Part IV
In the stormy east wind straining,
The pale yellow woods were waning,
The broad stream in his banks complaining,
Heavily the low sky raining
Over towered Camelot;
Down she came and found a boat
Beneath a willow left afloat,
And round about the prow she wrote
The Lady of Shalott.
And down the river's dim expanse -
Like some bold seer in a trance,
Seeing all his own mischance -
With a glassy countenance
Did she look to Camelot.
And at the closing of the day
She loosed the chain, and down she lay;
The broad stream bore her far away,
The Lady of Shalot.
Lying, robed in snowy white
That loosely flew to left and right -
The leaves upon her falling light -
Thro' the noises of the night
She floated down to Camelot:
And as the boat-head wound along
The willowy hills and fields among,
They heard her singng her last song,
The Lady of Shalott.
***********************
* concludes next week *
***********************
-- Apollo [t2t]
Anyone wishing to discuss Impassable Mountains, please contact me.
(I'm trying to get in the spirit of endlessly repetitive announcements.)
-- Tim Finnegan [r9b]
Well, well, it appears that Ossicus is not as empty as we were led
to believe. & not only is it occupied, but full of nasty, brutish types
who would do us no good. To wit:
We are coming & we are many. All residents of East Camaris are
encouraged to contact me so that we may be amicable neighbors. Let's all
be good sports now!
-searching for a happy home,
-- Norc of Trivendale [z1a]
Journal - Sunsear, Year 5
Back on the Merry Prank! I never thought I would
be glad to see Captain Farseeker!
The Lord of the Morning,
The Dragon,
-- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m]
MONTHLY NOTICE
The Brotherhood of Ormos claims the city of Avalon [ao0k] and all
lands and resources inside the boundary of [bp05]-[bp08]-[br06]
-[br09] inclusive, as its sole and lawful demense. Those wishing to
visit Ormos are required to request a visa and await clearance
before attempting to make landfall. All unauthorized visitors are
unwelcome and looked upon with extreme prejudice. Captains needing
to make landfall at Avalon for emergency repairs will not be
molested, but are still required to contact me for a visa.
-- Pelinore Dragonslayer [p4s]
********************************************
Anyone want to buy a ship?
I am currently making ships in the imperial city.
roundships galleys or galleys with rams all made to order.
Here is a list of prices:
galley: 300 gold and 50 wood. or just 700 gold
ram 50 gold, one iron and three wood.
or 75 gold and one iron
or 90 gold and three wood
or just 115 gold
roundship 400 gold and 100 wood.
or 800 gold and 50 wood
or just 1200 gold.
I will also consider barter, see me for details.
-carioca@io.com
-- Carlota de Andarai' [r0h]
There was a little scuffle at the necktie party out west but in the end
we were able to finish the job. By the time you read this the souls of
these murderers and thieves will be on their way to whatever damnation
awaits them :
1: Impedimenta [e2v] attacks Garrison [be0m]!
1:
1: Impedimenta [e2v], with five soldiers, 47 pikemen, accompanied by:
1: Angry peasant [cg7r], angry peasants, number: 21
1: Angry peasant [eo1x], angry peasants, number: 15
1: Raven the Silent [v3j], wielding golden dart [ep5e], behind 9,
1: with 200 crossbowmen
1:
1: Garrison [be0m], garrison, with 61 soldiers, 43 pikemen,
1: seven swordsmen
1:
1: Impedimenta [e2v] is victorious!
1:
1: Impedimenta lost three soldiers, six pikemen, 15 angry peasants.
1:
1: Garrison lost 61 soldiers, 43 pikemen, seven swordsmen.
1: Garrison [be0m] was destroyed.
1:
2: Impedimenta [e2v] executes Ergonal [y6s]!
2: Ergonal [y6s] miraculously is still alive!
2: Prisoner Ergonal [y6s] escaped!
2: Impedimenta [e2v] executes Typhoon [s8p]!
2: Typhoon [s8p] has died.
2: Typhoon [s8p] unstacks from us.
2: Attack Ergonal [y6s].
2: We won!
2: Ergonal [y6s] is taken prisoner by Impedimenta [e2v].
3: Impedimenta [e2v] executes Ergonal [y6s]!
3: Ergonal [y6s] has died.
3: Ergonal [y6s] unstacks from us.
