Olympia Times 047

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+----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-47 | | May 17, 1995 | | | | | | turn 47 185 players | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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

Olympia PBEM

* * *

Notice of rule changes: -----------------------

As of turn 50, the following rule changes will be in effect:

1. The TELL order will go away. It was a late addition to G1 and was a mistake.

2. Speedcast won't reduce a spell's casting time below one day.

3. Speedcast will not work on the Trance spell.

4. Farcast spells which depend on the presence of a target in the destination province will use up the farcast regardless of whether the target is found. This parallels the way speeded casting now works.

5. Magic use of any kind will be banned in the Imperial City safe haven. This parallels the no-building and no-combat ordinances.

6. SEEK will be changed to have a 10% chance of finding a hidden noble per day (note that the week-long success rate is approximately the same as it is now).

The parameter to SEEK will become optional. SEEK without specifying a target will seek for any hidden nobles. If the target noble is omitted, SEEK will have a 5% chance of finding any hidden nobles present.

7. Magical barriers can't be placed around buildings, only provinces or sublocations.

8. Control units will no longer be exempt from attacks in Hades or Faery.

9. Units which have health "n/a" will require a hit of 50 points or more to kill instead of the current 1 point. This will not affect combat (i.e. attack), but rather TERRORIZE, Aura blasts, Lightning bolts, and other means of directly applying damage to a character.

10. RAZE must be executed by the owner of a structure.

Player-contributed press

Because of fear of unrest and a large influx of immigrants to a continent with low resources, visitors to DRUCARTAN are asked to procure a visa before entering the area.

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 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.

!!! SPECIAL SPONSOR OFFER !!!!! **************************************************************************** The Sen clan is also offering to sponsor one new clan for settelment in East Drucartan. The clan must be willing to swear to the Sen clan, and be willing to settle in an area far from other factions.

-- The Sen Clan [di4]

The nobles of the Circle of Hope say WHAAAAAA! We can't seem to get a hold of the oh-so- necessary-to-survive Atlas. We send our carrier- pigeons to the Olympia file on ftp.erg.sri.com. But the Atlas there is seldom updated. Our allies have birds which can fly to the great land of "Compuserve" but our birds are snared in the evil "compunets" set up for just that purpose. Anyone with information concerning viable Atlas sites will be sent a clay pot & tons of thanks for passing on said information. :P

-- Circle of Hope [lp3]

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First of Many has melted into the ground, and the Imperial Emporium is now king of the hill! The Illustrated Man throws a party for all of his loyal customers! The sprawling shop is now the most prominent landmark in the Imperial City (at least when there are clouds between us and that pesky Mt. Olympus. Come one, come all!

THE ILLUSTRATED MAN'S IMPERIAL EMPORIUM!

FOR SALE--- wood: 7 gold crossbows: 10 gold pikes: 10 gold longbows: 50 gold broadswords!: 35 gold iron: 30 gold

While you're in our store, don't forget to pick up a map! Called "a thing of beauty," and a useful tool, to boot! Order yours today! 75 gold or 15 provinces -- new customers 35 gold or 10 provinces -- repeat customers Both Typvs Orbvm Olympia and Provinia map included! Also please mail your surface address.

The Midnight Carnival ___ ||||| /\ =====---`=== oo oo /\ /\

-- The Midnight Carnival [nx2]

---------------------------------------- S. CAMARIS Update: ***WAR!!!!*** ----------------------------------------

Following a string of outright lies by the New Moon clan --- some just hours before turn 46 was run last week --- my coastal castle on South Camaris was attacked by that renegade group from West Canaris [Also known as the Shado Clan, etc. Their ID's are shown below.] Suspecting foul play, I fortunately vacated in time (the only loss on our side was one controlled NPC), and very few provinces were garrisoned to that castle, but the lesson is: DO NOT TRUST THE NEW MOON-IES and SHADO-ITES!!! I have never belonged to the AOO, MAFOC, or any other "big-name" alliance, and my relations with both E. and W. Camaris nobles has (so far) always been cordial and peaceful, so the attack was purely done out of greed. The Western Camaris Defense League assures me that this was a unilateral action on the part of the New Moon, and that the WCDL is in no way responsible and will not aid or abet them.

