Swarm over Loemendor (Started) [Archive]

PashaDawg

September 5th, 2005, 05:21 PM

Greetings:

This game has started.

This game is played on the new Loemendor map (with special sites). That map is for 5 - 8 players, one of which can play an underwater nation. 157 provinces (142 land; 15 water).

Player list:

1. Boron - ERMOR
2. Pashadawg - ULM
3. The Panther - JOTUNHEIM
4. Shmonk - TIEN CHI
5. Rev. Zombie - C'TIS
6. Cainehill - ARCO
7. Dragonfire11 - MACHAKA
8. Archaeolept - MICTLAN

Settings:

PBEM (Host=Pashadawg) - hosting Sundays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays
Number of players: 8
Independents set at 7
Sites set at 40
Research at difficult
Graphs off
No special victory conditions
Renaming allowed

Mods: Complete Conceptual Balance Mod 4.

archaeolept

September 5th, 2005, 05:37 PM

as before, though I came in at 15th i believe ;p, if there is a slot I would like pythium

/me is in dire need of a new game : D

PashaDawg

September 5th, 2005, 05:54 PM

Welcome, Archaeolept!

WraithLord

September 5th, 2005, 06:36 PM

I would also like to Join.
If there's a place for underwater nation I'd like to take R'lyeh, otherwise I don't mind.

PashaDawg

September 5th, 2005, 06:40 PM

You're welcome, too, Izaqyos, but I suspect that we will fill the 8 slots before we get to you on the list. But, you're on the list, nonetheless!

Whollaborg

September 5th, 2005, 06:58 PM

Well...

If there will be yet one more leftover place for me to join, i'd like to send in my Marignon...

PashaDawg

September 5th, 2005, 07:03 PM

Sure thing, Whollaborg!

Jurri

September 5th, 2005, 07:49 PM

Hey, Pasha, thank you for being so energetic to actually get things done! I don't see why you couldn't host; indeed, it's the standard practice as far as I'm concerned to have the host both play and set a master-password.

That said, I should probably wait until Chris returns 'cause we've got some unfinished business http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif (On second thought, maybe I should take this opportunity to flee while I'm still ahead!) I should say it's a safe bet that Ygorl (#7 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif) also wants a piece of me, so you might set him aside too. (Yes, my strategy will be to get them fight each other over who gets to finish me.) Not that I know fer sure, mind you...

Quantum released the new mod, I notice, so everyone quickly test it out to see if it has any bugs; if not, then I wager we'll get an unanimous yea for it.

Reverend Zombie

September 5th, 2005, 09:22 PM

C'tis, please!

Shmonk

September 5th, 2005, 10:07 PM

I'll choose Tien Chi as my final choice.

The Panther

September 5th, 2005, 10:56 PM

I will stick with the Giants, having never played them before...

Cainehill

September 5th, 2005, 11:03 PM

Still interested if 3 of the 11 before me drop out. Any nation, any time, any chance of winning? (Nope. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif )

Boron

September 6th, 2005, 07:56 AM

It's Ermor time http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.

Since we will play with so few players and on such a small map would it maybe possible to persuade sheap too host?
I think the game could be almost as fast as G�tterd�mmerung then and we get at least 2 turns per day averagely until turn 40+ http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

Whollaborg

September 6th, 2005, 08:29 AM

About mods,

I am really fond of zen's conceptual balance series and for this game Turins hero mod would add a nice touch of more powerful heroes...

Boron

September 6th, 2005, 08:35 AM

Whollaborg said:
About mods,

I am really fond of zen's conceptual balance series and for this game Turins hero mod would add a nice touch of more powerful heroes...

All included already in Conceptual Balance 4, the next generation of balance mod provided by QM http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

jeffr

September 6th, 2005, 01:04 PM

I've just joined Invisible Swarm IV, so I'll bow out of this one so that some of the others can have a chance to play.

PashaDawg

September 6th, 2005, 01:36 PM

Conceptual Balance 4 would be fine with me.

No word yet from:
Arkas
Yorgl
Turin
Yellow Cactus

Given that they can play in Invisible Swarm IV, lets wait until later tonight before removing them from the list. We have a long list for this game, and I'd like to keep things moving. I will send them PM's.

Pasha

Shmonk

September 6th, 2005, 08:49 PM

And I agree, the CM Balance 4 mod would be acceptable.

PashaDawg

September 6th, 2005, 09:36 PM

Hello All:

Ok. I made it official. We will use the complete conceptual balance mod version 4.

I have not heard from:
Arkas
Yorgl
Turin or
Ed Kolis.

I assume that means that they are focusing on other games and that it is safe to remove them from the list for this game (after all, they can play in Invisible Swarm IV). So, I have updated the list for this game.

Given that there are only 8 slots, I don't think that we will have room for the last two on the list, Izaqyos or Whollaborg, but I will keep them on the list in case we have any last minute drop outs. (I'd be inclined to increase the number of players, but I really wanna try Loemendor and the recommended max. is 8 players.)

So, let's get this game going. Shall we submit pretenders by Thursday night at 9:00 pm EST (aka Boston time)?

Everyone should make sure that they download the map and have the correct mod.

Pasha

Cainehill

September 6th, 2005, 10:48 PM

Pretenders to be emailed to you, Pasha? And I can take any of the nations not already claimed?

PashaDawg

September 6th, 2005, 11:19 PM

Howdy Cainehill:

Yup. You can choose any nation not already claimed.

Pretenders should be emailed to me at: whscom {AT} maine *dot* rr *dot* com.

Pasha

Cainehill

September 7th, 2005, 12:33 AM

Cool. I want Carrion Woods Arcoscephale. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Kaljamaha

September 7th, 2005, 07:59 AM

First, let me say that I'm honoured that you chose to use my map. I'm eager to know how it plays.

I thought you'd like to knoe that I just posted new map files in the original Loemendor map thread, I suggest you use those, especially since you're going to use the with specials map. There was one big problem that is now fixed.

K.

Turin

September 7th, 2005, 09:21 AM

damn seems I�m too late. I�d like to play if someone drops out.

PashaDawg

September 7th, 2005, 09:26 AM

Hi Turin:

Sorry to give you the boot! I'm eager to keep the game moving. But, I think you're still on the Swarm IV list, and there will be plenty of other games in the future.

Pasha

Cainehill

September 8th, 2005, 12:00 AM

And seriously, I'm claiming Carrion Woods Arco for this game.

I figure all my "friends" like Boron will help with the carrion bit, all I gotta do is find some forests and woods for Arco. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Working on a pretender tonight.

archaeolept

September 8th, 2005, 01:32 AM

i'm working 12 hr days these last few and the next - I haven't had any time to work on a pretender, esp. as I see the game is now difficult research - which is tougher for the pyth. I've got a mictlan pretender design ready, so I'll send that, and if the game is delayed I'll get a pyth pretender in instead. I'm happy w/ either nation, though.

PashaDawg

September 8th, 2005, 08:44 AM

Hi Archaeolept:

Obviously it is fine for you to change nations if needed. Also, if it would be a lot more convenient, we could start the game on Friday night.

Pasha

archaeolept

September 8th, 2005, 10:11 AM

well, the micts are pretty powerful, is all. OTOH, pythium is nice against those nasty undead hordes. I've sent a mict pretender; i'll only have a bit more than an hour tonight to work on a pyth pretender, so I'll see what happens. The more delays, the more likely i can get one done; but no big shakes : )

PashaDawg

September 8th, 2005, 01:25 PM

Hi All:

Please include either of the following:
1. Swarm over Loemendor
2. Loemendor
3. S.O.L.
in the subject lines of their emails to me about this game. I have set up a special smart folder for emails concerning this game so that I can keep better track of player turns.

Thanks.

Pasha

PashaDawg

September 9th, 2005, 08:24 AM

Hi All:

Panther was out of town until yesterday, and so he did not have a reasonable opportunity to craft a pretender. He expects to get one to me by late today. So, perhaps, we will start before I turn into a pumpkin tonight.

There have been two instances where players' emails did not reach me (in a different game) due to mysterious technical reasons. So, I will set up an alternate email (gmail) address so that players can send emails to two different addresses in the future.

Thanks.

Pasha

Reverend Zombie

September 9th, 2005, 04:13 PM

PashaDawg said:
Hi All:

Panther was out of town until yesterday, and so he did not have a reasonable opportunity to craft a pretender. He expects to get one to me by late today. So, perhaps, we will start before I turn into a pumpkin tonight.

That will probably be just after I need to leave town for the weekend.

My internet connection may be spotty during this time, and I don't want to hold everyone up. I won't be back till Sunday, so please feel free to kick me out of the game if you are raring to start this weekend. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

PashaDawg

September 9th, 2005, 07:24 PM

Hi Zombie:

It would probably take until Sunday to get another player all set. So, we can get turn 1 going and have turns due on Sunday.

Pasha

PashaDawg

September 10th, 2005, 11:21 AM

Turn 1 is out!

Deadline for turns is Sunday night at 9:00 pm. (With flexibility since this is the first turn.)

Pasha

PashaDawg

September 11th, 2005, 11:26 PM

Greetings:

Turn 2 is out.

The deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 9:00 pm EST.

Pasha

PashaDawg

September 13th, 2005, 08:10 PM

Turn 3 is out.

Deadline is Thursday Sept 15 at 9:00 pm EST.

Thanks.

Pasha

The Panther

September 13th, 2005, 10:23 PM

And on Turn 2, C'tis lost her God...

I suppose the lizards sure better have an immortal pretender! I am betting on the Vampire Queen myself...

Cainehill

September 13th, 2005, 10:36 PM

Heh. Noticed that too, and started wondering about immortals. Lich or saurolich wouldn't go out on turn 2; Phoenix might, but only with Marignon or Abysia. So ... Wonder what the dominion was? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

PashaDawg

September 13th, 2005, 11:37 PM

Perhaps, the dirty lizards killed their own god... they are wicked, wicked beasts and totally unfit for this world!

Cainehill

September 14th, 2005, 12:19 AM

PashaDawg said:
Perhaps, the dirty lizards killed their own god... they are wicked, wicked beasts and totally unfit for this world!

Lawyer lizards? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Jurri

September 14th, 2005, 04:39 AM

Cainehill said:
Lich or saurolich wouldn't go out on turn 2

With base C'tis, definitely could. If it's got a high death magic value, there's a distinct chance of it terrorizing the enemy army to rout well before they can touch the lich; won't work against knights or heavy cavalry, but any old militia will run in fear often enough to make it a good idea. Even if it fails you'll only lose a couple points of research, so it's certainly worth a shot.

Reverend Zombie

September 14th, 2005, 10:20 AM

Jurri said:

Cainehill said:
Lich or saurolich wouldn't go out on turn 2

With base C'tis, definitely could. If it's got a high death magic value, there's a distinct chance of it terrorizing the enemy army to rout well before they can touch the lich;

We weren't as scary as we hoped we would be. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

PashaDawg

September 15th, 2005, 07:30 PM

Greetings:

Turn 4 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 at 9:00 pm EST.

Thanks.

Pasha

Jurri

September 15th, 2005, 07:33 PM

So... did the lizard lich have better luck this time around? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The Panther

September 15th, 2005, 09:32 PM

He sure did! got a win under his belt now.

PashaDawg

September 18th, 2005, 10:07 PM

Turn 5 is out!

Deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 20, 9:00 pm EST.

Thanks.

PashaDawg

September 20th, 2005, 08:18 PM

Turn 6 is out!

Deadline is Thursday, Sept 22, 2005 at 9:00 pm EST.

Thanks.

PashaDawg

September 22nd, 2005, 10:42 PM

Turn 7 is out!

