Mimesis Newsletter
Lev Lafayette
MIMESIS NEWSLETTER #2, 1998
mimesis inc, po box 13, 607 lygon street, north carlton, victoria, 3054
mim...@cream.ebom. org, http://ariel.unimelb.edu.au/~lev
(president's contact details (lev lafayette): 9381-2708 (h)., 018-558-510
(m)., 9326-8747 (fx) )
This newsletter now jointly edited by Denny Carr and Lev Lafayette.
SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER
RESULTS OF OUR AGM
Our third Annual General Meeting was once again held at the Rose Hotel,
Napier St, Fitzroy. These kind people once again provided a fine room for
our gathering and we heartily recommend a drink and meal there anytime.
Our 1998 Committee of Management are:
President: Lev Lafayette (9381-2708)
Vice-President: Denny Carr (9482-5849)
Secretary: Henning Skallebaek (9314-8669)
Treasurer: Peter Mitchell (9822-8696)
(Anything but) Ordinary: Claire Coleman (9489-4887)
Ordinary (Superfluous): Jay Patterson (9381-2708)
Our fine friend with the legal credentials, Adam Bandt, has once again
offered his services as Public Officer.
WEB ADDRESS AND DOMAIN NAME CHANGE
Mimesis now has a web address! As Lev designed it, it's text based for the
moment, but we hope to soon add some graphics and port the entire set
over to our account at the Evil Brotherhood of Mutants (Inc). Speaking of
whom, they've had a change to their domain name from 'cream.com.au' to
'cream.org'. This caused a couple of emails to go astray (lost forever in the
nether regions of cyberspace, I suppose).
ISSUE #2
If you're wondering where Issue #2 is (as it was promised on March 21) ....
well, you wouldn't believe it but we've had printing problems again. These
gremlins are indeed nasty. Nonetheless, we have put a text version up on
our web page, so maybe that, plus this newsletter, will keep people in tune
for the time being. As for the physical version we can honestly say it's
coming as soon as possible (that is, as soon as our printers finish it).
MIMESIS T-SHIRT
As mentioned in the last newsletter we intended to release a limited set of
t-shirts in the near future. Well, the grotesque artistry of Matt Castles has
come into the fray with a design that combines Mimesis with it's computer
game flagship (Red Alert). Picture this; black long-sleeved, front with the
Statue of Liberty in a "Jesus Christ" pose, with liberty torch in the right
hand and hammer and sickle in the left. The back simply states 'Mimesis'
and 'Red Alert League' underneath it. Advance orders to Matt Castles on
9482-5849. There will only be a limited number of these, so be very, very
quick.
IN MEMORY: DAVID BAINZ
Whilst on the topic of t-shirts, Mimesis must mention its sadness with the
accidental death of David Bainz, screenprinter and artist from Canberra. It
was long supposed that David would be eventually responsible for the
design and production of Mimesis t-shirts and related promotional material,
however this will now never eventuate. From his friends in the Association,
rest assured David: your spirit lives as we remember and speak of you.
REVISED EMPIRES OF THE MIDDLE AGES -> DOMINION
Following two successful meetings with Monash University (Gippsland),
GREEN Inc, and the La Trobe Valley Shire our REMA project has reached
the conclusion of its first stage, that is, the playtest of the REMA rules
according to 'The Grand Scenario'. Having completed this stage, we've
adopted the name 'Dominion' to represent the new project, which included
the porting of a technology and institutional advancement method, and a
historical database. It has also been generally agreed that the game
should run on a duchy level leading to a kingdom level.
Our first two steps in actually developing the CD ROM/VDC game have
occurred;
(1) We've set up a programmers mailing list. Anyone interested should
contact James McParlane, the list maintainer and CEO of our Sydney
friends, the Evil Brotherhood of Mutants. James can be contacted on (02)
9660-4174, or ro...@ebom.org.
(2) We've contacted a great of gamers, centred in Britain, who play
Empires of the Middle Ages as a play by email game. In a game design
sense, they're a long way behind us, but with twenty or so participants,
and a working pbem aid program, in some senses they're a lot more
advanced. More than anything else, they're quite enthusiastic about the
project.
Our third step is setting up REMA as a working pbem game using the
EMA example. That way the game can be playtested at much greater
speed!
A full write up will be in the third issue of the journal, but for the time being
noto bene:
(a) Game ended 1251. This is a couple of hundred years earlier than the
'official' game end, however it has become painfully obvious that the
system needs to be ported as a computer simulation as soon as possible.
The last five years were very dramatic. The Catholic Orthodox United
Church split, with the three groups (Orthodox, Catholic, Illuminati) going
their separate ways. A member of the Orthodox Millennium took the
opportunity to take over Khazar and The Steppes. An epidemic broke out
in Poland, two Kings of Volga died, and a third was captured by the
invading Byzantines. France took a great risk in attempting to recapture
Provence from Cordova, and was partially successful. The area is still
contested. The Heretical Emperor of Bavaria died heirless and rebellion
occurred in Muslim Iceland, and heretical Verona (different heresy).
Serious grumbling were heard throughout the British and Scandinavian
lands. The new dynasty, still heretical, attempted to convert to Catholicism
to stem the unrest. This was partially successful, but follow up attempts to
rule the heretical Celtic Catholics of Ireland and Wales led to their
rebellion. The Plague appeared, trashing Byzantium, Venice, Adrianople
and Asia. Out of spite the Byzantines took over the tiny pagan Kingdom of
Volga. Cordova however, surpassed everyone by going to war with the
luckless Bavarians. The fall of Switzerland, Swabia and Bavaria was swift.
The newly Catholic Emperor sued for piece, giving up Lorraine,
Switzerland, Austria, and Flanders with Claims and Fortifications for his
miserable life. The next week he died of natural causes (fright or stress?).
(b) In terms of earthly victory points, the Caliphate of Cordova were the
clear victors. Unlike their historical equivalents this group were religious
fanatics, whose Roman Empire style conquests (always attack small
independent states) and cultural hegemony (they colonised almost every
area they encountered) proved to be too powerful. Following the Caliphate
would have been the Byzantine Empire, then perhaps the Kingdom of
Poland which, despite several heresies within its lands (including the
Volhynian Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Millennium of Kiev, the
Hungarian Orthodox Church, and Masovian Hussites) was a least a
consistent entity, albeit forcibly combined with the Kingdom of Wallachia
at one stage.
(c) Spiritual victory points may be another matter. Even though we were
not using the Player Primate rules from REMA, it would seem that the
Caliph of Cordova was the most successful religion, having controlled
various 'holy lands', such as Rome, Egypt, and Arabia for some time.
However, there is some doubt over how holy Rome was after the Pope
moved to Champagne, and that Egypt and Arabia were in the hands of the
Syrians for many years. Byzantium is once again a serious contender
having engaged in numerous missionary conversions (particularly Western
Slavic, Turkic, and Jerusalem/Antioch), and holding Jerusalem and
Constantiople. Of course, I'd still argue that Ireland is 'holy land' as well,
but that's something for the next set of rules.
AD&D ANNWYVVN
Ah, the Elves. Having left the British Isles we were assured by our Nordic
Elf that Alfheim is what we were really after, not Annwyvvn. This land of
freshness and purity would be found in Norway.
Well, what the Elves have found in Norway is a conglomerate of the most
twisted and foul beings to every walk the earth. It's like the European
Conference of Evil is being held in Norway. Yrch (that's 'orc' to you) from
several clans, even from Brittany itself have found their way here.
Somehow the Elves have found themselves in the middle of this
convention, with perpetual rumours of a demigod named Lokison being
voiced quietly. The name apparently is an indication of what he is. So is
'Hellwyrm'.
Still, those sneaky Elves have succeeded so far, sort of. Okay, so
Henningfjord seems to be in flames. But they have managed to play the
clans against each other, and rescue two score Breton slaves, primarily
through the deceptive disguise of Cairn. Mind you Cairn, we are a little
worried. That black plate mail sure looks impressive. The fact your new
sword seems to actually drink the blood it touches is a little more
disconcerting. A you sure you're still a good (albeit heretical) priest?
Whilst we're still in Norway this is Denny Carr's campaign. Contact him on
9489-5849 if you wish to join in.
RED ALERT LEAGUE
This computer game by Westwood has taken a number of the mimetic
mental shards by storm. Soviets vs Allies in a post-WWII situation, with
some late 40s/early 50s science fiction technology thrown in (e.g., Telsa
Coils, yum!). With two trial runs, a Red Alert league with some dozen
players now plays every Sunday scattered between several houses with
computer and modem access in the North Carlton and North Fitzroy
regions. An insane combination of community and virtual networking based
on a precept of virtual war. Next we get CB radios for those 'special'
messages. Denny Carr (9489-5849) is organiser of these events, under the
unearthly proposals of Crom The Uncaring. Crom is involved in generating
some maps based on real-world battles of the World War II and shortly
after, so expect a cover disk (yes, you read that right) on the third issue of
Mimesis.
The seeding session was used as a mock trial for the now shakily
underway RA tournament.
The mock trial ran extremely smoothly with some kind technical support
from Crom (We love him but he does not listen!!) and Disco Bitch.
The trial must have worked because in the proceeding week two more
players joined with several others expressing interest. There is now talk in
the Clan of a second league and two theatres simultaneously. The new
nine round ten player league commenced on Sunday May 3 without a full
field but we were able to complete the first round. There were upsets,
unprecedented situations and controversy. Now the god of our darkly metal
Clan the uncaring Crom himself will grace us with his take on the
proceedings.
"Steel is not strong, boy... FLESH is stronger!" Thus spake Thulsa Doom,
just moments before Conan ran a sword through his throat and proved his
previous statement to be somewhat premature.
So it was during the last bout of MY beloved tournament. More than one
worm turned as Nosferatu, despite a series of initial bad judgements,
relentlessly crushed the previous favourite Ruprechto as he panicked and
fought back in confusion. "Death before dishonour" was rendered
redundant also, as every excuse from "It's your speakers" through "It's
your mouse" to "It's this map" was heard as Disco Bitch clashed with
Thorn across the chasm.
Since everyone seems to have forgotten, I will remind you now that the
Russians have a single, very powerful marine unit. The SUBMARINE. try
them. You'll like them. Better than sitting in a blind panic while cruisers
demolish your base anyday. Remember, being beaten is no great
hardship, as long as your spirit remains strong. Come back and fight!
Crush your enemy! Crom is wrathful. Keep it that way.
"Game over man, its game over!"
"For gods sake Hudson, just insert a coin and get another credit!"
**~ Anyone wishing to join Crom's darkly metal "Red Alert" Clan should
contact Denny Carr on 9489-5849.
BATTLETECH/CITYTECH
Running on a irregular basis (but usually on a Friday night), the giant killer
robots march across the hex-based landscape making 60 degree twists
and firing their 1/2 ton, 90 yard range machine guns as they go. Okay so
there's a few reality flaws in this game (tracked vehicles inside buildings
can change levels. You read it here first). There has been some crossover
with the BattleTech PC game as well, so we're hoping to have similar
tournament to Red Alert soon. In the meantime, it's chess with giant
robots and dice, with experimentation with ground troops and tanks.
Apparently there's a pilot called Lev who's inside a Spider and leaps behind
people. Hmmm... If you're interested in finding out when the next evening of
GKR's is contact Jay Patterson on 9381-2708.
THE BOOK OF NAMES (NOMINECON?)
Our most published member, Barbara Welton, has taken it upon herself to
compile a fully referenced book of European medieval names. Of course,
she's not going to do this by herself. In fact, she is looking for a number of
Mimesis people of a severely historical bent with research skills to visit the
state reference library once a week and to research and compile from
every 'great text' of the period. This will prove to be a valuable resource for
gamers, writers and historians alike. This will be a small but active group.
Contact Barbara Welton (9533-6949 or
barbara...@med.monash.edu.au)
ANYONE WANT TO LEARN LATIN?
With the sudden realisation that at least half a dozen of our members have
done some Latin in their time, it has been suggested (well Denny did) that
we put together a regular band of Latin scholars to attempt to converse at
an appropriate Romance language restaurant (that includes Italian,
Spanish, French and Romanian). Interested? Well, this is Denny's idea in
toto (sorry). Contact him on 9489-5849.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SATURDAY, MAY 16: CALL OF CTHULHU ARCANACON MODULE
(PLAYEST/DESIGN)
To be held at the Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House, 20 Princes St,
North Carlton. Starting at 12 noon.
SUNDAY, MAY 17: RED ALERT LEAGUE
To be held at various locations in the North Fitzroy and North Carlton
region. Other suburbs to be taken over. Capital location: 87 Rushall
Crescent, North Fitzroy.
SATURDAY, MAY 23: AD&D. ANNWYVVN
To be held at the Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House, 20 Princes St,
North Carlton. Starting at 12 noon.
SUNDAY, MAY 24: RED ALERT LEAGUE
To be held at various locations in the North Fitzroy and North Carlton
region. Other suburbs to be taken over by Mammoth Tank. Capital
location: 87 Rushall Crescent, North Fitzroy.
SATURDAY, MAY 30: WORLD IN FLAMES
To be held at the Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House, 20 Princes St,
North Carlton. Starting at 12 noon.
Yes, that's right. Another game. Now Mimesis is up to 6... (BattleTech,
Red Alert, AD&D, Call of Cthulhu, REMA, and World In Flames). Hmmm...
Sure is a lot of war going on here. Just as well we're finely balanced with
our programming, historical research, our name index, Latin study group,
and Shakespearian parties. This product, a striking simulation of WWII
(designed and produced in Australia no less!) has been introduced to us by
Bill Bowe.
SUNDAY JUNE 1: RED ALERT LEAGUE
To be held at various locations in the North Fitzroy and North Carlton
region. Other suburbs to be taken over. Capital location: 87 Rushall
Crescent, North Fitzroy. Starting 12 noon.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6: AD&D: ANNWYVVN
To be held at the Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House, 20 Princes St,
North Carlton. Starting at 12 noon.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13: AD&D: ANNWYVVN
To be held at the Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House, 20 Princes St,
North Carlton. Starting at 12 noon.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14: RED ALERT LEAGUE
To be held at various locations in the North Fitzroy and North Carlton
region. Other suburbs to be taken over. Capital location: 87 Rushall
Crescent, North Fitzroy. Starting 12 noon.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20 WINTERS SOLSTICE GATHERING (A MIDWINTER
NIGHT'S DREAM)
To be held at the Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House, 20 Princes St,
North Carlton. Starting at 12 noon. Yes, day trippers. A party in the
daytime. Strange, huh?
A Shakespearian festive day with feast (vegetarians, vegans and carnivores
catered for), ethereal noises from Clarity, a speeches competition,
swordplay and videos (remember those BBC productions?) . Dressing the
part is near compulsory, with a door prizes (yes, that's right, multiple
prizes) for those who make the effort. What, no costume? "You were got in
fear!".
This a Mimesis fundraiser. It's only $5 and you're guaranteed to have a
really, really good time.
Oh yes, we're planting a tree for Cerronus on this day as well.
Lev at this stage would like to admit that he is actually Puck. If you're want
to attend please 'phone him on 9381-2708.
MONDAY, JUNE 22: RELEASE OF ISSUE #3! DEADLINE FOR ISSUE #4
Planned release date for issue 3 (Technology). Articles on multi-user
domains, play-by-email, net roleplaying resources, BattleTech revisions, a
multi-system technology article, Starship Troopers for SpaceMaster, Iain
Banks' 'Culture' for GURPS.
Issue 4's theme is 'Conspiracy Theories'. Whether its Masons,
Rosicrucians, UFOs (Greys or Paledians), or just the plain old Illuminati,
here's an opportunity to vent *your* paranoia. Real world examples,
fantastic scenarios, organisations, and game reviews all wanted. Submit,
or the Men In Black will come for *you*. Contact Lev for this one.