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   +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | The Olympia Times                                        issue g1-30 |
   | January 18, 1995                                                     |
   |                                                                      |
   | turn 30  190 players                                 "Yes...a sign!" |
   +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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

Olympia PBEM

* * *

As I gird on for fighting My sword upon my thigh, I think on old ill fortunes Of better men than I.

Think I, the round world over, What golden lads are low With hurts not mine to mourn for And shames I shall not know.

What evil luck soever For me remains in store, 'Tis sure much finer fellows Have fared much worse before.

So here are things to think on That ought to make me brave, As I strap on for fighting My sword that will not save.

-- A. E. Housman

* * *

Notices -------

Previously orcs did not count toward the "men" requirement when pillaging. A lore sheet implied that orcs could pillage, and they have been changed so they now can.

Orbs now are good for 3-9 successful uses before they wear out and shatter. Counting starts as of this turn.


Player-contributed press


The recent rumours about Western Drucartan being closed to exploitation or building are, sadly, true. The unceasing work of Despite in despoiling the Land have been all too effective, and continue to overwhelm the efforts of the Lords of Revelstone and the little of Kevin's Lore which they have yet mastered. Today, great hordes of Kresh, the savage giant yellow wolves, pace the outskirts of Trothguard, and bands of ur-viles patrol the farther reaches of Guard's Gap, hindering the entrance of loyal Haruchai to the Land. All are urged to avoid the Western Drucartan region for all purposes other than itinerant travel. Building structures is the work of evil. Lord Mhoram, son of Variol, for the Lords of Revelstone

"The only good Orc oil is Revelstone[tm] brand Orc oil!"

-- Lords of Revelstone [ad4]


Because of fear of unrest and a large influx of immigrants to a continent with low resources, visitors to Eastern Drucartan are asked to procure a visa before entering the area. ( We define Eastern Drucartan as the area of Drucartan that is east of the Uldim Pass).

If you want a visa, please send a message to John Sen[m6f], describing the nobles in the party, the size of the party, and the reason for visiting Eastern Drucartan. There is no fee, and requests will only be refused in rare ( i.e. I am bringing 2000 men to kill all nobles ) circumstances.

-- The Sen Clan [di4]


Lumber prices in the Imperial City are too high!

You will be able to buy lumber in the Imperial city at wholesale prices begining turn 31! Lumber to be sold at 8 gold ea.

-- Circle of Hope [lp3]


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"The maps are cool!" -- R. Skrenta

"The maps far exceeded my expectations; any new player will likely find the information contained exceedingly valuable.... I am especially impressed by the clarity." -- Crimson Sage

MAPS MAPS MAPS

The Illustrated Man apologizes to any customers whose maps were delayed; when I left my printer for my Christmas vacation, I took several maps with me. However, demand far exceeded suppy, and I ran out. All orders have now been mailed out and should be received shortly.

It seems that word is spreading, and everyone wants a map! Yet they are still available at the low, low, LOW price of only 50 gold! Don't sweat with a ruler measuring ditances on an ASCII map, while your opponent is able to leisurely encompass the world in a glance! Get yours today!

Using Campaign Cartographer, the most powerful fantasy cartography program available, I have designed maps of Provinia which I am distributing via surface mail. These 7-color maps show all terrain features and internal locations listed in Skulking Vermin's Atlas. Each kind of terrain and internal location has its own graphical symbol: over 30 different symbols in use!

Now, how much would pay for a beautiful, full-color, ready-for-hanging-next-to-your-computer map like this? Before you answer, there's more! We'll also throw in a map of known Olympia, based on lore provided by the Crimson Sage! It's sketchy yet, but you can plot the major sea lanes and measure the distances between continents quickly and easily with this beauty. Contains all the data in the Provinia map as well (just very, very small). You'll also get a full-page map key, and a letter from the Midnight Carnival on future deals. All for the low, low price of 50 gold!

That's right, just PAY 50 to our representative in the Imperial City, the Illustrated Man (s5e) and e-mail us your carrier snail address, and two lovely 7-color maps will go winging their way to you pronto! And once you've subscribed, all future revisions of the maps will be available for half price! Act now, prices may rise with demand.

EXTRA DEALS!!!>>> All your nobles left the IC? Not to worry! Send us the terrain descriptions of any 10 squares of land or coastal waters not in the Atlas, and we'll send you a map for free! Must be willing to have this information published.

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-- The Midnight Carnival [nx2]


As we travel further away from the Imperial City there is little to report. The provinces are garrisoned, but there is little evidence of activity or other nobles. We have seen few monsters or interesting locations.

