The ASP Course is now online. Check it out at www.imperialacademy.org/asp/.

It seems that some people in the EH have been forwarding an email around that's supposedly an virus warning. The email being forwarded is a hoax. The email informs the viewer that a file (SULFNBK.EXE) is possibly infected. This file is actually a Windows system file and is used to restore long file names. To complicate things, a virus known as W32.Magistr.24876@mm (Symantec's designation) actually arrives as an attachment named SULFNBK.EXE. Full details of this particular email hoax is available at here. There is also a general virus hoax site located here where you can check whether it's a hoax or not. In addition to this, I was recently sent a virus myself, but I was not infected. There are some simple steps you can do to avoid being infected:

• If you get an email with an attachment from someone you've never heard of before, it might be a virus
• If the email has a .EXE, .VBS extension, it's probably a virus
• Do not open attachments on emails from unknown sources. Instead, save them to the hard drive and run a scanner over them.
• If you're using Outlook Express or Outlook, patch them or use a more secure email client such as Netscape or Eudora.
• Get a well-known, quality virus scanner such as McAfee VirusScan or Norton Anti-virus and keep them updated. Also, set the scanner (if possible) to scan your email as it's downloaded.
• If you are not expecting a DCC file send from someone, do not accept it and do not open the file you were sent. Only accept DCCs that you are expecting from known, trusted sources.

That about covers it. Remember that virii are written to take advantage of social engineering, ie. they work on people being stupid. If you aren't stupid, you won't get infected.

This is getting a tad regular, isn't it? :P IWATS, the premier training academy of the EH, has once again passed another milestone. Eight thousand (8,000) graduates since I became Dean. That's over the period of just over 3 years. Not a bad effort I think.

A couple days ago the server hosting the ImperialAcademy.org domain suffered a massive hardware failure, resulting in one of the hard disks in the server's system to die. This is what caused the "The device is not ready" message that displayed whenever you accessed anything on the domain. The server has been rebuilt and updated to Windows 2000, but in the upgrade, the hosting company has changed a few things. I think I've covered all the changes. However, if you use the site and notice any error message, copy the error message exactly and email it to me. If you just sent a general "It's not working", you're not really helping me. Also, if you get a directory listing coming up instead of a site, please email me the site you're trying to access.

Just to clarify things: The Emperor's Hammer Database does NOT have the TIE Corps PIN #s programmed in them, so you can't use the database with it. However, they will in the future, but in the meantime, the EH Database is for members of the Fringe only.

Here are the updated URL's that people should use for the following IO websites:

Internet Office: http://www.ehnet.org

Webring: http://webring.ehnet.org

Images Archive: http://ia.ehnet.org

VBScript Course: http://vbs.ehnet.org

EH Message Board System: http://mb.ehnet.org

Greeting Card Centre: http://gcc.ehnet.org

Some ISP's may not have up to date DNS, so please be patient, and the above mentioned URL's will eventually work for you. :-)

Grand Admiral Ronin has updated the EH Imperial News Center with news on the latest command changes and other Star Wars info.

Looks like the Deus Ex mod didn't last very long at all. LucasArts shut them down. Jedi Knight II better be one hell of a damn good game or I elect we storm the LA building with pitchforks and torches.

After many disappointments over the last few games, LucasArts appears to have stopped being mere SW-Label sell-outs and start producing (or at least hiring good people for producing) good and promising Star Wars games!

Three of the PC games came out as GameSpot's Top 20 "Best of E3 2001":

• Jedi Outcast: Jedi Knight II - The FPS sequel starring everyone's favorite Kyle Katarn, who abandons the Force after defeating Jerec in Jedi Knight because he was afraid he'd turn to the Dark Side (wuss...). The new game uses the Quake III engine with kickass lightsaber duels and has the gory damage animation system used in Soldier of Fortune II (which might be toned down, but I hope not). (Estimated release date: Spring 2002)
• Knights of the Old Republic - This is the RPG game that BioWare is making for LucasArts to take place 4,000 years before Episode I. The gameplay is quite similar to Baldur's Gate, though it will be more action-orientated. (Estimated release date: Winter 2002)
• Star Wars Galaxies - Gamespot's Best Game of E3 (Platinum) - We've been following this game in the Newsletters for a little bit. This massively multiplayer online game has an excellent graphics engine that could convince me to upgrade to a GeForce3 and P4 later this year. Little information is provided in this article if you've been following the game development, but the reactions are positive so far and we could have a real winner in our hands in a few months! (Estimated release date: Fall 2001)

VA Pel has planned a meet for all the East Coast'ers who can't get to Europe or St. Louis. Come to NYC for Columbus Day 2001 (October 5-8). For details, please e-mail Pel at Palinathas@aol.com, activites to include Museums, tours of NYC, and a visit to the Intrepid.

Scorpion Squadron aboard the ISD Vanguard Wing XV has returned to active duty! The reopening is due in part to the burgeoning numbers that the ASF has seen in recent weeks and the excellent leadership of the Vanguard. Congrats to the new CMDR, Commander The_Z.

Thanks to FA AbsoluteK, the Corporate Division website can now be accessed via www.corporatedivision.com once more.

Congrats to Fleet Admiral/Internet Office AbsoluteK who was just awarded the Medal Of Honor, the Emperor's Hammer's most presitgious award. AbK, has given time, money and an outstanding dedication to the Emperor's Hammer. AbsoluteK, wear this medal with pride!

As our webspace at emperorshammer.ca is limited so if you wish to mirror a piece of software, please contact me (The Vice Prex of Propaganda and the Internet Office Assistant) and I'll get the piece of software mirrored on the Corporate Division's Website.

I would just like to remind everyone that the official website for the Corporate Division is at http://cd.ehonline.org and NOT http://www.corporatedivision.com.

With the removal of Rear Admiral Coolguy, the position for Communications Officer is now open.

The duties of the Communications Officer are:

• Keep a website online with working links to the EH Java chat room, IRC chat programs for various platforms, CService registration, Undernet Server list, and instructional material such as the X-Commands FAQ, IWATS mIRC courses, and preferably a netiquette FAQ or two
• Maintain the ops list in the #Emperor's_Hammer channel
• Be available to assist members on getting connected along with helping new EH ops register on X and get acquainted
• Maintain an online archive of EH Meeting logs
• Enforces bans (and keeps members of the "Most Wanted" out of EH channels), enforces IRC CoCs, and reports continued violators to the proper command officers
• Keep a strong online (IRC) presence
• Assist the Security Office with monitoring the EH Message Boards

The MINIMUM requirements for the positions are as follows:

• EH Membership of at least one year
• Some webpage design experience
• Gets along well with others
• No HCI convictions or FC/XO issued disciplinary actions and not perm-banned from the #Emperor's_Hammer channel
• High online/IRC time commitment

If you wish to apply to the position, you must e-mail your application to both Grand Admiral Ronin and Sector Admiral Kawolski. Failure to do so will result in your application getting ignored because if you're not smart enough to know how to send an e-mail to two people at once, you're not qualified.

Be sure to include any references, how you meet the requirements, how much time you can commit, and what ideas you have for COMM if you were selected for the position.

(Note: Knowledge of writing IRC scripts, configuring bots, and programming are NOT requirements for the position.)

CrystalTech has been forced to change the IP Addresses of all their hosted websites, including the TIE Corps website, as they move to a faster internet provider.

If you're having problems accessing this homepage on another computer. you should reset your cache on your computer (or proxy server) or reboot your computer.

There's a new Star Wars modification starting up for the award winning Deus Ex game. Star Wars Deus Ex: Sins of the Father looks like they're just starting up. Keep their site bookmarked and hope they are more successful than previous Star Wars FPS mods.

This comp is one of pure graphics. The members will design a banner for either the Emperor's Hammer or the RECON Office. The banners must be 400 x 40 pixels large.

Awards:
First Place: IS-GR
Second Place: IS-SR
Third Place: IS-BR

Depending on the number of submissions for each category - EH or RO - will determine if awards are given for each category.

