Agouti (Noob Team Game) Closed.

[Zylithan]

All,

We're starting a noob teams game 2v2v2v2v2, 10 players in total. Teams have been made, by request and then by random coupling.

Map: Eight Gates, Version 2
2. Gates provide connections between faraway lands, and nodes harm those who stay in them for long. Nodes are weakly guarded.
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3smm&Number=552196&page=0 &view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=all

Era: EA

Race Selection: Once teams are made, each team will PM me a list of their first race preference, four choices. I have already sent my team list to Llamabeast, so I can't cheat based on already knowing your choices. The teams will be randomly chosen in some order, and that is how races are assigned. The second round (the second race for a team) will be done the same way (send a 2nd race preference list after we are done assigning the first race per team). Whoever got last pick in the first round gets first pick in the second round and vice versa. Hopefully this system seems fair to all.

Turn Time: Start at 48 hours/turn. We will be lenient on giving hosting delays, but not on stales.

Team # ... Current Players
1..........Zylithan...TrajanX...Niefel and TienChi
2..........reinselc...MAJ_Disgrace...Vanheim and Arcos
3..........Nozshand...Cerlin...Mictland and Agartha
4..........Sivoc...Janlm...Caelum and Kailasa
5..........Everz...Wokeye...Abysia and Lanka

Okay, we are set. Once everyone decided which players is which race, go ahead and upload your pretender to llamaserver.net with game name = Agouti
Instructions are here:
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=531116&page=2&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[Zeldor]

Heh, second newbie game? I don't think I have time for a second one.

[Wokeye]

I'd play if it was a 48 hour turn cycle (timezone differences to you folks on the wrong side of the earth + new baby makes 24hr troublesome).

[reinselc]

I would be interested. I am in Wokeye's boat with a job and family that 48 hour turns would be nice.

[MAJ_Disgrace]

You can put me down as a player. I've played about 4 games and got my tail kicked in all of them. I can say I'm improving though.

I'll send my nation preferences as we get closer.

[Zylithan]

I'm fine with 48 hour turns.

[Wokeye]

OK, then put me down - I've not yet completed a game, so easily qualify as a noob I think. 4 preferences PM'd

[nozshand]

sign me up, abysia

[kruton]

I'm looking to join my first MP game and this looks like a good place to start. Count me in.

[Wokeye]

Would teams benefit from having common themes/ characteristics?
eg heat vs cold vs undead vs blood/holy?
or maybe elements? fire/air/water/earth?

[reinselc]

possibly. I send a PM for my picks already, but if anyone wants to join "Team Cold" I wanted either Niefel or Vanheim.

I have never played a human game and only finished 2 SP games, so I am likely terrible.

[reinselc]

Or if nozshand wants to get a Fire & Ice thing going, that would be cool.

[Cerlin]

I havent played a game in almost a year, does that make me a newb? may have played 3 ever....
Need another?

[Sivoc]

I'd like to join up as caelum

[Janlm]

i'm in, i'd like to team with sivoc

[TrajanX]

Nice, it looks like we are almost full! Zylithan is running the game, not me (just playing) but I know he's in the middle of a move right now. So to clarify something --

The way (I think) he planned to do race selection is in the top post. Each team should send him a list of four races in the order that they would like them. You could post publicly if you want, but you might prefer to do it via PM instead (just in case someone wants to be sneaky and try to game the system). I know that he's already given his (our) team preferences to Llama at the start, so that there's no advantage or disadvantage to anyone.

Once each team is assigned the first race, the second race will be assigned based on new preferences and with preference given to any team that didn't get their first choice.

Yeah its a little confusing but if you think about it, its very fair, especially to people who want to sign up now but are worried that being late they won't get their preferred race!

[Zylithan]

I would request people PM race preferences to me instead of posting publicly, because public posting could affect votes for other people.

Also, no need to send race preferences until you have a TEAM, because the preferences are for the team, not for individuals. I revised the first post, it does look like we are nearing fullness.

[Wokeye]

I don't have a team http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif I'm happy to be placed in a team if that's easiest. Anyone else need a teammate?

[everz]

hmmm...i'd like to try a team game...

Wokeye, can i team with you?

The map looks very nice. Is it from Age of Wonder?

[Wokeye]

I'm happy to team up with you Everz, however I wonder if the server is already full? Is there room for Everz, Zylithan?

