Chupacabra - EA game for newish players - full

[llamabeast]

Since my Mara game filled up in just a few hours, I thought I'd host another one. It'll be an EA game.

Players: 6-8
Map: Probably a home-made subsection of Cradle or something, around 120-140 provinces.
Mods: None
Schedule: 24 hour quickhost (game hosts after 24 hours or when all turns are in, whichever's sooner), at least for the first 40 or so turns

House rule: No more than one level 9 bless.

How to upload your pretender:

- Go to Game Tools -> Create a pretender god in Dominions
- Go to the savedgames/newlords folder in the dominions directory, and find your pretender file (e.g. mid_pythium_0.2h)
- E-mail the file to: pretenders[ at ]llamaserver[ dot ]net
- Crucially, you must have the game name, 'Chupacabra', in the subject line of your e-mail. Watch the spelling!

You can see who's joined so far at www.llamaserver.net (http://www.llamaserver.net) .

Okay, we have:

Abysia - hako
Marverni - Izzyz
Mictlan - Ubercat
Agartha - LazyPerfectionist
C'tis - sum1won
Caelum - AreWeInsaneYet
Pangaea - Schaedelbaron
T'ien Ch'i - Aethyr

[Valerius]

Wow, Mara did fill up fast. Please sign me up for Tir na n'Og.

[hako]

Please count me in as Abysia.

[Izzyz]

I'm interested in Marverni.

[Ubercat]

Mictlan here please.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

May I take Agartha? And I'm curious, am I unique in my enthusiasm for Agartha?

[sum1lost]

C'tis, please

[AreWeInsaneYet]

Caelum please.

[GameExtremist]

Niefelheim please

[Schaedelbaron]

Pangagea , if there is still enough room for me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[llamabeast]

Okay, looks like we're probably full.

Um, Valerius and GameExtremist - I'm not sure you guys can really count yourselves as newish any more. You're both very competent players. Maybe you could join MysteryMammal, or if you would prefer a smaller game I can start one up (looks like it'll be full in an hour or two!).

[Valerius]

Ok, no problem, I'll wait until the next game. I liked the specs on this game (number of players, provinces, EA) so I joined even though I figured I might not qualify.

[llamabeast]

Okay thanks Valerius. In that case I'll start another one with similar specs soonish (when I reckon demand may have recovered from this little flurry of new games). I was beginning to think myself that some smaller games might be nice.

[Valerius]

No need to rush in creating a new game on my account. I couldn't resist joining Dolphin, regardless of what map size it turns out to be. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[davegg]

can i sign up as ulm?

[llamabeast]

davegg - Unfortunately I forgot to list the game as full when it got full. But I will put you as a reserve, which actually means you have a fair chance of being in the game I think, particularly as I've listed Aethyr without him actually saying he'll play!

[llamabeast]

Okay guys, you can now start uploading your pretenders. Here's how:

- Go to Game Tools -> Create a pretender god in Dominions
- Go to the savedgames/newlords folder in the dominions directory, and find your pretender file (e.g. mid_pythium_0.2h)
- E-mail the file to: pretenders[ at ]llamaserver[ dot ]net
- Crucially, you must have the game name, 'Chupacabra', in the subject line of your e-mail. Watch the spelling!

Deadline late Monday night (US time)(not that I'm from the US, it's just a convenient way of saying the time I mean).

[GameExtremist]

Okay leave me off the starting lineup then ; )

[llamabeast]

Thanks, sorry about that GE. It's a compliment though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Aethyr]

Thanks for your inital response, and for kindly saving me a spot--much appreciated. I'm in, and I'll be playing T'ien Ch'i.

[llamabeast]

Okay guys, I have been working all morning on a modified version of Parganos. A common complaint with Parganos was that the terrain types were too clustered - one player might have exclusively farmland, another only wastelands. I've changed the terrain types a lot to be much fairer (wasteland and farmland aren't marked anyway so that's easy, and most of the mountains have been changed to border mountains).

Now, there's definitely space for a water player on Parganos. Also I've already spent some time for Mara on choosing start positions for 7 land + 1 water player. Does anyone fancy switching to a water nation? No worries if not.

[llamabeast]

Oh, and good stuff Aethyr, glad to have you.

[llamabeast]

So really noone wants to change to a water nation? Think of the power!

Otherwise I will make the seas less valuable by setting them all to "deep sea" and "small province". Agartha will still have a bit of an edge, but probably not a huge one.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

One day I'll create a practical pretender. A simple awakened Risen Oracle or something like that. Until that day comes, however, I'll be trying out various experimental pretenders on you guys. Here's hoping it works, sort of.

