LA game for new players game is still down

[hunt11]

This game is for everyone who has played 2 or less games on MP. The maximum number of players is 15, and the nations are first come first serve. The host of the game is Ich, if anybody has any ideas for good mods then just post them and i'll see if they would work. Also nobody can use Ryleh

There is one spot open if anybody is interested

Nations (so far)

alctel: Atlantis
Arghaii: Abysia
gowb: Patala
Goodchild: Jomon
ghostwes: Ermor
Greifor: Caelum
Hellkor: Arcoscephale
hunt11: Bogarus
James243: Mictlan
MX: T'ien Ch'i
Nerildar: Ulm
secretperson: C'tis
Unoptimized: Marignon
Vellon: Pangaea

[Hellkor]

Is this still open, i'm new to this whole multiplayer scene, but i'd like to play.

[hunt11]

yes it is still open just chose the race you would like to play and start preparing your god

[Hellkor]

Alright cool, i'd like to be Man.

[hunt11]

Ok your in now

[Hellkor]

Actually I'd rather have Arcoscephale as my pick.

[ghostwes]

May I join you?

If so, I will play Tien Chi.

This will be my first multiplayer game so I'll probably need a lot of assistance. Be patient with me, please.

[hunt11]

sure your in, anyway the whole point of this game is for people who are new to mp to learn how to

[James243]

Sounds fun - Mictlan please!

[Aezeal]

hahaha James PS Karlems strat isn't even the nasties I've seen..

[gowb]

I'll join as Patala! I just finished my first game (though it only lasted 19 turns...grr) and I'm currently in two more. I hope that isn't too much experience?

[Vellon]

I am in as Pangaea!

[secretperson]

I am currently playing 2 MP games and subbing permanently for 1 more but I am pretty much as new as they come. Am I eligible?

[hunt11]

Yes you can play secretperson though you are pushing the limit a little bit

[secretperson]

I'd like to play as C'tis then please

[hunt11]

how do you guys feel like playing with mods, personally i like the god mods that give you a lot more options for your pretender

[Renojustin]

Really don't think that LA Ermor is the raging powerhouse a lot of people think it is. With 10x domkill it kills itself off pretty brutally and efficiently now. No gold = no temples or forts, no defense. No temples and forts = less freespawn, and less powerful freespawn.

Just doesn't seem fair; not sure I want to play a game where I couldn't say I was the best player at the end if I won.

[hunt11]

You make some points their its just that attacking Ermor is almost impossible without major magical support. I would be willing to allow people to play with Ermor if everybody is ok with it, but for obvious reasons nobody will be allowed to use R'lyeh

[Nerildar]

I would like to play as Ulm.

[hunt11]

ok your in

[Hellkor]

I'm fine with Ermor.

[ghostwes]

Since we are all new players, I would think using mods is a bad idea.

Why are the reasons for not playing with R'lyeah obvious? As a new player, they're certainly not obvious to me. The dominion thing? Is it that unbalanced?

If we are allowing Ermor, I wouldn't mind giving them a go instead of Tien Chi. I have played with them in EA and MA in single player games and like them thematically. Since I don't really know what I am doing, I suspect I won't be too difficult to defeat :-)

Any idea when we will be starting this game?

[gowb]

A good mod is that Worthy Heroes mod, it makes the random heroes you can get much, much better. As it is some nations get almost completely useless ones. And almost every MP game uses it so it wouldn't really be much adjustment for new players.

[Goodchild]

I'd love to take part, as Jomon.

[Ossa]

I'd like to play, but as i have no experience with LA MP nations I'd like to go random.

[hunt11]

Ossa: you have to chose a nation you can not go random
Gowb: That would be a good mod to use so we will probably use it
Goodchild: Your in
ghostwes: the reason why R'lyeh would be a bad idea is that they are the hardest to actually fight with insanity and all that, and yes you can use Ermor

[hunt11]

Here's the map guys

[lch]

Please send your pretender files for this game to:
http://bannerbreak.com/banners/5/208/120941219661366869.gif
Make sure to set a password for your pretender!

hunt11, please remove my email address from your post.

[Unoptimized]

Hey, I would love to play Marig. if there is still room.

[hunt11]

Sure just send your god to Ich

[Griefor]

I'd like to join as Caelum... I've done the tutorial and some vs CPU, but no multiplayer yet, ever. I'll get cracking on the pretender file right away, hope that's ok.

[hunt11]

Ok we now have almost all the spots filled

[lch]

Uhm, a couple of things, hunt11:

You didn't attach the map to your post. But that's not so important because you can't use this map for the game anyway. The file you sent me has 1200 provinces. That's enough for 60-80 players, but way too much for 10-15 players. How long did it take you to generate this thing? Knowing the Dom3 random map generator I wouldn't be surprised if this took several hours.

It's good for showing how flawed the neighbor-finding algorithm in Dom3 is, though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Unless you want to use a randomly generated map, you could take a look at the Wiki at http://dom3maps.wikidot.com/ to find a good map for this game.

