Chlorolera is made of contagious and deadly!

[Juffos]

Llamaserver game made, all players go!


Era: MA
Players: 23
Map: Faerun no specials for dom3, 397 land + 69 sea (http://koti.welho.com/ehalttun/dom3/)
Host: llamaserver
Mods: CBM 1.3
Hall of fame 15, magic site frequency 50
Everything else default

Victory by victory points, one for each capitol controlled, I suppose around 6-10 would be fine?

Turns will last for 24 hours until people request for additional time.

Quickhosting will be enabled.


Arcoscephale = DonCorazon
Ermor = Lokean
Pythium = Isokron
Man = Pelthin
Ulm = Kojusoki
Marignon = Quitti
Mictlan = Tyrant
T'ien Ch'i = cthulhu
Machaka = cleveland
Agartha = jimkehn
Abysia = Toran
Caelum = Jazzepi
C'tis = Zapmeister
Pangaea = rtyffg
Vanheim = Hoplosternum
Jotunheim = Incabulos
Bandar Log = JimMorrison
Shinuyama = AdmiralZhao
Ashdod = Juffos
Atlantis = Vanslime
R'lyeh = zlefin
Oceania = Ruminant
Eriu = Radioheart

[Quitti]

I'd like to take Marignon

[rtyffg]

I'd like to take Pangaea.

[Pelthin]

I would like to try Man.

[cleveland]

You scratch my back... ;)

I request Machaka, the last nation chosen in the other All MA game. All hail the spider riders! :bow: :bug:

Who am I kidding, I be lucky to be alive at New Year's... :)

[Vanslime]

Give me Atlantis,or give me DEATH!

...chances are I`ll be getting both.

[zlefin]

I'd like r'lyeh.
Zlefin :)

[Ruminant]

Oceania sounds good, thanks.

[Jazzepi]

I'll take Caelum.

Jazzepi

[Isokron]

I would like to try Pythium

[cthulhu]

I'll take T'ien Ch'i.

[jimkehn]

OK....I must love losing!! I will take Agartha!!

[cleveland]

I had previously found 2 minor, item-related coding errors in the CBM 1.3 mod, which I reported here in the CBM thread (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=643376&postcount=97).

Basically, due to a misspelling, the Evening Star doesn't work as QM intended. Also, the 2-handed bane blade is still a Const-2 item because it has the same name as the 1-handed version, which gets modded twice to be Const-0.

In the post referenced above, I provide (extremely simple) instructions on how to fix these bugs. Perhaps these fixes are worth incorporating? Any opinions?

[AdmiralZhao]

Shinuyama, please.

[Juffos]

I had previously found 2 minor, item-related coding errors in the CBM 1.3 mod, which I reported here in the CBM thread (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=643376&postcount=97).

Basically, due to a misspelling, the Evening Star doesn't work as QM intended. Also, the 2-handed bane blade is still a Const-2 item because it has the same name as the 1-handed version, which gets modded twice to be Const-0.

In the post referenced above, I provide (extremely simple) instructions on how to fix these bugs. Perhaps these fixes are worth incorporating? Any opinions?

I don't remember anyone ever using either of those items. Maybe they fill such diminutive niches that most of the time they are simply forgotten by players.

[JimMorrison]

Can't manage to resist.....

Bandar Log

.....please!

[Radioheart]

Sign me up.

Eriu.

Thanks!

[Toran]

I already had EA and LA Abysia. Means I have to ask for

MA Abysia -

so I will be free to play other nations after that one ;)

[DonCorazon]

Arcos! We're watching you all....mwahahah.

[cleveland]

To any player that is considering joining this game:

Choose Ashdod if you have the urge to rush Arcoscephale.

;)

[DonCorazon]

I think the game organizer chose Ashdod, cleve (surprise, surprise). Nice try, though!

[cleveland]

Then it goes without saying that he's got an axe to grind with you, DC! :)

[Kojusoki]

Ill try ULM :)

[Juffos]

My personal group of seeresses let me know of your intentions in advance, DonCorazon, and thus my nation of undefeatable rushes has been prepared for your arrival
:)

[Lokean]

I'd like Ermor, if it's free...

[DonCorazon]

Juffos, Don't let Clevelands pre-game propaganda influence you. While you slew my beloved pretender and destroyed all hope for Shinuyama on turn 6 of ComfortZone, instigating a savage war of revenge, we bear you no ill will in this game.

Arcosephale will shine as an example of scholarship and civility, a beacon of hope for the West.
:)

[AdmiralZhao]

Could we give this game a clever name? I always have trouble finding it on the message boards. I propose "Chlorotica" (http://sbe.umaine.edu/symbio/1Intro/1about.html). Failing that, "The Doom of Ashdod" would also work.

[Lokean]

Or you could go to the sticky thread at the top of the forum and find it in there...

[cleveland]

I propose "Chlorotica".

Cool.

Alternatively, I propose "Cholera." Has a nice medical theme to it, like the one about the orthodontist's secretary. Plus it accurately characterizes the agony we'll all face at the hands of Ashdod. :)

[Hoplosternum]

I would like to play. I'll try Vanheim to see if I can do better than my last disastrous try with them. But I am happy with any of the four remaining so if someone else really wants to play Vanheim thats fine with me.

[Zapmeister]

I'd like to try C'tis

EDIT: The .tga file doesn't seem to be at the link given for the mapfile.
Anyone know where I can get it?

[Lokean]

The only copy I've found is in dom3_faerun_adventure.zip

[cleveland]

Edit: deleted, problem was already solved.

Juffos - What's the holiday schedule going to be.

Cheers,
cleveland

[Tyrant]

Time to take the CBM plunge, i'll take Mictlan please.

[Juffos]

Incabulos sent me a PM regarding joining this game seven hours before your post, Tyrant.

Would you like to play as Jotunheim?

[Zeldor]

cleveland:

Yeah, I think I should know after last problems with hmm... that someone in Alexandria, that I shouldn't escalate that :) Managed to get into time window to edit it. If someone wants the story with Juffos, PM me and him, so you can get your own opinion :) I simply don't like that behaviour, but well, I think personal black list is more appropriate.

[Jazzepi]

Oh, I'd like to send some warning to players of that game - not only Juffos is playing Ashdod, but he has hmm... how to say it politely... not a good history of keeping agreements. So if you are looking for someone that keeps NAPs I'd suggest signing them with someone else :) Just a friendly advice.

Go away.

Jazzepi

[Zeldor]

No :) Forums are too quiet recently :)

[Toran]

Now, THAT's good avertising for friendly cooperation ingame.. how should we start building up our settlements and growing flowers when we can't trust our neighbours?

Do you mean he will bring his sheep to graze on MY lands? That would be really evil!

[cleveland]

Inappropriate, Zeldor.

This is a game of world domination. Frankly, a treacherous opponent is better than a poor sport.

[Juffos]

The only copy I've found is in dom3_faerun_adventure.zip

The faerun_adventure.zip has the necessary .tga file, while the smaller zip contains the no specials map modifier or something.

Juffos - What's the holiday schedule going to be.

Cheers,
cleveland

Just post or send PM, preferably both, and I will delay hosting.

[Zeldor]

cleveland:

:) Haven't seen you on irc recently.

[cleveland]

IRC is a dangerous gateway drug. Just say no. :)

[Tyrant]

Ok, i guess i'll take Jot. I was hoping for an underdog nation, but i suppose i can just crush you all. ;>

[Incabulos]

Tyrant, I will take Jot if you prefer Mictlan.

[archaeolept]

I was hoping for an underdog nation

Tyrant, I will take Jot if you prefer Mictlan.

mandatory "does not compute. error. error."

[Incabulos]

Haha! He asked for Mictlan on the previous page. Not sure either remaining nations count as underdogs :D

[Juffos]

Very well, I gave Mictlan to Tyrant and Jotunheim to Incabulos.
Hope this pleases all.

[Kojusoki]

when we start?

By a mistake I send a marignon god - so please just send the proper one and overwrite mine...
ULM is ready for fight

[Hoplosternum]

Hi Juffos. If it is not too late can you put renaming on?

[Juffos]

I thought it was on, isn't it?

Oh, by default, it is off, but llamaserver automatically enables it.

[Pelthin]

Yeppers I just checked the Llamaserver page and it is on.

So I can have mages named N3 A2 Crone, now. :)

[Hoplosternum]

Bah! I like to name all my key people after people or things for my own interest. It helps me keep track of them and helps me get more involved with the game. Sometimes I stick a rare magic path or two on the end.

But those people who reduce the names to just A2F1 and the like are committing a crime against the spirit of Dominions and deserve to have all their neighbours purge them from Faerun :p

[Pelthin]

hehe... If I have a ton of variable Magic users, I will use a short hand sometimes in late game. But I try to stay in the spirit of the game as well.

:)

[Kojusoki]

so im gonna be a spirit criminalist ;)

[cthulhu]

Umgah icon, but the Chlorolera message includes "Deep Children" and sounds more like Mycon than Umgah.

[Incabulos]

Will post my pretender in about 6 hours. Was going to do it this morning before work but wife and kids had other ideas!

[Tyrant]

There are pretenders uploaded for both Jotunheim and Mictlan, but neither is from me. What's up?

[Juffos]

I will delete them both. Go upload your proper ones.

[qio]

Hi,

I'll play any of the 3 nations left that is free.

[Incabulos]

emailed in jotunheim pretender again

[JimMorrison]

I finally sent mine in for Bandar Log, sorry for any delays. <3

I see there are still 22/23, is that because Mictlan was deleted? Take your time. ;)

[Juffos]

qio, all slots are already full, sorry.

[Tyrant]

Uploaded, looks like we are ready to roll. Please remember the special scenario rule- no use of metal weapons! :p Good luck to all.

[JimMorrison]

Uploaded, looks like we are ready to roll. Please remember the special scenario rule- no use of metal weapons! :p Good luck to all.

Thank god for Sticks and Stones. \:happy:/

[Lokean]

Please remember the special scenario rule- no use of metal weapons!

I thought this was Faerun, not Athas...

[Vanslime]

AH!Coral and turtleshell isn't metal!

Joke's on YOU!

[Pelthin]

I promise to only have my Longbowman use stone tipped arrows.

;)

[Kojusoki]

hmmm...so we, in ULM, will be double criminalists ;)

[cleveland]

Uploaded, looks like we are ready to roll. Please remember the special scenario rule- no use of metal weapons! :p Good luck to all.

Machaka...FTW!

7369

Good luck, indeed. :)

[JimMorrison]

I kick *** for the Lord!

[jimkehn]

Jeez, Machaka.....Abasi shows up for you already??????? I had to wait like 15 turns in a different game!!!!!

[cleveland]

Nah, that screenshot is from my test SP game. But heaven help you all if he shows up....:)

[Lokean]

Bah, he's just a common-or-garden thug. See that magic resistance? That magic resistance says to me "I like shadow bolts, they taste like obliteration".

[cleveland]

The chef recommends the Minotaurs.

[Tyrant]

So what happened to Pan? Anyone know him or PM him?

[AdmiralZhao]

Yes, some of us are anxious to see if our pretender survived the first turn...

[rtyffg]

Sorry for delay, but i'm afraid, there will be another one. My system seems to fall victum to virus attack, so will have to reinstall it. Pan's made their 1 and 2 turnd, but will not be able to do 3-rd till sunday or maybe monday.

