The Artifacts Game - [ HOLY S**T MICAH WON!! ]

[Lingchih]

is anyone willing to sell crystal coins, starshine skullcaps blood thorns or brazen skulls at or below 25% discount? (meaning you have some means of forging at 40% or better discount and your willing to take the difference as your profit?)

i reckon if anyone has this ability they'll be uninterested in making it public but if they have a special site they'd like to milk for all the profit possible maybe they'll feel like pm'ing me

No, I don't have the Ovens. Next question?

[Ironhawk]

Hehehe, well said LingChih.

I'm glad we are finally back on schedule. Seems like we've had major delays for ... almost the whole of November.

[Lingchih]

So Baalz falls. Goodbye Baalz, never really got to know you. Though we did fight in previous games.


Or should I say Atlantis falls? That would probably be more appropriate.

[Ironhawk]

Thats premature, Lingchih. Atlantis just took a severe blow but they arent dead as far as I can see. Has any atlantis fort been stormed? Has his cap?

[Baalz]

Heh, Atlantis has had war declared on it by pretty much every nation in the game simultaneously, Atlantis was undeniably walking dead at that point....

[Ironhawk]

Yeah, I know that you are pretty much toast. But I thought it was a bit much for a nation other than yourself to just unilaterly announce that.

[Ironhawk]

Hey guys I'm not gonna get home tonight until probably like midnight. So I'm gonna delay the turn for just 5 hours. Sorry for the inconvenience!

[Lingchih]

I apologize for the earlier post. It was in poor taste. I was just so shocked when I saw the province graph, I had to post something.

[Ironhawk]

Indeed! And for your crimes you will now be Transformed into a swine! ;)

[namad]

I had to leave town this weekend and I forgot to submit my turn before I left could you please delay the hosting 19hours(or 24if that's easier to remember)?

[quantum_mechani]

Extended.

[Lingchih]

Ahh, the seas. We so enjoy the endless seas. Alas, we must suspend our conquering of the seas, since mighty friends now border us on all sides. But still, we have our own sea now, the Sea of Midgard.

[Ironhawk]

A proposal has been floating around IRC and I thought I would bring it up here. Some players, myself included, are interested in calling this game a draw. Its been a really fun game, with some great (balanced!) wars and some astounding political reversals. But its been going on for a long time and there is no clear end in sight for many turns and people are tired. On top of that, we've had major delays due to technical problems with the llamaserver.

So, I present it to you all now: do you want to carry on with this game? Or wrap it up and call it a draw?

[Ironhawk]

Personally, I vote to draw. There are some major powers left now that have a shot at the win, but that win wont come for (in my estimation) at least 30 turns.

[WraithLord]

I definitely vote to continue. I'm sorry but I am really a big fan of ending games and I really really dislike games ending prematurely w/o proper closure.

And I don't think the game is a draw. Atlantis will soon be eliminated (Sorry Baalz, just calling the facts) and I'm 100% certain that the situation will not remain static. The game may even end much faster than what we can now guess.
We all played a substantial amount of time to get to this point so why stop here and not get to the end?

If any given player wants to quit then we can find him a sub, but I think the players that do want to cont. have the right to see it through.

[Ironhawk]

Of course. I'm not proposing to unilaterally end the game by any means. But I know that I'm not alone in my feelings so I wanted to air it on the forum and get everyone's opinion.

[Micah]

Well, I'm a bit tired of the game, to be sure, but things are finally starting to move now that the research is starting to trump the ****ty map, and I'm not gonna pull out on a game if there's anyone that still wants to play in it unless there's a clear winner.

[archaeolept]

coobe's LA aby shall never concede!!

[Ironhawk]

So, after going back to IRC to get people to post thier support for the vote, I found that said support had quickly evaporated. Forget it, I guess.

I'll start shopping for a replacement.

[namad]

I'd like to trade for death or nature gems, I'm offering fire,air,water, or blood

[Ironhawk]

Eh, on second thought, its going to be hard starting a new game right before the holiday season. I'll play on until the new year, at least. Perhaps there will be some resolution by then.

[Lingchih]

Just bumping.

Anyone need earth gems? They are, like, falling out of my pockets.

[Micah]

Fencing event this weekend, I would like about a 48 hour extension on the turn please.

[calmon]

Please set Patala to AI. He had 5 stales in a row now.

[Ironhawk]

Indeed he has. Odd - didnt he say before that he was really attached to his nation and wanted to play it to the bitter end?

[Ironhawk]

I tried setting him AI from the admin screen but its not possible. You have to actually go into his turn and thats something I'd rather not do (as an admin) unless its absolutely neccessary. Calmon, cant you just kill him? You've been sitting on his capital for ages now...

[calmon]

Actual the patala turn is in, maybe he set himself ai.

[namad]

looking to trade fire, air, water, blood for death or nature (or possibly astral)

[namad]

actually make that ... trading fire, air, water, blood for *earth*, death, nature (possibly astral)

but i'll probably pm a couple earth nations myself right now

[calmon]

The world needs you! If you are a honorable leader of a nation of proud fighter against the darkness, join us! We need more glorious individuals in an alliance against the all mighty evil GAAAAATHHHH.

Do you remember the former 'all mighty evil' Atlantis? He was nothing against the power of the absolute unholiest giants of Gath! So we also have to warn you... it IS the most dangerous and risky thing you ever be involved but the reward of freeing the whole world is always worth to join in.

So far Bogarus :trophy:, Caelum :trophy:, Marignon :trophy: and Midgard :trophy: are in but i think you need more to equalize my all mighty powerfull forces fully equiped with dozens of unique items!

I've legions of tartarians and even more demons of all sizes out of all dimensions!

My cities are full of the mightiest mages you ever saw prepare to instant kill every army lost in my wide lands. I can't count all the blood stones and clams i own to survive even without any of my sites - of course the best you can imagine.

I also ordered to cast the famous Forge of the Ancients. Not that i need it but i really like the appearance and the smell of it! If you plan to dispel... forget it! I invested thousands of earth gems -a part of my monthly blood stone income- to empower a natural E50 mage. This in additional to the 999 max gems makes it as good as indestructible!

This turn the hasty glorious alliance member Midgard :trophy: mistakenly teleported some smaller raiding troops in our territory. Maybe he didn't note that the NAPs with Caelum :trophy: & Bogarus :trophy: (1 turn) and with Marignon :trophy: (2 turns) still exists. However the new-blessed tartarion winged lion commander was disrupted by some of my lower demon scums in seconds. The rest of this expedition will be doomed next turn or maybe i'll play some time with them.

Really urgent: Our Alliance member Midgard needs support! In a way of heroism he bring up some troops in the all mighty devils territory! The other alliance member still can't support this glorious first step so we pled to the rest of the free world! Help immediately! Ugard, Ulm, Agartha, even Jomon you may stop your conflicts and follow us in our justified war. Please contact your local Angel office for more informations.

[Lingchih]

To the Glorious nation of Gath. Yes, we realize we did arrive a bit early for the party, but we just couldn't resist. We saw no reason to fight the others for scraps, when we could get a whole slice of the pie for ourselves.

See you soon,
Midgard

[calmon]

I would need a 24 hour extension this time, (pre)christmas stress has started :)

Is it possible to go to a 72 hour cycle until new year?

[Ironhawk]

24hr extension added. Good luck fending off the wolves, Calmon!

About the christmas/new year holiday time. I'm going to be away from the 23rd to the 1st of January. Since many other people are likely travelling or will have trouble doing turns, I think we should just suspend the game b/w Xmas and NYE.

[namad]

i'd also be interested in switching to 72h and taking a christmas break

[Lingchih]

Christmas break is OK by me. 72 hour is not. We should stay 48 hour.

