EA Game Strolling, part 2 - send in pretenders

[johnarryn]

Victory condition will be 55% of VP's... graphs, renaming on.
Only mod is Worthy Heroes.
The map will be "Cradle of Dominions"

nations already taken are:
Marverni - Zenphos
Abysia - Johnarryn
Helheim - Wrana
Yomi - Herode
Tien Chi - Wokeye
Rlyeh - Salamander8
Suaromatia - Kadelake
Caelum - Ossa
Mictlan - Cicadian
Kailasa - FeydMantis
Agartha - Starshine_Monarch
Lanka - Gregstrom

[Wrana]

BTW, are neutrals still at 7? And map - Cradle?

[johnarryn]

I actually think reducing indeps. to 5 is fairer - I think 7 indeps. makes bless nations (or nations with awake pretender) even better in the early game, which they really don't need to be.

I'm also fine with cradle with 10, although it will be pretty big.

[Cicadian]

I'm in with Mictlan. This'll be my first go with a blood nation so I'll probably fail http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Might I also suggest Worthy Heroes? Dunno what Mictlan's are like but it sure improves most nations who would otherwise get crap.

[johnarryn]

Welcome Cicadian. Worthy heroes was planned to be used already, so no worries.

[Cicadian]

Pretender sent for Mictlan.

[Wrana]

I would prefer indepts 7 - for 5 is quite readily beaten by most start armies & doesn't really require quality troops or strong bless. 7 require some thought, though, & can sometimes cause affliction in poorly used SC pretender. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[FeydMantis]

I would like to give Kailasa a go if a slot is still open

[Duncan_Frost]

Hey! I'm back from holiday! Is there still a slot open? I'd like to be Agartha if possible.

[chrispedersen]

I'll take Lanka..

[Aezeal]

sounds like it's full ..

but I'll post anyway ..

I'd like Niefelheim if there still is a place open
'
HoF 15 plz?

[Aezeal]

ow and I'm in for 5 indies cus that is what I'm used too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

also I always like standards n streamers http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[johnarryn]

Im going to cap it at 12, as I think thats about the max that would be good one Cradle. So Feyd_Mantis, Duncan_Forst and chrispedersen are in. Sorry, Aezeal, i'd prefer to cap it at 12. Anyhow, please send your pretenders in, llamabeast won't be able to start it until May 12th, I think.

One last thing: As a rule of general etiquette, please do not send your pretender into a game until you have actually heard from the organizer about being accepted. Thanks.
Good luck, folks.

[johnarryn]

Oh, one more thing. I've updated the original post to include players... however, a few people sent in pretenders without posting on the last thread about whether they were playing again... so they have ? next to their name until I got confirmation about who the player is.

[Aezeal]

If anyone is out, just let me know and I'd like to join this EA game.

[Kadelake]

I'm still in the game as Sauromatia in case anyone wondered http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

I'm a little scared of Mictlan and Lanka. Strong blood, strong mages and strong sacreds are always good. Plus Lanka have their insanely good national blood-summons. Mictlan have some weaknesses I guess but Lanka just seems really strong all-round.

[Nerildar]

I'm still in as Tien Chi

[chrispedersen]

Sending in pretender momentarily.

I would *happily* trade lanka for tien chi.

TC has:

1. Better magical diversity.
2. Similar bless chassy
3. No great weaknesses to X4 damage frm spells, items, banishment etc.
4. TC has good PD. Lanka PD is *useless*.
5. Better national spells if you *follow* a bless strategy.

[chrispedersen]

Um... How do we send a pretender?
Can't do it via pm.. and I have no addy's for the game server....

[Wrana]

To chrispedersen:
See llamaserver's FAQ. It's here somewhere -search. E-mail box I think, is called "pretenders". Subject should be "Strolling 2"

[zenphos]

I am still in as Marverni. They felt a little weak when I played them first time around but I will give them a second go.
Maybe this time I will do a little better with them.

[johnarryn]

Zenphos, check out Baalz' excellent guide to Marverni (linked in any of his posts). It is very helpful.

[Kadelake]

Wrana said:
To chrispedersen:
See llamaserver's FAQ. It's here somewhere -search. E-mail box I think, is called "pretenders". Subject should be "Strolling 2"



Actually the game name is still "Strolling" without the 2 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Herode]

And the llamafaq is here :
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=531116&page=&view=&sb =5&o=

[Salamander8]

Still in as R'Lyeh.

[johnarryn]

Any idea who is playing Caelum?

Also, we will begin as soon as llama returns.

[Aezeal]

Caelum.. of wait this is that theme map.. no niefelheim in there for me right..

I would not mind playing Caelum... I need to look into the nation first though (and tonight I need to look in on Pythium for my own MA game)

[zenphos]

We have 12 pretenders uploaded so I figure we will start soon.
No idea who is playing Caelum but he has uploaded a pretender.
I can find no mention from anyone that they were going to play Caelum, either in the last game or this one.

[johnarryn]

Indeed. Someone is playing Caelum, it would just be nice to know who.

[llamabeast]

I believe (from looking at the e-mail address) that Caelum is being played by ossa.

I should be able to start the game tonight by the way. Brace yourselves for the Ascension War.

[Aezeal]

damn, well good luck pplz

[Duncan_Frost]

Tonight everyone else dines in hell!

[chrispedersen]

Meatloaf please. If you're going to dine in hell .. it might as well be mystery meat.

Speaking of..
Weren't we going live tonight?

[johnarryn]

Llamabeast said he would try to start it tonight, but I imagine something came up... i'm guessing we will start sometime tomorrow (Tuesday).

[llamabeast]

Yeah, well guessed johnarryn, sorry to keep you all in suspense. I had an unexpectedly hectic evening. It'll definitely start today.

[johnarryn]

Hello everyone - the game has started!

I will be changing the game to 24 hour quickhost after the 1st turn and leave it that way for awhile, as these early turns shouldn't really take all that long.

[chrispedersen]

Um. Hey..

I notice that there are a bunch of VP markers all over the place.

However, on my map, at least - they do not correspond to provinces.

Are these supposed to be provinces? And, more specifically.. are they supposed to be capitols?

chris

[johnarryn]

The VP's do correspond to caps, yes. As for the misplaced vp markers (being between provinces and such, i'm guessing it's due to having a slightly different version of the Cradle map than the one llama is using, perhaps? I also am having the same weirdness, but I don't know that it will effect much.

[chrispedersen]

well, for me .. its impossible to know which province the capitol is in... in 5 of the cases...

[chrispedersen]

Ok.. I may not understand the science of starting positions.. but ...

The whole of the south continent has 2 positions. (30 land per each

The NW landmass... has 4 capitols.. split between 53 territories..

The NE is split between 5 as well.. but there is no one in lower starting 20 territories, with only 2 contenders for more than 25 territories.

AKA: Does anyone else have a problem with these starting positions? IF they are random, can we try for something a little more equitable?

[johnarryn]

They are indeed random... however, you fail to notice a few things... there are little anchor provinces that actually connect many provinces... thus, the persons in (85) and (100) can, should and will soon have access to the southern provinces... you are correct that person in the NE has a good space of empty land underneath them, but such is the luck of the draw. Unless there is overwhelming discord in terms of starting positions, I am loath to reset, as it takes time and there is little chance that everyone will be satisfied with new positions.

[chrispedersen]

I didn't fail to notice. However, if you just do a simple race to strategic borders expansion, the disparity is huge.

Two player 27s
One player 24
One player 22
Two player 18
One player 15
One player 12
Two player 10
One player 9
One player 7

In other words, if each player moves to secure chokepoints that allows him to expand in the maximum number of territories (sure, lots of assumptions) - the disparity is ridiculous.

Try it out.. color one territory a turn for each race. One person from each of the NE and NW continents needs to be moved to the south.

[llamabeast]

I let Dominions place the starting positions. It's true that it doesn't always do a very good job.

This thing about the VPs is very strange. I just used the ordinary Cradle map. I will try to take a look later. Maybe someone could post a screenshot of the weirdness.

[johnarryn]

As llama says, the computer generally picks the starting positions, and there will always be some imbalance. chrispedersen is obviously very concerned about the more crowded northern positions, particularly given the possibility of a bless rush.

So, while I would like to continue, I am ok with starting over again... but i'm not sure how much that will accomplish without:
a) A lot of work on llamabeast's part in designating 12 "balanced" starting positions
and/or
b) Getting rid of VP's so that starting positions are not immediately obvious. We cold also make vp's randomly placed... but then once again run into the problem of the game ending very early.

Thoughts? My vote is to continue. Turns are still due as this debate goes on, btw.

[Kadelake]

I vote to continue, the starting position is always going to be more or less imbalanced. The terrain isn't the same all over the map and there are large areas with swamp and wasteland that isn't very valuable.

Personally I don't like my starting position, on the other hand I was really lucky with my position last time so I guess it evens out.

[johnarryn]

chris has informed me he will be leaving the game. I will look for a replacement.

[chrispedersen]

Good luck guys!

I don't mind a minor imbalance, it is normal part of playing the game. However in this case the course of the game will likely be dictated by the starting conditions rather than skill, luck or the clash of titans.

In this particular case, three players have ready access to half of the territories, with the remaining 9 sharing half.

I had really looked forward to playing this game, and am quite disappointed. I think it would be illustrative if the people that did not want to change the positions would say which their positions were.

[johnarryn]

Gregstrom will now be playing Lanka.

[Wrana]

I'm also getting it (attached, edited only to remove reference to my province number)...

[Herode]

Looks like TC is already going to stale... ^^

[johnarryn]

Indeed. If he does, in fact, stale I will look for a replacement.

[johnarryn]

Wokeye is now playing Tien Chi

[FeydMantis]

Have sent turn 2 in early Friday, I was wondering if I could get a longer turn time when it gets to turn 3 as I will be away for the weekend coming back late sunday around 22-23gmt. I understand if it is to much of a pain but thought I would ask just in case http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Herode]

IMHO, real life always prevails, I am a strong supporter of delaying turns when needed.

[Wokeye]

Greetings All! Looking forward to meeting you on the battlefield as TC!

I hope this guy has a good pretender, as his scales are woeful...(who the hell takes Turmoil 3 as TC?) oh well... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Herode]

Well, if the luck is OK, you are at least almost granted some pretty good heroes with that scales http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Cicadian]

Yeah I took turmoil/luck as TC in the Crow Road game. It has been something of a mixed blessing http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Ossa]

Args my pretender just got cursed by some random event... gnaaaaa

[johnarryn]

Feydmantis, I will try to accomodate you with a delay.

[Wrana]

Well, Tien Chi Spring & Autumn HAD a turmoil dominion in Dom2... But probably he wanted high luck.. or Bless? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Wokeye]

Yes I think so Wrana, will see once I get to bless my troops or the TC pretender shows up.

[Herode]

johnarryn said:
Feydmantis, I will try to accomodate you with a delay.


Don't forget to delay the host or Kailasa will stale http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Gregstrom]

I checked my prophet to find my bless - now I just want to know what sort of Pretender I have.

[Herode]

Can't llamabeast send you back the pretender file ?

[Gregstrom]

Might work, if I had a pretender viewer.

OTOH, once you know your bless and scales, reverse engineering is possible.

[Herode]

There is a link to a Dom III pretender viewer somewhere in Schrapnel forums... I don't have it at hand but I think you'll find it easily browsing the mods sub-forum. If you don't find it, MP me your email.@ & I'll mail it to you

[Herode]

I cant' wait more for the turn, and I'll be out of home 1.5 day so no new orders for me before tuesday evening (GMT + 2). If you can delay the turn that will be cool

Good night chaps !

[FeydMantis]

johnarryn said:
Feydmantis, I will try to accomodate you with a delay.



Thanks! Helped me alot.

[Gregstrom]

Herode: I guess I can use catgod (yay - I remembered what it was called!) if I need, but for strategy I mostly needed to know the bless. An early prophet is a pretty good idea anyway for Lanka, so I've not lost out. And I reckon I know what my pretender is anyway. Technically there are 4 options I've found so far, but I think 3 of them aere quite silly.

[Wokeye]

I'm thinking of playing with an unknown pretender as an extra challenge http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[chrispedersen]

Guys, FWIW
I pm'd greg a couple of days ago with the pm construction.

[Gregstrom]

You did? That's really odd... there's nothing in my inbox about it.

[Salamander8]

Ugh, I didn't check my E-Mail till just now and might miss the turn deadline if it's 24 hours based on the time I got the tun 4 e-mail yesterday. I don't get out of work till 4:30 PM my time (central USA) and I have an interview after work. I may end up stalling for this turn, but I can only blame myself. Too busy with the Age of Conan early access. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[Wokeye]

By Crom! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Herode]

Back home. Bad surprise... having notified I'll be out of home until this evening, I would have greatly appreciate to avoid a stale in this game where my starting position was already one of the worst I ever had...

[chrispedersen]

Why didn't you complain as I did.. and get the starting positions fixed???????!!!

[Herode]

Because having bad starting positions is part of the game, from time to time I can accept that kind of challenge. Restarting a game too many times can also be boring...

[Wrana]

Surely by Crom! He was King of Dead, by the way... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Kadelake]

What happened to Agartha? Did he stale last turn?

[johnarryn]

Ill give him another turn, and PM him. If he doesn't respond, well find a replacement.

[Herode]

Looks like there is a bug here. I have a whole bunch of units without their commander. This commander moves and
1- left behind him more than the half of his units as garrison in the starting province
2- left the remnants on his units as garrison in the final province.

Of course, I did not garrisonned units last turn and of course, I don't know how a commander can in the same turn both move into a province and garrison it...

This bug messes me one more full turn since I can't attack the indie province I wanted with half of my troops only. This, coming in addition with the other handicaps (very bad starting position + one unfair stale), is more than I can deal with. I suggest to restart the game, of if you prefer I will put my micro nation into IA. Just let me know.

[Herode]

After careful inquiry, it is not a bug. Too bad... Another messed order list.

I have to expiate my fault. You can whip me (although I would really prefer to meet one of those hot DomIII babes for the punishment, if you don't mind. I'm sure they are real whip masters http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif).

OK then, I'll suffer with my pityfull nation until the end. Let's go for hopeless moves. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/Injured.gif

[Wrana]

And what is the matter with your Dominion??? It looks like dying too fast even for Mictlan.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Hadn't you raise your Pretender's Dominion at all?

[Herode]

I don't know. Maybe I am surrounded by very strong dominions... Mine is medium (5 or 6)... If everybody around me is Dom 8-10, I may be dom killed pretty fast http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[johnarryn]

I will be looking for a replacement for Agartha.

[Wokeye]

I'm sure those Dominions chicks would happily whip your Yomi butt Herode, if you asked them nicely. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[johnarryn]

For those interested (and because I can't get enough MP dominions) I am organizing a new llamaserver LA game, entitled "The End of Time." Sign up on the thread in the forum if you'd like to join. Note that nations will be assigned randomly.

[Kadelake]

Anyone who has some spare astral pearls? I'd like to buy five pearls for death, nature or gold http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Wrana]

No free gems so far.. Has anybody Earth for sale? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[johnarryn]

Starshine_Monarch is now playing Agartha.

[Wokeye]

The Celestial Masters of Tien Chi have altered their former opinions of the perceived dubious kingdom arrangement of their former Master, Nerildar, in choosing Turmoil/luck scales. Praise the Luck!

[Kadelake]

Anyone know who Agartha was fighting against? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Herode]

Yes http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I just casted Frighten on the player and it worked.
Next step : cast Charm on Angelina Jolie.
I love Dom III http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Wokeye]

Agartha was squished between Yomi, Helheim and TC. A tricky spot.

GG Starshine_Monarch

[Wrana]

Precisely. He had some chance for negotiation, but as player who was before him stalled, he didn't succeed in securing even neutrality of neighbors...
What is more interesting is who is beating Caelum & Kailasa? Lanka, is this you?

[Gregstrom]

I still have indies on my borders. Okay, I'm at war with Caelum (they were busily establishing two widely separated choke point borders with me - not something I was happy to live with), but I don't even know where Kailasa is.

The graphs seem to point at Sauro hitting Kailasa, if you ask me.

[Wrana]

Probably. Kailasa, by the way, is nearby, so it's possible also that it's Mictlan, but graphs are against it..

[Kadelake]

Yes, it was me hitting Kailasa this turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Wrana]

Do you know how Marverny fares? They seem having very good progress also & they are somewhere close to you too...

[Wrana]

What happened with Mictlan?? They were somewhat rude from the beginning - but turning into AI?! Does anybody know anything about this?

[Kadelake]

Marverni seems to be doing fine. They had quite a lot of empty land around them.

No idea what happened to Mictlan. Our only contact was when two armies accidentally collided. I killed 12 jaguars and a sun priest and lost some cavalry. I offered a NAP after that but never got any reply.

[Wrana]

Yes, that's typical. But when I looked this turn, he was AI... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Wokeye]

Oh noes Mictlan is AI?!? Looks like we're two down already.

[Wrana]

It looks so. But I don't see what made him such. He had pretty good situation some turns before... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Wokeye]

I assume this game is still on a 24hr timer? Would anyone mind if we switched it to 48hrs, with autohost of course. I unfortunately stalled a turn ago as I was out at the pub. Priorities, eh?

[Herode]

Agreed.

[Kadelake]

Sauromatia declares war on Abyssia in order to aid the wise people of Marverni http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Wrana]

All hail Sauromatia!
Considering 48h shedule - I'm not against it. Though currently I can manage fine. Maybe after the next weekend would be better?

[Kadelake]

48h starting this friday would suit me fine. That would save me the trouble of finding a temp over the weekend.

[Salamander8]

48 would likely work out best at this point.

[Kadelake]

We should probably turn caelum AI at the same time. He has stalled several turns.

[johnarryn]

The might nation of Abysia, which has never engaged in hostile action against other nations (Marverni having attacked us even as we negotiated in good faith) suggests to the rest of the world that if they seek to avoid a dominant, victorious Sauromatia they attack now.... if we fall, then all is over.

Sauromatia has engaged in hostile and aggressive action from the very beginning, destroying Kailasa.

Act now, or all is lost.

[Wrana]

To Abyssia:
You should also add that you didn't even respond to attempts at negotiations by your other neighbors... And while we understand your concern that war with an equal opponent may prove your undoing unlike your war with weaker Marverni nation, our nation doesn't see it as a threat to us.
Anyway, our existing agreement with Sauromatia would forbid our intervention at your side.

[johnarryn]

To Helheim,

We are unsure as to what unawnswered attempts at negotiation you reference. We again note that the "weaker Marverni nation" provoked war with Abysia even as we attempted to negotiate with them. If you cannot see the threat of two of the mightiest nations seizing Abysia's territory, there is little we can do to convince you of the reason of attacking Sauromatia now.

[johnarryn]

On a non-diplomacy note, I will shift the turn time to 48 hours, as some have requested.

[Wrana]

To Abyssia:
We can also see the threat you would be after you conquered one of aforesaid "mightiest nations", namely Marverni. So currently we prefer to remain neutral. Considering Marverni attacking under the truce flag - that's a serious offence and it can make others think twice about listening to them. However, why then didn't you proclaim it at the moment of said offence? It would carry much more weight then...
Considering other negotiations - Yomi attempted to reach you several times. He could miss once, but I am not inclined to believe that he would do so twice - especially considering that he could be quite a juicy target at the moment...

[zenphos]

Well I think I should spend a bit more time on the forums as my good name is being dragged in the mud. My recollection is that Marverni, possibly the weakest EA nation, stated they were not interested in a NAP with you and then 2 turns later attacked. Not sure where the negotiating came into it?
And the reason I attacked was your attempt to negotiate a 12 turn NAP while all the time planning to block me in and prevent me expanding, which while a cunning and sneaky move I would not suggest is an act of good faith. Fortunately for me someone had used a similar tactic on me in a previous game so I was ready for it.

[Ossa]

Caelum is effectivly out of the game, our arrows and mammuts unable to stem the tide of llankan doubleblessed demons. Sauromatia has been kind enough to shelter our sacred virgins and precious air gems while our kings die.

__
My pretender (the one who got cursed via random event on turn two) got blinded and limped in his first battle btw.

[Salamander8]

To the nation that sent me (R'Lyeh) an in-game message a few turns back, I flew through that turn before responding or even recalling who sent the message and have not received a PM on the boards like I hoped so I am posting here to let you know that I am not ignoring it. Please send me a PM here at the boards. PMs are better for me as I keep them till the game is over. In-game messages evaporate too fast.

[johnarryn]

Zenphos, let me respond completely out of character, to avoid confusion. It was my impression (completely honestly) that we were in the process of negotiating a NAP when you attacked - I assumed we were just dickering over details... as you may have noted from my in-game communications, I was a bit surprised when you attacked. Thus, when I state that "negotiations were ongoing" this was the impression that I, as Abysia, was under. Part of this is no doubt due to relying on in-game communication, where there is always a turn lag.

I would also hesitate to characterize my eastward expansion as an attempt to "block you in and prevent you from expanding." If you meant that I was attempting to secure as much territory for myself as possible, you are of course correct. That is, after all, the entire point of the game. I was simply attempting to cordon off as great a range of provinces as could be attained. If you're implying some sort of bad faith beyond that on my part, i'm not exactly sure how to respond.

I hope that clears that up. I enjoy playing Dominions in a friendly manner, and in-character posturing aside I am enjoying this game.

[Kadelake]

I attacked Abyssia because you are the most experienced player and got the best start. You seemed to be doing a little to well and I wanted to help Marverni with whom I have good relations. If you had manage to win against Marverni before anyone did anything Abyssia would have become a really scary nation http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[johnarryn]

I agree, Kadelake... I will, of course, attempt to diplomatically do what I can to defend myself, and I generally like to do so "in-character" to create a clear divisin between myself, as a player, and as a nation in a particular game.

So of course Abysia is going to cry about being attacked by two other nations - whether that has an impact on the effectiveness of my arguments is, of course, for the other players to determine.

[Wrana]

That's good indeed. I can add (out of character) that you could honestly forget about Yomi's message(s), but this scared him no end and being his ally I felt I had to give any support I could.
Also, my sincere condolences about you being attacked by Tien Chi as well - it seems your arguments had an opposite effect... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[johnarryn]

Am I under attack from Tien Chi? I'm not aware of that.

[Wokeye]

The Celestial Masters seek to prepare the world for the coming of their god, the great mysterious one. Whoever it is, and whenever it chooses to arrive. We hope it arrives soon and does not turn out to be a talking water rat.

The southern continent has such nice warm beaches compared to the frigid north and we seek a beachside holiday house to drive air-magic driven jet skis and hold water demon wrestling competitions.

[johnarryn]

Ah, another opponent, eh? Delightful. So many brave souls all of a sudden =)

[Wokeye]

Glorious T'ien Ch'i has been marshalling a warhost for several turns to come of the aid of Marveni- we do not act suddenly in matters of righteous war.

We cannot speak for other nations, however, especially the death-driven witch kings.

[zenphos]

Johnarryn I think it only fair I do the same. I am sorry for taking your in-character comments the wrong way. I myself like a bit of casual in character bantering in the game as well. You were absolutely correct in your definition of what I meant. The problem is that your attempt to grab as much territory as you could meant I had no choice but to attack you or sauromatia if I wished to keep expanding. And as I had already planned to expand to the west that meant attacking you.
I did not mean to imply any bad faith on your part, but if I had agreed to your NAP of 12 turns I would have been stuck. Not wanting to expand east or north and incapable of expanding west due to the NAP. Which meant you would have had 12 turns to fortify and prepare yourself and grab all the provinces closer to your capital.
Was this an intentional ploy using a NAP to cordon off a huge number of indy provinces you could then conquer at your leisure? Only you know that, but I assumed it was and so rejected your NAP and prepared for war.
Sorry if there was any confusion and I also am enjoying this game, despite not being able to work out how to stop a horde of rampaging burning ones http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Those men of marverni are just way too flammable.

[Gregstrom]

Oh, Caelum's still going then. Good-oh.

[Kadelake]

That was my worst turn ever in a MP-game... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[zenphos]

That doesn't sound good. Does this mean Abysia is free to rampage through my northlands again?
I have only just finished digging him out.

[Kadelake]

Not quite that bad. I just lost several units in stupid ways. My pretender was among them

[johnarryn]

Hmm. You didn't lose your pretender to me... interesting.

[Wrana]

Probably you would care to bump The Hall of Doh! thread with your experience? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[johnarryn]

I have delayed hosting for a bit in the hopes that Ossa will get his turn in.

[Gregstrom]

He has. Can we host now?

[johnarryn]

Due to some personal matters, i'm delaying the next due date (after the present turn) until Monday. While I may be able to send in turns prior to then, i'm not sure. Hopefully this isn't too distressing to anyone.

[Wrana]

Not for me, as I have a headache now. Which is probably due to inconsistent weather which isn't going to stay... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Wokeye]

A great battle has occurred in the forests of the south land between the glorious warhost of Tien Chi and a great army of Abyssian flaming troops. Volleys of fire fell from the sky, but were eventually quelled by falling rain and many spring warriors. Our people rejoyce with the great victory - soon the great city will be ours.

[Wrana]

Congratulations! We can report that the evil of Mictlan is almost extinguished. Their Pretender runs quickly (actually, even flies), but soon it won't be enough.

[Kadelake]

What's up with Yomi taking over provinces from T'ien Ch'i?

[Wrana]

A plot aimed at confusing naive Sauromatian scouts, of course! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Kadelake]

Just as I suspected http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Wokeye]

Wrana said:
A plot aimed at confusing naive Sauromatian scouts, of course! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif


Yikes our dastardly plan is now foiled. Guess it's back to the war room.

[Salamander8]

Your unprovoked attack on our capital will not go unanswered Sauromatia. Even as we speak the Mind Lords prepare, the waves belong to R'Lyeh not an upstart land nation.

[Gregstrom]

The blood-god of Mictlan has died (again)! Let all rejoice.

[Kadelake]

I must have mis-clicked and accidentally attacked the capital of R'lyeh. Terribly sorry http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif
But I think it cost me more then it cost you.

[Wokeye]

LOL that could be a disastrous 'mis-click', there Sauromatia http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Salamander8]

Kadelake said:
I must have mis-clicked and accidentally attacked the capital of R'lyeh. Terribly sorry http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif
But I think it cost me more then it cost you.


http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif
The PD fell as everyone is inside the fort, so the whole affair did hit me as odd, but you never know in these MP games.

[Wrana]

Accidentially attacking R'lyeh?!! These Witch Kings surely have guts! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Though they didn't demostrate much of the higher facilities in this episode... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Wrana]

On reflection, Helheim considers it wise to end an existing Non-Agression Pact with Sauromatia. After all, we don't need them accidentially attacking us, too... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif
We are still open to trade negotiations, though. This also includes everybody else - particularly in regard of magic items sale... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Wokeye]

Alas! A communion of Abysian Fire Mages has called a firestorm to the beseiging TC warhost.

The Celestial Masters mourn their loss, and vow revenge.

[Wrana]

Helheim send their condolescences and assure that anybody dying for their God will be welcome to our sacred halls.

[Kadelake]

Wrana said:
Helheim send their condolescences and assure that anybody dying for their God will be welcome to our sacred halls.


Sure, as soon as you've torn their nails form their hands and feet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naglfar) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Are you serious in cancelling the NAP? At what turn did you cancel it and when does it expire?

[Wrana]

Well, unfortunately this exact artifact isn't present in the game... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
Yes, I'm serious, as you are currently becoming too strong. Seeing your Tartarian Factory (TM) at full power isn't exactly healthy, if you know what I mean... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif And as I see it's soon to be ready, so I would prefer to have means to stop it if nobody else would.
It was canceled the turn after your attack on R'lyeh capital - as can probably be seen from post date. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif So, according to our initial agreement it expires after 4 more turns. After that, it's probably a war time.
My sincere apologies to Marverni, of course, but currently Sauromatia becomes much greater threat than Abyssia - and the latter has difficulties enough defending itself against Tien Chi & Yomi afaik, so you can take an offensive here. I am also still able to give you items at discount prices. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Kadelake]

That would be turn 42, right? Just posting here as a reminder to myself http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Herode]

Turn 42 say you ? Wow, forgot to pay attention to the fact that we have passed turn 35. BTW, I didn't expected to be still alive at this time, considering the catastrophic starting turns I had.

Still alive, hehe....
Hmmm, remembers me and old Black Sabbath song title (or some cool candy of the same metal ^^).

[Wrana]

Which song do you mean? And you and Agartha were pretty scared of each other, that's for sure! Actually I think that you two were the only ones who really had bad placement - on the other hand as a result you had a VP (and accompanying magic sites) very soon... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Wokeye]

The Celestial Masters thanks Sauromatia for the slight boost in tax revenues, however they suspect the side effect, being plagues of massive Tartarians, might taint the benefits.

They can only hope that any such foul creatures go bonkers and take it out on the Witches that would summon them.

[Wrana]

Rulers of Helheim can only say that the famed wisdom of Celestial Masters has been proved once more... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Kadelake]

And here I'm just trying to help people all over the world by alleviate their suffering and pain. Sometimes I don’t know why I bother to be nice http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Wrana]

Maybe because it produces Death gems which are so tasty for your black soul? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
And if pain & suffering of others so bother you, then why did you taken the Holy Grail which could help them - for yourself? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Thanks just the same, though. It will be pleasure to fight you in any case. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Wrana]

Xaltotun, mighty ruler of Helheim, thereby declares a war against Cthenos, Pretender of Sauromatia, and all her subjects! He swears that he won't allow Cthenos to Ascend unopposed and offers anybody who will aid in this, most holy war, a portion of Sauromatia lands and magic treasures.

[Kadelake]

The proud and honest tribes of Sauromatia will defend themselves from the foul, aggressive, murderous hordes of Hel and their even more despicable false god of Xaltotun! They lands of civilized people will not be poisoned by their bad personal hygiene!

On a side note, may I please take part in your great prices on magical items and buy a skull of fire? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Wrana]

Ad it's well known what Sauromatia's tribes personal hygiene consists of (and we specially asked from Caelum, which isn't for everybody to accomplish) we firmly refuse your weak attempts at bribing us off! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Gregstrom]

I could ask the Caelians, just for confirmation. We've kept a few alive for battery farming. Initial tests comfirm that they're not as tough and stringy as the free-range sort.

[Wrana]

Well, it's quite common situation if you don't have scientific husbandry. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif You could start by inquiring about their ancestry... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
As a sidenote to Sauromatia: according to the stated terms of our offering, you actually CAN get an item requested for discount price. You just need to kill yourself. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Thinking of which - you had already accomplished this once, so anything is possible! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Kadelake]

I'll consider your offer...

[Wrana]

It's well worth it!

[Wokeye]

The world is now a little more generally miserable, although a reduced number of Sauromatian Tartarians should alleviate that...

[Gregstrom]

And a highly trained team of guerilla (gorilla?) gardeners have, in the dead of night, dug out the Mother Oak and transported it several hundred miles to a new home (location classified). Sauromatian watchmen were later found bound and gagged, with nothing but a few banana skins to tell that there had ever been any intruders.

[Kadelake]

Take your stinking paws off my trees, you damn dirty apes! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Wrana]

Well, maybe you shouldn't allow your watchmen to watch your Blood Slaves also? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif This could distract them...

[Wrana]

Does anybody know why in hell Strolling has hosted today - just after yesterday's hosting, making at least me stall??? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Gregstrom]

Everyone seems to have staled, and the turn number hasn't changed on the email from llamaserver (even though it has in-game).

[llamabeast]

Stay calm Wrana.

The LlamaServer for some reason hosted twice. So I will just roll it back. Also I'll try to work out what caused it - it's a very rare bug which has me tearing my hair out, because I can't work out why it does it. Anyway, unfortunately I have to go to work now, so it will have to wait till this evening.

[Herode]

The fun is that the unexpected turn is labelled "turn 45", as the previous normal turn.
I suppose we can play and prepare orders with the first (and correct) turn 45 file, then wait for your notification before sending the .2h file.

Anyway, good luck with the bug, llama, and thanks for your work http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Wrana]

Yes, it's labeled "45" in e-mail notification, but it isn't in game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif At least in my one.
And certainly sign me in with any acknoledgements of Llamabeast's good work! By the way, maybe you can say what this bug was later - I'm almost sure it has some funny reasons for surfacing! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Salamander8]

Ah good, I was wondering why it said I staled when I check for turns every morning.

[llamabeast]

Okay guys, go ahead and send in your turns for the non-staling turn now, I've rolled it back.

Unfortunately I won't have a chance to bug hunt tonight, so I will save that for later.

Oh, I'll resend all your turns, to avoid confusion. So you can either use the resent one, or the first one you received before.

[Wokeye]

Thanks LB!

[Wrana]

Thank you very much!

[Wrana]

And now it says that I've sent the wrong turn number... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Kadelake]

same for me

[Gregstrom]

Ditto - it's acting as if the rollback hasn't happened.

[johnarryn]

I'm having the same issue. I'll make the game doesn't continue to host while we wait for llamabeast to resolve the issue.

[llamabeast]

Many apologies all. I bungled - it's fixed now.

I'm at a conference this week - in Oxford, where I live fortunately - but the side effect is I almost never come near a computer, and when I do I'm drunk. Not ideal for technical matters!

Anyway, I'm pretty sure I got it right this time. It's all checked and looks good.

[Wrana]

Seems to work now. Thank you. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Wokeye]

hmm...same staling issue for me. Oh well.

Are we able to put a 24hr warning on the hosting? 6 hrs is not enough for me, being on the other side of the world I cannot respond within the 6 hrs if I wanted to.

[johnarryn]

Did you actually stale, Wokeye? I apologize if you did, it was likely my fault, but the llamaserver seems to think you didn't.

Anyhow, i'm going to put the warning on 24 hours, if that's helpful to more people.

[Wrana]

Maybe 12 hours warning would be better? For I, personally, will probably look at 24-hour one with "well, plenty of time still" attitude. And 12 hours will probably allow to respond from anywhere...

[Wokeye]

I can't work out the staling thing... if it's back on track now, then nvm, lets get back to the warring.

The llamaserver seem games host (unless autohosted) late in the day while I'm at work - hence if I've forgotten to send my well-planned *cough* turn in, I cannot get or respond to a 6hr warning.

12 hrs might be OK, I'll check out the timing. 24hrs is great for me, as it still allows a night to send in the turn.

[Kadelake]

All hail Alos, the world most famous hero, who killed 405 minions of Hel in one battle! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Wrana]

Yeah, pretty impressive Tartarian... but, wait... he's lost! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif Maybe not so impressive, after all? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
And, by the way, we object at using such disparaging words about our brave troops! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Herode]

405 ? Wow ^^ That's a SC.

Wrana, dear neighbour, would you please keep those things busy on your side of the map, I'm not ready to deal with this right now when a single ethereal Cyclops kicks the armoured asses of my poor and innocent Dai Onis http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Wrana]

Well, I'm trying. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif And what did you think our banter with Wokey was all about? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
By the way, if this helps your peace of mind, he's a Cyclops too - though of above-mentioned variety. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
And why don't you arm the said Onis with something armor-piercing? They won't be slaughtered so easily... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[johnarryn]

The tasty Onis were too loaded up with fire-resistance items. I can't imagine why.

[Herode]

The Elemental armor does not give only fire resistance. It was an equipment I gave them before attacking you, so it was not really specialised against Abysian guys. Maybe too generalist, BTW... I must admit the stuff was not very effective here ^^ I'll try something else ASAP, promise http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Nevertheless, I found your Cyclops painful but interesting. I seldom use SC, just a matter of experience so far. But its a good lesson and I now see how effective a finely tuned and equiped SC can be. This will feed my inspiration for sure http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Wrana]

By the way, his etherealness is also a preparation of "too generalist" kind here. Any magical weapons can pierce it, and iirc Yomi does has them aplenty. In any case Sword of Sharpness could be probably enough here, combined with Dai Oni strength. It could be quite effective when he moves against Tien Chi, though...
Also, johnarryn, that was a fine trick to do Cyclops with non- Awe-inspiring Dominion, but with a bless 9 (and fair scales, I think) and put Awe later on item. But what of early expansion with him? Or did you research some construction first? I ask because Ihate taking bad scales...

[Wokeye]

When he moves against Tien Chi? The Celestial Masters prefer war across the seas, and intend to keep it that way. We have ways around fire, and armour. ...and Cyclops' (?) have only one eye...a big target...

[johnarryn]

My cyclops was imprisoned (hence him only getting into combat recently). EA Abysia doesn't really need an awake pretender for expansion. Five or so of the sacreds plus a priest commander can pretty much take on any average indys.

[Wrana]

Thank you. I, for myself, used an asleep Ghost King - mainly as Rainbow, though he surely helped in middle expansion also. It was possible to use human Rainbow, but I think them unthematic for Helheim - I just can't see Vans worshipping an upstart human. And liches weren't really cheaper... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Kadelake]

Herode said:
Nevertheless, I found your Cyclops painful but interesting. I seldom use SC, just a matter of experience so far. But its a good lesson and I now see how effective a finely tuned and equiped SC can be. This will feed my inspiration for sure http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif


I'm curious, what equipment did he use?

[Wrana]

Not what you have used, that's for sure! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif After all, you had your pick of artefacts... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Not that it wasn't yours by virtue of being there first - I was probably too decentralized in my own research.

[Wrana]

By the way, thank johnarryn (or Llama) for postponing hosting - I'm not sure I'm up to next turn right now... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[johnarryn]

Haha, you're welcome Wrana. Had more to do with me going through some personal stuff and needing a big delay, but i'm happy to oblige you =)

[johnarryn]

Hey folks. Due to some personal matters, I am forced to withdraw from all the games I am currently playing. I've chosen to set myself to AI (which I normally hate to do) rather than look for a substitute because I don't want to delay the game any longer than I already have. Thank you for your understanding.

[Kadelake]

Sorry to see you go http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif
I hope everything turns out well for you.

[Wrana]

Sorry too. Good by and good luck!
Anyway, is there somebody who is admining the game? I had some strange results for this turn: namely, the number of games I have isn't equal with what I had at the end of last one, plus gem income. There is probably 1 other bug... Did anyone else have something similarly strange?

[Herode]

Confirmed.
I lost gems of all types (8 fire, 5 air, etc...) but no blood slaves.

[Wokeye]

GG Johnarryn, been a great war against your Abysian armies - mostly Yomi and I losing battles in various (fiery) ways.

As for the gems - I didnt notice, but can check...

[Kadelake]

I seem to have lost several as gems.

[Wrana]

So, while admin is missing, I'll try to write Llamabeast...

[llamabeast]

Hmm, very strange. I've had a good poke around, but there's no sign of anything untoward, so I'm stumped frankly.

I did a lot of work on the LlamaServer last night, and I was a bit tired, so it's possible I did something funny. However, the good news is that I've now completely finished work on the server itself - I managed to tick off every single feature on my to-do list (still a bit more to do on the web server, but that's separate). So I will hopefully never again have to manually go poking through files, and since I often seem to cause mayhem when I do that that should definitely be a good thing. Indeed, I am crossing my fingers for the rate of issues on the server falling to about zero, because it can now cope with lots of messy things all by itself and should be self-sufficient now.

However, even if I _did_ go bananas and do something weird to Strolling last night, I don't think there's anything I could do to make you lose gems. The only way to get this kind of weirdness in general is if a game is rehosted and someone uses the wrong instance of a trn file to take their turn. I don't think that's possible here.

I should perhaps explain that all the LlamaServer does, so far as Dominions is concerned, is put all the files for a game in the same folder and run Dominions. So there is very little room for subtle errors.

Right, so the net result of all that rambling is - I don't think I can do anything, sorry - hope it doesn't cause problems. I can't imagine how it could be a server issue, but apologies just in case I made some bizarre bungle.

[Herode]

I don't think neither it's server related. This would be weird.

Also I noticed some random event on one province (Bandar Kadek : 77) :

A master thief has stolen many of your magic gems.



The province is not really mine : TC owns the castle, I was just passing through the province, Abysia conquered it just after my armies left it. Anyway, there is no lab in the province allowing access to my gem stock. The commanders I had in that province didn't owned any gem.

Hence, it may be a bug related to this random event. Did you guys had that kind of event this turn ?

[Wrana]

Now that you mention it... yes, I did. There were just so many messages that I DID miss it... It also was the only event as such this turn. Sorry for false alarm. :ashamed:

[Wokeye]

Damn theives..I wonder who they work for *TC is hiring*

[Wrana]

Unfortunately, there is no way to implement this in the game as far as I know. A real pity - I would like to use this in my ongoing 1001 Nights mod project... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif
Another thing - I won't be able to play for about 2 weeks starting next Tuesday: I'm being send off for a field work, where I won't have a gaming computer (though I'll probably manage to appear on forum from time to time). But I think I can find a sub before that...

[Salamander8]

Sorry to see you go johnarryn. I hope everything is alright.

[Wrana]

As I haven't found the sub for now and it seems that Kadelake would also be away, maybe we should pause the game? What everyone thinks?

[Kadelake]

I agree with Wrana. A two week pause would be good http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Herode]

It's OK for me. Who admins the game now ?

[Kadelake]

None I think, not since johnarryn left:(

[Herode]

Then we must find a replacement ^^

[Wrana]

I guess we have to write to Llama about a pause first (or are someone against it?). By this time, maybe someone will work himself up for this... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Wokeye]

I have no problems with a pause if that's the best way.

[Herode]

llamabeast confirms it is possible to switch the admin to another player. I can admin the game if nobody else wants to do it or objects. Just let me know before... let's say 20:00 GMT.

[Gregstrom]

A pause is fine by me.

[Wrana]

OK, so Herode is our new admin. Congratulations! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
And please pause after the current turn - I'm almost ready to send it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif , but won't be able to put much thought to the next one before I'm gone.

[Herode]

OK, I have the admin pwd from llamabeast, many thanks to him for his reactivity. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

Next turn still scheduled for tomorrow.
I'll postpone t+1 as requested.
Just tell me when will you be back and ready, guys ? 13/08 ? 15/08 ? 17/08 ? Something else ?

[Kadelake]

9/8 would be good enough for me.

Nice move flying in all those Rakshasa warriors. It took me a while to figure out how you did it but then I noticed the flying ship in the sky http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Wrana]

I'll probably be back about 13.08, but this would depend on actual work progress.
And congratulations, Gregstorm! It should surely put a fear of God into some Sauromatian hearts! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Herode]

All right, I postponed next turn to 08/16 05:45 GMT
I don't see any update on the game page but this can be a result of caching on the server (or in my browser ^^)
Remind to check within a few hours.

[llamabeast]

It should update within 5 minutes.

[Kadelake]

Hello again!
Are everyone still around? I hope Wrana will be back soon :

[Herode]

Hi to you, Sauroman !:D
Only Helheim is missing but I think he will be back soon ^^

[Wokeye]

The Celestial Masters have had enough festivals and general frivolty (plus a healthy dose of mourning for their smashed Pretender God) - they long to re-engage in the conquest of the eebil Abysia!

[Wrana]

I am here. Greetings to all!
Hope to make my move by tomorrow. 16.08 it will be in any case.

[Kadelake]

That was an interesting turn :)

[Wrana]

Not so much of interest. And if you keep that enchantment running it can become less interesting still. But I can promise you something of more interst soon... ;)
By the way, if there was something I did miss, you can write it in more details. ;)

[Kadelake]

You missed how Kronus threw himself up into the air and scuttled Lanka's flying ship causing all the daemons on board to crash and die horribly in the Pythian swamps :D

[Wrana]

Oh, that was surely exiting, sorry! I apologize, but my scouts can't be everywhere! :grin:

[Gregstrom]

That was exceedingly painful. I even got the Tart down to about 60 hp before fleeing and losing all my lovely mages.

[Wrana]

My condolescenses.
And if you tried, or plan to, the method you mentioned to me - than it doesn't work according to testing in single. I don't know whether to report it as a bug, but it seems that the spell description doesn't match its actual mechanics... :( I am still working on alternative...

[Kadelake]

Lol, my stonesword-wielding tartarian managed to petrify himself even though he had 29MR.
Too bad, he had heroic quickness and was starting to become really scary with 4 attacks each round :eek:

[Wrana]

Really, my condolescenses. I had some thoughts on what to do with him, but didn't finish all preparations. By the way, one of the ideas on how to do him in was to spam Dust to Dust. However, testing proved this to be completely ineffective. Don't you know the reason of this? I mean, the description says it ignores both armor and MR, but something was surely stopping such damage. Maybe it should be reported as a bug? or it affects other undead but not Tartarians specifically? :confused:

[Wokeye]

The Celestial Masters of Tien Chi are gathering Astral Gems to dispel a certain massively-gem-producing global enchantment that could be used to engulf the world.

Any nations who wish to contribute Astral Gems to its demise would be looked upon most favourably by the court. The more the merrier.

[Kadelake]

Dust to Dust works against Tartarians. I lost some tartarians to heavy DtD spamming in my first game. It takes quite a large number of mages to be able to land enough hits so that it doesn't just regenerate back to full health. What probably brought the tartarians down was the afflictions. Since DtD does a lot of damage in one hit the chance for afflictions is quite high and after a few rounds they really started to pile up.

I think your problem is that your spells doesn't hit the target. Have you tried casting wind guide first?

[Wrana]

Yes, I made trial both ways (and I used relatively high-Precision mages in my trials). And while I didn't save debug log - nor was it quite clear to me what it said on the problem, the battle itself looked like the target Tartarian was hit plenty of times, but didn't suffer damage (Wither Bones certainly missed a lot when I used this in trial)... I don't think that a Debug mod could make that much of a difference. Thank you in any case. I would probably need to dedicate some time to clearing the situation - probably in September-October...

[Kadelake]

The Celestial Masters of Tien Chi are gathering Astral Gems to dispel a certain massively-gem-producing global enchantment that could be used to engulf the world.

Am I too late to pitch in? I'm really getting tired of Lankas Mother Oak :)