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The Newsletter of the Union Alliance/Galactic Federation
8/24/01

Click above to visit Union and see the changes made TODAY!
Please visit our sponsors...helping Union is just a click away!

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Due to the unprecidented success of the new Union we humbly ask all leaders who have members in our mailing list above please inform us of whom you are forwarding this newsletter so we might lessen the number of those on our list. If ye know of any who should be receiving this and is not inform Lord Montahon. Likewise anyone who prefers for any reason not to receive this please contact him for prompt removal.

~FEATURES~
Editorial: The Eye of the Beholder
*Website Developments
*Game Review
Union Events
NoU BB/FFRPG Update
Sponsors Spotlight
Mages and Mysteries FFRPG: REWARD STILL OFFERED
Union Welcomes New Affiliates
Union Classifieds
Get Involved with YOUR Union!
This Week's Freebies: DbtS & Interplay

Editorial: Eye of the Beholder

"The lone adventurer realized too late the beholder was around the corner he turned in the dungeon's labyrinth. The monstrosity's charm spell was powerful and held him glued to the spot. He knew not if the creature had also cast fear upon him but terror washed over him in waves as it hovered closer, all its eyes upon him, its vile maul dripping a trail of green ooze as it hovered ever closer...

Bad break, huh? In the eye of the beholder, meaning me this time, the website looked great up until I finally was able this week to upgrade my comp to where I could see the entire realm at 1024 instead of 800. ARGHHH!!! Needless to say the first order of business was some background overhauls!

So the first of our website developments this week was an improved look for all 'beholders' in no less than the Gateway and Federation HQ (links above), Union West, Union Town, Union Keep and the Library. Any who use resolutions other than 800 and 1024 let me know if there are still any problems!

In keeping with our 'realistic fantasy' format I have added The Internet (Terran) Sacred Texts Archive and Bulfinch's Mythology to the Works of Wisdom section of the Library. Many of these are complete works, such as the Bible and Bulfinch's, and we are very proud to make them available to our members and visitors! Alas, we have removed the Astrology text from the Library...because they have become a Sponsor! See this week's Spotlight for details!

The Nation of Union BB/FFRPG is well underway and so much is going on there a seperate article is required! (See article and links below.) I'll just say here it would well behoove any who are interested in being a part of Union in gaming, writing, AND future publications to get in there and get involved!

With improved computer capabilities and access to even more great games, I have reviewed no less than six this week on my mini-vacation. News of these will come but I must again plug my all time favorite and invite everyone to come...

Now you know I must REALLY love something if I suggest it but don't have a sponsor for it! The link above will take you not only to where you can learn about the game but get a free demo of it to get used to moving, jumping, hacking, slashing, beheading and so on!

The demo will not allow for internet play but this is one of those freebies folks! Just hook up on the net with the complete game and you're ready to go! The two disc set (including 'Limb from Limb', the add-on with still more creatures and features!) is available at the same link direct from Interplay for $9.95!!! I'd strongly suggest the demo first, not only to see if you like it but to get used to the truly 3D environment and learning to use the keyboard to make amazing and very natural moves even Xena would be proud of!

This game is rated 'Mature' for mild langauage and AWESOME gore. (!!!) In some fights reminiscent of Monty Python's 'The Holy Grail' you will actually dismember your foe 'limb from limb' (good title then, huh?!?)...but the same fate can befall you! Winners of bouts on the net won't necessarily be the best warriors but those with the best computer equipment and net access...so ye'd best try to get to me before I get my DSL!!!

So, another week has passed and we just keep getting better and better....however you might percieve our fair Union!

...his brain becomes a tangle of searing flames as the wanderer realizes in horror the creature is entering his mind...he can't resist...too...powerful...

"Excuse me," a 'voice' as vile and hideous as the creature itself roars through his mind, "but I've been in this lousy dungeon for centuries since anyone has come by. This place has been murder on my eyes...I'll release you and even share some treasure if ye have some clean water with which ye might rinse them for me."

"Umm, sure," thinks he and is immediately freed from both charm and psychic assault. He reaches for his canteen but, in a second of realization of the potential prize before him, grabs the flask hidden in his cloak of molecular acid instead...

Counting those extra GP's already,
Monty

Union Events
Calendar of Union Happenings

Fridays 10 PM EST Sir Tigger Hosts Union's Magickal Tavern
Mondays 10 PM EST Sir Malik Hosts Union's Magickal Tavern

Wednesdays 9 PM EST Lord Montahon Hosts FFRPG at The Nation of Union

Join the Nation if you have yet to...be a part of Union history!

Sundays 2 PM EST Lord Monty's Outings to Alhanzar (click only if ye have not already downloaded it.)

Also watch here for upcoming scheduled events in The Zone and other arenas!

NoU BB/FFRPG Update

Hmmm...where to start? Probably the best way to say it is if you are not in this game you are not a part of our history! We have already, in just over a week, completed what may soon be the first IRL chapter in what has already become the beginning of the 'second generation' of our Union! Publication is planned after the now complete first novel so two 'first in NoU series books' may hit the market and yes, major contributors will get royalties!

The 'tale' has intrigue, twisting (and twisted!) plot lines, the ever present mystery of Mage's prescence among us AND the IRL prizes you may win in so solving! The game there is IC/IRL, meaning some very REAL events are discussed and 'played out' including matters of state, affiliate games and 'personal' romances, adventures and developments!

