Invisible Swarm 2 - in limbo

[CUnknown]

Hi all!

The settings:

Middle Era
Mods: Conceptual Balance: Scales and Gods, Worthy Heroes, and Quickfix
Indies 5
Site Frequency 45
Score Graphs off
Hall of Fame 15
Difficult Research
Map: Lonely Mermaid
Victory Condition: 81 of 120 provinces

Players:
me: Jotunheim
archaeolept: Ermor
Jurri: Bandar Log
WraithLord: Marignon
Cicadian: Pythium
Meglobob: Abysia
IndyPendant: R'yleh
Jeffr: Pangea

24-hour quickhost for the first 25 turns, after that there will be 48-hour quickhost.

House Rules:
1) The spell "Mists of Deception" can't be combined with any perpetual killing spell such as Wrathful Skies. If the AI casts it for you, that's okay, but please do not ever script these two things together.

2) If you ever happen to charm Bogus's men, please do not ever use the "Attack Commander" option except for the Dark Knight guy himself.

3) The previous Prokrantor has issued a decree before his demise: There will be 10 turns of enforced peace before the Wars of Ascension can begin again.

IP: 97 <dot> 81 <dot> 77 <dot> 39
Port: 2000

[quantum_mechani]

In the next week or so I plan to release a new CB version that should be fully compatible with 3.10, as well as possibly incorporating bug fix mods and worthy heroes. If you do have issues with the Nation and Item mods, any feedback on them would be appreciated for the new version.

[archaeolept]

CB pretenders and scales, worthy heroes

sounds good, though i've played desert eye often enough http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

i'll temporarily put dibsies on ... hmmm... dunno yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

Heh, well we can play any map you want. I sort of wanted wrap-around and a map with some water of about 100-150 provinces. Anything that fits that bill is cool with me.

Maybe Pasha's 3-Lake map? Maybe that Mines and Farms one? Or maybe a random map.. I don't know. It doesn't seem like there are very many good 120 province maps out there.

Edit: I made a random 150 province map and I'm going to fiddle with it some and maybe we can use that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Edit x2: I attached a map file, I called it Horizons because the map looks horizontal. I added four pathways that wrap-around (one on sea, three on land), so it is a semi-wraparound map now. I sort of like it, if other people like it we can use it, if not, we'll think of something else.

[Jurri]

I'm in!

Hmm, there aren't any other wraparounds in that size range, are there? Looking at the map-sticky on the mod forum, there's a 99 land, 21 sea province wraparound which could work:
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=513874&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1
(Haven't tested it, so no clue if it's any fun.) Still, your call on the map.

CB Scales and pretenders and WH are fine by me. I'll decide on a nation later.

[WraithLord]

I'm in. I would like to take Marignon, if that's not possible then Pythium. Otherwise any random nation will do.

WH is fine by me.
And why not take the full CB mod?

[AlgaeNymph]

I'd like to use as many of the CB mads as possible.

Also, I'd like to play T'ien Ch'i.

[Cicadian]

I'm up for this. I'd like to be Pythium, assuming Wraithlord gets Marignon.

[llamabeast]

I would just like to poke my nose in, if you don't mind, to say to the newer players: be careful of joining too many games. Near the start they take very little time and it cen be tempting to join lots, but 30-40 turns in you may find yourselves overwhelmed. Personally I wouldn't recommend joining more than 2 or at most 3 games. Of course if you have lots of free time you may wish to join more, but I think not many people can cope with more than two or three.

[Cicadian]

Thanks for the heads-up; I don't think I'll join any more games. I have around 1 - 2 hours a day to play most of the time so it should be ok to have two games on the go. Plus I'll probably be eliminated pretty early in this game anyway!

[archaeolept]

yah a couple games is good...

ah i was thinking the pyth... i love their new purple coloring http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

but if they're taken... arcos? ermor?

ah, dibsies on ermor

[Sandman]

Can I have Arco, then?

[CUnknown]

So far, we've got:

me: Jotunheim
archaeolept: Ermor
Jurri: Bandar Log
WraithLord: Marignon
DryaUnda: T'ien Ch'i
Cicadian: Pythium
Sandman: Arcosephale
Meglobob: Abysia
IndyPendant: R'yleh
Jeffr: Pangea


Jurri: yeah, we could do Lonely Mermaid. I sort of like the long and thin map I made though, I think it will make for early conflict, but not so much conflict that people are crammed in and triple-teamed. And, I like the ability to travel long distances (like teleporting) as being valuable, but I don't like huge maps. So a long, skinny map seems to make sense.

Does anyone have a preference on which map they like better? It seems like the options are: Lonely Mermaid, Pasha's 3 lake map, Desert Eye, or a random map.

WraithLord: I suppose we could use the full cb mod if people want. It's just that I hate the 65 gold indy commander and Dwarven Hammers costing 25 thing. We will wait and see what the new version of the cb mod looks like before deciding.

Does anyone know how to do that "scoredump" thing? Maybe we can play with score graphs off and do the scoredump every 10 turns to give an update on how people are doing without showing -all- the info all the time.

[hoo]

I'd like to jump in as well unless it's a 24 hour turnaround.

[CUnknown]

Oh, I forgot to mention the host time.. Yes, I was thinking it would be 24h turnaround time, at least for the first 20 turns or so. After that, we can set it to 48-h. And generally, if you haven't ever staled before, I will give extra time by re-setting the clock if someone is in danger of staling. But the second time, I'll probably just let the person stale.

[Meglobob]

I will give Abysia a go.

[WraithLord]

I vote for Pasha's 3 lake map.

[IndyPendant]

Well if there's still room, I would like to try my hand at playing R'lyeh.

[CUnknown]

Yes, you are welcome in, IndyPendant, but I think that is all the room we have! I will still allow Jeffr in if he wants in, but besides that we are closed.

If we decide to play a larger (140-150 province) map, we could easily open it up again for another person or two, but if we're going to do a smaller (100-110 province) map, we had best cap it here.

I count one vote for the 3-Lake map, any other votes?

[archaeolept]

yah i'd be happy to try that http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[IndyPendant]

Hmm...the Three Lakes map does look neat, but I see a few difficulties using it in this game:

1) There are 9, maybe 10 players. The map has 104 provinces, which means we will have only 10.4-11.5 provinces per player. That will make for a *brutally* vicious game, particularly under difficult research.

2) The mountains and border mountains are clustered together, which reduces suitable starting points even further. I suspect fair placement will be difficult to implement for this map.

