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| The Olympia Times times@olympia.rt.com |
| December 31, 1991 v1n7 |
| |
| Turn 7 Circulation 60 "Wousy!" |
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Orders due: January 10, 1992
Questions, comments, bug reports, to play: olympia@rt.com
Missed last issue? Send a message to server@olympia.rt.com:
path
send times.v1n6
Wow, no core dumps this run. I must not have coded enough over the holidays.
Happy New Year -- 1992 !!
Changes:
- Comments are now allowed in orders. A comment extends
from a # to the end of the line:
# Orders for Foobar
entity 501
move 1032 # Head into the mountains
- Some changes have been made to combat. In general,
the results of last turn's battles would have been
the same, although the attackers in each case would
have suffered more damage with the new system.
- Study begin costs are gone.
I haven't quite decided what I'm trying to do with the study system yet.
I'm thinking of only allowing characters to study a subject if the
location teaches it. I'd also like to have stackable region features
offer subjects for study, so as to have Magician's guilds, the Academy
of Engineers, etc.
Election Results:
-----------------
Voter turnout in Drassa was weak, probably due to limited campaigning
by the would-be Sheriff Rocko, and the poor timing of his campaign
during the Winter Festival. No doubt the lack of an opposing candidate
also caused apathy among the voters.
In any case, while few voted for Rocko, none voted against him. Thus
the first freely elected official of Drassa is Rocko! Congratulations.
Whether this office is merely a title or actually carries some
significance remains to be seen.
Letters to the editor:
Dear Sir:
Last issue of the times, Mr. D'Arc Shadowborn issued a statement
to the effect that he desires the head of my good self, for the alleged
slander of himself and Mr. Zigarilli. I would reply with, "Dear sir, if
you have a problem with my saying that you are evil, then you just may
have something to hide. If I am incorrect in accusing you of evil-doing,
then so be it, but you should not threaten me if you intend to remain the
quiet, law abiding citizen you portray." My accusations against Mr.
Zigarilli seem to have been unfounded, however, for which I apologize
to Mr. Zigarilli in this public forum. His decorum in dealing with the
wolves in Drassa has been noted here in Pactra by many a citizen.
Alan Mooresson
#### Danger in Pactra! ####
Greetings to all in this world of Olympia! As I stand here
in Dorenth, I receive word from the Synthesists in Pactra of a band
of 53 orcs maurading in that fine city. Perhaps there is some way
of convincing those involved in the removal of the wolves in Drassa
to head to Pactra to see these marauding beasts to the hell they
belong in. Unfortunately, my finances are tied up, or I would offer
them as a base to finance the expedition to do this task, but I offer
my small talent as an organizer to start the ball rolling. Please
reply to any member of my faction or, preferable, email me at
hobbes@hpb.cis.pitt.edu. Thank you.
Gabriel Synthon
He smiled to himself. Soon the chaos gate would be opened and his master would
be free again. Soon, very soon...
The crowd gathered to look on in awe at Rocko and D'arc. The pack of wolves
- a menace for so long, had finally been destroyed. As one the people began
to shout "Rocko for Sherrif". But what of D'arc? What are his motives they
wondered. "D'arc for mayor " someone shouted. Soon everyone was shouting
"D'arc for mayor, Rocko for Sherrif "
Phoenix came into the room. Elanor and Irianna quickly became silent.
He watched the way they moved, admiring how their movements had changed from
those of two akward young women, to those of two finely honed dangerous
warriors. The time had come to send them out into the world.
"The time is at hand, ladies," he said in his soft voice. "Irianna, buy
a boat and head upriver to Pactra. Elanor, head for Hothras. Be careful, both
of you. Once you get to your destinations, look around, and send me word of all
you find. Now go." They left quickly to do his bidding.
Phoenix then went to find his men. No common louts these two, but large
powerful men, with quick, sharp swords. "Go seek more to join you, and ensure
they are as yourselves. I will not have fools working for me." They left
quickly.
Having sent his minions about their business, Phoenix went into his
private chambers. Once there, he sealed all the entrances, making sure none
could enter, or leave. Carefully, he unlocked the metal container on his desk,
and cautiously lifted out the tome which lay within. "That fool Rocko hopes to
enlist my aid to combat the wolves. He merely concerns himself with this small
town. Once I obtain the dark arts once more, then no man's help shall I need.
Osswid, beware, for the Phoenix will once more arise from the flames!" He
carefully opened the book, and set to work.....
From a concerned citizen:
The Idea of having a MURDERER as our town sheriff discusts me. Sure, he got
rid of the wolves at Drassa, but what about the orcs at Patra; What about them,
hmmm? We've heard LOT's of talk about Drassa's wolves, but nobody's even
mentioned Patra. And how is our good sherrif going to deal with violence when
he has less than two men. And once he finally get's the power to deal with
crime, how do we know he isn't going to use it against us. (Like Cap. McCook)
DOWN WITH ROCCO THE MURDERER
Hire your own Mercenary company!
For only 5 gold per day(30 hazzzard pay, special deals available for long
periods of hire)the sunhawks will stack with you, helping your attacks and
defending you from wandering bands of monsters, not to meantion other players.
Don't build your own, hire the Sunhawks!
All offers accepted, no job to big(though large groups of
monsters could take some time) no job to small.
If interested, contact Conundrum
Dearest Mumsie,
So sorry for not writing more often, my studies have been particularly
arduous these last few months. It would seem that that ruffian Rocko is good
for something after all. He finally got rid of those wolves. My bodyguards
seem especially enamored of him. I suspect he is giving them money to help
support his political schemes. I have cautioned them about such endeavors,
but you know how the commoners can get so caught up in such things. How are
the grapes coming in? I wish I could be there to taste the first vintages.
Say hello to Petronius for me.
Your Loving Son,
Prenola
Comrades! I must warn you most urgently about this false notion
you are in possession of! This great land must have its law-keepers,
but a sheriff must be chosen on the basis of merit, not in the heat of a
populist movement! Free elections are dangerous! The quality of your
leadership may be corrupted by popular support. I suggest we form a
committee to look into the matter.
President Mikhail S. Gorbachev (Ret.)
How could this happen? These so called wolves manage to destroy
one of the Seven. Ha, well it was only the newest member who
suffered that fate, but still, it was a weakening of his power,
and as such could not be allowed.
And to add to the insult, the amulet would not be turned over to
him. Outragous.
Still, his studies were progressing well, and that teleport spell,
well, that may just come in handy. Quickly he summoned the leader
of the Seven, and had the swords and shields used in the battle brought
to him. soon, Soon, SOON.
Outside, the Seven were back at the road works, looking out the window
the mage noticed that there were once more seven of them...
To my Lord,
'Tis been a terrible month for us. We attempted to carry out your
instructions; however, due to dramatic market fluctuation, we were unable to
act as per your commands (I had me bucko help with that line: it sounds quite
good if I do say so meself which I does).
I do appologize greatly for the slip up. Well youse knows how bad your
servant does read. There be only one letter differ'n betwixt what you wanted
and what we got. You know rug has er... three letters, and boat has, hmm let
me see, four letters; don't yah know.
Learnin' is not my strong suit so maybe we'll put on a show in a month
or so; so youse'll see me real talent.
Youse's humble servant,
LJ
(PS I am quite dismayed and ashamed of our actions this past month. We will
endeavor to do better in the future, and I'll be sure to read your missives
over Laughing Jack's shoulder just to be sure. Your servant - Juliano.)
The Battle of the Wolves
Rocko looked about him. Early morning mists drifted off the River
Asart and scudded across the ground. His horse, Pokey, danced beneath
him, eager for battle. "Calm, boy, there'll be plenty of time for
that," he reassured, patting his mount's neck affectionately. For the
hundredth time that day, he checked the list of troops and their
dispositions.
He looked to his left, where the 7 stood calmly, their faces devoid of
emotion. One of them idly dressed his longsword with a whetstone.
Beyond them were Zyzak's Roughnecks, a motley collection of thugs and
ruffians. 'Still,' thought Rocko, 'I can use their large number to my
advantage, and they do have some training in combat.'
"Stay here," he told his guard, "I go to check the other troops.
Westley, you'd better get back into town. Your value to me lies not
in the area of combat." Westley nodded and struck off towards Drassa.
Rocko turned his mount and proceeded down the line of troops.
"That's good lads," he complimented the Schuchrak killers. They had
immediately volunteered for the oncoming attack, even before Rocko had
offered payment. They cheered as he rode on to meet Prenola's People,
who had just arrived from Drassa. "What's this?" he asked. "I
received no message from Prenola to expect you."
"He sent us out at the last moment," one of them dissembled. "Do
you have weapons and armor for us, and some money?" In the back
someone snickered, and Rocko barely caught a whispered message,
"...great fool...money...Prenola...surprised." Rocko peered
quizzically at him, then handed down a purse filled with gold. 'Men
are men,' he told himself silently, 'and we need all the help we can
get.' He pointed the band over to where Blimph the trader had a stack
of swords and shields.
Next he greeted Faldred and his Raiders of the East. "Hail, friend,"
Rocko saluted, "It is most kind of thee to lead thy own troops."
"I'll not send them where I won't go myself." said Faldred. He was a
man of few words, and his stern demeanor and bravery had quickly
earned Rocko's respect. The Valheru and the Synthetics rounded out
his small army.
He looked across the field where the pack of wolves roamed. Neither
they nor their human opponents had any idea what was in store for them
this day. He sighed, then turned back to his army. "Roughnecks, you
hold the center of the battle. Faldred, you and your mounted troops
flank on the west; take the 7 with you for ground support. Killers,
Valheru, and Synthetics take the east flank. I'll lead up the middle
with my guard. Wait for my signal, and may Atnerks, the god of
Olympia, bless us."
He waited for a few minutes, until the units were in position. He
gauged the wind; it was light, allowing the use of archery. The lone
crossbowmen stood out beside Rocko, and as the leader raised his
sword, the archer let fly. With a throaty yell, the human army rushed
forward.
It was all over rather quickly. The superior combat ability of
Faldred and his Raiders, equalled only by that of Rocko's guard,
threw the wolves into turmoil. The overwhelming numerical superiorty
of the men proved the difference, and Rocko's military leadership
minimized the human death. When it was all finished, one of the 7 had
died, the lone human casualty; all the wolves lay dead.
Rocko collected the available booty, and they all headed back in to
Drassa to share the wealth and get drunk.
Dominic the Sly traipsed wearily along. He'd been logging miles
since the first day his master had recruited him, and he was ready for
a break. With his sharp eyes, he spotted a nearby cave, and started
to make for the shelter. As he was approaching, he heard loud
slithering sounds, and a huge serpent unwound itself from the mouth of
the cave and glared at him balefully.
"Nice snake. Good boy!" he encouraged it, as he slowly backed away.
When he was out of range, he paused to relax his nerves, then
reshouldered his pack and took to the road again. It was off for the
coast, and he'd be glad to see the ocean again.
Rocko returned to his campaign headquarters, and dutifully
began to parcel out the rewards to the men who had participated. He
separated the gold he had collected into several piles, carefully
counting each. Westley re-counted everything just to make sure, since
Rocko was widely known for his inability to do simple mathematics.
"Faldred, my good man!" he cried, as that worthy strode
through the door, leaving the Raiders of the East waiting impatiently
outside. "Here's your portion. 25 shares, at, uh, 18.75 sheckels a
man-level, equals...hmm...sign-extend and divide by two..."
"469 gold, rounding up," injected Westley crisply.
"Yes, I was just going to say that," said Rocko, as he shot
Westley a withering glance. "You know, right hand men *are*
replacable," he commented dryly, as he tossed a bag of gold to
Faldred.
Wordlessly, Faldred saluted and left, shaking his head. A few
moments later, there was a general cry in the street. "Murder most
foul!" someone screamed. "We demand justice!" cried another. Rocko
ducked under his desk, afraid to face the angry mob. "Jeez, I kill
the wolves, and they're still after me!" he whimpered. "Westley, send
them away, will you? Tell them I've come down with a severe case of
hypochondria and won't be well for at least a month."
As Westley strode to open the door, the howling mob burst in.
"You must stop the killing!" they cried, "This has gone too far."
Rocko peeped out over the edge of his desk. "You don't like
it that I killed the wolves?" he asked, perplexed.
"There he is!" cried a townsman. "Rocko, there's a murderer
loose out there! A fellow by the name of Murphy went on a killing
spree, and then left town. You've got to go get him."
"Me?" replied Rocko weakly. The man nodded, and Rocko
continued, "Let me get this straight. You're not here to yell at me
about some killing I've been doing, but instead some killing this
other bloke, Fermi, has been doing?"
"Murphy," corrected Westley, cleaning his nails in boredom.
"Cut three people down in the street while you were off playing tag
with the lupines. I had a great view of it, but since he had 10 men
with him, I didn't see any point in getting involved."
"If you would be sheriff, then catch this Murphy." cried the
townsman. "You have shown some small worth to us by ridding us of the
wolves, but prove your true value and hunt down this miscreant." He
thumped Rocko's desk for emphasis.
"I'll do it!" Rocko screamed, nursing his hand that the
townsman had inadvertently pounded. "I will assemble my forces and we
shall go hunt down this Murphy."
The crowd cheered wildly and then dispersed, leaving Rocko
alone to balance accounts with the other wolf hunters.
--
504 commands were submitted for 92 units.