Slugfest 3 Finished - Turms wins (playing Arco)

[Oversway]

Another Slugfest Game

Indies 9
Magic Frequency 75
World Rich
Research Very Difficult
Events Normal
HoF 15
Graphs off
Victory condition: 58 provinces

Map: Ringworld, available Here (http://www.illwinter.com/dom2/maps.html)

Dominions II Version 2.15

This game will be using all three of Zen's Conceptual Balance Mods, available Here (http://www.techno-mage.com/~zen/)

Pretender Gods Mod 2.0
Spells Mod 1.8
Scales Mod 1.2

Here is the list of gamers so far
1. Jotunheim = Dragonfire11 (pretender received)
2. Pan = Boron (pretender received)
3. Machaka = Pashadawg (pretender received)
4. Arcoscephale = Turms (pretender received)
5. Pythium = En Forcer (pretender received)
6. C'Tis = Oversway (pretender received)
7. Caelum = The Tauren13 (pretender received)
8. T'ien Chi = The Panther


This will be a PBEM game. Deadlines will be roughly 48 hours. The email for this game is dom2pbemATgmail.com (replace AT with @).

A secondary email address is overswayATyahoo.com (replace AT with @). I prefer sending to the gmail address, if possible.

Due dates on the turns are by the end of that day. I will 'quickhost' if I get all the turns before the deadline.

[Oversway]

If people still want to join (or switch nations), now is the time.

If you are on the list already, feel free to start emailing pretender files and your email.

With the # of players now I think we will use Chandrea2. If we get more we can decide about moving to a larger map. Otherwise, do we want bridges as provinces or not for Chandrea2? I will also change the map file to make province 98 a sea.

Would people prefer a # of provinces or capitols as the victory condition?

[Aku]

We absolutely cannot play this map. It gives everyone an iron mine starting out and it replaces one of my starting gem sites as Mictlan!!! I lose my sun warriors and my sun priest!!!

Also the map is buggy that you can start out neighboring someone and Boron has been able to crash the map also.

We need a new map. Assy map Aran is a more viable map lol.

[Boron]

I vote for Ringworld . 100 Provinces also and it would be pretty cool http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Oversway]

That is too bad. I didn't realize the map was so buggy http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Any other ideas for maps? Aran is decent. I don't like only have two neighbors in ringworld...it just seems less fun. But if everyone else really wants it, I'll play it.

[Turms]

Hello,

I would like to join and play Arcoscephale.

Turms

[Oversway]

Welcome aboard

[Boron]

Oversway said:
I don't like only have two neighbors in ringworld...it just seems less fun. But if everyone else really wants it, I'll play it.


You have more then 2 Neighbors in Ringworld http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif .
Aran can be very unfair with starting locations . The players in the middle are screwed .
If we find like 14 players we could just do inland or we do desert eye .

[En Forcer]

Are there any more openings in this game?

[Aku]

Enforcer pick a nation.

If we get more players we can actually do faerun!!!

[PashaDawg]

Maybe there is a need for two different games. One on a small map and one on a BIG map.

[YellowCactus]

This thread is akin to herding kittens.
-Yc

[PashaDawg]

Well... I think it could be fun to have a BIG game on the Faerun map, but I don't think Slugest 3 should be that game. I think there was a general push to have the game on a small map.

[Oversway]

Are there any more openings in this game?



Yes.

We'll go with Inland unless someone comes up with a better map.

Start emailing me your pretenders and we can get this game moving. Remember we are using mods.

[PashaDawg]

Machaka's Pretender has been sent.

[Oversway]

Pretenders are starting to come in. I'll keep the first post updated as to who has sent their files. Feel free to harass those who have not sent them to me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I have not heard any comments about victory conditions. Does anyone object to 75% of provinces?

[The Panther]

75% is too high, for that is over 100 provinces. Half the provinces is enough (77 or 78), as anybody who has managed to grab that much land against 9 opponents has it won already.

I suppose I ought to get off my duff and see what the heck TC can do... Any ideas on a decent pretender for TC?????

[Boron]

The Panther said:
I suppose I ought to get off my duff and see what the heck TC can do... Any ideas on a decent pretender for TC?????


Nataraja !
Or you do Dualblessed Sacred TC troops , F9W9 Celestial Soldiers are sweet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. And they got even a small upgrade in zens mod like +3 protection iirc .

With the Victory Conditions so Inland is the map and not Ringworld ? If we would take Ringworld we would need no victory conditions with the 100 Provinces only . If someone has there 70 provinces the opposition probably surrenders voluntary http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[PashaDawg]

The Panther said:
75% is too high, for that is over 100 provinces. Half the provinces is enough (77 or 78), as anybody who has managed to grab that much land against 9 opponents has it won already.

I suppose I ought to get off my duff and see what the heck TC can do... Any ideas on a decent pretender for TC?????



I agree about limiting the % of provinces needed to a little more then half.

I was playing TC yesterday for fun, and my Phoenix was doing well as a Fire, Air and Astral mage.

[The Panther]

I kind of like ringworld myself, for I have played Inland so darn much lately. And on such a small map like Ringworld, there is no need for any victory conditions. It will be nothing but a PURE slugfest.

Pasha - Why did you spend 80 design points to get astral on a phoenix??? Air/fire is plenty ehough to make a rough and tumble, powerful immortal pretender. Personally, I am partial to a F9/A5(or 6) bless on my phoenix. Maybe I ought to try that for TC......

[PashaDawg]

The Panther said:
Pasha - Why did you spend 80 design points to get astral on a phoenix??? Air/fire is plenty ehough to make a rough and tumble, powerful immortal pretender. Personally, I am partial to a F9/A5(or 6) bless on my phoenix. Maybe I ought to try that for TC......



I was just having fun to see what I could see. I was playing by myself... so no risk... just fun. He was a mind-burning, sulfur-hazing, wacked-out, never-dying bird!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Spring/Autumn is a fun theme.

[Aku]

I have to withdraw from this game.

Some things just happened and in the morning I have to go away and wont be back for maybe a month.

I will see you guys when I get back.

Aku

[PashaDawg]

Bye, Aku. Catch you when you return.

[Oversway]

Sorry to see you go Aku. I've removed you from the list.

We have 2 votes for ringworld. Should we use this map instead?

I will update the victory condition to be 55% of provinces, I may fiddle with the number right before we start, but I won't change it drastically unless everyone wants me too.

Still waiting on pretenders from a lot of people. I'll start PMing them (not The Panther or Boron, since I presume they are working on them).

[PashaDawg]

I am easy about the map, as long as it is not a BIG map. I've never done ringworld... so that might be fun.

[En Forcer]

What races are still available? I've researched the mods you require and think I can adapt...(I hope!)

Thanks!

[PashaDawg]

En Forcer said:
What races are still available? I've researched the mods you require and think I can adapt...(I hope!)

Thanks!



See the first post in this thread!!

[Tiltowait]

Play ringworld, I've never had the chance to watch anyone playing one of my maps http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

There are more than 2 neighbors per player, you can take the spoke elivators to remote destinations. And look at the spoke locations with the editor before you play, so no one has an unfair atvantage...

[En Forcer]

This will be new for me. A race I've never played, on a map I've never played, against people I've never played and rules I've never tried.

God I love this game...

(Pythium pretender submitted)

[Boron]

Just sent my pretender http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif .

[The_Tauren13]

ringworld is a fun map http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Oversway]

Due to popular demand I changed the map to ringworld. Hopefully nobody will find bugs in this map as well http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I've updated the front page with a link to the map and with the two more pretenders I have received. Hopefully The Panther will send his in shortly. I PM'd the other users for Jotun (Dragonfire11), Man (Warhawk), and Van (Curious Cat) but have not heard back yet. Does anyone know if they are still playing? With 106 provinces in ringworld I'd like to get a more players.

[The Panther]

I am on a business trip in Washington DC right now. I will try to get to my pretender as soon as I can, but it may be a bit delayed.

Panther

[PashaDawg]

Dragonfire is working on his new pretender. He just got a new PC and all the fun that involves (installing software, etc.)

[Oversway]

I have Dragonfire's (Jotunheim) pretender now.

I'll wait for The Panther -- once I get his I'll start the game. That'll be nine which I think will be ok on ringworld map. Plus who knows, maybe we'll luck out and Warhawk and/or Curious Cat will send a pretender or someone new will sign up.

[YellowCactus]

Ulm is dropping out. Please remove my pretender. Looks like a fine game.
-Yc

[Oversway]

Bummer http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[The_Tauren13]

Well, if its PBEM, and if Panther doesnt mind, and if you guys really want another player, I could join.

[Oversway]

It is PBEM. I'd like another player. Or two. Or three. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[The_Tauren13]

If I joined, you would have to validate my (or panthers) turn file every turn with your CD key. I think all you have to do is just open up one of our turns every time before hosting...
If its not too much to ask, count me in as Caelum.

[Oversway]

Since I'm playing, can I validate your turn file?

