VesperBat - LA newbie game - upload pretenders!

[llamabeast]

Okay, since LeafNosedBat filled almost instantaneously, I'm creating an overflow. This will be another game for new/newish players. I'd recommend players who've already played 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 LA game and will use the Worthy Heroes (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showthreaded.php?Number=561063) mod. Renaming will be on, graphs will be on, and everything else will be standard. However, R'lyeh and Ermor will not be allowed - although they are fun they both considerably skew the game (everyone has to try to kill them!), so I think they're not ideal for a newbie game.

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. I'll attach the map to this post.

Please sign up here and choose a nation! So far we have:

Man - AreaOfEffect
Caelum - Zogger
Pangaea - jmb
Bogarus - Real_friend
Jomon - Kyosti
Midgard - Profanicus
Arcoscephale - Wookie_1977
Agartha - Zenphos
Abysia - Zenzei
Mictlan - DemonicHick
Utgard - gowb
Ulm - bernardo
C'tis - edhel
Marignon - Arghaii
Atlantis - Kamamura

[llamabeast]

Bump!

[Aezeal]

I'm already in a LA game else I might be interested...
(and that game would be my 3th so I'm not allowed anymore too)

Ow and with 9 or something newb games running you might want to make one for moderatly experienced players (3-7 games?) since I think those who would not be allowed in newb games but unwilling to play 7 top players might find that attractive

[AreaOfEffect]

I'll bite. Sign me up for Man please.

[llamabeast]

Hmm, seems I may have exhausted the newbie game demand for the moment (not surprisingly, really - 5 games almost all at once is insane and completely unprecedented). Looks like we may have to wait a little while to get this one off the ground.

[ComTrav]

Y'know, I really want to play one LA game, but this would be my fourth simultaneous game so maybe not the best idea.

[Zogger]

Hi,

I would like to sing up for this with umm lets see, I'll try Caelum. I would be my first MP game if this gets full at some point.

[llamabeast]

Cool cool. I'm sure it will fill up gradually. Lots of new players don't check the forums very often, so it's just a matter of waiting for enough of them to spot this thread.

[jmb]

Count me in. I'll take Pangea, please

[Real_friend]

Bogarus!

[Kyosti]

Sing me up for Jomon please!

[Profanicus]

I have recruited another brother who has just received his copy from GamersFront - all 3 of us would like to reserve spots if possible! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
Myself and Wookie_1977 are already playing in the FunnelEared Bat game, so this will be our 2nd.

edit:
Profanicus: Midgard
Wookie_1977: Arcoscephale
Zenphos: Agartha

[Zenzei]

I can manage a second game, so sign me up. Pythium would be nice.

[DemonicHick]

Is this game still on if enough players join it?

Thanks!

[AreaOfEffect]

DemonicHick said:
Is this game still on if enough players join it?



Indeed. In fact, I'm counting up to 10 players so far. That's enough to get a game going. I'm sure we'll wait just a bit more to be sure.

[Hiker]

on 2nd thought I better not join.

[llamabeast]

Okay guys, brilliant, we have lots of players.

So, now for the popular vote: Shall we go for an 8-player game, as advertised, and create another overflow game for the excess players? Or shall we make this into a bigger game (maybe 12-14 players) on a larger map, such as Cradle of Dominion?

[Zogger]

I can go either way. If we have enough players for the bigger game that's ok for me. More the merrier.

[zenphos]

I am happy to play a 10 player for my 1st MP game.

[llamabeast]

Does that mean you'd rather it weren't more than 10 players zenphos?

[Profanicus]

I think he means that there are 10 players signed up now and he is eager to get underway http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[zenphos]

Profanicus was correct. Eager to get started. If 12 players were ready I would have said a 12 player game would have been fine.
Happy enough to go with the flow, so if everyone wants to wait for 2 or 4 more than I am fine with that as well.

[Zenzei]

I vote for 12-14 player game on a bigger map, cradle of dominions is nice.

[jmb]

Since that will be my first MP game, I have no a priori either way.

[llamabeast]

Okay, we'll leave it over the weekend and see if we get any more players. I'm away all weekend anyway, so it's not actually delaying us. Then we'll decide on a map size and get the game started. Apologies for the slow start.

[DemonicHick]

Yay! Please count me in. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I'll try my hand w/ the Mictlan if they are available. If not, just give me whatever. I'm still a pretty big noob, so any practice at all should help. :p

[Hiker]

I called Mictlan Demonichick, but if u want em Ill play pythium.

[gowb]

I'd like to join as Utgard, if possible. What is this mod? Can I get some instructions on how to install it / a review of what it does, exactly?

[Zenzei]

@Hiker: I have reserved Pythium but I can also play Abysia as I originally planned so you can have Pythium if you want and we can all be happy http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

@gowb: Worthy Heroes improves most national heroes in the game and adds a couple of new ones. To install it, just unzip the files into your dom3 folder and then activate the mod from the game's starting menu (preferences->mod preferences->worthy heroes). If you have done everything right, worthy heroes logo appears into upper right corner of the starting menu.

[gowb]

Oh, ok! Thanks.

[llamabeast]

Okay marvellous, we are up to an impressive 12 players. There is room on Cradle for a couple more, so I will still leave the game open over the weekend. But you can now start uploading your pretenders! Here's how:

- 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. late_pythium_0.2h)
- E-mail the file to: pretenders[ at ]llamaserver[ dot ]net
- Crucially, you must have the game name 'VepserBat' in the subject line of your e-mail

The server should send you a confirmation e-mail when it receives your pretender. Also you can see what pretenders have been received so far at www.llamaserver.net (http://www.llamaserver.net) . In fact I recommend checking the site out anyway - it will be helpful all game.

So, please try to get your pretenders in by Sunday night (GMT), when I will be getting back from my trip.

[llamabeast]

By the way, I did the shuffling of nations that Zenzei suggested. I hope that's okay with everyone - check the first post to make sure you know what nation you are!

[AreaOfEffect]

A question about 'Cradle of Dominion'.

Are we to use the version that came with the game? I ask this because that map has a few hitches, such as a few water sites being treated as land sites. My version is slightly modified and so I might need a copy of the original if that is what we're going with.

[Zenzei]

IIRC, Cradle of Dominion map was fixed in 3.15 patch.

[bernardo]

Hi, everyone. I am new to these forums, and I never played Dominions MP. I would like to sign in as Ulm, Black Forest, if possible.

[Zenzei]

Welcome aboard. You should send your pretender as per Llamabeast's instructions above.

[edhel]

If there's room, I'll destroy the world as Ermor.

[edhel]

Ok, Ermor's banned so I'll take C'tis.

[Zenzei]

By my count we have 14 players now, should make for a great game. However, I just checked Llamaserver and only 5 pretenders are uploaded so far. There's going to be hurry if this game is to start tomorrow.

[AreaOfEffect]

Some people signed up for this game quite a while ago. It may be the case that some of them aren't checking up on this thread anymore. If this is the case then someone should send out a PM to each of the remaining players some time tomorrow. Just a polite update will do.

[Arghaii]

Is there still time to join? If yes, then assign me to a nation and I will upload a pretender.

[llamabeast]

Okay, I'm back. I suggest we accept all players who have asked to join so far (including Arghaii), and now close the game. Arghaii - choose a nation (not one of those already chosen, check the first post) and upload a pretender.

