Atlantis 2.0: Times 12
Geoff Dunbar
January, Year 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game Master Notes:
atla...@rahul.net for information, problems, or to play.
One year down! I hope you have all enjoyed it, and will continue
to do so.
Some of the submissions are pretty weak this week. I may stop
rewarding exceptionally short and worthless articles in the
future, so shape up (you know who you are)!
Bug Fixes This Turn:
1) Some item's weights were incorrect.
2) Fixed commenting (again). Semicolons should now denote comments
in all cases now (unless they are in the middle of a word).
3) Failed studying now does not cost any silver.
4) Stealing silver now takes 200 or half the target's silver,
whichever is less (as per the rules).
Additions This Turn:
1) Spell reports now show what Foundation levels are required for
the spells.
2) A boat load of new spells.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another purse snatched. Last month, a horse missing. The men grumbled.
But they watched. More and more carefully. The thief would be caught if
he stayed in the area. And then he would pay.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisdom from the Desk of Tristam
We're all in this alone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SWORDS WANTED
Bids are solicited for the provision of 200 swords.
All offers of at least 50 units will be considered.
Contract[s] will be awarded to the provider[s] offering the best
combination of price, availability, and delivery options.
Partial prepayment available to bidders with demonstrated production
capacity.
Submit Bids to The Maurarhiannons, Faction 113 care of mat...@clark.net.
Notice from the Teamsters.
Wagons are no longer available for general purchase.
If you have a special need, please contact us.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definition 1: kruh
Kruh is 7 pure magic factions together with one to one mapping factions ->
-> foundation skills called "master", fulfilling following axioms:
A1: Factions are either allied or friendly each to other.
A2: Master of each skill provides teaching in this skill for other members
of his kruh on as high level as possible.
A3: Master of each skill researches related areas of magic and give spells
to other members of the kruh.
Furthermore, kruh, where all factions are allies each to other, is called
rigid. Nonrigid kruh is called liberal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Muuf (117) is proud to annonce that he is going to found a liberal
kruh, located east of Stinchar. Posibility of stable income available !
Please contact me at max...@fzu.cz and include, whether are you willing
to become full members of Slunecni Zare aliance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boudiccea jumps around. "I can heal, I can heal", she sings out
loudly. "At least, I have discovered the spell I have searched
for. Now I can do what I want all the time. I can heal."
Her first patient was a warrior with a broken leg. She casts
the new found spell and the leg was well.
"Thank you, Lady. Thank you for taking away the pain. But now
I think you should look for the wound in the breast. It's bleeding
, you see?".
"Oh", Boudiccea says, "yes, as you mentioned it, I can see it.
Let's do that spell again."
And she cast again that spell and - oh no ... that seemed to have
no effect at all.
"Don't panic", Boudiccea says to the warrior, "than I must help you
the old fashioned way with water, bandages and so on."
And so she does, and she is happy that her first patient survived.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE UNRELIABLE SOURCE
Atlantis City (AP) - The Unreliable Source is taking a sabbatical. The stress
of avoiding repeated assassination attempts by Lord Viper (217) and the
Assassins Guild (the original one, not the pale imitation run by Kermit (361))
has taken its toll. The Unreliable Source will be back periodically in the
future with more truth, rumors, lies, and innuendo (only I know which is
which).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Black Company gives you more on THE ART OF WAR by Sun Tzu.
War is a matter of vital importance to the state; a matter of life
or death, the road either to survival or to ruin. Hence, it is
imperative that it be studied thoroughly.
An excerpt from Chapter 1 : Estimates
All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable of
attacking, feign incapacity; when active in moving troops, feign
inactivity. When near the enemy, make it seem that you are far away;
when far away, make it seem that you are near. Hold out baits to lure
the enemy. Strike the enemy when he is in disorder. Prepare against
the enemy when he is secure at all points. Avoid the enemy for the time
being when he is stronger. If your opponent is of choleric temper, try
to irritate him. If he is arrogant, try to encourage his egotism. If
the enemy troops are well prepared after reorganization, try to wear
them down. If they are united, try to sow dissension among them.
Attack the enemy where he is unprepared, and appear where you are not
expected. These are the keys to victory for a strategist. It is not
possible to formulate them in detail beforehand.
Now, if the estimates made before a battle indicate victory, it is
because careful calculations show that your conditions are more
favorable than those of your enemy; if they indicate defeat, it is
because careful calculations show that favorable conditions for a battle
are fewer. With more careful calculations, one can win; with less, one
cannot. How much less chance of victory has one who makes no
calculations at all! By this means, one can foresee the outcome of a
battle.
Next week Chapter 2 : Waging War
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lets see now, what should I call my faction, hmmm
The red and blue spotted small goods...nahhh
The forces of light, umm Dark, I've got it twilight
On second thought nahhh i need something that will
let all the other players know where they stand with
me and the proper attitude of respect that they should
show....Thats it! Lets see name faction GOD!
Whatyameanitstaken!!!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Komarken Tribune
Vol.1,Issue 12
===========================================================
Winter Quiets Region
With a thick blanket of snow on the ground, the violent
activities of all parties in the area have virutally ceased.
It is, however, a sure bet that with the passing of
winter the violence will return as all sides will have
had ample time to recoup previous losses and add training
to their forces.
Dwarves Hide Out in Mountains
A rather vicious band of dwarves has established themselves in the
mountains west of Komarken, killing all emmisaries sent to them.
Mayor Hatred has expressed concern that "if these fools won't
talk they will have to be eliminated". None of the other
powers in the area have offered a comment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Land Claim Office
=====================
The aim of the Land Claim office is to produce a list of usefull and dangerous
land for the unsuspecting explorer, it is free and no claim will be enforced by
the claims office. The decision to use it is entirely yours and you may claim
as much land as you wish, although no claim of the whole world (or a large part
of it) will be published.
Claim Faction/Unit Contact
Comment
1,18 The Free Companions (109) y...@cc.gatech.edu
Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away.
1,19 The Free Companions (109) y...@cc.gatech.edu
Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away.
2,18 The Free Companions (109) y...@cc.gatech.edu
Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away.
2,19 The Free Companions (109) y...@cc.gatech.edu
Traders welcome, soldiers and spies stay away.
6,14 Hand of Darkness g851...@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca
Entry into these regions requires our permission.
6,15 Hand of Darkness g851...@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca
Entry into these regions requires our permission.
50,0 Industry(88) a...@cwa.com
None
50,1 Industry(88) a...@cwa.com
None
50,6 Great Muuf and his family (117) max...@fzu.cz
None
51,5 Great Muuf and his family (117) max...@fzu.cz
None
51,6 Great Muuf and his family (117) max...@fzu.cz
None
52,4 Acme Labs 297 taj...@beagle.colorado.edu
None
52,5 Great Muuf and his family (117) max...@fzu.cz
None
All claims should be sent to the office (cl...@forsyth.demon.co.uk) with a
means of contact and a brief message to other explorers/traders and a summary
will be included in the Times each month. If you wish your entry remeved then
also let me know.
The Land Claims Office.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Alright men, we're moving out tonight.", Karamon the Meek said as the men
started gathering equipment.
The Blind one, known as Paul, walks up to his Leader and says, "sire, the
men are famished, we need food to eat."
Karamon nods to his penman, "Yes I know... Combine the two meek teams into
one and have them forage in the forest."
Paul bows.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
******************************************************
* !!! Horses Finally Available In Abernethy !!! *
******************************************************
Magos has a very limited supply of fine desert bred horses for sale.
Beautiful, well trained, and hearty, these beasts of burden are ideal
for getting around the rough terrain in Orrebygd.
The initial offering price of $240 per horse (payable upon delivery),
was based on a detailed market analysis that considered: cost of
goods sold, existing supply, and recovery of our investment in production
capability. If you think the price is too high, then don't place an
order.
F.O.B. Abernethy. Delivery 2 turns after receiving order.
Contact: Hadrian T. McRoot, Mgc.D. (ma...@halcyon.com)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still going strong. The Monzon Movers (a subsiduary of the Picts) is ready
to take your orders.
Mined some iron/stone/wood/etc? Need to move it to your customer? Call us
now.
C.O.D. orders taken as well.
Complete discretion and reliability.
Need to transfer a large amount of money to another unit as quickly as
possible?
Then you need our express service. Call now for details.
Complete discretion and reliability.
Armed and highly trained guards on request.
CALL NOW AT
pdx...@evol.nott.ac.uk
Disclaimers.
The Monzon Movers will not be held responsible for the effects of bad weather
Compensation will be paid on losses due to robbery but will depend on the
amount of protection bought.
=-=-=-=-
We've had several enquiries regarding the reliability and trustworthiness
our our service. We would like to stress that this is not a ploy to rob you
of your hard earned silver.
Moreover we would like to point out the the Monzon Movers are based in hexes
to the West and North on Monzon city including Monzon city itself. Call now for
details
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mikey winced at the cold, not knowing if he would survive two more
months of winter. But the omen of spring worried him even more. It would
bring soldiers from the south. He looked at the edge of his map, where the
tundra of 52 ended in tattered fragments. "Maybe I can go east from there",
he thought. He hefted the cold weight of his sword in his tired paw, the
word "mincemeat" echoing in his mind. Yes, he was hungry, but not for
battle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@
MIST
Due to the Easter hols I've not had the chance to work on the MIST stuff
much and I won't be able to mail any updates to anyone until I get back
to my PC at the weekend. Expect a circular next week some time.
Successful Spellcasting !
Raindog The Venerable (17)
mar...@raindog.demon.co.uk
@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still Going: THE CARTOGRAPHER'S COOPERATION CONSORTIUM !
When you go out on a long series of travels and explorations, what should you
never leave home without?
No, it's not the Atlantean Express(TM) card.
A Map! All travelers should have as accurate a map as possible.
Well, here at the Cartographer's Consortium, we're endeavoring to put together
such a map. But, we can only do it with your help. So, we're asking you to
send in a copy of the reports from areas you have recently explored. In
return, you'll get the up-to-date compilation of all Consortium entries.
We're over 20-plus contributing members strong, as of when this ad was updated
(Friday, 4/20/95). We currently have mapping data on ~350 areas, with
economic data on perhaps 100-120.
The CCC is now cooperating with the services of the Platinum Map. If you like
the Platinum Map, you might like the additional service of the CCC, which adds
a complied gazeteer of many of the regions mapped by the Platinum Mapping
project.
Write for info now. The CCC can currently be reached at "tim....@his.com".
Please include the prefix "CCC:" in your subject line.
P.S., Sorry for the constant repetition (I've received a complaint), but the
ad gets responses from new players every turn. I'll cut it back when/if the
game is closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo!!!!!
"Alright, which one of you bozos said that the northeast gate was
Monzon?!?"
"Grendel, Sir"
"Convenient he was left behind in Atlantis City... Send word -
have him executed..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valdez walked into the cold winter air twirling his moustache and smoothing
his wide brimed hat. He was happy. The air was cold but he had a good
supply of coffee and his trades were working out well. He spied Prag
standing at the perimeter of the camp and stepped nimbly through the snow
toward him.
Prag stood looking north through the forest as if in a trance. As Valdez
drew up beside him Prag spoke.
"He'll be here soon," he murmured, his eyes fixed to the north. "He is not
like me, you know that," he finished turning to look at the stoic Valdez.
"You'll be gone when he gets here?"
Valdez shrugged. "I'm not sure. I still have some work to do on that arms
deal. I am thinking that it would be good to get that matter finished
before he gets here. I think that it would be good if I did that, don't
you?"
Prag turned back to the forest.
"He cannot be that bad. We will get along fine, remember you have not seen
him for a long time perhaps he has...you know...calmed down..."
"No," Prag stated flatly. He turned and looked Valdez straight in the eye.
"NO, he hasn't calmed. If anything he is worse. The last time he came back
he was stronger. I don't see why it would be different this time"
Valdez looked into the snow. "Why do you seek him then?"
"He is my other half. Without him I'm lost."
"Eh?" Valdez's gaze came up to the wide back in front of him.
"He is strong. Where he leads men follow. Where he strides men fall back.
He crushes all who stand in his way."
"But, such a man as this...you are not like this," Valdez stammered.
Prag turned to face Valdez. "You cannot know. He is noble and the very
thought of his presence makes my sword arm burn with desire."
Prag's eyes burned. Their fire sent a chill doen the spine of hte smaller
man. "Such a man that can change another so...he is not a good man..."
"Good! What is good?" Prag snapped. "Good means nothing to him. He simply
does what he wishes and does not stop to think whether it is wrong or right,
good or evil. He kills with no guilt. He uses men like paper and when he
is done with them he lets them burn. And, he has a temper. I have seen him
tear a man apart with his bare hands because the poor bastard was too
frightened to talk. I have also seen him give gold to a man who shared his
table with us. This is the man I would seek. A terible man, yet he is part
of me." Prag finished, his hands were shaking and his breath wafted into
the winter air. He turned to the north and left Valdez standing staring at
his back.
Valdez hastly turned. His fine mood was replaced by terror as he stumbled
back to the tents. He sat down behind his desk and thought about what Prag
had said. He could not comprehend why his friend should want to meet this
man. This terrible man who must surely eat babies and drink blood was his
friend's dearest companion. It was unthinkable Prag could befriend such a
demon. Prag was not anything like this man. He was firm, yes, but not
cruel. Valdez stood his mind made up. "I must leave," he thought to him
self "better to leave and have nothing than to be beaten and torn limb from
limb. He went off to make plans to leave.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GREETINGS TO ALL MAGI IN ATLANTIS CITY
The Collegium of the Hermetic Order is still open for teaching the arcane
arts. The process is still as easy as ever. Send 60 silver to unit 1841,
set your attitude to friendly for faction 215 and notify the Registrars
Office at: jepe...@flash.lakeheadu.ca We check our inquiries on Tuesday
and on Saturday of each week. For the next two semesters Professor Aidan,
D.HA will be teaching Construct and Life. Aidan is one of our younger
professors but at the present time holds degrees in both Construct (level
2) and Life (level 2). We hope to hear from you soon.
On the Hermetic Philosophy of Magic
As we mentioned last time, the assembled mages of the Hermetic Order are
attempting to form a philosophy on magic. At present, this document is
proceeding quite well and in the future exerpts of it will be published
herein. We are hoping to publish it in its entirety at a later date.
The Ruling Council of the Hermetic Order
Aelfstan, D.HA
Galen, M.HA
Aidan, D.HA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few hundred silver here, another hundred there. It soon adds
up to all I had in the first place. Yet, the gain is so small.
So few areas of knowlege. So little wisdom gleaned from this
old tome and from that tattered parchment.
Now that my money is gone, and I have to work for a living,
will I ever get that next spell learned. Will I ever have
the time from work, the odd hundred here or there tucked,
away to grow in this Magic Lore?
Fell those trees, forge those weapons. Workers, as few as you
are, you have to work just a bit harder. You need to bring in
more silver, find more of those magical ingredents. The very
power of our great cause depends on all of you. Keep at it,
you will have your reward as I utilize what spells I achieve
to make your work easier.
But, for now, work, work, work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
o O
O EQUIPMENT TURNOVER o
o O
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Friends of Atlantis, you are being stolen !!!
When I began to recruit men (or orcs or elves or dwarves), they came to me with
a new equipment. But now, when you look to the small serial number on the
back of their vests, you can notice that more and more often you get second
hand equipment with your recruits - and for the same price !!!
I gathered my troups to make that clear. Here they came almost all of them,
in spite of the stormy weather : Happy Purseday, the Name and Proverb Sellers,
the Acrobattlers and the Humourlesses, the Overcomics and the Jokerwabbs (or
was it jabberwocks?), the Swordonic Ones and the Ironic Ones, the Stonishing
Ones and the Mazing Ones, the Lumberjokers and the True Warshippers, the
Scout-Landyards - and the Jokomicalaughunny Circus themselves !
And they told me : Geoff made us cheat, we never would have deceived you.
And by Geoff! I believed them.
- Acrobatty the Rigolo and the Jokomicalaughunny Buffons (229)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shadowy figure prepared the report. The words appeared on the
strange dark paper as they were traced with a finger. The town
had seemed friendly enough, although it was not as prosperous
as most. The inhabitants are dwarves and are apprehensive about
strangers. After just a few days the rider was encouraged to
leave.
The dwarves have a interesting sense of humor. The rider was
escorted to a gate and sent on. The trail continued for a ways
and then entered a swamp where it promptly faded away. Leading a
horse through a swamp in the middle of winter was a fine jest.
Some people live in the swamp and they took the rider in. The
rider would not be able to continue the journey until the
weather cleared.
"With hospitality like that, the town should be wary of strangers."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abernethy too full man
all thease morris men and street performers
are stopping people on thear way to the brothels
THIS MUST STOP
so were leaving for more profitable locations
see ya
Mr Assoom
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Mortal citizens of Menter...
We gave you an advice, leave the city.