[Zylithan]

Okay, let me clarify the race-picking process, as I don't think what I wrote above was totally clear.

There will be two rounds of race picking. One round for one race per team, the second round for the other race per team.

For round one, each team talks amongst itself and makes a list of the 4 races it would most like to be its first race. This can be all done by one player, or 2 from one player, 2 from the other.. whatever, I don't care, you decide as a team.

I have already sent my list of 4 to llamabeast, so I can't be affected by your votes. Please PM your TEAM VOTE to me so your votes are not seen by/affecting other teams' votes.
Once all are in, I will use random number to order the 5 teams picks. You get your top choice, unless a team with a higher pick already chose them, in which case you get your second pick, etc.

Once the first round is done, each team has one race picked. Then we each make a list of four favorite races for second race. The order of picks is opposite of the first round, so teams that had low picks in first round have high pick in second round.

Please send me your FIRST ROUND LIST OF FOUR PICKS BY PM ASAP.

Thanks!

[Wokeye]

Just grabbing the map now...
Which (if any) mods will we be using, Zyl?

[Zylithan]

My plan was no mods. Just vanilla 3.10.

Nice Pic Wokeye... or is it... Tim?

Everyone else... please PM me your teams top four picks for 1st race as soon as possible. Thanks!

[Wokeye]

hehe yeah Tim the Enchanter

...my RL name, minus the last bit.

[everz]

The previous icon from Fallout is also very funny.

[kruton]

I'm in need of a team, preferably someone who has played at least one or two MP games since this is my first. Any takers?

[Cerlin]

Ok so Nozshand is on my team? and we talk about which teams we want? Or do we each pick a set of 4 and send them to you?
I know which I want but we should confer, yes?

[Janlm]

you should find 4 nations together with your team mate, prioritize them and then send them to zylithan...

[Cerlin]

Ok thanks just clarifying. I shall send him a PM then...
Arigatou ne. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

I sent in some preferences for MAJ Disgrace and I.

[Zylithan]

Alright, the lottery was, from first pick to last:
Team 4, team 5, team 3, team 1, team 2.

The first races are:

Team First Race
1 ...Niefel...
2 ...Vanheim or Arcos (The two of you sent me the same four races, but in different orders.. please let me know asap)
3 ...Mictlan
4 ...Caelum
5 ...Abysia

So, Now I need every team to send me a prioritized list of 4 races for their second race. Same as you did before.

The picking order is of course reversed, so conflicts will be resolved in the order of:
(first)Team 2, team 1, team 3, team 5, team 4. (last)
I have already sent my teams choices to llamabeast, so you can send me your any time.

[reinselc]

Sweet. Maj Disgrace ~ I sent in your top 3 choices for our second pick. Send Zylithan a #4.

I am looking forward to a showdown of hot vs. cold with Niefel & Caelum aligned vs. Abysia & Mictlan, even if they are on different teams.

[Cerlin]

Sent the choices for the second round for team three.
I look forward to playing with you all!

[reinselc]

Yes I am looking forward to this as well. Just so you know I might have a tough time returning turns from Dec 24-30 as I am going to be travelling to visit family. I will see if I can find a computer to run Dom3, but I am not 100% sure I can.

[Zylithan]

Check first post. All races are picked (except second race for Sivoc/Janlm, but they have last pick in second round, so they can pick whoever they want that is not already chosen.)

You can upload your pretenders. Instructions are in the first post.

[Janlm]

hmm, i'll pick Kailasa..

[reinselc]

I think since we picked last in the first round and first in the second round we'll take Vanheim & Arcos.

[Zylithan]

all teams are set (see first post). you can upload pretenders now.

[reinselc]

Alright I am in as Vanheim. Should be a good time...I wanted Niefelheim, but my second choice is ok too. Are we going to start next to our partner or far away?

[Zylithan]

I am fine either way. Because of the map, it would be hard to be TOO far away from your partner, but if people want to start close, I can look at the map, create starts points for five teams of two, and then randomly put the five teams in start points. Preferences?

[reinselc]

Looking at the map, I think random works fine. You can get anywhere pretty quickly.

[Cerlin]

I am in as Agartha.
I hope I dont do too bad http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[nozshand]

i vote for start close http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

Not sure when everyone will get their pretender in, but I will play the first turn Wednesday night. I am travelling until then and won't be able to get to it until then. My pretender (Vanheim) is in.

[Wokeye]

Its going to get messy over Christmas, with ppl heading away at various times. I'll be away Jan 2-8 but may be able to get a sub.

[Zylithan]

I think its totally understandable for us to be slow for late december and early january.

[Wokeye]

I wonder if it is possible to run without a turn deadline for the next two weeks or so - then we work to the speed/timing of the slowest until things get back on track in early Jan, maybe Jan 8 or so?

[Zylithan]

yeah, iove actually considered that.. it might be of best course..

[Cerlin]

ok so everyone is uploaded, how do we start?

[Wokeye]

I only count 8 pretenders submitted. Isn't there ten?

When the turn is created, the server (turns@llamaserver.net) will email out your turn (.trn) files for you. You create a folder in savegames, place the turn file in it, turn off all your mods, load up existing game, have your go, hit end turn then send the .2h file back. Works well.

[Janlm]

i still need to send in my pretender, will do it tonight...

[Cerlin]

oh ok! Ill read the rest of the readme on it too so i am informed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I forgot there were 10 people sorry http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Wokeye]

Sweet, we are now in business. GL all!

[reinselc]

I didn't get an email from the server yet...has it gone out?

[Wokeye]

No, not yet - needs to be started by admin.

[TrajanX]

I think Zylithan is waiting to figure out start positions. Rather than have them be totally random, they could be set to prefixed locations. Even though everyone is able to get to everyone else pretty easily via the gates, there's still an advantage to having your ally randomly next to you, guarding that border, vs. on the opposite side of the map.

The plan he and I chatted about was to preset 5 pairs of positions and then randomly assign, which I think is what he's doing.

[Wokeye]

That would be great.

[Zylithan]

nopers. waiting for admin. i was lazy, and since there wasnt a big consensus, and i probably wouldnt edit the map until 2008, i just had llamabeast begin as is.

go for it....

everyone enjoy!

[Wokeye]

Thanks for your efforts Zyl. Looking forward to it.

[reinselc]

Got the file and returned. Not much going on first turn....always scared if I just randomly attack I will hit the super well defended province and all my guys will die and I will be stuck with nothing for 5 turns.

[Wokeye]

yeah I hate it when you get smashed by a crazy powerful indy force.

[everz]

Someone's capital was attacked by the vampire count at first turn, in another MP game I'm palying...

[Zylithan]

yeah, first turn indies are rough.

hope everyone has fun. first turns are quick and boring... and then we're all on scattere3d vacation!

but, hopefully we get into the meat of the game some time in january.

[Zylithan]

Okay... I set the turn timer to no authost, just until the holidays are over, this is to reduce difficulties trying to figure out who is needing a delay when.

PLEASE STILL PLAY YOURS TURNS ASAP!

thanks!

I'll notify when I got back to 48 hrs.

Thanks and have fun!

[reinselc]

Done.....interesting that almost everyone made their initial leader their prophet. I never do that and always recruit someone to become my prophet on turn 2.

[Wokeye]

Same.

[Janlm]

why is autohosting a problem?

[Cerlin]

eh the default general for agartha makes a pretty good prophet.
Ive never lost because of him. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Normally its my own fault when i do...

[Zylithan]

i misspoke - autohost is on, turn time limit is very long.

[reinselc]

Hey Z, everyone is in but you I think. Aren't you Nief?

[Zylithan]

im TC. But it looks like Niefelheim got his in.

[reinselc]

Sorry I was so slow...travelling this week. I will get turn 3 in shortly. ~ Vanheim.

[Zylithan]

I think during this period we all have to be patient with eachother and such. Things will get more fast and more exciting in 2008. Hope everyone is doing well.

[Cerlin]

We'll do our best, and Im sure the game will pick up.
As for me when it comes to misfortune, it really scares me. I always get attacked by huge indie forces early or have my lab burn down second turn before I have a caster out..
Dangerous thing that.

[Wokeye]

Hell, I don't even need misfortune to get myself smacked around by indies! Ouchies!

[Cerlin]

Waaah! we are slipping into mediocrity. Waiting for these early turns can be painful..and I didnt die to the first two indies. Im proud of myself... :p

[Zylithan]

Agreed. I am wondering.... <font color="blue">can I put the timer back to 48 hours? any approvals/objections?</font>

also.. if you are the last to play your turn, please wait 5 minutes for the new turn to generate, and be first to play the next turn... this can really speed up a game.

