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| The Olympia Times times@olympia.rt.com |
| June 28, 1992 v4n6 |
| |
| Turn 29 122 Players "The most PBMing for your dollar" |
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Turn 30 orders due: Friday, July 3, 1992
Orders are due 6:00pm EDT, 22:00 GMT.
Questions, comments, bug reports, to play: olympia@rt.com
Lots of work needs to be done on Olympia before the next turn.
Because of this, and the Fourth of July holiday, processing for
the next turn may be delayed. Don't be alarmed if your turns
comes a few days late next week.
Big Changes Soon
----------------
Here are my plans for the next few turns. I don't promise
to stick to them 100%, but this is what I have in mind.
Be advised that the skill and production systems will be
volatile, starting next turn. Expect bugs.
This turn:
All regions with a market *and* a tower are now city
regions. All regions with a market *or* a tower are
now town regions. A changed region will no longer have
its old type. For example, Drassa changed from a forest
region to a city region.
This is a compromise to the interior-city plan which
we may move towards later. I don't want to muck with
the map right now, but I want city and town regions.
Units will automatically learn new subskills which
they're eligible for.
The lore sheets will lag behind introduction of the
new subskills. Don't be surprised if there are skills
which you know but don't have lore sheets for.
Next turn (turn 30):
The new skill system will go into effect. The old
skill uses will no longer work.
Some of the long awaited skills such as weaponsmithing
and forestry (farming use "havest lumber") will be working.
There are two types of production: production from
inventory, such as building small boats from lumber,
and production from region resources, such as mining
gold. Both facets of production will be based on
nifty new code. This means that the results of WORK,
RECRUIT, mining, entertainment, etc. may not be what
you expect.
Guilds will no longer have their own stacking rules;
the top character in a guild stack will determine who
can stack with the tower.
Attitudes may be set towards guilds, resulting in a
default attitude towards all guild members.
What's up with guilds?
----------------------
Guilds currently violate some aspects of Olympian physics, and
have functions which overlap with other game systems. I will be
gradually eliminating these overlaps, while hopefully expanding
the unique functions of guilds. Don't expect all of these changes
right away; this is my long-term plan.
The guild teaching bonus will eventaully go away. If a guild
wants to hire or train a teacher, the teaching skill is available.
Entrance and monthly dues will be set by the guildmaster.
Founding a guild will be possible, and within the means of
individuals. Guilds might be better described as "secret
societies". Having an impressive looking tower for your
guild will be optional.
A couple of guildmasters currently receive special benefits from
their positions. These benefits may be moved into artifacts.
New skill system
----------------
The new skill system will have subskills introduced at level 1.
Experience is not currently a factor. While the new system
does have a couple of deficiencies, I think that these will be
cleared up over time, and in the long run the new skill system
will be much more enjoyable than the old ioctl approach.
REWARD
3,000 GOLD
WANTED SPINEY NORMAN [878]
Also know as Ethelred the Unready
DEAD OR ALIVE (I'M NOT FUSSY)
FOR THE MURDER OF
WULF [884]
REWARD
3,000 GOLD
Signed: Son of Wulf [910]
Rocko: No offense big guy, but your protectorate sounds more like a
marshall law - Soviet Style. I think we all know how well that turned
out. Is there no benign justice in Olympia?
Sarogin Bellewood
Tim awoke in the dank cell that he had spent the last month in.
What the *^&#@! was the use of a guild, if its own members kidnapped
you, and the master didn't take any notice. But today, today, maybe
things would be different.
Tim's mage sence didn't let him down, today was to be
different. At that very moment, in a chamber high above him his
fate was being decided. On one side sat a youngish man, his face
prematurely aged, and his hair already growing thin. He wore a
plain grey robe that marked him as one of the most powerful men
of Olympia. On the other side of the table sat Brillan Damar,
Tims captor.
"It is agreed then. As Tim had no direct part in this
affair his life is to be spared.", "Yes" replied Brillan, "but
he must be free of the evil influce of his current master also".
"Very well, much as I loth to enact such an enchantment, so be
it" said the mage.
Tim opened his eyes, and squinted at the bright light.
"ohmygodantreskohmygodantreskohmygodantresk" was all that came
from his mouth. His aura blazing brightly the mage in Grey
started incanting the ritual of binding.
* * * The Dragaeran Trading Company Blathers On And On About * * *
The Olympia turn checker!
It slices! It dices! It Juliens!
This marvel of the mideval age reads in turn commands, checks
syntax, and prints out an english version of the commands for easy
checking. No longer will you buy 5 of 6 instead of 6 of 5. It also
does reasonability checks (ie. you can't buy Osswid, and you can't
terrorize a rug).
Binaries for Next, Vax, Sparc, Decstation and Sun3 machines running
UNIX are available from shrimp.cs.washington.edu in pub/olympia. Source code
is NOT available, so don't ask.
Comments/questions/bug reports to hauck@cs.washington.edu.
Note: For bug reports, please include the line that triggered the bug, and
the output the checker gave.
Camaris Police Report
=====================
No action worth mentioning occured in Camaris last turn.
Rondo of the slight hads [1367] has been performing entertainment in
Camaris for the last couple of turns without a licence. The town council
has repeatedly tried to conntact the master of this unit, but has had no
response. Unless the council hears from this faction before the end of next
month, an order for arrest will be issued for Rondo.
This report is a reqular feature in the Times, and always ends with the most
up to date wanted list.
WANTED
======
Mohammed ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi [819], for assault and kidnapping.
Band of Mamelukes [1464], for assault and kidnapping.
one-eyed Kalendars [1977], for assault and kidnapping.
The Town Council of Camaris [355]
Dave Smith passed away in Habyn on the second day of the month of "Thunder and
rain". He left 2 wives and one child, and is much missed by his brother John.
Investigation shows that he was murdered by Amber[912] and his/her??? men. The
attack was entierly unprovoked and unanounced. He was stabbed in the back while
finishing of a boat that he was making. It seems that the motive of the attack
was profit only, although Abmer was heard saying that Dave Smith did not belong
to the right faith. This is the second time Dave has been killed by members of
the Dark Prophet's following, but he has nine lives and will be back.
The black and white banner -- Per pale Argent and Sable an Owl
displayed counterchanged. It fought fiercely against its bindings in
the strong gusts coming off the Gulf of Caburh. The Warriors Tower
was visible as a shadow in the distance behind a veil of misty rain.
Varian sat in his tent upon his bedroll, reading a note. A worker
dressed in black and white work clothing stood over him, waiting
patiently and holding several additional folded pieces of paper.
Varian looked up at the worker. A frown appeared across his face.
"The others are pretty much the same," the worker said.
"So, they are comparing me to Pain? Putting me in his league?"
Varian said angrily. He crumpled the paper in his hands, stood up,
and walked over towards the entrance to his tent.
"You have some supporters," the worker offered.
Varian threw the paper ball outside into the wind and rain. "Sure,"
he said quietly. He looked outside. "I'm sick of the wind. And now
rain. I suppose it could be fog. It probably will be next..."
"Sir?" the worker said.
"Nevermind. Return to work." The worker left and Varian returned
to sitting on his bedroll. "What to do?" he asked himself.
He rubbed his eyes and listened to the minstrel play in the distance.
He could hardly hear them over the wind. "Perhaps it is time to move
on and let others plan... worry... care," he said aloud.
"And perhaps you should sleep on it," the familiar voice of Touchstone
offered from outside the tent.
"I didn't ask you," Varian said loudly, "but I'll take the advice
anyway." A smile spread across his face -- the first in days -- and
with that he settled down to sleep.
Roving Reporter's Column
========================
Exploration continues
=====================
I have heard reports from a couple of sailors that other Islands have been
discovered, far from the mainland of known Olympia.
I have other reports from other sailors of sailing in search of such lands
and ending up becalmed in strange and exotic seas, far from anywhere and no
way to move until the errant winds return.
Is this a really a whim of the weather ? Or a sign from the Great God Atnerks
that such exploration is frowned upon ?
And will the person concerned ever be able to retrace his steps once more
to the lands of his birth ? Or will he starve, far from land and upkeep ?
Indeed the search for new lands is a perilous task, fraught with danger and
trials of all sorts. The new road may lead to a rich market, or, by a twist
of the Gods whim, drop you right into a province of fear such as Bayarth
and Pesbrand this turn as the horrid Dr Pain comes visiting.
So far the number of monsters encountered in the lands has been relatively
small. Some savages, trolls, faeries and other players characters or
independant units. Most of these have been viciously set upon as soon as
they were found. However, so far, there have been no real threats (other
than human !).
I ask, where are the dragons ? In what hidden valley do the Tyrannosaurus
Rex breed ? In what high peaks do the Condors soar, and through what dark
swamp do the killer crocs slither ?
Where are the challenges to really cramp the style of the hunter, the
tracker and those with a high equestrian skill ? Can we not catch and train
our own hippogriffs ? Can we not track the Sphynx to his lair and capture
him for our entertainment unit ?
The answers to these, and other, questions, may, (but probably won't) appear
in next months Olympia Times !
Oleg the Loudmouth's Free Lore & Map haven't changed much this turn,
but that doesn't mean that they're useless. If you're not sure where
you're going or why you should study underwater basket weaving, drop
me a message and I'll send you a free copy. Offer not valid where
prohibited or taxed.
-- Oleg the Loudmouth [810]
Oleg the Loudmouth's Interesting Player List
============================================
This is a list if people you might want to watch out
for, because they've done, erm, "interesting" things in the past.
Note that obituaries are no longer promptly reported, if at all -- so
you'll have to watch & contribute to this list to see what's going on.
New stuff this turn: Dr. Pain and Seldon the Avatar sightings, plus a
sighting of player 819, and a note from player 883 regarding the
attack on 880.
Dr. Pain [814] -- Killed at least 20 players. Known throughout the
world as an efficient and wealthy but evil dude. Units owned: 1034
1301 1321 1368 1376 1475 1575 1580 1585 1976 1993 2002 2040 2055.
Bastrestric ther Archymonaged [801] -- Killed 1 unit on turn 23 in
Chardia, which Milinkthos claims was independent. Listed as a buddy by
Dr. Pain. Has an outstanding offer to buy flowers for my funeral,
should I be killed.
Seldon the Avatar [809] -- killed 1863 in Pesbrand on turn 20. Killed
1 player and 3 units in Ilion on turn 23. Units owned: 1400. 5,000
gold bounty offered by Tony Wayland [572] for "Seldon the Avatar and
all his units."
Mohammed ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi [819] -- Attacked newbie player in
Ilion on turn 21, but was unable to beat one man. Attacked 2 units in
Camaris on turn 23. Wanted by John Smith. Units owned: 1977 1464 1486
1678 1681 1683.
John Smith [823] -- killed unit that killed player 830 and others in
Chardia (i.e., apparently 830 was pro-Pain and the attacker was
anti-Pain, then John Smith killed the attacker.); killed 4 other units
in Camaris since, which he says were independent. Says he is the
protector of Camaris. Units owned: 1317 1494 1935 1972?.
Maidez de la Montt [868] -- Attempted to kill 6 players turns 21-23,
but all failed. Attacked 3 players in Pesbrand on turn 25 for booty.
Units owned: 1991 1995 1998 2007 2012.
Spiney Norman [878] -- Apparently the owner of Fengal's Hoodlums
[2037], which killed a newbie on turn 23 in Kircarth. Fengal's
Hoodlums was captured turn 24, and the combat reports lists 878 as the
faction of Fengal's Hoodlums. Spiney claims that he was framed, and
the owner gave him the unit at the start of turn 24. Truth or fiction?
You be the judge.
Stryder [898] -- Attacked a player on turn 25, who successfully fled.
Phillipe [905] -- Attacked the same player. These guys claim that they
thought this player was independent and were out to guard his gold for
him. Uhuh. The victim wasn't independent, he just doesn't answer his
email as promptly as some.
A mass of newbies, including 879, 877, 881, 882, 876, and 883,
attacked player 880 in Kircarth. They say that this player was
inactive, so they captured him and took his gold. 883 would like it to
be known that he was out of the country at the time, and that he does
not approve of this action and has offered to repay player 880 the
gold that he received after the attack.
Sightings last turn:
====================
Dr. Pain ended the turn in Bayarth with 270 armed men. Note 1461 is dead.
He is only one turn away from Pesbrand and has issued an ultimatum to
the players there.
Seldon the Avatar ended the turn in Pesbrand.
[819] was attacked while traversing Summerbridge but successfully
caused the attacker to flee. He is now north of Summerbridge with 14
men.
If you believe any information on this list is incorrect, please write
me. If you would like to contribute information, especially combat
reports and/or sighting reports, please write. Information is like a
breath of fresh air: it makes everyone's day happier.
-- Oleg the Loudmouth
The Log of Brillan Damar
------------------------
"Of the six months I have lived on this continent, none have been as
fulfilling as this month, the month of reckoning for Spiney Norman
and his hoods. Merlinium himself has declared Tim the Magician
guilty of his crimes and will be making him serve as guild teacher in
Kircarth for life. Spiney, though, is still free. We've had contact
with those near him, though, and feel that he is soon to be
captured."
Brillan closed his log for the day. He sat staring at the opposite
wall for several minutes, deep in thought. "We need to provide an
incentive for those to capture Spiney for us," he thought.....
"Alaric,"
Alaric Lightshine entered the office. He was profusely sweating from
being in the sun the entire day. "Yes, sir?"
"How goes the recruitment effort?"
Alaric hesitated for a second. "We're slightly behind our estimates,
but we should be quite a deterrent from Dr. Pain if and when he makes
his move."
Brillan smiled. The battle, probably this time next year, would be a
glorious one. While he was repulsed at Dr. Pain's actions towards
his fellow bretheren, he did have to admire the efficiency of the
Doctor's efforts.
"Good. Inform the troops that I will personally lead our contingent
when the time comes. Current status on the garrison for the Guild
Tower?"
"Two to three months. Merilinium has already been informed."
"Good, Alaric. Now there is one last thing I'd like you to do for me
today..." Brillan scribbled some words on a piece of parchment, and
handed this to Alaric. "Take this to the local signmaker and post it
in town."
"As you wish."
As the fog lifted the following morning, a new landmark was seen; a
sign, of normal height, inscribed on it the following words:
***************
W A N T E D
***************
by the Alliance, the Treacherous
*****************************
S P I N E Y N O R M A N
*****************************
(aka Ethelred the Unready, aka Hugh Jass)
for the crimes of:
Premeditated murder of Wulf [884]
Attempted murder of Antonius [885]
Wilfull deceit of the citizens of Kircarth
Slander against the Alliance
***************************************
R E W A R D 2 5 , 0 0 0 G O L D
***************************************
For his body returned to Kircarth alive.
Earliest payment will commmence at the beginning of turn 32
--
5549 orders queued for 787 units