3) This is a preference thing; some players may call this an *advantage*. ; ) --There are zero choke points on this map. There are also few plains.

Note that I'm not saying 'no'. Just pointing out potential issues with the 3-Lake map, in this game.

I suggest the wraparound Silent Seas map.



--No, I'm kidding. : )

If we wanted large expansion room (which could fit the difficult-research theme), we could go Cradle. Or we could use Cradle and invite one or two more players.

Otherwise, of the maps I am aware of, I would probably prefer the Desert Eye over Three Lakes. That isn't a strong preference though, and I will play in either happily.

[archaeolept]

yah that's a bit small - especially with difficult research.

[jeffr]

I'm in as Pangaea! Thanks for saving a spot. I haven't been checking here regularly for a while, so I didn't see this until just now.

Actually, I'm very rusty but what the hell.

So we're using the latest CB mods and the latest Worthy Heroes mod? I'll find them and download them now. I think I played with one of the very early version of the CB mod, but that would have been a long time ago. So, I'll just wing it and hopefully get lucky.

(and a little later...)
I tried downloading from the CB post in the Mods section and couldn't. Does anybody have a link for the latest CB and Worthy Heroes mods?

[jeffr]

Oh, and not that my vote should count for much since I haven't been around, but I vote for Score Graphs Off. Half the fun is not knowing what's going on.

[IndyPendant]

As a relative MP newbie, Score Graphs Off scares me. There's a boogeyman in the closet daddy, I can hear it scratching...

I'm also thoroughly confused as to which mods will be used for this game. Can CB be broken up? Is there a version that is compatible with 3.10 that I can't find? Before we start, I'd like to know clearly what mods I need to download. ; )

[quantum_mechani]

The current CB version up for download is not that current, a new version should be up this weekend. Actually the same goes for worthy heroes, Turin has taken an indefinite dominions leave, so he's allowing me to update his mod in the meantime. And yes, CB can be parted up in any version, though I hope you'll consider the new full version when it's out.

[CUnknown]

Yes, the CB mod can be broken up into parts. We are only using the Gods and the Scales part. As far as I know, only Spells and Nations (?) are incompatible with v3.10. I'd actually like to use Spells if QM makes it compatible with v3.10 before we start.

Worthy Heroes (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3smm&Number=470523&page=0 &view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

CB 1.1 (http://www.mediafire.com/?6yptsysfxzq)

About the map, I think we should probably use a random map.

Edit: I think we should wait until the new mods are out before starting if that's okay with everyone. It gives us time to figure out a map.

[Jurri]

I think I'll go with Bandar Log. (Could you put the player list in the initial post: it's the fastest to check http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif )

I have not been very impressed by the random maps: they have all kinds of problems starting with provinces that are not connected to any other provinces and ending with weird starting position placement. (The latter is probably more a function of the general capital placement algorithm, but at least for me it has been more pronounced on random maps.) Three Lakes would be a fine map. (Although I much prefer wraparounds when possible.)

No graphs gets my vote! Flailing around in the dark has it's own allure. Since the victory condition is rather obvious, there's no problem of a 'sneak victory,' either, for those who worry about such things. I have no strong opinion on the matter, however, so if it helps Indy sleep at night scores on is good http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Indeed, to address his other issues:
1) ~10 provs per player is plenty, and has proven to provide for a nice stage for the kind of aggressive games that the Invisible Swarms have been. Quick an' dirty and fun! It's of course not everyone's cup of tea, but I would prefer we not bloat the map: there are plenty of games that can satisfy the urge for a more sparsely populated map.

2 & 3) I suspect you're mixing 3 lakes up with Pasha's other map or something. 3 lakes has plenty of plains, and while there are only two non-passable mountain ranges they create some choke-points, along with the map not being wrap-around. Especially for land nations the map has a lot of tight spots what with the lakes and all. You should take one yourself and see for yourself http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[PashaDawg]

Howdy from Athens!

If on the off chance you use Three Lakes, you might want to make sure you use the updated map file (on the same thread) that no one starts with the province with a wraithlord, because otherwise, that player will get a free wraithlord commander, which is a bit unfair.

But, what about Jurri's map (Playground of the Dawgs)? Is it too small? It is a wraparound, and Jurri recently updated it from Eye Cancer to Eye Candy. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Pasha

[archaeolept]

10 provinces per player is pretty small, and will hurt anyone not running a bless strat, especially due to difficult research. I can cope w/ that though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

i'd prefer sticking w/ only worthy heroes, scales, and pretenders. I barely know vanilla DomIII, and so might have problems adapting to CB spells and nations - scales and pretenders, all the changes are up front, so easy to factor in.

[CUnknown]

Okay, after reading Jurri's post I have finalized stuff! I agree with him that the Invisible Swarm games have always been fast, brutal, early game action. So it will continue to be like that.

I sort of dislike the look of the Lonely Mermaid map, but it is a wraparound, and of roughly the correct size, so we will use it. It's 120 provinces, 12 per player. That may be a little small for some people's preference, and considering that we have a couple of relative MP newbies, there will be another house rule:

No intentional hostilities for the first 10 turns of the game! The previous Prokrantor's influence is still felt for a short while, enough to give everyone a chance in the early game. At the time of the Awakening, however, you had better prepare for war!

I also hope that using the scales and gods mod will help to mute somewhat the extreme bless strategies. But, it does seem pretty clear that this type of game favors a bless strat.

As far as scoregraphs, they will be off, but I will try to figure out the scoredump thing and give a report every 10-15 turns. So, before the hostilities can begin, there will be a report on the relative strengths of everyone.

How does this all sound to everyone?
Lonely Mermaid (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3smm&Number=545818&Forum= f195&Words=mermaid&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=5138 74&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=1&new erval=5&newertype=y&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev= #Post545818)

Edit: Oh, also we will need the Quickfix mod because we have MA Tien Chi. I hope all these mods are compatible, I'll have to do a test game before we start.
Quickfix mod (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3smm&Number=556062&page=0 &view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

[Jurri]

Hehe, that's some quirky house rule! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif You don't see rushes before turn 10 usually anyways, so I don't quite see what the point is. In fact, the rule makes the awake pretender option worse than usual, and I don't think the game needs that.

I'd maybe prefer total blindness to an intermittent scoredump, actually. There's enough fiddling around with the settings already with the numerous mods and all, in my opinion http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[IndyPendant]

I should step in with a couple clarifications: I'm not insisting on Graphs On. Graphs Off does make me nervous...; ) --But that is only cuz I'm still new to MP, and if a clear preference shows itself, I'm *cough* still game.

Also, in case it came accross that way, I didn't mean to criticize the mods or anything. I was just confused as to what we were using exactly, and where to find them. The links cleared that up wonderfully, thanks.

I'll stay out of the no-hostilities debate, since it's unlikely I will have to deal with a rush.

[CUnknown]

About the No-hostilities rule: I was just thinking that people might be scared they'd be 2 provinces away from someone else to start with.. It would stop a super-early rush, that's all. We could bump it up to maybe turn 12 or so, I guess. I thought people would feel a little more secure about the small map that way.

If someone else wants a no-hostilities rule in the beginning, go ahead and say so, and we'll have one. Maybe to turn 12 or 15. If no one wants one, we won't have one. I mean, I don't care, myself.

Fine, I don't know how to do the scoredump anyway, makes things easier. Total blindness it is then.

I'm trying to find compromises, that's all.

[Jurri]

Ah, sorry, I may have been criticizing too much: I'm perfectly happy with any settings you deem fun, just, um, voicing opinions for your consideration http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Please don't feel like you need to compromise anything on my account!

[Meglobob]

So...we are waiting for 2 mods to be completed for compatability to 3.10? Worthy heros and conceptual balance, scales, gods and spells?

Is this a email or server game?

I guess I have time for a practice game then... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[archaeolept]

i'd prefer not spells... but i'm happy to wait a week, confirm the map, get the updated worthy heroes...

[CUnknown]

It's a server game, I will post my IP...um... soon.

We could just go ahead and start, the old versions of CB Gods, Scales, and Worthy Heroes probably won't cause any conflict in v3.10.

But at the same time, QM said that the new versions of all of those would be out by this weekend. I assume that means sunday. So, we could wait a few days and start on monday if that is cool? If people are itching to start, we could just go ahead and start.

[IndyPendant]

Monday's fine for me. I suspect if we tried waiting a week, we might lose some people and have to start over...

[archaeolept]

yah monday is fine... let's me figure out what i'm gonna do http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Meglobob]

I am ok with Monday.

[WraithLord]

me too.

[IndyPendant]

Oh and btw, I've been playing around with the CB Scales, CB Pretenders, and Worthy Heroes mods since I discovered they would be used in this game. I can't guarantee they will work in all cases, but they haven't caused me any problems so far...

[CUnknown]

It has just occured to me that I'm going to be out of town from wednesday to sunday, I sort of want to wait until then to start, but I don't want people to bolt to another game. I'll try and find someone to sit for me.

I need to pay more attention to my schedule, lol. It's like my Dominions schedule is in a different universe than my real-life schedule, then I remember "Oh yes, real life does affect Dominions sometimes" hehe.

[archaeolept]

hey i won't bolt ... i'm fine either way http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Jurri]

I'm in no hurry either!

[WraithLord]

me neither

[IndyPendant]

Heh. Okay, sign me up as okay with waiting too. Looks like I was wrong. ; )

[CUnknown]

Thanks guys. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I really should have waited until I got back to post this game. I wasn't thinking. But as it turns out, I guess, the new CB mod isn't out yet. I'm sure it will be out by the time I get back.

[quantum_mechani]

Yeah, sorry guys, really hoped to release it last weekend. However, if you are only using pretenders and scales I think there will be almost no difference.

[Aapeli]

Is this game full? May I join in since you are not starting till next week?

[CUnknown]

Yes, I'm sorry Aapeli, the game is full because our map will be very crowded as is.

I am back! And I notice that the new versions of the mods aren't out yet, but since that doesn't seem to affect us much anyway, I think we should go ahead and start with the following mods:

CB 1.1 Scales
CB 1.1 Pretenders
Worthy Heroes 1.7b
Quickfix 3.10 v2 (to fix internal alchemy)

Map = Lonely Mermaid

IP: 97 <dot> 81 <dot> 77 <dot> 39
Port: 2000

And does anyone want the 10 turns of enforced peace rule? If not we will drop it. Speak up or hold your peace!

[WraithLord]

I vote against the 10 turn peaceful rule.

Also, the quick fix mods are a bit confusing as there are several of those. Could you please attach the version you'll use on the host so that we can use it for creating pretenders?

[archaeolept]

yah link to the fix would be good... i guess i'd prefer keeping the 10 turn rule, not for any reason other than that was the plan...

[CUnknown]

Okay, link:

QuickFix 3.10 v2 (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3smm&Number=556062&page=0 &view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

Yeah, let's keep the 10 turn rule. It probably won't make a difference anyway, and it just might help some people if they end up 2 spaces away from each other (as is definitely possible on this map with this # of people).

[archaeolept]

when's the planned start-off? ie. when should i get a pretender uploaded by? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

Planned start of the game is whenever everyone gets their pretender uploaded, I was imagining that would be tonight or tomorrow.

[archaeolept]

ok i'll upload tonight http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Sandman]

Can some post the two CB mods being used? Can't seem to find them.

[archaeolept]

Sandman said:
Can some post the two CB mods being used? Can't seem to find them.

CB mod (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=519284&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1) - just extract the files into the mod folder, and the separate CB mods will become available http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Sandman]

Unfortunately, the attachment doesn't seem to be working.

[archaeolept]

hmmm yah - you can try pming quantum on the boards here... or i'll try and see if he's around on irc when i get back from work. If we don't get them back up by then, I can email you the mod.

[IndyPendant]

Err...or use CUnknown's link posted earlier in this thread, in answer to my own request. Here it is again:

CB 1.1 (http://www.mediafire.com/?6yptsysfxzq)

Note we're only using Pretenders and Scales from it.

I'll get a Pretender loaded up later tonight.

[jeffr]

Pan uploaded. Almost hit "Start Game" by mistake, but ESCed out.

[IndyPendant]

Hrm. This is the first MP network game (any game, not just Dom3) I've ever played, so please forgive my ignorance.

According to the manual, I click "Network", enter the IP, then the Port, then select my nation, and then I "can upload or create my pretender".

However, as soon as I select R'lyeh, it says "Your god is now in control of R'lyeh." --I never had the option of selecting/creating a Pretender. I do have one (and only one) MA R'lyeh Pretender saved in my 'newlords' folder...can I assume that the game has auto-selected that Pretender for me...?

[archaeolept]

yup, that's what happened.

and then hopefully you pressed escape instead of start game? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

if you want to be sure, create another pretender for r'lyeh, then connect again, choose r'lyeh, and it should ask you for your choice from amongst the two you created.

[CUnknown]

IndyPendant - make sure you've created your Pretender with all the mods activated that we're going to use. So,

1) Go to Preferences -> Mod Prefs and activate the mods.
2) Go to Game Tools -> Create Pretender and create your god.
3) Then connect to the server and upload it.

[IndyPendant]

Yeah, thanks CUnknown. I did create the Pretender with the right mods, and definitely only have the one Pretender in my folder. Unfortunately, I slept in a bit this morning and didn't have time to follow archaeolept's suggestion to confirm the right Pretender uploaded...but I'm happy to safely assume it's so, if we're able to start the game before I get home again.

[Jurri]

I have uploaded. Only waiting on Arcos, Pythium and T'ien C'hi!

Here's my interpretation of the house rule, just to avoid any misunderstandings http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Please correct any mistakes, I'm assuming the form is the same as the popular loose Non-Agression Pact that doesn't constrain anything but open and direct warlike acts. (As opposed to stricter NAPs that define borders or that include implied agreements to not bottle someone in et cetera.)

The Pantokrator's decree forbids any open warfare, that is, giving movement orders to provinces that are currently held by some other nation or sending in troops via magic. It does not, however, prevent cunning plans like attacking a province that you estimate (or even know from their own admission) someone else will attack the same turn. Attacking, say, some nation's castle that's surrounded by indep barbarians or knights wouldn't be following the spirit of the agreement, though. Provinces that were previously owned by another nation but subsequently lost to indies are technically fair game. All sneaky ways of causing harm are allowed. To name a few examples: inciting riots with spies, casting anonymous hurtful spells or putting up harmful globals (although there's little chance of those within the first 10 turns anyway), intentionally sending poor-stealth armies through patrolled provinces. This enforced peace lasts for 10 order-cycles: that is, you can input orders that do not abide the Pantokrator's decree from turn 11 onwards.

[archaeolept]

dryaunda was afk for the start of the allegiances2 game... so it looks like he has dissappeared - I would suggest not waiting long if only t'ien ch'i is left to upload...

Jurri, my understanding of the ten turn rule is similar - i guess we should have some explicit clarification on whether attack spells are allowed... though they are unlikely to be a factor in the first 10 turns w/ hard research...

[WraithLord]

yeah, lets get this one started.

[CUnknown]

Jurri - yes, that is the way I was seeing things, too. As long as no one can prove that you attacked them on purpose, it is fair game. All stealthy ways of inflicting harm are allowed. Attacking a province that was formerly someone else's but has since been taken over by barbarians is allowed.

[IndyPendant]

Oh oh, I really hope Renaming is Allowed for this game. Sort of goes without saying, of course, but it isn't the default and hasn't been mentioned...

Also, looks like Tien-Chi's the only one that hasn't joined. Looks like he's wandered off all right. Shall we begin?

[CUnknown]

Yes, renaming will be allowed. I wonder why that isn't the default?

I sent Tien Chi a pm asking him to join. We'll start tonight whether he joins or not.

[archaeolept]

so we're starting tonight? :-)

[CUnknown]

Yep, game started!

I don't know what happened to Tien Chi. Oh well.

I won't start the game clock until everyone has taken their first turn. After that it will be 24-h quickhost.

[CUnknown]

Uh-oh! "Arcosephale has cheated." I think that means you're not using all the correct mods. Hmm.

Arcosephale, have you updated to v3.10? Do you have all 4 correct mods?

The server is re-set up. So, everyone upload pretenders again? Tien Chi, this is your last chance!

[archaeolept]

t'ien ch'i is gone. re-uploading http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[WraithLord]

Has the game really started?
I can't connect to 97.81.77.39 port 2000 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Cicadian]

I will re-upload as soon as I get in from work.

[Sandman]

Oh, sorry, I uploaded again without checking this thread and stupidly pressed start.

I think I'll bow out of this one. Faffing about with mods to figure out which are right and which are wrong is just too much work. Sorry to all involved.

[CUnknown]

Blah.. okay.. setting up the server again.. Re-upload gods?

[archaeolept]

re-uploaded

[WraithLord]

I won't be able to upload any sooner than 5-6 hours.

[jeffr]

Pan uploaded.

[IndyPendant]

R'lyeh re-uploaded.

I think I was last...

[archaeolept]

9 people have upped... ten originally signed up, one disappeared, one left, and i believe Man has joined. All seems accounted for... CU., you wanna start it? :-)

[CUnknown]

Started!

[WraithLord]

I'm afraid I screwed up somehow as my password doesn't seem to be working http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

I have written down my password for this game but for some reason it doesn't work. Probably I have mixed up somehow. I'm sorry for this guys. I know everyone has been waiting a long time for this game to start so I leave up to you - if you want to continue w/o me than by all means go ahead.

[Cicadian]

Er you can set Man to AI - I accidentally uploaded a pretender for it. Got my games mixed up. I'm in and played as Pythium.

[IndyPendant]

Heh. I'm gaining an even higher respect for Llamabeast and his efforts with his server...

[CUnknown]

Man, how many problems can there be? Lol http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

I.. grr.. vote we start over to get everything right. I would like to have at least 8 players.

In the interest of speed, I am going to go ahead and re-start the server so people can start uploading gods immediately. In the long run this won't slow us down much, just one day.

[Meglobob]

Abysia uploaded for the 3rd time...lets hope its 3rd time lucky... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[archaeolept]

yah sure... i'll upload np...


ok 5 uploaded so far... and I didn't hit start game ;-)

its too bad Catgod doesn't reveal the pretender passwords - it would be nice to have a password recovery ability.

[WraithLord]

Thanks 4 the 2nd chance http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

uploaded pretender.

[archaeolept]

excellent... just waiting for r'lyeh and Pan... whoever is last (just make sure the other nation says human controlled!1), get it started..

[IndyPendant]

Okay. Have a feeling it will be me, since I won't get home for another 4-5 hours yet. Will upload when I do.

[jeffr]

Pan uploaded. 3rd time's a charm http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Indy, I guess you can start it once you upload.

[IndyPendant]

Well, I uploaded my Pretender and started the game. Now though, when I try to connect, it just says "Waiting for game info" and (according to Task Manager) crashes.

I hope that's just because the game needs some time to actually start. I'll try again later...

[jeffr]

Yeah, I get the "Waiting for Game Info" screen too.

[archaeolept]

yeah can't connect... game process or server needs to be restarted. should be good to go then http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[AlgaeNymph]

I'm still here! Going to re-upload now!

[IndyPendant]

Hmm...seems to be up now. I can access R'lyeh again.

[AlgaeNymph]

There's no Tien Chi slot for me to upload into...

*checks thread*

$&!#*@%&!!

All right new rule for myself, send a PM with my e-mail to whomever's hosting a game I'm interested in. I hope Invisible Swarm 3 will be able to slot Tien Chi into.

[archaeolept]

ah... you had disappeared without any notice dryaunda... This game has already started, sorry.

[jeffr]

New turn is up.

[archaeolept]

another turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[WraithLord]

server down

[Meglobob]

WraithLord said:
server down



Working ok for me.

[WraithLord]

Strange. It still doesn't work for me.
My CLI for starting the client is: "C:\Program Files\dominions3\dom3.exe" -C --ipadr 97.81.77.39 --port 2000 -w --res 1024 768 -n

I think the IP and port are correct, so I wonder why can't I connect...

[WraithLord]

Ok, luckily I was able to check from another computer. The server is indeed up, the issue seems to be related to my computer, probably firewall settings or some such.

sorry for the false alarm.

[WraithLord]

New turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[jeffr]

New turn.

[archaeolept]

Newsflash! a peaceful ermorian trade and religious delegation was brutally and unprovokedly attacked by a vicious band of degenerate monkey men. the holy half-human corpses of our peaceful nuns were not even disposed of with the proper ceremonies. this is an outrage to all decent and civilized peoples!

[Jurri]

Trade delegation? Would this be the same group of barbarians our peace-and-love -delegation observed slaughtering innocent villagers just moments before in an orgy of blood and guts? No wonder even the most enlightened of the White Ones wanted to exact quick justice. /threads/images/Graemlins/Peace.gif

[IndyPendant]

New turn.

[WraithLord]

Turn 8 is up

[IndyPendant]

As R'lyeh, I have taken two (neutral) land provinces for scout production and later spellcasting--and unintentionally, one of those provinces ended up neighbouring Ermor's capitol. As a result, and as an attempt to avoid immediate hostilities ; ), I have PM'd him offering an exchange of provinces; I take a similar province of his farther away from his capitol, and he takes the province I conquered. I...*think* he has agreed to the exchange; his response to me indicated he would be taking the province I conquered, and I can't see how he could have mistaken my PM to be offering anything except an exchange. I have PM'd him again to clarify he understands exactly what the offer is, just in case.

I am just announcing this publicly as a precaution, to prevent misunderstandings and accusations later--particularly with that no-attacking-for-10-turns houserule we have going in this game. : )

Ermor, you have at least six hours before I am able to get home and complete my turn, to change our agreement if this is somehow not your understanding.

[archaeolept]

hi. i'm not sure what sort of trade there's supposed to be, none at all was mentioned in the initial communication, and I haven't agreed to any. :-)

I was more under the impression that vacating the province was a good will gesture, before I just take it on turn 11 - but really these negotiations should be in pms, not the game thread, i think...

I can wait; its no problem really :-)

[archaeolept]

ok the last turn (10) of enforced peace is coming up...

[WraithLord]

That turn (10) has come.

[CUnknown]

Hostile actions may be ordered, not this turn, but starting next turn you can do that.

[Jurri]

'ey, isn't this one still peaceful? At least, that's the way I calculated it in my earlier post: 10 peaceful sets of orders. Thus, this turn would still have enforced peace, and the next would be the real start of hostilities. Dude, I laid it out so that you'd correct it beforehand http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif


This enforced peace lasts for 10 order-cycles: that is, you can input orders that do not abide the Pantokrator's decree from turn 11 onwards.

[CUnknown]

Oh.. um.. yes, don't listen to me, listen to Jurri! I will edit previous post.

[archaeolept]

wait, what? we can't attack until next turn? ok lol http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

edit: CUnknown, feel free to take that one province (0 pd) this turn. sorry about that other little "event" - bandar spanked a small expansion force of mine earlier...

[IndyPendant]

New turn is up!

[Meglobob]

New turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[archaeolept]

Hi

I noticed the timer has been reset. That's ok by me, if someone requested it, but I was just wondering. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[CUnknown]

Archae - um, no.. no one requested it, but I don't like to see people stale. It turned out that Pythium staled anyway.

Wraithlord has informed me that he will be out from the 15-18th this month (a few days from now), so I will turn off the timer during that period.

I like games to go quickly, but I'd rather have everyone play their turn if possible. Plus, real life is more important than a game anyway, I don't want people to have to worry if they need to go out of town, just let me know and I can turn off the timer.

[archaeolept]

ah, I was wondering why you were now answering my post from a couple days ago - I see we're having another 24 hr extension - i just like to be notified in the thread so I know it's not a server error or some such. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[CUnknown]

Yes, looks like Jeffr is staling now. He hasn't staled yet so far, so I think we should give him a little more time. Maybe not the full 24 hours, but we'll see.

[CUnknown]

New turn.

[WraithLord]

Ahmm, I get a "server down" error.

[CUnknown]

I am at work right now, I will check my server when I get home. It's possible my internet at home is down, that would suck.

[jeffr]

I lost my internet connection from Sat afternoon until just now. I had know way of logging on and letting everyone know.

I'll see what's left of me, if anything, later tonight http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

Server is back up! I'm not sure what happened exactly, but it is back now. Clock was reset.

Oh, Jeffr I'm sorry. Should have waited a bit longer for you.

[CUnknown]

Hosting delayed for Marignon since he told me in advance.

[WraithLord]

I'm back and a new turn is up http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Thank you CUnknown.

[IndyPendant]

An announcement to all:

R'lyeh is interested in trading my magic items for your gems and/or other magic items. I can craft almost anything up to Const-4, that does not require fire or blood. I will only trade with those that have a current 3-turn NAP with me, and I will not craft water-breathing items for anyone. ; ) I am in need of any and all gems--again, excepting only fire and blood.

PM me if interested, and I'm sure we can work something out of benefit to us both!

(Edit: I've sent a duplicate of this message to everyone in-game as well, just in case some of you don't check the forums regularly.)

[archaeolept]

Newsflash!

Vile Squid Invasion!

dateline: the cephalopod infested seas

ask not what your mind can do for you; ask what you can do to preserve your mind against the uncanny power of the squids from beyond space!

Following a relatively peaceful promenade of our capital territories, the sanity-hating denizens of r'lyeh viciously attacked a happy ermorian picnic. vast was the slaughter of innocent defenseless undead horsemen - may their names be remembered for all eternity.

Threatened from the seas, Ermor now stands as the primary bastion of all that is truly decent, against the vast power of absolute ickyness.

Call for aid: any freedom loving nations capable of forging water-breathing items please contact the nearest ermorian cultural delegation.

"better dead than smelling like fish"

[IndyPendant]

Heh. That sudden, happy Ermorian *underwater* picnic was forcibly removed, yes. Unfortunately we squidfaces have discovered that already-dead brains, while enjoying a certain piquant, are lacking in true nourishment.

We are still hungry.

[archaeolept]

ah well, somewhat of a miscalculation... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

edit: at least if I get trounced here I will have deserved it ;p

[CUnknown]

So, Thanksgiving is coming up in the States.. I was wondering if people want to put the game on hiatus for a while, maybe from wednesday to sunday?

I actually am not going anywhere, so I am good to keep playing and hosting like normal. My parents live in town, so it's not an issue for me. But, some people might be traveling, I assume.

Just letting you know to speak up if you want the game paused for this 4 day weekend. Even if one person wants it paused, I think we'll do that. It is Thanksgiving after all.

[archaeolept]

hi - I wouldn't mind an extension, if possible. I know this is the turn before we were supposed to go to 48 hr QH, but I was hoping we might start that a turn early?

I'm in the middle of a hot war and of my work week, missing 4 hrs of sleep http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

and if someone wouldn't mind posting how much time until host, thanks.

edit: i don't need any time off for thanksgiving, but have no problems if someone wants some

further edit: oh well, that's ok, i've got to go to sleep - i'll submit the turn as I have it - it's less skill, than luck, for the important elements of it anyways :-)

[WraithLord]

(self promotion warning), archaeolept you could use my client to get the time until host as well as additional information.

I wouldn't mind an extension though Thanksgiving is not celebrated here. I think it may be a good time to permanently switch to 48h timer. This will do well with the working guys here that are in the middle of hot wars.

[Jurri]

I don't need a break for Thanksgiving, but if anyone wants one it's fine by me.

Also, Wraithlord's program is awesome; definitely recommended.

[Meglobob]

No holidays, no thanksgiving where I live so I am good to continue playing.

[IndyPendant]

Absolutely not! NO DELAYS!!! I'm in one of those hot wars, we've already celebrated our Thanksgiving up here, and this is my only MP game currently, so I can maintain the schedule!







(Kidding, of course. I can continue without delays, but if others need them, by all means.)

[WraithLord]

IndyPendant said:
Absolutely not! NO DELAYS!!! I'm in one of those hot wars, we've already celebrated our Thanksgiving up here, and this is my only MP game currently, so I can maintain the schedule!







(Kidding, of course. I can continue without delays, but if others need them, by all means.)



No delays for Ermor, let him fight his hot wars under slept, overworked and preferably in as a close a state to living dead as possible http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

Ahmm, I'm kidding as well of course http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

Okay, no one seems to want to take a break for Thanksgiving, you are my kind of gamers!

But 48-quick host is a good idea. Consider it done!

[IndyPendant]

Btw, I'd like to ask you guys a small favour. This is only my third MP game--and note, not just my third MP Dom3 game, but my third game ever played against other humans, in my life. I have no doubts that I'm making mistakes all over the place.

Now, of course you can't tell me what I'm doing wrong while we're still playing. Bit of a conflict of interest there, particularly since the ones best able to gauge the mistakes I'm making are the ones I'm making them against! (*waves* Hi archaeolept! *cough* : )

What I'd like you to do, if you're willing, is just make a mental note of any suggestions or mistakes you see, in tactics, strategy, priorities, whatever, and PM me to let me know whenever you feel it's safe to. Constructive advice will be gratefully received!

A few of you are already doing some of that, so thanks.

[archaeolept]

I just received a pm from Jurri who claims that "r'lyeh told me that you are whipping his ***". This is clearly BS, and Jurri is just using it as an excuse to dogpile on me - i know how he opperates now at least. How can I be whipping his *** when I can't enter the water in any real way? Let alone also fight w/ the invading massive marignon horde.

We should be clear that Jurri has operated the whole game unmolested, and has been researching very powerful magics.

[Jurri]

Hmm, like I said, I am only annulling our non aggression pact. That's a far cry from an attack; It is your conclusion alone that that it would result in a 'dogpile'.

[archaeolept]

uh huh, right.

[Jurri]

With a tone like that, you might turn out to be right http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[archaeolept]

lol, the bull**** never stops flowing does it?

cancelling the NAP you requested, as soon as I am deep in a two front war - not much needs to be said beyond that. You're clearly planning on attacking - which is of course completely legitimate. which is a somewhat different thing than "honorable".


I offer peace terms with concessions to any of my opponents who wish - let me and Jurri duke it out; then you all can get the remains :-)

edit: so let's just drop this NAP pretense stuff completely, agreed?

[WraithLord]

LOL, this is getting funnier by the moment http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Well, if you and Jurri wish to duke it out "macho a macho" far be it from me to deny you from your pleasures. But I would assume Jurri is not of the same mind as you archaeolept.

I'm deliberately posting this here and not PMing so as not to be accused of going behind anyones backs.

You two are great sportsman and I'm sure you'll find a way to resolve your dispute in a comely manner.

[archaeolept]

yes yes, I have a good idea on how to resolve this http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Jurri]

Glad someone's enjoying it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Me, I'm pretty shocked at arch's violent reaction.

arch: Would you say your attacking Pythium was honorable? He had all of, what, 4 provinces to his name at the time while you had ~20... And Pangaea had already grabbed pieces of him at that time, too, so technically you were dogpiling him, too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The way I see it, you have something like 5 or more times as large an army as me that's probably at least on par if not better quality-wise (from what my scouts tell me). You have more provinces than I do, so more income as well. I probably have more research and gem income, but not by that much. With these estimates, would you say that you and me having a war with no outside interference would be fair? Hey, if you think so, then by all means let's do it. If your idea of fun does not include nefarious plots to overthrow the player that's clearly in the lead, there's no need to play it out that way. It's certainly a valid viewpoint that leveling the playing field via diplomacy is not honorable; indeed, I myself enjoy the most such games that have no diplomacy at all.

Wish I had known that you're so averse to diplomatic shenanigans before inciting R'lyeh and Marignon to attack you, though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Uh, that doesn't mean that my estimation is that all three would need to attack, quite the contrary in fact: my plan was to get them to fight you so that I wouldn't need to face the mass of skeletons. I did promise R'lyeh and Marignon that I'd join the fray if you are too strong for them, so when R'lyeh said that it seems that you are, I had to take action to secure myself the freedom to keep my word. We agreed that we'd assess the situation in 3 turns (when the NAP runs out) and if it still looks like you're too strong for them I'd attack; if not, then I wouldn't, since I don't like unfair wars. You can of course choose to believe otherwise.

Hmmm, given your tone in the above posts, I'm not sure if there's anything to be done to salvage your enjoyment of the game? Please do tell if there is: I can take back my canceling the NAP, or Marignon and R'lyeh can stay out of it while we fight it out if they'll agree to it, I can get someone to take over for my nation (since there's a personally hostile tone coming over in the aforementioned posts; one that I'm not enjoying frankly) or whatever. It's just a game, played to have fun, so there's really no reason not to form the experience into one that's enjoyable to all, by any means available.

[CUnknown]

Dog piling on people is just part of the game.. In any game other than a 1v1 duel, you'll probably get some double and triple teaming.

It's too bad, but the best player doesn't always win. Sometimes you lose and it wasn't your fault. Or is that too bad, really? Maybe it's good because it adds to the excitement.

I can understand being upset, I would probably get upset, too. But remember we are trying to have fun, so relaxing would be the best, I think. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[archaeolept]

Dog piling is absolutely part of the game; so is having the dog-pilee get pissed-off http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I dislike the spin and dishonorable dealings I feel I have experienced from Bandar. Losing is fine; i've lost many a game (mostly to Norfleet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif). I don't like the double-dealing, the propaganda, and the mendacity.

let us compare the "i'm just ending the NAP to keep options open," " I am only annulling our non aggression pact. That's a far cry from an attack; It is your conclusion alone that that it would result in a 'dogpile'."
with the private diplomatic undertakings that Jurri has made with Mari and R'lyeh.

[IndyPendant]

Hmm...I'd better come out and clear something up, for the record, just in case archaeolept is thinking Jurri is just being "opportunistic" or something.

Losing my land provinces, 250+ lobos, all of my Void Summons, a few leaders, and a (relatively) small percentage of my illithids--all for Ermor's loss of (so far as I can determine) a hundred or so undead cavalry...pretty much counts as 'getting my *** handed to me' in my book. ; )

And scared the *hell* outta me, I freely admit. So for that and, uh, other reasons which should still remain private, I messaged Jurri and told him what happened, and that I was nervous if I would even be able to *continue* the war at this rate. So while I can't speak for certain about Jurri's motivations, archaeolept, he's got it mostly right about my message to him.

...Btw, you shouldn't have been so vicious in your messages to me to 'get off your peninsula', and should have at least tried to work out an exchange we could have both lived with at the start of the game, achaeolept. If you had, I (probably) wouldn't have been coming out of the seas after you... ; )

Edit: That having been said, if you and Jurri decide you want to go at it against each other, then by all means I'd be happy to stand aside and see what happens...

[archaeolept]

Indy: I'm not sure how I could categorize our relationship as "me whipping you" per se. it's pretty well a classic case of stalemate. I'm only whipping you in the sense that i'm repulsing your invading forces; which is what got Jurri so concerned in the first place, as the results of his endeavours were made doubtful.

Jurri: as for saying I dealt dishonourably with pythium, I don't remember you being privy to our envoys. As he was clearly a new player, I left him alone, and turned away from our border. Then, scenting an easy kill, pan and also a large marignon force came down on him. not only was the writing on the wall at that point, but it had already been plastered over with next week's events. he staled, and I moved in to get some for myself.

edit: anyways, i freely admit i have a hangover today, and am perhaps a wee bit irritible :-)

[Jurri]

Dog piling is absolutely part of the game; so is having the dog-pilee get pissed-off

I dislike the spin and dishonorable dealings I feel I have experienced from Bandar. Losing is fine; i've lost many a game (mostly to Norfleet ). I don't like the double-dealing, the propaganda, and the mendacity.

That's what you take issue with? ...uh, clearly we are playing under completely different assumptions here. Let's be clear now: we only had an agreement to not attack each other and to let the other know 3 turns beforehand should we want to lift this limitation. I don't quite see how exercising that option equates to the bloody murder you're screaming, frankly.

As for Pythium, you don't think it's 'dishonorable' to attack a nation that has less than a fourth of your resources. But you see a problem in an alliance of 3 nations that combined have perhaps 1,5-2 times the resources as the one nation they ally against? (I would estimate R'lyeh and Marignon combined to be at about parity or a bit over. I have maybe half of what you have if I'm generous with the effect my research has.)

Also, throwing tantrums on a public forum over perceived 'dishonorable acts' is certainly not a way of acting that I would choose in a similar situation. But to each his own, I guess. (Rather, when I'm ganged upon, which happens too often to my liking http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif , I try and see if there's anything to be done via private channels. Blowing your top off will certainly only worsen the situation.)

But, I'm not really interested in discussing it at much more length: you keep attacking my person with assumptions that have apparently been incorrectly inferred from our rather terse correspondence, and that's not particularly enjoyable to me. To be clear, again, I have not lied to you about my intentions at any point (except of course by omission), and am quite frankly offended by the allegation.

So, I hope that you can still enjoy the game: I am a bit soured on the experience since I can't help but think that I have caused discomfort and feelings of frustration to someone with what I thought was an expedient way to eliminate the most dangerous nation in the game, but that turned out to be a mendacious spin-riddled dishonorable pile of bull****. [censored], I thought that was how the game was supposed to be played.

[archaeolept]

Pythium was dead - it had already been invaded by two other great powers. Was it dishonorable for them to have attacked? what complete crap. everything you say is bull**** spin... that my research is close to yours, what bull****. that "my tone might make you attack", as if the fault you will attack is somehow due to my not believing you, lol, bull****.

and you are offended? oh, that's so sad.

Let us be clear. when you ended the NAP you claimed this had nothing to do with attacking me, and that it was "my tone" that might make it so. That's such crap, and an insult that you would pretend I should believe you.

anyways, I've offered to fight you 1 on 1. You said you would if I thought it "fair". Your two allies have indicated they would go this way if you wanted. Ok then, I consider it fair. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

" before inciting R'lyeh and Marignon to attack you" - let's just agree that that counts as a formal violation of non-aggression, vitiating the pact, and creating a legitimate causus belli

[CUnknown]

Less talk, more death!

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[archaeolept]

yes!! no doubt good death action this turn... entertaining battles at least :-)

[WraithLord]

CUnknown, I'll be taking a business trip on the weekend (30/11 - 02/12). Can you please extend the game timer?

[CUnknown]

Yes, shouldn't be a problem, WraithLord.

[WraithLord]

Thanks! I'm sure my pious armies on the Ermorian fronts would appreciate that http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[WraithLord]

Server is down

[Meglobob]

Server still down.

[CUnknown]

Oh crap, it is? I wish I had checked this site before I left for work, I can't get back to fix it until after work now. I hope it doesn't host in the meantime.

Is it still down?

[Jurri]

Works for me.

[archaeolept]

server has not gone down - still counting - 11 hrs till host.

[Meglobob]

Back up now!

[archaeolept]

there we go... my vast chaff armies could do nothing against bandar's fully kitted supercombattant and advanced magic.. big surprise http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

strange, how when Jurri was claiming that his research was barely any greater than mine... and I had one path at 4 and one at 1 at the time... since ME Ermor is notoriously bad at research... but in case anyone hasn't noticed, Jurri is a consummate bull**** artist

:-)

though the mass magic dueling was a good strat

His lands are also incredibly rich with gems... perhaps he's been churning out akashic records... just for the information of all

I still offer peace and vast numbers of gems to anyone willing to try and stop him... not looking good for y'all either ;-)

also, his enchantresses are located at 28 - might be useful to someone sometime

[archaeolept]

well ... the major fault was mine... so out of practice, I wasn't considering massed magic duel. the tactic was good; the propaganda behind it all is what i don't like.

Its still been a fun game - ME ermor of course is new to me. great initial expansion, but very restricted in diversity and terrible research (since your mages are needed to lead your armies and summon your troops).

Rlyeh i had stymied (for the moment at least). Marignon is a very potent anti-undead nation, but I think I could have checked him as well. Not sure what I can do against a high research high gem income astral nation - I feel like the natives did against British rifles... ;p

[IndyPendant]

Am I the only one wondering what in heck is going on with the other three players? ; )

Pan is popping up all over the place, Jotun is besieging Abysia's capital--though the two of them were once allied against Pan--and the provinces the three of them control seem interwoven randomly...

[archaeolept]

yeah the situation over there is clearly... interesting http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

I had no idea jotun was besieging aby - I also had thought that aby was attacking pan. good ol' fashioned free-for-all I guess http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[CUnknown]

Hehe..

I hadn't considered how odd that might look to people. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif I could explain it, but the actual situation is much less interesting than people are thinking.. so maybe it is best for people to keep their theories. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif

[Meglobob]

You lot just leave me, Pan and Jotun to it, we are having a right laugh... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Cutting each anothers throats... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/skull.gif

Btw, I HATE F9A6 blessed white centaurs!

I also wish Jotun woodsmen had faster legs and my fire breathing army of doom was not in no mans land and further more, I wish Pan would not march is army via my lands back to his capital!?!?! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

Like I said...a right laugh... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[archaeolept]

bandar now has 3 confirmed trapezing kitted up SC's. Ermor can not stand against them; one castle falling, lands falling at 3/turn to them. good luck the rest of you...

[jeffr]

Well, CUnknown has just about knocked me out.

Good game, guys and good luck http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[CUnknown]

You did a great job, Jeffr! That was one long and bloody war, for sure. Often, I didn't even think that Abysia and I were going to be able to take you down, even double-teaming you. And those raids really made me want to pull out my hair.. I hope to play with you again soon. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Meglobob]

jeffr said:
Well, CUnknown has just about knocked me out.

Good game, guys and good luck http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Good game, jeffr, you have made me want to try those white centaurs out in a future game. Well done on the air bless btw, it really messed up my early game flaming arrows strategy. I hated it more than your F9 bless! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[archaeolept]

could we have this game slow down a bit for the holiday period? QH, or hiatus around the actual holiday itself?

[CUnknown]

Yeah, I will switch it to ... I dunno ... 100 hour quickhost? How does that sound?

[archaeolept]

100 hrs would be great... there are a few times in the upcoming week and a half that I will be away for a day or more.
_______________________


after most of a year of siege... the forces of the snake king of the monkey-people breached our walls... only to be repelled in a glorious victory. \o/

Included amongst the losses were a large number of fire snakes... which means jurri had conjuration 6 quite a long while ago. I would expect to see his air queens shortly.

one more of his kitted kinaras was also killed, bringing the total dead to 3 of 4 known.

oh, and he has continued to recruit further nations to attack me, as clearly 3 on 1 isn't enough for him. Pretty pathetic really http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

just imho

[Jurri]

Yea, an extended timer will be more convenient for me as well: thanks!

[IndyPendant]

Hmm, has something gone wrong with the game server? I can't access it.

May be just a holiday thing...

[WraithLord]

me neither

[Meglobob]

Servers still down.

Anyone know when its coming back up?

[CUnknown]

Yes, indeed the server is down. Unfortunately, it might not ever come back up.

I had a great Christmas! Until I went home from my parent's place. I was robbed, they stole my computer, among a few other things. (This is from my roommate's computer, who was lucky. I don't think they went into his room at all.)

So, I am going to check out the pawn shops.. and file a police report... and hopefully I'll get my computer back with our game on it, but I am not holding my breath. I don't suppose there is any way to regenerate the game from the 2h files?

[WraithLord]

Oh my. I'm very sorry to hear that http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

I hope you'll be able to recuperate your computer and other stuff.

Its not possible to regenerate the game w/o the fthrlnd file http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[archaeolept]

oh that's really ****ty for you CUnknown. hopefully you had some sort of insurance.

[Meglobob]

Sorry to hear about your bad luck, CUnknown.

Shame, I was enjoying this game.

[Jurri]

Wow, that's really nasty. Hopefully nothing really important was lost.

[IndyPendant]

Ouch, CUnknown. I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you didn't lose things that were too valuable. --Do you at least have the important data backed up? (And no, I'm not talking about this game. ; )

I was having fun too. My first experience with just how pathetic water troops can be on land. And I was so close to {edited out in case the comp is retrieved}.

[jeffr]

Really sorry to hear that, CUnknown. Hope they didn't get anything too important.