[hunt11]

It actually only took me about 15 minutes to generate that map and i am working on the new smaller not randomized map as we speak

[Dexlyn]

If it isn't too late, I would like to toss my hate into the arena as Man. I think I've got a decent strategy ready I want to try out.

[hunt11]

Ich could you post a map because every time i try it does not work, and Dexlyn your in

[Dexlyn]

Alright. Ich, I sent you my God. I'm saying this because I think I am reading your email wrong.

[lch]

It's cool, I got it.

For maps, I'd say we could either use the map Cradle of Dominion which ships with the game, or the map from the Ascendant game: http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/download.php?Number=595727

They both have good number of provinces for this game.

[Vellon]

I would love to play a game on Cradle of Dominion, one of the nicest looking maps imo.
I just emailed you my pretender for this game Ich.

[James243]

Hey Ich,

Sorry for being slow - I'll send you my pretender this evening US EST. (so about 12 hours from now)

I'm easy on whatever map.

Thanks!

James.

[Arghaii]

Is there any open position left?
If yes, assign me with a race and I'm in.

[hunt11]

Sure but you have to pick the race
anyway cradle of dominion would be great to play

[MX]

May I join in as TC?

[hunt11]

sure, send your pretender to Ich and hopefully this game will start by the weekend

[Arghaii]

I will take LA Abysia.

Will send the pretender as soon as possible.

[hunt11]

ok your in. Ich do you have everybody's pretenders

[Nerildar]

Just sent my pretender.

[James243]

Just sent my pretender.

Do we agree on Cradle of Dominion?

[EvilDesireZ]

I will play as Pythium pls

[alctel]

I will be Atlantis please

[hunt11]

sure, just to make sure everybody gets it, there are no more spaces in this game

[EvilDesireZ]

i want to vote out of this game pls my game have internet technical problems need quite some time to fix so im opting out

[Arghaii]

I tried to send my pretender to huntsgame@korsten.name but it failed permanently.

[Arghaii]

Nm, ignore my previous post :S

[MX]

Arghaii said:
Nm, ignore my previous post :S



I made the same mistake-_-|||

[MX]

Cradle of Dominion is for 8-10 players but we got 15 here. Isn't it too crowded?

[hunt11]

Good point there. Glory of the Gods would work better for this number of people

[alctel]

I will send my pretender when I get home from work in 6 hours. Sorry for the late send, it was late last night when I signed up then had to go straight to work! So do I send my pretender to *removed*

[MX]

GoG will be fine.


alctel said:
I will send my pretender when I get home from work in 6 hours....[/Email]



Should be "karsten" instead of "korsten".

[Unoptimized]

Hey guys, I'll be sending in my god in about 6 hours barring disaster. Thanks for your patience http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[Griefor]

It probably won't matter because of the misspelling, but there IS a reason Ich went to the trouble to post his email in an image rather than directly, you know.

Yes, the font is kind of hard to read, although definitely not impossible. But you could ask about the letters without posting the exact address in plaintext. That kind of defeats the whole purpose of the image.

[ghostwes]

Yeah, spambots are finding their way right now, no doubt. Or they would, had someone spelled it right, heh.

That said, the font used in the image was a bit difficult to read. The O and A look the same to me.

[alctel]

Sorry, :-/ I'll edit it out

edit: actually it doesn't matter because its mispelt

[alctel]

Sent!

[alctel]

Also it says I have a PM when when I check there is nothing there

[lch]

I have pretenders from the following nations now:

C'tis
Ermor
Man
Pangea
Jomon
Ulm
Mictlan
T'ien Ch'i
Abysia
Arcoscephale
Atlantis
Marignon

[Arghaii]

How many pretenders missing?

[ghostwes]

Waiting for:

gowb: Patala
Greifor: Caelum
hunt11: Bogarus

[Griefor]

? I sent it in a while ago... and never received a message telling me of a failure to deliver.

Ah well, guess I'll resend.

[lch]

Only waiting on Patala now.

Let's set some house rules then: If somebody misses the hosting timer twice (so he'd stale a turn repeatedly) he risks being removed from the game by either getting replaced with another player or being set to AI.

To not let it come to this: in case something pops up and somebody needs an extension for whatever reason, tell me about this in time by replying to the turn status notifications sent via email or by sending me a PM over the forums so that I either reset the game timer or turn it off completely. You should post in the game thread then, too.

Arghaii, I hope you'll fare better this game than in the last.

[lch]

Griefor said:
? I sent it in a while ago... and never received a message telling me of a failure to deliver.


Actually I got it the first time, too, but since you sent a pretender for MA Abysia for another game to the same address I erroneously skipped both mails.

[Griefor]

I see.

Could you use the second one I sent you though? I altered it somewhat and I really prefer the second version. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Arghaii]

I had no internet connection last time, so there was no way I could warn of my staling turns.

But don't brand me for one time, when I've been good with games for over a year now http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[ghostwes]

How long are we going to wait for Patala?

[hunt11]

i send him a PM about not sending his god, which should get some type of response

[Arghaii]

If not, could we start this by tonight, weekend ahead and all?
12 players is not bad afterall.