In other news, yes, we got our butts kicked. But we did kill a Tart and some Sybils. And we still hold the prov next to Abysia.

--Midgard

[Ironhawk]

Ok, I will plan on putting the game on hold for the Christmas -> NYE period. After this coming turn, I suppose.

[namad]

can anyone forge stone birds at a reasonable price?

[namad]

a new turn hosted and is due on the 25th.... shouldn't this one be delayed like a week?

[Lingchih]

Namad, I believe IH said after this coming turn. And when he posted that we were on the previous turn.

[Ironhawk]

The game is now postponed until after New Years Eve. I will try to get my turn in before I leave for the holidays in case you all find time to do yours. However, I will not be able to play the next turn, should one generate.

[Lingchih]

January bump. Looks like the the game is back on. Let's go dogs!

[WraithLord]

Is the game on 48h schedule?

That's extreme for turn 67. Can we please switch to a more reasonable pace of 72h at least?

[namad]

72h would be preferable for me too

[WraithLord]

So what's up with the schedule?- I half did my previous turn and will have little time to play this one as well. Kinda takes the fun out of the game :(

[Micah]

I'm fine with a longer host schedule if people want one.

[namad]

can you get a sub for me? I don't intend to take anymore turns

[WraithLord]

Ironhawk can you please postpone hosting for a few days until we find a sub for Namad?- He's too big a factor in the game to just go AI w/o creating a major disturbance.

And for the love of god (or rather, sleep), add time to hosting schedule. Last time I checked this wasn't advertised as a blitz game.

[Ironhawk]

Its the responsibility of the player, not the host to find themselves a sub. Namad if you want to leave the game thats your perogative, but you need to find a replacement player or you will leave us all in the lurch. I will postpone hosting for you to do that but I urge you not to simply walk away without taking care of your responsibilities...

[namad]

i am very very angry. I haven't wanted to play a single turn of this game in many weeks. if you'd like i'll change to blank turns from ai. if i were to play I'd just ruin the game even worse and ruin the chance of anyone wanting to sub even worse. I am asking around about if people want to sub i just haven't ever found a sub and doubt it's even possible. I really don't want to hear another word about this game ever though. it's not like atlantis didn't just stale like 10times before the end not even waiting until the first turn on which he attacked

[Lingchih]

I consider this official cause to break NAP. Hey, if you're going AI, there is no need for adherence to an NAP anyway. I've got a long border with Utgard, and I don't want to suddenly find Utgard SCs on my doorstep.

-Midgard

[namad]

if you guys think it would be fairer i can go blank instead of ai... and the odds of finding a sub go down everyturn if your all out attacking utgard without utgard defending itself... it's a fairly good position someone might volunteer to sub it like tomorrow

[Lingchih]

I am not attacking Utgard at all this turn. I will wait to see if a sub can be found. If not, I will be attacking Utgard next turn.

I am not an AI land grabber. Utgard has powerful units and I must defend myself.

[WraithLord]

Its the responsibility of the player, not the host to find themselves a sub. Namad if you want to leave the game thats your perogative, but you need to find a replacement player or you will leave us all in the lurch. I will postpone hosting for you to do that but I urge you not to simply walk away without taking care of your responsibilities...

That's reasonable.
What about extending the schedule?- Its starting to look as if you're ignoring me and that's hardly nice. right?
If you want to keep this crazy pace I've no problem with that. Just let me know and I'll post for a sub as well.

[Lingchih]

I think everyone (almost) has agreed to 72 hour. I have.
That said... this turn is done and submitted.

[WraithLord]

We all agreed and the schedule was changed to 72h quite some time ago.
I find it strange that the schedule was changed back and shortened w/o a notification to the players or even better - consultation.
If our host doesn't have time or inclination to admin the game then the best he can do is just say so. I'm sure we'll find a sub admin (and if not I'd be willing to).
I don't intend a coup here, just thinking out load - Sorry if I jump to wrong conclusion and no offense meant.

[Ironhawk]

WL, I am not ignoring you its simply that there was never any agreement to go to 72hrs. You pushed for it a while back and it was discussed but never unanimously agreed on. Nor has it been now as I count only three players supporting, one of whom is leaving. But if its a choice b/w going to 72 and losing a player I will of course set it to 72hr.

[WraithLord]

Oh, I see. Thanks for the explanation.
I'm all for doing a vote on the subject but I'm afraid most of the players will not opine. In-fact I suspect that this is perhaps the reason why only three players supported 72h schedule.
As for me going AI - I've never went AI before but I find the pace brutal and stressing, couple that with having to submit half done turns and I hope you can understand why I even consider this option.

So, fellow players, can you please post your preferred hosting schedule?

[Ironhawk]

Heheh, WL - I wasnt clear enough there is no need for a vote. I've already moved the hosting schedule to 72hrs. :)

[WraithLord]

Thank you Ironhawk!

[Amhazair]

I don't want to sound pushy, but is anyone actually still looking for a sub for Utgard? I don't believe Namad will still be looking after these few days given that he said: "i just haven't ever found a sub and doubt it's even possible" (feel free to contradict me though, Namad, if you are in fact still trying to find one.) and unless I'm totally blind no one has even posted a looking for sub post.

I didn't want to stick my nose where it shouldn't be seeing as I'm neither the player of the nation, nor anyone who had anything at all to do with organizing the game. And perhaps I'm totally mistaken, and some anonymous people have turned on their full lobbying power and are quietly but insestently waging a behind-the-screens recruitment campaign. But if no one else feels called/has the time to look for a sub I should be able to at least cook up a snazzy recruitment/propaganda post, and possibly ask around a little too.

I for one have had, and still am having great fun with this game, and would feel it would be a shame to just let it quietly peter out, that's all.

[Micah]

QM put up a sub post, and there's been some activity on the IRC channel, but if you want to help look I don't think anyone would object. =)

[Amhazair]

QM put up a sub postOh, so I actually am blind then. Good to finally have confirmation. :)

[DonCorazon]

I am not even in the game anymore but have heard the cry for a sub. It amazes me though - why doesn't a player - anyone - just post for a sub if Namad refuses to? Copy and paste the post I used when I subbed out. Hell, it only takes a second.

Here is the language to use:

“Interested in playing with some of the most famous and deadly Dominions players in the world? The legendary Micah, the ruthless Calmon, the prolific Baalz, the resilient QM, the deadly Ironhawk, the wily Amhazair, the masterful WraithLord, among others. It is like the All Star game of Dominions, a veritable rogues gallery of some of the trickiest bastards alive. Even getting schooled by these grizzled vets is a pleasure.

You will be inheriting Midgard, er Utgard, in a strong position, leading in research with a nice gem income and province count.

The game has been a blast, just check out the thread."

You might have to cross out a few of those names or switch adjectives, but it gives it a little sizzle... :) And I won't claim you plagiarized me...

[DonCorazon]

Nevrmind, I guess i should refresh before I post...:o

[Ironhawk]

Yeah go for it Amhazair!

[Ironhawk]

Okee doke, boys. As I said before the holidays I'm bowing out of the game. I had a blast but I'm cooked. This game was definitely one for the record books - I've never seen so many grueling hard fought wars!! And I look forward to hearing about how the Grand Alliance fares and who eventually comes out on top.

Vladikus will be taking over Agartha for me. QM is the sole admin now. Best of luck to all!

[Lingchih]

I object to a rollback. I had a good turn.

That said, I could be convinced to vote otherwise (hint, hint, wink).

[WraithLord]

Why the rollback?- Its not like the game crashed or something.
Does it mean we have to replay our turns from scratch?- And now ppl can just look at the new turn and adjust their orders.
Unless I clearly misunderstand something I think the rollback is not a good move. Is there anyway to cancel the rollback and cont. forward with turn 69. I'm also in favor of finding a sub for Utgard but its not like one stale turn is gonna change the game for Jotun.

