New Horizons - Started

[johnarryn]

Nations
Ermor - Me (johnarryn)
Man - WSzaboPeter - replaced by JayThomas
Ulm - Micah - DEFEATED
Marignon - mehrunes_dagon - DEFEATED
Agartha - Dark_Uncle - DEFEATED
Abysia - Teraswaerto
Pangaea - Sorlakind - DEFEATED
Vanheim - Strages Sanctus - STALED INDEFINITELY
Bandar Log - AI - DEFEATED
R'lyeh - seej - DEFEATED
Oceania - AdmiralZhao - replaced by seej - set to AI
Atlantis - Fal - DEFEATED
Tien Chi - Cafard - DEFEATED
Machaka - Ramiro
Jotunheim - atreides - replaced by Thrawn

[WSzaboPeter]

Great. I wish to play a random nation game. Those are a lot of fun.

Edit: Sent Man pretender.

[Micah]

I'm in too, I've had a lot of experience kicking Bretty around, and I'm in 2 real MP games now, (as a sub in one though) but that's it for experience playing dominons. Just for full diclosure.

I'm shinu in 2 games already though (and a LA game as Jomon too), so if I could request a reroll if I get them as my random that'd be cool (if anyone has a problem with me passing on a really good nation let me know)

Micah

[mehrunes_dagon]

default+no graph+renamin are my favorite options against computer

i hope the map will be big and rocky and with water?

I wanna join

[Manuk]

I would like to join

[mehrunes_dagon]

Accordin to private email, i'm Marignon. Thanks.

So how large is the map, what is water percent? I like to use magic, but afraid of someone killing me before i research anythin

[Dark_Uncle]

Recruitment for this game over? If not, I'd be happy to join in on the fun as well. Didn't see how many nations this game was going to have.

Best Regards,
Chris

[Micah]

I think he was looking for 10-12 players, so keep the sign-ups coming.

[Gandalf Parker]

All options will be default, except for graphs off, renaming allowed.



Apparently graphs off wont work until the next patch.
The progress page says that a fix has been done to that.

[Teraswaerto]

I might be an experienced player by some standards, currently in 4 Dom3 PBEM games, which is also the amount of Dom3 MP games I've played.

If that's ok, I would like to join.

[johnarryn]

The map is going to be a large, random map. Upon receiving everyones gods I will generate the map.

I am waiting for (hopefully) 5 more people to sign up. If you have any friends on the boards, let them know about the game!

[Sorlakind]

If there is still a vacancy sign me up.

I never played MP dominions so I guess I'm as newbie as you gonna get. Be gentle with me <makes cute little helpless face>.

Best regards,

P.S: I'll send email in a short while.

[Strages Sanctus]

I would like to join if there is still room. I have emailed you as well.

[seagull]

I would like to play. Would be my first MP game.

[seej]

I would also like to play, it would be my first MP game.

[AdmiralZhao]

I too would like to play. This will be my third MP game (though my first 2 games were again a complete noob, so I did not learn much).

[Fal]

Count me in too please. I've had some Dom experience but mostly SP, so you can call me MP newbie.

[Cafard]

Hi, i'd like to give that game a try. That would be my first ever MP, discounting the Dom2 games with my wife.

Please be gentle http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Sorlakind]

I am loathe to ask this, but I've been assigned Pangaea and I'd like to switch. I never played and don't play blood nations out of principle. Any non-blood nation is fine. If a switch is at all impossible, I'll give it a try anyways. I'll delay sending pretender until I hear a word from our host.

Best regards,

Late Edit: Disregard this post. I'm giving a shot at Pangaea and see how it goes. Sending pretender in a few hours.

[Teraswaerto]

Pangaea isn't much of a blood nation. You could just not recruit Pandemoniacs, or hunt for slaves.

[Ramiro]

I would like to play too !

[Sorlakind]

Pangaea pretender sent by email. I made a mistake with the first one (besides not setting the password) so I resent it.

Sorry about my mistakes. I warned you all I was a newbie.

Best,

[mehrunes_dagon]

sent $subj via email. And asked johnarryn a short timeout to playtest

PS I dislike this musculous low-magic nation and never played it before yesterday

[johnarryn]

Ok, so I''ve decided, due to the enthusiastic sign ups, to add 3 more people to the 12 i already had signed up. Fal, Ramiro, Cafard, welcome to the game.

At this point, please send your pretender gods to my email address, johnarryn@hotmail.com. Once I have received all pretender gods I will generate our random map and begin. You will receive your .trn file and map files, which you should place in a folder in the "savedgames" Dom3 subfolder. Please call the new folder "newhorizons."

