Help: cannot create database on Linux

I am runnig Redhat 6.1 and have installed Oracle 8.0.5. Everything went ok until I started svrmgrl to create the first database (using dbassist ended in the same disastrous manner). Below is what happened:

[dba_at_feb2000 dba]$ svrmgrl

Oracle Server Manager Release 3.1.5.0.0 - Production

(c) Copyright 1997, Oracle Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Oracle8i Enterprise Edition Release 8.1.5.0.2 - Production With the Partitioning and Java options
PL/SQL Release 8.1.5.0.0 - Production

SVRMGR> connect internal
Connected.
SVRMGR> host echo $ORACLE_SID
prd1
SVRMGR> startup nomount;
ORACLE instance started.
ORA-01012: not logged on
SVRMGR> connect internal
Password:
ORA-12705: invalid or unknown NLS parameter value specified SVRMGR> The nightmare starts from the line where it says "ORA-01012: not logged on". I am practically not able to create any database because of that!

Any idea what is wrong? Thanks!

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