Another Newbie Slugfest - Restarted

[Steerpike]

I'll take Marignon, cant miss out on a Slugfest.

[Alneyan]

PashaDawg said:
I see that Alneyan has started another game (Song of the Blade). That game has special rules (e.g., random nation assignment), but I suppose we could all jump over to that game.



There are only a couple more spots open in this game however (two or three), so you will need to join soon if you are interested.

[PashaDawg]

I think this is who we have so far:

1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11
2. Ulm = Beorne
3. Mictlan = Aku
4. Pythium = Boron
5. Machaka = Pashadawg
6. Marignon = Steerpike

[Aku]

Remember Deccan wanted to play also but isnt he going to be gone for like 3 weeks? We should wait for him though.

[Steerpike]

I agree with Aku.

[Warhawk]

If you're willing to have a total rookie (zero MP experience) in the game, I'd be interested in joining your next slugfest. I suspect it would be quite a learning experience... complete with punishing body blows and vicious head shots. <grin>

[PashaDawg]

While I am in no position of authoritiy, I hereby welcome you to the Slugfest, Warhawk. MP Dominions is wicked fun. (What nation would you like to play?)

However, it sounds like we're going to delay the start of the game until our buddy, Deccan, returns from his extended vacation.

In the meantime, Warhawk, you might be able to join the "Song of the Blade" game that is about to start. It looks like they are looking for 1 more player.

So, here we are so far:

1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11
2. Ulm = Beorne
3. Mictlan = Aku
4. Pythium = Boron
5. Machaka = Pashadawg
6. Marignon = Steerpike
7. ????? = Warhawk
8. ????? = Deccan

Can I get anybody a drink while we wait? /threads/images/Graemlins/Martini.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Martini.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Martini.gif

[Warhawk]

Thanks, PashaDawg! I look forward to a sound thrashing... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

I can actually make good use of the delay to learn a new nation, as the ones I play most often have already been chosen. I think I'll go with Arcoscephale - they look like they have a very nice selection of gear to play with.

[Boron]

Warhawk said:
Thanks, PashaDawg! I look forward to a sound thrashing... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

I can actually make good use of the delay to learn a new nation, as the ones I play most often have already been chosen. I think I'll go with Arcoscephale - they look like they have a very nice selection of gear to play with.


Yeah Arco is a very good nation to learn Dominions .
I started my first mp game with arco and luckily survived until the endgame until only me and pickles were left . We declared the game a draw then because we didn't know ways to combat vampire hordes at that time yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif .
This game should have been my 2nd MP game but the MP game where i signed first , newbiegame 1 delayed a few weeks and so my Arcogame was in fact my first MP game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.

[PashaDawg]

Ok, here we are so far:

1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11
2. Ulm = Beorne
3. Mictlan = Aku
4. Pythium = Boron
5. Machaka = Pashadawg
6. Marignon = Steerpike
7. Arco = Warhawk
8. ????? = Deccan

We have room for 2 more players.

At some point, I think it would be good to start a new thread, but let's wait until we're ready to start the game.

[Oversway]

If this game isn't going to start for 3 weeks, I'll join. I'll take C'tis, but if Deccan (or anyone else) wants them, I can take another nation.

[CuriousCat]

I'd like to be in on the new game. I'll try Vanhiem. Hopefully I've learned a little and will be more of a challenge... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Thanks.

[PashaDawg]

Ok, here we are so far:

1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11
2. Ulm = Beorne
3. Mictlan = Aku
4. Pythium = Boron
5. Machaka = Pashadawg
6. Marignon = Steerpike
7. Arco = Warhawk
8. ????? = Deccan
9. Vanhiem = Curious Cat
10. C'Tis = Oversway

[Warhawk]

Would anyone mind if I took Man instead? Despite Arco's obvious advantages, I'm just enjoying playing Man in SP a lot more...

[PashaDawg]

Machaka has no objection.

[The Panther]

With my other games wrapping up now, I seem to have a bit more time on my hands. I am down to one HUGE game on a MASSIVE map which will last another year or so, a second game in which I am quickly losing in a 4 against 1 (I will soon be going AI after all my armies and mages die), and a third small game (Song of the Blade) which just started.

If the newest Slugfest game is going to take place on a smallish map (like Inland?) with a decent victory condition setting (meaning NOT TA), then I would like to join as T'ien Ch'i. I have really been wanting to check out the race which is supposedly the worst MP nation in the game.

