Invisible Swarm 4: started!

[CUnknown]

Mods: Complete Balance 4.0
Map: Loemendor-new (no specials)
Research: Difficult
Independents: strength 5
Site Frequency: 45
Richness: normal
HoF: 15
Scoregraphs off

Host Schedule will be 24-hour quickhost for the first 30 turns or so. If anyone needs it to be slowed down just ask.

Victory Conditions: There are 7 1-victory point locations, and 1 2-point location. Each capital is also worth 1 point, bringing the total to 18. You will need lucky number 13 victory points or more for the win!


PLAYERS

me as Man.
Jurri as Ulm.
Boron as Ermor.
Whollaborg as Marignon.
Jeffr as Pangea.
Yorgl as Arcosephale.
Turin as Tien Chi.
Cainehill as Machaka.
Ed Kolis as Ctis.

Loemendor map (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=375709&Main=375548)

Use Loemendor-new, the file towards the bottom of the page, not the one at the top.

The IP is: 68.117.223.234 port 2000.

[Turin]

what map? I´d like to try out Loemendor or a fixed Sharivar without summonig circle.

I already claimed tien´chi as my nation in the other thread.

[Ed Kolis]

Could you please post a link to the mod? There are so many balance mods I'm not sure which is which http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Thanks!

[quantum_mechani]

Ed Kolis said:
Could you please post a link to the mod? There are so many balance mods I'm not sure which is which http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Thanks!

here (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=dom2scen&Number=373674&pag e=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=2) . It was a tossup if it was more confusing hiding the latest version on the second page of the previous thread or starting yet another thread about it...

[Jurri]

What's fixed Shahrivar? If it's the one with preplaced fortresses, I'm against it, since they are just silly. I'm happy with anything reasonably sized and not having any unfun preplaced stuff (like summoning circles or forts!) so I'd say CU oughta just decide arbitrarily. I'd like to know the map before designing my pretender, though.

[Boron]

We already play Sharivar in Trupers Revenge. I agree with Jurri that the map is not very fun. It looks nice but is not very fun to play at, you can be either extremely lucky or unlucky with your starting placement.

I played a few SP games now on Loemdor and i really like it.

[Whollaborg]

Loemendor could be nice. It has certain feeling that the center of the map is most important but most difficult to defend as well. And it manages to create this feeling without "cheap" trick of one super area in the middle and still gives plenty of variation in "mythical" areas that are thoughtfully set around.

[jeffr]

I'm going away but should be back tomorrow night or Sunday afternoon. If you start the game by then, I'll upload my pretender and take my turn then.

When you decide on a map, please provide a dowload link. I don't have a few that have been mentioned here.

[Cainehill]

Think I'll take Machaka.

[jeffr]

I'm back. Let's rock http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

The IP is: 68.117.223.234 port 2000.

At least I think this is the IP. I've been confused about this in the past.

Server is up!

[Ed Kolis]

Nope, I can't connect http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif
Considered getting dynamic DNS?

[Boron]

Can't connect neither.

[CUnknown]

Okay, the problem should be fixed.

[jeffr]

I connected and uploaded my Pan pretender. However, I did this before I downloaded the map and copied the map and tga files to the dominions map directory.

I'm guessing that this is Ok but am I Ok or do I need to reupload?

[YellowCactus]

Think your fine on that one Jeff.
-yc

[jeffr]

Cool, thanks.

[archaeolept]

you're fine jeffr

[Ed Kolis]

Still can't connect... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Cainehill]

Me neither. Oh - shouldn't make a difference, but I'm thinking I may go with Vanheim instead of Machachacha-ka.

[CUnknown]

Oh, sorry! Server was down like an hour after it went up. Heh. It's back up now! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Ygorl]

Up and in, and ready to rock!
I mean that as literally as possible.

[Boron]

Ermor uploaded. I guess this game will not go past turn 50 thnx to the map + Victorypoints http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Whollaborg]

It seems that i fail to connect the server too (68.117.223.234 p2000). Tried to upload my pretender.

[Cainehill]

In as Vanheim at 68.117.223.234 port 2000. Remember not to enter the IP & port using the numeric keypad - that supposedly can cause problems.

CUnknown : Perhaps you should put the IP address in the first post so people can find it easier, in case it changes?

[Wish]

to late to get in on this? if so I would like to upload as machaka

[Ed Kolis]

OK, pretender uploaded for C'tis http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Cainehill]

And, the server seems to be down again. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Whollaborg]

Somehow i cannot connect the server at all. Should it be running?

[jeffr]

I just tried and couldn't connect. I'm pretty sure it's down.

[Turin]

yeah me neither. I will upload my pretender tomorrow then.

[CUnknown]

Yes, the server is down. Or, actually, it's still up but I have no internet connection at the moment (at home). I'm at work now. Hopefully the internet people will fix it by tonight! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

Wish for Blood Slaves: yeah, I think it's a little too late. Nine people is a good number, I don't really want any more.

[Cainehill]

CUnknown said:
Wish for Blood Slaves: yeah, I think it's a little too late. Nine people is a good number, I don't really want any more.



Think you'll want to delete the pretender / .2h file for Machaka then - looked like he uploaded, or at least, I decided to go with Vanheim and wasn't the one who uploaded Machaka.

[Wish]

oh, then you might need to remove my pretender, Im not sure it gives me the option (sorry I didn't want to hold anything up)

in retrospect, after fooling around with machaka some more, im not sure I would have enjoyed them nearly as much as I thought.

