PBEM game: The first step (Running)

[Shmonk]

Hmm, seems like Marignon is doing really good. He hired Victor's Villains too? Wow! j/k I'm not doing that good.

When I bought Victor and his villains I knew not to expect anything big, at all, but for so cheap I couldn't resist.

And 4 celebs in the HOF? Wonder how that 4th "champion" got in there, with 0 kills no less? Hmmm...

But at least I finally found some gems.

[RibbonBlue]

I feel like im doing pretty good. My only downside I feel is my rate of expanding, I got a good army, a great research, good dominion good income. I feel like im doing pretty good.

Just a question for all you pros. It seems to me the best setup for a GOd is an SC so you can take provinces really fast starting on the first few turns, and latter you can use an army as well.

Using an SC god would allow you to get a jumpstart on your provinces, and allow you to get more provinces then your enemy. Are SC gods a staple of multiplayer games?

[Alneyan]

A SC can serve several purposes, but most can do some fighting early in the game. There are two brands of early-game province-takers: the physical Pretender, relying on protection and brawn, and the magical Pretender, relying on spells for defence. The physical Pretender can start taking provinces on turn 1, while the magical Pretender will need to wait for a few turns to research Alteration 2, and Alteration 3 to safely take more heavily defended provinces.

Some Pretenders will have a harder time fighting however: most notably, the rainbow mage (not uncommon for Ulm), with several paths at low level, and the immobile Pretender (a somewhat common setup for very high levels of magic, useful for powerful bless effects). Rainbow mages *can* take provinces, if you put enough points in the main paths of expansion, but it is quite risky, as the death of a Rainbow mage is a very hard blow (while going from Water 9 to Water 8 is nothing to write home about). If you have the points to spare, you could take a Vampire Queen: with her immortality, she will be much safer and will be able to do some mischief.

[sushiboat]

Here are a few topics that might help with Pretender designs for early expansion:

10 Turn Challenge! (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/favlinker.php?Cat=&Entry=471&F_Board=UBB74&Thread= 321712&partnumber=&postmarker= )
help please with pretender SC's for early expansion (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB74&Number=275403&fpart= &PHPSESSID=)
Looking for help with SC pretenders (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB74&Number=291715&fpart= &PHPSESSID=)

[Shmonk]

Thanks for the links, sushiboat. They should help (in my next game, of course). http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[RibbonBlue]

But, is it important to get a jumpstart on takeing provinces? Or is it okay to start taking provinces on indie 9 from turns 5+ and a province a turn/2 turns? Or is it really import to expand fast?

[The Panther]

And the answer is: It depends!

If you can scout and establish a peaceful border with a neighbor or two, you can expand at your leisure to the edges of your agreed border. Sometimes, it can be easy to establish a peaceful boundary equal to the current dominion ownership, as that usually spreads radially out in all directions from your home until you meet an enemy dominion.

If you expand too fast, your neighbors can become alarmed and gang up on you. This happens a lot, actually, for it is easy to form a temporary alliance with several people for the sole purpose of knocking down the leader. It is often problematic to be first in too many stats, especially provinces. The army size graph tends to be mostly useless because it counts a Van or High Seraph as the exact same thing as it does a wimpy soulless.

If you are a nation that does not need much gold income but relies on spells and summons (like Pangaea CW), then site searching in your owned provinces can often be more important than expanding rapidly.

If you expand too slowly, your neighbors will think you weak and might gang up to carve out your lands among themselves. Or a more powerful neighbor may simply try to assimilate your territory if you are deemed too small.

On the typical level 9 indy setting, you are usually fine to wait until Turn 5 before expanding. After that, you want to take around 2 provinces every 3 turns to stay abreast of the world. But there will always be those nations who took an SC Pretender and out-expand you if you do this.

Ultimately, the key to any strategy is scouting plus diplomacy. You MUST know where your nearest neighbors are located and which direction they are expanding. You also want to know who is on the other sides of your nearest neighbors so you know whom to ask to join your side in war when it comes to that.

Every time I take a neutral province, I look to see if a scout can be recruited there. When I find one, I pump out at least half a dozen of those guys and send them on their way.

You never want to be totally isolationist and suddenly see that 3 nations are attacking you on the exact same turn from 3 different directions!

One thing to keep in mind is that taking a province adjacent to an enemy capitol is nearly always considered a hostile act of war, so you darn sure better know where your neighbors capitols are located.

[Ironhawk]

shmonk said:
When I bought Victor and his villains I knew not to expect anything big, at all, but for so cheap I couldn't resist.



Victor is actually a very potent merc when used correctly. Keep in mind that him and his whole crew are stealthy so they can sneak into enemy territory and snoop around until they find a weak/important province and then attack it. Then immediately Sneak away into the forests or whatnot before (even insta-response magical teams) can attack them. This tactic is *particularly powerful* against nations with crappy PD, like Man and Machaka, both of whom are playing in this game, I believe.



And 4 celebs in the HOF? Wonder how that 4th "champion" got in there, with 0 kills no less? Hmmm...




The HOF is organized based on experience, not kills. It just looks like Kills, usually, because kills give you lots of experience. On a side note, I believe dying makes you lose exp (for immortals or pretenders?).

So, you can have cases where a unit can be in the HOF but have no kills. For example I played one game where my starting commander survived to turn 50 or so and participated in a great many battles but always to just cast Fanaticism, so he was about 1/3 - 1/2 way up the HOF just on experience.

[Ironhawk]

RibbonBlue said:
Just a question for all you pros. It seems to me the best setup for a GOd is an SC so you can take provinces really fast starting on the first few turns, and latter you can use an army as well.

Using an SC god would allow you to get a jumpstart on your provinces, and allow you to get more provinces then your enemy. Are SC gods a staple of multiplayer games?



As panther said, it depends. My advice is just that you have to look at the conditions of the game and choose what is best for you.

Is the map small, where you are likely to fight early and every province will be life or death for you empire? If so, you probably want a hardcore fighting SC.

Is the game larger/sparsely populated that fighting other players can be delayed? Then you may want to trade off early pretender power for a Mage type to site-search and for a platform to cast the mega late-game spells of your choosing.

Is your nation very powerful militarily, such that you can rely on your armies alone for initial expansion? Then maybe you can go with a Mage or perhaps a Titan or one of the other half-and-half pretenders.

[The Panther]

Ironhawk said:
The HOF is organized based on experience, not kills. It just looks like Kills, usually, because kills give you lots of experience. On a side note, I believe dying makes you lose exp (for immortals or pretenders?).




My son and I once figured this out. Your HoF position is approximately:
Experience + Kills*2 + Deaths*7

You actually move UP in the HoF for dying, which can happen often on immortal pretenders.

Somebody ought to check in this game to see if this formula holds exactly or just approximately.

[Molog]

My empire consists of wastelands devoid of income and gems, in case people are planning to invade me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[En Forcer]

You and me both. So if I send over my 14 starving guys led by a commander with only half a suit of armor, you think we could have an interesting battle?

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

[sushiboat]

The Panther said:
My son and I once figured this out. Your HoF position is approximately:
Experience + Kills*2 + Deaths*7

You actually move UP in the HoF for dying, which can happen often on immortal pretenders.

Somebody ought to check in this game to see if this formula holds exactly or just approximately.


The formula is consistent with the rankings at the moment in this game.

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>Deaths Kills Exp Formula

1 79 112 277
0 54 92 200
0 37 47 121
0 1 86 88
1 0 71 78
0 4 69 77
1 5 53 70
0 0 70 70
1 0 61 68
1 4 51 66
0 12 36 60
0 0 56 56
0 18 20 56
0 9 33 51
0 0 50 50</pre><hr />
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/uploads/357672-HoF_Turn19.jpg

[Shmonk]

Hmmm... I'm looking at these tactics now (for creating a Pretender) for my next game. And I can see why it depends. So many choices, so few games...