Also, it will give me a bit of an advantage to open your turn, even if I try to avoid looking at anything.

Otherwise it doesn't bother me if nobody else objects.

[Boron]

Glad to have you in Tauren http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif .

[Oversway]

I have The Tauren13 pretender, but can someone verify that it will work? If the game will complain that there are 2 turn files with the same cd key between Tauren and Panther, than wouldn't it complain about the same cd key between Tauren and myself?

[The_Tauren13]

No, because it lets one person play 2 nations; if 2 of the turn files have the same CD key but both originate from the same computer (the same IP address, probably), it will take it. So, if you validate my turn file with the same computer you use to play your turn, everything will be fine. The problem is only when 2 turns from different addresses have the same CD key. Rather silly, but thats the way it works.

[Steerpike]

So sorry guys I have to pull out as well, University has put a cramp on all my leisurely pursuits.

Finding players for this one is like herding cats.

[PashaDawg]

Well, shoot... it's hard keeping players for this one! We better get started soon!!

[The_Tauren13]

Better they leave now than after the game starts, IMO...

[PashaDawg]

That's true!!!

[Oversway]

I would like to wait for The Panther, after that we can start. Eight players will be ok.

Update: I tested some SP games on this map and I think there will still be a lot of slugging going on with eight players. The layout of the map seems to lead to early conflicts http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

So c'mon Panther! Hopefully we can start this game this weekend.

[The Panther]

OK, I have some free time this evening and will put together a pretender. I will email it before bed tonight.

[PashaDawg]

So, are we ready to get started?

[Oversway]

Havn't gotten a pretender file yet...

[The Panther]

from me????
I sent it Saturday night..

[The Panther]

I went ahead and sent it again. Let me know if it was received this time.

Panther

[Oversway]

No, nothing yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif What address are you sending it to?

Should be ... dom2pbemATgmail.com (replace AT with @).

[Oversway]

Turn 1 is sent out. Let me know if there are any problems.

[Oversway]

Turn 2 is out. I won't normally post all of them but just one note: On most of the emails, I sent an incorrect date of friday, 3/31 as the deadline. It should 4/1. Sorry about that. Anyways I doubt the deadline will matter for the 2nd turn.

[PashaDawg]

OOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I can FEEL it! I'm gonna win BIG TIME... yup BIG TIME... yeeeeehawww!! Time to quit the day job!
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/PointRight.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/PointRight.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/icon41.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/icon41.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/icon41.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/icon28.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Unlocked.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[The Panther]

The ol' Panther is already in deep doo doo on Turn 1. Not only are there just 3 provinces next to my capitol, but they are all wastelands with zip-de-doo-da income and basically no resources. So much for plowing 80 design points into a 40-admin castle...

Methinks somebody will be wresting the slugfest champion's crown from the big cat himself when all is said and done! Me also thinks the map could use some additional #nostart lines of code.

At least I will get to test out T'ien Ch'i as I get roughed up. I have been wanting to truly see if TC is as bad as they say. I hope to put up a decent fight at least.

[Oversway]

You'll sure be rolling in gems with tien chi, wastelands, and sites 75. Maybe you'll get lucky and find some mines for gold or resources.

[PashaDawg]

I have no doubt that the whining cat will show us what great deeds TC can perform. Onward! /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif (Just don't get too close to the Great Spider Lord's jungle. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif)

Boron? Panny panny Boron?? Sniff... sniff... where are you... come out... come out... wherever you are... sniff sniff... The Great Spider Lord's got a nice scary doom weapon of revenge for you... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[The_Tauren13]

Just stay off my mountaintops if you even want to get the chance for revenge on anyone http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/firedevil.gif

[PashaDawg]

OH YEAH?????? Just because you spanked me in THREE TURNS a few games back???? BAH!! I laugh at you and your little, tiny victories. HA HA HA!!! (That's right! Laughing... HA HA HA!!) Beware, Panther-Spawn.

[Boron]

PashaDawg said:
Boron? Panny panny Boron?? Sniff... sniff... where are you... come out... come out... wherever you are... sniff sniff... The Great Spider Lord's got a nice scary doom weapon of revenge for you... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif


I don't want to run into your dualblessed spiders http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif .
So the poor innocent Pangeneans rather hide atm from your evil minions http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif .

[Oversway]

The name of Machaka's prophet is scary enough http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[PashaDawg]

That's right, PAL!! Get nervous. Danger is coming down the pike, and the profit... um, I mean, PROPHET of PASHA is just the beginning.
/threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif <Thunder Clap> /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif

[PashaDawg]

How's everyone doing?

[Oversway]

You killed my scout! I miss him already.

[PashaDawg]

That will learn you, Slime-Lips.

[Turms]

Hello all,

I wonder, are we using the 2.16 patch? I have the old version, and the game seems to be working fine. Any plans on upgrading?

This game has been going pretty fast, which is very nice.

What do people think of the Ringworld?
I guess everybody has only two neighbours. I do at least.

Turms - Arcoscephale

[Oversway]

We are not using the 2.16 patch. I was waiting awhile to see if there was any problems before upgrading.

I think everyone has two neighbors and then more slightly indirect neighbors via the spoke provinces. It sounds like some people got some not-so-great starting positions (surrounded by waste, etc.), although mine seems decent.

Pasha - This Slime Lips will never learn. I might just go and park 10 scouts there, what are you gonna do about it?

[The Panther]

Actually, I have 3 neighbors in my wastelands. But all is not lost. Take a look at the attached battle report and you will see!

Side note - Pythium and I crashed on a neutral. His army was well over half mercenaries. This battle was yet another prime example of why I almost never buy mercs anymore. They are hardly ever worth the cost, for they run much too easily and are then simply dead dead dead. Plus, you don't ever get a refund from chicken mercenaries!

Anyway, this is not a balanced map in the slightest, but who cares? it is a good layout for a slugfest.

[PashaDawg]

Eeek, Panther! Looks like you spanked those communing Pythium weenies. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif Just stay away from the Machakan jungle. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif The Great Spider Lord doesn't quite yet need a taste of what you're doling out. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gifhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Oversway]

I find mercs can be decent fodder to protect your other troops. They route less than say militia http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[En Forcer]

Well, geez, Panther, you weren't supposed to actually be there when my troops showed up... Those mercs woulda' done just fine against a couple of blood druids and blood vines.

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

[PashaDawg]

That frickin' Panther always gettin' in the frickin' way!

[En Forcer]

Touch nice the kitty....

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

[Oversway]

Looks like the action is heating up! My informants caught sight of a few interesting battles last turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[En Forcer]

I just got STOMPED by some indies... this sucks...

[Turms]

Very nice fight last turn. I got to watch it too.

I am slightly disappointed - I have yet to fight human opponents. I am sure things will heat up in this part of Ringworld too...

Turms - Arcoscephale

[PashaDawg]

Life is peaceful and easy under the rule of the Great Spider Lord. May you all soon learn the joy of such truth.

[Oversway]

I'm not sure how to balance the boredom of not having a turn for two more days vs the boredom of going to war with someone who can't make the turn this time around.

Edit: well I guess it just a turn. I'm bored http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[The Panther]

Turms said:
I am slightly disappointed - I have yet to fight human opponents. I am sure things will heat up in this part of Ringworld too...

Turms - Arcoscephale



I would suggest attacking Pangaea. He and I had a massive fight and we both lost a huge pile of stuff. I did manage to kill 90% of a big army of his on the turn before I staled. Pangaea will be very easy pickings right now, especially since I am now causing major unrest in much of his territories! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

It is amazing just how poor was the starting spot for me, Pangaea, and Caelum as compared to Arco. In fact, the three of us are killing each other just to get out of the game at this point.

This map still needs a bit of work to be playable.


Panther

[Oversway]

Yeah, I think there too many of the same land type in next to each other.

[En Forcer]

Yeah, a lot of the lands are wasteland or the equivalent. At least around me. If it weren't for so many magic sights I wouldn't want to leave my capitol!

[En Forcer]

I just wanted to add that I am getting a real kick out of this map. It is really cool.

[PashaDawg]

I like the map, too, but I am sorry to hear that some people don't get a balanced start.

[PashaDawg]

So, what's the news?

I need some dirt! I hear that the Jotun Giants and C'Tis are at war. And of course, the C'Tis PIG attacked the meek inhabitants of the Machakan Jungle. The C'Tis PIG shall soon learn the wrath of the Great Spider Lord!!! <Drums beating> http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gif

[En Forcer]

It would be interesting to hear what's going on on the other side of the wheel...

[The Panther]

Well, I slaughtered a big pile some carrion wimps and was then utterly slaughtered in turn by a nearly unbeatable Vampire Queen. I am afraid T'ien Ch'i does not have the proper mages to kill a VQ without a lot of research and artifacts that I likely will never achieve with my drain scale. Maybe Arco can kill the VQ a few times with his astral mages and take the Pangaea capitol. I earlier had a serious blow to my fortune when I lost a key national hero (the stealthy guy with /threads/images/Graemlins/icon45.gif) because of a turn stale. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif

I also killed a bunch of Caelum wimps and caused some unrest http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif before he begged me for a peace treaty.

Just to let everybody know, I intend to go /threads/images/Graemlins/icon13.gif when I leave for France on June 17 and let my three neighbors take my sorry wastelands /threads/images/Graemlins/Poison.gif for their own nefarious purposes. Getting a sub is pointless since I have no chance at all with a weak nation in a horrid starting spot.

Nothing has gone my way in this game and I will soon have to relinquish my title of Slugfest Champion /threads/images/Graemlins/icon09.gif to some other Pretender. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/skull.gif

[Oversway]

I saw that battle... that VQ is worth its high price! I'd agree that mind duel is probably the best way to go, with only 3S

[Turms]

I saw that battle too and I really feel sorry for Panther. That was an impressive army.

I have battled the VQ once. She killed some troops, but ultimately got banished by Solar Rays and Dust to Dust casters (actually the last blow was a lowly mind burn). She hasn't attacked again - busy against Tien chi I guess.

Turms - Arcoscephale

[PashaDawg]

Who has this wicked VQ?

[Oversway]

Pan. Boron is using the carrion woods theme. I'm glad I'm not too near him http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I just have deal with this Jotun Machaka alliance. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif Personally I think machaka lusts for the cold embrace of those hags.

[The Panther]

Yeah, I wanted to smash Boron and punish him for using the cheesy Vampire Queen. It seems I got punished instead, though I did hurt him enough with my war plus the help from Arco such that Boron probably cannot win the game. Especially with his horrible starting spot, which rivaled mine for patheticness. Tauren's starting spot (Caelum) was equally lousy with Boron and I. The three of us have been fighting pointless battles to at least make the game sort of interesting.

I do expect that the VQ will be 'fixed' in Dominions 3.

[Boron]

The Panther said:
Yeah, I wanted to smash Boron and punish him for using the cheesy Vampire Queen. It seems I got punished instead, though I did hurt him enough with my war plus the help from Arco such that Boron probably cannot win the game. Especially with his horrible starting spot, which rivaled mine for patheticness. Tauren's starting spot (Caelum) was equally lousy with Boron and I. The three of us have been fighting pointless battles to at least make the game sort of interesting.

I do expect that the VQ will be 'fixed' in Dominions 3.


I just took the VQ out of sentimentality.
Pangenea has much stronger SC gods like the Great Mother, the Monolith and the Medusa.

My luck was just that you took base Tien Chi. Some S&A masters of death just doing dust to dust would be most likely enough to kill my VQ easily.

I wonder if i can beat back Arco in the next turns or not, his main army is quite potent.

[The Panther]

Boron said:
I just took the VQ out of sentimentality.




Yeah, I know what you mean. With the VQ at 150 points and using Zen's Pretender mods, you don't see that b*tch near as often as in the old days.

I recall when the VQ was chosen for half (or more!) of the Pretenders in every MP game, but those olden times have been patched away and Zen'd to death!

I was considering trying to research up to mind duel and sacking a bunch of CMs and the occasional S1 MoW trying to kill the VQ, but that just ain't gonna happen with my drain scale.

Therefore, after losing so much in that battle there, I am out of the war for now and will let Arco sink or swim on his own. Maybe by next week when I go AI, TC will be at peace with everybody and my neighbors can do what they want with my territory.

By turn 20 or so in this game, it was obvious to me that I don't have the slightest idea how to play TC with all its mages having so many schools but too low of levels.

[Oversway]

Blast, I forgot to script one of my assassins so he just retreated during the attempt http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif Maybe I'll rethink upgrading this game to 2.16 now...

Although really this assassination stuff is just so-so. They are rather expensive units considering their (in)effectiveness. Even when I manage to script them correctly http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[PashaDawg]

BORON'S PLAYING PAN CARRION WOODS????? THAT WAS WHAT HE WAS PLAYING THE FIRST TIME HE ENCOUNTERED THE GREAT SPIDER LORD!!

/threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif THE GREAT SPIDER LORD HAS BEEN LUSTING FOR REVENGE EVER SINCE. /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD.... LET ME AT HIM.... GRRRRRR LET ME AT THAT FETID SMEAR.... OUT OF MY WAY, C'TIS PIG... I'M GOING TO FEED THAT VAMPIRE **** TO MY JUNGLE SPIDER PETS <froth, froth> /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif
/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Bug.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif

[Oversway]

Just head your army south to the ring station and jump past arco... I'm sure he'll be waiting for you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[PashaDawg]

Oversway said:
Just head your army south to the ring station and jump past arco... I'm sure he'll be waiting for you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



/threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif LIES! That is a C'TIS TRICK!! The Great Spider Lord will not prove his superiority by doing something so sneaky. Bah! But, it does not suprise the Great Spider Lord that the C'TIS PIG's tiny little mind thinks that way. WAR ON THE C'TIS PIG!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Boron]

The Panther said:
By turn 20 or so in this game, it was obvious to me that I don't have the slightest idea how to play TC with all its mages having so many schools but too low of levels.


Yeah base TC is difficult to play.

Your Celestial Masters could use falling frost, but this spell is not as good as air or fire battlemagic in most cases.

Summonwise your Mages can't do anything decent too.

Only forging possibilities are above average.

I don't remember your god but something like f9d4 as pretender should work quite well. With this bless your sacreds become quite strong and in midgame you can then summon banelords and equip them easily with standard gears forged by your mages.

But Tien Chi or Pan CW are never as potent as e.g. Base Pangenea, Man or Vanheim with our Game-Settings.

[The_Tauren13]

Im inclined to think Pan CW sucks pretty bad no matter what the settings are...

[Boron]

The_Tauren13 said:
Im inclined to think Pan CW sucks pretty bad no matter what the settings are...


For blitzes it is half decent.
I agree of course that Pan cw is one of the worst nations together with Tien Chi and Ulm and Caelum RotR.

[PashaDawg]

It could be very fun from a role-playing point of view (such as in Yarnspinners).

[Turms]

Hello all,

Is Boron (Pangaea) still missing?

I am at war with him and it is bit hard to know what to do just now.
Last turn there was no problem - I wasn't attacking him anyways. But to continue I think I need to know the situation. I don't want to fight against someone not taking turns.

- Turms, Arcoscephale

[Boron]

Turms said:
Hello all,

Is Boron (Pangaea) still missing?

I am at war with him and it is bit hard to know what to do just now.
Last turn there was no problem - I wasn't attacking him anyways. But to continue I think I need to know the situation. I don't want to fight against someone not taking turns.

- Turms, Arcoscephale


Thanks Turms. I did my last turn.
I did the turn before too but i was a bit busy and unfortunately sent the .trn-file instead of the .2h-file.
Since i am a bit busy atm i only check my email every 2 days, the host shedule. So i read Oversways email too late too. Sorry for the delay, now everything should be fine again though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. So hf slaughtering the innocent pangenean wood creatures http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.

[The Panther]

I have become AI, so feel free to annex the wastelands of T'ien Ch'i at your leisure.

At least waste provinces have a higher probablilty of sites (supposedly just like swamps), and I have searched them a bunch such that I have massive gem income. Three of them even have a higher gem income than my capitol. So the provinces are not entirely worthless. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Unfortunately, I made my pretender to maximize gold income on the rich world, and that failed from starting in the wastes. Plus, I am obviously not very good with TC, which seems a very difficult nation to master. Not taking a magic scale was a huge mistake for sure.

Good luck to all players while I am out on vacation for the next couple of weeks.

[Oversway]

Want to reveal your strategy? I guess lots of gold could be used for lots of strategies. But say compared to going with an sc pretender? (I bet TC wouldn't benefit much from a rainbow pretender http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif)

[The Panther]

I took the Father of Serpents with E4D4N4. His job was searching using the missing schools from my Fire/Air/Water/Astral prophet CM. Also the three level 4 schools gave a minor bless to my red guards, celestial summons, and mages. That part worked splendidly in that I found 21 sites in 7 provinces searching 1124244040 (missing blood and unholy) with only my astral-random prophet plus God. Of course, waste is supposed to have a 20% site bonus, and when added to the 75% game setting, this seems right to me based on my numerous sites.

I took income scales (order, growth and only heat 1 sloth 1) for high gold. In my test games after about 10 turns, I was able to recruit a CM every turn plus some red guards & archers, and still build 450 gold castles every other turn. I testing mostly on Inland, which was a huge mistake in retrospect. Had I noticed the preponderance of wastelands and the many starting spots with too few neighbors on Ringworld, I would have made a different pretender. If I had known I was starting next to a VQ, I would have taken the Fire 9 bless and quickly destroyed her with my Celestial Soldiers and Red Guards. But I had taken F9 bless in one of my recent games and wanted to try something different.

In the actual game, I suffered from a serious lack of income. Also, my drain 1 scale meant I was in dire need of a library, but I never found one.

I did discover that TC without magic research is pretty darn bad! Though TC may be weak regardless...

For sure, I will know a lot more about how to play TC next time!

[Boron]

The Panther said:
If I had known I was starting next to a VQ, I would have taken the Fire 9 bless and quickly destroyed her with my Celestial Soldiers and Red Guards. But I had taken F9 bless in one of my recent games and wanted to try something different.




That doesn't work. I only need to script her for casting fire resistence and voila your flaming weapons are totally useless http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.
20 protection and useless flaming weapons makes her still unkillable by almost any troop. Some black hawks to attack her while buffing would probably work though.

[The Panther]

I recall that the 8 AP damage from the F9 bless is NOT a fire attack but it is normal Armor Piercing (not negating, right?) damage. On top of the 8 AP damage, there is an additional flame attack that sets targets on fire which IS useless against fire-immune troops.

As for the hawks, I intended to do that but my lab burned down in my capitol on the very move I was going to use it against you. It would not have worked anyway because you brought along a lot of carrion troops which the low-morale hawks almost surely would have attacked on the way to the rear.

[Boron]

The Panther said:
I recall that the 8 AP damage from the F9 bless is NOT a fire attack but it is normal Armor Piercing (not negating, right?) damage. On top of the 8 AP damage, there is an additional flame attack that sets targets on fire which IS useless against fire-immune troops.



Afaik 100% fire resistence protects you totally from flaming weapons. I might be wrong though.
It is very hard to test because 20 protection is still 10 protection when halfed, so it is still tough to overcome it with the 8 AP. But this way you can't easily tell if you just got wounded by a good OE dice roll or by the flaming weapons.

[Alneyan]

Beware of the Spell Boron: if your Pretender goes in melee, there is one spell that can slaughter her quite easily (my own Virtues have the same problem, of course). Other spells might work just as well, but I haven't tested them myself.

If your Pretender doesn't go in the fray, she is safer... until fliers attack, that is, though Lances are also very good against our favourite Pretenders (the Longdead Horsemen are riding death... literally). That... hazard can be helped somewhat though, with the appropriate gear, and it's not as cheap (or easy) as using the Spell.

Panther: you are right about Drain 1 being a killer, as what power TC does have lie in magic research (they have decent researchers after all). I quite like them, but creating a Pretender is really tough for them: they need good scales, fighting power, and some magic to boost the national mages. How annoying, when you only have 500 points to spare. Maybe they should be less affected by Turmoil or something to that effect, since discontent doesn't really affect bureaucracies, and it would beat that conscription effect (unreliable and maybe even dangerous, if it can create PD on its own).

[Turms]

Good to know you are playing Boron. I have my doubts about slaughtering as my scout attacked your big army and hmm.. It IS big, especially considering you have only 4 provinces left.

Btw - about flaming weapons. I thought flaming weapons are considered magical so they would bypass etherealness. That would be a great help against Vampire Queens even if the fire damage would be negated.

Turms

[En Forcer]

Well, I have to concede this one and I have turned my forces over to the AI. After losing Panther, The AI attacked me along all fronts and I have been dealt a death blow.

See you guys in another game. It's be grand!

[The_Tauren13]

Yeah the AI doesnt know Panther and I made peace long ago... and is being very annoying. Though Im sure you had it worse with such a large border. But it doesnt matter. None of us on this side of the world had much of a chance; we were way too close to one another and had lousy starting provinces with wastes everywhere, not to mention crappy nations and themes on top of that. Still, I have managed to have loads of fun playing it by starting wars I cant win. The only reason Im still alive is because you and Panther went AI. And the purpose of playing, after all, is to have fun, not to win.

[Oversway]

Now that you have two AIs fighting each other, you might be able to get a lot of territory. I suppose the same is true for Pan on the other side.

[Turms]

Seems we are only 5 people left. Thank you for playing Boron, that was a quite epic battle. I guess I can brag a little.

In one battle about 700 evil things from the woods were destroyed. The losses were heavy on the good side too. The names of the brave soldiers who gave their life for the freedom of the world will never be forgotten.

Turms - Arcoscephale

[Oversway]

I didn't see that battle, it sounds fun. I'm just glad I don't have to face that VQ.

[Boron]

Turms said:
Seems we are only 5 people left. Thank you for playing Boron, that was a quite epic battle. I guess I can brag a little.

In one battle about 700 evil things from the woods were destroyed. The losses were heavy on the good side too. The names of the brave soldiers who gave their life for the freedom of the world will never be forgotten.

Turms - Arcoscephale


Yeah you did well http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
Your anti-undead-magic was too much.
Some turns ago Panther interupted my buildup by attacking me and in a big battle he killed at least 300 undeads and 3-6 carrion lords, don't remember the correct numbers anymore.
And then you just attacked in time while i still hadn't recovered from Panthers attack.
Well done Turms http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[Turms]

Hello,

Who is currently playing Machaka? I think I did not see PashaDawg's mail address in the last status post. Anyways, whoever you are - our non-aggression pact is now officially cancelled (No aggressions before 3 turns have passed as agreed).

How is the game going? Who is winning the war C'tis against Machaka and Jotunheim? And what is the status of Caelum? Why are you not conquering the former provinces of Pythium and Tien'chi?

Turms - Arcoscephale

[Oversway]

Pasha is playing Mchacka, so watch out! Jurri was subbing for him for a couple turns but now he is back.

I've done some damage to Jotun but given some ground to Machaka, so its tough to say who is winning.

I don't know what Caelum is up to. I think he had a difficult starting position but I'm not sure why he isn't after the AIs lands.

[PashaDawg]

The Arco pigs will rot under a Machakan jungle!

Death to Arco! Death - Death - Death! Death to Arco!

The Spider Lord's minions early await to sink their fangs into the tender Arco fleshy parts.

Our war drums beat. Beat - Beat - Beat! Death to Arco! You're betrayal shall be your undoing, PIG!

[Oversway]

Jotun strikes back!

Nice army you got there... I'll have to figure out a good way to counter it.

[Turms]

Hello there Oversway,

Have to say first that thanks for hosting this game. I am doing quite nicely I think...

However, it is considered very rude to attack someone when you have a non-aggression pact with him. And if you need to do sneak attack - the force should be at least noticeable http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Anyway, what are those sneaking armies of yours doing in my territory?

Turms
Arcoscephale

[Oversway]

Are you sure we had a non-agression pact? I checked my game emails very carefully. I didn't think we bothered to set one up because we never had a common border. If so, I apologize profusely!

Anyways I think you will win this game. I've seen 3 AQ, 1 fire king, and an ice devil (gaap!) for scs, and quite a few decked out mages. You might as well have the fun of fighting Machaka and I and the same time, even then you will most likely overrun us.

[Turms]

I am happy to hear that it was an oversight from you. Well, I guess you have done no harm, so if you want I can just consider that you declared war last turn - only 2 turns to go http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Or I can just forget your aggressions...

Yes, I am doing quite well. But my armies have not yet really clached against Machaka. And I have quite little experience in this sort of endgame. Let's see what happens.

Turms

[Oversway]

Are you sure we had a NAP? Did we set them up via in-game messages? I'm still not sure we ever had one...

[Turms]

I sent you the mail (by email) where it was agreed.

Turms

[PashaDawg]

IM GONNA SMUSH YOU, TURMS... S-M-U-S-H Y-O-U!!!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Oversway]

Drat, you are completely right. I even looked at that thread but missed it. I will wait 2 more turns before any more attacks, as honor dictates http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[PashaDawg]

/threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif

/threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/fear.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif

Holy Smoke! Arco's mighty army cut through my spiders like a hot axe through ambrosia salad! I dare say that the Machaka jungle will not be able to offer much resistance.

Beware!! The Arco Sow's wicked, fat, hungry, and POWERFUL!

/threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/fear.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif

/threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif

[Oversway]

I'm pretty sure Arco has won this game. But I'll put up a fight just for fun.

[Turms]

Thanks for the evil faces PashaDawg http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The black sorcerers have heard the voice of Tyfon. Seven sorcerers switched to Arcoscephalian side. The great prize was of course Aynra the Lady of Spiders - I think she might even deserve to be brought back to commander status.

[Oversway]

Turms beat us all down, and won by virtue of provinces. He would have slaughtered us all anyways. Good job!

[PashaDawg]

Congrats, Turms!

[Turms]

Thank you everybody,

I am happy to win, but I would have wanted to play a few more turns. I did not know we had any victory conditions. I just lost a battle against Caelum and now I have no time to revenge http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I am pretty sure I would have won in the end - I was in a very good situation.

The game probably got decided when I won the war against Pangaea and no-one else attacked me for 20 turns. I had great reasearch capability - great gem income and good money income. I had quite enough time even to put up a blood economy - and everybody else seemed to be fighting each other http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Turms

P.S. Special thanks to out host Oversway

[The Panther]

Hey, congratulations on the win. I have been gone from this game so long that I forgot it was even still going on!