[Whollaborg]

Uploaded my fine pretender of Marignon.

[Jurri]

Is the server down yet again? Can't seem to connect, anyway.

[CUnknown]

My internet has been very spotty recently. I bet that's the problem. So, try to log on later and maybe it will work. I'll check my computer when I get home.

Hopefully we can start this one soon.

[CUnknown]

Server should be up, if you have problems connecting, post again.

We are missing Tien Chi and Ulm.

[Jurri]

Ulm in!

[Turin]

Tien´chi in. Let the game begin.

[Ed Kolis]

I'm afraid to hit start game, LOL

[CUnknown]

Game up!

13 victory points are required for the win out of 18 total.

Good luck!

[Turin]

I thought we were using cbc4?
Not this mess of old conceptual mods + cherrys rebalance.

[CUnknown]

Whoops, messed up. Can everyone load their gods again?

I accidentally had the wrong mods active when I started.

[Whollaborg]

Ouch!
I might have messed the server up because i accidently pushed the start game button.
Sorry if i did some damage.

[Boron]

Server seems to be down again, it freezes when i try to connect while i can connect just fine to other games.

[Cainehill]

Likewise.

[Jurri]

Same here. Hot damn, this is difficult to get off the ground. Thank you, Chris, for taking the trouble, in any case!

[jeffr]

Yeah, I can't connect either. And I second the thanks to Chris.

[CUnknown]

Okay, it's back up. blah...

We can do it this time, guys!

[YellowCactus]

Give me an 'S'
Give me a 'W'
Give me an 'A'
Give me an 'R'
Give me an 'M'

What do ya got?

........Go Invisible Swarm!........

Good luck all.
-yc

[Ygorl]

Two pretenders to go... Thanks, Chris!

[jeffr]

I'll be able to upload Pan after work in about 6 hours.

[jeffr]

Pan uploaded.

[Ygorl]

We've got nine up, and I think it's everyone. Does this mean that someone could click "Start Game" now?

[Jurri]

Supposedly, but it's not a bad idea to let the host start it either, if only to verify the settings and hosting times and such, in my opinion.

[CUnknown]

Turn 1 commences!

[Ygorl]

Sweet!
Dibs on Victor...

[Jurri]

Victor is MINE! Hearing that having him was your dream, I just had to crush it.

There's a turn 2 for you gentlemen.

[Whollaborg]

Maringon rises the flag of true faith!

...And then this sublime origin of true faith has to ask for short break if that is possible at all?
(I am going to weekend cottage trip and i will be back on monday evening +2GMT.)

If no break is possible we understand.

[CUnknown]

Sure man, I don't want people to stale so early.

We will take a break. Actually, I haven't even set any forced hosting time, it's just on quickhost right now. So, I don't even have to change anything, if you don't take your turn, it won't host.

[Ed Kolis]

I love the name of Ulm's prophet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[CUnknown]

Turn 3 up!

[Jurri]

Oh, silly me didn't notice that poor Victor was too fast for his own good! I just hate the bug where heroically quick units rush the enemy even with fire orders... Well, I bought him only to spite Ygorl anyway. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Ed Kolis]

Is the server down again? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Ygorl]

It's working now for me...
And, Jurri, Victor surely would have joined my righteous crusade if he had known what you had in store for him. We all mourn his passing.

[Whollaborg]

Turn 4 is there!

Angelique joins our holy crusade to clense the world of false prophets!

[Ygorl]

Angelique, she's purty!

[Jurri]

Nah, Vic liked his greenbacks too much to think things through. He was a great guy, it's sad that he ran to his death. Maybe he felt like doing the right thing for once in his life, and risk it all for a higher cause: the ascension of the one, true god!

[CUnknown]

Host schedule set to 24-hour quickhost.

[Jurri]

There seems to be a new turn in. Boron's obviously playing an angle and didn't let anyone know http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Ygorl]

Jurri, stop it!
Fordo, you're a two-timing bastard.
And Sanne, I promise Arcoscephale is a very nice place to work.

[Cainehill]

New turn.

[Jurri]

Damn that skank, Sanne! I only hope you paid through the nose, you bastard! Well, women are fickle...

[Ygorl]

Women just don't like men who take 45 minutes to get undressed. Have you ever tried removing Ulmish black plate? Not a sexy process. Now, an astrologer's robe...

[Cainehill]

Well.... Women would _love_ if it took Meatloaf 45 minutes to get undressed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Ygorl]

Then I definitely think Jurri should recruit Meatloaf to his cause. Preferably as his next prophet.

[Whollaborg]

Turn is up!

[Jurri]

I'll make meatloaf outta you, buster! And I ain't gonna prophetize you either, but feed to the dogs.

[Ygorl]

New turn is ready.
Also, Jurri, why the aggression? It's bad for the complexion!

[Jurri]

Oh, you wanna be buddies now that you stole my number 1 girl and left me only a midget? ... ... ...sure.

[PashaDawg]

Squish 'em, Jurri.

Pound 'em, Ygorl.

[Ygorl]

Another new turn is up, incidentally...

[Ygorl]

And I've woken up to yet another new turn, for those who are checking this forum more frequently than they are the game itself.
I think I like this map, by the way, at least the neighbors setup. Not sure yet what I think on the segregation of terrain types; it seems like it would be pretty easy to have only unattractive options for early expansion.

[Whollaborg]

Agree on that Ygorl!

