Ptolemaic Times, Issue #2

EDITORIAL: HEGEMONS AND STRATEGOS

Recent meditations with the Great GOD ZEUS have revealed to me the error of my ways. I had been assuming that as a Hegemon (Ptolemy), various Strategos would be assigned to me historically. It turns out that we Hegemons must bargain for our generals "You have to convince a player to join you through some incentive (cash, troops, etc.) and then try to keep them in your fold as other Hegemons are trying to pry their loyalty away from you." (ZEUS NORBERTOS)

If we Hegemons must bargain for generals, it would seem to be a good idea to:

1. Get an email list of those who are playing as such (How about that, Zeus?)
2. Invite more of our own friends to play--on our side, of course!
3. Recruit up to our limit (3 per Hegemon for most, as per the list distributed).

Now that we've got that straight, as Ptolemy I'd like to invite all Strategos players to email me (celsden@aol.com) who would like to take up a command, or perhaps better the terms they have currently with other Hegemons!

Good luck to all!

STILL LOOKING FOR RULES IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES

Can anyone set me up with a copy or xerox of CLASSICAL HACK? I'd be happy to pay mailing costs, or download it from your site. After all, it looks like I may even have to be my own general, since the only fellow I know well who is going is another Hegemon! Egad!

Is anyone playing Cleopatra!?! (see recent Ptolemy bio sent out by Norbertos). I could use some female encouragement! No rules, no general, and nobody to take out Saturday night! Oh brother! Did I volunteer for this, or is it just a movie by Mel Brooks?

HEGEMON DIPLOMACY STILL SLOW

It would seem that diplomacy among the Hegemons is still tentative. Although it is still early, pre-game diplomacy may be an important means for Hegemons to achieve their goals, even in a miniatures campaign. So don't wait until the listed diplomacy session on the JodieCon schedule to get your feet wet! If you do, your game may be over before you and your generals begin to push lead!

Imagine for example, that you are a peace-loving fellow (like myself, for example), and decide not to make any bargains before the Con starts. What if three other players have in the meantime joined in league against you? Will your own ability or that of a couple of good generals be enough to beat a combination of so many foes? Now I'm just a desert hawk off on the borders of the empire myself, quite content to mellow out: " He concentrated on improving his province while the other generals fought..." (Ptolemy Bio) But can you trust others to be so friendly? Or are you so sure you are tactically Frederick the Great...

Those Hegemons who have communicated to me so far are thanked! Those who have not obviously do not have my support in anything the do for now. (Hint--call me).

ALEXANDER TRIVIA QUESTION

What well-known actor played Alexander The Great in the 1960s TV Pilot of the same name (which was not picked up for a show)?

Hint #1: He later made famous a role as a leader in a successful TV series.

Hint #2: His later character had a classical middle name.

Hint #3: He recently appeared on TV guesting as an alien.

Hint #4: He recently wrote a book using his character's middle name as the centerpoint.

(Answers to hints and name at end of issue)

HISTORICON FRENZY

So, brothers--who is getting together at Historicon for a practice game? Is it going to be Friday night, or when? Let's get it together!!!

WANTED: QUEEN OF THE DESERT!

Wanted: One Queen to share late Classical rule of Egypt and surrounding satrapies. Cadidate must be loving, royal, and have Elephant Unit. If interested, please send photo of elephants!

Send To: Ptolemy, Royal Palace, Alexandria (Lower Nile Delta)

RULES CLARIFICATIONS

After further meditations with Zeus Norbertos, it has been said that:

1. The garrison rule should prevent "last turn madness" by small commando raids trying to seize territory at the last moment.
2. Sea battle "possession" of sea areas will be determined by superiority of force at the time of the battle.
3. If you have had trouble reading maps, the numbers for satrapies are listed in the material at the site.

Answers to Trivia Question

Hint #1: Star Trek

Hint #2: James Tiberius Kirk

Hint #3: The Big Giant Head on "Third Rock From The Sun"

Hint #4: An alternate universe Trek novel where "Tiberius Kirk" rules the Star Empire ("Terror must be maintained, or the empire is doomed.")

Answer: William Shatner, of course.

"Men, I'll need every ounce of muscle power from those galleys--now!"

"But Your Majesty, we doin' the best we can, but we canna break the laws of physics..."