After adding the events there in last week's Gateway I have discovered it has gone well beyond the context of this newsletter. You so may want to join only to keep up with all that's going on even if ye don't wish to participate!

Keep visiting our sponsors...publication under our copyright AND publishing company is slated for Spring 2002 if the funds are available!

Sponsors Spotlight

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I'd said no more sponsors after the five I added week before last but this was a no brainer! Seems there were enough visits to Astrology.com for them to warrant an invitation to us for sponsorship! Who are we to refuse an offer like this?:

* FREE horoscopes and other readings, as has always been for anyone who visits, BUT with credit given to Union for each daily visit from our Sponsor Sites!

* A generous commission for any products or services bought when ye link there from the same!

* Special membership deals for joining on site from our links!

Gotta Love It!!! Because of the great deals offered us we are extremely proud and pleased as punch to be sponsored by them...they are truly a gifted and generous group of seers!

Visit them and any of our other Sponsors & Shops of interest to ye today!

Mages and Mysteries FFRPG
((This is a continuation of the ongoing PPRPG of which our IRL Mage has participated.))

Everyone has noticed the strange Mage who refers to himself as Mayhem lurking about Union's gate. Who is this man? Why is he here? Herein lies a mystery for all who wish to search for clues to who this man truly is and what omens his appearance brings Union. Your only hint: The answers are in Union, somewhere! Meet in the Tavern (OOC) and Keep (IC) to discuss your findings. An IRL prize will be awarded the member(s) who might solve this enigma!

Union Welcomes New Affiliates

The Turris Magna is the creation of a very eclectic architect and gamer. The club is open to all and GM's will LOVE it because he will allow any of his tons of great designs for keeps, castles and even cities to be used for free games with simply a mention of his name! Club membership is required for access and is well worth it just to SEE this fellow's impressive creations!

Axiom Sect has affiliated with Union and may be visited from Galactic Quadrant I.

Union Classifieds
A public service for all members, please mail Monty any ads that may be of interest to Union members. Ads will be posted free and will remain four weeks or until notification by the writer he wishes it renewed or removed.

Help Wanted

Assistant to LtL Tatanka: Assorted functions may include visiting realm sites, acting as ambassador to affiliates and light clerical duties. Knights will recieve 10pts/hr for satisfactory performance. Please write Lady of the Land Tatanka for further details.

Lord/Lady of Law (LL): Union Council post in desperate need of filling! This position currently requires less than three hours work per week and entails:
* A working knowledge of Union Law and a willingness to see it enforced throughout our realms.
* Assisting Monty in the preparation of Law texts and documents. (Web design skill desired, not required.)
* Benefits include Council voting priveledges and possible IRL employment.

High Priest/Priestess: This Post requires assisting Monty in the rebuilding of the Palace Temple and overseeing the recruitment and training of incoming priests. Some ceremonial duties may include conducting marriages and christenings. Applicant should be of sound moral character and tolerant of the beliefs of others.

Union Knights: Always 'hiring'! please read the handbook at the Library and now in the Knights' Keep ('runes' above). If ye have the metal and courage to join us, please do! No duties required but rank may be gained swiftly for: Tavern Hosts, FFRPG Proctors, Game Masters and Recruiters,to name a few. Please send an application or letter stating your interest.

Gateway News Staff: Any who would be interested in assisting Monty in writing articles, beginning or taking over an existing regular column or would like to help in any way please contact him!

IRL Items for Sale

Darthon's Claymore 32 lbs, 62 in, the original sword of Darthon himself, 'battle scars' included! Lord Montahon hates to part with it but shall if a good offer is made!

Mage Mayhem's Robes Truly magical! These appear as normal robes with a hood but become 'faceless' when reversed. Rare and no longer available (for now!), these are in Union royal purple and drop 48 in from the shoulder. Write Monty with an offer!

Personals

URGENT MESSAGE FROM ImPoTaNt KiLLa NyTe to EponaRaven: dam gurl whut is u raven up on newaze?

Get Involved with YOUR Union!

When at all possible support Union in these ways, which will allow for further developments and more fun!!!

* Visit Our Sponsors & Shops: Great freebies and just about anyting you could hope to find at great prices are there! Often just a click brings us much needed funds!

* Visit Chats and Add to BB's: If you haven't joined already please visit and sign up at the links above. These are off AOL and allow Monty to control the rooms and messages. There are also instructions at all to show you how to create your own chat's and BB's!

* Take a Union Title: Many are available and some (like the Union Knights) require little work, if any at all, and offer promotions! See the Tavern BB or write Monty for details or just tell him what you'd like to do!

* RECRUIT! If ye do not have the recruitment letter for Union please write Monty for it. Then it is as simple as forwarding it as a 'map' or 'scroll' to anyone ye feel may be intrested in visiting our fair realm. This is also a free and public newsletter ye may share with all!

This Week's Freebies: DbtS & Interplay

From the folks who brought you my favorite on-line game Die by the Sword (direct link above) and the awesome MMRPG Neverwinter Nights, Interplay dishes out dozens of dizzying demos, upgrades and other great gaming freebies! Visit them often and remember this link...if enough folks hit them from our realm they may someday answer our many letters just begging for some type of sponsorship offers!

" This be OUR realm...let's see she be her best!"
(quoted from LS Montahon)

original material and newsletter design copyright © Nation of Union 2001. Any uses other than distribution without modification by permission only.