+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The Olympia Times times@pbm.com |
| October 19, 1994 issue g1-17 |
| |
| turn 17 170 players "Money...Power...Death!" |
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Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com
Olympia PBEM
* * *
Stone, steel, dominions pass,
Faith too, no wonder;
So leave alone the grass
That I am under.
All knots that lovers tie
Are tied to sever;
Here shall your sweetheart lie,
Untrue for ever.
-- A.E. Housman
* * *
Important notice of rule changes
--------------------------------
The SWEAR order is now gone.
Player-contributed press
Shipwrecked sailors south of Imperial city need rescue HELP !!!
Resonable reward available.
Contact d2b
Last week I was reading the times and came upon an advertisement for some
pretty incredible magic weapons and the like. Although I was skeptical,
my first reaction was to ask myself where I could find enough money to
buy these item. My second reaction was of course to look to see who
could have acquired these items so early in the game. You can imagine
my astonishment when I read that I myself was listed as the seller.
I would be glad to sell these items, but I don't have them.
To my customers I apologize for any false hopes you may have felt, and
hope that this erroneous add does not prevent you from doing business
with me in the future.
The Merchant of Venice(x9j)
In general if you are angry at someone, it is best to gently communicate
to the offender the perceived offense. The one who has offended you may
not realize that he/she has done so, and may wish to make things right.
Don't be so quick to judge, there may be circumstances and reasons
beyond the control of the one who has made the offense. And you may
also agree that the course of action taken was the right course. Or
a simple mistake may have occurred, as in the case of a poorly written
order that does not get executed. Or maybe carelessness was the cause.
But to assume that the act which offended you must have been done out
of spite or malice is most often an incorrect assumption. This sort
of assumption has led to many vicious battles when the original offense
may have been quite minor. In a land where communication takes sometimes
days it is best that we all give eachother the benefit of the doubt,
and communicate what is bothering us. In short if I had offended anyone
I would want them to let me know and give me a chance to set things straight
before they retaliate.
The Merchant of Venice(x9j)
The Olympia Atlas is accepting contributions, and is available for
download! Be the first to contribute information for other lands
(Cloudlands, Hades, Faery).
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.
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 16 version of the atlas is currently available at both sites.
Brought to you by the Skulking Vermin (sx6)
Journal - Dark Night, Year 2
Jearom found us some traveling companions, but then the arrangements seem
to have misfired. It will be good to connect again with both sets of our
allies. Once more peasents have started looking to us for sustenance,
protection and direction. I would sent them away again, but Jearom sees
them as the foundation of a new body guard. If he is to continue to be
captain of our guard, he must have some subordinates I guess.
Camping here in the Royal hunting plains [by20], I am most delighted that
it is relatively uncrowded. Asside from our small party, there are only 9
nobles here and a few assorted retainers. Hopefully, we won't have far to
go to reach true wilderness.
Traveling again with Ilyena Sunhair is blessedness itself, better than
touching the True Source. Though the rain and fog of late have hidden the
Sun, I have felt no darkness or doubt since she arrived again to be by my
side. I look forward to more traveling and her continued companionship.
The Lord of the Morning,
The Dragon,
Lews Therin Telamon [m3m]
Open Letter to Rachet Storm [m7s]
I think that your profit levels are too high. Last issue you said,
>...It also takes 5 man days to make the pikeman. ...
>...I charge 10 gold per man day of work....
You charge 10 gold per worker man day. A worker whom you pay
2 gold per worker per *month*. A profit of 15,000%!! Charge 2 gold
per worker day for the work. Charge double what you pay the men
before you sell them.
In other words, if someone supplies you the peasent and the wood, a
reasonable cost would be
3 gold Pikemen's pay
3 gold Profit on pikemen's pay
2 gold Pay worker to make pike
2 gold Profit on worker to make pike
2 gold Profit on training already provided peasent
(I suggest this because the only cost to you
is the day to train the character, no gold cost)
6 gold Pay noble 2 gold per day to make pike, train soldier,
and then train pikemen.
-------
16 Gold Reasonable cost for training a pikemen when all
supplies (peasant, wood) are provided. I feel sure
that at this cost, you would find many buyers.
In fact, I might just set up such a business myself. Anyone
interested at pikemen at these prices where you provide the
wood and the peasent, call (email) me. I am sure that the
Captain of my guard would be very interested in such a project.
The Lord of the Morning,
The Dragon,
Lews Therin Telamon [m3m]
There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.
-Benjamin Disraeli
Sir Robin the Brave [r0n] would like to confirm Jurij Paranoiev's [u0y]
observations in last weeks Times, that he (Sir Robin) is _very_
dangerous! Be it known that he (Sir Robin) personally wet himself at
the battle of Baden hill and _almost_ fought the chicken of Bristol,
but he got so ... er excited that he soiled his armour and had to
go change it.
