New Dawn - EA Dawn of Dominions

[CUnknown]

Bump! Can't let our thread fall off the first page. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I think I will take this opportunity to engage in some good-natured smack talkin'.

Mmmm, Pale One. The other, other, -other- white meat!! Argatha's just a bunch of cave men!! You will soon be enslaved by your friendly neighborhood bunch of dominatrixes. Submit now and be spared the worst of your punishments!!

[lch]

I might need to give me some extension time because my laptop has finally broken down after being jumpy for some weeks.

[lch]

I'm sorry to have to announce another bad thing (in my opinion): My host is changing from Linux based to Windows based. Not my decision and I can't do much about it, but let me tell you that I don't like it at all. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif While it should be theoretically possible for me to get all the nice things back that I have right now (sendmail, webserver, don't know about cronjobs and multiplexers like screen) my trust in Windows as a serious multiuser system is quite low. I don't expect that it would be possible to login graphically (or otherwise?) with more than one connection, I have no idea. I will either try to get my stuff on the Windows system or else use a linux box that I am administrating at my office, or something.

If for some reason you can't connect to the game server anymore (because the DNS records will prolly be changed) then try the current IP: 88.198.59.162

If that doesn't work anymore, too, then I guess the game is on hiatus... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
I'll try to sort it out ASAP but as I wrote before, I'll be busy aswell.

If I know anything definitive I'll let you know.

[StrictlyRockers]

so what is the status on this game now?

is there an ETA for when it will get back up and running?

[lch]

The game *is* still running, I will have to move it, though.

Oh, and I haven't played my turn yet because my notebook has broken down - an entirely different bad thing. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif I will try to do my turn today, though.

[lch]

Okay folks, the server switch is finished. The game is now up and running at valhalla.techno-mage.com with everything else staying the same. The timer has been reset, and I'm using nbsmtp instead of sendmail for now, so if you don't get the turn notifications via email anymore then send me a PM.

Big thanks to Gandalf Parker who is providing the host.

I will do my turn ASAP as I'm the only one left, but I have to catch a couple of zZz's first.

[lch]

Sorry, I'm turning off the timer for this week. I'm on a conference and as it turns out I have better access to the internet than I anticipated and I even managed to get my replacement notebook setup by now, but my time to do anything else than work is very limited, and frankly I don't want to go stale again.

[Mind Elemental]

Sounds good, I'm having a busy week myself. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

What is the ETA on getting this game back up and running?

[lch]

I'll play my turn today and turn the timer on then, too. ETA: a few hours.

[lch]

Okay, we are back on track. New turn is up!

P.S.: Wait a second, I'll have to start the timer again...

[vfb]

Can we kill the timer on this game again? We've been running on a pretty relaxed pace, and Rev Zombie (Helheim) posted in another thread that he couldn't find a sub, he just needs a few days.

[lch]

I'll turn off the timer next turn in case he risks to go stale, yes. But he played his turn this time already.

C'tis is already out of the game and it looks as if two other players are soon to be removed. I'm sorry, I didn't know that the map is this unbalanced when I proposed it, it's certainly looking nice. But it pits C'tis and Ulm against Kailasa and Caelum, which both have no means to defend against an early elephant rush, I think (which I chose not to do, but still), and Vanheim and Helheim have farmland and easy prey, too. Sorry for this imbalance and big props to LeSquide who played it out until his end.

[Sir_Dr_D]

I knew this map was inbalanced when I started it. I took Marverni just for the challenge. They are surrounded only by forest and are in a location where they can easily be boxed in.
Still I am very sruprised that everyone has lasted so long. Usually in a MP some nation gets knocked out well before this.

[lch]

Grrrrrrr, I thought I disabled the timer in this game? Now I staled myself, it seems. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif
Oh well, I guess I'll manage. Reverend Zombie / Helheim said that we could set him AI or let him stale as he won't be able to take turns until Monday. Does anybody have anything against turning off the timer until then, instead (thus losing about one hosting)?

[Amhazair]

Nah, it fits the pace of the game, I don't mind waiting a bit.

[StrictlyRockers]

Big props to Marverni, too. Darrel is fighting it out to the end. It is the honorable way to die. No easy victories!!

I have no problem with pausing this game. This one is moving at a slow and stately pace anyway. I will be on vacation from July 13-17, by the way. That's next weekend.

[Teraswaerto]

lch said:

C'tis is already out of the game and it looks as if two other players are soon to be removed. I'm sorry, I didn't know that the map is this unbalanced when I proposed it, it's certainly looking nice. But it pits C'tis and Ulm against Kailasa and Caelum, which both have no means to defend against an early elephant rush, I think (which I chose not to do, but still), and Vanheim and Helheim have farmland and easy prey, too. Sorry for this imbalance and big props to LeSquide who played it out until his end.



Kailasa doesn't have elephants, and I didn't exactly rush C'tis.

[lch]

Oh, didn't know that, then I take that back. The map still seems a little uneven and I just wanted to apologize for that.

[CUnknown]

It sure is a beautiful map though. Too bad it is uneven.

[Amhazair]

In all honesty, that doesn't bother me so much. On other maps (random or otherwise) there will still be better and worse spots. If you're in a good spot you try to use it, if you're in a bad spot you try to make up for it. I recently started a new game on the Glory of the Gods map. Fate decided that Ulm sat just south of a sea where R'lyeh reigned, and I was just south of him. He managed to conquer 5 provinces and then he had nowhere left to go, so with no other choise he attacked me and lost. It sucks, but it happens. And I'd rather have such things happen to me on beutifull maps than on ugly ones. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Randvek]

I've played this map several times against computers, just to see how things go. 9 times out of 10, C'tis is the first nation out, though I'm not entirely sure why. Something about C'tis in EA? I'm not experienced enough to say. For the record, the other 1 time out of 10 is Arco, but he's doing ok. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Amhazair]

Meanwhile in Ermor...

The war rages ever on, draining all resources a civilisation needs to flourish and grow away into the war effort. But all the pain and suffering has not been in vain. Today the great home city of Eldregate has been liberated, and purged from the vile cave-men who were defiling its streets and houses. Today, after years of campaining the grimy, scarred, filthy, tired - but victorious! - legions are finally home again, and they enjoy their short but well-earned rest (and a bath!) before setting out to once again secure the borders of our great nation.


So, with immediate survival ensured - Even thoug the perfidious Arcoscephalians with their mighty empire keep watch from the mountain passes, ready to swoop down upon our fertile plains at the first sign of weakness - the Augurs dare look to the future again. And to be succesfull in that future we need magical diversification.

Ermorian merchants are sent throughout the lands of this world, looking for:

* Thistle Mace
* Water Bracelet and/or Robe of the Sea
* Crystal Coin
* Skull of Fire
* Earth Boots
* One or two Dwarven Hammers

In general we can pay those items in the type of gem needed for forging (except for death gems) We also have rather large supplies of air and nature gems and a bit of fire available for those prefering to be paid in those currencies. Any nation able and willing to sell one or more of these items is welcom to contact us again at the temporarily disabled adress in Eldregate, or through any of our representatives currently touring your lands.


Ermor Ever Endures!

[StrictlyRockers]

I will be on vacation with no access to a computer from July 12 through July 16. I need to request a pause on the game.

[Mind Elemental]

I will be out of town from around the 16th of July all the way until around the 1st or 2nd of August. Not sure if I will have Dominions access; would it be possible to take the game off timer for that time, and if I do get the ability to take my turns, well and good? Barring that, I'll look for a sub.

[lch]

StrictlyRockers said:
I will be on vacation with no access to a computer from July 12 through July 16. I need to request a pause on the game.


We'll probably only host once during that period, so I suggest that you'd get a sub for that, if that's okay.


Mind Elemental said:
I will be out of town from around the 16th of July all the way until around the 1st or 2nd of August. Not sure if I will have Dominions access; would it be possible to take the game off timer for that time, and if I do get the ability to take my turns, well and good? Barring that, I'll look for a sub.


It's your game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif I can turn off the timer, others will probably be traveling in the coming weeks, too. I am away from the 10th till 24th of August, but I plan to take a notebook with me and check up on my games irregularly.