Thus ends the career of one of the least-liked nobles ever to walk
the face of Olympia. Travellers out west are advised to continue
to be wary of AOO bandits :
Harvest plains [by10], plain, in Provinia, civ-1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Province controlled by Chateau Olympique [s85], castle, in Mt.
Olympus [bx22]
Ruled by Marat [g3y], duke
Seen here:
Garrison [be8e], garrison, on guard, with 179 soldiers, 226 peasants,
one worker, 79 crossbowmen
Viliz [l1n], with seven catapults, seven wolves, accompanied by:
Savage [hs9z], savages, number: 9
Savage [hh8s], savages, number: 14
Savage [bn3a], savages, number: 5
Savage [fb2e], savages, number: 15
Savage [eq9i], savages, number: 15
Savage [cl0n], savages, number: 13
Savage [es4n], savages, number: 13
Savage [bt8l], savages, number: 10
Imbralor Moonsong [v8w], prisoner
Trogenius [j7t], with one riding horse
Riar [k0k], with two riding horses, accompanied by:
Brother Owens [d7z], prisoner
-- Impedimenta [e2v]
The High priest Gilmour of the Temple of The Pink Floyd
once wrote
"I was spending my time in the doldrums
I was caught in a cauldron of hate
I was persecuted and paralysed
I thought that everything else would just wait
While you are wasting your time on your enemies
Engulfed in a fever of spite
Beyond your tunnel vision reality fades
Like shadows in the night
......
There is much to learn from these words of wisdom...
-- Billy No-Mates [t9z]
Rumors
MYSTERIOUS CROP CIRCLES SPOTTED IN PROVINIA
Locals React with Fear, Confusion
OPI (Aethelarn Bureau)- Local residents here fearing the end of the world
believe their worries have been validated by the appearance of large
"crop circles" in forest areas to the extreme south-west of Aethelarn, most
recently in cd08. To those who give credence to the ancient prophecies, the
strange empty circles are evidence of fulfillment of dire predictions.
#--Camp followers of an AOO expeditionary force brought back word of
the most recent discovery. "We were about two days march behind the
army," said one individual who declined to be identified, "and we expected
to catch up with them when they camped at the end of the month. Instead,
we never did reach them, and where we expected to find them there was
a flattened area like a big circle, as though some mighty force had
smashed them flat."
#--Thamaturgists from Imperial City originally speculated that the army
had simply gated out of the area. When it was reported that no usable
gates existed in the area, the scholars ventured the opinion that the
commanders of the army had employed an as-yet unknown spell to transfer
the men and material. This spell, it was theorized, generated as a
by-product a concussive force that flattened the surrounding area.
#--That theory was short-lived, as investigation revealed that neither
Ergonal or Typhoon, the army's noble leaders, possessed sufficient magic
ability to work such a spell. Instead, it appeared that they were only
passably sub-normal "common" nobles, entrusted with the relatively
undemanding task of herding some soldiers to a coastal mustering point.
#--The possibility that they had a talisman or some other aid cannot be
discounted, but that possibility seems remote. "What is more likely,"
said Tharmos Alterix, director of the Artifact Construction Department
at Imperial College, "is that they ran into some mighty force that simply
squashed them flat. It may be related to the mysterious flashes in the
sky we've been seeing lately.
#--"Most likely, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
#--Others are not so sure. Simple village shamans and witch doctors in
the uncivilized regions west and south, outside of the Aethelarn-I.C. area,
have been spreading superstitious beliefs which strike the sophisticated
as fantastical and far-fetched.
#--Among those not impressed is Raoul Taram, a parapsychologist specializing
in "debunking" mystical phenomena. "There is undoubtedly a simple
explanation," he says. "The more fanciful theories are simply an aspect
of an apostasy, a falling-away from proper worship of the war-god
Atnerks. People who childishly believe that this world can somehow be made a
place of peace and communality have focussed their wishfulness into a
glorification of a minor historical figure, deified into a figure
of bravery, strength, loyalty and fidelity: a dog-god, if you can believe
it.
#--"They wish for delivery from strife and treachery, and have embodied
their redeemer as a flying dog of immense power. The very ludicrosity
of it is evident on its face."
#--Despite that ringing repudiation, the simple villagers point to the
mysterious events as heralds of a sweeping change soon to take place.
Having lost so many of their men to the pillaging armies led by nobles bent on
ravaging the countryside, they clutch at any hope.
