Notes from Hades

y current work with the UN has led to an increased amount of travel for me. At the end of January, I spent three days in Paris, and I ended up having to go to Washington DC on the day of the dealine for the zine. And, although I'm spending a lot more time in airplanes than I really care to, the work is interesting and enjoyable. One thing I have to say about our hosts in Paris, is that they were quite generous. The meeting lasted two days, and they served us lunch both days, and took us out for dinner the first night. Both lunches were four course affairs (appetizer, main course, cheese, and dessert), with plenty of wine and excellent food. The dinner was likewise excellent, although it was only a three course meal (no cheese course). I was able to see the Eiffel Tower while I was there, but I wasn't there long enough to see much of the city. I can say that I didn't encounter the stereotypical French rudeness – everyone I encountered was quite pleasant. I did at least try to speak French initially, though, and that probably made a difference.

This issue sees the end of Pavlov, as the Atreides/Emperor alliance wins out in the battle of Tuek's Sietch, thereby claiming its third stronghold. Congratulations to Bill Scharf and Cary Nichols. That gives us room to start a new game, and that game will be Outlaw Dogs.

The next deadline is Tuesday, March 28 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please do not call or fax orders after 10:00 p.m. Pacific time. My wife and I tend to retire early. Also, if you want to fax in orders, call first. We hang up on unannounced faxes.

Game Openings

Doberman. Industrial Waste. This game will start after Junk Yard Dog ends. Have Eric Brosius, Dave Partridge, Richard Weiss, and Michael Longdin. This game is closed, but Dave and Eric are willing to defer to anyone who is not in Junk Yard Dog.

Outlaw Dogs. Gunslinger. A game of shootouts in the old West. The exact scenario to be determined. Have Chris Geggus, Paul Bolduc, Dave Partridge, Andy Lewis, and Mike Scott, need up to 2 more. Starts next issue!

Jackal. New World. A game of colonization in the Americas. Have Dave Partridge, Andy Lewis, Bob Robles, Andy York, and Brendan Whyte, will take up to 1 more.

Sirius. Merchant of Venus. We will use the Fast Setup, Lost ? Box, Own Species Bonus, Customized Spaceships, and the Agents, Bases, and Second Ships optional rules. Victory will be $4000. Have Chris Geggus, Dave Partridge, Andy Lewis, Dennis Cain, Bob Robles, and Paul Bolduc. This game is closed. Starts this issue!

Terrier. Silverton. We will play the advanced game with the Hiring and Advancement optional rule. Have Dave Partridge, Bill Scharf, Andy Lewis, and Paul Bolduc, will take up to 2 more.

Hound. Outpost. Dave Partridge, Bill Scharf, Kevin Wilson, Andy Lewis, Michael Lowrey, Andy York, and Eric Brosius, will take up to 3 more.

Flea Collar. Kremlin. This game will start when Sled Dog ends. Have Bob Robles, Brendan Whyte, Pasquale Giovine, Chris Geggus, and Mike Scott, need 1 more.

Wish List

Dune. We will use the optional Lansraad, Ixians, and Bene Tleilaxu powers. Have Kevin Wilson, Bob Robles, and Paul Bolduc, will take up to 3 more (4 if one player plays the Bene Tleilaxu).

History of the World. Have Andy Lewis and Kevin Wilson, will take up to 5 more.

Seafarers of Catan. We will be playing the Oceans scenario. Have Mike Scott and Dave Partridge, need up to 4 more.

Machiavelli. Rules determined by player vote as usual. Have Kevin Wilson, Dave Partridge, Bob Robles, Pasquale Giovine, and Mike Scott, will take up to 3 more.

Age of Renaissance. This game will start when Dog Chow finishes. Have Michael Longdin and Bob Robles, need up to 4 more.

In general, game ownership is recommended, but not required.

Note that a subscription to S.O.B. is not required to play in a game run by flier, but that a game fee will be charged to non-subbers.