[llamabeast]

Just waiting on Pangaea (Schaedelbaron) now.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Actually, I'll have to resend my pretender. Quick test game revealed that 3 death = bad, even with luck=0. When the second turn results in a fifth of your population dying in your capital, shooting unrest to 100, its time to adjust the scales. Or turn events to rare.

[Jazzepi]

I think that the scales, and not the luck level, are what unlock the worst evens. For instance I believe the level of turmoil you have determines if you can get the 120 (it's a lot, I can't remember the exact number) barbarian random attack event.

Jazzepi

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Yeah. I've been referring to this occassionally, even though its for dom2
http://www.freewebs.com/dominions2/events.html

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

New pretender sent. Not quite as fun, I had to make some sacrifices and change his design somewhat. In particular, no getting greedy and going for minor air, fire, and death blesses, on top of E10 earth bless. As you can guess that got expensive, and risky, so I scrapped that.

Edit: I spoke too soon. My email decided to start acting up. Well, its finished anyways. Llamabeast? What'll happen if I send it from another account? Nevermind, I just managed to get it to go through.

[llamabeast]

Okay, all pretenders are in! I'll start the game later on tonight.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Uhmm... can you replace my pretender for me? The email system wouldn't let me replace it.

[llamabeast]

Hmm, interesting. I think actually it did the same thing to Snacktime. Seems like a bug. Okay, I'll sort it for you and try to find out why it's playing up. The odd thing is that I tested it yesterday (because it looked like it had behaved oddly for Snacktime) and it worked fine for me. I hate inconsistent errors.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

The error it gave me is that the game filled up. So, I bet it would work if I had sent it in earlier.

[llamabeast]

Okay, good thought. I will try setting "FeatureTest" (my test game) to max of 3 players (which is how many it has so far) and try my test again.

[llamabeast]

And we're off! Enjoy the game!

(Let me know if there's any problems.)

[Ubercat]

llamabeast said:
And we're off! Enjoy the game!

(Let me know if there's any problems.)



I recieved three Emails with the first turn attached, as well as the Email saying there'd been a mistake. I'm assuming that the one with the latest time stamp is the correct firstturn Email to use.

[llamabeast]

Yes, that's right. Sorry about that. I actually forgot that this game went pear-shaped in the midst of the epic pear-shapedness that was the Mara start. Anyway yes, use the latest one. Happily if you were somehow to use the wrong one it wouldn't accept your turn, so you'll know if it's working correctly.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Did you set ALL the mountain provinces to border mountains? Even the natural chokepoints? ... ... ...

I mean, I've never taken advantage of a cave fortress' blindness thing, but I'm a little disappointed with how far you've went.

[llamabeast]

Sorry LP. I tried to leave all the natural chokepoints, plus provinces which had a mountain in the middle of them as "mountains". Possibly I failed in some cases - apologies in that case.

Also sometimes the terrain choices are a bit stretched from the visual appearance on the map. For example people were previously a bit annoyed by the vast expanse of swamp, so quite a few of the provinces with a bit of swamp drawings in are now not swamp.

Edit: On closer inspection, that's not actually very true about the chokepoints. I remember now that my thinking was that many of them looked kind of flat and easily-walked-through (e.g. 98, 34). 133 should have been a mountain though I think.

Anyway, there are a fair few mountains scattered around, but I'll take your comments into account and possibly restore a few more the next time I use this map.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Gracias. Though what I really need to do is figure out whether the game is supposed to ignore border mountains for the purpose of cave forts, and whether I can mod just Agartha so they can build them, even on 'mountain-less' 'border-mountain-full' random maps.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I may stall this turn. You can blame ATT/Bellsouth for this.

Problem bypassed. Turn sent.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'm in way to many games... I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. I had an idea planned out before hand, but been pulverized by independents... I'm not yet prepared for EA agartha, to my regret. Should have had more SP time. BTW, those horse tribe cavalry are mean when you have a measly attack skill of eight up against 16. Even trampling isn't so useful.

I suggest everyone put me out of my misery, quick, commit war against me. The only success I've had expanding is against the other humans, cause the indeps own my forces each and every time, it seems. I needed to practice much more.

[llamabeast]

How many games are you in LP?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Five. Jaguar, Chupacabra, SmokyBat, Veturi, Outsiders.

I think I got greedy when I stuck my hand in the cookyjar.

[Aethyr]

Wow, I just (tentatively) joined my second game. I think I'll take a lesson from your experience and stop there for now.