Perhaps there might be some less favorable starting locations even thou the overall is splendid!
Southeast and South might need just couple more of those farmlands...

[Ygorl]

The game is hosting in ten minutes, and Turin (T'ien Ch'i) still hasn't taken his turn.
Turin, where are you? Is there something we should know?

[Turin]

Damn this game is moving fast. I was away for a little over 24 hours and missed one turn. No big deal though

[CUnknown]

Yes, it's a 24-hour quickhost game. If you know you're going to be away, shoot me a PM, or just post here and I can slow it down for you.

-Chris

[jeffr]

new turn.

[Ygorl]

And another new turn!

[Ygorl]

Ulm, C'tis, and T'ien Ch'i: Turn 14 is up now.

[Turin]

New turn

[Ygorl]

Turn 16 is ready for y'all.
Do people like that I post these notices, or should I not bother?

[Turin]

I appreciate it. Since we don´t have email notification it´s pretty nice.

[jeffr]

I like it. When I'm the last to go, I try to post a new turn notice here.

[Ygorl]

In that case, I happened to notice that a new turn is up!

[Jurri]

Yeah, definitely appreciated! That God's Eye doesn't work with my old clonker, so it's annoying to check the status.

[jeffr]

And another new turn.

[Boron]

new turn

[CUnknown]

This game is rocking out!

We got some good fast-turn takers here. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Cainehill]

And another new turn today! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Cainehill]

21 is up.

[Ygorl]

We are awesome.
In other news, I'm going to Chicago tomorrow. There's a pretty good chance I'll be able to take my turns, but it's not certain. I hate to slow down the amazing pace we've been keeping, but is it okay to set the game on unlimited-time quickhost just in case?
Thanks!

[CUnknown]

Yes, definitely. If everyone takes their turns quickly anyway, unlimited-time quickhost is just as fast as 24-hour host. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Jurri]

A new turn snuck in.

[Ygorl]

An another one. Though, there are only a few people who haven't taken their turns already...

[Turin]

turn 24 is in. I apologize for accidently killing two of marignons fine druids.

[Whollaborg]

Dont worry about it.

Abandoning 24h host has stalled us up a bit. Waiting for Man and Arco.

[Ygorl]

My stalling was because of being in Chicago, not because of growing lazy with the slack schedule. Y'all'll be happy to know that I am back!
And, with a new turn in my wake.

[CUnknown]

Jeffr, can't we see reason here? Why do you want Ermor to profit from my destruction? My lands will be devastated and won't be worth much anymore. I offer you 30 fire, air, or nature gems for a 20-turn peace treaty.

If Jeffr refuses peace, I offer all of his neighbors 30 gems each if they will attack him in earnest (not just taking 1 province, but real war).

I don't think I can survive being doubled by both killer-blessed centaurs -and- undead legions. Help!

[Jurri]

Whoa, I need to get some scouts out there ASAP! Here I was thinking everyone was living like a happy little family in a world-wide peace with rainbows and bunnies all around, but that's a far-away dream, apparently http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif Why can't you live and love, forgive and forget, you evil people?

[jeffr]

The Master Diplomat is back in action http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Ermor and I just have a NAP, not an alliance. We just happen to be headed in the same direction at the moment.

Boron is actually next to Man's capital while I was just scooping up some independents. I haven't attacked Man yet.

So why is it Chis is offering bounties on my head and not Ermor's? What have I done wrong? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Jurri]

So you just scored 30 gems without doing anything? ...I'm awed, jeffr, awed!

[jeffr]

No no, no gems for me. I don't know what to do with them, anyway.

And how's it going in your neck of the woods, Jurri? Sitting back and raking in the cash and gems, are we http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Jurri]

Yeah, me and my trusty death-scale, we are collecting gold like no one else before us!

But, are you saying you are going to attack the Man? I mean, you not taking the free gems certainly implicates that, no? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

So I'm twiddling my thumbs, jeffr and Boron are ganging on Chris, but what's everyone else doing? Like that Turin, the enemy of druids; I don't even have an inkling on where he is on the map!

[Cainehill]

If he doesn't offer peace, I'm willing to earn 30 gems. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Turin]

I´m happily sitting in my corner figuring out how to play this curious nation. Randoms everywhere, it´s driving me insane.

Btw Jurri I offer you a Nonaggression pact for 3 turns for the low low price of only 10 bloodslaves. Do we have a deal??

[Jurri]

Huh? Are we even neighbors? Not to my knowledge... So why would I pay you anything for nothing http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Turin]

oh [censored] you looked right through my cunning plan. Anyway a new turn seems to be up.

[CUnknown]

Done, Cainehill! What sort of gem distribution were you wanting?

[Whollaborg]

another one!

[jeffr]

And one more turn.

[Ed Kolis]

Well, I'm out... good game everyone... geez, I had no idea a fountain could be set afire with Flaming Arrows http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
So much for my "wipe everyone out with sheer force of dominion"... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[CUnknown]

I think the serpent kryss is incredibly overpowered for a lesser magic item. +4 attack, +2 defense, armor piercing, and death poison? Wow.

[jeffr]

It's never helped me all that much in the past, unfortunately. I did manage to poison Boron's Moloch in the last game, though. Your Naga east poison for breakfast, so no worries for you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jeffr]

Good game, Ed. I had no idea (and still don't) what was going on up North, since my scouts must have failed Stealth class and keep dying.

Who has the C'tis castle now?

[Whollaborg]

Thanks for the game Ed!
Your early aggression combined with massive dominion with death made me to do it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

C'tis dominion was really a pain in the ***. It didn't care about the holy Inqvisition! We managed to get some of C'tis provinces to -9 during the last siege. And our original provinces that bordered citis from the start nearly to zero dominion. Some of our provinces seemed to been stuck into -5 in very wide area of ours.

...Untill the fountain blazed into fire of course http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Ygorl]

Boron! Turn! Now!

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

[Boron]

Ygorl said:
Boron! Turn! Now!

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


Server was down today morning for me. Now did my turn and the following also. Sorry for the slowdown, enjoy the new turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[Jurri]

So, Boron, how you doing? We gots proof now that Soul Gate is the best nation, one-on-one, so you need to be watched extra specially! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

And thank to Ed for the game! I never met you, but I still felt the cold grasp of your dominion-strategy... I can't say I lament your passing http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

Yeah, Jeffr. I wasn't saying you were abusing the serpent kyriss or anything, just that I hadn't realized they were made so powerful! They used to suck, now they're too good. Maybe in the next patch they will be just right.

Uh.. for now keep using them! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Turin]

the serpent krysses are definitely powerful now, but they are 10 gems a pop and axes or swords of sharpness are powerful aromrpiercers too for only 5 gems.

[archaeolept]

eh, kryss is two attacks, ap, and poison. Its very strong. Even though water gems are much less valuable, I find I'm forging kryss's instead of swords of quickness.

[Turin]

oh yeah forgot about the second attack. Well that makes it clearly better than the rest. The question is: Should all nonlifedraining items have the power of the kryss, or should the kryss be toned down?

[Cainehill]

Another turn.

[CUnknown]

The Kyrss should obviously be either toned down and/or moved to a higher research level. They are far more powerful now than any other lesser magic weapon, so much so that it's rediculous. They need to be moved to research level-4 or -6, and toned down slightly, or kept at research lvl-2 and toned down -a lot-.

[quantum_mechani]

Turin said:
oh yeah forgot about the second attack. Well that makes it clearly better than the rest. The question is: Should all nonlifedraining items have the power of the kryss, or should the kryss be toned down?

Kryss will be going down.

[jeffr]

New turn.

[jeffr]

And now it's old Pan who is being double teamed by Man and Vanheim!!! Boron never really attacked Man at all (which is Ok with me, because we didn't have an alliance).

Chris is truly the master diplomat! And a master tactician to boot, as he just wiped out the illustrious 1st Pan expeditionary legion (PEL). Crap http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Oh, and Vanheim's back door is probably wide open, if anyone is interested.

[Ygorl]

So, was Ger a part of the PEL? If so, you just became *much* less intimidating...

[Boron]

jeffr said:
And now it's old Pan who is being double teamed by Man and Vanheim!!! Boron never really attacked Man at all (which is Ok with me, because we didn't have an alliance).

Chris is truly the master diplomat! And a master tactician to boot, as he just wiped out the illustrious 1st Pan expeditionary legion (PEL). Crap http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Oh, and Vanheim's back door is probably wide open, if anyone is interested.


I lost 1 Cainestyle Black Servant + 1 Army of 100 Freespawns to Chris. Luckily he suggested a peace which netted me 3 provinces then http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
I guess that you soon get help, Caine surely has some neighbors that will attack him now that he is busy with you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
Ermor will be a peaceful nation for a while now most likely http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

[Jurri]

Hey, what's a Cainestyle Black Servant like?

Looks like double bangings are the name of the game! Guess I'll need some pardner, too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

[CUnknown]

Thanks Jeffr, you're making me blush! But, tell them the part about my having 3 provinces left, so they get a complete picture.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif

The Cainestyle black servant I killed on a lucky banishment roll with my PD. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jeffr]

Ger still rocks on and seeks revenge http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Ygorl]

Couldn't he just die, oh, *once* so that the rest of the world doesn't live in fear of flaming screaming halfman hordes? You're a lovely neighbor, at least you have been so far, but those guys are just a bit intimidating.

And I too want to know what a Cainestyle Black Servant looks like...

[Cainehill]

Heh. I anticipate Ermor landing in my frigid lands, since Boron never can resist attacking me. Happily, his ethereal hordes are very vulnerable to bladewinds and firestorms / falling fires. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

As far as the Cainestyle black servant goes : let's just say that even Norfleet was surprised and impressed by the concept. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[CUnknown]

I don't want to give away any secrets, but the people have a right to know! I am not Cainehill, but here is my understanding of his servants:

Black Servant with black fullplate, helm, tower shield. Cheap, early game mini-SC with 27 protection, etherialness, stealth, lifedrain. Not bad, eh?

Ygorl: Ger will die, oh yes! Don't you worry. Virtuous Man will take the beatins so everyone else can live in peace, without fear from the berzerking centaur hoards. So says MAN, he of 3 provinces!!!

[Jurri]

You da Man, Chris!

[Cainehill]

CUnknown said:
I don't want to give away any secrets, but the people have a right to know! I am not Cainehill, but here is my understanding of his servants:

Black Servant with black fullplate, helm, tower shield. Cheap, early game mini-SC with 27 protection, etherialness, stealth, lifedrain. Not bad, eh?




Don't forget the other big thing with them : 0 fatigue despite all the armor. Poor man's VQ, and they get even better with another trinket or two - say a luck pendant or something for anti-magic, or swap a charcoal shield for the tower shield. One can make a sweet prophet too. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Jurri]

A new turn!

