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                    Intelec International E-Mail Network
                                   IOUIEC
                             By: Beth Clemensen

        Illuminati [o] University (you are not cleared to know what the
"o" is for) is an ongoing thread in the RPG and RPG_PLAY conferences.
If you are a sane, logical, calm, and orderly BBSer, you are advised to
run rapidly in the opposite direction.

        The Main Campus of IOU is on Steve Jackson Games BBS, and was
echoed in the Intelec Science Fiction Conference for almost a year by
Bob Schroeck.  Interest reached such a fever pitch that an Intelec
Extension Campus was started, with permission of SJG.  Shortly
thereafter the retching of the uninterested resulted in IOU / IEC being
moved to the two related RPG conferences.

        The Illuminati [o] University / Intelec Extension Campus is akin
to a role-playing game, but more like echomail improvisational theatre /
comedy; unlike the "traditional" games in RPG_PLAY, Illuminati U. has no
gamemaster / referree (although we do have a Chief Goat Herder), no
pre-determined plot, and no limits on what or Who can happen.  Postings
take the form of interoffice memos, official notices, and occasional
narratives about the events and people of the University.  Bob Schroeck
continues to echo the SJG Main Campus to Intelec, and Intelec's
Extension Campus to SJG; while there is some interplay each of the 3
campuses (that's right -- 3) operate independently.

        IOU is an extradimensional realm peopled by the cultural elite
(and occasional outcasts) of a thousand universes, organized as an
institute of higher knowledge ... in pursuit of cold hard cash, and run
by the only former archangel to jump ship from *both* sides of THE big
theological conflict.  We are prone to alien invasions, Cthuloid
monsters, unstable space-time, and small, poisonously cute furry
critters that go "meeep!"  We are the home of science both weird and
weirdest, and our student body has an unfortunately high attrition rate.

        While players may act independently, the more they listen to and
respond with and spin-off ideas from each other, the more complex and
interesting this neverending story becomes.  Popular culture references
are common and add to the humor.  (For instance, Dr. Who-type characters
frequent the Main Campus, and recently NordikTrak showed up as an
invading alien fleet.)  Double-talk, scientific gibbberish, and greed
are greatly respected.

        The players so far include a:
Dean of Comparative Irrelevancy (also Dean of the College of the
        Creative / Destructive Arts) from the Main Campus
Pern dragon who is IOUIEC Registrar and organizer of the Intermural
        VolleyNuke Games
Chief Archivist
Another Wired Librarian of the Seth Memorial Library and Media Central
        (also Chief Goat Herder)
Priestess and Instructress of Otherwhichness
Chair of the Department of Subjective Experiences
Instructor in Surliness / Martial Law / Weaponsmithing / Pain for Fun
        and Profit
Professor of Doubt Technology and Prolixity
Freelance Security Provider
Professor of the Tim the Enchanter Memorial seat of Applied Thaumaturgy
        in the School of Metaphysical Engineering
Director of Subjective Objectivity (also Lord of the Pulp)

        Interested participants should join both RPG conferences, and
send their applications in RPG-PLAY to Dean Schroeck.  (Gold nuggets are
optional, but will speed processing of your forms.)  In your message
header use "F:0  IOUIEC" as the subject.  In the message text you may
use "To:", "From: [your character name]" and "Re:" lines in standard
memo form.  Do not include quotes as commonly done in BBSing; we try to
follow the spirit of the original IOU, which are basically one-way memos
from staff members.

        A few warnings:  Look out for the Hairy Krishnas.  If you
stumble over a Cursed Rune Stone tell the SML&MC as they want it back.
Someone just murdered the Another Wired Librarian and she's really
upset.  Remember to wear your personal force field when you go to the
VolleyNuke games.  Have fun!
                                                                                                  
