Notes from Hades

his last month saw me travel to what is arguably my most exotic destination yet: New Delhi, India. It was certainly the most unusual trip. My biggest concerns going there were all health related. I made sure to bring bottled water and mosquito repellent, and overall survived the trip in good order. Of all the westerners who attended this particular conference, I would estimate that 90% of them, including myself, ended up with either an intestinal or respiratory ailment. In my case, it was respiratory. It felt like a cold, but lingered longer than they usually do. I still have the cough, although it is fading. Aside from that, it was quite enlightening for me to see what it was like in a developing country. Poverty was rampant. You could see makeshift tents and shelters in most areas of the city, and beggars were everywhere. A colleague of mine was out with a group one night and made the mistake of actually giving some begging children some money. A whole horde of children mobbed their taxi, even hanging onto it while the taxi was moving. Traffic was awful, as well. It seemed that traffic signals and signs were treated more as recommendations rather than rules. I even saw signs that said, “Lane driving is safe driving” and “Do not drive in wrong direction.”

We were hosted by the Indian government, specifically the Ministry of Trade. They were wonderful hosts. The conference facilities were good, although they kept increasing the cost of wireless Internet access every day. The food was good, although by the end of the week, I was pretty sick of buffet Indian food. The Saturday after the conference, they arranged a bus trip to Agra, where we visited the Taj Mahal. It was an incredible sight. While the gardens within the compound were a little bit overgrown, the main structure itself was amazing. Faced entirely in pure white marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones, it was quite a site to behold. Inside, the screen around the sarcophagi had some precious stone inlay, and the work was truly gorgeous. Overall, I'm glad I had the opportunity to make the trip. I'm not sure if I want to go back, however.

We once again have one game ending this issue, as Dave Partridge wins in Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. Congratulations to Dave on his victory. We'll start up Terrier next time to replace it.

The next deadline is Tuesday, December 5 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

Terrier. Silverton. We will play the advanced game with the Hiring and Advancement optional rule. Have Dave Partridge, Bill Scharf, Andy Lewis, Paul Bolduc, and Michael Longdin, will take up to 1 more. Starts next issue!

Hound. Outpost. Dave Partridge, Bill Scharf, Kevin Wilson, Andy Lewis, Michael Lowrey, Andy York, Eric Brosius, and Michael Longdin, will take up to 2 more.

Flea Collar. Kremlin. This game will start when Sled Dog ends. Have Bob Robles, Brendan Whyte, Pasquale Giovine, Chris Geggus, Mike Scott, and Cary Nichols. This game starts this issue!

Dog Park. Machiavelli. Rules determined by player vote as usual. Have Kevin Wilson, Dave Partridge, Bob Robles, Pasquale Giovine, Mike Scott, and Dale Horsely, will take up to 2 more.

Bulldog. Seafarers of Catan. We will be playing the Oceans scenario. Have Mike Scott, Dave Partridge, Michael Longdin, and Andy York, need up to 2 more.

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 Dennis Cain, need up to 2 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, Kevin Wilson, and Dave Partridge, will take up to 4 more.

New World. Have Dennis Cain, will take up to 5 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.