Figment - Early Game (Started)

[Velusion]

Figment

Status Page: http://www.ArsNotoria.net/dominions3/stats.php?game=figment (forthcoming)

Game Type: TCP/IP (static server)
Speed: 24 hours per host for the first 24 turns moving to 48 hours per host after that. Quickhost enabled.
Era: Early
Players: 22 (all) – or however many we get.
Start: Nations will be assigned when we are filled, or 96 Hours – whichever is first. The game will start 48-72 hours after nations are posted or when all pretenders are uploaded.
Nation Selection: First Come, First Serve (Post here what you want)
Map: 15 provinces per player pre-generated map (http://www.ArsNotoria.net/dominions3/figment.zip - Forthcoming).
Victory Conditions: ~50% of all provinces controlled for 3 consecutive turns, or the surrendering of all other players.
Hall of Fame: 15
Renaming: On
Everything Else: Defaults
Masterpass: Enabled
Length: If you aren’t eliminated this game might last 6+ Months. Be prepared!
Mods: Big-Game v1.1 Mod here: http://www.ArsNotoria.net/dominions3/bg11.zip

IP: ArsNotoria.net
Port: 10448

Send me your email address if you would like to get the email notifications when turns host.

Quickhost will be enabled. The first 24 turns will be set to have a 24 hour autohost – so expect to do at least a turn a day for the first few weeks. After that the timer will increase to 48 hours though it is hoped that players will normally still be able to play every 24 hours, with the occasional missed day upon request. As turns take longer in late game this might increase further. As players get eliminated we can be more flexible with extensions and extended absences, but not in the first couple weeks.

The map will be tweaked to ensure (hopefully) that all players that start on land have at least four land neighbors and all players that start at sea have 3 sea neighbors. All the major seas are connected so that separated sea provinces connect to each other across straits (hence all seas that look like they should be connected are linked). There will be around 12 water provinces per water nation. All the larger landmasses are linked across the straits as well. If we do not fill, we will be using a smaller map.

Players who wish to surrender (resign) should simply turn the nation to computer controlled or find a sub. If you will be unavailable for longer than a few days please let me know. Failing to do you turn twice a in a row without letting us know will get you put on AI. If I think you are missing too many turns (e.g. 3 out of the last 6) I will put you on AI. Once (*ahem* - If) I am eliminated I’ll rely on the remaining players to tell me when something needs done with the game.

General rules to follow in my games can be found here:
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=d3maars&Number=507308&fpar t=&PHPSESSID=
I recommend you read them if you haven’t already.

House Rules: There are specific endgame related issues that apply to larger Dom3 games that I have come to dread. There will be a simple Big Game Mod (v1.1) that will be used for this game that will tweak a few end-game aspects.

These changes are not up for debate in this thread. If you don’t like these changes – please make another thread somewhere else to complain.

Big Game Mod Changes:
Arcane Nexus will cost 300 Astral Pearls to cast
Clam of Pearls will require a path 2 (instead of 1) in Nature Magic (Water will stay the same). This will increase the cost to forge.
Fever Fetishes will require a path 2 (instead of 1) in Fire Magic (Nature will stay the same). This will increase the cost to forge.
(New in v1.1)Blood Stone will require a path 3 (instead of 2) in Earth Magic (Blood will stay the same). This will increase the cost to forge.

If we get less than 14 people we will not use this Mod.

Sign-Ups:
Velusion - Lanka
Foodstamp - Caelum
Lingchih - Tir na n'Og
AdmiralZhao - "Miclan"
Holyfrog - Fomoria
coobe - Helheim
Dedas - Pangaea
Thrawn - T'ien Ch'i
Psycho - Kailasa
Xavier - Niefelheim
Shmonk - Agartha
Tyrant - Abysia
FrozenFalcon - R'lyeh
Xox - Arcoscephale
Corwin - Sauromatia
vfb - Oceania
Baalz - Marverni
Rather - Atlantis
Kojusoki - Ermor
DonCorazon - Vanheim
chrispedersen - Yomi

Available Nations:
Ulm
C'tis

[AdmiralZhao]

You mis-spelled Mictlan.




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

[Velusion]

AdmiralZhao said:
You mis-spelled Mictlan.




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



In my games we call it miclan http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Foodstamp]

Caelum please http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Lingchih]

Tir na n'Og, please. Always have wanted to try them in MP.

[AdmiralZhao]

Sign me up for Miclan then.

[Redfrog]

Hmm... I would like to take Fomoria please

[coobe]

...

[Dedas]

Pangaea please http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Velusion]

Updated the first post!

[Thrawn]

The subject line says "Early" but in the post the era is "Middle"?

[Velusion]

Fixed! It's Early

[Thrawn]

I'll play T'ien C'hi!

[Psycho]

Kailasa if you accept noobs

[Xavier]

Niefelheim please.

[Shmonk]

I'll try Agartha.

[Tyrant]

Abysia please. I keep getting whupped in Velusian games and when i play Aby, but may be double negative will be a positive.

[Xavier]

also...where do I find a change list, or summary, for the biggame mod we'll be using?

[FrozenFalcon]

I'll play R'lyeh.

[chrispedersen]

Nief please

[Velusion]

chrispedersen said:
Nief please



Sorry Chris - Xavior beat you to it.

I just updated the list.

[Xox]

Arco please

[Velusion]

Xavier said:
also...where do I find a change list, or summary, for the biggame mod we'll be using?



All the changes are in the first post. There isn't anything besides those...

[Xavier]

thanks, those all look reasonable. sorry if i missed them on the first pass....

[Velusion]

Players can start uploading pretenders when ready.

IP: Arsnotoria.net
Port: 10448

[Xavier]

we still have at least 48 hours though, right? I'm hoping to do some more testing/tweaking and won't be able to get to it tommorow....

[Velusion]

Xavier said:
we still have at least 48 hours though, right? I'm hoping to do some more testing/tweaking and won't be able to get to it tommorow....



Yep. I just wanted to make it available to people who are ready early.

[Corwin]

Hi everyone. It's been a long time, but I feel an urge to play another Dom3 game.

Please sign me up as Sauromatia.

[vfb]

I'd like to try Oceania, please.

[Baalz]

I'm feeling masochistic, I'll try Marverni.

[coobe]

i like to drop ulm http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif can i play something else thats free ?

[Velusion]

coobe said:
i like to drop ulm http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif can i play something else thats free ?



Sure!

[Corwin]

It's been almost a year since I've played Dom3 last time, so my memory of seting up MP Dom game in efficient manner is a bit rusty.

Could somebody please remind me - what command line arguments do you need to use to login into the game quickly by clicking on desktop shortcut for this specific MP Dominions game?
Also about the Big-Game mod that we will be using - what should I do if I want to play two MP games in the same time - one with this mod(our game) and one without? Does this mod need to be loaded into the memory when I will be creating pretender for our game?

Thanks a lot!

[Xox]

good question , i forgot how to do the Dominion III command line shortcut commands for port and ip address also. Not in the manual either.

[Baalz]

"C:\Program Files\dominions3\dom3.exe" --tcpclient --ipadr ArsNotoria.net --port 10448 --nonationsel

[Foodstamp]

Hey hey, allow me to help both of you out. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

For this particular game, add this to a copy of your dom3 shortcut:

-C --ipadr Arsnotoria.net --port 10448

Beyond that, go to the main forum and look towards the top, there is a thread devoted to all the command line switches. Be sure to check that for any other options you may want added to the shortcut.

Baalz beat me to it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[vfb]

Sometimes Arsnotoria.net does not resolve for me, so I use:

dom315 -C --ipadr 99.166.71.111 --port 10448 -n -s

You might want to leave off -s (no sound), and also -n (no nation select).

[Lingchih]

I will upload a Tir na N'Og pretender sometime tonite. Sorry for the delay. I have never played them before, and am running through multiple builds to find a suitable one.

