Halls of Valhalla: Forseti Middle Era Open

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Games Status: November 18th, 12:30 PM EST

ATLA is Started
BRAGI is Started
C skipped due to lack of norse names
DAGUR was won by Wraithlord
BAG is Started.
ELLI is Started.
FORSETI is Recruiting at a leisurely pace

As a result of several discussions, the original mission of having a game always open has been changed. Instead, I'll open up a new game on a rough once or twice a month schedule, creating a 'spillover' game if demand is high. See page seven for part of the discussion. Things are not quite final since I got distracted by setting up my first large game, BAG. As well (excluding spillover games), the era will rotate in this order early->middle->late->early and so on..

Halls of Valhalla
There have been complaints that there never seems to be a game open. While several are open right now, I've been contemplating what could be done about it. Hence, the Halls
of Valhalla have been opened. Llamabeast's Play by Email server will be used for this, details on that later.

The basic premise of Valhalla is to keep a game open at all times. In order to keep wait times to a minimum, games will be capped at 8 players. Since I'm generally not participating myself, the rules, eras, and maps will be pretty flexible to player requests.

The default settings, unless requested otherwise are as follows:

Standard Settings all around
Dom3 vanilla, no mods, latest patch.
Aran or Llamabeast's modified Paraganos.
Score graphs disabled
Hall of Fame entries limited to 5.
Renaming allowed
Random events common
30 hr quickhost

Llamabeast will host and create the games, I will administer them, and you will play them.

Feedback & suggestions welcome,
[section obsolete and removed]

One final note. Once enough players sign up, and the game gets started, it'll be spun off into a new thread, and another will open up in its place.

Useful Links
Games that are looking for players (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=520744), www.llamaserver.net (http://www.llamaserver.net), Sheap's Multiplayer Tips (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showthreaded.php?Number=474483), LlamaServer FAQ (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Number=531116),Encyclopedia Mythica (http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/norse/articles.html)

Games Spawned
Atla (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=540362)
Bragi (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=542183)
Dagur (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=543333)
BAG (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=546905)
Elli (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=567048)

[Aethyr]

Sounds cool--I'm definately interested.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Any particular preferences for "Age", or other settings?

We'll call the first one Atla.

P.S. Small edit in first post, will attempt to keep up to date.

[FAJ]

Pencil me in for Abysia.

How does a PBEM Server/ quickhost work?

[Aethyr]

I prefer EA or MA, but I can go with the flow. I know that you're trying to keep the games small, but how do you feel about using Aran as opposed to Silent Seas? Regardless, you can count me in: If EA, I'll take T'en Ch'i; if MA, please pencil me in for Bandar Log. Thanks

[Aethyr]

FAJ--

Sorry for not respoding to your question in my last post. Llamabeast's server makes the process painless. You create your pretender and e-mail the .2h file to the server. Then:

1) A .trn file is emailed to you upon initial start up and after the server hosts a turn;
2) You download this file and save it into your Dominion's "saved games" folder (be sure to create a new folder specific to the game you are playing);
3) After completing your turn, "save & quit";
4) E-mail your .2h file (not the .trn) file back to the server.

After it hosts, the process begins again. Llamabeast's server autoatically sends confirmations when it receives your file with a time deadline so you know when the hosting will be, and when you must have your compoeted turn (.2h file) mailed in. I'm a little uncertain about the signicance of "quick host", but I think it might mean that the server hosts at the designated time anyway even if all turns are not in? Hope this helps.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I don't mind changing any settings, as log as the players agree to it. I also don't mind larger maps, as long as the players think its acceptable or enough people show up to fit. I don't need to get a game started as soon three people show up, but I do want to keep people from waiting to long. If we've got the minimum and people are getting antsy for the game to start, I'll start it. If people are patient, and somebody shows up every forty-eight hours or so, or everybody wants a larger game, then I'll wait. I'll try and adjust the map to the number of players that appear.

Llamaserver FAQ (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=531116&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

Pretenders should not be sent until everybody joins and the game is created.

Large sections removed for brevity's sake, since the LlamaServer FAQ (frequently asked questions) is up.

[Aethyr]

LP--

Great information. As I mentioned, I'm ready to go and happy to go with the flow. Thanks

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

That makes two. I'll wait two or three days for anyone else to sign up, and I'll probably be out of Jaguar by then. If it looks like nobody's biting, I'll step in and play.

[FAJ]

Yeah, I have played in PBEM games before, I just didn't know if there was a difference between this and that. To be honest, it is more hassle than it is worth.

