Momentum - EA game - Finished - Sauromatia/Psycho wins!

[Valerius]

Now that the llamaserver is back up and running (thanks llamabeast!) and we have a new patch I thought I'd start a new game.

I'd like this to be a quick moving game so it will be 24 hour hosting for the first 30 turns and 48 hour hosting for the the next 30 turns. Beyond turn 60 the game will go to 72 hour hosting unless all remaining players decide to continue with 48 hours.

Game settings are below. Hopefully we can get started in the next few days.

Age: Early
Players: 11 land, 1 sea
Hall of Fame: 15
Map: Cradle of Dominion (the first version on the llamaserver with hand placed starts)
Mods: Worthy Heroes 1.8
All other settings standard

Note: Please do not password protect pretenders - it is not necessary to do this on the llamaserver and it will make it possible to find a sub if a player disappears.

Aethyr - Vanheim
Executor - R'lyeh
GrudgeBringer - Fomoria
Juffos - Arcoscephale
Phalent - Ulm
Psycho - Sauromatia - Winner
Quitti - Lanka
Radioheart - T'ien Ch'i
st.patrick - Marverni
Unoptimized - Mictlan
Valerius - Tir na n'Og
Wokeye - Pangaea

[st.patrik]

Can I join as Marverni?

:)

[Valerius]

Sure! BTW, great AAR you're writing.

[Phalent]

Can I join ? I will take Ulm :)

Thank

[Juffos]

I would like to join. I will choose the nation after a few hours.

[st.patrik]

Sure! BTW, great AAR you're writing.

Oh thanks! :)

[Executor]

R'lyeh for me.

[Psycho]

Sauromatia

[Valerius]

Looks like we're halfway there. I've reserved a spot for a friend of Juffos who is unable to post at the moment.

[Juffos]

Arcoscephale for me, please.

[Unoptimized]

I'd like to play as Mictlan

[Valerius]

Actually I think I'll give EA Vanheim another try.

[Wokeye]

Pangaea for me please.

[Quitti]

I'll take Lanka :)

[Radioheart]

Four words:

Ti En Chi please.

Thanks

[Valerius]

Bump. We just need two more players to get started.

[Aethyr]

I had to take a break from MP for a while, but I can't resist this one.

Ermor please

[GrudgeBringer]

If you have room I will try Fomoria:)

[Valerius]

Ok, we're full! Welcome aboard everyone, and welcome back Aethyr.

The llamaserver is not letting me select any map other than the default one (happening in both IE 6 and Firefox 3) so I'll PM llamabeast about this.

I'll post here once the game is setup on the server.

[Valerius]

Ok guys, the game is ready to accept pretenders. Once all pretenders have been received I believe the game will automatically start.

And for anyone who missed my edit to the first post, please do not password protect your pretenders.

[Valerius]

I've decided to play Vanheim in the game Cleveland is organizing so to give myself a little variety (though they're both glamour nations) I'm going back to Tir na n'Og in this game.

[Aethyr]

Ok guys, the game is ready to accept pretenders. Once all pretenders have been received I believe the game will automatically start.

I have not played with EA Ermor before, so I'm trying out a couple of concepts. Is there a target start date that we shooting for? Thanks

[Valerius]

How about we aim to have pretenders in by 12:00 GMT Saturday?

[Aethyr]

Sounds good. Now that you've decided to switch to Tir na n'Og, I think I'll give Vanheim a try if that's OK with you.

[Valerius]

Sure, no problem! First post has been updated.

[Psycho]

Can you move the pretenders deadline for 12 hours? I won't make it by Saturday noon.

[Valerius]

Sure; how about 6:00 GMT Sunday as a pretender deadline?

[Valerius]

The game is started!

The llamaserver has set the hosting for the first turn at 48 hours in case anyone has problems, after that we'll be on 24 hour hosting. Of course quick host is on so if there are no problems we can host sooner than 48 hours.

Good luck everyone (just not better luck than Tir na n'Og :)).

[Wokeye]

First turn worked - nice!

Being on the upside of the planet, I'll be about 12 hrs behind (actually, ahead) of you guys in submitting turns.

[Executor]

Wow, are you sure indies are only 5? Man there's some heavy defense in those neighboring provinces.

[GrudgeBringer]

You too?

Man, I thought I just got the absolute worst starting position in history!! I may have to wait a few turns to take any of the provinces. They ALL have 60 or more heavy Cav, light inf and milita.

A little tough for starting army.

As long as we all have it ...its no problem with me:eek:

[Valerius]

I didn't change the indy strength setting from the llamaserver default (5) but you guys got me worried I had accidentally changed it so I checked the settings in the game and they are on normal. I think you just had bad luck. The indy provinces neighboring me don't seem too bad (my starting position on the other hand...).

[GrudgeBringer]

(sigh) NP, Its just my usual luck...why would I expect anything else but being behind everyone by 4 turns:re:

[Aethyr]

GB--

If it's any consolation, you'll have a little bit of company. It's possible that I could have taken an action, but...better safe than loosing the entire starting army.

[Quitti]

Lanka also started next to lots of cavalry, thankfully they do not interfere with our preferred way of expansion..

[GrudgeBringer]

well, I lost my first battle I tried (with the smallest force to go agianst. Luckily I didn't lose my commander but lost everything else.

AND I now see another nation on my doorstep.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr, looks like a short game for me:(

[GrudgeBringer]

Gentlemen,

I have a small problem.

I have on 3 sides of me provinces that have 1. 70 Ghouls and Soulless 2. 50 Heavy Inf, Archers, Militia 3.60 Light and Heavy Inf. And 1 that I am going to attack has 20Heavy inf and Archers.

I tried to get Mercs and bid VERY high on good 'ol'Rexor but Vanhiem must have spent his whole fortune on them as it looks like he has the same problem I do. (grrrrrrrrrrr)

My problem is that with my race and resources I can only get about 3 units a turn (although GOOD ones).

I am taking my brave Prophet and my 6 stalwart men and attacking this turn. If my Prophet goes down I will be done for without a doubt.

Not whining (although it sounds like it) I have just never had this bad of luck in the draw in a MP game.:doh:

[Valerius]

GrudgeBringer, I assume you have some type of bless for your sacreds and are having trouble getting enough of them together. It might be worth recruiting some Nemedian Warriors. They are very similar to Tir's troops and should do fine against infantry. The Fir Bolg Warriors you can recruit are also not bad and have a low resource cost. Mixing them (they have good defense) in with your larger units will prevent your giants from being swarmed.

I've never played Fomoria but I'm familiar with Tir na n'Og's units and Fomoria has many similar troops so I thought I'd suggest it. Hope it's somewhat helpful; I'd be sorry to see you go AI, mortal enemy of the Tuatha or not. ;)

[Psycho]

GB, I just attacked a provinces with 70 ghouls and soulless. It turned out that there were only 40 of them and my prophet mostly killed them singlehandedly with banishment.

[Executor]

OK I have to say this, this is just insane! I'd understand if there were like 60 tritons or something weak but numerous, but I've got 60 amber clan guards and sharks knights???
I've never had a harder start, and I've played maps with indies 9.
Not that I'm complaining....:envy:

[GrudgeBringer]

I actually DID beat 20 Heavy Cav and archers with minimal losses with my very small army.

Now however, I have real armies to deal with.

I think all of you should send me 200 gold and 20 gems (any will do) to compensate me for my...ahhhhhhhh, errrrrr, bad start!!!:re:

And send Executor 1/2 of what you send me (hes a better player!!):eek:

[Valerius]

Glad to hear you had success this turn GrudgeBringer. Psycho's suggestion of using your prophet to banish the undead is good. Seems like the easiest way to deal with them.

It occurs to me Executor should be kind of happy Fomoria's getting a slow start since they seem the most likely nation to grab some water provinces from him.

Quitti, I don't imagine cavalry or much else interferes with Lanka's expansion. :)

BTW, great job keeping the game moving guys. It looks like whoever is last to submit their turn is immediately sending the next one.

[Unoptimized]

Hey guys, sorry for the shortish notice, I would like to ask for a 24h extension. I am doing an early thanksgiving :)

[Valerius]

No problem; hosting has been delayed 24 hours. New hosting time is 22:45 GMT on Monday. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Executor]

Never expected expanding underwater to be this hard, damn map movement 1...

[Quitti]

Quitti, I don't imagine cavalry or much else interferes with Lanka's expansion. :)

True, though it does put you on edge when there's like 50-100 hvy cav next to your cap at the start of the game, and being used to play with more or less with nations that do get banged hard by cavalry...

[Unoptimized]

Blarg! Sorry guys. Apparently I sent my turn to the wrong section of llamaserver by mistake. I would appreciate an extension and I am sorry about the short notice.

[Valerius]

No problem; hosting has been extended 6 hours. Let me know if you need more time.

[Executor]

I'm not gonna complain any more, I'm just gonna say grrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!:envy:

[Wokeye]

Ahh the joys of underwater play - at least you are buffered against significant early assaults though. Another problem is dominion spread...

[Psycho]

Congratulations to TC. That was fast.

[Radioheart]

Hurray, I win!

Did I win?

[st.patrik]

Huh :?:

[Radioheart]

You win for the moment, but I think you also draw a lot of attention to yourself. It's rarely good to be the leader, often it's better to keep a low profile. I predict you will be double-teamed before turn 25.

Is this a threat Sauro?

Our lands are nowhere near contiguous, does Sauro attempt to slander the honorable reputation of my T'ien Ch'i? Convince others I am a neighbor-eating monster so they'll be your proxies while expanding your own already considerable province count.

To my friends and neighbors, should anyone encourage your declaration of a war with the T'ien Ch'i, or anyone else, consider carefully the ones doing the encouraging. Please, if you have any concerns about your future relations with my nation we invite your messengers and diplomats to visit the Celestial Court themselves. Refreshments served between 11 and 3.

[Psycho]

First of all, you should know better then to publish a private message in public. You should never, never, never do it without the consent of the other party. I am sure there is even something about it in the forum rules.

It was not a threat, it was a prediction, like it says. I didn't talk to any player in the game about Tien Chi, let alone encourage anyone to attack you. I was just noting that you have become too big too fast and that the likely course of the events is that you will be attacked soon by more then one neighbor. I am sure that your neighbors need no persuasion from me and that they know what is best for themselves. If I was your neighbor, I'd be attacking you right now. Actually I sent it as a PM so as not to appear as if I am encouraging someone to attack you.

Sauromatia is big in territory, but it means little because our lands are wastes. I started with order 3 - go look at the graphs and compare my income with the others that have half my number of provinces. It has an upside too - whoever attacks me is bound to gain nothing.

[Radioheart]

Huh, I was skeptical about the PM issue. I read the forum rules and it is in there. I meant it only as an "in-character" attempt at diplomacy, Sauro wishes to form anti-TC coalition of the willing! Who is the real villain? No to preemptive strikes! And so on. Please forgive, was in good spirit.

Were you trying to convince me you weren't scheming against me, then hah, that message rather missed its mark. Cheers.

[Wokeye]

Indeed this game is beginning to get interesting... :)

[Radioheart]

Good game Phalent of Ulm. I had a little more than my fair share of good fortune but that is the way of it sometimes, yeah?

The peoples of Ulm, you shall be governed justly.

The peasant in bondage to your chiefs and master, you are hereby freed. Your land is now under your own private ownership to sell or work as you see fit.

The blacksmith forced into slavery, spending an entire month forging the arms and armor of a single ineffective warrior, you are hereby freed to practice your craft as your own interests dictate. Fair and just prices paid for the spear points and scale mail that will equip dozens of the Ever Victorious Army.

The warriors and shamans who were conscripted into an inefficient horde, enlist in The Ever Victorious Army. Your unique skills will be recognized and you will be given the proper training to best enable your talents. You will be part of a professional army whose sum is greater than its parts. Your pay will be on time and in gold coin. T'ien Ch'i cookfires are the envy of soldiers throughout the world.

Your culture will be given an honored place within the Celestial Court, your voice will be forever heard by the True Sight and Swift Hand, the Eternal Goddess Qing Li.

[Aethyr]

Hey folks,

In the original post Valerius indicated that we'd adjust the hosting time at turn 30. I can probaly continue with the 24 turn around for a while yet, but I am reaching the point where I may need a little more time in between turns. Anyone else feeling the pinch as well?

[st.patrik]

I would prefer to stay 24-hour as long as possible, but I don't want to make it hard for other players to keep up. Turns are still only taking me 5-10 minutes.

[Psycho]

I don't mind switching to 48h. I realize that some people have started with wars while others still haven't. The first group naturally needs quite a bit more time for scripting armies and diplomacy.

[Valerius]

It's definitely true that being at war makes turns a lot more time consuming. The other thing that factors in is hosting time - sometimes the hosting time moves to a time that is inconvenient.

As a compromise how about we stick with 24 hour hosting until turn 25, then move to 36 hour hosting. I think the extra 12 hours will help but also keep the game moving. At turn 30 we can switch to 48 hour hosting as planned or stick with 36 hours for a while longer if that is still working for everyone.

[Aethyr]

I'm OK with staying with 24 hour hosting for a while, but you are right that sometimes the hosting time is problematic. I like you idea, lets stay with 24 as long as we can before switching to 36. Thanks

[Valerius]

Ok, I'll leave it at 24 for now. If there are days where a delay would be useful just post here - I try to check the forums 3-4 hours before hosting to see if anyone has asked for a delay.

[Aethyr]

Perfect.

[Wokeye]

If it is to stay at 24hr - which I am fine with - I'll need a delay on (my) Wednesday night...which I think is Tuesday for European and US players. I'll uptade this post to notify you when I leave.

[Valerius]

Ok, sounds good.

[Radioheart]

Would like to submit my vote for longer hosting intervals. Especially now the most recent hosting deadline has shifted into the early AM EST.

36 hour quickhost would be a great compromise in my opinion. I've loved the pacing of this game, Momentum indeed.

[Valerius]

Well, we've made it to turn 27 on 24 hour hosting so let's go ahead and switch to 36 hour hosting as we discussed previously.

At turn 30 the game is scheduled to go to 48 hour hosting and I'm going to make that change rather than stay with 36 hour hosting. This is how I advertised the game and I don't want to change the terms now. I think we have a good group here that has let the game live up to its name and I think we'll still keep up a good pace.

P.S. - Radioheart, do you need an additional 12 hours for this turn or can I switch it with the next turn?

[Valerius]

Ok, I've changed to 36 hours and postponed the hosting for the current turn by 12 hours.

[Radioheart]

Just got in, 90 minutes to spare. A little extra time sure won't hurt. Thanks alot for looking out for me though.

[Wokeye]

I've returned the current turn but will need a delay of 24 hrs on the next one please.

[Valerius]

No problem, I'll delay hosting by 24 hours after the current turn hosts.

[Wokeye]

My turn is in, no further dealy required for my turn.

[Valerius]

I was about to postpone hosting and saw your post. Thanks for letting me know.

The hosting time is still set to 5:25 GMT Friday. I'll keep an eye on things to make sure everyone gets their turn in on time.

[Valerius]

Ok, we're at turn 30 so hosting has been changed to 48 hours.

[Wokeye]

The Nation of Pangaea has just recently been informed of Tien Chi's policy on Global Warming, deforestation for composite bows, and other general environmental mischief. We cannot tolerate acts against the All Mother, who stand next to Biohazard our god as rightful ruler of the Momentum Earth.
We are honor-bound to uphold our previous agreements, however - turn 33 will see the might of TC challenged in the fields and forests alike. Bring it!

[Radioheart]

Let it be known, the phenomenon known as global warming is an overblown myth propagated by radical leftist Pan eco-terrorists. We of the T'ien Ch'i have a neutral climate scale and practice a carefully managed forestry industry. That said, we'll eagerly sort it out with the Pan starting on the 33rd month.

It shall be brought.

The Celestial Court

[Valerius]

I have received a request to delay the game between Dec. 22-27. This is fine with me but I wanted to let the rest of you know as well.

I didn't announce any policy regarding holidays but figured we'd need some delays around this time.

[Psycho]

Can we stop the game during new year holidays as well, something like 31 Dec - 02 Jan?

[Valerius]

Yes, I think that makes sense. I'll message everyone through the llamaserver as to the stop/start times over the next couple of weeks.

[Radioheart]

Valerius, great job as admin.

Go go Momentum. Happy holidays everyone.

[Valerius]

Thanks, Radioheart! Happy holidays to you and the rest of the Momentum players as well.

[Wokeye]

Sounds good.

If I forget to post again - have a great Chrissy everyone. I'll catch you (well, perhaps ineptly try to conquer you) when it restarts.

[Wokeye]

Pangaean scouts report skies lit with volleys of magical fire and horses leading great wooden chariots. They also sing of a glorious, yet costly, victory for Pangaean forces. Nature's wrath has dismissed the TC human troops and their evil Bakemo allies. War has begun in the north!

[Valerius]

Hmm, looks like all the turns got in earlier than expected. Next hosting will be on the 27th, a few hours later than originally planned with the delayed hosting.

On another note, Tir na n'Og is interested in obtaining a considerable number of astral gems. In return we can provide air, earth, water and, to a lesser degree, nature gems. Please PM if interested.

[Valerius]

We are missing the majority of the turns with 5 hours to go until hosting. Since the previous turn hosted earlier than planned, I've delayed hosting until 22:35 GMT on Monday, Dec. 29 (the time this turn was originally going to host).

[Valerius]

We're still missing a couple of turns. It seems a shame to have people stale due to the holidays so I've delayed hosting by another 24 hours. We'll get back on track after New Year's.

[Wokeye]

It seems to have hosted a few hours ago - should we process this turn anyway, or roll it back?

[Valerius]

We're ok - no one staled. I'm not even sure if we needed the delay but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to postpone hosting right before hosting time so I decided to play it safe.

[Psycho]

I sent my turn, but I won't be able to send the next before 3rd.

[Radioheart]

Pangaean scouts report skies lit with volleys of magical fire and horses leading great wooden chariots. They also sing of a glorious, yet costly, victory for Pangaean forces. Nature's wrath has dismissed the TC human troops and their evil Bakemo allies. War has begun in the north!

T'ien Ch'i scouts confirm: Nature's Wrath mitigated. Carrion Dragon vanquished. Bakemo allies misunderstood and unjustly slandered.

Attention Gem Traders; T'ien Ch'i to trade Fire and Death in exchange for Air, Earth, Astral. Trade of gems in exchange for forged equipment considered.

Address offers to The Celestial Court.

[Executor]

Maybe the game could be delayed a little since Mictlan hasn't sent in his turn and I certainly won't make it since it is almost 9 pm here and... it's new years eve.

[Valerius]

Sure, no problem. Sauromatia can't complete his next turn until the 3rd and we had planned on a New Year's delay anyway. So, I'll delay hosting for this turn by 48 hours (until 22:40 GMT Friday).

[Wokeye]

The proud lords of Pangaea are not so proud as to request help when it is clearly needed. Tien Chi grows more powerful despite our best efforts as our armies suffered several key defeats last month.

Any who currently huddle within their turtle shells while the battles rage should consider acting now to thwart it's advance, or it will rule the world very quickly!

[Aethyr]

The Van have watched this conflict from a far with only a passing interest. Our focus has been the demise of the great and powerful Wat, whom we have found to be a foe worthy of much respect.

While we find the growing might of T'ien Ch'i a power to be reckoned with, we note that it was the beasts of Pangaea that began this conflict, waiting no doubt for those of stonger mettle to first engage the foe. Now, after proving to themselves--and their allies?--that they are insufficient for the task, they ask for aid.

The Van take a dim view of such cowardly antics. We call upon all to witness: We hereby cancel our NAP with Pan.

[Wokeye]

Someone must have brewed some powerful beer in the Vanheim halls this year!

Where is the bravery, or sense, in declaring war on a kingdom who is joined with allies trying to contain a growing world-threatening superpower? We label Vanheim's actions 'hypocracy' and will eagerly await their mead-sodden troops for our minotaurs to chop into (pre-marinated! Quite handy, really) stew.

[Radioheart]

Tien Chi grows more powerful despite our best efforts
[...]
consider acting now to thwart it's advance, or it will rule the world very quickly!

Were these the words of a true Prophet there would be calls for celebration throughout the world. The peaceful and just rulership of T'ien Ch'i is surely the undying hope of every man, woman, shambler, markata, bakemo and child of the land.

Were these the words of a false prophet of Pangaea any honorable citizen would question its credibility.

The Celestial Court has sought peace with both the Mictlan and the Ry'leh to no avail and are currently beset on a third front by the Pan. Our "world threatening superpowers" are wielded only in our self defense against intractable enemies.

The Celestial Court has itself received delivery of several casks of Vanheim spirits and nothing of its equal have we ever served. Not even in our humblest commoner inns are the foul grogs and vinegar wines of Pangaea dispensed. Have caution to who is called a threat and think twice before criticizing another's libations.

Good fortune,
The Celestial Court

[Aethyr]

Someone must have brewed some powerful beer in the Vanheim halls this year!

Where is the bravery, or sense, in declaring war on a kingdom who is joined with allies trying to contain a growing world-threatening superpower? We label Vanheim's actions 'hypocracy' and will eagerly await their mead-sodden troops for our minotaurs to chop into (pre-marinated! Quite handy, really) stew.

Calm yourself fearful one. The Van war leaders can sometimes be harsh in their ctiticism, but this hardly contitutes a declaration of war. Arco's might transcends all public reports, and as we said in our previous missive, they deserve our full attention.

Is is truly war that you wish?

[Wokeye]

Indeed nature's wrath has been nearly tamed, though we are not defeated until the last naked lustful crazy lady sings!

[Psycho]

Can I get a 3 hour extension?

[Valerius]

Sure; hosting has been delayed until 22:40 GMT.

[Valerius]

The Tuatha have joined those nations opposing the tyranny of T'ien Ch'i. The Celestial Empire has become too powerful and is a threat to all. Tir na n'Og calls on all nations to stop this bureaucracy run rampant.

[Wokeye]

While it is too late for us, the forest lords rejoice at the news TNN has struck blows against the might of TC! The dryads have begun chaining themselves to tree trunks and practicing anti-logging chants in readiness for the final blow. :)

[Wokeye]

...and its all over for Pangaea...

GG all, hats off to Radioheart - well done mate.

[Radioheart]

The Tuatha have joined those nations opposing the tyranny of T'ien Ch'i. The Celestial Empire has become too powerful and is a threat to all. Tir na n'Og calls on all nations to stop this bureaucracy run rampant.

The peaceful and earnest population of the T'ien Ch'i terrorized by Sidhe Lord paratroopers. Tir na n'Og leadership called to task for a war of preemption that discounts civilian casualties in favor of dramatic shock and awe tactics. The Celestial Court in uproar.


...and its all over for Pangaea...

GG all, hats off to Radioheart - well done mate.

Good game Wokeye. The Celestial Court has dedicated several hundeed acres of forestland as an imperial war memorial in honor of lives lost on both sides of the T'ien Ch'i - Pangaea conflict. Dispossessed Dryads offered enrollement in the Academy of The Way. Pangaea shall live on amidst the Celestial Empire.

The Celestial Court

[Aethyr]

Be Well, Wokeye.

[GrudgeBringer]

Yes Sir, It was a good day to die...

The Blue Sky overlooking the Brilliant Green of the forest.

The Blood soaking into the ground will bring new life to the Woodlands.

Another war ended....Another war waiting to begin.

You Sir..and your Army, have seen the Valkyries waiting to guide you to Valhalla this day.

[Valerius]

Thanks for playing, Wokeye! The Tuatha will attempt to avenge Pangaea.

[Radioheart]

Humbly request a twelve hour extension.

Hosting time in the early AM EST, a busy night tonight and another mountain of a turn to play.

While on the subject, is there anyone else in favor of an increase in hosting interval?

[Valerius]

Hi, Radioheart. Hosting has been delayed 12 hours, until 22:30 GMT Tuesday.

If there is overwhelming support I will change the hosting interval but it seems a bit early to do so...

[Psycho]

I support longer turns. This game just became much more eventful for me.

[st.patrik]

I need to request an extra couple of days after the hosting coming up Tuesday - I will be out of town and not have access to the game until late Sunday evening. That means the turn could conceivably host on Thursday/Friday after this Tuesday (I will play the new turn before I leave). and then again the next monday for example, giving me until monday.

If this is unacceptably long I will see what I can do about finding a sub, but I would prefer not to, since things just got a bit more interesting for Marverni.

[GrudgeBringer]

I can use a break....for the weekend

[Executor]

I'm up for longer turns too. End of winter holiday tomorow for me.

[Valerius]

st.patrik, no problem on delaying the game while you are away.

It looks like there's some support for changing the hosting interval. How do the rest of you, who haven't yet commented, feel about it? Also, what about changing to 60 hours instead of 72? My main concern with 72 is that some players can start to lose interest with too long a hosting time.

[st.patrik]

I agree with not increasing the time too much. After all, the name of the game is Momentum!

edit - thanks Valerius - much appreciated!

[Aethyr]

I agree with St. P.; if we need to increase the interval, lets do it to the minimum degree possible. Thanks

[GrudgeBringer]

I agree

60 Quickhost is good for me...:D

[Valerius]

It looks like 60 hours is a fair compromise. After the next couple of turns (which will have delayed hosting) I'll make the change.

[Valerius]

A couple of things:

First, hosting has been postponed until 23:50 GMT Friday. The hosting after that will be set to 23:50 GMT Monday.

Second, it looks like Mictlan staled last turn and Unoptimized doesn't seem to have been on the boards for a few weeks. I will message/e-mail him to see if he's still playing. If not, then we'll need to find a sub or set him AI.

[Valerius]

As planned, hosting has been delayed until 23:50 GMT Monday.

[Unoptimized]

Hm. Having examined the state of affairs, I must ask; who in this war has been spending HUGE numbers of earth gems in blighting me? Having examined Tien Chi's unit roster, I find it unlikely that it is they who have turnd my provinces into a wasteland.