[Ygorl]

Is anyone interested in accepting some of my death gems, and in return passing me some astral pearls?
Cheers!

[Boron]

Ygorl said:
Is anyone interested in accepting some of my death gems, and in return passing me some astral pearls?
Cheers!


Sure Ermor always needs deathgems. Send me a PM and we can work out a deal http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[Boron]

Cainehill said:

Heh. I anticipate Ermor landing in my frigid lands, since Boron never can resist attacking me. Happily, his ethereal hordes are very vulnerable to bladewinds and firestorms / falling fires. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Ermor, the most peaceful nation of all has no such plans http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif.

[Cainehill]

Ouch. New turn.

[Turin]

new turn. Of course everybody except man and ulm already know.

[CUnknown]

If anyone wants to attack Pangea, now is the time! I don't know how much longer I can last.

[Ygorl]

A novel new turn is up!

[Jurri]

A new turn!

[jeffr]

And another new turn.

[CUnknown]

Can someone explain to me how Jeffr was able to conquer one of my castles without me ever getting a battle report about it? And why my army didn't move last turn? What the hell is going on?

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

[Cainehill]

Well - dunno if this was the case, but if you have no troops inside the castle guarding it, invaders can move in and take it in the same turn they move into the province. After all, no one's inside.

[CUnknown]

No they can't, Cainehill. It always takes two turns to take a province with a castle. And you always get a battle report, or at least a "This undefended castle was taken from you" statement.

I am very annoyed by these two unexplainable events. Very pissed off, since I'm being conquered without being allowed to defend myself.

[Ygorl]

Maybe you can get someone (who's not playing, but who's knowledgeable in Dominions arcana) to look at the turn?

[Boron]

Ygorl said:
Maybe you can get someone (who's not playing, but who's knowledgeable in Dominions arcana) to look at the turn?


This person would be QM imho http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jeffr]

I can say what my orders were. Maybe it will help.

1. I ordered my forces to "storm the castle". I had been in the province a turn already. I didn't receive a battle playback, but did receive a message of the form "the undefended castle has been taken".

2. I'm also pretty sure that I sent a force against Chris's main force in the adjacent province. I say "pretty sure" because this is what I meant to do. However, my force didn't move, so I just assumed the move order was changed somehow.

If Chris was sending a force my way as well, is it possible the two forces stopped each other from moving? Could the fact that Chris's force was inside his castle to start with have anything to do with it?

Note: edited for clarity (hopefully)

[CUnknown]

Oh, huh.. you sent some guys against my main force that turn? Interesting.. yeah, maybe they bounced somehow. That's weird.

[jeffr]

Yeah, it's wierd. I thought that if your force was bigger, my guys would have been pushed back and we would have had the battle in my province.

I searched for something called the "castle-move" bug that I remembered hearing about. The situation described is somewhat similar to our situation, although not exact.

[YellowCactus]

The "Move and Storm" command can be accessed by <Shift> 'S'. Most people don't know about it.
-yc

[jeffr]

I have a feeling that "Move and Storm" is a joke, eh? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Or mabye not, hmmm.

But I was there for a turn before storming, so that's not a bug.

The problem seems to be that we "bounced" off of each other and there wasn't a battle. I've never seen this before.

[Jurri]

A new turn.

I'm offering a reward of 150 air gems and 30 earth gems for the head of Boron. The world, it will be a better place if this scourge is removed from the face of the Earth! It will be enough if you, the contractor, attack the bastard with the intention to cripple and maim; we are all gentlemen here so just tell me you're doing so and I'll send you the gems. (I probably only have the gems for one, but I can provide another 150 gems of various types if a second nation gets interested.)

Damned Black Forest doesn't have any mages that could use the numerous gems Obscuro's been digging up... Oh, well. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Boron]

Ok i offer you the head of my Lichqueen. Since she's immortal it doesn't hurt her but i fullfilled your objectives. Please send me the 150 Air and 30 Earthgems this turn. Thank you very much http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Jurri]

Nah, I don't care at all about your pretender; I want somebody to cripple your nation. I only fear these buggers are too busy with other projects to indulge me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

Other projects. Yeah, Jeffr must die!!

[Cainehill]

New Turn.

[CUnknown]

Grrr. Jeffr, I hope you think twice before attacking me early in the next game! I'm dead, but hopefully you're hurt too bad to win now. Someone finish him off!

That "bounce" bug or feature or whatever it is really screwed me. Sure, I'd be dead either way, but I'd be able to last a lot longer if I owned three castles right now instead of just one.

[jeffr]

Damn, that was carnage. Not too sure what I would have done differently on that one.

[Ygorl]

Want to save the turn for general perusal after the game?

[CUnknown]

Sure. Just so everyone knows, there were roughly 100 units on both sides, about 90% of which we killed. We both lost our asses. But I won the battle! Nyah nyah nyah!!

[Ygorl]

I'm going to be in Montréal from tomorrow afternoon through Monday morning, with pretty much no prospects of being able to play. I ought to be able to send this one in before I leave, so Jurri can laugh at the tragic downfall of the Golden Era (or maybe shake in wrath at the burning of the Black Forest), but my next turn won't be until Monday. Do not be alarmed.

[CUnknown]

Ooh, ooh, I can sub for you! I'll attack Pangea!!! I'll use the master password, it will be cool.

[Ygorl]

You're welcome to, but first you have to conquer all of Ulm's armies and take all its land.
Maybe you can get Jurri to give you 150 air gems, that would certainly help...

[Jurri]

A new turn.

[Ygorl]

I am back, and submitted my new turn, but the server doesn't seem to be hosting...

[CUnknown]

Sorry, I am in "I'm not really playing anymore.. Wait, I'm still the host???" slacker mode.

Quickhost is back on! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[jeffr]

new turn

[jeffr]

We seem to have hit a bit of a roadblock. Marignon and Arco still need to take their turns. It's a little strange in that it shows that Arco has been connected for a couple of days now.

[Ygorl]

I think you must have just been lucky, and I happened to be logged in the times you checked. Either that or something weird is going on...
I finally finished my turn, now (actually a little before jeffr's post! Now *that's* irony - Alannis, take note), and I apologize for the delay.

[jeffr]

No sweat, man. I just thought that something funky might be going on with the connection thing.

[Ygorl]

No sweat taken, and hopefully no funkiness in evidence... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

Well, anyone shout who wants 24-h quickhost back on.

[Ygorl]

I bet Jurri does... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
I, on the other hand, think it would be a shame to stale Whollaborg. I trust that he'll be back with us soon...
In any case, 24 hours is probably too short for me at this stage in the game. Some turns take a while to think about and do, and it's nice to have a day or two to take care of them. 48 hours, I wouldn't mind.

[Jurri]

Don't worry Ygorl: your turns are about to get shorter. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I wouldn't mind a steady schedule, but I'm on my way out so I'm cool with anything. Just drop a note here when a turn's in so that I remember to take it, please!

[Whollaborg]

I am sorry i couldn't connect earlier. i am in hollydaytrip to northern finland and it got me this long to get my laptop running with net. I might be slow to do my next turn if it is not available for me in 24hours but i can log on in sundaynight for sure...
Cheers

[Ygorl]

A new turn is up.
Jurri, that's what we Americans call a "lot" of vampire counts!
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Whollaborg]

13 of Jurris vampire counts took life of one ice devil. Whooa!
It's getting nasty.

[Turin]

a new turn. I have to leave for a week starting tuesday,so I will delay the game even further.

[Cainehill]

New Turn.

And hey! When did Treelords get a strategic movement of 1??? Nasty.

[jeffr]

Whoa, how did you see this?

I took a look at the .dm file, but didn't see anything related to movement.

[Cainehill]

I guess it's maybe from the flying ship (artifact), but I didn't think flying items allowed immobile commanders to move. (Also, flight would be strategic 3, not 1). So I got a Treelord with 100 troops plopped on my capitol outta nowhere. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[jeffr]

I bet he teleported somehow. Does he have the Gate Stone (or whatever it is)? Is your capitol in a forest?

[Turin]

yeah it´s from the flying ship. I don´t know why it shows mapmove of 1, as it´s actually flying mapmove 3.

[Cainehill]

Server is hopefully only down (last 12 hours) and not dead?

[Turin]

new turn. Sorry that you all had to wait for me.

[Cainehill]

New turn. Hey, everyone gang up on Turin, for making me wait a week to get destroyed! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[jeffr]

Damn, forgot to remove the wolves from my Werewolf scout. That wasn't a stealth army, he was only in the area because I had been trying to harass Vanheim a little bit and I figured I try and get some use out of him as a scout.

[Cainehill]

heh heh heh. New turn, and at least I inflicted some pain - one feebleminded oak tree sitting around harmlessly now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Shame I never had enough death income to make more of those bows....

Incidentally folks - TC is about to take possesssion of a province with a nice forge bonus site. Ah well - at least he had to make all his artifacts without it.

[Turin]

heh heh heh, you will be surprised next turn cainehill http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif .

[Cainehill]

Heh. I'll be surprised if I have a next turn, Turin. You're butcherin' me. (Technically, I'll be surprised if I have a 3rd turn - think I have 2 more.)

[jeffr]

I can't connect to the server. Can anyone else get in?

[Ygorl]

Nope, still down. I sent Chris a message.

[jeffr]

The server is up.

Who is scooping up all the cool artifacts (Sword of Aurgelmere, Hammer of the Forge Lord, Mage Bane, Barrier, etc.)? I guess whomever has the Hammer of the Forge Lord.

I also wasn't excited about no Tree Lords answering my call. All 3 are already gone. I thought they were supposed to go to the guys in green.

[Turin]

new turn.

[CUnknown]

Sorry about the server being down.

I'm still interested in the game.. I haven't checked anyone's turns or anything, but TienChi seems monstrously powerful. Is that true? Are there any other major players (besides Pangea?)?

Give me the scoop!

[Jurri]

Yeah, based on my observation (which is very limited and more than a bit hearsay - take it with a pinch or a buttload of salt) 'tis pretty much a done deal. I can't quite imagine a dedicated opposition forming against Turin soon enough given the situation, so this should be in the finishing stages shortly.

[Turin]

why am I the major player suddenly?

I´m missing lots of the important artifacts, my bloodeconomy is laughable and I constantly have to deal with ermors dominion.
And marignon seems to have grabbed most of the blood uniques and has the UberJesters as good cheap troops.

Worst of all I have built exactly 1 clam, so no income from hoarding.

[Ygorl]

I still think it's gonna be me and Jurri in the end... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jeffr]

I guess my take jives with Jurri's. I put Turin at the top followed by Marignon, then Boron and I maybe tied for third followed by Ygorl and Jurri.

But based on past experience, this is where I start to suck (clam? what's that?), so what do I know.

