Hello Everyone
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT We're going to be changing the format for the XMLs in
the near future (probably Monday). The problem for you guys is that you'll
need to use the latest version of Automagic to import the data for your
XML - it's just a matter of going to our (or Mike Mulka's via our website)
and download the latest version of the file. (The new AM is able to use
both formats of XML file so don't worry about that).
Why do you need to do that I hear you ask? Well the mapper is 99.99% done -
small tweaks to test out and then we'll release it in roughly two weeks time
(knowing the way these things work it will be a little longer). This needs
the new version of XMLs to work.
If you aren't using AM and are able to then please do so (ask for help if
you need assistance - we're more than happy to help out). If not then this
announcement won't affect you... 
Middle Earth news
Well we have had a hectic few months. Our aim this year is to try out lots
of conventions; Role Playing, Board Games, Wargame and many others including
EuroGencon earlier this year and last month USGencon. USGencon was cool, we
met up with around 15 of our Middle Earth players over the 4 days we were
there, got a decent amount of players to sign up (and now playing Battle of
Five Armies, our introductory scenario to Play By Email), ran into Rick
Loomis of Flying Buffalo fame (traded PBM stories for a couple of hours and
chatted about the future of PBM). Added to this we chatted to Pete Stassun
(owner of GSI) and basically had a fun time.
Lots of time was spent hobnobbing with the elite of gaming (we shared a
room with the guys who personally know Gary Gygax) and networking - lots
will come of this in future months. Small world that it is we ran into a
Boardgame company called Jeseret Games who are based in Cardiff (about 1
mile from the office)...
MEBPM Games is about to become Limited; a big step in our development as a
gaming company... Players hover around the 700 mark and we're soon to
release the Middle Earth Mapping program - an aide to collation and planning
of turns in Middle Earth - and basically we are so bursting with ideas to
develop PBM that we can hardly sit still. Enthusiastic? Yes!
···
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Letter for Flagship
Middle Earth PBM Games in conjunction with Flying Buffalo, Reality
Simulations and Harlequin games are inviting other PBM firms to join them in
an attempt to raise the public profile of Play by (e)Mail games.
We have various plans, including raising player's awareness in Origins, a 12
month set of ads in gaming magasines, with articles and reviews, on-line
reviews and much, much more.
**** Bree 24 now out - articles include Agents for FP, FTF w/end, Blind
Sorcerer - an effecive strategy, Riddle Competition and much, much more.
The following new games are filling up.
1650 2wk [Game 99]: 3 players needed - Gunboat game (see below for nation
duos) - 2 ntn [1/8/03]
1650 2wk [Game 95]: 3 nations still available. (25/7/03)
2950 2wk [Game 230]: 24 nations available. (9/8/03)
1000 2wk [Game 40]: 24 nations available 1 DS [11/803]
Bofa Beginners game:
We need experienced players as mentors for new players in BOFA - expect
several games to set up after GENCON. (Get in touch if experienced for a
special deal here - all the game for CHEAP!!!!!!!)
Setting up in a game:
When I get all 25 nations into the game I will allocate you your choice of
nation from the list of nations that you have sent me - please send multiple
nation choices as this helps to get everyone their 1st or 2nd choices - if
too many choose only 1 nation the system falls apart. All nations are
potentially available until I set up the game.
Descriptions of the type of game follow - please check this when contacting
me with regards playing in that game. When joining with allies please tell
me so that I can help out. You cannot join 1650/2950 games as Neutral with
an aligned or Neutral ally.
Up to 2 nation game: You can play one or two Aligned nations, or one Neutral
nation.
2 nation game: You must play two nations.
Game 99: Duos available (as per usual send me a list of duo of nations):
4+22 Arthedain +Harad, 6+23 N Gondor +Duns, 7+1 S Gondor +Wood, 8+2
Dwarves+Northmen, 9+5 Sinda+Cardolan, 10+3 Noldo+Eothraim.
18+14 Fire King+Cloud Lord, 20+24 D.Lieut+Rhudaur, 16+19 Ice King+ L.Rider,
11+15 Blind + Witch K, 17+13 QA+Dog Lord, 12+21 DragonL +Corsair
Note please ask for variant games we can try to get you opposition for them
if you are interested - mostly Grudge teams though - if I get 10 players for
any single type of game then I will put it up for general availability below
and push it, always check the rules for variant games;
Grudge Games we need opposition for:
1000: None
2950: Chris M (10), Jason V (12- Wotr var)
1650: Claus J (DS 10 team - mostly new players), Aussie Team (12 player
team - undefeated)
I have drop-outs available - don't forget you get a free turn for taking
these up...
E [Early] = 0-10 turn, M [Midgame]= 11-20, L [Late game] = 21+ [A= Aligned
if a Neutral, N= not aligned if a Neutral, P = Postal and Email game, G=
Grudge, 1w = 1week game, 3w = 3week game]
Bofa: None
1000: None
2950: NortGon (e), White W (n-m)
1650: Har (n - l) Dwa(l), Rhudaur (m-a)
Gunboat: 2 early 1650 . (Please note past turns for all these nations are
available) Ask for specifics on what is available.
Thanks
Clint
Check out our Message Board: www.halo5.net/meforums and the "mepbmlist" via
http://www.MiddleEarthGames.com
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Middle Earth Games
Mailto: me@MiddleEarthGames.com
Website: www.MiddleEarthGames.com
UK: Office A, 340 North Road, Cardiff CF14 3BP, UK
US: EpicMail, 12330 Perry Highway, 2nd Floor
Wexford, PA 15090
Phone times: 10am-6.30pm UK time (BST - British Standard Time); 5am-1.30pm
(EST)
UK: 029 2091 3359/ (029 2062-5665 can be used if the other is engaged) [Dial
Code: 011 44 2920. for US players]
UK Fax: 029 2062 5532
US Phone: 724 933 3132 - 10-5 EST
US Fax:: 1-503-296-2325 (24hrs) (preferred)
US Fax: 775 535 2171 (fax24hrs) (Alternate)
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