This is the latest advice: LEAVE THE CITY....
The time of dead and destruccion is coming.
Hello Inmortal citizens of Menter...
You can stay here.
THE NEW COUNCIL OF MENTER!!!!!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The four companions trudged slowly onwards towards the border.
Gunnar could catch glimpses of trees when the swirling snow eased up
slightly. All he could hear, however, was the squeaking of the snow
underfoot and the chattering teeth of Aidan and Arnulf. Gunnar wasn't
too cold, since he had enough time to grab his cloak before the
companions had to escape from the tavern. Niall also didn't appear
to be suffering from the cold. In Niall's case, it was because he was
still quite intoxicated from all the ale consumed before they had run out.
Gunnar turned when he heard a whimpering sound behind him. Arnulf
had collapsed into the snow.
"Get up, you snivelling piece of maggot bait! If we don't make it to
the border, the guards will use our guts for bootlaces." Gunnar
tried to awaken the unconcious lad with a couple of gentle taps with
his boots.
The only answer he received was from Niall, "Don't yell so loud,
Gunnar. I'm trying to hold my skull together and your shouting
doesn't help any. As a matter of fact, I might be sick" Niall
quickly turned and vomited an impressive amount of ale and pickled
herring on a snowbank.
"I-I-I th-th-ink he's out-t-t fo-fo-fo-for go-oo-oo-oo-od this time,
Gun-un-un-nar," Aidan stuttered. "Ca-an-an you pi-pick him up-up
an-an-and car-ar-arry him?"
"I don't know why I bother," Gunnar grumbled. "It's his fault we're
running away like cowardly dogs. If he hadn't tried to rob that
merchant we would still be sitting by a cozy fire. And you! Trying
to help him when the guards attacked!"
Gunnar stooped to pick up Arnulf's slight form and turned to address
the other two men. "Hurry up, you two - the guard has to be right
behind us." Aidan and Niall joined Gunnar as he continued towards
the border.
A short time later, the one-armed man stopped his horse at the same
spot. To his experienced eye, the marks in the snow made it obvious
what had happened here. After glancing at the small furry creatures
feasting on Niall's offering, he spurred his horse after the
companions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overworked? Looking for a break?
Well who isn't, but don't fret good neighbor. you can afford a vacation! come
to Monzon! Visit "The Mall of Atlantis" over 8,000,000,000 shops under one
roof! Motel on site with free daycare. No more bother with the pesky
younguns'. Glenda Da' Orc's daycare is liscensed, to serve alcohol, but hey
its a liscense. Let that soothe your tattered little nerves. Plus security is
not a problem! Armed Barbarians gaurd every exit. Just trty and leave without
paying, please! I mean we have all these nice swords just rusting away in
their scabbards.
So come on down to Monzon, shop till you drop, and then try and steal
something so we can kill you!
thismessagebroughttoyoubythegreatermonzonmerchantguildnooffersexpressedorimpli
edwillbehonored. Thank you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIS CITY ULTIMATUM!! CITIZENS PANICKED, SOURCES SAY
=========================================================
ATLANTIS CITY (-,-)--Unnamed sources in Atlantis City reported
rumors today of an impending attack! Leaders of an unnamed faction
gave all Atlantis City residents until April 1 of Year 2 to
evacuate Atlantis City.
"Write down that anyone remaining in Atlantis City after that date
will get killed! or something like that," said the anonymous source.
"Are you writing this down? Tell them I've got a WAGON! And I'm
not afraid to USE IT!! I've had 2 high elves studying combat for a
whole month!"
When asked whether they were just copying the hype generated by another
faction's threat to exterminate all units in Komarken, the anonymous
source said, "no, of course not. Umm, we thought of this way before
them. Just tell them they'd better all get out of Atlantis City by
April 1, 2, or they'll regret it! I've given them 3 months fair
warning, but after that, look out! I'm just crazy enough to DO IT!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note of interest:
Sirius Cybernetics Corporation, s.: a bunch of mindless jerks who'll
be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.
- from the latest edition of Encyplopaedia Atlantica.
(Hmm.. it seems to me that the revolution is just coming...)
*Sorry guys, I just couldn't help myself.. If you find this
offensive, rude etc. mail Geoff to spank me and I will apologize* Disclaimer:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Para todos aquellos que no asistieron a la ultima batalla en Nork aqui
teneis el report:
Battles during turn:
Task Force Gogol (2237) attacks 5th Imperial Scouts (2326) in Nork
(46,54)!
Attackers:
Task Force Gogol (2237), 25 high elves, combat 1.
Sir Fjodor Green (781), leader, tactics 1.
Defenders:
5th Imperial Scouts (2326), high elf, combat 1.
The Emperor (800), leader, 2 horses, tactics 2.
Marius (2150), leader, 2 horses, combat 2.
4th Imperial Scouts (2325), high elf.
1st Imperial Vikings (2327), 5 vikings, combat 1.
5th Imperial Scouts (2326) gets a free round of attacks.
Task Force Gogol (2237) loses 3.
Round 1:
Task Force Gogol (2237) loses 1.
5th Imperial Scouts (2326) loses 5.
5th Imperial Scouts (2326) is routed!
Task Force Gogol (2237) gets a free round of attacks.
5th Imperial Scouts (2326) loses 3.
Total Casualties:
5th Imperial Scouts (2326) loses 8.
Task Force Gogol (2237) loses 4.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The strange thing about the Drowning Amputee was that, aside
from the sound of Mr. Lunchnick's deliberate voice, there was no
noise at all. No sounds of people walking outside, nobody else
inside with us. In fact, I hadn't seen so much as an owner of the
place the entire hour I had been there. Not even the sound of
crickets chirping away in this ever-Springlike city. It was as if
time stood still, as though the city lived in slumber to honor all
the other cities of Atlantis that were buried in snow...
Mr. Lunchnick's story grew darker. He told me about the
time he had spent perfecting the art of killing. He told me about
how he chose victims - whores, theives, street toughs, people that
nobody would care about dead or alive. He liked choosing the toughest
targets, waiting patiently and watching the victim's habits while he
discerned one weakness that would give him the advantage. Sometimes
it proved to be too easy. Wine, a well paid woman, simple
distractions could get the victim's guard down. Sometimes he even
quit the whole affair if it had gone too easily, figuring that
someone so stupid would soon get knifed anyway. He told me once of
a target that had been arrested two days before his trap was going
to spring, and how he managed to sneak into the city jail and
finish the job anyway. He was quick to note that he never did jobs
for hire, that he only killed for his own amusement. I was beginning
to see a certain sense of justice in this man, but I couldn't
condone his ways of senseless slaughter. I asked him when he quit
this game of death, and he didn't answer. Finally it dawned on
me that he hadn't, and I began to wonder why I was still alive.
Was I too easy? A tradesman cought in the wrong end of town on
a rainy night? I wanted to think that I would have given him more
fight than that - I am skilled with the dagger I wear, and can
hit a mark at 20 paces with it - but then I realized that this
was no place for me. I have no taste for it, and Mr. Lunchnick
must have seen that right away.
After a few minutes of silence, I asked him, "What were you
doing here tonight? Who owns this place?" He looked past me
and I thought he would speak, but said nothing. I stood, took the
lamp and walked around behind the bar and parted the curtain leading
to the back room. There in the dim light was a body lying on the
floor...
To be continued.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bad news is going from Stinchars neighbourhood. Roman Republic show your
teeth. They blocked way in the north and west, and want expand somewhere
else if it's a little atractive place...
Oh, pride is big. And claims places is empty.
............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Dioses nunca estan contentos.
Este bien podria ser el resumen del ultimo turno. Todavia no han acabado de
crear un nuevo mundo y ya estan planeando crear otro. Eso si, un mundo muy
especial en el que para entrar hay que pagar previamente. Confiemos en que el
mundo actual dure lo suficiente para descubrirlo.
Y es que las cosas ya no son lo que eran...
.
.
/^\ . Con los respetos del
/\ "V"
/__\ I O o Circulo Interno.
//..\\ I . (288)
\].`[/ I
/l\/j\ (] . O
/. ~~ ,\/I .
\\L__j^\/I o
\/--v} I o .
| | I _________
| | I c(` ')o
| l I \. ,/
_/j L l\_! _//^---^\\_
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
------------------------------------------------------------------------
** MONZON WOOD EXCHANGE **
Monzon Bulletin #4
Published by the Monzon Wood Exchange (289),
tha...@sangamon.edu
* FROM THE EDITOR
This has been a very busy week for the editor. The new version of
the Register will most probably not be ready until sometime in the
middle of next week. Also, I have not had time to rewrite last
month's bulletin, so the sections titled "Monthly Reminder" and
"Business Opportunities" are unchanged from last month.
