From: olympia@pbm.com (Olympia PBEM) Subject: Olympia Times g1-55 To: totimes@pbm.com+----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The Olympia Times issue g1-55 | | July 12, 1995 | | | | turn 55 183 players "R.B.M." | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
Questions, comments, to play: info@pbm.com
Olympia PBEM
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When he's returned I'll tell him -- oh, Dear fellow, I forgot: Time was you would have cared to know, But now it matters not.
I mourn you, and you heed not how; Unsaid the word must stay; Last month was time enough, but now The news must keep for aye.
Oh, many a month before I learn Will find me starting still And listening, as the days return, For him that never will.
Strange, strange to think his blood is cold And mine flows easy on, And that straight look, that heart of gold, That grace, that manhood gone.
The word unsaid will stay unsaid Though there was much to say; Last month was time enough: he's dead, The news must keep for aye.
-- A.E. Housman
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Player-contributed press
DRUCARTAN
Visitors to DRUCARTAN are asked to procure a visa before entering the area. Drucartan is a very peacefull continent, where AOO and non AOO factions live in peace and harmony. No noble has ever been attacked in Drucartan by another noble.
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 Drucartan. There is no fee, and requests will only be refused in rare ( i.e. I am bringing 2000 men (or dragons) to kill all nobles ) circumstances.
-- The Sen Clan [di4]
And the Pequod sailed on, its mission not quite certain, its captain more than a little green. This did not bother the crew, most of which had only just recently been unskilled street urchins living day-to-day. To them, Captain Ahab seemed infallible. His air of nobility, his very demeanor, was enough to inspired the young crew to work for practically nothing and think not of the dangers ahead, but of the wondrous adventure they had embarked upon.
-- Phaze Shifters [gk7]
Another interesting observation from the GM's report: less then 20% of the temples had their priests in them. I assume this is because many temples are being used to increase civ values rather than to house & train a priest.
-- Circle of Hope [lp3]
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Now up for auction in the IC: one scroll of Weathermagic! Write the Illustrated Man and say how much you would like to bid. We will change the selling price to match the highest bidder!
Maps are available! Get yours today from the Illustrated Man [s5e] in the Imperial City! If you're a new player, only 75 gold plus your surface mail address for all the info known about Provinia and the world! For experienced players, ask about a blow-up of your area!
-- The Midnight Carnival [nx2]
---------------------- S. CAMARIS Update ----------------------
Monthly notice: any new visitors to our fair isle should notify us in advance.
-- The Crazy Quilters [vn7]
___ ___ ___ / / ) / ) /___ /___/ /___/ / . _ _ /_ / )_ __ / / _ _ . __ . _ / / / _> / /___/(_>/ //< 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]
READ THIS BEFORE COMING TO GENTLEWIND, NEWLEAF, AND ENVIRONS
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 bx25-bx27, by24-by27, and bz27.
To avoid possible misunderstandings, do not enter this area without a permit, nor collect resources without express permission. Violators of this policy may be subject to arrest.
I only rarely refuse reasonable requests, and then only because I've already granted my quota.
This policy helps ensure the security of all nobles within these lands. If you are interested in a franchise on collecting resources in one of these provinces, please contact me. I have friendly arrangements with several factions along these lines.
-- Sheriff Pelenth of Gentlewind [f3i]
The Sheriff Speaks
I am neither more nor less than I have claimed. Those who seek to impugn my character appear to have plenty of ammunition, but if you check carefully, you'll find that they're shooting blanks. I have attacked plenty of clueless newbies. In all but one case, it was because they blundered into my area without first obtaining a permit. The one exception was a mistake on my part, and I made restitution to the offended faction, to its satisfaction (I inadvertantly left hostile on after releasing a prisoner arrested for trespassing).
Several factions have become quite distraught when they find their nobles have been arrested by my units. I have endured, and ignored, laughable threats. Those who have been reasonable have been released and had their possessions and nobles restored (in fact, several factions who I still cooperate with quite closely first became acquainted with me from the inside of a prison cell).
Am I a nice guy? No. Am I fair? I think so. I'll lay it right on the line for you: if you obtain a permit, you're welcome to come visit my area. If you come in without one, I'll most likely arrest you. The easiest way to avoid problems is to obtain a permit before entering, and not to enter without one.
Even the Iron Nation folks recognize that when I give my word, I keep it. It really is that simple.
-- Sheriff Pelenth of Gentlewind [f3i]
As we sail through these deserted seas, I look back fondly upon the little things that civilization has to offer. Ah, for even the spartan life of settling Stybor! But, I would not be truly happy there, haunting another's castle. I must have it my way.
-- Hans Shadowspawn [r2y]
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)
Note!! Due to Real-Life (tm) commitments, the Atlas will be appearing irregularly, as I have time to assemble contributions.
-- Sludge [x0o]
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]
"In your travels to the North, don't forget to visit Tangiers, on the Barbary Coast [ap21] of Northern West Camaris.
-- ibn Thralkohn [v2o]
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.
-- Darkman [m9l]
Rumors
Hootie, the AoOwl, says: "Give a hoot! Don't brutally murder newbies without warning!... Ahh, screw it, go ahead."
Due to underwhelming response,
Bastrestric ther Archymonaged
has been granted a reprieve.
His death would still be greatly appreciated, but a reward is no longer being offered.
Marat must die!
---> MAFOC: COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET? <---
Recemment une sympatique petite annonce est parue pour vanter les merites= d'un restaurant sympa, "Chez Pierre", pres de Villeneuve. Interesse par= l'oportunite de rencontrer un cuisinier olympien, j'ai cherche de quelle= ville neuve il pouvait bien s'agir. Et a mon gram dam, je dois reconnaitre= n'avoir trouve aucuns indices me permettant de la situer. Alors, cuisinier,= precise un peu ton emplacement, que je puisse en profiter
Can bigger, faster, tougher ships be built though research?
Sigh. We are already seeing refugees from AOO ravaged lands. What can realistically be done against this threatening mega-alliance?
A fortnight out from the Imperail City, and no sign of any barred doggie doors. Mayhap we ll have some good fortune, for once. Pretty uncivilised out here, compared to Provinia. There s a city off the port bow, perhaps we ll stop by for a little visit.
Attention faction which controlled Finnain, Killain Red, & Mistic Green!
We captured your nobles & killed two. We stole your ship. I thought you had stopped playing, but last turn one of your escaped nobles tried to execute some orders before he was killed. We're peace-loving types so it's really in your best interest to contact us.
A word to the wise: unanswered mail can earn you a lot of grief. I'm willing to wait a couple turns since people have vacations & all that, but this is an interactive game after all.
-your benevolent wardens
Holly crow! I count something on the order of 1,000 troops, some of them quite powerful animals, on that report on Faerie in the last Times. Them AOO's some tough dudes allright.
Well, kiddies, it's started. Remember how the AOO is your friend, only wants its little corner of everything, and isn't out to screw things up for everyone else, and so on? Well, look around. They occupied Faery and hunt and kill people who are only passing through, using it as the fastest way from one point to another _and_ they are starting to occupy Hades and block entries with large forces and signs that are signed AOO, and say stay out or die. Pull your heads out, friends.
Is this a bug or is something clever happening here? he comes out but he never goes in.
17: Skeleton [bz0o], skeleton, with one riding horse, exited Yew 17: grove [ap1u]. 19: Skeleton [bz0o], skeleton, with one riding horse, exited Yew 19: grove [ap1u]. 21: Skeleton [bz0o], skeleton, with one riding horse, exited Yew 21: grove [ap1u]. 23: Skeleton [bz0o], skeleton, with one riding horse, exited Yew 23: grove [ap1u]. 25: Skeleton [bz0o], skeleton, with one riding horse, exited Yew 25: grove [ap1u].
The AOO: coming soon to a continent near you.
Headline: Marat Mistaken For Industrial Waste While Bathing
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL WAR CRIME ALERT
Amnesty International hereby condemns House Greyfletch, and in particular, Arlon Greyfletch, for war crimes. Specificly, the use of chemical warfare. On or about the Season of "Thunder and rain", in the year 7, the aforementioned war criminal did use a toxic substance against his opponents (a poor, innocent band of Savages) in battle. The toxic substance in question was 'Orc-Oil Ice Brew'. AI condemns all such cruelty, and hopes that all will join us in a rousing round of boos against House Greyfletch, and in particular, Arlon Greyfletch.
Recruiting from inside a tower doesn't work very well. If you want to attract peasants, you have to go out amoung them. Icky-poo.
Don't eat the savages: they gave me indigestion. If you must eat one, make sure you wash it well before you do. Won't solve the indigestion, but should reduce intestinal infestation. Since there are a limited number of savages in the world, if you don't kill the ones you capture, eventually there won't be any more free-roaming savages.
Signed,
A Friend
For those wishing to pay a visit to the ever-friendly Jade Lotus Society but unable to locate their friendly paradise:
Routes leaving Ocean: East, to Mountain [dc02], Pallia, impassable
Come one, come all. The Jade Lotus Society and allies welcome _you_!
Quoth the sage, "Bibido Ergo Sum" -- I drink therefore I am
And then there were five.
So what is to the very very far south east and why are so many ships sailing down there.
Can Necromancy be researched outside of Hades?
"Many gray lords must go to the masterless men"
It's better to give than to receive, learn Absorb Aura Blast now...
Castle Cloniharp is rebuilding The O=92Dwyer clan is gathering The priests are drawing nigher The torches are being lit By lightning=92s first strike
The sound of dragon wings rustle through the dark woods.
Note to would-be Kings. Remember what Chekov said: (the writer, not the character) In the end, all the land you need measures about two feet by six feet by six feet.
Another Newbie Question: Can you use bribe noble on a prisoner? And if he takes your money but won't sell out, will you get it back when you execute him, or does he spend it all dicing with your crossbowmen?
its only a girl, its not the end of the world. living alone, short of delusion, falling in love, we're in confusion.
Rumor has that mining can yield gate crystals. Can anybody confirm this?
What's the socially redeeming value of Gentry? More Rama books perhaps.
So, anyone willing to compare rankings? Characters: 6 80th Men: 190 54th Gold: 1,021 110th Land controlled: 0 64th Skills known: 20/70 90th Spells known: 5/80 106th Provinces visited: 164/9,995 64th
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The ghost warriors and the undead will walk the southern paths
The vassels who have no name will rise up in revolt (its hard to work for a fool).
Watch out Olympia, here we come !!!
The armies in Faerie grow and grow. When they will stop, nobody knows.
Ed's traveling side show is now in the IC Come and see the Bearded Lady, The Man with Two Heads, and the Albino Dragon. There is much to see and it's almost Free!!
As we set out to sail to follow in the wake of the slimbuckets who fled here after doing their deeds we know that we'll succeed as we're right in our quest and also because... we have 3 times their strength
To be successful in the common good all should be prepared to rise enmass
The sea's flood will be blood red the sky aflame The whole world will be hurled into ruin and shame Hills will tremble and crumble in agony's throes Ere the day that the AOO takes thee exotic Faery
We are curious about what it takes to rank first in various categories. Would anyone who is first in a category (Characters, Men, Gold, etc) be willing to publish, anomyously of course, what it takes to rank first in any category? The best we have been able to do is seventh in Provinces visited: 610/9,995. Thanks in advance anyone who may share.
Boring!! Boring!! Boring!! Why am I just poking around these deadend streets looking for something? What, I don't know! I have yet to find anything at all. Stupid!
Obscure Ways and People of Olympia. -- Giant Ale Fish
When giants get "thirsty" they want LARGE amounts of ale. But since their construction abilities are notoriously poor. They are unable to make any containers to brew their ale in. Their solution has been to forgo the use of a container and to throw the makings for their ale directly into a stagnant pond, and then with a couple of cannon ball dives into the pond they mix the makings. After a couple weeks in a hot summer sun the pond has become Giant Ale with its characteristic deep earthy flavor. But sadly this process is generally fatal to the creatures living in the pond. Only one type of fish has adjusted. The Giant Ale Fish is the only type of fish in Olympia know to prefer living in an alcoholic beverage. The Giants have come to use the presence of Giant Ale Fish in a pond as a indication that it is a proper pond for brewing. Giants will often complain that their ale is flat or off if it was brewed in a pond not inhabited by these fish, and it is considered extremely rude to swallow one of these fish while drinking the ponds yield. If you want to see one of these fish, You needn't go wandering around the wilderness looking for a Giants Ale pond. Simply go down to your local fair or circus and enter the display of the "Singing Fish". These fish are always Giant Ale Fish. The water they are in is golden brown not because it hasn't been changed recently but because the circus must keep these fish in Ale to keep them singing. Being in ale keeps them drunk to the gills so they loose a fishes normal stoic nature. And since they have generally grown up around drunken Giants they have always learned most of the giants drinking songs. That explains why the Singing Fish are always singing a ribald giant song.
How does one fund a stack like that we saw led by Puck in last month's Times?
Oh no, I'm sinking again...........Will I ever get to Tollus. There seems to be something that destroys my ships, anyone got a submarine ???
"What is it this time Lieutenant?" said Field Marshal von Dave, who was devoting his full attention to clipping his nails.
"News from HQ sir, another huge stack of troops sighted, this time in Faery" replied Lieutenant Bill, with list in hand.
"Oh all right Lieutenant, lets hear it" sighed the Field Marshal, tossing aside his clippers.
"Nearly a dozen nobles and controlled characters sir, led by someone named Puck".
"Puck who, never heard of him" said the Field Marshal.
"You remember sir, he's the one who supposedly killed Miyuki, although her body was never found" answered the Lieutenant.
"Oh ya, him" groaned von Dave. "What's the stack look like?"
"The usual assortment of magic swords, spears, daggers, helms, javelins and shields"
"Hmph" grunted the F.M.
"35 winged horses, 58 riding horses, 4 warmounts, 14 oxen"
"mmm-hm" mumbled von Dave.
"81 elves, 55 savages, 5 orcs"
"uh" yawned the leader.
"16 elite archers, 612 crossbowmen, 5 pikemen, 183 soldiers, 15 workers, 91 peasants"
"Pitiful" said the Field Marshal.
"54 lions, 17 wolves"
"Rejects from the Ilion zoo no doubt"
"33 rats"
"Ever seen a flying rat Lieutenant? Letterman's got one you know. Never mind, continue."
"47 giant spiders, 38 giant birds, 30 giant lizards"
"Sad"
"30 harpies, 15 nazgul, 5 chimera, 2 centaur, 1 minotaur"
"Only 1 minotaur?. Pathetic"
"And 18 catapults"
"Ha, they probably use 'em to fling the rats over the walls" smirked the Field Marshal. Is that it? That's all? So what does HQ propose we do with this 'huge' stack?
"Well, they'd like us to clear it out sir, seems its obstructing the view of some wealthy land owners there in Faery."
"Fine, fine, hardly worth the effort, but I suppose it would give us something to do. Very well Lieutenant, dispatch a small squad of dragons, 2000 should be enough, to mop up this minor nuisance."
"Right away sir"
"And close the door on your way out, Lieutenant, unlike this Faery situation, I've got important business that requires my full attention" said the Field Marshal as he picked up his clippers.
Some appropriate quotes from THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY by Ambrose Bierce
ALLIANCE, n. In international politics, the union of two thieves who have their hands so deeply inserted in each other's pocket that they cannot separately plunder a third.
AMBITION, n. An overmastering desire to be vilified by enemies while living and made ridiculous by friends when dead.
AMNESTY, n. The state's magnanimity to those offenders whom it would be too expensive to punish.
ARMOR, n. The kind of clothing worn by a man whose tailor is a blacksmith.
more next time. . .
"trooper don't touch that tentacle, it's riddled with chaos.... Sergent pass me my crossbow."