Dagur MA (Started)

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

The third game spawned from the Halls of Valhalla, Dagur is a play by email game. Llamabeast will host and create the games, I will administer them, and you will play them.

The settings are as follows:

Middle Age, Standard Settings all around
Dom3 vanilla, no mods, latest patch.
Map is Aran.
Score graphs disabled
Hall of Fame entries limited to 5.
Renaming allowed
Random events common
30 hr quickhost

Changes to the settings will be made by general consensus.

Currently proposed changes:
Papastoss - Worthy Heroes

Current player list:
1) Janlm - Jotunheim
2) WraithLord - Pythium
3) Warhammer - Marignon
4) Papastoss - Ulm
5) duke_commando - Abyssia
6) shogi - T'ien Chi
7) Folket - Bandar Log
8) Digress - Eriu

If you have questions, check out the LlamaServer FAQ (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Number=531116), then ask me. There's also a series of handy, though not necessary, links in the first post of Halls of Valhalla.

[shogi]

I would like to join if I could. I could be either Pythium (if Wraithlord doesn't take 'em) or T'ien Chi.

[Folket]

I'm in if I can play Bandar log.

[Warhammer]

I'm going Marignon.

[Jazzepi]

I'd be interested in this one as well. Same objection to Aran, though.

Jazzepi

[Digress]

I would like to give Eriu a go.

[Janlm]

that makes us 10, whats your objection to Aran?

[Jazzepi]

Mostly the starting positions and the lack of space in the ocean. I detailed them already in the last Valhalla thread.

Jazzepi

[Janlm]

ok, can't find that post, but I don't mind changing maps, what would you suggest then?

Also I don't mind using the worthy hero mod either.

[Warhammer]

Digress said:
I would like to give Eriu a go.



Since this is MA, Eriu is Man, Tower of Avalon. Just a heads up.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Hmm? What's that Warhammer? I see Eriu, last of the Tuatha, in addition to Man.

Hmmm... I'm going to shakedown the player/nation list, streamline it a little bit, and look at maps with ten players in mind.

I'm fine with removing the player cap if everyone's for it, and going to a larger map. Otherwise, I'll stick with the 8 previously outlined. This game did fill up faster than I expected.

[Warhammer]

Uh, you're right. We're going back into our cave...

Personally, I would prefer a smaller game, if only because the turns go faster. However, if everyone wants a larger game I am fine with that.

[llamabeast]

I will create the game, so that people can start uploading their pretenders. See the FAQ (linked in the first post) for how to do that.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Until we hear from everyone... I don't know whether we'll have a slot for everyone.

So... I'd like to wait on submission of pretenders for everybody who's not in the first seven I listed.

P.S. I'll make the next game I open up a larger one. This one will be on Aran. The next game will be on a bigger map, with more players. So, sorry, Jazzepi, you're out on this one, but you can go to Halls of Valhalla and pick the settings or just the map, for the next game.

[llamabeast]

So following your edit above, the list of players in the first post is the final one? So, I think we're just waiting on pretenders and we can start?

I'm off for a week first thing on Saturday morning. So it would be good if we could get all the pretenders in by Friday afternoon UK time (Friday morning US time) so I can get it started before I leave.

[Jazzepi]

Lazy_Perfectionist said:
Until we hear from everyone... I don't know whether we'll have a slot for everyone.

So... I'd like to wait on submission of pretenders for everybody who's not in the first seven I listed.

P.S. I'll make the next game I open up a larger one. This one will be on Aran. The next game will be on a bigger map, with more players. So, sorry, Jazzepi, you're out on this one, but you can go to Halls of Valhalla and pick the settings or just the map, for the next game.



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

Jazzepi

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Sure... We'll get this kicking. The above list of eight players is the final one. We'll get this one started ASAP. And then I'll start planning for a larger game to kick off in a week or two.

Hope you have fun with this week off, Llamabeast, and not that its for anything like a root canal.

[Jazzepi]

I actually have a randomed map you might like. I'll mess with it a little sometime.

Jazzepi

[llamabeast]

Nope, no root canal! I'm off to the Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival.

[WraithLord]

I'll take my first choice - Pythium and upload pretender today.

So far this is the most streamlined PBEM spawn process I've witnessed. Good work LP and Llamabeast, very nice http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Re: Faction To: wraithlord - good to hear.

Re: Faction To: all

Now, everyone has a nation assigned to them that is either their first or second pick. I've updated the first post to reflect the situation. If there's any doubt as to your faction, check there

Re: WraithLord - Thank you. There's a few things behind that, but it helps that the system is LlamaPowered(tm), and I only have to handle half of the equation of getting the game going.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Llamabeast, how much time left do we have for these people to get their pretenders in?

[Warhammer]

I'm experimenting with some new pretender designs, but if I need to get a pretender in quick, let me know.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Well, I looked back a page (should have done this earlier), and

'm off for a week first thing on Saturday morning. So it would be good if we could get all the pretenders in by Friday afternoon UK time (Friday morning US time) so I can get it started before I leave.




Durrh... I asked a question after it was already answered.

[llamabeast]

I can set it to start once full if you want, in which case it can start when I'm already away. So no desperate rush in fact.

[llamabeast]

Although if you want to play on Aran LazyP, I won't have time to place the starting positions by hand myself (which I do for most games on my server). If you want to do that you can (and send me the map file by tomorrow afternoon, otherwise we can let Dominions choose the start positions, which is also fine.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Well... I'm not playing myself. So... basically, I want to go with Aran because I'm stubborn. That, and no one's particulary objected to this map, other than Jazzepi. I hear more objections about starting positions, then I remember and learn. But stubbornosity says... whatever.

Aran, random positions... If people want your version of parganos - im fine with that. However, I refuse to make any decision, other than that of inertia. Hah!

If someone else is more decisive than me, I'd be willing to tag along. But HAH! I'm in an odd mood.

[duke_commando]

Aran works for me. This being my first game, I'm gonna be equally indecisive since I don't really know the maps.

[llamabeast]

Waiting on shogi's T'ien Ch'i pretender.

[llamabeast]

Okay, the game will start once shogi's pretender is in.

LP - Note that the game'll start on 24 hour host, and you'll have to change it to 30 manually. Normally I do this myself (it's not the best system), but this time I probably won't be here.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

No problem. Thanks for the headsup.

[Janlm]

i wonder if shogi has forgotten about us..

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

We'll give shogi some more time to get in his (her? Hooray for internet anonymity) pretender. If all else fails, we can get a substitute or have me sub in, instead.

[llamabeast]

Just heard from shogi, he says he will send in his pretender tonight.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Game is go. If I've done everything right, you should have 48 hours to get in your first turn, and 30 after that.

[duke_commando]

Just a quick question, if I want to do my turn over for some reason can I just send in a new 2h file?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Yessir. Unless you're the last person to do a turn.

AFAIK, the server always accepts a replacement order file, as long as its not in the process of computing a new turn. You should get email confirmation, as well.

If you're the last one to go, though, you better make sure everything is done that needed to be done.

[duke_commando]

cool, thanks.
I always get seized by doubts and second guesses as soon as I push the button. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Yeah... I've resent my turns plenty of times- with both network and PBEM. It's a lifesaver, especially if you get an out-of-game diplo offer.

[WraithLord]

Ahmm, good luck guys http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

here's for a fun game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/beerglass.gif

[Warhammer]

Would it be a problem to delay this game over the weekend? I'm going to be out of town from Thursday through Sunday. I'll have game access Thursday night, but will not have game or internet access over the weekend.

[Janlm]

did you try and find a sub?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Good point, Janim.
See if you can find a sub you can trust will follow your game plan. Are you in peace or war right now, Warhammer?

I can postpone hosting, but if you just need some research and site searching done, there's little reason not to sub. If, on the other hand, you have a ferocious war raging, I can see how you'd like to keep it hands on.

If you do decide to find a substitute,
There's a substitute thread I suggest you hit (linked to in HOV), and if you can't find anyone by thursday (AND do want a sub), I can follow some simple directions and do some short term subbing.

[Warhammer]

I've got a fight on my hands, and my planned sub is tied up this weekend as well. But, I am talking to someone else and if he wants it, he can fill in.

[Warhammer]

Burnsaber will be filling in for me. I don't know what I need to do for this though.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Burnsaber needs to private message me with his email address.
I will then log into the llamaserver (or to be more precise, access the web interface) and point the turns to Burnsaber. When the time comes to switch back, I'll need your email address, Warhammer.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Post deleted by Lazy_Perfectionist

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Burnsaber substituted for Marignon and Warhammer. Let me know if there's any problems.
No need to slow things down for labor day weekend?

Moving hosting deadline back to noon, Friday, GMT.

[duke_commando]

Abysia <-- pwnt by Marignon

[WraithLord]

what?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Burnsaber still substitute for Warhammer? Or switch back?

[Warhammer]

Switch back when you get a chance. I was about to PM you about that.

[duke_commando]

WraithLord said:
what?



He broke my siege of his capital. I thought he was done since he retreated into his castle like a sissy.
Teaches me for my overconfidence. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif

If things looked grim before what with the monkeys and all, now I'm really screwed.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Hosting postponed for 12 hours, or until I switch Warhammer back, whichever comes first.

... I accidentally deleted the pm you sent me before labor day weekend with your email, Warhammer. if you'd send it again, please.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Warhammer is now subbing for Warhammer and the nation of Marignon. FYI, Warhammer, your nation's turn has already been submitted. If you wish, you can now request a resend. But since a turn's already in place, I won't postpone the turn timer.

[Warhammer]

No worries, I'll pick up next turn.

[Folket]

I'm uncertain if I will be able to play my turns on Wednesday and Thursday. Could we turn off the turn timer and only play QH till I get back on Thurday night?

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Technically, no. Though I can set it to something excessive, like 100 hours, and achieve the same effect.

[Folket]

Sounds good to me.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Without anyone else saying anything, I'll just postpone the turns by 30 or more hours, depending. That way, there's nothing to change back later. It is just wednesday and thursday, right?

[WraithLord]

For my part, I would like a more permanent switch to 48 hours. At least if the other players are ok with this.

[WraithLord]

I see no objections to moving to 48h host.

Lazy_Perfectionist, could you please make the switch? We have reached turn 40 and the remaining players have some large empires to handle so the extra time to submit the turn would be really appreciated.

[duke_commando]

imma go AI now...that was one good play, Folket.

Abysia <- PWNT

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

50 hours.

[WraithLord]

Thank you LP!

[Folket]

Could we postpone the hosting till the host is playing version 3.10?

[WraithLord]

Folket said:
Could we postpone the hosting till the host is playing version 3.10?


Wouldn't you prefer playing this turn using 3.08 and the next one using 3.10? This will prevent any possible accidents with incompatible version.

[Folket]

I have allready played my turn using 3.10.

[WraithLord]

I think this may be an issue because the server is using 3.08.
I have received a mail from the server saying that either version should be OK but I know that were it my turn I would have preferred to err on the safe side and use 3.08.

[Digress]

Looks like Pythium is going to win this one rather easily.

Does anyone have any issues with Wraithlord being declared the winner ?

I made a complete mess of this game - I survived to this point only because Pythium nor anyone else attacked the rather pathetic nation of Eriu.

[Folket]

Well, I'm ready throw my towle.

[WraithLord]

Well if Warhammer also thinks the same then indeed we can wrap this one up and have a free slot for a new game.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

Well then, once I hear, I'll take care of it.

[Digress]

Anyone PMed Warhammer ?

Or do those crazy witchburners have some as yet unrevealed masterplan to sweep the heretical Pythians from the map ?

[Warhammer]

I can still win!!!!!!!!

Yeah right...

Let's just call it.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

*Ding Dong*

[WraithLord]

Thank you guys for an enjoyable game.

I must admit that I never expected my wars to be so successful. I mean even though Jotun has managed to inflict some heavy losses to me early on in our war still the war went extremely well for me.

Anyway looking forward to playing again with you.

[Janlm]

congratulatiosn WraithLord, you certainly managed to beat me up pretty good too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Thanks everyone for a good game.

[WraithLord]

Hey Janlm, you have handled your giants very well, I really enjoyed our battles, including the ones I've lost http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I guess I got kinda lucky in a few key battles, like mind burning your pretender, IIRC, on our first skirmish.

[Janlm]

heh yeah i was a little anoyed with that :p

But your mages was just too damn strong really, and I couldn't figure out a proper way to use my mages, they seem to be better in close combat than in casting evil spells.

[Warhammer]

I think this might be my last game for MA Marignon. I just don't know how to use these guys effectively. That, and if they come up against a nation with fire resistance, they are toast.

[Warhammer]

Also, congratulations on the win Wraith Lord.

[WraithLord]

Thanks Warhammer.

I was always under the impression that MA Marig. is a powerful nation, but I admit I never played it competitively. Maybe there's some strategy guide for this nation that can help play it effectively. After all they have strong astral magic (the best magic school), good ranged units, great cavalry, good bless option, great priest so it looks like they should be a match for the top tier nations out there.

[Warhammer]

I agree with your points, it looks like they should play well, but I've never gotten them to.

I think one of my issues is that I have been taking 2 drain, which hampers their research quite a bit. I think they need at least 1 magic to get their witch hunters up to 6 RPs.

Their big problem is twofold:

1) They have very little magic diversity. Sure, they get some air and earth magic, but that only comes on some of the Grand Masters who are old and have other issues.

2) They are very dependant upon fire magic evocations in battles. If they run up against a fire resistant nation, they are in deep trouble.

The other problem I find with them is that for their Knights, you need to go with a bless. If you go that route, you will tend to have terrible scales. But, if you have terrible scales, it is hard to mass the troops necessary to make the bless work. Plus, their mages almost force you to take some order so that you have the money to pay for the Knights and the mages.

Now, the other option is to go with a bit of a rainbow pretender that has maybe two steps in each path outside of fire and astral, but then you get a crap bless.

One thing with Marignon is that you definitely do not want misfortune. The events you get with Marignon seem to be much worse than those with other nations.

[Warhammer]

For the record, in this game, I had exactly one mage who had any air magic, and he got an affliction immediately. I had one or two guys who got some earth magic, but I never got any earth boots until late in the game, so he didn't help all that much.

[WraithLord]

It seems like one possible way to offset Marig weaknesses as you have pointed out is to do the following:

1. Take good scales (order for money, growth for old mages and money and magic +1 for research)

2. Take "crap" bless on rainbow pretender. Marig. I guess can be played in two extremes, either great bless that gives you crap scales and no diversity in magic and then you have to rush rush rush for in the end game you'll be toast or with "crap" bless as I suggest. Take 4E, 4A, 4D, 4N on a dormant rainbow mage.

3. Fire can be used for economy and summons, not only evoc. plus FftS is one of the best artillery spells.

Ahmm, I kinda like to stick to a few nations that I like, no matter their perceived strengths. Now Pythium is by all accounts a strong nation but it took me a long while to get used to it and play it effectively.
What I'm saying is, if you like this nation, I'm sure you'll find the way to make it rock, so don't give up http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif