The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 How was the Pen started, and who started it? If you have ever wondered that, my friends, then step up and read for yourself just how it happened! Recently I read that the Pen is now two years old, and I have to say that is true of it's present web site, of it's present incarnation, but actully the Pen as an entity is, as of this writing, nearly five years old! There have been several websites in the Pen's lifetime, but it all started, as most of us know and many of us recall, from Archmage. Archmage was a turn based game, collecting turns over time which were then taken in forwarding the game. What to do while you were waiting for more turns? Go to the Archmage bulletin board and hang out, of course! Given the battle strategy theme of the game, however, it was only natural that the battle was often translated to the board. Because Archmage was basically without graphics, other than a few stills that accompanied the various information pages in the game, a lot of the game play, much more than you would think, was played with words. Oh, certainly if you did not know how to play the game you were in trouble - there are few things online as satisfying as torching a million of your opponents soldiers - but how much more fun was unnerving your opponent with a few well placed barbs! On the boards too, many battles were won or lost depending on one's skill with a Pen, err, keyboard, rather than the sword. In this atmosphere, the Pen was born, even one day taking on a life of it's own. Fortunately, I am a (nearly) terminally lazy person - you know the type, mounds of stuff on his desk, never throws anything away (that would mean work!) and generally maintains activity through simple inertia. BUT that is a good thing in this case, because recently I was checking some of my back emails and found that I still had some of the ORIGINAL emails sent to me by the Founder, Ozymandias (hallowed be his name), blathering about some guild or other he wanted to start, named - that's right - The Pen is Mightier than the Sword! Feeling some may find them of historical interest, I have (with his permission) decided to give them a home in the Pen Library. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias email To: Zool's email Subject: Flash of brillinace! Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 06:44:52 GMT But not proper spelling! Want to help me start a guild this reset? And ask Peredhil for me as well, would you? I'm going to try and recruit Orlan, Arawn, Seraph, Woods, and Wyvern. What do you think? ~O~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Bard's guild-Brain shower! Date: Fri, 06 Oct 2000 04:41:57 GMT >From: Zool's email >To: Ozymandias' email >Subject: Bard's guild >Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2000 17:57:57 -0700 (PDT) > >Hello! > >Just a quick note, I'm going to start a Zool on A1, >just in case. > Excellent! Hey, even if it's just you and me, bud, I'll be happy. Er, as founders, of course. (The two of us as guild- "Tremble before our might!" *Ready? On three. One, two, three!* "Grrr!") No Peredhil. *sniff* Shoot. I was hoping to recruit him as tactitian (since he reads so dern much on the boards). Maybe OME... This will be fun. A1 it shall be. So can I count you in? I'm going to put up an official ad on the guildpage in the next couple of days, if so. Oh! Nisassa isn't on often, but offered his help. I think he'd make a smashing PR man/diplomat, don't you? :>D I've just caught the Pointy Eared one on ICQ even as I type. *crosses fingers* Awaiting her reply... Or maybe Nis could be diplomat/spy. A diplomatic envoy on boards, a stacking ferret in game. And we could have *you* as publicist! Oh, the possiblities!! Now that I think on it, any special knowledge/skill you could fill a position with in game? Inquiring minds want to know! Some ideas on policy- Our mission statement: Bringing a better class of attack arrows to the battlefield. The art of war: Anybody randoms us, it's dogpile on the uncreative time!! We will post battle reports like any other self-respecting egocentric guild, but they will be in the form of epic poetry. Or maybe just a short story. I ABSOLUTELY suck really bad at poetry. Either way, we'd all pitch in. Admission: Any prospective member (outside of the high-ranking officials who have proved their mettle) has to attack one of us. If we like his arrow, he's in. The more unique, the better (outlandish, original, blah, blah). Oo, it looks good! She didn't say no. On the horizon-Once we get some details pounded out and a healthy number of members (#?), I'm toying w/ the idea of a creating us a webpage. And on that note, I'd best get going. Work and school tomorrow. Earrrrllllly. And there was much