When sending your turns to me, please use the following format for the subject "Nation - Turn X." For example "Ermor - Turn 13." This will help me to stay organized with the large number of players who are participating. Also, I don't plan to be a hardass about it, but please endeavor to have your turns in no later than 48 hours after I send them out. This will be a long, fun game, but we need to keep it moving to maintain interest.

Please feel free to engage in diplomacy in this post and privately, in character or out of character, whatever you're most comfortable with. Please keep things civil.

I would like to stress the importance of taking this game (and any game, for that matter) in good spirit. We may not always get the nation or the start we want, but that's part of the fun. I've never played Ermor before in SP, much less MP, but i'm looking forward to learning their ins and outs, and I hope everyone else in the game will approach the game with an equally positive outlook.

Now that i've bored myself to death: good luck to everyone, and have fun!

Brett (johnarryn)

[Strages Sanctus]

I will upload a pretender when i get home tonight around 7pm PST. (that is GMT -8)

[Cafard]

Cafardine, the T'ien Ch'i pretender has been sent.

Let it be known that i never played T'ien Ch'i, and wasn't even contemplating the idea. As such, this game will be quite a nice way to force my hand into discovering a whole new world, hopefully for many and many turns. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Micah]

Good attitude Cafard! TC is a pretty solid nation from what I understand, so you should have a decent shot at it. I've already started praying for a good starting spot, since Ulm is cripplingly dependant on having one.

[Ramiro]

Pretender sent ! could you post a list with all emails and players and nations when the game starts, please?

[johnarryn]

Currently waiting on the following people for their gods:

Mictlan - Manuk

[johnarryn]

I don't see any reason to post everyone's email addresses unless they are needed for some reason. Forum messaging seems to work fine for communication. If people don't check their forum PMs very often and want me to distribute their email address when I send out turns let me know. But I will not be distributing them without the owner's permission. And if I do, it will be done via email, not a public post

Also, i've added two more people at the last minute as Caelum and Jotunheim... i'm far too kindhearted about deadlines. Anyway, these are the last people to be added, for real, seriously, etc. My inbox is getting way too crowded as it is =)

So, as soon as all pretenders are in, we will start.

[Atreides]

If it's possible to still sneak in, I'd like to join this game.

[mehrunes_dagon]

Me stupid slow but tough (hard to lose and hard to win) ready for battle

[Ramiro]

Ok ! shame on me ! I not see it! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

Hmm how will be the final settings ? (magic frecuency,independ strengh,ect)

Good luck !

[Strages Sanctus]

All options will be default, except for graphs off, renaming allowed.

[seej]

Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!

Starspawn gather close, it will take all of our energies to pull forth The One Who Makes No Gods... align your squeedlyspooches to the Southern Cross!

Awaken the slumbering Manuk and bathe the earth in blood.

-High Priest Gythys

[Micah]

I see you're trying to win over some allies already by showing how mentally stable and trustworthy you are.

(great IC post btw)

[Teraswaerto]

So, is the game going to start soon?

[johnarryn]

I do apologize for the delay. I had to wait until this morning (6:00 AM EST) for one of the pretenders... I don't have much time in the morning before I leave for work, so I was only able to mess e-mail the map files... I had planned to email your turns from work, but unfortunately I grabbed the wrong disk. I will email out the turns around 4:30 PM EST.

Again, I am sorry for the delay. Things will run much more smoothly once is rolling and certain email issues have been resolved.

I have also updated the list of players, as not all who originally signed up are still playing.

- Brett

[mehrunes_dagon]

i am alive and waitin for map file in my new email

It is the 1st time i encounter problem with incomin attached files at ZMAIL.RU

[Sorlakind]

It is my plan to write up an AAR with LaTeX, pdf it then post it in the forum when the game is over. It will be a mix of story and tutorial, explaining strategic decisions, diplomatic thinking, etc. We all know too well how often plans end up in an airy nothing, nevertheless, I have the toolchain in place, the desire and already a good set of notes.

Without further ado:

The Start: Greetings, all nations of the World.

Pangaea is a peace-loving and love-loving nation. We revel, we dance, we frolick. We beseech all nations to abandon their violent ways and join us in an all-embracing chain of love.

It is our wish to promote peace and love. By violence if need be. In order to do it, we intend to send batallions of Maenads to all corners of the world. Is your population dwindling, the males of your race leaving nothing to posterity but a scrophulous consumptive offspring? Has the sap in your veins dried and the spunk of your loins gone watery? Do your women wear a beard, are frigid or smell of rotten fish? Worry no more, my friend, lustful naked ladies are arriving soon at a town near you, to warm your bed and sooth your body. Beware though, that these ladies might claw and bite you in the throes of passion. Some reports (no doubt, spread by envious and malicious minds) even speak of males dying a blessed and happy death between the sheets.

A new world-order is about to rise. Join us.

Deikoon, The Superintendent-In-Charge of Pangaea.

[seej]

When a benthan hears "Watery-spunked, hairless bishop seeks frigid, fish-smelling cuttle-mate," it might think that it's just another personal ad. But that classic clerical tourist's line has been heard all over the sacred chambers of the capital lately. The Ministry of Slave Recruitment has issued a report today that bottles containing strangely erotic messages have been found on the surface. The messages appear to be from the Superintendent of a land tribe complaining of assertive, warm blooded females. Things must be getting pretty desperate on the surface! The Ministry has therefore announced plans to begin building coastal resorts to profit from the lascivious interests of well-heeled surface dwellers. Critics complain that these "maenads" may not have the stamina to handle the famous breeding-torpor of R'ylehans, but Director Ngethyo of the Ministry pointed out that early tests prove otherwise! This reporter will be sure to bring you more on this as the story as it comes.
- Prince Arcthyis the Exiled

[Strages Sanctus]

The mountainous wastelands that Caelum called home were barren and desolate. "Why have you chosen to settle here my lord?" questioned the young scout.

"We had no choice, we are outcasts from the homeland. we do not have quickened flaming mirages of death , we are a square peg in a round hole. It is here we will show the world that we do not need the haughty ones blessed with powerful magics to conquer the world." replied the local Baron.

"You are a fool" said the scout, but his lord did not hear him for by then the scout was already en route to his target destionation... more mountainous wasteland.

[Micah]

All your mercenaries are belong to Ulm.

[mehrunes_dagon]

good news: mail.ru successfully delivered map and turn files

bad news: unace ver 1.2 failed to decompress map. johnarryn, is ace much better than 7z?

[Teraswaerto]

We Abysians are troubled by this talk of "lustful naked ladies". Do not misunderstand, dear Deikoon, we have plans for your women: the breeding chambers and bloodstained altars of Smouldercone always need more fresh bodies.

Any unorderly (and untimely) lechery, with goatmen or otherwise, is frowned upon by the geriatric Warlocks, and as for the Anathemants, well, the smell of charred flesh is all they want.

As for me, the unified will of all Abysia, I have composed a poem for you to contemplate:

The sky rent asunder... black-winged devils surge forth from the void...
A maelstrom of crimson fire burns above us... what carnage has thou wrought?
Not sword, ballistae, nor burning brand
Could e'er these walls aspire to breach,
Yet now the city's fall is nigh,
As elder rites black fiends unleash.


-Baal Davar

[seagull]

Ugh naked ladies with no hair. However do you have any bannana trees in your forest?

We may have to send a botanical team into investigate the banana tree situation in your forest, it will of course be heavily escorted for its own protection.

[johnarryn]

I'm pleased to say that most people have their first turn in already (in less than 24 hours! Way to go guys). I am still waiting on a few turns... I will host this afternoon (5 pm EST) if I can get those few turns.

thanks

[mehrunes_dagon]

Sorlakind, welcome to my lands. My holy knigths need some trainin to enter hall of fame, and yo weak and unprotected crowd is just fine.

[mehrunes_dagon]

We the holy knights of marignon don't understand the strange term EST. Is this GMT plus smth?

[Cafard]

Sorry, but you're probably waiting for me. I'm on GMT, and i don't play the game during the work day. I'll proceed from home this evening.

[seej]

GMT is 5 hours ahead of EST (U.S. Eastern Standard Time). That is to say that in New York City it is 12:10PM right now, so I guess it would be 5:10 PM right now in London.

If you are in Moscow, I suppose it would therefore be 8:10 PM.

CJ

[Fal]

Atlantis Once again...

I must say sea nations aren't usually my cup of tea but at least this time I did not get a scale bug like one previous game. With the right scales things look a bit more hopeful.

The mysterious atlantic nation is particular interested in the peaceful rising and we look forward to meet other lesser and unholy nations for diplomacy and trading.

[johnarryn]

Turn 2 has been sent out.

[johnarryn]

If no one has any objections, I plan to post the nations that havent sent in their turns after 24 hours. This isnt to be mean, just to remind people that we're waiting on them =)

Let me know if anyone has any objections to this.

[johnarryn]

Turn 3 will be sent out shortly.

Also, Bandar Log's player has had to withdraw from the game. Bandar Log is now controlled by the AI.

[Sorlakind]

I would suggest setting the AI to at least difficult level and defensive personality - to diminish the probability of a player taking advantage and get himself a nice second castle. But It's too late.

Anyway, it's a pity to see Seagull go. Hope we meet in some other, future, game.

Best,

[johnarryn]

Unfortunately, the game doesn't give me the choice of setting the AI level. So yes, whoever is near Bandar Log will have an advantage. Nothing to do about it now, however.

[johnarryn]

Turn 4 has been sent out.

[johnarryn]

Turn 5 has been sent out.

[johnarryn]

I did say that I wouldn't be too hard about having turns in on time, but i'm thinking of implementing a turn a day rule in this game, at least during these early turns where there's not much reason it should take longer than 24 hours to send your turn in.

Obviously if you have some pressing personal business that requires a slight delay i'm amicable to giving anyone an extension, but I feel as though the first few turns have been taking longer than they need to.

Does anyone have any objections to picking up the pace a bit?

[johnarryn]

Turn 6 has been sent out. PLEASE try to have your turn in by 9pm EST on Friday, January 19th. If you can't do it, e-mail me. Thanks.

[Teraswaerto]

I would like a faster pace.

[Cafard]

Turn 6 has been sent out.

Really? I sent my turn 5 on Jan 17th, and haven't received anything from you since then. /threads/images/Graemlins/Cold.gif

[Teraswaerto]

I received turn 6 without a problem.

[Sorlakind]

I also received turn 6 - except it was a stale turn, but I'm pretty sure I sent my turn.

Anyways, I'm all for a faster pace (e.g. a turn per 24h) with some allowance for the timezones. I live in GMT and only play either at night, or right next to lunch if I have the opportunity.

Best,

[seej]

I can do 24 hour turns.

CJ

[johnarryn]

Turn 7 has been sent out. If you haven't received the turn by the time you read this post, let me know.

I apologize for the delay in hosting; however, despite the late sending out, it would be great if everyone could have their turn in by 9 pm EST so i can host again...

[Strages Sanctus]

I haven't received a turn

[johnarryn]

My IM name is tarnishedsilverr

Im me if there are any turn problems.

[johnarryn]

We are currently waiting on:

Agartha
Marignon

[johnarryn]

I apologize for the delay, everyone. I am still waiting on Marignon and Agartha. If I don't receive their turns by tomorrow morning I plan to host without them.

[johnarryn]

Turn 8 has been sent out. As always, please try to be prompt. If you have not received the turn, let me know.

[johnarryn]

Turn 9 was sent out this morning. Please let me know if you have not received the turn.

[johnarryn]

Turn 10 has been sent out.

[Sorlakind]

johnarryn said:
Turn 10 has been sent out.



I haven't received turn 10. Could you please resend it to me.

[mehrunes_dagon]

Marignon scouts located the whereabouts of Pangae capital. We, the Marignon knights leader, are willing to trade the location of the city. The price is either 15 astral gems or 20 death gems.

The map number of the city will be sent privately immediately upon delivery of crystals.

Nastya, the Marignon knights leader

[Micah]

Haha, that's a great way to have Pangaea tell the entire game right where you're at. Also, if anyone's willing to pitch more than 10 gems at me for the right to know I'll sell the location of my OWN capital for that much, damn.

[Sorlakind]

mehrunes_dagon said:
Marignon scouts located the whereabouts of Pangae capital. We, the Marignon knights leader, are willing to trade the location of the city. The price is either 15 astral gems or 20 death gems.

The map number of the city will be sent privately immediately upon delivery of crystals.

Nastya, the Marignon knights leader



Greetings, Nastya, leader of the Mighty empire of Marignon.

We have heard many tales of your greatness. I can personally inform you that your scouts are having a GREAT time in our sacred groves. By the way, we know that in Marignon people have developed sophisticated and cunning ways of flaying themselves to raw flesh, but I hope you do not mind my arrogance if I suggest you took a bit of schooling and learn spelling: it is Pangaea.

If anyone is interested in knowing where the capital of Pangaea is I can also tell you, and for half the price Marignon is offering. Even better, I may throw in the locations of other capitals, including Marignon's.

Satyridna, Head Scout of Pangaea

[mehrunes_dagon]

Satyridna, I am glad to hear that yo intelligence is workin, too. I am interested to know locations of capitals, excluding of course mine and yours, espesially those close to our lands. What's yo price?

Nastya, the holly knights leader

[Shovah32]

holly knights?

[mehrunes_dagon]

Our military commanders are mighty god-blessed horse-riding knights of chalice. Heretics, beware!

[johnarryn]

Turn 11 has been sent out. Email if you did not receive it.

[johnarryn]

Yes, Marignon has not really being doing anything to win many friends; for instance, on the very first turn the Empire of Ermor received a threatening missive from Marignon. This is extremely odd seeing as Marignon has not even encountered us yet. It has never seemed like good diplomacy to me to threaten and make enemies of other nations before you absolutely have to.

[Teraswaerto]

I have heard the decrepid Marignonians incorporate fire into their religion, even though it burns their defective bodies if they embrace it? Blasphemy, say I.

They seem a fallacious people, and I advise anyone who encounters them do spit in their face and crush them, with cruelty, under heavy feet.

-Baal Davar, recently awekened

[mehrunes_dagon]

Looks like it is ok to exchange early opinions on players' personalities in this forum thread?

First comes the story, then my analyze.

At the beginnning i receieved lots of in-game messages and emails - polite, rude, humorous, stupid, clever, friendly, threatening (but not from Ermor). I decided to write smth to Ermor and sent him in-game message saying: "Find sites of magic power, i will need them later to cast tartarian gate". Yes, this message could be treated as a threat (a threat to konquer part of the Ermor land someday in the future). And i did not expect Ermor to take it close to heart.

Analyzin cautios in-game answer from Ermor, and post #490251 i came to the followin conclusions:

1) Ermor leader has good memory and ... er... dislikes aggression

2) Other players did not send him any threats, which means there are all cautios strategs.

[Teraswaerto]

mehrunes_dagon said:
Looks like it is ok to exchange early opinions on players' personalities in this forum thread?

2) Other players did not send him any threats, which means there are all cautios strategs.



All my communications have been in this thread. So far the great Baal Davar has expressed his disdain for Pangaea and Marignon. Who shall be next? I'm sure you all are shaking in fear. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[mehrunes_dagon]

To Micah.

I am interested to know the location of yo capital. U said "more than 10 crystals". I offer 15 fire crystals.

I send u 15 fire crystals on turn 12, and immediately upon receivin turn 13 u write me private email containin the map number. Deal?

[johnarryn]

I apologize for the delay. I have been waiting for Vanheim's turn, which is taking awhile because confusion over turn number. When I send a turn out (such as "Turn 11") please make sure that the turn you are playing matches the turn i have sent out. Otherwise you can end up sending me orders for the wrong turn, which dont register as you having taken your turn.

Hopefully we will proceed shortly.
thanks.

[johnarryn]

Turn 12 has been sent out.

[johnarryn]

Sorry for the delay... we have been waiting on Agartha. Hopefully I will be able to host when I get home from work.

[johnarryn]

Turn 14 has been sent out. Guess I never posted about Turn 13? Anyway, in the subject to some people I wrote "Turn 13", but I did in fact send the right turn.

[johnarryn]

Nice job guys... only about 16 hours after i hosted and I have 10/14 turns.

Waiting on:
Vanheim

[johnarryn]

Sent out the new turn this morning. Please DO NOT patch until after you have sent the most recent turn to me. I will not patch until after I have hosted. At that point you can patch and then take your new turn. This seems to make the most sense.
thanks

[Cafard]

Turn 15 sent, and game patched. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[johnarryn]

Oceania
Agartha
Atlantis
Machaka
Jotunheim

[johnarryn]

Turn 17 sent out.

[johnarryn]

Waiting on....

Agartha
Ulm
Vanheim

[johnarryn]

Turn 18 sent out

[Cafard]

Hmmm, haven't received anything yet.

Of course, i expect to have been eliminated this precise turn, but i'd prefer to get a confirmation. And don't i even get a turn file to watch the final battle of my demise? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Cafard]

Right, got it now, and as expected, i ended up as an easy meal for the Jotuns.

There had to be a first player eliminated, and that dubious honor falls on me. Not bad for a first MP game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I suppose my main mistake was the pretender design. Not having played Tien Chi before, i went for an awaken rainbow crone, simply to quickly maximise early gem income, and make use of the seemingly polyvalent mages.

Alas, that had me completely unable to expand in the first 3/4 turns, as Tien Chi's starting army is, err, 'poor' to say it politely. And the heavy infantry/cavalry provinces surrounding me didn't help. I deeply regret not having gone for an efficient monster-type pretender to offset the delay in army recruiting...

And then, as i was getting going and slamming the surrounding independants, i fell on the Jotuns, and was trashed.

Oh well, we die and learn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Have fun, and try to post some news of the game from time to time, i'd like to know what happens.

[Atreides]

Hey, sorry you had to run into me so early in the game. That start location you had was pretty rough, and it didnt help that my troops pretty much ambushed yours in that first engagement. Even still, I think you almost stopped me with all those mages when I was storming. Truly a stalwart defense, and my compliments.

[Cafard]

Haha, yeah, i was a bit depressed by that 'ambush'. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I was planning to stay clear from you (i hate fighting the giants without a soul slay battalion) and not provoke, when suddenly, we met, and i lost about half of my leading army... Good move from you to follow straight-on. I wasn't up to it, and by storming me, you gained some precious territory with a fortress at an early stage.

As for that last defense, well, it was more a make-do with what i had left than a careful plan... And your army size even prevented me to build some more trinkets. I was hoping to maybe rout your main unit by killing enough of them with direct spells, but it wasn't to be. And even then, i would only have gained one to three more turns.

[johnarryn]

Turn 20 has been sent out.

[johnarryn]

Turn 21 has been sent out.

[johnarryn]

Turn 22 has been sent out.

[Sorlakind]

Have not received turn 22.

I am also very busy atm, and will only be able to play in 24hrs (~4pm GMT tomorrow 9 Feb).

Sorry for any inconvenience,

Best

[WSzaboPeter]

Greetings,
As you may have noticed, the new patch included a few very good summoning spells for Man. Two of them where bugged.
I did not used those bugged spells, only Cu Sith Summon. That is also bugged, but only missing description... And then again, when we started the game the patch was not out. I will summon Cu Siths as I did before, since they are not bugged I think. I have not summond any barghests or black dogs, and I will not do that in the future, that would be plain cheap play.
Thanks a lot,
DS

[johnarryn]

Turn 23 has been sent out. Let's keep up the fairly rapid pace we have going.

[Teraswaerto]

Any news from the wide world? My Abysians have recently developed a taste for charred monkey flesh, and who am I to deny them.

Also, beings from beyond time have been enlisted into my service, thus proving Abysia has the favour of the celestial spheres, and indeed the whole universe, if that was ever in doubt.

-Baal Davar

[mehrunes_dagon]

Machaka, Ermor and Pangae took nearly all my provinces. I am low on money and gems.

Whom would u advise me to hire: elephants or knights of the chalice? They cost nearly the same. Elephant is bigger, but knight is sacred. And my god is 4 in air, water, earth, nature and blood. My military plans are to throw away invaders from key provinces and then raise Pangae and Machaka which are both distance 7 from my capital. So how do i spend my money?

[WSzaboPeter]

I would say Elephants for their TRAMPLE ability. Your pretender design is not a heavy bless one, so I would not buy knights of chalice. They are very good with W9 for example, but otherwise Elephants are a lot better choice. Buy a few dozen elephants and watch your foes getting revenge. And remember, in this game agression is progression.

[johnarryn]

Im going to be hosting an EA random game for newish players (I use # of posts as a meterstick... this next game will require you to have less than 400 posts). Anyhow, the game will be PBEM where turns must be in every 24 hrs...im very strict on that deadline. If you're interested in getting in to the game, PM me.
thanks

[johnarryn]

Sorry for the delay in hosting... I should be able to host this afternoon.

[AdmiralZhao]

No problem. Welcome back. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[johnarryn]

Turn 32 is out.

[Teraswaerto]

Abysia is under attack from the bloated nation of Man. The watery meatsacks think they can contend with the might of fire and blood.

Even as this message is being written they are proved wrong, yet the fools hold a large area of land, so we invite any neighbours of Man to join us in eradicating these verminous creatures.

-Baal Davar

[mehrunes_dagon]

Most of my gems and money go to Ulm, little piece went to Man. I go computer-controlled. I failed to fight against 3 nations

PS Pangae (Sorlakind) attack was against out peace treaty. If anybody wants information on Pangae lands or armies, i am ready to send all files

PPS The more i play with men, the more i like computer

[Sorlakind]

mehrunes_dagon said:
Most of my gems and money go to Ulm, little piece went to Man. I go computer-controlled. I failed to fight against 3 nations

PS Pangae (Sorlakind) attack was against out peace treaty. If anybody wants information on Pangae lands or armies, i am ready to send all files

PPS The more i play with men, the more i like computer



Peace treaty? What peace treaty? Below I paste the last paragraph of the last message that Marignon, led by Nastya the Evil princess, sent me:

"I don't know yet whether it will be easier for me to keep ceasefire or to capture Pangae territory. For now, i will act it accordance with yo proposal: don't take provinces distance 2 or closer to yo capital and don't harm yo provinces or troops, until u act the same way. My desire to remain neutral to u will depend on yo actions and messages."

Is that your idea of a peace treaty? Maybe Pangaea should have waited until, to quote you, you finally decided to "capture Pangae territory"? Yeah, right. And by the way, it's Pangaea, Nastya, the departed-never-to-be-seen-again Princess.

Out of character: In one thing I do agree with you: the more I play with men the more I like the computer. At least the computer doesn't make veiled threats, adopts an aggressive stance, invents peace treaties out of his imagination and then whines about being beaten. Playing MP dominions is starting to leave a sour taste in my mouth with all this OOC whining.

[johnarryn]

Let me intercede here before this gets out of hand...

Dominions, MP Dominions anyhow, is a game about two things - strategy and diplomacy. You can't win without using both of these skills (it's very hard, anyhow). So, it's very hard, Mehrunes_Dagon, for you to win because you're getting attacked by three people. I think you did an admirable job of trying to fight us all off... of course, you might not have had to fight three people at once if you hadn't
a) threatened one nation on the very first turn and then
b) offered to sell the location of the capital of yet another nation.

It was then bad luck that you ended up between those two nations (as well as a third), but you have to sleep in the bed you made.. more judicious diplomacy might have spared you so many attack.

I think its also important to make sure that diplomacy on the boards is conducted in-character... what I mean is that it would have been perfectly alright for Marignon to accuse Pangaea of violating a treaty whether that is true or not. Deception is a vital part of diplomacy. However, for Mehrunes_Dagon to say that Sorlakind is breaking treaties is another thing. Keep discussions in-character if you're going to talk to each other... and make declarations about Pangaea's strength in-character as well.

I hope that this game does not discourage people from playing multiplayer... for me, I can no longer play SP because i find it boring... MP offers a greater challenge, and the opportunity to interact with others, whether by allying or breaking their (nations) skulls.

Remember, in the end only one person wins... the game needs to be about more than that, and you should enjoy a battle well fought, regardless of if you win or lose (although this might seem hard when three people gang up on you).

Anyhow, my thoughts on the matter... I don't want to see a flamewar start over something that is, in the end, inevitable, i.e. getting knocked out of the game.

[WSzaboPeter]

Greetings people, in the next turn I offer you the unique chance to send me NATURE gems and get 17 GOLD of each and every gem sent to me. (After that turn I can only pay 15 gold/N gem.)

In the other hand I would like to ask if someone is offended by non hostile GLOBAL spells, I cast or will be casting. If that's the case please tell me so we can settle it in peace.

[Teraswaerto]

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/1064/defeatce4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5676/slayedhi4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3483/burnedfleshqf5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Yet another defeat for Man, and this time the ridiculous drinking fountain they call god was there to observe. Needless to say, it was crushed into rubble by Abysian hands and Abysian anger.

Their spine is broken now. It will not be long before we bring fire to Avalon.

-Baal Davar

[Dedas]

LOL, how do you wear bracelets when you are a fountain? Ridiculous indeed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[AdmiralZhao]

The bracelets go on the little side-spigots of the fountain.

[WSzaboPeter]

Okay, great performance there Abysia. You won. I mean the fight between our two nation. My forces are decimated, pretender dead, your way is clear to my 200ish unrest capital. Gratulations again. I was a pleasure playing with you people in this game.

[johnarryn]

WSzaboPeter wishes to leave the game, since his main army was defeated and his pretender is dead.... however, i'm currently talking to someone about taking over for Man and playing to the death.
I'll let you know if there is a replacement.

[johnarryn]

Well, i guess ill look for a replacement, since the person i was angling for doesnt want it... so PM me if you're interested.

[Teraswaerto]

I'm surprised by this. Man still has a lot of provinces. I was expecting a long drawn out fight, but of course, if Man is unable to field an army that could beat mine, it will be fairly hopeless for them.

[johnarryn]

Indeed, it would make sense that Man would quit if there was no way to beat you... but given the myriad tactics that are available in Dom3 I feel that his situation is not hopeless (this is not meant as a slight to WSzaboPeter, I know he is busy with other games). But if someone wants to take over I think they can put up quite a fight.

[JayThomas]

Well, I'm starting to feel like a vulture, but I could give man a shot. I'll have to read up on PBEM. Do I PM my email?

[johnarryn]

Sold. JayThomas will take over for Man.

[WSzaboPeter]

Maybe if someone else takes over Abysia can make peace with JayThomas and then there is hope for Man.

[Teraswaerto]

It's possible. Borders will have to be negotiated.

[johnarryn]

I apologize for the delay in hosting... turns are taking longer now, and I have had difficulty getting turns from certain players because of technical problems.

[Teraswaerto]

The new leadership of Man has refused the peace offer. Our demands were reasonable all things considered, but they will rather send more meat to the burner.

Not that we mind really, the smell reminds the troops of home as they advance deeper into Man's territory.

-Baal Davar

[JayThomas]

The flames have roasted your common sense.

We reject surrender as a peace plan. We gather our strenght and will smite your forest fire starting mutants.

Avalon shall not burn!!!

-The Ambassidor of Man (they who put out forest fires).

[johnarryn]

Sorry for the late hosting... I have some personal issues going on right now that are going to slow down hosting. This should only be for a week or two... please still try to get your turn in on time, but the game may move a little slower.
thanks.

[JayThomas]

I'll be on buisness travel from Apr 23 to Apr 26. I don't know if I'll have internet/e-mail access during this time.

Can the game be put on hold during this time? If the delay is to long, a substitute is acceptable.

Thanks

[johnarryn]

No, that should be fine... hopefully everyone else will get their turn in before you leave.

[johnarryn]

I will be hosting when I get home from work today... expect a turn this afternoon (New York time)

[AdmiralZhao]

Great, glad to hear it.

[johnarryn]

Didnt get the turn out last night, obviously, as it turned out Pangaea didnt have the new turn. Anyhow, he got his turn in, so the new turn will be out this evening. Like, for realz. Ill try to keep the pace a bit more brisk in the future.

[johnarryn]

Please DO NOT patch before sending in your turn. Upgrade to 3.08 after sending in your most recent turn (if i dont have it yet). I'm waiting on Man and Abysia at the moment.

[JayThomas]

My apologies, I'll send in today.

[johnarryn]

Turn 50 is out.

[johnarryn]

We are currently waiting on:
Abysia

[AdmiralZhao]

Make that Abysia and Machaka.

[johnarryn]

Turn 51 is out.
Oh, yeah. Pangaea was set to AI.
Further, AdmiralZhao has to leave the game. He will be turning Oceania over to a replacement.

[JayThomas]

I have not received turn 51 yet.

To bad about AdmiralZhao.

[johnarryn]

JayThomas, i've sent the file to you again.
Everyone, please try to have your turns in by 8 pm Friday, May 11th. Thanks.

[JayThomas]

Sorry, I confused this game with another. My turn is in.

[Teraswaerto]

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/8162/fireap1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Doubt not its power.

[johnarryn]

Ew.

[JayThomas]

Yes, we thank you for pruning out the weak. Only the strong survive!!

[johnarryn]

Turn 52 is, like, totally out. Please try to get the next turn in by 8 pm. on Thursday, May 17th. Getting the turn in sooner is of course appreciated.

[johnarryn]

Turn 54 sent out. Please try to have it in in 48 hours, if possible... 8 pm EST on May 20th.

[johnarryn]

Please have the turn in by 8 pm EST on May 22nd.

[johnarryn]

Turn 56 out...

Oceania's Arcane Nexus is proving rather troublesome to dispel...

[johnarryn]

Turn 57 sent out.

[johnarryn]

Turn 58 out... 48 hr turnaround would be nice, but with only a few of us left, if you need longer its cool.

Also, i should have announced it sooner, but seej has taken over from AdmiralZhao as Oceania.

Also, thrawn has taken over Jotunheim from atreides.

Congrats to ramiro and taraswaerto for sticking out the whole game =)
seej too, although he was out temporarily when his first nation bit the dust.

And again, thanks to all the substitutes for playing! Im still very much enjoying this game.

[Ramiro]

Thanks !

The game is really intense and I am learning and having a lot of joy with it !

my good two almirants join the game ! the waters are a bit revolt !

Good luck !

[JayThomas]

Yes, I jumped in as a sub and was at war with taraswaerto from the start. Got some licks in but things seem to be turning. Especially since spider hordes are crossing my northern border.

Now with Oceania under new management, it looks grim for the kingdom of Man.

[johnarryn]

You've done a nice job, JayThomas, considering the previous player bailed partly because he felt like Teraswaerto was stomping all over him.... so I think you should be proud =)

[Teraswaerto]

You are consistently misspelling Teraswaerto as Taraswaerto. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

When the war with Man first started, I thought I'd lose fairly quickly because he was so much bigger, but instead the war's been going back and forth for ages now. It's been fun. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[JayThomas]

Sorry about the spelling, was looking at the post before http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[lch]

Don't be such a wuss Terracotta, I get my name misspelled all the time, too. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

P.S.: Congratz to 1k posts.

[johnarryn]

Turn 61 out.
Also, seej has set Oceania to AI... so there are 5 left.

[Teraswaerto]

Teraswaerto said:
It will not be long before we bring fire to Avalon.




It took longer than we expected, but the day is finally here.
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3919/stormfe9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

We will cut down the trees and chase away the mists with fire. An altar of blood, ash and tears will be constructed where the people of Man may offer up their daughters and beg for mercy.

The greatest hero of this war, the Anathemant Dragon Typhon, is hereby awarded the title of <font color="red">Lord of Flaming Death </font> . He is favored in my sight.

-Baal Davar

[johnarryn]

This game will be delayed by roughly 10 days... im moving and will not have access to the internet... sorry for the delay.
I will let you know when the game is up and running again.