STARWEB EMAIL DISCUSSION GROUP (THE SEDG)
   (Sponsored by Flying Moose Technologies' Starweb Analyzer
   - http://flyingmoose.cjb.net)

VOLUME 51, August 6, 2001

CONTENTS
Feature Article - BATTLE AMONG THE STARS By Elliot Hudes
Questions - Duplicate keys?
SEDG Web Page URL
The Captain's Log - Lost Tapes
The Swap Corner - The Flying Moose Technologies - Great White North 
(Canadian) Starweb Tournament
Correspondence 

FEATURE ARTICLE

Some fiction based on Starweb - I hope you enjoy it. El


            BATTLE AMONG THE STARS
	      By Elliot Hudes

     The SOMNOS phalanx of starships exited the 'connection' from the 
web on FORNAX prime's dark side. The type G star on the planet's 
farside peaked over the terminator eliciting thanks to an unknown 
Deity from the lips of a ONEVISION priest on board in a small section 
granted air, gravity and heat reserved for the Goodlife aboard. 
     Automated scans of the world below beams back information to the 
Somnosian central node. What is known by one command unit on any key 
is immediately known to all, thanks to the web, that unique connection 
between worlds up to thousands of parsecs apart created by the 
Builders. The secret of their creation lost to time, the Builders had 
long been destroyed by the same Berserkers they created as their 
ultimate weapons. Lack of any data in the SOMNOS databanks regarding 
the Builders or their elimination did not elicit any questions or 
suspicion. The long scars and twisted metal seen on many SOMNOS war 
ships told the tale of many terrible battles and heavy damage which 
had left gaps in SOMNOS' binary memory. Besides, many schisms had 
appeared in the ranks of the metallic artificial lifeforms as they 
computed differing ways of completing their task of eliminating the 
galaxy of all organic life forms. Perhaps the fall of the Builders was 
the work of the FERRITES or OMNITRON. 
     W114 as designated by the web, deep in FORNAX held territory was 
the homeworld. Surface scans revealed large industrial complexes and 
many ground ships to protect them and the population. MENKAR 
scientists had deeper understanding of the Starweb than anyone in the 
quadrant. They had been able to develop technology that allowed 
determination of how long ago a connection to a certain world was 
first used. The time to the Builders having been so remote as to no 
longer leave their fingerprints on the web meant that this technology 
could date the ownership of a world by a recent star faring culture. 
Before the last jump W114 seemed to be the best candidate to the heart 
of the FORNAX territory. This was confirmed by the allied VEX pirate 
armada at a seemingly distant FORNAX world whose independent Menkarian 
Turnsodometer also indicated a 90% agreement with a ring 1 placement.
     The FORNAX were vermin to be exterminated. They bred until there 
was no space left on their planet and then moved on to as many worlds 
as they could find and bred some more. Their natural allies, THELIGHT, 
apostles worshipping an all seeing god who treasured life in all it's 
alien forms was the antithesis of the Berserker credo. 
     SOMNOS scanned the system. The VEX armada had made it through 
with 4 keys and 100 ships. A BALISONG key with 30 ships, which were 
likely doubly loaded in the hopes that a capture of this industrial 
world would result in a quick profit to the merchant, accompanied 
them. SOMNOS barely tolerated the loathsome trader but realized their 
special talent freed up more ships to deal death and destruction. 
BALISONG's growing strength throughout the sector may have caused 
thoughts of concern or even worry to a brain based on carbon but to 
the silicon it was just a simple equation. When BALISONG's value to 
the alliance fell below Goodlife levels they would be dealt with. 
ONEVISION had managed a couple of keys with 203 ships. This gave the 
battle a time limit. Unless FORNAX mounted a defense within 5 cycles 
the planet would be comprised of ONEVISION converts and worship steel. 
SOMNOS' scans revealed the world below had vast metal ore stockpiled, 
enough for at least 8 cycles of building. Sixty industrial ground 
ships defended while in low orbit were a dozen keys housing 200 ships 
primarily flying FORNAX colors with a few THELIGHT keys and one owned 
by NOMERCY. SOMNOS checked the databanks. NOMERCY was a mercenary 
pirate who had been employed by various factions feuding in the 
galaxy. 
     VEX beamed recognition codes, which were responded to, and a 
mutually accepted encryption protocol selected. 
     "I think the industry is partially functional but only because 