Deadline is Sunday, Sept. 25 at 9:00 pm EST.

Thanks.

Pasha

PashaDawg

September 25th, 2005, 08:38 PM

Turn 8 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 9:00 pm EST.

pasha

Shmonk

September 25th, 2005, 09:59 PM

Great. Thanks for the continued great hosting!

PashaDawg

September 26th, 2005, 08:53 AM

Thank you.

I like this map!

PashaDawg

September 27th, 2005, 10:23 PM

Turn 9 is out!

Deadline is Thursday, 9/29 at 9pm EST

Pasha

PashaDawg

September 29th, 2005, 10:39 PM

Turn 10 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, Oct. 2 at 9:00 pm EST.

Pasha

PashaDawg

October 2nd, 2005, 10:18 PM

Turn 11 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 9pm EST.

pasha

PashaDawg

October 4th, 2005, 11:30 PM

Turn 12 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005 at 9:00 pm. EST.

Pasha

PashaDawg

October 6th, 2005, 08:21 PM

Turn 13 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, Oct. 9, at 9pm EST

PashaDawg

October 9th, 2005, 09:16 PM

Turn 14 is out!

PashaDawg

October 11th, 2005, 11:29 PM

Turn 15 is out.

Deadline is Thursday.

PashaDawg

October 13th, 2005, 10:17 PM

Turn 16 is out.

Deadline is Sunday.

Pasha

PashaDawg

October 16th, 2005, 08:27 PM

Turn 17 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, October 18, 9:00 pm EST.

Jurri

October 16th, 2005, 09:08 PM

How are you doing, guys? This thread is awfully quiet!

PashaDawg

October 16th, 2005, 09:12 PM

As far as I can tell... no one has clashed with another player yet. We're all biding our time.

PashaDawg

October 18th, 2005, 09:40 PM

Turn 18 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 9:00 p.m. EST.

PashaDawg

October 20th, 2005, 08:15 PM

Turn 19 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, October 23 at 9:00 p.m. EST.

PashaDawg

October 23rd, 2005, 07:23 PM

Turn 20 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, October 25 at 9:00 p.m. EST.

YellowCactus

October 24th, 2005, 07:51 PM

Someone attack Pasha. He's too quite.
-yc

PashaDawg

October 24th, 2005, 10:32 PM

Shush!

archaeolept

October 25th, 2005, 12:26 AM

its common knowledge that he has huge stockpiles of nerve agents, and kicks kittens.

PashaDawg

October 25th, 2005, 09:45 AM

There is no credible evidence to support the nerve agent rumors.

PashaDawg

October 25th, 2005, 10:54 PM

Turn 21 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005 at 9:00 pm EST.

PashaDawg

October 26th, 2005, 12:45 AM

/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/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif

News Flash!!!

The evil empire of Ermor has violated the sovereignty of the great peace-loving dominion of Ulm. As I type this, the undead armies are marching through our southern countryside.

They shall not get away with this. Soon they shall regret their misguided aggressions.

Ulm�s inhabitants belong to the Lord Pasha and his Noble Vampire Lords. We shall not allow the Ermorian Boneheads waste our subjects� blood!!

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif Reparations are hereby demanded. 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 Reparations shall be forcibly seized!!!! 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/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.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

Boron

October 26th, 2005, 11:40 AM

Oh you are Ulm http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

I didn't bother to check who is Ulm because i set the simple maxime for this game: The first player i encounter gets attacked. So far i followed my great master plan. Ok if it is great will be proven soon but at least i followed my plan http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Cainehill

October 26th, 2005, 03:11 PM

It's been doing you so much good in the long term game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Oh, wait! You attacked the second player you encountered - if you'd attacked the first one (Truper?) maybe your moloch wouldn't have spent 20 turns sitting impotently on a single enemy capitol province http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

archaeolept

October 26th, 2005, 08:41 PM

and his Noble Vampire Lords

ahh, there's your problem. you should know all blood is mine : D

PashaDawg

October 26th, 2005, 08:44 PM

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

BACK DOWN, MICTLAN SMUDGE!!!

You shall not take ONE DROP of Ulmish Blood for your perverted sacrifices!

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

archaeolept

October 26th, 2005, 08:56 PM

i can send you a large shipment of prime mictlan guavas, canteloupe, and mangoes in exchange...

PashaDawg

October 26th, 2005, 10:23 PM

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

INSULTS!! All your silly "fruits" from all your fetid forests and fallow fields would never compensate for ONE DROP of Ulmish Blood!

Lord Pasha takes absolute offense, MICTLAN SMUDGE!

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

PashaDawg

October 27th, 2005, 10:18 PM

Turn 22 is out.

Deadline is Sunday.

PashaDawg

October 30th, 2005, 06:48 PM

Turn 23 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday

PashaDawg

November 2nd, 2005, 12:17 AM

Turn 24 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, November 3, 2005 at 9:00 pm. EST.

PashaDawg

November 4th, 2005, 12:18 AM

Turn 25 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, November 6, 2005 at 9:00 pm.

PashaDawg

November 6th, 2005, 10:43 PM

Turn 26 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005 at 9:00 pm. EST.

PashaDawg

November 8th, 2005, 11:56 PM

Turn 27 is out.

Deadline is Thursday.

Pasha

PashaDawg

November 11th, 2005, 11:38 AM

Turn 28 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, Nov. 13.

PashaDawg

November 14th, 2005, 12:03 AM

Turn 29 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 9:00 pm EST.

Pasha

PashaDawg

November 19th, 2005, 11:25 AM

Turn 31 is out.

The deadline is Sunday, Nov. 19 at 9:00 pm EST. However, the hosting schedule is out of wack. So, if players need more time, we can certainly extend the hosting to Tuesday, Nov. 22 to get us back on track.

The Panther

November 28th, 2005, 12:14 AM

See attached file.

While I did win the battle (barely), it was not a good thing for the war, for I lost way too many troops winning the thing. Boron was using his secondary army against me anyway. While the battle result was indeed costly for him, it does not matter for the final result in the war against me and Pasha.

I have decided that I will never again play an MP game in which an Ermor death theme is allowed. It unbalances the game far too severly.

Not that Ermor is unbalanced late game, but it ruins the early/middle game. Mictlan has this SOL game won mainly because he started the farthest spot away from Ermor. When AE/SG Ermor is in the game and you get unlucky to start adjacent to him, you have two ways to lose:
1. You can have selected a good anti-undead nation, such as Pythium or Marignon or Arco. You could even make a pretender specifically for killing undead. You could even attack Ermor early and get a couple of other players to help. You could even mostly kill Ermor right off the bat. But the excessive losses required to do this means that your neighbors on the other side can invade and kill you easily.
2. You could have not done anything specific to make a pretender to fight undead and you could be a very weak race early on against the undead (like Jontunheim, for instance). You could even put together a nice anti-undead coalition (like I did). You could then weaken the undead enough in a suicide mission to ensure that Ermor does not win (like I did). But you will still die (like I will).

There is really only one way to win in a game with a death Ermor theme:
1. You could get really lucky and start on the other side of the map. This allows you to get the necessary research needed to kill 5-10 times as many troops as you lose. I can't think of anything else that could be done against an expert undead player such as Boron.

Boron made the utmost rush pretender. By using -3 on all scales, he is basically making a mockery of the game. I doubt the game was designed to be played like that at all, but Boron is quick to take advantage of the many loopholes in the game.

Fundamentally, the presence of AE Ermor takes ALL the fun away from the game. The three commanders I lost in the attached battle? They were the 50 gold indy priests. It is very sad that the most cost effective troop I can buy in my castles is an independent priest...

So, what will happen to me next in SOL? Boron will just put together another stack of his endless rush troops and attack yet again. I will surely lose the war of attrition in the long run.

Meanwhile, Mictlan will mop up on C'tis, next kill whomever wins the Arco - TC war, and then eliminate Ermor in the resulting 1 on 1 for an easy victory.

BAH! HUMBUG!

Boron

November 28th, 2005, 01:22 PM

You forgot that there is always the option to peacefully coexist. I asked you for a Nap but you declined and attacked me.

In the other Invisible Swarm, the one hosted by Chris, Invisible Swarm 4, i tried Ermor SG for comparation purposes. Though my S.O.L. Ermor is more inflexible i like it more than the IS 4 Ermor. In IS 4 i am neighboring Turin (Tien Chi) and we peacefully coexisted until Turn 57. Now Turin got too mighty though and for the game's sake i have now canceled our Nap.
I like the undead themes not because they are powerful but because they are fun to play http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

Ermor is a really good partner nation normally. They will happily give you their other gems for deathgems and sometimes even for gold. Also their god is normally flexible so they can probably forge you special stuff like uniques.

Ermors Dominion normally can be kept out too, so there is really no need to attack them.

The Panther

November 28th, 2005, 01:57 PM

True, you did offer a NaP. Of course, you would have cancelled it and attacked me after you eliminated Ulm, for I was the next logical nation for you to attack. Though you might have killed Machaka first before attacking me.

Perhaps I could have built up a bit more and attacked you later. But I thought my single best chance was to hit you while you were weak from attacking Pasha. Plus, Pasha and I already had a previous treaty when you attacked him.

I also made a peace treaty with both TC and Arco for the sole purpose of eliminating the nasty AE Ermor before you destroyed too many provinces. Pretty much everybody has a basic goal of undead containment in any game where AE Ermor exists.

Little did I know that you lost very little taking out Pasha...

Still, I will never again play a game with an Ermor death theme, for it simply takes all the fun out of the game to start next to it. In 4 of my last 5 games, I started adjacent to AE or SG Ermor. In one of those, the Ermor nation quit and went AI so I am doing very well. In the other 3, I am nearly dead due to the starting proximity to Ermor.

And for the fifth of those last 5 game? I was Ermor (default) and took a joint victory in that one. It was surprising just how much fun the Broken Empire theme was while playing in that game!

Finally, I am still a bit mad at myself for allying with an AE Ermor adjacent nation and allowing him to win in a game (I was Mictlan) about a year ago. I spent basically the whole of that game sacrificing endless slaves to try to keep a bit of my own dominion alive in the face of 20+ Ermor level 10 temples. My pop was dying far too fast from the Ermor dominion spread and all the blood hunting I was doing. I even had all 6 IDs and 2 of the ADs in that game (that was before the life drain nerf), but they were useless against a swarming, lifeless Ermor which is why I never did cancel my peace treaty with him. After that game, I vowed never to make that mistake again.

Like I said - BAH HUMBUG!

PashaDawg

November 28th, 2005, 07:39 PM

Turn 33 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005 at 9:00 pm.

Pasha

PashaDawg

November 28th, 2005, 08:00 PM

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif

Boooooo! Ermor sucks the big one! Booooooo!

Even more so because it's Boron... Boooooo!

How many times will you squish me, Boron, before I finally lose patience und schmack die Deutsche Schmerke off your face? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

(Actually, Panther is right about how Ermor can cause balance problems, but what really burns my twinkie is that Boron attacked innocent me before I could carry out my grand plan of doom for y'all.)

Pasha

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif

Cainehill

November 28th, 2005, 10:58 PM

Heh. Yeah - IMO, starting right next to Boron is what ought to be outlawed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Sure, most of the time I manage to whack him severely (or at least to hang on for 30 or 40 turns while he sits on my capitol http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif ) when he rushes at me, but in the meantime the casualties I take remove me from possibility of being a contender. Not to mention that nowadays, whenever I start next to him I have to prepare myself for his onslaught, slowing down my general expansion.

Cainehill

November 28th, 2005, 11:06 PM

And more seriously, I think that the way Dominions2 "randomly" places nations is actually one of the big problems with MP games : when you have a map with 200 or so provinces, and someone still starts with another capitol just one province away ( ie, only 1 independent separating them ), essentially one of those players, or both, are going to be screwed.

Sure - some of the time the two can work something out diplomatically. But only some of the time, and if one of the nations is isolated on a peninsula and the other at the entrance to the peninsula, there's really very little chance of coexistence : the one needs to get off the peninsula in order to expand, the other is not going to give up a province next to their capitol. Heads roll.

In general, if one player starts with a greater distance between him and other nations than the others, that player has a pretty big edge - more room for expanding only against independents, more time to build up.

And yes - I've had games where someone else's capitol was just one away from mine, on a medium-large map. Others where I had half the map to expand in all by myself while 5 other players all started in the other half of the world, very close together.

Scenarios, fixed starting positions, are imo opinion the key to balanced MP games.

The Panther

November 29th, 2005, 01:31 AM

Not to mention that you had the absolute WORST possible starting spot on this map, Cainehill. You were screwed before the first turn was even done.

I recall in my tests on this map that starting in the frozen tundra was something to be totally avoided at all costs. Only Ermor could have prospered there!

PashaDawg

December 1st, 2005, 11:54 PM

Turn 35 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, December 4.

Pasha

PashaDawg

December 7th, 2005, 01:21 AM

Turn 37 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Dec. 8 at 9:00 pm EST.

Pasha

Boron

December 8th, 2005, 07:32 PM

Ermor announces a new national anthem to resurrect the fighting spirit: Warriors from Freedom Call http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

PashaDawg

December 9th, 2005, 12:15 AM

Turn 38 is out.

Deadline is Sunday.

"Warriors from Freedom Call" ??? Does that refer to something I should know? A movie perhaps?

Boron

December 9th, 2005, 12:19 PM

PashaDawg said:
"Warriors from Freedom Call" ??? Does that refer to something I should know? A movie perhaps?

It is a song. Name: Warriors
Band: Freedom Call.

I found the text especially "fitting" for ermor http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

PashaDawg

December 11th, 2005, 10:17 PM

Turn 39 is out.

The deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 9:00 pm.

Pasha

The Panther

December 13th, 2005, 02:09 AM

Ah, the fun of fighting Ermor.

Here it is, only Turn 39 and look what has already happened:
1. Ermor invaded and mostly killed Ulm very early. He has maybe 300 troops still in Ulm territory.
2. I have been at war for about 15 turns and killed about 600 undead troops so far.
3. So Ermor invades with yet another 500 troops. See attached jpeg file for the latest invading army.
4. My spies and scrying can still see another 500 or so troops in Ermor home territory.

Something should be done about this unbalance. Though I am not sure how to solve this problem. Obviously the final Zen mods were not correct with respect to Ermor. Perhaps the Ermor Capitol can be modified to produce only 5 death gems instead of 10 gems. And is this even enough? I don't really know, for I have never played a death Ermor theme myself.

Maybe I should go read the other forum and see what has been posted about this problem. But probably not, for I am really getting burned out on Dominions plus reading the forum takes time. I have been fighting Ermor for months now in various games and I am sick and tired of it. I guess since I have now played all 17 nations in MP, it must be about time to finally put the D2 disc up and retire from MP.

I must admit that I have played Dominions for as long as any other game except perhaps for HoMM3 and SC.

Oh, by the way. I lost this latest battle, though I did kill 262 of the 484 undead troops.

archaeolept

December 13th, 2005, 04:08 AM

yah, I saw that battle. The key w/ ermor is what it has always been: diplomacy, and a combined attack. Its very difficult to stand up against undead ermor by one's lonesome; especially for a nation like jotunheim w/ large and expensive troops. (though I do like gygias for wither bones, once you have that researched)

difficult research games also give a big boost to ermor.

but I don't think I've ever found ermor especially unbalanced in the games I've played, other than those w/ norfleet ;p - it just seems like Boron had very favorable circumstances here: started isolated, built up dominion, immediately attacked a very weak anti-ermor nation (BF Ulm) upon meeting; then became involved w/ another weak anti-ermor nation, the jots.

unhappily, I am not situated to deal w/ ermor at all. OTOH, i do have a very nice new lizardskin rug.

Morkilus

December 13th, 2005, 02:04 PM

I played Ashen Empire for the first time on SP, and it shocked me to see how different it plays... almost a completely different game. It's like a football game where you get several hundred trained pigs instead of a regular team. The AI has absolutely no clue how to play against the theme, though an occasional army of priests gave me short trouble. I can easily see how these games which are modified to slow the pace would give them an advantage. Though it would have been interesting to see how it would have gone down, I'm glad there are no death themes in the Council of Wyrms. The reason I don't like it is because it creates a metagaming nightmare; if you start next to them without a counter, you are screwed.

Don't give up, Panther! You can always join games without a Death theme (the Artifact game should be beginning shortly...)

PashaDawg

December 13th, 2005, 11:40 PM

Turn 40 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Dec. 15 at 9:00 pm EST.

PashaDawg

December 13th, 2005, 11:46 PM

Shmonk

December 16th, 2005, 01:15 AM

Way to go UUFDA!!

Now we just need the others next to Ermor to take a chunk out of him... <hint> Machaka <hint>

Shmonk

December 18th, 2005, 03:47 PM

I will be out of town for the upcoming holiday. Has a hosting delay been considered yet? Myself, I would be able to take a turn for Tuesday Dec 20, but after that I'm out of town for the rest of the year. Myself, I would like it if we can just put this game on hold until January 1, and wanted to see what other players' plans/thoughts are on this.

PashaDawg

December 18th, 2005, 11:53 PM

I am happy to take the year off after Tuesday's turn.

Oh... Turn 42 is out, and its deadline is Tuesday.

Pasha

Boron

December 18th, 2005, 11:56 PM

Time to announce a new battle hymn for Ermor:
March of the Dead (from Gothminister) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.

Cainehill

December 19th, 2005, 02:17 AM

I can live with waiting til the new year.