[Pelthin]

With so many people I bet this game will be slow moving, which is fine by me. I have to travel to AZ on Sunday, so that always messes with my ability to post turns(only for one day, but still :) )

[Incabulos]

My computer won't boot at all since last night. I have had ever increasing problems and some new virus which avg did not catch, and which stopped avg from updated and redirected all my internet antivirus searches (not through the hosts file) means I can't even boot in safe mode or any other mode I get an error before the windows logo even comes up.

I have a laptop and will install dominions on that tonight, but I don't think I can get to my turn since it downloaded the email to my fubared computer so I cannot access it any more. This probably means a stale turn for me unless someone knows how I can get to the 2h or trn file from llamaserver.

[Pelthin]

Just go to llamma server and request your turn file be resent to you. :)

[Incabulos]

Ah great! Thank you.

[cleveland]

And just what the **** is this?

<hr>Note that the following pairs of nations took their turn using the same copy of Dominions last turn:
Man, Machaka

[Pelthin]

Umm... I am playing Man, and I only took my turn.

I did not take any other turns than my one for Man.

This is my only account on here and that is my only turn.

Not sure why the game would say the same copy was used, as it was not.

[Toran]

From what I gathered, you get this message when the same serial number is used to generate a turn, correct?

[Jazzepi]

I believe you get a "CD Key violation/error" as an /in game/ message when that happens.

Jazzepi

[JimMorrison]

But Llamaserver also posts that same notice, for example when someone actually in the game sets a nation to AI, and plays their own turn as well.

[Lokean]

I expect his reaction stems more from the fact that he's the one playing Machaka. I'd be pretty concerned if the server suggested something fishy was going on with my CD Key.

[cleveland]

I believe you get a "CD Key violation/error" as an /in game/ message when that happens.

Jazzepi
My in-game messages this month:
7378

I've taken the liberty of sending the following message to llamabeast.
llamabeast,

Hope all is well at the conference and that you're enjoying the beautiful tundra of Boston in December.

I'm writing because llamaserver has issued the following report to the players of the Chlorolera game:

"Note that the following pairs of nations took their turn using the same copy of Dominions last turn:
Man, Machaka"

I (cleveland) am playing as Machaka, and Pelthin is Man; neither of us received any in-game message regarding a CD key violation, and there's no chance we'd have somehow played using the same copy accidentally.

I suspect this is an error with llamaserver, albeit very minor as it doesn't seem to have effected the game.

Further, I find it remarkably coincidental that I'm playing as MA Machaka in Chlorolera, and as MA Man in A1ComfortZone, and suspect this is somehow the root of the problem.

Again, it doesn't seem to have any impact on the game, apart from casting a shadow on Pelthin's and my good names. If you get a chance, could you check it out?

Thanks a lot,
cleveland

cc: Pelthin, Juffos (Chlorolera's admin)

[jimkehn]

Personally.....I'm not worried about it. I can think of quite a few reasons why two people would use the same copy and none of them involve cheating. I say if Pelthin and Cleveland say they are each doing their own turn, let's leave it at that, and not impune their integrity. But...if they each have their own separate CD keys, then we should figure out what Llamaserver is doing and why.

[Pelthin]

Well as I live outside of Cleveland, maybe it has to do with Cleveland's chosen avatar. ;)

This is very weird as this is the only game I am currently in.

I am also using Gmail as my email client, not sure if that would matter.

Thanks, and I really have no idea who Cleveland is in real life, and if he is sneaking into my house at night to play his Dom3 turns, I really want to know how he is getting past my dog. :)

[Incabulos]

well turn 2 was stale for me, turn 3 will probably be too since I have to leave for LA for the day, and on this laptop the dom UI disappears the moment I click on anything.
Don't have time to figure it out since I need to leave for the airport now.

[Pelthin]

Maybe we can extend this turn for 24 hours or so to help the guy out.

Who wants to play with a stale country when they want to play.

I vote we extend the turn by 24 hours or so.

[Juffos]

Hosting postponed by 24 hours.

Just ask away if you need extensions.

[cleveland]

Sounds good to me, as we should probably get a replacement for Jotun.

Plus, I need to go to the store and buy some more Beggin' Strips... :)

[Incabulos]

well that was a quick trip. The cat I was supposed to be picking up is sick so we aren't getting it now. Raaarg sucky week so far.

So does any one know why the ui would vanish when I click on things?

Just installed dom, applied the update. I assume it still had my registration information from when I last had it installed on here, since it didn't ask me for a cd-key. Is there any way I can re-enter the Cd-Key from the manual to make sure?

Sorry for the troubles.

[Incabulos]

Fixed the problem. Seems there was a bunch of stuff from a demo install and a dom folder from an old install full of strangely named folders.

Deleted everything, reinstalled, re-entered cd key and all seems good. Also discovered my son decorated my manual with some lovely red crayon on several pages :D
His older brother did the same to most of my D&D books a few years back.... must invest in bookshelf/cabinet with lock ;)

PS How much does CB mod change? Would I be confusing myself reading through the manual to catch up? It has been a long while since I last played and am definitely rusty.

[AdmiralZhao]

CB changes a lot, but it is mostly to make worthless stuff worthwhile. So must of the stuff you remember from before should still work, but now you have more viable strategies. In particular, low-to-med level conjuration is much more effective, and most of the status-effect spells (slime, confusion, quickness, etc.) were boosted.

[Incabulos]

Thanks for the reply!

[cleveland]

PS How much does CB mod change? Would I be confusing myself reading through the manual to catch up? It has been a long while since I last played and am definitely rusty.

The link at the bottom of my sig lists the forging paths/levels for all the items in CBM, many of which are different from the Vanilla version of the game.

