Ascendant - Game On!

[Renojustin]

By taking over his provinces one at a time. And of course you know where he is every turn he attacks you. And his army is usually too small to push yours back, which means you can hit him once he's attacked.

[Darkwind]

Mozkito said:
They will be mine once again soon enough... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/fear.gif

And I'll send another army to capture them. Then, another one. And another. And another.

I can build an army every two turns, probably more if I started alchemizing. Can you? Can you build an army that's resistance to unbreakable chaff, trampling, and mind-enslaving?

[Mozkito]

Skeletons my friend...Skeletons ;D

[Darkwind]

I'll trample them, and when the tramplers are gone, I'll match them 2-1 with my armies of chaff. When those are gone, well, Dust to Dust, my friend http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Your mages will get mind blasted.

[Mozkito]

Well, unlike Formoria, I won't stop fighting! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Darkwind]

I was assuming he was talking about his pretender(who accompanies his armies), but yeah, that's a good point too. I need an army composed solely of Mind Lords http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif SC? Mind Enslave. Mage? Mind Enslave. Undead army led by undead? Mind Enslave commanders. Regular army? Mind Enslave. Chaff army? Soul Drain + Mind Enslave. Mind Lords are awesome.

[Mozkito]

I hate you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif so so much

[Darkwind]

I take it you agree to my peace terms then? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif They're not too bad. At least I'm not going to force you to pay money.

[Mozkito]

I spit on your peace terms!

[Darkwind]

Then I Mind Enslave you! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Just out of curiosity, what would be acceptable peace terms?

[Mozkito]

Hah! You can't because I'm Undead! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[kasnavada]

Claire thinks that Abyssia has a lot of neighbours. She also says that she wants to remain neutral. Conflict is not what the love of Claire taught us !

[sum1lost]

Post deleted by sum1lost

[Renojustin]

It looks like Fickle of Fomoria actually played a turn, so for now we'll keep him in the game.

Now if we can get Ossa to university with a little more regularity, we'll be set! lol

[FrozenFalcon]

Ok, I just mixed your offer to a NAP. No problem. Faerie people won't give up so easily.

[Renojustin]

I'm sorry about the confusion, it wasn't my intention at all. Good luck to you, but not TOO much luck! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[kasnavada]

Claire wants to add that it's rather funny how Sauromantia just used diplomacy to find out the position of everyone on the map and decided or at least took part in a lot of decision in the wars to come. Claire sees that as a result, the lizards seem in a position to make a lot of people believe in the lizard god rather than her. Claire asks : do the people of the world really attack the right ennemies ?

Claire thinks that the people that do not believe in her yet (especially Claire's neighbours) should think a little before attacking everywhere randomly as soon as the Pantokrator left this world !

[Mozkito]

But don't you understand Claire! Ry'leh cannot be allowed to tread in the open fields! He needs to be confined to the waters lest he ruin us all! Maverni it seems is already his slave, and when he's done with them, they shall be discarded just like the atlantians were!

Oh, and I apologize about my dominions getting all up in your territories http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif Just build a temple or two (If I'm still alive of course!) and I'll make sure not to preach or have my prophet near.

[kasnavada]

Claire says that she doesn't worry about some of her people starting to believe in another god instead of believing in her. Claire does however believe in peace for her followers, but doesn't like to see followers in pieces.

[Darkwind]

Mozkito said:
But don't you understand Claire! Ry'leh cannot be allowed to tread in the open fields! He needs to be confined to the waters lest he ruin us all! Maverni it seems is already his slave, and when he's done with them, they shall be discarded just like the atlantians were!

Oh, and I apologize about my dominions getting all up in your territories http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif Just build a temple or two (If I'm still alive of course!) and I'll make sure not to preach or have my prophet near.

Yoth'Shothogg went into war with the vile lizard-men at the behest of Marverni.

And the Atlantians were never discarded. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Hell no, H2O! Hell no, H2O!

[Wrana]

Totally tangential but the idea that the middle east controls the world's oil supply is a huge fallacy. North America only imports about 3% of their oil supply each year from the middle east.



Of course! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif But Europe imports most of its oil from Middle East. Do you not think that it's very profitable for American oil companies to control Middle East oil, too (in addition to N. America own sources)? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Add to this that the President at the moment is from old oil family...

[Wrana]

To Renjoustin:

And with regards to aiding and abetting an enemy being an offensive act or not, well that really depends on the nation who it offends, doesn't it? Because their reaction is very important...


Of course. That's whole additional game in case of Dominions and quite literally Royal Pain in *** in real-life. Though there are people who thrive in it, too. And most of such occurrences are surely interesting to study later! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

BTW - Tien Chi, I'll eat you alive you slime oriental bastard!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
And if you'll get me, I'll send some choice trinkets to whoever wars with you at the moment.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Darkwind]

Wrana said:
To Renjoustin:

And with regards to aiding and abetting an enemy being an offensive act or not, well that really depends on the nation who it offends, doesn't it? Because their reaction is very important...


Of course. That's whole additional game in case of Dominions and quite literally Royal Pain in *** in real-life. Though there are people who thrive in it, too. And most of such occurrences are surely interesting to study later! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

BTW - Tien Chi, I'll eat you alive you slime oriental bastard!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
And if you'll get me, I'll send some choice trinkets to whoever wars with you at the moment.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

As long as you try to curb Renojustin's power too, I'm fine with you taking down T'ien Chi. They're not very interested in responding to me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif

[Frumious]

Wrana said:

BTW - Tien Chi, I'll eat you alive you slime oriental bastard!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif




With swords and axes? With torches?

The magical might of T'ien C'hi transcends such mundane weaponry. You will see.

p.s. R'lyeh, I'm sure Ulm is very glad and honored to have your permission for attacking me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Mozkito]

Ooh sorry about province 36 Claire! I just wanted to expand a bit more so I could get a bit higher income for this endless war

[kasnavada]

Actually you lost so Claire is the one that is sorry !

[Renojustin]

Argh, waiting on Fomoria again... I find myself so excited to play a turn right away that I can feel every little delay now!

**Looking to trade Nature gems for Death at 1:1**

[Renojustin]

I'd just like to state for the record that I'm glad to read anything that anyone in the game has to say, no matter how insignificant or silly it might seem. Don't keep it all in for fear of sounding foolish. We're all new here; let's all get to know each other as players while we can!

And I hope that if anyone has game mechanics related questions, we can all help answer it here as well.

I just recently discovered that bad omen events decrease the Luck scale of a province by 2. Tricky!

[Mozkito]

I always wondered what that did haha, thanks!

[Renojustin]

A swollen pack of quicksilver wolves flowed across the plain toward the dirty ranks of bloody Sauromatia, like a river loosed from its captor. The sky grew dark and dripped poison, and Tuatha Sorceresses, full of knowledge and power, some near a thousand years old, died.

The wolves crashed into the front lines of the Sauromatians, and turned out to be no more than fangs and mist. The rank and file raised a cry, bloodstained, filed teeth hissing at their foe.

Golden Sidhe and Tuatha, finally returned from their shadowy lands beyond, met the iron rain of amazon arrows with their glowing molten shields, not entirely impervious to the massive number of falling projectiles. They battled through the Sauromatian line and assaulted the archer formation, golden spears flashing in the sun. They lept, spun, laughed, and died.

Daja, the great mother of all Tuatha, called her troops back, but there were none left to answer. She finally fled to the safety of her parapet, crying the hot, dark tears of a lost race.

Goober the Witch King wiped his brow and licked his red -stained lips in anticipation of the feast to come. Just outside the walls of the fort, to let the remaining inhabitants smell the flesh of their kinsmen, the fires were erected.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/renojustin/tirbattle-3.jpg

[Darkwind]

Renojustin said:
And I hope that if anyone has game mechanics related questions, we can all help answer it here as well.

Ooh, ooh! I have a question!

I know what horrors are--really strong beings that can kill SCs and, failing that, send them down the path to death by horror. What I don't know is the difference between Horrors, Doom Horrors, Dream Horrors, etc. I know Doom Horrors are unique and possibly the strongest units in the game, but that's about it. What are the different Doom Horrors? What is a Dream Horror? What in the world do these things look like(I heard they were supposed to be really wierd-looking, but I've never gotten a horror attack, so I wouldn't know).

Also, err, it seems like Tir Na n'Og is in deep trouble. As it turns out, I think Kailasa is taking them down too. Perhaps I was wrong to root for the monkeys http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif And in other news, Marverni is winning the war against C'tis and I just found a Kelp Fortress. Awesome.

[Shigure]

Darkwind said:
Also, err, it seems like Tir Na n'Og is in deep trouble. As it turns out, I think kailasa is taking them down too. Perhaps I was wrong to root for the monkeys http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Sick.gif



Your ancient aboleths see much, but in this instance they are wrong. Tir na n'Og has been a good if reticent neighbour, and we would never attack them as you suggest. We are, on the other hand, annexing nearby independent provinces that border Tir na n'Og; perhaps this is the source of your confusion. (We do not blame you; it is indeed difficult to tell the many varieties of hairless bipeds apart.)

[Renojustin]

I've seen Minor Horrors, which are cute; your common run-of-the-mill generic Horror, which is already starting to look quite funky; and then, I once saw a Doom Horror I think, although if it was, it might have been one of the weaker ones.

[secretperson]

There is the Maker of Ruins which kinda looks like a funky huge beetle if i remember right. One that looks like a huge ghostly-type head. And one that looks like the dominions application icon for OSX (dunno if it's the same for PC) I think that one is the eater of gods.

To make a long story short, you DON'T want to see those doom horrors cause they are quite nasty http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif. I've had a few SCs kill the doom horrors but the fights were pretty close and this was an uber-decked out SC. If I remember right the higher end horrors have armor negating attacks with like 6 or more attacks and do crazy damage.

[secretperson]

On a side note, Battle rages between Arco and Helheim as Helheim strongly assaults Acro's prized lands. All seems quiet in the lands of Lanka as they quietly and quickly prepare an invasion force for Acro's lands.

[Renojustin]

Oh Lanka, don't you see that you're next? You foolish demons, the Hanged Kings care for nothing!

The Bloody Bags, merchants of Sauromatia, have wondrous and splendid gems of Nature for sale. Gain a year of life! Invigorate an entire field of crops! Unlock the potential of your member!

All they ask in return are gems of death and sickness. Give us your negativity, we'll give you the gems of life!

[Renojustin]

Near the beginning of the wars of dominance, when Sauromatia was still young and foolish, we bespoke ourselves kindly with several nations. Naive and trusting, we considered them to be our friends.

But then... Abysia sends minstrels to tell lies about our people. Kailasa refuses to finish their downed foe, something that is abhorrent to us. Our two erstwile 'friends' leave something to be desired in these matters! I am afraid that we can no longer consider you to be our bosom pals.

Do not be angry, only be thankful that you do not become our foe! We shall consider allowing you to make amends.

[Shigure]

Renojustin said:
The Bloody Bags, merchants of Sauromatia, have wondrous and splendid gems of Nature for sale. Gain a year of life! Invigorate an entire field of crops! Unlock the potential of your member!

All they ask in return are gems of death and sickness. Give us your negativity, we'll give you the gems of life!



Warning, nations of Ascendant! It is known that Sauromatia is touched by death and arrogance. Do not purchase these gems of so-called life! Many thousands of Sauromatian children and slaves have died mining these tainted stones.

Instead, support Kailasa nature gems. Produced using environmentally sound organic methods passed down traditionally from the yakshas themselves, Kailasa gems are a non-polluting renewable source of life and vitality. Also, every order of Kailasa nature gems comes with a year's supply of organically grown bananas, ape-tested and yaksha-approved!

[Mozkito]

Who says I'm losing? Maybe Maverni is losing but just does'nt know it yet!

[Renojustin]

rofl guys

Pretty fun, it's still early game and so much has already happened. I expected more people to be at war, Abysia and Lanka and Caelum and Kailasa and Atlantis and everyone to be fighting something... but people have been a lot more cautious than anything so far!

And yet, we've all done a lot too.

[kasnavada]

Claire says that it means your foolish plots were uncovered ! You expected the demons of Lanka to attack Claire ? But why ? Did you send them this suggestion ?

Claire says your plot is to see and make the wars from the world. Claire is sure that a few already have received messages from you telling or advising them to attack, and that it is proof of your meddling ! As Claire wants nothing but peace, it means that you are a war fool !

And about Lanka : Claire says that you don't know ! Claire says that they will not attack, because they do know what would befell their armies should they attack : no one would come back. First, they would fell prey to disease, then we would have to use fire to purify them.

Finally, Claire says that you will never be hot enough for her.

[Renojustin]

Sauromatia merely believes that there should be more action in the world, discord, strife. Sauromatia helps its friends with advice, such as when to attack a weak enemy. What is wrong with war?

And furthermore we live in the warm, warm swamp. Our lands burn hot.

[Darkwind]

Well, the horrible horrors support my idea that R'lyeh is awesome. They come with a built-in Horror Marking machine (I've heard on the forum that horrors are supposed to be anti-SC units). Every one of their magi have at least one level of Astral.

[secretperson]

Isn't Claire a dude? Claire had the title of king or something (???)

[secretperson]

Claire- "The Unforgiving King"

uh.....transvestite???

[Vellon]

Pretenders apparently don't bother much with gender!

[Frumious]

So, what the hell just happened?

[Renojustin]

Ich messed up the victory conditions at the start, we need to see if we can get him to fix this.

[FrozenFalcon]

Ulm won. My guess? *someone* messed up with the game settings. You need to just capture one capital and keep your previous one.

[lch]

One turn notification mail bounced back:

Final-Recipient: rfc822; voronin...
Original-Recipient: rfc822;voronin...
Action: failed
Status: 5.0.0
Remote-MTA: dns; mxs.mail.ru
Diagnostic-Code: smtp; 550 spam message discarded. If you think that the system
is mistaken, please report details to abuse@corp.mail.ru


Wrana, please whitelist my sending address or whatever you need to do to tell your email service provider that it isn't spam.

[lch]

Renojustin said:
Ich messed up the victory conditions at the start, we need to see if we can get him to fix this.


Hmm, what? I tried to match the victory conditions as close as possible regarding your request. I'll have a look about "what happened".

[kasnavada]

Hum I don't think I'd like a fix now.

A restart might be nice though, I could use not killing Claire on turn 2.

[Renojustin]

Kasnavada, why even suggest that when everyone has played so hard and long to be where they are? He has the file for the turn, it shouldn't be too tough to just plug that into where we need to be.

[lch]

This sucks. I must have really messed up when creating this game again. We did reset once, right? I remember that I set the VP requirement to win to 50 VPs when I created the (first) game. Because without a VP win condition, you can't have capital VPs. But it seems I forgot to change the slider the second time, because the VP win condition was only 2 VPs now. Couldn't you have noticed this earlier? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif It's in Options -> View game settings. Well, this is my fault, and I have to apologize - I'll try to fix this, somehow, but I don't think it will really be possible.

[Renojustin]

Not really what we wanted to hear after trusting you with our game and putting a lot into it the last few weeks. You can do it!!

Good luck with the fix.

[kasnavada]

Kasnavada, why even suggest that when everyone has played so hard and long to be where they are?



Because I had the case in another game and we had to restart : I therefore doubt very much that it's possible to fix it. Furthermore, the fact that we know have everyone's position is too much of a spoil in my opinion.

And, restarting could also enable you to make some adjustments for the map : I thought you wished to make all three seas connect each other ? (making an underground tunnel between 94 - 86 and 92 - 85 could solve this).

I'll do what people decide though. I didn't mean to discourage people... And I'm among the ones that played here too. I'd rather go on too...

[Renojustin]

The map seems very balanced for two water nations.

That's not the issue at hand here really, is it though? lol

[kasnavada]

It's not a major issue, yeah.

Well. We'll see if Ich can work this out.

[Renojustin]

People seeing the map isn't necessarily all that bad. Everyone knew what was going on pretty well. So we all get Eyes of God for a turn. That's dramatic and magical.

[Renojustin]

Oh yeah Ich, there was no restart.

[lch]

Hmm, I could swear that there was something which required me to do the same procedure to start the game twice. But I don't know what it was anymore.

[Darkwind]

If we restart, can I resend my pretender? I forgot to set a password for Yoth'Shothogg http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[Mozkito]

Wait what!? What is happening to our game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Renojustin]

I'm asking Kris O if there's anything they can do about it. 15 players playing their first game... together, we've spent nearly $1000 on Dominions, and we've played this one almost a month now. Maybe there's some jury rig they can do to the file or something. I'm sure they'd want to help us, their loyal customers. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[lch]

I already asked KO, and he replied that he can't do it. Nevermind, I think I have found a solution. Patience...

[lch]

In case you didn't get the email (Wrana, fix yours): Delete your old game files and connect again.

[Renojustin]

It seems to work, but everyone's troops are deserting because there's no gold. Can we try that again? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

edit: the problem seems to be that provinces are all equal to 0 income

[lch]

Oops. Okay, I will try again. I'll have to be faster in convincing the game that it hasn't ended already...

Everybody, please delete all your savedgames files for Ascendant / Ascendancy.

[Renojustin]

Nice work! Tell us when we can reconnect again. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Wrana]

And now wtf? Also, Ich, I usually just look at your stats page, so mail shouldn't be an issue... And my mailbox also has no your messages in spambox, too. So it's probably YOUR mailbox which needs rechecking.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
And in case this will not have to be restarted (which I'm not against as I missed 2nd turn! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif) -
R'lyeh - we do not need ye permission to do what we damn please, ye abomination! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

About Claire - I've seen several times that the titles were given regardless of gender of Pretender in question as given in description... Probably either female-property was forgotten for some of those planned as female (as its main game effect is immunity to succubi... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif ) or title-giving doesn't look at it. I'm more inclined to think it's the first case.

[Renojustin]

A couple of provinces don't really connect like it looks like they're supposed to. Any way to straighten that out before you get the server back up?

[Wrana]

It's often the case with random map generator. Possibly with manually editing *.map file?

[lch]

Renojustin said:
Nice work! Tell us when we can reconnect again. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif


You can do that now. Remember to delete old game files first.


Wrana said:
And now wtf? Also, Ich, I usually just look at your stats page, so mail shouldn't be an issue... And my mailbox also has no your messages in spambox, too. So it's probably YOUR mailbox which needs rechecking.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


The message is bouncing back from your email server, see my quote. That means that it never touches your inbox or spam folder.


Renojustin said:
A couple of provinces don't really connect like it looks like they're supposed to. Any way to straighten that out before you get the server back up?


No. I wasted enough time on this as is. I'm not supposed to be patching the game while it's underway. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif


Wrana said:
It's often the case with random map generator. Possibly with manually editing *.map file?


If the map generator uses the same algorithm for neighbor detection like the original fan made one it was based on, then that thing really sucks. I have coded something for this which I'll release later when I get to polish it a bit, but in any case these changes have to be applied before the game has started. After the game has started, the map graph goes into the fthrlnd file and the game ignores the .map.

[Renojustin]

Hey, you did it! Nice job man!!

[secretperson]

lol wow- i didn't even realize all this had happened. I guess i got lucky and logged in after it was all resolved.

[kasnavada]

Wow. Ich is amazing. Well.

[Renojustin]

Sauromatia lays claim to the sacred Neck. The ancestral homes of Old Sauromatia lay on the banks of the vast Middle Sea. Once a proud people lived there in shining cities.

Then Stravinsky the phoenix god came down and took the form of a stork. He gathered the wise old men of the proud city together, and challenged them to a game. He showed the men his golden-red rubies the size of kiwis, and then they knew greed.

Stravinsky used the air itself to move his cards and trick the men, and before long, he had won all the men's monies. But Stravinsky was a cruel god, and he offered the men one last "chance" to get their gold and jewels back.

Goober the Witch King, the Swamplord himself, rose and took the trickster's challenge and bet the ancient lands of the Neck against the shadows and trickery of Stravinsky. The challenge was simple.

"Heads or tails?" Stravinsky squawked - the stork suddenly burst into flame, cackling and howling like a thing of both the fire and the wind.

And a tritoness was carried in screaming by four monstrous black apes in metal armors, their immense figures sleek and dangerous. They readied their razor-sharp falchions as she struggled to breathe through drying gills.

[Wrana]

To Ich:
I surely got your notification mail from May 03. Did the message you had quoted was from later time or did by "one turn" you meant earlier? For earlier I had one of your messages spamboxed, but after I notified server this didn't repeat. BTW, about "thing that sucks" I can only agree... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

To Renjoustin/Sauromatia:
Well, and what these pretty words mean? You want to beat crap out of somebody? Just tell him:
"I want your lands. I want your gold. I want your women. Prepare to die!"
Or did you eat up too much Sidhe meat to be able to speak plain now? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Darkwind]

"Two Birds With One Stone"? I assume you're warring with Atlantis as well as Kailasa. Or am I wrong?

At any rate, my war with C'tis is about to take a bad turn before it gets better.

[Renojustin]

I noticed that... they have freaky research and they're crushing your invading armies.

Kailasa gave me a smack to the face last turn as well, but I ended up killing a good 60-70%% of what I lost in gold, and still expanding. It looked pretty bad till the end, but then my archers fired one last time before breaking, and shot up a squad of Yavanas pretty well.

[Darkwind]

Renojustin said:
I noticed that... they have freaky research and they're crushing your invading armies.

I have great research too, I just focus more on the whole army thing, since, you know, gathering an army requires tons of gold for me.

[Mozkito]

Snakey Snake Slithering Soundly grins as he surveys what used to be a full blown invasion force, which, is now a pile of gore, mush and calamari. Tonight, the lizard slaves feast over the arrogant remains of the Mind Lords, but steel themselves over the the invasion towards Maverni...

Claire, feel free to take over Forest of Gun (#51), a gift to you, from your humble neighbor, the lizard peoples!


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/Ratepe/Ryleh_vs_Ctis.gif

[secretperson]

Reno-

The talking skulls you mentioned in your worldwide message; are those the research bonus skulls? If so, what is your price per?

[Darkwind]

Mozkito said:
Snakey Snake Slithering Soundly grins as he surveys what used to be a full blown invasion force, which, is now a pile of gore, mush and calamari. Tonight, the lizard slaves feast over the arrogant remains of the Mind Lords, but steel themselves over the the invasion towards Maverni...

Claire, feel free to take over Forest of Gun (#51), a gift to you, from your humble neighbor, the lizard peoples!

I'm sure you'll have great fun when I get Antimagic. Perhaps even greater fun if I get a spell that can kill your pretender.

And remember, Marverni is in this war too. Don't think you can attack me and not pay for it. Your pretender can only stay with one army. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[kasnavada]

Claire, feel free to take over Forest of Gun (#51), a gift to you, from your humble neighbor, the lizard peoples!



Claire sends her thanks. Claire also says that her people now owe you a resonable favor, and will do what is in her power to repay you (privately http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif).

[Shigure]

Renojustin said:
Sauromatia lays claim to the sacred Neck. The ancestral homes of Old Sauromatia lay on the banks of the vast Middle Sea. Once a proud people lived there in shining cities.

Then Stravinsky the phoenix god came down and took the form of a stork. He gathered the wise old men of the proud city together, and challenged them to a game. He showed the men his golden-red rubies the size of kiwis, and then they knew greed.

Stravinsky used the air itself to move his cards and trick the men, and before long, he had won all the men's monies. But Stravinsky was a cruel god, and he offered the men one last "chance" to get their gold and jewels back.

Goober the Witch King, the Swamplord himself, rose and took the trickster's challenge and bet the ancient lands of the Neck against the shadows and trickery of Stravinsky. The challenge was simple.

"Heads or tails?" Stravinsky squawked - the stork suddenly burst into flame, cackling and howling like a thing of both the fire and the wind.

And a tritoness was carried in screaming by four monstrous black apes in metal armors, their immense figures sleek and dangerous. They readied their razor-sharp falchions as she struggled to breathe through drying gills.



This is the best manufactured casus belli I have ever seen. I'm not sure what the deal with the tritoness is, but everything you say about Stravinsky is absolutely true, especially the bit about the rubies.


Kailasa gave me a smack to the face last turn as well, but I ended up killing a good 60-70%% of what I lost in gold, and still expanding. It looked pretty bad till the end, but then my archers fired one last time before breaking, and shot up a squad of Yavanas pretty well.



Throw a large army of low-protection archers at a nation with strong earth mages, and the results are predictable. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

We can afford these rates to conquer the ape people, whereas the flower of your demigod leadership falters and dies against easily replacable mortal men... your soldiers wane of disease and poison and fewer and fewer smile at your Phyrric victory over their cookfires at night.

Still we didn't expect our little probe to actually be repulsed. Though we are surprised you called it a large army.

[Zenzei]

I just checked the server and looks like Arco, Tir and Abysia are about to stale.

[Wrana]

And what the story with tritoness actually meant? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
And, Darkwind, if he meant that he wars with Kailasa and Atlantis, he should call it - "Two stones with one bird"!

[kasnavada]

Claire nearly forgot to give her orders... but did just in time.

[Darkwind]

. . . Abysia is going to take over Forest of Gun? That is my province, and it appears that since C'tis has realized its dilemma(attack me and Marverni attacks, attack Marverni and I attack), it will stay mine for at least a little while.

[kasnavada]

Claire noticed.

Claire would propose a peace treaty between both of you by taking the province that would separate your lands, but Claire will not do that without both agreements. That would leave C'tis able to attack the opponents from the east, and leave Ryleh-fishes the land in 76. Claire does not understand why the Ryleh-fishes need this land when Ryleh-Fishlord can conquer lots of islands west of the sea, but Claire doesn't care.

Claire says that doing that would benefit everyone.

[Darkwind]

{in roleplayese, as this is a diplomatic message}

Yoth'Shothogg will not consent to Claire's peace. At this moment, She is preparing a powerful army tailored to destroy C'tis. R'lyeh will not settle for a white peace--C'tis will lose this war.

[Mozkito]

Do you fear the fish men that much Claire?

And as for you Yoth'Shothogg, I tire of your idle threats, and promises of false destrucion unto my peoples.

I still don't know why you so adamantly defend the bare chested savages, but then again, how smart can you giant fishes really be? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Darkwind]

We defend these "bare chested savages" because they are more civilized than the men of C'tis, if you can call cowards who hide behind other cowards men. C'tis is a threat to civilization; those who worship the dead should be just as dead as their gods.

[lch]

Zenzei said:
I just checked the server and looks like Arco, Tir and Abysia are about to stale.


You're past the early game, turns take more time to prepare now. I propose to increase the timer to 48 hours, which we'll eventually have to do sooner or later, anyway.

[Renojustin]

I would say that turns are easily done in 5 to 10, 20 minutes tops right now. I would vote against increasing the timer.

But we'll see; if there's a few people who'd rather have 48 hour turns, that's fine. If someone wants an extention, that's cool too.

I think that everyone is still pretty excited to play in what for most of us is our first multiplayer game.

[Mozkito]

An extension wouldnt be that bad, as long as nobody stales, and do their turns as fast as possible?

I just got a new job, so that, on top of possible school? Imma be swamped w/ things to do. So an extension would be nice, but not necessarily necessary http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[secretperson]

Personally I can't get enough of the MP experience and turns come a bit slower than i'd like. However, I realize other people may have a busier schedule than I currently do and staling turns is no fun. I think it's fine if people need an extension or if we need to switch to 48 hours. I just hope that in general the cases where the longer timer is needed are an exception, but that's just the eager geek inside me talking http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[secretperson]

Also, I'd like to add that I'm having a blast this game. Something about playing a blood nation really appeals to me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif And all the activity in this thread is pretty awesome. I thoroughly enjoy reading all the comments, especially about the extremely-hot Claire! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Mozkito]

Oh...secretperson...you havn't seen Claire huh? (Its a wyrm!) But then again... I AM the lizard people http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Renojustin]

The Yavana captain eyed the arrow protruding from his neck and crashed to the grass with a surprised expression. The remaining demigods took to their heels as the rain of deadly missiles fell among them. One, diseased and hideous to look upon, fell down an embrasure and was lost to the howling defenders. Another took a lance between the shoulder blades, crippling him as he hurled himself onto a panicked horse. They were the only two survivors.

The prophet who had led them into the deadly lands of the Sauromatians took the dwindled elements of his archers and fled, leaving the Earth Yaksha behind to the tender mercies of their enemy. The Sauromatians began the cooking ritual that would do nothing to transfer Gayaprasada's power to their bellies and hearts, but would make him taste much more delicious all the same.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/renojustin/kailasabattle-2-1.jpg

[kasnavada]

Claire's identity has been revealed !

Claire therefore says that she will have peace near her borders. Even if the Ry'leh-fishthingy don't agree. Claire also didn't like the accusation from Ctis. But, being fellow lizards, she says that she will join C'tis and put Ryleh-fishes back where they belong : in their pond. Once the fishes are back in their rightful place, she will however stop all hostilities against the fishes.

Claire will however respect her NAP with the Ryleh-Fishlord and not attack before the due period.

[kasnavada]

Random thought of the day :

Claire also says that she likes sushi, but cannot eat any because all of her cook litterally cook things when they are cooking, and therefore can't make sushi.

[Wrana]

Well, it's certainly a disappointment for many of the male gods here.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif But, well, Abyssia preaching peace & love & all was a disappointment also.. We'll just have to live with it, I guess.. Though, on the other hand, R'lyeh now has a possiblitity to erase such discontinuity from the map of the world.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
BTW, Claire, wasn't it you who had eaten the Pretender of Fomoria after he had fled from the battlefield? We hadn't seen him since... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif And you could make sushi OF the cooks if they disappoint you.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[kasnavada]

Claire has no idea what or where this Fomoria is.

On a side note... I don't receive the mail for the turn anymore. That's the reason why I nearly stalled last time.

[Darkwind]

kasnavada said:
Claire's identity has been revealed !

Claire therefore says that she will have peace near her borders. Even if the Ry'leh-fishthingy don't agree. Claire also didn't like the accusation from Ctis. But, being fellow lizards, she says that she will join C'tis and put Ryleh-fishes back where they belong : in their pond. Once the fishes are back in their rightful place, she will however stop all hostilities against the fishes.

Claire will however respect her NAP with the Ryleh-Fishlord and not attack before the due period.

Claire will attack us Aboleths, then?

Yoth'Shothogg would smile, if she had a mouth. Claire may receive a surprise altogether not to her liking.

[kasnavada]

Claire may receive a surprise not to her liking ?

Claire is not so arrogant to believe that she will win even before she fights. Claire knows that only people that do not know the arts of war do this. Claire will gloat if and when she wins, not before. It seems that Yoth'Shothogg gloats before even fighting, so not only it forgets that Claire will have surprises of her own, but furthermore, if it loses, it will look like a fool.

Claire really cannot understand the "mind" of fishes.

[Darkwind]

The great writer Tun Szu of T'ien Chi once said that great generals seek to win first and then go to war, instead of going to war and then seeking to win.

[kasnavada]

Claire says that Sun-tzu is right, and that she will see how much (or how little) of his writing you have understood on the battlefield.

[Darkwind]

I'll put my message to everyone here, for the sake of time(C'tis put up Gift of Health, a blatant show-off)(in roleplayese, of course):

"Stop your petty wars, your small skirmishes! There is but one great enemy now: C'tis. Though Sauromatia is dangerous, C'tis is now the great python to Sauromatia's small, poisonous lizard. Both are dangerous, one moreso; that one is C'tis. Unite against these followers of a dead snake-man who should have been put to rest long ago! We say unite--and destroy C'tis!"

Anyone bother to argue with our argument? Perhaps Claire, always the peace-maker, wants to give C'tis time to grow in power and perhaps help destroy some of C'tis' enemies for it? Perhaps Frannabelle wants to destroy a few border countries and maybe try to weaken C'tis' indominable hold when it's too late? Perhaps Caelum will revive its conflict with Kailasa to gain a few provinces out of a weakening nation? Perhaps Kailasa will swear to serve Sauromatia, in a desperate effort to gain time to defeat C'tis? This bickering is useless. Unite, says Yoth'shothogg--whether behind Her, or perhaps Claire, or the god of Marverni . . . Yoth'Shothogg says only that we should unite.

[secretperson]

A warning from the grand Celes, High Queen of Lanka to Claire-

It has reached my ears that you have decided to assist C'tis in their schemes and war. We will not abide by such decision and politely request that you at the least cease hostilities against R'lyeh and in no way assist C'tis in this. If you persist we will be forced to act against you and you will be faced with a two front battle. I, of course, would prefer peace rather than war.

That being said, if the great nation of Abysia chooses to side AGAINST C'tis we will gladly give our support in gems, gold, and armies.

[Wrana]

What is the meaning of your babble, R'lyeh?
If you want to take Sauromatia down, do it. If you want to beat C'tis, do it yourself. If you want somebody to help you, say what you can do FOR them except babble. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

[Darkwind]

Wrana said:
What is the meaning of your babble, R'lyeh?
If you want to take Sauromatia down, do it. If you want to beat C'tis, do it yourself. If you want somebody to help you, say what you can do FOR them except babble. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

Well, I for one know that Yoth'Shothogg can promise not to mind-enslave you if you help with the war, Wrana. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

But more seriously, R'lyeh has gems. Quite a few gems of all sorts of things R'lyeh does not need. R'lyeh also has money. Not that Yoth'Shothogg would ever spare a coin for one who does not promote Her cause in some way. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Wrana]

What the fish can promise & what it will do aren't necessary the same... And in any case - just you try! Swim into Moscow by river & try... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
As for gems & gold - that's more like man's talk. Though still talk, of course. If you will, say, talk Tien Chi into leaving my lands alone, it will be worth something. Otherwise - stuff it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

[Mozkito]

Yes! Yes fear me and my ten provinces! And my awsome gift of health!
Claire, realize this. Once I am dead, they will attack you from every direction, not just two. Fighting together, we may just yet stand a chance!

Be one of the few, whose mind is untainted by the useless babble of this giant fish.