[Lingchih]

Tir is uploaded.

[Lingchih]

coobe said:
i like to drop ulm http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif can i play something else thats free ?



Just curious. Why would you drop Ulm with all the love they have from the Devs in 3.15?

[Corwin]

Thanks guys, that was very helpful.

Now about my other questions:
(quote)


...about the Big-Game mod that we will be using - what should I do if I want to play two MP games in the same time - one with this mod(our game) and one without?

And the last question - does this mod need to be loaded into the memory when I will be creating pretender for our game?



Any tips?

[Lingchih]

No, just have it loaded into the game at start. The game is now very smart at loading mods. And for this mod, you do not need it to be loaded at pretender creation time. You just need it to be available at game start.

[Rathar]

I would like to try Atlantis please if I may.

[coobe]

Ill go with Helheim then,

EA ulm didnt get anything from the last patch http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Kojusoki]

Ill take Ermor then

Pretender uploaded

[Velusion]

I'll start generating the map tonight. Last call for players that want to join!

We still have the following spots available:
Ulm
C'tis
Vanheim
Yomi

[Xavier]

how much more time do we have to upload before we start?

[Velusion]

Well start no later than Tuesday night CST (or earlier if everyone has uploaded).

[DonCorazon]

i will give Vanheim a try, thanks.

[Lingchih]

We could start now, as far as I am concerned. But I can wait til Tuesday.

[Xavier]

I uploaded, so now we're just waiting on miclan or more signups.

[Velusion]

I should have the map tonight.

[Rathar]

Please toss in lots of sea! Should be interesting with all 3 water nations.

[Dedas]

Indeed, and thanks for hosting this.

[Velusion]

Rathar said:
Please toss in lots of sea! Should be interesting with all 3 water nations.



Well "lots" is relative. The standard to is less water provinces per water nation than land for land nations for balance issues.

There will probably be around 35 water provinces.

[Corwin]

Velusion said:
I should have the map tonight.



Great!

It looks like everybody has uploaded their pretenders.
By the way, is there any way we could put together a list of races with emails of their owners? (for a quick diplomacy and trade during the game)

[Xavier]

PM me here...I check many, many times a day. I don't want to receive dom-related email at the only email address I check with any frequency.

[FrozenFalcon]

Forum PM is ok for me too, it's good to have a separate place to handle all Dominions-related messages.

[Rathar]

Same goes for me. Heck.. I check this dang forum 100x the amount I check my e-mail.

[DonCorazon]

I prefer forum PM as well.

[Lingchih]

I check the forum every day. The email in my profile I check maybe twice a week. So forum PM for me too.

[vfb]

Forum PM for me too.

[Foodstamp]

forum pm

[Baalz]

Figment dot 20 dot dre at neverbox dot com

[Velusion]

Map is ready here:

http://arsnotoria.net/dominions3/figment.zip

I HIGHLY recommend you download the map before connecting to play your first turn.

[Velusion]

At this point we are just waiting on the Admiral.

[Xavier]

PM him?

[Corwin]

Foodstamp said:
forum pm



Hmmm, all right, it seems like a lot of people prefer PM. I guess that means that I will need to start visiting forum regularly once again. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Just in case, here is my email address, in case someone will want to contact me quickly for in-game diplomacy/trade(in a scrambled format to fool bots):
daverikson at gmail dot com

[chrispedersen]

Alright.. I'll bite for Yomi

[Xavier]

better upload that pretender fast then, since all the other pretenders are up and the map has been prepared...velusion could start at any time.

[Dedas]

Corwin said:

Foodstamp said:
forum pm



Hmmm, all right, it seems like a lot of people prefer PM. I guess that means that I will need to start visiting forum regularly once again. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Just in case, here is my email address, in case someone will want to contact me quickly for in-game diplomacy/trade(in a scrambled format to fool bots):
daverikson at gmail dot com



Under "My Home" you can configure so that you will get an e-mail when you get a PM. Works for me.

[Corwin]

chrispedersen said:
Alright.. I'll bite for Yomi



Ouch. I wrote a big analysis on Yomi long time ago - it is currently pinned down in a "Strategies and FAQ" thread on the main forum. The developers had beefed up Yomi a little in response to mine and other people concerns expressed on that thread but not by much, without addressing main Yomi issues.

Anyway, good luck. You may need it.


Dedas said:
Under "My Home" you can configure so that you will get an e-mail when you get a PM. Works for me.


Thank you.

[chrispedersen]

I know.. Yomi sucks = )

[Baalz]

Come on, nobody but me gets room to complain that their nation sucks in this game! I've got Marverni, I'll take anybody in a suck off.

Er...that came out wrong.

[Foodstamp]

giggity

[Thrawn]

Attack Baalz quick!

[Xavier]

I'll get on that just as soon as the game starts.... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Foodstamp]

Don't bite off more than you can chew, Baalz is pretty brutal http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Xavier]

server's down...I'm hoping that means the game's being started!

[Thrawn]

Oh, I know he is. I didn't say anything about ME joining in on the attack!

[Velusion]

The game has started!

Make sure and download the map (scroll up!) before trying to connect the first time.

[Velusion]

Looks like Shmonk put a typo in his password so now he can't access it. Anyone mind if I give him the Masterpass?

[Shmonk]

Sorry guys, first time in 3+ years of Dominions. I'm still trying password combos for a typo. Or I can have Velusion set me to AI, if you don't trust me with the master. But I'm trustworthy with it, I'm in this for the fun.

[Xavier]

i'm cool with it. with 4 years of forum membership and >400 posts I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. if you're trying to find creative ways to cheat in dominions 3 you need a life badly enough that I'm happy to give you the satisfaction of winning.

either way velusion should edit the first post to say the game has started http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Foodstamp]

I trust Shmonk will use the password responsibly. I'd say give him until tomorrow to figure out his old one, then give him the master PW in time to get his turn finished. Shmonk, be sure your toggling the caps, trying the capslock on the first character of your pw etc. I am sure you know all that, but just incase http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Goodluck!

[Xavier]

yeah. my main medium security password uses a capital letter, and three or four times I've actually managed to type it twice (in the password AND confirm password fields of something or other) with an extra cap or two - the same both times so I end up with the wrong pass.

[Lingchih]

Give him the password.

I use the same password in almost every game, and half a dozen people know it. I trust Dominions players not to cheat. And if they do, I think they know that they will be exiled from MP very quickly.

[Shmonk]

Yea, I'm trying everything - caps, only some caps, removing random characters, typing really fast, adding extra characters, everything. I'll give it a few more tries this evening, and if I still don't have it by tomorrow before it hosts, I will use the master if I am given it. Thanks all!

[Lingchih]

Lingchih said:
Give him the password.

I use the same password in almost every game, and half a dozen people know it. I trust Dominions players not to cheat. And if they do, I think they know that they will be exiled from MP very quickly.



Most people could not spell my password anyway. It's in Vulcan http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[FrozenFalcon]

Map's screwed up. It seems that I'm starting from a single water province in a corner, no connection to other water provinces whatsoever (and even this one appears to be land province in map picture). Of course, I could use amphibians and fight my way to the main water, only 15 provinces or so there, but it hardly seems fair. Also it seems that all main seas are not connected to each other (checked this on editor) so because there are against the starting post (and I have lost before first turn), I request a fixed map and rehost.

http://i26.tinypic.com/2mwt7qc.png

[Xavier]

wow that sucks.

also note that province 123 doesn't connect to any of the sea north of it, if you're going to use the same map after a fix.

I guess this obviates the need to give out the master pass....

[Velusion]

Hah. Sorry... that is a funny pic though.

We are going to have to restart guys. I'm shutting down the server and will have it back up this afternoon.

[Velusion]

Shmonk go ahead and send me a fixed pretender file as well.

velusion(at_)sbglobal.net

[Velusion]

Shmonk...go ahead and upload a fixed pretender rather than send it to me.

I'm fixing the map now.

[Velusion]

Everyone also needs to delete everything in thier savedgames/figment folder as well.

The map is updated. attached is the fixed map file. Note you don't have to redownload the map - I'm only posting it here for people who are curious.

[Shmonk]

Done, new pretender uploaded.

[vfb]

Velusion said:
Everyone also needs to delete everything in thier savedgames/figment folder as well.

The map is updated. attached is the fixed map file. Note you don't have to redownload the map - I'm only posting it here for people who are curious.



Can you please retry this attachment? I get a completely empty 587941-Figment.txt file. If it's not too much trouble, making a .zip of just the .map should work.

[Velusion]

Instead of an attachment use this link:

http://arsnotoria.net/dominions3/figmentmap.zip

[Velusion]

We are started again!

[vfb]

Thank you!

[Lingchih]

Bah! Corner start this time. Don't know whether to love it or hate it.

[Xavier]

love the corner start. love it hard.

[Corwin]

Hmmm. My capital is at the same province where it was before.

(Earlier today I've connected to the game without deleting my saves, since I was not aware that the game had restarted. Since then I've deleted my saves and made new turn, but my starting province is the same as it was before the restart)

I have assumed it was supposed to be this way for everyone, until I saw Lingchih's post where said that his starting position is different now. What the heck? The chances that it's just a coincidence are 1:300.

Any suggestions?

[Lingchih]

Your start can very well be in a different province, especially if you deleted your earlier saves. I have run into this in two recent games now, both of which were restarted, and I ended up in different province.

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:
Your start can very well be in a different province, especially if you deleted your earlier saves. I have run into this in two recent games now, both of which were restarted, and I ended up in different province.



I understand that. My point was that I was surprised to find myself at the same province.

[DonCorazon]

I am in a different spot too - I think Corwins point was it is a weird coincidence to end up in the same spot both starts.

[Dedas]

From a great and thematic starting position for Pangaea to a ridiculous and crappy one. How nice. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Lingchih]

Indeed, it is strange coincidence. Still, it makes it a bit easier, does it not? You already know what to do from that spot.

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:
Indeed, it is strange coincidence. Still, it makes it a bit easier, does it not? You already know what to do from that spot.



Aye, indeed it does. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif The Caelum High Command has its strategy planned for the next 25 turns down to the single soldier and last arrow. Generals are greatly relieved that they will not have to recreate all their genius plans due to change of our starting location.

Of course all these plans are based on assumption that any potential opponent we will encounter will instantly surrender and will cry tears of joy of being able to join our glorious empire. But our generals have assured us that this is very reasonable and safe assumption.

[Foodstamp]

Corwin said:

Lingchih said:
Indeed, it is strange coincidence. Still, it makes it a bit easier, does it not? You already know what to do from that spot.



Aye, indeed it does. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif The Caelum High Command has its strategy planned for the next 25 turns down to the single soldier and last arrow. Generals are greatly relieved that they will not have to recreate all their genius plans due to change of our starting location.

Of course all these plans are based on assumption that any potential opponent we will encounter will instantly surrender and will cry tears of joy of being able to join our glorious empire. But our generals have assured us that this is very reasonable and safe assumption.



Umm, your not privy to the plans of the Caelum High Command, that is a right only reserved for me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Corwin]

Foodstamp said:
Umm, your not privy to the plans of the Caelum High Command, that is a right only reserved for me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Duh! I meant to say Sauromatia High Command. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[FrozenFalcon]

It seems that I'm starting from water this time, it should make things a little bit easier.

[Velusion]

!!!! If you started in the exact same spot you probably didn't delete the files in your figment directory and reconnect.

Please do so or your turn will be all wack...

I'm delaying the first turn of the game for people to go back an do this.

[Kojusoki]

i cannot log on....

[Xavier]

i can log on fine...and it shows you as having uploaded a turn.

You sure it's not a problem on your end?

Coobe is the only one who hasn't taken their first turn now....

[Corwin]

Velusion said:
!!!! If you started in the exact same spot you probably didn't delete the files in your figment directory and reconnect.

Please do so or your turn will be all wack...

I'm delaying the first turn of the game for people to go back an do this.



No Velusion - it's just a very wierd coincidence. I've double checked everything (after deleting frigment game directory). I even connected from another computer with fresh Dom install just to be sure. We can proceed with turn. But thank you for your concern and your action, I appreciate it.

[Baalz]

I'm also am in the same spot, though I did delete the entire directory and reconnect. Huzzah!

[chrispedersen]

there are only so many startup locations. With so many players I don't think it so surprising that a couple will dup.

[Corwin]

By the way, please remind me - what do all these special small icons on a random map mean?

IIRC some of them are just for fun, and some actually mean something.

For example, on our map we have:

Multiply tiny houses icons, sometimes several per province
Volcano icon
White stone building with big ball on top
Lake icon
Ice icon

[Kojusoki]

OK, everything seems fine

[vfb]

Corwin said:
By the way, please remind me - what do all these special small icons on a random map mean?

IIRC some of them are just for fun, and some actually mean something.

For example, on our map we have:

Multiply tiny houses icons, sometimes several per province
Volcano icon
White stone building with big ball on top
Lake icon
Ice icon



I don't think the little house means anything.

But the volcano etc correspond to a special terrain mask that indicates more chance for sites, on a random map. However, the map file could have been edited and the terrain mask changed, in which case the graphic would still be there but the extra site chance wouldn't.

If you really want to check, have a look in the map file at the terrain masks, and compare the mask values to the values here:

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Number=518588&bodyprev=#Post518588

Or you could just be sure to do a little more site searching in those sites.

[Xavier]

you'd think the little houses would indicate higher than normal pop....

[Lingchih]

Why are we on 48 hour host for the first turn?

[Xavier]

read back...I don't think velusion has come back and read the thread yet, so he hasn't switched back to normal host.

[chrispedersen]

I need to fly to Stuart for a wedding.
May I request no turns be run on Saturday? I will be able to resume on Sunday.

[Velusion]

chrispedersen said:
I need to fly to Stuart for a wedding.
May I request no turns be run on Saturday? I will be able to resume on Sunday.



I'll try and remember to reset the clock Saturday - hopefully that will give you enough time.

[Corwin]

Hmm, suddenly I can't log in. Dom3 freezes on "please wait" message, I've tried twice over the last 15 minutes.

Is anybody else having troubles connecting?

[Lingchih]

Oh no. The dreaded syncinfo bug has appeared again!

Launch Dom 3 in a window. Log in. Leave that window open, hung on the waiting screen, and launch a second instance of Dom 3. Then you should be able to get in.

[Corwin]

Nevermind, it looks as if I was trying to connect while the new turn was being generated. Appereanly it takes quite a while with so many players. But thanks for the tip, I'll keep it in mind.

And yes, it means we have a NEW TURN. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

[Kojusoki]

if the sync bug occurs, when you cannot login after opening the window twice, just open it for the third time.
Worked here in last game:)

[Velusion]

Status page is up!:
http://arsnotoria.net/dominions3/stats.php?game=figment

[Corwin]

Velusion said:
Status page is up!:
http://arsnotoria.net/dominions3/stats.php?game=figment



Awesome. Thank you Velusion, that page is very helpful.


Speaking of the game, it has been pretty quiet here for the first 5 turns, considering that we have a lot of players. No curses, no victory cries, no proclamations. It looks like everybody likes to plan their world conquest in silence. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif

[Lingchih]

Shssh. The other players might hear you.

[Redfrog]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/skull.gif It seems like something unfortunately happened to Tir na n'Og ...

[Lingchih]

What? What's that about Tir na n'Og? Everything looks fine from here.

[Foodstamp]

I think he is talking about your income crash

[Lingchih]

Oh, Ok, yeah. Had an extremely bad event in my captitol. No big deal though. Gold is overrated.

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:
Oh, Ok, yeah. Had an extremely bad event in my captitol. No big deal though. Gold is overrated.



Ouch. Sorry to hear it.

Oh well, at least after looking at most recent graphs it looks as if Bogus has leeeeeft the building! Err, I mean he has left Tin na Nog's capital. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

(although seriously speaking I guess you must have been hit by huge unrest and/or population loss event, or by a Vampire Count. Bogus and his merry band probably would not give up on your capital so easily.)

[Lingchih]

Huge unrest. Close to 100. Nastiest unrest I have ever seen. I can't remember the cause, but I'm still trying to get my capitol under control.

[Corwin]

On unrelated note...

Funny how the strongest nation in EA (some would say - overpowered) Helheim seems to be all but eliminated in our game after just a handfull of turns. I wonder what happened to it...

[Lingchih]

Corner starts are not all that they are cracked up to be. Especially when you have an income crash and your Prophet gets killed.

[DonCorazon]

Unlucky scales? I have grown to fear them...

[Corwin]

I think Helheim is about to miss 2nd turn in row. If he will, and if Coobe can't make his turns, perhaps Helheim should be switched to AI?

Not that it would matter much at this point, since he seems to have all his provices taken/besieged by someone. (By the way who is his conquerer?) Still, even AI might be better than stalling human.

What do you think guys?

[Dedas]

Does he have an awake SC pretender? Else he is toast, put him to AI.

[vfb]

Bah, Coobe did the same thing in Blessing (Lanka) and Fallacy (TC) and Rhoscrowther (Atlantis) too. Grumble, grumble.

[chrispedersen]

I don't know if we discussed this - and I probably should have. I am travelling to Merrit Island Friday; which means I will be unavailable for turns on Saturday & possibly sunday.

After processing Friday, can we have the next turn due Midnight Easter Sunday?

I just had Malverni attack - no grumbles there - but I'd hate to stale 2 turns in a row - might as well just resign.

[Corwin]

chrispedersen said:
I don't know if we discussed this - and I probably should have. I am travelling to Merrit Island Friday; which means I will be unavailable for turns on Saturday & possibly sunday.

After processing Friday, can we have the next turn due Midnight Easter Sunday?





It would be fine with me.

[Baalz]

Under the new moon the council gathered.
Under the new moon the archdruids argued.
Under the new moon an edict was issued.
Under the full moon blood was spilled.

The foul ichors of the Yomi hiss and bubble on the ground as brave Marverni barechests shoulder the responsibility of cleansing this cancer from the world, for what could be fouler than undead worshiping demons? The strength of the demons, hideous in its own right is bent to the will of an ancient and terrible ghost king whose presence chills the very bones of those to behold him. Our women cry in anguish for we march not from a position of strength, but from one of desperation. The odds are against us and should we fail we have no hope of mercy from demon or ghosts. Reprisal will doubtless be both swift and fearsome.

Yet the seedlings have been planted as our nation spreads its canopy and begins to grow. If our brave warriors can behead this foul beast and buy us time the mighty oak of Marverni will stand tall for all to see. Gaia herself has been so inspired by our courage and offended by these abominations she has gifted us with her personification and the means to both cleans and renew the earth. Quail cryptkeeper, for the egg shall soon hatch and we shall fear demons no more.

[Corwin]

Baalz said:
Under the new moon the council gathered.
Under the new moon the archdruids argued.
Under the new moon an edict was issued.
Under the full moon blood was spilled.

The foul ichors of the Yomi hiss and bubble on the ground as brave Marverni barechests shoulder the responsibility of cleansing this cancer from the world, for what could be fouler than undead worshiping demons? The strength of the demons, hideous in its own right is bent to the will of an ancient and terrible ghost king whose presence chills the very bones of those to behold him. Our women cry in anguish for we march not from a position of strength, but from one of desperation. The odds are against us and should we fail we have no hope of mercy from demon or ghosts. Reprisal will doubtless be both swift and fearsome.

Yet the seedlings have been planted as our nation spreads its canopy and begins to grow. If our brave warriors can behead this foul beast and buy us time the mighty oak of Marverni will stand tall for all to see. Gaia herself has been so inspired by our courage and offended by these abominations she has gifted us with her personification and the means to both cleans and renew the earth. Quail cryptkeeper, for the egg shall soon hatch and we shall fear demons no more.



Very well said Lord of Mictlan. Let your Egg of Destiny hatch and bring the swift doom to your enemies.

<changing voice into an eerie howl of insane sage making a dark prophecy.>
But BEWARE , mighty Lord! Beware the EGG STEALER !!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif


(Egg Stealer: The prophet of Fomoria God, Nightmare of Hens, number 11 in current Hall of Fame.)


P.S. Note to HolyFrog - great name/title for pretender and prophet, my compliments http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[AdmiralZhao]

Uhh, I would be the Lord of Mictlan. And I'm considerably less threatening than that. Would you like a NAP? Perhaps some fine Mictlani crumpets?

[Corwin]

AdmiralZhao said:
Uhh, I would be the Lord of Mictlan. And I'm considerably less threatening than that. Would you like a NAP? Perhaps some fine Mictlani crumpets?



Ooops, sorry. I meant "Lord of Marverni". Blaaz was playing Mictlan in my last MP dom3 game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif (a little more than a year ago).

Regarding NAP - I'll reply to you in PM.

[DonCorazon]

Well written. Vanheim's skalds need material for some new sagas as everyone is pretty sick of hearing about Beowulf. Looking forward to the tale of Marveni...

[DonCorazon]

Our small Vanheim expeditionary force just stumbled onto a Lankan army - we had never seen (nor played with) Lankans before and had been feeling pretty secure that Vans were nigh invincible (having never played them before either, we were enjoying the fact Vans seem to be able to take down indie provinces without breaking a sweat).

Talk about a beat down. Many Van widows will be in mourning this weekend.

[Velusion]

DonCorazon said:
Our small Vanheim expeditionary force just stumbled onto a Lankan army - we had never seen (nor played with) Lankans before and had been feeling pretty secure that Vans were nigh invincible (having never played them before either, we were enjoying the fact Vans seem to be able to take down indie provinces without breaking a sweat).

Talk about a beat down. Many Van widows will be in mourning this weekend.



The Demon Apes send condolences on our unexpected meeting in indy provinces! Unlucky timing on both our parts.

If it is any condolence your force was 1/3rd our size http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. I'm sure that if it was more even the tables would have been turned we would be morning the loss of our monkey brothers.

[Baalz]

Demons, demons everywhere. What is the world coming to?

[Corwin]

DonCorazon said:
Our small Vanheim expeditionary force just stumbled onto a Lankan army - we had never seen (nor played with) Lankans before and had been feeling pretty secure that Vans were nigh invincible (having never played them before either, we were enjoying the fact Vans seem to be able to take down indie provinces without breaking a sweat).

Talk about a beat down. Many Van widows will be in mourning this weekend.



To tell you the truth - Lanka is the nation I am most concerned about in our game, playing as Sauromatia. I never played against Lanka before (since I haven't played any Dom3 game since it was added).

So I did a little research on the board, and played with Lanka in SP. Holy Cow! It is much easier to Sauromatia to handle W9F9 Helheim than to fight Lanka. I was dreading the moment I would see them on my doorstep.

Now I understand why Lanka is banned in another MP game I am currently playing on Q3 forum. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

I've developed a couple of emergency strategies to try against Lanka but I am very unsure how effective it would be.

[Velusion]

Corwin said:

DonCorazon said:
Our small Vanheim expeditionary force just stumbled onto a Lankan army - we had never seen (nor played with) Lankans before and had been feeling pretty secure that Vans were nigh invincible (having never played them before either, we were enjoying the fact Vans seem to be able to take down indie provinces without breaking a sweat).

Talk about a beat down. Many Van widows will be in mourning this weekend.



But see we are friendly demon apes!