Cheers,
cleveland

[DonCorazon]

The Astrologers of the White Tower of Arcos have decreed that the power of the stars should be spread among our fellow nations of Cholorelera.

We are willing to trade Astral gems for Water, Fire, Earth, Air for a limited time only!

Send your orders to Tim, Magister of Gem Supply Chain Management, C/O DC.

Small quantities available - act soon!

[DonCorazon]

Heh, the White Tower appears to be under siege as we continue our streak of being rushed. Seems DC needs a witchdoctor cleansing to remove the Rush Me mojo bullseye.

This time its elephant vs. elephant in an astral showdown. We like the odds better than some of our recent encounters in the multiverse, but it all may come down to whose ellies flinch first in the DRN toss up.

Gem trading will be halted while we revert to full militarization. :)

[cleveland]

BillyWitchDoctor.com offers full mojo application & cleansing services.

1 convenient locations...in Machaka. :)

[JimMorrison]

BillyWitchDoctor.com offers full mojo application & cleansing services.

1 convenient locations...in Machaka. :)


Is that downtown, or at the outlet mall? I hate traffic. :re:

[Radioheart]

The Law Offices of Eriu, Tuatha and Zorn hereby declare intent to file a notice of class action against BillyWitchDoctor.com and its subsidiaries (hereby referred to as the defendant). Eriu, Tuatha and Zorn and their clients thus represented (hereby referred to as the plaintiffs) seek an injunction against the defendants and damages totaling 7000 GP and 500 Blood Slaves for dispensing unapproved medication and unsolicited "male enhancement" email notifications and public display of a rampaging Giant Fetish in violation of several local codes and ordinances. Pending court date, late autumn, 3rd year of the ascension wars and further requests for discovery to ensue.


The Offices of Eriu, Tuatha and Zorn, esq.

[cleveland]

From the desk of Mutombo Herschwitz, In-house Council of the Lord:

BillyWitchDoctor.com takes all complaints against him quite seriously. We think. I have begun an investigation into these allegations, in accordance with BillyWitchDoctor.com's presumed wishes.

Preliminary findings indicate that electronic "Virility Services" advertisements are indeed regularly sent from Machakan government servers. However, these advertisements are in support of the government's "Make Love, Not Shrunken Heads" campaign, which gives underprivileged tribal witch doctors a constructive outlet for their dark skills. Sort of like the Marine Corps. And unlike the "other guys," ML,NSH doctors have a proven track-record of success (why do you think our mages can turn into gigantic spiders? ;) )

Further, these advertisments are coordinated by BillyWitchDoctor.com's all-knowing nephew Google.com, and are therefore sent only to individuals explicitly known to have, er, room for improvement. That the Fir Bolg are receiving the bulk of these advertisments is entirely beyond our control. :)

Regarding the allegations of rampaging: in an unfortunate idolatry incident, BillyWitchDoctor.com accidently toppled from the pedistal of his godly ziggurat, and has been rolling Westward ever since. Some damage has certainly occurred, but the wise magistrates of the Western courts have since have recognized BillyWitchDoctor.com as the one, true, rotating god, and have dismissed all charges against him, save for a single citation of Excessive Speed in a School Zone.

We're pretty sure BillyWitchDoctor.com would like the opportunity to defend his good name in a court of law. He's probably happy to appear at the Supreme Court of Eriu promptly in Late Autum of Year 3; kindly send directions at your earliest convenience... :D

[Lokean]

Okay, own up, who obliterated Mictlan?

[Tyrant]

It is as the omens foretold...it was Ashdod! (but we ain't quite dead yet)

[Ruminant]

The people of Oceania offer their most sincere apologies to the learned people of R'lyeh for The Lord of Wine, Prince of Philosophy, His Most Amorousness, Socrapuss, has, in all his tentacled wisdom, accidentally disproven the existence of their God during his most recent drunken ecumenical discussion. As such we invite all water-residing nations to take up our holy crusade against these godless heathens. Once again, terribly sorry for any inconveniance.

[zlefin]

the people of r'lyeh do not understand this "god" concept; perhaps you are referring to our high lord, Mortimer the head accountant by some strange foreign title? we welcome war at any rate, as our balance sheets could use some deductions.

[Vanslime]

A war? Capital news!

Lord Bymak, Defender of Atlantis, is eager to take on two armies at the same time!

[Juffos]

I have postponed hosting because I will be gone until next Monday.

[Juffos]

Hosting will be postponed from 20th to 23th and from 25th to 28th because of player request.

Just to let you know in advance.

[cthulhu]

We at T'ien Ch'i are doing our part to take down the descendants of the Nephilim before they plunge the world in to everlasting darkness, but it's not going to be enough. We have sent spies to their capital to forment unrest, and our armies have met theirs in the field. Unfortunately, our spies are being hunted down and our red guards are no match for the unholy E9N8 anakites, descendant from fallen angels of antiquity. Last month we lost soldiers that cost a total of over 2200 pounds of gold to recruit, managing to kill only 3 anakites in the process (actually, I'm not sure how many anakites died... the "View Battle results did not match what happened on the strategic map so I have no way of knowing, but that's how many died in the "View Battle" stuff).

We hope that our sacrifice will not be in vain, that some worthy nation will take a stand against the nation of Ashdod before it is too late. For the moment, Ashods capital has a little unrest, and its armies are occupied. A few turns from now, neither will be the case.

[AdmiralZhao]

Yikes, that sounds scary. Is this the same Ashdod that is sitting on Mictlan's capital? Controlling 3 capitals by turn 13 is doing pretty well, even by Ashdod standards.

Shinuyama will share a border with Ashdod soon, and at that time we will join Tien Chi in their noble struggle. We call on all nations who neighbor Ashdod to join us in this holy cause. Ashdod only gets stronger over time, and with 3 capitals feeding their war machine, they will tear their neighbors apart unless we band together now.

