+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The Olympia Times issue g1-32 |
| Februrary 1, 1995 |
| |
| turn 32 184 players "Talking pictures won't last" |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com
Olympia PBEM
* * *
Now dreary dawns the eastern light,
And fall of eve is drear,
And cold the poor man lies at night,
And so goes out the year.
Little is the luck I've had,
And oh, 'tis comfort small
To think that many another lad
Has had no luck at all.
-- A.E. Housman
* * *
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]
A new faction "Os Banderantes" has been formed, they will be
specializing in creating cililization out of the wilderness and subdueing
the natives. For information contact carioca@io.com
-- Banderantes [hr4]
We too would like to recommend
the Wanderer's shuttle. We had a good
time in Nimbus, you will also. Now
quit your belly-aching & join the select
fraternity of Weathermasters & artifact
creaters.
-- The Mystics [nt7]
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||||| /\
=====----`====
oo oo /\ /\
-- The Midnight Carnival [nx2]
We have had a small battle with a pack of giant
rats, but there was very little danger. We have
been traveling through ungarrisoned provinces, most
with no civilization at all. Soon we hope to be in
territory from which there has been no public reports
on what has been seen.
-- Seekers of Knowledge [tt4]
-----------------------
S. CAMARIS Update
-----------------------
A messenger arrives.
Bearing teaks from Accar?
Or baring teeth from a cur?
We shall see.
-- Compte du S. Camaris [b4q]
-- The Crazy Quilters [vn7]
The Count of Chardia
====================
Chapter VII - The Reunion
=========================
Edmond and Mercedes were in each others arms. At first they
saw nothing around them, so intense was their happiness. Then
he beheld the gloomy countenance of Fernand inside the shadowy
hut. Unconsciously, the young Tollusian placed a hand on his
knife. "I did not realize you had company," frowned Edmond.
"You recall my friend, my cousin, my brother: Fernand? The
man whom, after you, I love most in the world?"
"Yes," said Edmond, and without relinquishing Mercedes hand
clasped in one of his, extended the other with a cordial air.
Fernand, instead of responding to the gesture, remained mute
and trembling. Mercedes flushed with embarrassment. "I did
not know, when I rushed to meet you here, that I was to meet
an enemy," exclaimed the young sailor.
"An enemy! If I believed that I would go with you from this
house and never return," vowed Mercedes. Fernand's eye darted
lightning. "And should any misfortune occur to you, dear
Edmund," she continued, " I would ascend the highest point of
the Channel Mountains and cast myself from it." Fernand paled.
"But you are deceived, you have no enemy here, just my brother
Fernand, who will grasp your hand as a friend."
Her words acted as a spell on the soldier, who came slowly
out of the hut and proferred his hand. Scarcely had he touched
Edmond than he felt he had done all he could do, and rushed off
down the lane. "Hallo, Fernand! Where are you running to,"
exclaimed a voice. The young man stopped suddenly, perceiving
Caderousse sitting at a table with Danglers under an arbor.
"Well," continued Caderousse, "come sit with us and have a
drink!" The potmaker swallowed a huge gulp of kodva.
"He looks as drunk as you," mused Danglers. "Can it be that
Dantes is triumphant despite all we believed? Well, man,
can't you make up your mind?" He gestured toward the half-
full bottle of kodva and sipped a bit from his cup.
Fernand wiped the sweat from his brow and entered Papa Joe's
terrace, whose shade began to restore some calm to his senses.
He collapsed onto the bench and buried his head in his hands
with a groan. "Well, I must say... You look uncommonly like
a spurned lover," exclaimed Caderousse with a hoarse laugh.
"Bah!" said Danglers, "a lad of his make was not born to be
unhappy in love. You are mocking him!"
"No, only hark how he sighs. Our guest is a good and brave
Tollusian, one of Aethelarn's master fishermen, and in love
with a fine girl. But it appears, unfortunately, that she is
in love with the first mate of the Farallon, only arrived in
port this morning. It appears our friend has been dismissed!"
Caderousse drained his glass and reached for the bottle.
Fernand looked up. "Well? Is she not free to love whomso-
ever she will?" He glared angrily at the potmaker.
"Oh! If you take it in that sense," said Caderousse, "it is
another matter! They said you were a Tollusian! They said such
men wouldn't allow themselves to be supplanted by a rival! They
said Fernand especially was terrible in his vengeance!" He
poured another round of kodva and drank deeply. Danglers eyed
the young man upon whose head the potmaker's words fell like
molten lead. "Well, no matter," continued Caderousse, "when
is the wedding to be?"
"There is no set date," murmured Fernand.
