Notes from Hades

ell, it has been another busy few weeks. I took another trip, once again to Paris. This time, however, I was able to finally visit the Louvre. Since I arrived at my hotel at about 8:30 am, and I couldn't check in until 1:00 pm, I had to do something with my time. The Louvre is an enormous place, and a few hours is not enough to see everything. I started with the Italian paintings, where the Mona Lisa is, of course. Near that are a number of large French paintings, which I also saw. I was able to see a number of the famous pieces: the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and a number of Rembrandts and Reubens. There was an interesting section that showed the foundations of the original medieval (and much smaller) Louvre. After about three hours, I was on complete art overload, plus I was exhausted from the flight, so I checked into my hotel and took a nap. Beyond that, it was a short trip – I returned on Wednesday (after arriving on the prior Sunday).

Only a few days after my return, it was Celeste's turn. She only went as far as Tampa, Florida, however, for a family reunion. It was the first time she, her sisters, her brother, and their cousins had all gotten together since Celeste was 6, so it was quite an event.

Two games end this issue. The Drifter finally puts Innocente out of his misery in Outlaw Dogs, and the Spanish treasury carries the day in Jackal. Congratulations to Andy Lewis and Andy York.

The next deadline is Tuesday, August 21 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

Dog Park. Machiavelli. Rules determined by player vote as usual. Have Kevin Wilson, Dave Partridge, Bob Robles, Pasquale Giovine, Mike Scott, Dale Horsely, Jerry Roalstad, and Lynn Mercer. This game is full.

Bulldog. Seafarers of Catan. We will be playing the Oceans scenario. Have Mike Scott, Dave Partridge, Michael Longdin, Andy York, Dave Hooton, and Chris Geggus. Starts this issue!

Greyhound. Age of Renaissance. This game will start when Dog Chow finishes and will use the European rules and alternate map. Have Michael Longdin, Bob Robles, Dave Partridge, and Steve Koehler, will take 2 more.

Malamute. New World. Have Dennis Cain, Andy Lewis, Andy York, Dave Partrige, and Cary Nichols, will take up to 1 more. Starts next issue!

Cats and Dogs. History of the World. Have Andy Lewis, Kevin Wilson, Dave Partridge, Dave Anderson, Paul Bolduc, Michael Longdin, and Dennis Cain. Starts next issue!

Sand Flea. Dune. We will use the optional Lansraad, Ixians, and Bene Tleilaxu powers. Have Kevin Wilson, Bob Robles, Paul Bolduc, Michael Longdin, and Ward Narhi, will take up to 1 more (2 if one player plays the Bene Tleilaxu).

Canus Domesticus. Republic of Rome. This will be run as a pbem game through the website, and will not be synchronized with the zine. Have Ward Narhi, Dave Partridge, Paul Bolduc, and Michael Longdin. Will take 1 or 2 more.

Wish List

Gunslinger. Scenario to be determined. Have Paul Bolduc and Chris Geggus, will take up to 5 more.

Kremlin. Will start after Flea Collar ends. Have Ward Narhi, will take up to 5 more.

Silverton. Will start after Terrier ends. Have Dave Partridge, Michael Longdin, and Ward Narhi, will take up to 3 more.

Robo Rally. Will take up to 8.

Machiavelli. Will take up to 8.

History of the World. Have Chris Geggus, will take up to 6 more.

Merchant of Venus. Will take up to 6.

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.