Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 13:04:10 +0000
From: Tournament Headquarters  (by way of Robert F. Heeter)
Subject: W2WT: The Last Campaign of 1997

Mighty Warlord -

Four months have passed since the start of the Practice Round,
and the end of the year is at hand.

You awaken early one winter's morning, climb to the battlements
of your royal castle, and reach out your mailed fist to seize
the day.  The Thanksgiving holiday was good.  Indeed, you *are*
thankful to remain in command of your own kingdom, unlike some
Warlords.  But the time for relaxing is over for now, and
you are once more eager for battle!

A light coating of snow frosts the landscape as you survey your
kingdom.  The seasons have changed since the Tournament
began, and the tides of war have already carried many a brave warrior
to his doom.  Much has happened with each passing week, but your
army continues to train and march, and today the veteran survivors
stand a little taller and a little stronger.  With the short
vacation cease-fire behind them, they are even starting to look
well-rested!  And you decide this is a good thing, for there are
only three weeks of campaigning left before the winter holidays,
and your army will have to fight hard if your troops want to have
fresh victories to brag about when they return home to visit their
families.  It is time for the last campaign of 1997!

Not everyone was idle during the recent rest period.
With only a few exceptions, the bloody battlefields of the
Practice Round have all been cleaned up, and soon the tournament
statisticians are expected to release the "Sample Standings" for
that unofficial Round.  Meanwhile, the process of fine-tuning
the Round B scenario is about to begin.  What will the new world
be like?  Win or lose in this Round, all are welcome in Round B.
Already you relish the prospect of challenging new opponents
on new battlegrounds...  But not yet.  First, you must shepherd
your soldiers to victory in the December campaign!

You summon your scribe.  It is time to issue new orders!

With the winter wind whistling through your gritted white teeth,
your wishes are written to your warriors:

  Death to our enemies!
  Aid to our allies!
  Long live our Kingdom!