-- Seekers of Knowledge [tt4]


----------------------- S. CAMARIS Update -----------------------

Some slight ripples in the nearby ocean straits; otherwise, all is calm this month.

-- Compte du S. Camaris [b4q]

-- The Crazy Quilters [vn7]


An ally and I are sailing east of Tollus. I welcome the opportunity to exchange detailed mapping data with anyone else sailing in that direction. Contact c1s.

-- Captain Tarkus [c1s]


The Olympia Atlas is accepting contributions, and is available for download! Be the first to contribute information for unexplored lands (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.

Brought to you by the Skulking Vermin (sx6)

-- Sludge [x0o]


I would like to announce to all concerned that the noble merchant Bayle Domon [g4y] is a most honest trader. He brookered my recent purchase of the Talon with great integrity.

-- Dixtheus [e3i]


Dateline Tollus - someone was very surprised when a ship landed marines, and a deafening chant was heard: "No Pain, Whatta Gain!!!" Then came the twang of many strings (not quite 101 Strings). More to follow...

-- Duffy Brew [f8d]


PILGRIMS AID SOCIETY

Travel warnings are still in effect for the Tollus area. Fighting continues to be reported and at least one uninvolved party has already been attacked.

Additionally, travel warnings are being issued for the Trion area of Provinia. At least two large armies are currently active in that area attacking garrisons and nobles.

Also, Atnos should be considered a dangerous area. With the recent conflicts, the Pilgrims Aid Society is recommending naval vessels avoid the waters immediately surrounding Atnos.

All factions are advised to look to their own defense. As always, the Aid Society is open for questions and comments.

-- Akmall Benhalla [p3p]


Mapping Data for Western Rimmon 5 6 7 8 9 C 01234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789 o P p ff q P ~ mp ffff r ssss ~~~~f mppp ff s ~~~Ssss~~~~~ffff pPpp t ~~~~~~~~~~~ppppm pppPp u ~~~~pppppppmm ~mm v ~~~ppppp pMmmf w ~~sssSsssmmff x ~~~iSssssmmF y ~~~~~~~i~~~~ z ~~~~~~~~~~

Eddra @ cv63 Calldwr @ cx58 Denaste @ cw59

Calldwr [aa0u] Shipcraft [120], Combat [121], Persuasion [124], Construction [125], Alchemy [126] trade who price qty wt/ea item buy aa0u 2 100 2 fish [87] buy aa0u 4 15 1 woven baskets [94] buy aa0u 54 6 100 linen [262] buy aa0u 26 231 50 soap [110] sell aa0u 5 25 10 fish oil [97] sell aa0u 50 10 100 pitch [261] sell aa0u 1 50 10 lead [102] sell aa0u 43 41 50 ale [90]

Eddra [as8r] Combat [121], Persuasion [124], Construction [125], Alchemy [126], Mining [129], Gatecraft [163] trade who price qty wt/ea item buy as8r 7 9 5 clay pots [95] sell as8r 27 2 10 iron [79] sell as8r 1 50 10 lead [102] sell as8r 23 10 100 cassava [267]

Denaste [at0m] Combat [121], Stealth [122], Construction [125], Alchemy [126], Gatecraft [163] trade who price qty wt/ea item buy at0m 7 9 5 clay pots [95] sell at0m 1 50 10 lead [102] sell at0m 24 31 25 candles [257]

-- MacBeth [u0i]


To battle, at last! I have trained long and hard for this day, working since the day I entered Olympia to become a grand master Swordsman. Now, we will see if the training has paid off.

-- Hans Shadowspawn [r2y]


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-- Mandrake [t8t]


Dearest Miyuki,

I am so happpy that we are again together that I can hardly bare to leave you this morning to carry out my duties. Oh, how much brighter the sun is now that you are with me! I will meet you this evening at the Dead End Inn for dinner at sundown. My heart will yearn for your company until then.

-- Kovaq'nu [v4n]


Visitors are welcome to the area controlled by the Cohorts of Colossus [vo4], as long as they obtain travel permits first. Not all requests will be granted. The affected area includes the land provinces bounded by bx25 and bz27.

To avoid possible misunderstandings, do not enter this area without a permit.

-- Sheriff Pelenth of Gentlewind [f3i]


You wanted it, you have it. A regular once per month ferry service to the clouds. Read last months times for word of mouth account from a happy customer. For the small price of 400 gold you get a round trip ticket to the clouds. Discover the art of controlling the weather! Learn to forge mighty artifacts! Those of you worried about safety, rest assured no combat has _ever_ been fought in the clouds. A haven of peace and tranquility in which to study. For more details contact myself and experience the wonders of flight as you climb aboard a genuine Winged Horse.

-- Ferry master [z1s]


The Chat of Olies appear to have stretched their grip on the world. Who dares to challenge it? I for one do! I believe in personal freedom, liberty and (of course) equality. I say "Down with these pubic lice that want to enslave us!"

ARE YOU WITH ME?

Is anyone listening?

-- Max Constructus [l9a]


Today we embark in an unexplored land. I do know know what we will find. Nor if we find friends or foes. From what I have heard our leader plans to walk about some and explore the land around us. Lets just hope there is none that mistakes us for some invasion.

-- Bootes [t3t]


Seen here: Pel [q1v], duchess, accompanied by: Erik the Well Read [l4o], prisoner

-- Pel [q1v]


This is monthly notice if you wish to visit the environs of Cycarth and Redwine please be courteous enough to let m9l know (you can reach him at heyman@camis.stanford.edu. I do not currently plan to restrict access, but would like to know who is wandering around in my front yard. I would especially like to know if you plan on using any of the natural rsources (peasants, wood, and the like) in the provinces bt25 bt26 bt27 bu25 bu26 bu27 bv25 bv26 bv27 bw25 bw26 and bw27.

By order of Darkman, caretaker of Dark Castle

-- Dweezil [e5q]


Journal - Thunder and rain, Year 4

Scattered alliance we now be, seperated by swamp, forest and sea. To the task we bend our backs, capturing birds & horses for our stacks. When will this all end?

The Lord of the Morning, The Dragon,

-- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m]


The Tai Lung's captain would like to contact anyone sailing in the northern unexplored regions to exchange data and avoid duplication of effort.

-- Hidenka Sencho [az7t]


Rumors


What is the AOO? Shelley almost said it: Nothing beside remains. Round the decay of that colossal Wreck....

More like colossal Dreck, if you ask me.


"Gee, look what I see!" Seen here: Lesser Demon [jr8v], with 14 spirits "Maybe we should be moving on?" Hope and Crosby, On the road to Hades...


Dear f.D.,

I am still hanging on, thank you. Care to reveal your real faction, yet?

--- Squire Adam


Among the old peasant women of Olympia, there is a saying -- Even the full moon wanes with time.


There is an Order that we must kill They rape and pillage at will We shal cut off thier heads Making sure they are dead Thus reducing them to nill

-that same poet


"MAFOC: (acronym) Mitey Armed Forces Of Chaos; term used by CHAOS MegaFaction members to refer to their combined military forces. ^^^^^^^

Huh huh, hunh, huh huh, he said "member".

Beavis


Q: Where is MAFOC? A: Everywhere.


Perceive those things which cannot be seen. -- Musashi


"Today on Farm Report, we'd like to introduce Erik the Well Read."

"Thanks. I'm glad to have this forum to talk about the sweeping agricultural reforms I'm planning for Atnos. I think we should be able to feed a great number of people here."

"That's nice. Hey, lookie there, it's the AOO. They look like they're gonna come over here and blow you up REAL GOOD!"

"What? Where?"

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

"Hoooweee, he shore did blow up REAL GOOD! Yup, those AOO boys shore know how to blow up a feller good! Well, that's all the time we have this week, join us next week with our special guest, Oleg the Loudmouth!"

"And remember, pray the good AOO takes a liking to you and blows you up REAL GOOD!"


Ma Rat. It rather speaks for itself, doesn't it?


We are those that watch, We are those that wait, Look not over your shoulder, For the daggers approach, Between you blades, We stand openly among you, Our counsel; Leading you to your fate, And our dirks slash your throats, Drawn openly from our waist.

(overheard in the catacombs of Chateau Olympique)


To the pirate crew of Rory's Revenge: A great Leviathan shall arise from the see and smite you.


Clifford's City Market Database: 60 city reports and growing. Send in a city market report not yet in the database and you will receive a report each week on the commodity of your choice. For further info, write to w4t@g1.pbm.com.


All Hail Oleg! From out of the crushing grip of tryanny slips a leader! Wish that we could openly proclaim our devotion to the cause, but discretion must come before valor. We will declare ourselves when we are ready to act.


It would seem that there will be wars and rumors of wars again throughout Olympia. There are fewer and fewer safe places to be. At some point a peace must come, but will there be any left to see it?


Q: What did [insert random victim here] exclaim when clobbered in an unprovoked attack? A: AOOch.


What is this I hear of pirates? I was going to do this (when I had a ship and crew). Oh well, better go join the AOO then.


Suggested anti-AOO strategy. Send a noble into that tower, learn hide, & then set yourself down inside an AOO city & pillage it for the rest of the game! What could be more satisfying? Every gold you take is both one for you & one against the blue meanies.


"I learned a long time ago that you can get along by being oh-so- very-clever, or oh-so-very-nice. I decided to try the latter method, and have never regretted it." Elwood P. Dowd


Public service announcement:

When you use the WAIT command, always put a duration on it. You may think that you can make sure never to give to the wrong person, but it happens.


The sound of the march could be heard for miles around, as well as the smoke form the fires on the battle field and the circleing vultures could be seen.

The AOO starts to reorganise their masses inorder to maintain and hold their newly AQUIRED land.

Looks like a CLEAN-UP crew might be needed to RAZE the standard of the living conditions.

Maybe someone will come to the aid of the not so mighty....

We can only hope that the so called "Empire topplers" will do as they say they will.... MAFOC where are you?


Looks like the AOO has gained a well-deserved image problem! Now, they seem to be trying to clean it up. Can they persuade the rest of us that they _really_ don't intend to wipe us all off the map?


Pirates are the most filthy, uncouth members of humanity imaginable. I have been living among them in an attempt to understand the way their minds work. It has been a hard couple of months and I still do not understand what makes them into pirates. Oh well I shall continue to study them until my ship comes to pick me up a couple of months hence.


WhickerWhacker WhickerWhack! Pirates Newbie ships attack! Grab their gold And bring it back To secret place And have a snack! WhickerWhacker WhickerWhack! Meaner meanie Got you back! To your secret Place we track You now you pirates Are a snack!


Hey Pel! Hate to say I told you so but... I did try to warn you. Next time maybe you get smart and listen before it TOO LATE!!!


Once again, all nobles are warned to avoid exploiting the resources of bx23, which are being used under the direction of Duke Marat. Bellabane [o3z] Forester of the Wheel


Overheard in a pub near the Imperial harbor.

"Don't just go off and kill Oleg about whom you hardly know anything, young soldier ! What a waste that would be... No, instead get to know him. Read his words in the Times. Talk with him. See what kind of man he is and take his full measure. _Then_ kill him and not only will you have the satisfaction of an opponent defeated but the firm knowledge of the world having been made a better place for your courageous act."


Does anyone have experiences with the rides to the Cloudlands to report?


I, in secret fear give my support to Oleg dear. But, alas, I like many who have gone this way, I am now much to far away.

"Remember Oleg the Loudmouth!"


Why bother slaying dragons? Even the puniest beings carry wonderous treasures, unimaginable artefacts and mindboggling books. Wonder how they manage to carry things around though...


Does anyone have any information on lands west of Provinia? I notice that the atlas is sadly lacking in this respect... Please help! Do your part!! Not everyone wants to hang out in Provinia with that stuffy Marat meglomaniac...


Let recent events in Atnos be another warning to those who believe that they can attack an AOO lord and win. The bodies of young and naive nobles who were sent to their doom in suicide attacks against AOO holdings by a one Axomin are mounting up.


Did Calliope, or anyone else, ever become IC Blacksmith? If so, please advertise your metal weapons soon as I want some.


Market Survey: I am interested in the potential profits of bounty hunting. Has anyone made a serious reward offer with satisfactory payment procedures. Please address "serious reward and payment plan" responses via the times, and include an e-mail address. I will contact you directly if I am willing to pursue your target.

Low Profile Bounty Hunters


As the event stamps them; but they have a good cover; they show well outward. The prince and Count Claudio, walking in a thick-pleached alley in my orchard, were thus much overherad by a man of mine: the prince discovered to Claudio that he loved my niece your duaghter, and meant to acknowledge it this night in a dance; and, if he found her accordant, he meant to take the present time by the top, and instantly break with you of it.


Griffins are fabulous birds with powerful wings, lion's bodies and eagles' beaks. They are sacred to Apollo, whose treasures they gaurd in Provinia. Unfortunately their protection has proven inadequate as of late.


Well it seems nobody's making money in the opium business. That's ludicrous. Adam Osborne could make money in the opium business. My dad could make money in the opium business. What's so damn hard about creating an inelastic demand?

Study, study, study. Learn useful skills like Emasculate randy peasants and Meatmastery. Frankly, I could use a little opium myself.


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