[hunt11]

Ich, could you start the game soon because by the looks of it gowb is not going to be playing

[alctel]

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

[lch]

Yes, I will start the game as soon as I find time for it, but it won't be in the next 12 hours. You will all get an email from the server telling you how to connect when it goes up.

[hunt11]

thanks for the info

[secretperson]

what map are we using anyway? I ask cause i didn't see one attached

[hunt11]

we're going to use glory of the gods as the map

[lch]

The game has started, you should have received an email with the information how to connect. You'll get these emails whenever the server hosts and a new turn becomes ready. If you don't want to receive these messages anymore, in case you get defeated in the game for example, then tell me about this by replying to the notification mail and asking to get removed.

Good luck and have fun!

[Griefor]

Thanks for hosting the game Ich!

[MX]

Thank you Ich! Let's move...

[ghostwes]

Thank you, Ich.

Hmm, I finished my turn but it doesn't appear to have updated the status script. Does it take a while to register, or have I done something wrong?

Also, on the map I noticed there are a few territories that have little golden crowns in them. What does this mean?

[lch]

ghostwes said:
Hmm, I finished my turn but it doesn't appear to have updated the status script. Does it take a while to register, or have I done something wrong?


That's still under investigation. Normally it should have the right information. Can you tell me on what operating system you are?

ghostwes said:
Also, on the map I noticed there are a few territories that have little golden crowns in them. What does this mean?


Those are victory points. If you conquer the provinces, your god's dominion score will raise by one. They get created automatically for server games started from the command line even without a VP win condition, don't ask me why...

[Hellkor]

I lucked out http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif, I just got back from vacation and the game has started. Lucky me!

[ghostwes]

I am using WinXp Sp2

[ghostwes]

I also sent a "good luck all" message to everyone. Can anyone confirm that they got this? Might assist in troubleshooting...

[MX]

ghostwes said:
I also sent a "good luck all" message to everyone. Can anyone confirm that they got this? Might assist in troubleshooting...



We won't see your message until next turn. Try to end your turn by pressing "E".

[lch]

ghostwes, it's not a real problem, just an oddity of your game version. If you see your nation's flag and there is no red X on top of it in the game status screen, then you have played your turn. The web status pages are correct most of the time, but not 100%. I already have code which is 100% correct, but that one needs more polish and has less functionality, too.

[hunt11]

when ever i try to join the network, even when i enter the right code it says it cannot connect

[ghostwes]

lch said:
ghostwes, it's not a real problem, just an oddity of your game version. If you see your nation's flag and there is no red X on top of it in the game status screen, then you have played your turn.



Sorry, "game status screen"? Not sure what you mean here. Do you mean the link you gave us? I don't see my nation's flag anywhere, nor do I see a red X.

I guess if you think the turn was submitted properly, I'll just cross my fingers and wait.


The web status pages are correct most of the time, but not 100%. I already have code which is 100% correct, but that one needs more polish and has less functionality, too.



Hmmm, does this mean I will have to manually announce each time that I have completed my turn? Should I do so here?

[lch]

With "game status screen" I mean the window that the game itself shows you after you connect to the server.

hunt11, have you input the server address and port as shown in the email after going through "Network -> Connect to a Dominions server" in the game? Do you get a password dialog?

[ghostwes]

OK, I see what you mean now. It does indeed tell me that I have played my turn. And I guess it also shows other players that I have as well, which is a bit of a relief.

[hunt11]

if anybody needs anything forged, if you send me the gems and a bit extra i will be able to forge it

[ghostwes]

My turn is now showing up as complete on your page, Ich. Odd. And it looks like we're only waiting for Dexylen now.

[lch]

Timer reset.

[hunt11]

nothing is happening, the timer has gone into negatives instead

[lch]

I wrote that I reset the timer to 48 hours again for Dexlyn. It's no good if somebody stales on his first turn.

[James243]

Good idea - let's give Dexlyn some time. If he's late a few times then we can deal with it but the nature of Dom3 is slow turns and lots of time to contemplate http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Actually, this is my first real TBS multiplayer experience - and I'm realising what I've missed out on. In TBS single player, I tend to get bored after a few hours and pay less attention always keen to click 'next turn'. In multiplayer, particualarly 48 hour (my preference) you can take your time to savour every turn.

I think I totally botched pretender design...of course I read the guide to mictlan after the game had started... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif But hey, learning is a big part of this game - sure i'll be fine!

[ghostwes]

James243 said:
Good idea - let's give Dexlyn some time.




It would be nice if he/she checked in to let us know what the hold up is... how long are we going to be kept waiting?

Do games usually take this long to start up?



I think I totally botched pretender design...of course I read the guide to mictlan after the game had started... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif But hey, learning is a big part of this game - sure i'll be fine!



I call dibs on conquering Mictlan! :-)

Actually, I think I made an error with my pretender, too. Oh well, I'm sure we'll manage.

[James243]

Ghostwes, yeah startup usually takes a while. This has been pretty smooth actually. Everyone is learing a new interface, designing a god for a race they've likely not played before etc.

[James243]

It speeds up thereafter of course. What race are you?

