Beerfest: On Tap (12-03-06)

[Alexis]

Traders Unite


It seems that certain players have decided to leave the OPs, planets, and hunting to other alliances. A new alliance has surfaced, and has the potential to shift balance of the game.

Thus far, it has been that many of the most popular and "great" players have been hunters, fighters, and members of large alliances. This time, a new fleet is rooting to break that band; to make an impression on the SMR community as a whole. Hall of Gods is an alliance started and lead by Baalzamon, a well rounded and seasoned veteran. Very active in the communal forums, he has his fingers on the pulse of the community. When the GP asked about his growing alliance, he had this to say:

"When you ask someone to name a great SMR player, they will name people like Orca and Cuda, HK, and others...most of them are hunters. Our goal is to break that streak, and to make a huge impression on the community as an alliance of traders. None of us hunting, fighting, OPing, etc. We're traders. Its what we are good at, so why not do it?"

It seems that Baalzamon was skeptical of his own alliance at the start, asking anyone who showed up on the CPL if they wanted to join. Surprisingly to him and other community members, HoG seems to have flourished. It has its fair share of both vets and rookies who show a lot of promise. It seems that the Hall of Gods may indeed make an impression.

When asked how he manages to run the alliance himself (he hasn't run his own alliance in several games), he only says; "I have a great group. I have my right hand man Icey there...he's been there with me since >Go Die. Not to mention a lot of other great players and traders, and a few people who haven't played since old SM. Its not that hard to run an alliance that can pretty much run its self."

It seems that HoG is off to a good start, but will they manage to hold true for the long run, or will they wither away as many new alliances tend to do? Only time will tell.



Panic! at the West Quadrant


It has recently come to the attention of local inhabitants of the WQ race that their political board is awfully corrupt. They have come to realize that some of the most renowned hunters in the known galaxy have assembled and happen to be predominantly WQ Human. As a result of their power and influence, most of them have become high ranking politicians. However, many of them have been identified as gang members and have been stripped of the chance to be allowed to become president. But in a shock move, the leader of this ominous troop decided to become a deputy and has been seen taking up position of president on numerous occasions.

This fierce hunter has tried to implement full war with all other races, flexing full support from his team mates. This would force all traders of the West Quadrant to do business at only WQ Human ports, in order to comply with war embargoes. Traders have voiced concerns about how this would make it increasingly easy for those corrupt members to find their ports of choice and inevitably destroy them. Since the WQ Humans make up the largest race, universal war could fuel this council's agenda and these policies could possibly spread to other galaxies.. Several other politicians have, however, done their best to keep those corrupt members out of the presidency seat and to veto all attempts at war. Other races' politicians have also joined in the attempt to keep WQ Humans peaceful as these hunters may become an increasing threat as the game progresses.



Miscellaneous Observations


The West Quadrant Human capitol complex reported a record number of Business License applications granted in the past month; it is suspected that many of these positions are under the table. When contacted at the local pub for comment, Creonti trader LotuS blearily looked up from his Creonti Cooler and belched... "it's ALSKANT CHICKEN, IT'S ALSKANT CHICKEN..." and declined further comment.

Crusaders dominate the galactic warp through Teryllia with kill after kill. No crusaders were available for comment at press time but rumor has it they are trying to win zero g toasters.

Members of the Army of Cuda, who once led the traders in the known universe, were recently seen at the Underground headquarters handing out secretive literature. Cuda seemed unaware of the 30 ships stealthily trailing him to the lobby snack bar. Please stay tuned for the full news as reports roll in.



Narcotics Trade Worries Civilians


Top traders and alliance officials have noticed that while Luxury Items can be traded for top profit, there is a lot of money being made selling narcotics. The demand for these drugs has risen to extreme highs, especially in some of the more obscure galaxies.

Sausage Mahoney, a resident of the WQ Human galaxy, believes that the governments are not doing enough to prevent these illegal drugs from entering their homes. "There continues to be drug dealers making their shady deals right outside my home...", Mahoney laments.

When asked if he contacted the WQ Human police force, he peered quizzically and remarked, "Of course I contacted the police force! They were patrolling the area 2 hours after I made the request!"

Sausage Mahoney isn't the only individual speaking out against this trade. Residents of sector 1080 believe that their port is corrupt. Earlier today, around 500 civilians were seen outside of the port, protesting the sale of illegal narcotics.

"This needs to end! Here, and now!", resident Tobias Mawptop said at the protest, holding a sign that said "No more corruption. No more drugs."

The West Quadrant government rebutted with the figures of a growing $10 million worth of illegal narcotics seized.

When asked about the preventative measures taken to combat the drug trade, Salvene president Amakuz replied, "There is no way to prevent sales of narcotics." Salvene residents are disappointed and outraged at the lack of drug prevention.

It's obvious that the drug problem is overwhelming, but residents of racial galaxies are not the only ones suffering. The outer regions of Salzik and Teryllia have become drug infested holes, thanks in part to urban sprawl in Salzik and Teryllia. While racial governments have some control over the ports in these galaxies, it is becoming clear that these mafioso groups have complete control over, and advocate the selling of drugs in the area.. Ports have complained that federal inspectors have run searches less routinely.