Don't take my word for it though!
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=41391

[Jazzepi]

Yikes, that sounds scary. Is this the same Ashdod that is sitting on Mictlan's capital? Controlling 3 capitals by turn 13 is doing pretty well, even by Ashdod standards.

Shinuyama will share a border with Ashdod soon, and at that time we will join Tien Chi in their noble struggle. We call on all nations who neighbor Ashdod to join us in this holy cause. Ashdod only gets stronger over time, and with 3 capitals feeding their war machine, they will tear their neighbors apart unless we band together now.

Don't take my word for it though!
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=41391

A bit of location information would help!

Jazzepi

[Juffos]

The mighty nation of Ashdod became under attack by these two powers, who thought in their arrogance how their unholy alliance could smash the rightful descendants of gods themselves!

Now we have driven the craven aggressors back to where they belong.

[AdmiralZhao]

I believe Ashdod and Mictlan are at 373 and 412. I'll leave Tien Chi to fill in his capital, or any better information that he has.

[DonCorazon]

Egads - this just means it takes more than 2 nations to drag down Ashdod. Join the Anti-Ashdod Alliance (AAA) now! Pledge to destroy Ashdod now and support any nation that is fighting against Ashdod. In this and any other game, cleanse the world of Ashdod!

[cthulhu]

Our capital of T'ien Ch'i is province #293, in the land once occupied by the magocracy of Thay. It is currently besieged by 16 anakites led by a single priest (note: this means that there are not enough blessers for the force to fight effectively; unfortunately, this will probably no longer be true next turn, as Ashdod will undoubtably move more blessers in)

Ashdods capital in #373 currently has 42 unrest, 30030 population, 125 income, 251 resources, and 25 PD according to our spies. Our spies have also reported that Ashdod controls #408 (unknown pop), #375 (14k pop), #354 (10k pop), #388 (13k pop), #347 (10k pop), #338 (9k pop), #395 (unknown pop), and #427 (unknown pop).

[Lokean]

Well, I suppose I could be tempted to help destroy Ashdod, but only because they've probably got provinces full of delicious living souls for me to despoil.

[Jazzepi]

The provice #s on this map are laid out like a schizophrenic person threw them together.

Unfortunately I'm apparently on the wrong side of the world to contribute. Good luck though!

Jazzepi

[Lokean]

The provinces are numbered by a raster scanner, so all they care about is the location of the individual white pixel that represents the province.The odds are going to be better that two sequential provinces are on opposite sides of the map than next to each other. On the other hand, would you rather people had to number manually?

[Jazzepi]

I was making a joke.

Jazzepi

[Pelthin]

Ouch there seems to be a war going on in time for Christmas. :)

[Hoplosternum]

Are we having a Christmas break at all? I will be away for a few days (until the 29th) and most games seem to be having some sort of break or at least slow down....

Anyway Happy Christmas everyone :)

[Juffos]

Very well, postponed until 1st of January.

[Pelthin]

Most likely for the best..

Merry Christmas Eve everyone. :)

[Juffos]

Postponed 48 hours because otherwise four players would have staled.

[JimMorrison]

Postponed 48 hours because otherwise four players would have staled.

Thank you! I just saw, my turn got accepted 5 minutes after it was supposed to host. :o Up until 9am and then slept for 5 hours, woke up to a hosting warning and pushed out a really fast turn, but not fast enough. O.O

[Jazzepi]

I actually prefer the 8-9 hour warning. 6 hours is just small enough to fit inside of a sleeping cycle.

Jazzepi

[Radioheart]

Pretty solid rush Jazzepi. Squished my poorly led troops awfully thorough.

Eriu has gone AI. I didn't pass my morale check.

[Jazzepi]

Pretty solid rush Jazzepi. Squished my poorly led troops awfully thorough.

Eriu has gone AI. I didn't pass my morale check.

:O

I think we rushed each other?

More false fetters spam could have been my undoing, I thinks.

Jazzepi

[AdmiralZhao]

In other news, Shinuyama's war on Ashdod has gotten off to a good start. Our little Bakemono-sho goblins beat a Rephaite Commander to death while chanting the traditional Shinuyama war-cry of "Ompa Loompa Ompa Loompa". I expect many more victories to follow. Really, Ashdod's troops are not so tough, as long you don't face more than one of them per battle.

[cleveland]

Machaka's Chief Sous-Chef (rimshot!) has just reported that a single Rephaite will feed an entire column of Hunter Spiders for a week.

In light of this development, Machaka hereby declares war on Ashdod.

Unfortunately, Vanheim has rather cleverly positioned itself between Machaka & Ashdod, no doubt the result of a cunning alliance with the canabilistic giants. So Machaka hereby declares war on Vanheim too.

World powers are encouraged to join us in our effort to end world hunger. PM me if interested. ;)

[AdmiralZhao]

In a bigger, badder, and bolder sequel to last month's battle, Shinuyama's O-Bakemono trolls clubbed to death 20 of Ashdod's Anakites, as well as their supporting slingers and commanders. The troll's cries of "OOMPA LOOMPA" and the screams of the dying could be heard for miles around. As a gesture of solidarity with our new 8 legged friends, we are sending the giant corpses to Machaka's capital. We urge others at war with Ashdod to do the same. Please, won't someone think of the spiders?

[Juffos]

Those giants sure were knocked off their feet because of your goblins and trolls smelling so awful, at least we had divine beings descending in our midst to teach us the vain art of cosmetics :p

[Lokean]

I'm afraid if Machaka wishes to pass through Vanaheim on their way to Ashod the poor spiders will be forced to pass through the killing fields of Ermor. I doubt Longdead warriors provide quite such a comprehensive diet...

[jimkehn]

We of Agartha strayed into Pangaean territory by accident to have a pickanick lunch. The half man half horse abominations ambushed us!!! We ask the world to decry such an outrage! To be maliciously attacked before we could enjoy our fried chicken and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is unforgiveable!!!! We ask the world to unite to defeat these half human abominations!!!

[Vanslime]

Lord Bymak, Defender of Atlantis, is always eager to get involved in wars he has nothing to do with, but he is otherwise preoccupied right now.

And crippled.

And mildly brain damaged.

And unable to leave the sea.

So we will have to leave you to sort your bloody feud yourselves, I'm afraid.

[JimMorrison]

Lord Bymak, Defender of Atlantis, ... is otherwise preoccupied right now.

And crippled.

And mildly brain damaged.

And unable to leave the sea.


Bandar Log announces formal declaration of war against Atlantis. Have at thee, salty dogs! Errr, fish! Yeah, salty fish! Mmmmm.

In other news, we are proud to announce the founding of Bandar Mail Order Kippered Snacks. They're Salty Love In A Tin!™.

[jimkehn]

>In other news, we are proud to announce the founding of Bandar Mail Order >Kippered Snacks. They're Salty Love In A Tin!™.

HAHAHA

[Toran]

[..]fried chicken and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is unforgiveable!!!! We ask the world to unite to defeat these half human abominations!!!

The holy cooks of Abysia support this Agarthan demand - fried chicken together with peanut butter is an unforgivable crime against the good taste (TM) and must be purged from the surface of the earth!!

[jimkehn]

Abysia understandeth not. The fried chicken is the entree, and the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the dessert.

Sorry guys, U staled last turn.

[Lokean]

I need to request a delay. Emergency personal issues...

[AdmiralZhao]

:eek:

[Juffos]

Postponed 48 hours. If you need additional time let me know.

[Hoplosternum]

Please, won't someone think of the spiders?

We are thinking of them :) And now eating them :)

BillyWitchDoctors first installent of Spiders are now being barbequed at Castle Vanheim in Cormyr.

While we are also very concerned by the rise of Ashdod we believe the best help that can be given to her foes is the knowledge that they have peaceful borders and friendly neighbours rather than 8 legged adventurers racing about the Sea of Fallen Stars.

We shall be forwarding on to the Admiral a pair of Char Grilled Spiders.

We call on all enemies of the crazy Machakans to strike him now before we are forced to take all his lands for our very own.

Talonna, the real Mistress of Poison, Leader of the Pack, Head Burgher of Sembia, Roaster of Spiders, etc and so forth....

[cleveland]

BillyWitchDoctor.com's first installment of Spiders are now being BBQ'd. First of many, in fact. Zulu Wars, and whatnot.

The Ashdod-Vanheim alliance grows more powerful by the minute. The Machakan Intelligence Agency has uncovered a factory in downtown Cormyr where sinister Vanheim dwarves work in shifts to forge suspiciously large Bracers of Protection. MIA has also confirmed that our Prophet is MIA. Such is the fate of force reconnaissance. :(

Make no mistake: Vanheim is reeling: her culled herd of skinshifters peers nervously behind her eastern ramparts at the approaching tidal wave of spiders. Her mages work tirelessly to discover something better than the silly lightning bolts that support her troops. Such is the fate of overextension. :)

[Vanslime]

Bandar Log announces formal declaration of war against Atlantis. Have at thee, salty dogs! Errr, fish! Yeah, salty fish! Mmmmm.

In other news, we are proud to announce the founding of Bandar Mail Order Kippered Snacks. They're Salty Love In A Tin!™.

Kick a squid while he's down, will you?

Lord Bymak, Defender of Atlantis is well on the way to recovery, and is ready to take you cheeky monkeys on, anytime, anywhere.

...By the way, how do you plan to invade?

[JimMorrison]

Bandar Log announces formal declaration of war against Atlantis. Have at thee, salty dogs! Errr, fish! Yeah, salty fish! Mmmmm.

In other news, we are proud to announce the founding of Bandar Mail Order Kippered Snacks. They're Salty Love In A Tin!™.

Kick a squid while he's down, will you?

Lord Bymak, Defender of Atlantis is well on the way to recovery, and is ready to take you cheeky monkeys on, anytime, anywhere.

...By the way, how do you plan to invade?


Monkeys can fly, of course! If you didn't know that, we'll show you. Well, someday..... when we figure out where you are..... and forge some winged boots. >.>

[Vanslime]

We will take you on your word, thank you.

Let us know when you invent scuba monkeys.

[JimMorrison]

We have a mole, shut down the Project. Repeat: we have a mole, terminate all test subjects in Project Piranha, we have been compromised.

:doh:

[Juffos]

We are all aware that the senses can be deceived, the eyes fooled.
But how can we be sure our senses are not being deceived at any
particular time, or even all the time? Might I just be a brain in
a tank somewhere, tricked all my life into believing in the events
of this world by some insane computer? And does my life gain or lose
meaning based on my reaction to such solipsism?
^
^ -- Project PYRRHO, Specimen 46, Vat 7
^ Activity Recorded M.Y. 2302.22467
^ TERMINATION OF SPECIMEN ADVISED

[AdmiralZhao]

I don't suppose we could get another extension for Ermor?

[AdmiralZhao]

Oh, and if anyone could sell me a ring of water breathing, a death booster, or some more water boosters, it would be very helpful in the war against Ashdod.

[cleveland]

Now hear this: R'lyeh has joined the Axis of Ashdod.

In a cleaver effort to disguise their allegiance, R'lyeh cleaverly had a starspawn Lost in Time-and-Space with secret orders to cleaverly emerge for a strike at the Machakan heartland during the desperate hours of the Vanheim crusade.

So Machaka declares war on R'lyeh.

We ask all nations to stand with us against the Ashdod-Vanheim-R'lyeh trinity, whose power will shortly become unstoppable otherwise.

Or at least to tell us where they are.

And any ideas on how to adapt a monkey scuba suit onto a giant spider would be greatly appreciated.

:D

[Vanslime]

Have no fear, spider-lovers, for Lord Bymak, Defender of Atlantis, shall soon lead our armies to battle against the squidheads of R'lyeh, in the southern ocean!

Lord Bymak is staggered to hear of such cowardice from his sworn enemy, and extends to Machaka the tentacle of peace. After all, spiders and octopi both have eight limbs; this must be a sign!

[AdmiralZhao]

So, what's the situation with Ermor? Lockean, do you need an extension? That would be fine with me, if it brings back one of the founding members of the Anti-Ashdod Alliance. Or, if you want a sub instead, I'd be happy to do some recruiting.

Ashdod must be destroyed.

[Zapmeister]

Lokean has gone AWOL in another game (Faltering Steps) as well. It's worse there, because he's the admin.

[Pelthin]

Man has joined the Ant-Ashod alliance..Of course we are getting our butt's handed to us by like 3 of his giants against most of my armed force, but <shrug> at least we took a stand. :)

[Jazzepi]

Caelum is looking for cauldrons of broth, or even wine bags. Have nature/air gems to trade.

Would also like to pickup death, nature, water, astral, and earth boosters. Willing to pay gems.

Jazzepi

[Juffos]

According to graphs, I am THE bane of this world. I hope your passivity will not destroy this game :)

[AdmiralZhao]

Arco's research lead is quite daunting... :)

[DonCorazon]

Heh...that is just theory. What is daunting though is Shinuyama's lead in provinces and most importantly, gems - the fuel of all that is good and powerful. :)

[AdmiralZhao]

Well, that would be Ermor's 5th stale. Juffos, could you please set them to AI?

[Juffos]

Done.

[AdmiralZhao]

Thanks!

[Juffos]

Please let me know if you notice someone staling, because I often forget to regularly check the staling data from llamaserver.

[Lokean]

I am not going to be able to continue the game. Sorry, but RL troubles have scfrewed me

[Jazzepi]

Caelum is going to need two banners of the northern star. Message me on the forums to talk prices.

Jazzepi

[Vanslime]

It is with the utmost sorrow that we learn that Lord Bymak, Defender of Atlantis, perished today protecting our soldiers as they bravely ran away from cowardly R'lyeh.

While Bymak's death may not be definite, it has been decided that is position shall be passed on to Lord Batux, Defender of Atlantis in waiting. Lord Bymak shall from now on be known as Defender of Atlantis,Emeritus.

In more cheerful news, Th'yogh, prophet of R'lyeh, took part in that battle.

Now he ded from shark.:D

[cleveland]

It...

:D

In other news, Vanheim has taught Machaka a valuable lesson about spacing combat mages. Coincidentally, Machaka has taught Vanheim a valuable lesson about worshiping human pretenders. :)

[Toran]

Lessons... lessons.... we're not in school, but in the sensation hungry public - we want pictures, names, or at least a few limbs or what else is left of the victims...!!

[zlefin]

mortimer, high accountant of r'lyeh, has decided that shark futures are on the rise; new investments shall accomodate this expected change in value.
mortimer would also like to express his enjoyment of this turn's battle, and looks forward to more battles in the futures market.
As to our 3rd prophet, mortimer has no doubt that a suitable victim, err candidate, will be found at an appropriate time.

[jimkehn]

As for Agartha, we are feasting on leg of Centaur.

[Incabulos]

Does centaur taste like monkey?

[JimMorrison]

Does centaur taste like monkey?

The dark meat tastes like horse, the light meat tastes like people. :shock:

[Vanslime]

I hear people kind of tastes like pork.

...No, I do not know this from experience.

...or do I? :eek:

[AdmiralZhao]

You know what they say about Chlorolera...

[Juffos]

With the annihilation of Ashdod's armies, the triumph of Shinuyama seems inevitable. Now they have easy access to the capitals of T'ien C'hi (which they have already captured), ours, Mictlan, Ermor and Man, whom both I have weakened critically with raiding. Six capitals, exactly the amount required for ascencion.

You showed excellent ability to coordinate your attacks upon one target, whom you succesfully eliminated. You have made me proud of you. But another threat lingers ahead, will you be able to withstand it too? The graphs...

[Pelthin]

Now don't count Man, or any of the others of us out. You still have those damn Leaders floating around in my area, and even though I destroyed 19 of those giant things, at the loss of over 100 of my infantry, I still have a stronghold with a second army.

And I am still worried about your strength.


With the annihilation of Ashdod's armies, the triumph of Shinuyama seems inevitable. Now they have easy access to the capitals of T'ien C'hi (which they have already captured), ours, Mictlan, Ermor and Man, whom both I have weakened critically with raiding. Six capitals, exactly the amount required for ascencion.

You showed excellent ability to coordinate your attacks upon one target, whom you succesfully eliminated. You have made me proud of you. But another threat lingers ahead, will you be able to withstand it too? The graphs...

[JimMorrison]

With the annihilation of Ashdod's armies, the triumph of Shinuyama seems inevitable. Now they have easy access to the capitals of T'ien C'hi (which they have already captured), ours, Mictlan, Ermor and Man, whom both I have weakened critically with raiding. Six capitals, exactly the amount required for ascencion.

You showed excellent ability to coordinate your attacks upon one target, whom you succesfully eliminated. You have made me proud of you. But another threat lingers ahead, will you be able to withstand it too? The graphs...


I'm confused, we actually started a game this huge, with victory condition of 6 VPs?

Sort of makes me not want to bother making up a turn at this point, as there is realistically no time to stop Shinuyama's momentum, unless everyone were to attack him right now together.