I suggest to continue with turn 69, anyone thinks the same?

[Lingchih]

Well, we had like a week to do this turn. I know most thought that the game would be delayed until a sub was found for Utgard. But do we even know that a sub will ever be found for Utgard? There have been no takers yet.

Utgard's turn was blank, and I nor I think anyone else attacked him. So his blank turn is null. I also say we should continue with turn 69.

[archaeolept]

as I understand it, Micah had been told that there was going to be a final one-day extension (for a sub, or for Baalz to take over for Namad, and because Micah had some issues to deal with), but QM forgot to do it, leading Micah to stale, through no fault of his own.

There's no good solution in a situation like this - a rollback is probably best; everyone can submit basically a similar turn, although there is a real problem if someone's sneaky plans have been revealed. Normal attacks aren't so much of an issue, as everyone can tinker w/ their revised turns.

/me has no idea why i'm posting in this thread ;)

[WraithLord]

archaeolept, are you sure about Micha's stale?

Well, I'm at war with Ashdod and the knowledge of my moves from turn 69 could be used against me. Rolling back will thus have a negative impact on me. I'm not sure whether it equals the impact of a stale turn for Micah. It depends on the end result.

And having to replay turn 68 is really annoying.

QM, can you please post in the game thread in case something like this happens next time so that we players could have a say about it?

[quantum_mechani]

I knew there would be strong opposition to a rollback (I had even forgot it was an option until I was reminded) but since I had said I was going to extend it, it did not seem like I had an alternative.

In theory though, pre-known moves should not help anyone in particular since anyone can second guess. That said I understand how frustrating it is- personally I don't plan to peek at the fake turn 69.

[archaeolept]

wraithlord, you're at war w/ Gath. G A T H. ;)

The easiest way is just to load up your previously sent turn, and just mess around with it a little so you can't be completely predicted. It does mess up any cool surprise attacks you may have made, though :(

[Lingchih]

A rollback, eh? Without a vote.

Heh. So much for democracy.

I lodge a formal protest (and, I have no idea what good that will do.)

[Micah]

Yes, I staled because QM told me there would be a delay, and I believe that it's a lot more fair for people to have their offensive orders revealed (since they can then at least play the second-guessing game with them, and they get some minimal scouting information from them as well) than to have an entire turn gone, which locks out offensive orders, defensive orders, forging, rituals, research tweaking, and recruitment. I'm pretty certain that the rollback is the lesser of two evils by far (And I'm pretty sure that Utgard's army was left alone because Gath is coming after me after I killed 3 of his SCs off last turn, so I'd really like to get to have orders.)

[Lingchih]

I'm sorry QM, Micah. But this really makes me mad. Any rollback should be only enacted after the concurrence of all the players, by vote. A majority vote would win.

This was not even attempted.

[Lingchih]

No replies? Then, very well. We are attacking Utgard with all out might this turn.

It does not matter who, if any, takes over Utgard.

If you guys had just avoided a rollback, this would not have had to occur.

[Micah]

The admin is supposed to preserve the game's fairness, and I believe QM acted in the best interest of the game as a whole, in addition to the interest of the staling players, as having 4 of 9 players stale is very detrimental to the ongoing stability of the game.

QM has been doing a good job adminning this game for months now, IMO, and this is the first I've heard of anyone taking issue with his actions. I do not believe a vote is either needed or desirable in this situation, and that he handled things correctly. Did he screw up by not setting the host timer back? Yes. A mistake was made, and then he did his best to correct it, using the powers we have cheerfully let him have for the past 4 months while he did a perfect job of it, taking his own time to make sure that everyone was able to get extensions when needed and doing all of the other niggling crap that the rest of us are lucky enough to not have to think about.

If you seriously think he has abused his position I suppose you could vote to replace him as admin if you think someone else would do a better job. I know what my vote would be though.

[WraithLord]

No one doubts QM acted in the best interest of the game as a whole nor the good work he's done so far in admining the game.
However that doesn't mean that a significant step such as rollback can/should be done w/o at least informing the players.

Why do you say four players staled?- Who else has staled?

It seems like little by little the picture is getting clearer which is the exact reverse of how the process should be.

Anyway, if so many players staled then I agree to rollback, but then again no one asked me in the first place ;)

No hard feelings here. What's done is done and over with. Lets get the game going again :)

[Micah]

Mari, Ulm and I all staled outright, and Utgard had a blank turn unless I'm mistaken.

[quantum_mechani]

I suppose I could have posted before the rollback and collected opinions, but it seemed like that would lead to even more confusion and delay (and possibly even more bitterness about the final outcome). In any case I certainly take no offense at the idea of another admin, if someone wants to volunteer to take Ironhawk's spot and let me go back to being back-up admin. ;)

[WraithLord]

I do :)

I'm already admining two games so this will be my 3rd but I think I'm up to it and would thus be able to take some of the burden from you QM.

One thing to note though is that I'll be completely offline during March (family trip).

[quantum_mechani]

Ok, welcome to our new overlord, Wraithlord!

[WraithLord]

Cool. Glad I can help :)

First order of business is pitch in the effort of finding Utgard a sub. What's that I heard about Baalz taking over?- Is it true?- If so the search over, otherwise I'll make an additional post for a sub.

QM, do you know whether or not namad had a pwd in place?

[quantum_mechani]

Cool. Glad I can help :)

First order of business is pitch in the effort of finding Utgard a sub. What's that I heard about Baalz taking over?- Is it true?- If so the search over, otherwise I'll make an additional post for a sub.

QM, do you know whether or not namad had a pwd in place?I do not know about a password, but I changed the llamaserver utgard e-mail to Baalz's, so he should soon be able to tell us. I think he'd prefer if it was a temp sub spot though, so the hunt continues for a perm sub.

[Baalz]

No replies? Then, very well. We are attacking Utgard with all out might this turn.

It does not matter who, if any, takes over Utgard.

If you guys had just avoided a rollback, this would not have had to occur.

Yes, I'm taking over Utgard and I'll be crushing Midgard. Cheers!

[Lingchih]

Welcome Baalz. Thanks very much for subbing.

Sorry all about the rant last night.

[Lingchih]

Oh, and I also rescind the declaration of war on Utgard. I was angry last night, and vented too much. Namad's bugging out and the rollback had nothing to do with Baalz. There's no reason to go to war over something that was not his fault.

[Baalz]

No hard feelings at all, obviously had nothing to do with me. Utgard is, however, going to have to have to withdraw from the anti-gath alliance. Nothing to do with Midgard, just the fact that the state things are in right now leaves the cost benefit at Utgard fighting over scraps ending on the very short list of targets of the next dogpile. I'll be honoring all NAPs (please let me know if you have one with Utgard) and keeping the lands I hold as of this turn. Anyone who doesn't speak up after the next hosting I'll consider to not have a NAP with.

[Micah]

Man, if Calmon's handing out "get out of war with all your conquered provinces free" cards I want one too.

[Amhazair]

You're not the only one.

Difference is, you and I have a decent number of conquered provinces, plus our heartlands are close to Gath, so we're more likely targets for retaliation strikes I'm afraid. :)

Welcome Baalz and Vladikus, glad you could join us, let's have some fun.

[Lingchih]

January bump.

[quantum_mechani]

Postponed 24h at Micah's request.

[Amhazair]

Does anyone happen to have spare nature gems available for trade? I have decent stocks of all elemental gem types, and can probably scrounge together some S gems if needed too.

Also: bump. :)

[Lingchih]

Nice fights Baalz. I believe I killed the more valuable units, although you took more provs. Good fun indeed!

[Baalz]

Yeah, I wouldn't have put my money on that gargoyle vs the water queen, but that eye shield certainly paid off for you! :)

[Lingchih]

Hmm. Is that the best you can do Baalz? This will be a long war then.

Just joking. Good fights again. Much entertainment value.

Have at you then! Methinks you got lucky. A few of those SCs survived by the skin of their teeth.

[WraithLord]

Hosting postponed for artifacts by 24 hours. The game will now host at 03:30 GMT on Sunday February 1st.

Due to request from two two players.

[Micah]

Bogarus would like to announce that our misunderstanding with Marignon seems to have been sorted out, and that we no longer condone disregarding any diplomatic agreements you may have had with them. They are still trying to kill us though. Just in a more honorable fashion.

Thank you,
-Bogarus

[Amhazair]

Just in a more honorable fashion.Just wanted to add to this that I didn't - and still don't - think I committed any particularly heineous crimes here. However, Micah clearly felt differently, so, after a nice discussion of our differing points of view, we cobbled together an agreement on how to proceed so no one should feel wronged and we can all get on fully enjoying the game.

[Lingchih]

Hmm. Weather is fair here in Vanheim. We have lost a few provs, but we've gained a lot of stuff off of dead SCs from Utgard. Money is a bit tight, but we can remedy that. All in all, methinks we are holding Utgard to a draw.

[WraithLord]

That's sounds great - waste each other out while one super power grows that much stronger with every passing turn :)

[Lingchih]

Hey, Utgard attacked me. I wanted no hostilities after Baalz took over. You can't blame me for trying to stay alive.

[tgbob]

Just an fyi, Jomon (me) is currently leeching wifi from the neighbor and therefore has wonky internets. If I stale the next turn, you'll know what's up. (Like it matters.)

[Amhazair]

I'm afraid I need to ask (yet another) extension. Was planning to play the turn tonight, but my sister enlisted my help to babysit her little kid while she goes off galivanting. (The planned babysitter had an emergency of her own.) And tomorrow is the new years' drink at work, which I've been told has a tendency to be quite epic. I'll try not to be too hungover and play my turn on saturday. :)

[WraithLord]

Added 24h.

Seems like I'm doing this routinely of late. Anyone want to switch to 4 day turnaround?

[Lingchih]

Not really. I have a hard time remembering what I am doing from turn to turn as it is. I'm a pretty unimportant part of this little free-for-all though, so you guys do whatever you want.

[Micah]

I'm in favor of hoping for 72h but granting liberal extensions, just so we can try to keep things moving.

[Amhazair]

Thanks WL. I had good fun last night, though I'll have to admit to be somewhat disappointed in my co-workers definition of the word 'epic' (Home around 11 already.) Still, since it started at 5.30h and half of us (including me) had to work half a day today I guess I shouldn't complain too much. :)

Besides, allows me to be fresher tonight, since I'm going out again for a birthday party. :D (yeah, busy week...)

As the ones above I'm not really in favor of longer hosting times unless someone else really needs them. In the end I suspect it would only lead to postponing playing till the last day when you have something sudden come up forcing you to ask to delay hosting anyway. (At least, that would be the case for me, knowing my horrible tendency to live by the famous phrase "Why do today what you can postpone until tomorrow.")

[Lingchih]

Midgard is holding. Took out two more SCs this turn, with minor land losses. All castles but one are unsieged. My ability to strike back is somewhat hampered by the lack of gems, but I can still do a few things.

In short, Midgard is holding. What can anyone else do to stem the tide of Utgard?

[Lingchih]

Nice turn Baalz. Some very good battles. Very entertaining.

Now, when is it exactly that you are actually going to try and conquer me? I see nothing but dead Utgard SCs and worthless provs taken.

[quantum_mechani]

Due to miscalculating when I would have a chance to send in my turn, I've had to postpone a few times today, I hope no one minds.

[tgbob]

Poor Bane of Jomon, crippled then controlled by unscripted mages.

[quantum_mechani]

I should have known naming him was tempting fate. :D

[vladikus]

Hey all,
Due to my inability to keep up with the pace of turns because of my busy life, I'll be taking leave of the game; I had a good, though short, time playing with you all. Best of luck to everyone.

Mithras will be taking my place in Agartha.

[Mithras]

Time to send me diplomatic imfomation, and perhaps make up a few nonexistant NAPs :D

[Lingchih]

Heaven forbid? Artifacts drops off the first page? Bump.

[quantum_mechani]

Extending 24h at Micah's request.

[quantum_mechani]

Hats off to Jomon, fighting to the very end.

[tgbob]

Thanks, it was a learning experience to be sure.

[quantum_mechani]

Sorry to be delaying hosting again, but I've got a pretty bad case of
a cold/virus and I'm not really able to devote any energy to the turn tonight.

[Lingchih]

get well soon QM.

[WraithLord]

I'm going on vacation until the 25/03.

Calmon has graciously agreed to my plea to keep Caelum well managed (or rather to start managing it well :) ) until my return. He will take control effective turn 84.

I have setup a forward rule that will convey all the artifacts related emails I get from the server to his email so no need to change anything in the server.

Please contact him instead of me for anything to has to do with Caelum.

Naturally, I will also step down as an admin at this time. I hope you feel better QM. Hopefully you would not have too much on your hands until I return.

[quantum_mechani]

Yes, thanks, I'm feeling quite a bit better.

Have fun on your vacation.

[quantum_mechani]

Extended another 24h at Micah's request.

[Micah]

Sorry guys, my travel schedule has been pretty hectic. =(

[calmon]

Just in case you missed my pm QM.

Please add 24 hours for me this time.

Thanks and sorry for another delay.

[quantum_mechani]

No problem (other players were also asking for more time), 24h added.

[calmon]

Sorry for another delay. QM could you please add 16 hours, i got hit by a virus infect.

[quantum_mechani]

No problem, Micah also requested 24h so I'm adding that.

[Lingchih]

Heh. Sure. What's another day in a game that has lasted an ETERNITY.

[Lingchih]

Just bumping for my new sig, since the new retarded Forums don't update your sig on old posts.

[Lingchih]

OK. Anyone that comes into my territory is dead meat. I may not be able to win this game, but come into my lands and you die.

Ignore the sig on this one.

[Amhazair]

As you'll all have noticed the Llamaserver just went down. I'm not sure how soon everything will be running smoothly again, but I'm out of town for a few days midweek, (Had planned on playing and submitting tonight before leaving tomorrow.) so after it gets back up I'll probably not be able to send in my turn before thursday. Just so everyone knows in advance and won't be fretting about my missing turn once the server is back up. (Yeah, right... like everyone wasn't already planning on taking advantage from the delay to do nothing at all this entire week. ;) )

And by the way: Congratulations to everyone, including myself, for managing to finish last turn right on schedule. :D

[Lingchih]

I think it's hilarious that most of the players are taking advantage of the week long host period, cause by the LLamaserver breakdown, to do their turns.

Seriously folks. Want to get a turn in this weekend?

I, for one, would like to get this game over. I have Noobs to kill in other games.

[Lingchih]

Heh. Better get those turns in folks. It's hosting today. You may have forgotten about this game by now.

[Amhazair]

Not forgotten about the game at all, and definitely planning to submit my turn before deadline. :)

I'm a bit in a pickle, having had a few very busy weeks/months, and, frankly getting slightly burned out by dominions, and often feeling like doing other stuff in my free time. (This is the last game I'm still involved in too.) If it were any other game I'd be considering searching for a sub, but with the situation being as it is I don't want to bail out either (and I definitely do have fun when I actually start playing) so I'll be sticking this one out till the end. (I might still ask for the occasional extension like we've all been doing though. ;) )

Edit: I didn't want to come off sounding overly dramatic either. It's not nearly like my life is a total shambles at the moment or anything like it. Just a little bit busier with work, a little bit busier with family, (With my sister having had a baby and both her and her husband being nurses they can use a hand on occasion, and my parents are getting a bit older too.) and thus with my free time I sometimes feel like doing somthing a little less intellectually active. Nothing extraordinary really.

[quantum_mechani]

I'm a bit in a pickle, having had a few very busy weeks/months, and, frankly getting slightly burned out by dominions, and often feeling like doing other stuff in my free time. Having artifacts as your only Dom game will do that, it's burned out a lot of players.

[Lingchih]

Heh, true that QM. I do not give a **** who wins this game.

[calmon]

Can you please add 2 hours to the timer QM.

Thanks!

[quantum_mechani]

Actually, I added 24 hours... the hosting schedule was mixed up with the last llamasever glitch and it was on 48 hours.

[calmon]

Thanks, i really didn't notice it :).

[WraithLord]

Hi, I'm back from my vacation and will take over Caelum again.

Thank you so much Calmon for subbing for me.

[WraithLord]

Are we still on 72h?

I'm sorry guys but for me this is way too short a turnaround for that late in the game. I find it too stressing. Considering that there's always some reason for delay and that actual turn around is closer to 4-5 days I don't see why we should stick with 72h.
Anyway, as I was saying, for me its too stressing. I'm afraid that unless its changed I'll have no choice but to bow out of this game.

Had I known this game won't accommodate the turnaround according to game progress (like most MP games) I'd have passed from the first place. So IMO this is something worth mentioning in the first post of the game thread so that players be aware of that from the beginning.

[Amhazair]

Well, while my personal preference would be to try and keep it at 72h - while granting extensions when necessary - to try and keep the game moving a little bit, I've also allways been of the opinion that if the pace is to fast for some, then it should be slowed. So, bottom line, if WL feels he can't keep up with 72h, I'll back him.

[Micah]

Above is seconded.

[quantum_mechani]

Are we still on 72h?

Had I known this game won't accommodate the turnaround according to game progress (like most MP games) I'd have passed from the first place. So IMO this is something worth mentioning in the first post of the game thread so that players be aware of that from the beginning.Well, obviously the hosting has progressed as the game has progressed, if people are ready to take it up the next notch to 96 hours that's ok with me.

[Lingchih]

No, I cannot agree to 96 hour. That level of hosting time is never agreeable to me. 72 hour is the max.

I'm sorry if you must bow out because of this Wraith. But then, you are really not much of a factor in this game anyway. Right?

[WraithLord]

Well as the 3rd in the majority of the scores I wouldn't quite put it that way.
Yes, clearly Mari and Bogarus are the leading nations but that does mean I'm not at all a factor in the game. Besides I'd venture I'm much more of a factor in this game than you are :)

As the majority of the players support my request I don't see why I should bow out of the game b/c of your preference. I find your insistence strange and inconsiderate, had 72h been that important to you why didn't you rail at all the delays the game for so many turns now.

Bottom line - If 72h stays then I'm out.
I'll let QM take the final call on this one.

[quantum_mechani]

I do believe Lingchih was being a bit tongue-in-cheek. In any case, I have already set it to 96h.

[Lingchih]

96 hour it is then. I stand defeated. But I still stand.

[Lingchih]

Midgard will be at war with Marignon in three turns.

Hey, I gotta make my stand, right?

Three turns is like a month from now, right?

You know what? Screw it. I am going AI. 96 hour on a game in which a am a marginal player is just ridiculous. I have better games to play. Have fun, all.

[Lingchih]

Hold on, I just found a new plan. I am not going AI. In fact, I stand to win this game. But Mari, yeah, you are done.

[Lingchih]

Damn, I'm so cocky. I go back and read the stuff I posted a few days ago, and I'm like, wtf? Why did I post that.

Anyway, yeah, I'm going to war. And yes, you can probably all kick my *** quite easily. But that won't stop me.

[quantum_mechani]

Marignon was about to stale so I gave the game another 12 hours.

[Lingchih]

Damn, what a shame if Mari should stale :)

[Lingchih]

You know guys, I've been a total a-hole in this game. My posts are rude and obscure, my play has been erratic, though I have defended myself in battle.

I just want to apologize for that, and though I am no longer interested in this game, I will continue to play, though not post so much. You guys that are really powers in the game should be the ones posting, not little old me.

[Lingchih]

OK. It think it is time for a vote. Midgard and Ulm concede to Bogarus. Anyone else with us? This game has gone on too long.

[Lingchih]

I would think though, that Bogarus should not count this as a win. Perhaps a stalemate. Since any one of us could have fought you to a draw.

[Micah]

I think that kind of defeats the purpose of a concession, if it's not a win...

[WraithLord]

no concessions.

We have VPs in this game, that's enough to prevent it from becoming a drag. If someone is to be the winner all he needs do is get those VPs.

[Amhazair]

Sorry for the disapearance act, I managed to crash my computer right before hosting of that first turn, so I didn't manage to get a message to QM before host. I did mail him from the library the day after, saying I should have things patched back up by today, but that mail might have been lost in the pipeline, dunno.

In any case I'm back and ready to give it a go again. (and also dreading to look at my turns ;))

[Baalz]

Heh, yeah you apparently missed Angel-ogeddon.

[Mithras]

My computers gone a bit funny. If I have time I'll turn myself AI. If not then its up to you wether to leave me to stale or turn me AI if you don't want me to slow your turns down. It's a pity I wasn't more of a speed bumb.

[WraithLord]

You did well Mithras and under extremely difficult circumstances.
Thank you for the good fight :)

[Lingchih]

no concessions.

We have VPs in this game, that's enough to prevent it from becoming a drag. If someone is to be the winner all he needs do is get those VPs.


OK, fight we shall. You can't blame me for trying though. It's been a long game.

[Lingchih]

Sorry. I said I would not post again. But you guys know me, I think. I cannot resist posting where possible.

I think my two vp provs cannot be taken. Anyone want to try them?

[quantum_mechani]

Apparently Amhazair is the hospital for a week a two. I'm inclined to just extend the turn, he said he would not mind if we found a sub, but finding a sub would not be easy even if we wanted to.

[WraithLord]

Three turns in a row of staling while in a big war has done much to ruin Mari. Oh and to top that his forge was also overwritten by his foe. Maybe we can try to find a sub but I'm afraid Mari's current position may not be that attractive.

I hope Amhazair gets better soon. That's the most important thing.

[Micah]

Seconded on best wishes to Amhazair, but also wanted to thank Calmon for sticking the game out to the bitter end, he was quite a pain in the *** until the very last. =)

I'm fine waiting on an extension if need be as well, I'd like to make sure we don't completely hose the game this far in, even if it means waiting a bit longer.

[Lingchih]

By all means, extend the turn if need be.

And best wishes to Amhazair.

As for Calmon, he did indeed stick it out well.

Did I mention I have a Demon Lord now. Ahh, probably no need to mention that.

[WraithLord]

I'm also ok with extending the turn.

And yes, Calmon's feat was impressive.
Thank you Calmon! it was a pleasure playing with you.

[Lingchih]

good game, Calmon

[Lingchih]

I will be going on vacation on May 2, and will be gone for 7 days. This will result in one stale for Midgard. If you guys want to do so, please delay the game. Otherwise, I will just deal with the stale turn.

[Lingchih]

just a bump, to keep it on the first page

[Lingchih]

I had to cancel the vacation... something came up. So no need for a delay for me.

[Lingchih]

Hmm. Not really sure where this game is going. It seems to just get extended. I'll stay in for now, but may bow out soon.

[quantum_mechani]

Well I'd like to hear opinions on how to proceed. Still no word from amhaizair (hopefully he's ok). There seem to be a few options:

* Wait a while longer.

* Set Mari AI.

* Look for a sub (this could be hard, especially a sub that is experienced enough to not unbalance things as badly as an AI).

* Call the game off/call a winner.

[WraithLord]

I really do hope amhaizair is ok and am looking forward for him to come back and confirm that soon.

That said, I think the best option for the sake of this game going forward is to set Mari to AI.
The other options are bad:
-> Wait longer means ppl lose interest. I know I do, though I won't bow out of the game but it kinda sucks to wait that long. I completely forgot what happened last turn and what's the grand context. The longer we wait the more likely it becomes for this game to just die out.

-> Sub will force us to wait more and the chances we even manage to find one are not very good at this point considering Mari's situation. This may lead to the same result as the first option.

-> Call the game over is the worst option. You don't do that after playing for so long and with such fabulous players. I mean the company is great, the game is interesting so why on earth would we want to call it over???

I think we have already waited for a very long time. Now is the time to move forward. Had I been in amhaizair's place I know I'd want the players to wait for me a week, two weeks, but not more than that. After that I'd want them to cont. with the game and (if finding a sub is pointless/unlikely) set my nation AI.

[Micah]

I think taking a day or two to at least look for a sub at this point would be better than skipping straight to AI. I realize that it's unlikely that we'll find anyone, but another 48 hours at this point doesn't seem like a killer (especially since I want to redo my turn using much of that time, especially if Mari's going AI).

And I'm with Wraith on not wanting the game to get called without a winner.

[WraithLord]

Good suggestion Micah.

So, are we giving the search for a sub a try?- And in 48h we continue the game, either with a sub or by setting it to AI?

[Lingchih]

I'll stay in (though I am a bit player), if we just allow this thing to host. Another interesting game has come up though, a new Pashadawg RAND game, and I need to clear a slot for it (I am in my personal limit of 5 games already). This would of course be the first game I would choose to quit to make room, since it hardly ever hosts, and I have no chance of winning.

If you want a definitive ending, give Micah the win. I'll vote for it... I think QM would, and Baalz might do so as well. That just leaves you Wraith.

[WraithLord]

I agree with you on one thing Lingchih, the game has to host.
Micah, we waited not a day or two, but more like four days and counting. Add to that to two or three weeks of not hosting. That sucks :(

QM, I think the time has come to host the game or else the risk of it dying out becomes very realistic.

I don't think Baalz is ready to throw the game. I know I ain't throwing it.
Let's host the game and get it moving again ASAP!

[quantum_mechani]

Well I postponed it once more, simply because I don't have the energy to do my turn tonight. One way or another it should be the last postponement though, if we decide to continue and no sub is found I will turn Mari AI.

My 2 cents though- an AI Mari simply leaves too few real players left. I personally can only see this game working out one way, so I'm a bit reluctant to put much more effort in to it.

[Baalz]

Utgard declares for Bogarus. Sorry Wraith, I'm with everybody else on this one.

[Ironhawk]

What is this? Has my lumbering zombie creation finally coming to a close?? :) You know it cost me 10 Death gems to summon this game?! Heheh.

Hats off to Micah on a tremendous effort tho! While I thanked my lucky stars to leave the game when I did I must say that I have never seen such a titanic episode of dominions. Good game to all!

[WraithLord]

Why is everyone so happy to close this game?

Anyway, I do not concede.

[Lingchih]

Why is everyone so happy to close this game?

Anyway, I do not concede.


I don't think that matters Wraith. You have been outvoted.

Anyway, congrats to Micah. I played two nations in this game, and got beaten with both. But it was an awesome game for a time. I will always remember my battles with Baalz as he tried to take over my homeland. It was great stuff.

Good game all, and sorry if I made you mad Wraith.

[WraithLord]

I disagree with you Lingchih.

Its not a matter of votes and this is no election.

Its an MP game with victory conditions.

If you want to surrender the game that's your right, but you don't get to decide who wins. That would be decided in the field of battle and according to the game's victory conditions.

Baalz, do I understand right, are you not interested in playing this game anymore?

[Lingchih]

I understand your position Wraith. I guess what I meant to say is, I consider the game over, and if it does continue, I am going AI.

Good game all.

[quantum_mechani]

I must admit, with Mari and Midgard AI, and only Caelum unconceded, I'd be sorely tempted to go AI myself for all the difference it would make.

[WraithLord]

Ok, so let me make a constructive suggestion.
I'll compile a list of all the nations that want to go AI/surrender.
I then volunteer to search for a sub for each of this nations. If any of you put a pwd I'll ask you to send it to the sub once one if found.

So far the list consists of:
1. Mari
2. Midgard
3. Ulm?
4. Utgard?

Baalz and QM please confirm whether or not you wish to surrender/go AI.

Lingchih, not mad at all, this is just a game after all, right? ;)

[Lingchih]

Damn Wraith, you are a master manipulator. Your last comment about this just being a game almost made me jump back in. Well done. You appeal to my fighting spirit, while at the same time making light of it.

That said, yeah, I will still go AI. I have better games to play. There's no password protection on Midgard. I will set the to AI now, so I am not further tempted.

[Micah]

I don't see the appeal of playing well past turn 100, but I'll stick it out if that's what it takes to win this thing if I can't get a concession. I do request that my diplomatic agreements be honored by any subs coming in though.

[WraithLord]

@Lingchih, thanks pal. I understand why you may like to go AI and yet am sorry to see you go. Would you mind giving me a couple of days to try and find you a sub before you go AI?

@Micah, to each is own - I don't pretend to answer for the rest. For me the appeal comes from wanting a closure. I like the games I'm in to play to the end. Considering that this is a VP victory game there's no way its going to go on forever. The end is foreseeable. You want it to end, then go for them damn VPs :).

I think it goes w/o saying that the diplo agreements be respected by subs.

@Baalz and QM, can you please confirm whether or not you'd like for me to find you a sub?

[Lingchih]

OK. I won't go AI for a couple of days. I don't think it hosts (if it ever does) until Saturday.

[quantum_mechani]

As far as Ulm needing a sub, I really would like one, though on the other hand I'd feel a bit guilty if my missing sub was the only thing still stalling the game.

In any case, I'm assuming we are extending the host again in hope of a Marignon sub?

[Baalz]

Well, I think the reticence on everyone's part to play is because there seems very little chance that anyone could stop Micah from winning with Mari going AI, but even if you disagree with this it's going to take scores of turns stretching across many more months. The constant cycle of pummel the leader has left nobody strong enough for a quick decisive victory, just a slow war of attrition with a huge amount of micromanagement and almost nothing to look forward to. No "I'm about to have xxxx researched...", very likely more Armageddons to cut off gold and bloodslaves to further mire things down, and generally just a lot of hunker down and take potshots at each other. Heck, from Utgard's position, with Mari AI it would take probably 2 months with this host time for me to even engage Bogarus in any meaningful way. It's just a whole lot of unenjoyable effort for (in my assessment) a foregone conclusion. To be honest, even before Mari went AI I was only sticking it out in this game out of a sense of obligation.

That said, there's no password and I've no objection to you finding a sub.

[WraithLord]

First, we already have a possible sub for Mari - slayers_ai.
I'm waiting for final confirmation from him.
After that, I assume he'll need a few days extension to get going.

@Baalz, clearly we see things differently. I don't want to get into an argument. I respect your opinion yet I disagree.
Small thing though for perhaps I misunderstand: I fail to see the logic of how Mari turning AI is actually bad for you. With Amhazair leading it you'd have a hell of a harder time against it than against the AI.
Utgard with the forge up doesn't seem that feeble either. You lead in provinces and income, are 2nd in gem income and have the forge and nature's bounty up.

QM and Baalz I take it as a yes to my Q whether or not you want a sub. I will thus try to find a sub for you as well.

QM, I have extended by an extra 48h until we sort the subs out.

[Baalz]

Meh, the score graphs only tell part of the story - I've got guns, but I'm out of bullets. I wasn't really playing for a win at this point, Mari going AI doesn't change (in my estimate) my personal chances of winning - it just removes the last fun thing I was doing leaving the remainder of the game a micromanaged war of attrition. Supplying Micah with items from my forge (he did finance most of it) trying to overcome the extensive casualties I took fighting Mari with my gold and blood economy decapitated from Armageddons, fight off a belligerent AI along a long border, *and* project force all the way across the map into the face of all the nastiness Micah built up while I bore the brunt of fighting Mari...I can't imagine a best case any better than stalemate.

At any rate, it sounds like you're really the only one who wants to keep going. Looks like we've got a group of guys considerate enough to stick it out but a better option would be to call it over and start a new game with people excited to be playing. That said, as I mentioned I've no objection if you want to line up subs, with fresh blood this game could go on for another 50 turns....;)

[WraithLord]

I hear you my friend.
Still, I don't see anything wrong in bringing ppl who are excited at playing to the game.
I'm not a crazy MM lover myself, far from it. With Mari already having a sub and with possible additional subs the late game may return to be exciting. All I say it is give it a chance instead of outright burying it.

I don't think the final outcome is that obvious. Once it becomes obvious I don't plan to waste one more second on the game, I'd concede in a heartbeat. In my best of judgment that is not the case.

[Micah]

How much off-the-record income would I have to have in order for you to concede, Wraith? Just toss out a number and I'll let you know if I'm there or not.

[WraithLord]

150-200 S income.
150 < E income.

I have between 1/2 and 2/3 income in those departments.

I don't think that's the issue though. You are clearly in a leading position now.
We already have a sub for Mari. I am sure that with additional subs the game would resume, would be interesting and your leading position may change.
I was reflecting on this from a philosophical point of view. Where should the line be drawn and a game be stopped?- When most players lose interest?- When the game reached turn 100?- When one players is leading but a small/medium/big margin?

On the one hand the answer is clear cut. The game’s victory conditions.
OtoH, games are meant to be fun. Sometimes the two contradict, like in this case b/c clearly the game is not fun for most of the current players.
I usually fight to the end and the only way I accept defeat is when I’m checkmated. Not the case here – one or more of the subs may try to counter you, I would probably give it a try as well and the outcome of such hypothetical clash is not predetermined.

I’d tell you what, you decide, if you are fed up with this game and wish me to concede I will do that. Out of respect for you and for the other players that prefer to concede.
If, OtoH, you wish to see how it plays out with subs then I’ll be happy oblige :)
Please consider carefully which of the two you really prefer. I’ll comply with your preference.

[WraithLord]

We have a willing sub for Ulm - Wokeye.

So now we have 2/3 of the stronger nations with a sub. I'm certain we'll find a sub for Utgard as well and possibly for Midgard. I see plenty of juice left in the game yet I stand by my statement in the earlier post.

[slayers_ai]

i havent been in the game, so i have no idea now

and...i just try to have some fun...so...really have not much to say:)

[Lingchih]

I will be turning Midgard AI on Saturday night, unless I am informed a sub has been found for them. I will go with current turn orders until then, which are extremely aggressive in summoning and recruiting.

If no sub is found, I will change the orders to pass all my relevant items and gems to Micah, who I consider the winner, and then set Midgard to AI.

Good game all, and lots of fun.

[Micah]

Well, I'd most certainly prefer to get the game done with, and I'm pretty confident I have a solid strategy to take me to a win at this point, but I don't want to cram a concession down anyone's throat either, so if that means I have to play it out I'll do so. I do think swapping out the cast of vets that is leaving the game for a bunch of much greener players changes the tone of the game significantly though (just look how fast Agartha was carved up when Ironhawk subbed out, I think I took over the third of the nation I claimed without a single significant casualty.) But at least that means things will move along a lot faster.

As I've been saying for a while, I've worked too hard at this game to want it to end in anything but a clear victory, so if you're not convinced I'll keep soldiering along.

[WraithLord]

Micah, I really appreciate your response and thank you for it.

I agree with your assessment and think its probably for the best. The faster the game ends with clear victory the better.

If, as expected, you'd crush us all into submission I'd be very happy for you. It would be a clean, well deserved victory coming, hopefully, after some spectacular battles.

You know I recently had a similar experience in two games I was playing. I thought I had a huge advantage but for some reason that was not enough to get a concession. In one game for example I even went to the length of sending screenshots of my income to my main opponent (one of the best players I have met) to demonstrate my huge advantage, but he chose to fight on until the victory became clear. I think the game lasted 2-3 additional months of ferocious world war. It was hard work for me, but I felt it was right to take it to the end and leave no doubts about what could have been.

[Wokeye]

Greetings to all Usurpers to the rightful throne of Ulm. The new rulers have come to power with a combination of treachery, positioning and a healthy dose of maniacal laughter.

Looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. There is much blood to be drunk, after all.

Any who hold existing alliances with Ulm and who wish to maintain them please contact the new management.

[Psycho]

I'll take Midgard.

[WraithLord]

PM me with your email and you'll get it :)

[Psycho]

I can't read through the thread. Could somebody fill me in on the game real quickly.

[WraithLord]

Soyweiser will sub for Utgard.

Welcome to all the new leaders and best of luck :)

[ano]

Seems like there's already no need in what I wrote so I deleted it.
Good luck to all of you in defeating big and scary Bogarus.
;)

[Soyweiser]

Thanks, and hi other players. I'm the new pretender of Utgard. I'll look into specifics of nap etc later.

Anybody I'm supposed to have a NAP with, or something else, feel free to send me a pm about it.

[Psycho]

Can we have the list of current players?

This I figured:
Utgard - Soyweiser
Ulm - Wokeye
Midgard - Psycho
Caelum - Wraithlord
Bogarus - Micah

But, I don't know who plays Mari and Agartha.

[WraithLord]

Utgard - Soyweiser
Ulm - Wokeye
Midgard - Psycho
Caelum - Wraithlord
Bogarus - Micah
Mari - slayers_ai
Agartha - is probably just staling since it is down to one province and even that would probably change in a turn or two.

I think its just us five now.

[WraithLord]

Oh and game hosts tomorrow. If anyone needs an extension now is the time to ask.

[Micah]

I am heading to Seattle for a couple of days and still have not heard back from my PM to Psycho, so I would like some extra time to get things squared away.

[WraithLord]

Extra time, two days, added.

[Wokeye]

Welcome to the other new players.

Will the server be set to autohost during normal (non subbing) turns?

[WraithLord]

Yes. 96h turnaround.

[Wokeye]

The new Counts of Ulm advise that our skies are far too pretty and clear, and will be commissioning an air mage to install magical, menacing rain clouds for our peace of mind. Please do not consider this an act of aggression on our part - it is for our 'serenity' only.

[Micah]

Alright, it's been a few turns since the Great Switchover, and I have been growing more and more confident of my eventual win every turn, especially the past few in which I was able to smash Marignon's armies wholesale...3 turns ago I smashed his main land army of mages and trolls, as well as getting lucky and picking off the aegis-carrying Fallen Angle that stumbled into me. 2 turns ago I killed his teleporting army of harbingers with a seraph commander, as well as his HoF tartarians in different battles. This past turn I killed the last of his harbingers from the army (he had fled) an angel of fury, and a fallen angel...I could have tried for more, but there weren't many to be found.