[Radioheart]

The T'ien Ch'i don't like how you've implied it may have somehow been an inefficient use of gems. Therefore I suggest you suspect the Tir na n'Og, only they could be so reckless. Mmhm.

[Valerius]

Ha! Nice try TC. :) Blight is what, earth/death? Tir doesn't exactly have an abundance of such mages.

Also, some things came up and I'll need a little more time for this turn. I'm delaying hosting by 8 hours.

[Psycho]

Maybe TC has some onyx amazons? They have earth and death. Have you seen any nightmares in his armies, that could be the clue?

The only one with earth and death here is Vanheim, but I sincerely doubt it was him.

[Radioheart]

Maybe TC has some onyx amazons? They have earth and death. Have you seen any nightmares in his armies, that could be the clue?


Mictlan and the enemies of The Celestial Court have often seen their nightmares in The Ever Victorious Army. Only not the pedestrian nightmares of Mictlan crossbreeding. No, this is the nightmare, the creeping dread, of a false god whose candles of violent and cruel worship are guttering. And surely will be snuffed out by the righteous light of The Swift Hand Qing Li.

Such terror, it must only be scarcely repressed by the enemies of The Celestial Court. We suspect they do see nightmares and agree; This should be considered an important clue.

[Aethyr]

Maybe TC has some onyx amazons? They have earth and death. Have you seen any nightmares in his armies, that could be the clue?

The only one with earth and death here is Vanheim, but I sincerely doubt it was him.

The Van thank you for this observation. Our practice is to declare our intentions so that all might know, and we have no quarrel with Mictlan.

[Valerius]

As previously discussed, hosting has been changed to 60 hours. This has postponed the hosting time for the current turn by 12 hours, to 19:35 GMT Thursday.

[Radioheart]

Add 6 hours to deadline please Valerius?

[Valerius]

No problem; new hosting time is 15:10 GMT Friday.

[Psycho]

Can I have a 12 hour extension, please?

[Valerius]

Sure; hosting has been postponed until 2:15 GMT Thursday.

[Valerius]

I just realized Radioheart (T'ien Ch'i) staled last turn. With only a half hour before hosting his turn is not in yet. I'm going to delay hosting some more.

[Unoptimized]

Hey guys! Sorry, but I'm gonna be out till late sunday. If the game could be delayed till then, I would appreciate it :).

[Valerius]

No problem. I've delayed hosting by 36 hours. New hosting time is 8:15 GMT Monday. I'll keep an eye on everyone's turns and if that's not enough time I'll extend it.

[Valerius]

We still have a couple of turns missing so I'm adding 12 hours to hosting.

[Valerius]

I need some more time for this turn so I'm delaying hosting by 6 hours. New hosting time is 9:40 GMT Thursday.

[Psycho]

I know there's been a lot of delays recently, but I am going to be real busy for the next few days. Could we have the game extended for 48 hours?

[Valerius]

Ok; the next turn was due Saturday. Hosting has been delayed 48 hours. New hosting time is 21:45 GMT Monday.

[Valerius]

TC has staled the past couple of turns and I saw another post indicating Radioheart had also stopped playing in another game. Hopefully he will return but given TCs important role in the game I think we need to find a sub. I'll postpone the game as needed to see if we can find a sub.

[Valerius]

I'm delaying hosting by 24 hours to see if we can find a sub for TC.

[Valerius]

Good news, it looks like Radioheart is still in the game as TC! And making quite a statement throwing up two globals this turn.

Radioheart, sorry if I jumped the gun looking for a sub...

[Psycho]

I think he's trying to get triple-teamed again. He lacks attention.

[Aethyr]

I think he's trying to get triple-teamed again. He lacks attention.

This is funny. :D

[Psycho]

I need more time again. Can I have a 24h extension?

And also can we reconsider moving to 72h turns? I find myself not having enough time for turns.

[Valerius]

Thanks for reminding me; now that we are on turn 60 hosting is scheduled to go to 72 hours.

I'll make this change and also delay hosting for the current turn by 24 hours.

[GrudgeBringer]

Howdy all....

I am about to be absorbed by Vanheim and Sauro.

I usually don't go AI but in this case after I make my next turn I will be setting Fomoria to AI.

I have talked to my two antagonists and rather than just click my turns away (I have no army, money, gems) I could at least let the AI fight a little.

Thank all of you for the game and I learned a LOT from watching these two and the rest of you.

I will be seeing you all in the next one!!!!!!!:up::D

[Aethyr]

GB,

You played a good game under challenging circumstances, and I look forward to playing with you again sometime. Be well.

[Valerius]

Thanks for playing GrudgeBringer!

[Psycho]

My compliments to AI for the brilliant defense of Arco capital. :D

Are we going to do something about TC? He is more often staling than not. In the last five or so turns, he appeared only once to take away my well of misery. :mad:

[Valerius]

Yes, I was just about to post that I'm going to ask for him to be set to AI. I posted for a sub a while back but thought I perhaps acted too quickly when Radioheart submitted a turn. But he's now staled twice again.

I didn't get any responses when I asked for a sub previously so I'm just going to ask someone to set him to AI. If they review the position and decide they're interested in taking it over all the better.

[Aethyr]

My compliments to AI for the brilliant defense of Arco capital. :D

Aided by your timely and devastating attack once again. You've given me a new appreciation for the armor of virtue.

[Valerius]

GrudgeBringer has offered to set TC AI after he sets Fomoria AI this turn. But he's also suggested, correctly I think, that this will have a considerable effect on the game.

TC is by many counts still the game leader. We can set him AI and have a land grab for his territories or I can try again to find a sub. Unfortunately, when I tried a while back there weren't any takers. I don't want to delay the game too long and risk losing player interest.

Any thoughts?

[Aethyr]

I think we should host the next turn on time--one more stall will not make a tremendous differnece at this point. Then, we have can a brief hiatus while we try to find a sub and/or disucss how best to handle if one cannot be found.

[Executor]

I need a 48 hour delay if possible, I'm having slight problems with my computer, should give me enough time to sort it out.

[Valerius]

No problem. And since we're delaying the game I'll bump the sub request.

[Jazzepi]

I can take over to Tien Chi. I'd just like some time to feel out the empire, though.

Jazzepi

[Valerius]

Welcome to the game Jazzepi! Radioheart played a very good game and it's great we have such an experienced player taking over for him.

Everyone please PM Jazzepi to let him know of any diplomatic arrangements you may have with TC.

The next hosting isn't scheduled until Friday since Executor needs time to work out some computer problems but we can delay hosting further if you need more time to review TCs situation.

[Jazzepi]

That sounds like enough time.

I'm definitely here to drive TC's well built, and perfectly groomed, nation into the ground with poor mismanagement.

Jazzepi,
Awful at the late game

[Unoptimized]

Hey guys! I have to go for grad school interviews for a week. As my position is terrible, you guys are welcome to turn me AI instead of waiting :)

[Valerius]

Good luck in the interviews and thanks for playing Unoptimized!

I know you're in a tough situation so unless there are objections I'm inclined to do as you suggest and set Mictlan AI. Of course all your lands should go to your partner in the fight against the Celestial Empire. :)

If you have time before you go could you issue the set to AI orders?

[Psycho]

Stupid, ungrateful Arco AI. After everything I've done for it, it stabs me in the back and sends Vanheim's bane lords at me.

[Aethyr]

Of course, my loosing the Bane Lords to the AI in the first place was just part of a subtle plan to bring about your total destruction.

[Psycho]

So, what you are saying is that the AI double-crossed me?

[Aethyr]

No, I'm sure that's not it...I think it metioned something about greed and the lack of willinness to negotiate. :D

[Aethyr]

Valerius,

It appears as if the next turn is set to host tomorrow, which is too soon. Could you adjust plese? Thanks

[Valerius]

Thanks for the reminder - llama did mention that we'd have to reset hosting times. We're now back at 72 hours and the current turn is due 5:40 GMT Friday.

Also, the llamaserver has been patched to 3.23. It looks like TC is the only one with a turn in thus far. Jazzepi, did you submit your after patching? I ask because in another game we just got messages that we staled and I'm wondering if it was because some turns were submitted pre-patch and others after. If the turn was completed under 3.21 maybe it would be worth resaving/sending under 3.23?

[Aethyr]

Thanks for the reset. I think that Llama has it set to notify you if you are working with the wrong version. But everyone should definately patch before the next host.

[Jazzepi]

I submitted the turn before patching. I guess I could load up the turn with the next patch on and resubmit it.

Jazzepi

[Executor]

I'll have to do the same too I guess.

[Valerius]

The problems we had in the other game could have been due to the llamaserver running out of space ... but in case it wasn't it might be worth loading the turn with the patch on and resubmitting in order to reduce the chance of a stale. Thanks.

[Psycho]

I sent my turn with patch 3.23. Should I have done it with 3.23b instead?

[Valerius]

JK told llamabeast that turns submitted with 3.23 would be ok hosting on the llamaserver (which is patched to 3.23b). So I think we'll be ok. It probably won't matter but I'll submit my turn with 3.23 as well, before I patch to 3.23b.

[Valerius]

Ugh. This last turn hurt. Actually the last two or three turns have all been tough. :hurt:

The Ever Victorious Army of T'ien Ch'i marches on...

[Jazzepi]

I was really surprised when you suicide 6 suited thugs into a crowd of communioned astral mages with no MR+ gear!


Notably, R'yleh has begun to gobble up Mictlan's territories from the soul with teleporting golems. I suspect he'll have an army of them between clamming and the forge.

Jazzepi

[Executor]

Clamming? What clamming?

[Valerius]

@Jazzepi: Yes, that was the most foolish and depressing move I made this game. Losing the castle this turn probably hurt more but losing those thugs was more annoying. Don't really know what I was thinking.

@Executor: If R'lyeh is feeling generous feel free to send some cheaply forged items to the fool who replaced you in the war against TC. ;)

[Executor]

Forget the castle, losing that unique hero is much worse!
Yeah, the war against TC was rough on my part also, however TC lost much more gems on golems and summons than me, although he did have a much bigger gem income. :)

[Valerius]

Ha! How could I forget to mention Lugh the Long-Handed? He's a great hero to begin with but I (completely inefficiently) empowered him in a couple more paths. He's got this interesting ability where he has +1 in all paths - so for 50 gems I got level 2 in a path, not level 1. Still not worth it, but before I went to war I had a lot of gems. He shouldn't even have been there but I messed up my orders and had no one else available to gateway in forces so I risked it.

[Aethyr]

I received two copies of the most recent turn file; anyone else experience this?

[Valerius]

Not me; I only received one copy.

[Aethyr]

Well..everything seems to be fine, so no worries...

[Executor]

Ah, damn Mictlan AI with it's vampires...

[vfb]

I thought the line was, "damn Sauromatia AI and its vampires." :)

It's funny that you are R'lyeh. I hope you're having to kill as many vampires here, as I am in World in Crisis!

[Executor]

Haha, well not really, while you're dealing with at least several hundred vampires and a horde of vampire lords, I'm only fighting a couple here, but how goes the fight by the way?

[Psycho]

Sauromatia has a few vampires of our own. But we're not AI.

[Aethyr]

Hey guys,

I may have to work a little late tomorrow and may have trouble getting my turn in on time. So, I'm requestng a six hour extension.

I may not need it, but better safe than sorry; I've sent Valerius a PM as well. Thanks

[Valerius]

No problem. Hosting has been extended 6 hours - new hosting time is 13:15 GMT Friday.

[Psycho]

Can I have a 3 hour extension?

[Valerius]

Sure; new hosting time is 3:10 GMT Wed.

[Executor]

Whoever sent Harvester of Sorrow or bane venom charm into my lands did no good, since those provinces practically don't have any income.
However that will be considered a violation of a NAP(if there is one) and a hostile act and will be interpreted as a war declaration.

[Aethyr]

You may be assured that it was not the Van. Given the butt-whipp'n we are receiving from Sauro, we hardly need to initate conflict elsewhere.

[Executor]

Let's get ready to rumbleeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
So I assumed you'd hit me one of these turns, just not this one, I expected you'd wait till you finish off TNN, so unfortunately my capital is breached and there is little to no defense in it, just tons of chaff.

But unfortunately for you R'lyeh has about 3000 gems stocked up and he's gonna use them.
Any suggestions on how to use them? I'm thinking of overcasting you Well, and GoH, or how bout AN?

[Jazzepi]

Let's get ready to rumbleeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
So I assumed you'd hit me one of these turns, just not this one, I expected you'd wait till you finish off TNN, so unfortunately my capital is breached and there is little to no defense in it, just tons of chaff.

But unfortunately for you R'lyeh has about 3000 gems stocked up and he's gonna use them.
Any suggestions on how to use them? I'm thinking of overcasting you Well, and GoH, or how bout AN?

I think you should just send all those gems to me.

Jazzepi

[Psycho]

Hey, Aethyr, you're not going to bunker yourself in the capital, are you? Why don't you come out and play?

FYI, Arco did an amazing job of scorched earth. After taking his capital this turn, I find it to be at 2900 population.

[Executor]

The good part is that I can finally end this game.

Well fighting your predecessor for the first 40 turns pretty much killed my game, oh and let's not forget those trolls that kept attacking my capital every 5 turns from the start, and other "nice" events that sure helped me get in this position.

And one more think, EA R'lyeh sucks so much, and is the worst water nation, and possibly the worst nation in the whole game, and I'll be damned if I take them again or any other water nation, other than random assignment.

[Jazzepi]

The good part is that I can finally end this game.

Well fighting your predecessor for the first 40 turns pretty much killed my game, oh and let's not forget those trolls that kept attacking my capital every 5 turns from the start, and other "nice" events that sure helped me get in this position.

And one more think, EA R'lyeh sucks so much, and is the worst water nation, and possibly the worst nation in the whole game, and I'll be damned if I take them again or any other water nation, other than random assignment.

I don't think they're super terrible. They basically suffer from the same thing that every R'yleh nation suffers from; great astral, terrible troops. LA gets the freespawn chaff. EA's troops just happen to be even worse, and the biggest kick in the pants is that their mind blasters are water only.

I don't think you can play EA R'yleh without taking a rainbow pretender, and trying to secure a small beach head on land so that you can summon up diversifying forces while relying on land recruits to round out your forces.

It took me quite a few gems to build up the force on your capital, as well as lots of planning. Those stupid poypal spawns, unless there's something I don't know about them, defend just like regular troops. I *assume* they have zero gold upkeep, but I'd have to check. If that is true, then you could easily make some unassailable underwater castles with a few of those popyal spawn producers just sitting there, pooping out chaff.

Jazzepi

[Aethyr]

Hey, Aethyr, you're not going to bunker yourself in the capital, are you? Why don't you come out and play?

FYI, Arco did an amazing job of scorched earth. After taking his capital this turn, I find it to be at 2900 population.

No my friend, I have little patience for *bunker* or *scorched earth* tactics and prefer to be put out of my misery sooner rather than later. :)

As I've said before, you've been masterful in this game. Good luck.

[Psycho]

I am going traveling over the next four days (Fri - Mon) and I don't know if I am going to have internet access all the time. Valerius, could you delay the game if you see I am about to stale.

[Valerius]

No problem; I'll delay the game as needed so you don't stale.

[Executor]

I could use a six hours delay if possible.

[Executor]

I really do need a six hour delay or I won't make the turn, and Jazzepi is about to storm my capital, hope you see this in time.

[Valerius]

No problem. Psycho's turn isn't in yet either so I'm delaying hosting by 24 hours.

[Valerius]

I've delayed the game again since Executor didn't have his turn in a half an hour before hosting.

[Executor]

I'm sorry, I takes me w while to force myself to do turns like this, I'da done a better job if I knew you delayed again, but I'm good with these results.
Well if I may brag a little, free chaf dead, 37 indie commanders, whole TC army dead, 4 lucky survivors out of 600 or so, all in all, not bad.

[Psycho]

Bah, I forgot to cast astral window on Rlyeh capital.

[Executor]

Hmm, there's still one Global Enchantment that does not belong to R'lyeh, we shall have to correct that in the near future. How does AN sound, oh, or even better AC? Doe we might have to reduce everybodys income and blood hunting via Armageddon first.

[Jazzepi]

Ugh, a nasty stale. Sorry about that.

TBH, I'm ready to conceed the game to Sauromatia. Without GoH, I have no way to de-retard my tartarians while he has a steady stream of them. I've also got to deal with a still hostile TNO and R'yleh while he chews up what little remains of Vanheim.

I did enjoy trying to turn TC around, and I think I did a good job, but I really botched that invasion of R'yleh. If I had just waited a bit longer and stacked more nature gems on one of my casters, I think I would have won the fight. I also don't think my antimagic mage had enough astral pearls. D:

I could continue to play, I guess. But I'm pretty sure I'd just be delaying the inevitable. T'ien Ch'i sure does have some /awful/ recruitable mages outside of the capital.

Jazzepi

[Valerius]

Well, it looks like it's your call Executor. Sounds like you're having fun burning through that pile of gems but a few turns back it seemed like you were also ready to end it. What do you think?

[Aethyr]

Admitting the obvious, I'm done. Valerius, thanks for organizing. Pyscho, well done.

[Executor]

Jazzepi, my capital was of little significance to me. All my forces are on 175, golems, seraphs, pretender, tartarians, feary queens, demiliches and so on. As you saw I didn't even have domes on it, no troops, only tons of commander with clamms, which I took off before the battle.

Losing all my provinces and forts wouldn't do the job either, since I have over 200 clam, and cast wish 3 times a turn. I'm pretty certain you couldn't kill me for a very long time if at all.

IMO your main mistake was attacking me, instead of trying to use me as an ally against Psycho.

As for this game, I'm happy to concede to Psyho. Even with the enormous gem income I have I'd stand little chance looking at everything he's got with my stone spheres.
And I pretty much gave up on this game around turn 30 or so when the invasion on TC failed due to failure in communication with my allies.

I concede, Psycho, congratulations.

[Jazzepi]

Jazzepi, my capital was of little significance to me. All my forces are on 175, golems, seraphs, pretender, tartarians, feary queens, demiliches and so on. As you saw I didn't even have domes on it, no troops, only tons of commander with clamms, which I took off before the battle.

Actually, depriving you of recruitable mindlords was very much in my best interest. But, I dunno, you didn't seem to do anything useful with them besides communion slaving them anyways, so who's to tell? :re:

With all these tarts, and demiliches, and clams you claim to have had, I don't see why you didn't just crush everyone, me included. The forge was up for a million turns, which was part of the reason I attacked you, because even if I beat Sauro with your help, I wouldn't have won against your ridiculous clam income, something I could never hope to overmatch. It would have been very easy for you to wish away the chalice from me, and keep my gift of health down.

Jazzepi

[Aethyr]

Nah, it was actually in the best interest of both TC and R'lyeh to help Van against Sauro. :D

[Executor]

I though Sauromatia had the challice.

My problem is that I have no real army, unlike you and Sauro, only a bunch of golems and feebleminded tarts, which are recovering now, oh yeah and a million trolls, don't ask me why, don't know myself. :)

But you're right, the longer you leave me alone the stronger I get,
I started with tartarians only like 2-3 ago, but summoning 5 a turn.

Starting a SC factory with just a pretender takes a lot of time, and I started about turn 40 or so, I actually considered quiting the game at that point.

The thing that really got to me is that the damn water has no gem income.
I had a remarkable 4 water income and 5 astral a turn, including my capital, but 14 damn useless fire gems, which I converted into gold since my upkeep was much higher than income in order to recrut clam holders.

My start was also terrible enough to not being able to take any provinces for couple of turns, and constant indie attacks, as you see from the score graphs.

Until turn 40 I didn't have a single clam, actually I didn't have anything at all, waiting 3 turns to make 1 clam is a bit slow I guess, but everybody seemed stupid enough to trade water and earth gems so I could start the clam factory with the forge.

You were wrong about mind lords, haven't recruited a single one for about 20 turns at least, 420 and not sacred, whoa! It was hard enough to get nature random mages to forge clams.

I really got into power just a few turns back.

Oh yeah, one more stupid thing, you can't cast half the domes underwater, wtf!?

However in my overall experience I have come to the conclusion that water nations suck!

[Jazzepi]

Sauro definitely had the chalice. My point was that there was no way for me maintain a tart factory under the current conditions since I'd have to wish it away from Sauro or somehow over-cast your gift of health (something I couldn't possibly do, whomever set up this TC pretender gave him ASTRAL 6 and EARTH 6 which is the worst waste of pretender design points ever :| )

BTW, in your position, I would have started summoning mound fiends. I noticed you had a large death gem income. They make like 5 undead a turn, which can quickly become enough to form an army.

Jazzepi

[Executor]

Very small and crappy army. :)

I screwed up my pretender a bit too and it was a major set back, I forgot to give him one water level for the amulet of the fish.

EA Rlyeh really lacks the capability to exit the water.

Well I'm glad this game is over, can dedicate my time to some other games with world wars against me.

[Psycho]

What an unexpected turn of events. I feel I won this way too easily. No showdown with the strongest opponents.

I think Jazzepi's mistake is that he didn't try to ally with me against Rlyeh. That would leave us pretty much even to fight it out in the end. That was his best chance. Executor's best interest was definitely to ally with TC against me, together they would certainly be able to bring me down, thus leaving him with his clams and globals in the win position. My best interest - I'm not sure. With TC it would be a fight on more equal terms, but Rlyeh had a poor dominion and I can blood-sacrifice. Maybe I would be able to defeat him without a fight.

I don't have the time right now, but I'll write my thoughts about the game when I get some time.

I was hoping this game will entertain me until my summer holidays. Now I'll have to go take up some sub positions.

[Valerius]

Congratulations, Psycho!

Thanks everyone for playing. Special thanks to Jazzepi for stepping in to take over TC and keep the game going.

I was curious to see how things would work out among the final three. R'lyeh's casting the forge definitely changed the dynamics.

I was actually thinking of casting FotA myself but in the end decided to join the war against TC. That didn't work out so well. :re:

Good game, everyone.

[Psycho]

Valerius, I see you have ended this game. Thank you for being an excellent admin and keeping a watchful eye on the game at all times.

My pretender was a E4F4A4 Dom9 phoenix. He was there to cover the missing paths. High dominion was to make my eventual blood sacrifice push more effective and to enable more use of vampires. Also, he was a teleporting defender in my dominion capable of annihilating smaller armies with spells. Another idea, which I didn't get the opportunity to do, was to raise pd high in a province I anticipate an opponent will attack and cast flaming arrows with him.

At the start I fixated on conquering three provinces - 123, 85 and 27, which would enable me to cut off a significant amount of territory for myself. I was mostly successful and had a lead in provinces, but then TC rushed Ulm. Unfortunately those provinces were all wastes and swamps and I had big problems with cash. Very few were suitable for blood hunting as well. During my wars with Arco, Marverni and Fomoria, I recruited practically noone. I relied on mages I recruited during expansion phase and undead.

First war was with Acro. I was allied with Van and Fomoria. Acro had a big research lead and proved a good opponent. Congrats to Juffos. He was able to hold the three of us for a long time with his communions and PoD pretender. I forged mentors and hurried to constr 8. Arco was first there, but didn't forge any of the good stuff, so I took it all. And then hurried to conj 9. I defeated PoD with Djinn casting fire elementals and Arco gave up. After casting well of misery, my allies Van and Fomoria turned on me, with the help of Marverni.

In the meantime, TC managed to fight off three opponents. He defeated Pangaea while holding Rlyeh and Mictlan at bay. Congrats to Radioheart for that.

On the other side I got some elemental royalty. All I could afford, since I spent gems on unique items and started a tart factory. Marverni came with his huge armies and sieged my factory, but lost. I slowly started pushing into his territory while Fomoria and Van were mostly pestering me with rituals. I also sent my SCs to prevent Van from taking Arco capital which was the barrier between us. When Marverni was nearly defeated, Fomoria attacked with his 2 armies which were all he had and lost. One to horror harmonica, the other to barathrus and androphag archers. Then in a short time both Marverni and Fomoria went AI and I started growing rapidly. I finally had the money to buy some mages and troops. Also in Marverni lands I found the steel ovens and mount chaining (40% blood bonus). Van started taking over Fomoria and soon we had our first serious fights.

TC was attacked by Tir and finally started losing some battles, to my big relief. Valerius did a great job against him where an alliance of three failed before. But then Jazzepi took over TC and made a great comeback defeating Tir and Mictlan. Also congrats to both Valerius and Jazzepi. Rlyeh stepped out of this war at about the time Tir entered. He lurked under the waves, put up the forge knowing nobody would attack him at that point and clammed. And that brought him into great power later. Congrats to you too Executor. But I was also clamming in my steel ovens and forging fetishes, which nobody suspected I think. I also had an S5 tartarian who was wishing when he wasn't insane.

At first Van started losing badly, but then he equipped an ice devil prophet very well and won a first major victory over me destroying an army of mine and killing a HoF tartarian and EK. He started playing more cautiously then, hiding inside castles more. And I was afraid of the ice devil, since he was ridiculously powerful in cold dominion, so I took my time. Slowly I was taking him over and this last turn I managed even to take out the ice devil. He also proved a good opponent, so congrats to you Aethyr as well. Although, it puzzles me that you never once tried to magic duel my astral tarts.

In the meantime I was moving blood mages into Van and Fom lands to blood hunt. They had so many provinces with about 6000-7000 population. I summoned nearly all blood SCs in my blood discount province. Summoning 3-4 tarts per turn for a long time. Forging jade daggers and putting up temples and castles around my empire. I still had to get makabiel and three more ice devils (those were planned for this turn and next) and then was going to stockpile blood slaves for dom push. I had 2 enchantress sites, 2 sorceress sites and one high magus. I recruited all of them each turn. Sorceresses are definitely the best indy mages, they have so many uses. Also this last turn I was going to storm Van's castle with 20% conj bonus site, which, oddly, he wasn't using until the last several turns.

And then TC suddenly attacked Rlyeh's capital and the game abruptly ended. It was great fun for me and I am sad it's over. I'd rather still be playing this one.