To tell you the truth - Lanka is the nation I am most concerned about in our game, playing as Sauromatia. I never played against Lanka before (since I haven't played any Dom3 game since it was added).

So I did a little research on the board, and played with Lanka in SP. Holy Cow! It is much easier to Sauromatia to handle W9F9 Helheim than to fight Lanka. I was dreading the moment I would see them on my doorstep.

Now I understand why Lanka is banned in another MP game I am currently playing on Q3 forum. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

I've developed a couple of emergency strategies to try against Lanka but I am very unsure how effective it would be.

[Velusion]

I'll put Helheim on AI this turn.

[Foodstamp]

Corwin, do demons stumble?

[chrispedersen]

Hope we are ok for a delay till sunday. Can't return till Sun night.

Regarding Lanka - Lankas weakness is its province defence - raid the hell out of him .. and keep him off balance till you can research demon killing spells and items.

Lanka in my view is the second strongest nation EA, played correctly.

[Baalz]

*shrug* Most any nation, played correctly can be pretty scary. I don't think Lanka is really any scarier than any of the other uber sacreds running around EA. Vans, jaguar warriors, and Niefls the strategy is pretty much no different....grab your ankles if you can't manage to dance around and stall them long enough to get critical research done.

[Corwin]

Baalz said:
*shrug* Most any nation, played correctly can be pretty scary. I don't think Lanka is really any scarier than any of the other uber sacreds running around EA. Vans, jaguar warriors, and Niefls the strategy is pretty much no different....grab your ankles if you can't manage to dance around and stall them long enough to get critical research done.



Van-types (other than Helheim) have capital-only sacred, which makes huge difference. Same with Niefel. Jaguar warriors are great, but they die easily. The scary thing about Lanka is that they have non-capital tough-like-nails sacred troops that are incredibly difficult to kill (with a proper bless), especially for the race such as Sauromatia, which has no priests and no direct battle magic.

[Xavier]

just me, or is something up with the server? I'm hanging on "waiting for game info."

[Foodstamp]

Open an instance, let it hang up, then open a new instance of Dominions. The second one should connect. The bug happens every once is a while when games have numerous players.

[Xavier]

worked, thanks.

[Corwin]

Foodstamp said:
Open an instance, let it hang up, then open a new instance of Dominions. The second one should connect. The bug happens every once is a while when games have numerous players.



Yes, it is happening with me as well. In addition to this I often can't switch from hanged up version of dominion, no can I close it. (Alt-tab, ctrl-alt-del are not working).

After several hard reboots I came up with workaround, kindof - I open Dominion in windowed mode, let it hang, then I can at least switch to non-frozen version of Dominion.

But this is pretty annoying. Is this bug likely to happen every turn for the rest of the game? Any idea why does it seems to affect only some players?

[Velusion]

Anyone not playing this game want to do me a favor and turn Helheim to AI?

[Corwin]

Velusion said:
Anyone not playing this game want to do me a favor and turn Helheim to AI?



I may be wrong, but I think it's unlikely that anybody other than players are reading this thread on a regular basis.

[DonCorazon]

Was there a good explanation on why Helheim went AI? Did they even communicate their desire to go AI? I find it pretty thoughtless to join a game and go AI (especially to just abandon it without any word) so soon and will avoid said players in future MP games. End rant.

[Lingchih]

DonCorazon said:
Was there a good explanation on why Helheim went AI? Did they even communicate their desire to go AI? I find it pretty thoughtless to join a game and go AI (especially to just abandon it without any word) so soon and will avoid said players in future MP games. End rant.



It happens every game man. You just have to deal with it and move on.

[DonCorazon]

Understood. Not a big deal, but given the time we all invest in a game and the unbalancing effect of players vanishing/ going AI, especially so early, it warrants sending a message that this type of thing is "uncool" as far as I am concerned.

Moved on.

* * *

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:

DonCorazon said:
Was there a good explanation on why Helheim went AI? Did they even communicate their desire to go AI? I find it pretty thoughtless to join a game and go AI (especially to just abandon it without any word) so soon and will avoid said players in future MP games. End rant.



It happens every game man. You just have to deal with it and move on.



It does happen time to time, but not in every game. And the person who pull such stuff tend to find himself not welcomed in other MP games, once the word spreads around. I saw it happened in the past.

DonCorazon is right, unless there is a good explanation, it is definitely not cool.

[Lingchih]

You guys are definitely right. It is very uncool to just go AI. Thing is, lately I have seen it so much, even to the point of game hosts going missing, and leaving three of my MP games in the lurch, that I am somewhat inured to it.

Single players just disappearing just seems normal and not very disturbing to me, after seeing game hosts disappear.

[Corwin]

Agartha seems to be under attack and is taking a serious beating.

[Dedas]

Things are quickly heating up on this crowded map.

[AdmiralZhao]

Which is good for those of use who prefer heat scale +1.

*slinks away*

[Corwin]

AdmiralZhao said:
Which is good for those of use who prefer heat scale +1.

*slinks away*



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

[Corwin]

So are we increasing timer until Sunday night as Chrispedersen asked? Currently the game is scripted to host in 9 hours unless changed.

[Rathar]

I have no problem with it

[DonCorazon]

Nations of Figment:
D'rek is disappointed with the Vanheim literacy level - it seems Vans love of bottle and blade far outmatches their love of book. To help encourage a higher level of education among our barbarian warriors, we will gladly pay gems (earth / death / air) for skull mentors, lightless lanterns, or owl quills. Also, our dwarves make the finest and only truly authentic dwarven hammers, which are also available for trade. Trading partners will receive first dibs on future releases of Vanheim air bags / winged helmets / storm staffs.

<PM me with offers>

[vfb]

It has come to Oceania's attention that there is an inadequate level of frolicking among the Amber tritons in the Whirling Sea. We will attempt to remedy the situation by holding a fermented-kelp and calamari party. Unfortunately, squid are hard to find in our waters. We would be indebted to Atlantis if they would kindly send some squid our way, the bigger the better!

Plankton, God of Frolicking

[Corwin]

The nation of Sauromatia would like to purchase small amount of astral gems (1-20). We can pay for it with equal number of nature or fire gems. We could also trade bloodslaves (I got some from my capital).

[Dedas]

The forest beings of Pangaea greatly seeks a thistle mace and will pay more than handsomely for it (20-30 gems). Yes, you would assume we could just take one from the forest but noooo...

[Psycho]

The peace-loving monkeys from the mount Kailasa have been ruthlessly attacked by winged people riding enormous beasts who squished them to the ground. Every enemy of Caelum is my friend! If anyone is at war with Caelum, or is planning to attack them, PM me.

[Foodstamp]

The Caelum battle cry pierces the air "Mammoths don't stumble!!!"

[Corwin]

Foodstamp said:
The Caelum battle cry pierces the air "Mammoths don't stumble!!!"



Sauromatia's officer charged with after-battle clean up task grimly mutters something about poor families of the fallen archers who will soon get bodies their beloved one flattened into doormats, and how the bloody beasts should be fed to Hydras next time Sauromatia and Caelum forces bump into each other, if only Sauromatia's High Command will start caring about poor grunts on the ground forced to fight these walking hairy fortresses instead of indep rabble.

[Rathar]

"Sir we just received a message on the all-ocean band from the Oceaneans!" said the hermit crab. "Well, what does it say?" inquired the Basalt King of the barely past plankton stage crab nymph. "We are unsure of it's exact meaning but it seems that a complaint is being issued about the level of "Frolicking" occurring under the waves" squeaked the crab. "Oh and that they wanted to increase the trade in Calamari and intoxicants."

"Hmm well it doesn't seem to be a declaration of war so send them a thousand of the Great Ones spawn and 100 cases of our finest red-urchin and anemone brew. Oh and make sure the ambassador from Oceania is invited to the next fete. Try to import some delicacies from their homeland." spake the King.

The King thought to himself that he really must do something about the dourness of the crabs surrounding him or the oceaneans would by building underwater frolic-gyms everywhere..

[vfb]

Oceania has finished building underwater frolic-gyms everywhere already. We have been spending our time frolicking with the independent provinces. But sadly they are all gone now, and there is no longer anyone to play with in the western oceans. So, the frolickers of Oceania head east to Altantis's oceans, since we think there is not enough frolicking happening there either.

If Atlantis can manage it, you may prefer to frolic in Oceania's oceans instead! We hope you understand now. Oceania does not fight wars, they are much too serious affairs for us!

Plankton

[Redfrog]

The mighty /threads/images/Graemlins/Fox.gif of Fomoria declared that all eggs found in T'ien Chi's land are part of our http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/egg.gif, taking them away will be considered as an act of war /threads/images/Graemlins/Bomb.gif

[DonCorazon]

We are still accepting advanced orders for all future limited edition Vanheim air magic items that will one day be released - just send us your skull mentors!

Just think how heartwarming it will be when Og can spell his name!

[Kojusoki]

sorry for delay http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif I had to leave for one day:(

[Corwin]

So who has swallowed stalling Helheim? Mictlan or Lanka?

[Psycho]

I think it's Lanka. Maybe that's why he asked someone else put helheim on AI

[Corwin]

Psycho said:
I think it's Lanka. Maybe that's why he asked someone else put helheim on AI



You are right, it is certainly Lanka. That would explain their new castle and sharp jump in both money and gem income during this turn.

[Rathar]

Huh weird. All players have their turns in, Helheim is finally defeated but the server is still waiting on their turn.. Drag.

Oh and Oceanea is a lvl 9 astral god so watch it folks. They are likely to own me soon too unless my sleevy tricks work which I bet won't!

[vfb]

Coobe needs to log into the server to get the message that he died. But he's ignoring the game.

As far as Oceania's god is concerned, we'll keep a sharp eye out for her! And we are eagerly anticipating any exciting tricks you have up your watery sleeves.

Plankton

Edit: Oceania is looking for death gems. We will trade 5-for-4 Water for Death. PM offers to vfb.

[Kojusoki]

for the next two weeks there will be a substitution of the ruler of Ermor. Please use only the "in-game" messages system to contact us.

Kojus Maximus

[chrispedersen]

oops = )

[Lingchih]

Hmm. That sort of message is best done in a PM. Posting it to the boards is revealing a little too much.

[Kojusoki]

Its a very experienced player (more then I probably) so I dont worry:)

[Baalz]

Good news elders, the demon king has apparently been driven mad from a festering wound delivered in battle by our most noble warriors. Why else would he appeal publicly for aid to denizens of this world when clearly we are cleansing a foul cancer for the good of the whole world?

Regardless, the plea you no doubt heard was mostly true, we are but days from reaching the dark citadel which is the foul heart of this demon plague. According to our scouts the maddened demon lord was correct, our assault should prove successful, though who knows what tricks demons might have in store.

On graver news, the small demon attack you were able to repulse this month was but their outriders. A larger and terrible host including the very ghost king himself seems likely to move on the very heart of Marverni soon so prepare well. We will return as fast as possible to relieve you - once we have slain the heart we will come for the head.

Hold out as you can, your salvation comes.

[Rathar]

Psst! Vfb.. Put me out of my misery!

Damned Oceaneans frolicking everywhere and plague in the capitol to boot.

Be ready Ry'leh, be ready soon!

[chrispedersen]

Well I'm out.. I'd like to say it was fun.. but my posterior was handed to me so bad it wasn't. Capital taken momentarily - and no army to speak of left.

Malverni and his blade wind will have no problem taking the remaining 10 territories or so. And those too indifferent to aid poor yomi - I hope they choke on him =).

<wink> Best wishes to all.

[Baalz]

GG man, hope to see you around. Better luck next time!

[Thrawn]

Guys I don't know what the hosting time is for the next turn, but I am out of town until tomorrow night. If necessary can we postpone by a few hours???

[Baalz]

Oh, also just wanted to make it clear that with Yomi's public concession all Yomi territories are considered Marverni territory and snatching one will be considered an act of war.

[DonCorazon]

Wow, Marveni has big Baalz! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Thrawn]

Thanks for not postponing! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Lingchih]

So, you want a piece of that Cyclops Sauromatia? Then come on... he is waiting for you... muuhaahhaa

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:
So, you want a piece of that Cyclops Sauromatia? Then come on... he is waiting for you... muuhaahhaa



A piece of that Cyclops? Hmm, what an interesting idea. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif Yes, I think that giant blood-shot eye will look splendidly once hanged on the castle wall over the imperial throne.

[vfb]

The nation of Oceania is happy to announce that we held the first annual Calamari feast in the oceans this month.

The giant squid was larger than expected, and it is likely all of our frolickers would have perished, but for divine intervention from the RNG itself. Who knows what happened! Is there a witch living under the waves? Did the light of a Baleful Star somehow penetrate the ocean depths? In any case, the huge squid had become cursed, and took a lance to the chest. With its ticker trashed, the kraken soon tired and perished.

Now Oceania will set about trying to bring growth and life to the shoals where once only death, misfortune, and misery were seen.

[Xavier]

is that a declaration of war on anyone in particular?

[vfb]

Oceania does not war! We are a nation of happy frolickers.

We are merely spreading the news of our happy frolicking, and complaining a wee bit that the former waters of Atlantis are a dark, dreary, and sad place (for now). We already declared frolicking on Atlantis a few pages back.

Plankton

[Xavier]

Ah, I thought you might be intending to frolic elsewhere in the near future. My apologies.

[AdmiralZhao]

Mictlan is looking to trade for a pair of Earth boots. We can pay in nature gems, water gems, astral gems, or blood slaves. In addition, we will say nice things about your pretender on the forums.

[Corwin]

vfb said:

We are merely spreading the news of our happy frolicking, and complaining a wee bit that the former waters of Atlantis are a dark, dreary, and sad place (for now). We already declared frolicking on Atlantis a few pages back.




I think grim Sauromatia's swamps could use some quality frolicking. My lizard masters complain to me that the birth rates of their beasts are not what they used to be in the times of old, andthat Hydras are getting cranky and refusing to lay eggs. Too bad merry Oceania's lands and its frolicking citizens are so far away. But we can always hope... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[vfb]

We described your dilemma to the old bishops of Oceania. They tell us there are far too many Death gems in your lands! These Death gems are dampening everyone's spirits. You can alleviate the problem by trading your sad Death gems to Oceania. We will send you 5 happy Water gems for every 4 sad Death gems you send to us.

Oceania

[Corwin]

vfb said:
We described your dilemma to the old bishops of Oceania. They tell us there are far too many Death gems in your lands! These Death gems are dampening everyone's spirits. You can alleviate the problem by trading your sad Death gems to Oceania. We will send you 5 happy Water gems for every 4 sad Death gems you send to us.

Oceania



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

Very good try. Good thing Oceania's ruler is not into selling used sea turtles. He would rob all his neighbors blind with his cunning frolicking ways. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Unfortunately we have no use for water gems, since we lack water mages. I guess we will have to suffer sad death gems for now. Woe to my nation. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Now if you would happen to have happy earth gems it would be trade I would be interested in, with 1:1 rate.

[Lingchih]

Sauromatia, are you so afraid of my Pretender that you send troops around him, rather than attacking him. Sad. A ruler should have more confidence in his troops.

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:
Sauromatia, are you so afraid of my Pretender that you send troops around him, rather than attacking him. Sad. A ruler should have more confidence in his troops.



It worked, didn't it? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

There is something about that eye on that shield of yours that makes my pretender uneasy...
Besides my archers are not eager to shoot at someone with prot 30 and poison resistance 150%. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

But no worries, his turn will come.

[Foodstamp]

I love that shield. I love the vine shield as well when you are fighting people who tend to route. Two of my favorite items http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Rathar]

The mighty Atlanteans are done. Too much frolicking for us crabs!

Except for the whole getting obliterated thing I had fun!

How does one counter those oceanean knights anyways? I have nothing with an attack skill above 11 and human wave tactics are both expensive and ineffective. Oh well, never had played em before.

[Baalz]

Check out my strat guide for MA Atlantis, a lot of it is applicable.

[Lingchih]

Hmmm, Larry the Cyclops thinks to himself, after killing dozens of Sauromation troops. "That was easy. I should have thrown myself into combat before".

Hundreds of Sauromations lie dead on the battlefield. The victims of the wrath of Larry and numberless thunderstrikes. Will they come at us again? Who knows, but death surely awaits them if they do.

[DonCorazon]

The smiths of Vanheim seek to craft a necklace of astral pearls for their queen, and are willing to trade earth, air or nature gems for astral ones.

Thanks kindly nations of Figment.

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:
Hmmm, Larry the Cyclops thinks to himself, after killing dozens of Sauromation troops. "That was easy. I should have thrown myself into combat before".

Hundreds of Sauromations lie dead on the battlefield. The victims of the wrath of Larry and numberless thunderstrikes. Will they come at us again? Who knows, but death surely awaits them if they do.



Yeah, these thunderstrikes and that big one-eyed monster of yours surely did a number on my troops. A pity, I was hoping that your army would rout, after I've killed 3/4 of your soldiers and PD. But alas, mine broke first. I blame it on a lucky thunderstrike that has killed my royal standart bearer in the middle of the battle. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Ok, the quick storm has failed. Prepare for a long siege.

Or get out of the castle and let's dance outside. Paraphrasing what you have said earlier "A ruler should have more confidence in his troops - he should not hide behing castle walls and peasant PD." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Lingchih]

Well, my castle is all I have left. I think I will try to defend it.

And why the fraidy cat move of just massing on my border? Bring them on in. Larry thirsts for blood.

[Xavier]

The giants of Niefelheim think the nations of this world should know that Abysia is not to be trusted. They have invaded our lands with absolutely no warning despite our having negotiated a NAP-3 nearly a year ago. Do not trust these foul demons. If any nation feels that those who develop diplomatic relations in bad faith should be punished, we urge you to help us crush the foul demons of Abysia.

[AdmiralZhao]

The Prophet of Mictlan looked down at the 9th set of boots before him. Like the previous 8 sets he had tried on, they were large, stained with blood, and mind-shatteringly odoriferous.

"No. I'm not trying on another pair."

"But sir, these were the boots we recovered from the slain Argathan mages. Any one of them could be the Earth Boots that we seek. With a pair of those boots, we could open up entirely new fields of magical research. It would revolutionize our infantry combat, and"

"No! I'm not putting my feet in another one of the Argathan cesspools. Send out another wave of messengers. Send them to Marveni, Oceania, Tien Chi, even the duplicitous Abysians. Let them know that we seek Earth Boots. I don't care about the cost. Just make sure...just make sure that they are clean."

[DonCorazon]

Xavier said:
The giants of Niefelheim think the nations of this world should know that Abysia is not to be trusted. They have invaded our lands with absolutely no warning despite our having negotiated a NAP-3 nearly a year ago. Do not trust these foul demons. If any nation feels that those who develop diplomatic relations in bad faith should be punished, we urge you to help us crush the foul demons of Abysia.



Abysia, as one of your neighbors with whom you have signed a NAP, Vanheim is curious what your thoughts are on these charges.

While it is true we ourselves are a bunch of unwashed, hairy, bloodthirsty berserkers, we do comply with our NAPs but now wonder how much faith we should be putting in some of them.

- Vanheim, We Do Not Sow

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:


And why the fraidy cat move of just massing on my border? Bring them on in. Larry thirsts for blood.



This thrist will be quenched in due time. With his own blood. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

Time is working for me, and I will attack as soon as I will feel that I can win the battle without taking too much losses. I don't need another hundred of my precious poison archers killed by your stuborn defenders.

[DonCorazon]

Chirp...chirp...chirp.

[Tyrant]

Xavier said:
The giants of Niefelheim think the nations of this world should know that Abysia is not to be trusted. They have invaded our lands with absolutely no warning despite our having negotiated a NAP-3 nearly a year ago. Do not trust these foul demons. If any nation feels that those who develop diplomatic relations in bad faith should be punished, we urge you to help us crush the foul demons of Abysia.



This is an outrageous baldfaced lie! We did not sign a NAP. Niefelheim offered one, we did not respond.

[Corwin]

Tyrant said:

Xavier said:
The giants of Niefelheim think the nations of this world should know that Abysia is not to be trusted. They have invaded our lands with absolutely no warning despite our having negotiated a NAP-3 nearly a year ago. Do not trust these foul demons. If any nation feels that those who develop diplomatic relations in bad faith should be punished, we urge you to help us crush the foul demons of Abysia.



This is an outrageous baldfaced lie! We did not sign a NAP. Niefelheim offered one, we did not respond.



<grabs popcorn, takes a seat>

[DonCorazon]

Vanheim recommends trial by warfare. Let the Gods decide. The victorious nation will be the one who was lying. Innocence can only be proven by defeat.

- Vanheim, We Do Not Build

See, we really need those skull mentors to come up with more edumacated solutions.

[Foodstamp]

Lame lame lame. It says I staled last turn, all that work down the drain.

[Lingchih]

<grabs popcorn, takes a seat>



I knew I smelled popcorn. Can we have some? This is hungry work, patrolling this province.

[AdmiralZhao]

It looks like it was a good month for the giants. My scouts sent this engraving back from the front lines:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/422240048_182cbf070d.jpg

Ooh, popcorn. Can I have some?

[Corwin]

Lingchih said:


<grabs popcorn, takes a seat>



I knew I smelled popcorn. Can we have some? This is hungry work, patrolling this province.



<Corwin sets a trail of some tasty popcorn in front TNN's capital fortress, hoping to lure the Cyclops outside>


AdmiralZhao said:
It looks like it was a good month for the giants. My scouts sent this engraving back from the front lines:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/422240048_182cbf070d.jpg




Wow. What the heck is that?!? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Xavier]

Corwin said:
Wow. What the heck is that?!? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif



It is a rather fanciful representation of one of my Jarls, probably the mighty Bolthorn, tearing through a horde of Pangean maenads. Apparently the Mictlan scouts got confused about who was naked (the Maenads were, the Jarls most certainly were not), but other than that the representation is accurate. It's just a pity they didn't include the second slaying of the Medusa, which was the best part of the battle. You'd think she would've learned her lesson the first time she died at the hands of a Jarl. She brought a rather large army this time, but it really didn't do her much good. Oh, and if anyone would like some, my Gygja's have made some excellent Dark Vine stew from the remains of Pangea's more vegetative combatants. I may have to summon some of those myself, they're quite tasty.


Tyrant said:
This is an outrageous baldfaced lie! We did not sign a NAP. Niefelheim offered one, we did not respond.



Bollocks! The holy desk of Xavier quite clearly has a scrap of paper on it that reads, "Abysia - NAP3"! No matter, we'll wipe you off the face of the world anyway! We accept Vanheim's suggestion--we know we are right, and we know we shall destroy you!

[Baalz]

The ghost king is dead…er…more dead, and the rebirth has begun. A monument to the brave barechests and Atavi mercenaries is erected on the site of the toppled throne of skulls, and a heart tree even now spreads its sapling branches in the second capital of our lands where once only bile, black fear and hopelessness reigned. The personification of rebirth is among us, and has given us the weapons to slay that which blights the earth. From the very mouth of this god on earth we have learned the devastating evocations which slew every demon on our blessed isle, clouds of spinning blades dropping hundreds of the foul creatures before our axemen got to the bloody work of finishing the job. The roots of Marverni dig deep as our heart grows strong and we begin to look beyond our isle.

The burning halo of our new god urges more work for us, the world cries for the cleansing and rebirth that only we can accomplish. We begin to forge the bonds of friendship with those who seem like minded, helping those who can help us. With the chance to catch our breath after the demon cleansing we have been able to focus our magical crafts on forging wondrous items, and can now begin to answer the large cry for such. Any desiring items should contact our nation, most will be forgeable shortly.

[Xox]

Now xavier,

when you did not respond to my offer of a nap and instead invaded me a few turns later with your earth/nature blessed giants i did not maufacture lies that we had a nap. I have quietly fought a losing battle as hard as I could without spreading mistruths about any agreement we might have had.

Now i hear you are spreading lies about false naps with other players. Having played and fought with and against tyrant before many times I will say he has never once misled me in any treaties. Refused treaties , yes, ruthless attacks yes, but always followed his agreements completely.

[Xavier]

I am *not* lying.

I don't know tyrant, but I've been thinking about this and I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that one or the other of us got confused somewhere. This is a mature community and I quite like the players I've gotten to know here, so if he has a history in this community that doesn't include breaking pacts I'm willing to assume that this is a mistake. I can't believe that I would've written down that we had a NAP if we didn't, but I suppose it's not impossible. I think it's more likely he forgot about it, but I imagine he'd say the opposite. I probably should've discussed it with him before announcing it here, but I had just gotten invaded by Pangea a turn or two before so when I got attacked by someone I thought I had a NAP with I was pretty pissed off.

Anyway. I'm willing to call it water under the bridge, and just get on with crushing him. A glance at the score graphs will show you what's happening to Pan http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Oh yeah, and you're doing a *very* good job of being incredibly annoying. I'm quite impressed with your tenacity Xox. Sorry I didn't respond to your NAP offer at all, but I already had units on the way to your capital. I didn't want to announce that I was about to invade you by actually sending a refusal.

[DonCorazon]

Baalz said:
The ghost king is dead…er…more dead, and the rebirth has begun. A monument to the brave barechests and Atavi mercenaries is erected on the site of the toppled throne of skulls, and a heart tree even now spreads its sapling branches in the second capital of our lands where once only bile, black fear and hopelessness reigned. The personification of rebirth is among us, and has given us the weapons to slay that which blights the earth. From the very mouth of this god on earth we have learned the devastating evocations which slew every demon on our blessed isle, clouds of spinning blades dropping hundreds of the foul creatures before our axemen got to the bloody work of finishing the job. The roots of Marverni dig deep as our heart grows strong and we begin to look beyond our isle.

The burning halo of our new god urges more work for us, the world cries for the cleansing and rebirth that only we can accomplish. We begin to forge the bonds of friendship with those who seem like minded, helping those who can help us. With the chance to catch our breath after the demon cleansing we have been able to focus our magical crafts on forging wondrous items, and can now begin to answer the large cry for such. Any desiring items should contact our nation, most will be forgeable shortly.



The speech of the Marveni has moved their cousins in the cold heights of Vanheim. Too long have we endured the uncomfortable heat and peculiar odor of the demons of Lanka.
Our brave warriors turned their cheek after receiving an early smiting by Lanka, but this is not the Vanheim way. Old wounds can only be healed with blood.
We hereby terminate our NAP -3 with the nation of Lanka.

DC of Vanheim
We Do Not Farm

[Lingchih]

What was that Sauromatia? You suiciding troops on me? That ain't gonna win you any provinces.

[Velusion]

DonCorazon said:

Baalz said:
The ghost king is dead…er…more dead, and the rebirth has begun. A monument to the brave barechests and Atavi mercenaries is erected on the site of the toppled throne of skulls, and a heart tree even now spreads its sapling branches in the second capital of our lands where once only bile, black fear and hopelessness reigned. The personification of rebirth is among us, and has given us the weapons to slay that which blights the earth. From the very mouth of this god on earth we have learned the devastating evocations which slew every demon on our blessed isle, clouds of spinning blades dropping hundreds of the foul creatures before our axemen got to the bloody work of finishing the job. The roots of Marverni dig deep as our heart grows strong and we begin to look beyond our isle.

The burning halo of our new god urges more work for us, the world cries for the cleansing and rebirth that only we can accomplish. We begin to forge the bonds of friendship with those who seem like minded, helping those who can help us. With the chance to catch our breath after the demon cleansing we have been able to focus our magical crafts on forging wondrous items, and can now begin to answer the large cry for such. Any desiring items should contact our nation, most will be forgeable shortly.



The speech of the Marveni has moved their cousins in the cold heights of Vanheim. Too long have we endured the uncomfortable heat and peculiar odor of the demons of Lanka.
Our brave warriors turned their cheek after receiving an early smiting by Lanka, but this is not the Vanheim way. Old wounds can only be healed with blood.
We hereby terminate our NAP -3 with the nation of Lanka.

DC of Vanheim
We Do Not Farm



O' Reeeeeaaaallly?

Geez the amount of lies and false promises given out by both Sauromatia at Vanheim is pretty disgusting.

(edit: once the 3 turn NAP is over you can have my lands Vanheim. I'm going to bring all my resources to bear and try to completely squash Sauro if at all possible. Heck I'll even give you my gems when I'm done!)

[Baalz]

Oh...Ok. Then we declare war on Lanka to!

[Velusion]

Baalz said:
Oh...Ok. Then we declare war on Lanka to!



You'll have to fight Vanheim for them. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Corwin]

Velusion said:
O' Reeeeeaaaallly?

Geez the amount of lies and false promises given out by both Sauromatia at Vanheim is pretty disgusting.

(edit: once the 3 turn NAP is over you can have my lands Vanheim. I'm going to bring all my resources to bear and try to completely squash Sauro if at all possible. Heck I'll even give you my gems when I'm done!)



Wow, wow, slow down Velusion. There are too many accusations floating around already.

I didn't lie to anybody, and I *never* break any in-game agreements, neither in this game no in any other games of mine. And I've been playing MP Dominions 2/3 for several years.

You have attacked me this turn without declaration of war. Vanheim did the same (or so I thought). Your attack I have repelled, since I saw it coming last turn when you have suddenly moved 2 armies to my border and ignored my messenger. But stealth attack by Vanheim caught me completly by surprise, and he conquered my province next to the castle that I just successfully defended against your armies. I assume you have put some scouts over my territory in preparation for your attack? They can confirm my words - see that new red province to the west of my castle?

Now because you and Vanheim both attacked me at the same time and at the same spot, naturally I've assumed that you are acting together in alliance against me. Clearly you are strong and experienced player, so ask yourself please - would you not assume the same if you would be in my shoes?

Since I knew I have no chance in hell of winning the war against both you and Vanheim, and after I didn't get reply to my "WTH?!?" PM from Vanheim, I have tried to convince you to break away from your alliance with Vanheim. Re-read my original PM to you that I've sent two hours ago. It is very clear that I was acting based upon an assumption that you and Vanheim are attacking me together. I spelled it in the beginning of the letter.

But then I have received PM from Vanheim who said that his attack on me was just an accident - he was simply moving stealth troops over my territory, and that he didn't want to attack me. He apologized for this accident and I believe him.

After that I've sent my 2nd message to you, explaining the situation in details and apologizing for my own role in confusion.

I swear that every word of this letter is true, that's what happened this turn. You can ask Vanheim if you like. And you have your own scouts to confirm it.

If you still don't want to believe me - it's your choice. But frankly I was very surprised that you blame me for some "lies and deception".

Now if you want to go after me with all you have - that's fine. You have attacked me this turn yourself, didn't you? If you for some unknown reason will decide to throw this game to one nation or another - I don't think it is a very sportsman-like choice - but it's your call, I can't do anything about it.

But I dislike being blamed for something that I have no part in whatsoever.

[Lingchih]

Go Go Lanka!!!

Van.. join in on the Sauromatia gank fun.