[reinselc]

I have no objections to 48 hours.

[Cerlin]

Me either.

[Sivoc]

I'm all in for 48 hours timer, but shouldn't we wait until we hear something from Mictlan just to be sure he is back?

[Zylithan]

i think that's wise. Mictlan is Nozshand I assume?

[Cerlin]

Yeah, I think so Last time I checked.

[reinselc]

Yeah I think we have been waiting on him for 7 days or so.

[nozshand]

im sorry for the delay, i just got back from a trip and its all good now, 48 hours timer is fine for me

[reinselc]

Cool. Glad to have you back. I am ready to get this game rolling.

[Cerlin]

Could we?
This game has stalled to an outrageous amount...
I've almost forgot that Ive played it... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Zylithan]

yeah, its been slow. hopefully things will speed up... this would be a good speed at turn 50 maybe, but .. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Janlm]

Next turn due: 04:45 GMT on Sunday January 20th

how about we set the turn timer back to normal?

[Sivoc]

yeah, lets set it back to 48 hours

[Wokeye]

Hi Guys,
I'm also back from holidays now, 48 hr turns is fine by me.

[Zylithan]

when you change the timer it affects the next turn. i think i already set it back, but wont change until this turn is done.

(if i am wrong, apologies)

[reinselc]

So far so good for me. My only problem is that the water provinces are held way too well for my limited number of amphibious troops.

And of course that everyone hasn't given me all their gold.

Vanheim does accept bribes you know. Ms. Vanheim likes the gems as well.

[Wokeye]

Abysia is also happy to accept any spare gems. Fire gems are sooo 2007.

[Wokeye]

The combined forces of Neifel and Tien Chi appear to have marched on my ally. It seems there will be blood in the streets early on in this game.

A travel advisory has been issued to tourists wishing to travel to the area.

[reinselc]

Hey Wokeye....Where are you and Lanka? I still don't know where anyone is except my ally.

[Zylithan]

Just a friendlt reminder to everyone to check your forum mail in case of diplomacy...

[Wokeye]

Reinselc, we are though a gate near you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[reinselc]

I bet you are. I will just stay in my happy little kingdom building my army. I guess I should start doing some R&amp;D though. Everyone else is killing me.

[reinselc]

Although considering all my troops have glamour....maybe my giant army is actually inside your borders in hiding. You never know with those pesky vans.

[Wokeye]

I hope your glamorous spies have brought asbestos suits if they want to hang out over my place. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

As my troops are all air mages (almost anyway) I think we are going with the old 'we're smoke when there's fire"....that IS how it goes right?

[reinselc]

If anyone has any Fire or Water Gems that they want to deal to Vanheim.....let me know either through a PM here or in game.

I have mostly Earth &amp; Air gems to trade and would be willing to deal with just about anyone I am not currently fighting. Let me know.

[TrajanX]

Hey guys sorry belatedly for being slow with my turns (and staling on one!). I got unexpectedly slammed at work and thought I had a few more hours to submit than I did. I've also gotten slammed by those evil demon monkeys in the game, but that's a different story. I'm not sure how many turns I have left alive but I won't go down without a fight*!

* by "fight" I mean a short siege followed by the complete anhiliation of my army while inflicting extremely minimal casualties on the enemy. Quick, hit Lanka before he double in size! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[reinselc]

TrajanX If I had any idea clue where either of you were at, that would be a good first step towards assisting you.

[everz]

Niefel &amp; TC got a nice plan and started to invade Lanka since turn eight. But they lost themselves during the war under hostile dominions. Anyone concerned about the graphs should be able to tell the truth.

No matter demon money or holy angel, any kind of nation with such an "active" neighbor would take some action just like Lanka did - defend ourself and get the invader to pay.

Early wars slow down the development of the entire nation. Taking an independent province is obviously easier than getting one from other players. Lanka is following behind in the national competition, because of the trouble Niefel&amp;TC brought to us. If we could sweep out Niefel, Lanka will double its size - to achieve a normal size it should has without their invading.

[Zylithan]

Interesting revisionist history. As I recall, Lanka expanded into our territory, and Abyssia was spamming assassins all over Tien Chi well before turn 8.

Both Abysia and Lanka continued aggressions against Tien Chi, and Niefelheim was forced to come to their aid, after both demonic nations had already teamed up against Tien Chi.

Tien Chi and Niefelheim offered Lanka/Abyssia peace because we suspected early war would hurt all involved nations, but the warlike demonic nations were against peace on any terms and violently decided to submarine the odds of all four nations by continuing a blood battle. I suspect my time on this realm is not long, I think the demonic forces will win, and defeat both my ally and I soon. My nation is not meant for rushing. I just hope they find out that their warlike ways and reluctance to have peace do not prove to be to their profit.

[reinselc]

Interesting. We in Vanheim are still blissfully ignorant of war. But we are getting a little lonely.

[everz]

Oh, I could upload the screen shots how TC&amp;Niefel army conquered provinces of Lanka in earlier game. After being defeated just around my capital, they offered peace, followed by a threat. War without declaration, then peace after being defeated? Make peace, so that TC&amp;Niefel could go after Lanka again 10 or 15 turns later?

[Wokeye]

TC&amp;Niefel will be ground to dust...

...then we'll go home and work on our rather attractive shabby chic home renovations. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Zylithan]

FYI, Lanka is currently seiging both Tien Chi and Niefelheim capitals. I'd recommend you move to attack him soon or it will be too late.

[Wokeye]

Truth is, Lanka won the rock-scissors-paper game for dibs on sieging the TC capital - otherwise it would have been me.

Best not to attack him, as my burny ones still need something to...well...burn. I'd better send them home before things get out of hand.

[everz]

Oh that stale hurt a lot.

[Zylithan]

Tien Chi and Niefelheim would like to issue the following open letter to Lanka and Abysia, to prevent any further wrongful defamation of our nations.

We see that Abysia and Lanka are in dire straights. If we were to be gone entirely, these two nations would both be in the middle or bottom in every category, especially ones that matter in lategame, such as research, not a good situation at all. The strategies of Lanka and Abysia seem like they could allow these nations to defeat ours quite simply, and then leave them in great position to lose the game.

The (probably much too) generous nations of Tien Chi and Niefelheim would like to propose one last peace treaty, one way for us to giev Lanka and Abysia a chance at winning. Here is our proposal... You withdraw from our nations, leaving us our capitals and all provinces adjacent to our capitals. Then we will be your ally. For where two of you alone can not have a chance to win, four teams together stand a chance. Our gratitude will shower you with gold pieces and gems, and our nations will be able to protect you from other attackers.

Please let us know if you see the wisdom and generousity of our plan quickly, or, if you fail to see the truth, may you remember this stupidity and stubbornness when your empires fall and may the citizens of your lands curse your names for your short-sightedness. If you choose not to have allies, and choose not to help your allies be strong enough to help protect you, then you deserve what you get.

[Wokeye]

The team of Abysia and Lanka would like to thank Tien Chi and Niefelheim for offering their open, kind opinion on our wellbeing.

We are indeed stubborn - though we like to call it 'persistent'. Unfortunately the burning ones and demon apes have developed a love for the architecture of both your capitals and wish to spend time there burning and ...monkeying around with(?)...stuff.

Were it not for the close positioning of Neifel/Lanka/TC capitals we might not have felt the need to expose our devilish troops to the opportunity for conquest. However as they say - you must sometimes make war to have peace. Or something.

War at anytime in this game is taxing. Our combined armies are a match for any other team wanting to try to take unprovoked advantage of our warring states, so fear not for us. We anticipate our allies will stand by us, as we would stand by them.

[Wokeye]

You guys talk too much.

[reinselc]

This is pretty interesting stuff. But on to more important matters, like the national economy of Vanheim.

If anyone has any death gems, I need about 5-10. I would be happy to trade another type of gem for it. PM me if interested.

[everz]

Why my nation is always invaded by neighbors? Niefel, TC and now Caelum! Caelum/Kailasa, we have a NAP, right? Why does Caelum attack Lanka without notice?

Fortunately, TC has gone. Lanka has enough troops to beat any invader.

[reinselc]

Vanheim and Arco are appalled at the lack of compassion shown by the demons of Lanka/Abysia and have decided to intervene in the conflict.

Probably won't be enough to save Nief, but today we struck our first blow against the fire demons.

We invite all free people to join our crusade to rid the lands of the demons and return to a more civilized world.

[Wokeye]

We are startled by the sudden aggression of Vanheim despite the NAP formerly agreed to, and trade in gems.

The conflict between TC/Neif vs Lanka/Abysia was a matter of conquer or be conquered in our opinion, due to unfortunate positioning. We struck decisively when we had the advantage, and not without much internal debate. At the end of the day it is the aim of the game to knock out other teams, so that's what we aimed to do.

While my burning ones love to 'turn up the heat', their wives were looking forward to some holidays from war in the magma baths. No such luck, apparently.

To those other teams with whom we have diplomatic relations: know that Lanka and Abysia will not break these agreements in the aim of furthering 'civility'.

[reinselc]

I am not aware of any NAP that we had. The only NAP that Acro/Vanheim have is with Caelum/Kailisa and requires a formal 3 turn notification to cancel.

Arco ~ were you aware of any NAP with Abysia or Lanka?

Besides we can't all be friends forever http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[everz]

Wokeye, do you mean Cealum instead of Vanheim?

[Wokeye]

As stated, Vanheim has attacked Abysia this turn.

EDIT: I have had my correspondence minister review notes on our diplomatic discussions and would like to withdraw my previous statement regarding a NAP with Vanheim. It was discusses, but never formally agreed to.

Nevertheless, we do not appreciate the visiting vanheim raiders. Their mirror imaging confuses our citizens.

[everz]

Well, Vanheim is like a tricky fox. When we are fighting TC/Niefel they stay away like a peace lover. Now we have almost done then they come and want some free cakes? No neighbour can be more dangerous than them...except Cealum...

To Cealum:
Attacking us before terminate the NAP is just beyond belief. Any explanation?

To Vanheim:
We pay and we gain. Anyone wants to disturb our harvest will be punished. And, congratulation, you have NAP with Cealum. Hopefully they can tell Vanheim from Lanka...We are both in red and they never care about NAPs...

[reinselc]

Interesting stuff....hope my NAP with Caelum is worth the paper its printed on. Of course I find it easier to enforce NAPs when you are not bordering the nation that you have them with.

I returned your email wokeye.

[Wokeye]

Map borders don't mean much with all those portals http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

That's true...my back is never safe. Not too many armies moving in the portals, unless they are sneaking past my scouts, which is possible.

[Sivoc]

I'm sorry about that, I was quite certain that I cancelled the NAP in turn 17 to Lanka, I will ofc not attack any further for the next 2 rounds then..

I apologise for the attack

[reinselc]

Any reason why the server still shows its waiting for TC's turn?

[Janlm]

eh, holidays?

[reinselc]

Now it has removed TC from the list of players, so everything should be ok.

[everz]

Sivoc said:
I'm sorry about that, I was quite certain that I cancelled the NAP in turn 17 to Lanka, I will ofc not attack any further for the next 2 rounds then..

I apologise for the attack



So you send me 5 "seeking arrows" as gifts? (I don't think other nations could get so many Air 3 mages at turn 20)

I'm really upset by playing with this kind of person. Cancelled NAP but didn't send me one word! Now magical attacks when he promised "not attack any further for the next 2 rounds".


To Zylithan:
Got you message from Wokeye. Honestly I feel sorry for the early kill. But we were pushed by situations. Thanks for your message, making me feel better now. It's a very nice team game, with nice map and partner, though some player are tough. Thank you again for creating the map and hosting us. Good luck for your next game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Zylithan]

To all... I had a fun game, and said no hard feelings... The point of the game is to beat everyone else, so no sense being angry I lost. I hope the game continues to be interesting, and hope people like the map. Let me know if you find any errors or whatnot.
Have fun!

[reinselc]

Z ~ One improvement to the map would be to add some farmland. I have scouted/taken over 30+ provinces and not seen a single one. This is bad for nations like mine that can only build a decent fort on farmland.

[Zylithan]

Reinselc - good call, thanks for the feedback. I don't think I put any in, but I'm not sure.

[Wokeye]

Another suggestion would be to consider a powerful magic site within each node - eg a death site in the death node.

Unless they are there already and I have just not found them... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Zylithan]

Wokeye - the graphical map comes with 4 .mpa files... one of them has exactly what you say.

[Wokeye]

Oh, cool - missed the one with node sites.

[Wokeye]

The Abysian Holy Burning Ones have presented the head of the Arcosephale Red Dragon Pretender to the Mighty Num Num, after destroying their attacking force. Let this be a lesson to those who assault Abysian soil (that means you, Vanheim...).

We hope the remaining force of 120 Arco troops enjoy their stay in the death node. We hear it has a very 'infectious' atmosphere.

[reinselc]

You never know with Vanheim....we appear and disappear rather randomly sometimes.

[everz]

I guess I have done with Caelum? Next one could be Niefel or...Kailasa you want to have a try? Welcome! Till now no invader could survive on Lanka's land!

[reinselc]

My Lanka that is quite the large army you have on the ruins of Tien Chi's homeland.

[reinselc]

With Mictlan and Agartha's intervention, it seems there is now a giant war going on. Please correct me if I am making an error, but it seems like the teams have shaken out as:

Good: Vanheim, Arco, Kailisa, Caelum &amp; Nief (if you are still alive)

vs.

Evil: Abysia, Mictlan, Lanka &amp; Agartha

This is my first multiplayer game, and man its so much better than SP.

[Wokeye]

Agreed - MP is a very different game, and much better than SP.

I disagree on the labels though - we are clearly the goodies http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

Eye of the Beholder and all that, I guess.

[everz]

Last force of Niefel has gone. Next one is...Kailasa.

[Zylithan]

wow. so there are basically a 4v4 game now? interesting.

[Wokeye]

Indeed, World War 1 is underway.

Playing in teams, and having access to many areas via the gates seems to drag more players into conflicts. I think it's cool - and deadly. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

Yea Z, if we lose the war then Caelum/Kailisa/Arco and I will know that should have intervened sooner. Sorry.

[Wokeye]

Abysia has nearly purgued the Vanhiem aggressors from our lands - how goes the march in the south?

[reinselc]

Mictlan has temporarily halted the Acro/Vanheim forces, but we are getting ready to launch our final offensive.

[Wokeye]

Final offensive? That sounds...final... ! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[nozshand]

After defeating the forces from Acro/Vanheim/Caelum, the falling of Acro empire seems inevitable.

- Nozshand, Prince of Untimely Death

[reinselc]

Hey we were not defeated...we are merely advancing in another direction that happens to be away from you.

[Wokeye]

LOL

[reinselc]

Just ask Agartha where my giant army is located.

[Wokeye]

Giant army or army of giants? ^^

[reinselc]

Hey wokeye, I sent you an email.

[Wokeye]

This game will be even more fun if any of us make it to endgame. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

Well someone has to make it.

[Wokeye]

I guess so!

[Wokeye]

Nasty flying birdmen and their lightning! Stepping through that gate was a rather traumatic experience.

[reinselc]

The 4on4 war still continues. Looks Arco is getting the worse of it.

[Wokeye]

Nothing like a bit of world war biff to warm the cockles of the hearts of the Burning Ones.

[reinselc]

I mean seriously do you HAVE to try to repair that fort? Why don't you come out and fight me and my army? We are getting bored ravaging the countryside. You Agarthans don't even taste good.....like old mutton.

[Wokeye]

Front page news in Abysia:
"Surprise party for the Arcoscephalan Enchanter ends in tears"
It appears the little lady is tougher than she appears!

[reinselc]

I have to stop antagonizing Agartha....guess their final reserves have been called from their hiding places to do battle.

[Wokeye]

They bit you back, Vanheim?

[reinselc]

Not yet, but they did bring out their armies. Should be a battle next turn I think.

[reinselc]

Ah no battle...back hide in their fort after I whip on them.

[Wokeye]

Despite thorough searches of Abysian lands by roving warlocks and numerous search spells over many turns (see graph for results: nada...) - we have come to the conclusion that you guys are hoarding all the magical sites.

Give them back, already! We likes teh purrrty gems!

[reinselc]

Want some gems??? I will pay for that Agarthan Fort on your border. 10 of each type of gem when the temple is razed and in your full control???

[Wokeye]

Meh the big squishy ones are amusing to watch when our youngsters flick burning cinders on their skin. We prefer not to attack them.

[reinselc]

It doesn't matter.....it will be 3 on 3 shortly I think. Kailisa and Agartha don't look too healthy.

[Wokeye]

Oooo nooo...3hrs on the timer and I'm at work, can't get home to send in my turn. Is there any way we could extend the timer for this turn by ~4 hrs? or a day?

I was away all weekend throwing frisbees at people much fitter than myself http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Wokeye]

Doh - nvm, guess this just means Abysia has more money to spend on fireworks and marshmellows this turn...

[everz]

Never mind. We are in good frame.

[reinselc]

No biggie. Has Caelum gone AWOL??

[Wokeye]

Kailasa is on AI, then?

[reinselc]

Looks like it. I think this game is coming to a close and its looking like Abysia/Lanka are going to win. At least from my perspective. Agartha is dead, Mictlan is not close to taking anyone out and Arco and I will wear him down, leaving Vanheim/Arco with 1/3 the map and Lanka/Abysia with 2/3rds.

[everz]

Just post here to say goodbye everyone. We had nice team work, Wokeye. Eliminate TC, Niefel, Kailasa and Caelum one by one, unfortunately I am not able to see the end. I'll try to find a new partner for you. Wish you good luck.

[Wokeye]

What? Your're off? Oh well - thanks for the game Everz!

Please pass the sub my email so we can devise some wicked team strategies.

[gowb]

Hey! I'm the sub for everz (Lanka)! Figured I'd post here to let the admin know that my email is palindrones (at) gmail (dot) com, in case he can set this up or whatever. I also sent a PM to llamabeast but I'm not sure how involved in this game he is. Thanks!

[gowb]

Llamabeast took care of it! Unfortunately Lanka passworded his game, so I need to get that from him...hopefully he still checks his PMs!

[Wokeye]

Have Mictlan and Agartha both gone AI??? Oh noes!

Sure RL happens, but what is it with people who cannot even let us know when they have to go AI?? It's very bad form not to let us know in advance, as it seriously changes the whole game!

On another note, I forgot to submit my turn again (even after completing it)...dang...nvm.

3 hours is not enough notice for a reminder for me - I get the message at work, with no way to fix it. Anyone know if we can we change the 'send reminder email' timer to be like 24 or 12 hrs before a game turn is hosted?

[Cerlin]

Im sorry about that. I missed a couple turns and got routed by Vanhiem. Tough stuff. This was my first game in over a year, so I am sorry if I did forget some politeness!
gomen nasai!

[Wokeye]

Thanks Cerlin,

As you might appreciate after my little rant - players going AI can significantly alter the diplomatic environment of games, so IMO it is best to:
(1) ask for a delay in turn if it is just one event;
(2) get a sub if possible; or
(3) give at least give a turn or three warning before flicking the 'beat up allies with stupid AI' switch.

I thought Mictlan was pretty strong, oh well...

We're down to a five-horse race, now!

[Wokeye]

The last Kailasan fort falls. Soon the yellow monkeys will be gone from Agouti.

[reinselc]

I think you and Lanka are going to kill Arco and I....we got really hammerred by agartha for a while before I got lucky. Anyway, it will be fun to see what all these high level spells do.

[Wokeye]

Abysia and Lanka agree to a truce with Arco and Vanheim until advice is issued three turns prior to hostilities occurring.

[Wokeye]

Those damn Agarthan AI elephants have stomped a few abysians into the dirt. Stupid pachyderms.

Vanheim/Arco - how far are you guys from eliminating the AI nations? I'm just wondering if we should open up World War 2 soonish. Shall we say 6 turns (ie hostilities on Turn 66)?

[MAJ_Disgrace]

I think Arco and Vanheim are giving up. I (Arco) am still struggling to defeat the AI opponents, and Vanheim seams to have staled and dropped contact for a week now. Unless Vanheim replies soon, I'm saying WE SURRENDER!

[Wokeye]

OK, we'll await word from Reinselc?

[Wokeye]

Any news from Reinselc, MAJ_Disgrace? Will you guys be playing on, or closing up shop?

[MAJ_Disgrace]

No news. I haven't heard from him in 2 weeks. Its over. Good game, although I didn't run into you two except one of the 4 times my pretender died was in a brief encounter with Abysia. My pretender died in the second turn of the game, and Vanheim bailed me out a few times against Agartha or I would have been eliminated early.

[Wokeye]

OK then - GG. Thanks MAJ_Disgrace, Reinselc, Cerlin and Gowb for stepping in for Everz.

I'll PM/email Llamabeast to let him know we can close this game off when he pleases.