EA Game Strolling, part 2 - send in pretenders

[Gregstrom]

Pardon us, but it's definitely Sauromatia's Oak. It's just that the gardeners were using too much blood in the fertiliser, and a kindly group of Marketa decided they could take better care of it.

[Kadelake]

What happened with Herode? I think he stalled last turn.

[Herode]

Just a mistake. I thought I had posted my turn but I've just checked my "sent items" box and obviously, I didn't... :(

[Wrana]

By the way, I forgot to mention it last time, but the "White Wizard" mercenary is actually no wizard at all. Does anybody know whether it's a vanilla game bug or just a Worthy Heroes one?

[fungalreason]

By the way, I forgot to mention it last time, but the "White Wizard" mercenary is actually no wizard at all. Does anybody know whether it's a vanilla game bug or just a Worthy Heroes one?

I had that mercenary in a recent game with worthy heroes running. Is he feebleminded by chance? Or perhaps he came equipped with a slave collar as one of the random items?

[Kadelake]

No, he was that way from the start.

[Wrana]

I just got an answer about this from the bug thread - related to "too much magic in mod(s) bug". However, this time he also got a different name in the process.

[Herode]

Hi guys !

Wrana has some problems with the llamaserver don't receiving his .2h files. I postpone the turn for 48h in hope the issue will be fixed during this extension :bug:

[Wrana]

Now OK. It even sent me 3 messages of receiving turns... but starting about 5 hours from my first attempt to send a turn...
Another question: about Monday (I think) I would go on vacation. I will be absent for about 2 weeks. :( What do you think of postponing hosting for this time or, failing that, could you find someone competent to hold the fort for me? ;) I would hate to turn to AI as it will screw the balance of power too much at this stage. Also, if somebody here would like to sub for me in my other game (as MA Tien Chi), I'd appreciate it! ;)

[Herode]

I don't like AIs. I'm definetely OK for postponing turns & wait for your return unless...

1 - you can find some sub (the best option)
2 - there are massive objections from some other fellow players

[Kadelake]

While I'm not massively objecting I would much rather you find a sub then postponing it again.

I'm busy next week or I could have subed for you in the other game. New students are starting university and the first week is pretty much one long party to welcome them :)

[Wrana]

Yes, I understand completely! Fortunately, I now have no part in this. Unfortunately, my vacations now muct be moved to periods less predictable than before... :)

[Wokeye]

I prefer to postphone than AI, but prefer the sub option vs postphoning.

In other news: the eeebil Abysian Pretender that has butchered many armies by reducing them to frustration and exhaustion by its inpenetrable armour and resistances, has been slain! TC rejoices!

[Herode]

And so does Yomi :p
Wow, I didn't count how many soldiers and commanders this Cyclops slained, but the numbers are great for sure. :sick:

[Wrana]

Congratulations!
And also I have found a sub. Please wait until he can make his entry.

[Herode]

Confirmed. Jim Morrison is in the starting blocks. I postponed the turn from 24h to make sure he as time enough to process the file. Let me know of there is any other problem.

Welcome in Strolling, Jim.
And happy re-holidays to you, Wrana !

(BTW, how many holidays have you a year ? Hmmm, I think I'm going to emigrate to Russia ASAP. Anyway, I love Dostoiesky, Prokofiev & Smirnov, my assimilation should be easy enough :angel)

[Wokeye]

hehe me too, although I think it would be too cold for my liking - it only ever gets to about -5 degrees (celsius) at my home, at worst.

Welcome, Jim!

[JimMorrison]

Thanks and helloooo. 8 )

It seems there was an error with the email changeover or something. I haven't received the turn yet, so I went to Llama and hit Turn Resend, and still nothing. :(

I'll send my email again Herode, in case of a typo.

[Kadelake]

Who manageed yo dispel my aracane nexus?:confused:
I'm way too drunk right now, I'll give this turn it's prober reponce when I'm a little more sober.

[Gregstrom]

Oh well, that makes up for the loss of my thugs against your SC. They started so well, too. It's just a shame that apparently 23 MR is no use against Aegis.

[Wrana]

I have 1,5 months vacation, officially. But this is offset by the fact that summer is the field season, so I only get about 2 weeks actual time... ;) Plus not a lot of money, though better now than at 90s.
And last time was not a vacation - I had to go to work into countryside (it could act as a vacation if I had time to rest there... unfortunately, 2 weeks were barely enough for work! ;( ) And I DO NOT like Dostoevsky. If you are really interested in Russian literature, try Tchekhov(sp?). ;)
By the way, I will be able to write to forums from time to time, but won't have access to gaming computer, so just treat me as a silent hallucination... ;)

[Herode]

I do not like Tchekov !
Maybe we could agree a NAP on the Great Soljenitsyne ? (+ 5 astral gems) :happy:

Back to the thread : who is the big boy who forged the Summit in my place ? Grrrr, 40 gems wasted, this calls for extermination !!!
:evil::sec:

[Kadelake]

I'm innocent, no Summits in my laboratory. I hope it's the same evil person that dispelled my arcane nexus; he could use some extermination :)

I'm surprised how effective the Aegis was against MR23+ thugs. They were lucky and managed to take out the cyclops eye with the first hit. I thought he would be a sitting duck when blinded but they turned to stone really fast.

[JimMorrison]

So just so you know, Kadelake, they fixed the BE casting bug. Even though you left your SC on the field, the spell will always end when the caster of Wrathful Skies leaves the field.

:down:

[Kadelake]

Yes, I noticed it didn't behave as it did when I tested it in SP.

[Gregstrom]

I'm innocent, no Summits in my laboratory. I hope it's the same evil person that dispelled my arcane nexus; he could use some extermination :)

I'm surprised how effective the Aegis was against MR23+ thugs. They were lucky and managed to take out the cyclops eye with the first hit. I thought he would be a sitting duck when blinded but they turned to stone really fast.
Taking out your Tart's eye wasn't so lucky, surely? My thugs had Eye Shields IIRC. But the Aegis really spoiled their day after that (goes off to sulk in a corner).

[JimMorrison]

The Hangadrotts wish to thank the rulers of Sauromatia for their fine gifts.

We have tied the Seraph to a post, and are forcing your former King of Flames to singe her, one feather at a time. When her mind has fully turned to darkness, and hate and vengeance her only thoughts - we shall Gift of 'Reason' her, and send her back to you - on wings of hate and flame.

<3

[Gregstrom]

And at last a Sauromatian SC dies at Lanka's hands!

In utterly unrelated news: There's a Queen of Elemental Air up for grabs.

[Kadelake]

I'm sorry I don't have time to properly bemoan the horrible last turn. I'm hard pressed to find time to send in the turns in time this weekend. :(

Herode, if you’d extend next turn 24h I would be grateful.

[Herode]

Done !

[Kadelake]

Thanks!

[Gregstrom]

Never let it be said that monkey PD is worthless. 12 Marketa just killed a desperately over-confident Heliophagus :)

[JimMorrison]

Never let it be said that monkey PD is worthless. 12 Marketa just killed a desperately over-confident Heliophagus :)


.....

You should save that turn file, it should have some comedic value after the game is over. :D

[Gregstrom]

I was very strongly tempted to post the whole turn right now. Since I'm still in with a small chance against Sauro, I guess I'd better not.

[Salamander8]

Sorry I've been sort of "out of it", I have been bounced between 1st and 3rd shift over the last few weeks and it's playing havoc with everything. I'm still looking for a less annoying company to work for, but in the mean time it's been a pain.

[Kadelake]

Never let it be said that monkey PD is worthless. 12 Marketa just killed a desperately over-confident Heliophagus :)

Save the turn file and post it each time someone claim "you can NEVAR win with monkey PD" :D How many points of PD was that by the way?

I got drasticly underwhelmed when I spend heaps of blood slaves on some high level bad-*** demon and all I got was 3D3B with mediocre stats. Sauromatia doesn't really lack DB mages. It didn't help that he caused disease to spread in my capital. I more or less suicided him by sending him away with no equipment. As soon as I've send in the orders I thought about lot's of uses for him but didn't bother to change the orders. Never thought he would go down to a few points of monkey PD. That should teach me not to play intoxicated :)

[Gregstrom]

That guy is one of the least appealing Heliophagii, it has to be said. No depth of access in D or B you can't get elsewhere, and that reaper tag makes him really unappealing to keep in your territory or use to attack provinces you'd like to keep some population in.

[Kadelake]

It's always embarrassing to lose a battle because you forgot to script any orders :o

Oh, well. At least my cyclops made it of the field ok.

[Kadelake]

What's up with JimMorrision? He's stalled twice in a row.
Shouldn't Vrana be back about now? If he'll only be gone a few more days maybe we should pause the game until he's back?

[JimMorrison]

Hey guys. My cablemodem was out, and I had no available options to get online. Wish someone had noticed I was totally absent from the forums and postponed the turn.....

[Wrana]

Sorry also, I thought that you thought :) I'm taking over and so written to Herode that I agree to continue. :embarassed: However, right now I'm somewhat ill, so can be less than good commander... Do you prefer to continue for some time or should I take over now? In any case, thank you for your help!

[JimMorrison]

Sorry also, I thought that you thought :) I'm taking over and so written to Herode that I agree to continue. :embarassed: However, right now I'm somewhat ill, so can be less than good commander... Do you prefer to continue for some time or should I take over now? In any case, thank you for your help!


To be honest, I've fallen a bit in love with this nation. :o I think it would be fair to pass it back to you at whatever point you should decide you really want it back - you put an awful lot of effort into getting it where I found it. ;) But I am more than happy to keep playing it - I just had a burp in service, it should be good to go now.

<3

[Wrana]

I've written to Herode that he should look at this. So, unless he forgets to, you can continue. If you think about some particular (logical) point when you can pass it back, we should probably shedule the transfer to the next weekend. By the time I can refresh my skills with some short testgames.. ;)

[Herode]

OK, Jim still has the control for Helheim.

I'm very busy at the moment and I am in "fast management mode" for my games. Sorry to have ommitted to check the stales. Could have prevented the second one.

[zenphos]

Would I be right, or wrong, in assuming that something has gone wrong with the Llamaserver?
I have tried sending in my turn but nothing has happened.
I have also noticed no one else has submitted a turn yet either which makes me reasonably confident something is wrong as the gamers here are normally very prompt at getting turns in.

[Herode]

True. The llamaservers seems to have mail and refresh issues.
I've postponed the turn for 48h to see how things turn. If it's only referesh issues, that's not a big deal, but if mail services or mail access are KO...

[zenphos]

Looks like no turns until Saturday 20th when Llama gets back from his holidyas.
He really needs some sort of emergency contact where we can get in otuch with him if some goes wrong. A Llamaphone of something.

[JimMorrison]

Looks like no turns until Saturday 20th when Llama gets back from his holidyas.
He really needs some sort of emergency contact where we can get in otuch with him if some goes wrong. A Llamaphone of something.


Someone light the Llamasignal!

[Kadelake]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6859&stc=1&d=1221632428

[Herode]

:rofl:

[Wokeye]

HAHAHAHA Great job.

[JimMorrison]

Good, good. He should be here any time now. :happy:

[Wrana]

Excellent!

[Salamander8]

:rofl:

Awesome job man! I was wondering what's been up with the turns. Thought maybe I missed someone winning at first.:doh:

[Herode]

The server's running again. Let me know of you need some delay

[Wokeye]

Meh - I staled, oh well... more money to spend this round! :)

[Kadelake]

Anthrax, the King of Banefire, have realised his mistakes and broken free of servitude in Hellheim. He now helps spreading peace and understanding in Sauromatia. :)

[Herode]

It looks like Helheim also owns some Tartarians. Did you share them ? :)

[JimMorrison]

It looks like Helheim also owns some Tartarians. Did you share them ? :)


Helheim has lots of things. Unfortunately, we don't have the Arcane Nexus (like some people) to afford numerous Seraphs, and also Wish someone's King of Banefires away this last turn - it must be nice. :p

All I can say about that though, is you had best convert that particular advantage into a victory very fast now, the fates are fickle, and my pillow talk with them last night didn't seem too favorable for Sauromatia. ;) ;)

[Wokeye]

err guys I'll need to delay the next turn if that's OK - headed on a pleasant beach holiday well away from Dom3. I'll be back on Oct 7 (I think that's Oct 6 in US/Europe. I had planned to take away a laptop but that fell through unfortunately. I submitted turn 67 already.

[Herode]

I confess I'm reluctant to delay the game for 2 more weeks. Unless more demands to delay until October 7th, let's try to find a sub + I'll give some extension to the deadlines in order to lower possible stales.

[Wokeye]

No worries - I'll try for a sub

[Kadelake]

I have to admit that the god of R'lyeh is one though son of a squid ;)

[Herode]

TC subbed by LDiCesare, thanks to him.
The turn has been postponed to monday evening, then back to the 50h quickhost.

[LDiCesare]

Hi, I'm subbing for TC. Anyone having NAP with us?
I'm talking about Helheim, Yomi, R'lyeh and Marverni.
If any one of these wants to talk to me about interesting matters like they want to kill their neighbour or to acknowledge me as the true and only divinity, you are welcome. I'll play peacefully the first turn if I don't get any message from you because I'd hate to ruin the diplomacy of the usual T'ien Ch'i bureaucracy, so please tell me about NAPs and such for afterwards I might become aggressive without realising I break some pact.

[Kadelake]

Hi LDiCesare, welcome to the game! :)
Sauromatia and TC has a NAP-3 until Abysia is dead.

[Kadelake]

It seems like R'lyeh went AI. Good luck in your next game, Salamander8! I hope you enjoyed the game.
I don't know about water nations. It just seems like they won't be as fun to play. They certainly seem to have a much slower play style.

[Herode]

Hew, R'lyeh in AI, that's bad news. I'm afraid the AI will want to play with all these troops. :rolleyes:

In my modest experience, the water nations are difficult to play because they are difficult to land. And if you can't land, the game turn can be boring for sure...

[JimMorrison]

Wow, that battle in Vorgunmarsh kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. Your army was routed, so I didn't do another Rain of Stones, and yet your undead didn't dissolve after all of your leaders routed.

As if resources weren't stretched enough from legitimate failures and defeats.....

[Kadelake]

I think they didn't dissolve because I still had a mindless commander with undead leadership on the field. No idea if this is a bug or not. I've no idea why some of my non-mindless troops didn't rout though.

[JimMorrison]

God this is just getting ridiculous now.

I am pretty sure that I had that Seraph trumped, but because you took the province in magic phase, the caster who was going to neutralize you decided not to complete his movement, since it was more than 1 province away, and now was into enemy territory. Even though he flies, so could attack it anyway, he didn't complete the movement. So his support army got to die without him, joy.

I shoulda just passed this back to Wrana when it was convenient.

[Gregstrom]

I sort of think the same. Beaming in 3 Tarts and Aella to take down my second-last army of any note was a little harsh (if admittedly effective - only 1 Tart had proved not to be enough).

In a side-note, Claws of Cocytos doesn't seem to last very long on Ice Devils. Very thematic.

[Kadelake]

Hmm, I can see situations where it would be good if the movement order is cancelled but I agree it would be best and most logical if the flyer completed the movement. After all, the army in the neighbouring province completed their movement just fine.

Gregstrom: I was lucky I sent in so many tartarians. I messed up the orders for my primary SC so he would have been a sitting duck without support. How many turns did the Claws hold the devils? It would be interesting to know but I guess you'd rather not tell me before the game is over.

[Gregstrom]

About 2 turns - at this point, I don't think giving you the information can really increase the degree to which you have me outclassed. I rather suspect that sending Ice Devils to Inferno would be drastically more effective.

[JimMorrison]

Wow, this game just keeps getting better and better! :happy:

So, I cast Arcane Nexus this turn, with *401* Pearls. It failed. Not as strong as the existing enchantment.

.....

[Kadelake]

:)
You must have clammed quite a lot? Or is it mostly earth stones?

[JimMorrison]

A lot of clams. Could have been more, but now I figure, why bother? :o Most of the revenues have gone to getting a mage from S2 to S8, and then failing to cast Nexus. :doh:

[Herode]

Where is Marverni/Zenphos ? Any news, someone ? :confused:

[Kadelake]

I found this (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=40758) post today. Apart from that I've gotten a few in game messages where it seemed like nothing was wrong.

[Herode]

Good spot !

OK then I suggest to postpone the turn until Sunday in hope we'll find a sub at this time. If no sub volunteers, then either we will give an additionnal delay or we will set Marverni to IA.

[zenphos]

Hey guys,

Sorry, things have been very hectic recently, buying a house, new job etc. So I am struggling to get my turns in. As noted I have been looking for a sub but so far no one has been interested. If anyone knows anyone who might want to take over it would be much appreciated. Marverni are in a very strong position, heaps of gold and gems and lands.
I will try to get my turns in over the next few days and hopefully a sub can take be found soon as life is only going to be getting busier for me.
Sorry for the double stale and hopefully it won't come down to me being set to AI.

[Herode]

Zenphos, no worries, real life always prevails :)

Do you think you could manage Marverni with a longer delay between turns, let's say 75h ? If you can, I think at this stage of the game we can move to a 75h quickhost. If you can't, I may have a sub for you : LDiCesare, presently subbing for TC. He may be interested in playing Marverni as soon as Wokeye is back, but this can be done only if no other players object since LDC now has some insights on TC situation.

Zenphos & you, guys, what's your opinion ?

[Kadelake]

I'm all for 75h quickhost. I'm moving to a new apartment right now and will soon be without internet connection. It will take some more time when I have to bring my turns to the university on an USB-stick ;)

[LDiCesare]

I'd rather not replace Zenphos considering that I know T'ien Ch'i too well, that would be unfair to them, particularly since they and Marverni are neighbours. It might be better than having Marverni go ai, but in addition, I'm afraid the game will last long, even if it goes fast, and it's a bit big for me. So try to find somebody else if you can.

[cupido2]

Hi all
Seems that Marverni elected me to be their new God since the old one bought a new house and moved out of their capital.
Anything I need to know about NAPs or wars?

[Herode]

OK then, no worries :)

Cupido2 volunteers for the sub. I'll switch the email address as soon as he gives me the new one. The deadline still is Sunday evening but I can postpone if needed, of course.

[Herode]

Ooops, we collided...

The @mail address is updated. Obviously, Zenphos has sent the 2h file for this turn. Either you keep his orders or overwrite them is up to you. Check the 'request turn resend' & let me know if there is any problem with the new adress.

Welcome in Strolling ! :D

[LDiCesare]

Wasn't Wokeye supposed to be back soon?
Not that I mind playing the next turn, seeing how certain nation that I shall not name but whose name start with Sauromati have made things interesting right now.

[Kadelake]

Sauromatia always try to make the game interesting and enjoyable for everyone ;)

[Wokeye]

Just got back - hehe this game sounds like fun! Had a great holiday (except my 2yo daughter hated the beach... >.< ).

Happy to take back TC control whenever you are LDiCesare, thanks for stepping in.

[LDiCesare]

I hope you won't find the nation in too bad shape.
I must admit I am quite surprised that Sauromatia didn't try to storm the fort. It wouldn't have done them much good since they wasted many gems on the archdevil, but still, I expected the SC's to do something rather than sit there.

[Herode]

I guess Sauro just forgot to give the orders since the Witches are obviously rushing towards the VP condition. Yomi's capitol has just been attacked by 4 SC (2 Seraphs, 2 Elemental Royalties) & a whole bunch of siege golems. :eek:

[JimMorrison]

Good, go for the win, Kadelake. :p Just, not my capitals. :happy:

[Wokeye]

A force was also teleported onto the TC capital. War it is, with the Witches then...and two can play at the tart gateway game...

[Kadelake]

The witchkings of Sauromatia have agreed to give all their subjects right to some time of in case of deaths in the family and other personal crises. Some of my tartarians had to attend the funerals of a lot of their close friends and there was nothing I could do about it. (Tartarians have a really good union)

*Looks at the note attached to the monitor saying: "Always provide an escape route"...
Underlines always....* ;)

[cupido2]

Marverni declares itself the owner of the southern continent. Every nation that has settlements on that continent, please move out or pay 50 gold per province every month as rent. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

[Kadelake]

I'm on my way out :)

[Gregstrom]

Hmm. Witch Kings seem somewhat resistant to seduction. Axes in the face seem to work wonders, though.

[cupido2]

Ah yes I see it. I hope you are thanking TC for lending a hand with your move out.

[Kadelake]

Hmm. Witch Kings seem somewhat resistant to seduction. Axes in the face seem to work wonders, though.You just have to know where your targets tastes lie.

Ah yes I see it. I hope you are thanking TC for lending a hand with your move out.
Yes, a big thanks to TC but I actually think it's Yomi that's been most helpful :)

[Herode]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :deadhorse:

[Wokeye]

Grrrrrrrrrr, indeed. :)

....and as for Marveni claming the southern land, what thanks is this for your previous allies? By weakening us, you simply hand the Witches victory. Nevertheless, we will not move from our hard won lands easily.

[JimMorrison]

Marverni has long been laying down for the Witch Kings. ;)

Their protection of the southern Sauromatian border has never wavered since I arrived, and has been a crucial part in the current state of affairs.....

[Herode]

Maybe. Anyway, as soon as Tukot Heights will be in Sauro's hands, the victory condition will be reached. As this may happen veeeeeeeeeeeeeeery soon now !
:hide:

[Kadelake]

Herode is right. If none can beat my sieging forces in (139) this turn the game will be over. Suits me fine since I will lose my internet connection next week. Still, I hope someone will put up a fight :)

I actually think Marverni did the right thing not attacking me. At first he had his hands full with Abyssia and the war left him far behind in research. With all the rich lands he got after beating abyssia and the great late game power of Marverni he would have been in a good position with a bit more research. And during that time the other nations in the top would be bleeding each other. I don't know if anyone expected my to win the war against Hellheim and Lanka but I certainly did not expect to survive this long.

[Gregstrom]

Well, I was woefully underequipped for a war of SCs as it turned out. Even when I got my own ones up and running, you had enough Blood-using Tarts to banish the best of them to Cocytos without too much trouble.

I think another nation attacking you might have turned things around, but who can tell?

[Gregstrom]

Congratulations to Kadelake!

I was kind of surprised you didn't try to take my capital, actually.

[JimMorrison]

Grats man, well played.

I'm a bit annoyed, as I had just managed to straighten out my strategy, when I had those 2 stales, and you devastated my force at the choke-point. Once you had more freedom with your SCs, I continued to take losses I couldn't replace, until the very end.

It was an interesting game though, I learned a lot. See you all in the next world!

[Herode]

Nice move, Kadelake, and congrats for your victory ! :clap:

There is nothing I could do against your SC, Yomi has really been very weak all the game long, I never thought indeed I could survive until the end of the game.

Interesting little battle this last turn against Marverni spamming Gifts and Blades. At least I had an opportunity to try my thugs :D

Thanks for the game, guys, and see you later for another Armaggeddon !

[Wokeye]

Gratz Kadelake - well played.

I seemed to lose focus in the mid-game and could not recover to be really competitive. Good game all.

[Wokeye]

Gratz Kadelake - well played.

I seemed to lose focus in the mid-game and could not recover to be really competitive. Good game all.

[Kadelake]

Thanks for the game everyone! :)
And thanks to Herode and all the other people who has admined the game!
Also thanks to Wrana who was the best player in this game.

Good luck with your next game everyone! I'm going to take a pause from dominions until I get my internet connection back.