Urapara - [finished - Abysia + TC win]

[Zeldor]

I am a little bored with playing SP only so I think about hosting a PBEM game for new people. There are many that got their copy recently thanks to that discount so it makes a good moment to start a game.

There are already 2 new games starting, but they are network ones and have different settings. And are full. And you can play more games at one time http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

IF you are interested please write here.

I would opt for that settings:
Age: MA
Map: Uraparrand [wraparound] or Glory of the Gods [multiplayer], but that one is know for a bit undair starting positions
Players: 8-10, either single or in teams of 2
Research: normal or difficult
Score graphs: disabled
Gold, Resources, Supplies: higher than normal
Races: You choose yours

[HJFudge]

I'd be interested in playing. I'll probably lose but hey. I'd like to be C'Tis, the lizard dudes.

[parcelt]

I'll play! I'd like to be Abyssia.

[Zeldor]

If you want to play write what map and setting you prefere [or just write "whatever" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif].


1 turn every 24h is OK?

[HJFudge]

yeah seems ok. any map is ok.

[parcelt]

any map is ok with me too. I always like difficult research and indies a bit higher than standard.

[Zeldor]

Ok, we need some more people to start http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Zylithan]

Zeldor - I've been going back and forth on whether I have time to join a new game (I'm a noob, currently just into my first pbem). I'm not sure if I want to join.. put me in the maybe column if that exists?


As far as maps, may I not so humbly suggest one that I made a while back? You can check it out at:

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3smm&Number=552196&page=0 &view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=all

It is balanced for MP games more than any map I have played, has pretedermined nonstart locations to insure equal surrounding provinces, and avoids putting players in corners and edges which is also considered imbalanced. Also, its pretty and has a few fun quirks.

[llamabeast]

Zeldor - I have an automated system thingy that can automate the PBEM for you. Take a look at www.llamaserver.net (http://www.llamaserver.net) and poke around. Basically it checks its e-mail every five minutes, accepts any turns it receives (and sends a receipt e-mail), and hosts turns and sends out the trn files when everyone's turn is in (or after a certain amount of time). You'd be very welcome indeed to use it.

I was actually about to organise a newbie PBEM myself, so I'm pleased you've beaten me to it! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Zylithan]

Llamabeast and his llamaserver are awesome. Highly recommended.

[DonCorazon]

Complete Noob here. Just got the game yesterday. If you can handle my Noob-idity I'd be interested in playing. I have no preference on Nation, other than I have played my first couple SP games with Niefelheim. No preference on map either...

[Eomi]

Another Stardock noobie here. I'd love to join this game; put me down for Arcoscephale.

Any map is fine with me, and 24 hours per turn sounds good.

[spacht]

I'd like to join up as Shinuyama. I would prefer a map not as large as Glory of the Gods, otherwise any setting is ok for me.

[Potatoman]

I'm interested in joining, not sure what nation though.

[Zeldor]

Zylithan:

I think I really prefer Dom style graphics, but I will download and check it anyway.

llamabeast:

It looks great, I will surely look at it.

spacht:

There are 2 versions of that map, single-player is huge one, but multiplayer is much smaller. But I think we will go with Uraparrand as it is more balanced for MP.

[Zeldor]

Potatoman:

Are you sure you haven't played any MP games? You are 4 years here http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Potatoman]

Well I've played two games in the past and am currently playing in a third. That averages out to 0.75 games every year, so I don't play that often. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

However, if I am judged too awesome to participate I will graciously step aside, no problem. /threads/images/Graemlins/icon17.gif

[HJFudge]

How many people do we need to get started? Im kinda anxious lol.

Oh and will it be teams of 2 or ??

[llamabeast]

If I may poke my nose in, I would recommend not playing in teams. Team games are still quite played only quite rarely, and the diplomacy (which is a very fun part of the game) will be better if you are all independent.

[HJFudge]

<----also wants to be on his own.

[Eomi]

I'd prefer not to have teams, as well.

By the way, Zeldor, you left me off of your revised list. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[cleveland]

If you're still recruiting, I'll play as Man.
Thanks

[Zeldor]

Potatoman :

I am afraid that you qualify as somewhat experienced player. I would prefer to have only people that have never played any MP game, both in Dom3 and Dom2.

HJFudge:

Everyone for himself http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Eomi:

What race?

[Firewalker]

Hi, Zeldor;

I'd like to join in as Kailasa. I've only played SP for a week now and already see the AI is not very smart. ;-)

[llamabeast]

If you end up overflowing I will start another newbie game for the excess players.

[Eomi]

Arcoscephale, please.

[Zeldor]

Ok, so it looks like that now:

Map: Urraparrand
Turns: 24h
Score graphs: Off
Age: Middle
Research: Normal ?? [but it makes lvl9 spells researched really fast, so maybe difficult?]
Gold: 175 [or 200, map suggested is 150]
Resources: 150
Supplies: 125
HoF: 15 [max]

Participants:
Me: T'ien Ch'i
HJFudge: C'tis
parcelt: Abysia
DonCorazon: Ulm
spacht: Shinuyama
cleveland: Man
eomi: Arcoscephale
Firewalker: Bandar Log


It would look like full, map suggests 8-10 players and for a first game it is better to have some more provinces to expand.

[llamabeast]

If you would like to use the LlamaServer (do! it will make life much easier and you have just as much control), all I need is a name and I will get the game ready to accept pretenders.

[Zeldor]

llamabeast:

I am sure I want to use it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I am lazy http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif Name can be hmm... "Urapara"

[HJFudge]

So what do we do now? Do we need to send you our Pretenders...where do we send that?

[DonCorazon]

I'll try Ulm...heard its pretty easy since I don't know all the spells and stuff yet. What next?
Thanks for organizing this!

[Zeldor]

♠♠I think that very nice person named llamabeast is making our life easier and helping with hosting, so we wait for him and then upload pretenders.

llamabeast:
Could you advice me with research settings? I am opting for difficult but I have no experience with that so if you could suggest a best solution it would be great http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

To all:
Setting are pretty much done. So look at the map. Think about pretender. And check the nations you will be facing. We will be starting soon.

[shard]

I'll join this too if theres room - since its MA i'll pick any of Tienchi, Ulm or Jotunheim since i've actually tried those out in SP

[llamabeast]

Hmm, well personally I would set all of gold, resources, supplies and research to normal, since almost all MP games have them on those settings.

If you are set on having gold higher than normal, setting research to difficult might not be a bad idea since players are likely to end up with more mages.

[llamabeast]

Okay, I've created the the game, and you can all now start uploading pretenders. Here's how:

- Make sure you have no mods enabled
- Go to Game Tools -> Create a pretender god in Dominions
- Go to the savedgames/newlords folder in the dominions directory, and find your pretender file (e.g. mid_pythium_0.2h)
- E-mail the file to: pretenders[ at ]llamaserver[ dot ]net
- Crucially, you must have the game name 'Urapara' in the subject line of your e-mail

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

Zeldor - you seem to have two players playing Shinuyama. You can't have that.

[Eomi]

I should be Arcoscephale.

[Zeldor]

llamabeast:

This server is currently offline as it is being recovered from a security breach. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

shard:

We are already closed, sorry.

[cleveland]

The Cambridge hosting site is down, but the mailing daemon seems to work just fine.

I just successfully emailed my pretender & got a confirmation email.

[Zeldor]

llamabeast:

Ok, so difficult research.

How do I admin the game and so on? You choose the map, set that parameters and so on or I do it through some tools?

[Firewalker]

Same here. The pretender submission this morning was confirmed, but the webserver was unreachable at the time.

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

I think this is out of llama's hands (hoofs?).