[Ygorl]

A new and exciting turn is up!

[Cainehill]

jeffr said:
The server is up.

Who is scooping up all the cool artifacts (Sword of Aurgelmere, Hammer of the Forge Lord, Mage Bane, Barrier, etc.)? I guess whomever has the Hammer of the Forge Lord.

I also wasn't excited about no Tree Lords answering my call. All 3 are already gone. I thought they were supposed to go to the guys in green.



Blame it all on Tien Chichichi - he's got the artifacts, and he's got at least 2 of the trees. But one's retarded now. (Edit : Oh, and Thuella is now a very dimwitted Queen of Thunder! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I'm dead this turn, but at least I did a little damage. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Jurri]

A new turn!

Caine: I'm afraid it's more than likely that Turin has both the Chalice and the healer hero at his disposal - if not, he's sure to have summoned a fairy queen (having enough nature magic for treelords and all). Thus, feebleminding his critters is a very minor setback!

[jeffr]

And he just put up the Fire Gem global (80 fire to cast). So now he has the Fire Gem, the Nature Gem and the Death Gem globals.

Not good guys http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

And good game, Cainehill. Maybe it will take a while for Turin to heal his dimwits http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Boron]

Server down?

[Whollaborg]

Server seems to be down indeed.

About the discussion:
I am a bit surprised that i am with you guys - still during the approaching endgame phase. (Which of i do not know anything, anything at all.)

Rumors concerning me having blood uniques has been a bit hilarious as Marignon only has few major devils and no artifacts at all.

I wouldn't bet anything on the Marignon as Jurri has mauled my armies with he's army of thirteen vampire ****s who summon screenfull of undead in every encounter with puffing of naturesage who casts relief with help of items.

Jurri has been very efficient in querrilla tactics against me as well. It's been a valuable teaching lesson from him so far, and i doubt that he is to fall anytime soon, but then again i don't know how ermor and acro are going to hit him...

I thank Jurri for all teaching until now and i doubt that i haven't seen just yet all he shall dish out:)

[Whollaborg]

And don't worry about occasional stalls with the server CUnknown, it's really great that you keep up feeding us with the fantastic turns of this game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jeffr]

Server is up.

[Cainehill]

Hey guys, good game. And even if he has the chalice or the healing hero - I feebleminded 2 Tree Lords and 1 Air Queen on my way out. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Whollaborg]

Cheers Caine!

... There seems to be something wrong with the server. Or i have completely misunderstood. My Gods eye program tells that the server is waiting for hosting and when i log in game it says Vanheim has not played its turn, even thou there is a message that says that Vanheim is permanently vanquished.

Should Vanheim try to log in?

[Cainehill]

Just did, and the turn ran. Sometimes Dom2 gets flaky the turn someone is vanquished.

[Turin]

gah now that jeffr has attacked me without giving the warning, of course I get a lab burning event in my capital, making it rather difficult to prepare a decent counter to his huge invasion army.

[jeffr]

Warning? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif We didn't have a Non Aggression Pact or I would have not attacked without a proper declaration of war.

But you attacked my wolf province in the same turn and took my Global to boot with no warning, which is, of course ok (except for the global, damn) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

You have the Djinni too, eh? And four out of five globals and Air Queens and Tree Lords and who knows what else.

But, we'll see what my army of maenads and nature lovers can do for the just cause. The others seem a bit occupied, so I figured I better do something before it was too late. It is probably too late already, but what the hell.

If anyone feels like dispelling some of his globals or otherwise contributing, be my guest. He is massively powerful http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Jurri]

You're quite welcome, Whollaborg! I fear I haven't been all that I could be against you, but I hope you realize the crucial difference between fighting a human and a machine...

You really should give that Ice Devil something else than that Wraith Sword: It always stings my heart when I see that bastard coming with his boots of strength and weapon that doesn't benefit from strength at all. Well, his tail can use the exercise!

If Ermor and Marignon join Pan, you could stand a chance, I think. Better yet, salvage what's left of Arcos and make him a forge-***** to grab those artefacts away from Turin once he loses 'em. With the same going for the elemental royalty, of course.

[Turin]

oh sorry I was mistaken Jeffr. I thought we had an agreement, but actually we hadn´t. Well after my patrollers caught 20 white centaurs(and got a sound beating from them) I figured you´d be up to no good http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif .

Those treelords are really quite fun.

Especially since you can easily give them flying strategic mapmovement 3 with flying carpets.
I wonder if that´s also the case in the base game, or a result of the #clearspec command used in the mod.

[jeffr]

You know, I never thought of sticking a Tree on a carpet. What a great idea!

I wonder if that works for all immobiles?

Just my 2 cents, but my thought is that flying is too powerful as it is and should be restricted to a few units. Or, ideally, you should be able to fly between provinces you own, but not "paratroop" into an enemy province. Maybe only some special units should have the "paratroop" ability. I think I remember something like this being on the Dom III wishlist so maybe the flying rules will be changed a bit.

I think there is more strategy in maintaining lines of defense and only being able to breach those lines (via paradrops, amphibeous assaults, teleporting, etc.) with a limited set of special ability units. But hey, I'm a bit old school http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Cainehill]

Yeah - if nothing else, immobiles shouldn't be able to fly, imo, certainly not from a non-unique item. (All other means of movement for immobiles are unique items or spells like teleport, astral travel, fairy trod.)

[Cainehill]

Turin said:
Those treelords are really quite fun.

Especially since you can easily give them flying strategic mapmovement 3 with flying carpets.
I wonder if that´s also the case in the base game, or a result of the #clearspec command used in the mod.



Having just done a test with the unmodded game, it definately appears that the #clearspec needs to be removed from the treelords - they're not supposed to be able to fly around, not even with the flying ship.

[Ygorl]

Imagine a monstrously gigantic flowerpot on a flying carpet/ship, with a treelord planted in it. It could work.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Cainehill]

Like I say - maybe on the flying ship. But a flying carpet? We're talking a huge old Oak Tree, maybe 50 feet tall and a trunk as wide as a carpet. More, from the play balance side, Illwinter made immobiles, well, immobile for a reason. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[djo]

Ygorl said:
Imagine a monstrously gigantic flowerpot on a flying carpet/ship, with a treelord planted in it. It could work.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



They're skroderiders!

[Turin]

A new turn. Featuring a very close battle between pangeaea and me. I really shouldn´t have invested in those water demons.

[jeffr]

Well, I just had a chance to briefly look at the turn. To sum it up, Adios Pangaea http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Turin destroyed all 3 of my armies and effectively has beaten me. I can fight a bit of a guerilla war from here on and try and stall him a bit, but I have no forces left. And what I had before the last turn was insufficient anyway, so it's only a matter of (a short) time, anyway. He'll get the 4 victory points that I have currently.

The gory details (from a brief look and from memory). Mabye this will help someone figure out a way to beat him http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Battle 1
Turin lifted the sieze of his castle by sending in 1 Air Queen and the Djinni against about 40 of my White Centaurs. The Air Queen had a Staff of Storms, cast Wrathful Skies and retreated. The Djinni stayed and trampled what was left of my forces (after the lightning) to death.

I actually thought he might try to Wrathful me and I had intended to get to him quickly (which I did) with my Weapons of Sharpness WCs. But I messed up somehow I think, and my WCs went in without Weapons of Sharpness and maybe even without being completely blessed and only managed to bring the Djinni down to about 45 hitpoints before they died.

Battle 2
I was going North with about 30 White Centaurs and inadvertenly ran into Anthrax and others leading what seemed like ~150 Vine Ogres. I think I killed maybe 10.

Battle 3
This is the close one Turin referred to above. Except I don't think it was close at all, but rather a clear victory for Turin.

I had about 40 White Centaurs, 100 Centaur Archers (flaming arrows), 50 maendads, 10 Trolls, 10 Banes and 17 commanders. He had a load of Vine Ogres, River Demons, lamias and Air Elementals plus an Air Queen, Tree Lord, Blue Dragon pretender and Celestial Masters.

I lost all my army including my Moloch and commanders(a bunch of Pans, a few Dryads, Lamia Queen, Bane Lord) except for a few that retreated, and he lost his entire army except for his Air Queen and Blue Dragon pretender. In other words, he lost, in my opinion, basically a lot of replaceable units while I lost irreplaceable units and items. He did lose, I think, his Tree Lord and the commander carrying the Luck Sword (what a great item! might have been the difference maker).

I cursed his Air Queen and Dragon (take that! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif). I intended my Pans and Lamia Queen to cast Petrify, Relief and Drain Life, but somehow I got a bunch of Tunes (of death, fear, etc.) and Panics after my script ran out. Nothing like casting Panic on the beserking Demons.

I wanted to send my Moloch with the Tartarian Chains and Aegis against his Air Queen, etc., but I sent him in to0 early maybe and he ended up attacking mindless Vine Ogres before getting paralyzed. I was really counting on Petrify to slow his SCs down, but ah well.

All in all a good game. I'm not out yet, and you never know what can happen, but at least one of the battles was fun to watch at the end, even though it didn't turn out well for the good guys http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jeffr]

So, that was my update. A little too dreary, perhaps, but I was still smarting from getting reamed (especially by that damned Air Queen/Wrathful/Genie combo). I really need to learn how to manage SCs better. I have always sucked at this.

What's going on in the rest of the world? Is someone building some uber force to at least annoy Turin or are we just going to let him steamroll me? Not that I'm asking for help, of course http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Turin]

I´m really sorry, but I am out of town again, so Jeffr will have to wait until tuesday until he can see some more SC combos http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif .

[Turin]

Finally a new turn. I show my incompetence by losing my tricked out 198 hp prophet wraithlord to a force of 12 white centaurs. Fortunately Jeffrs thug didn´t fare too well either.

[Ygorl]

And people keep taking artifacts the same turn I try to build them. Frankly, this is not an economical use of my gems. I suggest that foreign artifact construction cease immediately, and artifacts manufactured in the last few turns be sent my way.
Thank you for your understanding.

[Turin]

is the server down? I am unable to connect.

[Boron]

Turin said:
is the server down? I am unable to connect.


I am unable also

[jeffr]

server is up

[jeffr]

Ger and another army fall. This time in the defense of Port Hargal. I wish I could cast quickness and then paralyze. I cast Tunes instead http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Anthrax and the Djinni should be available if anyone wants to summon them. Please do, so Turin doesn't get them back. I'm sure he'll attempt that this turn.

[Turin]

new turn.
quite a nice forestwalking trick Jeffr. Took me a while to figure out how the army got there.

[jeffr]

Oh, just some fun before I get smoked http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

So, this is where your construction bonus site is, eh? Or perhaps you have more scattered around. Are there walls around a Wizard's Tower? I don't think so, but I forget.