The fifth paragraph 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.
Next of my list of things to mention is the Middle-earth Play-By-Mail™ playtest, which is fast becoming one of my favorite subjects. The first playtest game is moving right along at turn #3 and the second playtest has just made it to turn #1. The action is thick in both games. The first playtesthas even seen its first casualty! Comments and suggestions are coming in at an incredible rate and the game is steadily improving under the constant creative barrage. Judging by the praise the playtest version has elicited thus far, the final version will indeed be a game to be proud of.
John Williford
Game 2
I strongly urge all Neutral nations to switch to the side of the Free Peoples. Then let us take Council together against Sauron and evil folllowers.
Gallantrisidy
Greetings from the depths of Mordor. As I sit high in the Dark Tower, I can see the shadow moving to engulf the Free Peoples, and I am pleased.
I am Nemesis
The First of Sauron
To the leaders of Middle Earth,
Ignoring this message could mean your downfall. The five neutral nations are meeting to sign the "Neutrals United for Self-Preservation" (N.U.F.S.) treaty. The treaty states that if ANY of us are attacked by another nation, then ALL FIVE of us will stop being neutral and join the opposite side. Thing about it!
If you attack a neutral nation, you will find yourself outnumbered 15 nations to 10 in the contest for all of Middle-earth. If you have already fool-ishly committed your armies against a neutral, you have until turn #3 to withdraw. Otherwise, your faction is doomed.
General Arfanhil of the Rhudaur
The Easterlings are the true neutrals, mercenaries working for gold. Need additional men or armies? How about a few good spells? Or even a backstab for someone on your side who is getting too strong? We are the perfect solution.
This Whispers of the Wood issue was provided by Michael Blomquist.