Student Run Computing Facility
Server offline

This server is currently offline as it is being recovered from a security breach. Apologies for the inconvenience. We are working to recover services as soon as possible.

[llamabeast]

Zeldor - you have to tell me the settings and map etc at the beginning - at the moment I'm the only person who can administer the starting of games. But after that there are admin options on the website to run the game once it's going.

As you guys have spotted you can still send pretenders in, but unfortunately you can't see which ones are in so far (although I can look - see below). Unfortunately the site may be down for a day or two apparently. Quite a bummer.

So far you have pretenders from:

Bandar Log
Shinuyama
C'tis
Abysia
Man
Arcoscephale

[Zeldor]

Ok, I will upload my pretender tomorrow and we will wait for other people. I think we could start on Friday.

shard:

If someone does not show up you could replace him, but we will know it on Friday.

[Firewalker]

The server is back up again.

[HJFudge]

Checked out the Nations Joined So Far section of the game and it says none have joined. But Llama said that 6 of us had...hmm...

Should we send again or..?

[DonCorazon]

Just sent mine in (Ulm).

[llamabeast]

HJFudge - that was just because the site hadn't fully recovered and wasn't up to date. Your pretenders are listed now.

[Zeldor]

Ok, it looks like we have all pretenders and we can start.

[HJFudge]

Hooray

[llamabeast]

Yep, I will start this in the morning (UK time). Have to crawl off to bed now...

[llamabeast]

Right, the game is started!

The first turn has 48 hours on the clock in case of problems, but you shouldn't even nearly need that much time. Subsequent turns will have 24 hours.

You should have got an e-mail with your first turn in it, which explains how to take your turns. If that's not clear take a look at the LlamaServer FAQ, linked below.

And finally, some tips from me on making it a fun game:

- Engage in lots of diplomacy. It's fun. Send messages to your neighbours, preferably in the character of your nation. Make threats, deals and alliances. One thing though - if you actually agree to a deal (such as peace for n turns, or exchanging items), do stick to it, otherwise you are likely to upset other players and make the game unfun.
- Post in-character stuff on this thread. See Tuidjy's posts on the "Neo Xekinima" thread for an excellent example of this. I really enjoy reading that thread.

People always say the most fun games are the ones with lots of messages flying around and posts on the forum. Silent games are fun too, but miss out on one cool element of multiplayer play - they're a bit more like single player versus very competent AIs.

Enjoy the game!

[Firewalker]

I loaded the turn and noticed that we are using the Ulm Reborn mod. Can someone point me to where I can download this or post it as an attachment here?

Thanks

[llamabeast]

Oh dear, that wasn't meant to happen. One second...

[llamabeast]

Right, I restarted it. You should all have received a second "Game has started!" e-mail - use the trn file from that one.

There seems to be some weird bug in Dominions where it just decides to use random mods when it starts a new game. Haven't figured out why.

Anyway, I just temporarily removed the mods folder when restarting it so it couldn't do the same thing again.

[HJFudge]

Ah I seem to have figured out the how to send turns back thing. Wasnt as hard as I supposed it would be. That turn took all of a few minutes. Maybe if we are quick we can get the second turn in faster?

[DonCorazon]

The mighty Grom is running late for work so won't be able to get my turn in til this evening but will generally be able to take one pre-work in the AM (west Coast) and later evening.

Cheers. Let the battles begin!!!

Too bad about that Ulm mod - sounded like it would have been a boost for the Mighty Grom....

[llamabeast]

Nah, that mod is a whole new nation for the late age, called Ulm Reborn. It's like an alternate history to the normal LA Ulm - it's what would have happened if the Malediction had been averted by a new enlightenment. It's an excellent mod, I recommend checking it out - it's in the maps & mods subforum.

[Zeldor]

HJFudge:

With all that time zones it will be really hard, some people are in Europe, I am on East Coast...

[Zeldor]

It's interesting that Abysia's pretender has "Enemy of Man" in it's title http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[llamabeast]

By the way, the crowns on the map are "victory points", but they won't actually help you win because the game isn't set to use a victory point victory condition. They do produce dominion though, so they are marginally useful things to capture.

[Zeldor]

But why are they there in the first place? I have played that map many times in SP and they didn't show up. IF they produce dominion, there are 2 of them it is a bit unfair and strange...

[llamabeast]

To be honest Zeldor, I don't know. Some quirk of Dominions perhaps. I have never worked out how to control their appearance. People don't normally pay much attention to them.

[HJFudge]

Standard victory conditions then?

[llamabeast]

Yep.

[DonCorazon]

So, this is my first MP game, so far so good. Thanks for hosting Llamabeast. So my first revelation is that Mercs seem to go for high prices...not sure what people's bid strategies are but having only played a few games against the AI I was used to winning auctions with meager bids.

Anyway, this game is awesome! Glad I got the Stardock coupon and finally got Dominions. I had been thinking about it for a while but it took that extra push...somehow it feels like a PC game should be under $50.

[Zeldor]

I will need to change my SP playing habits to be better prepared for next MP game. If that one goes well we can all meet for the next game with the same people http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I already have new ideas.

[Eomi]

I'm curious as to what time zone everyone is in. So far it seems there may be a kind of pattern as to when each of us is submitting our turns, and I'm guessing it has something to do with how our time zones match up. Since llamaserver is run on GMT, obviously there are a fair number of European gamers who play Dominions. I, personally, am on Mountain Time.

[Zeldor]

I am GMT -5 [it may be -4 now because we are switching time tomorrow].

[DonCorazon]

I am Pacific time (San Francisco).

[HJFudge]

Eastern Standard Time here

[spacht]

GMT +1

[llamabeast]

Everyone should give a latitude too. Then we can guess a country. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[parcelt]

Eastern time here as well.

[Firewalker]

I (Bandar Log) am US Central Time here (GMT -5hr). I am usually sending turns before going to work (6-7AM CT) or after (6-8PM CT). All depends on if I am home or not. I am thinking of installing the game on my PC at work ... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[HJFudge]

Muahaha dooo it. I installed it at my GF's house so I can play even there http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[parcelt]

Definitely have it installed on laptop. Although that doesn't mean I can really play at work (well, not all the time at least http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif )

[Zeldor]

It is really crowded here. Some nations have good luck and may get about 15 provinces but for some it looks like 10 per nation. Bloody.

[Eomi]

I haven't seen anyone so far, so I must be one of the lucky ones. I'll be ready with my elephants once someone does venture too close.

[Zeldor]

And here we get a first example of "diplomacy". Everyone should be aware of the treacherous nation of Man that breaks it's own word! Their messengers came with peace offering years ago, using peaceful intentions of TC nation, just to stab them in the back later.

T'ien Ch'i announces that treacherous cowards from Man shall be purged from that world!

[cleveland]

A proclaimation from Man:

Below is a copy of our PM conversation. Curious to know what TC is talking about.

Equally curious why he thought I should/would give my lands to him.

Equally curious why he's accusing me of aggression, as he instigated hostilities with a sneak attack & a capital "instill uprising" 4 turns ago.

However, the troops of Man rest easy, having already repelled 4 TC attacks without the loss of a single soldier.

Hopefully, the wise leaders of TC's imperial bureaucracy will *remove* whichever dope is currently running the Department of Diplomacy, and replace him with a man willing to consider this truly reasonable offer: give me back the province you stole in your sneak attack, and we can finally have our non-aggression pact.

Cheers,
Man









Enclosure
TC: Welcome neighbour I bring an offer of peace and mutual growth. Both of our nations can work great together. IF you are interested write me your offer of our borders.

Man: I'm a reasonable man, and will entertain any reasonable proposal. What did you have in mind?

TC: Signing a NAP, making borders [so we do not try to conquer the same provinces] and if it goes well and we both decide it will benefit us making an alliance later.

[At this point, TC sent an ingame message asking I give him all the lands on the southern border of my capitol.]

Man: This sounds good. I received your ingame message. We'll need to rethink the boarder provinces. In the mean time, perhaps we can setup a non-aggression pact. I propose a NAP-3, with the following terms for clarification:
- Neither party will enter the other's territory (including sneaking units) while the non-aggression pact is in effect.
- The NAP will remain in effect until 3 turns after a party gives notice that the NAP is to end.
- End-of-NAP notice must be given via the in-game messaging system. So for example, if end-of-NAP notice arrives on turn 10, then troops may be in the opponent's lands on turn 13. Is this agreeable to you? If I do not hear from you within 1hr of the hosting deadline, I will assume it is not.

TC: I just woke up Yes, that seems like a good NAP. So what would you change in borders? I see you have expanded quite a bit

[TC now captured my province Blessed Gorge (140). I also was given a report of spying in the capital]

Man: I propose the following boarders:
-I get Blessed Gorge (140) back, ie you pull out all troops & no PD.
-You can keep NW Valenwood (124) & have Babrin Fields (136), which will makeup your northern boarder.
-Also, move your spy out of my capital. Word of advice: when you're the only opponent with access to spies, don't instill uprisings.
Assuming these are acceptable, the NAP3 begins immediately. If I don't hear by 1hr before the hosting deadline, I'll assume not.
-Man

TC: I think that we should set a border that benefits both sides. You are not making friends with demanding so many land. Treat the thing that happened in your capitol as a warning, I was fully aware that I will be the only nation that can be blamed for that. We can both prosper in peace but it must be on equal rights.
We need to divide our location so everyone has about the same amount of land. I have two offers:
1. I take east, so you give me #155 and all the east from that. On west I take 141, 154 and 136 and you take all north from it.
2. I take west and we set border on [provinces I take]: 141,154, 166,4.
Respond mi ASAP so we can make adjustments that you probably will want to propose. We should have resolved that matters earlie so we wouldn't be in a not so nice situation we are now in.

[For the record, I'd already owned all lands he's mentioned.]

Man: I went to through a lot of trouble capturing that land, and I'm not giving you any of it. If you want a NAP, great. If not, that's cool too.

TC: Put yourself in my situation. Look at the map. What you try to do is to close completely my expansion routes. So it makes your terrain natural expansion path. There is plenty of terrain both for you and for me. And I don't think you want to expand everywhere and border with everyone. Having shorter border is better solution, even if it takes some sacrifices.
All I want is a route to expand, be it either east or west. I think you would make a good deal letting me take that 1-2 provinces and being able to move your armies to fight on different fronts.

Man: It's unreasonable for you to expect me to give you my territory.
I'm willing to enter into a NAP3 with you, subject to the terms I specified earlier. If I don't hear a response from you by 1hr before the hosting deadline, I'll assume there's no deal.
-Man

[At this point, TC attacks 2 of my provinces simultaneously, losing both with heavy, heavy losses.]

TC: I am offering you to keep the rest of the provinces. Territory is territory. You really cannot demand that other people will be satisfied with some tiny part of the map when you take the rest.

Man: So do we have a NAP or not?

TC: Are you going to agree on borders that are good for bot me and you and not only for you?♠

Man: I cannot agree to anything you've proposed.

TC: I see there is C'tis to the east. All I want then is a passage to the west so I fight someone else, not you. Could I get 141, 136 and 162? I shall then remove my armies from waters above you.

Man: I'm afraid I cannot do that.

[This was the final communication before the most recent hosting. TC launched 2 amphibious assaults against me; both were easily repelled. And I killed his spy.]

[HJFudge]

...Im having fun so far http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[spacht]

Oops http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

After reading cleveland's post I checked my own PMs and found several greetings sent by some of you a few turns ago. Up to now I was using only the ingame messages and was already beginning to wonder why some people didn't respond. Seems I am really a noob.

[Firewalker]

Ah, we have a war already!

So far, I've only spotted one other player and someone else's dominion. Now, you guys brain each other bloody while I quietly expand. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[DonCorazon]

Grom grow tired of so many words. Grom's head hurt. Words like wind in branches. Make sound but mean nothing.

Now Grom speak for nation of Ulm, honorable nation, for all to hear.

Grom ask nation of Man not to cross west of the river for those lands are ancient burial grounds of mighty Ulmish warriors.

Grom invite other nations to speak out in open like warriors, not whisper in back room like eunuch!

P.S. Please don't kill Grom!

[cleveland]

With all due respect, mighty Grom, what's in it for me?


P.S. "Grom not hit you in head with rock," though compelling, isn't likely to convince the well-helmeted knights of Man.

You'll likely have much more luck with, "Grom give you X dwarven hammers within Y turns. Twofold benefit for Grom: (1) allow Grom to expand, and (2) allow Grom to prove Grom's word honorable, as Man will of course report completion of transaction on internet chat board for whole world to read."

[DonCorazon]

From DonCorazon, royal adviser to Grom:

To our dear heathen neighbors of Man,
Understood. Our offer was not particularly enticing. Take it more as a thought to consider, along with the fact that the good people of Ulm do not fight with stones but rather Black Steel, very good for poking holes in the heads of their well-helmeted foes. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

P.S. We look forward to meeting you on the West side of the river.

P.S.S. For a newbie you sure seem to know a lot. What are Dwarven Hammers?
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[cleveland]

A dwarven hammer is a Construction level 2 item that decreases the magic gem cost for item forging by 25%. It costs 15 earth gems and can be crafted by an earth3 level mage.

Of course, if you forge a dwarven hammer, and use it forge more dwarven hammers, they each cost 12 earth gems...

You are researching Construction, right?

[DonCorazon]

Thanks Cleveland. Yeah, I am on Const for a while but I must admit I screwed around my research in the beginning since this is first game for me. All those spells just looked so delicious I kept switching schools. Stupid, I know.

Next time Grom think first, then take action!

[parcelt]

If I may make one suggestion (was told this myself in my previous (first) MP game): it is generally considered good manners for the last player to send in his turn to wait 2 minutes for the llamaserver to send the new turn back, and then take that turn immediately too.

Not to put pressure on anybody, in principle there is the 24hr limit, so if you're in a hurry than that's fine. However, if at all possible it is considered the polite thing to do, especially in the early to mid stage of a game where turns don't take that long yet.

[cleveland]

Wanted!

1 Pendant of Luck

The nation of Man will pay 15 gems (any combination of air & nature) to the first nation to deliver a Pendant of Luck.

PM me if interested.

[DonCorazon]

Will that help revive Man's Fallen Prophet?

[Firewalker]

I do like playing any of the Kailasa races -- it's like a "what if" the Planet of the Apes happened in classical India. Being a student of Eastern religions, it is pretty rich to play, whether or not it is strong choice to win games.

<Ahem, sorry, back into role play mode.>

[HJFudge]

Prepare thyself Man, for thy Doom is upon thee.

[DonCorazon]

parcelt, so what you are saying is whoever makes the last move in a turn, should, if possible, then follow up with their next move right afterward to help speed things along?

[cleveland]

HJFudge said:
Prepare thyself Man, for thy Doom is upon thee.



*Sigh*

Presumably this is your clever way of declaring that our NAP-3 is over...in 4 turns.

You of course remember that you agreed that end-of-nap notice would be sent via ingame messaging, right?

And that you agreed no troops will be in enemy territory until 3 turns after such notice arrives, right?

You wouldn't want to develop a reputation on the forums as a man who can't be trusted...do you?

Players of Urapara: I shall report in the coming turns whether HJFudge of C'tis is in fact a man of is word, who honors the terms of the agreements he enters, or if he isn't to be trusted...in this game or any other.

[HJFudge]

Well when the turn processes you will see I sent you an in game notice and no one is in your territory, at least none of MY guys...

Yet.

But the turn has yet to process. Unfortunately. Tien Chi, is he still playing? Or has he staled the last 2-3 turns? Havent heard anything from him in awhile...

Grrr.

I hate being impatient but I am lol

[cleveland]

HJFudge said:
Tien Chi, is he still playing?



He is the host of this game, so presumably yes.

[cleveland]

P.S. Perhaps Grom would like to comment on C'tis/TC's "in-the-shadows" communications...

[HJFudge]

I thought Llamaserver did the hosting automatically, and he simply set up the game.

Now the hosting occurs automatically at the time interval set or automatically once all turns are in.

Could be wrong though.

[DonCorazon]

It happens as soon as the last turn is in. I was last once, and when I was last, I took a follow-up turn right away. I think Tien Chin has been the last to finish a turn for the past couple of turns, so we have to wait on him, but he has not been following up with a second turn, per parcelt's suggestion, so we are only getting in one turn a day.

[DonCorazon]

Grom grow weary of nation of (Girly) Man whining about traitors and betrayers. If Man not like his backstabbing neighbors, he should wipe the floor with their skulls. Such is the way of the Mighty Grom.

[HJFudge]

Oh and on the 'in the shadows' communications comment:

I'll be upfront with you all right here, right now. I talk to anyone I can and try to keep as many lines of communication open as I can. I dont think I make any 'secrets' about this. I try to keep deals confidential because, really, no one else needs to know. Wether this is some sort of NAP or Alliance or trade of gems or what have you, it really is only important to me and who I make the deal with.

If I make a deal, I will try to stick with it.

However, if someone makes me a better offer, or if a situation changes, I reserve the right to change my mind.

The best way to keep the peace is to make it in both parties best interest for the peace to be kept. Dont expect me to let you gain an advantage unless I am gaining another advantage in return.

Man, in your case, there really isnt much of a way to deal. If I let you swallow Tien Chi, I'd have only one way to expand and that direction wouldnt be expandable for long. In addition, after I had eaten that nation I would then have to go to war with a stronger version of you.

It is in my best interest to take you out now.

Good luck, and whatever happens, I hope you have fun.

[Firewalker]

A certain Rishi of Bandar Log is interested in collecting together as many death gems as he can find. He will naturally wish to keep this matter a private one between himself and the parties involved -- there is no reason to involve the White Council, who in their blindness do not understand the need for such magic.

The offer is 10g, 2 astral, or 1 nature gem for each death gem.

[parcelt]

DonCorazon, that is exactly what I meant. Again, it should all be without pressure (the server forces the turn anyway after 24 hrs so that is the real deadline). But if possible it would be nice as it breaks the pattern of our different timezones and keeps the game moving. It only takes the llamaserver something like 2 minutes to process and send the turn back to you (when you're the last one).

On the communications in the shadows, those are perfectly acceptable IMHO and can actually greatly increase the fun of playing (be prepared to be called some bad things if you don't stick to the deals you make though).

As far as I know T'ien C'hi was still playing.... ?

[Eomi]

I think T'ien C'hi (Zeldor?) has been submitting his turns, just because the deadline time keeps inching forward each day, but apparently he can only do his turns at a certain time. Perhaps he'll be able to catch up since today is Friday.

[Zeldor]

I had busy week recently, so I barely managed to play all my turns.

I warn everyone about Man. I have proofs of them signing NAP with me and I can post screenshots of that. They simply attacked my undefended provinces during it, without a warning.

And now they dare to accuse other nations about breaking their word. They should look in the mirror first. I hope that coward nation will be destroyed soon, for the better good of that world.

[cleveland]

Zeldor said:
I have proofs of them signing NAP with me and I can post screenshots of that.



I demand you post these screenshots.

[HJFudge]

Our agreement having ended, the armies of Ctis have begun their crusade to free the bealeagured people under Man's Tyranical rule.

Reports from the field show that while our honorable troops have sustained some losses, that the day was ours in every engagement.

Being servants of a righteous and just God, we extend the option to Man to lay down arms and surrender their territories to our rule, sparing more bloodshed.

[Eomi]

Arcoscephale, too, would like to see the above mentioned screenshots. Though we share no borders with man, the armies of T'ien C'hi have lately appeared off of our western coast, and we would, naturally, like to be sure of the trustworthiness of our new neighbor before entering into dealings with them.

[Firewalker]

Let is be known to all that Bandar Log has sided with Ulm and gone to war with Shinuyama. If it would be known why, it should be plain enough to see:

They are just evil looking. :-P

[spacht]

That is the way I like it. Beset by foes from all directions with no chance of escape. But I can assure you that Shinuyama won't go down quietly and that you are right to fear us.

Onward to death and glory!

[spacht]

It seems that there are some misconceptions that need clarifying. We, the Bakemono of Shinuyama, have been called demons by some of you. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Yes, our nation was ruled by demons in an earlier age. But we have overthrown them and replaced their oppressive regime with an oppressive regime of our own.

Yet our god will not hesitate to call on the power of the banished demons in defense of our nation. Let this be a warning to you all.

[DonCorazon]

Ulm warriors meet army of Shinuyama.
Fat trolls, ancient wizards, stinky goblins, and coward archers.
Kill many of Grom’s sons.
Shinuyama attack shores of Ulm with crazy fish men with water bowl heads.

Now Grom angry.

[spacht]

Those fat trolls, ancient wizards, stinky goblins and coward archers were just desperately defending their homes against the invading barbarian hordes of Ulm.

[DonCorazon]

Trespassing on Ulmish burial grounds. Didn't they see the sign?

And before that, what is Shinuyama's excuse for the freaky seamen surrounding Ulm's coastline - they were just enjoying our tropical beaches?

[spacht]

Ulmish burial grounds, that's what they are about to become.

[DonCorazon]

Ha ha.
Troll fat makes good soap for Ulmish warriors to clean their codplates.

Er...I hope you don't know something I don't as I am still at work and haven't seen the most recent turn...

[HJFudge]

Update from the Scaled Ones.

This month sees C'tis Troops making a valiant assault into one of Man's border forts. As they prepared themselves for battle, an army from Man, seeking to reinforce their wicked comrades, desperately strikes at the rear of the Holy Army's line. Though losing many brave souls, the attack is smashed and almost 100% of the enemy is killed. What few remain cowardly retreat back to their foul lands.

In the north, tensions mount as Man's presence grows large. New recruits are being sent daily to bolster the borderlands, and several spies attempting to cross over onto C'tis territory have been caught and...dealt with.

The Ctis urges peace between the warring factions of Ulm, Bandar Log and Shinuyama and hope they can learn to live in harmony, and that they trade their swords for plowshares.

[Firewalker]

Well, our noble Bandars need no excuses: Pure, naked aggression is our motive. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

However, I must say our sucker punch was deflected handily. Never fear, however: The Lord Nararaja shall personally lead the armies of Bandar Log from this moment on. Trolls shall be roasted and fed to our tigers!

[spacht]

That was a fine battle. The sons of Grom have regained their honor.

[DonCorazon]

Let it be known that the warriors of Shinuyama, while a bit on the foul smelling side, are fierce. Again, they have inflicted heavy casualties against Ulm despite inferior numbers. The world should know that Ulm’s leaders fought at the front line. The mighty Hildegard charged out into the field alone (better check that script) but somehow survived the day to rise to the front of the Hall of Fame. Grom himself, forgetting he was in enemy land and disoriented by the influence of ancient Shinuyaman demons, charged into battle. The priests now whisper that he appears to be walking funny and that he has asked for a smaller, lighter hammer (purportedly for precision forging work, but we fear otherwise).

