+----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-114 | | August 28, 1996 | | | | turn 114 123 players http://www.pbm.com/oly/times/ | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com
Olympia PBEM
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Player-contributed press
Riddle: From the beginning of eternity, To the end of time and space, To the beginning of every end, And the end of every place.......
-- Warriors of Wind [bk7]
Q: When a noble is constructing a building (mine, ship,...), during the work in process period, can the noble execute other commands (study, train,...) in
-- Lanross Knights [cf9]
Q: Can 14 pirates craw a galley instead of sailors? Capt. Hook s make them do both jobs with only one pay !!
-- Dragon Lords [gz6]
A missed opportunity is when you are given time and resources and a chance, but fail to succeed. These missed opportunities can weigh on my nobles more over time than those catastrophic failures when they totally blow it. When they blow it they can be forgiven, or have a fresh start. Missed opportunities can eat up months or years. They gnaw away at the fabric of time leaving a moth eaten rag where continuity once stood- Nothingness sagging like a tattered dream.
I know that one day my nobles will stand up and realize what is happening with their lives. They will decide they are tired of tattered dreams and restarting afresh over and over and over. One day they will decide they are going to finish a project before the time plug is pulled.
Only when they reach that point of desperation can they really succeed instead of just surviving.
-- The day of Rest [ju3]
House Greyfletch is currently undertaking an expedition for the Royal Geographical Society. The Grey Bird [fd1t] is currently circumnavigating the world. It is flying a Royal Geographical Banner. If you see it bumping against your coastline, or visiting your port, don't be alarmed, it's just passing through.
-- Arlon Greyfletch
-- House Greyfletch [pb7]
The Spanish Inquisition is currently undertaking an expedition for the Royal Geographic Society. The Comfy Chair [im9k] is sailing to lands where no noble has gone before. But if YOU are standing already on the "new" land, do not feel disturbed and please have patience with this inquisitive explorers.
Wurnas, Captain of the Comfy Chair [k6d]
-- Spanish Inquisition [sg3]
An Open Letter from Bartholomew, Knight Commander of the Society:
Greetings, my fellow Olympians.
I'm writing today to put forward a new idea: The Brotherhood of All Factions.
It's true that in the past, Olympia has seen considerable banditry and war. And it's true that certain powerful factions -- factions still extant today -- have been involved in these activities. But don't you think that overall, we Olympians do a remarkable job of getting along with one another? Isn't it possible that the ill-will that seems to exist between so many factions, as set forth here in the Times, has been highly exaggerated? Is it, as one contributor remarked here recently, that "peace has broken out everywhere," or is it that peace has existed throughout the history of Olympia, punctuated only now and again by warfare and random acts of violence?
I for one take the latter view. It's true that there are certain things one should never do -- walking north from IC to Mount Olympus, for example, unless it's Thursday or you're wearing blue. But once these fundamental rules are accepted and understood, it's possible to live in peace and harmony in these great lands of ours, side by side with the various Ancients and Old Ones, Alliances and Empires. Indeed, if this kind of co-habitation were impossible, what would keep the very fabric of Olympian society from tearing apart? How would the Bank manage its accounts, or the Sheriff maintain his laws, or the Crazy Quilters do whatever it is they do, were it not for the power structures that support the land?
To the people who prophesy ultimate doom, I say "bunk!" To those who advocate revolution and divers acts of madness, I say "hokum!" IC was not built in a day; do you expect that the wild spirits of those who wrested civilization from the barbarians, nay, the very savages, would be tamed in a shorter period of time?
What is needed in Olympia today is not more fatalism, or more paranoia, or more inflammatory rhetoric. What we need are *balance*, and *mutual understanding*, and a *rational approach*.
That is why I propose the creation of a Brotherhood of All Factions. This -- and it should be referred to, my friends, as the "Brotherhood", don't even think to call it anything as undignified as "baf" -- this organization, this Brotherhood, would be dedicated to the peaceful resolution of the disputes that arise between factions. It would be empowered to negotiate between its member factions, and between member factions and non-member-factions, to obtain terms that are fair and acceptable to each.
In order to break the cycles of anger, fear and mistrust, it is first necessary to instill a sense of hope. The old differences must be downplayed, the old prejudices forgotten, and the old wrongs forgiven, in order that a new age of cooperation and understanding between factions can commence. Surely, Atnerks would want no less for His children!
In the coming weeks, I will circulate to each of you a document outlining the proposed powers and scope of the Brotherhood. You will be asked to read it, and to sign if you wish to participate. When a majority of the Olympian factions have affixed their signatures, then the Brotherhood will be considered to have been formed. It is as simple as that.
This is not, my friends, a new franchise or "arm" of the RGS. The Society has a vested interest in peace, it is true. But the Brotherhood is envisioned as an separate organization, and one that determines its own affairs, as dictated by interests of its member factions. The Society's status therein will be as member only, coequal to all other members.
Read your history, my friends, and search your hearts. There is yet hope for this benighted, but still-radiant, realm of ours. We *can* find a path out of the darkness, out of despair, and into the light and hope of a new reality. When the document with the seal of the Brotherhood comes to you in the weeks ahead, read it and sign it! Add your name to the list of distinguished signators who will join the Brotherhood in its efforts to bring lasting peace to our fair realms!
---=o=--- FIAT LUX ---=o=---
-- Royal Geographical Society [sp9]
-------------------------------- South & West CAMARIS Update --------------------------------
Monthly notice: every new visitor to either of our two fair isles should notify us in advance.
-- The Crazy Quilters [vn7]
>Pardon a newcomer's question, but what is the IN mentioned >in the times?
The IN mentioned stands for the Iron Nations. Yet another of the many political factions. This one thought that they could take on the AOO and win. Needless to say they got kicked back into the sea. They have been very quiet recently which has lead many to suspect that they no longer exist.
>Is everyone getting these problems with their turn? >I can't seem to find two of my nobles?? Did somebody take them?
No. No problems here. Were your Nobles on Contract? Maybe their time was up. Check back through your lest turns to find out when you last saw them. Then you will have your answer.
A word of warning. Always, ALWAYS check your Nobles contract rating. Especially if they are in charge of your castle or out at sea. Make sure they have cash to spare. And try to start every turn with an "HONOR 50" order. It makes them less likely to be corrupted.
>The First Bank of Provinia is the Answer Guy !!
Sadly no. Since the Answer Guys' last appearance back in turn 96, there have been no question/answer sessions in the Times. We, the FBoP, have decided to re-introduce this in the spirit of the Answer Guy. Wherever he is, may he rest in peace. (Or is that Pieces!)
>Perhaps lines from Dr. Seuss would fit better?
The Cat in the Hat or Greens Eggs and Ham. Or perhaps Zax making tracks on the Plains of Prax? Or even Sneetches on the Beaches!
>Why is the route from Emperor's Garden [by22] to the >Ocean [bz22] Impassible? I have to move my ship!
In locations that contain Port Cities (such as the Imperial City), the Only access to the sea is via that City. Always has been, always will be. Of course the question arises, Why did you build your ship there? It states in the rules that Ships should be built next to the sea. Why didn't you check first?
>Alright, you savages, put down that drum and fight like nobles.
Savages (80,80,0)? I don't think so!
-- FBoP Information Service
-- First Bank of Provinia [y6v]
Customer Testamonial on behalf of the First Bank of Provinia
Greetings, Provinians! My name's Jack and these are my beans. I'm a trader. I travel Provinia buying and selling the finest beans and linen. How did I get this great career? The First Bank of Provinia gave me a small-business loan, that's how. They have everything a businessman like myself could need: low-interest loans, high interest rates, newbie bonuses, warehouse facilities, shipping services... What else could you ask for?
So take it from me, Jaques et ses Haricots, don't wind up lying in the gutters of Imperial City weaving baskets. Stop by the First Bank of Provinia a call. You'll be glad you did.
-- Jaques et ses Haricots [x1a]
___ ___ ___ / / ) / ) /___ /___/ /___/ / . _ _ /_ / )_ __ / / _ _ . __ . _ / / / _> / /___/(_>/ //< 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 Special offers for New Olympia Players. o Excellent Interest Rates on Bank Accounts. o A Fast and Efficient Courier Service. o Money Transfers. o Short and Long Term Loans. o Insurance Policies. o Pawn Broking Service.
Call in at your local branch for further details.
-- First Bank of Provinia [v0z]
Rumors
The Iron Nation was an early attempt to foil the AOO. Their blood still adorns the walls of Chateau Olympique.
The ancient book suggests the Gates not only connect places within Olympia, but also across the time flux between dimensions. It still possible meet some ancient one by traveling the gates, but make sure you learn the ancient language before you do that, nJk ghu ghf jku qng hjyp ght ha ha ha ha .........
. . . but still kicking I hear . . . B-)
Did you ever notice how many players have three or less letters in their surname?
Another week of research... almost there...
ANNOUNCING THE FIRST OLYMPIAN OLYMPIC GAMES
Entries are now being received for the first annual Olympic Games. Enter now to stand a chance of winning a magnificent silver or bronze medal (the AOO already have all the gold). Events include: *Taunting the AOO (newbies only) *Land Grabbing *Suicidal Attack (in memory of Dogmatix and Oleg) *Pot making and Basket weaving *Breeding Beasts (Marat's speciality) ...... and many more
Well I for one have no problems attacking newbies. MMMM. . . Good Eat'n. Nothing like brains for breakfast!
Hey, you sank my battleship! OK, so there were only 12 guys rowing it, but geez ...
If you can't think of anything better to say than: "Water, water everywhere, and still only 25 gold" or "Gold for the needy" or "Ka-ching" you must have a pretty crappy imagination. Rumors are an important part of Olympian society, don't abuse there usage. The Protectorate of the Sacred Rumor XXXX
The AOO reigns supreme. Nothing else matters. You pitiful also-rans, with your feeble plots and your puny forces, are so much chaff to our wheat. We unclog our noses in your direction. We wave our private parts at your aunties. We look forward to the day when we'll end this charade, and force even Atnerks Himself to realize that the End of Time has indeed come. XOXOXO
>Like I said, I am not a mole, but I know who is one.
>Some hints: > He cheats. > He recently joined. > He scattered his nobles throughout the alliance.
>Sound like anyone you know?
Psst... hey buddy... can you tell us more? Like for instance, why we should care?
You anonymous whisperers give me a case of the a--.
shhhh........
Gold for the needy!
Found: One (1) Prisoner, Zelda, Princess. To claim same post location & id in The Times. XXXX
Cat in the hat got your tongue?
A holy man has arisen Maybe will be converted to his creed
> But since there are many kinds of browser available, the pages > can be viewed in many ways. One of which is by switching off the > background.
What if I don't have many kinds of browser, but only Netscape and Mosaic, which can't disable the background (except in their PC and Mac versions)? Then I'm doomed.
> Since you are the only one who objects, I will not > change it at present.
Maybe if anyone could read it, there'd be more feedback.
Calliope [bx26] has just been spotted trying to bribe her way into Aethelarn.
Jaques et ses Haricots [x1a] appears to be trading in stolen goods
Runemaster [f7d] is near the Imperial city, with a whole herd of Nazgul's.
Theres a mole in the Kingdom. He stinks and feeds the old mountain.
Why should you bring down the AOO? That's a good question. Assuming you know who they are, because if you don't, then you're not ready to challenge them. If you do, you know that they control Hades, Faery and the Cloudlands in addition to numerous other continents. I for one, would like to be able to visit these places without the fear of being destroyed. So that's my reason. If you are willing to risk destruction to fight them. Then I'm sure you'll have your own reasons as well. XXXX
Another turn, another bowl of Savage Stew.
Pass the Orc Oil, please.
As a new person to these lands I quickly noticed the difference in the calander. That each month should have exactly four weeks and two days I found astounding. Then I started to wonder just what is the name of those two days that are not in a week. But after listening in on the conversations of the common people in the markets and pubs. I have deduced that the names must be Somday and Anniedaynow. After all I must of heard the locals say a thousand times that they will do such and such Somday.
There's rumbling in the East I think it's comming this way...
bye bye
Hey! AOO! Have at you! XXXX
What's my name?!? How'd I get here?!? XXXX
Where is my claim gold? All spent already? XXXX
riddle me this: why are you reading this?