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   +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | The Olympia Times                                        issue g1-38 |
   | March 15, 1995                                                       |
   |                                                                      |
   | turn 38  187 players                                                 |
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Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com

Olympia PBEM

* * *


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]


Behold, a Graveyard.

"On Hallowe'en the old ghosts come about us, and they speak to some; to others they are dumb."

- Hallowe'en, Eleanor Farjeon.

-- Draconian Elite [fg4]


AOO suffers minor setback on Tollus ===================================

OK, so I lost 2 more nobles this turn. So I'm going to lose another noble next turn. I'm still pleased, nay, tickled pink, to report that the late Dr. Pain's compatriot Despair [c8g] is now dead, the late Dr. Pain's compatriot Death [q0l] is now a prisoner, and the late Dr. Pain's forces on Tollus are now smaller by approximately 100 men.

In addition, the castle on eastern Tollus which the AOO bribed away from its owner has returned to its former ownership, after several mistakes on the part of the AOO nobles controlling it. I believe that the original owner's total losses were approximately 220 of his own men. Moral: don't have a contract noble control your castle.

Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!

-- Oleg's Obstreperous Obtruders [iv9]


ARMY FOR SALE!

The Illustrated Man (s5e) is selling off a large body of pikemen for the ridiculously low price of 23 gold a head. Has he gone insane from the ink fumes? Who knows? Buy them before he comes back to his senses! If you don't -- your opponents may! Only in the Imperial City, only from the Illustrated Man.

-- The Midnight Carnival [nx2]


advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement*advertisement

NEW MAPS ARE HERE!!!

Since making the offer for the revised maps last month, I have been besieged with orders containing new provinces. Accordingly, there will be a slight delay in part of the first shipment, while I add the new information. If promptness is more important to you than level of detail, please let me know.

The Illustrated Man has been hard at work, cataloguing data from dozens of sources. The second edition of the Illustrated Man's maps contain literally hundreds of new provinces not seen in ANY previous mailing! It doesn't matter where you come from -- every continent on the map has new provinces added (exception: East Camaris. Is East Camaris empty, or do the inhabitants just want to give that impression so they'll get some company?)

Almost all the blank spots in Provinia are now filled. Lots of information about Drucartan, Krussos, Tollus, Ossicus, and West Camaris! New areas like Chardia, Allasus, Pesbrand, and Bayarth! Plus, for the first time, city names, and a new key to show city terrain type!

What are these maps? They are drawn in 7 colors, with graphical symbols representing all kinds of terrain and internal locations. They are available by surface mail only, upon payment to the Illustrated Man (s5e) in the Imperial City, or the supplying of new terrain information.

Prices: New customers -- 75 gold or 15 new provinces Repeat customers -- 35 gold or 10 new provinces Custom Sizing -- Add 100 gold to your order, and any two map squares. We will send you a map for the rectangle defined by those squares, in addition to the regular maps of Provinia and the world! Other special arrangements also available -- just ask.

Repeat customers will have orders expedited if they resend their surface addresses.

This offer brought to you by...

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

-- The Midnight Carnival [nx2]


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DISPATCHomatic is a Perl script which replaces English words with Olympia codes. DISPATCHomatic provides some syntax checking, and can also mail the orders automatically*!

What does all of this cost you? 500 gold? Less. 200 gold? No. DISPATCHomatic is ABSOLUTELY FREE.

Send email to Mandrake with five province reports not in the Atlas, and I'll send you the program. If you send a city report, or 10 province reports not in the atlas, I'll provide free automatic updates as I improve the program.

*DISPATCHomatic has only been tested on Un*x workstations. The Perl utility is required.

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-- Mandrake's Marauders [sj1]


Still little to report from the swamps. A few weak monsters wander about, but no other nobles. No hidden features have been found. There are rumors of cities in the swamps, so we will be looking for these. So far, supplies have not been a problem.

-- Seekers of Knowledge [tt4]


----------------------- S. CAMARIS Update -----------------------

Patrols are now monitoring traffic between the three Camaris continents. Please let us know ahead of time of any unusually large force movement by water, in our area. Thank you.

-- Compte du S. Camaris [b4q]

-- 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.

By order of Darkman, caretaker of Dark Castle

-- Dweezil [e5q]


My thanks to the rich traveler who stayed at the Laughing Harpy Inn last month. The extra 90 gold was very welcome. Come back again soon!

-- Horton [k7v]


In spite of recent rumors North West Ossicus is far from empty. Please register yourself before entering.

-- Lothar [d4x]


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]


Visitors are welcome to the area controlled by the Cohorts of Colossus [vo4], as long as they obtain travel permits first. Not all requests will be granted. The affected area includes the land provinces bounded by bx25 and bz27.

To avoid possible misunderstandings, do not enter this area without a permit.

-- Sheriff Pelenth of Gentlewind [f3i]


************************************ * Apollo The Bard's Balladry Board * ************************************

The Lady of Shalott by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Part IV

In the stormy east wind straining, The pale yellow woods were waning, The broad stream in his banks complaining, Heavily the low sky raining Over towered Camelot; Down she came and found a boat Beneath a willow left afloat, And round about the prow she wrote The Lady of Shalott.

And down the river's dim expanse - Like some bold seer in a trance, Seeing all his own mischance - With a glassy countenance Did she look to Camelot. And at the closing of the day She loosed the chain, and down she lay; The broad stream bore her far away, The Lady of Shalot.

Lying, robed in snowy white That loosely flew to left and right - The leaves upon her falling light - Thro' the noises of the night She floated down to Camelot: And as the boat-head wound along The willowy hills and fields among, They heard her singng her last song, The Lady of Shalott.

*********************** * concludes next week * ***********************

-- Apollo [t2t]


Anyone wishing to discuss Impassable Mountains, please contact me. (I'm trying to get in the spirit of endlessly repetitive announcements.)

-- Tim Finnegan [r9b]


Well, well, it appears that Ossicus is not as empty as we were led to believe. & not only is it occupied, but full of nasty, brutish types who would do us no good. To wit:

We are coming & we are many. All residents of East Camaris are encouraged to contact me so that we may be amicable neighbors. Let's all be good sports now!

-searching for a happy home,

-- Norc of Trivendale [z1a]


Journal - Sunsear, Year 5

Back on the Merry Prank! I never thought I would be glad to see Captain Farseeker!

The Lord of the Morning, The Dragon,

-- Lews Therin Telamon [m3m]


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]


********************************************

Anyone want to buy a ship? I am currently making ships in the imperial city. roundships galleys or galleys with rams all made to order. Here is a list of prices:

galley: 300 gold and 50 wood. or just 700 gold

ram 50 gold, one iron and three wood. or 75 gold and one iron or 90 gold and three wood or just 115 gold

roundship 400 gold and 100 wood. or 800 gold and 50 wood or just 1200 gold.

I will also consider barter, see me for details. -carioca@io.com

-- Carlota de Andarai' [r0h]


There was a little scuffle at the necktie party out west but in the end we were able to finish the job. By the time you read this the souls of these murderers and thieves will be on their way to whatever damnation awaits them :

1: Impedimenta [e2v] attacks Garrison [be0m]! 1: 1: Impedimenta [e2v], with five soldiers, 47 pikemen, accompanied by: 1: Angry peasant [cg7r], angry peasants, number: 21 1: Angry peasant [eo1x], angry peasants, number: 15 1: Raven the Silent [v3j], wielding golden dart [ep5e], behind 9, 1: with 200 crossbowmen 1: 1: Garrison [be0m], garrison, with 61 soldiers, 43 pikemen, 1: seven swordsmen 1: 1: Impedimenta [e2v] is victorious! 1: 1: Impedimenta lost three soldiers, six pikemen, 15 angry peasants. 1: 1: Garrison lost 61 soldiers, 43 pikemen, seven swordsmen. 1: Garrison [be0m] was destroyed. 1: 2: Impedimenta [e2v] executes Ergonal [y6s]! 2: Ergonal [y6s] miraculously is still alive! 2: Prisoner Ergonal [y6s] escaped! 2: Impedimenta [e2v] executes Typhoon [s8p]! 2: Typhoon [s8p] has died. 2: Typhoon [s8p] unstacks from us. 2: Attack Ergonal [y6s]. 2: We won! 2: Ergonal [y6s] is taken prisoner by Impedimenta [e2v]. 3: Impedimenta [e2v] executes Ergonal [y6s]! 3: Ergonal [y6s] has died. 3: Ergonal [y6s] unstacks from us.

Thus ends the career of one of the least-liked nobles ever to walk the face of Olympia. Travellers out west are advised to continue to be wary of AOO bandits :

Harvest plains [by10], plain, in Provinia, civ-1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Province controlled by Chateau Olympique [s85], castle, in Mt. Olympus [bx22] Ruled by Marat [g3y], duke

Seen here: Garrison [be8e], garrison, on guard, with 179 soldiers, 226 peasants, one worker, 79 crossbowmen Viliz [l1n], with seven catapults, seven wolves, accompanied by: Savage [hs9z], savages, number: 9 Savage [hh8s], savages, number: 14 Savage [bn3a], savages, number: 5 Savage [fb2e], savages, number: 15 Savage [eq9i], savages, number: 15 Savage [cl0n], savages, number: 13 Savage [es4n], savages, number: 13 Savage [bt8l], savages, number: 10 Imbralor Moonsong [v8w], prisoner Trogenius [j7t], with one riding horse Riar [k0k], with two riding horses, accompanied by: Brother Owens [d7z], prisoner

-- Impedimenta [e2v]


The High priest Gilmour of the Temple of The Pink Floyd once wrote "I was spending my time in the doldrums I was caught in a cauldron of hate I was persecuted and paralysed I thought that everything else would just wait

While you are wasting your time on your enemies Engulfed in a fever of spite Beyond your tunnel vision reality fades Like shadows in the night

...... There is much to learn from these words of wisdom...

-- Billy No-Mates [t9z]


Rumors


MYSTERIOUS CROP CIRCLES SPOTTED IN PROVINIA

Locals React with Fear, Confusion

OPI (Aethelarn Bureau)- Local residents here fearing the end of the world believe their worries have been validated by the appearance of large "crop circles" in forest areas to the extreme south-west of Aethelarn, most recently in cd08. To those who give credence to the ancient prophecies, the strange empty circles are evidence of fulfillment of dire predictions.

#--Camp followers of an AOO expeditionary force brought back word of the most recent discovery. "We were about two days march behind the army," said one individual who declined to be identified, "and we expected to catch up with them when they camped at the end of the month. Instead, we never did reach them, and where we expected to find them there was a flattened area like a big circle, as though some mighty force had smashed them flat."

#--Thamaturgists from Imperial City originally speculated that the army had simply gated out of the area. When it was reported that no usable gates existed in the area, the scholars ventured the opinion that the commanders of the army had employed an as-yet unknown spell to transfer the men and material. This spell, it was theorized, generated as a by-product a concussive force that flattened the surrounding area.

#--That theory was short-lived, as investigation revealed that neither Ergonal or Typhoon, the army's noble leaders, possessed sufficient magic ability to work such a spell. Instead, it appeared that they were only passably sub-normal "common" nobles, entrusted with the relatively undemanding task of herding some soldiers to a coastal mustering point.

#--The possibility that they had a talisman or some other aid cannot be discounted, but that possibility seems remote. "What is more likely," said Tharmos Alterix, director of the Artifact Construction Department at Imperial College, "is that they ran into some mighty force that simply squashed them flat. It may be related to the mysterious flashes in the sky we've been seeing lately.

#--"Most likely, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."

#--Others are not so sure. Simple village shamans and witch doctors in the uncivilized regions west and south, outside of the Aethelarn-I.C. area, have been spreading superstitious beliefs which strike the sophisticated as fantastical and far-fetched.

#--Among those not impressed is Raoul Taram, a parapsychologist specializing in "debunking" mystical phenomena. "There is undoubtedly a simple explanation," he says. "The more fanciful theories are simply an aspect of an apostasy, a falling-away from proper worship of the war-god Atnerks. People who childishly believe that this world can somehow be made a place of peace and communality have focussed their wishfulness into a glorification of a minor historical figure, deified into a figure of bravery, strength, loyalty and fidelity: a dog-god, if you can believe it.

#--"They wish for delivery from strife and treachery, and have embodied their redeemer as a flying dog of immense power. The very ludicrosity of it is evident on its face."

#--Despite that ringing repudiation, the simple villagers point to the mysterious events as heralds of a sweeping change soon to take place. Having lost so many of their men to the pillaging armies led by nobles bent on ravaging the countryside, they clutch at any hope.

#--One source of hope for the countryside has been the relatively obscure Book of Prophesis, allegedly written in the earliest times by a demented island monk. According to believers, it was this monk who created the many powerful books of magic scattered throughout the land.

#--The apocalyptic writings in the book can be interpreted in many ways, due to the vague and meandering style of the book. Dogmatics, as the followers of the dog-god call themselves, believe that a portion of the book clearly predict a victorious return of the canine avatar and a liberation of the land of Provinia.

#--The most significant portion of that book is that which sets forth what is believed to presage the return of the dog-hero. That section bears the book and section mark 6:02, which some adherents take to be the year and month for the god's return.

#--As some adherents say, the end of the world as we know it is coming. And, as many would agree, the time to put up or shut up is coming. As one dogmaticistic shaman said, "We'll know for sure very soon."


At last! I've finally gotten a ship out of the IC. Now, on to bigger and better (and emptier) places.


Dear Squire,

Stupid is as stupid does. Do you have the HEART to come after me?

--- Doubter


> Hey Pel! Ya keeping your guard up, huh? You'd better! > Maybe this turn we try again, or maybe next turn, or the > turn after that ...

or the turn after that, or the turn after that .. or possibly sometime in the fall. Yes, definitely before Christmas. Yes: sometime before Christmas next year. Or possibly ..


AHHH! That is one *slippery* Distressed Lady! I must be too excited, or something, because this is the *fifth* *turn* *in* *a* *row* that she has escaped. Keep repeating: Torture, *then* unstack! Torture, *then* unstack. This time I'm gonna do it right - I will capture her, take her to the, nearby 4 star "Bite Me Inn" (which has a well deserved reputation for opulent accomodations, as well as discretion), wine her, dine her, *then* torture her :)


Overheard on Tollus: Kill the fatted calf. Our long lost brother has returned, and he looks hungry!


Marat is a fink!


Anyone have any other ideas what Marat does with the gerbils?


--------FREE THE TURTLE-------


Clifford knew where ROSE PERFUME can be sold and now he's found cinnabar. So try Clifford's City Market Database: 94 city market reports, including where YOU can sell rose perfume and cinnabar. 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, with the rose perfume commodity report thrown in for free. For further info, write to w4t@g1.pbm.com.


Has anybody had the experience of being in a mine that collapses, or inhaled interesting but harmful gases? What happens to the noble, is he dead or does he get hurt / ill? I'm planning to start such enterprises myself and would like to know what risks I and my workers are taking to obtain the values of the earth?


Just what is Pel hiding in those large hangers on Atnos. The Hanger labeled "No. 13" seems especially well guarded. And just what kind of building is a 'hanger' anyway?


I often wonder how other players are doing in relation to me, so I thought that I would publish my ranks in hopes that others do the same - just to get an idea of the breakdowns...

Total Number of players: 186

Rank ------ Characters: 6 72 Men: 67 92 Gold: 559 120 Land Controlled: 0 47 Skills Known: 12/70 134 Spells Known: 3/80 137 Provences Visited: 92 78

Hope that was of interest to someone out there....


Attention Ossicus! We are coming (apart from some who stayed in Pelenth's jails, and one who got lost on the way, and that one that we forgot to pick up) and we are many (well, quite a lot, depending on which ones are full members and which only partially affiliated as ex officio standing officers without portfolio)! Yes, we are the Liberty Confederacy (and/or associated sub-factions retaining complete independence within a quasi- autonomous collective framework), and we're out to get you, I think.


verse 4: Farslayer howls across the world For thy heart, for thy heart, who hast wronged me! Vengeance is his who casts the blade Yet he will in the end no triumph see. Fred Saberhagen The Complete Book of Swords


Would any/all factions already exploring eastern or western Ossicus please make public their claims. A range war with new arrivals is quite avoidable if everbody is up front about thier designs. -Yet another faction headed to Ossicus


How much longer shall the inhabitants of this realm suffer under the oppressive thumb of the AOO? Surely if we band together we can take them! United we are strong, divided we are weak. Every turn we work to make them more powerful, when shall we work for ourselves and reap the benefits?


I have found a real desert Island. I am not sure if this is a good thing or not, but here it is. Tomorrow I will begin the exploration of said island in the hopes of finding some wonderful treasure.


Hey Pel! We didn't try this turn did we? But you is not forgotten! Be seeing ya! Maybe soon, maybe later.


Any advice for a newbie? How to stay safe and be productive?


Oh woe is me. My magician has been captured.


Mm, mm, tasty fish! I've been toting them around for weeks and they're just beginning to reach the peak of their fishy goodness. It's kind of like the pleasures of lutefisk without having to be Danish. Sure would like to sell some of these someday. Frankly the stench is enough to bring you to your knees. Rancid, month-old mackerel, dripping with fish oil and that horrid white stuff that grows on fish after it sits in the sun for a few days. And I just keep catching more of them!

I don't have anything to fear from AOO. Those thugs go after me and it's two tons of rotten tunny and haddock for them.


Creed of the Liberty Confederation

There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own.

- Marham


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


Repent, O ye Sinners! Repent of your Evil and embrace your Fellow Players, In the Spirit of Peace and Harmony! For I say unto you, that the G2 is nigh! And for Those who cast off Alms for Swords, For Them, verily, shall be a Reckoning...


(bk4y) Well! I rescued a prisoner from pirates and he swore fealty to me. Great!


How fast can oxen go when unencumbered?


* Market Survey: I am interested in the further profits of bounty hunting. Serious reward offers considered. Satisfactory payment procedures required. Please submit "serious offers". Killing off the AOO Castle Boss "Marat" for only 1000 gold is not serious. An OLD Book that teaches Necromancy, 10 Mithril, and 2000 gold is getting warm. 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


Come one! Come all! See the Greatest Show on Olympia!! Come hear Bob's Brainless Banshees their latest hit single "Little (bits of AOO) Bones" as they start the first leg of their Olympian tour. And don't forget all your favourite oldies like: BOOTS (are made for walking all over the AOO) We're not going to take it! Unforgiven (thus we hold a grudge) and many more...

Call the Ticket Tower and reserve your seat today!


We are many and we are commimg. You are many and you are hungry. GOOD for we are culinary experts. For you we would serve up, Flambe Arrows, to start. Followed by Cold Steel and Pike Kebab in a blood sauce, and to finish Unceremonial burial, served in a cold casket. Bring your friends as we have enough supplies for all.


Reports of Thales' death have been greatly exaggerated. Well, maybe only a little bit.


The Dead will return!


Dark woods with rain pouring down. The AOO is here.


Cohorts: think Karma


Olympian Order of Miyuki Fans (OOMF) News

Our regular intrepid reporter is on assignment this month investigating that fabulous new drug "Miyukia". In fact he's been investigating it over and over again for several weeks now. Last seen baking brownies for the upcoming Young Man's Reformed-Cultists-of-the-Ichor-God-Bel-Shanharoth Association fundraiser, we hope to have his findings for you next month if he's not gooned on opium by then.

Instead we offer you this

Official OOMF Puzzle Challenge

Q: How many Miyuki fans does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Correct answers (there's more than one!) will receive a

"Malibu Miyuki" doll and a years supply of water-soluble lubricant

graciously supplied by the Anthropophagian Society, whose motto is "You Are Who You Eat".

See you next month, Ben Wa


A crowd of nobles & retainers crawled off their barnacled ship recently. Totally bored of ship-life, they scattered in all directions. One jumped on a discarded soap box & began extorting the local stupidos.

"And I say taxes are too high!" she bellowed.

"but we don't pay taxes yet," an insipid peasant observed.

"Ah, but you will, & soon!" the rabble rouser cried.

"And who is the cause of this misery?" they asked.

"Why..." she paused. Obviously the truth would not do, for she herself was the cause of the impending misery. "Well, I'll tell you later! Now are you with me?!"

The peasants looked at one another. Obviously she was one of those nobles fresh from oratory school. Her trickery was obvious to all. But after a week of this harange, the peasants got so pissed at her constant shouting that they gathered together in an unruly bunch & promised to follow her anywhere.

"Just don't preach anymore" was their battle-cry.


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