Creonti inspector Lorvo Targa states, "Earlier this month we were able to easily get to these ports and inspect cargo for illegal goods. Lately, there has been an overwhelming mining effort by these 3rd party groups, and it is increasingly becoming harder to access these ports."

Army of Cuda's official LotuS replied, "I'm all for the production, sale, and distribution associated with the narcotics trade. I think it should be a free enterprise and think its something that could help a lot of people become rich, quick..." When asked if he cared about the people spending all their hard earned money on these drugs, LotuS replied, "No."

Suspect of illegal trading himself, the leader of System Failure, Jester, declined to comment on the issue. Either way, residents of Zili, Pyxis, Apus, and more are being sucked into a life of pirating, smuggling, and drugs.

The Federation has little power over the outer galaxies, lacking the resources to combat the warring alliances massive fleets. However, it is not yet decided how they will respond to the outcry to inspect all cargo being traded closer to home.



Let's Go Have FUN!


A new order of knights has emerged from the depths of the galaxies, and their claim to fame derives from their uncanny ability to appreciate the simple aspects of the universe that are taken for granted by most other traders. The Federation of Unknown kNights began as a loosely organized effort to assemble a montage of traders that could remind the universe how to have fun with their surroundings. Nearly three weeks into its existence, their numbers may show that having fun may not be such a bad strategy.

"Being in a major alliance is more actual work than people seem to realize..." commented FUN's leader, Red Cross kNight. "...people were taking things too seriously," he said, referring to his past experiences with super-powers.

Aside from creating an enjoyable trading atmosphere for veterans who are attracted to the idea of relaxing, FUN's mission statement also includes producing a solid learning environment for rookies.

"...we wanted to be able to teach the new players the basics while giving them a fun time learning to play," explained RCK.

The kNight team, which also includes Rainy kNight and Muddy kNight, is dedicated to creating an edifying community for those who participate in their uplifting endeavor. The Galactic Post looks forward to the progress that FUN makes throughout time.




Battle for Apus Ignites


Reports are coming in from the Apus galaxy that the Crusaders have attacked Army of Cuda outposts. Eleven ships bearing Crusaders colors and led by the infamous criminal Harry Krishna were sighted moving through the Apus warp sector 2110 in the early morning hours. The Army of Cuda minefield was swept clear by advancing federal ships in the Crusaders fleet and shortly after that, locals in sector 2107 were alarmed to see the armada in orbit over their world.

The Crusaders opened fire on the level 16 planet and in two shots brought down the heavy defenses. A single AoC ship, cloaked and untouchable, was spotted hovering around the smoldering orb. The attacking fleet moved onward through the inner minefield to its next target, but not before the federal ship in its midst was fired upon and destroyed by a quick and brave Army of Cuda defender in sector 2172. Mourning the loss of their comrade and cursing the alliance responsible for his death, Krishna and the Crusaders continued onward.

Inhabitants of the planet in sector 2171 awoke to the sound of defense sirens and the sight of bright explosions in the sky. Planetary combat drones launched into the atmosphere and the high grade laser turrets fired into the Crusaders fleet. The defense was no match for the well-armed fleet. Official reports of the incident show that the Crusaders fleet destroyed the planet's defenses in four shots.

A third planet came under attack in sector 2100. Resistance by the level 18 defenses was futile and the planet fell under Crusaders rule. World leaders handed over control to their new bosses. In honor of the event, Crusaders fleets allowed System Failure leader, Jester, to come destroy the cloaked AoC ship in orbit over 2107. The pilot, Lotus, was sent to the federal HQ in an escape pod, but took advantage of the opportunity to hit the commissary for more donuts.

Harry Krishna then declared the day a galactic holiday in honor of renewed peace and prosperity for Apus inhabitants. The precarious peace may be short lived however. Sources inside Apus report that within hours, the Army of Cuda had cleared all Crusaders forces in preparation for some kind of retaliation. The two alliances have been at war for several weeks, and political experts in the area say that this struggle for control of Apus is far from over.



Operations, as performed by the NHA


On Saturday, the port in Sector 1068 sent out a distress beacon to the federal government. It was under attack by members of the Newbie Help Alliance. There was only one death during the raid, and the Newbie Help Alliance didn't succeed in raiding the port. However, analysts agree that the NHA shall return to attack the port another day.



GP Sports Collumn


After a long all-star break, all Merchantball athletes have returned to their camps and competition resumed early this morning. Among the games being played today, was a match between the Thevians and the Ik'Thornes: the only remaining undefeated teams.

To this point in the season, the juggernaut of the Ik'Thorne offense has been unstoppable by its opponents, and their defense has been just as ferocious. The Thevians have boasted the best defense in the league, but have been unable to find their niche with their offensive abilities. It was quite a shock to spectators everywhere that the Thevians began the first quarter with two super trades, making the score 6-0. The Ik'Thornes were only able to counter with two double-trades in the second half, as the rest of the game was all defense. Defeating the Ik'Thornes 6-4, the Thevians advance to 3-0 as the Ik'Thornes fall to 2-1.

Other scores from around the league include the Humans overtaking the Salvenes 4-1. The WQ Humans overwhelmed the Creonti with offense as they prevailed 9-2. And the Alskants found their first win as they scored their first points of the season and slipped by the Nijarins by a score of 4-3.

Keep reading the Galactic Post for the most up-to-date sports coverage!