I always did like a challenge...

[PashaDawg]

Welcome, Panther. I think we are just waiting for Deccan to return.

Ok, here we are so far:

1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11
2. Ulm = Beorne
3. Mictlan = Aku
4. Pythium = Boron
5. Machaka = Pashadawg
6. Marignon = Steerpike
7. Man = Warhawk
8. ????? = Deccan
9. Vanhiem = Curious Cat
10. C'Tis = Oversway
11. T'ien Chi = Dah Panthah

[Boron]

I would suggest banning caelum from this game .

If still possible i would like to change my nation into Pangenea http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[CuriousCat]

Just curious, was there a consensus about rules for the game? I assume we'll use the most recent pretender mod, but what about other mods, etc. There was a bit of discussion a while back, but I didn't get a sense of agreement on all of the other details.

[Oversway]

My vote is for Zens pretender, scales, and spell balance mods, whatever the latest versions are at the start of the game.

[PashaDawg]

Anybody know when Deccan is expected back? And, he might be distracted by other games. I will try to email him.

[deccan]

Just got Pasha's e-mail. Sorry, I didn't know that you were waiting on me. Please don't bother waiting as I won't be able to play any Dom2 for at least another couple of weeks.

One observation though: I thought you guys wanted to avoid another epic game. It looks to me like 11 players is already epic-sized...

Personally, when I get back into Dom2, I'd prefer something smaller, like 7-8 players max.

[PashaDawg]

Eeeeek!! Boron as Pan!! Eeeeek!!

[PashaDawg]

Ok, here we are so far:

1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11
2. Ulm = Beorne
3. Mictlan = Aku
4. Pan = Boron
5. Machaka = Pashadawg
6. Marignon = Steerpike
7. Man = Warhawk
8. Vanhiem = Curious Cat
9. C'Tis = Oversway
10. T'ien Chi = Dah Panthah

The only mod that I am familiar with is Zen's Pretender Mod, which is fine with me.

Did we decide on a map, etc?

[Oversway]

I doubt anyone disagrees with using Zen's pretender mod?

I'm lobbying for his other mods (scale and spells) as well. C'mon everyone, it'll be fun http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I figured the settings would be the same as the last game? Havn't thought about the map yet...

[Warhawk]

I haven't tried any of Zen's mods, so I'm not in a good position to comment on their value. Hmm, maybe I'll quickly download the pretender mod and take a look...

[Boron]

PashaDawg said:
Eeeeek!! Boron as Pan!! Eeeeek!!


Yeah i get headaches in my current pythium game . There Pan is now at war with me and might win the war http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif . At least even if i win i will be quite crippled and my further success chances will be rather bad http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif .
So i begin to like pangenea with my recent experiences http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif .

In a now over game where i was also Pythium i had to fight pangenea too and it was a pretty difficult fight also . Atm i don't like pythium anymore and begin to wonder why i always liked them so much . Yeah the voices in my head seem to always keep changing http://www.si-games.com/forumshttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/konfus.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif http://www.si-games.com/forumshttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/lachen.gif

Hm using smilies from other Boards doesn't seem to work anymore /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif

[PashaDawg]

Well... I have no objection to the other mods. I am unfamiliar with them, but that matters little. Heck... I am not exactly a freaking expert on the real rules, anyway.

[YellowCactus]

Oh Oh OH! I wanta play. Can I play. If the game's not closed, LET ME PLAY!
-Yc

[PashaDawg]

If we allow the Cactus to join, we will have 11 players. I have no objection to that, but do others? Originally, we wanted to limit the game to 10 players.

[Oversway]

No objection here.

I havn't played an mp game with all of zens mods either, and havn't played an sp game with the latest versions, so I'm sure I'll still get crushed. So lets use them!

[YellowCactus]

Well, okay.
Add me as Pythium if there's room. Or Acro or Abyssia. I understand if you want to limit your player numbers.
-Yc

[Boron]

Welcome YC http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif .

I wouldn't limit playernumbers http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif . Lets just limit the game to 150 provinces = inland as maximum . If we have 15 players that's then 10 provinces per player in average , with 10 players it is 15 provinces . It doesn't really matter imo http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
More Players = even funnier carnage http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[PashaDawg]

Alright... maybe we need to get this game off the ground.

