The third through fifth paragraphs of the "Words from the Wood" editor's column on the inner cover is included below.
Due to the limited MEPBM content in this issue of Whispers of the Wood, we are not including the full issue as a scanned PDF. All of the content relating to MEPBM in this issue is included as text below.
Maestro, a drum roll, please. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I have an announcement that will bring great happiness to all: Middle-earth™ PBM is ready! No more delays, no more promises, no more obstacles. The maps are done!
The story of ME-PBM's evolution would make a very interesting movie. I think, a movie filled with shady printers, corrupt color separators, false starts, twisty maneuvers, dirty deals, and helpess, earnest GSI employees, just trying to give the folks what they want. Thrown stones aside, we are happy to say that the long delayed maps are now printed and ready to go, and we're happier to say that these maps are a knock-out! Speaking objectively now, as an editor of a PBM journal, not as an employee of a certain PBM company, these maps are beautiful and definitely well worth the wait: 3' x 2' wall size, FULL COLOR, completely faithful to the source, laid out in a large, easy to read, hex-grid format. What more could you ask for? Perfect not only for Middle-earth™ PBM, but for role-players and collectors as well! The maps are available to any one who desires a copy for their own for just $10.00 (plus $2.00, if you want them mailed in a crush-proof shining tube). So with the last orc hung, the ME-PBM play test games are underway. A note to playtesters: The personal column is open to you! We hope to have our first Middle-earth™ PBM boasts, threats, and alliance offers in these pages next month in their own section. Let's make the first games of Middle-earth™ PBM lively ones!
Off the vine: As you read these words, Origins '90 will be winding down. Those of you who attended the convention will have been treated to a special preview of ME-PBM! Not only will you have gotten the first public gander at the maps, and received first hand reports of game mechanics, you'll also have had the chance to see John's animated ME-PBM computer 'slide-show', featuring exquisite renderings of many of the games principal characters and agents, created especially for us by noted artist Amelia James! What did you think? Drop us a line.
Dennis P. Edelen
This Whispers of the Wood issue was provided by Michael Blomquist.