[lch]

ghostwes said:
It would be nice if he/she checked in to let us know what the hold up is... how long are we going to be kept waiting?


I have already PMed and emailed him his password. I don't know why he doesn't respond at all. It makes no sense to have somebody AWOL from the first turn. We should restart the game without him then, maybe somebody else can join then, too. And you can submit a new pretender again, too, in case you made an error like you said. All in favor?


ghostwes said:
Do games usually take this long to start up?


From personal experience, after the signup phase and nation assignment and so on so that the whole setup is clear, it takes about a week to get the game started.

[Griefor]

Well yes, I'm in favor. I'm sure it's the only way to get this started...

[hunt11]

yeah it would make things a lot easier if we restarted

[James243]

Agree - restart. Better than someone having an ai neighbour from the start. And I can revise my novel low dominion bless strategy... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Hellkor]

I'm fine with a restart, it'd give me some time to revise my pretender http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[secretperson]

So are we restarting?

[hunt11]

most likely

[ghostwes]

Sure, let's restart.

[James243]

Hey Ich,

Just sent through my revised pretender to your email address. Curious to see how this one will go...

Cheers mate,

James.

[ghostwes]

Hmm, should we send them in now? Or wait for your prompt?

[secretperson]

I sent a new pretender in, just in case.

[lch]

Just send them in, we'll restart. I'm waiting a bit for somebody to take the open spot, though.

[James243]

Yeah, wait - definitely want that last spot filled.

[alctel]

Looks like it got filled, see other thread

[Vellon]

There's another thread?!

[ghostwes]

Awesome. How are we doing for pretenders, then?

[James243]

Sounds like the new guy has his in...has everyone else? Are we good to go?

[Dexlyn]

Okay. I finaly got to a computer. Too late apparently. Ich sent me the the password, which I have even have written down and have a file for an emergency. If your willing to let me try again, I want to go with Man stiil. Ich should still have my pretender, but I'll resend if neccesary.

[secretperson]

I just noticed the game hosted and seems to be on turn 2. Did we finally just reach the time for forced hosting? Or did we get Dexlyn in? I'm a bit confused.

[Dexlyn]

I managed to get my turn in. But I think I'm too late for that.

[Griefor]

I though it was weird...

It wouldn't be fair to the new player to just tell him we don't need him anymore at this point.

I propose we create a new game with 16 players - that way everyone can play, and 16 shouldn't be drastically different from 15 anyway.

[Arghaii]

can we have some official input?

[lch]

I was surprised to see the game hosting again, too. I didn't expect Dexlyn to return anymore. We got a new replacement player, which only submitted a god with the Conceptual Balance mod enabled, though, and didn't submit a vanilla Dom3 god yet. Since I got about 5 revised pretenders from the other players, too, I like Griefor's idea best: Restart with 16 players. The map certainly is large enough for that. I am still waiting for the non-CBM pretender, though, and I'll try to contact Omnirizon again.

[Omnirizon]

Hello all.

I'm 'the 16th player' i guess. sounds ominous.

looking forward to seeing y'all ingame soon.

also, i'm leaving my current home (at university) to stay with my folks a couple of weeks. depending on how the turns go out and how quick they take, this may not effect anything at all, or I may need a 48 hour timer on one turn (to allow for my travel time). I thinking though that I could find a coffee-shop along the road during the trip and use a wi-fi connection to send in a turn, if i have to.

[James243]

Welcome Omnirizon!

Agree with the restart with 16 players idea - sounds fairest.

And I'd say for the new game that we have a 2 or 3 straight turns stale == turn into AI rule perhaps?

[James243]

PS: this game has 48 hour hosting anyway, so shouldn't be an issue for you.

[lch]

Ermor sent a corrupted pretender file. I expect him to resubmit a new one soon. The game will start within ~12 hours.

[ghostwes]

OK, new pretender sent. Sorry for the delay, everyone.

I sent a corrupt pretender because LA Ermor is very corrupt. Death and imperial decay and all that. Err, yes.

[Griefor]

The Ermorian people will not accept your new uncorrupted pretender as their god and you will die to lack of dominion on the first turn.

[James243]

Haha


. I believe that can actually happen if you are mictlan and cop a negative dominion event early. Hmm... I'm mictlan... :/

[lch]

Oops, I [censored] up the mail notification. The following made it into the headers:

WARNING: PLEASE DELETE THE PREVIOUS "Huntsgame" FROM YOUR LIST OF LOCAL GAMES BEFORE CONNECTING TO THIS NEW GAME. We're back, have fun.

If you already submitted your turn, but didn't delete the (old) local game first, then please delete it, connect and download again, then play and upload your first turn again.

[ghostwes]

The webstats page and score page are giving errors, Ich.

[Vellon]

Damn! I had a nice location in a corner of the map last time around, this time no such luck.

[Vellon]

Pangaea offers peace and protection to anyone willing to declare fealty early on and spare both our nations the gruesome process of trampling you underfoot.

[lch]

ghostwes said:
The webstats page and score page are giving errors, Ich.


That's because there is no data. I erased the old scores. After 1-2 turns are played they will be back.