If these folks claim to be peaceful neighbors of yours, maybe it's time to build up your defenses. If these folks belong to an alliance with you, maybe you can pressure them to shape up and act right; or maybe it's time to find a new alliance. If these folks are hostile to you (hey, AOO, this means you!!!!), maybe it's time for you to start actively attacking them (hint, hint.) Their W. Camaris castle is New Moon Keep [a34], in [bd15], ruled by Kahm Santovasku [s9i].

Anyone interested in a copy of their "outright lies" should send me a note -- I won't waste TIMES space here with that email traffic. The same for the full battle report of the castle attack; here is the final state, namely the list of attackers and their troops:

Adric [al0z], port city, in province Forest [ax43] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ... Inner locations: Northern Doom [p58], castle, defense 35, owner: Johann [h7h], duke, with 88 workers, nine swordsmen, 12 pirates, seven skeleton, ten peasants, accompanied by: Shattered Skull [eb4k], skeleton, with 100 crossbowmen, four catapults Greywind [y9s], wielding elven dagger [cy1p] and enchanted bow [fd7u], with 11 winged horses, six nazgul, five giant spiders, 24 rats, 41 giant birds, one chimera, 22 harpies, 11 peasants Flame-eyed Skull [hw3e], skeleton, with ten elite archers Yoyodyne Labs [f40], tower, defense 20 Windfree Tower [t61], tower, defense 20 Guiding Star [c94], temple Star n Bar [r43], inn, 13% damaged

Seen here: Chris Bois-Shado [z7c], wielding Sword of Grindor [az9r], "Captain of the high sea", with 22 peasants, 33 soldiers, ten sailors, 13 barbarians, 13 giant spiders, eight giant birds, five giant lizards, eight cyclops, accompanied by: Jesse [h7x], with 53 crossbowmen, one catapult

Ships docked at port: Calhoun [cw6v], roundship, 0% loaded Moon Witch [jq0j], roundship, 0% loaded, 13% damaged, "Flying the flag of the New Moon"

-- The Crazy Quilters [vn7]

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.

-- Darkman [m9l]

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'd like to apologise for my Amber critique a while back. I was hoping to be so offensive that the item would be censored and player names would be henceforth banned from the Olympia Times (as they should be.) He was right that I only captured 20 siege engines and I guess he could only see five nobles. His analysis of my defensive maneuvers last week was still hopelessly wrong. As a footnote, Gart was laid to rest beside his fallen troops last month, tying up the last loose end in that encounter out west.

-- Dogmatix [c1c]

Tangiers, on the barbary coast [ap21] of northern West Camaris is open to visitors. No visit to the far north would be complete without a stopover in Tangiers. Please let me know if you are planning to visit, so that I can prepare for a hospitable welcome.

I would also advise any casual travellers in the north to avoid South Camaris, and the waters around it. Large stacks have been seen, either there is a *very* well-defended inner location to be cleared out, or a war is brewing. I have it from reliable sources that the latter is more likely.

-- Tibilt the Bold [e7r]

Ye all leave me allies alone. Or, ye will face me wrath later in ye life.

-- Claw Tradewinds [m1b]

Attention those coming to NW or North-central Ossicus! Contact me & save yourselves a lot of trouble.

-- General Norc [z1a]

___ ___ ___ / / ) / ) /___ /___/ /___/ / . _ _ /_ / )_ __ / / _ _ . __ . _ / / / _> / /___/(_>/ //< of / / (_)|// / // (_>

The First Bank of Provinia has offices in some of the major cities on the continent of Provinia. The FBoP offers the following facilities.

o Excellent Interest Rates on Bank Accounts. o Special Offers for new Nobles. o A Fast and Efficient Courier Service. o Money Transfers. o Short and Long Term Loans. o Insurance Policies.

Call in at your local branch for further details.

-- First Bank of Provinia [v0z]

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!

-- Tigris Ripclaw [b3f]

Due to the war that is breaking out on South Camaris, between the South Camarisians and the Alliance of the New Moon. All parties are restricted from the eastern half of West Camaris (WC). Any one who is not part of the West Camaris Defence League (WCDL) will be attacked on sight. We want to make it clear that we will not be drawn into the fighting, so don't ask to use our land. The parties fighting can do it on their own land, not ours. If there are any problems with this contact the noble below.