Sir Robin would like to continue elaborating on how dangerous he is
but he now needs to go change his armour ... again. The excitement
of talking to the press has been too much for him.
signed
Brother Maynard [s4b] in Sir Robin's absence.
(with many thanx to Monty Python's "In Search of the Holy Grail").
Leo's Journal Entry 6...
Not much to report this time. No creatures ripe for slaughter or capture
were available. Our Birds started their explorations and now our glorious
faction shall be able to locate suitable targets on a regular basis. So
another month of travel and exploration comes to an end, with weapons and
nets at the ready, we look forward to next month with much anticipation.
What is the issue with the mega(lo) alliances. There seems to be a lot
of bluster and flailing of arms, but I do not see much happening. In my
neck of the woods, none of their activities are noticed, and we get by
without too much conflict. I know this is subject to change, but it
makes me wonder if these conflicts are real, or fabricated for some
unknown purpose.
The Dragons of the Realm are pleased to announce the grand opening of The Dun
Dragon, Torba Bacor's finest inn. Nestled high in the Dragonrock mountains,
the Dun Dragon boasts unparalleled scenic vistas, with cuisine and libations
to match. "Try a flagon at the Dragon for the brew that is true!"
Whilst we have only spent a few months in the Imperial City, we
are already aware of the potential problems of overcrowding
(witness the frequent fights around the cit itself). Due to this,
we are starting the construction of a ship to take us to
unexplored lands, in search of treasure and adventure (I would
prefer the treasure without adventure, but one cannot be picky).
Anyway, would all those who have legal claim to lands please post
to this paper, in order to prevent possible conflicts of interest.
Thank you.
** Artifacts Weapons & Armor **
Some of the inner locations encountered are defended by owners that cannot
be attacked and defeated without the use of specific artifacts, weapons or
armor.
I have started a data base of artifacts, weapons & armor that keeps track of
who has which ones, and another list of what lair owners require. If you are
interested in gaining info or contributing to the data base, your input would
be welcome.
Sir Patrick of Locklear [n9d]
The Pint of Ale
A new chain of pubs is opening soon. There will be branch pubs in all
centers of activity. In the AOO area, that probably refers to graveyards.
The Blackthorn Tree Lives
The soil is rich and soft, the air is mild and bland
Of the fair hills of Tureen
Her barest rock is greener to me than this rude land
Of the fair hills of Tureen
Her woods are tall and straight, mallorn grove and yew grove
Blackthorn flourish in her glens below and on her heights above
And the sunlight that shone long ago on gaelic shields
On the fair hills of Tureen
Rumors of war abound in the Imperial City region. Nobles and peasants
alike are nervous. Will the situation blow up? Will we all be here next
month? Wait and see.
Who has what?
Can anyone list all of the provinces that the AOO has garrisons in? If so,
why not submit them for the next issue of the Times? Might make interesting
reading.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 31.
The enemy never watches until you make a mistake.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 32.
One enemy soldier is never enough, but two is entirely too many.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 33.
A clean (and dry) set of BDU's is a magnet for mud and rain.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 34.
Whenever you have plenty of ammo, you never miss. Whenever you are low on
ammo, you can't hit the broad side of a barn.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 35.
The more a weapon costs, the farther you will have to send it away to be
repaired.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 36.
Field experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 37.
Interchangeable parts aren't.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 38.
No matter which way you have to march, its always uphill.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 39.
If enough data is collected, a board of inquiry can prove ANYTHING.
Murphy's Law of Combat # 40.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism. (in boot camp)
What is the Pirate situation in the waters of Olympia? Some somewhat
confusing accounts of brigandry by one crew have been told, but no
others. Is this to imply that travel by sea is safe? Please contact me
with any information you have on this subject.
Roderick Blaine [m4w]
It looks like prisoners don't add to your weight until you free them.
This suggests a funny way to transport truly huge quantities of stuff,
namely let x GET it, have h capture x, and then y can move as if he's
carrying nothing. When the destination is reached, y can unstack x.
Red Drake, of the Red Mysterions [u1p]
The latest word about the volcano rumor is
that it's true... that it's just a rumor ;)
-- Squire Adam
Combat Notice:
It appears that Count Marat and the AOO outlaws will soon completely
dominate Provinia (and probably win the game) unless drastic action is taken.
Instead of waiting for him to become powerful enough to take any faction or
alliance down at his convenience (He's nearly there), I think I will go down
fighting. I am too weak to attack the castle directly and I would like my
efforts to have a small chance of success (and profit) so I will start to
attack his garrisons and pillage his tax base. If the Iron nation is not
just full of hot air they will back up their words with actions and try to
trim Count Marats massive forces. He has hundreds of troops and beasts so
multiple attacks in different provinces at the same time are necessary.
Count Marat and the AOO outlaws must be brought down soon, before his allied
factions number in the dozens, with Nobles that number in the hundreds and
with men and beasts that number in the thousands. It is his tax base of
thousands of gold per month that allows him to field this massive allied
army. Hit him where it hurts.
Negentropy [pz8]
Ah, there is another Enchanted Forest. How pretty it is! My, look at all of
those Elves guarding it. There must be something valuable in an Enchanted Forest.
Has anyone figured out what can be found in an Enchanted Forest?
Yet Another "AOO Riddle"!:
Q: What's the best way to tell if an AOO-connected faction diplo message is a
lie?
A: Check for moving lips, handwriting or typing fingers - they're a dead
giveaway.
You're welcome.
PILGRIMS AID SOCIETY
Have you been trying to unlock the mysteries of the (Olympian)
universe with a twisted paper clip and a wad of gum? Do you turns
include surprising results? "What do you mean a stack of four
nobles and 30 soldiers were DEFENDING the lone rat I attacked? Can
they do that?" Are you tired of trying to sell clay pots for a
living?
Contact the Pilgrims Aid Society (PAS). We are a non-profit
organization which offers assistance to the nobles of Olympia. PAS
is NOT an alliance. We simply believe in lending a hand when
needed.
PAS also publishes the free Log of Claimed Lands. Note! The PAS
does not validate or enforce land claims, we merely report claimed
lands as a public service to other pilgrims.
Please send all contact to:
Akmall Benhalla [p3p]
Pilgrims Aid Society
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(~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~)
) 'Discoveries' is back! We are proud to inform you that once again (
( we will be reporting on the adventures and explorations of Olympia. )
) Contact me for subscription and submission information. The (
( Geographic Society is always looking for new members. )
) - The Crimson Sage [w0l] (
(________________________________________________________________________)
Diary: Dark Night, day 19
At last we have broken out of this dank, interminable forest into an
area of open plains. Now our prospects for finding mounts is much greater,
and morale is climbing. If our maps are correct, we will reach the
northern coast of Torba Bacor soon, then we will turn westward and
rendezvous with our friends coming up from the south. With luck, the
entire island will be mapped soon.
A Modest Guide
to the interpetation of AOO misinformation and propaganda
> 2. A noble attacks a castle and is killed by the castle's defenders.
> Should you be outraged and attack the castle's defenders again
> yourself?
When in doubt, leave out most of the information. Yes, this seems to
be the AOO credo. Too bad it won't fool anyone. Allow me to inform
everyone who hasn't been watching closely:
Some few months ago, a fellow named Bastrestric ther Archymonaged led
a faction that attacked and killed a bunch of random nobles. Common
banditry. Bastrestric thought he was being smart by not doing any of
the attacking himself, but he was quickly found out by some of his
victims.
This Bastrestric ther Archymonaged fellow was spotted hiding in a
castle, the Chateau Olympique. The owner of the castle said he had a
treaty to defend Bastrestric ther Archymonaged, whether or not
Bastrestric ther Archymonaged was a common bandit or not. Well, that's
certainly throwing the gauntlet down.
Along comes our furry hero, Dogmatix. He attacks the castle, and is
wiped out by a bug (bzzzt bzzt), although he might have perished
anyway during the counter-attack during the next month. The AOO
proclaims their mighty victory in battle (bzzz bzzz bzzzz). Talk about
sore winners! I suppose they have great hopes that there are more bugs
to save them next time (bzzz bzzzzzzzz).
Should you be outraged? Well, first off, the AOO obviously believes
they can insult everyone's intelligence with impunity. That's enough
reason to attack them right there. Second, if the AOO wants to defend
common bandits, then they ought to be proud of their actions, own up
to them, and stop being surprised when they get attacked. Yeah, I'd be
outraged if I were you. Heck, if I were an AOO member, I'd be outraged
at my own leaders.
I liked the good old days much better. Men were men, sheep were safe,
and merciless killers were proud of their trade, and didn't try to
hide behind outraged claims of innocence. Not like those lily-livered
AOO folks. Oh, I'd give me left testicle to see a good instantiation
of malevolent evil right now.
Log of the "Raven", roundship:
(our mission, to sail where no man has sailed before ...)
We have rounded the south-eastern cape of Provinia and are now sailing north.
It is still surprising to me the wonderfull lands we have seen since leaving
the Imperial City: Unspoilt plains teeming with horses and gorgeous forests
abounding with unharvested timber. All the settlements we have thus far encountered
have been eager to trade (including buying our complete supply of pots!).
We have only met 1 other group of nobles in our travels and are getting lonely
for cultured companions; but I suppose this is what makes these lands rich
and bountifull, compared to the despoilt regions surrounding the Imperial City.
It all makes me wonder why so many of my friends have decided to stay behind.
I suppose they were too attached to their square inch of land ...
Just a tad bit of advice. If you're in a province with the word "DEAD" in
it, don't bother recruiting. The dead must belong to a local union!!
The Raptors
New inn is ready for Your visit! Come and relax! We are open 30 days
per month! I hope to see you soon! We have good food, warm beds and
tasty drinks! (No own pots, please.)
Location: INN & OUTT [z51], in Faelgrar [ao3p], in province
Emperor's forest [bt32], in Provinia
Brother Fidar [f8t]
He was astonished. Totally astonished. He was still sound and safe.
Relatively so at least. But he shuddered... he remebered the fearfull
sight in the emporers forrest.
He had arrived from the east. Careful as usual he had avoided the
nasty pack of rats hunting for prey. Then suddenly a BIG man, a
giant, a beast man had arrived. The man had with him three riding
horses (why-when he could only use one for himeself?) eight giant
spiders (ugliest things he had ever seen), 22 rats- oh boy! 11 giant
birds (each with terrifying claws), 37 wolves (with BIG POINTY
THEETS).
The beastman had attacked the four rats.
He had decided not to wait for the outcome of the uneven battle, but
rather run. To the west.
In the morning the day after he praised his wisdom an carefulness.
Behind him in the far distance he could see the beast of a man with
even more rats following him.
Oh why must everybody be so evil?
Jurij ran west. To his master. There he would learn. He had found how
to unravel the evil plans of his master.
Jurij Paranoiev went to the Imperial City and began studying magic.
"Too many deaths; too much pain," the priest muttered, while preparing for
the final rites for yet another unfortunate. In the antechamber of the
temple, two bodies lay in state, surrounded by friends and companions,
waiting for the priest to try to bring life to the lifeless bodies.
"Too much blood," he said and shook his head slowly side to side.
On top of a pile of scrolls, a parchment darkened by many uses and scrapings
lay, covered with a scrawled list: names of people, names of places. At the
top of the list was Oleg. "If ever a dog needed killing," the priest muttered,
"rather than all these fine young men." He wanted to get back to his
meditation, the search for all these people and things. Instead, he had to
press torn flesh together and try to breath life into the ragged remains of
fighting men much, much too young. He had a list of rites to perform, to
settle the dead into peace. Too many torn bodies, too many dead. Foolishness
and petty battles when the True War was yet to be fought.
But the time would come, he hoped, when the petty squabbles would at least
slow down for a while and he could seek where the rabid men hid from the
light of day. Then would justice be done. It was only a matter of time.
Gathering his robes about him, the priest stood and gathered up his
unguents, his oils, and the special herbs he would need. The dead were
patient but the sooner done, the sooner he would return to his life's
work.
When the priest pushed through the curtains over the door to the antechamber,
the gathered warriors looked up, all with imploring eyes. The priest sighed
and set to work.
The Scrabble Murders - Chapter One
==================================
The doctor stood by the window, staring down at the slushy streets
of Imperial City and trying to breathe as quietly as possible. From
the far corner of the room, deeply shadowed, came the sounds of
half-muttered curses, accompanied by a shrill squeaking noise.
At last, unable to hold his breath or his patience inside any
longer, he sighed deeply and turned toward the room's interior.
"For the Love of God, Holmes! Give me that infernal thing so that
I might cast it under a passing ox cart! You must either rest or
die!"
The doctor's roommate sat as he had for three days and three nights.
At his left elbow were bags of pipeweed and an enormous Meerschaum.
At his right was an expensive decanter, labelled "Orc Oil - 7%" and
a wicked hypodermic syringe. He wore nothing but his skivvies
and trademark hat. Cradled in his hands, balanced on the ends of
his long, delicate fingers, was a cube, its faces each a splash of
colors, arranged in no obvious pattern. He ignored the doctor's
pleas and murmured softly to himself, "when we eliminate all other
possibilities, whatever remains, however unlikely..." His fingers
leapt to life, twisting and wrenching the cube into new configurations.
Suddenly, a furious pounding at the door commenced. Simultaneously,
the cube, taxed beyond it's structural limitations, exploded. A
hail of multicoloured bits of plastic clattered down amid the
remains of the famous investigator's orgy of inquiry. "Damn your
eyes, Watson! See who's at the door!" Holmes arose, slipped on a
housecoat and meticulously began to repack the bowl of his pipe.
When Watson returned to the sitting room, accompanied by a huge,
red-faced woman of indeterminate age, they discovered Holmes
standing placidly by the window. His back to them, he blew a
stream of yellowish smoke and asked, "Now then, my good fishwife,
what can we do for you today?"
Watson, unable as ever to contain his adulation, burst out, "Bu-
but Holmes, how could you possibly have known..." The woman, turn-
ing a somewhat deeper shade of red, interrupted, "Sorry, Gov'ner,
t'were hin such ha 'urry Hoi couldna change hout'v me smock! Hit's
'Oratio the 'Arbormaster! 'E's been murdered!"
"Wha- Murdered?!?" exclaimed Watson.
"Well, 'e's not quite dead..." admitted the foul-smelling wench.
Holmes spun from the window and strode across the room toward the
exit, snatching his portmanteau from amid the clutter of his desk as
he passed. "Come quickly Watson, I shall need your medical expertise!
Not a moment to lose, Man, the game is, er, well, you know..."
Watson took a moment to admire the agility with which Holmes's bare
feet avoided the sharp plastic edges of the now-forgotten device while
his orc oil-exposed mind simultaneously eluded an almost unforgivably
bad pun. He quickly gathered his bag and chased the housecoat's
flapping tail out the front door, leaving the bewildered fishmonger's
wife standing alone amidst the wreckage. As she gaped speechlessly,
a small white dog flashed briefly by the window, trailed by a pack
of giant birds.
To be continued...
Do you want to be lion tamer? I'll be leaving IC for Aethelarn on turn 19,
and would welcome other new players as travelling companions. (You never
know who you might meet on the open road these days...)
Contact py4
Beware of the dark kingdom perched on Krussos. Their castle is
ct17, and they'll soon be pirating any ship that passes the Ilion straight!
If either the AOO or the Iron Nation (whatever's left) could identify
the war zone, neutral parties could avoid the area, and the two warring
parties could concentrate on their Danse Macabre without wasting their
resources on dragging other uninvolved parties into the war. Unless told
otherwise, I would guess that the war is taking place in a zone between
Chateau Olympique (bx22) and Gentlewind (by26), but this just a guess.
Aric (l9g)
It is with a grave sense of disappointment that we observe that those
so-called champions of oppressed peasants, the MAFOC, have chosen to
disregard their own founding principles and have declared their rule
over a wide swath of Rimmon. Initially, they disguised their intentions
as a vacation, but their recent declaration of ownership has shown their
true colors. Who is left to champion the oppressed peasants of the
world?
Signed by the Free Citizens of Mysa
Ohhh - What a hangover. Well Its not the first time I woke up in an alley.
I better start home. ???!!!. Wait. How could I forget where home is.
I have a better memory than that. After all Im ?!!!!. Oh #$&@! And this
looks like a fairly big city. Not some 1 horse Hickville where everyone is
everyones cousin. The chance of anyone knowing me is nill, even if I did
grow up here. Which I dont know if I did. #$%&. Lets see what I have.
Enough cash. I wasn't robbed. Hey a bank book! #^%%. A friken secret
account just a number to it. Well at least its some more money. Im not a
impoverished peasant. Yea, but its not enough to last me forever. I better
start looking some more money. Hmm. I wonder what I look like ?
"You deserve a break today, so get and get away to McOleg's."
Yes, you've heard our jingle and you've rested in our inns. Now YOU can be a
part of the fastest growing chain of inns in Provincia. McOleg's Inns are
the most popular inns in the world, each generating over 70 to 75 gold per
month. Get in now on the ground floor. Buy your McOleg's francise today!
(official disclaimer: francise fee of 400 gold must be paid in full prior to
granting of license. Francisee receives permission to use McOleg's name on
inn and to sell McOleg's products. Actual inn must be provided by francisee.
Void where prohibited.)
THE CONDE NASTY TRAVELLER
(The monthly review of activities of interest to the modern action
tourist.)
Rat Catching for the Uninitiated -- by Kristian Armorcorps
Few of the denizens of Olympia appear to realize the true excitement
in store for them just a short stroll outside the comforts of Imperial
City. I recently had the opportunity to accompany an expedition into
the wilds of by24 for an unexpected taste of mayhen and moronity -- a
rat hunt. But, this was a rat hunt with a difference.
I was headed for the Fatted Boar Inn -- that famous watering hole on
the IC-Newleaf Road -- in the company of a noble named Ironheart. My
usually reliable sources had told me he had a reputation for courage
under fire, good judgement, and a mighty sword arm. For added
protection we were accompanied by four doughy peasants. I planned to
join my colleague Calvin Trillion in doing a review of the Fatted
Boar. The Inn has developed a reputation for providing first class
service in the short time since it has opened. Judging from the
number of nobles who had passed through in the past month, the
reputation was well deserved.
The trip had been peaceful to the point of boredom. But only a few
miles away from the Inn things changed. During a short rest along the
trail, the most intelligent of the peasants, a lout named Sven, went
off into the bushes. Soon, however, he came shuffling quickly out of
the woods, unsuccessfully trying to pull up his tattered trousers and
move at the same time. "Uuuu, master," he said to Ironheart, tugging
on his foreskin, "me heard a noise in the bushes that was differnt
then the ones I wuz makin." Just then we heard a noise too, and it
WAS different than the off-key flatulence that had been issuing from
Sven. After a few seconds loud rustling, five enormous rats emerged
from the the trees, spotted our party, and with bloodcurdling chirps,
squeals, and whistles, immediately attacked.
They reached Sven first, since he was closest to the woods and still
had his pants down around his ankles. A red-eyed rodent went for his
throat and, with a flick of its enormous incisors, ripped out the
peasant's jugular. In death, Sven served us better than he had in
life, he collapsed on the rat and crushed it.
The other rats rushed the rest of us and Ironheart began to display
his true character. Cowering behind his three remaining thralls, he
bleated shrilly and pushed them forward. So much for courage under
fire.
As I skewered one rat with my dagger, two more of the peasants went
down. A third managed to brain a rodent with his codpiece before he
was also torn to pieces. His followers gone, Ironheart began trying
to DIG his way to safety, while one rat gnawed on his armored
backside. So much for good judgement.
I dispatched another rat but lost my dagger in the process and turned
to Ironheart. Bleeding profusely from the buttocks, he was waving one
hand weakly in the general direction of the remaining rat while
making feeble attempts to draw his weapon with the other. So much for
the mighty sword arm.
I resolved to look up my "reliable" sources of information on
Ironheart's character when I returned to Imperial City. IF I returned
to Imperial City, I suddenly realized. At that moment, it occured to
me that my travelling companion's abilities and behavior had provided
a strong argument for a serious reassessment of the relative merits of
discretion and valor. Making the sensible choice, I ran for the Inn
with the one rat in pursuit. It was a close thing, but I got through
and barred the door just ahead of the creature.
As I leaned panting against the rough wood, I noticed that Calvin,
punctual -- and hungry -- as always, had already arrived and was
sampling the cuisine. He was picking at the remains of a broiled ooze
hen in fennel sauce, served on a bed of tree kelp. Calvin usually has
a way with a backhanded compliment, and this time was no exception.
"Kristian my dear," he exclaimed, "why is it that whenever I see you,
there's trouble in the neighborhood? Well, no matter, you look
radiant as ever, although you ARE a bit sweaty."
Not being as good as Calvin with pretty words, I had to settle for
just giving him a backhand.
(Next month, Kristian reports on the cutting edge of action tourism:
battle surfing!)
Seeking knowledge
Has anyone tried to go into Hades? There seems to be a gateway from every
graveyard. The only catch is that you have to pay 100 gold per head for
every person in your stack to go through. That means solo exploration (bye
bye NP?).
If you have tried it, and died, where did your body go?
I intend to try it out soon, and would like to compare notes and possibly
even cooperate with others interested.
Karla
Now that we have all been treated to the display of
violence on Mt. Olympus and received commentary on the
battle from several points of view, a question still
remains. Why did he do it ? Is the faction in control
of Mt. Olympus overly annoying ? Was Dogmatix just
psychotic ? A preemptive strike ? We've seen the facts,
now where is the dirt !
A Reader of the "Provinia Inquirer"
A man's greatest work is to break his enemies, to drive them before him,
to take from them all the things that have been theirs, to hear the
weaping of those who cherished them, to take their horses between his
knees and to press in his arms the most desirable of their women.
Attributed to Jenghis Khan
Is that smoke I smell?
Wow--
How is it possible to make any money? Few cities buy anything readily
obtainable; almost none buy fish. How are you supposed to keep a ship
economically sound?
Now that our castle is built, we are instituting a small change in
policy.
Outsiders are no longer welcome in Iron Nation territory!
Any, and perhaps all, strays will be treated to a "friendly" IN welcome.
sb0 Varangian Freeholders
Player Tip #1 - Remember when attacking monsters/players in a sub-location,
you do not have to be in the sub-location to attack it.
Issue: ATTACK from within the province works fine.
Two days time are saved from avoiding moving into and out of the location.
Rachet Storm [m7s] -
Pikemen are available for only 110 gold each! If you supply the peasant or
wood they're only 75 gold. If you supply both wood and peasant then
your price is 50 gold! Contact Rachet Storm at m7s.pbm.com for more
details! (RCOMBER@delphi.com)
Announcer: Tonight on "Talking Olympia"...the Ancient Order of Olympians,
rabid woverines or merely homocidal scum? Tune in to hear
Geraldo Oprah Raphael tackle yet another group of the drug-
crazed vermin that are plaguing Olympia.
Dear Fellow Nobles of Olympia,
The current Imperial Logging Regulations allowing 30 wood to be cut
in each province each month are far too generous. A limit of 20
wood per month is far more reasonable, and will preserve the beauty
of the Imperial forests far better. We therefore petition the
Emperor to limit wood to 20 per province per month. The above
petition has nothing to do with our unsold inventory of wood, which
is now priced at 15 gold per wood, delivered, in the Imperial City.
The New Logging Company 'Concerned for the Environment'
Recently, late one night, the following snippet of song was heard emanating
from the Mellow Yellow Pub (Angus McAttle, propreitor [sic]):
"Spam, spam, spam, spam,
spam, spam, spam, spam,
SPAMITY-SPAM, E-SPAMITY-SPAM!"
It's unthinkable, but it's true: the Mellow Yellow Pub (Angus McAttle,
propreitor [sic]) has become a spam bar. Nobles not wishing to be labeled as
Vikings are advised to steer clear of this establishment. First drink is on
the house, eh? Sure, that's how they get you HOOKED on SPAM JUICE!
a public service announcement by the Ministry of Silly Walks
The Sen Clan anouces their claim to Thornclay and the adjacent provinces.
Please do not use resources in the area without checking with us first.
John Sen [m6f]
In view of the dreadful devastation wreaked on Eastern
Provinia by our good and trusty servant Percival the Prim [r7m];
whereas the same Percival has tied the imperialist warmongering
so-called Iron Nation up in knots for the best part of a year;
whereas the self-same Percival has acted alone and without the support
of any faction of the AOO (with which of course he is not associated
and not acting for); whereas the same Percival has killed, injured,
and captured (haha!) most of the IN nobles sent to hunt him, without
losing any of his own nobles...
We unanimously nominate Percival the Prim as...
*************** BANDIT OF THE YEAR *****************
(signed) FOO
(Friends Of Olympia)
an anonymous olympian organization
>>> Message to All Interested Parties <<<
Kang the Conqueror and SuperAdaptoid deny
any connection with threats and possible
attacks against the Pilgrim's Aid Society,
and any other law abiding people, or
public entity.
If the vile and unscrupulous personages
who are defiling the images of Kang the
Conqueror and SuperAdaptoid are discovered,
they will be mushed into the ground.
"Why conquer, when you can subvert?"
Kang the Conqueror [f7r] SuperAdaptoid [l3h]
Anyone with leads on the Helm of Petelinus (dd3t) is asked to contact
Hile Troy (i4n). Reward for leads or trade of other magic items are
offered. (Obviously, if you've used it up, I'm not too interested.)
Dear Editor:
I would like to congratulate you on your new editorial section,
"THE TIMES COMMENTARY". It is among the most creative and witty
sections of the Times, and I was disappointed to find it absent
from the last issue.
I hope that you will not pay attention to the whinings of those
contributors who have disparaged your editorialist, having felt
his (her?) barbs, and that you will make this a regular feature
of your otherwise uneven periodical.
Signed,
A Contributor Who Has
Thus Far Escaped The
Commentator's Sharp Wit
We live in interesting times. To our north, the AOO is trying to build one
castle on top of another ("Build those walls higher!"). To the east, the
Iron Nation is trying to beat the world record for number of nobles in a
stack ("Push harder! We can fit a couple more in!"). And to our far north,
the Council of Oleg's Trusty Eumemnedocal Yeomen (CoOTEY) are plotting to
overthrow world dominion. And what about the west? And whatever happened
to the Bone Intendents?
Unconfirmed rumors
1) Dragons have been sighted in the Uldims recently.
2) Certain alliances have been recruiting new factions to serve as the
front line in an soon-to-be-declared war (or was it declared in the last
Times?)
3) Two new continents have been discovered to the far north.
And remember, don't believe anything you read in a Times post unless it is
signed with a faction or unit id. Except this one.
Acuman, the Seeker
The gray-clad noble paced the small inn room restlessly, stopping
occasionally to lean out the open window and search the street one story
below him. A second noble sat nearby, busy with a knife and a pile of
slender branches, rapidly turning out arrow shafts.
Both nobles turned, hands dropping to sword hilts as the door opened and a
third noble arrived. He grinned as the other two relaxed, and dropped a
worn pack in one corner.
"A bit jumpy, aren't we?" he asked as he took a seat on the edge of one of
the narrow beds.
The first man shrugged. "I don't much like waiting. What did you find out?"
"It was just like we thought. I saw their camp myself. Not much in the
way of sentries, that's for sure."
"Good!" The second man set down the arrow he had been working on and
started to bundle up the partially finished wood. "Then we'll be a movin'
out when?"
"At first light." The third noble stood up. "We've got several scouts out
now to mark their trail if they leave before we get to them, but if they are
going to slip by us again, they'll need to be moving by now."
"If they are, then we will just have to chase them down. We can't be safe
until this group of bandits has been dealt with. One way or another..."
Fear and Loathing
in Olympia
Editors Note:
We apologize for the lack of F&L postings in the Times since issue 1-12. Our
correspondent was given enough gold and the request to go out and "cover the
story" as he saw fit.
It was known to us at the outset that our reporter liked to get
"inside" the story sometimes (often) at the expense of missed deadlines.
We are at this time trying to scry the location of our correspondent
and will pick up the the thread of his story in the next issue of the Times
Do you have land holdings down south? Let me know, so that I can avoid
your territories. Contact Samuel Roughclaw [b0r] with the details.
Dearest Miyuki,
Oh, how I miss you. But the end of my journey has arrived. We have
landed!
After looking around the coast, we settled on a place to land and
are doing some exploration. I have talked with my companions and
after we settle in, we will journey back to Provinia to get you.
- Kovaq'nu
To move to a pleasanter topic than piracy, we are proud to announce the
opening of the second Tollusian Inn, the 'Drunken Duck' outside of
Drinishin. Specializing in light lagers, this inn will quench your thirst
when travelling.
The Mellow Yellow Pub [y77], outside of Yellowleaf on the scenic
western coast of Tollus. Angus McAttle [b60], proprietor.
From _Commentaries on Historical Process_ by Sirelius Morgani,
circa 1619 SOR:
...the long and bloody war between the Ancient Order of Olympians and the
renegade Iron Nation centered around the Imperial City. Soon the entire
central and eastern areas of Provinia were ablaze with battle pennons. The
walled Imperial City remained a neutral haven, but the ideological battles
wore away at the heart of the Empire, weakening it inexorably until the Fall...
He paused from his wood cutting and wiped his brow. So many
rumors, so few facts. Huge armies marching the countryside,
giant beasts filling the sky. Who knew what was going on.
All he knew was that he could use a drink. "Fat chance of
that," he thought, "no more likely than someone dropping
25 gold into my purse."
The Imperial City Logging Corporation is open for
business. Contact mmwang@mv.us.adobe.com if you wish
to place an order for wood.
Due to the threats against Chateau Olympique published in last week's
Times, the province of Mt. Olympus is declared closed to travel. Anyone
traveling there without prior permission will be treated as hostile and
subject to attack.
Barry Eynon
The Aolian Circle
For those who can't run the battle simulator code (available for ftp),
there is now a daemon at "battlesim@pbm.com" which can simulate
battles for you and mail back the results. I've tested this with
friendly users, now it's time for the masses to beat on it.
You should keep these things in mind:
1) You can run this on your own machine. In fact, if you can, I'd
prefer that you do so.
2) This program might be wrong. Rich hasn't even looked at it; he just
provided the resources to run it.
3) A player (me) runs this server. For all you know I'm an
unscrupulous lout who will read what battles you simulate and use this
information against you. See #1.
Actually, I won't do #3, but then again, people have accused me of
torturing my cat (and crossgaming), so maybe I *am* an axe-murderer.
To get started, send an empty message to "battlesim@pbm.com". It'll
reply with instructions. Thanks to Ross Inglis for writing the battle
simulator itself.
-- Oleg the Loudmouth's player
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| |
| Are *You* trying to piece together a map of the gateways? |
| |
| Do *You* have a reading on a gateway, but not enough time |
| to get a full fix? |
| |
| Do *You* want help? |
| |
|<--------------------------------------------------------------->|
| |
| The Gatemasters are here to help *You*. |
| |
| Here is how it works. We have already located five gateways |
| and are rapidly pinning down another four. We want to help |
| you help us. Send us in your gate readings and we will send |
| you back other information we have that will help you to |
| pin point the gateway. If you can pinpoint a gateway that |
| we have not, then you get to become a full Gatemaster will |
| access to all the gate information we have. |
| |
| Why do we do it this way? Well there is a large effort that |
| must be made in locating gates, and we don't think it's fair |
| that people free-load. So long as you are actively trying |
| to locate new gateways, you will continue to get help. |
| essentially people get out what they put it. We work this |
| way to encourage people to put in. |
| |
| Interested? Send mail to q4y. |
_| _|
/ /\______________________________________________________________/ /\
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