[ghostwes]

Ah ok.

If all of the turns are in, does it automatically start the next turn? Or do we still need to wait for the server to time-out?

[lch]

Quickhosting is on, that means that it hosts automatically when all the turns are in.

[James243]

Hey ich, just wanted to say great server and interface and the graphs pages rock or will soon anyway. Thanks for putting this together and for putting up with all of us!

[ghostwes]

I concur... thank you, Ich.

Looks like we're just waiting for Omnirizon now...

[lch]

Omnirizon is new to MP gaming in general, and he hasn't received the first email that I usually send out in new games. Let's paste it here again:

How to connect to the game:

Host/IP: valhalla.techno-mage.com
Port: 2474
(in the game via: Network -> connect to a Dominions server)

You might want to create a shortcut/alias for this so that you don't have to type it in every time. You can directly connect to the game server by starting the game via "dom3 -C --ipadr valhalla.techno-mage.com --port 2474"

You have 48 hours to play your turns once the server has hosted.

... somebody write a better tutorial about disconnecting after downloading the turn and then preparing the turn offline. Or is there already a FAQ about this somewhere?

[ghostwes]

Still having problems, Omnirizon? Anything we can assist you with?

[lch]

I'll reset the timer now. I hope that the game runs nicely after the first hosting.

[Omnirizon]

hey folks.

no problems. i needed extra time for this first turn because i am on the road. i'm now at my destination and everything will be going fine with me from here on out.

[James243]

Anyone have anything juicy, interesting, funny to report? Any pretenders killed by independents? Been there, done that... Happy to chat with my neighbours once we meet. And happy to trade gems for blood slaves anyone.

[ghostwes]

We're getting close to forced hosting. Hope Nerildar plays his turn soon...

Ich, I wonder if it would be possible to have the script automatically send the last person who hasn't played their turn a reminder email? Would that be something easy to implement? Might be useful, methinks.

I don't mean to be impatient, mind you -- it's just that everyone else played their turns within the first 12 hours or so, so it might be prudent to let the last person know we're still waiting on him/her.

[hunt11]

nothing much going on in Bogarus, but very interested in what's going on with Caelum, and how many troops they have.

[ghostwes]

Maybe some of my freespawn zombies are defecting to Caelum. Hmm.

[hunt11]

more likely reason, their god drugged them. So instead of the normal birth rate for Caelum, they are now breeding like flying rabbits. On a more serious note what happend to Nerildar

[Griefor]

Uh...

Feeling it was weird how everyone is so curious about my nation I checked the game. I have the biggest army!

Nothing is going on with Caelum. Because of strong neighboring indy provinces I've decided to wait another turn before attacking an indy province, causing my troops to stockpile (check the provinces score - I got only one). I did not hax the game OR get awesome troop inducing events.

Please, there is no reason to forge an alliance against me at this time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[hunt11]

don't worry it was nothing like that. I was just truly curious about how you had so many troops

[James243]

Nerildar? If he stales twice consecutively, do he become AI? I'll go PM him, but not holding my breath.

[secretperson]

Bleh, would it be better just to get a replacement player?

However, if the decision comes down to switching him to AI or restarting with a new player I definately vote for AI. We've all waited long enough to get this game going.

[hunt11]

we would not restart, we would get a sub

[Griefor]

Although I agree way too much time has been lost getting this game started already, I doubt anyone would want to sub a game 2 turns in ( can't design your own pretender even with only 2 turns done) with 2 stales on his nation.

Isn't there a way to remove the nation entirely?

[Vellon]

I say we just AI him. No one will want to sub a player on turn 2, and another restart would be too painful.

[James243]

Can we buff the gold or something for a sub?

I might be confusing individual games, but I thought 2 straight stales caused *automatic* becoming AI?

[hunt11]

guess he is now an AI. now Pangaea, are you talking to me, or to everyone

[Vellon]

Uhh I'm unsure what you are referring to

[hunt11]

don't worry about it, i answered myself, thanks anyway

[James243]

Is he AI? Status page just says 2 turns of stalling.

[ghostwes]

It seems he will become an AI after the third turn of stalling, rather than the second as implied above somewhere. Right now the status page shows everyone but him as having completed their turns, but it still seems to be waiting for him.

[James243]

This may depend on game setup - making him ai may need to be done manually.

I vote to ai him rather than sub. Normal ai? I don't think people know their neighbours yet so not a big issue. And last human player alive wins I say. Everyone agree? Let's get this resolved so we don't have to wait 48 hours for every turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[hunt11]

I checked with Ich and that we are going to get a sub for the game called Calahan

[Calahan]

Hi Everyone

I'm the sub that's been found for Ulm.

Just sent a PM to Ich with regards the handover. Hope it takes place quickly so that the game can continue smoothly for everyone, and without any more delays.

It will be my first ever MP game, so looking forward to making both new friends and new enemies :-)

[Calahan]

Just received the server and password info from Ich. Logged on, and all seems to be working fine.

