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Posted-By: auto-faq 3.1.1.2q Archive-name: pern-intro/part1 Last-Modified: 19 Jan 1995 Version: 2.5 WELCOME TO ALT.FAN.PERN! CONTENTS OF PART 1: 1. Introductory Material 1a. What is this group? 1b. Introduction to Pern 1c. Appropriate subject matter 1d. Spoiler ettiquette 1e. Other newsgroups of interest 1f. Common abbreviations 1g. Fan Fiction 1h. Anne McCaffrey on the net 2. Pern in Print 2a. Book List (McCaffrey-written) 2b. Suggested reading order 2c. Chronological order of books/stories 2d. Other Pern materials 2e. Obtaining hard-to-find books CONTENTS OF PART 2: 3. Frequently Asked Questions about Pern 3a. Pronunciation of various words/names 3b. Rider behavior during Mating flights 3c. Queen dragons and firestone 3d. Where to dragons/firelizards deficate? 3e. Who/What does Aramina hear in _Renegades of Pern_? 3f. What's this I hear about a Pern movie? 4. On-line Simulations of Pern 4a. Accessing Pern-type MU*s 4b. List of Pern-type MU*s 5. "Real Life" Fan Organizations 6. Non-Pern McCaffrey Booklist Note: These articles are being cross-posted to the news.answers and alt.answers newsgroups for extended expire times and archival on rtfm.mit.edu:/pub/usenet/alt.fan.pern or /pub/usenet-by-hierarchy/alt/fan/pern or /pub/usenet/news.answers/pern-intro or /pub/usenet/alt.answers/pern-intro To obtain these files (assumes UN*X environment with FTP capability): --- %ftp rtfm.mit.edu Connected to <etc.> Name (rtfm.mit.edu:<foo>): [anonymous] 331 Guest login ok, send ident as password. Password: [your e-mail address] 230 Guest login ok, access restrictions apply. ftp> [cd pub/usenet/alt.fan.pern (or) pub/usenet-by-hierarchy/alt/fan/pern (or) pub/usenet/news.answers/pern-intro (or) pub/usenet/alt.answers/pern-intro] 250 CWD command successful. ftp> [get Welcome_to_alt.fan.pern_(Semi-monthly_posting)_(Part_<X>_of_2)] (Where <X> is the part number. If you have chosen the pub/usenet/news.answers/pern-intro or pub/usenet/alt.answers/pern-intro path, then just get part<X>.) 200 PORT command successful. [Some stuff] ftp> (get any other parts you may want) ftp> [quit] % --- =-=-=-= 1. Introductory Material === 1a. About this newsgroup. This newsgroup is dedicated to discussion of the fictional world of Pern as described in the various novels and short stories by Anne McCaffrey. Related topics include Ms. McCaffrey's other works, and several of the on-line 'virtual realities' depicting Pern (see below). === 1b. Introduction to Pern Pern is the third planet of the Rukbat system in the Sagittarius sector. It is a Colony world which has lost contact with 'Mother Earth' due to periodic attacks from an organism called 'thread' which devours all organic material it comes into contact with. To counter Thread, the Pernese - back when they still had the skills - modified an indigenous life-form to create Dragons - so named for the mythical beasts they resemble. 'Modern day' Pern has lost many of the skills originally brought with the colonists and can probably be best described as a 'pre- industrial' society. Toward the end of the series, some of the original colonists' technology is rediscovered. Alternatively, Pern is the home of Dragons, their riders, and various other people as depicted in Anne McCaffrey's _Dragonriders of Pern_ series and related books. === 1c. Appropriate subject matter As stated above, this group is primarily for the discussion of the world of Pern - discussion of Ms. McCaffrey's other works is tolerated, but not particularly encouraged. A major component of this discussion revolves around the various multi-user programs that have been set up attempting to simulate Pern. The most often-discussed is 'PernMUSH', although there are several others in existence. Articles about PernMUSH or the other Pern-related simulations should have 'PernMUSH' or 'MUSH' or something similar in the subject line so that those who are not interested can filter them out via KILLfile. Note, however, that questions pertaining to the mechanics of MU*s (seeking clients, code questions, etc.) are better asked in the rec.games.mud.* hierarchy rather than here. At times, the traffic about PernMUSH seems to dominate this newsgroup. Generally, complaining about it is counterproductive and a good way to spark a flame-war. If you, the reader, wish to discuss something that is not presently being addressed in the group, by all means start the discussion yourself. === 1d. Spoiler etiquette Whenever new books or other material is published, it is advisable that any discussion that may give away the story or otherwise 'spoil' the book for others should be 'protected'. This is known as 'spoiler protection'. Placing "Spoiler!" in the subject is a start, but is not enough as many newsreaders display the first 12-20 lines of article text when it is presented. The following steps are suggested: 1) Insert about 20 blank lines before the sensitive material. 2) Place a ^L (Control-L) character at the *beginning* of one of the lines; this will cause some newsreaders to treat it as a top-of-page marker. (Note: This doesn't always work, and some editors do not allow control characters to be embedded, so the '20 blank lines' measure should be used in all cases; the ^L serving as an additional layer of defense.) How long should spoiler protection be kept in place? My feeling is that spoilers should be kept in place until one or two months after the release of the paperback edition of a book (assuming it was first released in hardcover). However, practice has shown that 3-6 months after initial publication is usually sufficient. === 1e. Other newsgroups of interest rec.arts.sf.*: The primary hierarchy for discussion of Speculative Fiction (Science Fiction + Fantasy). The subgroups are: .written: Books, Short Stories, etc. .movies: Big screen. .tv: Small screen. .science "How the heck does this thing work?" .fandom Fannish activities, cons, et al. .misc: Catch-all. Plus many others. Please remember to use appropriate subject headers; including the author or title in the subject would be a good idea. alt.fan.dragons: Discussion of dragons of all types - mythological, fictional, etc. === 1f. Common abbreviations For those of you new to the net, there are quite a few abbreviations in use here on Usenet that may be unfamiliar. Here is a short list of the more frequently seen. IMO "In My Opinion" IMHO "In My Humble/Honest Opinion" BTW "By The Way" OTOH "On The Other Hand" <g> A grin ;-), :-), :), etc. A 'smiley' face - look at it sideways. Used to indicate humor and/or sarcasm. ROTFL "Rolling On The Floor, Laughing". (There are several variants on this.) And now some specific to alt.fan.pern: MU* Indicative of any of the family of MUD/MUSH/etc. NC PernMUSH (Which covers the Northern Continent during the 10th pass) SC SouConMUSH (Which contains the complementary Southern Continent for the same time period as NC) IC MU*-speak for 'In Character' - meaning behavior that the MU* characters would engage in. OOC MU*-speak for 'Out of Character' - Usually applying to information/behavior that the *player* of a MU* character knows/performs that the character would not, logically, be able to take advantage of. DLG _The Dragonlover's Guide to Pern_ See 'Pern in Print' below. D1, D2, D3 The three books comprising the _Dragonriders of Pern_ trilogy. (_Dragonflight_, _Dragonquest_, and _The White Dragon_ respectively) H1, H2, H3 The three books comprising the _Harper Hall of Pern_ trilogy. (_Dragonsong_, _Dragonsinger_, and _Dragondrums_ respectively) [The above two sets are my personal shorthand, but I'm not the only one using them ;-) -Quirk] AtWoP, ATWOP, etc. _All the Weyrs of Pern_ CoP _The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall_ === 1g. Fan fiction NOTE: The following applies to fan fiction posted to the net. I do not have (nor do I desire) the authority to prevent any quasi/illegal acts on this newsgroup. The following is presented for informational purposes. You may heed or ignore as you wish, but I deny all responsibility for any legal problems you may encounter. (Also note that PernMUSH, SouConMUSH, DragondawnMUSH, Harpers' Tale MOO DragonsFire MOO, DawnSisters MUSH, and Belior Rising MUSH have McCaffrey's blessing to exist. I am uncertain about the status of the other MU*s.) [Thanks to "Chris Croughton" <chris@keris.demon.co.uk> for getting the following.] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 08-Oct-92 11:39 BST Sb: InterNet Pern rules Fm: Anne McCaffrey [CIS number deleted] The rules are that my characters may be referred to but not used. BUT there can be no adventure/stories set on Pern at all!!!!! That's infringing on my copyright and can bear heavy penalities - particularly right now when there's a film deal (yet another) which has bought and paid for the right to use the material - which, I fear, e-mail users have not. On CIS, I have asked people to limit Pern material to a discussion of their persona and dragons, fire-lizards, etc., in a diarist form. Fanzines have slightly more latitude as the zine is usually mailed only to members so that's limited publication, and a due copyright notice is included. As there is no such protection on electronic mail, we authors have to be insistent on these safeguards. I know this can be confusing since Paramount and Star Trek are handled differently, but that's the point: they are, and have been. Individual themes and characters of s-f/fantasy novels are not. And such indiscriminate usage of our characters, worlds, and concepts on a *public* media like electronic mail constitute copyright infringement AND, which many fans disregard, is ACTIONABLE! Both the e-mail company AND the person. My publishers are most insistent on that point! So it's to safeguard the interested e-mail user that I make these very strong, and perhaps unpalatable points. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Chris' commentary:] To repeat - it's *not* Anne who forbids this: it's her publishers - and they are NOT required to tell her of any such actions which they may be undertaking. The first she will probably know of it is when someone tells her, having heard over the net... [End commentary.] === 1h. Anne McCaffrey on the net As you may have noticed above, Ms. McCaffrey's Compuserve ID number has been deliberately removed from this document. Because Compuserve users must *pay* to read email that originates from outside their system, the maintainer of this periodic posting has decided that, until he receives permission from Ms. McCaffrey to release the information, it shall not be listed. If you want to get in touch with Ms. McCaffrey, your best bet is to write an actual (i.e. pen and paper) letter via her publisher. Alternately, she does appear infrequently on Compuserve. =-=-=-= 2. Pern in Print Since Pern is a fictional world, a complete listing of all related books would probably be a good idea. === 2a. Book list (written by McCaffrey) [Date is of 1st printing. ISBNs are from the editions in my personal library or obtained from copies in local bookstores. Publisher is Del Rey Books unless otherwise noted. UK edition publisher is Corgi Books unless otherwise noted - ISBNs provided by Chris G. Abbott (Chris@ruatha.demon.co.uk).] The _Dragonriders of Pern_ trilogy (Also available in a single hardcover volume through the SF book club, and trade paperback in a few bookstores). _Dragonflight_ July 1968. ISBN: 0-345-33546-5 UK Edition: 0-552-08453-0 _Dragonquest_ May 1971. ISBN: 0-345-33508-2 UK Edition: 0-552-11635-1 _The White Dragon_ June 1978. ISBN: 0-345-31336-4 UK Edition: 0-552-11313-1 _The Dragonriders of Pern_ Trade Paperback - ISBN: 0-345-34024-8 The _Harper Hall of Pern_ trilogy (Available as a single hardbound edition through the SF book club). _Dragonsong_ March 1976. Bantam Books - ISBN: 0-553-12044-1 UK edition: 0-552-10661-5 _Dragonsinger_ February 1977. Bantam Books - ISBN: 0-533-11835-8 UK Edition: 0-552-10881-2 _Dragondrums_ March 1979. Bantam Books - ISBN: 0-553-20722-9 UK Edition: 0-552-11804-4 Others: _Get Off the Unicorn_ [1] June 1977. ISBN: 0-345-27464-4 UK Edition: 0-552-10965-7 _Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern_ November 1983. ISBN: 0-345-29873-X UK Edition: 0-552-12499-0 _Nerilka's Story_ March 1986. ISBN: 0-345-33949-5 _Nerilka's Story & The Coelura_ [2] 1987, Corgi (UK). ISBN: 0-552-12817-1 _Dragonsdawn_ November 1988. ISBN: 0-345-36286-1 UK edition: 0-552-13098-2 _The Renegades of Pern_ November 1990. ISBN: 0-345-36933-5 UK Edition: 0-552-13099-0 _All the Weyrs of Pern_ December 1991. ISBN: 0-345-36893-2 UK Edition: 0-552-13729-4 _Rescue Run_ [3] (Science Fiction Book Club Hardcover) _The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall_ [4] October 1993. ISBN: 0-345-36899-1 _The Dolphins' Bell_ [6] (Science Fiction Book Club Hardcover) _The Girl Who May 1994. TOR books - *ISBN: 0-312-93173-5 Heard Dragons_ [7] _The Dolphins of Pern_ [8] October 1994. *ISBN: 0-345-36894-0 [*] ISBN is for Hardcover edition. [1] Collection of McCaffrey short fiction; contains "The Smallest Dragonboy" (Originally published 1973 for _Science Fiction Tales_). Reportedly, the short story can also be found in _Visions of Fantasy: Tales From the Masters_ (1989 Doubleday: ISBN 0-385-26359-7). [2] Also includes non-Pern novel. [3] Originally published in _Analog_ (Aug. 1991) and included in [4] below. [4] Contains short stories: "Survey: P.E.R.N."[5], "The Dolphins' Bell", "The Ford of Red Hanrahan", "The Second Weyr", and "Rescue Run" (ibid [3] above). [5] Previously published as "The P.E.R.N. Survey" in _Amazing Stories_ (Sep. 1993). [6] Included in [4] ibid. [7] Collection of McCaffrey short fiction. Includes novella of same title originally published (limited edition - 100 signed copies) in 1985. [8] Yes, I know. It hit the stands in early September, but for purposes of reference, it has an 'October' publication date. Finally, the _Dragonlover's Guide to Pern_ (see below) contains a short story, "The Impression" depicting F'lessan's impression of Golanth from a first-person POV. It should also be noted that this all started with the Hugo-winning novella: "Weyr Search" published in October 1967 in _Analog_. This story now forms the first quarter of _Dragonflight_. === 2b. Suggested reading order for newcomers. Ms. McCaffrey suggests that the books be read in order of publication (i.e. start with _Dragonflight_ and go in published order). Alternatively, she suggests starting with _Dragonsong_ as a 'gentler' introduction, completing the Harper Hall trilogy, and then going back to _Dragonflight_, _Dragonquest_, et. al. === 2c. Chronological order of books/stories This is kind of tricky, as some books depict the same events from different points of view. Here's what the concensus seems to be: [Heavily revised on 18 April 94 - Quirk.] +--------------------+ Backwards | "Survey: P.E.R.N." | ^ +--------------------+ | +-------------+ Time | Dragonsdawn +----------------------+ | +-------------+ "The Dolphins' Bell" | v +----------------------+ Forwards +----------------------------+ | "The Ford of Red Hanrahan" | +----------------------------+ +-------------------+ | "The Second Weyr" | +-------------------+ +--------------+ | "Rescue Run" | +--------------+ +------------+-----------+ | Moreta: | | | Dragonlady | Nerilka's | | of Pern | Story | +------------+ | +-----------+ +-----------+ | | +--------------+ | | | Dragonflight | | | +--------------+ | | +--------------+ | | +-------------+ Dragonsong | | | | +--------------+ | | | Dragonquest | Dragonsinger | | | | +--------------+ | | +-------------+ | The +-------------+ | Renegades | Dragondrums | | of Pern +-------------+ | | +---------------+ | | | "The Smallest | | | | Dragonboy" | | | +---------------+ +-----------+ +----------------+ | | | "The Girl Who | | The White | | Heard Dragons" | | Dragon | +----------------+ | | | +-----------+ | | | +-----------+ | All the | +-----------+ Weyrs | | The | of Pern | | Dolphins +-----------+ | of Pern | +-----------+ Notes: Horizontally connected 'boxes' indicate closely connected (i.e. same events from different points of view) stories. Boxes connected vertically indicate that the following story takes place immediately after the previous one. _Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern_ and _Nerilka's Story_ are shown to start at the same time as both narratives begin on the day of the Ruatha Gather. _Dragonsong_ is shown to start previous to _Dragonquest_ based on the timelines provided in Karen Fonstead's _Atlas of Pern_. _Dragonquest_ is shown to continue beyond the end of _Dragonsinger_ based on the reports on Canth's healing which suggest that considerable time has elapsed since Canth's jump to the Red Star. _The White Dragon_ and "The Girl Who Heard Dragons" are shown as starting at the same time as both start sometime in autumn of the 12th turn of the 9th pass. I have been unable to more specifically determine the relative starting times. === 2d. Other Pern materials Several Pern-related "Reference Books" have been published. The most frequently mentioned on this newsgroup are: _The Atlas of Pern_ by Karen Fonstead ISBN: 0-345-31432-8 (Hardcover) 0-345-31434-4 (Softcover) (Out of print, but still available if you look around for it. The Science Fiction Book Club apparently still has copies in stock.) _The People of Pern_ sketches/paintings by Robin Wood, text by McCaffrey. [1988, Donning Publishing. ISBN: 0-89865-635-4 hardcover 0-89865-751-2 softcover Recently reported to be out of print. I do not know if the SF Book Club still has copies available.] (Actually, more of a 'photo album' for the major characters.) [Additional note from: "Stephanie M. Clarkson-Aines" <thespian@access.digex.net>] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robin also sells beautiful prints of many of the pictures in the book (I have Menolly and Sebell in my bedroom :), for $30 US. Prints are signed by Robin and run in editions of 250. Robin's address is: Robin Wood 15529 Longmeadow Dearborn, MI 48120 (313) 441-3704 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- _The Dragonlover's Guide to Pern*_ by Jody Lyn Nye with Anne McCaffrey [November 1989. ISBN: 0-345-35424-9 (Hardcover)] (Considered by many to be *the* reference work on Pern...aside from the books themselves. Others have noted internal contradictions as well as conflicts with the published material and therefore do not consider it particularly authoritative.) [* Frequently abbreviated as 'DLG'.] Jody Lyn Nye has also written two 'Choose your path' books set on Pern under the (now defunct) 'Crossroads' line from TOR books. _Dragonharper_ (ISBN: 0-812-56404-9 - Journeyman Robinton's adventures as he travels to his first posting at Benden Hold.) _Dragonfire_ (ISBN: 0-812-56423-5 - Mirrim and Path look into strange happenings on the Southern Continent shortly after _The White Dragon_.) There have also been two games published: _The Dragonriders of Pern_ (boardgame) from Mayfair Games. 1983 - ISBN: 0-425-06624-X. This is set roughly during the time frame of _Dragonquest_. Players represent the 6 Weyrleaders (and the Masterharper in the 7-player game) attempting to gain prestiege and power in an attempt at becomming the overal leader of the planet. There is also a solitaire variant, and an article about threadfighting and Weyr organization by Todd Johnson (Anne McCaffrey's son). _Dragonriders of Pern: The Book Game_ by Nova Games Designs. 1984 - ISBN: 0-917037-05-7. Two riders on patrol try to outdo one another when they encounter threadfall - but don't get scorred, and definitely don't let any of the thread reach the ground! The game mechanics involve two books which show pictures from the POV of each rider. Each player selects a maneuver and goes to a look-up page where the combination of that maneuver and the other player's choice determines the next view. (Very similar to the "Ace of Aces" WW I dogfighting game also from Nova.) There was also a computer game for the C-64. Second-hand reports inidcate that it was generally similar to the above-listed board game, but with occasional arcade-style threadfighting sequences. Inquiries to the appropriate comp.*.games newsgroup may prove useful to those looking for used copies of it. === 2e. Obtaining hard-to-find books. As noted above, many books are available only through the Science Fiction Book Club. This book club provides a good selection of recent releases (albeit somewhat delayed) and classic SF in 'special edition' hardcovers and trade-paperbacks. The membership deal is something along the lines of "Buy 4 books in the first year". Almost all of Ms. McCaffrey's works can be ordered in one form or another. Advertisments can be found in most of the usual Science Fiction and Gaming magazines (e.g. _Analog_, _Dragon_, etc.) or they can be contacted at: The Science Fiction Book Club 6550 East 30th Street PO Box 6369 Indianapolis, IN 46209-9492 -- Capt. Gym Z. Quirk (Known to some as Taki Kogoma) quirk@unm.edu I'll get a life when someone demonstrates it would be superior to what I have now. Posted-By: auto-faq 3.1.1.2q Archive-name: pern-intro/part2 Last-Modified: 28 Feb 1995 Version: 2.5 WELCOME TO ALT.FAN.PERN! CONTENTS OF PART 1: 1. Introductory Material 1a. What is this group? 1b. Introduction to Pern 1c. Appropriate subject matter 1d. Spoiler ettiquette 1e. Other newsgroups of interest 1f. Common abbreviations 1g. Fan Fiction 1h. Anne McCaffrey on the net 2. Pern in Print 2a. Book List (McCaffrey-written) 2b. Suggested reading order 2c. Chronological order of books/stories 2d. Other Pern materials 2e. Obtaining hard-to-find books CONTENTS OF PART 2: 3. Frequently Asked Questions about Pern 3a. Pronunciation of various words/names 3b. Rider behavior during Mating flights 3c. Queen dragons and firestone 3d. Where to dragons/firelizards deficate? 3e. Who/What does Aramina hear in _Renegades of Pern_? 3f. What's this I hear about a Pern movie? 4. On-line Simulations of Pern 4a. Accessing Pern-type MU*s 4b. List of Pern-type MU*s 5. "Real Life" Fan Organizations 6. Non-Pern McCaffrey Booklist Note: These articles are being cross-posted to the news.answers and alt.answers newsgroups for extended expire times and archival on rtfm.mit.edu:/pub/usenet/alt.fan.pern or /pub/usenet-by-hierarchy/alt/fan/pern or /pub/usenet/news.answers/pern-intro or /pub/usenet/alt.answers/pern-intro To obtain these files (assumes UN*X environment with FTP capability): --- %ftp rtfm.mit.edu Connected to <etc.> Name (rtfm.mit.edu:<foo>): [anonymous] 331 Guest login ok, send ident as password. Password: [your e-mail address] 230 Guest login ok, access restrictions apply. ftp> [cd pub/usenet/alt.fan.pern (or) pub/usenet-by-hierarchy/alt/fan/pern (or) pub/usenet/news.answers/pern-intro (or) pub/usenet/alt.answers/pern-intro] 250 CWD command successful. ftp> [get Welcome_to_alt.fan.pern_(Semi-monthly_posting)_(Part_<X>_of_2)] (Where <X> is the part number. If you have chosen the pub/usenet/news.answers/pern-intro or pub/usenet/alt.answers/pern-intro path, then just get part<X>.) 200 PORT command successful. [Some stuff] ftp> (get any other parts you may want) ftp> [quit] % --- =-=-=-= 3. Frequently Asked Questions about Pern From time to time, the same questions come up as new people discover this newsgroup and pose the questions that have cropped up during their reading of the series. [I expect this section to grow considerably as time passes. Suggestions - and more importantly, documented answers - are welcome. -Quirk] === 3a. Pronunciation of various words/names. [ This pronunciation guide is based on the audiotape of Anne McCaffrey reading an abridged version of _All the Weyrs of Pern_ and the editor's hearing/pronunciation prejudices. ;-) ] First off, let's get the big one out of the way: ;-) weyr - WEER [This is hinted at in _Dragonflight_ where it is implied that 'Weyr' rhymes with 'adhere'.] Others of mild interest wher - (A cross between 'where' and 'whir') Piemur - PIEmur [Yes, first syllable is pronounced like that filled pastry thing.] Sebell - SEEbell Groghe - GROWgee [hard (e.g. Golf) g's in both cases.] F'lar - FLAHR [No glottal stop that I could detect.] Ruth - ROOTH [Y'know...like the 20's baseball player? ;-) ] [There are, of course, more names on that tape, I'll add more names on request.] === 3b. Rider behavior during Mating Flights. The behavior of the riders of mating dragons (and to a lesser extent firelizard 'owners') has generated considerable controversy in this newsgroup in the past. During one particularly vehement flamewar sparked by the topic, someone queried the Dragonlady, Anne McCaffrey, herself: ---[begin included text]--- From: slf@netcom.com (Sharon Fisher) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 92 18:26:59 GMT Presumably this will settle the issue? --- Date: 23-Sep-92 02:07 PDT From: Anne McCaffrey Subj: Pern question Well, now, it's like this...when the dragons mate, their riders are so consumed with their dragons' passions, that there's really only one way to vent it: enjoying the sexual act themselves. The double whammy is something incredible. Since most green riders are male, and most blue, brown and bronze riders are also male, the obvious need not be stated. However, it is permissible within the Weyrs for the less-enthusiastic about this pairing having an alternate of the opposite sex available. The green rider will also have someone of his preference available so that the double charge is not lost...if you don't mind me being a tad bawdy. Actually, many of the Candidates are weyrbred and accustomed to such demands and think little of it. It's the main bone of contention between the hidebound Halls and Holds and the the Weyrs for the Halls and HOlds don't really `like' such innovations. Still, the rider is always compelled by concern for his dragon and THAT consideration makes the difference in such a sexual situation. And it is ALSO an incredible experience, one to be treasured. And yes, there could be more female riders of green dragons to relieve that dilemma but after the early Plagues, women were needed more as mothers to increase the population (something men still haven't been able to do on their own <G>) and flying constantly between is how to abort on Pern. (Queen dragons are not always as horny as the greens and as they are low-level Thread fighters, their pregnant riders could generally manage without constantly going *between* in the performance of their duties.) Anyway, I thought homos deserved a place in the elite social structure on Pern. --- Does that answer the question completely? Or do you need <g> diagrams? ---[end included text]--- Some people feel that Ms. McCaffrey wimped out in this declaration, but still, this is the best answer we have. === 3c) Firestone and Queen Dragons It is stated about 1/3rd through _Dragonflight_ that Queen dragons do not chew firestone because it would render them sterile. (To support this contention, the example of the overly amorous green dragons and their lack of egg-laying activity was brought up.) This idea is reinforced throughout the later books - Except for _Dragonsdawn_ where it is implied that queen dragons had been designed by Kitti Ping Yung to be incapable of chewing stone. This could also lead one to conclude that green dragons had been engineered to be infertile. A popular theory (although certainly not the majority opinion) is that the 'firestone -> sterility' theory had formed over the turns to explain green infertility. Since no goldrider in her right mind would risk her queen to test this theory, it is self-consistent. === 3d) Where do dragons/firelizards deficate? In a mostly joking response to this question at a convention in the distant past, Ms. McCaffrey stated that 'Dragons go *between*.' (i.e. take care of bodily functions while transiting *between*.) Although this has been perpetuated throughout fandom and has even found its way into the _Dragonlovers Guide to Pern_, it is still regarded by many as just a joke, since it blatantly violates the laws of Conservation of Mass/Energy. (Of course, much in the Pern universe doesn't hold up to scientific scrutiny. ;-) === 3e) Who/What does Aramina 'hear' in _The Renegades of Pern_? Toward the end of _Renegades_ Aramina tells Less that asside from dragons and firelizards, she also hears something else; a 'sad' presence. This question is addressed in _The Dolphins of Pern_. === 3f) What's this I hear about a Pern Movie? According to reports on Usenet and an interview held on Compuserve in November '94, Ms. McCaffrey has sold the movie rights to a Canadian producer to make a filmed version of _Dragonflight_ to be released through one of the major studios. She reportedly maintains complete creative control over the final product (i.e. script approval, etc.). Use of computer-generated effects along the same lines as those employed in _Jurassic Park_ is planned. Reported changes thusfar have Fax renamed to Raxol have him living past the duel at Ruatha. =-=-=-= 4. On-line Simulations of Pern Some people have gone to the extent of attempting to duplicate Pern with a multi-user program designed to allow people to assume the roles of dragonriders, harpers, holders, etc. While the most frequently discussed is PernMUSH (See the "'What is PernMUSH?' Mimi-FAQ'" for more details), it is by no means the only one. Just about all of the on-line Pern simulations are based on derivatives of a program called 'TinyMUD'. These programs (TinyMUSH, TinyMUSE, etc.) are collectively referred to as MU*s. === 4a. Accessing Pern-type MU*s The quick way of doing it is to use the 'telnet' program to connect to the appropriate machine specifying the port listed - e.g. 'telnet <machine> <port>' for most Unix systems. If the name doesn't work, try the numeric address. For more info, look at the rec.games.mud.* newsgroups. (rec.games.mud.tiny and rec.games.mud.misc primarily.) Note: MU*s require access to the Internet. BBS systems with only email/usenet cannot take part; at the very minimum, you must be able to use 'telnet'. === 4b. List of Pern-type MU*s NOTE: This information is accurate so far as the author is aware. If there is a change, it won't be reflected here unless I'm informed of it. Pern-themed MUSHs: PernMUSH (astral.magic.ca or 199.166.230.69) port 4201 SouConMUSH (beechnut.enmu.edu or 192.94.216.86) port 4201 [These two are set during the start of the 10th pass and are considered to run roughly in parallel timelines.] DragonDawnMUSH (cashew.enmu.edu or 192.94.216.78) port 2222 [Set during the start of the second pass.] ShardsMUSH (vesta.unm.edu or 129.24.120.253) port 7777 [Set prior to the 7th pass.] Belior Rising (brazil-nut.enmu.edu or 192.94.216.80) port 4301 [Set prior to the 10th pass in a 'damaged AIVAS' timeline.] Jurassic Weyr MUSH (adamwest.ins.cwru.edu or 129.22.8.52) port 6250 [Registration only - reported to be roughly parallel with SouCon and PernMUSH.] DawnSisters (131.215.67.3) port 9944 [Registration only - set post-9th pass/ATWOP timeline.] Desert Winds (laser.ch.man.ac.uk or 130.88.12.199) port 4201 [Set prior to the 11th pass; no-AIVAS timeline.] MUSHs with Pern areas: TinyTIM (yay.tim.org or 155.37.1.251) port 5440 TinyCWRU (caisr2.caisr.cwru.edu or 129.22.24.22) port 4201 MUSE with Pern area: TimeMUSE (murren.ai.mit.edu or 18.43.0.179) port 4201 Pern-themed MOO Harper's Tale (srcrisc.srce.hr or 161.53.3.2) port 8888 [Set about 20 turns prior to the 10th pass; no-AIVAS timeline.] DragonsFireMOO (moo.eskimo.com or 204.122.16.31) port 7777 [Set before the 11th pass.] =-=-=-= 5. "Real Life" Fan Organizations There is an email list for discussion of Pernese craft issues. To subscribe to this mail list, send email to perncrft-request@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu. Just include your email address in the body. === Chris Croughton <chris@keris.demon.co.uk> maintains a mailserver which contains, among other things, a list of Fandom Weyrs. ---[Start note from Chris]--- MAILSERVER @ KERIS.DEMON.CO.UK ABOUT THE SYSTEM I have provided a number of files on this system for general distribution. For each of them I have had permission to distribute the file; however, if you wish to distribute them further I would advise you to seek explicit permission, unless stated otherwise in the file. Please note that this system is running over a dial-up telephone line, not a continuous connection. This has two consequences: (a) There may be a delay between the time I receive the message and the time the system sends the requested files. This could in extreme cases be several days, if the host system is down or very busy, or if I'm away and the system crashes. (b) I get the telephone bills! This may make it necessary for me to restrict the transmission of large amounts of data. In particular, large files (over 50 Kb) will sometimes be placed in a separate queue to be sent at weekends when the rates are lower - a line in the log message saying "File has been placed in <x> queue" will indicate this. Don't worry that the file hasn't arrived until a week or so has gone by. Being my own private system, there will probably be times when it does not work properly. Please be patient with this, and if you have problems send mail to postmaster@keris.demon.co.uk, as I may not be aware of the problem. If you can't get through to this system at all, please try one of my other email addresses: chriscr@cix.compulink.co.uk 100014.3217@compuserve.com or on CompuServe, ID 100014,3217. HOW TO USE THE MAILSERVER The mailserver takes a message (ignoring the subject line, and the other headers) and reads the body of the message as lines. Each line must start with a command word (a 'word' is any text surrounded by spaces or tabs - multiple spaces or tabs are treated as a single space), or be blank (no non-space characters on the line). Commands supported by the mailserver: HELP gives the list of currently supported commands DIR name replies with a list of the available files, and descriptions GET name these three will reply with the file as a separate message DOWN name - they all do the same thing... SEND name END use before your signature so my software doesn't get confused <g> REPLY address sets a different address to reply to from the one in the message. This is provided for people who receive EMAIL on a different machine from that on which they send it. If this facility is abused (i.e. I get complaints from people who receive files they didn't request) it will be withdrawn. INDEX, LIST and LS do the same as DIR. The name (for both DIR and GET) will be matched on the first characters given, so doing DIR FILK would give you all the files starting with FILK, for instance. The mailserver will respond with a log message telling you what has happened, and the output from the DIR and HELP commands etc. Note that only one copy of any file will be sent in a session, so if you request (say) FILK.PERN and PERN.FILK only one copy of each file will be sent, even though the files appear under both names. The message "Duplicate file - not sent" will appear in the log file for each file requested that has already been sent. At the moment there is no binary mode (UUENCODED ZIP files, for instance) supported - that will be in version 1.0, which I'll be developing RSN... (Note - version 1.0 has been threatened for a long time - currently it's at version 0.20). ---[End note from Chris]--- === Randall Stukey (lensman@crl.com) has a small-scale ftp site for pern-related materials set up at: ftp.crl.com:/users/ro/lensman/ Current contents are primarily related to (off-line) Pern fandom, but he has expressed willingness to broaden the scope. Submissions need to be arranged with Randall - there are currently no provisions for direct uploading. He also asks that there be no violations of copyright in materials submitted. Also, due to space constraints, large binary files (e.g. .GIFs) are not likely to be made available. =-=-=-= 6. Non-Pern McCaffrey booklist As discussion of Ms. McCaffrey's other works occasionally crops up, the following non-Pern bibliography is provided for the curious and devoted McCaffrey fan: [Thanks to Chris G. Abbott (Chris@ruatha.demon.co.uk) for compiling the list and ISBNs where available. US Publisher data gathered during bookstore trips by the editor.] _To Ride Pegasus_ 1973, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-33603-8 1974, Sphere, ISBN 0-7221-5967-6 _Pegasus In Flight_ 1990, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-36897-5 1991, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-13728-6 _The Rowan_ 1990, Ace, ISBN 0-441-73576-2 1990, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-13763-4 _Damia_ 1992, Ace, ISBN 0-441-13556-0 1992, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-13764-2 _Damia's Children_ 1993, Ace, ISBN 0-441-00007-X 1992, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-13912-2 _Lyon's Pride_ (Currently HardBack, Paper Back due December in USA I beleive) _The Ship Who Sang_ 1970, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-33431-0 1971, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-10163-X _Partner Ship_ 1992, Baen, ISBN 0-671-72109-7 Co-Author: Margaret Ball _The Ship Who Searched_ 1992, Baen, ISBN 0-671-72129-1 Co-Author: Mercedes Lackey _The City Who Faught_ 1994, Baen, ISBN 0-671-87599-X _Dinosaur Planet_ 1978, Del Rey, ISBN 1-345-31995-8 1978, Orbit, ISBN 1-85723-090-6 _Dinosaur Planet Survivors_ 1984, Del Rey, ISBN 1-345-27246-3 (UK title: _Survivors (Dinosaur Planet II)_) 1984, Orbit, ISBN 1-85723-089-2 _The Planet Pirates_ (Trade P-back) 1993, Baen, ISBN 0-671-72187-9 [Consisting of:] _Sassinak_ 1990, Baen, ISBN 0-671-39936-X Co-Authoe: Elizabeth Moon 1990, Orbit, ISBN 1-85723-092-2 _The Death of Sleep_ 1990, Baen, ISBN 0-671-69884-2 Co-Author: Jody Lynn Nye 1990, Orbit, ISBN 1-85723-005-1 _Generation Warriors_ 1991, Baen, ISBN 0-671-72041-4 Co-Author: Elizabeth Moon 1991, Orbit, ISBN 1-85723-033-7 _Decision at Doona_ 1969, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-24416-8 1970, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-08661-4 _Crisis On Doona_ 1992, Ace, ISBN 0-441-23194-2 Co-Author: Jody Lynn Nye _Treaty at Doona_ 1994, Ace, ISBN 0-441-00089-4 Co-Author: Jody Lynn Nye (UK title: _Treaty Planet_) 1994, Orbit, ISBN 1-85723-184-8 _The Crystal Singer_ 1982, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-32786-1 1982, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-12097-9 _Killashandra_ 1986, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-31600-2 1985, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-12556-3 _Crystal Line_ 1992, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-38491-1 _Powers that be_ 1993, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-37889-1 1993, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-14098-8 _Power Lines_ [Currently HardBack] [Non-connected (to my knowledge) individual novels] _Restoree_ 1967, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-35187-8 1967, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-08344-5 _The Coeleura_ 1983, TOR, ISBN 0-812-50297-3 _The Lady_ 1987, Ballantine, ISBN 0-345-35674-8 [Alternate title: _The Caradyn Touch_ or something along those lines.] Non-Science Fiction, Horse Book. [Short Fiction collections] _Get off the Unicorn_ 1977, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-27464-4 1979, Corgi, ISBN 0-552-10965-7 Fourteen Wonderful Stories, including the The Smallest Dragonboy, but the other 13 are non-Pern. _Alchemy & Academe_ 1980, Del Rey, ISBN 0-345-34419-7 A Collection of Original Stories Concerning Themselves with Transmutations, Mental and Elemental, Alchemical and Academic. Selected By Anne McCaffrey _The Girl Who Heard Dragons_ 1994, TOR, ISBN 0-312-93173-5 (Hardcover - non-Pern short ficiton except for title story.) Other Anne McCaffrey books found in a list in a US publication _Mark of Merlin_ (Not Sci-Fi) _Ring of Fear_ (Not Sci-Fi) _Out of this World Cookbook_ _A Time When_ [Reportedly, an early version of _The White Dragon_. Anyone have more details? - Quirk] _Kilternan Legacy_ (Not Sci-Fi) _Stitch in Snow_ (Not Sci-Fi) _The Year of the Lucy_ (Not Sci-Fi) [Any of you who can provide missing data are more than welcome to send it to me for inclusion in the list. -Quirk] -- Capt. Gym Z. Quirk (Known to some as Taki Kogoma) quirk@unm.edu I'll get a life when someone demonstrates it would be superior to what I have now.