they have so many forces on the ground," stated the VEX commander.
     "Then we outgun them," responded the BALISONG freighter captain.
     SOMNOS wondered if the others could see through the BALISONG as 
easily as he did. Outgunned would mean the BALISONG guns would not be 
required.
     "We are outkeyed. Functionally they may actually have superior 
firepower due to the plentitude of firing platforms. In a key-to-key 
firefight we could take larger losses. BALISONG will have to jettison 
his cargo and fire," SOMNOS stated matter-of-factly.
     "Any strategy involving Pirate warfare is a moot point. Neither 
side will be able to muster a capturing force in this battle," related 
the VEX commander his tone flat as if resigned to his fate.
     "It seems logical that the enemy won't risk leaving a ground 
force. An intelligent opponent must see the risk of their capture by 
robot attack plus they limit their fire power," SOMNOS added.
     "They might if they preferentially target your scaly metallic 
hide," BALISONG retorted. The insult was lost on the supercomputer. 
"Besides we don't know what might appear from that third ring 1 world. 
Our scanners reveal this HW to be a triconnector like the others."
     "Well, if SOMNOS computes correctly about the ground forces, we 
fire at the industry and blow it away," said VEX. "We could create a 
PBB to ensure the job gets done even though it ties up one firing 
platform. Next turn they have the additional worry of whether the PBB 
key is the real deal or a decoy."
     "I am hesitant to use any strategies that use up ships without 
actually depleting the enemies'. We may find ourselves in a position 
of being outgunned if the battle goes against us," Somnos stated in 
his usual monotone created by mechanical voice simulating hardware 
incapable of imparting cadence, rhythm or emotion.
     For a moment static emanated from the communication devices. 
     "May one who is unworthy make a few observations?" the 
Highfather of the ONEVISION contingent said timidly. The holy ones 
rarely spoke. They were content to leave converts behind enemy lines 
reporting to the alliance until they were martyred. They dutifully 
dispatched infidels solemnly alongside robots shed from orbiting 
transports and on rare occasions plied their black death worshipping 
ideology on mass scale until worlds fell to them in total conversion. 
"Strategies to destroy the industrial base or populace will deplete 
our ship stores. We are a long way from home and reinforcements are 
unlikely."
     Generalized agreement come from many communicators at once. All 
save one.
     "What the hell are you getting at," shouted the BALISONG 
Captain.
     Highfather winced at the unnecessary use of blasphemy. He 
tolerated the wickedness of these unclean money grubbing merchants but 
awaited the day that SOMNOS gave the word to plunge their ceremonial 
daggers into their dark hearts. 
     "It seems to me that it would be best if we had another 
industrial center in this region of space," Highfather said.
     "What the-- " started BALISONG but he was quickly cut off by 
SOMNOS.
     "Allow him to finish." SOMNOS had learned that despite their 
overwhelming awe of the metallic beings the ONEVISION Goodlife were 
cunning and intelligent. They were reluctant to disagree or oppose any 
edicts presented by the SOMNOSIAN Central Node but if they had 
something to say it was in the best interests of all involved to 
listen. All save for the BALISONG however.
     "I agree that SOMNOS will be preferentially targeted," 
Highfather continued. "Would we not preserve the maximum number of 
ships if we transferred them to the least likely target?" Highfather 
paused for effect. "If the most Holy SOMNOS agrees with the transfer 
my forces should be capable of converting at least 1/3 of the populace 
to our cause. One hundred forty shots at the unsuspecting and 
unprotected populace would reduce their numbers such that in 2 cycles 
the world will fall to the ONEVISION despite anything the enemy can 
do. We still have 170 shots that can fire at the enemy fleets this 
cycle."
     SOMNOS computed the superiority of this plan over others 
immediately. The ONEVISION often thought out unique solutions to 
difficult situations. Eventually, the others agreed that the plan, 
which, although unorthodox, had the best chance of succeeding with 
least casualties and the chance at a new shipbuilding yard. SOMNOS 
resigned himself to losing all his keys on this front for the greater 
good.
     SOMNOS monitored a myriad of comm traffic in the system 
utilizing vast multitasking computers and automated subunits designed 
for the task. Most involved routine calls for aid or reinforcements. 
Cargo was dropped while commanders requested transfers of ships 
between keys. NOMERCY was demanding ships while psalms were broadcast 
from the THELIGHT carriers. It didn't surprise him that there were no 
other berserker keys present as the FORNAX alliance had foregone any 
ties with all death dealing machines. The irony of not being allowed 
to use its unique robotizing abilities against a berserkerless prey 
was lost on SOMNOS. The Art Dealers were decidedly absent but that was 
not unusual. They often scurried for cover. Lack of a competing 
merchant key was unusual. Who had managed to stockpile this world? 
Several encrypted messages were recorded and logged for further review 
when there was time. One such message caught the attention of an upper 
command unit and routed to higher centers. The encryption technique 
was recognized as one shared between the SOMNOS and the ONEVISION and 
emanated from the ONEVISION fleet. SOMNOS read and acknowledged it 
when the sky exploded in light.
     The sky rained death. The population fell defenseless before the 
alliances might. The BALISONG commander sat smugly on his command deck 
as one by one the ONEVISION keys winked out into neutrality as the 
last ships upon them were destroyed. BALISONG checked the readouts 
carefully. How was this possible? Heavy casualties were expected but 
there wasn't enough firepower to eradicate the ONEVISION while they 
carried all the alliance's might. Balisong's crew widened their scan 
to encompass the planet below them. The Homeworld was devoid of 
carbon-based life. Industrial complexes housed robotic workers while 
30 Industrial ground ships had been captured intact. 
     "What happened," bellowed the BALISONG commander. 
     "The ships went to SOMNOS and he just shit robots down on 
FORNAX," replied a crewman.
     "What's the battle status in the air?"
     "Somnosian forces captured some ground ships and still command 
over 300 ships in the sky. They are relatively unscathed - those 
ONEVISION keys were almost empty. FORNAX forces number less than 120 
ships now and less than half their original keys."
     It was a rout. How did it come to this the BALISONG commander 
thought? Multiple communication beams vied for priority on the 
BALISONG Bridge. Both the SOMNOS and FORNAX asked, no demanded his 
attention.
     "Patch in the SOMNOS signal." The BALISONG commander put on his 
best poker face. "We are victorious. Somehow I missed the change in 
plan to put the bulk of forces into your hands. Care to explain?"
     "I think you will need to make explanations to your FORNAX 
masters," SOMNOS intoned in the usual monotone. 
     "I'm not sure I understand your meaning and I don't like the 
tone," BALISONG spat back at his microphone. 
     "Explain the stockpile of metal ore on the FORNAX HW. 
Rationalize the encrypted communiqué detected between your ship and 
the HW moments before the battle erupted but most interestingly 
explain the coincidence that the majority of the enemy fire was 
directed at our ecclesiastic brethren." SOMNOS waited a moment then 
added; "I see that many of the FORNAX armada are trying to communicate 
with you at this moment. VEX has already broadcast a message of 
congratulations to you for orchestrating our victory over FORNAX on an 
unencrypted channel. I have never truly understood the sense of humor 
that pirates seem to possess and I doubt that your former allies will 
either." 
     SOMNOS reviewed the tactical data carefully. The ONEVISION 
goodlife aboard were demanding retribution. Resources seemed adequate 
to the task at hand.
     "Industry is at full production and will produce adequate 
defense for themselves. VEX to target FORNAX." SOMNOS broadcast to the 
surviving alliance ships while transferring the necessary ships to 
VEX. SOMNOS did an internal transfer to one particular key - 120 shots 
would be more than enough to deal with backstabbing badlife. 
     While firing the second salvo SOMNOS probed the final connection 
from their newly acquired HW while planning the next step in 
depopulating the universe. ONEVISION prophets had speculated that when 
one universe ended another began and took its place. Although 
ONEVISION claimed memories of other universes and Starwebs, SOMNOS had 
not found any facts to support such mysticism.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTIONS - Can anyone answer these?

W117 (56,197,213) [NEMO] 
(Metal=21,Mines=5,Population=31,Limit=31,Turns=3)
   F100[NEMO]-->W56 F100[NEMO]-->W197 

This key has appeared to do the impossible. The Veteran may have seen 
or done this particular magic trick. The question is - describe how 
this key managed this and give a good scenario to utilize this 
technique. Hint: I just did this in SW-XM/202.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
STARWEB EMAIL DISCUSSION GROUP - is now available on the web. 

Look for our new MAPPER'S SECTION on the SEDG Web Page.

http://www.accessv.com/~somnos/sedg.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE - THE CAPTAIN'S LOG 
  By Walt Schmidt walts@dorsai.org

The following is the transcription of a tape, which had as it's only 
makings: SEDG - You might find this interesting. ALTER

"If you want to tell the untold stories, if you want to give voice to 
the voiceless, you've got to find a language...Use the wrong language, 
and you're dumb and blind."
   - Salman Rushdie

Ironic isn't it. Here's a story worthy of telling, but not only isn't 
it going to be told, there is much doubt if anyone outside the Family 
will ever hear of it. Pity...but as I sit here by myself, let's see 
what I can do to make this one telling, a worthy listen, should anyone 
outside the Family ever find this tape.

You see, there is more to the Family Nemo than meets the eye. And 
while they rarely fail at covering their tracks, if their advantage be 
known, more of those with whom they deal would take the appropriate 
actions.

The Somnosians think, or rather compute, that they have a key 
advantage in the ongoing struggles to dominate the Web. While everyone 
benefits from what the Builder's created with their Command Unit's 
instantaneous and complete communications amongst the Web's universe, 
the Somnosians' binary memory also allows for information sharing at a 
level not enjoyed by us mere mortals - leastwise, not by most of us.

Case in point, the recent Somnosians activities at W114. Yes, the 
merchant Balisong was double-dealing - having already made a deal with 
the Fornax that resulted in Balisong's attempted backstabbing of the 
Somnosians, Vex and Onevision. Unfortunately for Balisong, the 
Somnosians thought and reacted in a metal way, such that Balisong's 
activities back-fired and the rest, as they say, is history - very 
recent history.

So what you might ask? So how is it that I'm telling you of recent Web 
events that just happened, but with which the Family Nemo were not 
involved?!?

Have you ever wondered why there are 100 artifacts - when everything 
else the Builders created in the Web is based on a rational number NOT 
of the base 10? Well, the Family Nemo did - and then they did 
something about it - this, over two decades ago!

Even to this day, and try as hard as they may, they have not been able 
to recreate the exact sequence of events that gave them the concrete 
proof that there are 105 artifacts - with five artifacts being very 
special.

Why do they think there are 105? Well to begin with, the very special 
artifact they found decades ago is Artifact 105 and is called "The 
Book of Knowledge Volume V." And as they learned, it has two very 
unusual properties.

With each set of command orders issued and resolved, the BoK will give 
you a glimpse of the results of another group's issued and resolved 
commands - in essence you get to see their full command display! You 
can either ask for a particular player's results as part of your own 
orders, or let the BoK decide which player's "view" to provide you. 
Over the years, the Family Nemo have learned to trust the BoK's choice 
- it usually gives you the knowledge you most benefit from by knowing 
- even if at first glance the need might not be so obvious.

As I already mentioned, there is a second property that makes the 
Family Nemo realize the BoK's true worth, and keeps them searching for 
the lost four volumes, or at least for those of the other four volumes 
that are still lost. You see, the OneVision prophets are right when 
they speculated that when one universe ends another begins and takes 
its place. Ownership of the BoK crosses those boundaries.

Through Family Nemo generations, and across the boundaries of time and 
space, the BoK has remained in their possession. It's as if the 
Builder's have endowed the BoK with some form of cross-generation 
multi-universe ownership. The Family Nemo believe this has something 
to do with the Superstring Theory and its multi-spatial dimensions. 
This, regardless of whether you adhere to: the Kaluza-Klein idea of 
curled up dimensions; the Bosonic need for 26 Spacetime dimensions; 
or, the other general String Theories that ONLY require 10 Spacetime 
dimensions. But I digress.

So when the OneVision claim memories of other universes and other Webs 
- it sounds to the Family Nemo like the OneVision have found at least 
one of the other BoK volumes.

But why does the Family Nemo think there are 105 artifacts, and not, 
say, 128 - which in itself would be a great binary, octal and 
hexadecimal number of artifacts?  If the Builders were anything, they 
clearly were great mathematicians. Let's look a bit closer at how one 
can arrive at 105, and the results of depicting 105 in other than 
base-10.

The Web has six generally recognized cultures, all of whom have their 
own category of artifacts - and there are the special artifacts. 
Therefore, there are "seven" classes of artifacts - 7 . Of the six 
generally recognized Web cultures, one is artificially intelligent and 
five are alive - 1...5 or 15. 15 times 7 in base-10 is - 105! Now that 
we have arrived at 105, let's look at 105 in some other bases.

The octal representation of base-10 105 is 151 - which is both a one 
(!) and a 15 (!), and when the individual digits are added together, 
equals 7!

The hexadecimal representation of base-10 105 is 69 - which in itself 
is an interesting number, and when the individual digits are added 
together, equals 15!!

And lastly, base-10 105 as a binary number - is a SEVEN digit 
number!!!

Clearly, the Builders had their reasons for putting together such a 
string of coincidences.

And just as clearly, it's a shame that no other group know of the 
existence of "The Book of Knowledge," so they could join in the hunt 
for the missing volumes.

Now then, where can I hide this tape...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 
FEATURE - THE SWAP CORNER - Now for something a little different!

The Flying Moose Technologies - Great White North (Canadian) Starweb 
Tournament?

I recently received the following missive from Rick at FBI:
"Maybe next year I'll just hold a Starweb tournament at Origins in 
Columbus Ohio. And since we had these loyal fans who often came down 
from Canada, maybe I'll arrange to fly up there and run a private 
tournament for them and their friends sometime in the next year or 
two."

Both Mike (CEO and Presidenté for life of FMT) and I were intrigued 
with this idea. While I personally know 8 players in the Toronto area, 
I don't believe we can pull off more than 6 for a weekend retreat. 
Still, we would love the chance to host a weekend of Starweb. Here is 
what we had in mind. 

Location:
I was thinking of looking into a hotel/resort in Muskoka. In the off-
season it's cheaper than Toronto (which is an extremely expensive 
venue for any convention due to the high cost of living and because we 
get a lot of corporate traffic here). I will check into it - you would 
just love seeing Muskoka - it is composed of thousands of lakes and 
hills nestled in northern Ontario. It is a robust ecologic niche 
entrenched in the geologic formation known as the Canadian Shield, an 
area virtually stripped of topsoil by the most recent glacier's 
advance leaving outcroppings of three billion year old Precambrian 
rock and thousands of lakes in its wake. It's a 2-hour drive from 
Toronto and I'm sure that the Toronto area players can shuttle out of 
towners to the resort (I have a van that can seat 7) or players can 
rent a car fairly inexpensively).

(Addendum - I have researched a conference center in Muskoka that will
charge $30/day Canadian (without meals) - the rooms come with 
kitchenettes. This is equivalent to $20 American - extremely reasonable).

Time:
I do not wish to compete with FBI's tournament and since Canada only 
gets about 8 weeks of decent weather in the summer there will be a 
great reluctance by Canadians to spend 3 days indoors playing the 
game.

If we do choose a country setting then winter is out - blizzards can 
be a problem as I've been both snowed in and prohibited from traveling 
when I ski there in the winter. I was thinking more of spring or fall 
of 2002 as possibilities.

Cost: 
This remains to be seen. I must cover Rick's expenses to put on this 
tournament. Usually FBI charges $99 US to play. If I can get a 
commitment from 12-15 players then I think I could pull it off for the 
same price.

Vacation:
If you are considering visiting Toronto as a vacation - this City has 
a booming tourist trade with lots to see. (Check with your travel 
agent). In addition to seeing Muskoka (which is a playground for many 
US movie stars who buy cottage properties), we are only a 2-hour drive 
from Niagara Falls.

Starweb Analyzer: 
If you bring a laptop you will be able to get your turns on diskette 
to input into your Starweb Analyzer. If you prefer paper and pen - I 
will ensure that I have an inkjet printer available for paper turns.

Well, that's the bare bones of the idea. I can look into the costs of 
the resort and possible dates but I need to know if there is a lot of 
interest out there. Would you attend? Let me know.

Of course if we get a large response there might even be a chance of 
running other FBI games here. 

Elliot

P.S. Added bonus - Canadian Beer! 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 
CORRESPONDENCE

Lee Knirko writes:
Elliot - Just finished reading the latest issue of SEDG.  Let me add 
my appreciation to that of Walter Schmidt on your willingness to 
devote the effort (and, as you say, scarce spare time) to leading the 
way to more enjoyment of playing Starweb.  The SEDG is a terrific tool 
to increasing enjoyment of the game, as well of getting to meet great 
persons who are players.

Yep, I'm one of those 25+ years ago SW players who still prefer using 
my CPA based worksheets to control the game.  But, no way would I give 
up all the information that the Analyzer provides. Also enjoy visiting 
the "threads" of Mike's web pages.  Only wish more players would 
prvide more input.

Again, thank you and congratulations from one who has "been there/done
that".

LEE

Editor: Thanks for the praise Lee. 

From Lenny Schussel:
Elliot -
   Good issue - I feel comfortable calling you a friend - even over 
the Starweb table.  I have taken to playing anonymous games because 
the phone bills and e-mail flows were distracting to a fault.  
Unfortunately - discussing anony games in progress is a justified 
taboo - seeing how in the last one I was able to figure out that you 
were my ally from the printed story.  I am in a fun one now, on turn 
16, so I will have a story sometime around February.
      I have often been tempted to buy the analyzer, but I have gotten 
to the point where my personal analysis system depends on my hand 
drawn mapping ability.  I used index card for each homeworld and laid 
them out on the floor - but anonymous has relieved me of that process.  
It was easy when the maps were fused benzene rings (six sided rings 
with 3 connectors).  Almost all the maps seem to be variants.  My 
favorite was the three sets of five stacked on top of each other like 
donuts with a black hole and two level changing worlds at the 
interfaces.  You had free access to four players and indirect to eight 
others.  The last two were no way, no how to get to their area (but 
you could meet them through somebody else's area!)
   Well, this short response has gone on long.  Enjoy your summer.
Lenny (howdt) <<

Editor: Hi Lenny - thanks for the note and the congrats! As my life 
has gotten busier I have also found that too many email games are too 
distracting. I am only in 2 games at present and one is a multi so I 
only have to speak to 1 ally. I am considering another anonymous game 
but it has it's own brand of problems. First, character classes that 
require cooperation tend to suffer - like Art Collectors and Apostles. 
The lack of cooperation makes it a better venue for pirates and 
berserkers and the merchants still always win. Still, I didn't do too 
badly as an Art Collector in one of the games.


Dave Newman wrote:
>> The largest Ind/Mine worlds I ever saw was in SW-L/5. I doubt I 
still have the master printouts from that game, but it was a doozy. I 
seem to recall that my ally (Rick Carlson) found a world with 9-10 Ind 
and 13 Mines. We were able to build that world into a HW. Something 
that is possible in a game that runs for 50 turns. <grin> <<

Editor: Wow - that's impressive - larger than any I've found.

Dave:
>> A SWAP question (Maybe a feature request) -

Is there anyway to change the font properties of the world details in 
SWAP? By the world details, I mean the world & fleet info that appears 
alongside the map. I use SWAP exclusively on a laptop and being able 
to set the font to a smaller size, and even a different font, would be 
great! <<

Editor: No, the only font changes that can be done is on the map 
itself (just right click on a world and select font). 

Dave:
>> Is there an index for SEDG which allows one to find articles by 
title (as it appeared in the table of contents of a issue)? If not, 
I'd be happy to create one. <<

That would be great. Thanks.

Well, that's it for Volume 51. Don't be afraid to submit articles or 
suggestions. They don't have to be long. Address your correspondence 
to Elliot Hudes at somnos@compuserve.com