[Shmonk]

So Victor and his merry band of Villains are good for something like that? And here I was looking for some cheap flack for helping me take a cavalry province.

Or am I doing that? Maybe, maybe not. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

[sushiboat]

Turn 20

The province tally is: Machaka 20, Ermor 19, Marignon 14, Pythium 11, Man 11, Jotunheim 11, Arcosephale 10, and Pangaea 9. Obscuro is open for bidding.

Alneyan played substitute for Pythium this turn. A big thanks to him for keeping the game moving without hurting the missing player more than necessary!

[Ironhawk]

Yeah victor is weak, but he has a niche use. Particularly vs nations with vulernable PD. If you need chaff for a heavy cav province just recruit up some militia or slingers or something.

[Molog]

Turn 20

Everything going it merry way.

I have some difficult decisions to make.

[Shmonk]

Turn 20 - the villains did a great job of... firing arrows at the Indy provinces. Now I just need to find 4 magic sites in one province that gives me 5 or 6 total gem income per turn. Ok, I'll stop dreaming. -sigh-

Can't wait for me to get my 5th hero in the HOF. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Shmonk]

Only 6 more posts and I'm no longer a private. Woohoo!!

Speaking of gem income, what's the most income you've seen from one province, not counting your home/starting province? In one SP game I think it was 4 gems per turn, 2 magic sites with 2 gem income each. Have people gotten lucky and seen more like 6 or 7? Just checking.

[Alneyan]

There is that one site which gives 15 sites alone... Of course, it's a rare site. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Has anyone heard from Pythium? Everybody appears to have sent in their turns, except him, and I haven't heard from them for the past few days.

[sushiboat]

BigDaddy's (Pythium) last post on the forums was on 5/16. He probably got busy with something else.

[BigDaddy]

I'm not going to be able to continue this game. I hope for the fun of all that you can find a substitute.

[Alneyan]

Pythium is now looking for a new ruler.

[The Panther]

shmonk said:
Speaking of gem income, what's the most income you've seen from one province, not counting your home/starting province? In one SP game I think it was 4 gems per turn, 2 magic sites with 2 gem income each. Have people gotten lucky and seen more like 6 or 7? Just checking.



There is a limit of 4 magic sites per province. In a game I am in with 75% magic sites, I have 3 provinces with more gem income than my capitol.

At 50% sites, there is supposed to be an average of 2 sites per Plains and Sea province. On average, there is less in Farm Lands and more in Mountains and Forests.

I have attached a file which you will find quite educational on the subject!

[Shmonk]

Any chance you could play Pythium's turn again, at least so we can do one more turn, hopefully giving enough time to find a replacement for the next turn? Just curious.

[Alneyan]

I have done just that, and the next turn has run... two hours ago or so.

[Shmonk]

Awesome, can't wait to get home from work then. Thanks!

[RibbonBlue]

I think the most ive seen was 4 gems. Possibly if you spammed a 75% map with arcashic you would get more.

[RibbonBlue]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif My first Thug just got killed by a bunch of barbs. I need needed higher protection.

[En Forcer]

My scout watched. It was sad.

[Shmonk]

hehehe That's funny. I have only had 1 scout catch a battle, and that was someone taking an Indy province, I can't remember who.

[Agrajag]

My scout watched it too, that little bugger died in the blink of an eye.
That should teach you not to use a Firbolg with a Charcoal Shield, Firebrand, Black Steel Helmet, Robe of Shadows, Boots of The Messenger, Pendant of Luck and Amulet of Resilience against a barbarian province http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I really wonder how you excpeted him to survive http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[BillPaxton]

I'll take pythium if its open http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Alneyan]

It's a play-by-mail game, so I will need a mail address (or simply mail me at the address indicated in the first post of the thread).

On another note, the game is at turn 20, so it is a spot that became open in the course of play; it's not a game that has not started yet.

[En Forcer]

&lt;scribbling furiously on parchment&gt;

...cancel Firbolg rush...

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

[Molog]

Turn 21

Everything going its merry way.

My luck is strange this game.

A scout runs into my patrollers. Risks of the job and all.


Barbarians are always dangerous because they can do lots of damage.

[RibbonBlue]

The Firbolg was suggested to me as a thug, and I did not relize he had 2 base protection, I probaly should have gave him different armor.
O well, its not that big of a loss, I got lots of gems.

[sushiboat]

Turn 21

The province tally is: Machaka 22, Ermor 20, Marignon 15, Pythium 12, Jotunheim 12, Man 11, Arcosephale 11, and Pangaea 10. Arco, Pangaea, and Machaka found gems. Ermor is now tied with Arco for second place in research. Man rehired Obscuro. The Armored Fist of God, Dagan the Renegade Sage, Victor's Villains, and Brave Breakers are open for bidding.

[RibbonBlue]

On the topic of gem producing sites, I just found a site called "Fire Prison" in one of my games. +4F Income AND 20Enchantment Bonus.

[RibbonBlue]

Even more so I just found a site with a 6gem income!!!

[Alneyan]

You should really give the coordinates for those provinces. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif When you find those sites giving a 50% Conjuration bonus or 50% Blood bonus, or those Construction sites, keep *very* quiet about it.

[RibbonBlue]

It was not in this game, it was in a single player game.

[Alneyan]

You are so heartless. Do you imagine how disappointed your neighbours are? Tsk, tsk, tsk. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[RibbonBlue]

In my first post I say "In one of my games" In my second post I also was refering to that game.

[Molog]

Turn 22

Somebody tried to assasinate one of my newly bought commanders. I'll let it slide this time.

The assasin retreated the first turn of combat, I thought that wasn't supposed to happen.

Not much to report for the rest, except that I've yet to find a magic site with a site searching spell.

[En Forcer]

Well, after a rousing campaign of kicking the crap out of the dwellers of the wastes...well...let's see if there are any decent territories left...

[RibbonBlue]

Marignon please stop creating unrest in my provinces.

[Shmonk]

Me neither, my site searching spells are not finding anything.

Are there even any Indy provinces left? Is it all out war time yet? Any skirmishes that I'm missing? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

[Shmonk]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif Unrest? Me?

What about that fort that just appeared right on my border?

[RibbonBlue]

Fort to guard the stuff in the province.
And its you cause, you have spys=unrest!
And shmonk there are a bunch of indies on the other side of the side of the lake your next to.

[sushiboat]

Turn 22

The province tally is: Machaka 23, Ermor 22, Marignon 15, Jotunheim 13, Pythium 12, Man 12, Arcosephale 11, and Pangaea 11. Man has a third fort, and Marignon and Jotunheim each have a second fort. Machaka found gems. Ermor is now in second place in research. Ermor rehired Dagan, and Marignon rehired Victor's Villains.

[CyborgMoses]

I hate to say this, but I've lost my internet connection for the moment. I'm hoping to get it back up soon, but can't promise anything. If you could put the game on hold for a couple days, I'd really appreciate it; if I'm not back in the fray by then, perhaps someone would be interested in substituting for me?

[Molog]

RibbonBlue said:
And its you cause, you have spys=unrest!



Some sites can cause unrest too. Enemy dominion can cause unrest. Battles cause unrest.

[RibbonBlue]

I have unrest over a bunch of my provinces all centered in the same area with positive dominion and there has not been a battle there for quite a while, also after I took it over I kept the tax at 60% untill I had 0 unrest. Also I am told it "could be the work of enemy spys".

[Alneyan]

I don't think this game will be stopped, as I am playing turns when I get no turn file, so staling isn't half as bad as in another game (I have asked the players in Song if they are fine with waiting for you for a while 'Moses).

Yup, if they tell you it could be the work of enemy spys, it *is* their work; the game never pulls pranks on you. Not often, at any rate. I believe other nations playing in the game have spies though... Hmm, Man does, but you *are* Man, or there might be a Spy mercenary (I doubt that).

Just patrol for a while, catch that spy, and check the colours of his standard. Those spies can't avoid crying out loud they work for XYZ when killed in battle... that says something about revenge from the grave and all.

[Shmonk]

Great, so we'll get a turn later today then.

And if caught, most spies say nothing, or give up their country and all that. I mean, if they did, what's the point of spying if you know who did it? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Alneyan]

It's all about deception really: see, you won't really trust a spy, will you? So, if those prisoners tell you they work for XYZ, you may not trust them, and think they work for someone else.

'Course, spies in Dom 2 do not belong to any agency, and lack any sense of duty whatsoever, so they will spill the beans whenever they can... especially when under attack ("Man attacks the Spymaster Nation" isn't all too subtle).

[sushiboat]

Turn 23

The province tally is: Machaka 25, Ermor 23, Marignon 15, Man 13, Jotunheim 13, Pythium 12, Arcosephale 12, and Pangaea 11. Man, Marignon, and Pangaea found gems. Obscuro and the Armored Fist of God are open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 23

Everything going its merry way. I finally found a site with a site searching spell. It's a sucky site, but better than nothing.

Any news on a replacement for Pythium?

[Alneyan]

The Pythium player who posted in this thread seems to be back online; no news about Machaka though.

[Ironhawk]

Molog said:
Somebody tried to assasinate one of my newly bought commanders. I'll let it slide this time.




Somebody? You should know who the assassin was from buy looking at the end of battle message, like "The forces of &lt;nation name&gt; are routed" or whatnot. Tho I think the only nation in your game that has national assassins is Pythium?

[Ironhawk]

Alneyan said:
Yup, if they tell you it could be the work of enemy spys, it *is* their work; the game never pulls pranks on you. Not often, at any rate. I believe other nations playing in the game have spies though... Hmm, Man does, but you *are* Man, or there might be a Spy mercenary (I doubt that).




Machaka also has units which can cause unrest.

[sushiboat]

Turn 24

The province tally is: Machaka 27, Ermor 25, Marignon 15, Jotunheim 14, Man 12, Pythium 12, Arcosephale 12, and Pangaea 12. Man found gems. Marignon now employs Obscuro, and Pythium has hired the Armored Fist of God. Dagan the Sage and Victor's Villains are open for bidding.

[Alneyan]

Good catch about Machaka and spies. Marignon and Machaka also have assassins, in addition to Pythium, and Abysia does too; in addition, there is a site allowing anyone to recruit them if memory serves.

You can get a random event where the independents try to assassinate one of your commanders too, and that seems to be the more likely explanation here.

[sushiboat]

Ironhawk said:
Tho I think the only nation in your game that has national assassins is Pythium?


If I remember correctly, Machaka can recruit a formidable assassin who can lead troops. It also has assassins-in-training who cannot assassinate but who are stealthy.

[Molog]

I know who tried to assasinate on of my commanders. I decided to use some diplomatic discretion, because the assasin inmidiatly retreated and the person doesn't have any visible troops on my border.

Machaka commanders are very nasty with their bane blades. One hit can kill a titan.

I'm not on a home computer right now, so I can't look at my turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CyborgMoses]

It doesn't look like I'll be getting online for at least a week or so, possibly longer, so it might be best to find someone to take over Machaka long-term. My apologies for the trouble.

[Molog]

Turn 24

Everything going its merry way.

I notice Man lost a province, bad event or war?

Pythium hired the armored fist of god. Wonder if he noticed that only the mage was still left.

Dagan is still employed after all this time. Someone assasinate him.

Sorry to hear about your problem, CyborgMoses.

[Alneyan]

I can go on with playing Machaka, but I will be leaving in one week and a half (I am currently trying to find another host for when I am away). Still, if you can forward some general instructions, like recruitment priorities (mages/troops), building construction, research... feel free to do so.

[sushiboat]

Alneyan said:
I can go on with playing Machaka, but I will be leaving in one week and a half (I am currently trying to find another host for when I am away). Still, if you can forward some general instructions, like recruitment priorities (mages/troops), building construction, research... feel free to do so.


Is this suggestion specifically for CyborgMoses, so that Machaka has some direction? Or are you making a more general suggestion that we all should do in case something makes us miss a turn?

[Alneyan]

That was specifically intended for Machaka; you (as in: the other players) should only give more detailed instructions if you plan on being away, or feel a disturbance in your Internet connection, and therefore deduce that we are doomed... or something along those lines.

[Ironhawk]

Molog said:
Machaka commanders are very nasty with their bane blades. One hit can kill a titan.



I've actually found that the Machakan assassins to be pretty poor, overall. While the bane blade is nice, they cost WAY more than they are worth. You could get 2 Slayers, or almost 3 normal assassins for thier price. And while they might be good vs. a normal commander, thier poor defense makes them a sitting duck vs anything powerful. Better to just get a normal assassin and spend 3 death gems for a Bane Blade and maybe 3 fire for a burning pearl if you wanted to go that route.

Additionally I made a couple of attempts Using Bane Spiders leading groups of 10 spider warriors. Wasnt impressed with the results. Thier morale is good, but thier squad size is just too low to make use of it. Then again.. the player I was fighting was crazy for PD so perhaps I am being unfair to them? I suppose a Rod of Command or some other leadership item could also make the Bane Spider more interesting as a stealth leader.

[RibbonBlue]

The dastadrly giants have assaulted one of my fortress with out ever declearing war.
They shall fall against the mighty longbows and nature+air spells of Man!!!
Btw, is maggots(the spell) good against Ermor undead?

[En Forcer]

Maggots is VERY useful against the undead hordes. Combine that with a good line of priestly types, and you'll have an effective force to use against the undead. Oh yeah, make sure you have some chaff units too. Militia or something.

[RibbonBlue]

Great. I go sooo many mages who can cast maggots.

[Alneyan]

I really don't like those assassins eihter... or, more specifically, I like them, but with special gear, so I much prefer those vanilla assassins at 60 gold (and that can be recruited everywhere incidentally, instead of having an opportunity cost of one mage).

If you really want assassins, all nations can also go the Black Heart path, where any stealthy troop can become an assassin. Want to assassinate with your Pan? Go ahead! Want to make your Harpy an assassin? Go ahead too, and don't complain about the results. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Molog]

I've never tried maggots. Is it like decay for undead?

A couple of assasins should scare opponents into wasting troops to protect their commanders.

[Agrajag]

I attacked because I see building a watch tower on my borders as an act of aggression.
And besides, I don't really mind being wiped out early, at least that way I'll die before the game reaches the level of such a late game that I won't know what to do (I often find myself, at the really advanced levels of the game, like turns 130+, not knowing what to do. Victory is in my hand - I have much more provinces, research, magic gems, financial wealth etc. and yet I don't know what to do to win).

[En Forcer]

Agrajag- you and me both my friend. So fight for the glory and enjoy the battles! Later, just make some stuff up and see what happens.

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

[RibbonBlue]

You attacked because you see building a watch tower dangerus?
You where the one who had giants stationed on my border for 5+turns. I need to protect my mage recruiment areas. Also enforcer I pmed you, cause your email thingy glitched on me and would not let me add my name to your list after I emailed you.
Aparntly you did not get my pm cause your name is En Forcer not Enforcer as it said on the 1st page

[Ironhawk]

Agrajag said:
I attacked because I see building a watch tower on my borders as an act of aggression.
And besides, I don't really mind being wiped out early, at least that way I'll die before the game reaches the level of such a late game that I won't know what to do (I often find myself, at the really advanced levels of the game, like turns 130+, not knowing what to do. Victory is in my hand - I have much more provinces, research, magic gems, financial wealth etc. and yet I don't know what to do to win).



The answer is: Ghost Riders to infinity

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

Then just clean up whats left with your SCs and whatnot

[sushiboat]

Turn 25

The province tally is: Machaka 27, Ermor 26, Marignon 16, Jotunheim 14, Pangaea 13, Man 12, Pythium 12, and Arcosephale 12. Arco, Marignon, and Machaka found gems. Ermor employs Dagan and Victor's Villains. Magnus's Crossbows are open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 25

Wars are breaking out. Good thing I've been stocking up on troops and my empire is pretty much worthless, that should keep me safe for a while.

I killed one of Machaka's hall of famers. Only fair as Machaka killed one of mine. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[En Forcer]

Ribbon-

Weird. This is the only board where I can actually put the space between En &amp; Forcer. Everywhere else I'm using an underscore or no space at all.

Shoot me an email. I still get messages, the spam filter doesn't delete your email, it just holds your email in a separate folder till I log in.

If you are still getting bounced try my yahoo email, masterofnations@yahoo.com

Talk to ya!

[Shmonk]

War - definition. What constitutes war in Dom 2, in your opinions related to MP? That's what I'm having the most "fun" with, when playing MP. I mean, in SP it's always war. But in MP, if I take 1 little itty bitty province from somebody else, is it total retaliation time, or do people just start saying, "Hey, cut that out or else!".

That's why the other game about No Diplomacy looks interesting. Because it's all about no communication at all.

Gotta love Dom 2.

(edited for sp errors)

[Alneyan]

I have given you a more... relevant answer in my mail, as appropriate to our situation.

I believe taking provinces without warning will fall under the heading of war for most players, and will result in immediate retaliation (if you do have something to strike back at 'em, of course). Some players may wish to ask you if you really meant that before sending in the cavalry, or they can offer a bargain if they don't feel like waging a war, but others will simply jump on the opportunity to fight you: who is to say you won't go on with your attack, after all? It does not apply to chance battles, when two armies attack the same indy province on the same turn, as in this case neither party really wanted to trigger the fight... though there can always be fishy occassions, where an enemy task force just happened to target the same province as your lonely Pretender, and was oddly very well equipped to take down said Pretender.

Another such situation would be if you happened to cast one of those nasty enchantments, mainly Utterdark and Burden of Time: those are plain annoying, and will result in you being declared the Bad Boy, with armies knocking at your doors before soon. I am personally find with virtually everything else, included having armies and forts on my borders: I can watch them if they are close to me, after all, and with all the teleportation going on, it will not be possible to keep safe borders anyway (not to mention flyers and stealthy troops).

[RibbonBlue]

And, all my provinces but one or two are bordering a nother nation, so there is a good chance a fort is gunna be bordering another nation.

[Agrajag]

Well, my giants were parked in that province because your longbowmen were placed in the bordering province as well. And after seeing your watch tower, I too began construction on a fortification, which meant my troops had to stay in that province.

[En Forcer]

Which then burned down, fell over, and sank into the swamp. But the THIRD castle....

[sushiboat]

Are we waiting a little longer for CyborgMoses? Or should we start looking for a replacement to take over Machaka?

[Alneyan]

Well, if you know any interested player, let them know about this opening: they can either play temporarily or permanently as Machaka, depending on their own wishes.

[RibbonBlue]

I was only thier while I was waiting for my castle to build. A building of a castle is no reason to attack some one! I was just building it for defense.

[En Forcer]

Ribbon- I think what you are looking for is Causus Belli - however, such "honorable" behavior among warring nations really doesn't apply to d2 since we are all pretender gods in a constant state of war with each other anyways. So to forestall an attack it behooves one to contact other pretenders to create temporary NAPs and alliances.

Now I would argue that if we stayed in theme none of us would ever ally (given the stakes) or that very few NAPs or alliances would ever form with a great deal more of treachery and backstabbing happening. However, depending upon the wishes of the players, a diplomatic tone gets set.

Basically, your default state with all neighbors is one of active war or inactive war with those you cannot see.

[Ironhawk]

I might be able to play Macahaka temporarily, since I just quit my job and should have plenty of free time. But I definitely dont qualify as a new player so i will understand if you dont want me :}

[Shmonk]

I think if you were to play you'll need to handicap yourself. Say, give everybody all your income for 3 turns, evenly distributed, and give every god 2 magic items of any type. Then you can take over Machaka. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif


Just kidding. I'd rather have any player over AI, so I don't care either way. Just take it easy on us beginners.

[RibbonBlue]

Well, Im not saying its bad that he went to war with me, I am just saying that his reasons where wrong. He took my building a castle as an act of war on him!

[En Forcer]

Well Giants and men are enemies anyway.

Remember?

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

[RibbonBlue]

Rar. The beasts and longbow men of avalon shall pierce the giants thick skulls.

[Alneyan]

Ribbon: is your mail not working or some such? I still have to get your turn, and you are currently overdue (12 hours past the deadline).

[RibbonBlue]

O LOL. I hadnot checked my email because I figured some one would say we had a new turn. And post the update. Sending my turn now. Really sorry.

[RibbonBlue]

I had just figured since no one had posted we were having troubles with machaka.

[RibbonBlue]

And as I just saw. The evil dasterdly giants just got pwned.
8 mages+4 knights around 10 wood bowmen(the kind that come with druids) vrs 20 giants.
Then all of sudden 10+sprites a gazzilion wolves and flames flying through the sky and air elementals and fire elementals.

[sushiboat]

RibbonBlue, you must have burned quite a few gems! I guess the price is worth it to break a siege.

[RibbonBlue]

only 16 gems.

[Molog]

Is there a new turn, because I got no mail?

[Shmonk]

I don't think so, I haven't received a turn either. Maybe Alneyan is running it now.

[Alneyan]

It has run right on time (1759 GMT at my clock), and will reach you soon.

Ironhawk: yes, having you play Machaka wouldn't be much of an improvement compared to my playing though, though it would still be better. Feel free to mail me if you want 'em, in particular for the two weeks of my vacation.

[Shmonk]

I lost a scout this turn. That's so unfair.

The new turn has brought about much bloodshed. Or so it seems.

Are we in end-game yet? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Molog]

Turn 26

I attack Pythium. My pretender takes to the sky. Not much too report for the rest.

[sushiboat]

Turn 26

The province tally is: Machaka 28, Ermor 27, Pangaea 17, Marignon 16, Jotunheim 13, Man 13, Arcosephale 13, and Pythium 9. Pythium has a new fort. Gem income rose for Pangaea, Machaka, and Arco; gem income fell for Pythium. Pangaea is roughly tied with Machaka for second place in army size. Obscuro and the Armored Fist of God are open for bidding.

[RibbonBlue]

Pangaea is at war with pyth?
I will have to take my turn tomorrow as it is almost 10:00 here and I have to go to sleep.

[sushiboat]

Turn 27

The province tally is: Machaka 29, Ermor 28, Pangaea 17, Marignon 16, Man 14, Jotunheim 13, Arcosephale 13, and Pythium 9. Gem income rose for Pangaea and Arco, and it fell for Pythium. Marignon and Pythium rehired Obscuro and the Armored Fist of God, respectively. Dagan and Victor's Villains are open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 27

Pythium and I exchange some provinces. With the worthlessnes of most of my provinces, I get the better deal.

Not much too report for the rest.

[Molog]

Are there any other wars going on or is everyone hoarding gem-producing items http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif?

[Shmonk]

I'd love to hoard gem-producing items. If I had enough gem income to forge them. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I thought Jotunheim and Man were going at it?

[En Forcer]

I'm just trying to pay my troops! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Alneyan]

I am now away until July 9, and hosting should be in the hands of Tauren.

[RibbonBlue]

Jotunheim attacked me, I defeated him then took one of his provinces and a province next to his capital. I am backing away for now.

[Molog]

Turn 28

It's endgame for Pythium, I hope.

I notice Machaka had a good event giving it a free fortified city.

I wish I would get events like that. My stupid luck scale just keeps giving me free troop events. I've gotten 300 militia in the course of the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif.

[sushiboat]

Turn 28

The province tally is: Machaka 28, Ermor 28, Pangaea 19, Marignon 19, Jotunheim 14, Man 13, Arcosephale 13, and Pythium 6. Marignon has a new fort. Pythium's income has declined in the last few turns and is now in 7th place. Gem income increased for Pangaea and Marignon and declined for Pythium. Pangaea is now tied with Arco for third place in research. Ermor rehired both Dagan and Victor's Villains.

[Shmonk]

Now the game is starting to get real interesting. The holy troops of Marignon are moving around the various provinces, making sure the populace is devoted to the one true god Fortu.

And finally a few site searching spells worked. Praise Fortu!

I can't wait for the the next turn.... (taps his foot, looking at his watch). http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[sushiboat]

For those of you who don't check your mail often, Tauren sent a status report. He plans to run turns at 22:00 GMT (6 PM Eastern). He is missing turns from Arcosephale, Jotunheim, and Machaka.

[Shmonk]

Well it's past 2200 GMT. Are we still waiting for somebody? Is Ironhawk playing for Machaka, or did it go AI?

Just curious...

[The_Tauren13]

Alneyan found a replacement, but seems to have forgotten to give him his password, and I cant get through to him. I guess Ill go ahead and run the turn anyways.

[Agrajag]

Bleh, I have a test today (have to go in like 10 minutes), so I completely forgot about last turn, sorry for the stale turn, to anyone who cares or was bothered.
I'll be back in action as of today, once I get back home.

EDIT:

RibbonBlue said:
Jotunheim attacked me, I defeated him then took one of his provinces and a province next to his capital. I am backing away for now.


Good, then I'll back away too meanwhile.

[sushiboat]

Turn 29

The province tally is: Ermor 30, Machaka 28, Pangaea 17, Marignon 17, Jotunheim 14, Man 14, Arcosephale 13, and Pythium 8. Machaka has a new fort and is now the category leader with a total of four forts. Gem income rose for Pythium and fell for Marignon. Pangaea is now in third place in research. Pangaea and Pythium had substantial losses in army size. Obscuro, the Armored Fist of God, and the Mighty Pak-ur are open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 29

Pythium broke my siege of his capital http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif. Stupid militia only got in the way. He also tried to conquer my retreat provinces, but I expected that http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

I learned some lessons from the battle.

Mighty Pak-Ur is pretty sucky.

[Ironhawk]

Yeah Pak-Ur is pretty lame. He'd be a half-decent SC if you could equip him, but he's a mercenary so...

[sushiboat]

Can a successful Charm spell give you a mercenary commander employed by the enemy? Will that charmed commander be yours permanently, without bidding?

[Molog]

I think they just dissapear after combat. Might be wrong.

[Molog]

Turn 30

Not much too report. Things are going on, but they'll take a while to reach completion.

I've got a province which gives me 1 gold at 100% taxes. If I raise taxes to 200% it gives me 6 gold. 2*1=6?? Probably rounding errors.

[Molog]

Ritual of rebirth allows you to get back mercenaries that died under your command and are in the hall of fame.

Transformation, twiceborn and lycanthrope amulet might work also, someone should test those.

[sushiboat]

Turn 30

The province tally is: Ermor 34, Machaka 26, Marignon 19, Pangaea 16, Jotunheim 14, Arcosephale 13, Man 10, and Pythium 9. Gem income rose for Pythium, Arco, and Ermor and fell for Man and Pangaea. Marignon rehired Obscuro, Pythium rehired the Armored Fist of God, and Arco hired Mighty Pak-ur. Dagan and Victor's Villains are open for bidding.

[RibbonBlue]

In case no one has noticed Ermor invaded me. Death to ermor, the bugs of the forest shall tear and ripe at your puny undead skin!!! Power to the maggots!!!

[Molog]

Turn 31

Not much to report.

[sushiboat]

Turn 31

The province tally is: Ermor 35, Machaka 26, Marignon 20, Pangaea 15, Jotunheim 14, Arcosephale 13, Pythium 10, and Man 9. Man has fallen to fifth place in income. Gem income increased for Marignon and fell for Machaka. Arco's research has stalled for two turns. Ermor rehired Dagan and Victor's Villains.

[AMF]

Hey, nifty, I found the forum for this game...I'm the sucker, er, newbie, who took over Machaka...right in time to find out Marignon is kicking my toosh all over the place...I can't get no respect...

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

Alarik

[Agrajag]

I've sent my turn yesterday, but the new host (forgot his name, sorry) sent a status message saying I didn't send my turn.
Something is wrong, I hope I won't be unfairly handicapped because of it...

[sushiboat]

Agrajag, if there are problems with e-mail, you could upload your 2h file here as an attachment.

Alarik, welcome aboard! It must be strange to jump into the middle of a war, but at least your predecessor seems to have left Machaka in pretty good shape, according to the graphs.

[Shmonk]

Welcome to the game, oh neighboring spider-race. The holy might of Marignon was just, er, looking at the real estate outside my meager expanse. Yea, yea, that's what I was doing.

[The_Tauren13]

Yeah sorry about that status mail. I just didnt actually recieve your turn until a couple hours after I sent the status, even though it says you sent it like 5 hours before. But, no harm done.

[Molog]

Turn 32

Machaka attacks me for some reason.
I'm sieging Pythium's capital again. Who's playing Pythium at the moment?
Not much too report at the moment.

[sushiboat]

Turn 32

The province tally is: Ermor 36, Machaka 29, Marignon 18, Pangaea 15, Jotunheim 14, Arcosephale 13, Pythium 9, and Man 8. Obscuro, the Armored Fist of God, Mighty Pak-ur, and the Black Fists are open for bidding.

[Shmonk]

I'm getting attacked by Machaka too, it seems (of course, you could say I started it).

Looks like we're just waiting on Man for a new turn to start.

[sushiboat]

Shmonk said:
Looks like we're just waiting on Man for a new turn to start.


Man, don't make me open a can of whoop ***!

Oh, wait. I guess I already did. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Molog]

Turn 33

Man seems to be getting trashed, but I wouldn't count him out just yet.
I finally manage to complete one of my evil schemes and should have a nice surprise in store for unwanted visitors http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif .
I spend time cleansing Machaka filth from my lands.
Not much too report for the rest.

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/uploads/363792-Image1.jpg

[RibbonBlue]

You can count me out.

I was betrayed
By a traitor
I warn you all this traitor is in our mists.
This traitor is a cunning vicuous.
A traitor with out morale.












This traitor is:


THE A.I !!!


My last hope, betrayed me, instead of spamming Maggots like ordered my mages decided to do other random things.

[Molog]

RibbonBlue said:
This traitor is:


THE A.I !!!


My last hope, betrayed me, instead of spamming Maggots like ordered my mages decided to do other random things.



Maggots only has a very short range and requires a nature gem, your mages probably couldn't cast it. It does seem to kill any undead it hits.
Lots of priests work good against Ermor's undead. I think eagle eyes + orb lightning should work good also.

[sushiboat]

In my opinion, Maggots is useful only in rare situations. One casting costs a gem and kills only one undead. My army had over 200 undead. If Man had used all 18 gems for successful castings of Maggots, it would have barely slowed down the horde. On the other hand, if you were up against a single Bane Lord or Wraith Lord, Maggots would be good. In most other circumstances, several Monks protected by infantry would do much better.

[AMF]

Oops...hmmm... I sort of thought that when I came in I was under attack from everyone...I haven't even done ANY diplomacy yet so I figured I really had to defend myself...so, hey, everyone, leave me alone and I'll leave you alone..


Shmonk said:
I'm getting attacked by Machaka too, it seems (of course, you could say I started it).

Looks like we're just waiting on Man for a new turn to start.

[AMF]

Nyark, nyark, nyark.



Molog said:
Turn 33

Man seems to be getting trashed, but I wouldn't count him out just yet.
I finally manage to complete one of my evil schemes and should have a nice surprise in store for unwanted visitors http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif .
I spend time cleansing Machaka filth from my lands.
Not much too report for the rest.

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/uploads/363792-Image1.jpg

[Molog]

alarikf said:
Oops...hmmm... I sort of thought that when I came in I was under attack from everyone...I haven't even done ANY diplomacy yet so I figured I really had to defend myself...so, hey, everyone, leave me alone and I'll leave you alone..



When the original Machaka player had to leave because of computer problems, the host took over playing Machaka and he didn't attack or got attacked by anyone.

I did have a little accidental run-in with Machaka when we both tried to conquer the same province, but Machaka did the same with me so all's fair.

You might want to ask for some advice from the experienced players who volunteered to give advice in the beginning of the thread if you're completely new to dominions 2.

[RibbonBlue]

Ahh, I did not know how it worked, I just heard it was good against UD.

[sushiboat]

Turn 33

The province tally is: Ermor 37, Machaka 29, Marignon 17, Pangaea 16, Jotunheim 14, Arcosephale 13, Pythium 9, and Man 7. Gem income increased for Pythium, Ermor, and Marignon and decreased for Pangaea and Machaka. Marignon is now in fourth place in research. Obscuro was hired by Marignon; the Armored Fist of God, the Black Fists, and Mighty Pak-ur were hired by Arco.

[The_Tauren13]

Sorry, I know its past the deadline, but Ive been gone all day.

[sushiboat]

Turn 34

The province tally is: Ermor 38, Pangaea 21, Machaka 20, Marignon 18, Jotunheim 14, Arcosephale 14, Pythium 8, and Man 5. Pangaea has a new fort. Gem income fell for Pythium, Pangaea, and Machaka. Dagan the Sage was rehired by Ermor.

[AMF]

Hi...hotmail is down for me, has been all day. I'm not sure why, but hotmail seems down a LOT over here in Bahrain. I will consider getting a different email address for this (and other) games if this keeps up. Sorry...I might miss my turn, might have missed it already...if you wanted to send the turn to my gmail acct (same username, just at gmail) that would work - gmail seems to work well here...

thanks, and sorry for the hassle...

Alarik

[The Panther]

No one has missed any turns under my watch because I am still trying to collect all the turn files. I do have the fatherland file now.

Heck - Alneyan might even get home before the next turn hosts at the rate I am receiving the files...

[Molog]

Turn 34

Not much news to report.

I was busy today, so my turn is later than usual.

[sushiboat]

We are on a 48-hour deadline. About half of us send our turns within 24 hours, and the rest take closer to the whole time.

[AMF]

I get mine in on the 24hr timeline...so long as hotmail doesn't crud out on me. you'll get mine ASAP.

...

Not like it's helping me survive anyways....the AI might do a better job...

Thanks,

Alarik

[The Panther]

Well, I have received all turns but I cannot get the Ermor .2h file to work properly. Sushiboat and I have traded files back and forth and nothing seems to work. Perhaps someone familar with the hosting of the game can explain this:

1. Using the turn file from Tauren, the Ermor .2h file I had did not work.
2. sushiboat sent in another .2h and it still did not work.
3. sushiboat then sent in his .trn file to see if the one I had was corrupted. Using the sushiboat .trn file produced a Nagot Gik Fel error.
4. I sent sushiboat the .trn file I was using, for I knew it was compatible with the fatherland file.
5. sushiboat did his turn over from scratch and sent back the .2h file, but it still did not work.

The only thing I can do at this point is force a stale for Ermor, which is not fair to him.

The alternative is to wait for Tauren to get settled in his dorm room at his college and give everything back to him. Of course, there is no guarantee that it will even work in this case. I think sushiboat may be on a MAC and maybe there is some special switch I need to use to make it work on my XP machine.

Can anyone help with this?

[Molog]

I think everything should work normally.

Maybe try zipping+passwording everything, because e-mail (anti-virus) program may be messing up attachments.

[The Panther]

Molog said:
I think everything should work normally.

Maybe try zipping+passwording everything, because e-mail (anti-virus) program may be messing up attachments.



Thanks, Molog, that worked!

[AMF]

Ummm...not to be the one to put the turd in the punchbowl, but I got a .2h file emailed to me, not the .trn file...

COuld I get the .trn file instead?

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

Thanks! Sorry for the hassle...

alarik

[Molog]

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

[Agrajag]

Eh, so did I O_O

[The Panther]

Well, at least I was consistent. I sent the 2h file to everyone! It was late last night and I was wanting to go to bed when I sent out the turns.

The correct files have been sent this morning.

[sushiboat]

Turn 35

The province tally is: Ermor 37, Machaka 20, Marignon 19, Pangaea 18, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 15, Pythium 12, and Man 4. Gem income increased for Pythium, Arco, and Jotunheim and decreased for Pangaea. Obscuro, the Armored Fist of God, the Black Fists, and Mighty Pak-ur are open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 35

Not much to report.

[Alneyan]

Back online, stuff is not yet unpacked; please let me know if something needs to be done *now*.

[RibbonBlue]

So who do I send my turn to?
And I am dead http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[sushiboat]

I sent my most recent turn to Panther.

[The Panther]

I will do the current turn and then see if Alneyan wants to take back the hosting.

[Molog]

Waiting for new turn.

[sushiboat]

I thought we were due for a turn last night. It's been two days since I sent mine in. I'm getting the DT's!

[The Panther]

I did not have all the turn files last night, but I do now. I decided it was better to wait for all the turns, plus I was very busy this weekend looking at houses all over town, so I didn't host yesterday.

Now, with Alneyan back from his vacation, he will be taking over hosting this game. So I just zipped everything up and sent it all to Alneyan. He will likely host and email the turns when he wakes up in France tomorrow, which is just a few hours from now.

Sorry for all the delays and stuff from passing this game around so much.

Panther

[Shmonk]

I will be out of town for a week starting tomorrow morning (death in the family), returning on Saturday. I've asked Alneyan to sub for me, and he is willing. If the turns continue to run 2 days at a time, I should only miss a few turns, so not much should happen. I hope this is okay with everybody.

Shmonk

[sushiboat]

Sorry to hear about your loss, Shmonk.

The substitution should be fine.

[Alneyan]

The turns will be sent in a couple of minutes.

[Molog]

Turn 36

Another free troop event. Great, another 60 militia I have to give money and devote commanders to.

Not much too report for the rest.

[sushiboat]

Turn 36

The province tally is: Ermor 38, Machaka 21, Marignon 20, Pangaea 18, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 15, Pythium 11, and Man 3. Ermor and Machaka each gained a fort, and Man lost a fort. The fort tally is: Machaka 5, Marignon 3, Ermor 3, Pythium 2, Man 2, Pangaea 2, Jotunheim 2, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Ermor and Pangaea and decreased for Man. Arco and Ermor lost substantial numbers of troops. Marignon rehired Obscuro. Dagan the Sage and the Archers in White are open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 37

Not much interesting too report. I gamble a bit.

I notice some of my units got diseased, most likely caused by a hidden disease causing site.

[sushiboat]

Turn 37

The province tally is: Ermor 39, Machaka 22, Marignon 21, Pangaea 17, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 14, Pythium 11, and Man 2. The fort tally is: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 3, Pangaea 3, Pythium 2, Man 2, Jotunheim 2, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income rose for Ermor and Jotunheim and fell for Arco. Ermor rehired Dagan. Dante's Stingers are open for bidding.

[sushiboat]

Molog said:
I notice some of my units got diseased, most likely caused by a hidden disease causing site.


Or maybe they have been having unprotected sex. Those Pangaean goatmen are notoriously horny. You may have to forge some Condoms.

[RibbonBlue]

Is going AI(im leaving on sunday) any differeint in PBEM games then in normal games?

[sushiboat]

Going AI should be the same. Do it and send in your turn.

By the way, it would be great if someone would give us newbies constructive criticism of how we played the game and ideas for what we might do differently in the future. The time when a player leaves the game would be a good opportunity to tell him/her privately.

[Alneyan]

Not a bad idea; I can speak a bit about the strategy myself, but my ability to screw around in tactics is legendary (I sometimes leave the AI to do the tactics on its own, and the worst part is that it does a better job than me).

And yes, going AI is instantaneous. All your other orders for the turn will be overriden however, so don't go AI right now if you still have things to do.

[sushiboat]

Turn 38

The province tally is: Ermor 40, Machaka 22, Marignon 21, Pangaea 17, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 12, Pythium 10, and Man 3. The fort tally is unchanged: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 3, Pangaea 3, Pythium 2, Man 2, Jotunheim 2, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Ermor, Pangaea, and Jotunheim and decreased for Pythium and Arco. Army size for Ermor dropped noticeably. Obscuro the Hidden Master is open for bidding.

[RibbonBlue]

Well im almsot dead and I have to leave for camp this coming sunday so I shall be turing AI.

[Molog]

Turn 38

Not much too report.

[sushiboat]

Turn 39

The province tally is: Ermor 44, Machaka 22, Marignon 20, Pangaea 19, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 9, Pythium 9, and Man 3. The fort tally is unchanged: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 3, Pangaea 3, Pythium 2, Man 2, Jotunheim 2, and Arcosephale 1. Ermor's income is now in fourth place. Gem income increased for Ermor, Pangaea, and Jotunheim and decreased for Arco. Dagan the Sage is open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 39

I forge a +3 dagger of orc slaying, which glows blue if orcs are present. I find a province with a death scale, while it should have a growth scale and start searching for sites.

Not much to report for the rest.

[En Forcer]

Well I've gone AI for Arco due to strategic, resource, and tactical reasons.

Thanks for a good game folks. It's been fun!

[Molog]

Turn 40

Sad to see another player drop.

Not much to report for the rest.

[Shmonk]

NOT MUCH TO REPORT?!? Okay, I agree. Though Man is going down shortly.

[sushiboat]

Turn 40

The province tally is: Ermor 46, Machaka 22, Marignon 21, Pangaea 20, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 7, Pythium 6, and Man 2. The fort tally is unchanged: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 3, Pangaea 3, Pythium 2, Man 2, Jotunheim 2, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Ermor, Pangaea, Jotunheim, and Machaka and decreased for Arco. Dagan was rehired by Ermor. The Lost Legion is open for bidding.

[sushiboat]

Turn 41

The province tally is: Ermor 45, Pangaea 24, Machaka 21, Marignon 21, Jotunheim 16, Arcosephale 8, Pythium 3, and Man 1. The fort tally is unchanged: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 3, Pangaea 3, Pythium 2, Man 2, Jotunheim 2, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Arco, Ermor, Pangaea, and Jotunheim and decreased for Pythium. Ermor hired The Lost Legion. Obscuro the Hidden Master is open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 41

I start getting some breathing room.

[Shmonk]

I am storming one of Man's last 2 castles. I had to go for it since it was right on my border. Other than that, my gem income is just terrible. I can't find a site for the life of me. I may have to sacrifice my prophet or something to get the heavens to open up and shower me with revelations on where all magic sites are in my kingdom. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[sushiboat]

Turn 42

The province tally is: Ermor 47, Pangaea 27, Marignon 22, Machaka 20, Jotunheim 16, Arcosephale 6, Man 1, and Pythium 0. The fort tally is: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 4, Pangaea 4, Jotunheim 2, Pythium 1, Man 1, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Ermor, Marignon, and Pangaea and decreased for Pythium, Man, and Arco. Marignon rehired Obscuro. Dagan the Sage is open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 42

Carion Lord gets in the hall of fame after only one fight.
I find a temple to some god in my dominion, but can't raze it. At least it gives me gems.
I lost two beloved mound kings.
I'm waiting for a national hero to show up.

[The Panther]

Molog said:
Turn 42

I find a temple to some god in my dominion, but can't raze it. At least it gives me gems.




You can't raze it because it is yours! Your God is stronger than that other random God to whom it was erected. Thus, once captured, it will spread dominion just like any other temple you own.

[Cainehill]

Yes, obviously that once-was deity has turned to worship you, thus demonstrating to all your superior claim to divinity!

[Shmonk]

But if I am the one true god (he definitely is not), why wouldn't that temple follow my pathos? Maybe because MY divinity is so much stronger than his he can't raze it, but my generosity allows him to "use" it for his purposes. Now that sounds more like it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Molog]

Turn 43

Carion Lord rises to 4th place in the hall of fame to my surprise.
Machaka is invading my lands.
Man is still leading in research with one province left.

Another free troop event, only 52 militia this time. On the upside it is 520 gold in free troops, on the downside they cost the upkeep of 520 gold in troops and are useless in battle.

[sushiboat]

I haven't received the latest turn. I assume that Alneyan did not receive the 2h file I sent yesterday, about an hour after the status report.

Alneyan, can you make my turn available on the Web and PM me the URL? If my mail problem isn't resolved soon, I can post my 2h files here for a while. Thank you.

[Alneyan]

Done (soon).

[AMF]

RE:

Molog said:
Turn 43
...Machaka is invading my lands.




Invading your lands?! Hah! WE offered peace many turns ago, you kept attacking us, you stinker...

We're just getting even. Pbbbttt!

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

Machaka

[sushiboat]

Turn 43

The province tally is: Ermor 49, Pangaea 28, Marignon 22, Machaka 20, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 6, Man 1, and Pythium 0. The fort tally is unchanged: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 4, Pangaea 4, Jotunheim 2, Pythium 1, Man 1, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Ermor and decreased for Arco. Ermor rehired Dagan. The Lost Legion is open for bidding.

I didn't get a status report today, so maybe my mail isn't 100% yet. My 2h file is attached for Alneyan.

[Alneyan]

I forgot to send a status mail yesterday; I was only waiting for you, so I guess it wasn't quite as much needed as otherwise though.

Right... I was missing a turn for Marignon, and got your ermor.2h in mail just fine. So there will be a status mail and an extra delay, if needed be.

[sushiboat]

Turn 44

The province tally is: Ermor 50, Pangaea 31, Marignon 24, Machaka 16, Jotunheim 15, Arcosephale 5, Man 1, and Pythium 0. The fort tally is unchanged: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 4, Pangaea 4, Jotunheim 2, Pythium 1, Man 1, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Ermor and Marignon and decreased for Macahaka. Ermor rehired the Lost Legion. Obscuro the Hidden Master and Mamor the White Wizard are open for bidding.

