GAME 557 GAZETTE

[Nehemiah]

Turn 10

Welcome to the 1st issue of the Gazette for game 557.

Apologies to all you faithful readers who have been PATIENTLY awaiting the inagural issue of this fine publication.

For those new readers, here are some of the the players
Nehemiah - editor in chief
Prince Omar - true ruler of Noricum, often hiding out in Scandia
Madame Varnais - gifted Frankish astrologer who NEVER misses on her predictions
Lord Diamond - see his origin elsewhere in the forum
The Pope - no introduction needed

Franks jump to early status point lead.
Residents of Viennensis claim they were Vandalized by northern invaders.

We asked the Frank leader about this. His response, "I had to expand somewhere". We at the Gazette are quite surprised at the success of the Franks. According the the time traveller Lord Diamond, the French will not win a single war after the 100 Years War unless the USA sides with them. The only exception being the French Civil war in which the French will go 1-1.
Editor's Note: We can not confirm or deny the veracity of Lord Diamond's statements as they are forward looking.

Saxons and Alamanni agree to go on join maneuvers AGAINST EACH OTHER. The only proviso is that both sides have agreed to not attack Gazette production facilities.

For the record, the Gazette production facility in Gaul is located in the city at 1214. Normally, the production facility is a village, but increased readership forced the distinguished publication to relocate to a larger plant.

Note to readers: please get those ally/enemy declarations out there. We need cannon fodder.

Pope agrees to grant 100 indulgences for anyone willing to fast (miss) a turn. So far, there have been no takers. Ostrogoth diplomats report their nation will accept the offer at 200 indulgences. In response, the Pope was outraged and declared the Ostrogoth ruling family as heretics and recognized Prince Omar as the true king of Noricum. A coronation is imminent. No location has been given for the invitation only event.

Editor's note: High Lord Nehemiah has received an invite, but had to agree to withhold the location. After all, such an important event requires the presence of the Gazette.

Bringing you the news you need to know.

[Nehemiah]

TURN 12

The coronation of Prince Omar will take place in the city located in Gaul. We are truly honored that Prince Omar and the pope will be visiting. Remember, this is an "invite only" event. However, if you wish to send a gift to Prince Omar, send gold and supplies to the Alamanni. We will make the appropriate distribution.

Norse raid Prince Omar's apartment. Nothing much is found except a love letter from... We'll have to save that for the next issue of the Gazette.

Merchants in Noricum are outraged at the pope's decision to recognize Prince Omar as king of Noricum. Churches in the region are suffering from a severe drop in revenue. As a result, spice flow from the east is expected to dry up. One of our reporters in Noricum reportedly heard one of the merchants say, "Let them (the pope and Prince Omar) eat tasteless fish".

Rumor has it, the church of Noricum is considering a break from the pope. Wow, that's news.

Celt troops have been spotted in Belgica--is King Arthur on the warpath?

The Vandals vow to vandalize the towns in Aquatania. Is this the origin of the word "vandalize"?

Lombards side with the pope on the Noricum issue and recognize Prince Omar as rightful ruler of Noricum. Troops are seen amassing on the border.

Bringing you the news you need to know.

[Nehemiah]

TURN 14

Alarm bells ring in Gaul. Savage invaders from the south seen in the streets of Gaul. Visigoth savages abound.

Sad to say, but the Visigoths have begun to destroy all the good will that was generated by Prince (now King) Omar's coronation.

Pope issues encyclical declaring all Visigoth soldiers who participate in any way, however small, in the war against Gaul, to be excommunicated. On the other hand, soldiers who correctly see the sin and futility of the savage raids will be granted 50 indulgences.


Last of the Vandal ruling family was set to see in a bier. Rumor has it that the band played Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner.

Classified:
Frankish King is looking for new venues to expand. If you have extra PC's you don't need, please contact the Gazette with details.

Wanted: Huns offer 30,000 gold for the TRUE HOLY GRAIL.


Madame Varnais foresees a death of one of the three kings residing on the Mediterranean Sea.

[Sancus]

Where is the Gazette? Where is Nehemiah?