You can count me out on this.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

What particular is the problem? Is it the PBEM, or the time settings? I can change the latter.

[FAJ]

Its the former.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Question for non-interested people who've read the thread.
If you've looked at this proposal, and decided its not for you, what turned you off of the idea?

RE:FAJ
It's hardly that much hassle, my blather aside. Or at least I hope to convince you so. If I can't, well, sorry to see you go. It means we're further from getting the game up.

The pretenders a minor hassle, but only setup once. Its a matter of taking the pretender with the most recent timestamp and sending that one it.

With a good email program/website, it remembers where you've saved last, saving you quite a few clicks. It also remembers the 'subject' after a few letters, so you don't need to type up Chupacabra every time. I send my turn to jaguar and chupacabra with about four keystrokes.

On the plus side, this system results naturally in a backup of every turn in case something goes wrong.

[llamabeast]

There seems to be a fairly wide-ranging antipathy towards PBEM which I can't really understand - I'm pretty sure that if people tried it they would find it much less annoying than they imagine. I would say that for me it adds maybe 10 seconds on to either side of taking the turn. Ah well.

Incidentally LP, you don't need to type "Chupacabra" every time anyway - you don't need to put anything in the subject line (except for when you send your pretender in).

[Sleet]

Wouldyou be up for setting up a epic heroes mod (Map: no preference)?
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

By the way, I like PBEM better, (for one, sometimes the reminder of the email file is good so I don't miss a turn!)

[Yucky]

Lazy_Perfectionist said:
What particular is the problem? Is it the PBEM, or the time settings? I can change the latter.



Personally, I just prefer games larger than this.

[Juzza]

Sign me up!!!!

can I be Machaka??

my emails juzzaman(at)gmail(dot)com

[llamabeast]

Juzza man, you should mung your e-mail address so it doesn't get harvested by spam bots! Change it to juzzaman[at]gmail[dot]com or something.

I had the llamaserver address up for a bit un-munged, and you wouldn't believe how much spam it gets now! Happily the server reads it for me, establishes there are no 2h files attached and throws it away (having sent the spammers a no doubt confusing error message), so no work for me!

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Correct me if I'm wrong, llamabeast, but Juzza, there's no need to post your email here. Once the games set up, you simply need to send in the pretender, and the server will remember to send the turns to the same place.

As regards the rest- I'll deal with that after a full nights sleep, but yes Machaka, Epic Heroes - maybe - I'm not the one to convince, fellow players are. Why not? will suffice for assent. Game can grow larger if people join fast enough - then we'll switch to Aran (which is a 6-10 player map I'll cap at 8 players max to keep things from being too crowded.) - I'll decide fast enough later, but provisionally, if have 5 players and thread is inactive for 48 hours, game starts- new one opens. Will pick middle-road map between Aran and whatchamacalit.
Oh, and whatchamalit map- prefer wrap-no-wrap?

[Juzza]

oh, sry only been in one multiplayer game, huh, that makes it a lot easier, cool, can't wait till it starts!!

[llamabeast]

Actually you're right LP, people don't need to post e-mail addresses for my games.

[Aethyr]

LP--

Clue me in--I'm still new to this--what's the significance of Epic Heros?

[Tuidjy]

Epic Heroes is a balancing mod that adds a few very well made heroes to nations.
Unfortunately, the heroes are vastly different in power - some are game altering,
and can rush and destroy a nation, others are nice, but don't affect the nation's
strategy. In addition, some have summons that become your nation's strategy.

If you disagree with the author's views on nation balance, you may not enjoy
playing with it. Check it out before start an MP game. Especially check out
both the free and the deliberate summons.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

There is also a Worthy Heroes mod thats a bit less powerful- that's standard on most of LLamabeasts games. Also worth checking out.

I'll link to em so you don't have to search. Just check this post again in about 20 minutes or less. It'll be edited in.

Edit:
P.S. In epic heroes, the nations START with their hero. In worthy, they have to come by it the old fashioned way, so no misfortune 3.

Worthy Heroes:
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=470523

Epic Heroes:
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=516789

The Mod List: (Has quick summaries of mods, and more)
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=495854

[The_Tauren13]

Count me in. Ill get back to you on my nation...

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Concrete Atla Stats
Middle Age

Requested Mods (need to be approved by players)
Epic Heroes. (voted down)
Nova Deus (unapproved, not likely to happen)

Player list for Atla (3 confirmed, map will scale to match total number of players, up to 8).

Bandar Log - Aethyr
Machaka - Juzza
Shinuyama - The_Tauren13
Ulm - Davegg

There is no difference between this and any other PBEM game, just that I tried to preemptively answer any questions that might arise.

[Aethyr]

Good advice Tuidjy, thanks.

LP--
The Epic Heroes mod sounds intriguing, and I'll give it some consideraion for the future, but I'd like to stick to "vanilla" for the time being until I've honed my ability compete in multi-player. If you go with the EH mod, I'll have to sit this one out.

[Juzza]

I'm against Epic heroes, I don't really like it, I'd suggest the Nova Deus II mod, but I'm not sure if many people have it. All it really does is add new sprites to current pretenders, it adds a few new pretenders, but their nothing special. It should be on the mod list back up the page a bit, or on page 2 if this is on page three.

[The_Tauren13]

So, Ill take shinuyama (sp?), if its available. Any idea when we might actually start? Ill need a bit to try and come up with a pretender, but I can just wing it if we can start any time.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

My current policy on the game is two part...
48 hours from the last serious activity on the thread, give or take a few, or when people start clamoring for me to hurry up.

So... two days from now, if no-one new shows up looking to join? Looking like we'll have three players, so I'll pick a small map. Prefer wraparound or edges?

[Juzza]

edges!!!! and small maps!! yay!!!

I alos have my god ready, where do I send it?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

You will send it to pretenders(at)llamaserver(dot)net, with the subject Atla, though the game is not set up and ready yet.

Does 48 hours seem to long a wait? Perhaps 24 for new members, followed by 24 for pretenders?

[Aethyr]

Agreed, see you in 48 hours on a small map with edges.

[llamabeast]

Atla, eh? Done!

So yep, just send your pretenders to the address LP gave, with 'Atla' in the subject line. You can see who's joined so far on the website (see my sig).

[tibbs]

Lazy_Perfectionist said:
Question for non-interested people who've read the thread.
If you've looked at this proposal, and decided its not for you, what turned you off of the idea?

RE:FAJ
It's hardly that much hassle, my blather aside. Or at least I hope to convince you so. If I can't, well, sorry to see you go. It means we're further from getting the game up.

The pretenders a minor hassle, but only setup once. Its a matter of taking the pretender with the most recent timestamp and sending that one it.

With a good email program/website, it remembers where you've saved last, saving you quite a few clicks. It also remembers the 'subject' after a few letters, so you don't need to type up Chupacabra every time. I send my turn to jaguar and chupacabra with about four keystrokes.

On the plus side, this system results naturally in a backup of every turn in case something goes wrong.




I think llamabeast runs a great server system. It's just that if I have a choice between email and tcp/ip I'll go with the latter. They seem like a step backwards from TCP/IP servers.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

As Llamabeast said, Atla is ready and awaiting pretenders. I'll start up a thread for it a bit later, and select a 'b' mythological norse name for the next game.

[davegg]

If atla is open I would like to play ulm

[llamabeast]

I do believe it is open - go ahead and send in your pretender.

(Hope that is correct LP)

[davegg]

ok what age is it?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Fine by me. Might have to pick out another map though, since Silent Seas is getting a bit cramped. I'll take a peek at that once I get back. Anyways, four is fine.

Edit: Middle Age

Edit: I'm going to leave this game open for roughly another twenty-four hours, then spin it off into its own thread, and stop taking new players for Atla. Once that new thread is up, we'll set up a separate deadline for pretender submission. But sometime late Wednesday evening, east coast of USA, we'll focus on getting it started.

Anyone else want to join? Last call.

[llamabeast]

You could use a random map. 60 provinces maybe. Nothing wrong with a random map. I've had a lot of fun with 4-player games on Gandalf's server, on 50 province random maps. You can also place the starting positions by hand to make it a bit less, er, random.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Nothing wrong with a random map??? I disagree... I could work on one a bit - they're not that bad, but no actual mountain provinces is a big issue.

That said, I'm interested in customizing maps, but there are two problems. One, you're setting up the game (I might be able to generate a fatherland for you, though, or send a good map your way). Two, I haven't found a tutorial for it yet, and I don't have enough time to fumble in the dark- just enough to fumble in the metaphorical poorly lit room.

[FAJ]

The front page isnt updated with the status of this game. Is it still open? What nations are whose?

My other games appear to be ending and a PBEM wont be too much of a hassle.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'll keep that in mind for the future and tidyness. I should have considered the first page.

I have kept the list up to date on page two. I have a bit of trouble linking to a particular post, but here's the particular post...
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=539620&page=&view=&sb =5&o=&vc=1

Three posts up, open till Wednesday evening.

[llamabeast]

Keeping the first post up to date with all relevant information works very well.

I believe the game is still open FAJ. Abysia is still open if you want it. There are 4 other players I think.

LP - In the past I've just changed some of the border mountains to mountain provinces, that worked quite well. If you do that you can send me the map, that works fine. Maybe read the mapping documentation (in the dom3/doc folder), and PM me if you have any questions. I could maybe write a little script to turn border mountains into mountains if you want. Although actually, the in-game map editor would be perfect for that job.

[Gandalf Parker]

llamabeast said:
You could use a random map. 60 provinces maybe. Nothing wrong with a random map. I've had a lot of fun with 4-player games on Gandalf's server, on 50 province random maps. You can also place the starting positions by hand to make it a bit less, er, random.



I have been summoned by the use of my real name

I read thru the thread. Thank you for doing this. It should help fill a need. Some bits and pieces I can add...

On my server: for my "blitz" games (2 to 4 players on 50 prov) Early age games fill up fastest, then middle age. Late age seems the slowest to fill up and start. I sometimes put off starting new low age games just to push players into the late age that has been waiting for players. The games average around 60 turns so beware of starting too many at once or you might fill the server and not be able to start new ones for a month or so

The mid-range games Ive done are very popular (8-15 players on a 200 prov). They fill up fast but they tend to last longer. Im limited on how many of those I can run as direct-connect games but PbEM should avoid that problem. I might recommend that you do not use quickhost on large games. Set it for a specific time that it will host so you can make sure that they do not try to host at the same time and crash the server.

Wrap-maps are a need. We do have a map generator now that can create wrappable maps. If you want to keep games always available then you might want to generate a bunch of those ahead of time to make sure they are playable.

[llamabeast]

Happily my server is immune to blowing up from simultaneous hostings, and also has effectively unlimited capacity (100 games?), so there shouldn't be any problems on either of those counts. Thanks for the info Gandalf.

I need to look into this wraparound map generator. Is that paradoxharbinger's one? I haven't followed that closely.

LP - maybe you should split off a separate thread for the upcoming game (especially as I think you now have 5 players), since this one is getting a bit unwieldy.

[Caduceus]

I will try to jump in on the next round as I will be out of town this coming weekend. Sounds like you guys are really getting the ball rolling here!

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Thread for Atla created. Preparations for the next game will begin tomorrow.

[Gandalf Parker]

llamabeast said:
Happily my server is immune to blowing up from simultaneous hostings, and also has effectively unlimited capacity (100 games?), so there shouldn't be any problems on either of those counts. Thanks for the info Gandalf.



I wasnt sure. I actually havent blown up many games on my server (and what ones did blow up were more from the MUD game than the Dominions games). But I would hate to get a bunch of larger games started and then on turn 100 find out that its a problem. Ive noticed that some people join multiple games so they tend to do all of their turns at the same time each day. With quickhost, sometimes they end up kicking off the hosting on multiple games. Staggering large games seemed a good idea. Especially with PbEM where a set hour isnt such a problem, might even be preferable.


I need to look into this wraparound map generator. Is that paradoxharbinger's one? I haven't followed that closely.


Yes. He got the wrap part working early on. But Im having trouble figuring out how to get a map closer to what the players are used to. Colors, and land masses, percentage of terrain, etc. If someone comes up with a command string that doesnt look like a kaleidoscope (no offense PH) then I would love it if they posted it. Im sure it has the capability but my hit-or-miss method isnt finding it.

[lch]

If you are a little sophisticated with a graphics program then you can create your own wraparound maps, at least from random maps, with a little post-processing. See here for example:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/library/weekly/aa080499p2.htm

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Bragi is now recruiting. At the moment I will maintain the player list here and in the first post.

Players:
Caduceus
Halaster
Reverend Zombie
Ramz
Dementd
EarthRaver

[Halaster]

Hi.

You still looking for players? If so, I'd join in. Faction and age don't really matter, I'm just looking to get into the whole PbEM stuff. Single player gets boring after awhile...

CU,
Halaster

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Yessir, we're still recruiting. I intend to always have a game open in this thread. We got Atla started off, and now I'm recruiting for "Bragi" the second game, same basic settings, unless someone puts in a request. Adding you to the list.

[Reverend Zombie]

Please sign me up!

[Ramz]

Id like to play, this will be my first mp game and i have no preference in age or faction.

Thanks,
Ramz

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Signed up. I'll spawn off another thread shortly, but should we wait for near 8 players, or kick off a small game ASAP?

[EarthRaver]

i want to join bragi!!! can i choose a nation or is it random? what age will it be?

[dmentd]

I would like to join Bragi as Arco. I have played in one other multiplayer game before, so I am pretty new at this, but have not missed a turn yet.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Middle Age, Nation of Choice, you two are both allowed in, and I'll spawn the game thread within the hour.

EDIT below:

Bragi game thread has been spawned. Will be linked to in first post. All further recruiting will be done there. I will read and keep up to date on any requests within this thread, but...

Once Bragi gets started, I'll start organizing the 'c' series game in this thread.

[llamabeast]

LP, I just finally did the FAQ, so you can probably replace technical posts on this thread (such as the biggish one on the first page) with a link to the FAQ.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

FAQ linked, and linked again.

Bah... my Norse Source (http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/norse/articles.html) has no C entries. I think I'll skip C for the moment.
http://www.sunnyway.com/runes/gods.html
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/genealogy/principal_norse.html

Now recruiting for game number 3, Dagur

[Janlm]

Hey i'm interested in joining this Dagur game, what do I have to do to join?

[WraithLord]

I'd like to join Dagur game. If possible I prefer Pythium or Caelum.

Thanks.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

For the moment, you just have to state your intention, and pick a faction (or two, so you have a backup). Once we've got enough players, we'll spin the game off into its own thread and instructions will be posted. If you're curious now, you can check out the llamaserver FAQ I link to in the first post.

If you have any particular preferences other than Middle Age and the settings posted in the first post, now's a good time, though not the only time.

P.S. you can take your time in choosing a faction. A simple statement of intent to play is enough.

[Janlm]

ok, i'll be playing Jotunheim

[Warhammer]

I'll play in Dagur (MA, right?), unless there is another EA game that is going to start shortly. I need to figure out who to play though. I'm thinking Man or Marignon.

[Papastoss]

I'd like to play in Dagur.

Ulm would be my first choice.

Bandar Log my second.

Also I'd like to use the Worthy Heroes mod but it's not a big deal.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'll spawn off a game thread for Dagur sometime today or tomorrow, with a full updated list of players.

Still, before then, I want to ask you here, in here, whether we get the game started ASAP by restricting it to four players, or wait and see if we can get eight?

[WraithLord]

I prefer eight.

[Warhammer]

8 players

[duke_commando]

I'd like to join Dagur as Marignon or Abyssia if thats possible.

[Papastoss]

8 would be preferable for me too.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Okay, that seems sufficent. 8 it is.

[Aethyr]

Hey LP--

It seems that this took a little bit to get going, but you're really cranking them out pretty quick now. If have not said it already--thanks a bunch for dooing this. I only wish I could play in more games!

Any thoughts on maybe starting a MASSIVE game as opposed to those with 6-8 players?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

You're welcome.

But massive games? I've previously figured I'd let people spawn those on their own. Llamabeasts willing to let people use his server, and those often seem an event to organize and get started. I'd be happy to advise where I can, but people like Gandalf and Velusion probably have the most experience.

Anyways, no, I hadn't considered MASSIVE games, at all. I wouldn't object to hearing other, more experience multiplayers' thoughts on MASSIVE games. I might become willing to do it.

Current opinion? Keep it medium-small and wait for problems to arise. Already we've put quite a bit of polish on introducing people to PBEM, and me remembering what details need to be shared and where. I'd planned on later mixing up some game settings, but I hadn't thought far beyond maybe switching to EA at the end of the Alphabet and going Celtic.

I'd certainly be willing to organize two games at once. One 8 player one and one full packed one- the only problem is I'm not really interested in watching over such a game all the way into eternity, especially since I haven't paid too much attention to the great big ones to see their potential pitfalls. I'd be happy to get a little advice, and then organize those massive games, especially if I could then hand the reins of power over to some megalomaniac.

WEEEE!!!! WEEEE!!!! TO MUCH ENERGY IS CONTAINED IN A TWO LITER BOTTLE OF CHERRY COKE!!! WEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Okay, so where wwawwadasss I? YARRRR!!!!

Talk amongst yourselves, whilst I regain my sanities. As if I have more than one anyways. The voices in my eyes tell the feet in my fingers otherwise.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Anyways... pretend that didn't happen.

Aethyr - The next game this thread is going to spawn is going to be a large one. Single era only, though. Nice big map, as many nations as possible.

Jazzepi - You want to pick settings/map for this new game (large) or the one after that (medium, 8 players max)?

General Announcement 1: Shortly, Llamabeast will be traveling abroad for a week or so. So, no new games can start. Now, just because we can't start them doesn't mean we can't recruit and organize them.

General Announcement 2:
I'm now recruiting for [placeholder name]Big Arse Game[/placeholder name]. BAG will kick off in around two to three weeks. Ideally, we'll have someone playing every nation. Era not yet decided, will NOT BE EA. There's already a game recruiting all the way up to a full house for that era. I recommend joining the not yet named game (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=543319&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1) first, and only signing up here if someone already took all the nations you're comfortable with.

[Aethyr]

I'm in for the BAG. Woohoo!

[llamabeast]

Maybe you should spin off a separate thread if you want to organise a BAG and continue to organise small games here - having a constant source of smallish games is a really good setup I think.

(I prefer smallish games myself since the big ones go on forever, although that doesn't actually matter since I won't be joining a game soon - but other people might feel similarly)

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Well, since you're going off for week, I figure I'll just hijack this thread and take the extra time to figure out what the heck to do. Maybe in the future... but these are my testing grounds where I hammer (like thor) out the details, and any small game I organized, I couldn't start.

[Papastoss]

I'm in for the BAG as well.

[Aethyr]

I gues I should put in my plac holder now: Mid - Man; Late -Marignon. Thanks

[Reverend Zombie]

MA-Marignon; LA-Ulm

[Papastoss]

MA-Bandar Log
LA- Arco

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Can pick one, or all the way to three nations per era, and vote for an era, as well. You'll only be able to play one, but if you're not particular, pick a secondary. It'll make it easier to recruit a full crowd. If you want only one nation, than I'll respect that, as well, first come, first serve.

Lazy P - Aga, Atl, Cti

Aethyr:
Mid--Eriu, Man, T'ien Ch'i
Late--Jomon, Marignon, Midgard

RevZomb - MidMar, MidCti, MidEri, LateCti, LateUlm,LateMan
Papasto - MidBan, LateArco

I'll tidy things up once llamabeast's back, and go on a recruiting spree, flesh out some details. Iron out the age.

[Reverend Zombie]

Lazy_Perfectionist said:
Can pick one, or all the way to three nations per era, and vote for an era, as well. You'll only be able to play one, but if you're not particular, pick a secondary. It'll make it easier to recruit a full crowd. If you want only one nation, than I'll respect that, as well, first come, first serve.


RevZomb - MidMar, MidC'tis, MidEriu; LateUlm, LateC'tis, LateMan




Very well, expanded choices above.

[Aethyr]

OK LP, here's my expanded choices. Please note my first choice has changed (both).

Mid--Eriu, Man, T'ien Ch'i
Late--Jomon, Marignon, Midgard

No preference on mid or late. Thanks

[MAJ_Disgrace]

I will play a random nation. They're all fairly new to me.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Any particular playstyle you find yourself favoring in other strategy games, MAJ_Disgrace? I could make some suggestions or make a choice for you. However, if you prefer random, I can easily do that for you.

[MAJ_Disgrace]

I've played C'tis and I'm currently getting my tail kicked as EA Ulm. But last night I started reading the strategy guides and things are becoming clearer. I enjoy getting a random nation and "playing the hand I'm dealt."

[Aethyr]

OK--

I've settled (last change I promise)

Mid: Man
Late: Marignon

Thanks

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'll update tomorrow, the list.
Actually, feel free to as indecisive as you like. Without LB, no game can start, and if you're indecisive, it gives me a reason to put off choosing a faction.

[Aethyr]

Ha! My problem is that I've spent almost 100% of my dom3 play time in EA. Thanks for the flexibility.

[Aethyr]

OK, here I go again...

Mid: T'ien Ch'i
Late: Marignon (unchanged)

My preference is to play a Mid Era game.

[Warhammer]

I probably shouldn't do this, but here goes:

MA: Ermor, Man, Pythium
Late: Man, Marignon, Jomon

I'm definitely interested in the short game as it appears my Dagur game will be short.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Okay. I'll spin off a thread for BAG once llamabeast returns to us.

Before he went on vacation, we were in a bit of a discussion about whether I was creating to many games. We haven't finalized anything, including my opinion, but I was thinking about several options.

1). Continue creating games once a week.
2). Create a game on a bimonthly basis (say, first and third Sundays, for instance)
3). Create a game on a monthly basis.
4). Stop creating games
5). Poll people for feedbacks and opinions

Problems were several-fold. Limited number of subs, people over-joining games (maybe I can limit participation to one Valhalla game at a time), college curriculum. The capacity of the llamaserver was not an issue. Primarily, we're wondering if we're harming games by creating a shortage of substitutes, and letting people join to many games.

I had several thoughts on the subjects, but decided to take the position of devil's advocate, and argue that this surplus of games may actually be beneficial, or at least that a deficit of substitutes existed before. I came to the conclusion that it would be interesting to watch how atla, bragi, and dagur develop. I'll spare you from all my talking points, though, since I'm not trying to convince you yet. Right now, I'd be interested in hearing what people have to say, though the final word comes down to llama, then me, and lastly, you.

At the moment, I'm leaning towards creating games once every two weeks.

[Warhammer]

I think creating games on a bimonthly basis is best. There are several reasons for this:

1) It gives people a chance to try new nations and pretender builds.
2) People know how long it will be until the next game is started.
3) People can get acclimated to their games before deciding if they are going to join a new one.

I would also leave open the option of creating an additional game if demand is high. I think games are best if they are in the 8-10 player range, enough to give a good degree of variety and interaction, but small enough to keep the game moving. If the scheduled 8-10 player game fills up fast, you can always have a spillover game start up to take the overflow.

The only other important thing is to keep eras fluid, don't start up a bunch of any one type of game at one time, unless that is what players want.

[Aethyr]

I think Warhammer's idea of an "on demand" game to catch any spill over is a great one.

I think this approach would allow for a slower approach with beneifts:
1) Add only 1 game a month;
2) Generate addtional games "on demand";
3) Assessment what that demand really is, and increase to bi-monthly later if warranted;
4) Evaluate impact on substitute availability;

I also concur that some attempt should be made to give all eras exposure.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I do plan to expose all eras.
I'll probably do three medium games followed by one large game, then change some setting, especially the era.

Thanks for the feedback, and I'll be glad to hear more.

[Warhammer]

I wouldn't wait 4 games before changing the era, but that is just me. I would do one in each era, then the big game in era X. But that's me...

[Reverend Zombie]

Llamabeast has been posting lately, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's back. Any update on the status of the BAG?

[llamabeast]

I'm back!

[Aethyr]

Hey LP,

I'm bumping this thread.

Looks like there may be a few games winding down, and several players are looking for a new game. Are you ready to start creating a new game?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Elli - Early Era - Open

Settings as described in first post- hotfix mod may be included if any affected nations are selected.

I don't think that will be the case in the early age, but I could be wrong.

[Aethyr]

Assuming we will not start until after the Thanksgiving Hoiday (weekend), I'm in. Sauromatia please.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I'm claiming Fomoria. We'll wait until after Thanksgiving.

[Aethyr]

Great. I'll be on vacation through Saturday, but I'll send my pretender in by Sunday (11/25). Sound OK?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Whatever it is, its all okay. If like twice the people clamor to join, I'll just start early and spawn a spinoff game for you. If about eight people show up, I'll wait. But right now, its looking for a slow start. So it's not problem whatsoever.

It gives me more time to experiment with Fomoria, and possibly blitz em.

[IndyPendant]

Hmm...I'll play. I'd like to give Caelum another chance.

[MartialDoctor]

I'll join in with you all. I'll play as Arcoscephale.

I have a question - why a 30 hour quickhost rather than a 24 hour host? That timing seems strange.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

With a 24 hour _quick_ host, the deadline tends to creep forward. When the turns' due at 7:00 AM, it ain't going in. It gives a bit of freedom in picking when you do your turn. But it functions just about the same with quickhosting turned on.

Now, a 24 hour _regular_host isn't bad. I just don't do 'em, out of habit. I can be convinced otherwise.

Good to have you on board, all.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Going to start the recruitment for Forseti now.
It's a middle era game, settings as in first post.

Once I get four people signed up, I'll spawn a new thread and focus on getting it started ASAP. If you sign up now, you may not know exactly when it will start, but you get first pick of nations and any suggestions (mod, setting, maps) get extra weight.

[IndyPendant]

I'll play in this one, too!

Can I put conditions on what nation I pick? I would like to take R'lyeh if I'm the only water nation; Tien-Chi if not. (I freely admit I don't think I'm a good enough player to compete directly for the seas yet. ; )

As for the game settings, here's what I would very, very much like to have:
--Complete Balance mod (at least Pretenders and Scales!)
--Worthy Heroes mod
--No Independents mod (let's work for those scouts!)
--Graphs off (I know, it's default, but I'm making sure to voice this preference)
--Difficult Research (delay that late game!)

I'll still play if some or all of those settings are rejected, but you asked for preferences. ; )

--As to the map, I don't have a strong preference--except that I don't want the Aran map. I've decided I don't like it. I would prefer Cradle, Lonely Mermaid, modified Parganos, or something like that instead.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

On Aran- it's sized almost perfectly for one water nation.

On Parganos - it can fit two water nations in completely seperate bodies of water with a little custom positioning.

In the southwest, its cramped, but you've got better connectivity. North-south, you've got more territory, but you'll never be adjacent to more than two other water provinces.

And if you're really unlucky (hence Llama's fixed version and maybe some custom placement on my part), you'll start in the one isolated water province, Doven 17. You've got the advantage of heading to two bodies of water and being shredded by local archers as you're immediately forced onto land.

I'm not sure you really, really want to play R'leyh on this map, but I won't stop you. I don't think this map will leave you, even if you end up the sole water nation, overpowered. Though it will give you some strategic flexibility.

Cradle is way too big of a map for 8 players, unless the other players want an epic game. I have no objection. Alone, you'll have less than 20 water provinces, the other 7 players will average about 28 land provinces apiece.

Despite saying all that... I'm tempted to give you everything you ask for. I'll weigh in on that in a day or two. The only real bone I have to pick is with Custom Balance. I don't believe 1.2 is out yet, and I'm wondering about compability with version 3.10 of Dominions. I'll look into that and some of the other mods- though you're welcome to chime in if you already know about compatibility.

[BigandScary]

dammit, I was hoping to snag R'lyeh. How bout this...I will take R'lyeh if there *is* another water nation, and if not ipso fact carpe diem the old switcheroo, I'll be Tien-Chi

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

So... here's a preliminary overview... things can change up untill the time this game gets its own thread.

Map:
Cradle of Dominions
1 Water/7 land OR 2 Water/10 Land nations
Difficult Research, strength 4 independents
Graphs off

*Complete Balance is out of the question unless version 1.2 comes out. If 1.2 comes out, I am willing to switch over.
*Worthy Heroes 1.8 is 3.10 compatible, I'm willing to approve that.

--No Independents mod (let's work for those scouts!)
Got a link for that? The best I've found is a random map generator.

[IndyPendant]

Ha! Works for me, BigandScary. ; )

LP, Complete Balance 1.1 Pretenders and Scales are compatible with 3.10; I'm in a MP game right now that is using it. Could we use those 'sections' of CB?

As to No Independents, well it's not so much a mod as a series of commands you copy into the .map file. (#setland 1 #poptype 99 #setland 2 #poptype 99, etc etc) It makes it so that no province on the map without a castle (or a Nifty Magic Site) can produce units. I can quickly whip up a text file for you to copy into the .map file, if you're interested in trying it. I just need to know the total number of provinces for the map we eventually use...

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I suppose we might use just the pretenders and scales, but I'm not eager about distributing the files, complicating things. Fortunately, I DO have those files on my drive... but I'm not eager about it. In the end though, I'm certainly not playing in yet another game. Don't have the time. So with technical issues out of the way, my opinion is the last to matter on this subject. I could upload a zip with the files... that'd eliminate the 'complication'

Barring someone pitching in otherwise, I'm all set to go with Cradle. It may be a big map, but with difficult reasearch (and indy 4 hopefully preventing early dropouts), I'm not concerned. It'll be a lot more troop heavy than usual, I suppose. I may custom tweak the placements after I get that text file from you.

And why do I suspect that you want no independents simply so you can pick on archer-less nations? :p

[IndyPendant]

Heh. I resemble--err, resent that remark! (Actually, in all honesty I really do prefer NI and slow research in my SP games, but I have to admit I do have minor ulterior motives in addition. The ranged combat factor wasn't one I thought of--but I'll take it! ; )

So do you need me to do anything with Cradle then?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Yes please.

And I suggest the Edi version of cradle. I don't remember if it's default with the game now, but if not...

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=501807&page

If you make it no independents, then pass me the file, I'll take it from there. I'll put in a few finishing touches, and then start up the main recruiting thread, and try to kick this thing off.

[IndyPendant]

Very good. I took Edi's fix and added the No Independents commands. Here's the .map file.

Thanks for organizing these games, btw!

[WraithLord]

Dear LP, would it be possible for you to spawn a new game for 8-12 players?

[Aethyr]

Indeed. I'd even be willing to help with the admin duties if someone else could take the laed on any mod/map design/distribution tasks (not my strenght).

[llamabeast]

I believe LP isn't frequenting the forums at the moment. If people want to set a game up though, I'm happy to host.

[IndyPendant]

Okay, started a thread (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=576666). ; )