[Molog]

Turn 44

Vespur cleans Machaka invaders from my peacefull empire.

Mamor the white wizard get a research bonus, 2 earth and 3 random magics. Good mercenary.

[Alneyan]

ALneyan here, not on my computer, so I'll keep it short (that thing will crash any second now): I cannot host anything right now, and won't get back online until tonight at the earliest, in a few days more likely. I'll see once I can get that network up and running.

[Molog]

Turn 45

Machaka seems under heavy attack.
Nothing much to report for the rest.

[sushiboat]

Turn 45

The province tally is: Ermor 52, Pangaea 33, Marignon 28, Jotunheim 15, Machaka 11, Arcosephale 3, Man 1, and Pythium 0. The fort tally is unchanged: Machaka 4, Ermor 4, Marignon 4, Pangaea 4, Jotunheim 2, Pythium 1, Man 1, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Pangaea. Obscuro and Mamor are working for Marignon. Dagan the Sage is open for bidding.

[AMF]

Well...Machaka really doesn't know what the heck he's (I am) doing...which ain't helping! Did I mention this was my first ever game of Dom2?

It's been educational...

Thanks,

Alarik
Machaka


Molog said:
Turn 45

Machaka seems under heavy attack.
Nothing much to report for the rest.

[sushiboat]

Alarik, FYI, quantum_mechani and Ironhawk are serving as veteran advisors for this game. Perhaps you could send one of them your trn file for some ideas about how you can get the most out of your current situation.

[AMF]

Ok, I'll look into that...although, I'm sort of enjoying getting the snot kicked out of me. It really does force me to try and figure out how things turn out the way they do...

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

thanks!

Alarik

[Molog]

Alneyan mailed that he send all hostfiles to Pashadawg, I'll ask him if he could host perhaps if he has all turn files from everyone.

[sushiboat]

I sent my turn to Alneyan on Tuesday. If a new host (Pashadawg?) has that 2h file, please use it. Otherwise, let me know and I will resend it. Thanks.

[Agrajag]

Well, its official, I don't have enough free time to play the game. I've posted a request for replacement over at the MP boards here.
And as for NAPs and the like, don't worry, I'll update my replacement (if there will be one :\).

[PashaDawg]

Hi Guys:

Molog asked me to serve as the host while Alneyan's server is down. I am happy to do that.

The files sent to me by Alneyan show that you're on Turn 45 with all players sending in turns except Jotunheim.

I have everyone's emails except for Machaka's email. He can contact me at whscom [at] maine.rr [dot] com

Are you guys playing with any mods? I assume that you're playing with a standard map.

I see that Agrajag is having time constraints. Would you be able to stay in the game if the hosting schedule was longer? Later turns can take a darn long time!

Pasha

[PashaDawg]

In response to Sushi - - - I would encourage everyone to send me their latest turns to make sure I have them.

[Molog]

The only mod we're using can be downloaded from first post in this thread, incase you haven't got it already.

[PashaDawg]

Thanks, Molog.

[sushiboat]

Pasha, thanks a lot for taking over as host. And thanks to Alneyan for his work so far, and good luck with the computer problems.

[Molog]

Are we waiting on Jotunheim? If so, any chance Agrajag or perhaps Pasha could play a turn.

[Shmonk]

That would be nice, if we are waiting on Jotunheim. It's weird, 2 of my 3 games have been keeping me busy most nights the past few weeks (spending 2 or 3 hours total after work). Then all of a sudden the minor hosting problems have happened (I feel your pain Alneyan and Pasha) or someone goes out of town, and now I'm twiddling my thumbs waiting for a turn to happen, on any game. hehehe

[PashaDawg]

Yup! We're just waiting on Jotunheim.

I don't think Alneyan gave me the master password for the game. So, I don't think I will be able to play a turn for the Giants.

Pasha

[AMF]

Pasha, sent you my email...but just in case it is

alarikf
at
hotmail
dot
com

thanks!

[PashaDawg]

Ok. Still waiting on Jotunheim. Let's wait until the end of the day to see if he can play his turn. Otherwise, I could host the game, but he would stale.

[sushiboat]

PashaDawg said:
Yup! We're just waiting on Jotunheim.

I don't think Alneyan gave me the master password for the game. So, I don't think I will be able to play a turn for the Giants.


Does Jotunheim have a password? I know that my nation doesn't. I think that means that anyone with the latest trn file could play the turn.

[PashaDawg]

Yup! It has a password.

[PashaDawg]

Ok. So, I have not received a response from Jotunheim. I will go ahead and host the game.

[Molog]

Turn 46

I make a new friend.
A province revolts without reason.
Still waiting for a national hero to show up.

[sushiboat]

Turn 46

The province tally is: Ermor 54, Pangaea 33, Marignon 24, Jotunheim 15, Machaka 12, Arcosephale 1, Man 1, and Pythium 0. The fort tally is: Ermor 5, Machaka 4, Marignon 4, Pangaea 4, Jotunheim 2, Pythium 1, Man 1, and Arcosephale 1. Gem income increased for Ermor and Marignon and decreased for Arco and Pangaea. Ermor rehired Dagan. The Lost Legion and the Master Assassin are open for bidding.

[Shmonk]

As a note, is anybody (Ermor) ever going to take that last province of Man? His fort is just sitting there... of course, since I'm still at work you may have attacked it already. But last I checked, his last province was just sitting there... maybe going for a Dominion kill?

[Molog]

Looking at man's research, the guy has 40something mages in that fort.

[Shmonk]

Egads!! Ok, nevermind then, I can see why an attack has been slow in coming (or non-existant).

Shmonk

[sushiboat]

Yes, there are many mages in Man's last fort. I lost about 200 undead last time I tried to take it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif Earlier I figured that Jotunheim might take care of it, but now I know that won't happen. I expect to finish off Arco this turn and then I will put Man out of its misery. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif I will be better prepared this time.

[PashaDawg]

Just waiting on Jotunheim &amp; Machaka.

Gosh! I hope you find a replacement for the giants. Without a master password, I don't know if I can switch him to AI. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[sushiboat]

Speaking only for myself, I wouldn't mind if an experienced player took over Jotunheim. Unless the score graphs are deceptive in this case, Jotunheim is an underdog -- not on the chopping block yet, but not in a strong position either. At this point it would take a skilled player to give the top three nations a run for the money.

[PashaDawg]

I requested the master password from Alneyan today. If we don't find another player, then maybe we would want to switch Jotunheim to AI. (I have never done that before, but I know it can be done.)

Pasha

[archaeolept]

there can be problems if you're playing in the game and connect to the other nation (to set it AI) from the same machine - at least it used to be that doing so would trigger a cheat protection and force you to stale your move; unless that has been fixed recently...

[PashaDawg]

I now have the password to set Jotunheim onto AI. I shall I do that? It is apparently irreversible. I am not playing the game, so hopefully, there will be no problems.

I need Machaka's turn. I sent Alarik a follow-up email to remind him.

[sushiboat]

Pasha, I don't see anyone stepping forward to take over Jotunheim. If you have the time and desire to play Jotunheim in a neutral/defensive holding pattern, you could delay the decision for a few more days. Otherwise, set it to AI. Either way, let's move on with the game.

[Shmonk]

I agree, if you want to play defensely, feel free to. Otherwise, set to AI so we can continue on.

Thanks again for hosting in the mean time!!

[AMF]

Pasha,

I didn't get a chance to do it last night - got home way too late (and, well, way too intoxicated). Go ahead and run the turn without mine, I'll take a stale turn - I've just gotten to work, and so if you waited for my turn it would be for at least another 10 hours...

sorry!

I'll take a stale turn...

thanks,

Alarik