FruitBat - EA newbie game - started

[llamabeast]

Okay, I think it's time for me to start a new game for new/newish players. I'd recommend 0-2 games - if you've played more than that and would like to play regardless, post here and you can play if we're short of players. This should be a nice, fun and friendly game, a reasonable size but not too huge, and generally ideal for new players (that's the plan, at least).

This will be an EA game and will use the Worthy Heroes mod. Renaming will be on, graphs will be on, and everything else will be standard.

The map will be my modified version of Parganos, which is modified (a) to have a much more fair and even spread of terrain types, (b) to have fair-ish start positions, and (c) to have no gold or magic sites in the seas - so this will be a land-nation only game.

The players are:

Pangaea - kasnavada
Abysia - reinselc
T'ien Ch'i - Donny
Lanka - chrispedersen
Ulm - StormCrow434
Caelum - ComTrav
Marverni - fantasma
Tir na n'Og - Hully

[kasnavada]

Well, I volunteer ! Pangaea please !

[reinselc]

I am interested I am currently playing my first MP game. I will take Abysia. Where do I find the worthy heroes mod?

[Aezeal]

I'm interested but since I wanted to play pythium in another game but couldn't I'm eager to play MA pyth.. so my question is... will you start a MA game in the very near future cus then I'll pass on this one and would like to reserve a spot there..

If not I'm sure I'll find a nice race to play in EA too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Donny]

I'm interested!
Actually I don't have any MP experience.
I'll try T'ien Chi - I love it!

[reinselc]

hey aezeal I think pythium is in the EA too, a little different, but similar.

[chrispedersen]

Interested in either Tien Chi, or barring that Lanka.
What is the mighty heroes mods, and how often will the game be played?

[StormCrow434]

This would make Game3, although we're only two turns into Game2. Would really like to try EA Ulm.

This would be first 'Mod' game...

[ComTrav]

Caelum please...

And what exactly does Worthy Heroes do? I see it a lot, so its obviously a popular mod.

[fantasma]

Hi,

I would like to play Marverni.
So far, no MP experience.

[Hully]

Hi

If there is any room left I'd like Tir na n'Og.
Worthy Heroes I'm running 1.7b is that the latest?

[Aezeal]

niefelheim if I'm still allowed (plz?)

[seda]

can i join? currently in my first mp game

nation i like to play with ulm

[Aezeal]

Ulm seems to be taken though...

[llamabeast]

Okay wow, that filled up fast! I will just go and update the first post with a list of players. Maybe I will open up a second game, being as this filled so fast.

[llamabeast]

Right, everyone who posted has a spot except for seda (sorry; slightly too late) and Aezeal (surely you don't count as a newbie still?! - in any case, I gave priority to the newer players).

Re Worthy Heroes - what it does is add more heroes to the game, and in general make them a little more powerful. Not overpowered, but it's nice if, when you get a hero, they're quite useful. The latest version is 1.8 - I'll turn my mention of it in the first post to a link in a minute.

The next thing to do is to design and upload your pretenders. Here's how to do that:

- Make sure you have the same mods enabled as the game you're playing in (Preferences->Mod Preferences) although only mods affecting pretender design, such as Conceptual Balance, actually matter
- Go to Game Tools -> Create a pretender god in Dominions. Don't set a password, since for PBEM games they're not helpful and occasionally annoying (e.g. if you need a sub)
- 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 'FruitBat' in the subject line of your e-mail

We'll see how long everyone takes to do that, but I reckon it shouldn't take more than a day or two.

[llamabeast]

I will create another game as an overflow as well - I'll call it VampireBat following the theme, and make it Late Age to make it appropriately dark for the name. No Ermor or R'lyeh though.

[Aezeal]

Lol if I'm not in this one (I seem to be 9th) could the new game be MA then (and me on pythium) else I'll play niefel in EA http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Aezeal]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif
;(

[Aezeal]

I'm not a newb? lol anyway I was too late I agree..
But really I only played 2 games.. and I was rushed in another one...

but create a MA game then http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[llamabeast]

Have you only played two games Aezeal? Sorry then. I guess it's your high post count and the fact that you seem to have been around for a while that's thrown me.

I'll create a normal MA game soon anyway I think, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. MA Pythium is fun, I agree.

[StormCrow434]

OK, got the WH 1.8 Mod downloaded. Activated it and created my Pretender. Email in transit.

You mentioned a modified Parganos map? Is this something we'd need to download as well?

[ComTrav]

I dl'd the mod from http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3smm&Number=561512&Forum= f195&Words=Worthy%20Heroes%201.8&Searchpage=0&Limi t=100&Main=560854&Search=true&where=sub&Name=&date range=1&newerval=5&newertype=y&olderval=&oldertype =&bodyprev=#Post561512

but I can't get it to work. Nothing reads the file, and I put it in the mods folder and I can't activate it on mod preferences.

[llamabeast]

quantum uploaded it in rar format, which is like a zip, but WinZip can't open it. If you scroll down a few posts on the same page you can see I uploaded a zip version.

[Zeldor]

llamabeast:

Normal game? Don't tempt me, I am already in hmm... 4 games.

And yep, there are some newbies that write a lot. Really good newbies http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Trying to know as much as they can about the game. And post count also counts whole shrapnel forums, not just dom3, I think.

[kasnavada]

Pretender sent.

[Aezeal]

I actually am not that experienced... I played my first game with you I think an was rushed, then I played 2 turns of a game before I had to go on vacation and then 2 games for real.

I've been modding a bit when I bought the game, but since my last great map didn't get players to start on it I've quit that too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I actually think I've not even played more than 10-20 SP games either ... I don't like SP anymore now I've seen MP... last game I seemed to be doing well but once I encountered experienced players I noticed I'm doing something wrong.. my large armies where slaughtered (but I don't mind loosing that much) I actually don't need to play in a newb game I like loosing (but learning) from exp. players much better http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Hully]

Pretender Sent

This will be my first MP game, should be fun...

Hully

[reinselc]

Abysia is in....do we need to download a map? Looking forward to this.

[Real_friend]

How many people can be in game?
It looks like all slots are busy ?
I would play Niefelheim... or water race ?

Real Friend.

[llamabeast]

Real_friend: This one is full, but another game, GhostBat, still has spaces, so sign up there if you like.

[fantasma]

pretender sent.

llamabeast, where do we get the map from?

[llamabeast]

Right, I've added the map to the first post. It also includes a modified map image, which I think looks nicer than the Parganos map that comes with the game.

[Hully]

Ok, I've downloaded the map, 3 files. I assume we just drop these into the map folder?

Well now having done just that, Dominions is listing two identical maps both:

Parganos(Llama's Fix) DS,8 Land + 1 sea player

Is this correct? or have I just rushed ahead... in the excitement!


Hully

[reinselc]

Yes I think that's right. Only need one more pretender and we can get started. Abysia is looking forward to a nice warm world http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

We are open to all who would like to join 'pretenders for a warmer world).....PM me a let me know if your interested in a non-aggression pact or overt military alliance.

[llamabeast]

Hully - yep, that's me being muppety and not giving different descriptions for the two maps. One has dead seas, one doesn't. I'll fix that soon and reupload. But in any case it doesn't matter too much - all you actually need for this game is the image file (only the server needs the .map file).

[Donny]

Seems like everything is set. Let's get started!

Holy T'ien Ch'i welcomes reasonable pacts from every nation. Our people love peace, and we will try to bring peace to the world.

However, we are NEVER AFRAID OF WAR.

[reinselc]

Which one are we playing with the dead seas or not?

[llamabeast]

Dead seas, although you guys don't actually have to do anything with the maps apart from make sure they're in the maps folder.

I'd intended to start the game tonight, but am knackered and about to get into bed. I'll do it tomorrow.

[reinselc]

Excellent news on the dead oceans...us Abysians never were too fond that stuff they call "water".

[llamabeast]

Okay, the game's started! The first turn will have 48 hours on the clock in case of difficulties, and subsequent ones will have 24 hours.

How it works is that the server hosts either 24 hours after the last hosting or when everyone's turns are in, whichever is sooner. This means that the hosting time tends to gradually creep forwards. It's important to be aware of that. Remember you can check out the game status at any time at www.llamaserver.net (http://www.llamaserver.net) .

I'd like to ask for a volunteer to admin the game. The admin has to do two things:

1) If a player asks for an extension or anything then do it (provided it's reasonable; a day or two is reasonable, if they are going away for a week they should get a sub). It's super easy via the interface on the website.

2) If the admin gets knocked out of the game, pass the password on to one of the remaining players.

It's a really easy, almost zero-work job, but it keeps me from having to carefully watch 20-odd game threads (which I tried for a bit, and it hurt).

Right, enjoy the game guys!

[fantasma]

Thanks llamabeast for setting up the server and the games, that really runs great (as I can tell so far).

If nobody objects I can do the admin stuff.

As we are on the subject, I am away over the easter weekend, Thursday morning (20th) till Tuesday noon (25th), or 4+ days. If several other players are taking days off, we could stop the timer or I have to find a sub, provided I will be still in the game.

Anyways, the tribes of Marverni, used to fight it out amongst themselves are now hearing the call of the awaking god and are marching forward united, so beware and do not cross their path, as they have a hot temper. However, the advice of the druids is usually heeded, and these are wise and peaceful, unless provoked. If so, they will turn into formidable foes!

So everybody interested in trading, alliances or just a little chat, is welcome to contact me.

[Hully]

fantasma

Thanks for picking up the admin side, appreciated.

Yeah I'm away for a few days at Easter 26,27,28 but I can get a sub no problem. I'm happy to go with the consensus about a break for Easter.

fantasma sent you a private message, outlining the advantage of Marverni becoming a vassal state lol

Hully

[chrispedersen]

I think a break for easter is a great idea. I for one hope that we can all be flexible if people ask for a day or two.

Good gaming to all!

....the Demons of Lanka.

[Donny]

No plan for the easter holidays, so everything is fine for me.

"Confucius said: 'If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots (a small-to-middle-size state),
you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your word, be economical in expenditure and love the people.
You should use them according to the seasons.'"
- The Analects of Confucius

[chrispedersen]

Object?
Who would be silly enough to do that? Lanka stamp!

[Donny]

All the possible solutions will be fine for the holy T'ien Ch'i.

[StormCrow434]

Ulm is easy...just not cheap! A break at Easter would be fine.

Klaus, the FrostFather, is breaking free! His people, the tribe of Ulm, rejoice and set out to gain land for his glory! Those who oppose us shall wither and die in his all consuming Cold...

[llamabeast]

Thanks so much for offering to do the admin fantasma. Much appreciated. I'll send you a PM with the password.

[reinselc]

Abysia here ~ I don't need a break for easter, but if most of the others do that is fine with me.

Stormcrow....I am saddened to learn of your desire to embrace cold. We Abysians find anything below 100F a little chilly, but your lands won't be below 90F, right?

Anyone who is interested in a Non Aggression Pact with Abysia let me know either via in game message or PM. My proposed terms would be that either of us can cancel at any time for any reason, but that there could be no offensive action taken for 3 turns after.

For example, if you informed me of you desire to cancel prior to turn #1 resolving, on turn #4 you could attack me.

Let me know.

[StormCrow434]

Part of the fun, as I see it, is in the role-playing. We are Pretenders and 'there can be only one'.

Alliances of convenience? Sure...once you have a common enemy you can actually see! But unless you are VERY unlucky you'll see no one else for several turns.

And the alliances should be shifting, nebulous things...allow someone to grow too strong and you will find yourself on the wrong end of that pointy stick he is holding.

In the spirit of Role-playing, the FrostFather hereby declares his NAP with Abysia null and void...as a heretical fire-worshipper we shall find and annihilate you on sight! (although I'm sure reinselc is a wonderful person, 'tis his Pretender that is my foe!)

OK, this probably means my early exit as everyone gangs up on poor old Ulm, but hey, it will be exciting!

[reinselc]

Well hopefully the rest of you will not want to live in a frosty world. I invite all free countries to join in a anti-cold alliance. I assume the demon monkey's of Lanka are in?

[ComTrav]

Caelum obviously has no interest in a world on fire. In fact, a frosty world suits us just fine.

[reinselc]

oh the humanity. Where are my warmth loving friends?

[kasnavada]

I've got nothing against warmth in summer and cold in winter. After all, that's what plants need to grow.

[fantasma]

We must agree to that. It's the balance between heat and cold , heaven and earth, growth and death where the world can prosper.

[fantasma]

llamabeast, the password seems to work. Thanks!

[Hully]

Hi All

Tir na n'Og - Hully at location 73, so who's my good and friendly neighbour at location 84?

I think we need a chat...

[StormCrow434]

StormCrow, Prophet of Klaus the FrostFather, icily eyed the Ambassador from Caelum. Then he nods, acknowledging the wisdom of that nation-state.

Viewing those who believed in 'the Balance', he knew some would be friend, some foe. This was the way of the world.

And he listened to the screams of the 'Ambassadors' from the nations of 'the Fiery Furnace'; didn't they like their...accomodations?

[chrispedersen]

Lanka no want to stomp Caelum.
Very busy trying to make monkeys fly. Defenestration (fling.. flomp!) no work!

Am sure great Lanka Darwin is right - if I just keep throwing monkeys out window, sooner or later, monkey fly!

Besides, turtle necks fashionable. Now, where is that koppa province??

[reinselc]

Abysia has is happy to announce it has ratified non-aggression pacts with Lanka and Tien Chi.

And I guess relations with Ulm and Caelum aren't too great. Of course its only a war of words right now and hopefully will stay as such for quite a while.

We are in discussion with several other major powers to complete NAP negotiations before any misunderstandings break out.

[ComTrav]

Yes, no misunderstandings, NAPs for everyone!

After all, I would hate to destroy several other nations and win the game. Why, that would be a tragedy =).

[fantasma]

What's that noise outside?

Lord, there is a huge group of, hmm, followers that ask for an audience. They say, they are zealots eager to join us in our campaign.

Great, so give them quarters!

But, sir, they, hmm, are, hmm, mostly eating our supplies. Their equipment is, hmm, not our standard, their morale poor, and their braveness ...

Well, wasn't there some cavalry you were worrying about? See, send them in to test (or taste) their lances! Their faith shall protect them!

[chrispedersen]

(Fling! Flomp!)

The abysmal ambassador is seen leaving the demon capitol with the latest in fashionable headgear- an impaled monkey adorning his helmets horns.

The sweet aroma of barbecued monkey.. trailing in his midst.

NAP? Which silly monkey agreed to a nap?

[reinselc]

Excellent.....friends? We fire people don't need treaties anyway. The paper burns too quickly.

[fantasma]

Since Caelum didn't send a turn yet, I postponed it by 2 hours. It's sunday morning (here, at least) after all, and staling is the least fun, I think.

ComTrav - or anybody - if you think you will not be able to submit turns in time, please tell us in advance.

[Hully]

That's fine by me, thanks for posting.

Hully

[StormCrow434]

StormCrow, Prophet of the FrostFather, surveyed the battlefield. A double-killing, this was, since during the sacking of the enemy encampment they had been set upon by another howling horde.

It had been a swift and brutal battle with the new attackers, and nearly fatal. One Ulmish Steel Warrior had been gifted with a mis-shot arrow and had vowed to find the Warrior Maiden who had made THAT shot. But he had survived.

Of the enemy, two were seen to escape. Among the dead were the standards of Tir na N'Og and StormCrow decided a reckoning must be made. He would shield the Warrior Maiden from the wrath of the injured Steel Warrior and instead lead a delegation to seek reparations from Tir. Scouts had informed him where their leaders could be found.

[ComTrav]

Really my bad, I DID my turn, I just forgot to mail it =(.

[reinselc]

Hmmmm has the first war begun? Us Abysians don't even know where anyone else is.

ABYSIA PR NEWSWIRE
Paranoid leader Methias thinks that the lack of contact with other nations military forces could be due to their personal cloaking devices and has installed a new defensive measure in his royal hall. The antechamber is now filled with fans and that favorite abysian treat of powdered sugar.

According to Lord Methias "All friendly diplomats who enter my throne room will be given a nice sweet gift, while assasins who attempt to make themselves invisible will find my sweet tooth a little sharp for their liking".

[Hully]

So

We the Tir an n'Og having been part of THAT unfortunate incident, welcomed the FrostFarthers delegation as close friend and deplore the regretful boarder butchery of our courageous troops.

The delegation from FrostFarther seemed rather incompetent and rather than smoother over the boarder skirmish which Tir an n'Og accept was purely accidental with no malice of intent. Proceeded to call the Fair and honest Tir an n'Og nation, PERFIDY! While the none aggression accorded continues diplomatic relation have certainly chilled. Was this FrostFarthers intent?

PERFIDY: An act of deliberate betrayal

Hmmmm... not happy


Hully

[Hully]

The deceitful FrostFarthers has stabbed the peaceful Ti n no's in the back, I guess he feels his dagger is long enough... and HE talks of PERFIDY!

FrostFarthers should not be trusted at all

[StormCrow434]

Old Ulmish tradition. The Reparation party arrives, challenges all comers to combat. If victorious, the province in question is quickly "Repaired"... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[ComTrav]

Caelum regards the recent conflict between Tir Na Nog and Ulm a tragedy, and we would be more than willing to use our good offices to determine the truth of the incident.

We would naturally expect some compensation for our totally neutral, fair and balanced arbitration. And whoever offered us more would have nothing to do with our decision. Nothing. At all. Honest. The character of the Eagle Kings is above reproach.

[StormCrow434]

StormCrow, Prophet of the FrostFather, has been given the authority to offer the Eagle Kings several of Tir's Eastern provinces in exchange for a 'Fair and Balanced' look into Tir perfidy. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[reinselc]

Abysians took to the streets of the capital to protest the nations uninvolvement in the current conflict.

"Why has our lord Methias not shown us the way to victory? We need to be involved in this war!!! Now which way do we march?"

The royal scouting corps is now attempting to ascertain the whereabouts of a certain peoples know only as "Tir" and "Ulm"....reports so far have been spotty at best.

[ComTrav]

They are both North of you, I believe, Abysia, and slightly West. (Although tbh I might've confused you with another country with a Red Flag).

Ulm is sieging Tir's fortress this turn...it's a ballsy move. In single player I've wasted lots of time on an early siege that might be better spent somewhere.

This little bit of the remarkable intelligence-gathering network of the Eagle Kings offered free of charge. Anyone interested in more comprehensive intelligence comprehension, please contact us.

(Parenthetically, I might note that having flying scouts rules.)

[reinselc]

That is cool. Abysian infantry can only move 1 space per turn which sucks.

[fantasma]

Just to avoid confusion, you need to patch after this turn, otherwise the new turn file will not open. Whether or no you patch for this turn does not matter. For details look at llamaserver.

[Hully]

Thank you.

[Donny]

Everyone attention please!

At the beginning of turn 14, holy T'ien Ch'i(at 67) has just received an amazingly terrifying report from the locals!
Two provinces of T'ien Ch'i (107 and 91) were attacked by large groups of over-fat ape demons and mercenaries from the barbarian-like nation Lanka(at 115) ! They have invaded us without saying any word, which is an much eviler invasion than what German did to Poland in 1939 - at least Nazi did declare war before they invade!
It was a massacre. Our peaceful peasants tried to escape but these wild demons(Anusara) which got a F9S9N9(!!!) bless slaughtered them all. The blood of humans was bleeding, the heavenly gods were crying, the motherly earth was trembling.

It can be easily concluded that this major invasion was long planned. These evil demons designed their False-god a F9S9N9 bless and bought lots of mercenaries for an early rush, which proved their black blood and black heart.

Now, peaceful T'ien Ch'i is at risk! The whole world is at risk!! Please think about it! What is a F9S9N9 bless for? WAR!!!
We must stop these demons from conquering and destroying!! Or there will be no chance for the goodness in the world.

[Donny]

T'ien Ch'i would be grateful if any other nation notices the importance of stopping these devils and provides any kind of help. Then we will know that there is still light and hope here.

"The king said: 'What kind of qualities are necessary for real kingship?'
Mencius said: 'take care of the people, and no one can oppose you.'" -- <Mencius>

[kasnavada]

Message from Arc de grele :
'We Pangaean choose to join Lanka in their quest.

There was only 2 ways out of the place where we are blocked, and Lanka's proposals were much more convincing than yours.'

[ComTrav]

We would extend the offer of the Eagle Kings' arbitration to Tien'Chi and Lanka that we previously extended to Ulm and Tir na Nog. It is, of course, impossible to make everyone totally happy, but in this case as well as that one we expect to reach an agreement to someone's satisfaction.

[chrispedersen]

Human speak with forked tongue. Very attractive quality. Almost as attractive as taste.

When Demon offered peace on turn 9 - your exact words were "...its a little bit far for both of us. And there is still time to talk."

Silly human, what Demon supposed to think? If you no want peace -- you must want war!!

Now you have war and surprise you want peace. Bah! Demons let swords talk now. Think rest of world will understand when silly clerics lose some land.

[reinselc]

WOW A TRIPLE Bless? You must have some seriously negative scales or low dominion to pay for that.

[Donny]

Were you really offering peace, demons? Now I'm sure there is some difference between Demon and human language.
What you said in turn 9 was totally nothing but demanding lands -- If I remember right, 98 and 76.
76, 91 and 81 at that time was already parts of my territory and in my 'exact word' "...it's a little bit far for both of us. And there is still time to talk" "it" was referring to 98.

Enough explanation. Lanka, now you have access to 98 and 76. Come and take them demons. Sharpen your sword and have a taste of some flesh blood. Wait for the revengers of T'ien Ch'i.

"...The general who is skilled in defense hides in the most
secret recesses of the earth;..." -- <Sun Tzu's Art of War>

BTW, where is your elephants?

[chrispedersen]

I would like to request a delay, while a bug report is investigated? llama, fanta can you upload the turn info for last turn?

I am not so worried about the results from last turn - but it I will have a problem if this occurs every turn, as it might.

[llamabeast]

What are you referring to Chris, and what are you asking us to do?

[chrispedersen]

I'm hoping you can:

a) upload the .2h and trn result for someone to look at why I had no reanimation - especially since I checked and rechecked that turn. Its always possible that I was a moron...

but I'm worried abut the implications for next turn.

b). Delay submission of the next turn until that can be accomplished.

Thanks.

[llamabeast]

I will take a look at the files in the morning - bedtime now. fantasma - don't worry, you don't need to do anything (unless I completely forget to sort this out in the morning and Chris remains worried about it).

[fantasma]

ok.

btw, what time zone is shrapnel? Well I will just see it in a second ....

[fantasma]

It looks like GMT-4, wherever that is.

[chrispedersen]

I haven't heard anything about a delay...

[chrispedersen]

Ok.... my mistake. Just concluded tests llama suggested. All is in order. will try to get turn in on time .. but hope you can wait a few minutes.

[ComTrav]

Will hopefully have this fixed in time, but I may need an extension. The external HD I had Dominions installed on crashed, and I haven't been able to reinstall it on my internal HD (the installer gives me 'installer verification failed' error message.)

[StormCrow434]

Shifting alliances, war everywhere...life was good, thought StormCrow, prophet of Klaus FrostFather.

The Nations of the North were battering each other, with a bloody stalemate going on between T'ien Ch'i on the one hand and a Lanka/Pangaea alliance on the other.

To the south Marverni was held in check. Three battles to date...losses had been favorable and the territory lost had been regained.

The surprising development was the championing of Tir by Caelum. Ulm had lost four provinces thus far and believed that the flyboys had retured several to Tir. It was unclear what Caelum hoped to gain, but it was time to put paid to their interference. The blood would flow, very soon...

[ComTrav]

No need for delay, Dominions is now working and I sent in my turn.

[reinselc]

Hey Guys, I am going to be tied up Thursday all day, so I will need 48 hours to get that turn in. I will put a message up on the board when I know exactly when I will be out of contact, but I have to fly internationally so I will be without internet access for about 40 hours.

[StormCrow434]

The news was not good. The battle with Caelum went awry and although 9 of 11 Mammoths perished, the battle was lost.

And the Abysians, having feigned friendship, stabbed deep into Ulm. Two provinces lost.

Time to hie for the hills, thought StormCrow. Turtle until the winds of fortune changed. Although at this time the Abysians appeared to be unbeatable. Not without a coordinated alliance against them. The potential members of which Ulm had already mightily upset.

As he started laughing, StormCrow reflected that Diplomacy was NOT his strongest suite!

It would be a GOOD day to die! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[reinselc]

Hey Stormcrow. Marverni and I have come to an arrangement, he stays on his side of the river, and I stay on mine. Just so neat and tidy that way, and we Abysians like neat and tidy.

Glad you like my main army. Might be seeing in action a lot.

[fantasma]

After careful planning and preparation, the Marverni forces have crossed the mountains. Their ranks have just one goal. Straight to the heart of the Ulmish lands. Whoever gets into their way mey be confused with Ulmish devilry, so better stay clear, as we the tribes do not want to hurt honourable people but are sometimes of hot temper.

Marvernis don't know to swim, so no crossing of rivers. The druids pull their hairs, but, oh well, there is only so much they can do.

[StormCrow434]

Too much chaos...I was VERY careful to ensure the attacks from all three provinces into Citala had no sneakers and that all was well. The last thing I did before hitting Turn End was to right click on each province and confirm the moves.

But one province failed to send their troops. I've seen a bug report on this, but it is most unfortunate.

So instead of 176 screaming Ulmish, there were but 93 vs. 146 Marverni and what looked like 61 PD (a 20PD, right fantasma?). The missing troops included over half my Steel Warriors...the ones who should have covered my flanks. So his cav got thru to my archers...ugly.

So I only had a kill ratio, not counting PD, of 2:1...82 Marverni dead vs. 41 Ulm dead. Province Retaken... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

If all attackers had come in there may not have been any Marverni left at all.

[fantasma]

StormCrow, maybe no bug here. I sent my army north but it got stuck, but maybe it blocked your army from advancing?

BTW, my mage ignored her script and cast stupid berserk. And then my men just ran away although they had won!

Maybe it wasn't a good idea to buy PD ...
At least the losses keep my upkeep in bay.

[StormCrow434]

Double-luck for Marverni, then. That was my strongest province; you would have been facing around 160 defenders, including more Steel Warriors than were in the actual battle.

If you'd lost that battle and the originating province your entire force would have disappeared. That is actually what I was hoping for.

Check the main forum for this possible bug:

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=586100&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

Wonder if it is a possible terrain constraint? River between the two territories whose forces bounced...not sure if others experiencing this were trying cross rivers.

[fantasma]

yeah, sorry for the bug hitting you.

but then my pd marching off the battlefield wouldn't have caused my troops to rout.
I hope you can move as you order this turn.

[Donny]

T'ien Ch'i is happy to announce, after a bloody battle, we have successfully defeated the attacking forces of Pangaea.
A ceasefire agreement is then reached. T'ien Ch'i people are all pleased about that news, hoping the war will never come again.
However, there are still enemies. Lanka demons are still there, massing elephants (with a sloth-heat-drain scale) and waiting for chances.
We will never let them succeed.

[reinselc]

The people of Abysia are happy to give a warm reception to the remnants of the forces of Hully.

[chrispedersen]

I'd like to request a delay after this turn (processing Friday). I have to travel to Stuart Friday night, returning Sunday. So I'd like to request that no turn be run on Saturday.

As for Mighty Lanka - half its lands are over run by Tien Chi - and if both Pangaie and Lanka could not conquer Tien Chi it is doubtful that Lanka is long for this earth.

However, for those that must eventually face mighty Tienchi
I would suggest that territory 76 - with its 7!!!! gem income.. and no fortifications and no defense currently..

is a good place to start.

[fantasma]

sorry about that, I noticed it a few mins. after the schedule when the server was already running.

I delayed hosting by 24h, so the next turn is due sunday 18.30 GMT.

I will not be online thursday till tuesday afternoon. I will try to find a sub, or does anybody else need a break?

[fantasma]

There is loud cries and shouting in the north. Women are crying and the old men frown about the meaning. News of the war hadn't been good, lately. The battle Citala was a bitter defeat. Has the enemy overrun Silbermark? The people in the north have packed their stuff and are prepared to leave and burn their homes.

Fierce is the shouting and smoke is rising. Then messengers are coming. They wear Ulmish gear! So, the worst fears have come true. But behold, these are faces well known in the realm, these are some of our own chieftains! Have they betrayed us?

They are cheering and a joyful rage is in them. Then their voices could be heard. Victory! Victory! they cry showing their trophies. The enemy, thinking our forces were scattered and easy prey, found our ranks stronger than before! Few of the once mighty steel warriors live to tell the story of their disaster. Will they dare to present themselves before their chieftains?

Though this battle was won, Ulm is not defeated. Yet.

[StormCrow434]

His fault...all his fault. After the easy victories in Citala and the Summerlands he, StormCrow, Prophet of Klaus FrostFather, had ordered an attack of his best troops on Silbermark. But almost no archers or Shaman support. Idiocy, in hindsight...

The fighting was fierce and the losses fairly even, but the day went to the Marverni. The last of the volunteer Militia went down in a blaze of glory, but their loss tipped the scales and caused an early rout.

Time to regroup and await the next Marverni onslaught.

[fantasma]

Dwarven hammers are for sale at Marverni. Please contact me with a reasonable offer.

[ComTrav]

Abysia has broken its NAP-3 with Caelum. They have violated the terms of the agreement by not giving us any prior warning, deciding to simply attack across the border without provocation. Everyone should be warned that Abysia is not to be trusted, and will violate any treaties you have with it if it is convenient. I would encourage anyone else with borders to Abysia to attack it now while they are busy with me; their troops are far in the north and have stratmove one, so it will be hard for them to respond to an attack on multiple fronts.

Anyone who thinks they are safe with Abysia because they have a NAP is wrong. We of Caelum call upon all nations to rid the world of such a base nation.

[reinselc]

Abysia has determined that the cold loving birdmen must go. And Lord Methias is in need of a new source of blood slaves.

[fantasma]

As already announced at the beginning, I will be away Thursday till Tuesday.

fungalreason volunteered to substitute me during those days. I will leave as detailed instructions as possible, but I would ask you to neither cut my aka Dominatorix of Marverni's throat while away nor be too friendly, just because of that.

If you send him any messages, I'd ask you to send me, also, to avoid misunderstandings.

Regarding administration, either somebody is willing to do it while I'm away, or you have to contact llamabeast during the meantime.

[reinselc]

Abysian #1: Birdie men call down fire from sky and say it burn.

Abysian #2:We are immune from fire aren't we?

Abysian #1: ZAP!

Abysian #2: Uh-oh....

Lord Methias plans to investigate the new fire and determine if in fact the bird men have made a pact with the devil to create an even hotter fire.

[Donny]

The war might end little bit earlier than both Lanka and T'ien Ch'i had expected.
The result of an unsuccessful attack organized by Lanka, was the death of half of its elite sacred demons and expensive elephants. Large numbers of undead troops are destroyed, too.
Dust to dust. Demons belong to hell.
The time of demons has gone.

[Hully]

Something a little unexpected Tir have gone and captured location 32!!!

[chrispedersen]

Not unexpected in the least. I have in ingame messages advised the end was imminent. I simply cannot match you.

I have done 7 searches with 2-2-2 mages, and 4 searches with 1x mages - and found no magic sites.

Despite having positive order scales - I have never matched you on income.

Being unable to match you on either income, or gems the results are for ordained. Lankas only hope was to roll the dice and hope that the ridiculous happened.

The game is already boiled down to Tien, Malverni, and Abysia. I'm actually amazed at how well abyssia is doing, but I actually believe you (tien) have the advantage.

Congratulations,

C

[kasnavada]

You shouldn't base everything on the graphs... Victory is far from being decided.

[fantasma]

I'm offline till tuesday, good luck everyone. fungalreason will play Marverni and llamabeast should take care of hosting questions.

Good luck and happy eastern

[StormCrow434]

Ahem...Ulm ain't dead yet... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Although the Gods of Old are against me. Four Temple destroying Earthquakes in less than 30 turns, 3 of which have occurred in the last 10 turns.

I cannot find any spell that emulates an Earthquake...but I'm still looking... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[reinselc]

Abysia is in BIG trouble. Ulm and Caelum have big armies attackign me and now I have Hully's stupid prophet raiding me too. That's a lot of firepower to repel and I am just not up to it.

[ComTrav]

You should have maybe thought of that before you broke the treaty. My big armies attacking Abydis are, after all, mainly defending and retaking territory I held already before you decided to violate our NAP by launching a sneak attack without warning.

[kasnavada]

Well, I personnaly don't care, since I will be there. But I raise the subject. I'd hate to see you guys stale a turn for this !

[Hully]

Hi all

Yep Tir na n'Og is STILL in the game, even after Abysia trashed our Capitol.

Doing a bit of raiding against Abysia, what on earth does he expect?

Please remember it's just a game, yeah said that too myself a lot as Ulm gutted me early game lol

Still having fun while I can, Hully the Emperor of Tir nation.

[reinselc]

Yeah I expected the Tir/Caelum forces...just not the 300 man Ulm army and 400 man Marverni armies I have in my territory. At least I got rid of most of one of them this turn.

Too bad that Marverni/Ulm war had to end. It made my western border quite peaceful.

[Donny]

I've just realized that Lanka had gone AI. There were great battles between us, and I hope Chris enioyed this game.
Farewell.

[kasnavada]

Lanka went AI ? arg... I'll have to move in then... sorry to have been nearly useless in the war against tien chi, but he forced me to surrender through slaughtering my troops...

[StormCrow434]

Never play a turn when you have had a bad day and are tired.

Did everything wrong. KNEW an Abysian army was headed back to the Tir capital, but attacked anyway. Slaughter.

The other army was set to Storm Castle. Sent well over half its forces away on 'errands' and the rest just...charged.

NOT a good way to fight Abysians. More slaughter. Except for the 55 Archers who were set on 'Fire and Flee' (they were to raid this turn). THEY got away...

And my Prophet...can anyone tell me why a Prophet would choose to Spam Elementals when he could cast Smite instead? Knocked himself out (only an E1 Mage) and died in the rout.

I had been having him cast Summon Earthpower first but did not since it was 'just' a Storm Castle battle. Had I done that he would have lived, so again, I was too tired to play all the angles. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Did not really think that 80 Abysians would attack 200+ Ulmish troops. Set up properly I could have won the fight. reinselc took a HUGE chance and it paid off handsomely.

[chrispedersen]

I enjoyed the players - but knew from the starting position I was in trouble - and thats not just sour grapes... I commented on it to llama right after startup.

But I wish you all well!

[reinselc]

Well Stormcrow I kinda feel like Napoleon in 1815. Prussia/England/Russia played by Caelum/Ulm/Marverni. So I have to attack or just be ground down.

Caelum has about 200 troops and 10-15 mages after me, you HAD about 300-350 troops and Marverni has 400 or so. So I need to win 3 or 4 more lucky battles just to survive. Maybe TC will get big enough with you 3 distracted to become a threat.

[StormCrow434]

Looks like you did unto Marverni what you did unto Ulm. We'll need to contact Wellington and arrange for a face-to-face at a little crossroads named Waterloo...after all, anything with Water in it MUST be bad for an Abysian! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[reinselc]

I should have noticed that pun. It was unintentional for sure. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[StormCrow434]

Although he had yet to be confirmed as the next Prophet, Raven Leader had worked hard to clean up the debacle left by his predecessor. The Advent of Klaus FrostFather was a great help to the situation. They now had the troops and magical know-how in place to deal a mortal blow to the Abysian Fire-Fiends.

But now word arrived from T'ien Ch'i that hostilities were about to commence in the north. Most unexpected...hadn't Ulm stayed kept a secure southern border with T'ien Ch'i when they were beset? Evidently Abysia had been a better friend as T'ien Ch'i was going to war in their name.

Ulm would be ready for them.

[Donny]

Even if T'ien Ch'i is going to be hostile to Ulm, we are thankful to the support of the Ulmish people during the hard times. However, Abysians' help was one of the reasons that TC was able to defeat Lanka.
I know it may a little unfair for you StormCrow, so I will give time for you to prepare.

[reinselc]

I can't believe I am still alive, but maybe I have a shot 2 on 1. maybe?

[ComTrav]

T'ien Ch'i, supporting Abysia is a mistake. Shortly after agreeing to a NAP with Caelum they launched an unprovoked attack on us. They're untrustworthy in diplomacy and likely to renege any deal you make if it suits them.

[StormCrow434]

Much as I may dislike it, Donny is probably doing the right thing for TC. By the time he meets Abysia, they may be the last two standing, or at least it would be a three way free-fo-all.

On the other hand, finishing off Pan might have been wiser. After all, if Ulm inflicts enough pain on TC, would Pan then join in? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

So Caelum and Marverni vs. Abysia, TC vs. Ulm. Pan the wildcard.

Chaos! Still love it... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[StormCrow434]

I'd like to go to a 48 hour timer. We're over turn 30 and it's getting tricky to keep from staling.

Given the nature of llamaserver, most turns would still be quicker, but I'd really like the leeway.

[reinselc]

Well I don't think I am going to be around too much longer. Caelum has maybe 300 guys ravaging my north, Ulms 250 in my center and Marverni must have sent 500 to my south.

I did kill one Ulmish wave and a second Marverni one, but there is no way I can repel all 3 of you. TC and Pan and simply taking the gems I am freely offering.

I figure I have 5 turns left unless I get lucky and stop Marverni & Ulms' second waves.

Did kill about 200 Marverni troops and 11 mages this turn, and I get to recruit at my capital again, so that IS a positive http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[kasnavada]

Thank you for the gems, they are a very nice boost for me.

[fungalreason]

Fantasma will be taking back over Maverni's spot. I'd love to hear how this turns out. You put up quite a fight, reinselc!

[fantasma]

Hello everybody,

I came back this morning and am ready to lead the Marverni tribes again to victroy. It's a shame that I missed a lot of the best action.
I'm not sure if I will be able to resend this turn's orders myself. So I'm not 100% sure what's gonna happen.

As requested by Ulm, I changed the timer to 48 hours.

[reinselc]

I got a couple good lick on Marverni, but I am not doing any better than trading 1:1 and I can't afford that.

[reinselc]

GG everyone.

[ComTrav]

It took time to reduce Abysia (and according to the graph is has some random territories here and there), but now we're down to five.

Marveni and Tie'n Ch'i have big leads in territory (but so did Abysia).

And, for the record, all the "heat" nations are dead, and the "cold" nations are still kicking =).

[StormCrow434]

The battles this turn were won by Ulm, but the losses were fairly even. TC still has a vast superiority in numbers...even losses = bad!

[ComTrav]

I want to apologize to everyone who sent me PMs here, I'm sorry I just now read them. Total nub mistake.

(Sorry for the people in my other games, too, but this game had more than the others)

[fantasma]

So it happens, the hour feared and half-awaited has come. The eagle kings show their true face and attack peaceful Marverni.

They want to drown the world in cold and lightning and let the remainder get stomped by woolly elephants. Is this the world you want to live in?

The druids have gathered and will now try to keep the world in balance, yet still the hells of Abysia are still hot. Will there ever be peace?

[ComTrav]

The internet in my apartment is dead =(, and won't be restored until Wednesday probably. I'd like to ask for an extension.

[fantasma]

ok, is 24h enough? That would make thursday 17h GMT.

[ComTrav]

My internet is working again, I'd like to thank everyone for their flexibility.

[StormCrow434]

I've beaten myself...had a GOOD chance to kill the TC pretender and instead split my forces. I had a mage set to cast Flaming Arrows and thought it would be good enough, but for whatever reason he did not.

Had I erred on the side of caution and thrown in my Pretender it would have been a much different outcome. Instead of losing 240 of 290 troops plus many leaders (and magic items) I would have killed his Pretender and many troops; they were trying to Break Siege so an Ulmish victory would have been total.

And oh, the luck! I just recieved a free Fortress via Random Event! In a Province deep in TC territory that I had raided by air...enjoy it, Donny! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[fantasma]

What's wrong in the Caelum headquaters? They send an army consisting of almost 30 eagle kings and the same number of Mammoths in our direction just to return to their fortress a turn after?

The druids of Marverni didn't plan to go to war against the Eagle Kings of Caelum. Our offer of peace is still stands!

[fantasma]

I'm away until sunday night. I just submitted my turn, but I would like to ask for a possible delay after this one so I can submit the next one in time.

If somebody is sending their turn not before Saturday, there will be no problem. Thanks.

[kasnavada]

Ouch. Another defeat for me against tien-chi. I failed to take a fortress due to the fact that the idiotic AI considered that not using gems to cast a 200 fatigue spell is a good idea, and because the might of your units overpowers my maenads by far.

Well, I did mostly lose maenads, it's not a big loss.

[ComTrav]

Have played my current turn, but will be out of town until Sunday, and would appreciate a delay on the NEXT turn until then.

The game is getting ugly, now that it's down to the last few players.

[fantasma]

yes, no problem. I will delay it.

[fantasma]

next turn is delayed by 36 hours to give everyone enough time to send it in.

[ComTrav]

Thanks for the pause, my turn is sent.

[fantasma]

After a fruitless siege Caelum's army decided to move. Meanwhile the druids had not been idle and gathered forces to meet this army led by about thirty eagle kings.

The question is now, where and when will this encounter take place? Who will be victorious?

Meanwhile the raiding and small skirmishes will continue.

[kasnavada]

I've been sending a few messages to Tien'chi. I expect an answer !

[StormCrow434]

Marverni will be the winner. In almost all categories (provinces, income, gem income, Dominion) he has as much as the rest of us combined. And most especially Research...how many Level 9 Schools does he have at this time?

The next closest rival, T'ien Ch'i, is fighting two foes and just lost a major battle (and his prophet). Pangea's army, the largest, is composed primarily of maenads and will not last against Marverni; he can barely make headway against TC.

I'm happy to continue playing (given my recent victory against TC http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif) but the winner is very obvious at this time.

[kasnavada]

T'ien Chi is not fighting 2 foes, unless Marveni attacked him already.

Your analysis therefore fails.

Edit :
But, if you wish to abandon ship, please do so. Or, make out a peace treaty with Tien'chi and let us, all three, attack Marveni. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[fantasma]

Is Caelum still actively playing? It seems like not. It's really a pity if he through the towel. I was disappointed that he did not do his move and get a very easy victory (battle, decisive maybe, not the war!).

I would not underestimate the pans, or T'ien Ch'i, well I do not, I do not think that the game is over yet. And isn't it about seeing those end game moves really played out even if you are on the receiving end?

How many army of gold/lead, against fog warriors, enslave communions, really outfitted eaters of armies (elemental kings, arch devils, tartarians...) did you see in action yet? I, none, before this game. So, however this game ends, let's have some real action going.

Although it's a hell of a work to move 60+ commanders + gems around.

[kasnavada]

The game is far from being over.

We had a little, hum, manly talk with Tien'chi but nothing major was lost on either side. I'd says that both of us are nearly unharmed from this clash. That clash is my fault alone though, I should have negotiated with words rather than maenads, but Tien'chi retaliated and showed me his worth.

[kasnavada]

Hum and about Caelum. He's been playing slowly in another game I'm playing with him too. He should still here, but he seems to have a rather complicated schedule...

[ComTrav]

It has been finals week for me, so I've been very busy with that, which is why my playing here and Primea has been weird. (Although I didn't realize I had staled, I'm very sorry to everyone here).

I've been losing this war with Marveni for some time, but I knew I either had to attack or wait until he had a lot of high-end stuff. I made a couple of mistakes, though. I didn't counter his Bane Lords aggressively enough; Dust to Dust never seemed to work as well as I hoped, but I could've sent more Harabi into it, and some animists for Maggots, but I waited too long and put too much stock in a pointless siege to try to bring about a large battle. They might've just gotten mind hunted anyway, Marveni certainly made the most of its astral advantage. (Mental note: Play a good astral nation next game.) Now Marveni has Master Enslave, something I have no true counter for. I have to give credit to Marveni for his Fabian tactics, as he avoided my wind guide/flaming arrows/mist warriors/thunderstrike army of doom until he was good and ready.

[ComTrav]

Go ahead and set me AI. As much as I'd like to fight to the bitter end, my staling on recent turns shows I've had a hard time keeping in the game.

Hope someone has master enslave counters.

[kasnavada]

Yup, antimagic should work fine with high-resistance units. Also battlewide spells work too (if you kill everything it doesn't matter who control them). Finally sending air queens when your opponents expects maenads works fine too.

By the way, I've started a war with Marveni. Anyone wanting to join me can do so, but it would seem that Tien'chi and Ulm fight to the end... so I'll be alone for a while.

[fantasma]

ComTrav,

can you submit a turn where you go AI? Or should I do it? It wold be a lot easier if you can.

[kasnavada]

Ok...

Today I learned that gifts from heaven requires no MR check. There is just no way that your druids got over 26 MR twice when casting a spell three times (actually since you barely had enough skills to cast it your chance of bypassing it was less than 1%). And the "penalty" of precision is of course a joke if you equip properly your mages (which you did). Ouch. That spell is... well any druid can spam it. This is going to be much more difficult than I thought. My mistake though, I shouldn't have stayed with the air queen. By losing her though I learned something much more useful than what she was worth though.

[StormCrow434]

Klaus, the FrostFather, failed to swing his sword. My bad...I did not realize that if he had the Boots of the Behemoth he would do NOTHING but trample. So Ember remained unused.

In his final fight vs. an Ice Devil I scripted
1. Summon Earthpower
2. Ironskin
3. Quicken Self

but instead got
1. Summon Earthpower
2. Ironskin
3. Invulnerability

I had just researched the necesary level for Invulnerability this turn or would have scripted that...but still! One would think it would have replaced Ironskin, NOT Quicken Self! Guess the AI knew I wasn't going to be swinging that lovely sword...

At least the Ice Devil that beat me had no empty slots so my Goodies were lost!

It's been fun! Many lessons learned the hard way. Donny played a good game and took me down. I will go AI this turn.

After my summer vacation, Klaus WILL ride again! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[kasnavada]

Waouh. Those few turns must have been amazing fights. I wish I could see them.

[fantasma]

luck helps - a bit - against the meteorites.
If you can trample your foe, you do trample, and nothing else. Quickness is actually good for tramplers since it increases action points.

I was afraid the air queen would join the mass slaughter at hesperia, but fortunately she did stay put.

[kasnavada]

Damned. The air queen got stolen.

Me <- sad.

[fantasma]

Stolen?
It was summoned with very high efforts.

It cost at least a hundred gems! But you will see her again soon, I promise!

[kasnavada]

A hundred gem ? You wished her away O.o ?

Well no matter. Here is another reason why maenads shouldn't be used that much in a battle :

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7193/hugelossqq8.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hugelossqq8.jpg)

[fantasma]

not without buffing, at least, I guess, I shuldn't say that, though ...

No, not wishing but heavy alchemy.

[kasnavada]

Yeah, well, buffing's on the way. I concentrated on spell that could take care of, let's say, bane lord with aegis shields first, and not army buffs.

Currently I am behind in research for army buffs, but I'll have good buffs soon enough.

[fantasma]

good to know that MR in the early 20s is too low.

[kasnavada]

(You had 16 MR actually. 20 should be ok). Hum disregard that... the first thug had 16, this one had 20...

[fantasma]

I think you were really lucky in this particular instance that the first charm went through. I think you had no penetration gear on?

[kasnavada]

Nope, didn't have any penetration gear.

But, I beg to differ, because it's not the charm that worked. Charm keeps all gear and abilities. Meaning that the aegis shield would currently be mine, the bane lord would still be a commander, which, it isn't (check the replay, the bane lord becomes a "normal" unit).

It's the 2nd or 3rd enslave mind that worked. Compared to charm, enslave mind is vastly superior in term of range and precision, but the the downside is that the unit becomes a regular chaff.

According to the manual (page 86 and page 5) I had 95% chance of failing though.

[kasnavada]

PS : I don't mind discussing any battle I make, it's a newbie game after all, we're all here to learn. And it'll be much more fun if we share our experiences, because fighting experienced people is funnier than crushing noobs (or being crushed like a noob).

[fantasma]

sorry, of course it was enslave mind, but anyways you were lucky! I tried to mind hunt Caelum's bane lord with some penetration several turns and always failed.

But my real army is still cleaning up Caelum, and that army has penetration gear.

The real place for things like bane lords is to clean the enemy's rear and not too close to hostile mages.

In retrospect, I was always afraid that Caelum would send his eagle kings to raid my lands when I still fought Abysia, but he didn't. Since then I recruited a hell load of druids to respond. I think he missed on the biggest strength of Caelum, mobility.

[kasnavada]

Mind hunt won't work against me though. Well, some of your mage already was feebleminded so I guess you already know.

[fantasma]

so the new patch is out right when I'm sending out the first tartarian, ever, what a blow into my face!

The monster boar I sent to Caelum's home castle now decided to siege me there, haha!

[kasnavada]

Woah I think that was the shortest battle ever !

Why the hell did you send a lone equiped mage against a 1000+ army ? A scout would have been enough to see the my troops.

[fantasma]

The lore of magic is a complicated matter and the outcome is not always as desired.

In other words, I clicked the wrong province, I guess.

Did this stop an attack of yours, btw?

[kasnavada]

Actually, no.

[kasnavada]

I hate when my spellcasters IGNORE my script.

I would have taken much less losses and could have turned the tide if mist form was cast instead of that stupid arrow fend spell. Not that with all that buffing of yours I could have won easily though...

Well done anyway.

[fantasma]

not if my script - master enslave - would have gone off instead of will of the fates!


Sorry guys, I had to delay the server for a day, life is really stressy at the moment.

What do you think about declaring the game finished or do you think you can still beat me?

[fantasma]

argh! I delayed hosting and then missed it by ten minutes! I'm really sorry about that.

[kasnavada]

There is about nothing I can do to stop the marvenian army now, the fire elemental was my last chance.

I received a message from tien'chi saying that he's not strong enough either, and I am nearly beaten.

If that's ok for both of you I think the winner is clear. If not I'll go on.

[fantasma]

It wouldn't have mattered much if you had, I could send in enough druids in like 2-3 turns at the most to replace the losses. And my tartarians are on the way.

I'd really see the cool guys in action, I just wished for a Seraph the last turn, but submitting turns is getting difficult.

[fantasma]

I got a message from T'en Ch'i that they also accept defeat. I take the liberty to declare the game finished with Marverni the winner.

I'll attach my last turn file.