Now a vast host stands at Ulm’s borders led by the Shin pretender himself. Will the Western gates of Ulm fall and the hordes of the East be free to pillage?

[DonCorazon]

(in response to Arco’s declaration of alliance with Shinuyama and war on Ulm)

King Eomi (Arcos),
The Mighty Grom welcomes the opportunity to provide your warriors an education on the art of war. Grom knows that the Arcos’ tradtion of reading books and watching others do battle is no substitute for the real thing. Our crossbowmen look forward to the target practice on your flying soldiers. In addition, the western fields of Ulm have experienced a dry summer. Arcos blood should do wonders for next Spring’s crops.

Aldaron, the Mouth of Grom http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Firewalker]

The armies loyal to the White Council of Nararaja have been ordered to undertake an all out invasion of the lands of Arcoscephalae in support of our ally, Ulm. And as they sweep through, our wise brahmins will reveal the true Dharma to the faithless men who inhabit those lands.

Your liberation is at hand!

Ahirbudhnya.

[Eomi]

Howdy all,

I would like to propose extending the turn deadline. This being my first multiplayer game, I didn't realize how much more time consuming turns can be, even at 25ish turns in, than in single player because of the negotiating and such. That, combined with a busy personal schedule over the next couple of weeks inclines me towards a 48 hour deadline per turn. If that doesn't work for others, that's fine, but I've noticed that each day the time that our turns are processed is getting closer and closer to the deadline anyway. Any thoughts?

[Zeldor]

I would like to stick with 24h with giving and option of extending it if someone asks for. So PM me if you think you won't be able to make the turn on time.

[cleveland]

I second the motion.

Here in the US, the Thanksgiving holiday is this Thursday. I'm sure I'm not the only one traveling to visit family.

48 hours sounds good to me.

[HJFudge]

48 hours is fine, I too will be very busy over thanksgiving week

[DonCorazon]

I'll be travelling for Thanksgiving, and not sure about internet access so more time will be good for me, at least over Thanksgiving (and Christmas I will be out of the country so not sure how that is going to work....)

[spacht]

I have no objections to a 48h-deadline, much preferable to players missing or hurrying their turns.

[Firewalker]

48-hour turns would be okay for me.

[Zeldor]

I have extended hosting to 48h. Effective immediately.

[Eomi]

Thanks Zeldor, and everyone. I still plan on trying to get my turns done as quickly as possible, but there will be a week or two that are going to be pretty rough. Of course, by then the blasted armies of Ulm may have wiped me off the map...

[DonCorazon]

Shinuyama continues to open up a six pack of whoopass on the Mighty Grom everytime we clash.

[spacht]

Yes, it seems I am winning the battles but losing the war. Ulm is definitely a candidate for winning this game. But I'm not complaining. I am learning a lot and having great fun.

And my little goblins will fight to the last drop of their green blood!

[DonCorazon]

Not sure about that but I am learning a lot as well. Spacht, do you remember when I had a decked out hero charge alone into battle against hundreds of your guys only to watch him get beaten to a pulp? Many things to learn but great fun!
Wish I could re-design the "Mighty Limping Weakened" Grom. Frankly, I am scared of Shin's Lord of War.

Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving nations of Urapara!

[cleveland]

NEED 24 MORE HOURS!!!

Going to a wedding, already late. Please extend the deadline!

Sorry!
Cleveland

[Zeldor]

It is extended by 24h already because llamaserver went down and didn't accept e-mails. But write me if you need more time than that.

[cleveland]

Phew. Got it in.

[DonCorazon]

Looks like all turns made it in to llamaserver except Tien Chin.

[Zeldor]

It seems that it didn't accept turns when I was going out for work, I will send it now.

[Zeldor]

Abysia tries to rewrite definitions of words that existed for thousands of years. I wouldn't call it funny.

[DonCorazon]

Arghhhh!!! Shinuyama is an uncrackable nut!
The Sweep will never fall....

[spacht]

What a shame, our gods again didn't meet on the battlefield. The great Malaranthus yearns to spill divine blood. The coward god of Bandar Log did not provide good sport for he fled the battle before our god could put his sword to him. But Grom will hopefully stand and fight, even though the curse of the ancestors has befallen him.

Praise Malaranthus!

P.S.: Congratulations to Lemnos of Arcoscephale, worthy champion of the arena.

[DonCorazon]

If only Arcos warriors were as good as the Mighty Lemnos. Elephant burger has become the meal of choice in southern Ulm. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Grom has never run from a battle - only into them (and as a result is weary, cursed and crippled). But one day he hopes to break through Shinuyama's impenetrable nest of forts so perfectly placed in mountain passes and swamps. If Ulm fails, good luck to the other nations of Urapara. Better start forging Endless Bags of Wine now because the road to Shin is lean at best.

[Eomi]

As far as I can tell, Lemnos was the only entrant into the Arena. Am I missing something? My messages don't list any arena battles.

Yes, Arcoscephale is quite close to utter collapse, but at the least we hope to be a thorn in the sides of Bandar Log and Ulm until we finally do fall.

[DonCorazon]

Eomi, Ulm was too busy receiving an asswhooping to send any warriors to the arena. 255 Ulmish casualties vs 55 for Shin. And Grom was on the field...now cursed, in addition to his other "issues"

Spacht, I could use some tips when this is over...

[DonCorazon]

This is Og, reporting live at the Shin/Ulm front where Hildegard, Scourge of the Land with 47 kills, was at long last slain herself, in a hail of Shinuyaman arrows.

Sob..sob..

[Firewalker]

Well, Ulm may find itself challenged to find more live bodies to throw into the grinder, but Bandar Log seems to have developed performance anxiety, as for two straight months all of the commanders in the kingdom failed to act. Rather, they stood by, apparently frozen with self-doubt, and did nothing. Rumors are afloat that they simply "couldn't take it anymore" or "had better things to do besides get killed for that four-armed freak":-- whatever that means!

Narayana has ordered a series of self-esteem building seminars to get his generals and rishis up to snuff again. The conquest of the known universe will soon recommence.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Zeldor]

Yeah, I have noticed that Bandar has staled for 2 turns. I wish he informed me about that...

[DonCorazon]

Og here reporting another ridiculous slaughter in Dyrfall...
197 dead Ulms vs. 39 Shins. Grom, crippled, cursed and weakened took a blow to the head and now appears to be mute. Unfortunately, he is no longer able to cast the spells his smiths have toiled so long to discover. He was last seen hobbling off to the north to make a last stand at the River of Lost Love, where Shinuyaman armies approach from 2 directions.

[Firewalker]

Zeldor;

It was not planned. I was confused by the due date being a day ahead in GMT compared to CST and coupled with work being busy I did it twice in a row. "Oh, I have until tomorrow ..." Doh! Won't happen anymore now.

[DonCorazon]

Oh the horror!
Grom was swarmed by the stinky trolls and beaten down into a pile of rust...Aldaron had both eyes plucked out and the trauma of the battle has left him feebleminded.

Now I, Og, intrepid Ulmish reporter, stand with one Master Smith and a few militia who are gnawing on boots in the fort at Lost Love, surrounded by swarms of Shinuyaman archers. Malaranthus, how can you sleep at night after inflicting this kind of devastation on the simple folk of Ulm?

This is Og, signing off with my final report....

[Zeldor]

Hmm... and wasn't it Ulm smashing Shinuyama?

[spacht]

Yes, it was, but the Shinuyamans grew tired of it and decided to return the favor.

And Malaranthus sleeps well at night, now that his campaign to drive out the ulmish invaders has nearly succeeded.

[Zeldor]

Because of Christmas time from 16th December to 2nd January game will be set to quick host, without any deadlines [well, deadline will be 2nd January].

Many people need to travel and most of us will have probably more important/interesting things to do than send armies to our neighbours.

[DonCorazon]

Zeldor said:
Hmm... and wasn't it Ulm smashing Shinuyama?



Smashing? Every battle we fight the ratio of Ulmish losses to Shinuyaman losses gets more ridiculous. This turn Ulm lost 115 men to Shin's 11. Luckily, we breed like rabbits but even that won't help against these odds.

What is going on in the rest of the world? Ctis, TC, Man - so quiet...

[Zeldor]

Oh, we are slaughtering each other peacefully.

[cleveland]

It seems a great confrontation is brewing in the blessed basin region.

3 large armies have materialized across the Mannian boarder: 2 Ctissian, 1 Tien Chiieienen (sp?).

This may be the end of Man...

[spacht]

It's high time for the doomsayers because the end of Shinuyama is near as well (again). The newest ulmish invention of the so-called Bladewind may well shift the odds in their favor again. As if this weren't enough we have also been sold to Abysia. They are not only using mercenaries, they have become mercenaries themselves. In times as these our god Malaranthus begins to envy four-armed Nararaja of Bandar Log. So many enemies, so few hands to strike them all down.

Praise Malaranthus!

[DonCorazon]

At least Malaranthus has two hands - Grom has none for he was was struck down by Malaranthus' minions and lies buried in a nameless graveyard.

As for Bladewind, that clearly is useless against Shin's legions of steel as the casualty ratio will tell you.

Return to us Grom!

[spacht]

Grom will come back, but he will never swing the Hammer of the Forge Lord.

[DonCorazon]

I think of Pet Cemetery when I imagine how Grom will return.

[cleveland]

DonCorazon said:
I think of Pet Cemetery when I imagine how Grom will return.



Or Kill Bill 2.

[Firewalker]

So what you guys are saying is that there is no love lost at River of Lost Love (38)? More love will not be lost there soon enough -- my elephants will be leveling that province so that nothing taller than an anthill will be left standing.

This is the great advantage Nararaja has over most would-be gods -- he can lose two arms and still wield more weapons than the typical mortal. By the sound of it, I had better start outfitting him with every regenerative magic item I can forge for the coming battles with the Trollish butchers of the East!

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[DonCorazon]

/threads/images/Graemlins/icon17.gif
The beacon fires of Ulm are lit! All nations who oppose tyranny and stinkiness http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif should ride to our aid.

Malaranthus has wiped Ulm's innocent Northern cartographic expedition off the face of Urapara, beat Grom back into a pile of rust, blinded, feebleminded, then killed Aldaron and now approaches to assail our homelands. The Hall of Fame is littered with Ulmish heroes fallen to his powerful sorcery.

Should Ulm no longer be able to hold this foul usurper at bay, beware Urapara!

[spacht]

It's all lies, we say! Truth is, Ulm will very soon complete their total conquest of Arcoscephale and Shinuyama will fall soon after. At first they send in their allies to weaken us then follow up with their own forces to take the lands for themselves. We just hope that the remaining free nations of Urapara will see the ulmish empire for what it really is before it is too late.

Arcoscephale, we won't forget you!

Praise Malaranthus!

[cleveland]

This whole crew deserves an award for RP effort.

[DonCorazon]

/threads/images/Graemlins/icon17.gif
Nations of Urapara -
Remember the devil's greatest trick was to convince the world he doesn't exist - yet notice the foul smell emanating from Shinuyama. Who wants a world with bloated trolls running around stinking up the place? If only Ulm had the magical power to post a screenshot, you would see the ludicrous ratio of Ulmish to Shinuyaman casualties in every battle with Shin.

But look to the Hall of Fame, for it does not lie - soon your pretenders and prophets' heads will likely adorn Malaranthus' collection, alongside the rusty and eyeless heads of Grom and Aldaron.

By the way, Arcos has not fallen and, in fact, Apollonius, just woke up. Ulm predicts he is going to be pissed, especially when the Leaflord sees how his priests have been running the place. Whoever forgot to feed the elephants before setting off to invade Ulm better hide!

Hopefully though Apollonius will shake off the shackles of Shinuyama and restore Arcos to its true glory, for we human-like folk should not fight one another, but stand against the gaseous goblins and slimy sorcerers of the North!!!

Arcosephale, we forgive you!



http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Zeldor]

cleveland:

I don't think anyone can wish for Armageddon yet...

[Firewalker]

The Bandars can vouch for this great odorous stench emanating from the general direction of Shinuyama lands. For two months now, our Bandar Nobles have been unable to stop our war elephants from retching, which has been holding up the general obliteration of Fort Love Lost. They have been waiting for an Enormous Cauldron of Pepto-bismol to be delivered to the encampment. It is really very nasty thing to witness.

[Eomi]

The people of Arcos can never bow to the Ulmish and Bandar Loggian oppressors who are ravaging our lands. We will fall long before we peaceably allow Barbarians and Monkeys to rule our lands. May the honorable nation of Shinuyama avenge our defeat!

[Zeldor]

I have set the game on holiday hosting already. So next turn is really due on 2nd January, but I think we should try to keep about 2-3 day hosting time. If you know that you won't be able to play for a longer time just write here so no one will wastes time on checking e-mail for turn file http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I will send mine today and next one on thursday.

[Firewalker]

Okay -- so Llamaserver says the next turn is due 02:15 GMT on Wednesday December 19th. Is this just a bug and the turns are due January 2?

[DonCorazon]

Yeah, I just got an email saying hosting is in 6 hours - which I won't be able to make. Hopefully that is not the case...

[DonCorazon]

Just got home from work - I staled. Is this correct?

[Firewalker]

I did too. I am hoping the turn will be rolled back? I was not expecting to have to get a turn done tonight.

[Zeldor]

Either I did mistake or smth went wrong with hosting. I sent message to llamabeast, I think he can return to previous turn.

[cleveland]

I haven't looked at my turn yet, and won't until this is resolved. Recommend everyone do the same.

[parcelt]

I looked at the llamaserver and we're still at turn 38, now due on January 2nd.

So it seems this has been resolved already? No need to resend turns?

[Zeldor]

Yes, it has been resolved. I will send 38th in the evening.

[DonCorazon]

Okay, I haven't looked at the new turn sent yesterday and will send in 38 late tonight.

[spacht]

Does anybody know if I could send in another 2h-file so that llamaserver automatically uses the newer one? Or will that break the internet? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Firewalker]

Spacht -- yes, I think you can always send in a "newer" version of a turn if the turn hasn't hosted yet. Did it by accident once and the email returned said the most recent 2h-file will be used. So you can change your turn before the turn actually hosts.

Thanks, Zeldor! I thought it must have just been a glitch.

[Zeldor]

Heh, I have some problems with my external drive so I will be able to make the turn tomorrow, sorry for that.

[DonCorazon]

All,
I will be leaving for the Dominican Republic Dec 21-29. I am hoping to have internet access to take turns but not confirmed.

[cleveland]

I'm getting married today and going on my honeymoon. I've advertised for a sub on the forums without success.

My apologies, I hope you can find someone to fill my place.

[Zeldor]

I will try to find someone on irc tomorrow. I hope I won't be forced to set you to AI.

[DonCorazon]

Nice dedication posting - on your wedding day.

Congratulations Cleveland, have fun!

[Zeldor]

Many people did not send their turn yet, but I will not postpone hosting. Everyone had more than enough time to do it and no one asked me for more time.

[Stelteck]

The place to sub man is available ?

I can do man.

Stelteck.

[Zeldor]

Yes, it is free.

[parcelt]

Stelteck playing Man is fine with me - welcome Stelteck!

[Zeldor]

He went to a different game. I am still looking for someone. There seems to be also a problem with Bandar Log and C'tis. And llamabeast should change hosting for that turn, deadline should be today.

[Firewalker]

Sorry guys -- was still getting into gear at work after the holidays. I am back now.

[DonCorazon]

Z, please dont make the deadline today given we are still looking for players and I wont have a chance to get to my turn til Sat morning as I thought we were still on Holiday schedule. Going forward I am fine with 48 hours. Thanks

[Zeldor]

DonCorazon:

I made hosting 24 horus from that message. So it is Saturday 19:30 GMT.

[DonCorazon]

Okay, thanks I misunderstood and thought it was Fri night. It is taking longer and longer to keep the decrepit Ulmish empire running.

On that note, Uraparans may rejoice, and Shinuyamans may tremble, for Grom the Not Quite As Mighty As He Was, has returned!

[Bananadine]

Do you still want a Man? I can be your Man.

[Zeldor]

PM me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif There is one other candidate for Man but he will know tomorrow if he can sub.

I will postpone that turn if sub for Man will need it.


P.S. I will also probably need a sub for R'lyeh in EpikBattel - newbie team game.

P.P.S. C'tis has new player, his nick hmm... starts on M http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif. It is 4AM so I will give his full nick when well... my ming works better.

[Zeldor]

Hosting postponed by 24 hours, because Man will get a sub tomorrow and it already staled way too many turns.

P.S. I will be starting a new game too soon [2-4 weeks http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif], also quite newbie [with max of 3-5 finished games], with new patch, worthy heroes mod [new version that will come] and conceptual balance [also new version that should be soon].

[hEad]

Man is under new management and keen to begin with a clean slate. An armstise is offered to former enemies. Let there be a cease fire to see if differences can be accommodated.

Also, would it be possible if there could be an update on the state of relations between all other nations?

And hi to you all..

[parcelt]

hEad, thanks for stepping in and welcome to the game!

I am playing Abysia, and so far had little contact with Man. We are at peace with no formal treaties in place.

[DonCorazon]

Cleveland , Feel free to weigh in if you have a break from your honeymoon but I will give you the Ulmish perspective for all the world to hear.

As for your eastern front, basically Ulm came to your rescue many moons ago when Shinuyama attacked Man. And Ulm has been at war with Shinuyama ever since. As part of the rescue package, Man and Ulm had agreed to a NAP that expired on turn 65 but Man allowed us to move through its Eastern territories to maneuver around Shinuyama’s impregnable western Maginot Line. Since then Shin has been giving Ulm a smackdown that included executing Ulm’s pretender and prophet (causing us to deeply regret Grom’s decision to aid Man). Nevertheless, what is done is done and Ulm remains a steadfast ally of Man in these darkest of times.

[spacht]

Hi hEad, welcome to our little newbie game

Will try to give you an overview of my current relations especially concerning your nation. Yes, i did join T'ien Ch'i in their war against Man in the early game but after Ulm and its allies invaded me i never again shared a common border with Man until now. The war against Ulm/Bandar Log/Abysia still rages on (you can get a hint of that looking at the hall of fame). I am openly allied to Arcoscephale and still consider T'ien Ch'i a friend.

[Zeldor]

Oh, C'tis is played by Mozkito.

[Firewalker]

Bandar Log has had no dealings with Man thus far in the game. However, if Man has a pile of water gems to trade, we are all ears!

[Zeldor]

I am sure I can offer better price for water gems http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[hEad]

Thanks all for the update. Depending on what has transpired with this months actions, i will contact you all in time as neccessary. Thanks for the warm welcome to the game.. tis not easy jumping halfway in on someone elses idea!

[Eomi]

Lowly Arcoscephale greets you as well.

What the Ulmish barbarians have not told you is that they have ravaged our lands, and that we are on the brink of defeat. We continue to support Shinuyama, but our time is short.

[DonCorazon]

And what the treacherous Arcosephaleans (sp?) failed to mention is that once, long ago, King Eomi and the Mighty Grom agreed that a province between our countries would remain the unclaimed border between us, and so it remained, until Arcos was seduced by Shin’s sweet lies and preemptively invaded this no-fly zone, inviting the harsh justice of Ulm upon his weak lands.

As for Shin, if someone can explain to me how to post a screen shot, I will start to document the brutal slaughter he inflicts upon the once-proud but no longer so warriors of Ulm in every single encounter.
Even worse now that he has discovered some foul enchantment that darkens the sky, leaving the hawk-eyed Ulmish crossbowmen helpless in despair.

[spacht]

How dare you call the Arcoscephalans treacherous. They were the only ones who had the courage to step up and challenge the mighty Ulmish empire in the time of our greatest need. Without their help Shinuyama would have fallen long ago. The ulmish barbarians have visited untold suffering on the people of Arcoscephale and Shinuayama. It is only fitting that they shall live in fear of the dark from now on.

[Firewalker]

I would just like to take moment to thank Arcocephalae for handing us a sizable peice of real estate by declaring war on Bandar's noble friend and ally. In retrospect, the Skeptical Ones probably should have attacked Bandar rather than Ulm given the long border we share.

I have a creeping intuition though that Shinuyama will be doing the same as soon as he decides Ulm has taken an adequate beat down and comes after us!

[hEad]

Man condemns the contemptible T'ien Chi. Amidst our negotiations they attacked with out provocation. All nations that currently have dealings with this upstart nation, be warned - they are deceiving and untrustworthy; negotiations should not be considered. They will ultimately backstab you, so devoid are they of honour!

[DonCorazon]

Hmmm...that sounds similar to some accusations made many turns ago from the Old Man somewhere in this thread

[Zeldor]

hEad:

Man received no guaranties of peace from T'ien Ch'i. Man attacked us treacherousle 30 turns ago and now tries to stop our armies by fake peace talks. We got no real offer, just a messenger that failed to answer any of our questions.

[Zeldor]

Ok, there was no contact with owner of C'tis and he staled more. Acenoid will take it over. I have no idea what relations previous player had, so talk with Acenoid now about everything. I hope game will move faster now.

[DonCorazon]

The eastern gates of Ulm have fallen (think Osgiliath in LOTR). Shin has now taken over 3 forts once held by us and will soon be at the doorsteps of the great Iron Keep of Ulm. If anyone has earth gems to trade for any other kind of gem or can recommend some good Earth spells that can be cast by low level smiths, let us know - destruction and bladewind have had little effect. Ulm is trying to find some way to stop this menace and our only hope is to find some earth magic that might stop these stinky sorcerous hordes that threaten all good men.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif

[Firewalker]

The great Ahirbudhnya has fallen in battle, killed by Trollish arrows. His wise words and clean white fur will be sorely missed in Bandar lands. The White Council of Rishis will have to retreat to consider who among them can carry on the struggle in his stead.

On a brighter note, Bandar finally won a battle against the trollish Shinuyama. The aptly named Fort Love Lost will soon be in our hands.

To the new leader of C'Tis: If you have water gems to trade, PM me!

[Acenoid]

C'tis greets all other pretender (demi-)gods and goddesses http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

In the previous turn we began to re-organize our troops, assess the current situation with our neighbors and to answered all incoming messages.

It seems that we are not on best terms with some of our neighbors, we are going to respond to all diplomatic and trade requests shortly again.

OOC (out of character): What is the best way of communicating with the other empires? How about having an IRC channel for our game?

[Firewalker]

I guess we have mostly been using the forum to publicly taunt one another and PMs to conduct diplomacy, lest I am out of a loop somewhere.