"Ah, but there will be... As surely as Dantes will be captain
of the Farallon, eh, Danglers?" Caderousse poked him in the ribs.
Danglers glared at the potmaker but read nothing but envy
in a visage already rendered brutal and stupid by drunkenness.
"Well," he said, refilling the glasses, "let us drink to Cap-
tain Edmond, husband of the beautiful Mercedes!" Caderousse
swallowed his kodva in one gulp; Fernand dashed his on the
ground. Danglers took a sip and glanced at the two men, one
besotted by liquor and the other overwhelmed by love. "I shall
extract nothing from these fools," he muttered, "and I am very
much afraid of being here between a drunk and a coward. Yet
this Fernand has eyes that glisten like the Rimmonites, who
practice revenge so well. Unquestionably, Edmond's star is on
the ascendant, and he will marry the splendid girl -- he will
be captain too, and laugh at us all, unless," a sinister smile
passed over Dangler's lips, "I take a hand in the affair..."
To be continued...
-- The Indomitable Gauls [wk7]
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]
Pilgrims Aid Society
It's not just a job, it's an adventure. Rumors continue about
fighting on Tollus and Provinia. Armies are on the move. PAS
recommends contacting all you neighbors regularly to prevent
'misunderstandings.'
-- Akmall Benhalla [p3p]
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]
Be it known that the Kingdom of Allasus is now full! All fiefs have
been allocated to their Lords-to-be, who will be announcing their
own policies in the near future. Our general invitation to friendly
visitors who declare their intentions ahead of time remains in force.
-- Tiglath The Inscrutable [m2n]
Bring down Castle Olympique and its narcissistic, overly
mothered owner!
-- Captain Tarkus [c1s]
Captain Tarkus writes:
> Bring down Castle Olympique and its narcissistic, overly
> mothered owner!
No, actually it is Duke Marat and not me who owns the Chateau Olympique.
PS: 1000 gold (and the favour of the AOO) to anyone who can provide
the body of Captain Tarkus (dead or alive).
-- Bastrestric ther Archymonaged [x9i]
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]
Ahh, back to the sea! I know the landlubbers hate it, but sailing
across the ocean brings great joy to my heart. And free of Lews
as well! Although I must say, at least his moaning brings some
spirit to the ship; these others just sulk around, and dream of
building a castle someday.
-- Farseeker [q7b]
Seeking any travelers on Caburh. Please contact me at your
earliest convenience.
-- Irony [ij2v]
Be careful when you attack monsters. They might bog you down with
their treasury so you cannot move any further. This happened to us
when we attacked a group of giant birds. They bogged us down with
their 435 jade idols, each weighing 100, and our group could not move
as planned.
Since we do not know the nature of the treasuries captured on
beforehand this might be difficult to avoid. We would appreciate it
if anybody had any suggestions on how to avoid this.
-- Jurij Paranoiev [u0y]
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-- Mandrake [t8t]
Talice,
Let us consult the Tome. In Act IV, the Third Apparition says:
Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care
Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are:
Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill
Shall come against him.
Too bad you didn't wait until I built a castle and called it Dunsinane.
-- MacBeth [u0i]
Beat the queues and get out of the Imperial city! Walk where
few nobles have ever walked before. Learn the arcnae secrets of the sky.
For a mere 400 gold coins You could be heading skywards with a return
ticket valid for any month of the Year! To join our long list of
satisfied customers and magi write to:
-- Ferry master [z1s]
"A special thanks to Sheriff Pelenth for his hospitality while
I visited his cities to study skills."
-- Domnall ua Neill [n1y]
We've notice some mention of forests with inhospitable names in
the Rumors section. Is anyone else exploring the Deathwood Forest?
The name certainly inspiers confidence.
-- Hidenka Sencho [az7t]
"My thanks to Ferretlord for allowing me the use of his temple
while I studied Religion."
-- Muirchertach O'Brien [z0o]
Its time for the 1st annual Olympia Population report.
turn 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
new factions 4 3 1 4 4 2 5 2
total factions 184 187 187 184 184 189 184 184
In the last year 21 new factions joined us but 21 factions
also left, resulting in no change. This comes out to an 11%
mortality rate in factions.
Though not all of these met violent ends since several
crazed Nobles in the Imperial City were seen making a large
pot while sitting in its center. Resulting in their sealing
themselves within said pot.
-- Sir Ironlung [z9n]
Rumors
Has anyone else run into a structure that was apparently _not_
built by a player (a "npc structure")? Does anybody know what the
importance of these are, and what you do to use them (how you can
get inside an empty structure, when "move in" doesn't work)?
Oh my God. THAT'S what a Golden Ring does! Watch out all you
little people. It's time for something new and improved.