[sum1lost]

I'm in 4, and going strong. But unless I die horribly in at least one, I may be in some trouble when I get to university.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

The really foolish part about me taking five games is me working six days a week.

[llamabeast]

Maybe you should get a sub for one or two LP. I've made the same mistake in the past. It's a real pity because for me it can change dominions from being super fun to being an annoying job, which is very sad. The trouble is it's an easy mistake to make because at the start the games only take a minute or two per turn each.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Well... I'm switching to AI in a turn or two in Jaguar, unless negotiations manage to pull off a stunning reversal.

I may sub out one or two, but I'm having trouble deciding which to do. Would it be a problem if I switched to AI here? It would be an outright shame, but I wouldn't really want to give this position to another player. I'll play it through if I have to - I have time enough not to stall.

Veturi is a series of very brutal battles - with me having taken Pan's capital and both lakes- I won't drop out of that. Smoky's currently in peace and reasearch. That leaves Outriders, Jaguar, and chupacabra. Outriders is actually a pretty simple, since I'm surrounded on all sides, and barely control a one-province radius from my capital, with R'lyeh and Jomon looking for war.

[llamabeast]

Well, like you say it would be a shame to AI this game. Generally I think it's good if players think before switching to AI since some seem to do it on a whim. But ultimately if you're not enjoying the game by all means go ahead (especially since I know you're the thoughtful type and you've obviously tried not to AI immediately, e.g. in Jaguar). And if you are enjoying it, carry on playing!

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'll give it a try here, still. That's why I'm so agressive to Maringnon- though I think I'm heading through to the sea, if I can find a weak province.

[Aethyr]

sum1won, remember to have fun, and good luck with your studies.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Hmm... Didn't I just take this turn?
Edit: Nevermind... Redownloaded it, fine.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I apologize to Izzyz for my confusing message.
I'd forgotten I'd sent it till I got the reply. I hadn't meant to mislead, but that is the result of my action.

[Izzyz]

Huh? Message? Am I missing something? I thought I sent you a peace offer and didn't get a reply. Did I send another message after? If so, I'm afraid I forgot. I don't believe I've heard from you, though.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'm probably missing my brains, that's all...

[llamabeast]

Just so you all know, I've taken over Caelum for a bit since AreWeInsaneYet stopped playing. It staled for 4 turns, so has suffered a bit (and the lab in the capital burnt down http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif ). I will try to nurse the nation back to health a bit then make a renewed effort to find a sub (already advertised but no response as yet).

[llamabeast]

I won't be able to make today's turn in time, any chance of an extension of a few hours?

[llamabeast]

Why yes llama, of course!

[llamabeast]

Thanks! You're the greatest! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[llamabeast]

No worries. I think I will add about 4 hours onto the timer.

[llamabeast]

Cool.

[Ubercat]

Would anyone be willing to help out our generous, hardworking host by volunteering to admin this game?

-Ubercat

[llamabeast]

I actually forgot to ever ask for this game. But yes - would anyone volunteer to admin the game? It would be much appreciated. Basically all you have to do is postpone the game when someone asks, which is very easy via the website (if you have the admin password which I'd give you). You can also do things like change the hosting interval later on in the game if people want to switch to 48 hours, and so on.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I suppose I would. I hardly have a huge empire, and I spend a lot of down-time on these forum.

[llamabeast]

Cool, thanks LP, you're a legend. Hopefully it won't be much of a job. I'll send you the password shortly.

[llamabeast]

Noooo! After all that I thought I had more time than I had and sent my turn in 10 minutes late! And I typed loads of diplomacy too!

Poo.

[lch]

Let me get this right: You staled your turn on your own server? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif Hilarious.

[llamabeast]

Yup. Despite postponing it for myself as well. D'oh!

[lch]

As I told you via PM, I got [censored] by that a couple of times myself. I hope you're now sending reminders after postponing a game for some hours, too... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[llamabeast]

Yup, that was a good catch - thanks for that!

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

So... I wonder how long/how much it will take Maverni to counter my raids? I can hold out in my capital for a long, long time. I don't need to eat anything. If they can counter my raids (which will probably be pretty easy and inexpensive, but I can't recruit any additions to my forces now)...

Regardless of how easy it is to squash, I'm quite happy with it. Mother is the necessity of invention, after all. With a Dwarven Hammer, I can put a Skull Talisman on every scout. Now they're tough enough to clear out minor PD all on their own. Certainly, other races are just as capable of doing this, but I would never have thought of doing this without being so outnumbered.

[Aethyr]

Hail C’tis,

The Masters of the Celestial Empire have watched the growth of your nation from afar. We have great admiration for what you have accomplished in so short a time, and we wish you great success and prosperity in the future.

However, we are concerned with your unnecessary build up on our western border. A build up that has occurred without even a word of welcome, or statement of intent. This is not the way of civilized peoples.

We are sure that you do not wish to threaten us, or risk the certain loss of resources any premature conflict might cost us both.

Therefore, we bid you withdraw your troops from our border before your intentions—which are most noble we are sure—are misunderstood by our commanders in the field.

Lest you mistake our courtesy for weakness, know this: if you do not withdraw there will be war between us. Yes, yes, we know that ultimately we might not prevail. We also know that if such a conflict does ensue we will wreak such destruction upon your armies that the weakest of those nations that remain would easily defeat you.

We do not threaten. We merely proclaim that which is written in the stars. Those same stars also speak of two possible paths for your nation. The first path flows from peaceful relations of with great nation of T’ien Ch’i. It leads to prosperity, long life, and a stature equaled only by our own. The second path leads to a long and bloody conflict, and the utter ruin of your nation. Choose your path well.

Aethyr, Lord of Starlight, Sword of Heaven, Prince of the Stellar Winds
Minister of War to the Celestial Masters of T’ien Ch’i

[sum1lost]

Well, that did not turn out well at all. Bringing up the reserves now...

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Izzyz? You're playing Maverni, right?

I can't get to the game right now, but I'm just dying to know whether I've been whooped, botched my turn, or managed to break that siege you have me under?

[Izzyz]

Hi L.P.,
I'm sorry you are having trouble. You took #58 with minor loss with your raidig army. You tried to break seige at your capital, and lost 2/3 of your forces and one leader. I have not breached. Good luck.

[llamabeast]

Hey, just wanted to apologise for postponing the hosting a couple of times for my own turn - sorry about that, not been home between 8am and 1am. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Actually, Izzyz, I made a critical mistake. I tried to break siege with all my forces. I could have holed up and summoned nearly indefintely thanks to that NNE trait. But instead, I had to kill off all my forces - who also happened to be unable to retreat anywhere. You'll be breaching soon.

I made a mistake, but I am fleeing to the water provinces. I should just switch to AI, but I might as well see what I can do. Not certain if I can rally the money to prevent a dom kill- but maybe I'll learn something else while I'm at it.

On skull-scout raids. Not bad, but one pair is just ineffective. If I plan around this in the future, I may be able to upset the balance enough.

If I can't rally money enough to do anything, I'll probably switch to AI soon. But I will look over my options. I may find some way to at least be a nuisance.

... Sadder than I thought. I'm switching over to AI.

[sum1lost]

To Aethyr (tienchi): We are impressed by the army you have ammased. However, in the last turn, C'tis liquidated its gem stockpiles and produced a massive number of summons, including several high MR undead. However, since the nation which pledged aid appears to have withdrawn said pledge, we will conscend to back down, in return for a garuntee of security.

[llamabeast]

Shogi will now be permanently taking over as Caelum. I have informed him of all my treaties, which I believe he will stick to. Thanks Shogi!

[Aethyr]

C'tis,

If you really wish negotiate, send me a PM and tell me what you are offering for this "security".

[Aethyr]

C'tis,

You were told our terms. You will learn that we mean what we say. Yout initiated this conflict. We will end it. The time for talking is over.

The Celestial Masters of T’ien Ch’i all upon all to witness their declaration: we do hereby declare war everlasting upon C’tis because of his continued acts and threats of aggression, and his refusal to make just and fair amends for his unproved attacks on our people. There will never be peace between us.

No matter what else happens in this land we will see C’tis utterly destroyed, even if it means that destruction results in our mutual demise.

In our dialog he intimated that he had other enemies. We are not surprised. Join us or stand and observe the outcome will be the same. We will stand in the midst of the smoking ruin his capitol, atop stinking heaps of lizard carcasses, and the brittle bones of his despicable undead servants.

[sum1lost]

Tien Chi speaks of aggresions. After a minor skirmish, he demanded gold in recompensation. Gold was sent, 200 pieces of it, for the lizards of C'tis are wise, and love peace.

We have been told that we initiated continued acts of aggresion. Rather, there was one border skirmish. We have instead received threat upon threat, followed by an extortionate demand for gold.

C'tis sent the gold this last turn.

Tien Chi, now having received the gold, declares war, in the midst of negotiations. I call him oath breaker and coward, a dishonorable and greedy nation. I call upon the nations of the world to unite against this bloated threat with us. He shall not stand.

Seriously though. Declaring war in the middle of negotiations- right after making a demand- is not cool. I had sent the gold, as you gave no indication of refusing the offer, and had you insisted that I up the second payment, left room for that scenario.

Not nice.

I'd like it if the gold came back.

[Aethyr]

Snort...

For the record, we do not consider an invasion of our lands (after you were warned to withdraw) to be a "skirmish". Especially when you devulged that the only reason you were backing off was because an ally you had expected to join you did not show up (read our own post).

You were told that if our terms were not met we would consider you hostile, and that you should "defend yourself accordingly". You chose to send a lessor amount. My delclaration of war on you was not the above post, rather it was my attack on you, which occured symultaneously with the arrival of your gold, not "after". The post was only intended to inform the other nations that your time was at an end.

We were not in the midst of negotiaitons. As stated above, my terms were non-negotiatble. You refused those terms (I believe your exact words were you had enough power to "pound" me), and so you were attacked. There have never been any "oaths" between us. Your penchant for twisting the truth to fit your purpose is another reason there can be no peace between us; we cannot trust you.

"Seriously though", you will have nothing from us you do not take. You want your gold? Come and get it. Actually, you don't even have to leave your capitol; I'll be there very soon...

[sum1lost]

We do not negotiate with terrorists!

Actually, the bit about twisting words is odd- it wasn't an ally I was expecting. I got asked for aid, to be perfectly upfront. I'm starting to suspect that said individual didn't actually need aid, and was trying to stir up a war.

[Aethyr]

Snort...

There you go again...even if that were true, you are accountable for the choices you make.

[Schaedelbaron]

could we wait with hosting ?
There is a problem with my turn

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

How long? I _think_ I've been given the admin password for this game while Llamabeast is away.

Edit: Ah, yes... I have. I've postponed it for an additional eight hours at the moment, so I can check again at midnight my time.

[Schaedelbaron]

can you also resend a turn?
I wrote llamabeast a msg but he didn´t answer yet.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

he's traveling overseas. I'll resend turns now.

Actually, you can request a turn resend yourself, w/o admin passwords. What nation are you?

Edit the third. Turn resent to pangaea. Should be there in a few minutes. let me know if all is right.

[Schaedelbaron]

the resented turn didn´t work either.

looks like a allready played turn 32 and when i click on "continue where i left" or "redo.." the game crashed with error msg "bad lnr"

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

lnr? I'll take a look at things when I get back tonight. I don't run llamaserver, so I'm not sure what I can do, but I do have several things I think I might do.

Private message me your email address. I'm going to have the server send me a copy of the turn, and take a look at it.

Afterwards, I'll need to point it back towards you.

[Izzyz]

Hi all. It is a damn good thing the turn was delayed or I would have staled. Is anyone else interested in moving to 48hr QH?

[sum1lost]

Compromise on 36?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

There. I loaded up Pan's turn just fine. I'm manually sending it. Schaedelbaron, download it from the attachment I'm sending from my email, not the server's. Then, and only then, if it still refuses the turn, try deleting every file in the chupacabra folder, and then putting the llamaserver's email in the now empty chupacabra folder.

Let me know how it goes.

I'll be delaying hosting a little bit further, but the game will resume 30 hours as soon as Pan Shaedelbaron gets his turn working. It shouldn't be long now.

I'll happily adjust to a new time schedule, but I'll wait for you to discuss it, first.

[Aethyr]

If we have to change the time, I'd rather see a 36.

[hako]

36 seems to be ok.

[Izzyz]

I'm good with 36.

[Schaedelbaron]

finally it works http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

36 is good for me too

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

So, which one was it, Shaedelbaron? The first method I suggested or the second?

Izzyz: If you can sweet talk them into 48, then I'll tweak it to that. Or need an individual freeze. If it looks like you'll have trouble every turn meeting the deadline, PM me. I'll see if I can work something out.

In the meantime, it seems there is general consensus for 36, so I'm boosting the time up.

And that'll be 150% time to get in your turn over the starting 24 hrs. Referring to llamabeast's first post for inspiration, we might ramp up to 48 hour turns in a dozen turns or so.

[Schaedelbaron]

just used your manually sent turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Aethyr]

Agreed.

[sum1lost]

Okay, I'm going to be looking for a sub for this game within a week or so. I'm going to be really busy at college.