I wonder if anyone might volunteer to quickly PM those players who haven't uploaded yet? It's an excellent idea but I'm really a bit short of time to do it.

[llamabeast]

By the way I'm extremely pleased to have so many really new players. This is shaping up to be an awesome game.

We'll use the version of Cradle that comes with v3.15, which I believe is thoroughly fixed. Anyway, it doesn't matter what version you have, only the server has to have the correct version.

[Profanicus]

I'll up my pretender tonight after work, should be an interesting game!

[zenphos]

Sorry, didn't look at the forums, figure nothing would happen until after the weekend. Will upload my pretender tonight.

[Zenzei]

I sent a friendly notification PM to everyone who has not yet uploaded his/her pretender, so hopefully we get this game going soon.

[llamabeast]

Brilliant, thanks Zenzei! That's really helpful.

[Kamamura]

I wanna join, I wanna join! Please! I will play anything, including crippled blind midgets with speech impairment, just let me in!

[llamabeast]

Okay cool. Well, I said the game was full, but Kamamura has apparently been trying to get into a game for ages, so I suggest he can sneak in on this game. Kamamura - choose a nation which hasn't been taken (you can see which have been taken in the first post on this thread), and upload a pretender.

[Kamamura]

No Ermor, nor Rylegh? :-) What a pity, no chance to pick a truly evil empire... I will pick Atlantis then, to spice it up a bit. I will upload my pretender after a few hours, when I come home.

[Zenzei]

Llamabeast: I just got PM from Hiker (Pythium), he's dropping out of the game.

[Arghaii]

Uploaded pretender: Marignon

[Arghaii]

Will we be sent the map by email?

[llamabeast]

Okay, thanks Zenzei. Seems like the pretenders are coming in fast now.

Also, I'm considering switching the map to the slightly larger "Glory of the Gods (Multiplayer)", since we have quite a few players. Hopefully that won't affect pretender designs.

[llamabeast]

Arghaii: You already have the map if you have the latest version of Dominions.

[Arghaii]

Ah, ok, I thought we were going to use a modified map.

[Kamamura]

Okay, sent LA Atlantis pretender. Sorry for the delay, my computer started crashing like hell...

[llamabeast]

Right, we are just missing Bogarus.

I will start the game when I get home tomorrow, either with or without Bogarus - it's time this game got started I think, you must all be getting impatient! Also Real_friend has just joined loads of games I think, so he may well be getting overwhelmed.

[moderation]

Hi, is there still room in this game, or has it started already?

[llamabeast]

Hi moderation. Sorry, this game's already full. Looks like you found a spot in Serenity anyway - have fun!

[Arghaii]

Good luck everyone:)

[Arghaii]

How long will the turn be? Once per day or slower?

[Zenzei]

My mouse-clicking finger is itching... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Kamamura]

My bakemono are baking their beaks...

[llamabeast]

Right! The game is started! Hurrah!

In the end I went for Cradle of Dominion as the map. Since it's a biggish game as well, I thought it would be a good idea to have victory points. So each capital has a vp, and the winner has to get 7. This is a lot - probably too many in fact - but I thought it was better that the game shouldn't finish prematurely.

I hope everyone's okay with my dictatorial and arbitrary choosing of settings. I think it will make for a very fun game.

Right, so hopefully you will all have received your first turns now. Hopefully the e-mail itself will explain enough for you all to get underway. If not check my FAQ.

The game will be on 24 hour quickhost. That means that it will host either 24 hours after the last hosting, or when everyone's turns are in, whichever is sooner. A bit of thought will reveal that this means both that every turn will host at most 24 hours after the previous one, but that you will always have at least 24 hours after taking your turn to take the next one. Weird, eh? Note that there are 48 hours on the clock for the first turn in case of problems, but hopefully you won't even nearly need that long.

Right, have fun everyone!

[llamabeast]

Oh by the way, make sure to check out www.llamaserver.net (http://www.llamaserver.net) . It's useful.

[Real_friend]

Oh, sorry, just was finidhing my pretender. I'm in 2 games only now, just travelling in another country, this sometimes crashes plans.

[Real_friend]

Oh, sorry, just was finishing my pretender. I'm in 2 games only now, just travelling in another country, this sometimes crashes plans.

[gowb]

Woooo! Good luck guys. This is my first MP game but don't go easy on me...may the real god win http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

[gowb]

Whoops, disregard.

[Kamamura]

One more question - do we have to have installed and enabled that Worthy Heroes mod on our clients when we play this MP game? Or is it sufficient to run it just on that Llama server?

[llamabeast]

If you've been able to play your turn you must have got Worthy Heroes installed. But no, you don't need to enable it. Dominions is clever, and uses the correct mods for any game you open. Which mods you have enabled only affects any new games you create.

[gowb]

Oh, I was worried about that. I didn't have it enabled when I took my turn. GLad to hear its not a problem.

And dammit come on jomon!!! I want to take turn 2 already!!

[jmb]

Arrgh, I just remembered that I won't be here on Sunday and Monday, and so will miss two turns http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[gowb]

Arrrg Jomon is making me so angry looks like we do actually need the 48 hours he better not stale I was hoping my first MP game would be quicker http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[llamabeast]

Oh man, still no turn by Jomon. I'll PM him and e-mail him.

jmb - let me know when you're going, and I'll postpone hosting for a couple of days. It's unfortunate, but we really don't want people missing turns so early in the game.

[Kyosti]

Sorry everyone, I finally made my turn. I did not notice the game had started... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[bernardo]

Guys, I will be out from tomorrow 09:30 to sunday 23:30. I have already send my second turn to llamaserver and queued some regular units. So, when all turns 3 and 4 are in except mine, please host the new turn. Naturally, if you want to wait for me, or take only one turn in the meantime, it would be greatly apreciated, but if you don't, there is really no problem. Sorry, the problem was unexpected.

[gowb]

Damn jomon you need to pay better attention homie. Isn't it common courtesy to take the next turn immediately if you're the last one to go?

[zenphos]

I do agree. If you are last to put your turn in can you please have 2 turns.
Should never have to wait for the same guy twice in a row.

[Kamamura]

... so... may I suggest... an initial alliance... like... everyone against Jomon? :-D

[zenphos]

Hah,

Well I was inclined to agree, but Jomon has caught on and had 2 goes last time. But a possible note of warning I think for people who take too long. I will be sure to get my turns in quick. 11 v 1 would be pretty steep odds.

[Kamamura]

"Come on,
let's bunch up on
Jomon!"

[Kyosti]

So,, suck my dick kamamura, and don't ask for allies to get [censored] by the true Godö

[Kyosti]

Why don't you gang up upon yourself- you dickmouth?

[Kyosti]

You're so newbie I'll get stuck in the [censored] you throow in the forum, you [censored]- kamamura.

[Kamamura]

Ehm... you made yourself very clear both about your manners and maturity.

[Kyosti]

Sorry, but I don't like you being so aggressive [censored] about people like me- so get an alliance against yourself if you like ganging on the weakerside, you ****head!

[Kyosti]

I'm not so mature as you may think...

[Kyosti]

Kamamura - which nation are you? I'll get to you.

[llamabeast]

Whoah Kyosti, that's quite enough of that! Any more bad language, or even generally offensive behaviour, and I will kick you without hesitation. That kind of attitude is absolutely not the point of the game.

Impressively, I think this is actually the first instance of bad language I've ever seen on the forum. I guess we are generally pretty lucky.

By the way Kyosti, I think Kamamura was fairly obviously joking.

[Kyosti]

Sorry, I was out of line there... Too much beer, no sense of humour.

[llamabeast]

Okay cool, thanks for the apology. Right, on with the Ascension Wars!

[Kamamura]

Right, after such an impressive display of diplomatic skill, let's get back to killing innocent independents and magic research. But, once the world turns out to be a small place, and the borders clash... you know where the territory ripe for conquest lies :-)

As Mulak-Tuk, the great Innuit shaman said - "A man who cannot rule his own temper is hardly fit for ruling a nation".

[Arghaii]

As I said earlier..

barbarians.. hah

[AreaOfEffect]

I recently checked out the names of other people's gods. I think I might have gone a bit overboard with my title, but only by comparison.

[Zenzei]

It seems everyone except me has taken the time to come up with a good name for their pretender. I'm ashamed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

EDIT: This game is starting to move forward faster, nice!

[Kamamura]

As far as pretender names go, I like Heideger the most. Ingenious!

[jmb]

bernardo said:
Guys, I will be out from tomorrow 09:30 to sunday 23:30. I have already send my second turn to llamaserver and queued some regular units. So, when all turns 3 and 4 are in except mine, please host the new turn. Naturally, if you want to wait for me, or take only one turn in the meantime, it would be greatly apreciated, but if you don't, there is really no problem. Sorry, the problem was unexpected.



Same here. I'm leaving now for two days, so when turns 5 and 6 come due I won't be here, but just go ahead and host them and I'll try to catch up when I come back (the more challenge, the more fun http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif )

[llamabeast]

I would rather avoid people missing turns, so I've postponed the timer by 48 hours - hopefully that is a good amount of time for everyone to get back. Apologies to the rest, but it's best if everyone is able to take all their turns.

[Kamamura]

No rush anyway, I am still busy reading the grimmoire and planning my magic research...

[gowb]

Whoa, Kyosti freaked about abit. No worries there mate, don't let the joking get to you, we're not about to gang up on someone for being slow on their turn. That'd be ridiculous!! Plus it would make no sense in the game world http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Anyway I hope I meet people soon so I can get some real diplomacy going and start a lil rp. /threads/images/Graemlins/Panda.gif

[AreaOfEffect]

I want everyone to know now and forever that I have begun to forge for myself an item of true power! As we speak my sages are crafting an incredibly invincible... hat!

Yes, it is the divine truth! A grand and powerful head piece is now in my possession and I demand now that you tremble in fear of it! Fear it for it has the power to be somewhat indestructible! All hail the mighty hat wearer and his equally mighty hat!

[jmb]

llamabeast said:
I would rather avoid people missing turns, so I've postponed the timer by 48 hours - hopefully that is a good amount of time for everyone to get back. Apologies to the rest, but it's best if everyone is able to take all their turns.


Thank you, this is very much appreciated indeed!

[Kamamura]

Area - will you share some details about this uber hat accessory project?

Anyway, I am building an igloo. It's not especially large nor magical, but it is suitable for storing frozen fish through the polar night.

[AreaOfEffect]

Nothing more need to be said about my amazing hat, aside from the fact that it is complete! It's power has been unleashed! There is no longer a single doorway in my kingdom capable of bruising my noggin! My head is now invincible in the face of door frames!

I demand you be convinced that none of your gateways will hinder me any longer! Live in constant fear of that thought!

[llamabeast]

Hey all, I should have done this a while ago: 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 job, but it keeps me from having to carefully watch 30-odd game threads (which I tried for a bit, and it hurt). If someone would volunteer I'd greatly appreciate it.

[gowb]

I'm down for adminning, if you want. I check the thread once daily at least.

[llamabeast]

Awesome, thanks gowb! I'll PM you in a sec with the admin password.

[gowb]

Is it possible to find magic sites in any province? Or is it just in those provinces that are marked with little suns or magical looking landmarks?

[AreaOfEffect]

Magic sites can be anywhere. That being said, some sites are more likely to appear in certain terrain. As an example, forest provinces are more likely to contain nature sites. The icons on the right of the province description will tell your more about the terrain.

The icons on the left side of the province description, like the little suns, are just temporary qualities of the province. They can be changed by a number of factors. For example, many provinces suffer from heat in the summer season and from cold during the winter seasons. The biggest factor in effecting these qualities are dominion.

[gowb]

I was actually talking about the little suns on the map itself - not the heat / cold scales. I know what those are. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif But thanks. I was worried that I wouldn't have easy access to any magic sites, since none of the likely provinces are near me.

[AreaOfEffect]

Ah, well yeah. Those provinces are just more magical. They are more likely to have magic sites. That being said I've played games on this map before using Acashic Record and it can happen that nothing is there and a bunch of good sites can show up in unlikely places. Its all luck.

[Kamamura]

Behold, brave eskimos defeated the corrupt armies of Arcoscephale. Their army barbarised, the enemy hid cowardly behind the backs of foreign crossbow mercenaries and hired elephants from the east - but to no avail. From the depth of the sea, the just rage of Dagon, the Awakened Sleeper, Devourer of Heretic came, wielding two frost-covered blades who shone with cold light that pierced enemy hearts with fear. One by one they fell, and though elephants knocked mighty Ulam-Ulam around a bit, the victory was ours before the day was gone. The igloos are thawing with joy!

[zenphos]

I thought this was a land nation only game? Is it going to skew everything if one player has pretty much free reign on all of the sea provinces?

[Kamamura]

The only nations that were unavailable were Ermor and Rylegh due to their dominion effects. There were no objections about Atlantis, you could see it on the list from the start.

[Kamamura]

Besides, Atlantis starts on land, not in the sea. It has amphibious units, but other nations have them too.

[Arghaii]

It is no easy thing to play a water nation.

[zenphos]

I was actually referring to this comment from llamabeast
"...this will be a land nation only game.."
But I figure he was talking about the parganos map having no water sites.
I was just wandering what difference it might make if one nation has easy access to plenty of provinces which other nations cannot attack. Plus it is a lot harder to defend your borders verse water nations.
It is not a big deal, this is my first MP game, as can be seen by looking at the statistics, and was just wandering how much of a difference it could make.

[gowb]

Since there is no gold gain or magic sites from the sea provinces, it isn't that big of a deal. Or it doesn't seem like it to me. Like you this is my first MP game so I'm not entirely sure.

[Wookie1977]

Atlantis has decided to SC rush the peaceful nation of Arcoscephale.

So I have a proposal for anyone interested 5000 Gold Coin to anyone who is prepared to help in the battle against Atlantis the aggressor and current top of the leader board.
So you will receive lots of gold and a lions share of Atlantis's provinces, a great deal.

You can PM me or send me a message in game if interested.
You can be sure if he successful in his campaign against me he will soon look to new borders to conquer.

Also as I am sure everyone has worked out already Kamamura is a complete prat and the game would be better off without him anyway.

[Kamamura]

The proud eskimos of Atlantis wish to remind everyone that it is better to side with the victor than with the defeated. Loyal friends will be protected and rewarded with trust and fruitful cooperation, traitors will meet swift justice.

Vae victus!

[Kamamura]

I would also like to remind the Arcoscephale hired thugs that they are threading on ancient Atlantian burial grounds, offending both the restless spirits of our ancestors and justly enraged populace. It's them who are the agressors, and Atlantis is merely conducting a retaliatory, preventive strike to defend its homeland.

[AreaOfEffect]

I would like those who have inherited from the children of fire to know that, as of yet, they are not threatened with retaliation. Their failed attempt to conquer our lands have already enacted my vengeance. I assure you that your pretend god will not recover from those grievous wounds and I have lost nothing but meager chaff.

Peace be on to you and your people... for now.

[Kamamura]

However, I would like to remind Arcoscephale that Atlantis is a nation not only bold and proud, but also merciful to those who deserve it. Should Arcoscephale express some form of humility and willingness to cooperate, instead of displays of stubborn and futile adversity, our nation might grant Arcoscephale the status of a vassal state with many enjoyable privilegies and honors.

If Arcoscephale does not find the strength and nobility to negotiate in a civilized manner, its inevitable bitter end will sadden the compassionate souls of many Atlantians.

[Wookie1977]

Battle of Akhtala Ridge

Honourable Arcoscephale Lead by the prophet Alexander.
Versus the
Deceitful Atlantians lead by the Pretender Ulam Ulam.

Turn One
Stomp,Stomp,Stomp,Splat,Splat,Kasplat,Thud.......

Turn Two
BBQ Eskimo and Ulam Ulam
Yum Yum.........

[Kamamura]

Well, it is true that our brave warriors... overextended themselves a bit :-)

[zenphos]

Does this mean the 5000 gold bounty for Ulam Ulam's head is off?

[Wookie1977]

Yes the bounty is off
much like Ulam Ulams head!!

[gowb]

The giants of the Jotun hills have drank in peace with the men of the Arcosephalian plains, and the aggression of the fish people will not be tolerated! Such a dangerous neighbor cannot be allowed to exist, so for the safety of men and giants, we march on Atlantis!

[Profanicus]

Oh no!
Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:

turns@llamaserver.net

Technical details of permanent failure:
PERM_FAILURE: SMTP Error (state 14): 554 5.7.1 <turns@llamaserver.net>: Recipient address rejected: the recipient domain has exceeded our free daily usage limits - try again later

[zenphos]

It accepted my turn file just a second ago no worries.

[llamabeast]

Whoah, weird error. The weirdest thing is I can't work out which company's "daily usage limits" I could be exceeding - the mail server is just a computer at my brother's house. Anyway, let me know if it happens again.

[Kamamura]

The so called "fish people" won't hesitate to bring righteous revenge to all traitors!

[bernardo]

Gowb or Llama, could you please delay 3 hours, to 24:25 GMT, the next turn, only then I will have acess to my gaming computer. Thanks.

[gowb]

Sure, no problem.

In other news, war in the south is heating up! The only uninvolved southern nation so far is Marignon, but who knows how long this will last?? The fishes of Atlantis are on the run and hiding in their stronghold. Arcosephale, once on the defensive itself, rushes to reclaim lost lands while the giants of the Jotun hills take advantage of the chaos! Who will emerge the victor?? Only time will tell...

[zenphos]

Sounds like the southern continent is the place not to be.

Although the northern lands seem to be on a knife edge with many pretenders poised to strike, who shall be the first to march to war?

[Kamamura]

The brave Atlantian nation wants to say this: The treachery commited on our nation shall not go unpunished. We may have been defeated on land, but the lakes, rivers and seas are deep. Watch your step when your farmers go to fill a bucket of water, or your maids admire their beauty in a flowing river - our righteous wrath will not be far!

[Zogger]

Being in the middle between warring south and soon exploding north is not very nice either. Caelum has been at peace except accidental clashing with Pangaea forces when we both moved to same indy province and my army run away when my mammoths fell in love with the beautiful Pangaens and refused to trample them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[gowb]

Treachery? The Atlantians speak of treachery where none exists. Arcosephale is on the warpath out of righteous vengeance - the fish people had marched right up to their doorstep before being driven away. The giants of the Jotun hills had no contact with the fishes before our small friends to the north warned us of their aggression, and we act only out of love for our Arcosephalian allies. So do not lend credence to Atlantis lies! Fish have no teeth to lie through, but they lie just the same.

[AreaOfEffect]

What Atlantis doesn't know is that the great nation of Man has begun the conquest of the sea already. It may also shock him to know that Heidegger, the Witch-King, has ordered the deaths of all living creatures in the sea. Soon the populations of all the underwater provinces will be pillaged to the point of non-existance. There will be no one to tax, no one to recruit, and no one to feed your hungry mouths.

Why would Heidegger do this you say. Simply put, he dislikes sea food.

[jmb]

Zogger said:
Being in the middle between warring south and soon exploding north is not very nice either. Caelum has been at peace except accidental clashing with Pangaea forces when we both moved to same indy province and my army run away when my mammoths fell in love with the beautiful Pangaens and refused to trample them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Well, of course they fell in love! After all, what's there not to love? It is a well known fact that the Pangeans are the best people in this whole world (And I don't say that just because I'm their god, either).

[gowb]

Aasbjörn stood tall against the setting sun. It had burned brightly today, hotter than the Voice of Sölve usually preferred. But the hills of his home were far behind him, and he stood on this fertile ground that the Lord of Near and Close had demanded become theirs. The blood of the indigenous forces stained the soil beneath his feet, and his human retainers busied themselves with finishing off the wounded and dying around him. The Norna and her apprentice had left to scry for any traces of magic left in this dying world, and his elite warriors were off relaxing in their brief respite. He was alone, his massive form silhouetted against the sky. The giant called to be the Prophet of the World God sighed. Not for the first time did he wonder why he had answered that call.

The one they called the Golden directed his gaze to the north. His scouts had reported that a large army of Atlantians had attacked immediately upon his departure, easily rolling over the paltry defenses he had set up. The giant rested his hands on the sword struck into the ground before him, shifting slightly in his burnished golden armor. He had a decision to make. Stand and trust in the might of the Arcosephalian army, or retreat from the behemoth to the north? His warband was in tune with battle and hungry for more, but they were few in number and he doubted any magical tricks the Hag's daughters could come up with would turn the tide.

Angerboda. The Hag of the Iron Wood was another problem he would have to face. The vile giantess had emerged from hiding several months ago, seemingly subservient and willing to serve Lord Sölve - but Aasbjörn did not trust her. The witch served only herself, and though she would not dare to challenge the Lord of Winter Himself, surely His prophet stood as a potential obstacle to power. He did not feel entirely safe with her roaming the halls of the Coldsteel Palace.

Beseiged by enemies from both within and without. Aasbjörn the Golden sighed once again, no steam issuing with his breath, once again reminding him of the distance between him and his beloved home. With a fatalistic shrug, the stoic giant drew the horned helm of his position over his head. Either way, the respite was over.

[gowb]

Utgard requires Death gems and is willing to trade Air, Earth, Astral, or Nature 1:1 for them. We would also be willing to go as high at 50:1 gold for such gems.

[Kamamura]

I am resigning the game.

Goodbye and thanks for all the fish.

[gowb]

Thus the war in the south wraps up. With the evil Atlantians easily conquered (I didn't even have to do anything, lol), Arcosephale, Marginon, and Utgard are the remaining nations on the southern continent. There is peace...for now.

OOC
Good game Kamamura, next time you may want to wait for the seigeing army to break in though. You get the benefit of them having to stream through a small opening and your towers can usually play a large role in defense. I think that would've made it much harder for his elephants to roll right over you. Lessons learned!

[gowb]

Keep us updated on the war to the north guys! It looks like Man, Mictlan, Jomon and C'tis all lost significant amounts of troops recently, while Midgard took a bunch of Abysia's lands...who is fighting whom?? Spill the beans!

[Wookie1977]

Arcosephalian Scholars have released earlier documented reports and negotiations between the 2 nations Atlantis and Arcosephale.

Peace loving Arcosephales earlier request to the Atlantians
"What would it take for a peace agreement?"

Response from the former Warmongering Atlantians.

"The only peace treaty I would be willing to accept considering current power distribution is that I would not go westward beyond that river. Any territories lying eastward are easily within the reach of my forces and I consider them mine. If you can somehow migrate westward, you can save yourself." (Westward would have involved leaving my Capital to the Atlantians)

Victory can be so sweet!!

[Profanicus]

The realm of Midgard retaliates to the invasion of her rightful lands by the vile Abysians. Though advanced in arcane lore, the enemy magicians lack gems and their troops are as cowardly rabble. The flame shall be extinguished and the frigid North reborn anew!

Reports from elsewhere on the continent indicate hostilities raging between the forces of Ulm & Agartha. Key chokepoints are contested - it shall be of interest to see how it plays out.

[Arghaii]

"Captain Scar", the right hand of the prophet of Nosphestes, "El Episcopo", issues the command and the Knights of Marignon ride towards the northern port city of their nation to arrest a band of barbarians. The trespassers, led by a chieftain who dared to bring the northern wars to the shores of Marignon, decided to resist arrest and were inevitably slaughtered.
"These outlanders fight like maniacs, I will give them that", Scar makes a mental note to himself.

[Wookie1977]

Abysia are you still playing?

[gowb]

Abysia has gone on all his turns, yeah. Far as I can tell he's still in - if he can last long enough to put that research to good use he stands a nice chance.

[Zenzei]

@Wookie1977: Abysia(me) is certainly done for in this game but I won't go AI because I definitely want to be in control of my last stand defense in my capitol. AI is unable to give a proper parting gift to the sieging Midgård army. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I'm bit sad that I lost my chances to put up some real fight against Midgård's armies because of some really weird game error. The error in question was that my second castle reset its construction time when it had only one turn left, it is possible that I somehow royally screwed up the orders of the commander building the castle but highly unlikely because I'm very careful with my turns. Needless to say my main army had to stay put in the construction site for another 6 turns instead of fighting Midgård's, at that time still small, forces. During those 6 turns Midgård took most of my provinces for free and then overwhelmed my main army before the castle was built again. If my second castle had been ready in time, I could have at least defended my lands properly instead of being walked over. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

------

Attention everyone: C'tis player's (edhel) windows has crashed really badly and he his unable to play this game for time being. So unless someone objects I have promised to sub him until he gets his computer working again, this shouldn't take more than five or so turns. This means I would control 2 nations at the same time but since Abysia is only waiting for the final battle behind their sieged capitol walls this shouldn't be a problem.

[gowb]

That's a bummer. I hate to see people lose because of glitches, its lame. Anyway, how did you get that much research going so quickly? I've been pumping out skull mentors and I still haven't caught up...

Good luck with C'tis. I'm told by Llamabeast that one player controlling two nations in the same game can sometimes cause trouble with CD keys or something, and force one of the nations to stale, but when I set Atlantis to AI it had no negative effects (unless llama went in after me and corrected it, which is possible since I had asked him to).

[llamabeast]

Yeah, that won't work Zenzei - you'll get a CD key violation like gowb says. Better put an advert on the forum for a temporary sub.

[Zenzei]

Oh, if it causes technical problems, I won't sub. Thanks for the clarification llama.

gowb: My high research is simply the product of magic 3 scale and buying the best mage, warlock, almost every turn. Warlock generates 10 points of research per turn with those scales. When I didn't have money for warlock I bought Newts, who was 5 point researcher for 90 gold. I figured I need powerful spells really fast because my troops were definitely sub par, hence the magic 3 scale. Because at this point it doesn't matter, I can tell I had conjuration 3, construction 4 and thaumaturgy 2 researched. Evocation 6 is turn or two away.

[Profanicus]

You could always sub if you set Abysia to AI Zenzei! I don't like the sounds of this parting gift you have planned! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[gowb]

The giants of the Jotun hills march upon the false god of Marignon. It looks like the southern continent was not meant to experience peace for long...

Our agreement with the men of the swamps and plains will expire in three months.

[gowb]

OOC
Jomon, Pangaea, and C'tis all staled last turn, and it was the second turn in a row for C'tis. Does anyone need the hosting time moved back? C'tis, are you still playing?

[Zogger]

Caelum has still been at peace but I quess soon will come time to march to war. Armies are getting restless with all the drinking and pokerplaying.

[jmb]

Aaarghh, stupid me! I had done my turn 24 and I just plain forgot to send it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[zenphos]

Thats harsh man. Nearly just did the same thing myself with turn 25.
So has anyone advertised for a sub for C'tis and Jomon? Who are about to stall again?

[zenphos]

Well played Zenzei, hard luck with getting double teamed by the 2 leaderboard nations. That was always going to be tough to not get wiped out.
So does anyone know if Zenzei can sub for C'tis now?

[gowb]

Yeah, feel free to sub now Zenzei.

[Zenzei]

Good game everyone and congrats to Profanicus for taking me out. I didn't mind getting double teamed but I certainly would have appreciated a bit more luck regarding starting location. Getting stuck between Midgård & Man (troops rock) as Abysia (troops suck) wasn't excatly ideal. As Midgård quickly blocked my only viable expansion route in the north, I was pretty much forced to attack him. But in the end skinshifters with their 30+ total HPs & regen proved to be too much for my fireballs and falling fires. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Zenzei]

Okay, I'll ask edhel to send me the c'tis turn files (or can the game admin put me in control of ctis?) so I may salvage what's left of multiple stalings. I can't sub forever though, about a week is definitely maximum. So if c'tis' original controller doesn't come back by then the nation should be put AI.

[gowb]

PM me your address, Zenzei, and I'll set C'tis emails to go to you.

[Zenzei]

Done.

[Arghaii]

Gowb, do not announce peace expirations in here, it's lame.
I do not use the forums so much, plus the agreement was made in game, and should be broken in game with a messenger.
I checked the forums just today.

[gowb]

I was planning on it, but only had the time to throw up a post here...and I normally use PMs on these boards instead of the in-game messages, because they take too long. So you wouldn't have gotten it anyway if you don't check around here.

If its a big deal I can wait an extra turn.

[Arghaii]

You sent me an in game message to make the agreement. The game is dominions 3, not forums. Either send me a message in game to begin the 'end of peace' agreement, or I will consider that you did this on purpose.

[gowb]

The agreement began as soon as you read those words dude. I'll give you an extra turn but there's no real point in sending an in-game message. You're just trying to weasel out of this now.

[Zenzei]

Okay C'tis is now under my command for the time being. Things don't look great after so many stale turns but I'll do my best to keep this nation alive. Looks like my first objective is to stop that hideously large Man army. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[AreaOfEffect]

You might be able to stop it with the all powerful spell, "Diplomacy". Its a zero level spell that has a variety of effects. Sometimes it doesn't work.

C'tis originally failed to cast diplomacy and instead directly assaulted me. So hence the large army coming your way.

[Zenzei]

I would normally try to invoke diplomacy but C'tis is so boxed in atm it has to fight someone in order to have any point in playing. Since the original player decided Man is the target so be it. Let's see if I can muster enough troops to beat your horde.

[bernardo]

The fall of Ulm

Chapter 1: Cult of Illuminated
The Iron Faith won the civil war against the Master Smiths.
The Malediction hits the Land.
The Hunger overcomes many Guardians and Counts.
The Cult of Illuminated is founded to harness the power of the Malediction.
Young Women start to disappear.
Fur-cladded barbarians appear in the north mountains. Fortunetellers tell they are responsible for the disappearence. The Hochmeisters do nothing, and direct Ulm's troops to the farmlands of the sout, instead of the holy Mountains in the north, which fall completly under the Mountain Fey dominion.

Chapter Two: The Red Terror
The kidnappings increase.
The Cult discovers that the Malediction is a living entity.
Malediction awaken.
The Cult secretly pleads fealty to the Pretender God.
Malediction wears the Mantle of the latter Iron Faith's God and they too plead fealty.
Vampire Counts awaken.
Iron Faith dissidents start a partisan movement, which base is in the lands of a rogue Vampire Count, Günther.

Chapter 3: Cults of Blood and Death.
Agartha attacks Locmar.
The Siege is long, and bring back the terrible memories of the breaking of The Black Cidatel.
Rangers start a deep strike plan, and break with the Ulm's main force before the Recover of Locmar plan, which fails.
Locmar falls and Agartha marches to Ulm's Black Forest.
A Vampire Count try, despairately, to cut enemy lines, but fails, and the ranger strike force is killed.
Faced with a hopeless situation, General Bernardo abandons the command of Ulm's war effort. General Andrea Inseldorf (AI) assume the control of the Ulm's last stand.

[zenphos]

Very nice post Bernardo. Shame you are withdrawing. You could have out up a desperate last stand.
But well played none the less, I suddenly got very nervous once that vampire count and rangers appeared out of nowhere.

[Profanicus]

Hmmm I have a feeling that the AI will not respect our NAP with Ulm!

[zenphos]

Probably not. But the AI does normally declare war first before he invades so you might get a turn or 2 to fortify.

[bernardo]

Zenphos: Unfortunettlly, I discovered too late the Ulm's stealth power. The game is lost when all you can do is hamper a little your oponnent. In my case, it was lost when I send my ranger teams into a fortified province without early scouting the local defenses. With that defeat attrition war wasn't a option anymore. There is some well-positioned Second Tier Illuminated and two Vampire Counts, but there is no hope to victory, you are in the Black Forest with a large army of which my normal armies cannot defeat one to one and you have more fortifications.
It was fun, and I learned a lot about Ulm, Black Forest. That was a fun war to play, for a moment I thought a could win, but, in the end, I was defeated.

Profanicus: I hope the AI don't attack you. Zenpohos is at the door of my two last Strongholds, soon all my former troops will be trapped in the fort. Sorry for the inconvenience.

[Zenzei]

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/2944/subtj2.jpg
This is how I sub minor nations that have staled 4 turns in a row against one the leader nations.
/good natured bragging

If that is the best Man can do I will seriously roll over him during my subbing time, makes me wonder if I should have attacked Man instead of Midgård when I was in game myself. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

To other nations: Looking for room to expand into? Now would be the time to eye those fertile lands, except the capitol which will C'tis'reward, under Man control because the Witchking will have his hands full with tomb kings. I hear mammoths and skinshifters are especially good this time of year.

[gowb]

Wow! Nice. I'm beginning to see how well smaller armies can do against big ones - just witnessed a Caelum force get its butt handed to it by a Pangaean army half its size. Those dryad hoplites are scary....

[AreaOfEffect]

His army wasn't smaller then mine. He had a great deal of province defense and skelly spam.

Other things to consider, I only brought one mage and one priest to bare. That priest had only 2 holy and the mages strongest path was 2 air. The opposing team had to bring their mage-prophet, their death 9 immortal god, 4 more priests and 3 more priest-mages. All mages had death 4 or higher with exception to one that had death 3.

When calculated, C'tis defended their land with almost twice as much gold, and that's before you included the province defense.

All-in-all, C'tis isn't rolling over me, they are stalemating for a while at a great cost to their mid and late game. His hope is to urge everyone else to do his work for him. Trust me, he isn't pitching in as he isn't even attacking me.

I'd roll over him if he takes away those mages for even one turn. That being the case, C'tis has a larger gapping hole in the defense of it's land then I do. I can at least tell you where his god and prophet is, he can't say the same.

[gowb]

Oh ok. Still, pretty impressive for a sub who just started last turn.

Looks like Caelum really learned from his mistakes. This time he used air and water elementals to shred Pangaea's dryad hoplites, much to my dismay. It's super interesting to see the point / counterpoint play of Dominions battles. I wonder if Pangaea will be able to turn the tables on Caelum again.

How am I getting all this info?? Liberal use of astral window via a couple stone spheres I got lucky and found. Gotta love luck scales. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Zogger]

gowb said:


Looks like Caelum really learned from his mistakes. This time he used air and water elementals to shred Pangaea's dryad hoplites, much to my dismay. It's super interesting to see the point / counterpoint play of Dominions battles. I wonder if Pangaea will be able to turn the tables on Caelum



That sounds very good to me, especially after the first attack was a total disaster http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I have not seen the latest turn yet, but I have to check it after I get home from work. Sounds like my mages made the needed difference against those nasty dryad hoplites. But I'm sure I haven't heard the last of them.

[jmb]

Zogger said:

gowb said:
Looks like Caelum really learned from his mistakes. This time he used air and water elementals to shred Pangaea's dryad hoplites, much to my dismay. It's super interesting to see the point / counterpoint play of Dominions battles. I wonder if Pangaea will be able to turn the tables on Caelum



That sounds very good to me, especially after the first attack was a total disaster http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I have not seen the latest turn yet, but I have to check it after I get home from work. Sounds like my mages made the needed difference against those nasty dryad hoplites. But I'm sure I haven't heard the last of them.



Well, at least it took you 13 mages including your god and your prophet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Plus you again had twice as many real troops (of course, I had a lot of PD, but Pangea's PD are pretty weak) and the first time was touch and go as it was against just regular troops and with a reasonable number of archers in support.

Of course, I'll make you pay as much as possible, but I'd guess I'm in deep trouble now. I don't come even close to matching your resources, or magical level, so unless somebody is ready to take you in the rear (hint, hint) you'll probably roll right over me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[jmb]

gowb said:
Wow! Nice. I'm beginning to see how well smaller armies can do against big ones - just witnessed a Caelum force get its butt handed to it by a Pangaean army half its size. Those dryad hoplites are scary....



Yes, they are probably the best infantry in the game. Now, if only Pangea had some reasonably priced and decent mages to support the dryads...

[jmb]

I don't get it. Not that I'm complaining, mind but there's this battle where according to the replay my army was routed after inflicting heavy losses on the enemy (>50%) and suffering some losses too (~33%) and yet, the report says I won and I did keep the province. What happened here??

[Profanicus]

I also had an anomaly last turn - some troops I had queued up to recruit in a province did not turn up. They are still sitting in their queue this turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif
Anyone know anything about what can cause this, or is it a bug?

[AreaOfEffect]

It is more likely that your unrest is well above 100. High unrest will prevent recruitment.

[Profanicus]

Ahhh of course, I checked and yes this is the case unfortunately for me!
thanks!

[Zogger]

jmb said:
I don't get it. Not that I'm complaining, mind but there's this battle where according to the replay my army was routed after inflicting heavy losses on the enemy (>50%) and suffering some losses too (~33%) and yet, the report says I won and I did keep the province. What happened here??



I don't get it either. My army was clearly the last one in the battlefield but still you kept the province, not nice http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[gowb]

WORM! WORM!

The cry went up among the hirdsmen. The warband clashed their shields against their swords as their throats sang the ancient song of dragon's death. The men of Marignon, for all their fancy livery, tore their clothes in fear and despair. The once-mighty Nosphestes, Drinker of Blood and Bane of Men, lay in a frozen heap upon the ground. His great red wings fluttered raggedly, the taut skin between bones torn beyond all possibility of flight. His blood turned to slush in his veins, the chill of his tormentor giving no quarter. None of his fiery vitae could fall to the ground, so full of ice was he. The great red dragon was down, a shadow of his former glory with only a sliver of life remaining.

A massive foot lay upon the wyrm's slender neck. Its owner roared into the night, steam rising from his throat in great plumes. Sölve, Son of Neifel, raised his blade of cold flame to the heavens and cried his victory, outlined in the fires his enemies had summoned. His warband echoed his call, and their fury mixed with the cries of their opponents, until rage and despair rang out over the scarred, burning forest.

The Lord of Winter raised his blade for the final blow. In desperation, Marginon's archers loosed their arrows, each aiming for the giant's massive back.

In a twist of tragic irony, a barbed shaft found its way into the very skull of Nosphestes. The dragon's last breath escaped its jaws, and with a thrash it lay still. Sölve stood robbed of his kill, insensate to the arrows pinging off of his armor and helm.

The battlefield fell silent. The final exhalation of Nosphestes echoed across the forest, audible above the crackling of the flames and the screams of the wounded. A cold wind blew through the remaining ranks of Marignon, and to a man they shuddered.

In a moment Sölve was among them, unprepared archers falling beneath his boots and blade. Faster than they could react, he was on the Goetic Master and tore the life from their high priest. It was too much. The armies of Marignon fled for their lives, pursued by the hirdsmen of Utgard.

[Zenzei]

Okay, I've talked to edhel and his problems with his computer are worse than first expected, so he won't be coming back to this game. Furthermore, I'm already playing three other games and they eat my time pretty good so I won't be able to permasub C'tis in this game and I think finding permasub would be hard as C'tis' situation isn't so good(though I have managed to improve it a bit). Therefore I've decided to put C'tis on AI soon, in about three turns, but before that happens I really want to fight some battles with Man just because they have been quite entertaining so far and I want to crush those defenders who always run away just before getting killed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[zenphos]

Well since Zenzei is happy enough to play the next 3 turns I think we should look for a permanent sub to replace him.
I might be able to find someone, there is someone playing in another one of my games who might be up for it.

[Arghaii]

Weaseling out? I don't stand a chance against such arguments, therefore I will stop arguing.

[zenphos]

I have found another guy to play and take over from Zenzei.
Is gowb the moderator here? And zenzei how many more turns do you want to play?

[Zenzei]

zenphos: I'll be happy to give C'tis over to the new guy as soon as possible, saves my time. However, you should make it perfectly clear to the new sub that C'tis has exactly 0% chance of winning this game and huge chance of dying soon because noone has attacked Man, as I had hoped, to take some heat off C'tis back. So Man has been able to put all of its' resources against the lizardmen. Even though I've beat Man's army three times now(I did lose some valuable commanders in the most recent fight though), conquered a few new provinces and build a second lab & temple for the nation, there's no way I(or the new guy) can fight prolonged fight against Man, who has the income and research and army size of C'tis three times over, without any help.

So if the new sub likes impossible challenges and still wants to sub, he can take over immediately and I wish him good luck. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
If not, I'll put C'tis under AI on turn 36.

[gowb]

Yes, I am the admin. Send me this guy's email and I will set it up.

[zenphos]

I explained the situation to him. And I think he is still up for it. He has just started and only has one game going at the moment. Basically I said it will be good practice for fighting a losing battle in the mid game and he said he was up for it.
I will tell him to get in touch with Gowb and send his email address. And also to read the forum just so he is aware of the situation.
Hopefully he will be able to at least put up a better fight than the AI who can be woefully stupid at times.

[Zenzei]

I just played turn 35 for C'tis and it was my last turn in this game. I lost this turn's fight against Man but I killed half of his army and routed the rest, so it gives a short breathing period as Man has to bring in at least some reinforcements, if Heidegger really intends to punch through the remaining sauromancers. Good luck to the new sub and good game to everyone else remaining in the game. This is Zenzei signing out from VesperBat.

PS: AreaofEffect, hopefully the casualties I caused to you during our short war period at least made you feel the price of fighting C'tis. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
PPS: I hope the new sub takes over immediately because it's his and C'tis' best interest to do so and I don't want to get any useless turn notifications into my email. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[AreaOfEffect]

Indeed you fought the good fight. Though I would think you paid the greater cost in research. Good luck to you and to the new player of C'tis.

[zenphos]

Good luck in your other games Zenzei and I hope the new guy puts up as good a fight as you.
By the way apparently he said he PM'ed Gowb so he should be in this turn.
If not let me know and I will send Gowb his email address.

[Wookie1977]

Could I please get the game suspended from 14:00GMT Wednesday 23 April until 14:00GMT Saturday 26 April as I am going away.

Please let me know if this is ok as I will not have access to a computer in this time

[gowb]

I haven't received any PMs.

Oh and a warning to you guys - don't trust Arcosephale. He has long been planning a betrayal of his supposed allies the Utgard giants, and despite my aid and support during his war with Atlantis is entirely ungrateful and evil. Just wanted to warn anyone he has a NAP with, he will not give warning of his intentions before he attacks - he did not with his ancient and friendly allies, so why would he with those he is only bound to by a mere treaty? The majority of his forces are engaged to the south, so if our northern neighbors with to stage an invasion of our continent, now is your chance.

[zenphos]

That is a little odd because C'tis is putting in turn files.

4 days is a big wait. But since it looks like you and Gowb and well whoever else just went to war missing 4 turns could sting a little.

[Wookie1977]

it is 72 hours not 4 days, but I could try and get a sub if people prefer

[Wookie1977]

And to clarify things
The giants broke a deal we had over Marignon land split so I went to war against him.
So I guess for those of you who have deals with me if you don't break that deal then there is nothing to worry about.

I mean what were the Gianst expecting when they broke the deal for me simply to ignore it? what would you do?

[gowb]

Arco had the intention of breaking our deal from when we first went to war against Marignon - his armies were in place way too soon for it to be a reaction against my own actions. And we offered viable alternatives for our deal, which were ignored by our "allies" who demanded we give up more than half of our empire instead. And when we rightly refused, they were suddenly in position to attack immediately. Coincidence that his main armies, who were supposed to be in position to attack Marignon, were suddenly on my opposite border, completely around the world? I don't think so /threads/images/Graemlins/Panda.gif

[gowb]

Arco had the intention of breaking our deal from when we first went to war against Marignon - his armies were in place way too soon for it to be a reaction against my own actions. And we offered viable alternatives for our deal, which were ignored by our "allies" who demanded we give up more than half of our empire instead. And when we rightly refused, they were suddenly in position to attack immediately. Coincidence that his main armies, who were supposed to be in position to attack Marignon, were suddenly on my opposite border, completely around the world? I don't think so /threads/images/Graemlins/Panda.gif

Oh yes and a sub would be preferable. If you can't tho I will pause, I wouldn't like to be accused of abusing my admin powers to stop your unjust war http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Wookie1977]

Lets get this straight, the Giants send me a PM to break our agreement before I had my go for that round.

Upon receiving the Oathbreakers message I Move all my Northern armies towards the south as a back up should diplomacy fail and as I signal that these alternate viable options suitable for the Giants are not exceptable.

3 turns later Diplomacy fails and we go to war.

Now we are at war lets just get on with it and stop crying.
I mean Marignon did not cry when you crushed him and started singing your warcry.

[gowb]

Crying? I'm just warning others of your treachery, and treachery is exactly what it looks like from my end. I had scouts in your northern territories - you never had an army there, you never planned on attacking Marignon with me, and I suspect you manufactured this war as a diversion for your own treacherous purposes. Solve is not pleased, though he does whole-heartedly anticipate the great bloodshed this will bring about. It is a dire task serving a warrior god...

[Wookie1977]

Ok looks like I have a sub so dont have to delay

[gowb]

Cool! Do you need me to set up the server to send him the emails? Shoot me a PM if so.

We're about to hit turn 40, so if any of you guys are having trouble with the 24 hour turn limit, lemme know.

[Kyosti]

I'd like the turn limit set to 36 hours, because I have quite insane work schedule at the momentt, and lots of other stuff going on also. So I get lot of stale turns and It's not so fun.

[Profanicus]

I have no problem with 36 hour turns

[zenphos]

While I prefer 24 hours, Vesper is my favourite game because the turns come and go so quick, 36 hours is fine with me.
I would prefer to have to wait a bit longer for my turns than have Kyosti quit.

[jmb]

36 hours is fine by me.

[gowb]

36 hours it is!

[zenphos]

Seeing as how this will be marignon's 3rd stale in a row maybe he should be set to AI. I think he only has 4 or 5 provinces left anyway.
And I would rather not have to keep waiting for him until all his provinces can be taken as this may take another 4 or 5 turns which means another 4 or 5 stales.

[Wookie1977]

Yeah I agree put Marignon on AI unless someone knows where he is

[gowb]

Alright! I PM'd llamabeast, who should be back by now, to help me set him to AI. I can't really do it myself and risk staling this turn.

[zenphos]

I think Llama is the only person who can do it.

Be good to know if he is going to be AI before turns get submitted though. AI may not be all that bright, but he is a little more cunning than someone who stands still and doesn't spend his taxes. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[gowb]

Llama took care of it. Anyone can actually set a nation to AI, you just have to resend their turn to another email, but if someone currently in the game does it I think it has a chance of making their real nation stale because of copy protection or something. I managed to set Atlantis to AI when he left earlier without any damage but I didn't want to risk it again.

[Profanicus]

Kyosti, you still playing? Even with 36 hour turns Jomon has staled the last 2 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[zenphos]

Jomon has now staled the last 4 turns. Time to switch him to AI. 3 in a row I feel is enough.

[Wookie1977]

Due to Lack of time and RL commitments I am going to have to sub this one out.
Arco is in a great spot and have just about conquered the giants.
Now if only we could keep the Vulturous Agarthians away from our spoils of victory.
Anyway not sure how to go about finding a sub, does anyone know anyone?

[gowb]

Whoops, sorry for the lack of response time all! I've been having trouble with my computer lately, the graphics card shorted out, so it can barely even run Dominions 3 without crashing! Pretty sad. I'm getting a new computer on the 12th, so I should be back in full force by then.

As for the moment, I will set Jomon to AI and I concede the war to Arcosephale, who simply overwhelmed me with sheer volume of troops - summoned and recruited. I didn't get to watch the last battle, but I had a couple supercombatants who I thought would turn the tide and apparently didn't. Oh well! Good game everyone. Zenphos, would you like to be the new admin? I won't be able to check the thread for a while and don't want to leave you guys hanging.

[zenphos]

No worries. I am happy enough to be admin. Well played Gowb and it is a shame you are leaving. I felt a little safer with the giants on my border than I do Arco.
I will see what can be done about a sub.

[Wookie1977]

It's all good a sub has been found.

The giants fought bravely in the last battle , luckily in any fight I had against the Giants I outnumbered them 4 to 1. Unfortuneatley the supercombatants fell to the paralyse spell, and then Solve the frost Giant Pretender got Soul slayed. Well played Gowb, and good luck to the new arco player.

[gowb]

Well I've learned a valuable lesson: never ignore magic resistance on your SCs. I think the final battle would've also gone differently if Angerboda (one of my heroes) had been able to cast Call Horror like I wanted...I dunno if I would've won, but it certainly would've made things more interesting! Unfortunately I forgot to give her the three blood slaves it cost. I don't know how strong horrors are, but I'm sure it might've mussed up your formations a bit, hehe.

[AreaOfEffect]

Sorry about the bad luck there Gowb.

Also, as a side note... I'm not dead yet!

[zenphos]

So I noticed.
Heading back up the province charts I see.
Give him hell before you go I say. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[AreaOfEffect]

That's the plan. I'd rather die then turn AI. Which will be soon enough.

[jmb]

Well, this is it I'm done for. Thanks everyone for a great game and good luck to those still there.

[AreaOfEffect]

I'm still not dead yet???

Come on, this is just starting to get silly. That last province I took didn't even have any PD.

[zenphos]

I have a sneaky feeling this may be it. Nothing makes a waste 3 hours checking every province to make sure it has PD in it like losing a province you just ook.
Well played Area and well done to hang around and be a thorn in Midgards side.

[AreaOfEffect]

It was my pleasure. Of course now I must bow out and never return, as I have finally been annihilated. Good game.

Time saving hint: I do my overall check of PD in the national overview, as it is much easier to do. Each provinces' stats are all laid out for you to see. Just press F1 one to get there and adjust the PD from there. That should cut those hours down to minutes.

[zenphos]

Wookies replacement, which is his brother so if you need to get in touch with him then you can still contact wookie, apparently they stay in touch. Wookie must be a back seat dominions player. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.
Anyway False Wookie, or maybe it should be SubWookie, is away for the weekend so hosting will be put back a bit. He got his turn in before he went so should only be an extra day or so. May as well take some deep breathes and focus on this turn as the next one will be about 48 hours away.

[Zogger]

This is it, I am soon done for. My troops and magic were no match for Midgård and Arcoscephale. There are few fight still to come but then it is over. But still I think this was good enough result for my first MP game.

Have fun with the end game.

[zenphos]

Congrats Zogger. Sorry I was not more help in the fight but midgard simply swarmed the entire northlands far faster than I thought was possible.
Good game and I hope top meet you again in the future.

[zenphos]

Congrats to midgard for sneaking in a win. Long game but it is now all over. Will see what can be done about getting him into the hall of honour.

[Profanicus]

Thanks all it was a great game and I really enjoyed it. Time to start hunting around for another one to occupy the next few months!