MP Game, Early Era, Random Nations, Victory Points

[Graeme Dice]

I'm starting up an early era game with randomly assigned nations. The game settings will be at their defaults except for:

Random Map: 10-15 provinces per player.
Renaming on
Standard Research
No house rules
48 hr quickhost
The winning condition will be to control a number of victory points equal to the number of players. Each capital will count as a victory point. There will be a number of other victory points spread around the map. The amount of these victory points that are spread around the map will be one less than the total number of players.

My games tend to run slowly, and I prefer to give people a chance to complete their turns rather than force hosting, so expect an average of one turn every two days.

The Players and Nations are:
Stossel: Kailasa
Meglobob: Niefelheim
Agrajag: Ermor
RamsHead: Yomi
josh_f: Oceania
Potatoman: Vanheim
Ighalli: Caelum
tibbs: Arcoscephale
Maltrease: Helheim
Shmonk: Marverni
Tyrant: Ulm
Graeme: Atlantis
Korvin: T'ien C'hi
Baalz: Mictlan
Jayded One: C'Tis
Aramayan: Agartha

That makes 16 players, so I'll close the game, and start up the server later this afternoon.

IP: 68.148.8.147 port: 10101

[Stossel]

I'm up for it

[Meglobob]

Sounds like fun and a 2 day turnaround is just my kind of pace.

Put me down for...errm...a random http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Agrajag]

Just got the game, so I'd love some hot MP action http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
Default indept settings?
TCP/IP or PBEM?
etc.

Either way, I'll play, I just want to know http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[RamsHead]

I haven't played any MP yet so I may need to be told how we set this up, but I'm in.

(I sure hope I don't get Mictlan) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

[josh_f]

I always enjoy your games, so count me in.

[Potatoman]

I'd like to play, but it would be my first game of MP dominions ever. Is that alright with you?

[Ighalli]

I'd like to join in.

[tibbs]

Sign me up.

[Meglobob]

Fingers crossed for Agartha as my random. /threads/images/Graemlins/icon46.gif

[Maltrease]

I'm in.

[Shmonk]

Sign me up!

[Tyrant]

I wold like to join. (you going to play this time Graeme or just host for us ? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)

[Graeme Dice]

That makes 13 people, which should be a good number to start off the game. I'll set up the server once I retrieve my Dom3 disc from work tomorrow. Player assignments to each nation are listed in the first post.

[Corwin]

Any chance to squeeze me in your game Graeme Dice? I would enjoy playing the game with you and with others, and I like your settings. I do have time for another Dom3 MP game in addition to the one I am playing ATM.

However if you feel it would be make the game too crowded that's fine though, I would understand.

[Graeme Dice]

Korvin said:
Any chance to squeeze me in your game Graeme Dice? I would enjoy playing the game with you and with others, and I like your settings. I do have time for another Dom3 MP game in addition to the one I am playing ATM.



As long as you don't mind playing T'ien C'hi, you're in.

[Corwin]

Heh. I've heard they have been somewhat improved from the probably the least popular Dom2 theme, is it right? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif (crossing fingers)

Sure, count me in. And thank you Graeme.

[KissBlade]

OMG Korvin, you're so lucky. If I knew TC would've been the last nation for Early Era, I would've swung in. -.- (hint hint, f9/w9 bless or mass archers ... and take some growth for your CM's too)

[Corwin]

Sounds interesting. I may try some quick SP game with S&A this weekend if I'll have time, to prepare for this MP better. They do seem to change quite a bit from Dom2.

BTW how badly CM have it with thier old age? Is it really a big issue for a player? And how beneficial growth domain for their old age status?

[KissBlade]

It's a pretty big issue ... my build was a Mother of Rivers, f9/w9, order: 3, sloth: 3, heat: 1, growth: 2, misfortune: 2, drain: 2, dom: 4, imprisoned. You can probably do with a less extreme just plain w9 bless however.

[Nerfix]

KissBlade said:
It's a pretty big issue ... my build was a Mother of Rivers, f9/w9, order: 3, sloth: 3, heat: 1, growth: 2, misfortune: 2, drain: 2, dom: 4, imprisoned. You can probably do with a less extreme just plain w9 bless however.

Water 9 works very well for late TC.

[Agrajag]

Awww, I would've loved Ermor at LA, but I'm a bit stuck as for how to use them EA.
Well, I'll hopefuly get over it soon (or I could always just lose early http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif ).

[Baalz]

I'm game if there's still room.

[JaydedOne]

Likewise interested if any slots still available.

[Arameyan]

Interested too if there's any slot left!

[Ighalli]

Could I possibly have a different nation since Abyssia has a bug with its sacred troops? (the encumbrance is 10, should be 2)

Maybe a mod to fix this instead? I'd really rather not have my only sacred troops crippled.

I checked that this was an error over here. (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=457625&page=0)

/whine

[Graeme Dice]

Ighalli said:
Could I possibly have a different nation since Abyssia has a bug with its sacred troops? (the encumbrance is 10, should be 2)



I've switched you to Caelum.

[Maltrease]

Should we be sending you something now? Or are we still waiting for you to startup the game. I'm not trying to rush the game I just want to make sure I'm not dropping the ball.

[Shmonk]

We're waiting on him to setup the server, then we can upload our pretenders. No hurry from me, but that's what we are waiting for next.

[Graeme Dice]

The server is now up at ip: 68.148.13.231 port: 10101

Log in, upload your pretenders, and make sure that you've password protected them, and don't click on anybody else's nation.

[Stossel]

I might have to pull out. The area that I live in had a freak snow storm and my house is without power for anywhere between 1-7 days. So if you can find a replacement that'd be great. Sorry about that, was looking forward to playing.

[tibbs]

Unable to connect. Server not found.

[Graeme Dice]

tibbs said:
Unable to connect. Server not found.



Try not using the numberpad to type in the IP address.

[Ighalli]

Uploaded. Thanks for switching me by the way!

[tibbs]

I didn't use the numberpad. Let me try this again.

[tibbs]

Ok. I am connected. I must have mistyped the address or port.

[Agrajag]

Agrajag said:
Awww, I would've loved Ermor at LA, but I'm a bit stuck as for how to use them EA.
Well, I'll hopefuly get over it soon (or I could always just lose early http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif ).




Well, I finally came up with something interesting that might just work (though with odds of 1:16 I don't expect to win http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif), I'll see how it holds up in game, because I'm a bit sick now and don't really have the energy to test it SP http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif
*wanders off to upload pretender*

[Meglobob]

[quote]
because I'm a bit sick now and don't really have the energy to test it SP http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Diseased, lose 1/hp a month, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

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

[Agrajag]

Meglobob said:

because I'm a bit sick now and don't really have the energy to test it SP http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif



Diseased, lose 1/hp a month, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

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


Luckily I'm a pretender, so I can always just be called back http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Meglobob]

Agrajag said:

Meglobob said:

because I'm a bit sick now and don't really have the energy to test it SP http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif



Diseased, lose 1/hp a month, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

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


Luckily I'm a pretender, so I can always just be called back http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Cool, just avoid horror marks, those S2 mages strike fear into all...

[Shmonk]

Any set start date for this? I see 13 nations have uploaded so far, only 2 more to go I believe.

[Graeme Dice]

We are currently waiting on C'Tis and Kailasa. I'll be starting the game whether they have uploaded or not on Wednesday the 18th at 8:00 AM MST.

[Graeme Dice]

I suppose that I should let everyone know that as a general policy for my games, I don't like to run too many turns on weekends because many players have other committments. If there's a Canadian long weekend coming up, then expect the turn to possibly not process until late Monday night. I'll try and let everyone know ahead of time in this thread. If there's an American long weekend that doesn't have a corresponding one in Canada (Like thanksgiving), then let me know here or in a PM, and I'll also postpone the turn processing.

[Graeme Dice]

The game has now started, and you have 48 hours to make your first turns.

[Graeme Dice]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif I had to restart the server as I forgot to add both the master password and the victory points.

[Meglobob]

Graeme Dice said:
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif I had to restart the server as I forgot to add both the master password and the victory points.



I have done my 1st turn.

Is everything ok to continue? Or will we have to restart completely by submiting pretenders in again?

Cheers for hosting Graeme. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Graeme Dice]

Meglobob said:
Is everything ok to continue? Or will we have to restart completely by submiting pretenders in again?



You'll have to redo your first turn if you did it before my announcement this morning. I backed up all the pretenders before starting the game, so it won't be necessary to resubmit them.

[Agrajag]

Woohoo, 1st turn submitted.
A prime opportunity to thank our host Graeme Dice http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[RamsHead]

I would also like to echo the thanks to Graeme Dice.

I must say though, that I think it would be much less humiliating for all of you if everyone just submitted to the will of Ushi Ushi, great God of Yomi, now instead of dragging things out. Why delay the inevitable?

[Ighalli]

That seems reasonable... /submit

I trust Ushi Ushi because he told me to! ^_^

[RamsHead]

That's right my winged friends. Loyalty to the Dai Oni will be rewarded.

[Maltrease]

Anyone get the 3000 gold + magical items lucky event?

[Arameyan]

Thanks to Graeme Dice!

I was happy of my starting position but realized that there is many crowns very near...
then I realised that it must be the case for everyone!
This will be fun http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I hope I'll got the chance to banish some Dai Onis...

[RamsHead]

Ah, if it isn't the one-eyed cave freaks. My Bakemono archers could use some target practice.

[Arameyan]

Archers?
.
.
.
..
Archers? like goblins with wood sticks, feathers and ropes?
.
I fear that archers wont save you from the Wrath of the underworld... THE ARMY OF DARKNESS! (we replaced boomsticks with big stones, thats better!)

[Maltrease]

Pah... nobody can compare to with the Herse style and glamour. Beauty, stealth, long life and fame all rolled into one. Don't fear us... worhsip our "Better then yours" lives.

Just stay away from our Ash trees!

[Baalz]

The devils are hungry and particularly like Herse blood. None can hope to stand against the Mictlan empire and the hungry hordes from hell!

[Corwin]

Small suggestion - since in this game we don't have automatic email notification at this point, maybe we could declare the "Turn NNN has been hosted" in this thread? That is much faster to check than having to connect to the server periodically, especially if you(like myself) have to retype address because you are playing more than one MP game.

[Potatoman]

The Dwarves of Vanheim are on the march. Soon the canyons and deep places of all the world will echo with the sound of Dwarven stilts against the hard earth and quake with haunting battle-operas sung by crossdressing Dwarven patriarchs. The Dwarven armies are legion and, despite the lowering of standards to include genetically inferior Vans and Herses, are literally superhuman.

Posturing aside, their triumph is a foregone conclusion. But the Dwarves are prepared to win graciously; unconditional surrender ensures serfdom in the future dwarfocracy. Simply post a message indicating your complete subservience and the terrible Spiked Codpiece of the Dwarves shall pass you by.
Defiance, on the other hand, warrants infliction of the Dwarven race's humane capital punishment law, Dismemberment by the Branches of a Thousand Mighty Oaks.

Choose wisely.

[Arameyan]

Corwin:

If u want in windows you can create one shortcut for each Dom3 mp game. Just modify the path of a Dom3 shortcut this way (for example):

"C:\Program Files\dominions3\dom3.exe" --tcpclient --ipadr 68.148.13.231 --port 10101 --nonationsel

this is very fast and u can create bilions of shortcuts, one for each mp game (just keep one non-modified shortcut for obvious reasons). I renamed mine:

"Agartha EA MP"

You can rename yours:

"The Agartha-is-too-stong EA game" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Baalz]

Ah, cool. Thanks Arameyan! I'll kill you last.

[Graeme Dice]

Make sure to delete the original random map file if you connected to the game before I had to restart it, otherwise, you'll be playing on a map that doesn't match what's happening in the game.

[Graeme Dice]

Turn 2 is up, please check and make sure that everything worked properly.

[tibbs]

Will it cause a problem to delete and re-create the map file even though we've already taken turn 1?

I don't recall if I did my turn before or after your announcement.

I assume the map is in the \maps folder. Is it called _randommap_randomnation.rgb?

[Corwin]

Arameyan said:
Corwin:

If u want in windows you can create one shortcut for each Dom3 mp game. Just modify the path of a Dom3 shortcut this way (for example):

"C:\Program Files\dominions3\dom3.exe" --tcpclient --ipadr 68.148.13.231 --port 10101 --nonationsel

this is very fast and u can create bilions of shortcuts, one for each mp game (just keep one non-modified shortcut for obvious reasons). I renamed mine:

"Agartha EA MP"

You can rename yours:

"The Agartha-is-too-stong EA game" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif




Thanks a lot Arameyan, it's very good to know!

[tibbs]

Corwin said:

Arameyan said:
Corwin:

If u want in windows you can create one shortcut for each Dom3 mp game. Just modify the path of a Dom3 shortcut this way (for example):

"C:\Program Files\dominions3\dom3.exe" --tcpclient --ipadr 68.148.13.231 --port 10101 --nonationsel

this is very fast and u can create bilions of shortcuts, one for each mp game (just keep one non-modified shortcut for obvious reasons). I renamed mine:

"Agartha EA MP"

You can rename yours:

"The Agartha-is-too-stong EA game" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif




Thanks a lot Arameyan, it's very good to know!