#--One source of hope for the countryside has been the relatively obscure
Book of Prophesis, allegedly written in the earliest times by a demented
island monk. According to believers, it was this monk who created the
many powerful books of magic scattered throughout the land.
#--The apocalyptic writings in the book can be interpreted in many ways,
due to the vague and meandering style of the book. Dogmatics, as the
followers of the dog-god call themselves, believe that a portion of the
book clearly predict a victorious return of the canine avatar and a
liberation of the land of Provinia.
#--The most significant portion of that book is that which sets
forth what is believed to presage the return of the dog-hero. That
section bears the book and section mark 6:02, which some adherents take
to be the year and month for the god's return.
#--As some adherents say, the end of the world as we know it is coming.
And, as many would agree, the time to put up or shut up is coming. As
one dogmaticistic shaman said, "We'll know for sure very soon."
At last! I've finally gotten a ship out of the IC.
Now, on to bigger and better (and emptier) places.
Dear Squire,
Stupid is as stupid does.
Do you have the HEART to come after me?
--- Doubter
> Hey Pel! Ya keeping your guard up, huh? You'd better!
> Maybe this turn we try again, or maybe next turn, or the
> turn after that ...
or the turn after that, or the turn after that .. or possibly
sometime in the fall. Yes, definitely before Christmas.
Yes: sometime before Christmas next year. Or possibly ..
AHHH! That is one *slippery* Distressed Lady! I must be too
excited, or something, because this is the *fifth* *turn* *in*
*a* *row* that she has escaped. Keep repeating: Torture,
*then* unstack! Torture, *then* unstack. This time I'm gonna
do it right - I will capture her, take her to the, nearby
4 star "Bite Me Inn" (which has a well deserved reputation for
opulent accomodations, as well as discretion), wine her,
dine her, *then* torture her :)
Overheard on Tollus:
Kill the fatted calf. Our long lost brother has returned, and he
looks hungry!
Marat is a fink!
Anyone have any other ideas what Marat does with the gerbils?
--------FREE THE TURTLE-------
Clifford knew where ROSE PERFUME can be sold and now he's found cinnabar.
So try Clifford's City Market Database: 94 city market reports, including
where YOU can sell rose perfume and cinnabar. 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, with the rose perfume commodity report thrown
in for free. For further info, write to w4t@g1.pbm.com.
Has anybody had the experience of being in a mine that collapses,
or inhaled interesting but harmful gases? What happens to the noble,
is he dead or does he get hurt / ill? I'm planning to start such
enterprises myself and would like to know what risks I and my workers
are taking to obtain the values of the earth?
Just what is Pel hiding in those large hangers on Atnos. The Hanger
labeled "No. 13" seems especially well guarded. And just what kind of
building is a 'hanger' anyway?
I often wonder how other players are doing in relation to me, so I
thought that I would publish my ranks in hopes that others do the
same - just to get an idea of the breakdowns...
Total Number of players: 186
Rank
------
Characters: 6 72
Men: 67 92
Gold: 559 120
Land Controlled: 0 47
Skills Known: 12/70 134
Spells Known: 3/80 137
Provences Visited: 92 78
Hope that was of interest to someone out there....
Attention Ossicus! We are coming (apart from some who stayed in Pelenth's
jails, and one who got lost on the way, and that one that we forgot to
pick up) and we are many (well, quite a lot, depending on which ones are
full members and which only partially affiliated as ex officio standing
officers without portfolio)! Yes, we are the Liberty Confederacy (and/or
associated sub-factions retaining complete independence within a quasi-
autonomous collective framework), and we're out to get you, I think.
verse 4:
Farslayer howls across the world
For thy heart, for thy heart, who hast wronged me!
Vengeance is his who casts the blade
Yet he will in the end no triumph see.
Fred Saberhagen
The Complete Book of Swords
Would any/all factions already exploring eastern or western
Ossicus please make public their claims. A range war with new
arrivals is quite avoidable if everbody is up front about thier
designs.
-Yet another faction headed to Ossicus
How much longer shall the inhabitants of this realm suffer
under the oppressive thumb of the AOO? Surely if we band
together we can take them! United we are strong, divided
we are weak. Every turn we work to make them more powerful, when
shall we work for ourselves and reap the benefits?
I have found a real desert Island. I am not sure if this is a good thing
or not, but here it is. Tomorrow I will begin the exploration of said
island in the hopes of finding some wonderful treasure.
Hey Pel! We didn't try this turn did we? But you is
not forgotten! Be seeing ya! Maybe soon, maybe later.