How about you Ossa, O mighty king of the Helheim nation, will you assist us? Assist us by crushing Lanka and their demonic monkies? Or sit by idly, and watch as nations around you crumble? Or take initiative by destroying either me or Lanka? The choice is yours, and I pray you make the right one, lest the fishes of the sea crawl out and consume us all...

[kasnavada]

Claire has 5 neighbours, so she is already dead. Somehow, the propaganda from someone worked, and everyone is afraid of Ctis when Ctis doesn't poses a threat.

Ryleh fishes are the only ones that can actually block what the turn with eye of god showed us, but they choose to leave sauromantia and just waste their armies here. Ulm also is a much bigger threat that we will ever be, having 2 capitals.

Claire ask again : are you people really stupid enough to waste your armies against Ctis and me when the REAL threats are elsewhere ? If the answer is yes, then come and die.

[Ossa]

As the connection between the mighty kings of helheim and the surface is unstable at this moment (moved and still have no internet at home) we shall not interfere with the ways of the mortals at this moment... or at least until a technichian shows up to fix our entrance doors (connection).
Llanka is a good ally of us, though. These monkey people can do astonishingly tricks with bananas and other small objects.

[Darkwind]

C'tis may not pose a threat now, but think about if they put up Wild Hunt. Does Sauromatia have the peace to simply research to the top of the food chain? No, and neither should C'tis, though that is what is happening.

And since people are so worried about Sauromatia, perhaps we can deal with it when we're finished with C'tis. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

(about T'ien Chi, they try to ignore all of my messages to them, which I think is rather strange)

[kasnavada]

C'tis may not pose a threat now, but think about if they put up Wild Hunt. Does Sauromatia have the peace to simply research to the top of the food chain? No, and neither should C'tis, though that is what is happening.



Claire says : Sauromantia had more research, twice the territory, three time the armies, is in a corner of the map facing less than 2 opponents (because you are wasting your armies here), and you do this because you are afraid of a spell that can potentially attack about 3 mages per month on the entire world ?

Claire says that she has not much else to say. Claire says that it is the most ridiculous reason that she has ever seen.

Claire is happy though. Claire thinks that it will be easy to beat someone who is afraid of the dark and ready to jump at shadows.

Claire finally says that this quote from your Tun Tzu describes the current strategy should be : "He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious".
You and your devil-loving monkey "allies" know that it's not the time to fight us. A 2 vs 2 fight means that no matter who "wins", all four of us will lose. During that time real threats will grow strong. Strong enough that none of us will be able to block them.

Claire still, one last time, offers you a good condition : go back to the sea, grow strong, grow bold, grow smart, and Claire shall not bother you. This is the last chance you will have.

---------------

Message from Claire to the monkeys : Claire sees now that Ryleh-fishes have put a leash on you. Claire asks : Are you content to be the underdogs ? Claire asks if you remember that you can also be taken by behind ? Claire says that whereas you will be weakened when you try to invade Claire's lands, Ryleh-fishes will not. Claire doesn't know what they promised you, but by attacking Claire, you are dooming yourselves.

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

Edit : because it was necessary.

------------

Last message from Claire : if Lanka and Ryleh's stance doesn't change, Claire proposes to extend Ctis'offer of a military alliance to Hellheim and anyone with a border with Lanka. Even if Claire knows that by waiting you can simply take us all later at your leisure, a military alliance would give you access to Claire's magic forging capabilities.

[Shigure]

Oh, T'ien Ch'i, you cowards. The barbarians greedily eye your western frontier. Do you not know the threat the Sauromatians represent? Do you not know what will inevitably result from steppe barbarians invading agrarian societies, societies such as T'ien Ch'i? Kailasa is no threat to you. Kailasa is all that stands between you and Sauromatians stampeding through the Gate of Spring and Autumn. And yet you invade.

Perhaps you have an agreement with Sauromatia. Perhaps you think the Sauromatians friends. But the Sauromatians are not a tame people. They are wild and greedy. They can not be subdued, bribed, pacified, or befriended; only contained or destroyed.

Kailasa calls upon all the peoples of the north: something must be done about T'ien Ch'i, who have all the wisdom and restraint of a rabid beast. I ask this even of Sauromatia, though they consider themselves my enemy.

[Renojustin]

We do not consider the Kailasans our enemy. We merely want to inhabit the lands of our forefathers that Stravinsky cheated from them through trickery and heedlessness.

Helheim, if you need more time for turns we can go to 48 hour timer.

[kasnavada]

Claire now laughs at the foolishness of the world. Sauromantia is at our doorstep.

Claire was right all along. Ryleh-fishes. You know what agreement I ask of you in exchange for peace : a joined alliance against Sauromantia. That's the reason I need you back in the sea, so I can join the fight against the major power. Will you go on your foolishness and finally face the truth ? Not that it matters much now. If you do not, you will outlive me as long as he cannot enter the seas.

[Darkwind]

kasnavada said:
Claire now laughs at the foolishness of the world. Sauromantia is at our doorstep.

Claire was right all along. Ryleh-fishes. You know what agreement I ask of you in exchange for peace : a joined alliance against Sauromantia. That's the reason I need you back in the sea, so I can join the fight against the major power. Will you go on your foolishness and finally face the truth ? Not that it matters much now. If you do not, you will outlive me as long as he cannot enter the seas.

Yoth'Shothogg would be happy to extend an offer to Claire. If, of course, Claire can get over herself and realize that Yoth'Shothogg will not remove her foothold on land voluntarily. Otherwise, R'lyeh will not accept Claire's offer. R'lyeh will fight Sauromatia when C'tis does not pose such a direct threat--Sauromatia cannot easily take any of R'lyeh's provinces, as our only border is water. However, C'tis can easily take some of Yoth'Shothogg's hard-earned land.

Also, we Aboleths thank you for the Demonbred slave.

[kasnavada]

Claire can get over herself and realize that Yoth'Shothogg will not remove her foothold on land voluntarily.



Claire said that you refused, despite having an island just for you on the opposite side that no one can take but you. The Fishlord has its foothold there, but wants too much.

Claire adds that your foolishness started a war, and that talks are over.

[Darkwind]

kasnavada said:

Claire said that you refused, despite having an island just for you on the opposite side that no one can take but you. The Fishlord has its foothold there, but wants too much.

Claire adds that your foolishness started a war, and that talks are over.

That island is already taken. As is all land that R'lyeh owns. Attack at your own risk, Claire. The Aboleths are waiting.

(Also, R'lyeh came into this war when Marverni called for help after C'tis attacked them; it appears someone's got bad informants)

[Mozkito]

Maverni was cramping my style

[kasnavada]

Claire adds that you are assuming much when saying that Claire don't have enough information, and that she is tired of your idle threats and misinformation.

Claire is now waiting for Lanka's answer. And I hope that his answer will not be "I'm on the fishes' leash". Claire has stated the reasons why answering the fishes' wishes is foolish. Claire hopes that she is not surrounded by people that do not know the arts of war.

[Darkwind]

kasnavada said:
Claire adds that you are assuming much when saying that Claire don't have enough information, and that she is tired of your idle threats and misinformation.

Claire is now waiting for Lanka's answer. And I hope that his answer will not be "I'm on the fishes' leash". Claire has stated the reasons why answering the fishes' wishes is foolish. Claire hopes that she is not surrounded by people that do not know the arts of war.

One would think Claire would hope the opposite, since she's surrounded by enemies. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

And Yoth'Shothogg is willing to say that Lanka is not on R'lyeh's leash. If it is, well, Lanka isn't on R'lyeh's leash alone. What dog will obey a master who has no way to control it?

[secretperson]

Lanka will be carefully considering their position.

[Darkwind]

secretperson said:
Lanka will be carefully considering their position.

Yoth'Shothogg hopes that Lanka does not take into account only R'lyeh's power when considering its position. If Lanka does choose to only account for R'lyeh, we Aboleths hopes that Lanka will take into account the Mind Lords.

[secretperson]

Darkwind said:

secretperson said:
Lanka will be carefully considering their position.

Yoth'Shothogg hopes that Lanka does not take into account only R'lyeh's power when considering its position. If Lanka does choose to only account for R'lyeh, we Aboleths hopes that Lanka will take into account the Mind Lords.



Of what Mind Lords do you speak?

[Mozkito]

Perhaps of the ones I utterly destroyed about a year ago? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Haha

[Darkwind]

Mozkito said:
Perhaps of the ones I utterly destroyed about a year ago? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Haha

Or perhaps the ones you're too afraid to attack? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Haha

On an unrelated topic, what's with Bog Beasts? I've never seen one, and I don't know why they're so famous. Are they size 1-2 tramplers, or what?

[Mozkito]

Darkwind said:
Or perhaps the ones you're too afraid to attack? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Haha




It seems we have once again spoken too soon my dear Yoth'Shothogg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/Ratepe/Ryleh_vs_CtisDOS.gif

Maverni shall now fall as sure as the hammer upon the forge.

And also, if you want death/nature items, or really basic astral items, specify which you want, and I will name the price in gems.

[Shigure]

Oh, Sauromatia! I just noticed that you've been naming all of your commanders. Someone has been reading A Song of Ice and Fire, it is known. (Also, it is all too appropriate that Khal Drogo, the Horse Tribe Chief, is weakened and diseased.)

Anyway, we humbly welcome your grande armée to Kailasa. You are just in time: one of our princesses is soon to be wedded. It is tradition that such a royal wedding is a day of peace and celebration; we therefore would invite you and your army to our castle to join us in the festivities.

[kasnavada]

Claire rejoices. As Claire thought Ryleh is all talk and no strength.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4862/victorylg9.th.jpg (http://img118.imageshack.us/my.php?image=victorylg9.jpg)

Note : we did lose 4 units in exchange for more than 100, the screenshot is not modified. EDIT : Claire's vision of the battle showed her that 2 or 3 of our losses are not due to Ryleh's strength but to friendly "fire".

Now, Claire's offer was for a peace once you realised that you stood no chance against us on land. Will you accept to stay in your pond where you belong ? Claire has bigger fishes to fry.

PS : too many edit but still.
Claire invites all people from the world to a huge sushi party !

[Renojustin]

Reading it all for the second time in too long actually, as it's definitely worth it. Although the last one was disappointing and I'm sure we all agree.

HE FELL FROM HIS HORSE! And we've got good ol' Measter Cressen with a limp and disease as well. He's got a glass eye now, too.

We regretfully inform you that we cannot come inside your fortification at this time, though our raiders, looters, and squads of elite Impolites will be inside shortly - the princess and the flower of your womenfolk belong to Frannabelle now, where she will keep them in her She-Harem of Earthly Delight, or SHED.

Abysia, fresh from victory... take care that you do not annoy us with your forces moving about near our lands. If we have to make an example of you, rest assured that your nation will fall.

[kasnavada]

Claire would like to remind you that despite being hostile to you in the diplomatic court, we still have a NAP. Claire will not start attacking you before breaking it.

Besides, Claire sees that it is the first time that you warn someone on the court before attacking them. Are you afraid ?

[Renojustin]

I annulled our NAP pages ago. And there has not been a time when I have not warned the person I was going to attack before doing it.

[kasnavada]

Claire has to ask where and when. Things will change if that is the case.

Not that it matters much, adds Claire. Claire knows that with the power of 3 or nations under your rule, and no one rising against you, you can break any NAP you wish with no consequences.

[Wrana]

Precisely. It seems we already have a winner. Pity.

[Mozkito]

How exactly do you rename people? :O

[Darkwind]

We Aboleths are tired of war with C'tis and Abysia, though Yoth'Shothogg is not. The terms for peace with C'tis are simple: Peace with Marverni if Marverni wants peace. The terms for Abysia are more private, and well be sent to Claire and only Claire, though she may choose to show the terms to the world.

Also, you rename with 'r'.

[lch]

kasnavada brought it to my attention that the email notification wasn't working anymore. I turned it off when I changed the VP win count for the game and forgot to turn it on again. This has been corrected now.

[Renojustin]

Renojustin said:
Near the beginning of the wars of dominance, when Sauromatia was still young and foolish, we bespoke ourselves kindly with several nations. Naive and trusting, we considered them to be our friends.

But then... Abysia sends minstrels to tell lies about our people. Kailasa refuses to finish their downed foe, something that is abhorrent to us. Our two erstwile 'friends' leave something to be desired in these matters! I am afraid that we can no longer consider you to be our bosom pals.

Do not be angry, only be thankful that you do not become our foe! We shall consider allowing you to make amends.




Right here. One would think Claire would pay more attention as her ADD has already gotten her killed once! Stravinsky never made amends to our people. Will Claire?

[kasnavada]

...

Claire says that isn't a treaty closure. People that are not friends can have treaties. The Ryleh-fishes proposes a treaty to me, Claire doesn't consider them friends. Claire still listens, and may agree.

Claire says it's fine : consider this treaty broken. Claire says that now, everyone knows that you twist your own words to fit the current situation, and that's more that Claire could have asked for.

[Renojustin]

I think it's pretty obvious that that was an NAP annullment.

When you find yourself in a hole, you should probably stop digging.

[kasnavada]

[roleplay off]
Let's ask the people around what they think.

Honestly, it's about as obvious to me as the answer to "who come first : the egg or the chicken". That is : not obvious at all.

[lch]

http://www.sinfest.net/comikaze/comics/2000-05-19.gif

http://www.sinfest.net/comikaze/comics/2002-06-17.gif

http://www.sinfest.net/comikaze/comics/2006-08-09.gif

[kasnavada]

Lol http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

PS : I don't really care for the answer though. It's just a game anyway. But in order to let it be enjoyable for everyone, try to avoid as much misunderstanding as possible. Some people around are not native speakers ! To me it leaves too much space for interpretation.

I still will, since it seemed to be your intent, consider this treaty broken. And, before you ask, I'd join anyone that played here in another game anytime : this has been one of the funniest game I played with loads of diplomacy going on. I, however, will do anything not to lose in a game.

Roleplay back on :
Claire therefore asks all nations to join in a holy crusade against the lizard-people of Sauromantia. As proof of that, she will spearhead the invasion of their lands.

[Darkwind]

Yoth'Shothogg will join with Claire, to put the lizard-lovers of the north back in their place. Perhaps T'ien Chi could stop their seemingly endless and futile war with Ulm to help?

We Aboleths can only hope Sauromatia's elite force of Icthyids doesn't roll over us.

[Frumious]

I'll think about it. Ulm needs to be vanquished first. Perhaps then I'll turn my attentions to Sauromatia. You will need to make it worth my while, though, as I'd certainly sustain heavy losses.

[Renojustin]

We've been nothing but polite to R'lyeh and have helped it in its plans, and now this is how they repay us? R'lyeh's ally Marverni stands on the verge of destruction and we offer Yoth'Shothogg a way to save themselves and Marverni both... and the aboleths choose instead to lay down and serve those who have taken their lands and slain their old ones? Their ancestors are surely churning their graves into cement gravel.

We are forced to look instead to Lanka and C'tis and Helheim, perhaps Marverni, who may wish revenge against R'lyeh for its faithlessness in the face of a single setback, and Caelum and Atlantis both have promise as well. None of you are the enemy of Sauromatia.

Therefore we offer you the Pax Sauromatia.

C'tis: you very obviously deserve whatever you can take in the south. You have fought two nations at once and come out the clear victor. We believe you to be great and formidable warriors, and we shall not turn our hand against you. You may have as much of Abysia as you can take. If you do invade Abysia, we offer you 1 year of peace, and we pledge 1 magic item per month to your war effort while Abysia still stands.

Lanka: you have been an honorable trading partner. We believe the demon people have a place in the world to come, and we will shall not turn our hand against you. You may have as much of Abysia as you can take. If you do invade Abysia, we offer you 1 year of peace, and we pledge 1 magic item per month to your war effort while Abysia still stands.

Marverni: you are in a difficult position against C'tis now simply because you kept faith with R'lyeh and they failed you. Be cautious. Nations exist which will assist you in moving your armies into the sea to exact revenge on your previous ally, if you can halt the invasion of your lands.

R'lyeh: if you turn your armies to us, we offer you the swiftest destruction of a people that this land has ever seen. Our mages say they can have us before the gates of R'lyeh within the year. If you instead wish the Pax Sauromatia, we will hear your words.

Caelum: you are an aggressor nation. You balance diplomacy with swords and mighty mammoth feet and you have survived, thrived. We find you to be noble and we shall not turn our hand against you. We offer you one year of peace unconditionally, and premium trades.

Helheim: the destructors of the Golden Age. You are mighty, and we respect your devastating cavalry above all. We offer you one year of peace unconditionally, and premium trades.

T'ien Ch'i: we see you absorbing Ulm, taking losses but persevering. We have our eyes on you! We offer you premium trades.

The land is becoming a more complicated place. In these times of strife and death, we should all take a breath and thank the Pankrator for this beautiful world that we have to fight over!

[Darkwind]

Polite? Sauromatia spit in R'lyeh's face and took lands meant for R'lyeh away from it. Sauromatia, against R'lyeh's wishes, attacked both Tir na n'Og and Kailasa. Sauromatia has been, in every way, to every nation, a bad neighbor.

And, if Sauromatia will organize a great alliance, then we Aboleths believe it is time to end this secrecy. Is it, Atlantis? Is it, Lanka?

(non-roleplayese: if you two don't know what I'm talking about, I'm going to look like an idiot. Also, this looks like a World War. All that remains to be seen is who will be the Axis/Central powers, and who the Allies)

[Mozkito]

Oh Sauromatia, a tempting offer. But I cannot do that to my hot friends of abysia, after all the help Claire has given me.

On the other hand, Maverni, steel yourself, for the green tide comes your way!

[charshep]

Darkwind said:
And, if Sauromatia will organize a great alliance, then we Aboleths believe it is time to end this secrecy. Is it, Atlantis? Is it, Lanka?




The Deep Ones have long looked upon the Aboleths as friends and kinsmen, and hope to render aid whenever the cry to arms is heard. But in this, these games with words that R'lyeh plays with the lesser races of the land, we understand little and care even less. We therefore offer aid in the form of council and say only this: cease your machinations with the races of the land and make what wars and what peace as you can. The Deep Ones will honor our existing commitments: to preserve the sovereignty of the seas and to make no wars with R'lyeh or Lanka (with whom we also have long enjoyed peace and are proud to call friends).

We regret that this news may not be welcome news to the people of R'lyeh but it cannot be otherwise.

The Old One has spoken.

[kasnavada]

So, Claire sees that apart from Ryleh, other nations (edit: that border Sauromantia) in the world want to be taken one at a time until there is no one but Sauromantia left.

[secretperson]

Lanka does not wish war upon Abysia nor upon her other neighbors- Helheim and Atlantis. Such wars would only serve to weaken the great southern nations. Now is not the time for such wars- and may it be years before that time comes.

We hold respect for the nation of Sauromatia but feel that their power must be checked. Thus, we will actively aid those who go to war with her until such time that she does not stand as such a large threat. We are not seeking complete genocide, just that the power scales stay in balance for the time being.

It would be in the best interest of many nations to put away their petty squabbles for the time being to recognize the power and threat that Sauromatia poses to us all at this time.

[kasnavada]

Thanks.

However, Claire says that it starts rather badly for us. Not only has Sauromantia enough troops to continue sieging the capital of Kailasa and bring hundreds of poison archers to protect their border. No matter, Claire will win or die trying.

[Renojustin]

The red people annoy us with their lunatic ravings about the apocalypse when they are the ones that have attacked us. The result: four score Burning Ones lie destroyed, the heart of Abysia's military. Their Prophet is dead. A commander with fine items killed, his items in our hands. Their army is in ruins.

Their god is fled, a wounded thing. No longer beautiful, Claire's motley scales worsen her pathetic limp, and a scabbed chest wound causes her to gasp and wheeze ceaselessly, like a faltering bellows.

Abysia, you reap what you sow!

R'lyeh, a gift - the lands of Abysia. Avenge yourself, redeem yourself, all in one stroke.

[kasnavada]

Claire did lose them.

PS off-roleplay : see the discussion on poison arrows for the reason why I thought it would be better if they just died now instead of wasting my upkeep.
Poison secondary damage on arrows works even if the shield (which I have) and protection (which Abyssia troops have) prevents the arrows from hitting (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=593361&page=&view=&sb=5&o =&fpart=1&vc=1).

[kasnavada]

Renojustin, please put an "Edited" tag when multiplying by 2 the size of your post after it has been answered...

Thank god I'm a forum lurker, otherwise I would just not have seen you've insulted my beautiful Claire. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Do you feel the chill hand of mortality, Stravinsky? This is what you get when you show our women your burning jewels of majesty!

[Darkwind]

charshep said:

The Deep Ones have long looked upon the Aboleths as friends and kinsmen, and hope to render aid whenever the cry to arms is heard. But in this, these games with words that R'lyeh plays with the lesser races of the land, we understand little and care even less. We therefore offer aid in the form of council and say only this: cease your machinations with the races of the land and make what wars and what peace as you can. The Deep Ones will honor our existing commitments: to preserve the sovereignty of the seas and to make no wars with R'lyeh or Lanka (with whom we also have long enjoyed peace and are proud to call friends).

We regret that this news may not be welcome news to the people of R'lyeh but it cannot be otherwise.

The Old One has spoken.

Yoth'Shothogg has acknowledged that the land people are more numerous and more powerful than the seas alone; should all the land be attacked by all the sea, the land would inevitably win. Why not, then, attack one at a time? Why not, then, attack when you have much help? Why not, then, attack and destroy the strongest nation in all the land and bring it down tosize by taking out a hefty peace oneself?

As for Sauromatia, though R'lyeh may take revenge upon Abysia in time, now is not that time. For now, Sauromatia cannot hurt us, and time spent learning how to take the seas is time spent not taking the land. We will strike where you are weakest. We will milk your land for all its worth, and leave barrens if necessary. As you make your offer, we make ours: lay down your arms now, and surrender the lands of Tir Na n'Og, of Kailasa, and every coastal province in your possession. Then, R'lyeh will leave the war.

[Frumious]

R'lyeh, you are ridiculous and say silly things.

[Darkwind]

Ad hominem, my friend. Obvious Arcoscephale's great philosophers have not taught T'ien Chi well. We Aboleths, of course, taught Arcoscephale's philosophers well.

[kasnavada]

Claire thinks that this was one of the finest war declaration she has ever read.

Claire adds that she looks forward to meeting you on the battlefield when Sauromantia is back into its rightful place.

[Frumious]

Darkwind said:
Ad hominem, my friend. Obvious Arcoscephale's great philosophers have not taught T'ien Chi well. We Aboleths, of course, taught Arcoscephale's philosophers well.



Confucious say, ad hominem only apply to argument, not simple statement that R'lyeh talk too much for his own good.