One problem though. I don't have an awake Pretender, and I don't know how to find out what my Pretneder is. (Besides the obvious option of waiting for him to wake up)

Is there a button or menu option I'm missing that can tell me this? Played quite a few SP games, but it never occured to me that there's no simple way to view your Pretender's stats.

Could always turn it into a kind of 'Blind Date' I suppose, and see who eventually turns up. But after 3 stale turns, I'm likely to be in enough trouble as it is.

Have PMed Ich to see if he can send me the Pretender file he was sent as, at least in theory, I should be able to load it up in a SP game, and find out exactly who I'm fighting for.

[James243]

Welcome calahan! And thanks! Mictlan also welcomes your virgins, err, for sacrifice of course...

[Griefor]

You could try having your prophet bless himself, but that won't tell you everything.

I've run into this problem before myself, but was always able to fix it by just waking my pretender up in SP like you said. A view pretender stats button in the game would be nice.

[Calahan]

I have completed the long overdue 4th turn and the game has now hosted.

The soon-to-be-mighty nation of Ulm apologises to all the false Pretenders in the world for holding up the game, and asks that this matter isn't held against us in any future diplomatic relations.

And we also promise to do our best to keep better time in future :-)

[MX]

You don't need to apologize. In fact your attendance makes the game more balanced. (much better than having an AI nation) We should thank you.

[Vellon]

I will throw in and say that if anyone rushes Ulm early after they've staled the first few turns I'll be extremely hostile to them. Not very fair to capitalize on our new/weak player. On the other hand once things are into the midgame they're fair hunting.

[ghostwes]

Has anyone encountered anyone else yet? Our borders are probably too far away from each other for anyone to rush right now...

Anyway, thanks for taking over, Calahan... are you getting the "game has hosted" emails? Just in case you are not, we are currently waiting for you.

[Calahan]

Just checked, and I haven't received any emails regarding the game.

Ich has PMed me to say that I have been added to the turn noticifaction script though. Anyone know if there's usually a setup / first email delay of any sorts before these emails are sent out?

Will try and complete my 5th turn in about 4-5 hours time when I get home from work.

[ghostwes]

Well, you can always check the status here:

http://valhalla.techno-mage.com/stats/stats.php?game=Huntsgame

You would have gotten that link in the initial welcome email. However, if you're not getting the notifications, you should probably talk to Ich.

[Calahan]

Thanks for the great link ghostwes. Easy to see what's going on from that site.

Will contact Ich as you suggested with regards my email.

[hunt11]

I have met Marignon (Unoptomized)

[James243]

Haven't met anyone, but my scouts are roaming... I see turn. 6 is now ready so perhaps this will be the turn?

[lch]

Calahan said:
Just checked, and I haven't received any emails regarding the game.


I think I added you to the turn notification script, didn't I? Have you received mail now? Look in your spam folders and white list the sending address in case they are in there.

[Deonmag]

still present free slots?
I'd like to join as MAN
havn't played MP games yet

[hunt11]

Sorry but No, the game has already started

[Calahan]

Ich, just PMed you about my notification emails.

[hunt11]

why hasn't the next turn hosted yet?

[Omnirizon]

i don't know. there is some weirdness going on. if you log onto the server in game, it has rolled over to the next turn interval time-wise. however the turn has not hosted. if you log onto the turn page via the website, it shows there is still about an hour left before it hosts.

i'm guessing that it will host when the timer on the website indicates it will; i'm not sure why the in-game interval and the website interval are out of sync though.

Jomon is the holdup. I PM'd them, but I doubt they will receive it in time. the person probably thought they've already done their turn, and isn't checking in to the server. does this server not send out reminder emails?

[Omnirizon]

oh wait!!!

time remaining is in the negative, so its is passed the hosting. never hosted, and is now going into negative time. very weird. i don't know what to do. i wish jomon would do their turn, maybe that would fix it.

[ghostwes]

Might be similar to the problem I had earlier (due to me using WinXp, apparently.) It was showing that I had not moved even though I had.

[MX]

Ich turned off (or forgot to turn on) the timer for our game, I guess.

[ghostwes]

Anyone need water gems? I have a source of them now and am willing to trade for death gems or cash.

Kind of a funny event: a very large group of militia joined my cause. This would be great if it weren't for Ermor's little problem with people dropping dead from lack of resources. They'll all starve to death before I can use them for anything, heh. It does inflate my army count, however.

[hunt11]

you can still use them as suicide troops

[lch]

Omnirizon said:
time remaining is in the negative, so its is passed the hosting. never hosted, and is now going into negative time. very weird. i don't know what to do. i wish jomon would do their turn, maybe that would fix it.


The server was rebooted for a system upgrade. The turn notifications script doesn't read the actual game timer from the networked game, but just operates on the time of the last hosting. If the server timer gets reset, it gets confused.

Other than that, nothing crazy should have happened. Or did it?

[Omnirizon]

nothing weird game-wise. the server was just counting into negative time.

[lch]

Yeah, that's nothing to be afraid of. But since it is upsetting people regularly I should really address it. I'll add something to my server startup scripts that will reset the counter when I start the game. Quite an obvious solution, actually.

[Xanatos]

ive played a few games, more than 2, but im still pretty noob - i can take last spot if you guys want me too...why is ermor allowed and not rlyeh?

[Omnirizon]

i'm afraid the game has already started.

i don't know why ermor is allowed and not r'lyeh. the logic i've heard is that ermor's domkill severely limits them, or something. to be honest, i've never played either nation (because they are typically never allowed) and so don't really know much about the qualities of either.

also, because we've had a good handful of people drop in and ask for a position in the game, I suggest the OP modify the name of the thread to include the word "started". I think the lack of that signifier and the relative lack of pages in this thread leads people to assume the game is still open.

and lastly, why is there so little chatter in this game? i'm even having issues with people not responding to PM's. everyone is so quiet. this game is also quite slow, which may have something to do with that. i've always said slow game kills the enthusiasm.

[ghostwes]

I'm not experienced enough with Ermor to be a big threat. Or experienced, period. This is my first multi-player game.

I have to wonder, though... if so many people think that some nations are too overpowered to play with, does that not suggest that there are some balancing issues that need to be addressed? Seems kind of wrong that we can't play against each other using what comes in the box...

[James243]

I've played Ermor in SP. I think basically you're able to mass troops very easily. Priests make a pretty easy counter, but Ermor's neighbours need to mass those, while non-Ermor neighbours get to stick to their regular (and more likely successful) strategy.

No idea whatever about R'lyeh...something about lots of wish castings or something?

[hunt11]

the reason why Ermor was allowed because their are easy counters (priests and magical supplies), while R'leyh is a completely different story. Any leader that is in their domain is going to be insane, making troop movement hard enough as it is, when combined with the fact that it is a water nation (Atlantis does not count because it starts out on land) making R'leyh more difficult to reach. This is just my personal experience that R'leyh would not work well for a newbie game

[Griefor]

I'm not sure how balanced or unbalanced the game is, but I do know that the developers of this game don't have balance at the top of their priority list. That's why there's a mod that adds balance to the game.

I also know that for a lasting, high level of play multiplayer experience, good balancing is essential. Just look at the still ongoing success of Starcraft (Blizzard takes balance very seriously) compared to any mass more tanks than your opponent and win RTS from the same decade.

Obviously, at a newbie level of play the balance is going to be different from a high level of play, and it is slightly less important because there is more room to compensate with skill.

[hunt11]

if its any interest the first war has started between Bogrus and Caluem, and from this action the Ascendency War has truly begun

[Griefor]

The holy winged warriors of Caelum shall sweep the wretched evil heretics of Bogarus off the face of this world. The justice brought down upon the devil-worshippers shall be fierce and swift.

So speaks the true god, Sophia.

[hunt11]

The false god of Caelum has chosen to attack a nation adapt at countering their winged troops, my cavalry's swords shall turn red from the blood of the winged men as my foot solders crush any who survive. Mother Bogarus shall not fall to such a nation

[ghostwes]

Looking at the score graphs, you seem fairly evenly matched. Bogarus's advantage in quick research vs. Caelum's larger army size and slightly higher income. Bogarus's mages could be the deciding factor here, unless winged assassins can remove them from the field. Good luck to both of you.

Meanwhile, Ermor has yet to encounter anyone. There's a free water gem to the first nation I meet, as a token of brrrrraaaaainns... err, as a token of goodwill. I might have some blood slaves available to any who need them, too.

[hunt11]

the problem Caelum has is that their actual troops are very brittle, whilst my main army is composed of cavalry that are very good ranged units, as well as very passable shock troops, that and my god will be able to take out the only unit i have to worry about

[ghostwes]

The other problem is whoever wins this fight will be rightly perceived as a major threat by the rest of us.

[hunt11]

as long as the immediate neighbors are not a threat the victor (hopefully me) will be fine and have a chance to recover

[Griefor]

The problem Bogarus has is that it is at war with Caelum, which is the holy nation that worships the god with the divine birthright to rule the world.

The true god has once again graced you with her presence to share these holy words with you.

[hunt11]

am i missing something here http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif, what do you have to back up your victory, i have a decent army of cavalry and a very strong god, and all you have are fragile archers and a couple mamoths, so what do have to back up your words, because as the rulebook says that god is not with the large armies

[Griefor]

Rulebook, Shmulebook.

Sophia shall bring enlightenment to you and your confused people soon enough. Then, you will all understand. You might prepare a feast to celebrate the new faith that will soon flow through your territories. Sophia's worshippers drink mango juice and eat rice crackers during their religious festivities.

(Seriously? I'm just having some fun here. Why are you giving away all this information about your troops?)

[hunt11]

sorry for sounding a bit cynical, anywhay i shall enjoy this war against the winged folk and may the best god win
(anyway all the information i have said isn't that secret)

[lch]

I'm sorry to say that the server is down. See here: http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Number=610156

[James243]

Sorry I'm the last to play - actually off on business for a few days and just had my wife on the phone trying to do my turn but alas server issues.

Can we delay hosting? Ill deal with a stale turn if need be but I'd rather play my turn of course. Just another 24 hours would do. Thanks!

[Calahan]

I haven't submitted my turn yet either. It's all ready and waiting for upload as soon as the servers are sorted.

Can I please request a turn-timer reset for the current turn (once the problems are fixed), as because I'm on UK time, I might miss the turn deadline due to either one of those dreaded Dominions time killers of having to work and sleep.

Don't think Ulm could survive yet another staled turn.

[Griefor]

I'd imagine that when the server comes back up, all current games will have their timers reset... it seems like the logical and fair thing to do.

[James243]

Sounds like just two of us. I'm sure once there's a reset the turn will resolve quickly anyway.

[ghostwes]

Is it safe to upgrade to 3.17?

Any idea how long until we go live again? I was this close to taking over the world!

[James243]

Generally speaking fine to install patches. The latest played turn is played as previous patch, the first post patch turn played as post patch. In fact, we may be *required* to install the patch.

[Omnirizon]

In just a couple of days, I'm leaving to go out of town for about a week. I've found a sub, but I'm not sure how to set him up to be able to play my turns; and I also am not sure about when the server will be back up and if he'll have to play my turns at all.

so how can I have an email sent to this guy whenever the turn hosts? or will he just have to check in on it every day? also, any estimate on when the server will be back up?

[James243]

Sounds like the server needs some repairs, with cost. So I'd sit tight. Could be a few weeks?

[Omnirizon]

few weeks?

just when the game was starting to get rolling too...

what a buzz kill.

I may have to get involved in another game in the mean-time.

[moderation]

Hey, I am subbing for Omnirizon this week. Is the server is down? The main topic is a little confusing since it says it is up. Just wanted to keep tabs on things in case it does come up.

[James243]

Server is still down. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif I'm sure there will be a flurry of chat here once its up again. But welcome in the meantime!

[James243]

Assuming the server gets back up at some point, would anyone here be prepared to sub for me from 8-18 June?

Ideally not someone near the center of the map!

Cheers,

James.

[Griefor]

It's probably a better idea to find a sub who is not already in this game.

[James243]

Agree - but I've been trying for a week with no success. I suspect the server issues make people less interested. If there are no volunteers, and the server comes up while I'm away I'll just ask that a player take my turn. Not ideal for anyone but if I just stale then my neighbours will get an advantage relative to everyone else.

[Griefor]

Okay, I see your point.

I suppose in 90% of all cases, having a distant other player sub for you will go just as well as anyone else. But the problem is that there is just so much room for abuse. They could send themselves some gems, items or gold on the first turn, behave on the second, and nobody would be the wiser.

I just really don't like the idea of someone playing 2 players in 1 game.

edit: I suppose under these circumstances I won't make a problem out of it because there's not a better solution, at least that I can think of.

[James243]

I agree entirely Griefor, although I'd hope that people here would be honest enough to not abuse the trust. Certainly people I've encountered so far in the game have seemed very trustworthy. But even abuse aside, there's going to be an intelligence advantage.

Unfortunately there are still no volunteers. I'm kindof hoping that the server doesn't come back until I get back, or at least close, so that this isn't an issue...

Perhaps if there is an internal sub, the sub should announce to everyone what Mictlan has done that turn, and who they encountered?

[moderation]

Anyone have any idea of when the server will be back? I'll keep checking just in case..

[Omnirizon]

hey moderation. I'm back. thanks for your tireless vigilance in my absence. If ever you need a sub, let me know.

[moderation]

No problem. It was pretty easy after all. Too bad about the game still being down though, I hope it returns soon. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Omnirizon]

well I'm about to start a new game, since this one is down. It will be on llamaserver, and is going to be the start of a series of games; the zorro (aka "false fox") series. look for it very soon (as in now!)

[ghostwes]

Yeah, I'm getting a bit frustrated here. This was supposed to be my first MP game, and it lasted, what, six turns? Sad, really. Best to abandon this game and start anew, methinks.

[James243]

This is probably just a formality, but we're cancelling this game right? It's been a month or so.

I'm not keen to start a new game. I've no idea how to organise a game, but I imagine there are players here (particularly new one - sorry about this ghostwes, but you'll love MP Dominions once it gets going) who are also keen.

I guess I'll keep an eye on the forums for new games starting up, but let me know if anyone hears of anything.

Was fun while it lasted!

[lch]

The server files have been recovered now.


James243 said:
This is probably just a formality, but we're cancelling this game right? It's been a month or so.


Well, since it was only on turn 6 as stated by somebody else above (I haven't checked yet), I think the consensus is that this game is over? I'd be all ears for continuing to host, but I don't want to drag people back into a game that they already are over with.

[James243]

I'd be very happy to continue - can we send a group message to all the players and see if we can get it going again? I just happened to check this thread and others might not have. I guess if even a few people are gone though we probably should just call it good.

If any new games are starting up, very keen to get in one. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[James243]

PS: maybe change the subject line of the thread to server is back up or something?

[lch]

I can't because I'm not the thread starter. And technically it's not back online yet, but in limbo right now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[James243]

Oh well, never mind. In the absence of any other replies I think we can officially call this one dead.

And as the last poster, I'm claiming victory!