[DonCorazon]

You can send any correspondence via PM to Arcos straight to Ulm - we will soon have a puppet government in place! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

(caveat: any correspondence to Ulm might soon be going to Shin)

[spacht]

Once again the proud warriors of Ulm have demonstrated their courage. In what will be remembered in our chronicles as "The last charge of the black knights" a whole generation of young ulmish nobles took to the field and mounted a valiant but futile assault against the massed ranks of shinuyaman troops. And when all was lost and the ulmish host was already in flight their god, the mighty Grom, refused to leave the battle and fought a desperate rearguard action. Yet, a closer look revealed that he had overexerted himself during the battle and was already asleep when the order to retreat was issued.
(Btw, how did you heal Grom's afflications? I thought recalled pretenders retained them.)

[cleveland]

Hi all, Old Man here. While a tough choice, it was ultimately the right one: honeymoon was definitely better than Dom3...

Though I won't be rejoining the game, I just wanted to wish everyone good luck and thank everyone for a good game; I look forward to facing you all again in the future.

And especially eHad: thanks for taking over for me, I'd have felt bad if nobody took my place (and sorry for the lousy hand you consequently received...)

Cheers!

[Zeldor]

cleveland:

I think I will make a new game in some time. Also newbie, probably for more people [about 12], new patch and so on. And I would want to see all people from Urapara there. I guess we all learned a lot. Everyone about nations, pretenders, how game and diplomacy works and so on. And I as host that there are unbalanced maps, finding subs is harder than making turns and so on http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[DonCorazon]

The Last Legion of Ulm has been scattered to the winds. Hats off to Shinuyama. Typical of Grom's lackluster management skills that he should doze off in the midst of our retreat. Even watching the battle, it is hard for me to tell what went wrong. Certainly we needed more magic.

Now, the golden age of Ulm has passed and soon only broken, moss-covered statues of the Mighty Grom carved into a few forgotten passes of the mountains that were once Ulm shall remain.

(Spacht, I am not sure how Grom healed - not that it did him much good)

[hEad]

cleveland said:


And especially eHad: thanks for taking over for me, I'd have felt bad if nobody took my place (and sorry for the lousy hand you consequently received...)

Cheers!



no probs mate. Anyways, Zeldor is especially pleased with Mans weakness - rotten TC opportunists! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[vfb]

DonCorazon said:
(Spacht, I am not sure how Grom healed - not that it did him much good)



When you Call God, there's a chance for some of your god's afflictions to disappear.

[DonCorazon]

cleveland said:
While a tough choice, it was ultimately the right one: honeymoon was definitely better than Dom3...




Good thing, Cleveland. If that weren't true you might be in for many years of suffering.

[Firewalker]

Hail, Nations of Urapara!

Our new Prophet has deemed a stock of blood slaves that an evil rishi has been hoarding to be anathema to the good Dharma of Bandars. Anyone interesting in trading for astral or water gems at 1 to 1 ratio can have them.

[DonCorazon]

The Iron Keep of Ulm has fallen. The legions are scattered and Grom has passed on to the great quarry in the sky. Ulm renounces all treaties and invites former allies to stake out their claims in Ulm lest Shinuyama be the sole beneficiary of our collapse.

[Firewalker]

Is anyone else interested in moving to 72hr turns? I'm having some difficulty keeping up.

[Zeldor]

I don't think that so long hosting is acceptable in any MP games, except for extremely huge one in really late stage [there is only one with 72 hours and it is on turn 106].

How many games are you in?

[DonCorazon]

My turns are getting easier so my preference would be to keep hosting the way it is to speed things along.

But if others need more time, I don't mind slowing down.

[Firewalker]

Hmm, perhaps one game too many.

If 72hrs is too long for most, then I'll continue and do the best I can. I don't think it is such a problem that I will leave a game yet. We'll see how it develops. If it gets to be too much, I'll let you know.

[spacht]

I'm glad i heeded llamabeast's advice not to get into more than 2 games at once, although i was tempted at first. The later turns take quite a bit of time.

At the moment i'm very comfortable with 48h-turns but would not mind switching to 72h.

[Zeldor]

I manage to get in 3 games, though other 2 are in rather early stage and it can be problematic if I manage to survive long enough there http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[hEad]

Man is defeated.. and i take my leave.

Good luck with the rest of the game.

[DonCorazon]

hEad, thanks for stepping in. I am sure Ulm will be following you out the door here soon. Hope to see you in a full-blown game one of these days.

[hEad]

DonCorazon said:
hEad, thanks for stepping in. I am sure Ulm will be following you out the door here soon. Hope to see you in a full-blown game one of these days.



Your a gent DonCorazon, I hope so too! Subbing for Man was to put it mildly, a hellish experience - getting clobbered from the get go is a tough meal to eat...

Just as long as Zeldor doesn't win! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Zeldor]

hEad:

My chances for winning are really tiny, to be honest.

Anyway, thanks for trying. I am sure that hard games teach most and you will be much better in next MP games, when facing enemies that won their first games. I know I've learned a lot from my start here, when I almost got rushed and killed by Man.

P.S. I think it is time to announce new MP game for newbies http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Eomi]

Well, despite the fact that we've been on our way to defeat for most of the game, I'm pleased to see that Arcoscephale will bow out second instead of first. Granted, we had continuous (if uninspired) leadership, but we'll take consolation however we can get it.

Now if we can just get that last shipment of gems off to Shinuyama before our final provinces fall.

[DonCorazon]

Ulm is like a nation of penguins running to jump off the cliff once there is no where further west to run.

I am curious how Abysia will fare? They have been like Switzerland as far as I can tell - raking in the $ while the fools clobber each other.

[Zeldor]

I have started a new MP game for semi-newbies. It will use Conceptual Balance Mods with Worthy Heroes. Map will be Alexander. There are still a bout 5-7 places free. Linkie. (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=578499&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

[Acenoid]

Iam not able to access internet from Home until 16th again.

I realize it is very annoying to wait all the time for someone. So sorry for the hassle.

[Zeldor]

I will postpone hosting, but try to do that turn earlier. You can copy installed Domions 3 folder into usb stick, take it to work or where you want and open Dominions without installing it. Or just make a turn at home and take .2h file with you and send it from cafe/school/work.

P.S. There will be also no hosting between 29th and 3rd [or even 2-3 days more] as I am traveling to China, so no Internet for me. There is a chance I will have it on 2nd, but rather small.

[Acenoid]

Hi there!

Next time it will be better prepared. I went w/o laptop and no game. Therefore it was too late to take anything with me. Believe me i would have liked not to stall the game.

At work we have some strict policies which i will follow - therefore that is not a possibility. But making the turn from home and just uploading the file from work would have worked.

Next time it will be all a bit better planned.

[parcelt]

I just found myself travelling abroad with a broken laptop. I won´t be able to get another turn in until wednesday (eastern US). I´d greatly appreciate if we could postphone hosting until then.

I apologize to everybody for the late notice.

[Zeldor]

Of course I can postpone it. Next time take a copy of dominions on usb drive http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Firewalker]

Nations of Urapara, a Message from Animesa, prophet of Nararaja:

These are dark days, for the true Dharma wanes and great evils are on the rise. To the East, darkness and death befalls the land and to the West the flames of Hell lick the feet of all living beings.

The White Council has convened to commune with the one true God, whose light of wisdom bathes less and less of this world. It is unclear what He may choose to do, but all the Council feels his growing anger at the events that are transpiring. There is an uneasiness amoung the senior Rishis, for it is difficult to say what may come.

However, whatever the future may bring will come in due course. For now, the demons of Abysia should quake and every hair on their bodies {if demons have hair -- do demons have hair?} should stand on end in dread: The divine armies of Bandar Log are coming to cleanse the world of their stench.

[parcelt]

Bandar, we can inform you that no, our demons do not have hair. They did once, but you know, playing around with all that fire...

Your divine armies will be prepared a 'warm' welcome.