[Renojustin]

I think that R'lyeh, Abysia, and the rest have gone about their response to a large nation in an illogical way. You need to attack the weakest neighbor as soon as possible, to even be competitive at the next level. When you attack the strongest, you waste energy better spent ensuring that you even make it to the next round of players. And later your magic can make up for the difference. Basically you waste your miliary when you could instead be using them to conquer the weak and get an advantage for your own nation.

Here are some nations that I thought had early success in aggression, and that has paid off so far and will in the end:

1) Ulm - they went right for the throat of their first enemy. Personally I think ulmishmen are meant to take down giants, but ever since then he's been playing a very tough match against three nations that wanted his land, but he's losing because of:

2) Tien Chi - they went right after Ulm when Ulm had nearly conquered Fomoria and hit their capital in a lightning attack. Ever since then, have been solidifying their control and it looks tough for Ulm now.

3) Sauromatia - I hit Tir na n'Og with everything I had because he appeared to have a slow start. That seems to have paid off. Kailasa is much tougher, as they skyrocketed to eminence once they defeated the very tough rush of Caelum.

4) C'tis - apparently attacked Marverni, and then went on to fight against two nations - they destroyed the military of R'lyeh, and it looks like they're poised to engulf Marverni. They might even get into the sea before me with that research they've got going, and take out R'lyeh. We'll be seeing you in the finals unless R'lyeh goes back to help its friend Marverni instead of rattling its turtle shells at Sauromatia.

5) Helheim - is still annexing Arcoscephale for another turn or three, I suppose mainly because it's difficult for the entire Helheim army of 50 guys to siege a single castle. Next stop Lanka?

and lastly, Atlantis and Caelum. Caelum went for the throat right away, and you have to respect that. Now these two nations are fighting for their lives over there now, looking for the advantage to see who is going to triumph. Good luck to you both!

[secretperson]

Renojustin said:
I think that R'lyeh, Abysia, and the rest have gone about their response to a large nation in an illogical way. You need to attack the weakest neighbor as soon as possible, to even be competitive at the next level. When you attack the strongest, you waste energy better spent ensuring that you even make it to the next round of players. And later your magic can make up for the difference. Basically you waste your miliary when you could instead be using them to conquer the weak and get an advantage for your own nation.

Here are some nations that I thought had early success in aggression, and that has paid off so far and will in the end:

1) Ulm - they went right for the throat of their first enemy. Personally I think ulmishmen are meant to take down giants, but ever since then he's been playing a very tough match against three nations that wanted his land, but he's losing because of:

2) Tien Chi - they went right after Ulm when Ulm had nearly conquered Fomoria and hit their capital in a lightning attack. Ever since then, have been solidifying their control and it looks tough for Ulm now.

3) Sauromatia - I hit Tir na n'Og with everything I had because he appeared to have a slow start. That seems to have paid off. Kailasa is much tougher, as they skyrocketed to eminence once they defeated the very tough rush of Caelum.

4) C'tis - apparently attacked Marverni, and then went on to fight against two nations - they destroyed the military of R'lyeh, and it looks like they're poised to engulf Marverni. They might even get into the sea before me with that research they've got going, and take out R'lyeh. We'll be seeing you in the finals unless R'lyeh goes back to help its friend Marverni instead of rattling its turtle shells at Sauromatia.

5) Helheim - is still annexing Arcoscephale for another turn or three, I suppose mainly because it's difficult for the entire Helheim army of 50 guys to siege a single castle. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

and lastly, Atlantis and Caelum. Caelum went for the throat right away, and you have to respect that. Now these two nations are fighting for their lives over there now, looking for the advantage to see who is going to triumph. Good luck to you both!



This would sound like wisdom but assuming we adopt this idea- wouldn't that make the entire south easier to invade from a 3rd party from the north, having been ravaged by war?

I think you are underplaying how much larger you are than our collective nations. None of us wants to be picked off one by one by a much larger nation and would rather see the balance of power evened out a bit.

[Renojustin]

But you see that's exactly what they're doing. They will make me destroy them when I would just as soon lie back and research some cool stuff I wanted to try in the middle and endgame.

[Darkwind]

The question, you see, is whether you will destroy us. Just wait 'till I get Teleport and some decent battle magic. Even just some semi-decent battle magic would be fine. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif

[Renojustin]

This is R'lyeh's last chance to repent and seek its fortune elsewhere, for it will find nothing but death and destruction if it breathes toward Sauromatia with malice in its gills.

I return to you the head of your Aboleth and those of its attendant cephaloconcubi free of charge.

Stravinsky is dead! We bring freedom and democracy to the people of Kailasa.

[Shigure]

Renojustin said:
Stravinsky is dead! We bring freedom and democracy to the people of Kailasa.



Aiya. That turn didn't quite go off as planned. I was really hoping that my siege-breaking army would hold for one more round so I could pop off the last two earthquakes I had ready. Considering how injured your troops were from the first two, that should have been enough to cause you to rout with no adjacent province to escape to.

[Renojustin]

So we exchanged 150 troops for your god and your capital, and two irreplacable mages... not bad!

[kasnavada]

I think that R'lyeh, Abysia, and the rest have gone about their response to a large nation in an illogical way. You need to attack the weakest neighbor as soon as possible, to even be competitive at the next level. When you attack the strongest, you waste energy better spent ensuring that you even make it to the next round of players. And later your magic can make up for the difference. Basically you waste your miliary when you could instead be using them to conquer the weak and get an advantage for your own nation.



Claier will do the translation

Please, can you waste your armies in petty wars ? (I'm afraid of opposition)
Please, can you come at me one on one ? (I'm afraid of getting attacked)
Please, can you deplete your defenses against me so I can invade your back ? (I prefer to attack weak people so I grow stronger while the people that are strong don't get any stronger)
Please, can you let me grow even stronger while no one acts ?

Claire says, where are those ideas good for Claire ? Nowhere. Even suggesting those idea shows how little you thing of your opponents. Claire will not get willingly backstabbed by these "suggestion" that doom the world to your rule. Anyway, as far as Claire knows, the inaction of your early neighbours gave you a big enough advantage already. Claire means that you did take 3 nations without anyone interfering !

Sure, Claire will be going against large odds. She will probably lose. But Claire prefers to have a small chance of success and maybe hasten her death, but doing the right thing, rather than dying a cowardly death cowering in fear waiting for your armies to come pick Claire's territory.

[Renojustin]

Sauromatia no longer hears you, Claire.

Prepare yourself for annihilation.

[Vellon]

Military leaders of helheim, I advise you to remove yourselves from Arcosephale's territories and concede all provinces you stole from us in your greed. Our lord, the one true God walks the earth again, and is filled with wrath.

You have been warned.

[kasnavada]

Claire hopes for you that you do not win though. Claire says that by winning, you have large chances to dig your own grave because this time your victory will be recorded by all, and all will turn against you. Claire adds that by losing, for obvious reasons, your also dig your own grave.

Claire says that the smartest solution would have been yielding : you keep a chance to strenghten up, and don't make an ennemy of the entire world. That's the solution you didn't choose. Claire says it's funny how, for most would-be gods, pride is a more important thing than brains.

[Darkwind]

Yoth'Shothogg is running low on money due to spending 5-10x her resource spending in money. Perhaps a nation not fighting Sauromatia but eager to help could donate a few hundred gold coins to the cause? Or a nation fighting Sauromatia that has no use for some extra gold?

[Wrana]

By the way, Sauromatia has clearly proved that logic can be used any way you want. He clearly described his own strategy either forgetting that it isn't the only one possible or just wishing that others forget it. Claire has clearly shown why it would be eeroneous for others to pursue the similar strategy now.
BTW, Tien Chi's attack on me was another example against Sauromatia's argument - he attacked a strongly positioned nation before it would become stronger still instead of attacking Caelum whom he can eat at any time.. If I had all my lands for these turns I could have research comparable to his by now & my main army would return from vanquishing Fomors. (as for my own mistake it was probably using to much force against Fomoria while don't leaving enough against other neighbors - but I honestly didn't expect them to crumble so easily. Also this was another example of the similar approach - Fomoria had no other route of expansion except through my lands & if they had time for research they could get quite fine thugs/SCs to fight me - attacking them before this I gained a position which I could defend while if I had to fight both them & Tien Chi I would be dead long before now.)
Possibly others can continue this with examples from other wars.. In fact I ask for such examples now - even from my enemies in the interest of knowledge of all.
As far as I know, Kailasa used a similar approach to that recommended by Sauromatia when making peace with Caelum & getting more territory from neutrals. This brought them what they have now - though they were in an unenviable position between 2 major powers, so this isn't probably a good example.
So it looks that while Sauromatia's approach worked for them just fine, it didn't work for others & furthermore, others were relatively successful with just the opposite. Again, just as in real life.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif And banding together against major power also brought results quite often both in game & real life. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Also, I think that from the pure mathematical poin of view (i.e., barring some inspired strategy which opponent won't find a recipe against in time) Sauromatia now will "grow strong" much faster than any opponent whom they offer to hope for this - they have more territory, money (which translate into castles) & gems, so they: a) will recruit troops faster than anyone else; b) will recruit mages faster & so will eventually have the fastest research & the fastest item production - which, of course, translates into globals & SCs... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Renojustin]

We should probably go to a 48 hour timer now, what do you think?

[Zenzei]

Heh, my turns take about 10 minutes to play but I can certainly see Sauromatia and maybe Tien Chi wanting to move on 48h hosting and that's fine by me.

[lch]

Timer increased to 48 hours now.

[Frumious]

Personally I don't care, my turns still take at most 10 minutes...would have been nice to vote before switching it.

[Renojustin]

Would you guys want to take it down to 24 hours timer again for the next 10 turns? I can handle it!

[kasnavada]

Same for me, my turns are going to take less and less time as time goes by.

Well, that was my first try at a communion, and it failed rather badly. I planned to cast master sabbath by the second turn and then some useful spell but it didn't really worked as planned.

[Renojustin]

11 mages and two assassins down the drain, Abysia. You're not long for this land!

[kasnavada]

Yeah Claire agrees, what a glorious victory you had there. Really something to gloat about.

Claire means, it must have taken real skill to kill mages with 190+ fatigue that couldn't fight back...

[lch]

Well, the timer is back to 24 hours. Make up your minds! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Renojustin]

The wyrm limped and wheezed its way to the front of the army. It began the long, laborious process of crawling towards the enemy ranks. Gasp, shuffle, cough, rest.

The Warlock Apprentices, each with a beautiful girl in a gilded iron cage before him, stabbed downwards with their daggers and devoured the life energy of the virgins, joining a great Sabbath for the revered master of the Smouldercone himself, Malphas the Warlock.

Fire flew in waves at the Sauromatians, and men and horses caught fire, rolled, and exploded.

Then suddenly, A Thing Which Should Not Be materialized before Malphas, rending, devouring his essence. He was torn asunder.

Out of the husk of the body rose the Corruptor. It was the true enemy, the monster that would destroy Claire and her people, leading them away from the pure fire and turning them forever towards the tainted path of blood. It hissed and vomited blood at the lesser horror, then flew, laughing as it fled.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/renojustin/thecorruptor-1.jpg

Claire, the forgotten dragonling, had almost made it halfway across the field by the time the Warlock Apprentices were exhausted. Riddled with arrows and hurt, she painfully slithered back toward the doomed lands of the fire people.

Bodies of exhausted fire mages lay strewn across the battlefield. The Sauromatians approached eagerly with spears and forks. You didn't even have to cook Abysians.

[kasnavada]

"You are ill-informed to proclaim my death in front of the world. I need to say that the information network Sauromantia is so proud of doesn't really work. Being the one in charge of this army, I also need to tell you that none of your arrows actually hit Claire.

Also, by a bizarre twist of luck, you actually missed the fire mages and killed all of my apprentices. I shall avenge myself ! Even unwordly outsiders cannot stop my wrath !

The Invincible Malphas.

PS : Now, if you will excuse me, I am in the process of making some experimentation on the tribe of archers we recruited to try to increase their morale. The cowards fled when only a few of them where dead... even virgins don't flee that fast when I come to see them."

Off roleplay though : Malphias is like the most amazing hero I had in any of my games though. He's strong in magic and in body, got an alternate shape and a great back-story.

[Renojustin]

Tick-tock, with horror mark, it's just a ticking clock before he's dead, unfortunately. Not that I blame you for using Hell Power. In fact, that takes guts, though I doubt the horrors will get you before I do! So, also a well-reasoned decision, even if it ended up not working.

[kasnavada]

A simple returning script could protect him for most of the game from your attacks and horror attacks.

If I had researched that spell. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Wrana]

Yes, a great story this hero has. He is relatively new, isn't he? And good description, REnojustin, even if it wasn't correct.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Renojustin]

It was actually 100% correct. I killed 2 to 4 fire mage guys and at least one B2S1 and the rest were B1 mages.

Edit: at least, they died. the horror might have gotten one of them. that was quite surprising lol

[Renojustin]

As it was writ in the Book of Blood:

"They shall be eight, and their names shall be - Pride, Sloth, Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, who carryeth the Staff of Unjustice, and Phil, who shall be pretty mean in his own right."

A miracle from great Frannabelle - she has summoned them, and they have COME! So have the eight Riders of Retribution set out from holy Sauromatia to punish the sea-things for their disgusting culture and unspeakable body odor.

They have swept the foul creatures of R'lyeh before them and taken the oceans from the clutches of the twisted aboleths. THE PROPHECY SHALL COME TO PASS. They are coming for you Yoth'Shothogg, and their name is DEATH!

[kasnavada]

Hum no you are wrong about the "rend soul" and such. He just changed shape to avoid getting killed in one hit. Also about Claire being riddled with arrow or something. And you also totally forget that I routed because the indy tribe archers did. You also forgot to state that the communion I tried to setup failed.

Basically, you says it's a victory when my script was so bad that indy PD would have beaten me.

[Darkwind]

Renojustin said:
As it was writ in the Book of Blood:

"They shall be eight, and their names shall be - Pride, Sloth, Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, who carryeth the Staff of Unjustice, and Phil, who shall be pretty mean in his own right."

A miracle from great Frannabelle - she has summoned them, and they have COME! So have the eight Riders of Retribution set out from holy Sauromatia to punish the sea-things for their disgusting culture and unspeakable body odor.

They have swept the foul creatures of R'lyeh before them and taken the oceans from the clutches of the twisted aboleths. THE PROPHECY SHALL COME TO PASS. They are coming for you Yoth'Shothogg, and their name is DEATH!

They shall not defile the great halls of R'lyeh, and that is spoken in truth. Not one of those hellish lizard-lovers shall survive, short of retreating like the cowards they are. Though they may have the power to defeat one Aboleth, they have not the power for one hundred.

(yeah, I have ~100 polypal spawn)

[Wrana]

They surely won't defile the halls of R'lyeh - they'll cleanse them for rightful inhabitants to come (hint: look up)! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Darkwind]

Wrana said:
They surely won't defile the halls of R'lyeh - they'll cleanse them for rightful inhabitants to come (hint: look up)! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Like Ulm has the power to take down the 2-3 nations(not to mention my various allies) necessary to get to R'lyeh. I doubt it has the magic diversity, either. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

However, I am interested in cleansing the halls of Sauromatia. For myself, of course.

[Wrana]

So, tremble R'lyeh! Get ready for hellish Ulm invasion!
Probably you'll understand what I meant when Sauromatia finishes with you... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Renojustin]

No less than six of the dreaded Demonbred Assassins attacked the Sauromatian commanders on the Abysia border. Two even survived.

In other news, the march on R'lyeh continues, with 30% of their former holdings now belonging to Frannabelle. The Seven Riders of Retribution now march on R'lyeh itself to put an end to the evil being Yoth'Shothogg!

[Darkwind]

Renojustin said:
No less than six of the dreaded Demonbred Assassins attacked the Sauromatian commanders on the Abysia border. Two even survived.

In other news, the march on R'lyeh continues, with 30% of their former holdings now belonging to Frannabelle. The Seven Riders of Retribution now march on R'lyeh itself to put an end to the evil being Yoth'Shothogg!

There is still one thing Yoth'Shothogg is curious of. We know that your cowardly tactics are harming R'lyeh, but not of what is happening with Kailasa. Would Sauromatia mind telling us at least a little truth about the war on that front?

[Wrana]

A question to Tien Chi: was it your sense of fair play - or just some kind of joke? Because I didn't get humor in sending your non-SC god by himself against one of my armies... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Or did he forgot what you scripted him to do?

[Renojustin]

Kailasa is no more.

[secretperson]

Atlantis has staled 2 turns in a row now.

Any word on why?

We may need to start looking for a replacement soon for him as I'd rather get another human player than have him switched to AI. But first things first, anyone got info about what's going on with him?

[Renojustin]

No idea, I think we'd need his password too.

[Wrana]

He had previously said that he's rare on forums so prefers to make any negotiations using ingame messaging. So unless he calls up himself... However, Ich should have his e-mail & so can ask him... though that doesn't guarantee answer.

[charshep]

Sorry everyone. I'm on the road now and I've had connection issues. I've only been able to download one turn in the last few days and I haven't been able to updload at all. Real shame too as I was enjoying my fight with Caelum. I can't guarantee that I won't have further connection issues so I think you should try to find another player or switch to AI. The password for Atlantis is passwd (I know, lame password).

I really enjoyed playing while it lasted. Hopefully I'll see you all in future games.

[Darkwind]

R'lyeh pleads with Sauromatia, stop this madness! Those men who still have minds of their own and are not an Aboleth are tired, and wish this destruction of R'lyeh's lands to end. R'lyeh asks Sauromatia to retreat back into its land!

[Zenzei]

In the high halls of Mount Caelum the council of Four Winds has gathered to discuss about the state of the world of Ascendant.

One of the most intriguing things is Sauromatia's assault on R'lyeh, how is it possible that lords of the deeps are losing on their homeground to creatures who live above the waves? This seems to indicate that aboleth lords are just all talk and no walk at all.

But before we, kings of Caelum, make any hasty conclusions we would like to hear what exactly has caused R'lyeh to lose its lands.

[Darkwind]

Zenzei said:But before we, kings of Caelum, make any hasty conclusions we would like to hear what exactly has caused R'lyeh to lose its lands.

Sauromatia has summoned the seven sins incarnate to ravage the seas. They are near invincible against R'lyeh's armies. There seems to be little chance that these seven sins will leave the seas without Yoth'Shothogg's massive body.

[Zenzei]

Yes, but what are these incarnates? I can understand if they are beating troops easily, that is very easy to do. However, considering R'lyeh's powerful mages I find it very weird you haven't been able to stop these seven raiders, and rather easily I might add.

So care to elaborate the nature of these incarnates a bit more? If Renojustin has managed to put together some magnificent thugs/SCs, we all could take this as a collective learning experience, no?

[Renojustin]

You cannot stop the Six Riders of Retribution!

We have warned R'lyeh several times not to trifle with the great power and monthly temper of Frannabelle. We do not bluff, we do not waste our words in the wind. We do as we say.

Today we say, R'lyeh shall perish.

[kasnavada]

Claire wishes to say that despite losing another battle, she is happy : this time 2/3 of an invading army was reduced to ashes without any major abysian loss. However, Claire is also sad. Claire had found some animals whose size could rival hers, and the lizards killed them with enlarged dragonflies...

But, none of the Firepriests under Claire's command died in that battle.

I will put a picture of the invading army tonight if I have the chance.

[Renojustin]

Well, we took 118 losses, all bowmen and infantry.

Our losses = 118 x 10-13 = ~1300gp (+300 for a commander) = ~1600gp

Your losses: 10 elephants = 1000 gp, 38 bowmen = 380gp = 1380gp

So really it wasn't a bad showing considering when you add the value of the PD conquered, it's about equal in gold value. Especially for an attack.

[Darkwind]

It is strange! Sauromatia has not attacked R'lyeh. It serems we cannot stop the Six, once Seven, Riders because they have already stopped.

[Carkaton]

Wow stepping into a new nation can be suprising and difficult. Hello I am the new king of Atlantis. I hope this nation of slackers and nose pickers can turn their lives around before they find themselves on the bottom of the food chain.

[Darkwind]

Carkaton said:
Wow stepping into a new nation can be suprising and difficult. Hello I am the new king of Atlantis. I hope this nation of slackers and nose pickers can turn their lives around before they find themselves on the bottom of the food chain.

There's an important message on page 12 for you. Do you accept or refuse? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif PM me the answer, please.

[Ossa]

Arcosphaele's king will soon join the hanged kings of Helheim in their sacred halls... only one province remaining. It seems though that the doors of Helheim will finally be repaired by 6th of June.

Sorry for the stale turn.

[Renojustin]

Oh Celes, you poor fool. Do you think your little army can harm Sauromatia?

It's unfortunate and remarkable that you have chosen this course after we have shown so clearly and conclusively that those who turn their hands against us are destroyed.

Faced with the eternity of immortality, I can see the need for a thrill, but this is going to reduce your lifespan considerably. But thank you for adding to our sense of self-satisfaction and achievement.

So continues the greatest legend in the history of Dominions, when one stood against many... and conquered them!

[kasnavada]

Woah...

I'm lacking about 1000 points of research to mount an effective counter attack. I don't really think I can handle 300+ troops with mine...

[Darkwind]

Renojustin said:
Oh Celes, you poor fool. Do you think your little army can harm Sauromatia?

It's unfortunate and remarkable that you have chosen this course after we have shown so clearly and conclusively that those who turn their hands against us are destroyed.

Faced with the eternity of immortality, I can see the need for a thrill, but this is going to reduce your lifespan considerably. But thank you for adding to our sense of self-satisfaction and achievement.

So continues the greatest legend in the history of Dominions, when one stood against many... and conquered them!

Except, of course, the Aboleths. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Sauromatia has yet to face any Aboleths other than the older, uncommon ones. Not to mention the problem of Sauromatia's "sacred" lake being taken by one Aboleth. Not a single defender? Tsk, tsk.

Edited because I'm a sucker for roleplaying.

[secretperson]

We of Lanka are not afraid of Sauromatia's banter. We wonder if Sauromatia realizes that we have forces nearly equal to theirs in numbers, not to mention if things proceed as our last battle things will not go well on the battlefield for them.

[Renojustin]

If things proceed as our last battle, I would be very pleased indeed.

On that note, enjoy the disease-infested stinkpile you have taken as it destroys 10% of your troops every turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Zenzei]

The nation of Caelum celebrates as their champion has rapidly risen to the envied top spot of the Hall of Fame.

Voice of the South Wind has been awarded with the most-badass-killer-of-things medal and has received blessings
from the prophet of Caelum. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Bloody, shrunken demons hissed at each other and licked at their wounds. The Lankan army, or what was left of it, crawled, limped, and dragged itself back to its own lands.

The Sauromatian ambush had crippled their forces, destroyed their military, crushed their spirits. The vampire queen Celes, mostly oblivious to her mortal followers, had blundered about the westlands with their forces, playing at being a military leader, and fumbled right into the worst situation imaginable.

Now she rode ahead of the broken column, silent, a cold glare her only communication with the shattered remnants of her people.

[Shigure]

There was a battle in Nardago.

Our forces defeated the attacking force from T'ien Ch'i.

Friendly Combatants
commanders 12, killed 3.
regular units 13, killed 2
magic units 8, killed 2

Enemy Combatants
commanders 8, killed 2
regular units 113, killed 77




Oh, T'ien Ch'i, T'ien Ch'i. I understand now why you are so reluctant to give Sauromatia the stab in the side they so rightly deserve. That is the third T'ien Ch'inese army the people of Kailasa have faced -- this time you sent celestial masters! -- with similar casualty rates every time. You should surrender to Sauromatia now, if you haven't already; your army obviously does not stand a chance.

[Wrana]

Well, he has enough Celestial Masters trying to kill me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
You can expect them 2-3 turns after he does that - if he will. Another nice trick he has is a good bunch of Demons of Celestial Rivers (he loves to Etherealize them) - but these will take more time to move to you - unless he is already summoning another bunch.
As for his chances against Sauromatia I think you are quite right - he is trying just to get the honorable second place now... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Why would Sauromatia deserve a stab in the side? So far, we've fought a Who's Who of Ascendant, and won much honor on the field of battle; nobody has had to deal with more hardship than us... except for our enemies!

[kasnavada]

Claire says that : because if we don't stab you enough (until you stay dead) you'll become the next pantokrator ?

Claire has been saying so for ages, and it would seem that what Claire says comes true.

[Darkwind]

Say, why is Arcoscephale computer controlled? I only just noticed it now, have I been missing out on something?

[secretperson]

He's basically dead and only has two provinces left. He had been staling too.

[Zenzei]

Well, it seems Sauromatia's greed has no end as this turn they attacked Caelum with an army of 200+ troops/commanders. Wisdom of this new assault will be evaluated soon when people of the sky flock together to face the abomination that is Sauromatia.

To Tien Chi: Now would be the time for your people to act against Sauro as you still have possible allies left to fight alongside with. If you side with Caelum, together we would be roughly equal to Sauro in every aspect except that Tien has better(and I have worse) research than Sauro. So our chances to end Frannabelle's rampage would be pretty good. If Tien stays neutral and worst case scenario happens(Caelum falls), the people of Spring & Autumn will be completely surrounded by foul Sauromatians and at that point the extermination of your nation is rather easy. If you side with Sauro, you may get some territory from Caelum but ultimately this option only leads to Tien Chi getting surrounded by Sauro as mentioned above and Caelum will make sure to inflict maximum possible damage against Tien before going down.

[Renojustin]

We offered you the Pax Sauromatia. Those who accepted our peace have prospered, while those who have scorned our offer have suffered.

You made your bed, Caelum... now your lands and your women are ours!

[Zenzei]

Ha! Pax Sauromatia is the most worthless piece of agreement* ever offered to us as it basically read: let's have 12 turns of "peace" so Sauromatia is safe from possible war acts from Caelum and as soon as our borders touch or that 12 turns has passed Sauro will attack anyway.

But enough of that, let's fight you and I. The eagle kings are awaiting the Sauromatian horde.

-----

*In general I consider making pacts with significantly stronger nations extremely bad strategy as there's absolutely no benefit in them for the weaker nation.

[Renojustin]

You can't actually believe there is no benefit to being friendly with a more powerful nation. That's kind of a disingenuous thing to say, really. The reasons are far too numerous and obvious to list, but here's one big one off the top of my head - Having a chance to grow in military and magic to the point that you can defend yourself against anyone, without getting summarily invaded and destroyed.

There's a great equalizer for large armies and nations, and they are called Battlefield Enchantments. I offered the nations of the world the chance to first grow, THEN fight on equal footing with anyone and everyone, just don't jump on the jealousy bandwagon and see to your own nation first, I said. But R'lyeh, Abysia, and Lanka (Atlantis took a potshot) had to be bullies -- and see where it got them! It's just been a pure slaughter since Kailasa fought like the dickens. Some of that had to do with skill levels and scripting, but some of it was just plain not having the resources to compete because they didn't take the easiest ones available to them when they could.

If those nations had instead looked to their more natural neighbors, they'd have conquered them by now, or just turtled up and spent their gold more wisely instead of throwing it away like so much dandelion fluff in the wind against me. They would be more than ready for the coming late game. Like C'tis, like T'ien Ch'i, like Helheim.

Instead, what happened is that they saw someone a little bit faster than them in the early game and panicked, and all have made some very unwise moves, diplomatically and militarily, and in all likelihood, won't be around for much longer in this totally fantastic and dynamic game, which is unfortunate.

Anyway, we'll soon see how well you've put your nation together... but don't tell me that you couldn't have used another 6 or 7 turns, because I don't believe that you are currently prepared for what I have coming for you! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

In 6 turns you could have invaded 20+ provinces with 6 eagle kings. In 6 turns, you could have researched up to level 6 or 7 in a school of magic. In 6 turns, you could have had 6 more forts. But most of all, you could have had the self satisfaction in the fact that you were right to do it; now because of these nations' greed and pride, we gain power more rapidly - we have no deal with you, or Lanka, or Abysia, or R'lyeh holding us back. And even if all four of you were the same nation, you could not hope to defeat Sauromatia now with the heavy and in some cases massive setbacks we have dealt out over the last several turns.

Still Sauromatia is open to diplomatic inquiries and niceties, no matter our successes on the battlefield. It's almost as if I didn't even get to play that aspect of the game, because I was too busy counterinvading Sauromatia's ill-advised aggressors!

See you all in Ascendant.

Edit: Also, I wanted to openly acknowledge and admire Kailasa and Ulm for always coming in and playing their turns still. I don't think either one of them has missed even one turn yet. That's pride. I think either one of you could easily be where Sauromatia is now if you'd had the same start.

[Darkwind]

Renojustin said:Some of that had to do with skill levels and scripting, but some of it was just plain not having the resources to compete because they didn't take the easiest ones available to them when they could.


That'd be me. I couldn't figure out how to deal with your raids! But now I do. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

Edit: Apparently I don't. You are a formidable opponent.

[Renojustin]

It's ok, Caelum had a really good turn and will put up some fight, apparently; we just took our first significant losses actually!

Edit: Actually now that I've watched it again to see exactly what went wrong, it appears that the battle was majorly buggy.

8 communion slaves, 2 masters... but none recieved any bonuses, so the spells that I needed cast, weren't. All Communions were cast, but... nothing happened.


I'm not really sure what happened here.

[Darkwind]

Renojustin said:
It's ok, Caelum had a really good turn and will put up some fight, apparently; we just took our first significant losses actually!

You would've taken some earlier if you weren't such a coward and had deigned the Aboleths powerful enough to fight. If you win, in the end, there'll be a giant Sauromatian empire covering all of Ascendant . . . but that one little province with Giboleths.

[Wrana]

You can't actually believe there is no benefit to being friendly with a more powerful nation. That's kind of a disingenuous thing to say, really. The reasons are far too numerous and obvious to list


Yes, that's what Hitler said to his neighbors too... I don't say that it wasn't wise for him to say so - it just wasn't wise for Poland, e.g., to listen. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

but don't tell me that you couldn't have used another 6 or 7 turns, because I don't believe that you are currently prepared for what I have coming for you!


Yes, & you would be more ready by the time too. And as I've already said, you have more resources to spend on research, forging, etc. at the same time. So much for equalizers.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

we have no deal with you, or Lanka, or Abysia, or R'lyeh holding us back


There was a topic about deal with Abysia some time ago.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif In any case, as Claire http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif have quite correctly put out, you have enough power to dictate how any deal is should be read by now. And you Kailasa had tried to make a deal with you - everybody can see how much it availed them... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

They would be more than ready for the coming late game. Like C'tis, like T'ien Ch'i, like Helheim.


Actually, as I already pointed out, Tien Chi used quite the opposite approach - he didn't wait until I would explore conquered lands & grow stronger, but invaded me in time to be successful with it! C'tis also fought 2 opponents at once... As for Helheim I don't know his situation but suspect that he is not ready for late game. In any case this wouldn't matter if you conquer enough victory points soon enough - which is quite possible! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
Also I can repeat that I would be dead by now if I didn't invade Fomors from the beginning, & Kailasa used precisely the approach you recommend by making peace with Caelum to grow by conquering independents... Now Caelum can at least try to fight back & Kailasa is no more. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif
Another thing you conveniently forget is that Tien Chi & C'tis both made sure that they have some allies & this possibly added to their success.. One mistake I feel Abysia made is that they didn't made negotiations for alliance against you secret (via PM, for example) & didn't wait finishing of these negotiations before attacking you. On the other hand, it could be too late by that time...

openly acknowledge and admire Kailasa and Ulm


You are wrong once more - actually I missed at least 2 turns - 1 at the beginning & another one about 5 turns back... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I don't think that it was my main mistake - I should probably take time to scout my eastern neighbors & make some preliminary negotiations from the start, for example, so it doesn't matter. And pride is rightly considered a sin http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif - it may be your downfall here, for example... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[kasnavada]

Claire says the downfall of sauromantia is pride. Pride that forced him to tell everyone about his victories, pride that forced him to answer, pride that made him lose the diplomatic fight. Being too proud is called arrogance. It seems that every single of Sauromantia's neighbour turned against him !

Claire will probably not survive, this but that is a victory that Claire is proud of. And one more thing. If Claire was in Sauromantia's place, Claire wouldn't have gotten conceited enough to go attack beyond someone's border even before finishing a foe.

Hear the battle cries of Abyssia ! For whether they last or not, they will go out with in a flash of fire so bright that everyone will remember them forever !

All shall burn ! All shall burn ! All shall burn !

[Renojustin]

Caelum have you seen the replay? Can you understand it?

If nobody can say what's going on in it, I will try to have some important people have a look at it. It's had enough of an impact (I'd probably have won that fight if my spells had gone off) that, well, if it's a big enough bug it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for a resubmission of the turn, despite some pretty good victories elsewhere for me, and actually I was kind of excited for you at first, too. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Zenzei]

Yeah, I watched the replay and I honestly can't find anything wrong with it. Your communion worked just fine as far as I can tell and magic paths boosted by communion don't show up in the unit inspection screen. Afterall your communion masters did throw antimagic and arrow fend, two spells neither one of them would have been able to cast alone.

So unless you tell what they should have been casting(if it was anything air magic related I assure you it wouldn't have had any effect on the result of the battle) and present some very convincing evidence, I very strongly object turn rewind.

Also, remember that I only had total of six units(opposed to your 200+) in the battle and AI doesn't usually spend gems if the opposing force is considered too small.

So my view to this is that Sauromatia got beaten fair and square this time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

-----

Renojustin are you going to write a battle report regarding this fight as it certainly deserves one and your reports so far have been enjoyable reading? I'm sure other players agree with this. If you're not interested I might write a report but I'm not as skilled and flavorful writer.

[Renojustin]

I probably did! But mages do indeed spend gems against SCs and thugs, for sure.

I didn't know that the communion bonus paths didn't show up during combat, either... that's odd, because they do for all other path boosting spells.

And it was a good fight - I really didn't anticipate them being thugged up rather than combat casting... but the spells I should have casted would have taken care of that. Oh well, see you next turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[secretperson]

From what I observed earlier from a fight between Caelum and Atlantis Caelum had some pretty decent thugs http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif