swelling serpents curled around
their brows.  Forming a circle, these awful beings sang their
hymns, rending the hearts of the guilty, and enchaining all their
faculties.  It rose and swelled, overpowering the sound of the
instruments, stealing the judgement, palsying the heart, curdling
the blood.

  "Happy the man who keeps his heart pure from guilt and crime!
Him we avengers touch not; he treads the path of life secure from
us.  But woe! woe! to him who has done the deed of secret murder.
We the fearful family of Night fasten ourselves upon his whole
being.  Thinks he by flight to escape us?  We fly still faster in
pursuit, twine our snakes around his feet, and bring him to the
ground.  Unwearied we pursue; no pity checks our course; still
on and on, to the end of life, we give him no peace or rest."
Thus the Eumenides sang, and moved in solemn cadence, while still-
ness like the stillness of death sat over the whole assembly as
if in the presence of super-human beings; and then in solemn
march completing the circuit of the theatre, they passed out at
the back of the stage.

  Every heart fluttered between illusion and reality, and every
breast panted with undefined terror, quailing before the awful
power that watches secret crimes and winds unseen the skein of
destiny.  At that moment a cry burst forth from one of the upper-
most benches -- "Look! look! comrade, yonder are the cranes of
Ibycus!"  And suddenly there appeared sailing across the sky a
dark object which a moment's inspection showed to be a flock of
cranes flying directly over the theatre.  "Of Ibycus! did he
say?"  The beloved name revived the sorrow in every breast.  As
wave follows wave over the face of the sea, so ran from mouth
to mouth the words, "Of Ibycus! him whom we all lament, whom
some murderer's hand laid low!  What have the cranes to do with
him?"  And louder grew the swell of voices, while like a light-
ning's flash the thought spread through every heart, "Observe
the power of the Eumenides!  The pious poet shall be avenged!
the murderer has informed against himself.  Seize the man who
uttered that cry and the other to whom he spoke!"

  The culprit would gladly have recalled his words, but it was
too late.  The faces of the murderers, pale with terror, be-
trayed their guilt.  The people took them before the judge, they
confessed their crime, and suffered the punishment they deserved.

  from "The Age of Fable"
  by Thomas Bulfinch (1855)



Lost Dog - Reward
=================

Small white dog with black ears and tail, responding to the name
Dogmatix, was lost while chasing horses in the fog near Winewood.
If seen, please contact Obelix [c4b].  Don't try to catch him; he
bites!



	Greetings fellow Olympians,

	We are writing to announce that the Iron Nation is beginning
preparations for the construction of a castle in bv26, the province of
the city of Cyrkarth. Now, we've all seen similar claims in the Times.
They sound like a broken record. But this claim differs from others in
four special ways:

	1. It is for the city of Cyrkarth and the surrounding area.
	   (Actually, that's not so special.)

	2. The Iron Nation is making it. 
	   (That will mean more in time.)

	3. We're already there.

	4. We're not going to kill you for dropping by.

	HOWEVER...we are using the resources of the vicinity, bv26 in
particular, and to keep to our present agenda, we really need them,
especially bv26. Moreover, while we're not "bandits," large parties
make us a little jittery. If you are a large party and you're
determined to stop by, we invite you to forward a letter of
introduction and an itinerary to i9t@g1.pbm.com. 
	Other hopeful, would-be-monarchs are kindly invited to shove
off AT LEAST four provinces distance from bv26. This isn't greed,
people, it's common sense. Any two castle owners have to have their
aural space.
	The Iron Nation formally extends its warmest regards to Amber
and the Aolian Circle, with hopes for our mutual prosperity as we
build kingdoms for the peoples of Provinia. 



OP News - Imperial City - Migration continues. The migration of
nobles from the Imperial City continues among speculation that the
continent is 'full'. Royal Cartographer, Ima V. Ermin, reports over
30 mountain provinces within easy walking distance of the Imperial
City. "Anybody who want's to should be able to find a place to
settle," says Ermin. In other news, Oxen sales have picked up as
various nobles discover just how heavy stone really is.



The "Council" of Eumenides appears to be one faction operating to the west
of Imperial City. If you really want to throw your money away, buy lottery
tickets.



Has anyone managed to obtain any treasure from lairs or other locations yet?
What has been found?  I can report that bands of skelatons have no treasure and are
easy to kill.  Has anyone found an island yet?  What do the islands have on threm?
It looks like we will all be short of funds, other than the initial nest egg,
until castles are built.  Training will be slow due to lack of funds. Anyone
found a gate yet?  Enquiring minds studying gatecraft are interested.



"The large scale structure of the universe, THE LARGE SCALE
STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSE...", the man said as he grabbed me and
shook. He had a manaical look on his face.

"It just isn't *right*", he muttered quietly almost unaudibly,
under his breath.

It happens every so often. The occassional nobel becomes very
confused at the deep study that the young usually indulge in. This
nobel was no different, he even bore the sign of an apprentice
gatecrafter. I let him continue.

"I didn't notice it until now. Here in the city I can move anywhere
I want to go; draw any figure I want to draw. But out in the
country ... I'm strangely constrained. I ... I ... I never noticed
it before."

"Can you think of what happened to make you notice it now?", I
asked. It was a standard question for nobels with this problem.

"I ... I ... no" he said in exsperation. He was going to be a bit
tougher than most.

"I see you're a gatecrafter, how long have you been one?", I asked.

"Huh? ummm, two months I guess"

"Cast many spells?"

"Wha? umm, just detect gates, done it twice!" He said rather
proudly. Seemed this semi-normal conversation was beginning to snap
him out of it. Now for the punch.

"And would you say your troubles began just after your second
detect gates spell?"

"w h y   YES!"

"Son", I said, "Let me tell you about the different types of metric
spaces..."

                    to be continued



The Hand of the Apocalypse Alliance hereby claims the Uldim Pass in provinces
br23 and bs23.  Our castle will be completed shortly.  Stacks wishing to pass
north and south will be required to pay a toll.  The current fees are 30 gold
per noble, 2 gold per man, 1 gold per beast.  Instructions for completing
payment will be posted at the entrances to the pass.



Dearest Miyuki,

   The days and nights are unbearably long without you.  I hope to
soon hold you in my arms again.
   Finally we see some hope!  We have arrived at our destination
but have found others already here.  We are not sure how many
people are out here but we shall soon find out.  But it is good
to be out from under the shadows of the Uldim Mountains.
   Fortunately, however, it appears as though the travellers out
here are much more peaceful.  Hopefully the coming snows and
then spring will bring a new peaceful spirit to the world.
   Don't stay out in the snow too long when it starts to fall.  I know
how you enjoy it but your fingers will get cold and it will be hard to
practice your spells...

						- Kovaq'nu



Rumors flowed freely as he neared Newleaf.  Rumors of death and
destruction, brought on by the war between the Ancient Order of
Olympians and the East Coast Avengers.  As he rode, he kept a sharp
lookout for attackers.

Other rumors also reached his ears.  He heard of the defeat and
capture of giant birds on Mount Olympus, herds of winged stallions
north of Uldim Pass, the possession by the Council of the Eumenides of
an artifact that granted control of Orcs, seemingly inexhaustable
graveyards near gates to Hades, and of cities where nobles didn't make
clay pots.  He doubted the last one could be true, but who could tell?

A world of marvels was Olympia, and most of it unexplored.  He shook
his head in wonder and rode on.

			   -- One who walks in shadows



Winewood was a nice place to visit.  But it was awfully boring for
a long stay.  With that thought, the Trien Company moved out of the
city.  Exploring new territories, they wandered deep into the 
wilderness.  Their goal:  To find people to rescue, 'cause it 
seemed like a good and exciting goal.  What will they find?  
Well read the paper next week and you may just find out!

Val, spokesperson for the Trien Company



This month The Olympian Enquirer once again caught up with that
dashing sailor Taira Yoshinawa, somewhere at sea.  

TOE: Is the water here always this rough?

Taira: No. Sometimes a storm blows up, and then it gets really rough.

TOE: 

Taira: Yes, I remember one storm -- the waves were as high as the
poop.

TOE:  I refuse to let this interview descend into
latrine humor.

Taira: Actually on ship we call it the head. By the way, that's
Taira-san. Taira's my last name.  It's a Nipponese thing.

TOE: Anyway, we heard you had a run-in with some pirates.

Taira-san: Yes, but we don't seem to be able to make anti-piracy pay.
I don't know what it is, but we don't.

TOE: Well it seems to me that when you attack a party stronger 
than yourself, you invariably get thrashed.  But you make a policy 
of never attacking any party which is weaker then yourselves.

Taira-san: Well, you wouldn't have us be absolutely merciless, would
you?

TOE: For example, you never attack an orphan.

Taira-san: Yes, we are all orphans ourselves and know what it is to be
an orphan.

TOE: Yes, but the word has got about, and now it seems as though
Olympia's entire piratical navy is composed entirely of orphans.

Taira-san: Hmm, there's something in that.  Why just yesterday, we
attacked some pirates, and they told us they were orphans, so we had
to leave them alone, even though they were holding that poor fellow
prisoner.  One of them even had a signed affadavit from his mother
stating that he was an orphan.

TOE: What you need is an orphan detector.

Taira-san: What's that?

TOE: I've heard of an enchanted staff which can magically determine
whether a person is an orphan.  Could you use it?

Taira-san: Often!

TOE: Yes, orphan.  Would you like to be able to detect one?

Taira-san: I say again, often!

Crew: Often, often, often!

TOE: Stop! I think I see where we are getting confused.
Do you mean "often" - frequently, or "orphan" - a person who
has lost his parents.

Taira-san: Ahh. Often - frequently.

TOE: So you repeated the word "often": frequently.

Taira-san: I didn't repeat the word frequently, I only repeated it
once! 

TOE: Precisely.  Often - frequently, only once.  

Were you by any chance born on February 29th?

[Apologies to W.S.Gilbert]



Land Ho!, the lookout cried.  The thrill of being with the first group of
nobles to see the new markets and the vacant land waiting to be brought to
civilization.  Maybe this is worth leaving civilization.

Now I wonder what is on the other side of those mountains...



	From the Captain of the Tai Lung [w3g],

	To all Interested Parties:

The Osgean Sea (between Provincia and Ossicus) is fairly dull so far.
Few other ships have been sighted, and no islands have been seen.  We
did strike a costal reef in what otherwise appeared to be open ocean,
but aside from that,  fishing and practicing various skills have been
our only diversions.  We would like to hear from other parties as to
their experiences, and exchange information on ports.



	TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF OLYMPIANS
	------------------------------------------------

To insure that there is no misunderstanding; my position in regards
to the rogue factions has not changed.  The 3 bandits still at large
will be shot on sight by those nobles loyal to Companions of
Caerleon.  If you do not support the activities of these barbarians
in your midst, I again counsel you to enter the following in your
next orders set:

begin  
unit 
neutral t6x w2f z6p

Taliesin the Merlin
Companions of Caerleon

Disclaimer: I speak for noone but myself.  Allied factions implement
the above policy at their own discretion.



The barber clipped the nobleman's balding head absentmindedly.

"Didja hear the latest, milord?  That council of you meanies is trying to 
extort everyone!  They wants you to pay them some sort of protection monies!
Sounds like a good racket to me!"

Another old barber cackled in the corner.

"Ha!  Those silly nobles with their plots and schemes.  Always someone
has to be the bad guy, someone has to be the saints.  I think they're all
schemers, out killing each other just cause they can!  That council of
unmendies don't scare me none!"

"Well, milord, there you are.  Two pennies for the best cut in town, if I 
say so myself.  Milord!  I can't accept this gem!  Is it magical?  It glows
like it was on fire!  Thank you milord!"

The Council member allowed a slight smile to crease his features as he
heard the explosion, three blocks away.  "No one crosses the Council.
Soon this city and all others will feel our might."



ORCISH LEADER ARRIVES IN IMPERIAL CITY
--------------------------------------

The leader of the Council of the Eumenides has arrived in the
Imperial City.  He/she/it?? is the orc Soothsayer, and it has been 
trying to get the Emperor to abdicate in it's favour.

All upstanding nobles should rally to the defence of their Emperor,
and punish this upstart and all his evil friends. 

The Voice of the Emperor

LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR !!!!



		RESTAURANT AND INN REVIEWS
			   by
                    Calvin Trillion


Last week in the Times you may have read a pompous, tiresome
advertisement announcing The Fatted Boar Inn.  My fellow travellers,
let me assure you that you do *not* want to visit the Fatted Boar Inn.
Why?  I'm glad you asked.

When you visit [by24] you'll notice one feature of the Fatted Boar Inn
that was not mentioned in last week's advertisement:

>    The Fatted Boar [r57], inn-in-progress, 36% completed, owner:
>      Kosar the Indefectible [n9o], with ten workers, five peasants,
>      three camp-followers

That's right!  This Inn, described only last week in such glowing
terms, is barely 1/3 complete.  And let me tell you, fellow traveller,
if you've ever slept in 36% of a bed, or sheltered under 36% of a roof
during a downpour, or drank 36% of a sour ale, you'll know that it
leaves much (64%) to be desired.

And while we're on the subject, let me share with you another fact
well-known to anyone who has shared bread with Kosar the Indefectible:
he's a rotten cook.  For years Kosar was a torturer in the Imperial
Army, and many a strong orc was broken by Kosar's cooking.  A sailor,
washed ashore after 41 days adrift with nothing to eat but his belt,
chewed off his own leg rather than eat "Kosar's (in)Famous Stroganoff".

So "The Fatted Boar" rates a two-thumbs down, hold-your-nose, avoid
this stinker at all costs!



Commonalities

The peasants, the nobles, the warriors,
never understand
the trouble, the headache, the problems,
with being a mage.
First, there's the expenditure
of time, of money, of loved ones,
then there's the problems
of being weak, of not enough aura, 
of becoming the target for every testosterone-heavy
idiot with a sword.

Is it any wonder that we do not perform
at sea where everyone around is
about mad with desire for action.
Should we remind them of our exalted status?
And what?  To be riddled by crossbolts, 
a practice dummy for swordplay,
the ship's javelin catcher?

We shall bide our time
in the ship's hold
and we'll see who has the 
upper hand when 
time gives us the moment to
shine.



**********************************************************************
********        Come visit ATNOS, the Pearl of Olympia        ********    
**********************************************************************

Tired of the press of crowds in the Imperial City?  The Atnos Tourism
Board invites you to spend your Fall visiting the glorious island of
Atnos.  Conveniently located across the Atnos Channel from the
Imperial City, Atnos Island offers the discerning traveler a variety
of outstanding pleasures.

What traveler won't be thrilled to visit Mt. Clearview, the tallest
mountain on Olympia?  The highest peak pierces the clouds, and it is
said that "from the top of Mt. Clearview you can see your dreams".
What's your dream?  Come to Atnos and find out!  And if you're not
interested in dreams, how about the glorious reality of our fragrant
pine forests?  Forests so lush and verdant that they yield 35 wood per
month?

Are you a history buff?  Then come visit the oldest continuously
operating Inn in the world: Dr. Pain's Inn and Shipyard.  A quaint,
locally-owned and operated bed and breakfast snuggled up to the
foothills of Mt. Clearview, Dr. Pain's Inn and Shipyard is
world-renowned for it's excellent accommodations.  Famous inn reviewer
Calvin Trillion noted that the food was "much better than The Fatted
Boar".  And if you're lucky, one night Dr. Pain himself might join
your table.  He may be old and senile, but his tales of battle and
bloodshed in "Old Olympia" will curl your toes!

But Atnos is more than just beauty and sightseeing.  We're a booming
business center as well.

You'll find wood, stone, crossbows, longbows, archers, soldiers,
blessed soldiers, ships and much more for sale at Dr. Pain's Inn.  And
our interior city of Fearn is a hidden gem, famous amongst the locals
for the exotic skills it teaches and its booming Perfume market.

So come, visit Atnos and discover... the Pearl of Olympia!

[DISCLAIMER: All travelers are advised to be aware of and obey all
local laws while traveling in Atnos.  Laws and customs in most parts
of Atnos are rigid and enforcement strict and uncomfortably harsh.
The Olympia Times and the Atnos Tourism Board are not responsible for
loss of life or property suffered by visitors to Atnos.]



To all interested parties...

Until this turn, I was a member of The Council of Eumenides.  The
Council of Eumenides is headed by Greg Lindahl (gl8f@virginia.edu).

Most of the members of the Council of Eumenides were in the original
Olympia, and they are holding grudge from that game against some of
the players, particularly Carl Edman (cedman@princeton.edu) and Scott
Turner (srt@aero.org).  They've been plotting since before this game's
start to "get" these players.  Early on, Greg convinced a newbie
player to attack one of the Carl Edman's units outside the Imperial
City.  Greg then blamed the attack on Carl and convinced several
players that Carl was the head of the "Ancient Order of Olympians"
(AOO).  Greg made up the AOO on the spur of the moment.  As far as I
know, the only alliance of players from the original Olympia is the
Council of Eumenides.

Since then, Greg and most of the Council of Eumenides have traveled to
the Uldim Pass.  Along the way, one of the Council members found an
artifact the permits him to control monsters as units.  One of those
units was sent to the Imperial City to stir up more trouble against
the "AOO".  You can check this out yourself, the unit is:

>   Soothsayer [bc2l], orc, "Heed the Council of the Eumenides!"

However, the rest of the orc units (and some giant spiders) are being
used as the center of an army the Council of Eumenides is building in
Uldim Pass.

I do not approve of cross-game grudges, and I especially do not
approve of the plans of the Council of Eumenides, which is to start
attacking and killing players and blaming it on the AOO.  I also do
not like that Greg is purposely putting false information in his lore
archives.  For that reason I have defected from the Council and am
considering quitting the game altogether.  I advise all players to be
careful when dealing with "The Council of Eumenides", and to begin
building strong armies to deal with the monster army being built in
the Uldim pass.



The Imperial City Logging Corporation is open for
business. Contact mmwang@mv.us.adobe.com if you wish
to place an order for wood.



Never, never, never forget the 48th Rule of Acquisition:

	The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife



Instructions for AOO Tax Payment
================================

As all in the Imperial city can see, we have gained the power
to control orcs and other sundry creatures.  Let no one doubt
the power of the Council.  Since this power is solely under
our control, it will serve as a signal of the true
representatives of the Council.  Nonhumans bearing the
"Eumenides" notice are hereby designated as tax collectors.
All factions which have not made other arrangements with the
Council MUST REMIT 100 gold/turn to a designated tax collector
or be considered "collaborators" with the AOO and treated
accordingly.

To demonstrate our good will in this endeavor, and that the
collection of tax revenues is not intended to personally
enrich the council, each tax collector will hold the monies
collected until such time as they can be used for the purpose
intended.

The Council of the Eumenides



It goes on, and on, and on and on and on.  The ocean seems endless, 
broken only by the odd islet inhabited by various monsters and 
criminals.  The weather is bad, the food is going bad, and the water is 
becoming vile.

I could have stayed on land and researched the Arts, but no, I had to set 
sail for far off lands.  Not that it hasn't been safer here, it sounds 
fromt he messages the carrier pigeons bring in from Provinia.

I grow to despise the smell, flavor, shape, color and existence of fish.  
Surely there is something more to life?  It has become hard to imagine.

And the buffoons I sail with will not leave me alone long enough to 
attempt research. I am forced to amuse myself by checking the progress of 
other students of the art on board, reading their auras to see their 
progress.

A ship is a wooden prison.