A new feature in this bulletin is "Monzon Beat". This column will
include all information about violent encounters within 5 hexes of
Monzon that the staff of the bulletin can ascertain. If you are
involved in a battle, and feel you were wronged or that your actions
were justified, the staff encourages you to write to the Bulletin
and enclose the details of your combat.
It is the policy of the Bulletin not to take sides or to pass
judgement on any party; rather, we simply publish the facts as
they are presented to us.
* Monzon Beat
Monzon has been quiet this month, with no reported incidents of
violence.
* In the News
The Monzon area has been abuzz with economic activity recently.
Highlights:
- The Costa Rican Show Band(209) has sold foresting and herb collecting
rights in region (12,11). Hunting rights are still available:
contact cbth...@ice.lakeheadu.ca
- The Maurarhiannons(113) are looking for a few good swords. They
are willing to pay $100 each for up to 200 swords.
* Monthly Reminder
The Monzon Register is a freely available almanac of information about
the Monzon area. To receive a copy of the Register, send email to
tha...@sangamon.edu, with the subject 'MONZON REGISTER'. You will
receive the most up-to-date version via return mail. We continue to
solicit contributions of economic or mapping data, as well as faction
descriptions or land claims.
* Business Opportunities
The Monzon Wood Exchange still has a few opportunities for factions
interested in cutting wood. Wood cutting is an excellent way for a
starting trade faction to find their place in the Monzon market.
Profits are competitive with herb gathering, and once a secure base
is set up, wood production can be diverted to weapons, wagons, or
ships. The Exchange continues to offer $36 for wood anywhere in the
Monzon area, and $44 for wood within the boundaries of Monzon itself.
Magic factions can still invest their money in the Monzon Wood Exchange.
We continue to offer 15% interest monthly on all deposits. At these
rates, a Magic faction could support five mages with a $4000 investment
(although we accept investments as small as $300). If your interest
were allowed to compound, this would amount to 425% interest over the
course of a year. In case there should be any confusion, these are
ATLANTIS months!
For information on these, and other business opportunities, send mail
to the Monzon Wood Exchange, tha...@sangamon.edu.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Grand Archibold mused over the bodies of the dead Romans. That
Fireflash had worked well. Many of the enemy had been blinded; had
almost fallen onto the swords of his comrades.
He scanned the horizon. The Legate would not be bothering them again
for some time. However the silence was uneasy and unnerving.
The Grand Archibold reached for his tome on mystic arts. It was time
to summon his Brothers. War was nearly at hand...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The man was writing. He was hunched over
his rotting, wooden desk clutching the
lost tail feather of a crow. Feeble light from
a candle on the corner of the table was lit the
room in a dark glow. Shadows danced in the
corners, spraying from the light, racing to get
away.
Slowly, one of the shadows moved in a way that
wasn't entirely random. The man scrawling on
the parchment froze silently, his hand
trembling as the blade neatly severe the aorta
while a strong hand cut off the man's air. Two
strong hands gently released the man until he
slumped over the desk.
As the shadows continued to dance and mock the
feeble light of the candle, all that could be
heard was the steady drip of blood from the
desk as it struck the floor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long thought extinct, traces of the dreadful Wurm have been found in
the highest mountains. Tell-tale claw marks in solid granite and
impressively large, vitriolic 'sign' have been detected by highly trained
Dwarven scouts. Well, 'highly trained' by dwarven standards at any rate.
What will this new menace mean for honest, hard working peasants and the
nobles who so nobly oppr...er, rule them? If we can teach a dwarf to
draw, we will include an eyewitness sketch in next issue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO ALL FACTIONS LIVING IN ATLANTIS CITY BORDER TOWNS:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Run! Run like the Wind! Run North! Run South! Run East or
West, but by all means Run! The tyrannical despots known as
W-Elf-aretonians are coming with their Elf minions, coming to
control every aspect of our once prosperous and fruitful lives
and they won't be satisfied until they've sucked every last
Silver piece we have out of our pockets and stolen every hex
of land we sweated and slaved over in order to make a nice
home for our families.
Because if we don't Run! we'll have to stand and Fight! to
oppose the systematic destruction of our magnificent culture
brought on by the perverse and degenerate values taught by
this W-Elf-aretonian Oligarchy and its army of vile Elf
politicians and their twisted lawyer henchmen.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The snow made it impossible for travel so Dirk was stuck with the
company he was with. This did not impress him... there was only so much
drinking and wenching that he could do. Work was out of the question.
Since he was a leader of men it would simply not do for him to be caught
doing menial labor. With a snarl he serveyed the rest of the people in
the inn.
It was a motley bunch, with many different races... Over in one
corner he could see some pointy-eared elves... while in the opposite
corner he could see some smelly dwarves... could be interesting in a
couple of hours when the alcohol addled the brains of both groups and the
fight broke out... as it did every night in this frozen waste...
With a sigh he picked up a bottle of wine and went to his
room... after carefully bolting the door Dirk felt into the pocket of
his jacket and after another careful glance about the room he pulled out
the packet and open it. Within was a small pair of reading glasses and a
book..."How to build a ship in twenty easy steps". Dirk put the glasses
on his nose, uncorked the jug and put his feet up... time to study...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terrain types by region name:
Dezhou: 21 Mountain, 12 Ocean, 6 Swamp, 3 City, 2 Jungle, 1 Desert
Orrebygd: 14 Swamp, 12 Ocean, 9 Desert, 5 Plain, 2 Forest, 2 Town, 1 City
Carnforth: 12 Forest, 11 Swamp, 9 Ocean, 4 Mountain, 2 City, 1 Town
Planken: 2 Forest, 1 Plain, 1 Town
Galloway: 9 Ocean, 4 Mountain, 4 Plain, 2 Tundra, 1 City
Grimnish: 4 Ocean, 1 Mountain, 1 Plain
Adrano: 6 Plain, 1 Forest
Skottskog: 3 Tundra, 2 Forest, 1 Ocean
Corinth: 10 Forest, 3 Ocean, 2 Plain, 2 Town
Nork: 4 Forest, 4 Mountain, 3 Swamp, 1 Ocean, 1 City, 1 Town
Glomera: 14 Ocean, 10 Plain, 1 City
Rantlu: 15 Plain, 12 Ocean, 9 Forest, 5 Town, 4 Tundra
Sorisdale: 3 Tundra, 2 Plain, 2 Ocean
Corwen: 7 Ocean, 6 Desert, 1 Plain, 1 Swamp
Moffat: 3 Forest, 1 Ocean
Tetuan: 3 Ocean
Crail: 2 Plain
Skomer: 1 Ocean
Gifford: 2 Ocean
City and Town region membership is determined by extrapolating nearby region
borders. Data from CCC.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is anyone interested in buying units in the Sledmere area? I have a
total of 12 high elves in Sledmere, Ellesmere, and Menter. They are
skilled (level 1) in combat. Price is negotiable, but payment must
be made in the Kashmar, Abernethy, or Monzon areas (or possibly in
Atlantis City).
I also have (unskilled) high elves in Komarken and in Stinchar, one
in each city, which I am interested in selling under the same
conditions.
If interested, please contact brent....@ab.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
El mundo (tambien el de Atlantis) esta
loco,loco,loco.?Que ha pasado con los buenos
modales de antano?.Leo el Times y veo que
Sledmere es declarado lugar prohibido para casi
todas las facciones so pena de morir si se
penetra en sus alrededores.Y ademas esto se
anuncia de manera arto grosera y desagradable.
?Que pasa con los que unicamente queremos pasar
de camino por las cercanias de Sledmere de forma
pacifica?.?Nos cortaran pacificamente el
cuello?.?Y los que tenemos negocios en la ciudad
tendremos que habandonarla?.?No sera todo esto
una bravuconada?.El tiempo lo dira,por lo menos
a mi, que no pienso moverme de Sledmere, y animo
al resto de habitantes a hacer lo mismo.De hecho
en caso de necesidad se podria formar una
temporal alianza de habitantes pacificos que
impediria cualquier intento violento de
expulsarnos de una ciudad que tan calurosamente
nos ha acogido a todos.
Por cierto, en el ultimo Times alguien decia que
es realmente facil ganar 50 monedas escribiendo
algun articulo.Tenia razon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
**********************************************************
The Atlantis City Research Group is happy to inform
all the AtlantIIeans of its new research topic :
DOES GOD'S WEDDING ANNOUNCE
THE BEGINING OF A POLYTHEIST RELIGION
IN ATLANTIS ?
**********************************************************
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Queridos hispano-hablantes, estoy seguro de que os alegrais de leer en el
Times, algo que no este escrito en Ingles, incluso cuando encontramos algo en
frances nos alegramos. Pero ahora al grano.
Debido a la falta de eficacia de la Alianza hispana, al menos por el momento. Y
tambien a la dudosa buena voluntad de alguno de sus miembros, hemos decidido:
- Refundar una nueva alianza.
- Sus miembros son aliados de probada fidelidad y bastante activos.
- Esta nueva alianza, no se opone en absoluto a la antigua alianza hispana.
- Esperamos que los miembros de la Alianza hispana no se lleven a la
equivocacion. No pretendemos dejar de lado a nadie. Unicamente deseamos una
mayor unidad, compenetracion e igualdad entre sus miembros.
- Estamos dispuestos a la colaboracion.
- Personalmente, continuare en la alianza hispana mientras no sea incompatible
con la ahora fundada.
De todas maneras, estoy convencido de que esto no supondra un trauma para
nadie.
Pieter.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello I wrote to comunicate the foundation of a new alliance. We have no name
in this moment, but we will name it soon. We are peaceful, but we are ready for
any circunstance.
Pieter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taking a break from the studying, Moz examined his surroundings. Since
leaving behind the smell of Atlantis City, things seemed to be looking up.
New friends and alliances, working together. It seemed to him that he
might even survive his first year in this world. Wherever or whatever 'this
world' may be. Soon he would have his first products for sale and magic
items for sale or rent... but before then, back to the books.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you afraid of assassins?
Are you afraid of thieves?
Are you approaching Abernethy?
WATCH OUT!
Do you want someone near Abernethy out of the way?
Do you want someone near Abernethy to lose money?
DONT BE AFRAID TO CONTACT:
/------------------/
/#CCC# ++ #EEEE/
/C# #C CHURCH E# /
/C@ of EEEE@/
/C# #C ENVY E# /
/#CCC# ++ #EEEE/
/------------------/
We're about to build a brand new headquarter in Abernethy,
and our evil forces will join us in March. We advise
people to leave their money at home, or pay the protection
fee. Very tiny of course, just to make our living.
You can also hire us to take care of people you
don't want to have around any more. We'll be back when we're
ready to begin our hard work, in March, latest April.
You can also join our church, but you got to be good first.
We don't accept units with stealth and observation below 2.
Church Of ENVY
smyg...@kuai.se
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS IS WHAT SSS AAA TTT AAA N N WRITES THIS WEEK:
S A A T A A NN N
SSS AAA T AAA N NN
S A A T A A N N
SSS A A T A A N N
DEVIL: " Master, as you told me, I took some children's money,"
SATAN: " I think I changed my opinion: Having so many souls in our
city, is quite useful! We should ask anyone to come to this
area, they will bring a lot of money with them!"
DEVIL: " And when they are trapped in the towns, they will burn in
the fires of HELL ?"
SATAN: " Yes! This is a great idea! FEGEFEUER!"
TO ALL FACTIONS IN SLEDMERE, MENTER AND ELLESMERE:
SATAN has decided to leave this cities remain in peace!
The cities are guarded by the City Guards, so they will protect you
from any war, thieves or assassins! There is no danger staying here!
ANYONE is invited to visit the lovely city of Sledmere.
What about a trip to Ellesmere or Menter for your holidays?
Holidays in peace, spend a week or two, if you want!
SLEDMERE
ELLESMERE
MENTER
Are the cities of freedom, peace and trust.
COME AND VISIT !
SSS AAA TTTTT AAA N N
S A A T A A NN N
SSS AAA T AAA N NN
S A A T A A N N
SSS A A T A A N N & the undead.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thieves and assassins have been listed in Atlantis City by the
Atlantean Police forces.
This list have been made to warn the new players and the inhabitants
of the city of Abernethy (8,17), Komarken (27,2), Kashmar (3,17),
Stinchar (47,6), Sledmere (47,53), and Monzon (12,12), as now that
they are noticed, these thieves and assassins will emigrate to these
peaceful cities.
The bad guys following are on their list.
- ka-lek (276), 2 leaders, 16 horses, 2 longbows.
- Ladrao1 (922), high elf; Bem Furtivo.
- Scruffy (268), leader; Sewer Service.
- Happy Rufus Himself Indeed (307), leader; Looking Rather Peculiar.
- Chief Topssot (653), leader.
- Kermit (695), leader, 2 horses.
- Arturo (786), leader.
- Xiombarg (985), leader.
- Unit (530), leader, 3 horses.
- Unit (1908), leader; A *really* confused looking chap.
- Buffago Hagglegood (1938), leader, longbow; a roundish hobbit.
- Muttley (585), leader.
- Izzy (782), leader.
- Unit (388), leader, horse.
- Bronco Billy (2319), leader; Trying to ride, but keep falling off.
- Unit (2417), high elf.
- ladrao 4 (1948), high elf.
- Freewheelin' Franklin (2497), leader.
- Varain (2563), leader; a man of many talents.
- Unit (2584), leader.
- Linta Macar (2605), leader.
- Althred (289), leader; loitering with intent....
- Hugo Amugo (326), leader; The big faction boss.
- Brother Edmund (395), leader, horse; A Jolly Rotund Chiel.
- Unit (416), leader.
- Taranis (2647), leader; seeking to entertain you.
- Unit (2650), high elf.
- Ararargh's Evil Assassin (1940), leader; Eying the world through a
curtain of hatred..
- Alfa Squad (2400), 3 leaders; labour pool.
- Stimpy (2502), leader; A silly looking cat with no tail..
- Unit (2627), high elf.
The Atlantean Police Dpt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSITY OF T T T
Greetings Atlantis !!!!!!
After much studying, privations, and personal hardship,
we have acquired our Teaching Permits and received
approval of The Required Forms.
ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF THE TRANSOCEANIC TRAINING TROOP
!!!! T T T is now open for your business !!!!
This University will train you while allowing you to save silver
and gain quick months worth of skill levels.
Your cost? Why low of course.
We start out at a mere 15 silver per month per individual.
But, you can gain big with a large enrollment.
Three students for only 30 silver total.
But look --> enroll 4 for only 40 silver
And even better now --> each additional unit only 5 silver each.
You need not have all students enrolled in the same skill either.
Can you afford this? Can you afford NOT to have this training?
Can you afford not to save silver and valuable time?
Enroll now and get positions of your choice, enroll late and
you might miss that valuable skill you wanted.
What do we offer: Combat, stealth, observation, lumberjack,
healing, mining, weaponsmith, riding, horse training, quarrying,
mage skills, and more. At various levels.
We don't have what you want right now? We can fix that too!
Study for a secondary skill, let us do the hard work, and
train you in your selected skill a couple months later.
We are located just inside Atlantis City. Contact the dean
of T T T for enrollment at apwi...@cs.unlv.edu.
Disclaimer: the registor's office informs me that there is a
higher charge for skills that require 50, 100, or 200 silver
a month. But you will still save by using our training. The
second month will save you more as you enroll more students
in a particular college of training:
Type 10 Type 50 Type 100 Type 200
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
one = $15 one = $30 one = $50 one = $100
three = $30 three = $60 three = $100 three = $200
four = $40 each+ = +15 each+ = + 30 each+ = + 50
each+ = + 5
The registors office does note that the Mages and Tactics get
the best deal, but it costs so much to train them before
they are of any use anyway.
*** Mage spells for sale or trade -- Make Offer ***
{not all skills are available every month. Advance notice
will help ensure your particular skill is available}
Help is available to assist you in your training orders.
Sponsored by the Anson Winsor
Civilain Construction Corps apwi...@cs.unlv.edu
------------------------------------------------------------------------
News Flash! The rumor of 235 Raiders landing at 45,6 has been confirmed.
They were last seen marching Eastward. Locals reported that the Raiders
were asking around for man named "Muff", saying they had a contract for
his head. The locals also noted that the Raiders seemed peaceful otherwise.
"Of course, we ain't exactly got much to take, since that Dragon Legion
been through here, burnin' our women and raping our fields. Things is
pretty dismal actually, cain't get nothin' to grow in them fields no more."
Residents of the greater Stinchar area are advised to be wary of large
parties of armed men in any event.
In other news, local greenhouses report a booming business in cacti;
oddly, area farmers seem to be the major purchasers of these prickly
plants....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New from this month onwards in the Atlantis Times :
CRIMEWATCH
You've seen it happen...report it and get rewarded.
A $50 reward will be granted to everyone reporting
thieves, assassins, pillagers, town sackers and
their likes to the Atlantis Times.
Give us their names, their faction and unit
numbers. Every bit of information is useful.
Let's make Atlantis a safer place for us all.
Let the villains know that their crimes will not
remain unpunished.
Crime...together we can crack it !
Seen in December in Atlantis-City:
-Freewheelin' Franklin (2497) attempted theft on
Paradoss (778).
Citizens of Atlantis, beware of the Freak Brothers,
they can't be trusted.(Everyone should know that
by now !).Rumours have it they might be herb dealers.
No sighting of Fat Freddy nor of the third one
(whatever his name is) have been reported...
The cat was not available for comments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are unfriendly. Do you understand, UNFRIENDLY.
Kashmar is crowded. Don't come here. We are
Un-Friend-ly. Okay? Don't go South of Kashmar City.
Go SouthEast, okay? Or NorthEast, okay? Don't
go South. We don't bother you, you don't bother us.
Cleopatra II (still mad)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for a trade faction in/around the Corwen and/or Sines area. Offering
protection and money in exchange for production capabilities. Interested
parties should respond to Don Quixote of the faction Lovers, not Fighters (389)
at cza...@engin.umich.edu
Seems I own the whole place anyways. It would be nice to have some company.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The great mage Petrosilius Zwackelmann walks aimlessly through the city.
-- "My beautiful books! I'll get you, Hotzenplotz, you'll have to
pay! I'll turn you into a pig!"
He laughs insanely.
-- "A rat! A mouse! A --"
Suddenly, he notices a large number of frogs hopping out of a small house.
When he sees the three men with large, symbol-covered heads, his thoughts
become clear.
-- "Yes, a frog! A green, small, slimy, ugly frog!"
He enters the building.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skeletons - Stinchar thought police 23:6 !
16 living skeletons skeletons attacked Stinchar thought police (712)
last month in Rantlu (48,3). Forty-two nomads belonging to Stinchar
thought police's faction were routed in three turns. The skeletons
showed no sign or any combat or tactic skill. Stinchar thought police
showed little combat skill too. Some of the spectators were so bored,
that they fell asleep.
We dreamed about great battle, said an anonymous observer. We
dreamed about battle with dangerous enemy with two attacks per round,
two hitpoints in each turn, and about great victory of our forces. But
this - pfffff...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
***** NEWBIE STUDY AIDS Inc ****
Does it look like you're going to waste 3 turns before your first
orders actually work? Most new players waste several turns figuring
out how to execute their first commands. Their units don't form,
money doesn't get to the new units, and they generally dither.
I have written up a clear explanation of everything you need to know
to get your first couple sets of orders working. It includes clear
examples of orders to form units correctly and get them moving!
Plus other hints that could save you from making the same lame
mistakes I started out with! Plus, as an added bonus I've made a
file of edited questions and answers about rules that have appeared
in email.
You can have a copy for $40 by emailing rpe...@defenders.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The battle of Sledemere will now be soon begining,
all people who want to join us to combat
for delivering Sledemere are welcome.
Fighters for a Free Sledemere
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waiting for this WAR to start is such an exciting thing.
All of you searching around for the best places to claim.
You study this skill, forget it, study another. Trying to
find the best balance for your units.
Forget all this, you should seek good allies that will help
you out. What better way to balance your lack of skills in
an area. Find an ally that will fill your need. One that can
sooth your brow when times get tough, and they will.
You need someone to watch your back while you pillage, or
harvest the forest. Who will be on lookout around you as
you march forward or set up your caravan ferrying your trade
goods.
A good ally will help you train, buy your goods, help support
your friends and Mages, protect you from possible enemies.
You need to count on your ally. Can your ally count on you?
You reap what you sow,
You get what you ask for,
But the Reaper comes unasked
And reaps you sowers.
RIP -- The UNDERTAKER --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Chief ! Chief ! The barbarians don't want to give us 50 silver to pay the inn for the month.
- What do you say ? I said them last week. Call me Barben immediately.
A few minutes later, Barben a dark giant enter in the room.
- Yes Chief !
- Elvin just said me that you refuse to give 50 silver to the elves in
order that they pay the inn for the month ! What is this story ?
- You did not say us to give silver but sole of shoe !
- Ahhhh ! What ! Have you still my message
- Yes Chief. Here is. It is written "GIVE Elvin 50 SOL"
- Let me see ! Stupid Barbarian, it is written ""GIVE Elvin 50 SIL" !!
What do you want they do with SOLE ! It's SIL for SILVER.
This short extract of a conversation between a faction leader and his
Captains show how it is difficult to dialog with a lot of people
coming from a lot of regions.
To avoid this kind of mistakes, you can send a message to Tolendar
(mic...@anacad.fr) who will send you something to verify that your
orders will be comprehensible by your whole units.
This is not a false advertising. Don't send any silver. I just send
you my product, and only if you are OK with it, you would send me some
coins of silver we meet together.
So don't wait longer. Write me immediately at mic...@anacad.fr, and
your headaches about orders will disappear in 2 days.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FlatLine and his traveling companions Survey the new land with a feeling of
accomplishment. They fought against the cold of winter to get here, and now
it looks like the journey has paid off. A new land for the taking, and it
will be took. Securing the new hex's for the alliance is the first order of
business, then, once the trade route has been firmly established, more land
will be acquired (with the help of the alliance).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll bet this is the most stupid note to make it into the Times.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the cold winds blow, Karthan prays that it will be a short winter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Time: Now
The Place: Stinchar
The Scene: A darkened cellar where a group of conspirators discuss
their plans....
A tall Elf with a stern demeanour stands up and calls the meeting to
order. The motley group of elves, plainsmen, tribesmen and vikings
fall silent and turn their full attention to the speaker.
"Brothers!"
"...and Sisters" interjects a particularly attractive high elf
warrior.
"Brothers and, er, Sisters", the leader continues, looking around
the room uncertainly, "the time has come to strike back at the Roman
Imperialists. Even now their legions advance to put into slavery the
good citizens of Stinchar"
A few of the assembled tribesmen & plainsmen nod their heads and
mumble their agreement.
"Their arrogant advances must be stopped! As diplomacy has failed we
must be prepared for the worse. We must strike fear into them, I ask
you, what have the Romans ever done for us? Before they came...."
"Built Roads" calls out a voice in the darkness
"Irrigation" cries out another
"Sanitation"
"Medicine"
"Education"
"Wine!" cries a Viking, fondly thinking of hangovers past, which
causes an outbreak of knowing winks and backslapping. The leader
bangs his gnarley fist on the table, fixing each each of the
assembled with his steeley glare. Through clenched teeth, he
continues,
"All right, let it be known that -all- Romans -not- involved in
construction, irrigation, farming, brewing, public health and
commerce, are no longer welcome in Stinchar or its surroundings.
Right, post that at every approach to the city and sign it the S.P.F."
"The S.P.F.?", asks an elf who had been dozing in the corner
"Yes, The Stinchar Popular Front!"
[ With Apologies to M.Python ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"As you can see," continued the elf, as they wandered through the
marketplace, "Atlantis draws many kinds of people from many races. There is
royalty and poverty, there is good and there is evil, and there are the
strong and the meek. Atlantis harbors merchants and dealers, musicians and
actors, mercenaries and thieves, crafts people and storytellers. Some hope
simply to earn a small living by doing honest business, but many seek
employment with others. And some, like yourself, have deeper pursuits that
are understood only by themselves."
They had passed completely through the marketplace by now, and they were
walking down a wide avenue lined with tall, magnificent looking buildings.
They reminded him of the palaces and cathedrals that he had seen in the
wealthy eastern provinces of the Land, but nothing he had seen had matched
the elegance and magnificence of these structures. The domes and rooftops
were covered with silver, and the stairs and columns were made of rich
marble and alabaster. The battlements and spires were ornamented with
carvings of many-colored crystal, and the metalwork on the doors and windows
shined with gold. The arches and buttresses were larger than any other he
had ever seen, in complete defiance of their natural tendency to fall down,
and the towers surely reached far enough into the heavens to reach the
realms of the gods.
Willem observed the awe on Maas' face, and explained that they were in the
neighborhood of some of the wealthiest merchants and bankers in all of
Atlantis. "Their wealth surpasses that of any of the royalty in the city,
for rather than stealing from the unwilling under the guise of Holy Right or
Majestic Duty, they engage in the specialized art of fair trade, and
cleverly pry riches out of the hands of those who are less wise in the value
of material things." As he spoke, he turned and headed towards the entryway
of an ebony colored building on their left. "But now, let us speak not of
these matters in here, for we are to meet such a one as I have described.
He is very powerful and can crush you with a mere glance. However, he is a
benefactor, and he will tell you more of Atlantis. He may provide you with
things that you need, and he may offer you an opportunity to perform a
service for him. Do not disregard his offers--he has much power in
Atlantis, and he operates at levels that are above us. He rewards
handsomely for seemingly trivial tasks; do not choose to judge him, simply
accept his bounty."
They entered through the open doorway and entered a large antechamber.
Willem motioned for Maas to stand in one place as he walked over to an elf
that was seated behind a table on the far side of the room. The elf
appeared to be busy writing on a parchment. Behind the elf was another door
which was the only door in the chamber other than the exit to the street.
While the two elves spoke, Maas looked around. The ceiling of the chamber
was far above his head. It was decorated with many colors, but it was too
far away to discern any details. The walls were bare, but the floor was
decorated with a wide circle of azure which was dotted with bits of white
stone. At various points in the circle there were odd symbols and shapes
inlaid in the stone. The whole thing reminded Maas of sketches that he had
seen in the past drawn by madmen who claimed that they were "maps of the
heavens".
His examination was cut short by the voice of the new elf. "Come, sir, The
Corinthian will see you immediately."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The moment was slowly drawing nearer, surely the time had arrived for his
triumphant leap cros the great void of the unknown to catapult himself
back into the world of the living. He'd been a long time in limbo and now
it was time time to get into some good old fashioned earth shattering
destruction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first unofficial census of Atlantis: December 1
Territory Ldr Nom Hel Pla Idw Sel Trm Orc Vik Ddw Tel Hdw Total
________________________________________________________________
Komarken 4 102 48 3 1 1 --- --- --- --- --- --- 159
Stinchar 6 --- 22 --- --- --- 17 --- --- --- --- --- 45
Abernethy 38 --- 20 --- --- --- 9 218 17 1 --- --- 303
Sledmere 81 --- 403 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 5 --- 489
Kashmar 47 --- 112 --- --- --- 94 1 --- --- --- 7 261
|
_, | Jason y sus Argonautas
>?B | (464)
`H H
H H --:
\\-O-Q-@-Q-O-Q-@-Q-O-Q-@-Q-O-Q-@-/|
`\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ / D
~~~~~~~~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\~~~\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
------------------------------------------------------------------------
And lo, the Crimson Crusaders arrived at Monzon and saw that it was good.
"You know, I didn't know it was snowing quite this much. We march for a day,
and go from sunny and mild Atlantis City to cold and windy Monzon!" complained
Mr. Cohan.
"I expected to get quite this far in a month." said il capitan. "If we have
horses, can't we move 2 spaces even when it's snowing?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite discouragement at his lack of progress, Myth had been able to
uncover a few hidden secrets. "Time to try some of this out," he thought,
"see what we can do to liven things up around here a bit." Boldly he
strode out into the crowds and set to work....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Lady Jenna Curoon perused the latest copy of the Atlantis Times, she was
dismayed to note that most of her potential destinations looked as though
she'd be walking into the midst of war zones. She needed peace and quiet
in order to build her house back to its former glory, and while the
opportunities and high risks of leaping into battle immediately were
obvious, she decided that she was too old for that, and anyway, she had to
clear the way for her son to come out of hiding so that he could become the
heir to a great fortune.
"Lady, you look lost," said a young man in dark travel gear with a roguish
smile as he slid into the booth of the inn's tavern across from her.
"Excuse me, but I don't recall inviting you to sit with me," she replied
with some hauteur.
"Oh well," he laughed, "I could certainly get up and walk away, but if I
did that, then opportunity would be walking away from you, and you don't
seem the sort of woman to allow that to happen very frequently."
"And just how would you have any clue what sort of a woman I am?"
"Isn't that obvious? I've been following you for a month of course,
listening to your conversations when I could, talking to those people to
whom you spoke, generally making it my business to know who and what you
are. Now don't be hasty," he exclaimed as her hand flashed toward her
belt. "I've also let certain folk, who might have conceived, um well,
unfriendly notions towards your person or possessions that you were under
my protection, which has saved you some grief at minimum. Does this not
merit at least your attention, if not your gratitude?"
Jenna sighed to herself and shrugged at the other to go on. He was
obviously a climber and a rascal, and God alone knew what portion of what
had to say would be true, what exaggerated, and what untter fabrication,
but if nothing else, maybe she could glean some information from the bundle
of chaff she was expecting.
She was just relaxing and about to invite him to go on, when both their
gazes were drawn to a commotion in the doorway of the inn, where a large
man stood, brandishing a crossbow and looking for all the world as if he
thought he'd like to shoot someone with it. The young man's face paled as
he saw the big man turn his gaze upon them.
"You," the big man roared, taking a step into the room. "Well, well if I
haven't managed to find both parties I swas lookin' for all at once. Now
isn't that convenient?"
No one in the tavern made a move to intervene as the big man strolled
casually over to their table, his weapon cocked and aimed squarely at the
dark man's chest. Jenna inched her chair back, and dropped her left hand
down to her boot to where the thin-bladed dagger nestled against her calf.
Her right hand closed on the beer mug from which she had been sipping, and
she waited.
"GEt up," the big one bellowed.
"What's your business with him," demanded Jenna.
"That's my business, not yours, and anyway, you're wanted too."
"You must be mistaken, I am a stranger in this city," she replied equibly.
"Get up the both of you!"
Jenna swept the beer mug at his head, then dived out of her chair, rolling
to her feet. With a startled bellow, the big man fired his weapon, but his
aim had been knocked off true, and the quarrel buried itself in the wall
over Jenna's companion's head. He too dove for cover, as the big man went
for his sword. He never got it out though because Jenna, who was behind
him, drove her knife into his back. It wasn't clean, but she knew she'd
gotten a kidney at least, and anyway he dropped, screaming in agony. Jenna
leapt over his form, grabbed her companion by the wrist and headed out the
back, cutting down a man who stood in her path as she did so. Atlantis
wasn't going to be a safe place for her much longer she thought as she and
the man called Hakim ran through the night alleys of the poorer part of
town. Oh well, come a month from now, I'm out of here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The loremaster, just arriving in Sledmere, looked around. "Well, well, this is just the place
I would like to set up my new Guild" he thought. "Looks like we have a lot of studying to do
first though..." he mumbled as he set out splitting his men into study groups. Lets see, a few
bowmen for protection and skills that are for the common good for the others.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTEAN BANK
&
ATLANTEAN MONETARY FUND
* Need to colonize that new region you have discovered?
* Want to save those poor peasent villagers from themselves and bring
them into the "First" World?
* Need cash to build a useless "white elephant" of a monument to your leader?
****** THEN CONTACT US ****
We loan $$$$ to nation-states at very competitive rates.
At the same time, allow us to impose our renowned structural adjustment
packages. (But don't worry! We believe in the trickle-down effect, so it
won't affect you rich.)
(WARNING : Non- serviced debts enforced by member nations of the old
world order)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's the end of the first year in Atlantis.
One year of exciting adventures, trades, studies
and also wars. I, Grendel, Bard of Gondor, hope
for all of you peaceful leaders, workers, mages,
priests, herbalists, hunters and so on, that the
new year will allow you to develop your knowledge,
your treasure, and the amount of your friends.
Happy New Year ! Bonne Annee !
Gutes Neujahr ! Feliz Ano Nuevo !
Felice Anno Gelukig Nieuwjaar !
Feliz Ano Novo ! Godt Nytar !
Yeni yiliniz kutlu olsun !
Szczesliwego Nowego Roku !
Gledilegt nytt ar !
Hyvaa Uutta Vuotta !
- Grendel, Bard of Gondor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
An odd occurence had happened during his journey, that crazed man who had
come running up the road to him and yelled and screamed at him
Where Wolf? (I now think he meant werewolf)
to which I quietly replied
There wolf (pointing at a wolf) and there castle
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hogli's eyes, sad and haunted, met the cold steel of Desmorandus'
own gaze across the polished wood table. Hogli had known this was
coming for some time, an inevitable conflict. It seemed to be a
mixed blessing of the magic studies; you started to have these
premonitions, the sure knowledge that difficult times were just
ahead.
"As I said before, ser Desmorandus, that money is *essential* for
my magical research and that of my assistant. These books are not
easy to find, the materials are expensive..."
Desmorandus stared back, unimpressed. "And as *I* stated, ser Hogli,
my soldiers have far more important things to do than stay here in
the Pavilion and tend to your needs. One can only train for just so
long, eventually one must act."
"But, brother of the spirit, we must not act in haste!" Hogli leaned
across the table, subtly reinforcing the energies of the bonding
spell. "Our magical research will have great use in conflict as well
as peace! Imagine scouting the adversary's position from a great
distance, or hurling fireballs into their ranks, or summoning great
arcane beasts..."
Desmorandus snorted. "Or making a rickety wagon float around, scaring
the horses?" Hogli felt his face color slightly. Perhaps that had not
been the best demonstration, though how was *he* to know the horses
were that easily spooked? "Give me two hundred good men with swords
any day, and you can leave your spell books at home, brother."
Desmorandus stood, dropping a leather bag onto the table between them,
making a hollow *chink* sound. "I accede for now, ser Hogli, because
of the bond between us. But I tell you, do not grow too accustomed to
this monthly stipend. Perhaps you should discuss this matter of funding
with your loyal allies."
Desmorandus walked out briskly, and Hogli turned back to his books with
a sigh. Somewhere in this mass of cobweb scratchings, he mused, was a
spell that would impress even a military man!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A butterfly flew through the dark room. It darted back and forth, casting
its colorful, minute light around the room. Finally, after a few minutes of
life, it landed on it's creator's finger. It beat its wings one last time
while resting on the outstretched finger and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Ralf smiled. It worked, and worked well. His master smiled, too. Ralf was
a fast learner. He learned far faster than the other students. It was as
if some sense of urgency drove Ralf. His master had sensed it, and it
worried him. What was Ralf in such a hurry to do? The master put the
thought aside. It was of little matter. Ralf had along way to go before he
was actually dangerous.
Ralf knew otherwise. He was learning fast, far faster than his master knew.
Later that night, in the privacy of his own room, Ralf continued his
practice. He created not one, but a dozen butterflies at once. Ater that,
he tried a gross. It came easy to him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The City Council of Monzon announces :
**************************************
It's winter in Monzon since November...
Warning to all travelers to and from Monzon:
GIBOR (77) still keeps his units in Monzon (12,12).
Two of them werre caught attempting to steal in Monzon
last turn. Keep both eyes on your trade goods and money.
The Circle of the Blue Mages (66) in combination with other magic
oriented factions offers training for the foundation skills in
Monzon.
Price: $100 / student and week
Next Skills on schedule: LIF-2 (FEB) and ETH-2 (MAR)
The Maurarhiannons (113) are buying swords for $100 each.
Further information concerning Monzon available:
Information summary about Monzon and surrounding areas,
send mail to:
Circle of the Blue Mages (66), kr...@informatik.tu-muenchen.de
subject containing "M.I.S."
Monzon Register, send mail to:
Monzon Wood Exchange (289), tha...@eagle.sangamon.edu
with subject line "MONZON REGISTER"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The City Guardman glanced over his notebook.
"A'righ. 'et me ge' t'is st'a't," he said in something resembling a
heavy Cockney accent -- at least that was the closest one could
determine from the consonants he didn't drop -- "'ou sa' t'is Fra'k'in
bloke, unit two four nine se'en, ma'e an atte' to nick a quan'ity o'
silver fro' t'is chap o'er 'ere." He indicated the man who called himself
PARADOSS (Denbigh thought it was a man -- one could never be sure in
Atlantis City).
The Centre shook his head back in forth, which in Atlantis City meant yes.
The Constable made a note in his book. "An' 'ou sa' t'at your faction,
despi'e it' name bein' 'he CHURCH o' the Pu'ple Sno'flake, 'as no
re'ation to 'he faction o' t'is Freew'eel'n Fra'k'in, t'at bein' 'he 'oly
CHURCH o' FUND-- Funda'ig'on'i'm, faction four naught eigh'."
"That is correct," replied the priest in clear intonnation.
"Ve'y well," said the guard, "I 'ave no fu'er 'quiries. Goo' day, fa'er."
"Centre will do nicely, thank you."
The officer looked as if he were considering the issue of titles for a
moment, nodded his head (which in Atlantis City did not mean no, but
merely signified understanding), and turned back toward the street.
"I guess declaring the guards allies makes them no less suspicious of
religion," Denbigh said to himself as he reentered the bed and breakfast,
"I wonder what Fundaligionism is anyhow." He sat down in the veranda and
returned to reading his paper. Jennifer and Jessica were busy at the
corner horse stables, earning some spending cash in preparation for their
travels. Millie was talking with a Bandwith over recent gossip in the
Atlantean plane.
The Atlantis Times was hardly more informative. There wasn't even a real
estate section in this issue.
Kashmar appeared to be prospering depite the snow. No mention of the
threat to the city come spring. There did appear an advert for a private
tutor.
Komarken continued to be an enigma, with a short ad ominously requesting
immigration at the same time people spoke of blockades (perhaps the God
Geoff's words had not been heeded...).
A faction calling themselves Satan's company had declared Sledmere off
limits to all immigration, while L'Ordre du Temple called for peaceful
diplomacy.
Calls for diplomacy were also voiced in Stinchar, even as a large force
of raiders apparently loomed on the horizon.
Denbigh scanned the paper a second time, looking for some mention of
Abernathy, and finding nothing set down the newspaper.
At least the Bandwiths had gotten word to the Monzon Wood Exchange
and Circle of the Blue Mages in Monzon, as well as the Maurarhiannons.
Their openness, including the provision of the Monzon directory, suggested
that this city would be peaceful enough, dispite the continued presence
of GIBOR.
The priest dipped his pen and began writing. He would have a number of
lettres for the Bandwiths today.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To all factions blocking entry to regions around Sledmere:
It has been brought to my attention that highly skilled and well
informed thieves and assassins are operating against on guard
units in the Sledmere area. Anonymous warnings I have received
indicate that the theives' master wishes to make the surrounding
areas of Sledmere open to any travellers. Evidently he will only
attack on guard units, as well as other units known to be
associated with them.
Please take heed of this message; I have already been affected
by these Shadows of the night, but am powerless to stop them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A crisp wind blows today. It ruffles your hair, tugs teasingly
at your clothes. There's a golden sunset; maker of memories, yes, it
is that sort. This is a time of reflections, a time where present
seems irrelevant. Read the times, sit back, drink of some of the local
Kerasha, and think of the Black Rose. Is he good? or evil? or something
of the two...? What will he mean in your future? He seems a powerful
presence. Not in the physical sense, but the way he projects himself.
Disturbing barely begins to decribe the sensation. Occupying your
thoughts, you find you can only put the thoughts away for contemplation
another day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is almost too easy to earn 50 silver pieces each week just by writing
something for the Times. You can even just write the same thing week after
week! Not that anyone would dream of doing that...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another Wonderful Day in the Life of the Legion
-----------------------------------------------
The Legate barely looked up as the messenger arrived. He was too tired to do
anything. This time, he had allowed one of the Centurions to take command of the
battle, and if it went wrong again, he didn`t want to hear about it.
"Sir, your weekly Times." The messenger saluted and handed over the paper.
"And?"
The messenger waited, drawing the suspense out as long as possible. "A victory
Sir! No losses on our side." The messenger was hard pressed to keep his face
straight as the Legate carried out an impromptu war dance around the table.
"Good, good. You can go now."
Relieved, the messenger left.
The Legate`s squire came out with dinner, as the Legate began going through
the Times.
"Scipio, look at this. Someone is trying to threaten us with a whole 24 men."
The Legate burst out laughing. "He even claims that the Republic doesn`t exist.
Ha. He probably also believes that the world is round, don`t you think? And a
trade faction on top of that."
"Laughable, Sir." The squire said quietly.
"You know Scipio, we require some more staff. How do you feel about being made
a Centurion?"
"If you say so, Sir. I`ll just go and pick out your next Cent...Err Squire from
the 254 who are applying for the post, Sir."
"Good, good..."
**********************************************************************************
To those who doubt my ability to wreak havoc in the land claimed by the Republic,
please keep doing so. See you in Spring, unless you`ve already met up with one
of our other War factions. :)
"The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am." - Darth Vader.
I can say the same of the other War factions in my alliance. :)
The Forum Romanum is the official Atlantis Home Page of the Dragon Legions and
the Republic of Rome. Please visit, and give me your opinions.
Forum Romanum: http//www-i8.auc.dk/~strategy/Atlantis.html
--
Geoff Dunbar <atla...@rahul.net>