Who is the host / server?

[Beorne]

Sorry, I've no time to play another Dom2 scenario, I'll retreat.
Sorry again.

[PashaDawg]

No problem!

[Boron]

PashaDawg said:
Alright... maybe we need to get this game off the ground.

Who is the host / server?


I think we should try to get a mosehansen spot .
Or can any of the participants host ?

[Aku]

also any ideas on map and settings?

[Saber Cherry]

I have a suggestion for a mod you can use http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Aku]

feel free to share your idea cherry

[Saber Cherry]

Ok!

It's the Recruitable Unit Rebalance (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB74&Number=333673&page=0 &view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1) that I just finished and finished documenting yesterday. It mods almost all combat units (e.g., not mages) that you can recruit without magic, to make them more balanced, more fun, more interesting, and make useless units more useful. It does not affect scales, pretenders, or magic spells, so it is perfectly compatible with mods that alter those things (like Zen's balance series).

Well, I don't want to apply any pressure, since I'm not playing. But I'd love to know how the mod feels in MP!

[PashaDawg]

So we are guinea pigs!!

[PashaDawg]

(I am always game for that... squeak! squeak!)

[Saber Cherry]

PashaDawg said:
So we are guinea pigs!!



Don't think of it like that, some people might get the wrong idea. Guinea pigs can make nice pets in addition to being used for research. You're more like genetically identical white mice, which are never pets, and ONLY used as low-life-expectancy cheap test subjects. =)

But if there's an opening (I think you're full, right?) I'd be happy to play.

[Boron]

I think we agreed that we have no limit of players .
At least from my side you are very welcome as a player in our new game Saber Cherry http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif .

[YellowCactus]

The Ulm player backed out....right? I'll take Ulm! That leaves Pythium, Abysia, and someone....
-Yc

[Oversway]

I may be able to host PBEM, if that would be acceptable. It would be my first hosting, though, so there would be a learning curve for me.

[Aku]

May I suggest a crazy idea.

Indies 9
Magic Frequency 75
World Rich
Map Faerun(would need to get 17 players)
Research Very Difficult
Events Rare

This would allow for all playstyles whether it be hoarding, rushing, or balance between the two.

I think it would be a cool idea.

[PashaDawg]

So, the players so far:

1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11, the Arizona Lawyer Extraordinaire http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
2. Ulm = Old Yeller Cactus
3. Mictlan = Aku, God of Numerology
4. Pan = Boron, He Who First Killed the Great Spider Lord
5. Machaka = Pashadawg, The GREAT Spider Lord (and Maine Lawyer Extraordinaire http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
6. Marignon = Steerpike, Australian Wunderkind Thespian
7. Man = Warhawk <---- Enigma to be disclosed
8. Vanhiem = Curious Cat, Meow-Meow-Meow
9. C'Tis = Oversway <---- Hosting Enigma to be disclosed
10. T'ien Chi = The Panther, He Who Spawned The Tauren
11. ???? = Saber-Cherry-Pop, he who slays squeaky white mice

I am easy on the other terms of the game. I have wanted to play on the Faerun map, but its VERY LARGE. Some sort of victory condition (e.g, % of map or victory points) could be appropriate (but I know that Aku and Boron are not fans of such things).

[Boron]

If we play Faerun i take Atlantis http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif .

I would like to play Faerun with Akus settings and Zens Pretender Mod .
Never played such a game so far it would be definitely interesting http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

So if we play Faerun i take Atlantis , otherwise i keep Pangenea .

[The Panther]

If we play Faerun, I am out. That map is far too big to be enjoyable. My turns (I am Atlantis in that game) on Faerun are very tedious and I am only in second place in most stats in my game. I am really hoping we can declare C'tis the winner soon and end the micro management.

I don't think anybody really understands what Faerun on rich would be like. My game setting is normal and I already have about 8K gold income with nearly 300 mixed gems per turn. It is turn 81 right now. This is with clams and fever fetishes and blood stones so heavily nerfed that I have a whopping total of 16 clams and 0 fetishes.

Perhaps if one were to set a victory condition of 80 provinces, Faerun would be tolerable. Or maybe 15 out of 50 VPs. Such victory conditions would force early wars and prevent the game from lasting the better part of a year.

[Oversway]

It seems that a really large map doesn't work for a 'slugfest' . Perhaps something smaller? But not inland, I'm tired of that map http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

If I'm hosting, then I will definitely use Zen's pretender, spell, and scale mods.

How many people want Saber Cherry's unit rebalance mod? I'll use it if enough people ask for it, but I'd rather wait to let them iron out the kinks.

Here are my thoughts on settings but I don't care that much. If people scream for a rich world or what not, thats fine.

Indies 9
Research: Difficult or Very Difficult
HoF 15
% provinces or capitols as victory condition

Everything else default.

This would be a somewhat casual game - 48 deadline for sure.

I'll start setting up some email accounts http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[YellowCactus]

I'll play with any settings or map. However, since now is the time for debate. A wrapping map would be prefered over non-wrapping.
-Yc

[Oversway]

Yeah excellent point. Wrapping map for sure.

[Warhawk]

I like Aku's choice of settings, except for the Faerun map. It's just too damn big. As Oversway points out, it won't be much of a "slugfest" on a map that large.

I'll also cast my vote in favor of a wrapping map.

[Boron]

The small faerun map is only about 320 provinces . Thats almost 19 Provinces average per player with 17 players , thats actually less then on a cradle with 10 players which would be 22 Provinces per player .
And the former Slugfest was on cradle with about 10 players ^^ .

[The Panther]

Actually, Aku's settings on a very small, crowded wrap-around map with a lot of players would be darn fun. Something like 10+ players on a 100 province map. Now, THAT would be a true slugfest.

This new map Chandrea2 (from Chazar) is interesting. My son and I just started a 2v2 on it so I will see how good it works. There is a lot of water, though, and would require a water race (or 2). It is a wrap-around map with just over 100 provinces. Also, it is twice as tall as wide so no one really gets the disadvantage of being in the middle or the advantage of being in a corner. Perfect slugfest material, in other words. I would even switch to R'lyeh for this purpose.

I have become a huge fan of the three Zen mods. They seem quite balanced to me, except for his inexplicable failure to nerf Ghost Riders. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

As for the infantry balance mods, there is a test game fixing to soon be started to check those out. It is probably too early to try those as yet.

[Saber Cherry]

Thanks for allowing me to play in this game, but unfortunately my harddrive just failed, and I'm already starting another game (as The Panther noted) to test the balance mod. So it'll be hard enough for me to find time to take turns on other people's computers as it is, until I get a new HDD up and running.

So thanks, but I'm going to pass on this game. Have fun though! Maybe I'll play in the next one http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Boron]

Though i would prefer a huge map like Faerun i am playing on any Map and at any settings http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif .

If we still decide surprisingly to play faerun i take Atlantis otherwise i keep Pangenea .

[PashaDawg]

I like the idea of playing on Chandrea2 (from Chazar).

[Oversway]

How does this sound?

Map Chandrea2
Zen's three mods

Indies 9
Magic Frequency 75
World Rich
Map Faerun(would need to get 17 players)
Research Very Difficult
Events Normal


I am wondering if a Rich World and High Gem frequency will counteract the Very Difficult research. Will troops become obsolete too fast? I'm not really sure?

It looks like Chandrea2 has a fair amount of water. If we have water nations, I would prefer we have both of them. I will take one if only one other person wants to switch.

Unless anyone has objections or changes, I'll start a new post for the game tomorrow (march 18th). Slugfest 3, right?

[Aku]

I have been looking at the 3 zen mods (pretenders/spells/scales). Lets try them out all 3 of them no matter what settings or map we do.

I personally hope we do the Faerun map because it is a very nice map and AD&D players really appreciate it.

With 75 magice frequency probably everyone will have sages. So it probably will counteract very difficult research to make it seem like normal research maybe if you are focusing hardcore on research. But I rather have that because it is unfair how like one or two players get sages and nobody else does in every game. Or how one player always gets one of those uber sites and nobody else does. I think 75 frequency will make it more fair. Also we have lot of people who dislike hoarding and the 75 frequency will even out or actually outweigh extreme hoarding with a player that expands his empire instead of sitting there hoarding every turn like crazy.

The settings will make the game very interesting and the zen mods make for some fresh gameplay. I really hope we get the faerun map!

[Oversway]

I started a new post "Slugfest 3"

Or is this 4? Let me know