Dear F. D.,
I will try scrying it this turn.
I noticed my ORB failed last turn,
by the way. Indemic or Systemic?
--- Squire Adam
Well, we've finally landed and walked through a couple
of provinces - all wilderness, without any sight of
another living thing yet. If we could find some
stone, this might be a good place for a first castle...
Q: Why do dead bodies rule in Tollus?
A: Because no body else wants to.
whispered on the streets of the Imperial City
"The Liberator Cometh!"
HEAVEN OVER MOUNTAIN
"Know when to withdraw..."
--I Ching
Let the assembled take note: Soon the world will change. The time of
magic is almost upon us. Soon we will see the coming of foul hurricanes,
destroying all in their path. Soon the eldritch domes will appear over
the cities. Soon the magi will lead their armies across the land,
shadow-walking across entire continents in a single night. Soon indeed
the Demon Knights will stride forth once again, to be met by the faithful.
Already the acolytes chant, and the fledglings scry for the artifacts
of power. The end times will soon be upon us all.
Do you have a representative in the Imperial City or environs? Do you
have scrying or visionary abilities? I desperately need to know the
location, and if possible the environs, of a particular object.
Write to s5e, and tell me any factional affiliations you have, for more
details. Will pay.
Marat and the other 2 members of the AOO ruling elite are the
actual creators of MAFOC. This is a straw man organization
design to make it seem there is some threat that they are
opposing. MAFOC will be used to eliminate the suckers that
make up AOO's rank and file, eventually allowing Marat and
friends to control all of Olympia.
Clifford's City Market Database: 77 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.
Oh, bury me not in Provenia plains
'cuz the AOO will eat my brains,
they'll saute 'em up with a fine sher-ry
and scarf them down most gracefully.
Yet another roundship has been spotted, abandoned, drifting
south of Ilion. There is no sign of her crew, as if they all just
vanished. It would seem they failed to heed the advisory posted
recently in this very publication. There is some force of unknown
origin which is preying on vessels foolish enough to sail in these
waters.
There's a storm brewing in Rimmon. Travellers be
advised Rimmon is now a hotbed of violence and
intrigue. Perhaps the anarchy of Tollus is spreading.
There is much land yet to be discovered, and many places where
one may grow. Rather than complaining that things are crowded
where you are, build a ship and sally forth to find a place you
can call your own.
Due to a lack of emmagrants from the IC the AOO formally
requests that nobles with large stacks come knocking at
the doors of Chateau Olympique. We don't care how big
your stack is since we are going to wipe it out anyway.
Your free trip to the cloud lands so to speak....
Revenge will be sweet. Those who have cheated me
will pay dearly for their actions. It may take
awhile before I can deliver the retribution, but
they will feel the bite of The Viper.
Seen last turn in Imperial City:
14: A brilliant flash of green light briefly illuminates the sky.
What was that, and how can I get one?
Re: serious reward and payment plan
Please contact unit a8w concerning the elimination of one Axomin [k1d]
and all his associates. Minimal risk involved against large reward.
Payment provided to any party which can prove that they finalized Axomin.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a save Plains city to learn
beastmastery?
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
Alas poor Doctor! I knew him well, Oleg.
I have recieved a message by carrier pigeon from my fellows. They
promise that they will rescue me from my one-eyed captors next
month. This has soothed my worries and I no longer constantly
think of swimming to the mainland. As I am a poor swimmer, this is
a good thing.
They killed Fred! They killed Fred! Now if only I can find the
means to learn Resurrection and the time to do it!
Hey Pel! See Ya Later. We Pick When, You Gotta Guess.
"Remember Oleg the Loudmouth!"
YO! Please please please help the common traveller. We are all
dependent on good maps to plan our journeys, so please send any
information that you have on lands that are not in the current
atlas.
Thank you.
Travelin' Ted
The Revenge is on the water,
Swishbuckler has been freed,
Looking again for slaughter,
And to feed the Ancients' greed.
If you are reading this, then I am happy to report that my attack on
the cyclops was successful. Hopefully some of them will be inclined
to join us, as some new companions would be diverting during the
long journey still ahead of us.
******* Apollo The Bards Baladry Box *******
* *
* Starting this week Alfred, Lord Tennyson *
* *
* Part I *
* *
* On either side the river lie *
* Long fields of barley and of rye, *
* That clothe the wold and meet the sky; *
* And thro' the field the road runs by *
* To many-towered Camelot; *
* And up and down the people go, *
* Gazing where the lilies blow *
* Round an island there below, *
* The island of Shalott. *
* *
* Willows whiten, aspens quiver, *
* Little breezes dusk and shiver *
* Thro' the wave that runs for ever *
* By the island in the river *
* Flowing down to Camelot. *
* Four grey walls, and four grey towers, *
* Overlook a space of flowers, *
* And the silent isle embowers *
* The Lady of Shalott. *
* *
********************************************
There are a few uninhabited spots in Provinia.
You just have to run far enough...
FINALLY we're getting out of here. Hope it doesn't take me too
long to get my sea legs.
*
Market Survey: I am interested in the potential profits
of bounty hunting. Has anyone made a serious reward offer
with satisfactory payment procedures? Please address
"serious reward and payment plan" responses via the times,
and include an e-mail address. I will contact you directly
if I am willing to pursue your target.
*
Low Profile Bounty Hunters
Here we are, land at last. Now to build a castle and place
garrisons before the "friendly factions" take it all!
GRAVEDIGGERS of the Imperial City UNITE!
.
Throw off the shackles of your oppressive DUKE Marat!
DEMAND your RIGHTS:
.
A Body in every yard!
A Shroud in every closet!
Free Spades & Wheelbarrows!
No Exhuming after dark without PAID OVERTIME!
.
Let the Necromancers do their own dirty deeds or pay TRIPLE!
.
WORKERS UNITE!
.
Remember our Pledge!
"NO ONE planted without a UNION LABEL!
.
The (H)oly (O)rder of (L)andscape (E)ngineers
.
Olympian Order of Miyuki Fans (OOMF)
report a
Miyuki Sighting!
Missing for several months, Miyuki was seen dining at the Dead End Inn
with her recently re-united friend Kovaq'nu. For those new to this world,
here's a summary of the exploits of this intriguing pair:
First spotted in year 1 in the Imperial City, Miyuki attends combat
school and cheerfully smiths weapons and trains troops with her beau
Kovaq'nu. The two often dine together at a favorite dockside eatery.
Shortly after enrolling in Magic school, Miyuki is seen on the docks of
Imperial City bidding a sad sayonara to Kovaq'nu, who reportedly must sail
away to "prepare a place to live far away in the wilderness."
Months go by and letters from Kovaq'nu arrive on a regular basis filled
with strange tales of exotic lands and beings. Assurances that "I miss you
terribly" begin to wear thin with Miyuki and she suspects those "exotic
beings" Kovaq'nu is so preoccupied with may be of the human female variety.
Wars and rumors of wars abound in and around IC. The memory of those
happy times spent with what's-his-name fade from Miyuki's mind. The world
is changing and Miyuki begins to grow restless.
Tongues wag in the Imperial City as Miyuki is seen in the company of all
manner of men, both famous and infamous. Local wordsmith "Big" Al Tennyson
posts a steamy ode to "the fair and fetching Miyuki".
Rumors of wild, drunken parties hosted by Miyuki become more frequent and
scandalous tales of midnight romps through poppy fields and skinny dipping
in the Atnos channel are posted regularly in the Times.
Meanwhile, back at the boat, Kovaq'nu decides to name his latest vessel
the "Miyuki Maru" and swears that he's been "completely faithful" to Miyuki
despite nearly a year of separation.
Sexual harassment charges are filed by the Olympian Order of Women (OOW)
against the Olympia Times to prevent any more "harassing and demeaning"
articles about Miyuki from being printed. Charges are eventually dismissed
and The Times adopts a policy that "News" articles must be signed, else
they're considered to be "Rumors".
Faux the Necromancer considers kidnapping Miyuki from Imperial City in
order to "practice" a newly acquired "skill", then remembers IC is one of
those annoying Safe Havens.
Miyuki's escapades finally catch the eye of international bon vivant
Calvin Trillion, whose column "Gourmands' Corner" used to grace the Times.
In a shocking interview conducted at Dr. Pain's Inn and Shipyard, Mssr.
Trillion reveals that Miyuki's last name is really O'Brien!
Things go from bad to bizarre as signs are posted at the gate of IC
proclaiming: "Miyukiing Prohibited In Public Places After Midnight" and
"Miyuki's Clients May Not Leave Their Ships Unattended"
Defamation charges are filed by the Olympian Order of Women (OOW) against
Calvin Trillion for his Miyuki article published in the Times. The case is
later thrown out on a technicality (i.e. the article was correct).
Kovaq'nu writes Miyuki to say he's finally discovered a wonderful new
land and announces that he's sending for her to join him by his side.
Hoping to capitalize on her popularity and notoriety, the Times hires
Miyuki to write a "Dear Miyuki" advice column. Readers are confused and
upset by her strange advice & the column is dropped after just one issue.
And now, after all that has transpired, it appears all controversy has
been forgotten and the two will walk off into the sunset together and live
happily ever after... or will they? Stay tuned.