Submissions go to: Admiral Keiran Idanian

This is a call out to all of you graphically talented people out there. I'm getting tired of my crappy IO Topic Logo for ehnet.org, that I recycled out of previously made graphics.


Current IO Topic Logo

I want something that says "EH", and "Internet" graphicaly (not through text). I will award a Palpatine Crescent (PC) for the best graphic submitted to me. Graphics submitted should be 300x300 pixels (I will resize it down to about 64x64, so make sure it looks good small also), and in high quality PNG, or JPEG format (no gifs please). Please email all submissions to io@absolutek.com.

Omega Squadron and the Fleet Medical Corps are sponsoring a ship-wide competition to determine who the number one TIE and XWA pilot on the Sov is. All pilots are encouraged to fly either Free TIE #93 or Free XWA #17 and turn it into their CMDRs no later than May 27th. If you have any questions, please contact General Devin.

This is a great opportunity for you to get some recognition for yourself, your squadron and your wing - take advantage of it!

A reminder to all XvT M-players out there, WoWs has started today! Get out there and start flying!

Over the past several months the SSD Avenger has grown dramatically, both in terms of size and activity. This is undoubtedly due to the hard work of not only the pilots onboard, but also the Officers. This success has allowed for a relatively rare event - the opening of a new ISD and Wing! Both myself, and Vice Admiral Firefox decided that the time was right to add this new Ship to the Fleet, so Wing XX and it's parent ship, the ISD Subjugator have been activated. The Subjugator, attached to the Avenger, is a Dark Brotherhood ship - which means that all pilots onboard are also members of the DB.

This opening also brings some changes with it:

• Avenger Wings I and II have been renamed to Wings XVIII & XIX respectively.
• Although the Subjugator will be an independent ship in terms of everyday function, the new COM will be subordinate to Vice Admiral Firefox in terms of seniority (and hence report to him with important decisions). The COM will also act as his XO and step in as and when needed.
• It is important to note that these two ships do NOT form a Battlegroup.

Applications for the new Commodore are now being accepted. The requirements are as follows:

• You must have been in the TIE Corps for at least ONE year.
• No HCI convictions.
• A working knowledge of all Fleet protocols and policies.
• Command experience at Wing Commander level or above (the more the better).
• Extensive use of IRC.
• You must also be a member of the Dark Brotherhood.

All applications should be sent to Vice Admiral Firefox & Fleet Admiral Priyum and they should arrive within the week. Once the new COM is in place, applications for Wing XX WC will be taken, but not until then.

You can see the brand new screenshots of Star Wars Galaxies! http://www.starwarsgalaxies.com/ ... I just have to say "wow!" This isn't your average post-millennial LucasArts hack!

Thanks to Admiral Theodore for the tip!

Vogue Issue #1 can be found at: http://www.darklord.ukshells.co.uk/mairin/vogue/index.html - A big big BIG thank you to all those who took part in this issue!

The trailer for this looked pretty stupid, but the actual movie had several great hysterical moments that made me laugh! :P The only problem is that their preloader is broken or something and the movie seems to be missing a chunk of it, but if you have a high-speed connection (DSL+), enjoy! http://www.theforce.net/theater/shortfilms/prequel/index.shtml

Many congratulations go out to Rear Admiral Dras Hempor who, with approval from the Flight Office and VA Adrenaline, has been appointed as the new Immortal COM!

The Tactical Officer is on leave as of this notice and until May 25th.

I have a test ShoutCast server up right now streaming MP3 audio. MP3 will be the primary format of the upcoming successor to WEHR Radio, CEHR.net Radio. You can listen to the server at http://squadron.org:8000/listen.pls. If anybody is interested in being a DJ, please contact me at io@absolutek.com with info on the format of your proposed show.

Hmm...released not much later than last month, but considering I'm on vacation, I think my turnaround time was pretty good!

You can download NL #74 (6.04 mb) at:
http://thunder.prohosting.com/~surefire/nl74.zip (N.America)
http://absolutek.com/nl74.zip (N.America)
http://www.chapmassiv.org/nl74/nl74.zip (N.America)

You can view it online at:
http://absolutek.com/nl74

My laptop's working again! Newsletter #74 is complete except for the cover and will be released soon.

The TIE Corps Commander's Award for the month of April goes to Wing II! Under the leadership of Colonel Inkwolf, the Wing members has shown themselves to be highly active with large amounts of communication amongst the Squadrons and many IWATS courses & battles being completed. They recently triumphed over Wing V in their Wing vs Wing competition, so both myself and Admiral Havoc agreed that the Wing deserved some recognition!

Admiral Jarak's successor as BGCOM has been selected...many congratulations to Vice Admiral Adrenaline!

I had several applications from some highly qualified Officers, but in the end, one person really stood out, and I know the right decision has been made. Congrats Adren!

Congratulations to Major Zippy Hawk who has been appointed as new Wing Commander for Wing XV!

A small problem with my power cable has prevented me from being able to recharge the batteries to my laptop or use it without battery power. As a result, NL #74 is stuck on it until I fix the power cable. Hopefully, I'll be getting a replacement power source tonight and I'll be able to finish NL #74, post my relatively small XO report, and update several pages, including some of the finishing ones on the EH Database.

Shadowhawk, WC of Avenger Wing I, has been promoted to the rank of full Colonel. Congratulations.

Grand Admiral Ronin has updated the EH Imperial News Center with news on the latest command changes, promotions, and other Star Wars info.

Fellow Emperor Hammer's members. I am proud to announce that there will be a Dutch EH Meeting from Friday the 17th till Sunday the 19th of August in Delft, Holland. This Meeting is organised by me, Major Tarkin and Vice-Admiral Ender Mindbender. Lodging arrangements have been made for all that want to attend. A website will go online this weekend with a full itinerary and various travel possibilities for just about all European members. Since Holland is centrally located in Europe and has a highly developed infrastructure we feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to get as many different nationalities together and maybe create the biggest EH Meeting EVER! And of course all of you outside Europe are very welcome to come over here. :) If you decide to come, please mail me and VA Mindbender so we can arrange a proper welcome. Also, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Members of Emperor's Hammer. I come to you to inform you once again about EH Poland Meeting this summer. Time is running out. But now I got more datails.

Meeting will last for 4 days. It'll start at Friday, the 29th of June till Monday the 2nd of July. Location: Jonny's Summer House, 30km from Bialystok, North-Eastern region of Poland. What you need? Simple. We only provide the place. You need to bring cash to buy food or bring your food, a tent of course and camera if you got it. We'll have great fun out here and it'll be good to take many pictures or home movies. The location is beautiful at the summer house in the wood by the river. Everything looks great. Next Sunday I'll be there and I'll take few photos and I'll upload them so you'll be able to see it for yourselves. We'll be able to view SW movies, others too of course, and maybe even have Multi-Player competition. Yes.. I'll contact COO and ask about it.

And now, the most important thing: Women at the meeting. If you want to take your girlfriend with you, it'll be great. If you know some girls who wants to arrive, feel free to invite them. Few of my pals want to bring their girlfriends but they always say: "I don't want her to be the only woman there", so if you'll bring your girlfriend, sister, etc., email me.

Yes. It'll be fun. Need more info??? Email Major Marcin Szydlowski

There is a new poll up on the Internet Office website relating to "CEHR", the successor to the old EH radio station "WEHR". I'd like to find out which, if any streaming audio formats you listen to most. Please go vote here.

Many congratulations to Rear Admiral Khadgar who has been appointed as the new Commodore for the ISD Grey Wolf!

At the recommendation of Vice Admiral Cyric and with full support from the Flight Office, current Vanguard Commodore, RA Ender mBind has been promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral for the tireless work he's done for his Command, and the continued dedication he's shown!

Last night during the TIE Corps meeting, AD Jarak Maldon announced his decision to retire from his position as Battlegroups Commander. This was sent out from him:

Friends,
A time comes for everything to come to an end. Indeed the sun as set on my time as Battlegroup Commander. I've served since September of 2000 until now, a total time of nearly eight months. During that time I can easily say I had the most fun in the Emperor's Hammer of my entire career. I've done a lot of things, met a lot of fine people, and made quite a few friends. That is why it saddens me to leave.
During my time some have called me the greatest Battlegroup Commander there was. I don't know if that is true, as I find it hard to believe I can rival people like Kyle Kessler and Valtane Ricaud, but it still makes me feel very appreciated. I am glad to have served in this position and if I was indeed the best then I hope whoever comes next will be better.
Many ask, why are you doing this? One of the primary rules in the Emperor's Hammer is to have fun, to enjoy yourself. Over the past few weeks I have found my time to be short and my involvement in this fine organization to be just another chore to be done alongside everything in my life. The coming time ahead will be equally as hectic, and if I were to continue I would only do harm to the stable Battlegroups. I don't know what I'll do next, perhaps wait in the reserves for a while and pursue a position in the command staff, maybe as an attaché or even an inquisitor. I don't know yet.
I would like to take the time to thank several people for making my experience very enjoyable here. First off is the command and the crew of the Imperial Star Destroyer Relentless. When I came here from the command staff I was openly accepted into the command of this ship despite the fact I wasn't a long-standing member. I served there as Wing Commander and Commodore and I still think they are the finest bunch of merry officers there is. They know how to have fun and be active. For this reason they are truly a fine jewel in the crown that is the TIE Corps.
Next I would like to offer my thanks to Valtane Ricaud, current commander of the Relentless. Val was there as COM when I became the WC and he was more than willing to show me how to do the job right. When he ascended to BGCOM and I to his old position he was always willing to give me pointers and much-needed advice. He understood command more than anyone I ever knew in the Emperor's Hammer and was always willing to help. For that I am very grateful. Good luck, Ricaud.
Kyle Kessler was always a helpful person. He was a Flight Officer that was willing to take time and help out with my command of the Relentless, even it meant yelling at me silly for stupid crap I did. Kessler made sure I did my job and I have him to thank for keeping me in line and performing my best. You are one of the best officers this organization has ever seen, Kess. Best of luck to you in the future.
The subject of Kessler gets me to Tornado Squadron. They took me in when the command staff spit me out and gave me a good home until I left for wing commandership. I didn't spend much time there but I was convinced that they were the most active, dedicated group of people I'd ever meet. Now they are elite vets and still as hale as ever. I have no doubt they'll give other squadrons hell for a long time to come.
Vice Admiral Adrenaline was inspiration to me since she was, and still is, such an excellent commodore. I've never seen someone so devoted to a ship as Adren is to the Immortal. That is what command is all about, involvement. I hope you continue your career in the Emperor's Hammer to the greatness you have now as the Immortal's COM.
This goes way back to my days in Wing I, but it is still important. The first true commander I've ever known was General Wolly. It has been a long time since I've served under him and we've not always been on the best of terms, but I still admire his endurance. He has served for years as the commander of Wing I, and that takes a lot of effort. I can easily say I respect Wolly a great deal. I hope that his command continues for a long time to come. And finally my best regards to the TIE Corps Battlegroups. You are the best I've ever seen. I hope you continue to be one of the greatest units in the TIE Corps. Treat your new BGCOM well and never forget those who came before. Never forget the efforts of Rapier, Piett, Kessler, Ricaud, Theodore, and myself. The position of Battlegroup Commander isn't a worthless one, no, it is one with tremendous worth. I was glad to have called myself a Battlegroup Commander. To me it was a great honor.
And now the time has come for me to go. Goodbye, everyone, and good luck.

Glory to the Empire! Glory to the Emperor's Hammer!

Admiral Jarak Altivs Maldon

With this, I will be taking applications for a new Battlegroup Commander. The requirements and qualifications are as follows:

• You must have been in the TIE Corps for at least 1 year
• You must have held the position of Wing Commander and be ranked Lieutenant Colonel or higher
• Applications should contain a brief summary of your history of Command in the TIE Corps (and not other Subgroups)
• You must be familiar with the workings of the Fleet (protocols, policies etc)
• The important bit: I want you to tell me why you want the position of BGCOM, what role you see the BGCOM plays in the TC and why you think you should be appointed to the position

All applications should be sent to spellfire@btinternet.com & pellaeon2000@cs.com by this Friday. If you've already sent an application that doesn't contain what I've asked for above, then please send it again. You may list up to 1 reference, but do NOT get people to email me on your behalf - doing so will automatically disqualify you.

The battle will be conducted in the Xwing vs TIE Fighter and Xwing Alliance battlefield. It will be held on irc.nassery.org, in the #LSFvsEH room. All results will be posted and recorded at Battlestats. So if you dont have an account, get one. (www.battlestats.com) Standard BSC rules apply.

The war begins Wed, May 9th at 12:00 PM EST (noon) and ends the following Wed, May 16th at 11:00 PM EST. Last engagement, the EH lost badly. Come support the EH and turn the tides of war.

I am now taking applications for COMMODORE of the ISD Grey Wolf. RA Woobee misses the FM life and wants to strap himself into a starfighter and have not a care in the world. :) So in turn I need applications for the ISD GW COM. Minimum requirements are as follows:

• At least WC sometime in TC career.
• Have flown most battles and Missions listed for XVT and XWA
• Have at the very least 20 LoC's
• Have a good working knowledge of the ASF
• Should be adept at keeping members active and entertained.

Please send all apps to Vice Admiral Cyric and Fleet Admiral Priyum

The ladder has been wiped and you can all now sign up again for the second season. It will also last 2 months and will finish on 4th July. You can join at http://www.imperialacademy.org/ladder/join.asp.

Congrats go to MAJ Lohr Zadash, who is now the new Wing Commander of Wing IX, on the ISD Relentless!

In a 40 mb chunk, you can download the code, maps, and documentation for Star Wars Quake from their website's files section at: http://swtc.telefragged.com/files.html

This is pretty much for anyone who wants to attempt to continue where the previous team left off.

Well, the Australian games magazine PC Powerplay has a review for Battle for Naboo (BFN) in this month's issue. For those who don't know, BFN was written by Factor 5, a company who have inflicted upon us such great titles as Rogue Squadron. BFN follows the same basic premise (ie. it sucks on the PC) and indeed, it even appears to use the same engine as Rogue Squadron, looking decidedly dated against high-texture fun provide by..well..just about every other game on the market. The review opens with "This is an awful piece of rubbish" and goes on a similar strain, including classic commentary such as "It's a derivative, awkward, dull, ugly action title that should never have seen the light of day" and "I haven't seen anything as dog-ugly as BFN for many years". In the ending paragraph, the reviewer tells us "We know LucasArts is having a rough go of it, reforming after major staff changes but this standard of game is unacceptable. So LucasArts, when you remember how to make games again, let us know." Overall, the game was summarised with "Abysmal, boring, soulless charade of a game" and a outstanding rating of 25%. You have been warned. :P

Admiral Theodore writes:

LA has posted some news on their upcoming Winter 2001 release of Galactic Battleground. The game is based upon the RTS engine adapted from Age of Empires. There will be a scenario editor to create custom single- or multiplayer battlegrounds with virtually any Star Wars units and settings. The webpage is at http://www.lucasarts.com/e3/one/ and includes screen shots.

PC Gamer magazine's June 2001 issue has a detailed cover story (six pages) on the new game with shots. They report the game is about 40% complete.

RA Woobee of the ISD Greywolf has found a new Wing Commander for Wing XIII. Please congratulate MAJ Azazel formerly Phoenix CM of Wing XIII. I know he has big shoes to fill since LC Bruckmack left, but he is more than capable of the job. And what of LC Bruckmack you ask? He has accepted a position with the ASF elite squadron Avenger! Good luck to both of them. RA Woobee and MAJ Azazel is now accepting apps for Phoenix Squadron.