[StrictlyRockers]

I think i got a sub who can play a turn for me while I am gone for those 4-5 days.

SR

[lch]

Cool. About 15 hours left on the timer, Arco has to move.

[Mind Elemental]

Whoops, took my turn but forgot to upload it. Done, now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Also, yep, turning off the timer while I'm away would be great, thanks. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I'll try to squeeze in as many turns as I can before then!

[Tyrant]

Hi folks, i'm subbing for Strictly Rockers, but he did not tell me the server IP and i can't find it on this thread, can somebody help me out?

[vfb]

Server: valhalla.techno-mage.com
Port: 7373

[Tyrant]

ty

[Mind Elemental]

Ich, is there any chance you could take the timer off, now?

I'll try to take my turn tomorrow, but that'll be my last chance to do so in a while. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

okay

[Reverend Zombie]

vfb said:
Server: valhalla.techno-mage.com
Port: 7373



Is this is new port and/or IP? I was not able to access the server all this weekend.

[lch]

Reverend Zombie said:

vfb said:
Server: valhalla.techno-mage.com
Port: 7373



Is this is new port and/or IP? I was not able to access the server all this weekend.


Yes, not quite so new. The server has been up the whole weekend and I don't see any problems with it, I connect fine!?

[StrictlyRockers]

I am back from vacation, and my turn is done.

The server seems to be working fine for me. Any ETA on when this turn will be hosted?

[Reverend Zombie]

What's up with this game--been forever since we had a new turn.

[lch]

Mind Elemental requested that the game should be put on hold while he is travelling. I think he should be back by now, though. I haven't played my own turn yet because I hope that somebody else takes over my nation since I'll be travelling soon, too, and now would be the perfect time to give control away to another player, but I can play my turn at any time.

[StrictlyRockers]

It looks like I may need a replacement player for EA Vanheim, or possibly a sub for a lengthy amount of time. I may be able to devote time to the game again after the summer.

I'll ask Tyrant if he can take over for me. The game has been hosting about once a week lately, so it should not be too much trouble for him. This has been a great game! Thanks to everyone!

SR

[Mind Elemental]

I'm back! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif However, I'm hip-deep in RL work, and will need a couple of days to catch up. I'd appreciate it if we could leave the timer off for the moment - I'll take my turn tomorrow, hopefully.

[lch]

Oops, seems like everybody is waiting for me. Sorry for that, got distracted by preparing the new mod nations game...

[CUnknown]

As soon as the new turn hosts, I will set myself to AI. Curse you, Argatha! I have been defeated in combat.

Also, admittedly, the pace of the game is growing a little slow for my liking. At least I kept Sauromatia from being AI for a while there.

[lch]

CUnknown said:
Also, admittedly, the pace of the game is growing a little slow for my liking.


We did have a couple of occasions where hosting was delayed because people took a time-out, yes.

I am still waiting for an answer for possible subs for my nation. They're just in a too good position to set them to AI. In case I don't get a response I'll play the turn myself tomorrow... and hope that I'll have enough time to play my turns while I'm on vacation the next two weeks.

[Randvek]

We can work out some kind of peace agreement, Sauro. I'd hate to have spanked ya in combat only for it to become a free-for-all Sauro land grab.

But seriously, we can work out a border.

[CUnknown]

Well, with Ermor busy with Arcosephale, there aren't a lot of people who will be competing with you for my lands. I don't have any other armies to speak of, anyway, so it would be sort of a Sauro land grab even if I kept playing. My position is not so great, and then added to that the crawling pace of the game, it's just not that fun for me, heh.

[lch]

Micah has generously offered to continue playing for me, the coming turns are powered by him. Please contact him if you want to get in contact with Caelum. See you in two weeks!

[vfb]

I'll be unable to continue after Aug 15th (I'm a sub for Oceania). Ich already has the password for Oceania (from the original player), but since he's going away for 2 weeks, I can provide it to a new sub or a trustworthy volunteer is willing to find a new sub.

[Micah]

Hey guys, subbing for Caelum, sorry about the long turn. I think someone might have wanted to trade some gems with me, please PM me about it if you're still interested, I should have asked before the turn hosted but I wanted to make sure I got the turn in.

[Micah]

Or is it something on my end? I haven't been able to connect for a while now.

[Mind Elemental]

I just tested it. I confirm that I can't connect, either. o.o

[Reverend Zombie]

Server went back up...and I staled? Twice? Doesn't seem right...I had a turn ready to upload while the server was down, and now it seems I've missed two hostings.

[Micah]

Just one turn from what I can tell, Rev, and I've been paying pretty close attention. And the game came back up with the full 72 hours on the host clock along with sending out an email about it being up...Ich probably didn't post about it since he's out of town and was likely pressed for time when he rebooted it.

[Reverend Zombie]

Micah said:
Just one turn from what I can tell, Rev, and I've been paying pretty close attention.



Yep, I think I miscalculated: I was probably checking for the new turn while the server was down, rather than loading a completed one.

When did the server come back up, anyway?

[Micah]

Guess it was about 4 days ago, a little less... (there's 44 hours on the clock now, so about 1, plus the 72 hours from the last host)

[lch]

Heya, I'm back. Thanks a lot to Micah for taking over for me while I was away.

The game reports that Ulm, Vanheim, Kailasa and Oceania have been stalling last turn. What's up? I think that at least the last three nations would be important for deciding this game.

[lch]

The same four have been stalling again. With Ulm it is understandable, but it bugs me that three of the worthiest contenders to win the game have abandoned it. What to do?

[Mind Elemental]

Hm, well, didn't Oceania (check the previous page) say he wouldn't be able to continue after the 15th?

As for the rest... I know sometimes the game status page isn't correct. I've seen it report people (including me) as 'missed a turn' when in fact they just hadn't uploaded one this turn yet.

PM/email them, and look for subs?

[Amhazair]

Taereswarto posted sometime age (not in this thread) that he was having less time for dominions due to his personal situation. I'm not sure how he's doing now.

[Amhazair]

Damn, I'm done for. I really thought I had what I needed to inflict one last defeat on Arco before going down, but it seems I was wrong. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

I've had great fun this game, doing my utmost to delay, damage, annoy, and otherwise frustrate my opponents on multiple fronts, but I've played my last trick now. Ermor is now reduced to history, where I hope they will be remembered for a while longer.


P.S. anyone who lets me know in the next couple of days that they have plans of going to war with Arco will receive the pitiful remains of my gem hoard. Unfortunately I used it almost all up in my war effort, so it won't be much.

[lch]

The stats page is always correct in a sense that it does exactly what it is told to do. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif "Missed a turn" only happened when we stopped the timer and nobody told the status script. I have, however, checked the game files in both cases to confirm the real stales for those four nations.

[Mind Elemental]

Amhazair said:
Damn, I'm done for. I really thought I had what I needed to inflict one last defeat on Arco before going down, but it seems I was wrong. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

I've had great fun this game, doing my utmost to delay, damage, annoy, and otherwise frustrate my opponents on multiple fronts, but I've played my last trick now. Ermor is now reduced to history, where I hope they will be remembered for a while longer.



"I bring news from the armies of the south-- by the God, what happened here?"
The sentry squad was led, of all things, by a mystic. The hermits weren't lookers at the best of times, but this one seemed to have aged twenty years in a day.
"Battle. Big one. I'll take you to the command tent."
The mystic swung aboard the chariot and pointed the way. They rattled past rows of bodies, Ermorian and Arcoscephalian, past healers' tents and the sounds of moaning and priestesses' chants, past captains haranguing ragged ranks of troops towards the Ermorian fortress looming in the distance. Even mages were addressing troops -- with a start, he realised what casualties amongst the officers must have been like.
"What happened there?" The messenger gestured at a particularly dense pile of charred corpses and half-melted chariots.
"That was where their false god made his stand. Victory is wonderful, isn't it?"

--

Thanks for playing, Amhazair! You were a great opponent, with an amazing knack for turning the situation around every time I thought I had you down for the count. Even this showdown was extraordinarily close (no thanks to my mages, who didn't cast some of the spells they were scripted to!).

I'm glad to hear you had fun, and I look forward to playing against you again. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

P.S. Did you see what happened to your bane? I was too busy watching that huge melee in the middle of the field to notice his death -- did he get taken down in melee, Soul Slain, or what?

[Mind Elemental]

lch said:
The stats page is always correct in a sense that it does exactly what it is told to do. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif "Missed a turn" only happened when we stopped the timer and nobody told the status script. I have, however, checked the game files in both cases to confirm the real stales for those four nations.



Oh, okay. I guess it's time to get in touch with the players, then...

[lch]

Mind Elemental said:
P.S. Did you see what happened to your bane? I was too busy watching that huge melee in the middle of the field to notice his death -- did he get taken down in melee, Soul Slain, or what?


That big water elemental ate him up. 4x Crush + Weapons of Sharpness = ouchie.

[Mind Elemental]

Now that was a bit of unhoped-for serendipity! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

By the way, what happened to the new turn?

[lch]

I turned off the timer because only three players had their turns in at that time. Plus, the following:

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>2007-07-28 14:09 early_kailasa.2h
2007-07-22 16:25 early_oceania.2h
2007-08-05 19:17 early_ulm.2h
2007-08-13 22:46 early_vanheim.2h</pre><hr />
Those are the last times that those nations uploaded turns to the server. 5 weeks for Kailasa, 6 weeks for oceania, 4 weeks for Ulm, 3 weeks for Vanheim. I think the game is pretty much dead if they don't continue playing. That's quite unfortunate, especially for you who has clear chances to win the game, but do you really want to beat a dead horse for that win? I think I have some chance at winning, too, given the situation and Micah's excellent subbing in my absence, but I have no trouble to declare you the winner and move on. Would be easier than to find subs for over half of the players still in the game. What do you think?

P.S.: In case we hear back from those players I'm all set for continuing the game. If you are one of those nations that has been stalling and came back, please say hello!
P.P.S.: I think what killed the game was the turn timer. I think I will stick to 48 hours for my games from now on.

[Mind Elemental]

lch said:
I turned off the timer because only three players had their turns in at that time. Plus, the following:

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>2007-07-28 14:09 early_kailasa.2h
2007-07-22 16:25 early_oceania.2h
2007-08-05 19:17 early_ulm.2h
2007-08-13 22:46 early_vanheim.2h</pre><hr />
Those are the last times that those nations uploaded turns to the server. 5 weeks for Kailasa, 6 weeks for oceania, 4 weeks for Ulm, 3 weeks for Vanheim. I think the game is pretty much dead if they don't continue playing. That's quite unfortunate, especially for you who has clear chances to win the game, but do you really want to beat a dead horse for that win? I think I have some chance at winning, too, given the situation and Micah's excellent subbing in my absence, but I have no trouble to declare you the winner and move on. Would be easier than to find subs for over half of the players still in the game. What do you think?

P.S.: In case we hear back from those players I'm all set for continuing the game. If you are one of those nations that has been stalling and came back, please say hello!
P.P.S.: I think what killed the game was the turn timer. I think I will stick to 48 hours for my games from now on.



Honestly, it wouldn't feel like a real victory (though Amhazair did put up a hell of a fight!) -- I was kind of looking forward to matching wits with the rest of the players in the game! I'd rather find subs, although if we can't, I suppose I don't mind being declared winner. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

We can always set Ulm AI, if we have to. That would just leave us with 3 places to fill -- not insurmountable.

And no, I don't think the timer was the problem -- 72h is not that much longer than 48, and I wouldn't have time to play anything faster than 72. I think the pauses (partly brought on by my RL travelling) that were the issue, exacerbated by distraction (in Teraswaerto's case).

[Beefeater1980]

Hi all, This is Beefeater1980 from the Quartertothree forums. Mind Elemental suggested that I step into the pointy boots of one of the pretenders here and I'm happy to join whichever of Ulm or Vanheim's going (pretty new to the game so I'd rather not take a race I've not played before such as Kailasa or Oceania).

By the way, nice avatar Mind Elemental - love that series. I prefer Oberstein though, as he's far and away the most impressive of the Space Prussians.

[Mind Elemental]

Howdy! I'd suggest Vanheim rather than Ulm -- it's in a far, far better position (as far as I can tell, Ulm's neighbours are feasting on what's left of its lands).

And thanks! You get major kudos for being the first person to recognise the avatar. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Oh, Oberstein might be shrewder, but he's not quite so inspirational... far more of a 'power behind the throne' type, whereas Reinhard is something of a jack of all trades. Come to think of it, I do have a somewhat nicer Reinhard icon lying around somewhere. I'll have to dust it off...

[lch]

Hi and welcome, feel free to take Vanheim, it doesn't seem like the original player will be back. Ulm is almost dead, anyway, and he didn't enjoy the game. I'll turn him AI in case he hasn't done so already himself. Only two more vacant spots!

[Mind Elemental]

Awesome. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Ich, what's the usual etiquette for looking for new players? Do we advertise in the MP subforum, or on the main board?

[Beefeater1980]

Great, thanks guys. Can someone email me the files I'll need to play? Not sure of precedure...

I'm at thebeef1980&lt;at&gt;gmail.com.

[Mind Elemental]

I've just sent you the mod we're using, the Worthy Heroes mod. Not sure what else you'll need, though (besides the password!). Ich?

[Beefeater1980]

OK, I've played a turn as Vanheim. Bit overwhelmed but I'll survive.

[Mind Elemental]

Awesome! Don't hesitate to holler if you have questions. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

ETA - Ich, any update on the other slots we need filled?

[lch]

Nothing from me, have you asked around that other forum? You should maybe update the title for the first post and change the FULL to "2 spots open" or something like that so that people know that they can join this game.

[Mind Elemental]

Just posted there. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I want to post here as well - do people normally look for subs on the main D3 board, or on the MP board?

[AlgaeNymph]

I have just completed the turn for Kaliasa.

How will I know when my next turn is?

[Mind Elemental]

If Ich adds you to the mailing list, you'll be automatically notified when a new turn is processed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Dedas]

It would be nice to get some info on alliances and the like from the previous Oceania player. Oh, and it seems that I'm going to fight the nation I created half a year ago. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

I think the previous Oceania player, who was just subbing for somebody else, too, is gone now. But if you look in that "looking for sub" thread you can find some information.

[Dedas]

I love these games with their own unique history were you have to do some research to get understanding of recent game events. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Mind Elemental]

Welcome back onboard! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Ich, could we get the timer and quickhost turned on again once everyone has taken their turns?

[Dedas]

Thank you, thank you. *bows* http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Yes, please get this game rolling again.

[Amhazair]

Dedas said:
I love these games with their own unique history were you have to do some research to get understanding of recent game events. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The only thing you really need to know is that Arcoscephale is evil incarnate! They pose as benign with their pritty females, filosophers, and so-called great culture, but in fact they're ruthless, remorseless, tyranical, totaly selfish and - in short - The biggest threat to freedom across the entire world in the history of mankind.

[Mind Elemental]

Amhazair said:

Dedas said:
I love these games with their own unique history were you have to do some research to get understanding of recent game events. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The only thing you really need to know is that Arcoscephale is evil incarnate! They pose as benign with their pritty females, filosophers, and so-called great culture, but in fact they're ruthless, remorseless, tyranical, totaly selfish and - in short - The biggest threat to freedom across the entire world in the history of mankind.



Don't listen to Ermor's Prince of Death! He's just upset that our Oreiads don't find undead wannabe-gods attractive. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif Besides, we're not the ones who used Bane Venom Charms on our own provinces after they fell into enemy hands...

If you want to worry about someone, the game's early leaders -- Kailasa and the Heims -- should be a greater concern. Kailasa in particular has a huge army, and great income, gem income, and territory.

It seems that we've all moved except for Caelum (Ich), so hopefully we should get a new turn soon! Oh, and Ulm still needs to be set AI.

[Dedas]

Dear diary
Summer in the year 5 of the ascension war.

When I'm deep in my sleep I sometimes have a strange dream, I can see stout warrior women with drawn swords and heavy horsemen with long lances, ready for the charge. All of them in a violent mass of confusion. They are setting farmland on fire and battling it out against men wielding great rectangular shields. Oh, and in the distance I can depict the great city of Eldregate, besieged by three great armies. Suddenly, looking around me, I find myself sitting on a throne of human bones carried by four huge monsters, all with countless heads snapping at each other. More to the front I see a great number of big lizards carrying warriors in strange saddles. All of them seems to wait for my command. Maybe I'm some sort of leader or maybe even a great ruler? Then, all of a sudden, the spectacular panorama of war fades away and I wake up, looking at my familiar underwater lair and realizing that it was just a dream. And although this is my "body" - an octopus of great size - I cannot help feeling that I belong somewhere else, perhaps even in a whole different being? And if that is so, who on earth am I now?

Maybe it is just the long isolation deep underwater that is making me uncertain on myself. I mean I've been here for over 2500 years, it is enough to make anyone uneasy I believe. Next month there is going to be changes, I promise dear diary. I promise.

[Dedas]

Could we please get this ball rolling again?

[lch]

I guess I'll set Ulm to AI when I get back and get my turn in. I don't want to find any other new players... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif I'll turn the timer on again to encourage people to hand in turns, but if somebody risks stalling I'll stop it. Remind me in that case.

[Dedas]

Sure! Thanks for taking the time.

This will be fun! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

Somebody just volunteered via PM to take over Ulm! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
AFAIK Ulm is about to die anyway, but I still favor human input over the AI.

[lch]

Okay, the game hosted some hours ago. Sauromatia, Helheim and Ulm are AI now. In case you're playing and you have NOT received an email from the server, please check your spam folder and in case there still isn't anything, contact me.

[Mind Elemental]

HELHEIM is AI? Shouldn't that be Ermor?

[lch]

Nope, Ermor is still going strong. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

As a parting gift before he handed the controls back to me, Micah killed Helheim's god, again in Ulm's former capital. If Helheim was already under AI control by that time I don't know, either because the game was under hiatus for so long or because the former player didn't see much more of a future. I don't blame him, I'll just quickly gobble up what's left... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Mind Elemental]

You hear that, Vanheim and Kailasa? Look north for easy pickings! Don't look at me, innocent (and human-controlled) li'l Arcoscephale! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

P.S. Dear Kailasa: please withdraw from the province you just took...

[Amhazair]

lch said:
Nope, Ermor is still going strong. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I'm happy to see that despite evil Arco's propaganda the truth still holds some value in this world. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[lch]

Mind Elemental said:
You hear that, Vanheim and Kailasa? Look north for easy pickings!


They sure aren't exactly "easy pickings" compared to what might remain of some other nations. There are still a dozen or more Helhirdings, lotsa Svartalfs and a truckload of Clockwork Horrors left in very heavy evil dominion. Helheim's god was insanely powerful, too, but he died the same way as before: Routing from the battlefield after his other mundane troops (militia) had to suffer great casualties in the fight.

[lch]

I haven't been able to reach the sub for Vanheim despite numerous PMs and emails sent to him. Does anybody know what's up with him? I have another player ready who might take over.

Now for something completely different: The long awaited patch 3.10, which fixes and adds tons of things (http://ulm.illwinter.com/dom3/dom3progress.html) (everything from 28th april to now), has been released yesterday. I'll update (http://www.shrapnelgames.com/Illwinter/Dom3/6.htm) ASAP. You should continue to play your current turn with the 3.08 client and switch to 3.10 after I'm done (that means you, Vanheim). So download the patch files and stay tuned. Only update your client in case it tells you that your game version is too old when you connect to the game!

[Mind Elemental]

That's strange, I emailed him earlier today and got a reply that he'd take his turn as soon as he got home from work (which, I think, would be in around 6 or 7 hours' time, judging by his time zone).

And that's awesome news - going to download it now! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Amhazair]

I'm curious in which ways the new patch will improve my designs on world domination...

[lch]

Mind Elemental said:
That's strange, I emailed him earlier today and got a reply that he'd take his turn as soon as he got home from work (which, I think, would be in around 6 or 7 hours' time, judging by his time zone).


So, any news on that? I'd really like to help him if there is a problem, if only he'd contact me in that case...

[Beefeater1980]

Hi Ich, back in now. Had a couple of things to take care of but I should be back to playing a turn a day.

So there's a new patch? Sweet.

[Dedas]

Indeed sweet. Don't forget to take your turn with it as we have switched to it now.

[Mind Elemental]

Anyone got any nature gems to trade? PM me with what you'd like in exchange.

[AlgaeNymph]

How's the server update going?

[Mind Elemental]

I think Ich has already put the server on v10 - that's what I used to connect, and play my turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Fwee, only thirteen hours until hosting!

[lch]

The server is already updated, even though the last turn has been prepared with the 3.08 version. The next turn will require the 3.10 version.

[Mind Elemental]

All right, who summoned all the Air Queens (and who dispelled my innocent gem global)? Man, I have crummy luck with AQs in MP... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[lch]

Vanheim has two hours left to do his turn. Since I didn't hear any request for a timer extension, I'm not going to reset it.

[Beefeater1980]

Vanheim here. Something odd's going on - I did turn 54 two days ago and since then haven't been prompted to a new turn? I'm not getting any message about difficulty connecting, but I'm not getting the screen with the flags showing who has played their turn either.

What turn are we supposed to be on now?

[lch]

Hi, good to see you. We are on turn 56 now, turn 55 has hosted about 10 hours ago. I don't know why you didn't receive the turn notification since I added you to it and I didn't receive any errors either. Hotmail has started blocking my mails, but no such thing from GMail. Could you check your spam folder, if you have one, and whitelist the sending address if possible?

Your connection troubles are strange, too, I have no troubles and I didn't hear about anything like that. Make sure that you got the 3.10 patch installed and use port 7373 on the server.

[Beefeater1980]

Hi Ich,

Problem identified I think - I'm not uploading my turns properly (I had imagined this would happen automatically).

What's the procedure?

[lch]

When you connect to the server, you see your nation. You can then do your turn online, or quit and prepare it offline (it shows up among your other games from single player). When you are finished with preparing your turn offline, you connect to the server again - before it hosts, of course. Your client will then upload the turn that you prepared offline to the server and you see that your flags shows you played the turn.

[Beefeater1980]

Thanks for the instructions. I've just uploaded and been told tht my client has uploaded the most recent turn - so Vanheim's back in the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Mind Elemental]

Would anyone mind if we took the game off timer for about a week? I have an assignment due on each of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and I have to prepare for two job interviews on Thursday. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

[lch]

That equates, more or less, just to resetting the timer once. No problem, I can do that. Good luck!

[Mind Elemental]

Okay, I'm out from under the sword of Damocles for the moment. Thanks for waiting! I'll need a day or two to size up the situation and take my turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

Okay, you got more than 2 days left on the timer now anyway. To the other who haven't played their turns yet (Ermor, Oceania and Vanheim), please play your turns now, too, as I'm not going to extend the timer again.

[lch]

Oceania and Vanheim are now only left to upload their turns.

[lch]

As you can see on http://valhalla.techno-mage.com/stats/stats.php?game=NewDawn my stats script now shows how many turns somebody stalled. And you can see that Oceania and Vanheim have stalled for the last two turns. What can we do about this?

[Mind Elemental]

I sent a PM to poke Oceania about ten hours ago, and FWIW, Vanheim told me that he'd take his turn when he got back from work... which turned out to be a little bit late, but OTOH he's still interested.

[lch]

Okay. It's too bad I didn't notice that the timer was about to run out until the turn notification email arrived. Still, with your absence before that have been about two weeks for a turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif

[lch]

The current turn for Oceania is powered by KissBlade. Just to save it from the fate of ending up stalling again this time.

[Amhazair]

Hmm... I guess that means I finally get eliminated now... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

Turn 60 indeed marks the elimination of Ermor and Helheim. Sauromatia is soon to follow them, then the six remaining superpowers have to duke it out.

[lch]

Shortly before the empire of Helheim collapsed, a Black servant was seen in a Caelian fort with a Staff of Storms, previously looted from the corpse of a Caelian Eagle King during the first unsuccessful storm on Helheim's castle, and some Boots of Giant strength. The Black Servant was killed within minutes by the defenders, but the province defense didn't feel responsible to collect his belongings and the Great Hawks couldn't carry the Staff of Storms in their beaks. The mighty Staff of Storms seems to be lost for good in the outlands of Misty Hollow now.

The AI surprises again with creative equipment decisions...

[Randvek]

I've been dancing around Oceania as much as possible while gobbling up Sauro lands, but I'm out of room to do so. While Oceania has broken the treaty I made with them, I'm pretty much 100% sure that that was, like, 4 players ago. Should I feel free to attack, or is there someone I can negotiate with at this point? Not sure what the etiquette here is.

[Mind Elemental]

I'd say it depends on whether you re-confirmed it with the latest player. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: Ich - ouch, that must suck. How did the AI manage to kill an eagle king, anyway? Did he get creamed by a lucky salvo from the fort's artillery? At least the black servant wasn't packing a bane venom charm... (hello, Ermor! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif)

[Amhazair]

Mind Elemental said:
At least the black servant wasn't packing a bane venom charm... (hello, Ermor! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif)

I don't know what you are suggesting... I NEVER fielded any black servants! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[KissBlade]

I only did one turn for Oceania. I'm not certain if anyone took over =) Sorries!

[Mind Elemental]

Thanks for subbing last turn! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Doesn't look like anyone did take over. I wonder what happened to Dedas?

Oh, and Amhazair -- no, that was a scout. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

KissBlade said:
I only did one turn for Oceania. I'm not certain if anyone took over =) Sorries!


That's quite alright, I explicitly stated that you only have to do one turn. I was hoping that Dedas would show up again and take over the game again. Seems like that didn't happen and we probably need another sub for Oceania again... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Mind Elemental]

Hey, Bram's Wall is mine! Not an indy province free for the taking, no matter what those pesky Villains might have told your Air Queen when she showed up. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[lch]

Actually, she travelled there to deliver some painkillers because the population said that they get some strange headaches from time to time. Planting laughable ideas in their heads, like Arcoscephale is the finest nations of them all. They were so thankful after relieving them from this pain that they decided they wanted to remain under Caelum's leadership.

[Amhazair]

lch said:
Planting laughable ideas in their heads, like Arcoscephale is the finest nations of them all.

Ridiculous. Absolutely laughable. Why, the once-fertile plains of the Ermorian nation that Arcoscephale now claims as theirs now hold scarcely half the population as they did in the heyday of our empire... As sure a sign of failure to tend to your subjects as I've ever seen.

[lch]

Oh yeah, hey Amhazair, want to take over Oceania? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Amhazair]

I actually thought about it, it would be an ideal solution for the game... But I'll have to pass on it. I'm already in over my ears in dominions, and struggling to get my turns in. (I'm only in two games, but both of them are in the end game, with me at war on multiple fronts..)

[Randvek]

Yeah, Amhazair wouldn't want to take over for Oceania. I mean, how much would it suck to be on the wrong end of Agarthan units again? And don't even try to tell me that Arco did most of the work, haha. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Completely off-topic, but a random event has left me with 15 blood slaves hanging around. Is anybody interested in a trade, or should I just send them to my personal chambers?

[lch]

It seems vfb is back after being lost in time and space and he has announced that he'd take Oceania again no matter what state it's in right now. I very much favor this solution and you can now handle your diplomacy with Oceania again, Randvek.

[vfb]

Greetings, land dwellers. A buried personality has bubbled to the surface in the consciousness of The Watcher in the Water.

Those who would deign to haggle over a few castles sinking into the swamp, PM vfb.

Those who would wage war on our nation, just remember: there's nothing more dangerous than a squid who's backed into a corner!

[lch]

We now have some live graphs for this MP game:
http://valhalla.techno-mage.com/scores/scoresgraphs.php?game=NewDawn

More info in the Scenarios, Maps and Mods forum (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Number=564561).

[Mind Elemental]

They look really cool. Thanks! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

So, Arcoscephale wants to start a war over a border dispute for such a trivial province which opted not to be part of your empire? I don't know if that was the best idea available.

[vfb]

In other news, Vanheim massed a bunch of Sea Trolls on the Oceanian coast ... and then staled.

[Mind Elemental]

Arcoscephale does not intend to start a war with Caelum. We merely took back the province that was ours previously. Our armies will stop there. On the other hand, if Caelum is looking for a fight, then there's not much we can do...

[Beefeater1980]

Yes, got caught at work with an urgent transaction and have not been home before 3am all week. Not that that's necessarily an excuse http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[vfb]

Beefeater1980 said:
Yes, got caught at work with an urgent transaction and have not been home before 3am all week. Not that that's necessarily an excuse http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif



Bummer! If you're temporarily busy in RL, you can always ask for an extension of the turn.

[vfb]

Oceania will be sending a peace-keeping forces to the southern Marverni coast. These forces will assist Vanheim in investigating the disappearance of several of Oceania's brethren Sea Trolls from the Marverni forests. Foul magic practices are suspected. Oceania will not idly sit by while humanoids of the seas are in danger!

[lch]

Beefeater1980, we're waiting for your turn. Please try to get one in, or if your situation doesn't get better in the forseeable future maybe we should look for another sub?

[lch]

LOL @ the arena death match! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[vfb]

Ha ha ha, LOL is right!

In case anyone not in the game is reading, only 2 nations sent champions to the arena, and here they are, in all their best gear:


http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w148/vfb_dominions/clubs.jpg


It's even funnier when you watch it. My midget got mashed!

[lch]

Too bad Pak-Ur already had the ring of frost when I contracted him, I'd have loved him to wear a slave collar. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Only thing I gave him was the Midget Masher, which ended up in my lab. Another prince from foreign lands died in Caelum this month.

[Mind Elemental]

Mighty Pak-Ur is seemingly not satisfied with clobbering cavemen, because he invaded Arcoscephalian lands last month. Does he seek a fresh challenge? Does he want someone to take the trident off his hands? Or is there a more sinister reason?

Tune in next time to find out!

[vfb]

While conducting their investigations of the so-called "Sea Troll Vanishing" event, the Oceania peacekeeping forces were set upon by hordes of berserkers who had been cleverly disguised as bushes. Perhaps this rebel berserker faction was behind the vanishing of our brethren?

Oceania will dispatch additional reinforcements to assist Vanheim in dealing with the rebel uprising.

[lch]

Mind Elemental said:
Mighty Pak-Ur is seemingly not satisfied with clobbering cavemen, because he invaded Arcoscephalian lands last month.


Freed Caelian provinces from their Arcoscephalian usurpers, you mean.


Mind Elemental said:
Does he seek a fresh challenge? Does he want someone to take the trident off his hands? Or is there a more sinister reason?


It is unclear at the moment. Pak-Ur was last seen looting the armory and vanished with a few magical items. Friends and co-workers of Pak-Ur claim that he was unhappy that he didn't get to battle a worthy opponent from Arcoscephale in the tournament and will now visit them to show them how mighty he indeed is.

[Beefeater1980]

Vanheim cordially thanks Oceania for the despatch of its peace-keeping forces to East Vanheim (formerly Marverni). Unfortunately, some of these troops appear to have joined the rebels.

Vanheim sympathises with Oceania's inability to keep its bloodthirsty troops in check (what can one expect of fishmen and trolls?) and is pleased to confirm that the hundred-strong element of the Oceanian force that had been plundering the Marverni forests has now been despatched.

Permanently.

[Randvek]

The timer got reset for Caelum, I take it?

[lch]

Jup, had to reset the timer, got real busy. Sorry for that, I will take my turn in time. And cheers to Beefeater for joining the table talk here.

[vfb]

Beefeater1980 said:
Vanheim cordially thanks Oceania for the despatch of its peace-keeping forces to East Vanheim (formerly Marverni). Unfortunately, some of these troops appear to have joined the rebels.

Vanheim sympathises with Oceania's inability to keep its bloodthirsty troops in check (what can one expect of fishmen and trolls?) and is pleased to confirm that the hundred-strong element of the Oceanian force that had been plundering the Marverni forests has now been despatched.

Permanently.



Oceania offers apologies to the noble nation of Vanheim for any trouble our investigators may have gotten themselves into. You see, they were celebrating a milestone achievement in their research. In their revelry they over-imbibed on the potent spirits of the woods of Marverni, and got themselves into a bit of a kerfuffle.

Just what was their amazing discovery? Well, it seems they have determined that the Marverni woods are haunted by the spirits of many druids that were slain long ago by a Vanheim ruled by a cruel and ruthless tyrant. The manifestations of these spirits appear to be behind the recent vanishings.

Do not fear, Vanheim! Oceania will not abandon our quest to determine exactly who ultimate fault lies with, in the disappearance of our Sea Troll brethren. Our new crack team of researchers will continue to pursue our official investigations with renewed vigor.

[Mind Elemental]

I'll be on holiday for about three weeks, from this Friday (December 14) to around January 6 or 7. A pause would be great -- hopefully I won't be the only one away during that time! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[vfb]

A pause sounds good to me.

[lch]

I'll turn off the game timer right now, then, although everybody is encouraged to play his turns as it it were on. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Randvek]

Is my memory playing tricks on me, or did you just lose two globals, Ich?

[lch]

Oh, yes. And over a dozen remote spells on my unprotected capitals. Seems like Arco (or whoever else, but I got only attacked from Arco so far) has way too many gems to burn.

[Mind Elemental]

All right, I'm back! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Hope everyone had a great holiday. I'll take my turn in the next few days.

As for Caelum's accusations - I assure you, I know better than to blow so many gems on a single target. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

Mind Elemental said:
As for Caelum's accusations - I assure you, I know better than to blow so many gems on a single target. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif


Accusations? I am the damaged party here.

In case you speak the truth this makes the whole situation a whole lot more bothersome than it already is, though. You being the top nation since the early game is one thing. But the thought that instead of doing something about it, somebody would target a lesser fearsome threat considering retaliation like me is sickening. Not only are you the only one with globals right now, you have the Forge of the Ancients up since over a year, which quantum_mechani and other veteran players unisono see as a "sure sign to winning the game". So no, I don't want to believe that some other party would enjoy digging its own grave so fast, since I have not threatened anybody but you (for obvious reasons) and you're the most likely party to make sure that nobody gets powerful enough to be a trouble to you. Prove me wrong, show me that it was somebody else who did this, or I'll consider it your doing.

[Mind Elemental]

This game was never a two-horse (or a one-horse) race. I made some really boneheaded moves in the Ermorian campaign that still haunt me, and right now... let's just say I'm probably not the only person with enough intelligence to believe that the game is still very open. I'd rather not go into any more detail on my own in-game weaknesses, and seeing as it's ultimately impossible to prove a negative, I'll leave it at that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I will 'fess up to the botched Mind Hunts on Thuella, though. Hey, you fired Earth Attacks at me first... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[lch]

Mind Elemental said:
I will 'fess up to the botched Mind Hunts on Thuella, though. Hey, you fired Earth Attacks at me first... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif


I am pleased how that turned out, yes. Actually it was an oversight on my part - "Hey, you idiot, why do you cloud trapeze into some indies without astral mage support? He's going to Mind Hunt your air queen into oblivion". So I teleported two mages into there, and one of them must have been the very first mage to act in the magic spells phase.

The Earth Attacks was only me toying around, just like the Ettin champion which I used mostly for its comedic value. The situation is a lot more serious to allow such jokes now.

[Randvek]

It was kinda funny, Ich. Not as funny as him midget mashing that Caveman, though. That was classic.

[Mind Elemental]

Got a message from Vanheim saying that he'll be away from Wednesday (tomorrow) 'til Monday. Could we get the timer taken off temporarily, please?

[Beefeater1980]

Confirming Mind Elemental's message - we've ordered the cab and will be heading for the airport shortly. NB - it's until Monday 28 Jan, not the following Monday - meeting the in-laws overseas!

[lch]

I didn't get to read this in time before the current turn hosted, I'm afraid. I'll reset the timer over the weekends. Have fun at the wedding!

[lch]

Is it safe to turn the timer on again?

[Mind Elemental]

Maybe in a day or two, I guess? He's probably just landing as we speak. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

We have updated to Dominions pi, you'll have to install the update by next time the game hosts. Be aware that the graphs from previous turns will vanish...

[lch]

Ok, timer is back on.

[Beefeater1980]

Have updated and played turn. Things aren't looking good for Vanheim though.

[lch]

Ah, and now it's me who is stalling the game. I'm sorry, I thought I'd get the scripting done this weekend but there was no time for that. I don't think I'll need another extension.

[Mind Elemental]

No problem! Take your time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

Suddenly... lots of assassins find out that they make very good conductors.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2790/suddenlykm4.th.png (http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suddenlykm4.png)

Caelum is - suddenly - in the possession of lots of most fruitful soil, lightly charred. Order three wheelbarrows, get another one free! Ten wheelbarrows free of charge to the nation who dispelled Arco's Forge of the Ancients - please emerge and reveal yourself, we should talk. Soon available among our choice of products: Yummy Mystics on a stick and tender Oreiad meat, shock-fried and encased in magical ice.

[Mind Elemental]

Perhaps Caelum could use a couple of those spare wheelbarrows to haul away its couple of newly deceased Eagle Kings, while it's at it!

In other news, could we get the timer extended by 24 hours or so? It looks like tomorrow will be a rough day at work, and having a Saturday to play would be a blessing. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

I'll even have to extend it another day now, too. I have to teach my father some PC usage and after he has managed to be able to read and send emails for quite a while now, he is trying to come to terms with attaching files and using the clipboard. This takes HOURS and dozens of handwritten pages with instructions. Sometimes I wish my dad was like one of those here on the forum, or at least a little computer savvy.

[lch]

I'm surprised to see my province count being beaten by another nation, and it's Oceania the Dominion monster, no less! They almost draw even in gem income now, too!

Congratulations, I wasn't aware that your recent campaigns would do you that much good in such little time. You even own as many capitals as I do since quite some time. Do you happen to have encountered these sudden plague outbreaks across them, too?


Mind Elemental said:
Perhaps Caelum could use a couple of those spare wheelbarrows to haul away its couple of newly deceased Eagle Kings, while it's at it!



Unfortunately our graveyards at home are full and overbooked, what with these sudden and unexplainable plague outbreaks at our magnificent castles. Not even all the corpses have been able to get buried in High Caelum so far!

That's why we sent our funeral processions towards Mount Cephalos now, in the hope that our warriors might find their final rest in the graveyards there. Please excuse us breaking down the castle's entrance doors, we'll be replacing them as soon as we are running the place.

[vfb]

lch said:
I'm surprised to see my province count being beaten by another nation, and it's Oceania the Dominion monster, no less! They almost draw even in gem income now, too!

Congratulations, I wasn't aware that your recent campaigns would do you that much good in such little time. You even own as many capitals as I do since quite some time. Do you happen to have encountered these sudden plague outbreaks across them, too?



Oceania has no need of plagues. With our wonderful Death-3 scales, our population can die off all on its own quite nicely. Please keep any infected populations in strict quarantine.

Now, if only we actually had an army worthy of our huge tracts of land! We'd consider ourselves to be doing very nicely if right now it was forty moons since the Watcher awoke, rather than seventy five.

[lch]

Oceania wants to know if Vanheim is going to prepare for what's looking like the soon to be expected siege of their capitol in Oceania's attempt to get a fourth capital city. Since Mind Elemental seems to have been able to reawaken him in the past, is there interest by him in playing the rather unfortunate demise of his nation out? I'd expect that he could throw the last gems that he owns in a desperate attempt to throw back or cripple the invaders. Otherwise I would say there's no shame in setting oneself to AI in this situation.

[Beefeater1980]

Well, we may be doomed but why not go down fighting? Looking forward to seeing this through to the end.

[lch]

Well, that could have gone better, but nevertheless it was well worth the price. Surprising to see all adjacent provinces to Mount Cephalos fall into enemy hands this turn - I wanted to force your units into the "no retreat" trap, not the other way around. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Caelum has to mourn over the loss of her High Seraphine because of this, her clairvoyance will no longer be protecting the eagle kin from their foes. She will be dearly missed. The battles in Forest of the Dead are another such example of unfortunate timing - the Werewolf goes first and unexpectedly wins the fight against the defenders, only to get slaughtered to pieces by the Ghost Riders that I sent myself. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif

[Randvek]

I was wondering what happened in that province! Thanks for enlightening.

[lch]

I hope that Vanheim doesn't stale this turn after all this preparation of the last one. And neither Arco, of course. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Mind Elemental]

Who, me, stale? Nevah! You're not getting rid of me that easily! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif Still, could we get a brief extension for the next turn, since I've already taken this one - say, another day or two?

Well worth the price? I suppose time will tell. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

I'll reset the timer right now so that Vanheim doesn't stale.

[vfb]

Final War is upon the world, and Oceania marches to battle!

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Penguin.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif

No longer are we content with our meager holdings in the woods and wastelands.

All our NAPs are dissolved, all our alliances sundered, and all diplomats and foreign agents sent packing. We will of course observe any and all term limits on our (now-terminated) pacts.

Oceania

[Randvek]

I must say, Caelum, your strategy eludes me. You send me a message inviting me to attack Arco, but the very next turn you invade Agarthan lands, attacking the very army you encouraged to strike at your enemy! You don't make it particularly difficult to chose a side with such actions.

[Mind Elemental]

Since Vanheim ended up taking his last turn on time, could we get that extension for this turn, please? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

Randvek said:
I must say, Caelum, your strategy eludes me. You send me a message inviting me to attack Arco, but the very next turn you invade Agarthan lands, attacking the very army you encouraged to strike at your enemy! You don't make it particularly difficult to chose a side with such actions.


There's a communication deficit. You didn't respond to the message, so we had to assume that you were not interested in collaborating with us, but headed for Mount Cephalos instead.

[lch]

Mind Elemental said:
Since Vanheim ended up taking his last turn on time, could we get that extension for this turn, please? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif


Almost in time, I think it would have been 2 hours too late for the original timer. Yeah, I'll reset the timer again in the next days in case not all the turns are in. Do you think we'll be able to finish the game within this year? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Randvek]

lch said:Do you think we'll be able to finish the game within this year? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif



I'm reasonably certain this game will never end.

Oceania is asking to be kicked out soon, though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[vfb]

Our waves are impenetrable, our currents strong! Oceania will grow strong, while the pale ones of Agartha stagnate in their caves. Your best years are behind you, and you have nothing to look forward to but death and ruin!

Oceania

[Mind Elemental]

Finish this year? Gee, that's pessimistic. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif You could look at it another way and say that the reason playing is so time-consuming is because we're so close to the end.

[lch]

I believe that everybody has most of the research at level 9 now for the things that he cares about, so this is late game, yes. But close to the end? I'm really not so sure about that.

[lch]

Ah, let's reset the timer again.

[lch]

I'm sorry, I have to let the timer stay off a while longer. My notebook has broken down and I am unable to play the game at the moment. Even though a file system check doesn't report any errors, I am unable to boot successfully. I have investigated the problem and the last entry in my /var/log/messages before the system started to fail is an "attempt to access beyond end of device", uh-oh... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif I hope I'll get my system back running in time, but I'm ill at the moment with a bad cold and I'm rather confined to staying in bed, too. Meh. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Mind Elemental]

Ouch! Get well soon, and I hope you get back online quickly, too. I hope you didn't lose much data... :/

[vfb]

Sorry to hear about your computer trouble! And your unfortunate illness too.

Sounds like the scales problem to me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Dominions bugs are leaking into your reality. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

I hope everything gets better, you and your PC too!

[lch]

Okay, I think I have about recovered enough now. I am now in the process of making my notebook useable again. Instead of installing Gentoo for the umpteenth time, requiring about three days of setup with one full day of compiling (and the new release which should have been done in late 2007 isn't even getting ready right now), I'm now having a go at Arch Linux. I have the base system ready, Xorg and KDE is about done. I might be able to install and play the game tomorrow.

[lch]

Update, I have finished installing Arch Linux and configured it to some extend. It blows. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I'll reinstall Gentoo again, and I'll make sure to come up with some backup solution this time. This might take a good week. Maybe I'm back on the weekend already. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[lch]

*Hubert J. Farnsworth voice* Good news, everyone!

I've cockered up my Gentoo installation to a useable system again. DRI seems to be working, too. I'm looking forward to playing my turn within the next day or so. But I think I will let the timer stay off until the weekend is over because of easter. So prepare to meet your doom shortly after that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Mind Elemental]

Woohoo! Glad you brought your system back from the abyss. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

Yeah, Easter got me now, but I'll be right back...

[lch]

Lo and behold, a new turn is upon us. The wait is over.

What a crazy map. And what a crazy game. It really took me quite some time to get into this. I haven't looked at the result of the hosting yet, but I remember that Oceania declared war, mumbling that people think Caelum's getting too strong. Well then, let's see what you've got - I'll take on all of you or die trying! (would be kinda bad if the host wins the game, I'd rather pass out in a puddle of my own blood http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)

[lch]

Now I had a look at the turn. Man, am I happy to have equipped an Eye shield in the Tartarian Tango with Oceania. Without it, Oceania's Titan would have made short work of my Cyclops.

The duel with Arco's Sleeper SC was kind of a letdown though, I expected him to last longer than... one bash. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Amhazair]

So how's things going overthere? It's been quite a while since I was involved. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Arco is not winning, is he?

[vfb]

No. Caelum is winning. Good call with the Eye Shield! Now my Tart looks newborn again. Could not even defeat PD. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I was hoping you'd wait until the next patch to resume, so all your tartarians would go insane! (If that's even what'll happen to existing tartarians when you update).

[Randvek]

So... in the course of playing some other games, I seem to have upgraded to Worthy Heroes 1.8. Do I need to hunt down 1.6 or are we going to upgrade at all?

[lch]

It is not possible to change mod names for ongoing games. The mod that we used is compatible with whatever Dom3 version we might use, for this game. I'll attach it again.

[lch]

Amhazair said:
Arco is not winning, is he?


I usually have a pretty pessimistic outlook, but vfb may be right. I have to admit that I am holding a lot of aces now. I used to think that my gem income was bad since I never seemed to have enough of them and was constantly short, but now that I am taking territory it's no longer much of a problem.

Arco is so amazed with the Caelians that they're starting a program to populate their provinces with big crows. Sadly those are just a very poor imitation compared to the real thing. I don't think that the idea will really fly. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Amhazair]

Good, good.

Well, at least any birds they set out in the farmlands around Ermor's late capitol should thrive. Vast stretches of depopulated, and thus untended grain fields should provide ample nourishment. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Randvek]

ty for the mod, Ich. In return, I will refrain from sacking your capital this turn. Nevermind that I'm no where near it, it's the thought that counts, right?

[lch]

Hehe. I haven't heard back from Mind Elemental yet. Since I'll be over at my parents for a birthday tomorrow, I'm resetting the timer now.

[Mind Elemental]

Whoops, sorry about that. I got the notification promptly, I was planning to take my turn this morning, and I kept quiet as there wasn't much I could say (except "sleeper against a Tartarian - what could you expect?"). Turn is done but not yet uploaded; I'm holding off for a day or so, pending a few final touches. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

So what do we do with Vanheim?

[vfb]

I think it's fine to turn him AI. He's only bordering Oceania and Caelum, and he's just got a huge pile of trolls in his one province. I can't see anyone having fun with that, he's probably got no cash to recruit anything. The AI can enjoy a little troll rampage through his former lands.

[Beefeater1980]

By all means AI me. The troll rampage was all I had planned after Oceania boiled up from the seas to retake Marverni a while back and I have had neither cash nor gems for a few turns now.

Sorry not to have been more involved - the combination of picking up someone else's game half-way and getting married next month conspired to keep me from the login screen.

[vfb]

Oops, sorry! I thought you were not around http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif. I wouldn't presume to think it's fine to ask to turn you AI when you are still here!

But if you agree, then there's no problem! I'm about to get squished, and whether it's between some stone trolls and a hard place, or just a hard place and a harder place, the end result will be the same. Seafood surprise for everyone! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

We had some good battles over Marverni land, and I had a lot of fun fighting Vanheim. Hope you had fun too!

[lch]

Beef, I didn't want to just set you AI like that, that's why I've been asking again. It's just a general consensus that at the state that Vanheim is in right now it wouldn't really be any fun to continue playing with them, so you don't have to feel like you're obliged to do that. There are a lot better things that you could do than continue playing in such a position, and preparing a wedding takes a lot of time. I'll set Vanheim to AI in a few hours, then. Have a nice marriage!

[lch]

Whoop, 4 Tartarians dead this turn. That hurt. That should teach me to charge into rearmost with flying as third command when the enemy is perfectly capable of Petrify... If I would have stayed in the back row things might have been different.

It's funny to see that a single scout was just as successful in killing off enemy units as three decked out Tartarians. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Beefeater1980]

vfb/Ich, seriously it's no problem; the wedding's taking up every free moment right now!

Vanheim this game was a funny one; once I lost Marverni it was just a matter of delaying the inevitable, hence the army of trolls. Hope that they'll cause a bit of havoc for someone http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I'll be watching the boards so do let me know how it goes.

[Randvek]

Man, I would have loved to have seen that battle with the Tartarians. Must have been something.

[lch]

Oh, it was a slaughter. I didn't expect that they'd be decimated like that at all. Somehow me setting Vanheim to AI didn't work. Zeldor did it this turn, though, and since he gave some more orders it's as good as if it had succeeded last turn.

Admit it, Oceania, my wolves are just too awesome units to be pitted against! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif Good call with the Grip of Winter, though. In hindsight, I should have set all my units to "Attack monsters" instead of "Attack rearmost", though, that ol' Kraken is still escaping his fate. Give me my Sushi!

[vfb]

Yes, sadly for Oceania, Caelum's Army of Lead plus Fog Warriors will turn even the most pitful gaggle of wolves into a force to be reckoned with. Plus the accompanying Tartarian did a pretty good job of leeching the souls of our brave warriors!

Unfortunately Oceania is all of out tricks now, so it is time for us to go hide beneath the waves. No sushi for you! We will surface again when the time is right.

Uz, Prophet of the Watcher

[Mind Elemental]

Before we can get back to sushi (mm, tasty!), am I the only person who can't connect to the server? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[vfb]

I connected and downloaded the turn, but I can't connect any more at the moment.

[lch]

Oh, I am sorry. I noticed that the server let me stale although I thought that I played my turn. I took it down and it seems that I haven't brought it up afterwards. The server doesn't have my turn files on it at all, maybe I forgot to upload it after I prepared it. I guess I'll live with a stale turn then. Damn, my one chance of making sure that I get my sushi, taken away from me by such unfortunate circumstances...

[vfb]

Bummer, staling is a drag, especially since it happened to you because of the weirdness associated with playing turns on the host machine.

If it makes you feel any better, I teleported my Squid out of the province. So it would have be 50-50 whether or not you would have caught it, I think.

The Squid lives!

[lch]

Randvek said:
I'm reasonably certain this game will never end.


That was my impression lately, too.

Randvek said:
Oceania is asking to be kicked out soon, though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif


And you were right with this one. Not only Burden of Time, but Astral Corruption now as well... Does those serve Oceania any purpose? I'm asking because those are very self-destructive, I wouldn't cast them myself ever unless I'd be LA Ermor or something. First time I've encountered them in MP gaming, too.

[vfb]

Oceania will never be slaves! We will fight those who would banish us under the waves, with spine and tentacle! And ink! The never-ending supply of wolves of Caelum will soon grow old and die, and Oceania will be paid in full in bones and mixed metaphors! And exclamation marks! Mu ha ha ha ha ha. ha. huh? (burble).

Edit: C'mon, at least mention I cast a simultaneous Gift of Health with my Burden of Time, so lurkers and casual readers will understand that I am merely insane, not suicidal.

[lch]

vfb said:
Edit: C'mon, at least mention I cast a simultaneous Gift of Health with my Burden of Time, so lurkers and casual readers will understand that I am merely insane, not suicidal.


I've run a few quick tests and as far as I am aware, neither Gift of Health nor Boots of Youth had any impact on the effect of Burden of Time. So I fear that you are both, sire. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif

[vfb]

Boots of Youth are no good versus BoT, I've seen that too. But while Gift of Health does not prevent old age, it does cure any afflictions from old age. I didn't test this, but I did see it in an SP game versus LA Ermor (who kindly spammed BoT every time I dispelled it).

Does the rate of affliction healing depend on dominion strength? Maybe in your test your dominion was not high enough?

[lch]

Timer reset for Arcoscephale so they have more time to think how they can deal with the annoying Astral Corruption by evil Oceania... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[vfb]

Oceania pleads not evil, by reason of insanity!

[lch]

Resetting the server, one last time...

[Mind Elemental]

Many apologies; I could have sworn I'd uploaded my turn last weekend. I know I played and saved it, at any rate, so there was a 2H to upload... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

As for my response, well, it's a pretty nasty situation, isn't it? I'm sticking on more out of sheer doggedness (I've come THIS far, and I don't want to go AI and really skew the game) than because I hope to go on a rampage, at this stage. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[vfb]

Oceania is defeated, and in defeat, our Pretender has truly gone insane.

I, Uz, Prophet of the Insane Watcher, cannot bear to see our nation's decline, and will take my own life in a month's time. The last year I have spent constructing an aquatic automaton. Its artificial mind of gears and hydraulics will provide the remnants of our army with their marching orders, so that they may have a quick death rather than suffer further pain and humiliation.

But my horrible curiosity forces me to watch at least once the Kraken of Doom fly through the skies, with poison in its wake, the moon its madness, and the karabos curse already feasting on his brain.

So have I spoken, Uz of Oceania, and you will not hear my voice again.

[lch]

Mmhm. Basically Mind Elemental is saying that he's only continuing to play because he feels indebted to do it, vfb is going AI which isn't coming as a surprise considering his last turns screamed "attack me, naow!", and while Kailasa has just started taking their bog beast army for a walk through my provinces and Agartha is sending a number of Umbrals to knock at the doors of Arcoscephale again, I am not overwhelmed by a concerted attack of all the other nations like I was expecting and prepared to fight.

I do admit that turns have become a chore now (the astral corruption isn't helping). I know that I have most of the interesting unique artifacts in my possession, my god just completed to forge the Gate Stone this turn (and evaded two horrors after that), I wished the Chalice away from Kailasa which provided me with a number of affliction-free Tartarians and a dozen of them who are still waiting to get GoR'ed, I have the Medusa Shield, almost all the unique boosters like Forbidden Light except most of the tomes, all the elemental royalty that I cared about except one of the earth kings, all the Caelian Spentas, a dozen Abominations and the means to get more, and so on, but since I know that that this game is still a lot of turns away from being won. Should we save ourselves a lot of time and just call the game quits, maybe after one more hosting in case anybody wants to try something they've been holding back (like me giving Master Enslave a shot)?

With Oceania going AI I don't see like there's going to happen much interesting anymore. Vanheim is almost gone and AI, too, Kailasa hasn't moved much and doesn't seem to be inclined to change that, Agartha is bigger than I imagined, judging from my recent scouting reports, but still seems to be lacking the end-game firepower, Arco has lost much of its former power. I'd be able to sit out most sieges behind the castle walls and I can probably take new provinces faster than I am losing them... (when I'm not staling http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)

So, what do you others think? Take the timer off and host once more?

[Mind Elemental]

Well, it's up to Kailasa and Agartha. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif I think Kailasa, at least, wants to fight on. I have a couple of last "blaze of glory" things that I was saving, and never got a suitable opportunity to use. If I pulled them out now, the results would probably be less than spectacular, mind you...

[vfb]

I've got a blaze of glory to kick off too, I'd really like to see my squid get turned into sushi. So just one more turn for me please. And then I'll go AI.

[Randvek]

I could go either way. I think I've got a pretty good defense right now, but I really lack any sort of ability to lash out meaningfully. Caelum can more or less ignore me as I retake old Arco real estate, then finish me off when no one else is left.

I think my current position just screams "second place, and not much you can do about it." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[lch]

Alright, let's continue the game then. That's fine by me. I'll just reset the timer now because I didn't find any time to play lately.

[lch]

Very strange - the server segfaults. But I don't really see a reason for that. I'll investigate this later. Sleep first.

[lch]

I fixed the problems with the server. Won't play my turn before tomorrow, though, I am currently setting up new games.