Any advice for a newbie? How to stay safe and be productive?
Oh woe is me. My magician has been captured.
Mm, mm, tasty fish! I've been toting them around for weeks and they're
just beginning to reach the peak of their fishy goodness. It's kind of
like the pleasures of lutefisk without having to be Danish. Sure would
like to sell some of these someday. Frankly the stench is enough to
bring you to your knees. Rancid, month-old mackerel, dripping with
fish oil and that horrid white stuff that grows on fish after it sits
in the sun for a few days. And I just keep catching more of them!
I don't have anything to fear from AOO. Those thugs go after me and
it's two tons of rotten tunny and haddock for them.
Creed of the Liberty Confederation
There is a destiny that makes us brothers.
None goes his way alone.
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.
- Marham
A notice for newcomers to Provinia. The resources in
bx23 are being used at the direction of Duke Marat.
Bellabane [o3z] Forester of the Wheel
Repent, O ye Sinners!
Repent of your Evil and embrace your Fellow Players,
In the Spirit of Peace and Harmony!
For I say unto you, that the G2 is nigh!
And for Those who cast off Alms for Swords,
For Them, verily, shall be a Reckoning...
(bk4y)
Well! I rescued a prisoner from pirates and he swore fealty to me. Great!
How fast can oxen go when unencumbered?
*
Market Survey: I am interested in the further profits
of bounty hunting. Serious reward offers considered.
Satisfactory payment procedures required. Please submit
"serious offers". Killing off the AOO Castle Boss "Marat"
for only 1000 gold is not serious. An OLD Book that teaches
Necromancy, 10 Mithril, and 2000 gold is getting warm.
Easier targets will command a smaller fee. I will contact
you directly if I am willing to pursue your target. I am
currently available.
*
Low Profile Bounty Hunters
Come one! Come all! See the Greatest Show on Olympia!!
Come hear Bob's Brainless Banshees their latest hit
single "Little (bits of AOO) Bones" as they start
the first leg of their Olympian tour. And don't forget
all your favourite oldies like:
BOOTS (are made for walking all over the AOO)
We're not going to take it!
Unforgiven (thus we hold a grudge)
and many more...
Call the Ticket Tower and reserve your seat today!
We are many and we are commimg.
You are many and you are hungry.
GOOD for we are culinary experts. For you we would serve up,
Flambe Arrows, to start. Followed by
Cold Steel and Pike Kebab in a blood sauce, and to finish
Unceremonial burial, served in a cold casket.
Bring your friends as we have enough supplies for all.
Reports of Thales' death have been greatly exaggerated.
Well, maybe only a little bit.
The Dead will return!
Dark woods with rain pouring down.
The AOO is here.
Cohorts: think Karma
Olympian Order of Miyuki Fans (OOMF)
News
Our regular intrepid reporter is on assignment this month
investigating that fabulous new drug "Miyukia". In fact he's
been investigating it over and over again for several weeks
now. Last seen baking brownies for the upcoming Young Man's
Reformed-Cultists-of-the-Ichor-God-Bel-Shanharoth Association
fundraiser, we hope to have his findings for you next month
if he's not gooned on opium by then.
Instead we offer you this
Official OOMF Puzzle Challenge
Q: How many Miyuki fans does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Correct answers (there's more than one!) will receive a
"Malibu Miyuki" doll and a years
supply of water-soluble lubricant
graciously supplied by the Anthropophagian Society, whose motto
is "You Are Who You Eat".
See you next month,
Ben Wa
A crowd of nobles & retainers crawled off
their barnacled ship recently. Totally bored of
ship-life, they scattered in all directions. One jumped
on a discarded soap box & began extorting the local
stupidos.
"And I say taxes are too high!" she bellowed.
"but we don't pay taxes yet," an insipid peasant observed.
"Ah, but you will, & soon!" the rabble rouser cried.
"And who is the cause of this misery?" they asked.
"Why..." she paused. Obviously the truth would not do, for
she herself was the cause of the impending misery.
"Well, I'll tell you later! Now are you with me?!"
The peasants looked at one another. Obviously she was
one of those nobles fresh from oratory school. Her trickery
was obvious to all. But after a week of this harange, the
peasants got so pissed at her constant shouting that they
gathered together in an unruly bunch & promised to follow
her anywhere.
"Just don't preach anymore" was their battle-cry.