Yep, its a bit of a timesaver. I also like to add -c --nocredits to my shortcuts as well.

[Graeme Dice]

tibbs said:
Will it cause a problem to delete and re-create the map file even though we've already taken turn 1?

I don't recall if I did my turn before or after your announcement.

I assume the map is in the \maps folder. Is it called _randommap_randomnation.rgb?



Yes, that's the correct file, and no, it shouldn't cause a problem if you delete it, as the server will automatically send it to you when you reconnect.

[Arameyan]

Glad it helps!

Now I'm going for a -very- beginner question:
How a 48 hours quickhost is exactly workning? I tought it means that turns will be never be created before 48 hours, even if everyone have played. It doesnt seem to be the case as turn 2 is up (yay!). Does it means that the 48 hour is a deadline so any player that havent played lose his turn?

In any case i'm fine with it! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Agrajag]

Quickhost means that the turn is hosted as soon as everyone submits their turn, unless X hours (in this case 48) have passed, in which case it will host.

Now everybody fear the aging mages of Ermor, they are so old your soldiers will feel uncomfortable next to them and leave http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Tyrant]

Magic is for gurlymen, all shall fall to the strong arms and sharp axes of Ulm!

[Meglobob]

The giants were here before u and will still be here when your bones are dust...

[Graeme Dice]

The next turn is up.

[RamsHead]

Yes, one month closer to victory!

[Meglobob]

RamsHead said:
Yes, one month closer to victory!



For me... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

[Corwin]

The auto email notification program seems to be really handy for speeding up the game. I've started the game with larger ammount of players than we have in our game here, around the same time we've started this one, and we are already on turn 10 in that game!


(this is absolutely not a criticism, just an observation on my current experience)

[Graeme Dice]

Yah. I going to be setting up the email program this week. If everybody could PM me their email addresses, I can set up the automailer and get a list sent out to everyone for diplomatic purposes.

[Shmonk]

I wonder if God's Eye will be updated for Dom3. I really liked checking that to see who still has to play their turn (as opposed to connecting to the game periodically). I sure hope it does get updated.

[Arameyan]

God's Eye was really great, I hope it will be updated.

[Shmonk]

Just waiting on Arco and Mictlan.

[Corwin]

Haven't Mictlan missed the previous turn as well? Or am I mistaken?

[Corwin]

Graeme Dice said:
Yah. I going to be setting up the email program this week. If everybody could PM me their email addresses, I can set up the automailer and get a list sent out to everyone for diplomatic purposes.



That would be awesome Graeme, thank you for your efforts!

PM sent.

[RamsHead]

Hurry up Baalz! You only got three hours left! I don't want to see you go stale.

[Graeme Dice]

The next turn has started.

[JaydedOne]

I'm not the C'Tis player... I didn't volunteer into this one, I don't believe...

[Maltrease]

[Gently nudges Potatoman (Vanheim)]

[tibbs]

I PM'd the game hoster this morning but I haven't heard back so I just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be out of town over the weekend and I won't be able to post a turn for around 48hrs from now.

Thanks,
Chris

[Potatoman]

It appears my last turn didn't get recieved properly and I staled. Curses and such. New turn should hopefully be up.

[Maltrease]

Are we going to pause the game for a day? I've no problem with this when someone gives notice like tibbs did. Currently there is 7-8 hours left on the timer.

[Graeme Dice]

Sorry about not being able to pause it, but I've been away from home at various halloween parties for the past 36 hours.

[Baalz]

Sorry about being out of touch, I had a family emergency and unexpectedly had to go out of town for a week. Back now and should be smooth sailing.

[Meglobob]

Server appears to be down. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Graeme Dice]

I'll fix it when I go home for lunch.

[Agrajag]

How appropriate that everyone else stales as well just when my PSU dies http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
Thankfuly, I've got a brand new PSU now, and its supposed to be a good one (its a 420W Thermaltake), so hopefuly this won't happen again.

[Graeme Dice]

My internet connection apparently went down this morning after I left. I've restarted all the servers and set them back to their normal hosting schedule. Look for the email notification of new turns to hopefully start tomorrow.

[Shmonk]

Thanks Graeme. Now we're just waiting on Ermor before the next turn hosts. I hope Agrajag's PSU works for him.

[Agrajag]

Yep, works great.
I also made my turn, so the game should be hosting right now. (So I'll also be the first to make the next turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif)
The annoying part is that now there's no way I'll be able to read everything I missed in the forum, so I'll probably read less than I usually did

[Maltrease]

How will the patch effect the game?

[Corwin]

Maltrease said:
How will the patch effect the game?



Yeap, I would like to know it as well. My other 2 dom MP games are currently in the process of being upgraded wth new patch. Are we planning to patch after this hosting?

[Graeme Dice]

I will be patching the game after the next hosting.

[Ighalli]

Looks like I won't be able to play my turn until I get back home in almost a day. I'd be thankful if the hosting was delayed!

[Corwin]

Ighalli said:
Looks like I won't be able to play my turn until I get back home in almost a day. I'd be thankful if the hosting was delayed!



The game just hosted few hours ago. I assume when Graeme will apply patch the timing will be reset to 48 hours again.

Do you feel you will need more time? (Don't get me wrong, personally I am fine with it if you do, I just want to make sure we are on the same page here. In any case, it will be up to our host to decide of course)

[Ighalli]

I'll be able to do my turn in 12 hours, so there's no need to worry about it at this point.

[Corwin]

Graeme, let's wait with patching please.

There is very nasty and rampant bug introduced with the latest patch, resulting in HOF heroes and even pretenders being attacked by Hunter Of Heroes. Apparently it occures very often, sometimes muliply times per turn for each player.

I am sure hotfix will be coming soon, but meanwhile IMHO it would make a lot of sense to wait with patching.

Here is the link to this bug.

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=467272&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1#Post467359

[RamsHead]

So do we patch for this turn or not?

[Graeme Dice]

I'm sorry, but the game has already been patched, and I will not be rolling back the server for a minor bug.

[Graeme Dice]

RamsHead said:
So do we patch for this turn or not?



When I state that the game has been patched, then it has been patched. I don't see where your confusion is coming from.

[Baalz]

I see my scout's reports of soft-bodied scholars living on the far side of the forest were correct. A raiding party of jaguar warriors should be able to assess the suitableness of their blood as an offering to the awakening true god. Should their blood prove too thin to be suitable, their pale, white bellies will spill entrails onto the burning altars such that we may bind the infernal legions we will use to crush our more formidable foes. Tremble Arcoscephale, for we have come for your daughters.

[Corwin]

Guys, anybody willing to write some AARs, or tales of glorious conquests, or tales of terrible defeats?

This game has been awfully quite until now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Reading AARs is a lot of fun.

[Meglobob]

Corwin said:
Guys, anybody willing to write some AARs, or tales of glorious conquests, or tales of terrible defeats?

This game has been awfully quite until now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Reading AARs is a lot of fun.



It may be quiet for u and on the surface...but I am having all kinds of fun...I may share them later on...especially if they work as planned...I love it when a plan comes together...cue big cigar. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Baalz]

Indeed, the priest king Opochth has found that though they are as soft as our scouts led us to believe the pale scholar's blood is as red as any true man's. They will make suitable sacrifices, though they may be too weak to make suitable slaves. Opuchth reports a successful raid with no casualties, our holy jaguar warriors crept from the jungle at night and fell upon the unsuspecting scholars like the feedstock they are. I have ordered the prophet Camaxtli to join Opchth in his foraging of the pale lands for suitable offerings to the true god. He reports the jaguar warriors are uncomfortable leaving the jungles behind for the rolling plains with no trees in sight, but as there has been no real resistance yet moral is high.

The villagers did not appreciate the honor they were being done as they were offered up to the true god, and thier lamentations lead me to believe the pale scholars may have an army occupied elsewhere. I have ordered my commanders to proceed cautiously, though they view the scholar's warriors with contempt.

[tibbs]

Arcosephale has achieved a glorious victory against Vanheim. The greedy nation had decided to march upon our capital with its troops of glamoured warriors.

Hearing of the enemy marching upon the Fatherland, our greatest generals marshalled a mighty army and headed towards the frontline.

Both armies met in an open field north of the capitol. It looked like another complete victory for the armies of Vanheim. But just as their armies were starting the final push against the Arco militia over the hill came a legion of Imperial Chariots pulled by mighty war horses.

The invading army was completely annhiliated with only their mounted commander able to flee the oncoming chariots of war.

Let this be a lesson to any invaders who wish to violate the sovereignty of our nation.

Arcosephale

[Maltrease]

The snivelling goblins (Argatha) have revealed their secret flaming weapons and killed 6 "innocent" helderdings who were safe guardinging the fine people living underneath the shadow of these fowl beast.

Our generals are puzzling over how best to deal with this new threat... but we must bring peace, safety, and our form of freedom (do what we say) to these lands.

At least with our aid the noble Oceananic people have been able to cleanse their waters of these beast.

If only it would rain... and snuff the evil flame of these "Seal Guards". Why a cute ocean creature needs these guards in the first place has remained a mystery to us.

[Corwin]

Maltrease said:
The snivelling goblins (Argatha) have revealed their secret flaming weapons and killed 6 "innocent" helderdings who were safe guardinging the fine people living underneath the shadow of these fowl beast.

Our generals are puzzling over how best to deal with this new threat... but we must bring peace, safety, and our form of freedom (do what we say) to these lands.

At least with our aid the noble Oceananic people have been able to cleanse their waters of these beast.

If only it would rain... and snuff the evil flame of these "Seal Guards". Why a cute ocean creature needs these guards in the first place has remained a mystery to us.




Wow, Agartha was in war with Oceania all this time? I thought that the losses that they have been suffering (based on graphs) from the begining of our game were due to Atlantis trying to exterminate thier rival and gain control over entire ocean. Was I wrong?

[Potatoman]

The loss of a handful of Van slaves does not trouble the righteous slumber of Kong, OverDwarf of Vanhaim. He considers you fortunate that the "How to counter Vanheim with Arco in EA" thread appeared on these message boards at such an inauspicious time, and will howl with mirth as your bloodied and ill-equipped empire crumbles against the savage hordes of Mictlan.

But far more significant is the discovery of an amazing power, bound to Kong through his magics, that lay buried beneath the lands of Vanheim until this day. The secrets of this power are for the ears of Kong and his loyal ActionDwarves alone, but enemies are warned to keep their distance or suffer Kong's full wrath.

[Corwin]

Potatoman said:

But far more significant is the discovery of an amazing power, bound to Kong through his magics, that lay buried beneath the lands of Vanheim until this day. The secrets of this power are for the ears of Kong and his loyal ActionDwarves alone, but enemies are warned to keep their distance or suffer Kong's full wrath.




Oh NO!!! They have found the Legendary Chamber-Pot of the First Van King. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif Enemies better keep their distance. Long distance. And mind the wind direction.

[Arameyan]

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

Our proud nation of Agartha was very happy or its staring province. We decided to take advantage of our amphibian nature to invade our eastern neighbor, the Underwater Oceania kingdom...

We were greedy and rushed too fast. However, our strong nation (and our high fire bless http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif) had a small military advantage over the Oceanian army.... Until the opportunist Helheim Nation decided to occupy our capital! 6 scouts were promptly executed for having omitted the Helheim advance towards our Saced lands in their intelligence reports!

Now our god is considering the option to return into our home tunnels, waiting for better days at the surface...

[Shmonk]

So Meglobob, still love it when a plan comes together? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Rampaging thru my lands w/o warning will get you just that, a whoopin'! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Maltrease]

Gah! The filthy goblins have libera...[cough]... Terrorized another province we were protecting.

However we have come up with a clever plan for revenge. We have stolen the sacred seal creature that they are so fond of guarding.

We will toss off it off a cliff and watch as the lumbering "seal guards" jump off to protect it. See how much their flaming weapon helps as they fall 5 feet into a water’eeee grave. After they fall into the water, swarms of emperor penguins will devour the bloated beast. After which the friendly seal will be ensured an abundant food source to snack upon.

Ah yes... the excitement fills the air in our smoke filled planning chambers!

The end is near!
[muha haa haa... [cough] ha haa ha. he. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Meglobob]

Shmonk said:
So Meglobob, still love it when a plan comes together? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Rampaging thru my lands w/o warning will get you just that, a whoopin'! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif



Greetings Marverni,

Congratulations on yr victory in the battle of Dawn, the giants of Niefelheim respect strength and courage. We salute the people of Marveni.

Given yr victory, we will send a emissary with the offer of a truce and peace. It would be a mistake if u took this as a sign of weakness, although if u choose to continue the fight we will respect that and sing stories of yr people's courage, long after they have past into history.

The choice is yrs...

Sent on the cold breath of winter,
Niefelheim.

[Maltrease]

Wow... that must have been some whoopin!

[Corwin]

Meglobob said:


It would be a mistake if u took this as a sign of weakness, although if u choose to continue the fight we will respect that and sing stories of yr people's courage, long after they have past into history.





I like how you've phrased it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

Who would think that mountain giants have such skill with words. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Shmonk]

The emissary has arrived and the wise men of the Druid Council is considering your surrend... ah, the proposed treaty.

We also did not know that big lumbering brutes could speak in such complete sentences. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif This has caused a stir in the council, a few will research how this is possible.

Marverni Council

[Arameyan]

The once proud nation of Agartha must return to their hidden tunnel. The Opportunists took all we got on the surface.

The Seal guards fougth until the end, and none of them fled when the 9847556 w9 blessed glamored stealthy cavalry units shredded them to pieces.

Now our god decided to remain imprisoned for a couple more centuries http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

That was fun guys, I'll still play my lasts turn just to read the messages until my god is vanquished.

[Baalz]

A most glorious thing. As my raiders lay siege to the pale scholar's home citadel the defending militia sallied forth to offer up a token defense. Initial reports were that angels accompanied the defending group and the jaguar warriors knew a moment of fear for they are well familiar with the angel's more infernal counterparts. On closer inspection however, these beings proved to be no more than men with mechanical wings, of all things! After slaughtering the chattel opperating them, these wings were examined and found to be an affront to the true god. It has been decreed that any man opperating such a device will be put to death to appease the true god.

As the cowardly scholars hide behind their stone walls and cower, our honorable jaguar warriors invent games to keep from becoming bored. Good knews though, our scouts bring us word of the previously suspected defending army, marching urgently to relieve the siege of their home province. It is manned by strange, bug-like warriors covered in some sort of shell. We encountered a few of these warriors while slaughtering the militia, they are no more than men as well and fall under the righteous might of our holy jaguar warriors. Still it is a large force, initial reports suggest they number more than twice our sieging force and there are also reports of large beasts dragging bladed platforms behind them. The coming months should prove interesting, as our warriors have hungered for more of a challenge.

[Maltrease]

The appearance of a few glamored warriors had far less to do with the "end" of Agartha then our alliance with the emperor pengiuns and the Argarthians perverse and unhealthy relationshihp with their precios seal creature.

Perhaps if the Argathians would never have taken the "Oppurtunity" to invade the fair Oceanic lands things would have played out differently.

[Corwin]

It looks like the first God has fallen, by the hand of Helheim.


The Emperor's Order for all loyal subjects of Tien Chi Empire is to show respect for the fallen Diety by conducting one hour long mediation on the subject of life, death, illusion of the world, and the endless circle of reincarnation, which both Gods and mortals are bound to follow.

[Meglobob]

Corwin says:-
Who would think that mountain giants have such skill with words.

Shmonk says:-
We also did not know that big lumbering brutes could speak in such complete sentences. This has caused a stir in the council, a few will research how this is possible.

Many, many moons ago, a man was captured daring to cross our lands. He was made a slave but allowed to keep a peculiar device which made sweet noises and soothed many giants. He was made to play in the great hall and time passed.

Then one day at a huge clan gathering in the great hall, the bard as we came to know him started singing in our own giant tongue, well playing his harp. He sang of a great warrior called, Beowulf, the giants of Nielfelheim fell under his spell.

In time he was made free but choose to stay among us and taught us many new things. One of which was when muscle, sinew and the Jotun longsword failed, silvery words could succeed. So the giants of Nielfelheim have a new tool, words of silver to capture the minds of nations...

[Meglobob]

I can't connect to the server, is it just me or is it effecting other players as well?

[Corwin]

Meglobob said:
I can't connect to the server, is it just me or is it effecting other players as well?



I can connect fine. Either it's just you, or maybe server had a brief hicup.

[tibbs]

***News Flash***
Arcosephale defeats Mictlan Siege!

In a stunning victory, Arcosephale has repelled the Mictlan siege from their home province and have begun reclaiming lost territories from the previous lighting fast advance of the backwards nation of Mictlan.

Using their feminine wiles, our spellcasters were able to seduce an enemy Hall of Fame commander to our side. The other 3 commanders (including their mighty hall of fame prophet) of the army refused to be seduced and were each in turn fried to a crisp by a bolt of lightning from the dejected maidens.

Without commanders to lead the army, the foe's army was dispersed to the four winds.

[Corwin]

tibbs said:

Using their feminine wiles, our spellcasters were able to seduce an enemy Hall of Fame commander to our side. The other 3 commanders (including their mighty hall of fame prophet) of the army refused to be seduced and were each in turn fried to a crisp by a bolt of lightning from the dejected maidens.




"Hell knows no fury like a woman scorned ..." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

[Meglobob]

Corwin said:

tibbs said:

Using their feminine wiles, our spellcasters were able to seduce an enemy Hall of Fame commander to our side. The other 3 commanders (including their mighty hall of fame prophet) of the army refused to be seduced and were each in turn fried to a crisp by a bolt of lightning from the dejected maidens.




"Hell knows no fury like a woman scorned ..." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif



True and very funny. Bet that HOF commander was glad to be seduced after he saw his nicely toasted mates. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Corwin]

Meglobob said:

Corwin said:

tibbs said:

Using their feminine wiles, our spellcasters were able to seduce an enemy Hall of Fame commander to our side. The other 3 commanders (including their mighty hall of fame prophet) of the army refused to be seduced and were each in turn fried to a crisp by a bolt of lightning from the dejected maidens.




"Hell knows no fury like a woman scorned ..." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif



True and very funny. Bet that HOF commander was glad to be seduced after he saw his nicely toasted mates. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif



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

[Baalz]

Indeed, foul tidings. The word is that it was the foul magiks of a succubus which lured the traitor out, though we were unaware the scholars had the ability to bind infernals. Regardless of what dark sorcery which was used, our dark lord was greatly angered, and demanded offerings of not only the traitors entire line, but also the traitors very name was demanded, wiped from the records, never to be spoken of again.

Bereft of leadership, our mighty Jaguar warriors scattered to the four winds. One third of them preferring the martyr’s path rather than returning to report their cowardly flight planned an ambush on the scholar’s advancing army. Seeing themselves overwhelmingly outnumbered they conscripted local villagers into an impromptu force of warriors and prepared the ambush.

The scholar’s army was intimidatingly large, but they were taken off guard as the jaguar warriors leapt from the cover concealing them. Knowing they were charging into certain death, the conscript warriors were ordered to fire into the melee with their slings, felling foe and friend alike.

The jaguar warriors destroyed the initial infantry they ran into, but alas this was merely militia chaff. As the militia was being slaughtered, the mighty war chariots fell on the jaguar warriors’ flank causing heinous casualties. Still, the Jaguar warriors have a well earned reputation for savagery, and they turned to deal hot, red revenge as sling bullets fell like rain and bolts of lightning struck out blasting troops in the melee. There were also a handful of winged horses harassing our flanks, and they proved quite difficult to down.

In the end, the martyr’s sacrifice was quite worthwhile, for though the one third of the jaguar warriors which remained behind to spring the ambush were killed to a man, fully two thirds of the mighty chariots were destroyed, as were near half of the winged horses. There are no reports of any enemy militia surviving, though the better part of the ant warriors did not have time to join the battle, so their mettle is yet untested against our holy warriors.

It has also been decreed that a witch hunt is being declared on whatever manner of succubi are in the employ of these cowardly scholars. 5 virgins will be deeded to anyone who produces a head of this she-beast known as an Oreiad.

[Maltrease]

This is great guys! I love the comments... so what have the dark and mysterious sages of Ermor been up to? Researching Armageddon?

[Agrajag]

Maltrease said:
This is great guys! I love the comments... so what have the dark and mysterious sages of Ermor been up to? Researching Armageddon?


While The Great Nation of Ermor will reveal none of its secret plans, it will reveal the information already known to anyone looking at the graphs - The Great Nation of Ermor is pretty much screwed as far as site searching goes, so even if the powerful augurs of Ermor had the knowledge to destroy the world, they won't be able to use it :\

[tibbs]

Even though I'm revealing details that I probably shouldn't, it makes the game more interesting to see people post interesting events on the message board.

Your provincial defense in our area is quite intimidating. Why waste the lives of productive women and men by drafting them into defense of your illegal occupation of our lands. Withdraw, return to your lands, and use your hard earned money to recruit professional soldiers instead of farmers and tradesman.

The mighty scythe of Arcosephale is falling and foolish are ye who stand in it's way.

[Baalz]

Hmmm, for some reason the rest of my scattered jaguar warriors have all chosen the martyr's path as well. The seemed...uncomfortable with the idea of returning to report a cowardly retreat to the red god. Nonetheless, I will heed your advice and withdraw. Unfortunately I seem to have misplaced all my leaders in the area, so I have no way to recall my wayward troops. Pay no attention to the large army marching towards your capital, this is just the honor guard of the king I sent to collect these troops, and he is VERY honorable.

[Meglobob]

Baalz said:
Hmmm, for some reason the rest of my scattered jaguar warriors have all chosen the martyr's path as well. The seemed...uncomfortable with the idea of returning to report a cowardly retreat to the red god. Nonetheless, I will heed your advice and withdraw. Unfortunately I seem to have misplaced all my leaders in the area, so I have no way to recall my wayward troops. Pay no attention to the large army marching towards your capital, this is just the honor guard of the king I sent to collect these troops, and he is VERY honorable.



As in he would very honourably chop someone's head off! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Baalz]

There is great honor in allowing a heathen to be offered up in the sacrificial pit. It is VERY honorable. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Corwin]

Maltrease said:
This is great guys! I love the comments... so what have the dark and mysterious sages of Ermor been up to? Researching Armageddon?



I agree, it's been a very interesting read. Keep it up guys!


Damn, I wish I had something interesting to report. But last few turns were rather timid. My troops continue their chipping at the wall of 1000 feet Mountain Citadel. My Celestial Masters are sending me mixed and confusing messages. The most ancient and respected one told me that he has consulted the stars, and they forecast that "The Great Kingdom will fall". Unfortunately the old fool forgot to specify which kingdom. Anonther one promised that according to his astral vision the citadel walls will fall to my troops in about 100 years. But his colleges think he is crazy and overly optimistic...

In other words - business as usual in the Celestial Empire.

[Corwin]

Baalz said:
Hmmm, for some reason the rest of my scattered jaguar warriors have all chosen the martyr's path as well. The seemed...uncomfortable with the idea of returning to report a cowardly retreat to the red god. Nonetheless, I will heed your advice and withdraw. Unfortunately I seem to have misplaced all my leaders in the area, so I have no way to recall my wayward troops. Pay no attention to the large army marching towards your capital, this is just the honor guard of the king I sent to collect these troops, and he is VERY honorable.



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

[Corwin]

Baalz said:
There is great honor in allowing a heathen to be offered up in the sacrificial pit. It is VERY honorable. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif




Just for the records - the loyal subjects of Eternal Celestial Empire are completely dishonorable from the moment they are born. Truly. They are hopeless.

[Corwin]

New turn.


I wonder why is mighty Helheim Empire keep losing provinces for the last few turns? Plague of barbarian hordes?

[Maltrease]

The honourable Vanheim nation has declared war upon us. We are preparing to pose a question to the seers (Dom3 Forum) asking what can Helheim do vs glamorized high defensive troops. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Who... we wonder has been filling our Vanheim friends with promises of glory and riches. Is there a dark master hiding behind the scenes?

We can only hope that our force of 217 serf warriors will be able to stem the tides against us.

Seeing how magic plays a *small* role in our world we are curious who is wielding and amassing the TRUE power of this world, compared to a small mastery in the physical realm.

We are happy to hear that Tien Chi's army was able to bust through Oni's fortress well before the time their Celestial Masters had envisioned.

[Agrajag]

I won't go into details, but boy am I screwed.

[Potatoman]

The Dwarves of Vanheim salute your mighty legion of Serf Warriors - the thunderous cadence of their marching can be heard as far away as the battlefields of Arcosephale and Mictlan, near the center of the world. Our own Serf Warrior army, numbering less than 100, can manage only a mediocre rendition of "Mcarthur Park" while marching from land to land. Despite the possible pillaging bonus, morale has suffered.

Indeed, Helheim is a very mighty nation, and one with an agenda that clearly includes conquering their neighbors using uberblessed Helhirdings (demonstrated quite clearly upon the unfortunate Agarthans). Considering their increasing economic, magical, and military superiority, we have decided that it is better to attack now, while their armies must still siege Agartha and before they can grow to monstrously powerful. Indeed, we encourage Helheim's other neighbors to join with Vanheim against the Dark Vans- if the true Vans cannot stand against them, you'll be next on their menu.

[Maltrease]

The lines in the Earth do not indicate any troubles for Ermor other then a small income dip. Are you mages aging in uncomfortable ways? Surely you must elaborate.

Perhaps the Helheim nation can offer you aid in some way?

[Corwin]

Maltrease said:
The honourable Vanheim nation has declared war upon us.



He did what?!?... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

Honorable Vanheim nation has balls... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Or death wish.

Or both... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Maltrease]

I don't know why anyone makes a big deal out of A9 F9 W9 E9 N9 A9 blessed Helheims. Its not like I have 100 fully decked out all with 3 ARTIFACTS Tartians marching about. 200 blessed Helheims would be slaughtered by this force.

There are far more serious threats in this world then "physical" presence and a highest (barely) gold income.

In fact Vanheim already conquered 3 lands of ours using a band of serf warriors. How tough can you be to lose to a force like that.

We will go cower in our chambers and play with our friendly seal.

[Baalz]

Hey guys, not sure how the hosting cycle will fall, but I'm gonna be out from Friday morning until Sunday evening. I can take a turn Friday morning, but I'll be gone for over 48 hours so if the turns should happen to fall in such a way can I petition to not have a turn hosted Sunday morning? Will be fine Sunday night...

[Maltrease]

I'm fine with delaying the game.

[Corwin]

Baalz said:
Hey guys, not sure how the hosting cycle will fall, but I'm gonna be out from Friday morning until Sunday evening. I can take a turn Friday morning, but I'll be gone for over 48 hours so if the turns should happen to fall in such a way can I petition to not have a turn hosted Sunday morning? Will be fine Sunday night...



Fine with me.

[Meglobob]

Baalz said:
Hey guys, not sure how the hosting cycle will fall, but I'm gonna be out from Friday morning until Sunday evening. I can take a turn Friday morning, but I'll be gone for over 48 hours so if the turns should happen to fall in such a way can I petition to not have a turn hosted Sunday morning? Will be fine Sunday night...



No problem with me.

[Corwin]

Ok, let's try to get couple more turns before Friday. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Agrajag]

I don't mind a delay either.
And my problem isn't visible in the graphs :X

[Tyrant]

I'm going to be gone the same time period, so i'd also like a hold for the weekend.

[Meglobob]

Just Ermor/Agrajag to do there turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Before the weekend break...

[Arameyan]

Agamemnon has fallen.

Good game everybody! I'll keep reading this thread as I want to know what is happening http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Go Vanheim, go!

[Maltrease]

After months of building new infrastructure, donations, good medical care and lots of other good *stuff* that Helheim did for the formally enslaved populace of Agartha the clock dinged and the fortress doors opened up to us.

Our brave warriors marched into the cave to cleanse once and for all the evil terrorist golins. Unfortunately the caves were completely dark and our humble troops could not find their way and were getting picked off by arrows and cowardly goblin attacks.

It was then that our smart commander had a cleaver idea. He brought out the friendly seal we had liberated from the Argathians in our first occupa...[cough] liberation of their lands. After one "honk" from the seal the foolish Argathians ran as fast they could to "guard" it. Once again our alliance with the emperor pengiuns proved useful as the guards were quickly devoured and the lands finally cleansed of their evil presence.

Now serfs far and wide have signed up to gather glory against mighty Vanheim and his dark master. We shall see what a pitiful wrathful skies attack does to an our army of 2000 serf warriors holding ground before advancing to attack.

We shall bring peace, democracy and freedom to this world. It will be our legacy!

[Baalz]

The bloody empire continues to expand. A large force has gathered inside the scholars' fortress, fearing to meet us in the open. Our honorable priest king has no patience for a protracted siege and has avoided this province, preferring to collect sacrifices around the less defended villages. There have been ominous reports from our other borders, fantistic figures seen in the distance. Reports initially were that large groups of toops using these mechanical flying devices were deployed along our western front, but apparently these are some sort of frosty angelic beings, their wings are not mechanical, they are (super)natural! Equally disconcerting, reports from the eastern front are of men of gigantic purportions, equally icy. There are also rumors of some sort of sentient fish swimming beneath the waves, though few believe such old wives tales. There has been no hostility yet, but defenses are being mobilized as we wait for one of them to decide for us which nation will follow the scholars into the sacrificial pit.

[Tyrant]

The night air was chilly as the three battered chiefs sat to their gruesome feast. The occansional cries of wounded men carried up from the ragged encampment below.

"That did not go well," pronounced Gerulf with more cheer in his voice than the night warranted.

"Nope," grunted Korgoth from beneath a burning stare.

"I heard that those Tien Chi guys are coming in right behind them. Heard that last bunch were some sort of slave army they sent in first to clear the way."

"Worked," said Ervig staring laconically at the camp below.

Gerulf adjusted an arm on the pile of corpses the three were using as a dinner table.

"Kinda wierd the way they all just wandered off into the woods after the battle. Whaddya think that was about?"

The pop and snap of the fire filled the silence as the others stared dully at Gerulf. Korgoth wiped a new trickle of blood off the bubbling wound on his face and went back to bone he was gnawing on.

"Don't worry about it Korgoth, you were ugly as dog's butt already anyway."

"Ain't worried," he replied.

"Think the next lot will have as many archers as the last bunch," asked Gerulf as he worked the fat from his meal into his beard.

The other two exchanged incredulous looks before Korgoth asked "Does he ever shut up?"

"Only when he's sleeping," replied Ervig as he slammed a hammer fist into Gerulf's startled face.

[Maltrease]

Nice Tyrant!

[RamsHead]

As the last flaming arrows fell, the few Ulmish troops who managed to survive the rain of fire limped off the battlefield. The Hannyas surveyed their surroundings. Crimson ground, burning flesh, and piles of bodies were everywhere. In amongst the corpses, they found the two Dai Oni who were slain in combat. Both T'ien Ch'i and Ulmish troops had tasted the blade of the Prophet. He died an honorable death.

The Hannyas ordered that the heads of the soldiers of Ulm should be piked. This would certainly send the message to the barbarian nation that revenge had been achieved. With mountians of dead bodies, the Hannyas decided that this was enough. That they had been successful in their mission for vengance, and no more Yomi had to die. The army was disbanded, and everyone went home. They knew that in the future, when people would talk about Ushi Ushi, they would tell of how his army had slain hundreds, and of how no other nation killed so many troops in one month. Victory was both lost and achieved.

[Corwin]

Very nice AARs Tyrant and Ramshead.

[Corwin]

It has begun.


The mighty nation of Helheim has decided it is time to put their play-seal aside and to strike at Tien Chi Empire.

Apparently they have spent several turns positioning their flying sacred troops deep in the back of Tien Chi nation. This turn the infiltrators got the order to attack. Meanwhile main Helheim armies are moving through Ulm lands toward the heart of Tien Chi empire.

All this doesn't seem to be distracting Helheim one bit from finishing brave but small Vanheim nation, whom they have already pretty much defeated in just few turns.


So this turn Tien Chi Empire has found itself facing by far the most powerful nation of our realm, who is also allied with Ulm, which is the 4th nation on several graphs.

Needless to say the odds are heavily stacked against us. Helheim is clearly trying to eliminate what their perceive as the largest threat to their plans for world domination, as they informed us themselves in their letter we recieved this turn. We can't say we blame them for this. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


However if this will happen the game will be won by Helheim, without slightest doubts. This should be obvious to anybody who is familiar with uber-blessed Helheim and who has been watching graphs recently. Even before the start of the war, the Tien Chi Empire had almost twice less provinces than Helheim. As everybody know, the graphs for army strength are very misleading. Despite "similar" army size the Helheim nation has infinitely better army due to their masses of sacred glamour troops, both flying and cavalry, empowered by mighty bless of course. And unlike Tien Chi, Helheim nations didn't suffer any serious losses from the very beginning, so their have huge hordes of almost invincible W9 glamour sacred troops, with whom they can raid any uncastled province. (We knew it from the very beginning, and that’s why I’ve build as many castles as I could. But this will not be nearly enough in this situation.)


So this is the moment of truth for all Helheim neighbors, as well as all other nations. Helheim is already by far the most powerful nation of our world. In few turns they will get gem income and money income of most of my uncastled provinces, since there is little I can do at this point to prevent riding by glamour flaying sacred troops - Tien Chi nation is not exactly famous for its riding and counter riding abilities. If you look at the graphs, you can add most of my money income and gem income, as well as those of Vanheim nation, to those of Helheim, to get an idea how the Helheim will look like in 2-3 turns.


So here is the bottom line:

Helheim has made their move to eliminate the nation that they have considered the most dangerous for their world domination. Not only that, but they did it in alliance with another strong nation.


If Helheim is allowed to continue to grow, and to devour Vanheim empire and my own, they will without any doubts win the game. As a nation number two (or number 3-4 on other graphs), who is facing nation number one AND nation number 4 or 5 at the same time, we ask all other nations who would like to maintain the balance of power in our game, and to prevent Helheim from dominating the game even further that they are doing it already, to act. Any form of help - such as direct military intervention (best of all), or aid in form of water and air gems, or help with forging items, would be highly appreciated by Tien Chi Empire.


In few turns most of my gem and money income will belong to Helheim, giving them huge boost in power. To all free nations of our Realm - it is time to act if you want to continue to be free.


As for our own nation - on the behalf of Tien Chi Empreror, here is the Royal Decree, mobilizing our nation for war against Helheim invaders.

"We shall fight. We shall fight in the mountains. We shall fight on the plains. We shall fight in the swamps. We will fight in our besieged castles. We shall never surrender".

So spoke Geya, Ruler of Tien Chi Empire



P.S. We understand that the first natural reaction of some nations, when they would read the news of this war, would probably be: “Great!!! Now these two scary nations who lead in graphs will tear each other apart, while we will have a chance to grow and prosper. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif However such perception would be far from reality. Helheim is much scarier and stronger that Tien Chi. And by allying with Ulm before attacking their weaker rival they have ensured that they will win this war quickly, if other nations will not step in. Like I said, add gem/money income of Vanheim and Tien Chi to Helheim, and you will get the nation who is considerably stronger than all other nations combined.

[Maltrease]

A fine speach by a noble and powerful empire.

We do not argue that if we conquered the entire Tien Chi empire tomorrow, without losses and with the game situation exactly as it is now that we would likely succeed in bringing our form of peace to this world.

We wish we lived in the reality as described by Tien Chi's silver tongued leader, unfortunately the situation is a tad different.

Oni surrendered their lands to Tien Chi without a fight and instead sent their entire forces against Ulm. This allowed Tien Chi an easy assumption of power all the while seriously weakening ULM (their next target).

Where is Tien Chi's military loss in this conflict? Does their army graph ever dip? This turn I raided a few of their lands, how many provinces of ULM did he conquer (Again without significant loss, as the majority of Ulmish troops died to Oni's suicide). Check the oracles graphs! If we had not intervened Ulm wouldn't have lasted more then a few months in its weakened state. Even with our aid it will be a very tough battle vs. a huge empire with a MASSIVE gem income, varied magical mages and a HUGE income. Yes they have fewer provinces... If you want to double my income I will gladly trade away half of our lands.

How fast do you think Tien Chi's research is going to be once all those site searching mages start hitting the books?

Thinking late game: Do you want to fight against some W9 blessed Helherdings? OR Warriors of the Five elements with a W9 F9 bless, that is with 50% immunity to all elements. How hard would it be for a diverse magical nation such as Tien Chi to cast battlewide spells that brings this resistance up to 100% against all magic?? What will mighty Caelum when facing 50 shock and cold resistance troops. Your thunderstrikes which would devastate our army would be worthless!

Do you want to fight a somewhat limited magical nation with Helherdings vulnerable to magic attacks, or a diverse magical nation with an incredible gem income (and the ability to use them all) with magically immune troops and powerful sacred summons that can take advantage of this W9 F9 bless.

Frankly I WOULD consider this situation "Two scary nations who lead in the graphs tearing each other apart". IF we had not stepped in now, ULM would be completely overrun by Tien Chi. Then with a massive gem and gold income, access to magically immune highly skilled fighters and the skilled leadership they would be truly unstoppable. As it is they still might be... Oni's gift to Tien Chi was extremely powerful.

Before being swayed by words (mine or his) I would ask that you do consult the oracles and their recordings of what has happend in the land. What do Forts mean in term of mages? What do mages do with gems? Late game what is more dangerous a bunch of recruitable glamoured troops, or a nation fully loaded with gems with high research and the ability to field massive numbers of powerful mages?

We did not ask for our conflict with Vanheim and frankly were hurt when our honorable brothers incorrectly saw us as the #1 enemy. If Vanheim would like to end its hostilities against us we would welcome peace with them.

[Meglobob]

Are you guys playing in the same game as me? All those wars and fun your having. Here I am stuck in the 'boring lands', where a mage opening his book is the height of excitment.

Oh great Wraith why did u place the giants here and not amongst the great wars to the southwest?

The giants of Nielfelheim are envious and jealous of both T'ien C'hi and Helheim.

We can not discern who is the most powerful or who will emerge the strongest...

[Corwin]

Here is my respose to the recent letter from my noble Helheim opponent.


Maltrease said:
A fine speach by a noble and powerful empire.

We do not argue that if we conquered the entire Tien Chi empire tomorrow, without losses and with the game situation exactly as it is now that we would likely succeed in bringing our form of peace to this world.

We wish we lived in the reality as described by Tien Chi's silver tongued leader,




You will, in few turns. I was talking about 3-4 turns in the future, as I clearly stated in my letter. Once you bring your raiders and armies. In the mid and late game whoever has the best raiders usually wins. And it is common knowledge that Helhheim has by far the best raiders of all Nations and all Eras. You have both flying and cavalry sacred, both with your W9 bless of course.

Tien Chi has no raiders at all. That alone would make any serious war very difficult for me, unless side without raiders have overwhelming force, which is certainly not the case with my nation.



unfortunately the situation is a tad different.

Oni surrendered their lands to Tien Chi without a fight and instead sent their entire forces against Ulm. This allowed Tien Chi an easy assumption of power all the while seriously weakening ULM (their next target).