I haven't suffered any significant losses while doing this. (Full disclosure: A few gem items from Earth Attacks, but not more than my production of new ones each turn, and a couple of starets, one to a pair of black hawks mixed with PD and one to a broken returning script getting killed by a lesser horror. He obviously deserved to die)

Anyhow, the turns are taking hours at this point, and I don't relish the though of spending another 15 turns (At least 45 hours of time) going after VPs in what mostly feels like a SP mopup operation at this point, so I am once again asking for a concession. With an array of vets in the game things were at least interesting, if not much fun. Now the turns are neither. (Nothing personal Slayers, but I believe the last few turns of results have proven that you're a bit outmatched.)

Feel free to say no, of course. I'll keep asking every turn until I feel something has shifted my odds down to where it would be unreasonable to make the request.

[Wokeye]

It seems reason is in the eye of the beholder - if you really are unassailable Bogaris, then finish it! :)

[Micah]

Oh, I will if I have to, I just don't enjoy having to spend hours microing each turn. How long are you spending on yours? Seems like you're playing pretty sloppy judging by the amount of loose blood stones and supply items I see floating around in your armies, those really ought to be on scouts, no?

[Wokeye]

Sloppy lol. Some of the item allocations are a result of the previous player, some are carefully placed for maximum strategic slop impact. :) I've got too many (thousand) thralls to be careful about supply items anyway.

I'm spending about an hour per turn. Never really used to 'pool' buttons so much before.

[WraithLord]

I'd say that taking armageddon into account even scouts aren't safe gem generators holders.

No one is safe :ahh:

[Amhazair]

Hello again all. How's things going? :angel

As you might have noticed things took a bit longer at the hospital than expected. I (and my - what's it called, general practicioner?) thought I was suffering from an intestinal infection. Turns out I was suffering from a severe intestinal infection instead. :sick: I'll spare you the graphic details (No, they ain't pritty) but bottom line is that the infection first had to be brought under control by heavy drugs use, then I had to recover enough to allow surgery to remove a perforated piece of intestine. After which I had to recover again. Was allowed to go home a good two weeks ago, and will start working again (half time to start with) next week.

Thanks to everyone expressing concern and well wishes. As you might have gathered by now I'm not in full flower yet, but recovery goes well, and odds are I won't suffer any lasting ill effects (a small chance I'll have to keep an eye on my diet from now on, but nothing too drastic) or relapses at a later time. I wish I could get odds like those in Vegas... :smirk:

I feel slightly bad the game was left hanging so long by incertainty about my condition, it really wouldn't have been very hard to ask someone to post an update, but, well, what can I say, I just never even thought of it. (Kind souls might argue I had other things on my mind, but still... wouldn't have been too hard.) I hope everyone still in it can still find some fun dragging the game towards its end. :) Before disappearing the MM was starting to drag a bit on the fun parts of the game, but as Micah said, it was still very intresting at least. And all things considered this game has been a blast for me.

Looking towards the future, I was starting to get a bit overloaded on Dominions before my illness, and cerainly don't feel the urge to jump right back in. Probably will spend some time with other games (or other stuff) now, but Dominions, despite its few insignificant faults comes too close to what I'd consider the ideal game for my tastes, so you can all count on me occasionally visiting the forums, and I have absolutely no doubt that at some time you'll see me diving back in again.

In the mean time: Have fun.

[Baalz]

Good to hear you're ok! Hope to see you around when you get over the burnout. :)

[WraithLord]

Great to hear that you are ok Amhazair :)

I was quite concerned, truth be told, b/c someone mentioned earlier that you are not feeling well (Baalz IIRC) and then there was no update. Glad to hear you are out of it.

As someone who has recently been in the dominions overload zone I'd give you this advise (take or leave as you will): don't let it happen again. Keep dominions on a tight leash or it will eat all your spare time. For me - once I reduced the load I rediscovered the fun in my older hobbies (piano and reading for example). Not to mention being more with family.

[Ironhawk]

I remain continually astonished that this game is still running :)

Clearly I am skilled in the art of necromancy!

[DonCorazon]

Ironhawk - Master of Puppets.

Glad to hear you are recovering Amhazair - I'd begun to suspect one of the artifacts players had put a hit on you. :)

[Micah]

Turn 100!

We also had a double stale this turn, seems like another good reason to let this thing die. Concession, anyone?

[Psycho]

I attacked a province with a scout in order to route some vampires into death, but instead of retreating they attacked, although there was no undead leader in the province (only the regular pd commander). How come?

[Baalz]

Immortals don't retreat in dominion, might be that.

[Psycho]

It was my dominion, hostile for the vampires.

[Wokeye]

My troops are just uber, for some reason.

[WraithLord]

hosting delayed by 24h due to Micah's request.

[Micah]

Thanks wraith. Anyone heard from Soy? He staled last turn, has not answered my PM about said stale, and has not submitted a turn even with the extra time.

[Micah]

2 players gone and Bogarus continuing on their rampage, although Marignon's PD struck a mighty blow this month and caused a truly absurd number of afflictions to one of my tarts, I have a newfound respect for curses.

Are we finding yet another round of subs, or will my once/turn concession request actually work this time around?

[WraithLord]

How did you count two players missing???

Micah, I think you should stop requesting for a concession every turn. There will be no concession.

You want to win the game then do so. It is VP game, not some 400 province open ended game. Besides, your nation is the strongest that is clear but I think you are underestimating the other nations.

BTW, next turn you may see some evidence to the latter statement.

EDIT, got an in game message from Mari - ok it is two players missing alright.
Well, if that's the case then why don't we end our NAP?- Let's duke it out and get this one over with.

[WraithLord]

Oh, and I think I'll try to find new subs. Out of fairness I have to give it a try before turning their nations to AI.

[tgbob]

I'll sub again, which nations need a sub?

[Wokeye]

The Nation of Ulm hereby dissolves any NAPs it has with other nations - it is now time to claim our rightful throne.

[WraithLord]

I'll sub again, which nations need a sub?

Marignon. I'll ask slayers_ai to bring you up to speed. Please send me your email address so I can put you in control.

[WraithLord]

Micah, since there is no point in prolonging this game any longer I hereby cancel our NAP. If you like we can wait the three additional turns, though we may as well skip that and allow hostilities to begin immediately. I'll leave the decision to you.

[Micah]

Well, so be it, how long was our NAP for again WL?

I only started "underestimating" Marignon and asking for concessions once I had smashed both of his armies and made significant progress against him.

As I said when I asked the first time, I will stop asking for a concession when I feel I am not growing in power (relative to other nations, at that) turn after turn. I suppose an impending NAP cancellation can count as a valid threat to my win though.

Regardless, I'll be surprised if there was much duking, late game fights tend to resemble scared girls slap fighting since the value of provinces is so much less than the value of now-fragile SCs.

And I would like tg to take Utgard, not Marignon, if he is alright with both, since we had good relations while he was playing the first time.

[Micah]

Oh, I'll take the time, thank you. There's still quite a lot of Marignon to digest, and 2 front wars even when one is just a land-grab are unwise. I'll see you in 3 turns.

[WraithLord]

Very well. Three turns it is then.

Ultimately the decision which nation to take is tgbob's. I object to him switching to Utgard now - after he has already agreed to take Mari - since I revealed some very sensitive information to him and moreover since he has already received Mari's turn. Having that knowledge and having received Mari's turn gives him an unfair advantage where he to decide he wants to switch sides now.

I am looking for sub to Utgard though and I'm willing to extend hosting to increase the chance of finding one.