rejoicing. "Yaaaaaay." ~Ozy~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Bard's guild-Brain shower! Date: Fri, 06 Oct 2000 05:51:58 GMT Invites are most certainly NOT a big deal. Go right ahead, since you'll be one of the founders. The more the merrier! And heyyy, Racouol is a world-famous singer. Of *course* he's bard material!! How silly of me. :>) And I'm going to bed this time. I mean it. ~Ozy~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Guilding, guilding, over the bounding main... Date: Sat, 07 Oct 2000 03:40:51 GMT You know I almost put up an announcement in the guilds of Terra, when I remembered that *you're* our publicist! D'oh! Far be it from me to steal your thunder. Have at it, Old Bean! I'm thinking that since we're both in agreement and since we're the entire guild right now, that the motion for all previous suggestions to be made into official policy is passed. Yea? Nay? And further on your new duties-how do you think we should do a...a... Criminy, I forgot the name of the guild bbs! Oh yes! Union of honor post on A1? And what the sam hill role should *I* fill? Right now, I'm thinking founder and member of the council of elders. Which would be you, me, Arawn, OME, and Racouol. Again, dissent? Agreement? Now *I'm* getting psyched up about this! Heeheehee. Write soon. We need to get the ball rolling!! Yours in Anxiety, ~Ozy~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Re:Guilding, guilding... Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 00:08:13 GMT I have to apologize. {:>) I wrote you on Friday reaaaaaaaaallllllly brain fried. I fell asleep eight or nine times at work. Ozy needed sleep. So I was just a wee bit more demanding than I wanted to be. Sorry. Now, with that out of the way, if you haven't done them already, what I repropose is that you take care of the public announcements, and I do the guild listing. Like I said, if you haven't done both already. I'll look around, and if I see no guild listing, I'll do it later tonight. If I do, on to phase two! Whatever that is... Perhaps seeing if we've got a consensus on the rules, and hey, confirming who's in! What do Racouol and Arawn say? Go ahead and give 'em my mage # if they want to powwow. Do you have it? Poop...I'll send it to ya later tonight. Let me know confirmations ASAP, though! That does still stand! More later. ~Mister O~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Re: Re:Guilding, guilding... Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 04:25:52 GMT >From: Zool's email >To: Ozymandias' email >Subject: Re: Re: Re:Guilding, guilding... >Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2000 17:42:39 -0700 (PDT) > >Mister O, > >Don't even worry about the previous email. I've sent out enough emails >of questionable intent that it is not an issue here. You know what I >mean. > Oh yes. I *ahem**cough* believe so. >Confirmations confirmed. Great! So we're agreed to agree! That is, we have a guild, I like the >proposed rules, don' worry 'bout a thing. > >Haven't heard back from anyone yet! I'll get in touch with them in >game quick though - last time it was three weeks before Racouol >answered his email. :< > >The registry. What's that? Enough said. I'll do the announcement >as soon as I have clarification on something. What exactly is the >criteria for guild entry? I know you proposed that they attack one of >us and we judge the attack arrow. I think that is good for two >reasons; >1) Gives some idea of their writing skills. >2) Gives some idea of their AM skills. > I would like to make another motion- use the letter 'u' as the word 'you' at any given time, and you fail/get punished. In the entrance exam, the attack arrow had better be pretty damn good to make up, or you don't get in (see below for that to fully make sense. I wrote this paragraph after the next one). Oooh, or maybe for members, they have to write 'I will always spell out my personal pronouns' 500 times on the blackboard (set up a thread in GA BH). >The problem is that I've barely begun to reasearch. I propose that >they message us, at which time I'll ask for a sysapses of their AM >experience and a sample of their writing on a theme suggested by one of >us. Counter-counter proposal: They message us w/an AM resume. We like what we see, they attack one of us, we share the battle report. That way, we get a more in-depth look at their skill. Considering our numbers now, I nominate me to fill the position. 'As we dance to the masochism tango...' Ever hear Tom Lehrer's music? I think you might enjoy him. :>) > To sum up- Entrance Exam Send us a resume of your greatest skills in AM. Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses (to a reasonable point, of course). Cite major accomplishments. Give us any particularly good battle data, nifty stuff what you've posted, etc. Second and final part of the test, attack one of the Council of Elders. We'll share the attack arrows (and stackings, where applicable), and judge you fit or uncultured heathen. >We can do the attack thing when I'm a little more prepared for it. >Yeah, I'm a whimp. > Ah, yes, but you are a cautious one. Those usually live longer. >You are mage #110. I will message you with my number and alliance >offer. BTW, what IS the name of our Guild? The Pen is Mightier than the Sword. I *do* like the name, but I think it's a trifle unwieldy. Any suggestions? Mayhaps The Pen is Mightier? > >Overcome with guild, (Uugh!) >Zool Spare me from this PUNishment. ~Ozy Man~ P.S.- Orlan and I just came up with a REALLY neat idea. I'll tell you tomorrow, if you can't get ahold o' him. Oh, man this'll be fun!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: More guild stuff. Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 04:44:28 GMT As guild publicist, you're the go-between for the main guild and the Public Relations Board, of which Orlan is head. You still reatin complete autonomy over marketing the main guild, but as for recruiting Noncom members (Public Realtions Board 'cause they'll get us noticed even faster), that's all Orlan. The Public Relations Board will be those who like the BBs more than the game, don't want to/can't commit to the in-game segment. Long and short, they'll be the BHs-only membership. How does that grab you? We haven't even made ourselves known yet, and alreadty we have to split in two. This is GREAT! The potential here is muy bueno. Well, Places to go, people to cajole. Catch you later. ~Ozy~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Yadda yadda yadda: More guild stuff. Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 19:02:43 GMT I just gave Orlan a redefinition of yours and his positions: "Zool made a good point about making any division between the in-game portion of "The Pen" official makes things too convoluted. A redefinition, then- You guys are both recruiters, but Zool is in charge of advertising, and you're in charge of coralling members in the BH as you see fit, except for the Council of Elders: You, Nisassa, Me, Zool, Arawn (if he joins), OME, and Racouol (if he joins) . Howzat?" And I just signed OME as tactitian! Boo-yah! And it only took *three* days of begging. For the nonce, I'd better go. Breakfast to eat, Ozy to check and see if the poor schlub's dead (check the guilds of terra list under diplomacy, look for "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword", and keep in mind that I very cleverly wrote that when I was at 8 forts and no turns left. *MEGA-sigh* The inherent dangers of writing whilst sleep-deprived. Sheesh. Oh yeah, I should probably get ready for work, too. :>) TTFN! Sincerely, ~Ozy~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Why is it I never seem to get the *fun* parts of sleep depravation? Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 03:12:35 GMT You got him! [Edit: Re Peredhil] Ha! And ha again! That is so cool! You know, that exchange made me realize that my attitude about the guild was all wrong- I was thinking that we'd do all the normal things, but much more eloquently. Nay! We should *emphasize* vanquishing our enemies with words. Which isn't to say that we shouldn't defend ourselves, or lay down the law for any particularly vile miscreant. But we should outtalk them, no matter what! Which leads into my next concern-Graystoke (#441). First peace treaty or first target? You decide... Message From Graystoke (#441) at Tue Oct-10-2000 19:36:36 Hi there great guild leader. I'm not representing my guild...just myself ....but I wish U'll accept my personal asking 4 a NAP with your whole guild. :-) [DELETE] [REPLY] I have no tolerance for wiseasses. Unless of course, the wiseass is me, or is rather good at it. :>) In the interest of continuity, I would like to put your name up on our guildlist posting as the one to contact for joining, but I'm not sure how to go about it because I don't know which would be okay with you: id # or email? By the way, have you seen the guildlisting yet? I'm dying to know what you think, and am really hoping it won't fall under the "it was late and I was tired" category. So take a peek! Remember, the guild of terra link is underneath the diplomacy one on the main mage page. Now, I believe, after checking in with my fellow priests of the Great God and Pharaoh Nanotoknonnen (almost as much fun to say as it is to spell!), that I shall take some 'me time', go curl up with a good book, and (Please, Lord) pass out early. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: In the interest of making the guts of an e-mail as convoluted as possible Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 05:27:46 GMT >Answer; > >Lord Graystoke, > >[edited for space] Thank you for your enquiry. > >Sincerely, >*I could send this if you'd rather.* > >Sorry, but I'm in a pretty good mood, so that's the best I could do. No, actually, I like it. I just hedge on sending it anytime soon because I have no idea if our people are at a point where we could beat the living snot out of him if he refuses his punishment (we beat him 'til he agrees). A bit violent? Maybe. But in the long run, it'll encourage the more hardline wiseacres to try harder to annoy us. And hey, we want the entertainment to keep coming back, right? :>) That and it'd help establish us as a *guild*, rather than just another silly little lark. Show 'em we actually *DO* stick by our rules. Heehee. Notice I say nothing about multiattacks. Think LotWR will want to be our friends? > > > I have no tolerance for wiseasses. > > Unless of course, the wiseass is me, or is rather good at it. :>) > >I have to give him credit for jerking our chain a little - I wonder if >he likes to write... Good point. Let's put the (verbal) pressure on him as soon as we take stock of our membership's standings, then respond accordingly to his reaction when we start needling *him*. I think that'd be the best way to find out if he's bard material. >Love the description - both versions! Actually, there were some values >listed in your first version that I rather liked. In fact, I called up >the description to draw from it for my ad (Hope you liked it, BTW) and >that's when I saw you had rewritten it. Love the humor of your second >version, it's good schtick. Perhaps we could work in some of the >first version as well? Yes, I'm a verbal packrat - I never throw >anything away. > D'oh! I saved nothing. I changed the values?? ERk? How tired was I??? heh. Glad you liked it. I was trying to acheive the stereotypical fantasy bard attitude there. Namely: thinly veiled mockery to inferiors when you can get away with it, well-schooled words, and a desire to further the cause of art (and one's pocketbook, but that'll enter in later). >Go ahead and list both my number and my email address if you want - I >leave them both available. > Excellent! I'll get right on it tomorrow. >I did not list my mage number in the guild ad because; >1) It looked cleaner that way. >2) I expect them to overcome such obstacles. Nicely done, btw. Standout stuff, especially on Ager. And no, the Legion doesn't count since they keep all their Rp'ing and writing to themselves for the most part or in their battles. > >I don't mean to be a wiseass, it just happens! > Oy, it's late. It struck me- it follows that if shit happens, ass happens. Or as my dad used to say, "Better a smart ass then no ass at all." When I let my mind wander, I'm occasionally afraid of it coming back. \:>D (just picture trying to grin really widely while arching an eyebrow at the same time there) >Hope you get a good nights sleep, > >Zool Thank you. Me too. > ~Ozy~ > Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Racouol is IN! Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2000 19:18:46 GMT >From: Zool's email >To: Ozymandias' email >Subject: Racouol is IN! >Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 12:06:04 -0700 (PDT) > >Racouol, who's aliad on A1 is 'Murdock', says he will join next week. > >Heh heh heh, Looking Gooood!! > >Out through the out door, >-Z You sound more and more like a Sesame Street sketch with each passing week, you know that? I can't even begin to imagine the type of personality your wife has to successfully live with you. :>D Congratulations and yeaahhhh buddy. Arawn, Racouol, Peredhil31, OneMeanElf, Nisassa, all in the "in-game" segment. What a coup! Oyoyoyoyoy. A decription for me, edits *still* waiting on the guildlisting, sleep to catch up on (wit recharging. Not to mention common sense.), war to declare on Temple Joat (as soon as I convince the rest o' the council [by the by, I know who it is, and we simply *must* war with them. Either that, or declare an alliance right off the bat. It's guys who we'd love to mess with and who'd love to be messed with], and *SOME* kind of full official listing of members and rules of play. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeshhhh. You know you're playing too much AM when you're going to skip a night, and this makes you worry for your guild. {:>) Ach du lieber (I neither remember how that's spelled nor what it means, but there's no Iuz here to reprimand me, so Pfft!, I say!). My new job is going quite nicely, but I tell ya, there's nothing like an entire day's worth of data entry to make you long for retail. Especially since today I have class DIRECTLY after work. So from 9AM-9:30PM on Fridays, I am typing, notettaking, and memorizing. It burns, precious! It burrrnssss! I'm actually looking forward to working in the bookstore tomorrow. :>) Oh, one note afore I go- as for wossname (the smart guy whose Archmail I sent you) I say we ask him to apply to our guild, and if he refuses, attack. Ain't I a stinker? Catch you in a day or two. Yours in writer's cramp, ~Ozy~ Coffee, help me coffee... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: HEEEEEEEELLLP! Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 23:27:51 GMT >From: Zool's email >To: Ozymandias' email >Subject: HEEEEEEEELLLP! >Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 09:04:15 -0700 (PDT) > >Ozy, > >Well now I did it. On S1 BH I got into a discussion about Pacifists? >and their counter policy. Unfortunately, I think I may have pissed off >a rather powerful force in Terra - couldn't bode well for our guild. > >What should I do? You've been around longer than I, and I'm sure you >know some of these people. Should I back off with a reconcilliary >post, and make possible allies of P? Or should I stick it to them? > >This could have strong repercussions for the future of our guild, so >methinks I should get your opinion... > >On the edge of my seat... >-Z Well, bards by nature *are* individualists. A guild simply comes in handy because it offers more jobs. Now that BSing a bit has given me time to think- You go ahead and do whatever you see fit. It won't be against policy. As for whether or not the guild will back you, well, lemme ask OME, Nisassa, and Peredhil. I'll keep you posted. And hey, You can at least count on your founder. ~Pete~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Re: Hello Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000 05:04:32 GMT >From: Zool's email >To: Ozymandias' email >Subject: Hello >Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2000 04:41:29 -0700 (PDT) > >Wassup? > >Saw you had departed Terra - hope all is well. > >Hope it is a temporary thing, I would hate to lose such a budding >friendship. > >Write soon, >Zool :>) Ah, my idiosyncratic Eradication buddy, it was but temporary. It actually wasn't even intentional. It was just...errr, one of those silly things. See http://arch17.magewar.com/ubb/Forum23/HTML/000385.html for details. [Edited - personal] Can you tell I've been up just a *wee* bit too long? (My kingdom for that little eye-rolling similie that UBB lets you do) Hopefully by the time this week is out, I will finally publish one of my own original pieces in the Conservatory (not that playing Nemphis the fallen angel doesn't sound DARN cool), We'll have a basic guildpage, and you, Peredhil and I can REALLY start running our mouths off. But damn, he's so good at it! I keep having to resist the urge to kneel. Btw, could you give me his mage #? Since I croaked, I lost it. I didn't have it anywhere but in archmail. {:>\ He's in, but I still haven't told him! Ayayayay. I don't waaaaaaannaaa study for my networking quiz! I just DON'T. But it was, after all, my idea. In for a penny... Seriously considering bed before 1 AM, ~Ozy~ Hey, thanks for the concern. It *is* appreciated. But I'm not quitting AM anytime soon, heck no. So don't worry- be happy. (Ozymandias abruptly changes race, slips on a pair of glasses and skips off singing, "Doodoo, a-doo-doodoo, Be Happy" to himself.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 From: Ozymandias' email To: Zool's email Subject: Time is fleeting...Madness...takes its toll... Date: Fri, 03 Nov 2000 15:05:44 GMT I despise that movie, but hey, it is a pretty cool song. How've you been, my left coast buddy? I know I've been kind of delinquent in correspondence, but I've got some really good excuses (sounds ike you have too, from what I gather). (Booming car commercial voice) WITH A SCHEDULE LIKE THIS, I MUST BE INSANE! The meat of our guildpage is finished (read: content). I just need to translate it into the proper code. Hopefully I'll get that done muy rapido, or suck-TALK Arawn into it. With the aid of your silver tounge, of course. Boy oh boy did I pick the right publicist!! I'm still impressed by your snagging as many people as you have. But I'm beginning to wonder if our guys think that you're one of my multies, especially after the AM Woods sent me. {:>) Bears looking into... I completely forgot to tell you- the last quiz I was fretting over I passed with a straight A. Hooo yeahh. I also successfully survived my midterm. So far, so good. Now if I could only get some of the reading done... On the plus side, there's no quiz today, AND *I* have my homework done. It's been so long since I finished homework A) Early and B)Honestly it's a darn good feeling. Even if it was only an eight question survey. And for added flavor, I'm moving! I have no idea how this might affect my Archmage time, but we shall see. It may cut me down to once a week. :>( But, my *own* place! Yaaaay! It will be finalized within the month. Wish me luck! ~Ozy~ Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most. -Unknown Boom, boom, ain't it great to be crazy? -Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Portrait of Zool Posted February 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 And the Pen was off and running! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 13, 2005 Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 My goodness this brings back memories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted February 13, 2005 Report Share Posted February 13, 2005 To think I was playing and never noticed.. *walks off shaking her head at such sillyness* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 ~Picking up the Story~ (from the archives of peredhil31) Message From Ozymandias (#2423) at Fri Nov-03-2000 15:38:52 Thanks. I needed a good laugh. You, sir, will go far in this oragnization... Speaking of which, do you have two allies? It's probably FAR past time I acquired a second. Sincerely, ~Ozymandias~ ~~~~ Message From Peredhil31 (#2504) at Fri Nov-03-2000 16:25:11 sent to Ozymandias: ::Sound of a terrible crash and clatter:: *Several Elf-Lords Aspecting their inner flames run into Lord Elrond's chamber. Aether lights already cast a nimbus glow around their upraised hands, ready to defend their master against the many foes of late.* *the Peredhil is sitting dazed on the floor, clutching a parchment that has the distinctive curls of a Mage Message. The Dove that brought it calmly pecks seeds on the window-sill. Its distinctive pen-feathers markings proclaim the Guild from which it comes.* "Sorry, no threat," Elrond elucidated. With a wave and a blue glow he dissipated the gathered energies. "Just an unexcepted offer of alliance." "We're allowed to ally?" asked Allison? "Simply stunning news," stammered Stan! "Does such grouping invalidate the Guild?" queried Gertrude as she stroked her chicken. "No!" chortled Elrond. "In these mysterious lands, we are allow to ally WITHIN the guild!" "With whom shall we ally? Zool? Racoul? Crooner?" "No. We've been invited to ally with... HIM." ::Sound of a terrible crash and clatter:: *Several more Elf-Lords Aspecting their inner flames run into Lord Elrond's chamber. Aether lights already cast a nimbus glow around their upraised hands, ready to defend their master against the many foes of late.* *Elrond stands alone, power wreaths his brow, joy crowns his face. Wisdom and incredulity chase rapidly around and around his split-ends. Elf-Lords sit stunned in disbelief about his feet* "HIM? HIM! HIM?! HIM!?" A chorus of joyous disbelief greeted the newcomers. In a spontaneous outburst of joy, the gathered Elves began to sing, "Tis Fa-la-la-lolly, Down here in the valley, We might get to ally! "Though we be so dim, We might ally with HIM, It could be a whim, But we approach it with vim! Our Founder and Leader, An accidental deleter, On disaster we will teeter!" (and off did their voices peter... With renewed vim and vigor, Elrond approached the Dove. Mistaking the hungry look in his eye for a hungry look, the Dove fled in a flurry of feathers. Undaunted, Elrond set about communicating his willing desire to have HIM as an ally. "I'd better get some more creatures...having those Starving Peasants in my third barracks might not be want he wants to see coming to help..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Message From Peredhil31 (#2504) at Sat Nov-04-2000 11:39:52 War Arrow to Savage: (Pillage - successful) Dearest Savage, Your Zombies have been out wandering around again; this time they strayed into my Kingdom a few times. I suppose this is why they are called the Restless Dead. Anyway, the second time they came by, they left a number of body parts behind. The smell from the ever-rotting Undead flesh is disturbing they Dryads... You know how THAT goes! Moan, Moan, Moan. Finally, the Wraiths, immune to the stench, volunteered to return the Zombie parts to you. Normally I'd just burn them, but since there was no War Arrow, knowing you for a Polite Mage, I knew that you simply couldn't have know about their wanderings. This message (I'm sending with the Wraiths) is to let you know. Good Luck and Good Hunting, Elrond Peredhil, 31 ~The Pen is Mightier than the Sword~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Message From Peredhil31 (#2504) at Sat Nov-04-2000 19:01:56 Dearest Totti! It was nice of you to drop by and visit. I'm COUNTER-ATTACKing mostly to ask a question. When you say Random in your War Arrow (Incidently, as part of the Terra-Friendly Recycle Program, I'm reusing your Arrow. Only had to fix one letter on the fletching. :> ), do you truly mean Random? Is anything really Random? Is life that meaningless. I know when I attack, it isn't random, I compare ranges, magical specialties, the power to fort ratio, and many other things. Such calculations lead me to believe that I'm going to get munched in this counter-attack, yet I feel the philosophical ideas behind your intriguingly ambiguous arrow message needed to be explored. Did you by any chance mean 'Random' to indicate 'carefully calculated attack'? respectfully, Elrond Peredhil, 31 ~The Pen is Mighter than the Sword~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Message From Peredhil31 (#2504) at Sun Nov-19-2000 14:30:40 You received letter on an arrow from Brainiac (#193). Random pillage Sun Nov 19 04:25:54 2000 ALERT!!!!! The border of your country was pillaged by Brainiac (#193)'s troops. 60 farmland, 25 town, 10 workshops, 5 mage guilds were razed by the raiding party. 13,518 citizens were killed in the attempt and 1,843 more were reported missing. You estimated you lost 230,127 gold in the raid. Also, your Ring of Animal Command was found missing. Sun Nov 19 04:25:54 2000 Brainiac (#193)'s Red Dragon burned 100 land to ashes and killed 13,518 citizens. They pillaged 230,127 gold and captured 1,843 peasants. Among the booties, there is 1 Ring of Animal Command. ~~~~~ Smote him heavily... with an Arrow, now lost. Unfortunately the battle was lost too. But he enjoyed the Arrow enough... ~~~~~ Message From Brainiac (#193) at Mon Nov-20-2000 18:21:04 I always knew those red dragons had something spooky going on! Wandering out every night, telling me they are going to get a beer or two, coming back as sober as total abstainers, smelling like if you put your nose right down into a fireplace. And every time my coffins seems to have been filled by the gods with gold. Believe me, they have become punished, I sent them out on a suicide mission, and they did well, they all died Now back to reality, I had more red dragons than what was good for my upkeep, and I had actually hoped you would kill a few of them, but... you didn't! Anyway I needed the gold, and I just hope you don't feel abused It won't happen again if I can avoid it... ~~~~~~ Turning Enemies into Friends via Archmail. The Pen WAS Mightier than the Sword. Message From Brainiac (#193) at Wed Nov-22-2000 04:38:59 Good Luck and Good Hunting to you too, my Lord Mage. My wish is for the two of us to never meet on the battlefield again, unless united against a shared enemy. Once again, good luck in the future! Lord Brainiac, monk of The Order Of Ni (TOON) and knight of the Imperium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Webber because a practice dummy for the Pen at that time. He started out by multi-attacking with the following response to our "Arrow required" Magi descriptions. ~~~~ Thu Nov 23 13:12:52 2000 You received letter on an arrow from webber (#523). yeah whatever u said before Repeated Twice, then: You received letter on an arrow from webber (#523). my MRs will hurt u when i have 6000 Then response from a not-so-Polite Peredhil Message From Peredhil31 (#2504) at Fri Nov-24-2000 06:16:52 Hail Webber! How exciting, a banal reply twice (yeah, he grunted, whatever u said), and then a threat of more attacks when you get 6000 MR! The Multi-attack might have slipped by, but the last comment...You realize of course, that you just declared war? Dearest Enemy, you are about to make this reset much more interesting for me! Enjoy the land you received - your stacking is unimaginative, but your timing was perfect! I'd just miscalculated and mana burnt myself. 4000 Treants, all my spells and a Level 17 Shaman gone by one turn's miscalculation. LOL! But, judging by your 'whatever' comments, you probably lack the intelligence or literary skills to have read this far anyway. I look forward to a long and protracted conflict. I need the practice. Mind Rippers. Aren't they undisbandable and require population? I'll be seeing you repeatedly until the reset. Good luck! Elrond Peredhil, 31 ~The Pen is Mightier than the Sword~ Quillbearer ~~~~ The initial report to Ozymandias and the wise measured response of Ozymandias and Zool. Message From Peredhil31 (#2504) at Fri Nov-24-2000 19:30:14 Well... I logged in to discover that whilst I'd was vulnerable, I'd been multi-attacked by webber. When he first attacked me, he had no Arrow at all. I counter-attacked with a lengthy message correcting it. When he multied, he stated on 1 & 2 'yeah, whatever u said anyway'. The third warned me to 'wait until I have 6000 mindrippers'. So... I received favor from Magic, recast all my spells... pillaged Webber 4 times, to offer him a series of 'instructional' arrows. Couldn't pillage the 5th arrow, so I sent it via Archmage. Then I thought it over, and decided to attack rather than disbanding. Oops - level 14 Dark Knight gone with the 30K Dryads! I really should take the time run a stack calculator... Easy come, easy go - I received all 4 heros I had from Moon. I donated every 24 hours for 8 days in a row - day 5 - level 11 enchantress, day 6 - level 13 (something with valor) day 7 - level 14 Dark Knight day 8 - level 17 Shaman. Then I had to blow it all by saying something stupid like build 12 turns of nodes... Anyway, I sent a copy of the Instructional arrows to Zool, copy available on request. Question about the Guild thingie - What kind of information are we allowed to share? Could I get FOGged if I told my Guild Leader that Webber #523 has an Ally (Asmodeus) that sends Dark Elves when Webber is attacked? Can I warn Guild members that Webber is so pitiful, he only uses straight blue creatures like Mind Rippers, Slyph, Sirene and Sprite? That he's wide open to pillaging and Mind Rippers need population... What are the limits for this sort of thing? I like the idea of only summoned creatures. I think its amazingly cool that you've survived so far without summoning. I remember my first reset, I went the first 2500 turns with only animals of all types. It worked surprisingly well in the lower ranks with Ring of Animal Command, Enlarge Animal, and my three Shepherdesses. At one point, my Sheep were my third stack! LOL. Just wanted to babble on mindlessly until I had to put my boys to bed. Good luck and Good Hunting! Elrond Peredhil, 31 ~TPiMttS~ QB Message From Ozymandias (#2423) at Fri Nov-24-2000 19:13:51 I am very *snort* sorry to hear about the mana burn (as we Magic players deem it). How are you? Healing well? :>D One point of small pride for me is that I haven't summoned troops once yet (using only items that give troops), and I've repulsed all but three attacks. Ahhh, it's a good feeling. You know, I'm in such a good mood, I think I'll go give Archmage Webber visit. Welcome him to the neighborhood and all like a good host. Certain momentous guild-type thingys are in the offing...more detailed message when I have more time. Get well soon! Sincerely, Ozymandias Message From Zool (#1982) at Fri Nov-24-2000 10:10:52 Would you like me to hit webber (#523) for you? > Can I? Can I huh?! -Z ~~~~ Webber's reply to my Counter-Attack and Arrow- sent eight times. Sat Nov 25 12:34:20 2000 You received letter on an arrow from webber (#523). what r u talkin bout sorry bout ur hero jokes ahahahha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 The plot thickens with Dr. X, an undeclared ally (or extra account) of Webber. Message From Peredhil31 (#2504) at Mon Nov-27-2000 15:01:02 sent to 3379 after a failed pillage and scrying. 27NOV2000 Dr. X, It was so nice of you to come by my Kingdom. I must warn you, I siege in response to pillages. I siege in response to Scrying. I Multi-attack in response to either no War Arrow, or a boring or mispelled War Arrow. I don't normally like Multi-attacking, but one must uphold the standards of one's Guild. You did read my description first, right? Having read that, you did read my Guild's description, right? Then that means you WANT me to attack you with educational messages on how to write War Arrows until you get it right. I welcome the opportunity to teach you, once you come out of protection. Your patient teacher, Elrond Peredhil, 31 ~The Pen is Mightier than the Sword~ Quill-bearer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peredhil Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Zool and I kept in constant communication, exchanging vital battle data to keep the Guild running smoothly. As you can tell, Zool was a strong writer even back then. Message From Zool (#1982) at Mon Nov-27-2000 17:33:58 Hehehehe. Go Baby!! My last exchange after a successful counter; Message From Scintael (#1) at Mon Nov-27-2000 13:55:58 BAH!! You just had to hit me while I was powered down, didn't you? Bleh! [DELETE] [REPLY] My reply; I didn't know what else to say. ~~~~~ Message From Zool (#1982) at Mon Nov-27-2000 17:59:38 Actually it was pretty funny... He hit me, but fortunately I run full barriers, or at least that's the only reason I can think of that he didn't get through. I looked him up, and thought 'what the H?' So I wrote a short little arrow incorporating his description and the battle and hit him back - and to my amazement I won!! So he sent back the message he did. It was tempting to be flippant (That's what you WANT me to think ) - but brevity won out. I was damn lucky and that was that. My stacks were a mess and I was low on turns, so I graciously dropped a stack to be able to cover my dragons and ran with the land. Kiauma is out of meditation in an hour and a half or so, 10 PM your time. I'll be there. Let me know how 'Mr X responds... -Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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