Rontovar Enterprises, PLC

The management of Rontovar Enterprises, PLC is pleased to report that annual gross income rose in the third quarter of 6 IV Age to 648 million gold pieces (Mgp) from Mgp496 in the same quarter of the previous year, an annualized growth rate of 30.6%. Management expects that, assuming military operations in Slobvar are brought to successful conclusion by the end of the next quarter, full-year gross income will exceed 2 billion gp. Despite this growth, the company reported a loss of Mgp27.3 in the third quarter, and expects a full-year loss in excess of Mgp100. However, as the corporation's market presence abroad expands with the conquests of its Military Affairs Division, we fully expect Rontovar to return to profitability in 7 IV Age. Of course, actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking expectations. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are Adav-wide business and industry conditions, consumer buying and retailer ordering patterns, fluctuations in regional and worldwide magic levels, and the development of diplomatic and military conditions in a manner not to the company's benefit.

-- Rontovar Enterprises, PLC 3rd Quarter Report, President's Statement, Coventry Stock Exchange Filing 10Q:IV4811135. Traded under the symbol RE.

Ruler's Title: CEO
National Hero: Ulbarin d'Kota Reon
National Wizard: Inboric d'Husa Reon
Military Units: Foreman, Turtles, Dragons, Axemen
Starting Forces: Ulbarin, Inboric, 2 Turtles, 3 Dragons, 4 Axemen
Starting Treasury: 40
Continent: Ahaut

History: The dwarves of the Rontovar Mountains survived the fall of the Second Age better than many others, retreating into their mountain fastness. Yet even they suffered from the cessation of trade, for the dwarves grow little food themselves, instead trading for gems and manufactured goods.

Still, their workshops remained intact, and while much knowledge was lost in the scrabble, the management of Rontovar took care to preserve as much of the great manufactuaries as feasible through the long night of the Third Age, repairing and polishing unused equipment. Rontovar became a largely rural nation, dwarves tending herds of sheep amid their hills, raising mushrooms in the catacombs -- trade at a virtual standstill, the great magic-powered machines unmoving in the sparse magic of the era. Yet the memory of greatness lived on -- to be reborn in the Fourth Age.

For the Rontovar are inveterate tinkerers and experimenters and were among the first to discover the rebirth of wizardry. Quickly, many of the old machines were started into motion; and quickly, new devices and war machines of outlandish design were constructed.

The Rontovar are more interested in wealth and trade than conquest; but they know they must be ready to conquer. For the dwarves know they have no friends amid the elven and orcish nations, and scant few among the human. And a hostile market is no market at all. Trade follows the flag.