Not quite. Me and Yomi were fighting serious war, and he has killed a lot of my sacred troops in several battles. But than Ulm decided to interfere and get a piece of Yomi lands while Yomi was occupied with me. Prior to this both me and Yomi asked Ulm not to interfere in our 1 vs 1 war. (It was Yomi's request BTW, not mine, but I supported it). Ulm disregarded it and attacked Yomi anyway.

So naturally Yomi was more pissed at Ulm, who suddenly attacked him in the back, than he was at me, with whom he was fighting this fair 1 vs 1 war, as he asked me himself.

So when Yomi told me that he had a change of plans and would like to teach Ulm a lesson instead of letting him get his lands while he Yomi was fighting me, of course I didn't object to it - why would I??? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif Would you said - "No, fight me instead, and let Ulm take your lands?" I don't think so. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif


So your statement that I get Yomi land without losses or fighting is incorrect - prior to Ulm rude intervention there was all out battles and serious losses on my side. Most of my early game sacred died at this war.

(BTW I am not saying you are telling lies, I am sure you just didn't know it. You can ask Yomi if you like, but I am telling the truth)




Where is Tien Chi's military loss in this conflict? Does their army graph ever dip?



Oh c'mon! There were no military losses yet because there were no battles - you just attacked me this turn with your flying raiders deep in my territory. You have destroyed all uncastled temples that I had in my empire , and you have got some of my best provinces. But that's just a beginning.

You do not even have a border with me yet, so no major battles were possible this turn. You will get border in 1 turn though - don't think I can't see the path your glamour troops are cutting through Ulm territory toward the heart of my empire.



This turn I raided a few of their lands, how many provinces of ULM did he conquer (Again without significant loss, as the majority of Ulmish troops died to Oni's suicide).




Again, not entirely correct - Ulm has suffered no losses with me so far. I didn't fight his troops yet - they all retreated to his castle and to his 3 big armies. The only military losses so far in this war were on my side where his PD beat me back (it was stronger than I expected). But that's nothing.




Check the oracles graphs! If we had not intervened Ulm wouldn't have lasted more then a few months in its weakened state.




And how many turns Vanheim will last against *your* empire? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif At least Ulm still has large army to protect his territory. Vanheim has almost no army. Frankly I wouldn't really use this argument if I would be you. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif



Even with our aid it will be a very tough battle vs. a huge empire with a MASSIVE gem income, varied magical mages and a HUGE income.




Ha! Have you seen the graphs lately? Your income is actually HIGHER than mine now. Which makes it what- "SUPER-HUGE"? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Your gem income will also be higher than mine soon, since you'll continue your raids, and you will certainly do it on much larger scale that this first turn.

Most importantly - without research my gem income and mages are useless, as you well know. And my research sucks, and will continue to suck for the rest of the game, unfortunately. I made a mistake with scales by taking drain with Tien Chi. <sigh> ;(



How fast do you think Tien Chi's research is going to be once all those site searching mages start hitting the books?




Wrong again. They already did last turn. I only has 3 low level mages searching. What you see on the graphs is the best research ALL my mages can do.




Thinking late game: Do you want to fight against some W9 blessed Helherdings? OR Warriors of the Five elements with a W9 F9 bless, that is with 50% immunity to all elements.



Now you are definitely kidding. I will trade you 4 of my W5E for each of your heldrings, and you would be fool to accept such deal. W5E are VERY fragile. You don't need magic to kill them - a group indep archer will destroy them all without breaking a sweat. They die in melee 10 times more easy than herdlings, since they have much lower defense, lower protection, do not have shields, and do not have glamour. Finally they are neither stealthy not flying, so they can't raid. (which is huge factor)


Trying to convince people that W5E are more scary than heldrots is not going to fly for anybody familiar with Helheim. Helheim sacred are the best by far, to the point of being considered overpowered. While W5E are quite good with double bless, they are not uber by any means, and they die easely. Plus I am not sure why you keep calling them them magically immune - 50% resistance is not immunity. As I said – I would gladly trade my w5E for your heldrots at proportion 5:1, and I am not extravagating.




Anyway, the bottom line is I never said "I am suffering the terrible losses, look at me!". But I am well familiar with Helheim and with the current situation in our game to see what will happen in the next few turns.

What I said is " There is no possible way I can fight number one nation (Helheim) with his ally and prevent them from overrunning my Empire. So they are going to win this war and get my land as well as land of Vanheim. And once you add Tien Chi and Vanheim territory to your own, you will win the game. You have admitted it yourself in your post.

And we both know that it will happen, if this war will continue and other nations will not interfere.

Geya, Lord of Tien Chi

[Maltrease]

My bottom line is "take a look at the graphs" and come to your own conclusions before jumping to the aid of one of us "superpowers".

Megablog, weren't you talking about "fun under the waters" a while back? What happended to those plans?

[Ighalli]

The nation of Caelum has concluded that Helhiem is by far the most serious threat to the world. I say this because I am next to both of the nations and I have watched a great deal of their expansion. I urge all free nations to take up arms against Helhiem. The rulers of both nations are ostensibly both noble and just, but it is my prediction that Helhiem will overrun the whole of creation while Tien Chi, while powerful, could be contained by one nation. Thus, although I'd have prefered to continue peaceful dealing with my former comrades, I see no real choice in the matter. I am asking for aid from any nation that has an interest in not fighting Helhiem personally. If, however, you have a border with them, then by all means scoop up some of their land for yourself. If you are unable to do so, then by all means send whatever you can spare to Tien Chi or Caelum. We will fight to protect your lands.

My only regret is that I did not act sooner and assist Vanhiem. I hope that they will forgive me.

Remember: all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

[Corwin]

Ighalli said:
The nation of Caelum has concluded that Helhiem is by far the most serious threat to the world. I say this because I am next to both of the nations and I have watched a great deal of their expansion. I urge all free nations to take up arms against Helhiem. The rulers of both nations are ostensibly both noble and just, but it is my prediction that Helhiem will overrun the whole of creation while Tien Chi, while powerful, could be contained by one nation. Thus, although I'd have prefered to continue peaceful dealing with my former comrades, I see no real choice in the matter. I am asking for aid from any nation that has an interest in not fighting Helhiem personally. If, however, you have a border with them, then by all means scoop up some of their land for yourself. If you are unable to do so, then by all means send whatever you can spare to Tien Chi or Caelum. We will fight to protect your lands.

My only regret is that I did not act sooner and assist Vanhiem. I hope that they will forgive me.

Remember: all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.




You have described situation very accurately Sky Lord. Indeed, your lands border both of us, and your flying invisible eyes have surely told you a lot about both my and Helheim nations. We are sorry we shot one of them down few moons ago. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Your assessment of my strength and strength of my noble rival is correct. Tien Chi Empire seconds your call to all free nations to take arms against Helheim or, for those who are unable to do so, to support Caelum or my nation in our fight with Helheim.


The Tien Chi Empire welcomes their new ally in this dark hour.

[RamsHead]

Greetings fellow nations! I am the Dai Oni who was the prophet of Yomi.

After I was slain on the field in the last battle with Ulm, I was returned to Hell, my home. I have heard from those who have connections with your world that there seems to be some confusion regarding Yomi, and what it's actions with your realm were. We Dai Oni hold some weight here in Hell, and I was granted a brief leave to quell the uncertainty.

Concerning Yomi's war with T'ien Ch'i, the first battle we had against each other was an accident, and while Yomi lost, we inflicted some nice casualties on there warriors of the five elements. Or I guess I should say that I inflicted some nice casualties, because I was the one swinging the sword. In fact, that was the battle where I got all my afflictions that resulted in me getting retired to spell caster duty, blech! I digress. We knew then and there that our war was inevitable.

Shortly after this first altercation, the official war begun. Yomi knew that they had one chance of holding back the onslaught of T'ien Ch'i troops, who were simply of better quality. Yomi lost the vital battle and withdrew it's troops to a new location where they would regroup. While Yomi was drawing it's forces together into one large army, Ulm attacked the force and lost. Yomi's casualties were minimal whereas Ulm's forces lost heavily. Check the oracle charts if you must.

A letter was immediately sent to Ulm revealing our anger, which existed for two things. One was that he was obviously trying to take advantage of a weakened nation and interfere with a war he had no right to interfere with. Two was that he attacked without declaring war. Such an underhanded move is considered by Yomi as one of the most dishonorable things a nation can do.

With a new enemy, Yomi had to weight it's options. We had already lost the war against T'ien Ch'i. The most we could hope to do against them was to have a protracted fight that wasted their time and wore them down. Yomi decided that fighting a dishonorable opponent would be a much more satisfying experience, and so we made an agreement with T'ien Ch'i. Our nations, who were once enemies, cooperated with each other, so that Yomi could strike fear into the mighty Ulm and have vengeance. While Yomi was getting everything together, Ulm consolidated his forces and withdrew them closer to the heart of his empire. He was clearly shaken by the loses of our previous engagement.

Once Yomi's forces were brought together, we moved out. We managed to take a few provinces with negligible defense. Then there was the battle. It was fantastic! Our horde of Bakemono archers with flaming arrows absolutely massacred, slaughtered, and butchered the Ulmish troops like the cattle they were! They managed to break through our front line, but I held them back just long enough before they turned and fled! It was truly a sight to behold! Again, feel free to consult the charts if you don't believe me.

Now that I have cleared any vagueness regarding that conflict, I can offer my advice. I never met Helheim, but it was pretty easy to see by the charts that they were an extremely formidable nation. Combine the black flagged nation's power with Ulm's, since they have some sort of an alliance, and you have, no doubt, the most intense concentration of power in the world! I defy for anyone to discredit that statement! If one does nothing to stop this powerful duo who are poised to sweep across the land like a flood, then exactly what would it take for you to make any action! If one does nothing before the threat of oblivion, then there is nothing that would motivate you, and you and your people should suffer for your apathy! For those nations who see this situation as the threat that it rightfully is, I say take action now! Delaying efforts when the world in on the precipice of destruction will profit you nothing! Follow the examples of Vanheim, T'ien Ch'i, and Caelum!

For those who fear defeat, fear not! If Yomi can dent the second most powerful nation, then the sky is the limit! Coordinate your forces with your allies and fight with honor and fury! Rain righteous death upon your enemies! But only honest efforts will yield results.

Well, I have done what I wanted to do. Goodbye and good luck.

[Meglobob]

Anyone know why the game is no longer on a 48hr turnaround? 1 player can hold up the entire game now!

[Maltrease]

Probably Graeme got around to the request to delay the game, although the immediete need for that has passed.

I'll be taking my turn very soon (within the hour hopefully)... there would still be another 24 hours on the clock (or close to it), if the timer wasn't removed.

[Maltrease]

Game has hosted.

[Maltrease]

Nice AAR Ighali, Ramshead and Corwin. Keeps things exciting and interesting!

[Jurri]

Maltrease said:
Megablog

Is that like a furblog, only bigger?

[Meglobob]

Jurri said:

Maltrease said:
Megablog

Is that like a furblog, only bigger?



Hey you! You are not in this game, get back to Dawnstrike where you belong. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif Feel free to trash talk me there! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Tyrant]

Excuse me for sec, i need to light some incence to cover up the stench of Yomis DIPLOMACY FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE. ( spooky ghost noise )

There, much better. Now let me begin with a chronology of the actual events between Yomi and Ulm.



1) Yomi requested a peace pact. No mention of TC was made. I did not reply.

2) Several turns passed

3) TC attemped to recruit me into an alliance against Helhiem. I declined because i have a border pact with Helheim.

4) Yomi began massing armies on our border.

5) TC, not Yomi, asked me to stay out of an alleged war between him and Yomi.

6) I attacked Yomi and failed, slaying a pair of Dai Oni during the battle.

7) Yomi abandoned their capitol and surrendered all of their land to TC without a fight, put their entire force in a pile and suicided against me, slaughtering my forces prodigiously.

It's possible that there are a few widows somewhere in T'ien Chi, but as far i can tell neither Yomi nor TC lost more than a small handful of troops in this so-called war. Yomis' graph went down only because of me, and TC's never did. I had a half dozen scouts on the scene and they never once witnessed a battle between flagged forces. To put it nicely, Ushi Ushi was weak in the knees and his suicide was a sissy move.

As to TC's request that i keep out of their war, it was clearly a ploy. Was it was cover for an attack on me in alliance with Yomi, who was, i repeat, massing his troops on my border and not defending against TC. Or did he just want me to wait till he was done overrunning Yomi before he attacked me. (Sorta like how he wants you out of the way while he overruns me.) Check the map, he had no where else to go.

Having driven Yomi to suicide with whispers of despair, the silver tongued diplomats of T'ien Chi now attempt, with Rovian guile, to divert attention elswhere so they can press the advantage they have gained against my weakened kingdom without interfernece. They wave their hands, dance tap, refer vagely to graphs and spin peculiar prophecies about future events as they attempt to focus attention on Helhiem. But their performance omits a key point- they are not fighting Helheim, they are invading Ulm. They do not even share a border with Helheim yet. Indeed, if you succeed against Helheim they never will have.

Yes, Helheim has sent some raiders against TC in order to give me time to recover from my losess against TC's puppet. They have desecrated some temptes and scared off some flocks, but no more than that. We are greatful for the help, but these raids will not decide the war, my army's fate will.

Lord of Caelum, I appeal to you to reconsider your alliance with T'ien Chi.

Both Helheim and TC casually dismiss the idea that a fight between them over my territory will bog them both down, but you know what, that's exactly would happen. I ask you to let it happen. Let the heavily blessed TC Warriors, Demons of Heavenly Waters, and Pegasus riders fight with the heavily blessed Valkyries. I have no idea how powerful your forces are, but unless they are darn good it seems to me that you are getting the short end of the stick. You fight powerful Helheim while your ally gets to pick off yet another weakened nation and grab the spoils. How does this help you? Sit it out, build up, aviod losses, and let me try to bleed TC. You can always join in later.

For me it'simple, i'm going to defend myself. Unlike Yomi i'll fight for my castles. The Warriors of the Five Elements, with their spiffy blessings and fancy pants, are going to be spending a year digging ditches and complaining to the mess hall cook about beans to eat three meals a day. Like Yomi, we will very likely fall, unlike Yomi, we will fight with honor to the end.

[Corwin]

Very nice AAR Tyrant, as always.

I enjoy your writing style. Out of respect for it I will not dispute what you said paragraphs by paragraph, although I could.


Sufficient to say is that I stand by my version of the events, it is 100% true. Yomi has confirmed it as well. Until you had attacked Yomi there was no talk about you whatsoever between me and Yomi, so there were no global conspiracy against you. And, as I said earlier, it was Yomi's request that we fight 1 vs 1 war, he asked me it himself, and I seconded it in my letter to you, which you have promptly ignored.

In other words, you have brought your doom upon yourself by your own actions, when you attacked Yomi hoping to get some easy picking while they fight me. Think about it - why would possibly Yomi, who had large army and who was fighting me, all of the sudden went after you, leaving his few remaining provinces to me without fight, if not for your actions? It doesn't make any sense. I've described events of the past accurately in my post, and Yomi has confirmed it. Dead people do not lie. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


Sorry, my respected rival, but that's the way it is. Prior to your sudden attack on Yomi, in my exchange with Yomi your nation wasn't even mentioned once. You can have my word on it.

I understand that you are disappointed that your plans have backfired on you in such a way, I would be too if I would be in your shoes.


Geya,
Lord of Tien Chi Empire


P.S. In any case, frankly all this doesn't matter much for our current situation and for the balance of power in our world. I am not trying to pursue Sky Lord - he has already made his choice, and he has chosen wisely, relying on his own scouts rather than on my, yours or Helheim's words.

I also think Sky Lord cares much more about who represents larger treat to the world and who is the most powerful, than who has the moral right. If so, his choice is a prudent one. Other nations, who do not even have border with us, probably care even less about this old and remote war, but they all care very much about power and threat to their freedom.


Nevertheless I just wanted to set the record straight as far as what happened and why, in the interest of future historians and sages.

[Potatoman]

The nation of Vanheim is dismissed too quickly. Although our troops have no supernatural quickness or flaming swords, the Dwarves of Vanheim have struck a mighty blow today against the citadel of Helheim itself. Helheim is now under siege by Vanheim armies, led by the heroic Gordon Donne. Knowing that victory in the field would be impossible to achieve without powerful magic or potent blessings of our own, two "potempkin village" forces of serf warriors made trouble along Helheim's border while Gordon snuck through their territories unnoticed until, this turn, he besieged Helheim itself.

Unfortunately, sacrifices were made in the name of this gambit. In the mountains of Vanheim, the Dwarves have retreated to their fortress and the surrounding lands left with only a token defense. They now lay sunken beneath a black ocean of Helheim soldiers, flowing inexorably further towards the western border of Arcosephale with the passing of each night.
But the province of Vanheim itself remains free and strong. And as long as Vanheim stands and Gordon still lives, so do the hopes of the Dwarves.

I would entreat all of my "allies" to sharply step up their aid if they wish Vanheim to weather Helheim's wrath. As wonderful as words are, the time for them is over. Purple prose does not pay the upkeep, silver tongues aren't worth the food to feed them, and the beleaguered Vans have yet to see an ounce of Tien Ch'i gold or the glimmer of a single Caelian air gem. Your empires talk a good fight, but so far it is the Vans who have been fighting Helheim alone for the past six months.

Helheim has sent me an offer of peace, and I am sorely tempted to accept it, provided reasonable concessions on his part. Only the overwhelming suspicion that he would backstab me the moment my troops left his capitol stays my pen-hand.

-Kong Jun She, Emperor of Vanheim and the Dwarves

[Maltrease]

The nation of Helheim is confused and impressed by Vanheims abilities. We had no aggression towards Vanheim and allowed peaceful trade and tourism along our borders before they attacked us without warning.

The previous month we had tentatively offered a peace (albeit late in the month) only to have our capital besieged by a cleaver sneak attack led by a glorous general.

We understand this, regrettably the realities of our time regartably require and allow actions like these.

Our only pain is the suspicion of stabbing a knife into someone after we have made a deal. Despite the fear over our size and effective arguments over our threat vs others we have never acted dishonourably.

Sadly a peace at this point is unlikely. Our gods gardens have been trampled and only his inner sactuary remains safe and pure. We hope to prevail and if so, we will always remember the tale of Gordon Donne and his noble victories.

[Potatoman]

The destruction of our ally Agartha, and the fearsome power of the Black Horsemen of Helheim was a warning that Vanheim heeded well.

We were too late to save departed Agamemnon (though we tried), so we took steps to gain as much of an advantage as possible before we could be attacked: a pre-emptive strike. Rest assured that no ambition of personal gain was involved. A sane nation does not attempt to conquer a nation twice is its size and power for territorial expansion alone.

I believe that Gordon's raid has give me something of value with which to begin bargaining. How could we do so otherwise, with nothing for Vanheim to offer?

But if Ull of Helheim will accept only death, we can march to that pyrrhic conclusion together.

- Kong of Vanheim

[Corwin]

Funny, the great war between 5 our nations has begun 2 turns ago (or rather joined by 3 nations 2 turns ago, since Vanheim has been fighting their black twin since earlier). But Ulm's, Helheim's, Caelum's, and mine armies keep growing, with no major battles yet.

So far my only serious casualties were one company of W5Es, who were trying to catch some of the Helheim's raiders near my capital. The whole squad was completely wiped out together with support troops. But they have managed to kill few valkiries and one heldrot before they died.


Caelum is also stomping alone fine with his mammoths, without encountering any opposition so far. Meanwhile Helheims invisible armies keep growing as well.

Personally I don't like this silence. And I don't trust it one bit. >:( I think Helheim is up to something huge, if he has been preparing it for 3 turns now.

Ulm is more predictable due to the nature of his troops, but he also keep sneaking his stealthy troops inside his besieged fort. Last turn almost half of my armies could not even scratch his walls. Good thing Ulm has decided not to patrol his fort, his armies had a chance to win that battle I think.


The anticipation in the air is so thick you could almost touch it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



OOC: It's almost like a "phony war" in 1939-1940, when WW2 started. All major powers declared war on each other, but for almost a year, there were no real battles. Then all hell broke lose of course.

[RamsHead]

The calm before the storm.

I want details when all Hell breaks free. Figuratively speaking of course.

[Maltrease]

Our goal in this conflict was only to distract Tien Chi and give Ulm time to recover and a fighting chance.

Sadly there will be no storm upon Tien Chi as our forces are no waiting in ambush in his lands. We wish they were, our generals are beating themselves on the head for not coming up with tactic described by the Tien empire. Unfortunately our forces have been engaged against Vanheim.

Even this turn brave general Egil brought another force to besiege beloved Argatha. The people were just experiencing peace, democracy and true joy when these foreign fighters came and ruined everything. If not for these incursions Argatha would be a land of milk and honey like all other lands we hold dominion over.

The sneaky troops have gotten so bad that our congress and senate got together and passed a new law to prevent this type of terrorist attack. From now on all bad guys and foreign troops are required to register upon entry and are given a big "I'm A Bad Guy" T-shirt to be worn at all times. This way we can see these armies coming and prepare a proper defense.

Already this policy has proven extremely effective:
1.) All bad guys must register.
2.) Nobody has registered.
3.) Our land is free from bad guys!!

Our government was so pleased with this result that they voted themselves a 50% raise.

Luckily our elite and *top secret* order (you know the one that pulls the strings) knows the real truth. We will do anything to keep up the spirits of our people in these dire times.

[Corwin]

Maltrease said:
Our goal in this conflict was only to distract Tien Chi and give Ulm time to recover and a fighting chance.




Tien Chi's best generals have spent several sleepless nights trying to understand how raiding several provinces which are 7 provinces away from frontline with Ulm would give Ulm time to recover and a fighing chance. They failed miserably. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/fear.gif The fact they they don't understand the way brilliant military minds in Helheim High Command work makes Tein Chi generals even more intimidated and suspicious of their Helheim rivals.




The sneaky troops have gotten so bad that our congress and senate got together and passed a new law to prevent this type of terrorist attack. From now on all bad guys and foreign troops are required to register upon entry and are given a big "I'm A Bad Guy" T-shirt to be worn at all times. This way we can see these armies coming and prepare a proper defense.

Already this policy has proven extremely effective:
1.) All bad guys must register.
2.) Nobody has registered.
3.) Our land is free from bad guys!!

Our government was so pleased with this result that they voted themselves a 50% raise.




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

[Potatoman]

The war is lost for Vanheim. We knew the W9 Helhirdings were too powerful to fight without blessings, but we still underestimated them. Vanheim was garrisoned with 70 Van HI, 50 points of province defense, 30 Pale riders, 1 gargoyle and 2 Van leaders- a powerful force. But Helheim crushed this force, losing only a single Helhirding and a handful of indy archers.
We will fight to the end, but, in all seriousness, we no longer believe the Helhirdings can be defeated without high level evocation spells.

[Corwin]

Potatoman said:
The war is lost for Vanheim. We knew the W9 Helhirdings were too powerful to fight without blessings, but we still underestimated them. Vanheim was garrisoned with 70 Van HI, 50 points of province defense, 30 Pale riders, 1 gargoyle and 2 Van leaders- a powerful force. But Helheim crushed this force, losing only a single Helhirding and a handful of indy archers.
We will fight to the end, but, in all seriousness, we no longer believe the Helhirdings can be defeated without high level evocation spells.



Damn. I am sorry to hear it Lord of Vanheim. It looks like Helheim has one less foe now.

How big was the army that attacked your capital? And how many helhirdings were there?
And what is the location of your capital where this tragic event happened?

[RamsHead]

So, just for fun, I am going to make a prediction. With Vanheim out of the way, Helheim will turn it's attention toward Caelum. The two of them will have a war that mainly consists of flying and raiding by both sides. Unless Caelum has some powerful magic on their side, they will probably lose. Once Helheim is finished with Caelum, they will move on to T'ien Ch'i, who will still be mired in a war with Ulm. Ulm will be near death, but Helheim will come to the rescue just in time. The two of them will push back and eventually defeat T'ien Ch'i. Helheim will see an easy opportunity to take Ulm out and will do so promptly, possibly even before T'ien Ch'i is defeated. Helheim will then move further east crushing everything in their path until they meet Niefelheim. The giants spent their entire time researching and cast the powerful Win spell. So my prediction is that Niefelheim wins by casting the Win spell!!

[Corwin]

RamsHead said:
So, just for fun, I am going to make a prediction. With Vanheim out of the way, Helheim will turn it's attention toward Caelum. The two of them will have a war that mainly consists of flying and raiding by both sides. Unless Caelum has some powerful magic on their side, they will probably lose. Once Helheim is finished with Caelum, they will move on to T'ien Ch'i, who will still be mired in a war with Ulm. Ulm will be near death, but Helheim will come to the rescue just in time. The two of them will push back and eventually defeat T'ien Ch'i. Helheim will see an easy opportunity to take Ulm out and will do so promptly, possibly even before T'ien Ch'i is defeated. Helheim will then move further east crushing everything in their path until they meet Niefelheim. The giants spent their entire time researching and cast the powerful Win spell. So my prediction is that Niefelheim wins by casting the Win spell!!



Nah, if Helheim will defeat me and Caelum, Niefelheim will have no choice but to surrender, since Helheim would control half of the map.

[Potatoman]

I've decided not to share the specific numbers; I don't want to scare you guys away. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Helheim already controls nearly half the map- his empire goes all the way to the top of the world. Also, for any would-be rescuers, the province # of Vanheim is 146.

I'm not bowing out yet. As long as my raiders are still active I'll have to get dominion killed, and that might take a while (I still have decent dominion http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif). In the meantime, there'll be a final battle in the fortress and, of course, my raiding forces causing trouble in Helheim (Agartha is sieged this turn by my raiders).

[Tyrant]

Hehe, how many players in this game? If were one of the others i think i'd be a bit offended at being dismissed so lightly.

[RamsHead]

Are you always such a party pooper? There is no Win spell. The entire thing was written in jest. Besides, how am I supposed to make a serious prediction on things that I know almost nothing about? There is no telling what could happen between now and the end of the game.

[Tyrant]

Lol, it's not just you Ram, most of this thread has been about TC vs Helheim. I have never made out of my little corner, so i have no idea what's up in the rest of the world, but something must be happening.

There's been more diplomacy and propaganda in this match than all of my DomII games put together. Normally i hate that, but it's been pretty fun this time around.

[RamsHead]

They actually got a history from you, Corwin, and me, and they have given us hardly anything. What is going on with the other nations? There are surely heated fights going on elsewhere.

[Meglobob]

And the eastern, indeed every front.

All peace and harmony in my part of the world. All the nations are roughly equal in power, so we all sit here carefully watching each another...

Perhaps building our strength up, for when the T'ien C'hi/Helheim unholy alliance arrives. It would not surprise me you know! Paranoid me...never!

[Meglobob]

RamsHead said:
So, just for fun, I am going to make a prediction. With Vanheim out of the way, Helheim will turn it's attention toward Caelum. The two of them will have a war that mainly consists of flying and raiding by both sides. Unless Caelum has some powerful magic on their side, they will probably lose. Once Helheim is finished with Caelum, they will move on to T'ien Ch'i, who will still be mired in a war with Ulm. Ulm will be near death, but Helheim will come to the rescue just in time. The two of them will push back and eventually defeat T'ien Ch'i. Helheim will see an easy opportunity to take Ulm out and will do so promptly, possibly even before T'ien Ch'i is defeated. Helheim will then move further east crushing everything in their path until they meet Niefelheim. The giants spent their entire time researching and cast the powerful Win spell. So my prediction is that Niefelheim wins by casting the Win spell!!



I wish...

Keep dreaming, I like it... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Meglobob]

Corwin said:

RamsHead said:
So, just for fun, I am going to make a prediction. With Vanheim out of the way, Helheim will turn it's attention toward Caelum. The two of them will have a war that mainly consists of flying and raiding by both sides. Unless Caelum has some powerful magic on their side, they will probably lose. Once Helheim is finished with Caelum, they will move on to T'ien Ch'i, who will still be mired in a war with Ulm. Ulm will be near death, but Helheim will come to the rescue just in time. The two of them will push back and eventually defeat T'ien Ch'i. Helheim will see an easy opportunity to take Ulm out and will do so promptly, possibly even before T'ien Ch'i is defeated. Helheim will then move further east crushing everything in their path until they meet Niefelheim. The giants spent their entire time researching and cast the powerful Win spell. So my prediction is that Niefelheim wins by casting the Win spell!!



Nah, if Helheim will defeat me and Caelum, Niefelheim will have no choice but to surrender, since Helheim would control half of the map.



Sounds like a plan to me! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Ighalli]

Seems like RamsHead has it more or less nailed down with the exception of Niefelhiem winning. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Seriously, high level evocation or not, I'm kinda doubting anyone can stand up to Helhiem. I haven't fought anything but their PD so far, but from what everyone says about them (in the main board about them being overpowered, not here), things are grim. I just have to find out how much 10 thunderstrikes can do to their forces.

[Agrajag]

Meglobob said:
And the eastern, indeed every front.

All peace and harmony in my part of the world. All the nations are roughly equal in power, so we all sit here carefully watching each another...

Perhaps building our strength up, for when the T'ien C'hi/Helheim unholy alliance arrives. It would not surprise me you know! Paranoid me...never!


Ha ha.
Though in all seriousness, eventually Helheim or Tien Chi will turn their attention to the east, at which time the eastern nations might have to form the Alliance of the East to protect ourselves.
Only time will tell.

[Baalz]

The war between Arcosephale and Mictlan simmers rather than rages. The scholars have amassed a mighty army and march to reclaim much of the land conquered by Jaguar Warrior raiders. As yet, we have not been able to field an army to challenge the might of this host, and have been fighting a staged pullback. A large mass of archers pepper our lightly armored troops, while the heavily armored ant men engage and occupy us long enough that the heavy chariots may molest our flank. Our raiders continue to harass the border, and Arcosephale fears either splitting their army or moving it far from their capital. The vile Oeneads continue to occasionally seduce a commander, but there are now many slave commanders, pressed into service from the scholar’s own lands which provide cover for our glorious priests. We fight a holding pattern as our high priests whisper of a top secret “plan B”. As neither the giants nor the man-hawks have shown aggression yet, we may pull our reserve troops forward to step up the raids.

[Maltrease]

Caelum marches deeper into our territory bringing a second raiding force, and a third appears ready to advance soon.

Tien Chi has suddenly appeared at our borders with an aerial force and our friend Ulm has lost one of his valuable fortresses. Our seers sadly explain the lines of land and show us Tien Chi's gem income... probably 80 gems a turn considering it is more then double ours. The mood is dark in our planning room.

Luckily our public relations advisor showed us the front page of Sky Che daily where it declares "Hellheim the worlds biggest threat and greatest power threatens all... including you!" in huge letters. This did brighten our spirits as it is nice to be #1 on the throne. We asked to read the rest of article hoping to further brighten our mood, but there was nothing more. Just a big flashy headline…

At least we managed to liberate our capital and tomorrow is another day. We wish our friend Ulm luck and apologize that we can not be of greater assistance to them in their time of need. The mighty and ancient eagle kings of Caelum are proving to be a potent and deadly force.

ps [It's awesome great seeing all the comments. And would love to hear more about what is happening in the land of East or underneath the great sea of the south. What are the mighty augurs of Emor up to, how is the druidic council and what events transpire beneath the southern sea?]

[Corwin]

Well, it is not really Tien Chi's or Caelum's fault that during the last 3 of our war neither Helheim not Ulm have fought a single real battle with either me or my ally, as far as I can tell. Instead both Ulm and Helheim have prefered to surrender their provinces without a fight.

In all 3 turns of war the only more or less serious battle I had was with Ulm which happened this turn, and even that was quite disappointing, since most of his troops apparently sneaked away.


Tien Chi generals think that all this is a clever and devious plan by Helheim Empire to appear less powerful than they really are. The main question that is being discussed by the nobles of Tien Chi in the evening saloons is how far Helheim is willing to go in their bid to appear as an underdog? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif


P.S. Seriously I am not sure why in 3 turns of this great war neither of our adversaries offered any resistance. I can't believe that small Vanheim could possibly tie down the great military of Helheim Empire. The fact that the above military conquered the capital of Vanheim last turn while losing only one heldroit is the further testament that something is not right there.

I am sure Helheim is up to something. I wish I knew for sure what they are planning. But I think I can make a good guess that... <censored>

[Agrajag]

Maltrease said:
What are the mighty augurs of Ermor up to


Not much. My huge research is more because of my playstyle than any misteryous plot, and is probably not spread very well.
Furthermore, looking at the graphs will show you my gem income is abysmal, which is why no matter how hard I reserach, I'm screwed.

Once Tien Chi or Helheim (:P) come to assimilate me, you'll hear of some of the struggles of the mighty empire of Ermor.

[Maltrease]

Times are bleak for our people. Our helherdings used to feel so tough and strong. Then these pegasus knights show up and show us what a true bless is made of.

Hounds bite at our feet. Eagle kings raze our lands.

At least we were scary once... that counts for something right?

[Corwin]

Hmm, indeed this has been a strange war so far. Neither Helheim not Ulm have not offered any resistance so far. Both just keep losing provinces without any fight. Ulm already hardly has any land left, but they have 390 troops stuffed in their castle, no doubt laminating the fate of their empire.


As for Helheim - I haven't seen a single heldrot yet, other than 2 riders that attacked me when Helheim have declared war on me. Where are all these sacred hordes Vanheim and Agartha have been speaking about?



Frankly we are genuinely puzzled by now.

I can think of only three possible explanations for this strange course of events.

1. Either Helheim spend last 5 turns carefully positioning dozens of small raiding squads with sacred heldrots and valkirias over most of the uncastled territory of my or Caelum's Empire, preparing massive operation "Market Garden", (and if it is true, the operation is about to begin any time now), hoping to take back all the land he has lost and much more in one turn, while paralyzing enemy's economy.

2. It is possible that whatever strategic plans Helheium may originally had for this war when they started it were thrown in disarray when Caelum has decided to enter this war. So Helheim had to spend a lot of time adjusting these plans, reshuffling troops and preparing his defenses against Caelum's advance. I've been watching steady movement of Caelum's Mammoths/Eagle Kings army for a while now. I can say that this army is tough like nails and is difficult even for the Helheim's troops to handle.


3. Or Helheim was awfully unprepared for the war when they have started it by attacking me 5 turns ago.

Naturally when I saw glamour raiders destroying my temples next to my capital, 9 or 10 provinces away from the Helheim's border(!), I assumed that there are many similar squads in the area between, preparing to attack my territory, or moving in position to do it. But if those 2 squads were indeed all forces that Helheim had available when they started this war, than I think it was big strategic blunder on their part.


Since I know for sure that Maltrease is a very strong player, I am inclined to believe in explanation number 1 or number 2, or some combination of those.


All of the above is just my guesswork of course.

[Ighalli]

I'm under the impression that the turn timer will be off during the Thanksgiving holiday. If it's not, then I might be screwed. Hopefully, I can find some unsecured wireless for my Dom3 machine so I can see what's going on!

[Maltrease]

As we have stated honestly throughout (although it has been sweetly fun when it was viewed as deception) our small raid on Tien Chi was only to distract and hope to buy Ulm some time.

We feared the power of and variety of magic available to Tien Chi (particularly in the hands of such a skill player). So we desired to aid ULM in his fight. We sent two small raiding parties to Tien Chi to distract and hopefully buy Ulm some time. We were planning to send more but Vanheims assualt had us redirect them.

We had previously had good relations with Caellium even so far as an unofficial friendship and peace and were utterly unprepared for their joining forces with Tien Chi. We have not committed our forces simply because our expensive and skilled troops would be slaughtered by mass thunder strikes from his powerful eagle kings.

Our generals made a grave miscalculation in assuming Caelium would remain neutral in our conflicts. We have been trying to come up with means to counter Caelium and had some ideas... but they would be annihilated by Tien Chi's blessed hounds and large forces of blessed Pegasus knights.


We are certainly not dead yet and have a large and powerful force of hidden glamoured troops but we simply do not have the ability to effectively confront our adversaries with them.

I know it easy to take an apathetic view of wars in distant lands. We were counting on this effect when we awoke Tien Chi's wrath and vastly underestimated the results he would achieve in his call to arms (mainly Caelum).

However, if any of you Eastern nations want a shot at winning this game we need your aid. Unless we can fight back the power of Sky Che will quickly consume us and rapidly consume us and move eastward. Despite our desire to "look less powerful" the graphs don't lie. Hordes of powerful sacred demons, pegasus knights and mages are coming... whats in your wallet?

We NEED access to counter measures that currently are not available to us. If you want to see this game continue we need your aid now. Please drop me a PM if you are willing to help.

[RamsHead]

So I am curious, does any nation in the east even care that this war is going on, or are all of you content with your little skirmishes and cold war buildup?

[Graeme Dice]

Atlantis cares not for the affairs of surface dwellers. Even the mightiest mountain will eventually be no more than a grain of sand in the ocean.

[Agrajag]

Corwin said:
Ulm already hardly has any land left, but they have 390 troops stuffed in their castle, no doubt laminating the fate of their empire.


Maybe they are lamenting the fate of their empire. Or laminating their castle walls to make them slippery against would-be wall climbers.

[Corwin]

Agrajag said:

Corwin said:
Ulm already hardly has any land left, but they have 390 troops stuffed in their castle, no doubt laminating the fate of their empire.


Maybe they are lamenting the fate of their empire. Or laminating their castle walls to make them slippery against would-be wall climbers.



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

(I should pay more attention to spellchecker http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)

[Baalz]

Indeed, the ballance of power is shifting in the world. Once it seemed Helheim was destined to sweep the west, now the powerful Caelum/Tien Chi alliance looks to be encountering little resistance. We regret we have no choice but to disolve our non-aggression pact with the Caelum empire. While our armies are otherwise occupied and we have no plans for an immediate invasion, it seems the Caelum empire's star is rising, and with their friendly relations with Tien Chi it seems likely that Mictlan territories may be the only choice for expansion once there are no more juicy Helheim territories to assimalate. Future hostilities seem inevitable,the bloody empire will not sit idle as an overwhelming force is built. Take note eagle kings, your eastern border is no longer secure,

[Ighalli]

We are encountering no resistance because Helhiem is preparing traps for us. It seems that if you have no intention of attacking then you have nothing to gain by declaring war. I ask you to reconsider. I am at war with Helhiem because of their genocidal tendencies. Think of how you would fare if you were their neighbor. In any case, I do not want a conflict between us. On the other hand, I have little doubt that other nations would happily liberate some of your lands with the assistance of the Eagle Kings should you prove too aggressive to continue living peacefully.

[Meglobob]

Mictian - My army in Silvania, is there because of the disturbingly large army you had in Tesifon. Obviously we now know it was simply patrolling your lands as it as moved away. The army in Silvania will stay a month, the province is to be patrolled in preperation for a quaint little ritual we call the, 'Skratti hunt', the girls of the province talk about nothing else all year long...

Atlantis - Nielfelheim welcomes our new neighbour to this peaceful part of the world. However, Black Grave is our little pond, preperations have been made to conquer this, do not interfere. You are welcome to Emerald lake and Antediluvia.

Ermor - We hear what you say, I hope you are telling the truth...for your sake...

Marverni - Peace be with you.

Epic struggle to the south/southwest - No comment, only silence on this war. It is none of our concern. Do not involve Niefelheim.

[Agrajag]

Meglobob said:
Ermor - We hear what you say, I hope you are telling the truth...for your sake...


Just wait untill this turn hosts :X (the one that still has ~92 hours remaining)

[Corwin]

Tyrant said:

For me it'simple, i'm going to defend myself. Unlike Yomi i'll fight for my castles. The Warriors of the Five Elements, with their spiffy blessings and fancy pants, are going to be spending a year digging ditches and complaining to the mess hall cook about beans to eat three meals a day. Like Yomi, we will very likely fall, unlike Yomi, we will fight with honor to the end.



From the archives of Celestial Empire Tien Chi, Spring of the Year of the Burning Goddess:

"Apparently Ulm's idea of fighting with honor to the end consists of giving up their entire large kingdom without a fight, while stuffing 450+ soldiers within the walls of their capital, outnumbering our soldiers once again. Fortunately the capital province is rich in supplies, so there is no danger of starvation for our troops, even if we wouldn't brought additional supply items last turn. Imperial troops are ready for the long siege, although we are sure it won't be necessary - preparations are being made to bring this siege to swift conclusion. The local peasants are celebrating the arrival of imperial troops. As one of the village majors told to commander of our scouts when they have entered his village meeting, as usual, no resistance: "Men who do not try to protect their own land, should never lay claim to it in the first place." Upon hearing this story our Imperial Historian noticed that although such a view is naturally barbaric, it has merit nevertheless."

[Graeme Dice]

The server will be going down for a few hours this weekend, while I repartition the windows drive and reinstall Win98. I'll also implement the turn emails at the same time, as they require a server shutdown to get the new --postexec commands to work. Expect a delay from a few hours to a day before the server comes back up.

I will also be starting another set of games next week. Look for the announcements coming soon.

[RamsHead]

Anything interesting going on?

[tibbs]

The calm before the storm I think.

[Maltrease]

Not really calm. Ulm had his last hurrah... to limited effect. Now Caellum and Tien Chi are consuming my lands. Soon they will head eastward. So I suppose it is calm... if you are in those safe Eastern Lands looking at the lighting and dark clouds in the distance.

[Corwin]

Maltrease said:
Not really calm. Ulm had his last hurrah... to limited effect. Now Caellum and Tien Chi are consuming my lands. Soon they will head eastward. So I suppose it is calm... if you are in those safe Eastern Lands looking at the lighting and dark clouds in the distance.



Yes, the Ulm is no more. They fought a good battle at the end, killing almost half of my army. Large portion of those who died were diseased (I've put them in front of my army and gave them kamikaze orders). But still casualties were heavier than I expected.

Tien Chi Empire will build a monument on the field of battle to honor the barbarian nation that lived and died on these lands.


By the way Maltrease, what happened to your army that was apparently scripted to retreat from the fort that was conquered by Caelum this turn? Did it survive? From your and mine duel last week it seems that the mechanics of retreat from the besieged castle may have changed in Dom3. IIRC in Dom2 any defenders that would retreat from the storm of the castle would perish. Is this indeed no longer the case, as we suspected?

[Ighalli]

Caelum is definately not consuming Ulmish lands. We took 1 province at the beginning of the war in an attempt to sneak attack Helhiem and then offered it back.

[Agrajag]

Just wanted to let you know that from 11.12 to 12.12 I will not be able to play my turns.
I'll probably be able to sneak in a turn 10.12 night, but won't be able to make another until probably 13.12 night.
If you feel like waiting for me, go ahead. If you are mean then just ignore my stale turns and try not to abuse them agaisnt me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Meglobob]

Drat! Just missed getting my turn in, before you took the server down.

Hope I have not missed my turn.

Any idea when they are back up? Been down 12+ hrs now AFAIK.

[Agrajag]

Meglobob said:
Drat! Just missed getting my turn in, before you took the server down.

Hope I have not missed my turn.

Any idea when they are back up? Been down 12+ hrs now AFAIK.


Same here :X
Atleast I think I missed the last turn :X

[Baalz]

The giant's 'Skratti hunt' was apparently a cover for a large scale invasion of Mictlan land. As we sat in the peace tent drawing up terms with the scholars, war drums were heard to the east...the giants were on the move. Initial reports were of two medium sized giant armies spilling Mictlan blood, I was sent to investigate. No rest for our well-blooded veteran toops, I set a hard march straight from the peace tent into a fresh war.

Our conscripted militias were no match for the powerful Jotun Hirdmen, particularly as they were supported by large groups of Amazon bow-women. As I arrived on the scene the giants had yet to take a single casualty. They were in for a surprise now however, as our Jaguar warriors laid an ambush in the jungle directly in the path of the advancing gaints.

They were initially joyful as they charged what appeared to be another lightly defended Mictlan village, though this villiage did have a larger than normal group of conscripted soldiers formed up to meet them. As the first volley of sling bullets fell though, the giant host trembled as the very trees seemed to become a terrifying group of holy warriors with death in thier eyes.

The giants were driving a herd of foul-spawn mutations ahead of them as chaff, and a pack of wolves protected thier other flank. Our conscript warriors engaged the foul spawn as our mighty Jaguar Warriors fell on the wolves with such ferocity they barely had time to attack before they were killed to an animal. As death rushed towards the stunned Hirdmen, their Jarl captain was heard to remark "holy crap, did we ever step in an ant hill!" He fired his magical black bow into our warriors as we swarmed over the giant ranks like a viscious swarm of pirranah tearing appart cows trying to cross the river.

As the crows decended on the the pile of gaint bodies, I got a report that 10 of our holy warriors had fallen at a cost of over 70 Jotuns. I had allowed 4 or 5 Jotun surviors to flee to spread word ahead of us that the end of the nation of giants was at hand. Seeing I still had the other half of the giant army to deal with, ordered the other two-thirds of our army to our eastern front and prepared to fulfill the holy crusade I had been charged with. Our bloody god demanded the heart of the Jotun prophet for the affront of invading holy Mictlan lands under pretense, and I would not fail him. The pile of Jotun bodies would stack high enough to be seen from the holy Mictlan ziggarat. The other Jotun army obviously hoped thier Amazon bow-women would fare better agains our lightly armored troops, but they were in for a surprise as I had a plan to deal with them.

[Meglobob]

In the dark, damp, chilled halls of Nielfelheim, Angerboda sat on the blood throne, shaking in uncontrollable rage. Not from the armour of twisting thorns which constantly caused Angerboda's blood to flow, no, it was the news from the hirdman. Beaten again, first the Marverni savages and now Mictian barbarians, it was too much, Angerboda's hand moved swiftly forward, grasping the blithering hirdman. In seconds all blood was drained from his body, the remaining husk tumbled to the floor, breaking into pieces. "Out, everyone out, or you will suffer this fools fate", giants, men, mutants, amazons fled, fighting to escape Angerboda's gaze.

In time Angerboda rose and made her way upto the highest tower in Nielfelheim. Only one thing could sooth her anger and from the paraphet she looked down on the courtyard below and smiled. Five gates stood open, surrounded by dozens of skratti and her lesser kin, there minds bent in concentration to control the monsters that emerged. Countless where there number, they lined the walls of Nielfelheim, waiting the word to march. Besides the creatures from the underworld, giant beasts conjured by the black arts stood, virtually unkillable and unstoppable. "Yes", said Angerboda, "let Mictian have his little victory, Neifelheim is called the land of monsters, it is time all realised how true that was and besides, winter is coming..."

[Maltrease]

Awesome write ups! I enjoyed them immensely. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Ighalli]

I'll second that! These are great! I wonder what will happen next...

[Corwin]

I agree. Great AARs Baalz and Meglobob! Keep it up please. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Corwin]

Meglobob said:
Drat! Just missed getting my turn in, before you took the server down.

Hope I have not missed my turn.

Any idea when they are back up? Been down 12+ hrs now AFAIK.



Server is still down it seems. Any ETA on when aprox. it would be back online?

[Baalz]

Are there any nations with an excess cache of death gems they would be willing to trade to the bloody empire? I can offer in exchange water, astral, or nature gems, as well as blood slaves. I can also offer greater magical items forged from those spheres. Know also that your friendship will be remembered once the nation of giants is no more than a memory of the elders.

[Agrajag]

Baalz said:
Are there any nations with an excess cache of death gems they would be willing to trade to the bloody empire? I can offer in exchange water, astral, or nature gems, as well as blood slaves. I can also offer greater magical items forged from those spheres. Know also that your friendship will be remembered once the nation of giants is no more than a memory of the elders.


So does that mean you've been able to connect to the server? :X
*attempts to connect*
EDIT: Still no luck connecting.

[Baalz]

Uh...yeah. I've taken a turn every day for the last 5, you haven't? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


Nah, just thinking about what I wanna do once I can.

[Graeme Dice]

The server is unfortunately still down as it turned out that I also needed to get a new floppy drive for my newer computer before I could make the startup disk necessary to rebuild the server. I'm hoping to get everything reinstalled today or tomorrow depending on my schedule, and have the server back up by Saturday. I have to apologize for the long delay.

[Agrajag]

Also, please upgrade the server to the latest version http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Meglobob]

Graeme Dice said:
The server is unfortunately still down as it turned out that I also needed to get a new floppy drive for my newer computer before I could make the startup disk necessary to rebuild the server. I'm hoping to get everything reinstalled today or tomorrow depending on my schedule, and have the server back up by Saturday. I have to apologize for the long delay.



That's a relief, was beginning to get worried.

[Baalz]

The temporary reprieve for the nation of giants is at an end. Our armies march east today or tomorrow (depending on our their schedules) and there will be blood in the streams. Gnash your teeth Angerboda, for you have bitten the hand that was once extended in friendship and our wrath is terrible to behold. Watch in anguish as your disciples are strapped to our altars to worship our god with their lifeblood, and your daughters' life essence consumed to bind the very methods of your destruction. We bring blood and fire to your frozen mountains, and know well as the pyre of your own making consumes you that you will be chained for all eternity in the afterlife at the feet of the bloody god.

[Corwin]

Agrajag said:
Also, please upgrade the server to the latest version http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif




We may need to be careful with this one - all turns that have been submited before server went down were made with 3.01. If missing turns will be submited with 3.04 before the next hosting, it may crash the server.

[Agrajag]

Corwin said:

Agrajag said:
Also, please upgrade the server to the latest version http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif




We may need to be careful with this one - all turns that have been submited before server went down were made with 3.01. If missing turns will be submited with 3.04 before the next hosting, it may crash the server.


Just read further into what Gandalf said - as long as the server is brought down (which it already is), then patched, then brought back up, there will be no problems. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Corwin]

Agrajag said:
Just read further into what Gandalf said - as long as the server is brought down (which it already is), then patched, then brought back up, there will be no problems. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



I haven't senn his post, but I will take your word on it.

[Agrajag]

Corwin said:

Agrajag said:
Just read further into what Gandalf said - as long as the server is brought down (which it already is), then patched, then brought back up, there will be no problems. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



I haven't senn his post, but I will take your word on it.


Just check out this thread: http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=477027&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[Graeme Dice]

The server is almost back up, except for the fact that the video card cooler fan melted and needs to be replaced.

[Graeme Dice]

The server is back up, and should stay up indefinitely now that I've identified and fixed the problem that was crashing it. (Video card overheating to the point that the fan melted to th chip.)

The server is currently running version 3.04, and has a 48 hour time delay before the first turn starts. I'm still looking for a good email notification program that will work with my setup.

[Corwin]

Excellent! Thank you for fixing it up Graeme.

Only Niefelheim left to submit their turn, and then we will have a new turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Meglobob]

Corwin said:
Excellent! Thank you for fixing it up Graeme.

Only Niefelheim left to submit their turn, and then we will have a new turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Did it as soon as I got home from work.

Now T'ien Ch'i can you please hurry up and win the game!

[Corwin]

Meglobob said:

Corwin said:
Excellent! Thank you for fixing it up Graeme.

Only Niefelheim left to submit their turn, and then we will have a new turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Did it as soon as I got home from work.

Now T'ien Ch'i can you please hurry up and win the game!



Heh, I wish. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif This turn my main army took a serious beating from Helheim. At the end I was able to rout helheim hordes (who outnumbered me almost 2:1), but more than half of my army was destroyed. If only Helheim would commit their whole army which was sitting within the capital to the defense of their capital rather than committing part of it(and without giving them mage support), they would without a doubt destroy my army to the last man. Why they haven't done it is a bit of mystery. Perhaps they didn't think I would have balls to attack their capital this turn before waiting for reinforcements. And that's exactly why I have attacked. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Nevertheless, great battle Maltrease. I wish I would get that nasty prophet of yours - he was parading nice collection of items. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I assume you will be coming for the rematch next turn. I better prepare my armies for the 2nd round. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/firedevil.gif