Peccary - upload pretenders!

[llamabeast]

I haven't set up a newbie game for _ages_. So I decided it's about time.

Details:
Server: LlamaServer (automated play-by-email)
Hosting interval: Initially 24 hours
Age: Early
Graphs: On
Settings: Default except for renaming on, HoF 15
Mods: Worthy Heroes 1.8
Map: Modified Parganos (I have a version which has a somewhat fairer spread of terrains than the default, so you don't get one person with all the farmland). This will be a dead seas version, meaning the seas will give no income and contain no magic sites
Players: 8

Please sign up and say what nation you'd like!

Also, I will need someone to admin the game for me. That just means if someone asks for an extension, or later on if players agree to change the hosting interval to 48 hours, the admin does that via the LlamaServer website. It's a very small job if you read the forums reasonably often, and it prevents me from going mad, so if someone would like to volunteer for that I would greatly appreciate it.

The players are:

Sauromatia - Renojustin
Lanka - secretperson
Kailasa - Piggles
Arcoscephale - Dragar
Abysia - Rorschach
Tir na n'Og - donPablo
Ermor - das123
Pangaea - rtyffg

To upload your pretenders:

- Make sure you don't have any mods enabled, although only mods affecting pretender design, such as Conceptual Balance, actually matter
- Go to Game Tools -> Create a pretender god in Dominions. Don't set a password, since for PBEM games they're not helpful and occasionally annoying (e.g. if you need a sub)
- Go to the savedgames/newlords folder in the dominions directory, and find your pretender file (e.g. mid_pythium_0.2h)
- E-mail the file to: pretenders[ at ]llamaserver[ dot ]net
- Crucially, you must have the game name 'Peccary' in the subject line of your e-mail

A few minutes later you should get a confirmation e-mail, and if you check the website you should find your nation added to the list of nations which have joined the game.

If later you think of an improvement to your pretender, you can send it in again. Provided the game hasn't actually started the server will accept your revised pretender, and send you an e-mail to say so.

[Renojustin]

That sounds like my kind of game, and I would like to sign up as Sauromatia. I don't know much about the admin job but if you'd explain me the niceties of it I would be happy to assist you however I can.

[Evilhomer]

How about opening this game for all type of players ?

[JimMorrison]

I think that Llama has a specific point with this line of games..... To give newer players an environment where they can learn how MP works, without getting blasted to pieces by the first veteran player they meet..... And without seeing by the end of the first year who the winner is, because only 1 veteran wanted to sign up for the newbie game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

I don't know how other people see it, buy my personal view is that you are a newbie until you win a game. That doesn't exclude very many people from these games, but it does happen to exclude people who have twice been victorious. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Why don't you show Llama that two can play at that game, and make a game for only people who are in the Hall of Fame? 12 player game, would be exciting. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Evilhomer]

Well I cannot host a game I am afraid. And looking at the game thread there seems to be dussins of games that excludes any none-new player. I have been waiting for weeks for a new game for none-new player to start, but no games. Guess once you finish your new player period you are supposed to shelf the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Xietor]

Hey, you are in Kingmaker! Win that and then you can retire.

[Evilhomer]

But it looks like I am screwed there http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Edit: sorry, seems I am filling this thread with nonsence posts, I will quit doing that.

[llamabeast]

Yeah, I am aware there's been a shortage of games lately. The reason I tend to start newbie games is because I don't have time to start non-newbie games, and I figure newbies are the ones least likely to sort out their own games.

As it happens though it seems I was wrong, since a number of newbie games have been organised lately, by newbies, while experienced players have largely not organised any games. I'm not sure why that is. I've tried to make sure everyone knows I am always happy to host a game if someone will organise it.

I believe K is planning to set up a game in the next couple of days. Also if you want one, but know you won't be able to admin it, you could just start a thread and mention you'll need someone else to admin (like I have here).

[secretperson]

Can I join as Lanka?

[Piggles]

I'll be Kailasa.

[Dragar]

I'd like to join as Arco please

[Skirmisher]

I'd like to join ,but have a question first.

That mod that you need to be in this game, will it ruin my current SP games by installing it?

[Renojustin]

Nope, you can decide when the mod is running and when it isn't. Besides, it's a halfway decent mod if you're into Luck scales. Of course, it doesn't do a thing to help Production, which really needs it more... but there are tradeoffs to everything.

I prefer no mods on random maps myself, but I also enjoy switching things up and running the gauntlet wherever possible, too. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Rorschach]

I'd like to join as Abysia please:)

[don_Pablo]

Tir na n'Og please.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[llamabeast]

Good stuff, we have space for one more.

Please carry on signing up even after we're full though - I'll probably create an overspill game shortly.

[llamabeast]

Oh, Skirmisher - you can install mods without worrying they'll affect other games. When you start a game you choose which mods it should use (or rather, you set the mods via Preferences before you start it). From then on that game will always use that set of mods and no others, regardless of what you set in Mod Preferences.

[das123]

I'd be interested in playing Ermor.

I've only ever played SP in Middle Era against easy AI so I expect I will learn a lot http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. Is there a diplomatic/role-play element to playing MultiPlayer? If so, can you please point me to a thread that covers the details etc?

[Renojustin]

Gazebo, the Weeping One of Saurmatia, has long been planning the re-emergence of the People. Now, a great flurry of activity is seen in the lands and cities of the swamp people. Knives and forks are sharpened, the Hydras hiss and spit and emerge from the sinkholes, and the blood of comely, near-mindless young virgins flows on the sacred altars as in times of old.

Sarumatia is loyal to its friends, keeps its promises, and is a terrible thing to behold when aroused!

(there you go, Das)

[Ubercat]

So this is definitely a newbie game? Will the overspill game be newbie as well? I want to play EA Mictlan but can't claim newbie status while doing it. Well, not and look myself in the face... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[llamabeast]

Yeah, it's a newbie game. One way or another though, I'll make sure a non-newbie game starts up some time this week.

[rtyffg]

Can i join as pangaea? Surely didn't won mp games before, just lost one.

[Ubercat]

llamabeast said:
Yeah, it's a newbie game. One way or another though, I'll make sure a non-newbie game starts up some time this week.



I call Mictlan in that game! Uh... if I can this early. May I suggest the Cradle map? It seems the best balanced with the best choke points of all the maps.

[Skirmisher]

Ok looks like I missed the boat this time, next time for sure.

[Xanatos]

am I too experienced now to play? i still get stomped in pro games, if not, im in! First choice Rlyeh, last choice Niefelheim

[llamabeast]

Okay, everyone is in apart from Skirmisher and Xanatos. For those of you who missed out I'll set up another newbie game shortly (although Xanatos, I think you may indeed be too experienced now).

Please now upload your pretenders. To do so:

- Make sure you don't have any mods enabled, although only mods affecting pretender design, such as Conceptual Balance, actually matter
- Go to Game Tools -> Create a pretender god in Dominions. Don't set a password, since for PBEM games they're not helpful and occasionally annoying (e.g. if you need a sub)
- Go to the savedgames/newlords folder in the dominions directory, and find your pretender file (e.g. mid_pythium_0.2h)
- E-mail the file to: pretenders[ at ]llamaserver[ dot ]net
- Crucially, you must have the game name 'Peccary' in the subject line of your e-mail

A few minutes later you should get a confirmation e-mail, and if you check the website you should find your nation added to the list of nations which have joined the game.

If later you think of an improvement to your pretender, you can send it in again. Provided the game hasn't actually started the server will accept your revised pretender, and send you an e-mail to say so.

Oh, another thing I forgot to mention: The map will have "dead seas", which means although you can conquer them as normal, the seas will give no income and have no magic sites. So don't bother getting an amphibious pretender or anything.

[Xanatos]

Eh, I am goin niefelheim then, forget rlyeh in dead seas map:P I missed reading that firstoff....pretender for niefel sent in.

[Renojustin]

I thought the game was 8 players? We might need a bigger map? If it's just 9 then that's cool... but how many Pretenders are in so far, Llama?

[Dragar]

mine will have to wait till I get home from work, about 4 hours away

[llamabeast]

Gaah, Xanatos, you didn't read my post. You didn't get in this game (already full) and besides, I think you are probably post-newbie now.

Yep Reno, it's an 8-player game this one. I'll remove Nief's pretender.

[Xanatos]

oh ok nm then:)

[Xanatos]

woops sorry!

[Renojustin]

Aw darn, I wanted the chance to beat up on Xanatos some more. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Just kidding, he plays a pretty mean Neifel!

[das123]

Thanks for the example, Renojustin. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Another question... Is dead seas the same as the Deadly Seas mod?

[llamabeast]

Nope, it's just that I've edited the map so that there is no population or magic sites in the seas.

[llamabeast]

We are just waiting on Kailasa/Piggles now. I will PM him.

[Rorschach]

Where's the modified Parganos map?

[llamabeast]

Right, game started!

The first turn has 48 hours on the clock, in case of any problems. Subsequent turns will have 24 hours.

From my own experience, I would say one of the best ways to make it into an awesome game is to do lots of diplomacy and roleplaying. Send your neighbours messages, make plans and alliances. Post here with battle reports and stories of what your pretender's been up to. Between you, you're making an epic.

Have fun!

[llamabeast]

Oh sorry, the map's now attached to the first post. The image, by the way, is similar to the normal one but with more vibrant colours and more visible borders.

[Rorschach]

Ok, this is embarrassing:)

I seem to have sent in an old pretender file, and not the pretender I made for this game...

Too late to resend it and restart the game? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

edit: New pretender sent just in case.
edit edit: If I have to keep my current pretender that's no big deal. He is a fully capable one:)
3rd edit: Nevermind, no reason to restart.

[llamabeast]

What's the final conclusion Rorschach? If it's going to make the game non-fun for you I can do a restart. If you're happy with him, we'll carry on.

[Rorschach]

Carry on:). It's totally okay.

[das123]

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TURN 1 - Spring in the Year of Expectations

Beyond the northern mountains of frost, across the desert of pain, through the great forest of darkness, on the golden shores of the southern sea, lies the shining city of Ermor. Within the Temple of the Shroud, the high council of augurs and the priests of fire face a difficult choice. Peacefully spread the word of Eldora, Queen of Metals, or take the iron mines to the north of the city and equip the mightiest legions the world has yet seen...

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

Greetings fellow players. Looking forward to the game. Thanks for hosting and guidance Llamabeast. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

The game has started.

[Renojustin]

*Crickets*

Is there a website where we can see server status or even game stats?

[llamabeast]

Er, www.llamaserver.net (http://www.llamaserver.net) .

[Renojustin]

Heh, duh. Of course. Man, the independents so far seem to be pretty brutal... poor Arcoscephale. Indy strength was default??

[Dragar]

hehe, ouch. Did not run into what I expected to see there!

[das123]

Is there a way online to find out the events for other races? Just I'm surprised that Sauromatia would see result of Arcoscephale battle. I thought we would all be too far away from each other to get scouts into a target territory.

Ahhh, I think I've worked it out! The score graphs show a drop in manpower and no gain of territory. The graphs tell a lot when you look at them. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Learned something new already. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I was suspicious of an apparently weak territory on my first round and didn't have the guts to take it. Just as well, on the second round I discovered it had heavy cavalry.

EDIT------

Just had a closer look and wanted to point out to any overly-agressive players that just because I currently have the best income and equal best provinces, please don't target me yet! I also have one of the bottom research scores and dominion. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Now, if I was looking to target someone ...
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Renojustin]

Just waiting on Arco now! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Dragar]

sorry guys, seems like I'm doomed to give the last and then first turn of each based on time zone. I won't be home and able to play my turn for another 6 hours or so. I get to play 2 turns in a row pretty much, then the round finishes at some silly time of the morning for me and I don't get time to play until after work 16-18 hours later

[das123]

I was pleasantly surprised at how quick the turns have been progressing. I'm in Australia so thought I would be one of the players out of sync. At present the turns have been coming in just before work and of an evening.

[Renojustin]

Hey nice Dragar, thanks for the update, that is really nice of you.

[Dragar]

dammit Das you are in exactly my boat but are obviously enough of an early riser to be able to play your turns before work! I struggle out of bed and straight out the door. I think my girlfriend would kill me if I set the alarm early enough to play my turns

Stop making me look bad!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

On a positive note no such issue on the weekend, so turns should progress a bit faster the next couple of games

[das123]

Lol Dragar. I should point out I work from home so I can always sneak 15 minutes here or there to play a turn during the day. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Rorschach]

I manage to get a turn out after my girlfriend leaves, but before I leave. Flexible hours...

That system will go down the crapper quickly though, once the turns take longer to play:(

[Renojustin]

The Weeping One of Sauromatia is furious that the nauseating Kyra of Pangaea has been spotted in our demesne, spreading lies and false prophecies. If it is not removed immediately, but calls on another of our lands on its pilgrimage of filth and carrion, we shall be forced to fall with all our power upon the Pangaeans, whom we now know the location of.

If, however, Pangaea decides to respect our mutal natural borders, we may have sweeter words and deeds for such fellow wild beings.

(aside: rtyffg - what other game did you play in that you mentioned? Your name does not tend to inspire a great deal of confidence in your steadfastness, no offense)

[rtyffg]

The wild and beings of Pangaea tend to keep to the bounds of their land, but feel the need to present faith to unbelievers. Since tre reasons of gaea have been shown to Sauromatians, worshippers felt free to move to the other lands and meet the other races.

(aside: the other game(the lost one) was played at the other(smaller) community, so this game can be counted as the first)

[Renojustin]

Sauromatia is pleased by the flight of the winged prophet and wishes it well on its journeys.

Gazebo smiles enigmatically as the capably-led armies of Sauromatia annihilate a rebel vampire count and his vast retinue.

The newly-liberated peoples of the lands about The Last Swamp rejoice as the one religion is bequeathed unto them, yet still there is something rank and foul about the forests nearby...

[Rorschach]

Mighty Abysian frontier armies have met Pangean rabble. No conflict yet, we hope to keep on civil terms still.

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

The meeting of the Prophets

In distant foothills, a large group of Sauromatian archers emerge from the cover of the dark forest. The small contingent of mounted equites rush forward to investigate. The legions of Ermor advance behind the equites with a personage of great religious power.

The Sauromatian archers are accompanied by a false prophet mounted on a tall chestnut horse and a strange woman riding a fantastic beast. A hail of arrows meet the horsemen as they charge down on the magical beast. Battle is joined...

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

BTW, sorry to those of you who had sent me PMs. I didn't see them until just a few minutes ago. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif I've replied now.

[Renojustin]

The flower of the Ermorian cavalry and a full legion of heavy infantry lies decimated on the field; the Sauromatians begin to feed on the dead and almost-dead... emissaries are exchanged and the passage north is in the balance.

Pangaea seethes behind The Barricade, unable to reach the lush forests beyond. A daring force could easily move against Pangaea while they mass their forces in vain against the mighty, murderous defenses. In less than a season, their armies and lands may fall.

The remaining Ermorian legion mistakenly remains in the northern passage, the Augur Elders deadlocked in their useless senate, arguing the Sauromatian offer... but it is already too late. Their campfires at night seem cold, not so much driving away the darkness as accentuating it. There are no sounds of natural creatures. There is no conversation among the men. The lands are quiet as the death that stalks them.

[das123]

Hey guys,

Just letting you know I may be a little later than normal getting my turns in over the next 24 hours. Busy at work along with a big rugby game here in Australia. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Dragar]

Rugby? Bah, what do you live in Queensland or something?? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

I've got to say, this game has been speeding along at a great rate, good job everyone.

[das123]

Dragar said:
Rugby? Bah, what do you live in Queensland or something?? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif



Spot on, Dragar. Go the Maroons! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

THE SAUROMATIAN ADVANCE

Along the southern spine of the mountains beyond the waters, two Sauromatian armies converge and decimate a peaceful Ermorian township. The local troops battle valiantly, a lucky arrow striking one of the Sauromatian magicians - killing her instantly. But alas, the weight of numbers is too great and the flesh eaters and undead march steadily onward taking the village and surrounding lands. The thin pass to the Northern lands is now within visual range of the evil Sauromatians.

The question is, will the other kingdoms see the threat and send much needed aid to Ermor, or will they let the Kingdom of Shroud fall and let through the Sauromatian hordes.

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

Really enjoying the game guys. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Learned a lot already from how Renojustin is playing that I haven't been able to pick up in single player. Great stuff.

[Rorschach]

Abysians posted on top of Smouldercone spot Sauromatians crawling through the southern woods. They have obviously lost their bearings and we trust they will turn back from whence they came.

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

SAUROMATIAN ARROWS

The full might of Sauromatias main armies converge on the northern pass. In the pass itself are the cream of the Ermorian troops to hold off the attackers. One of the Ermorian priests sacrifices a pig to check the entrails for guidance. His interpretation is 'Don't sit and await death - go and greet it'. So the holding force makes the rash decision to strike southward into the heart of the Sauromatian lands.

Unfortunately, the road south is now held by masses of Sauromatian flesh eating archers, cavalry, 3 Witch Kings, a Warrior Sorceress and myriad other commanders and magicians. The battle doesn't last long and afterwards the bloody field is strewn with the mutilated bodies of Ermor's finest veteran legions.

A black day in the history of mighty Ermor.

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[Renojustin]

The slaughter complete, the archers drag the bodies of their slain foemen to the Blackest Cauldron for the great feast. A raucous, drunken night of revelry and naked limbo ensues. Speaking of Pangaea...

Slave girls wade in the camp ditches to freshen their masters' arrows for the seething hordes of the dirty, dirty naked women of Pangaea. And the hair, oh Weeping One, the hair. Too much hair, and in terrible, unnatural places. Even the swamp women at least braid their underarm and groin growths, but the maenads seem to be wearing kilts...

All of Sauromatia laughs as they come to the realization that the wild people have halted their expansions only to flail their armies uselessly at the awesome defenses of the swamplands. And so obvious! To amass 300 "troops" in one place, their entire military, over several months; the Celestial General would weep along with Gazebo if he knew. What a target! The wild people are only falling farther behind the times - no amount of research will draw them abreast of the mighty and destructive spellhymns of Gazebo!

The Weeping One wonders... does no one else play the great game with their neighbors? And also, how do they expect to reign ascendant as Pantokrator if not by climbing the stacked bodies of their rivals?

[rtyffg]

The Spirit of Forest wonders at words of the Weeping One, and thinks about does scouts of the swamps not even know, how to count? Or did a victory just made enemy three times more numerous in their sight? The Spirit mourns about eaten people of the forest and wants revenge.
But one thing is to be said to everyone - the Weeping One wants an ascendency so much, that even considers itself way higher, than rivals.
Both wars, that swamp dwellers started were declared at the same time, as their armies attacked, so any neighbour of them can expect attack, maybe even when their words say cease fire.

[Renojustin]

Murder most foul as three of our generals were ambushed and killed for their religion!

We are quite annoyed with Pangaea's intimations of somehow being betrayed. We offered Pangaea peace, we offered Ermor peace, and we offered Abysia peace. Then they all decided to attack us. Two we can defeat, but three so early in the day? We shall see.

I'm looking awfully forward to the day when I can play and not get ganged up on by unthematic metagame alliances, who apparently are never attacked in turn by the others in the game...

Whoever is in the north must be laughing at us now, because we are all getting exactly nowhere, fast!

On a more concerned note, when did this game become single player? It's discouraging to send messages, and recieve no reply. It's discouraging to post on the forums with only one or two people out of eight joining the discussion, and when they do, it's often to babble something nebulous about my character, which certainly cannot be called into question from my actions so far, until now:

Because I have to say this is the last game I play with people whose first post in the forums is for joining the game... I honestly suspect foul play after such universal silence.

So this is my last post in the thread. See you in Peccary, on the point of my blade!

[secretperson]

Justin, there was no foul play on my part- Kailasa so kindly decided to invade my lands at first sight and I am quite occupied with them. I met Ermor early and we made peace decided upon our borders. With a war already on my hands, I thought it incredibly unwise to go to war on another front.

I realize I probably should have sent a reply to your message and I regret not doing so.

On a side note- I think it is very thematic the war I am currently in with Kailasa. Lanka and Kailasa- both monkey nations ruled by very different and adversarial entities.

[das123]

Guys, at the end of the day it is just a game. There will be seven losers and one winner. I wouldn't play a game where my payoff for playing was whether I win or not with 8 to 1 odds against me.

Justin, I'm sorry if you feel picked on, but here in Australia we have a condition called the 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' where whoever is on top gets cut down by the others (I think it comes from our convict heritage). I've been honest with you (and the other players) both thematically and personally about my objectives. I have appreciated and enjoyed the way you've played the game - and learned a lot tactically from what you have done. You are much better at playing this game than I am and watching what you have done has been a real education. Having said that, I'm going to play the game as hard as I can tactically, strategically and diplomatically - and I'm hoping everyone else is as well. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Its nothing personal, its just the game.

[llamabeast]

Worry not Reno, this thread has a fairly average level of activity (I'm really enjoying das123's posts by the way!), and also it is very normal for the player who starts off strongest to get attacked from all sides. If you see one nation expanding rapidly it's quite reasonable to think "either I help bring him down now, or I'll be next!". Not metagame at all.

[llamabeast]

Oh, by the way, that accusation of cheating - don't worry about it. It's a glitch that the game does that very occasionally.

[llamabeast]

Just double checked actually by looking at Pangaea's turn (hope you don't mind). Definitely no cheating.

[Renojustin]

Yeah that's happened to me before, just happens with luck/gold events. -sheepishly comes back-

[don_Pablo]

Renojustin said:
Because I have to say this is the last game I play with people whose first post in the forums is for joining the game... I honestly suspect foul play after such universal silence.



Nobody is obliged to post in the forum.
There could be reasons for a person to keep silence.
I don't like forum's diplomacy and prefer to use messangers inside the game. And only if I have anything to say.

And besides my knowledge of the language does not let me take part in discussions and so on..

[Renojustin]

Your language skills seem fantastic! I'm just excited to see more posters, now. lol

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

AMBUSH IN THE NORTHERN PASS

The tired and shattered legions of Ermor limp back into the Northern Pass with the massed army of the Sauromatians snapping at their heels. A small Sauromatian group of fearsome men riding beasts from another age and waving banners of human flesh enter the pass. The bishops and priests of Ermor rally their retreating men and turn them back on the terrifying Sauromatians.

Spells are cast, hymns are sung, and battle is joined. The men or Ermor fight valiantly and eventually, driven on by the priests, the legions surround the Sauromatians and drag them from their beasts.

A mighty cheer goes up from the rejuvenated legions, but just beyond the pass is the still intact army of the flesh eaters ready to fight another day.

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

[Renojustin]

secretperson said:
Kailasa so kindly decided to invade my lands at first sight and I am quite occupied with them. I met Ermor early and we made peace decided upon our borders. With a war already on my hands, I thought it incredibly unwise to go to war on another front.



Wow, you're fighting against one nation? That must be very difficult indeed. My heart bleeds for you.

It's one thing to go to war against two nations. It's something else to go to war against two nations that are fighting someone else.

It's something else entirely to be attacked by three nations that have no other wars than against you by turn 15. After frustration and defiance, finally I've come to acceptance and now humor; I will laugh when I drink to their bones.

In Sauromatia they will only find their doom.

[Renojustin]

As you can see, Abysia, we have experienced Demonbred before. Your smuggling them into our demesne has shown your true colors... moving assassins into the lands of those with whom you are in peace discussions is, it goes without saying, a hostile gesture, as well as an ineffective and wasteful one. Not to mention underhanded, deceitful, and, well, you get the picture. Anyway, we obviously expected it.

Prepare for the destruction of your nation. We may be appeased by gifts of virile young girls for the cooking pots.

[Rorschach]

The bastard son of Rhaux was the only one that dared show up at the death match, and deservingly won the prize. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Sauromatia still tries to prolong discussions by "misunderstanding" key elements of the negotiations. No more.

They will burn along with the forest around them. Only by brute force will these stinking swamp-dwellers be convinced of their folly.

[Rorschach]

I am going away for the weekend to a wedding, so I was hoping for a postponement for the next turn until monday. Is that okay with you guys?:)

edit: Otherwise, if you are too eager to play during the weekend;) I'll have a friend of mine sub for the next turn. That's no problem.

[das123]

I'm happy either way Rorschach. Don't know what the protocol is to delay the turn.

[llamabeast]

Oh right, I'm still admining this game. Okay, game postponed by 60 hours.

I'm just about to go away for the weekend, but when I get back it'd be great if one of you guys could take over admining this game for me. It can get a bit much keeping track of lots of threads so I try to delegate them all out.

[Rorschach]

I'm happy to administer the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I hope Sauro doesn't crush me within a few turns though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

THE AUTUMN BATTLE

Throughout the Kingdom of Ermor the heralds and messengers had called young boys and retired veterans to join the legions. In the dark swamps envoys command the lizard men assemble their Auxiliaries. The Sauromatian leaders had been ambushed and the time to take back the outer villages was at hand. Winter approaches and only week remained to launch an attack before the snows and rain make marching all but impossible.

And so, in the early dawn, the legions of Ermor stream once more from the mountain pass while the Lizard Auxiliaries ford the river, attacking the masses of Sauromatians encamped in the forest. The battle is long and bloody with honours fairly even. In the end, the high morale of the flesh eaters wins the day but the field is strewn with hundreds of bodies from both sides.

Small pockets of troops assemble for days later, dwindling back into the camps. The final count of the dead is devastating. Over half all the Ermorian troops are gone. The only saving grace is the knowledge that the Sauromatians also lost many men in the battle.

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

[Renojustin]

Rorschach said:
Sauromatia still tries to prolong discussions by "misunderstanding" key elements of the negotiations. No more.



Be assured that it was impossible to misinterpret the presence of your assassins in our land during peaceful negotiations. It showed your intentions and character clear enough for all to see.


Rorschach said:
I hope Sauro doesn't crush me within a few turns though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif



We would, having the capability, but Ermor is much more dangerous than Abysia. Still we shall hold sufficient forces in reserve to repel Abysia and Pangaean attacks.

Soon enough, the other wars will be won and you will feel the cold winds of the north breathing down your neck.

(I hope your friend submits your turn soon. Llamabeast said that the next turn would be 72 hours. Submitting your turn, thereby cancelling the 72 hour timer, was your own action, and I assume that your friend will be taking your turn, and that if you did not take this precaution, that you will stall. Llamabeast can't hold everyone's hands in all the games he's hosting!)

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

FALL OF THE NORTHERN PASS

The legions of Ermor all flock into the Northern Pass. It should be a quiet Winter. The Sauromatians have been bloodied as have the Ermorian troops. Just before the first snows fall, a single creature enters the pass with hair twisting and squirming and with gigantic bat wings. This is the Sauromatian pretender! A gorgon of immense power.

The legions quickly assemble and advance of the Sauromatian abomination. But before the Ermorian troops can form line, the Sauromatian gorgon is amongst them. Scores of men are turned to stone and others succumb to poison. Not a single drop of the gorgon's blood is spilled and so, with terror in their hearts, the last of the Ermorian troops that hold the pass turn tail and run.

The Northern Pass has fallen and no Ermorian legionnaire is left on the Western side of the great river. One gateway remains to hold the Sauromatian troops from the fertile lands of Ermor. Somehow the Ermorians need to hold the river fords.

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

Wow! So that is what a SC looks like. Awesome work Renojustin. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

BTW. My main computer has crashed this afternoon so I'm playing this from my laptop. Hope to have the main computer back up sometime tomorrow.

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

ERMOR IN TERROR

The troops at the ford of the great river array themselves to meet the Sauromatians if they should decide to cross. Torches burn brightly to warn of surprise attacks and the remaining forces of Ermor stand ready for the expected assault on their homelands. But in the dead of night, high above the waiting legions, a large menacing figure with enormous bat wings flies over the ford. It flies over the forest and villages. It flies over the fallow fields of the Ermorian farmlands. It flies to the very walls of the Ermorian city. And there it unleashes its terror.

The hastily formed city guard try to stave of the attack of the Gorgon but to no avail. After scant minutes the outer plain of the city is littered with figures of stone with the mighty Gorgon standing amid the rubble.

Inside the walls the citizens quake in terror. They have no answer but the walls will keep the monster out. What will the Gorgon terrorise next? Will it return to fight the legions that hold the river? Will it stay and stop all commerce at the city? Or will it fly deeper into the lands of Ermor and leave a path of destruction behind it?

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

[Renojustin]

The Ermorian army lies in ruins... only one undersized legion of fresh recruits remains guarding the walls of the great city. The women's tears stain their lullabies as they rock their children to sleep, the screams of their men horribly audible from the river ford, miles away.

The mother takes the pillow and gently, carefully places it over the mouth of her sleeping child. The revenge of Sauromatia will be a terrible thing, but not for this one. Not in this lifetime.

[Rorschach]

Right!

4 stale turns in a row, sorry for delaying the turns for you guys. I didn't think it through last time I asked for a postponement, I had just sent off my turn and then I asked for it... Then I went away for the weekend.

Then I had to go away to work where I didn't have a net connection:p. Too much at the same time. But my connection is up and running now so I am back. So happy to see that noone has attacked me during these turns:)

If anyone sent me messages during play I hope you can send a short note:)

[Renojustin]

Glad that you're back and in good humor!

[Renojustin]

Here I should point out that it's pretty bad manners to cast a battlefield enchantment and then retreat with the casting mage; it verges on exploit.

Llama, what are your rules in this game regarding this?

Edit: the spell was Light of the Northern Star, which isn't necessarily bad in and of itself, but many games have rules where NO BE can be cast with the mage subsequently leaving. Just thought I'd nip it in the bud since it wasn't mentioned in the OP.

[secretperson]

What spell was it?

[Piggles]

It may interest Lanka's neighbors to know that while the majority of her forces are preparing to dash themselves against the unyielding rock that is Kailasa's defenses, her border with every other nation is completely open and will fall easily to any trivial, token force. To anybody who's agreed to a three-turn nap, now's the time to submit a notice of your intention to act decisively in your nation's interest. It is through opportunities like these that great nations are made.

And while it is in Lanka's interest to downplay these remarks as nothing more than a desperate last tack (as it is in Kailasa's interest for her enemies to underestimate her so), don't be misled into thinking her more dangerous than she is. She is a paper tiger. And Kailasa is the opposite. Watch the statistics of the next few turns closely, and treat yourselves to the sight of our enemy's failure. And then kick yourselves for not getting a cut of the spoils while the getting was good...

[secretperson]

Paper tiger you say? Double blessed palankshas and raksharaja thug commanders with some magic items constitute a paper tiger? Your fate is your own doing, the audacity to challenge your demonled brethren has caused your downfall. Do not think I will hastily throw away my armies. I am content to bleed you dry. Your yogis and ethereal magics will not save you- You are surrounded and have no resources while gems fill my coffers towards your demise.

As for my neighbors, they are currently busy and will likely seal their own doom by turning against me as they are having a hard enough time against Gazebo's death march.

Your threats are idle and presumptuous. Ta'ar Bal has spoken.

[das123]

Renojustin said:
Here I should point out that it's pretty bad manners to cast a battlefield enchantment and then retreat with the casting mage; it verges on exploit.

Llama, what are your rules in this game regarding this?

Edit: the spell was Light of the Northern Star, which isn't necessarily bad in and of itself, but many games have rules where NO BE can be cast with the mage subsequently leaving. Just thought I'd nip it in the bud since it wasn't mentioned in the OP.



This was my spell. It was the only spell I could use with my Pretender to get my S1 mages to S2 and hopefully Mind Burn Justin's Gorgon (it didn't end up doing anything - not even 1 hp of damage - so I'm all out of ideas on how to counter the beast).

I didn't know it was an exploit/cheat (is it???). If it is then I apologise for my ignorance. Someone please clarify.

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

THE WIZARDS OF WINTER

With the outer forests and farmlands crumbling away and now under the control of the evil Sauromatians, the mage fraternity of Ermor hatch a plan to burn the very mind of the Gorgon with astral magic. Expecting it to return to the Ermorian city, the mages position themselves just outside the walls ready for battle.

In the dead of winter the Gorgon of Sauromatia returns to the city and the wizards all invoke spells to sear its mind from its skull. But alas, to no avail. The beast is just too strong. Leaving a holding force inside the fortified city, the mages flee for their lives and dissolve into the surrounding woods.

Surely, now, with Ermor in flames and with no answer to the terrifying beast, the war must be all but over. However, the Ermorians are a proud people and the commanders vow to fight on and eventually rid the land of these horrors and flesh eaters.

Heartening news is heard from across the great river. The Northern Pass has fallen again - this time to the people of the trees. Perhaps Ermors allies will be able to aid in the ferocious battles that now rage across the hills of Ermor.

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

[Rorschach]

Abysians advance!

The latest news from the west! Armies of burning troops capture territory from Pangea. At last the warriors of flame are on the move again!

the bastard son of Rhaux, mightiest on the face of this world, is envious of Gazebo. He barely has the patience to push his soldiers in front of him, but he will have his thirst for battle sated soon enough. The disappointment of winning the tournament without a fight weighs heavily on his shoulders.

[Renojustin]

Cowards and bullies all. Your ploy is imminently transparent. Prepare for mockery and ridicule when your lands and womenfolk are ours, your armies dust.

[das123]

Regarding Battlefield Enchantments + Retreat...

I've since found a few MP games that list this as an exploit (usually to do with high level spells such as Mists of Deception) but for simplicity they basically have house rules that mages need to wait 5 or 6 turns before retreating after casting a BE spell. In another game it stated that you can't retreat at all if you cast a BE spell.

I'm more than happy to go along with this and have re-scripted my astral mage accordingly. Is this something we can agree to at this point in the game?

[Renojustin]

Up to Llamabeast, it being his game. I am happy to abide by whatever standard he sets.

[Renojustin]

The harpies fly to the clarion call of battle, and perish. The strong centaurs launch themselves with inhuman speed at the invader, and perish. The dirty, naked women of Pangaea rush toward the beautifully hideous godling known as Gazebo... and perish. The wild halfmen of the forests scream in rage, hooves flying over grass and scree, assaulting the shining, slaying thing in their path... and perish. Horrified, the Pangaean commanders abandon their troops and run. But Gazebo FLIES.

Two of the three elite assassins sent by Abysia are easily slain. The third is able to eliminate a minor independent commander, even as deadly magics are prepared for their Burning Ones, who balk at entering Sauromatian lands, and rightly so.

A small, highly motivated force of lizard legionnaires attempts to retake a hilly province due west of their last fort. They die to the lances and arrows of the defenders there.

Obviously, it was extremely unwise of the Limp Three to invade Sauromatia. They have only themselves to blame after numerous chances and warnings to repent. The proud land of the Witch Kings now stands completely prepared for combat, and is readying an assault on Abysian territory.

If the Abysians instead decide to send Gazebo 500 gold and 20 gems in tribute, we will allow them to attempt to fight our friends the magical and fae people of Tir na n'Og without undue interference, once Tir finishes mopping up the last of the Arco resistance.

VICTORY AND GLORY!

[llamabeast]

I think it would be best to avoid scripting mages to case battlefield enchantments followed by retreating, being as it does seem like something of an exploit. I'm hoping this issue will be fixed soonish, as it's very easy to do by accident.

Incidentally I don't think Light of the Northern Star counts as a battlefield enchantment does it? I'm fairly sure it doesn't. BEs are the things which put pentagram symbols in the top corner of the screen - things like rain, darkness etc.. Casting LotNS and retreating is absolutely fine.

[Renojustin]

Light of the Northern Star is a BE that puts a pentagram with its effects on the top of the screen.

[llamabeast]

Ah okay, I stand corrected.

[Renojustin]

Woohoo I just won Dominions!!!!1!!1one!eleven

[Rorschach]

Mighty Abysians cross the southern border and advance unchallenged into Sauromatia. We expect the flesheaters to have some surprises up their sleaves so we show up in force.

[Renojustin]

What, are we just making stuff up now?

Are all three of you seriously going to make me destroy all three of your armies? If so, my heroic and wildly successful stand against your three nations is totally going on the main boards, because I've never heard of anything like it. Three.

At this point, it's already over really, so you're just throwing your forces away. How wasteful.

Hey Pangaea, when you go last, you can go twice. There's no need to be last to play your turn twice in a row, unless you only get a minute to download your turn of course. Hope that helps!

[Piggles]

I can smell renojustin's fear all the way from here in Kailasa (mixed with the scent of not a small amount of monkey feces)... Whatever it is you guys are planning, stick to it. It's clearly working.

[Renojustin]

It's working almost as well as you've fought Lanka! Time to uncork the champagne.

Oh wait, nevermind, graphs are ON for this game.

[Piggles]

Quickly changing the subject, I see. Why, was something making you uncomfortable? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Renojustin]

If you can't appreciate that one nation stood against three and won, then I just feel sorry for you. There was no subject change - read the graphs, they tell you everything.

At this point, Abysia is just commiting suicide. Actually, I'll make good exp off him so he'll be helping me. Not to mention the uber glory and even more bragging rights that will entail, of course.

You may bandy words with me again when you prove that you can fight one nation successfully, let alone three.

[Rorschach]

This is fun http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Pangaea suffers another devastating blow, as their incomes and treaties unravel.

In the north, the wild magic of Tir na n'Og and the fiery, windy, deathy demons dominate their respective victims.

It won't be long until the severely weakened central nations come under heavy attack from the north!

[Rorschach]

Abysian troopers advance virtually unopposed into Sauromatian lands. Both Sauromatian fortresses are within reach and we consider sieging both to choke the flesheaters and make them eat each other instead of their neighours.

No sign of the dreaded Gazebo, but the Bastard Son expects her to show up real soon.

[Rorschach]

Sauromatia managed to balance the front, so we keep up the pressure where we are strong.

[Renojustin]

Peccaries are medium-sized animals, with a strong superficial resemblance to pigs. Like pigs, they have a snout ending in a cartilagenous disc, and eyes that are small relative to their head. Also like pigs, they use only the middle two digits for walking, although, unlike pigs, the other toes may be altogether absent. Their stomach is non-ruminating, although it has three chambers, and is more complex than that of pigs.[1]

Peccaries are omnivorous, and will eat small animals, although their preferred food consists of roots, grass, seeds, and fruit. One of the ways to tell apart pigs and peccaries is the shape of the canine tooth, or tusk. In European pigs the tusk is long and curves around on itself, whereas in peccaries, the tusk is short and straight. The jaws and tusks of peccaries are adapted for crushing hard seeds and slicing into plant roots[1], and they also use their tusks for defense. The dental formula for peccaries is:
2.1.3.3
3.1.3.3

By rubbing the tusks together they can make a chattering noise that warns potential predators to not get too close. Peccaries, indeed, are aggressive enough in temperament that, unlike Eurasia's pigs, they cannot be domesticated as they are likely to injure humans. Indeed in recent years in North-western Bolivia near Madidi National Park there have been reports of people being seriously injured and killed by large groups of peccaries. [2]

Peccaries are social animals, and often form herds. Over 100 individuals have been recorded for a single herd of white-lipped peccaries, but collared and Chacoan peccaries usually form smaller groups. Such social behavior seems to have been the situation in extinct peccaries as well.

Peccaries, with the exception of Pecari maximus, have scent glands below each eye and another on their back. They use the scent to mark herd territories, which range from 75 to 700 acres. They also mark other herd members with these scent glands by rubbing one against another. The pungent odor allows peccaries to recognize other members of the herd, despite their poor eyesight.


...I think llamabeast may be a zoologist!

[Rorschach]

People are continuously talking about NAP's and 3 turn pause before attacking. Are these terms universal etiquette? I haven't found a stickied thread on the subject so are there any "house rules" I don't know about?

[Renojustin]

The agreement is the agreement. Many people say things like, let's make a pact where the other party has to declare the pact null and void 3 turns before attacking. Some might say, our agreement will be that neither of us attacks the other for 9 turns.

It's just all in what you agreed to do. If someone breaks that agreement, it's usually in your own best interest to call them on it publically. There is nothing that says they can't do it, especially if it's thematic, like if your NAP partner casts a harmful global. However, it's considered less than honorable to backstab someone that you have an accord with in such a way, and letting people know that a nation disregarded a treaty will probably lead to them being more wary of that nation in that game, at the least.

[Rorschach]

Ok, then it works as it should:D

[das123]

Well guys, looks like Ermor will also be out of the game in the next few turns. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the experience. I certainly learned a lot and I can see I have absolutely no 'feel' for the game once the indies are gone, but this game has given me good pointers into what I should look at in the future.

Good luck http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

You were actually a tough opponent, very tenacious. Good job, Das. I look forward to playing against or with you again someday.

[Rorschach]

I am sorry to hear of the demise of Ermor. I really enjoyed your company das123 and hope to meet you again:)

[das123]

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

THE FALL OF ERMOR

Armies of shrieking flesh eaters stream across the great river for month after month, gobbling up the once lush land. All the while the fearsome Gorgon terrorises the countryside. People leave the great city to try and escape to the far provinces - including Eldora, the Ermorian Pretender. She takes a small retinue and heads to the safety of the northern deserts and the new stone keep that has been built on a barren hillside. Back inside the city is the last guard which consists of a horde of gladiators, magicians and priests.

The first Sauromatian attack on the city is bloody with both sides losing many warriors. It is the first battle that Ermor has been able to withstand the deadly arrows of the Sauromaians. And, by tooth and claw, the battle descends into a battle of the undead as slain soldiers are brought back to life by dark arts from both sides. The holy pontiffs of Ermor are strong and in the end they prove the deciding factor as they clear the Sauromatian undead from the battlefield. The Sauromatians are driven from the walls and the city is saved. But this is only for 30 days. The Ermorians are without reinforcement while a second Sauromatian army is close by pillaging a nearby province. The second Sauromatian assault proved decisive and the eternal city of Ermor falls to the flesh eaters.

At the same time, the fort in the desert is visited and put under siege by the demons of Lanka.

Ermor lies in ruins. Spies and scouts still venture into the wilds to hear news of the Ermorian allies and of their attacks on Sauromatia. But no word comes back.

-=*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*=-

[Rorschach]

Oh, the humanity!

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

[Rorschach]

The Fir Bolg warriors of Tir na n'OG expected no resistance at the northern front. They attacked with high spirits, knowing that anything the Abysians could assemble in defence would merely be a handful of troops.

They were right about the numbers. But they didn't do the math.

17 Abysian Burning Ones came in from the south to hold the pass, accompanied by an Anointed One. It was all it took to break the entire Fir Bolg army of 400 warriors. The Burning Ones erupted in flames as they charged the enemy lines. Fir Bolg warriors threw javelins as they advanced and the battle ensued. Quickly the Abysians were surrounded by the far more numerous enemies. But the difference in numbers meant nothing. The 17 Burning Ones slew 187 Fir Bolg and lost 2 of their own before the enemy turned tail and ran. A testament to the sheer quality of Abysian elite troops.

Let it be a warning to the enemies of Abysia. You will pay a price in lives of 100:1 for attacking the burning lands.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Rorschach]

Ok, I stand corrected:p

[Renojustin]

Omg what happened? I did happen to catch an awesome battle of heroes a few turns ago...

[Rorschach]

No clash of heroes. But Tir na n'oG took the math seriously this time, I can say that much.

[Rorschach]

Hmm, I seem to have no counter to the Keltish invaders http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[don_Pablo]

This war began with a disaster.
All the tribe of Fir Bolg was cowered with a SHAME wich must be washed off with blood.
The time will show whether it will be blood of abyssians or ours.

[Rorschach]

The enemy Pretender attacked our capitol and lured out the defenders in front of the fortress. She then started casting Earth Quakes in a clever attempt to kill as many enemies as possible.

She did kill some old warlocks that were near death from old age. But she must have been disappointed in finding almost no soldiers defending.

3 of her deadly air mages were also sniffed out by the patrolling defenders and killed off.

Seems the air has gone out of the Tir na'noG attackers. Time to bring up the counteroffensive!

[don_Pablo]

She supposed to retreat after the second earthquake.
But your imps gave no time for it.
1:1
Congratulations!
Our Gods will watch the battle from above. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Rorschach said:
Seems the air has gone out of the Tir na'noG attackers.



Are you sure? )

[Rorschach]

Yes?

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

Hmm, did you attack anyway? I killed 3 of your artillery mages and your Pretender last turn?

Well, if you didn't have anything special planned I suspect I should win this battle by a good margin. But you never know.

[Rorschach]

Sauromatia attacks!

The battles outside the Abysian Capitol were just about to escalate towards a climax when the Abysian defenders prepared for a massive counterattack. Then news from the far south came in: Gazebo had been sighted coming in from the east. The dreaded Gorgon had laid waste to proud Ermor and terrorized Pangea, and now it was heading for Silbermark, southernmost bastion of Abysia. The border had been quiet for a time now, but it seems the Sauromatian thirst for conquest had not been sated by their great victories in the east.

A mere hundred slave militia was forced to face Gazebo at Silbermark. They huddled together in the middle of the field and prepared to die a terrible death by petrification. Sauromatias main army followed quickly after Gazebo and the militia were slaughtered. Some managed to escape north where they would face Abysian taskmasters and their whips.

So Silbermark fortress is under siege by a huge army. Magic is prepared and defenses quickly erected, but soon it will fall and then the Abysian southlands lie open to the invaders.

We seek an end to the northern war. Our great armies of proud and strong Abysians will have to finish the job quickly.

[Renojustin]

The magics of Sauromatia are too dire and potent. We have come prepared. You have not discovered the mysteries of your own fire magic, you have not found the places of high magic within your demesne. You have nothing with which to fight us, and your greatest warriors are now as chaff in the wind. This is your endgame.

The only way that Abysia might prolong your existence is by taking their forces and hurling them northwards against a nation that your armies might exact a toll from. From Sauromatia, you will recieve only DEATH!

The Seven have come, and with them also comes Phil, who shall be pretty badass in his own right. The three Furies lead the way into Abysia, and nothing shall stop them. So sayeth the Book of Gazebo.

[Rorschach]

I had two stale turns now, and luckily (again) a decisive battle had not been fought. A third turn had to be played by a friend via telephone http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I think I'm not fit for this kind of 24-hour turn style. Too much interference real-life. Particularly weekends, something that surprises me, as I expected to be more consistent during those few days a week.

But I will of course make Sauromatia bleed before I consider dropping out
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[llamabeast]

Oh my goodness, you're still on 24 hours on turn 52! I expect you'd be better off on 48 hours. What do people think?

Most games change over long before this. Sorry, I have been dopey with this game.

Talking of which, it's a bit silly that I'm still admin. I didn't ask properly for a replacement. Is anyone willing to take over for me? Thanks!

[Rorschach]

I would hope Renojustin could admin.

I would like a 48 hour limit, although I don't think the game will slow down much for that reason.

Great pace everyone http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

I would be happy to admin but I don't know the first thing about it yet... but still I'm really enjoying the game because it's really more like a blitz even now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

We have been able to go with a 24 hour time limit for so long because the game was fairly small to begin with, only 8 players. So it's not really that bad even for me.

If Rorschach wants 48 hours, that's definitely fine. Don't want anyone to feel rushed or overwhelmed or anything.

[Rorschach]

On the other hand this game is already reduced to 5 players going on 4 going on 3 so keeping the 24-hour limit will ensure keeping the current pace. And maybe add such a strain on Sauromatia's leadership they'll blunder and make obvious tactical mistakes.'

Seriously, keep the 24-hour limit.

[Renojustin]

I've made a great many mistakes already, hardly seems fair to single me out! lol

[llamabeast]

Okay brilliant, I will send Reno the admin password. Thanks Reno!

[Renojustin]

Ok people, now that I'm admin, there's going to be some CHANGES around here, if you know what I mean.

UNLIMITED POWER!!!!!!

But really Tir, you've been last two turns in a row, pick it up buddy! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[don_Pablo]

The idea seemed to be interesting but the mistake was disastrous.
Tir na n'Og bewails its best mages...

[Renojustin]

Tir, no reason for you to be last three times in a row... remember that if you are the last to submit your turn, you can be the first in the next turn because the game hosts!

[don_Pablo]

Sorry for delaying

[Renojustin]

Well, that's your prerogative... I was just concerned that you were doing one turn and then checking the status 20 hours afterward to see if the game had hosted!

That being said... yayyy, new turn!

[Rorschach]

How long are you supposed to camp outside my fortress Reno?
Hoping I'll open the door by mistake?

:p

[Renojustin]

Just sitting outside and laughing as your little bolts cook our wolves for our dinners.

[Rorschach]

Turn 60.
The walls of Smouldercone fortress have been breached!
Come on Reno, make your best shot.

[Rorschach]

Ok, that was not cool. So much time building up that SC of mine and then he just auto-retreats (75%troops lost) while defending his fortress.

Boooh!

He he, that went down the crapper. Well played Reno.

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

[Rorschach]

I have to reconsider my SC tactics. Maybe I should have broken siege with him?

Doesn't seem much of a point to have him in the company of anyone else...:(

[Renojustin]

Well, you do that and he's horribly susceptible to all sorts of single-target mayhem. Anyway, one or two or even three SCs can't stop a well-prepared army like that; you would have needed access to much higher level magic. Your scales were horrifying to your peoples though, and magic was denied you. I personally wouldn't take a Drain scale with anyone that doesn't have strong Death magic (for Skull Mentors). Your 3-4 turns stalling was probably pretty brutal that early in the game, but still no excuse for the paltry research your mages were able to produce!

Anyway, all I needed was the simple break of not having to fight a three-front war so early in the game, and you were the one who finally gave that to me, (insert grateful here) at which point the armies of Sauromatia held Pangaea and demolished Ermor, and then was able to jump on Pangaea and finally turned to Abysia (while sparring with Tir at the same time). I hope you had fun fighting Tir, that battle looked pretty entertaining, all back and forth...

But next time bring some real magic if you want to play with the Witch Kings! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Tir is getting counter-raided all over the place, (I'm extremely pleased with Eyes of God even though it was originally cast just to catch his raiders, which failed) and can't last long after losing 15 Tuatha Sorceresses to the Black Army. Mmmmm Tuatha Sorceresses, them's good eatin!

Lanka's got some severely badass dudes in the Mandahas, and Creedence Undead Revival is going to be formidable on defense, but I don't give him much of a shot, either, at half the research and less than half the gem income. It might depend on how fast he can conquer Tir compared to me... but probably not. The vast array of magical forces and capabilities I have now are extremely powerful; this is the most deadly nation I've had in a game before.

Good game, all!

[Rorschach]

Good pointers.

Sadly this was not a pretender I intended playing MP with, as I mentioned when we started. It was a test singleplayer SC/bless strategy. It wasn't just the drain scale, the turmoil held me back pretty hard as well. The drain was intended to give my sacreds even better stats - better magic resist.

3 Death didn't help on the economy either, lol. All those disastrous scales to have my pretender up early, just so he could stay home and research as I saw how horribly slowly that department did. I never could gain access to any high level fire magic as my researchers HAD to be anointed ones, 440 gold per, or else they died of old age pretty soonish. He he, live and learn.

I felt confident when I advanced on you during your 2 front war with Pangea and Ermor, sadly I felt too sorry for you when you started whining, lol http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Curse my capacity for mercy!

[Renojustin]

It seems like the Burning Ones would be more than powerful enough to protect you at first... the only reason to have the Bastard Son out early would be for an extra expansion army, I think. Otherwise, you could have taken some Magic/Growth scales to even up your atrocious others. Or even Luck, something that is nearly essential with Turmoil. Like... you can't really have a strong bless like that with an awake pretender. I was wondering how your scales were that bad! lol

By the time you were close to me, I had Shadow Blasters with Eyes of the Void and Spell Foci, so it would have been more or less a total loss for you. You stopped about 1 turn from annihilation! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

And you went on to give Tir a run for its money too, which was better than throwing Burning Ones into the path of liquid death, of course. I had fun playing with you, thanks!!

PS: I'm up to 8 clams a turn now and monkey PD can nevar win!!1 so at least you lost to the game winner. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Renojustin]

The encampment of the Fae was peaceful in the early morning mists. Crystal Sorceresses from the mountains, their exotic skirts dangling enticingly over brown thighs, shared a pungent brown tea with the good-natured Fir Bolgs of Undia's Chosen. The solitary Sidhe stared into the woods.

Life was good, the air was cool, and the Earth Mother herself walked among her subjects.

There had been disturbing rumors from out of the north, but as yet they were still rumors... so the sudden appearance of the hideous She-God of Sauromatia took them completely by surprise.

Gazebo cackled in victory and raised two knobby claws above her squirming, hissing hair as the soldiers ran to meet her, the company of sorceresses preparing the mightiest communion that the world had ever seen.

The sky fell.

Rains of stones fell from above. Boulders careened off the helmets and shields of the Fir Bolgs, crushing bones, snapping necks, and wreaking utter bloody havoc in the ranks. Behind them, the once-beautiful Sorceresses screamed and were pulverized into a fine red mist from the hail of rock. Someone began to howl in pure grief.

The Great Mother herself turned and ran. But there was nowhere to go. Horrors from Beyond and insane, dead gods banished from the land of Peccary by the vanished Pantokrator ravished the surrounding countryside.

Undia stopped, her rotund figure jiggling with health and shining with life, a life that was now dulling within her, her hair drying, her skin cracking. Her children were gone; there was no more reason to fight. She turned around. Crying the tears of a dead race from her wrinkling eyes, she looked straight into the burning amber eyes of Ga

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

Sauromatia: Lawful Evil (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=626768&page=0&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

[das123]

Rorschach said:
I felt confident when I advanced on you during your 2 front war with Pangea and Ermor, sadly I felt too sorry for you when you started whining, lol http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
Curse my capacity for mercy!



Lol. I thought very early on that my only hope was for you to throw everything at Sauromatia while I kept him busy. I actually don't know how Justin could have been stopped in any case. Even if you had attacked successfully, Pangaea and Ermor had nothing that would even slightly dent the Sauromatian army. I thought initially that my troops with their tower shields would have done better against the archers, but no, they were just so many pin cushions.

I had a spy sitting in the line of march between Abysia and Sauromatia and I couldn't work out why there were no large armies anywhere. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Well, don_Pablo hasn't shown up or responded in any way, so I think it's pretty safe to assume that he's gone. Can't really blame him, but still pretty disappointing considering that it took a lot of skill and work to do what I did, and that's not including the fun little story.

Sigh, I'll host the game in a few hours.

[Renojustin]

Good job everyone! Pretty sure Lanka is conceding defeat now. That was a very, very fast, and intense game. Nice job on surviving till the end, Pangaea!

It was touch and go there for a while but at turn 64 I was producing 3 GOR'd Tartarians a turn, and had 8 Send Horror casters. On the first turn after our NAP ended, I took over 11 of Lanka's provinces, and turned 2 more independent. I targeted his income-proudcing lands and avoided his powerful blood hunters, thereby cutting his income more than in half in one turn.

That was pretty overwhelming, even if Lanka's Mandahas were NUTS. Only undead or demons can really overcome Darkness, I've learned. My other thugs and SCs were no match for them at all.

What else did we learn from the great history of Peccary?

[don_Pablo]

Better late than never.
Thanks everybody for the game. Congratulations, Renojustin .
It was very interesting experience. And as for me it was not military but diplomatic lesson mainly. And I would hardly believe anyone claiming about his weakness/bad position next time.
Also I must say it was my first late-game and there was a moment when I had a few ideas what to wait from opponents and what to do myself.
Reno, be sure you are a good teacher! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renojustin]

Oh it was definitely touch-and-go there for a while, but I wasn't in so much of a BAD position as a titillatingly unfair one.

3 on 1s aren't very fun to be on the recieving end of, and it could only happen in a game as small as this - otherwise there would have been a free nation or five to take on the guys throwing resources away on attacking me and only me... of course, they paid for it in the end; with no research, no military progress of any kind, with no searching for magic sites, they were completely helpless when I got my feet back under me. And that was pretty darn satisfying. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Rorschach]

Congratulations on the win Reno. We had a good pace, I'll definately sign up for more games in the future. Hope I'll see any of you guys there!

Rorschach

[das123]

Congratulations Renojustin,

I know you were disappointed that three of us had to conspire against you early on, but the lead you shot to in the first 12 months was more than double any of us so it called for drastic measures. Llamabeast intimated that this is expected when one player takes such a commanding lead at the start. Anyhow, well done.

As far as lessons are concerned, overall I enjoyed the gameplay immensely and learned heaps but to be honest the dummy-spit tarnished the overall experience for me somewhat. I've signed up for another multi-player game at present to see if this is normal or an aboration. If it is par for the course then I suppose I'll just have to get used to it or play single-player. Reading some of the other multi-player games there does seem to be an element of personality clash and angst at times.

Biggest lesson game-wise for me was that my Pretender construction ability is abysmal so I need to hone these skills a lot.

Anyhow, thanks for the game everyone. Good luck with your next game(s). http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif