Notes from Hades

ore travel. First was the end of January, when I took a short trip to Reading, England. I didn't get to see much of the city, but I did enjoy what I saw, with one exception: the traffic. Reading appears to have some of the most tortuous and confusing street of any that I have seen. As a result, getting into or out of the center of the city during rush hour is an exercise in patience. Overall, I did enjoy the trip.

The second trip was in mid-February, and it was to Redwood City, California. I didn't do much sight seeing, since I am familiar with the area, but I did get to visit some friends and relatives. Interestingly enough, on both trips, we were hosted by Oracle; in Reading in their UK headquarters, and in Redwood City in their worldwide headquarters. In both cases, they were wonderful hosts.

I've gotten some interest in the Republic of Rome game, so I'll go ahead and list it on the wish list. I won't start it with fewer than 5 players, however.

The next deadline is Tuesday, April 10 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

Hound. Outpost. Dave Partridge, Bill Scharf, Kevin Wilson, Andy Lewis, Michael Lowrey, Andy York, Eric Brosius, Michael Longdin, Cary Nichols, and Dave Hooton. Starts this issue!

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, and Dave Hooton, need up to 1 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, Dennis Cain, and Steve Koehler, will take 1 more.

Malamute. New World. Have Dennis Cain, Andy Lewis, Andy York, and Dave Partrige, will take 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.

Gunslinger. Scenario to be determined. Will take up to 7.

Kremlin. Will start after Flea Collar ends. Will take up to 6.

Silverton. Will start after Terrier ends. Have Dave Partridge, will take up to 5 more

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 and Dave Partridge. Will take 3 or 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.