[Aethyr]

I shall hate to see you go sum1won; you have been a worthy foe.

[sum1lost]

The biggest thing is; I was about to get a whole lot worthier, too.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Is someone willing to take over the administration of this game for me?

It's pretty hands off, except when people are out for a weekend, and then you postpone it for 48 hours or something.

[Ubercat]

Lazy_Perfectionist said:
Is someone willing to take over the administration of this game for me?

It's pretty hands off, except when people are out for a weekend, and then you postpone it for 48 hours or something.



I nominate Schaedelbaron or hako. They're very classy players who respect their opponents even in the middle of a war. Not at all like some fourteen year old little trolls I've had experience with.

-Ubercat

[hako]

I can admin this game but you must tell me how:) I haven't done it before. And being honest, I don't have much time... wife, work... so I can have some excuses if it comes to chasing me for sth http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Schaedelbaron]

same as hako here http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[sum1lost]

I'd like to purchase death gems. I can pay in fire, air, water, nature, astral, or gold, although I have limited supplies of all of the above. First come, first serve- pm me for details.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Hako, I'll pm you the admin password. Have any questions, just pm me. I suggest you start by changing the message of the day.

[sum1lost]

The nation of C'tis would like to extend the hand of peace to Tien chi. Neither of our nations have benefited from this war, which has now extended for the better portion of this game. We can continue fighting, or we can back off from one another's throats for some time.

[Aethyr]

Hail C'tis,

We are uncertain how to best interpret "for some time". Perhaps more importantly, we can see how this would be of interest to you, but we are not certain how it would be of benefit to the nation of T'en Ch'i. Please help us understand why we should give serious consideratoin to your offer.

Just so we're clear, in the meantime as we "discuss" this, we would recommend that you continue to defend yourself, as best you are able. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[sum1lost]

Because, simply put, we have the ability to defend ourselves- fairly successfully- against the armies you have, thanks to some new research especially. Your troops would be better spent expanding elsewhere.

[Aethyr]

Very well, I conceed your point--you are well defended.

I also conceed that we would mutually benefit from a "cease conflict" for a period of time. This is what I propose:

1) For the next three turns (including the turn that has not yet hosted) we do not attack each other.

2) Specifically, neither of us will invade the lands currently held by one other, we will not target overland spells at lands held by each other, and we will not send or cause to be sent any person or thing that would be considered harmful into each others provinces.

3) In the Spring we will revisit and talk again to determine how to go forward.

This is not a NAP. We're just agreeing to halt our conflict until the Spring. At that time we shall talk again. Do you agree, or do you have a counter proposal?

[sum1lost]

Sounds reasonable- except, no scouts into either individual's territory, or massing of troops on inconvenient borders.

[Aethyr]

Snort,

It's impossible to enforce a no scout rule, or verify compliance.

And you really don't expect me to withdraw my troops or discontinue building my forces do you?

How about no massing troops where they're not already massed?

[sum1lost]

That works.

[Aethyr]

Done.

[sum1lost]

Spring arrives next turn. Do you wish to extend the pact another season?

[Aethyr]

C'tis,

This is the last month of our "cease fire." I believe it's now time to finish this...one way or another.

[sum1lost]

So, uh, renew pact/turn into NAP, or war?

[Aethyr]

As I have said, you have been a worthy opponent, but now it ends--one way or another. It must be war.

[Izzyz]

So, is anyone else ready to move to 48hr quickhost?

[Aethyr]

That works for me.

[sum1lost]

Excellent idea.

[Aethyr]

I have to take a short trip. I'll be able to get my next turn (60) off just fine, but I am requesting a delay in hosting the following turn (61) until: Sunday 18:00 GMT. Thanks

[hako]

ok, I'm changing hosting to 48h (last turn I've staled myself due to some issues related to alcohol overdose... the same giving Panagea quite a handicap http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif . Aethyr, we will wait.

[Aethyr]

Much appreciated!

[Schaedelbaron]

Me Satyrs loove Alcohol ! *g*

[sum1lost]

I have midterms this week, so would it be possible to extend hosting time until sometime saturday?

[Schaedelbaron]

Sadly i dont have enough time anymore for this game.
Anybody knows where to get a replacment-player?

[sum1lost]

Hey, Marveni.

I recently received a message from you accusing me of breaking our NAP.

If you accuse me of that, you had better be damn well certain that I did.

I happen to know that you are aware that I canceled our NAP some time ago. Around turn 63, I believe.

Either you are lying through your teeth, or you don't understand how NAPs work.

Cancelling a 3 turn NAP means that if you allow your druids to get assasinated 4, 5 and even 6 turns later, you have nothing to complain about.

[Izzyz]

Whoa, big boy. Slow down there. Oddly enough, I received a a proposal from you for a joint alliance against Pangaea, despite your canceling our NAP and attacking me. I'm not accusing you of attacking despite an existing NAP. Your play has been quite honorable in terms of your giving proper notice, etc. I just am surprised you even bothered to try to ask for an alliance. So, get down off your high horse and relax. I'm not complaining, I do understand what a NAP is, and I don't lie, through my teeth or otherwise. Oh, and by the way, I'm going to crush you.:)

[Dedas]

Ruler of C'tis, you are indeed a snake when you are trying to inject poison even in your friends! Try to keep your dripping teeth in your mouth or you might well loose them.

[sum1lost]

Izzyz, I sent you no such message. I honestly have no idea as to what you are talking about. Either one of us is confusing games, or you are talking about the message I sent to everyone, but that doesn't mention pangea.

You could just be spreading disinformation, but I doubt that.

[Izzyz]

Huh. I got a message two-three turns ago, asking for alliance. I don't recall the exact language, but I understood it to mean against Pangaea. If it was a general message to everyone, that would explain it. And, if I misunderstood it, please accept my apologies. I'm still going to crush you, though.:)

[Aethyr]

Multiple turn issue has been resolved; problem solved.

[hako]

Hi guys, sorry for me delaying hosting by couple of hours. I'll be at home this evenink UK time and send my turn...
Hopefully before 20-21 London time my turn is done.

[Aethyr]

Live and learn...Pangaea has stalled four times in a row. Now that I know that this information can be gleaned from Llama's server, I will make it a point to check regularly. Due to this fact, the lack of any notification in this tread, and the player's lack of response to my PM's, I consider the NAP between us null and void.

So, my question: Why the silence re: the stalling, and why this not been dealt with?

BTW, The information on the Llamaserver re: turn number and time the next turn is due is incorrect.

[sum1lost]

Post deleted by sum1lost

[sum1lost]

Post deleted by sum1lost

[sum1lost]

The battle at my capital has resulted in Marveni loosing two of his elemental royalty (limne, the lady of the lake, and Oreigenes, an earth king) to a combination of paralyze and enslave mind. He also lost a sea king, and a number of sea trolls. the battle at my other fortress has caused him to lose numerous undead, vine ogres, warriors, and a few commanders.

[Aethyr]

Hey Sum, this game would not have been the same without you. I'm glad to see you giving someone else some trouble for a change http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Good luck.

[llamabeast]

I just set Pangaea to AI. It looks like Abysia has been staling for ages as well, but he's so powerful I'm loathe to set him to AI. Guess I will post for a sub.

Also Aethyr has kindly volunteered to take over administration of the game, so I've sent him the admin password.

[Izzyz]

Gee, I guess the scouting report that listed the largest portion of your army as Sauromancers was correct after all. On to plans B,C,and D. I'll get you yet, and your little dog, too! Give me back my Royals!

[Aethyr]

Hi Izzy, Sum,

Next week is Thanksgiving week and I'll be taking a little vacation; I'll need to delay hosting from Monday through Saturday. This will also provide some time to see if we can get a sub for Abysia.

If either of you have extension needs beyond this time frame please let me know. Thanks

[llamabeast]

DryaUnda has kindly volunteered to take over as Abysia, and I have switched the e-mail address to his.

[Aethyr]

Welcome DryaUnda! I hope you enjoy the game.

[Aethyr]

Hello everyone,

We'll process this turn (turn 83) as per normal, and then the next hosting (turn 84) will be delayed until Sunday 23:50 GMT.

[Aethyr]

Llama, many thanks for facilitaing a sub so quickly!

Izzy, this is what I'm talking about--it should have happend LONG ago, and Pangaea could have and SHOULD have been handled in the exact some way.

[Izzyz]

Welcome!
Many thanks for saving our game. You are mighty indeed. Enjoy!

[Aethyr]

Hello Everyone,

Just a reminder that hosting will be dealyed until 23:50 GMT on Sunday.

If you are in the habit of routinely chekcing Llamaserver, plesae disregard the "next turn due" notation as it is incorrect. I requested Llama's assistance in getting it corrected.

[Izzyz]

Hail Abysia!

You have never replied to my friendly message proposing peace and a demilitarized border. While I can overlook scouts in my empire, I will not overlook asassination of my leaders. We are at war!
Marveni

[Aethyr]

Hello folks,

The game file seems to be (temporarily I hope) missing from the Llamaserver. I have PM'd Llama to make him aware of the problem.

Once it is fixed, hosting will be delayed an additional 36 hours to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to resend their turn.

[Aethyr]

The game is back on guys, you can check the status on Llamaserver.

Thanks Llama (as always) for the quick action--much appreciated.

[llamabeast]

Hey,

As Aethyr said, the game's now back on. Sorry about that, and thanks for the swift PMs letting me know about the issue. You'll need to resubmit your 2h files for the current turn if you haven't already (just waiting for Marverni, in fact).

[Aethyr]

Hi Guys,

Is everyone OK with normal hosting for the upcoming week, or would anyone like to request an alternate scheudle or postponements? Please let me know, thanks

[Izzyz]

Hi Aethyr, and thanks for asking. I am OK now, but staled recently, and am wondering if anyone wants to go to 72 hour hosting soon? I teach, and school is out for 3 weeks (yay!) but I usually can only spare an hour or so each night for Dominions, which sometimes is not enough.

[AlgaeNymph]

I have no problem with 72 hour hosting.

[Aethyr]

OK--

After this turn we'll convert to 72 hours. Have a blessed and safe holiday folks.

[Aethyr]

Did either of you have problems with the last turn file?

I sent turn 98 in on time and received a confirmation.

I received turn 100 with a note in my "in game" messages that I had a stale turn, presumably turn 99.

Anyone else have a problem?

[llamabeast]

Okay, it had indeed done something strange (Dominions threw up a nagot gick fel for some reason, which confused the server). So I rolled back the turn, found your 2h files in the e-mail backups and resubmitted them, so it's just rehosted turn 98. Hopefully all is well now.

[Aethyr]

(bows again)

Many thanks my friend.

[Aethyr]

Hosting has now been changed to 72 hours.

On a separate note, did everyone receive turn 99 OK? It apprears that all of my moves did not take place--lucky for you Izzyz. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Did anyone experience something simular?

[Izzyz]

Gentlemen,
I request a 48 hour delay. I have been ill, and the power was out for part of today. Another storm is headed in tonight. I hope to finish my turn tomorrow, but can't count on connectivity. My apologies for the inconvenience.
Marveni

[Aethyr]

Izzyz,

Hosting has been postponed 48 hour per your request. Please let me know if you need more time--hope you feel better soon.

[Aethyr]

Hey folks,

I had a couple of work projects derail, so I will need to postpone hosting for 24 hours. I apologize for the delay.

[Aethyr]

Izzyz,

Although I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel yet, I must acknowledge that you have victory well within your grasp. You have played a masterful game and have given me an appreciatin for Marverni that I did not have before.

Well done.

[Izzyz]

Aethyr,

Thanks for your kind words. I still feel like I'm fumbling my way forward. Your forces, especially that peerless army of kung-fu masters and demons, are very scary.

I hate to do so, but I am forced to ask for another delay. There is no way I can get my turn in tomorrow night. If I could have 24 hours that would be great. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Izzyz

[Aethyr]

Izzyz said:
I hate to do so, but I am forced to ask for another delay. There is no way I can get my turn in tomorrow night. If I could have 24 hours that would be great. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Izzyz



Izzyz, in reading the above I assumed that you wanted to postpone turn 105. However, I see that hosting has occured and that turn 106 is out. This seems wierd given your message. Please confirm that you did actually send your turn in and that all is well. I want to ensure that everything is Ok.

[Izzyz]

I didn't want to risk staling, and sent in what I had with less than an hour left. Not to worry. I'll deal.

[Izzyz]

And, I am forced to ask for 24 hours again.
Marverni

[Aethyr]

Done.

[Aethyr]

Hi folks,

Unfortunately, I've had to postpone hosting for 24 hours. The game will now host at 10:40 GMT on Saturday.

Sorry for the delay.

[Aethyr]

Izzyz, DryaUnda,

I could drag this out (raid, use hit & run tactics, assination spells, etc.), but Izzyz has won the day. All that's left to him is the wrap up.

My suggestion is that we declare Izzyz the victor. Agree?

[AlgaeNymph]

Aethyr said:
My suggestion is that we declare Izzyz the victor. Agree?

If you wish, then I agree.

[Izzyz]

How can I refuse?
My compliments to both of you for hanging in there and playing a scrappy, feisty game.
Izzyz

[Aethyr]

I enjoyed playing with you both, and look forward to playing you again soon.

Peace

[Aethyr]

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