PashaDawg

December 21st, 2005, 09:53 AM

Turn 43 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, JANUARY 1, 2006 at 9:00 pm. (We're taking a holiday break.)

Pasha

PashaDawg

December 31st, 2005, 11:49 AM

We're starting this game up again.

Turn deadline is Sunday, Jan 1 at 9:00 pm EST.

PashaDawg

January 2nd, 2006, 01:30 AM

Turn 44 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, Jan 3.

PashaDawg

January 4th, 2006, 12:39 AM

Turn 45 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Jan. 5

PashaDawg

January 6th, 2006, 10:37 AM

Turn 46 is out.

Deadline is Sunday.

PashaDawg

January 9th, 2006, 01:51 AM

Turn 47 is out

Deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 10.

PashaDawg

January 11th, 2006, 12:44 AM

Turn 48 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9:00 pm EST.

PashaDawg

January 12th, 2006, 11:46 PM

Turn 49 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 9:00 pm EST.

PashaDawg

January 16th, 2006, 02:01 AM

Turn 50 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, January 17 at 9:00 pm EST.

archaeolept

January 16th, 2006, 03:54 AM

their roots mired in blood, slowly a dark wood moves.

PashaDawg

January 17th, 2006, 11:59 PM

Turn 51 is out!

Deadline is Thursday.

PashaDawg

January 18th, 2006, 12:12 AM

/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

News Flash!!!!! <Beep-bah-Beep-Beep! Beep-Beep-bah-Beep-Beep!>

This story just in from the sacred homeland of the Ulm United Front Defense Army (U.U.F.D.A.) (aka the Southeast Vampire Rebels), who are fighting bravely to regain their lands from the stinky Ermorean undead smear following an unprovoked invasion by said smear.

U.U.F.D.A. has retaken another sacred castle from the Evil Emorians lead by the Dastardly Boron.

/threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif BOOOOOOO Ermor! BOOOOOOO Boron!!! BOOOOOOOOOO!!! /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif

Lord Pasha and the Southeast Vampire Rebels wish to thank their benefactor (who will remain unnamed) who has been funneling cash and resources to the Freedom Fighters! Thank you! Thank you!

The bad news is that the Dastardly Boron and his smear has raped and ruined every province he rudely swiped from the Noble Ulmish Lords. It will take months and months to fully recover and quell all the unrest!

/threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif BOOOOOOO Ermor! BOOOOOOO Boron!!! BOOOOOOOOOO!!! /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Envy.gif

<Beep-bah-Beep-Beep! Beep-Beep-bah-Beep-Beep!>

/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

Boron

January 18th, 2006, 10:10 AM

Playing a blessed Ermor is not so useful i found out. A blessed Ermor is just extremely unflexible, especially with CB.
Ermor is dying now but it has been a very fun game nontheless http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Hopefully i will be able to get revenge in a future game, i can't remember any longtermgame i played with Arch where he has not won http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif. This sentence was not meant as a rant but as a compliment for you Arch http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

PashaDawg

January 18th, 2006, 08:59 PM

Booooooooo, Ermor!!!!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The Panther

January 18th, 2006, 10:26 PM

I suppose this is the first time I have ever seen a triple 9 + 4 bless effect. I didn't even know such a thing was possible! Only death Ermor could attempt such a thing.

It is really just too bad that Boron went AE Ermor, or I probably would have allied with him to try and stop Arch from winning yet another MP game. But allying with Ermor is just plain wrong, for the 10 dominion combined with lots of area (plus many temples) causes the destruction of any nearby territories.

Of course, attacking Boron is also a losing cause, truly a can't win position for the big cat in this one.

However, the player who really got the shaft in this game is Cainehill. He has been stuck in the frozen tundra the entire game with no hope of ever breaking out. It is amazing to me that he is still alive. I suppose he is not dead only cause I declared war on Ermor. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Anyway, I see a lot of games that are highly dependant on starting position, like in this game. But that is the luck of the draw!

By the way (for everybody's amusement), I have attached a .jpg file which was the result from scrying in the Ermor capitol. See for yourself if Boron is dead or not!

PashaDawg

January 18th, 2006, 11:01 PM

If Ermor is having so much trouble, then I advise that they evacuate the Ulmish Holy Land and lick their wounds in their own backyard. My vampires need more space for flying around.

Cainehill

January 19th, 2006, 12:42 AM

The Panther said:
However, the player who really got the shaft in this game is Cainehill. He has been stuck in the frozen tundra the entire game with no hope of ever breaking out. It is amazing to me that he is still alive. I suppose he is not dead only cause I declared war on Ermor. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Shafted? Why, I got all the women, all the wine, all the booze. How could I be shafted? Oh, wait - my advisor tells me that we have no wine (against religion), no women - also against the Priestess's religion, and he only said we had _blues_, not booze. Bah! New advisor!

But, no - I'm alive in part because some players, over the past few years, have learned that I'm loyal/faithful sometimes to the point of stupidity, which has earned me some loyal friends / allies - at least, in non-blitz games. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif ( Blitzes, depending on starting positions, all beasts, er, bets / friends, are off. )

Of course, I'm also alive 'cause I spanked Tien Chi a couple times - I'm more Guderian than Rommel, I'm better on defense than attack. Sucks to be on defense, but hey! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Anyway, I see a lot of games that are highly dependant on starting position, like in this game. But that is the luck of the draw!

True enough. Unless it's too obnoxious, I only really hate starting pos when it's a blitz game, since .... First, you don't have time to do really serious diplomacy without slowing the game to a crippling halt (as per Stormbinder and Cohen, leading me to declare war against them on turn 2, just to avoid 30 minute turns on turn 10). Second, a regular game, who cares if you're really getting thrashed? If it only takes 5 minutes on turn 50, okay. But a blitz, all too often someone's turns take 4 minutes while some others take 30.

Blitz games, the random positions can really suck. Long term games, well, you can get screwed too, but it only takes a couple minutes a day.

This is, however, why I'm starting to like the thought of pre-ordained starting positions more and more, to make for more balanced MP games. (FFA or teams - we had a great team game blitz Sunday, 3 nations against 4 - us of the Triad got smashed, but with better starting positions it would've really been interesting. Team blitz games are great fun. ( As long as Boron and I aren't on the same team http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif )

archaeolept

January 19th, 2006, 12:47 AM

yah, i like map-mod scenario-ish pre-set starting positions. It allows one to add a bit of spice to the start if one wants, as well.

Boron

January 19th, 2006, 01:31 PM

The Panther said:
...
By the way (for everybody's amusement), I have attached a .jpg file which was the result from scrying in the Ermor capitol. See for yourself if Boron is dead or not!

Hey that are just normal undeads http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif. I think 1 black sorceror equals 100 ermor undeads. Has been a while that i played ashen empire and if it is a while the memories will get corrupted http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif. Trying to rely on longdead cavalry (i spent 70% of my deathgems on arch bishops!) was in retrospective a bad idea http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
Or rather as you say taking ermor was probably the really bad idea.
But having hindered 3 other players from winning is a fun success nontheless for me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif. Because i tend to have a Micromanagementphobia in Dominions. That's why i hoard because this way i have the chance to win by quantity.
Already in starcraft i always relied on Macro and hated Micro. But since i can't hoard with CB i changed my playstyle. Now i try to annoy as many nations as possible because i don't play for winning but for the joy to take down as many other players with me while losing as i can.
So i often play Ragnarok-like in longterm games with CB now and enjoy it.
I hope you don't mind. But hey Dominions is a wargame and i am bringing the war to my neighbors so i do you all a favour by keeping the game exciting from earlygame on http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The Panther

January 19th, 2006, 04:55 PM

Pardon me for asking, but I have never played undead Ermor before. Exactly how do you get those sacred cavalry anyway? Do they simply show up for free among the normal cavalry?

And yes, the wars have been fun. Though they were not at first when it looked like you were going to blitz me so fast. But, as you say, having an army size of 300 it not as scary from Ermor as it is with any other nation. When I finally won the first big battle, it was truly sweet!

One thing you did for me was to keep my empire fairly small, which translates into quick turns. And easy turns are a very nice thing for me right now with all that is going on in my life!

Morkilus

January 19th, 2006, 07:18 PM

Those sacred cavalry just show up at any castle in Ashen Empire. They are quite nice, but far from invincible. I enjoyed the Wights more when I played my one AE game (it wasn't that much fun... AI doesn't build enough priests... and you just throw giant piles of garbage everywhere and you win)

Boron

January 19th, 2006, 09:24 PM

As Morkilus says you get the knights of the sepulchre as freespawns when you have a castle (and a temple i believe).
But it is problematic.
First AE kills population really quick. So you are most likely not getting much income from indy provinces, you have to get that later from other nations by outrunning your dominion.
Second there is the commander problem, it is huge with Ermor.
They pop up too rarely as freespawns. And to get the bless effect you need to use priests, imho its best to use an archbishop with lvl 4 for battlefield wide bless. But he costs 20 Deathgems.

I was summoning many archbishops though, they reanimate those normal longdead horsemen.

Ermor is just one dimensional, and my build even more ;(.

PashaDawg

January 19th, 2006, 11:52 PM

Hi All:

Turn 52 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, January 22 at 9:00 pm.

Pasha

PashaDawg

January 24th, 2006, 11:58 PM

Turn 54 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Jan. 26 at 9:00 pm EST.

PashaDawg

January 26th, 2006, 11:35 PM

Turn 55 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 9:00 p.m. EST.

PashaDawg

January 29th, 2006, 08:21 PM

Turn 56 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 9:00 pm EST.

PashaDawg

February 1st, 2006, 01:09 AM

Turn 57 is out.

Deadline is Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006 at 9:00 p.m. EST.

PashaDawg

February 3rd, 2006, 09:54 AM

Turn 58 is out.

Deadline is Sunday, Feb. 5.

PashaDawg

February 5th, 2006, 07:24 PM

Turn 59 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 9:00 p.m. EST.

PashaDawg

February 8th, 2006, 01:21 AM

Turn 60 is out.

Deadline is Thursday.

PashaDawg

February 10th, 2006, 12:44 AM

Turn 61 is out.

Deadline is Sunday.

The Panther

February 10th, 2006, 03:35 AM

I did not receive the turn file.

PashaDawg

February 10th, 2006, 10:11 AM

Ok. I will send again.

PashaDawg

February 13th, 2006, 12:07 AM

Turn 62 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday.

archaeolept

February 13th, 2006, 12:28 AM

wow - that was some crazy battle between ermor and the jots - I've never seen so many undead cavalry in any battle ever.

Boron

February 14th, 2006, 03:39 PM

archaeolept said:
wow - that was some crazy battle between ermor and the jots - I've never seen so many undead cavalry in any battle ever.

Saw the battle too. Was somewhat fun http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Unfortunately i lost half of my undeads and now Machaka is attacking with a large army against which i can't defend probably.

archaeolept

February 15th, 2006, 01:10 AM

newt urn

That battle between machaka and ermor has to be the closest grand battle I have ever seen - a few vine ogres fewer or a lucky enfilade and the machak mage corps would have been destroyed.

bravo!

edit: oh wait, lol, ermor actually prevailed ;p

++edit: am I seeing an alternate reality battle replay? It definitely ends w/ ermor routing, and the machak mage corp intact... but the province is occupied by ermor

Shmonk

February 15th, 2006, 01:52 AM

AWESOME BATTLE!! That is the biggest I've ever seen, I'd love to know the numbers involved, on both sides. A very entertaining 10-15 minutes for me (I would pause it periodically to see the damage areas affected).

And you're right arch, the province is now owned by Ermor, that's interesting. <shrug>

But truly a fun romp to watch! I'm glad I didn't miss it (though as I slowly get absorbed by you, I won't be around for much longer).

archaeolept

February 15th, 2006, 02:09 AM

yah sorry about that http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

usually incongruent battle results are the result of the players and the server running different patches... perhaps the server doesn't have the latest? or us...

a battle so close to call even the game can't agree http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

PashaDawg

February 15th, 2006, 10:05 AM

I can't explain what happened to the battle, but I'd say that the computer took a LONG LONG time to host the turn.

DragonFire11

February 15th, 2006, 10:55 AM

AHHHHHHH. How bittersweet.

My lawyers formally protest! The fact that I "lost" cost me troops and possibly wizards. Plus I ordered a lab, temple, and fort on the location too. I meant to keep it forever.

Boron, regardless of the outcome that was fun!

Boron

February 15th, 2006, 11:21 AM

Hm the battle replay runs so slow that it is a pain to watch http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.

Here is the battlereport though:
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/9953/battle4kq.jpg

Good scripting and troop placement Dragonfire http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
The battle replay shows me losing too. Though i "won" it was a pyrhic victory. Among the 18 dead commanders are probably at least 50% mages.
This and last turns battle showed me Ermors big weakness
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. You can easily accumulate hundreds of troops but their combat potential is only so-so.
Has been a very fun game though, many nice fights with you, Panther and Pasha. Awesome how you managed to survive Pasha. Really well done, congrats. Same for Panther. I hoped i can defeat you two but you brought me down and now you will probably even survive me when Dragonfire kills me with his remaining major army http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.
Has been a fantastic game guys.

archaeolept

February 15th, 2006, 03:38 PM

nice numbers - those look like what I saw, but it was so close either way ... awesome battle.

PashaDawg

February 17th, 2006, 01:29 AM

Turn 64 is out.

Deadline is Sunday.

PashaDawg

February 20th, 2006, 12:12 AM

Turn 65 is out.

Deadline is Tuesday.

archaeolept

February 20th, 2006, 08:19 PM

we are pleased to announce that the summer burning festival, held this year for the first time in the beautiful city of Wymartal, was a rousing success. This yearly festival celebrates the prophecy of the burning of the world, and is held holy by the proud mictish people.

In other news, it has come to our attention that a terrible death scourge has encroached upon the world. As our true precepts hold to the opposite, ie. that blood=life is the true way, it has become imperitive to act. As the local barbarian jotun tribes seem disorganized and technologically backwards, we have out of necessity declared an emergency military frontier throughout those territories. It is possible that a few misguided giants might resist civilized authority, but we wish to assure them that their blood is as good as any and they will enjoy fully equal blood rights. or is that blood rites?

Shmonk

February 20th, 2006, 09:13 PM

hehehe Just be thankful that the city of Wymartal did not but up a bigger/better defense. I don't think I hurt you enough to be noticable.

I do have a question. During that battle at my capital, a spell was cast that I didn't see a "comment" on. At the beginning of each turn towards the end of the battle, the whole battlefield was struck by fire. Looking at the list of spells being cast, I couldn't find what was causing it. Care to enlighten me a little? Or did I miss the spell. I know it's not falling fire.

archaeolept

February 20th, 2006, 09:21 PM

sure np - that's the battlefield fire spell "fire storm" - evoc 7. It sure looks impressive, but i don't think it actually does all that much damage...

PashaDawg

February 21st, 2006, 08:20 PM

Turn 66 is out.

Deadline is Thursday.

Shmonk

February 21st, 2006, 11:37 PM

That's all for me, folks. Keep us all posted on the bigger battles so we know how things progress. I learned a few things about Tien Chi, now I wish I took S&A (instead of BK). But my first real game as TC, and I wasn't the first one out. I'm happy.

PashaDawg

February 24th, 2006, 12:49 AM

Turn 67 is out.

Deadline is Sunday.

Farewell Shmonk! See you in another game soon!

PashaDawg

February 27th, 2006, 09:48 AM

Turn 68 is out. It was a bit late because one player submitted his turn late. Tsk tsk!

Deadline is TUESDAY 2/28.

Pasha

archaeolept

February 27th, 2006, 04:43 PM

Army of Gold was precisely the right spell to cast, Panther - and if I hadn't been saved by the AI spamming incinerate after the scripts ran out, I would have been scuppered. Saved by the AI, how humiliating http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

The Panther

February 28th, 2006, 09:33 AM

Well, good game all. I have been slaughtered like a stuck pig.

I had really thought that the three of us down south would have been able to eliminate the undead infestation rather quickly, but that was not to be. I had no idea just how strong Ermor is in the early game. I never had even the slightest chance in this game (just like TC), but that is Dominions!

Had Ermor died early, perhaps the southern coalition could have challenged Arch. Probably not, though, for he has had more than 1/3 of the provinces and been left alone for a long time now.

Anyway, good fighting in this game, especially in the 3-on-1 against Boron!

archaeolept

February 28th, 2006, 11:12 AM

yah, I really was perplexed as to whether I should even have attacked - no honour in such a lopsided force ratio. I have never been so lucky in a game, which made this all somewhat less than challenging. I was thinking of just letting you guys finish fighting it out, but decided that trying to end it all was the better option.

some great battles, no doubt.

If the other players would rather i w/draw from panther and then go AI, or just do nothing, I'd be up for that.

The Panther

February 28th, 2006, 09:45 PM

archaeolept said:
If the other players would rather i w/draw from panther and then go AI, or just do nothing, I'd be up for that.

Naw, you have won fair and square.

I suspect it would not be out of line to simply declare you the winner, for that is a foregone conclusion at this point in the game. After all, every game must end at some time! If there were a province victory condition, you would have already won.

Although, the other players might want to look at your army & strategy as you overrun them one at a time like I was able to do.

The only way to make this a game is for everybody else to gang up on you, but even that is too little and too late. Beides, Cainehill refused to attack you when I brought it up to him.