-- Aldrich [m4s]

Nazguls. He wants us to ride on Nazguls. I thought we were taking a ship up to Drucartan. Ugh. Nasty looking brutes. I sure hope this Lord Variol knows what he's doing. Well, if Arlon says we've got to ride them, I guess we do. But why couldn't it have been something more pleasant, like winged horses?

-- Victor Redmane [v3r]

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]

ships for sale in the Imperial city. used and slightly damaged only 300 gold each. Will barter for 50 wood each.

WHAT A DEAL, A SHIP FOR THE WOOD IT TAKES TO MAKE IT!!!!!

A galley with a ram for only 400 gold. Will trade for 50 wood and 50 gold.

-- Jose` de Alencar [a0e]

Once again, let me remind all budding empire-builders that the AOO are all persona non-grata on the northern continents. -- the Crimson Sage

-- Seline Fireflower [w0l]

Journal - Harvest, Year 6

Ah, the castle has been built by one of my contenscious brothern! Nice Walls! He is even granting me a stipend to further my studies!

It's Tower Time!

The Lord of the Morning, The Dragon,

-- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m]

Ninth Wave Origins -- "Wave after wave, each mightier than the last Til last, a ninth one, gathering half the deep And full of voices, slowly rose and plunged Roaring, and all the wave was in a flame" ----Tennyson "The Coming of Arthur"

-- Bitt [e8r]

Rumors

To whomever is responsible for the following, thank you...

11: Miyuki [h3p] has passed on. Gained 1 NP. 24: Kovaq'nu [v4n] has passed on. Gained 1 NP.

Miyuki and Kovaq'nu -- together in eternity...

Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.

--W.B. Yeats

Q. What's the difference between Marat and a bucket of Nazgul droppings? A. The bucket

< We join our other Camaris neighbors and friends < in condemning the New Moon Alliance, for its < completely unprovoked attack on Crazy Quilters. < It is also sad to see their lies prior to the < attack -- unlike the other big alliances (AOO, < MAFOC, IN), these bullies seem to have not even a < shred of dignity or honor. I suppose we should < thank you for giving us a clear evil "target" < we can attack and still feel like good guys.

So no word from the northern or southern "Unexplored" lands?

I am assuming that there is no one there then... which means that I am heading that way with my huge armies and taking control!!!!!!

Muhahaha...

verse 12 Who holds Wayfinder finds good roads Its master's step is brisk. The Sword of Wisdom lightens loads But adds unto their risk. The Complete Book of Swords by Fred Saberhagen

Ahh, another noble whose contract is up. And the accountants say the payroll fund is a bit low? Hee Hee, time for torture! "Let's do the Masochism Tango".

--- A Wanna-Be Torquemada, Who Is Getting A Bit Better At It, --- So Just Watch Out! Or At Least Quit The Cruel Jokes, I --- Mean, How's A Guy Supposed To Find Out That It's Torture --- *Then* Heal, Or Make Sure The Guy Doesn't Run Off First, --- And Then A Chap Feels A Right Malcolm After Menacing And --- Tormenting A Large Empty Space, Which Manages To Look --- Less Than Impressed, So Bugger Off Anyway.

When dealing with the AOO, remember, turn about is fair play.

Yes, it's true that characters get beaten up in PBM games. It's also true, my AOO friends, that the people who get beaten up try to exact their revenge. & it's also true that many nobles think beating on newbies is a punishable offence. You have your right to disagree of course, & we have our right to kill you, of course.

Everyone knows all of this. So why the little pedagogy which I hear all the time?

AOO, said with sweet didactic condescension: "You know, sometimes nobles die. You should view your nobles' death as a natural, and therefore, good part of Olympia." expected sucker answer said with awe of AOO-wisdom: "okay, then I guess it's foolish of me to seek revenge. Here, have another noble's brains to eat." AOO: "Now you see the true path. If we kill, it's real- politik. If people get mad & kill us back, then it's pansy whining."

I am in awe of this logic, but not in the same way. :) -Luke Skywalker

Astonishing. Humpty Dumpty has surfaced in the guise of Amber; able to make words mean just what he means them to, no more, nor less.

Wanna' be rich? Too bad. We've been slowly setting up a drug dealing arrangement in the IC. The new proposed seek rules will make our operations impossible. So we will not be buying unlimited amounts of opium. Apologies to all affected. -imperial city drug dealers, ret.

Gee, let's boil down the long defense of the AOO by Amber. Looks like they're accused of two things: breaking treaties and attacking newbies. For the first, he says, yeah, we had an agreement with the Iron Nation, but not necessarily all the FACTIONS within the alliance, and not all the NOBLES within the factions we DID have an alliance with. Unh-hunh. Sounds like they're worse than tyrants, they're lawyers!

As for the second accusation, Amber says, basically, "Yeah, some of us attack newbies. Tough." Statements like this are why the propaganda war has always been pretty one-sided. In fact, if that's their best shot, I'd say it's pretty much over. Time to start the real war!

With officially stated policies like this one, is it any wonder that everyone who has ever been a newbie (ie. everyone) is now ganging up against them? If they don't like it, hey. Tough.

THE OLYMPIA TIMES

is pleased to sponsor the 96th Annual Official Olympia philosophy prize. As usual the prize is 100 gold pieces payable in the IC to the most comprehensive solution to the given problem. This year's topic:

What can you do with a dead Marat?

Clearly this topic is less abstract than usual, but this should not be taken to indicate lack of subtlety. For example, answers expanding on Wittgenstein's Duck-Rabbit will be more favorably received by the panel than those alluding to Disney's Scrooge, no matter how epistemologically justified.

For the sake of argument, candidates (should they so wish) will be permitted to assume that the concept of a "useful Marat" is not an oxymoron.

Entries should be submitted to the Times in the usual way. All the usual rules apply, particularly those against plagiarism, which sadly has been a problem in recent years. In particular, entries derived from the popular bestseller "101 Uses of a Dead Marat" will be rejected out of hand.

As a satisfactory answer may be required urgently, candidates are urged to submit their solutions as soon as possible.

Noren is hearby clammed by Marat. Enyone intrested in useing the resorses shuld contact x9i

Clifford's City Market Database: 117 city market reports and growing. Send in a city market report not yet in the database and for EACH report, you will receive a report each week on the commodity of your choice. For further info, write to w4t@g1.pbm.com.

Found on a body floating off the coast of Allasus:

Memorandum

TO: Mandrake, baron, Castle Elsinore, Allasus FROM: Your humble servant, Morse

RE: Flying Horse Endurance Test

Mlord,

The endurance of these flying horses is astonishing. We have been hovering for 15 days now and the horse gives no sign of tiring. I have been occupying my time learning the art of beastmastery and making baskets for sale in Famine's Table. Of course, since I am unfamiliar with the nature of beasts, it is difficult to tell if the flying horse is getting t

Many thanks to Amber for so clearly illustrating with his many lies and rationalizations just why the AOO should be considered enemies by all.

W A N T E D - D E A D O R S E V E R E L Y I N J U R E D +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Three nazguls wanted for depraved and hideous experiments in a dark, damp and most probably mould infested dungeon. Must be capable of withstanding large amounts of pain before dying a terrible death at in the clutches of a raving psycopath with a terrible hatred for all things black, winged and leathery.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Please send full C.V. to Lord Nutter C/O Imperial City Assylum

Insert favourite rumor here

Fighting lions, or just about anything else, with only two or three pikemen is not too smart. Recruit some peasants before you attack! You can always dismiss the one's the lions don't eat.

The responding post from Amber in last weeks' TIMES is a perfect example of the AOO's supporting its' members in their banditry while at the same time it disclaims responsibility for anyone's actions. Quite simply put, their motto seems to be "The Management is not responsible"! And yet they feel qualified to rule the world???

-The following is being played in all the "better" Inns throughout Olympia-

Come gather round people Wherever you roam And admit that the waters Around you have grown And accept it that soon You'll be drenched to the bone If your time to you Is worth savin' Then you better start swimmin' Or you'll sink like a stone For the times they are a-changin'

The line it is drawn The curse it is cast The slow one now Will later be fast As the present now Will later be past The order is Rapidly fadin' And the first one now Will later be last For the times they are a-changin' -Dylan

Forcing his way through the vines to the nearest building, he peered inside the dim, dusky depths. In the innermost recesses of the building, he saw something gleaming.

For those who missed Amber's rebuttal last turn, a short synopsis: -- -- -- Synopsis: Part II - The "Real" AOO, Getting Past the Hype - Amber -----------------------------------------------------------------

We keep treaties, uh huh, uh huh, really we do, no, honest, oh yes, we sLAUGHter LONEly nobles, *slurp*, *drool*, uh, excuse me, heh heh, and, uh, maybe we, uh, well, we kind of have to GRAB LAND, LAND! HAHA! ALL MINE! KILLYOU! GETOFF! HAHA! ah, heh heh, land, hah, yes, but we never break a treaty, nevernever, hah hah, yes, once we give our word, it's good as gold, GOLD! GIMMEYERGOLD! KILLYOU! MYGOLD! HAHA! uh, heh, *drool*, excuse me, heh, *burp*

Debt collecting operations are in progress in by23, innocent bystanders need not be concerned at what appears to be the massacre of Captain Blood's faction and his allies.

Forming garrisons can be a real pain, especially when you leave behind the soldiers!

What do you mean he took all the gold to another city?!!! When I find him his suffering shall be legendary even in Hades!!! One Slightly Irate Nobel

I deplore the attack on our South Camaris ally, The Crazy Quilters, who was always honest with us. The Alliance of the New Moon is thoroughly untrustworthy. (Sadly, I hide my identity to protect myself from them.)

I am all alone in this Olympian world!

Terrible Luck! One of my companions has been slain by nasty cylops. I hope we can get to the graveyard in time. It would be a shame to lose a companion to ill luck forever.

Will someone explain what Faery is all about? I've heard a lot but I don't understand.

How much does it cost per month to control an animal like, say, a dragon?

Tollus count your blessings, the storm will blow past this time. Remember the tempest is just beyond the horizon, and someday it will blow ashore.

The Warband Quest

You ask if settlers are welcome in the southern Unexplored Regions? If no one says otherwise, then there is probably no one there that is claiming the area. Good Luck!

Would any/all factions having land claims on the continent of Pentaria please post them in the Times?!? We don't want any nasty surprises. -The New Pentarians

Beidh an fhairrge =91n-a tuilte dearga =91s an speir =91n-a fuil

A deep breath of intoxicatingly fresh air is followed by a long sigh. "I'm glad to be away from that crowded place."

"It is nicer out here."

"But safer?"

"Who is to know what is truth and what are lies here? The people of power hide their hearts well."

"All the more reason to find less charted regions."

"If there are any."

"Let's hurry."

"If you wish to hurry over that terrain, sister, go ahead. But we're not going to carry you when you fall and break something."

"Oh, of course you will, brother. I know you better than that."

The AOO have pulled off some stunts, Now they'er fighting a war on all fronts, What more can I say, They like it that way.

Limescale Crapword.

In a city in Western Provinia a sorcerer is going about his business. His name is Molgar and he is not a modest man. But then he has little to be modest about. After all he is not only one of more powerful arcanes anywhere in Olympia, he is also the lord of his city and all the land which surrounds it. Unfortunately he made a mistake once and today he is going to die for it.

"Molgar."

The sorcerer turns around, but he is quite alone in his laboratory.

"Where are you ? Who are you ?"

An image appears in the chamber and voice from nowhere in particular answers.

"My name is Bastrestric ther Archymonaged. You may remember me. As to where I am this really is no concern of yours, but let me satisfy your curiosity by telling you that my physical body is currently located several thousand Olympian leagues from here."

Molgar begins making a gesture.

"And please don't bother trying to bring up your defenses. I am a Master of the Black Arts and they will not stand against me any more than those of any other arcane will."

The gesture fades in mid-movement.

"You may recall that some year ago I offered you the protection of the AOO. Many dukes and even kings have accepted the yoke and as long as their names aren't known they don't seem to chafe too grievously under it. But you chose to cross me. I told you then that I had taken the measure of your remaining weeks, days, hours and minutes.

Now they have run out. Please don't have treachery against your new master, Dogmatix. I am not interested. His hours are nearly as numbered as yours. Nor beg. I'm not a forgiving man."

The image extends its arms.

A few hours later the apprentices found his body, seemingly unhurt. But the mind is burned out and his soul has been extinguished.

Liberty's Harum opening for business. The Priestess is in and waiting for willing sacrifice.

* Market Survey: I am interested in the further profits of bounty hunting. Serious reward offers considered. Satisfactory payment procedures required. Please submit "serious offers". I am currently interested in the rewards associated with killing Marat and the other AOO scum. Perhaps some of the forces attacking the AOO would like me to create a diversionary or real attack. Old book skills and gold would pay for a powerful force for several turns. 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