+----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-39 | | March 22, 1995 | | | | turn 39 188 players "A disease known is half cured" | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com
Olympia PBEM
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We complain of the darkness in which we live out our lives: we do not understand the nature of existence in general; we especially do not know the relation of our own self to the rest of existence. Not only is our life short, our knowledge is limited entirely to it, since we can see neither back before our birth nor out beyond our death, so that our consciousness is as it were a lightning-flash momentarily illuminating the night: it truly seems as though a demon had maliciously shut off all further knowledge from us so as to enjoy our discomfiture.
-- Schopenhauer
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Player-contributed press
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]
All the infections that the sun sucks up From bogs, fens, flats, on Prosper fall, and make him By inch-meal a disease! His spirits hear me, And yet I needs must curse. But they'll nor pinch, Fright me with urchin-shows, pitch me i' the mire, Nor lead me, like a firebrand, in the dark Out of my way, unless he bid 'em; but For every trifle are they set upon me; Sometime like apes that mow and chatter at me, And after bite me; then like hedgehogs which Lie tumbling in my barefoot way, and mount Their pricks at my footfall; sometime am I All wound with adders, who with cloven tongues Do hiss me into madness.
- Caliban, The Tempest: Shakespeare
-- Draconian Elite [fg4]
I have discovered that achieving the rank of grand master in common tasks does not improve one's max. aura. (nor do anything else I can identify) :(
-- The Mystics [nt7]
advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement
Turn 37: "Is East Camaris empty?" -- The Illustrated Man Turn 38: "Attention East Camaris: we are coming and we are many."
Lonely? Want more company on your continent? Too much elbow room making you edgey? Then *don't* send in your mapping data to the Illustrated Man! Other nobles will see all that lovely tempting blank space, and descend upon it like flocks of pigeons. Pretty soon you'll have all the company you could ever want!
For those of you who want a little privacy, on the other hand, you *could* send a ship out to post Keep Out signs all over your coastal waters. But a better way is to stake your claim by publishing the map! Other players will be able to find out which areas are settled and which are barren. Write to the Illustrated Man, and in addition to publishing your territory, we'll throw in a nifty map free of charge!
VISIT THE ILLUSTRATED MAN'S IMPERIAL EMPORIUM!!! The world's most unusual lumber store! Goods to tempt the eye, prices to please the purse! Special!!! Pikemen only 23 gold! Never been used! Pikes: 13 gold Soldiers: 15 gold Pikeman kit (pike + soldier): 28 gold Crossbows: 14 gold Wild horses: 40 gold Warmounts: 80 gold Wood: 5 gold Pots and Baskets: 1 gold apiece!
And of course, Maps!
What are these maps? They are drawn in 7 colors, with graphical symbols representing all kinds of terrain and internal locations. They are available by surface mail only, upon payment to the Illustrated Man (s5e) in the Imperial City, or the supplying of new terrain information.
Prices: New customers -- 75 gold or 15 new provinces Repeat customers -- 35 gold or 10 new provinces Custom Sizing -- Add 100 gold to your order, and any two map squares. We will send you a map for the rectangle defined by those squares, in addition to the regular maps of Provinia and the world! Other special arrangements also available -- just ask.
This offer brought to you by...
The Midnight Carnival ___ ||||| /\ =====----`==== oo oo /\ /\
-- The Midnight Carnival [nx2]
The true colors of the Dogmatix and his allies have shown through. Hiding behind a screen of righteousness, they claimed to stand on the side of the clean and the good.
But actions speak louder than words.
In the swamps of Western Provinia, Dogmatix did find an encounter to his advantage. Given the opportunity, he slaughtered an innocent noble and his men.
This particular noble, Typhoon, was mercilessly cut down in his prime. His crime? He was there! There is not a faction in Olympia that can associate a single ill-mannered deed to this fine (ex)-noble.
In the Times, Dogmatix made clear that he killed Typhoon with no just cause. With cute jargon and cold blood, he executed Typhoon and laid him to rest without justification or interrogation.
All hail his heroic deeds. Ha!
-- House of Cards [pn9]
Notice yak,yak,yak Branwen and surrounding areas of Allasus yak,yak,yak ct03-cv06 and cw03-cx05 yak,yak,yak contact Darrien Esterior [z8j]. Friendly visitors welcome yak,yak,yak unfriendly ones not yak,yak.
[Brought to you by the Society for Shorter Land Claim Announcements.]
-- Gonthorian Adventurers [so9]
Our bird spy has discovered a city in the swamps not yet mentioned in the atlas. We will explore further and see if it has anything of interest or if other nobles have established themselves in the city. Still no contact with other travelers and few monsters.
-- Seekers of Knowledge [tt4]
----------------------- S. CAMARIS Update -----------------------
Rumors about East Camaris being uninhabited are VERY wrong. We have observed numerous large mobile forces, have seen one castle under construction, and have seen garrisons already in place from another faction's castle. We advise all travellers there to be tread carefully...
-- Compte du S. Camaris [b4q]
-- The Crazy Quilters [vn7]
Pilgrims Aid Society
Welcome to all new nobles in Olympia! The Pilgrims Aid Society is a non-aligned organization whose goal is to make the daunting volume of information in Olympia a little more manageable. I will be happy to answer questions and direct new players to the free sources of information.
-- Akmall Benhalla [p3p]
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]
IRON FOR SALE
At the beginning of turn 40, I will be selling iron in Imperial City for 20 gold per unit. Iron is a prerequisite for making all of the best types of troops. If you wish to avail of this offer, simply issue a BUY order for however much you want. Contact me with any inquiries.
-- Raven [c4q]
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]
A hostile raider is about to be stung really bad...
-- Tigris Ripclaw [b3f]
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]
Thanks to the Sherrif of Pelenth and Darkman, ruler of Dark Castle, for allowing me to travel unmolested through their lands. These are two truly noble and honorable rulers.
-- Mudejar [m2b]
With this book, I will soon be a master of the dark arts! Legions of undead will flock to follow me! The world will be mine! Mwahahahaha!
Now, where did I put my glasses?
-- Grimly the Twisted [g2l]
Journal - Harvest, Year 5
Sailing again. We will soon stop to attack a band of pirates. I guess it will be time to bone up on healing again soon.
The Lord of the Morning, The Dragon,
-- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m]
Anyone wishing to discuss The Impassable Mountains, please contact me.
-- Tim Finnegan [r9b]
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]
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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
-- Joao Ferreira de Alimeida [f0w]
Will the person holding prisoner s5o (The Great Turtle) please contact me?
-- Black Ooot [y1i]
Rumors
Here's the deal: I want something done without damaging my standing within an organized operation. There's very limited risk, and it doesn't involve liquidating a noble. I can be done by a controlled monster with sufficient troop support to take out a series of ten soldiers (a hint, I suppose), and you need not remain in any place long enough to be id'ed.
If you're willing to undertake something like this, post to the Times in the name of the _character_ who will undertake the task. I will write back anonymously through diplomatic e-mail by an anon server, and give you the task, the locations at which it is to be carried out, and the price. If you wish to accept, my stealth noble will set up a buy through conceal identity of trader for a particular item on a particular day in a particular city for a particular item you have (such as 1 peasant for $2000) to sell. That is how you will be paid. There will be no risk of any other party intervening in the trade, and you _will_ be paid in advance for the task. Do it well, and there will be a bonus. I will pay enough for a new faction to become a wealthy new faction. A contract noble with no other NPs invested can be laid to rest by me after being killed at no net loss to your faction and with vanishingly little possibility of having its faction identified beforehand.
Obviously, you will not know who I am, but I will know the character who undertakes the task. If you do not immediately start to the task, on pre-set parameters, I will kill your character and take back the money. Treat fairly with me, and you will be well-rewarded. Do not waste either of our time if you are not sincere.
Lions and Tigers and Bears. Oh My!
Dear Doubter,
I agree that stupid is as stupid does. Got any mirrors, or the HEART to use one?
--- Squire
Woof, woof. Woof, woof. Hey Dogmatix, aren't you getting tired of chasing the AOO all over southwestern Provinia? Nice doggie.
"The time for action is past! Now is the time for senseless bickering!" -- Ashleigh Brilliant
Big brother has arrived, and he is very interested in meeting these AOO people.
Whoa! big time army moving out of the Imperial City. Last seen headed south through the Eastern Atnos Channel. Is the AOO sending another army to their Vietnam, Tollus? "Just a few more troops Duke Marat, & we'll have these Olegites crushed."
Attention those coming to Ossicus, thinking about coming, or chickening out about coming: If you want to avoid established factions, avoid the bt-by belt. I suggest you try the SE sector of the continent: as the area farthest away from the IC, it is likely the emptiest sector. Also, I should point out that AOO bandits infest NW Ossicus, & most likely SW Ossicus (no, not a joke).
Banned Sign at Chateau Olympque: What goes around, comes around.
Nomination for Most Inaccurately Named Boat: Mytrith of the Sea. Safely in port since turn 18 (at least). Perhaps the Reverend Mother Gaius Mohiam believes in using the Voice from a distance?
Q: How many Miyuki fans does it take to screw in a light bulb? Only the usual 15 or so at a time
Clifford's City Market Database: 101 city market 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.
unit bj8k # Scratchensnif in Golden Fleas Inn [x59] [bx30]
Onward! Outward! Southward! To the end of the world and back, matey!
Horses are handy beasts: Forest, Plains, Desert - 4 days; Mountains - 5 days; Swamps - 15 days
Sometimes the Olympia mail forwarding system doesn't deliver your messages. Think about this before you do something rash.
Kudos to the Faction that Snuck into the Evil AOO Enclave, Castle Dun Solais, and Destroyed it without a Fight!
Bravo to the Tollus Freedom Fighters who have Driven Back the AOO Usurpers from that Distant Land!
Congratulations to the Darkwood Defenders who Killed Off the AOO Bandits out West to the Last Man!
A Moment of Respectful Silence for the Self-Sacrificing Nobles who Slew Ninescore AOO Militia in Gentlewind!
Can it Be that the Evil AOO Empire's Time on Olympia is Drawing to a Close?
The Preceding Message has been Brought to You by the Olympian Propaganda Factory (tm)
Hey Pel! Don't you feel bad. You not forgotten! We always remember you.
It would seem that many factions are all too willing ti fight for Ossicus. This seems absurd, given that it is one of, if not the largest land mass in Olympia. Will folks come to their senses before it is too late? Please post your land claims for all to see! -A concerned colonist of Ossicus
* 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 a magic skill, some Mithril, and some 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 on an assignment for around another 4 turns. * Low Profile Bounty Hunters
FROM CRAZY EDDIE'S HOUSE O' MIYUKI MADNESS: This week only! - specials on: Chickens, Peacocks, and Strange Rubber Things with Little Knobs On Them! - By Special Appointment to Duke Marat
Lions, and Tigers, and Bears; Oh my! Well, lions anyway. And where the heck are the dragons??!!??
I would just like to say that the maps I received from the Illustrated Man were more than I could have ever dreamed of. Get yours today! Its not a hard thing to do, and I promise you won't be disappointed!
(this is an unsolicited recomendation...)
Just like an AOO, bringing a chimera to a gunfight.
To all who call anonymously for a general rebellion against the AOO: Stop grizzling and contact Oleg [iv9] who's co-ordinating the resistance movement. You don't want to be left out when the victory is won and the spoils are divided.
Dark woods with rain and lightning pouring down. The castle denies the AOO.
Trading is a long tediuos job. I have been carring 99 Cinnabar for the last several years and still have not been able to sell the stuff. Well if that changes I will be a rich merchant.
"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come."
Matt Groenig, The Big Book of Hell
Too weak to attack the AOO directly. Harvest Opium and sell it in their cities. Watch their income plunge! Perhaps their troops will desert them!
Is it me, or does the wars around IC and environs seem to be quieting, or, and this is more likely, they have moved elsewhere preventing other factions from starting empires?
Let me see, if he's been a prisoner for three months now, that's 12 weeks, at 2% per week, equals 24% chance of escape. Argh! Halfway around the world, and tied down by a drunken ship's captain who gets into a silly battle with a bunch of giant birds. And who ever heard of giant birds that never move around. Gah.
Adivce for the newbie, stay out of our way, for only then will you live long, and be profitable. AOO
Q. What do you get when you cross a ratspider with Duke Marat? A. A baby ratspider, of course!
Can someone join the AOO? Do they accept members?
Lumber for Sale was melted because his prices were too low for the gods of Commerce to accept. Let it be a warning to all who treat the Imperial City as the world's biggest flea market. High prices and poor quality can make a comeback and help fill your coffers.
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
The Dead are marching on the word breakers
What's the best way to make money? A castle and land or trade?
Ossicus - Virgin Territory for Whorehouses Wanted: Madam with charm and integrity to settle warring factions on Ossicus.
H U R R Y N O W ! ! ! You subscription to the Times will soon expire. You have only 1438 more issue on your current subscription. Resubscribe now at our special price of 199.99 Gold to be sure not to miss a single issue of the most informative paper in Olympia. Send money to subscription department Skamen Enterprises fq8q4
Several newbies have asked for advice on what to do and what not to do. Here are three: Avoid getting involved in the fights of large factions. Study shipcraft, so you avoid getting stranded on some island because your faction screws up. Get the hell out of IC! The benefits of being out of IC far exeeds the dangers!
Wow. Well, it seems that each AOO faction I encounter is more obnoxious then the last one which is something of a gross accomplishment, I suppose, for the tyrants of this game. One day all the people you guys have pissed off are gonna' be strong enough to do something about it. We will take The Indomitable Gauls as an example, & tan your snot-nosed hides. You losers have been here longer & thus have more stuff. You nobly use this advantage to bully newbies & recent-newbies. But your time will come, you weak kneed, sour-milked suckled, wet-diapered, snivlers!
-Samuel Adams
They say in Imperial City that the walls have ears and your purse walks with its own legs. Waitaminit! That's no hostel...that's my wife!
East Camaris appears to have few monsters. Of 85 provinces explored so far, only 13 have had lairs. Is this typical of continents other than Provincia?
The Age of Magic has begun !
To the newbie stay away from us, to live long and be prosperous. AOO
Olympian Order of Miyuki Fans (OOMF) News
After spending a blissful month repeatedly investigating the effects of the powerful mind-bending, soul-stealing, psycho- sexual drug known as "Miyukia", your trusty OOMF reporter must regrettably confirm the worst fears that members have expressed about the long term consequences of this popular new drug.
Yes fans, its true, the presence of an extra set of genitals is only a temporary phenomenon and, depending on gender, the redundant appendage/orifice begins to fade away almost as soon as use of the drug ceases. Too bad, but it's fun while it lasts.
Until next month, Carlos "The Miyuki Way of Knowledge" Castaneda