Notes from Hades

ast month, we took the boys camping for the first time. We went to Palomar State Park, a place that Celeste and I had been to several years ago. It was mid-week, and the campground was not crowded at all. The boys loved it. We were there for two nights, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It didn't hurt that on our second day, a family showed up in an adjacent campsite with boys close to their age – instant friendship. They are already talking about the next time.

I also took another business trip (which is why the deadline for this zine was a week later than normal). This time it was to the exotic locale of Detroit, Michigan. We were in the northern suburb of Southfield (ironic), and as usual, I was kept pretty busy, so I didn't really get to see much of the city.

Once again, two games end this issue – both of them Machiavelli. Off the Leash finally ends with a French victory, and Naples pulls it out in Dogfight. Since both games were gunboat, I am not revealing the identities of the players, so that the players can make guesses in their end of game statements.

The next deadline is Tuesday, October 2 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. Starts next 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 this 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 this 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.

Frontier Dog. Gunslinger .Scenario to be determined. Have Paul Bolduc, Chris Geggus, Mike Scott, and Andy Lewis, will take up to 3 more.

Pateel. Kremlin. Will start after Flea Collar ends. Have Ward Narhi, Mike Scott, Bill Scharf, and Bob Robles, will take up to 2 more.

Hunter. Silverton. Will start after Terrier ends. Have Dave Partridge, Michael Longdin, Ward Narhi, Cary Nichols, and Bill Scharf, will take up to 1 more

Barking Up the Wrong Tree. Machiavelli. Have Mike Scott, Cary Nichols, Dave Partridge, and Bob Robles. Will take up to 4 more. Starts next issue with whoever is signed up!

Wish List

Robo Rally. Have Dave Partridge and Bill Scharf. Will take up to 6 more.

History of the World. Have Chris Geggus and Dave Partridge, will take up to 5 more.

Merchant of Venus. Have Dave Partridge and Bob Robles. Will take 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.