Raise your hands if you have a formal NAP with Shinuyama. :up:

[Incabulos]

:rock:

[Jazzepi]

With the annihilation of Ashdod's armies, the triumph of Shinuyama seems inevitable. Now they have easy access to the capitals of T'ien C'hi (which they have already captured), ours, Mictlan, Ermor and Man, whom both I have weakened critically with raiding. Six capitals, exactly the amount required for ascencion.

You showed excellent ability to coordinate your attacks upon one target, whom you succesfully eliminated. You have made me proud of you. But another threat lingers ahead, will you be able to withstand it too? The graphs...


I'm confused, we actually started a game this huge, with victory condition of 6 VPs?

Sort of makes me not want to bother making up a turn at this point, as there is realistically no time to stop Shinuyama's momentum, unless everyone were to attack him right now together.

Raise your hands if you have a formal NAP with Shinuyama. :up:

Is there any way we can scale back the # VP win conditions? It's far too low.

Jazzepi

[JimMorrison]

Is there any way we can scale back the # VP win conditions? It's far too low.

Jazzepi


That sounds like a lovely idea. But it is set in-game, so when you find a way to hack the fthrlnd file to raise the bar, let us know. <3

[DonCorazon]

Can we add a few hours to the deadline tonight? This game is suffering quickhost drift makes it hard for a west coaster that works late. Thanks!

[Incabulos]

I am in the same boat, west coaster working later means I have problems since I have to jump on the game the moment I get home and then have a very little window of opportunity before it hosts.

[AdmiralZhao]

Is there any way we can scale back the # VP win conditions? It's far too low.

Jazzepi


That sounds like a lovely idea. But it is set in-game, so when you find a way to hack the fthrlnd file to raise the bar, let us know. <3

I'd be fine with this. Will the game let you continue playing even after you've hit 6 VPs? That might be the easiest option.

[AdmiralZhao]

Shinuyama was expecting a bit more gratitude after spending so much blood and treasure to help stop the Ashdod threat. If we hadn't grown and taken provinces, the giants would be stomping over us like they have been doing to Mictlan, Tien Chi, Ermor and Man. Still, in order to avoid any sort of unpleasantness with our neighbors, we are willing stop our growth. We will try to take Ashdod's capital and its surrounding provinces in order cut off the flow of giant SCs, but other than that we will not expand further.

[JimMorrison]

Shinuyama was expecting a bit more gratitude after spending so much blood and treasure to help stop the Ashdod threat. If we hadn't grown and taken provinces, the giants would be stomping over us like they have been doing to Mictlan, Tien Chi, Ermor and Man. Still, in order to avoid any sort of unpleasantness with our neighbors, we are willing stop our growth. We will try to take Ashdod's capital and its surrounding provinces in order cut off the flow of giant SCs, but other than that we will not expand further.

Well it's sort of a moot point, and in general terms, it was a great thing that someone was able to step up to Ashdod, and lay down some smack.

But in the specific scenario of the game, really there are only 2 outcomes, you could fall asleep and not notice someone else hit the painfully small VP limit, or you could play the sleeping dragon and let people fart around for a couple of years while you develop your impressive lead into an unstoppable force, and then win anyways. Personally, I'd rather just have it over, and be able to start a similar scenario on the same map perhaps. ;)

And no, the game won't let us continue, a True God will ascend at 6 VPs, and we will receive a final turn, our pretenders and empires obliterated for all of time and history.

[Juffos]

I put the low vp requirement for victory in order to activate players. In some games I have been, player passivity has been extremely frustrating, and I decided to try to find out whether players will be more active on the diplomatic front if letting some player gather an insurmountable lead would result in quick defeat. You can think it as some kind of a social experiment.

Also, the hosting interval is now 48 hours. This ought to help our North American players.

[JimMorrison]

I decided to try to find out whether players will be more active on the diplomatic front if letting some player gather an insurmountable lead would result in quick defeat.

Well, an interesting experiment, though Shinuyama started in a -corner- with vast stretches of unclaimed land nearby. I think this concept would work better with at least preset starting locations, so some people don't get all crammed together (myself, Arco, Jotun, Abysia, Ulm, Marignon are all clustered tightly, for example), while others can travel 8 provinces in one direction before meeting a neighbor. It creates an environment where the tightly packed people are at eachothers' throats already, giving time for the others to expand rapidly through indies. And then we're on what, turn 27? And the game is all but won by Shinuyama, whose amazing recruit-anywhere mages, and monstrous economy can crush 6 capitals in no time, since he is safe on 2 sides, so can never be properly gangbanged.

[DonCorazon]

Yeah, I am done playing non-wrap around maps after this one. I am surprised though that Shin has been so unstoppable. Admittedly, Arcos signed a NAP with them a while ago so we haven't done our part, but we never thought their province count would just keep running up like it has.

Not sure that the game is "all but won" by Shin but we have no intel up north so just have to take people's word for it.

[JimMorrison]

Not sure that the game is "all but won" by Shin but we have no intel up north so just have to take people's word for it.

Well, do you have anything that can stand up to his sheer numbers?

What about after the losses you might expect to take against Bandar Log?

What about when the war with Bandar is over, and Shinu has had all that time to build and train, and prepare for the war that you and Jotun will bring to him once you are done with me (according to "the plan")? ;)

Zhao is going to win. If he claims the rest of what Ashdod has, he'll be at 4 capitals already, with income+gems far beyond anyone else, and with research that is even rivaling yours now. If he were a less experienced player (like me, or even less so!), then I'd agree it's still a bit up in the air, but as it sits I'm having a hard time imagining the game making it to year 5 before a Shinuyama victory occurs.

[AdmiralZhao]

The sage of Bandar Log speaks the truth. The only reasonable course of action at this point is to fall into apathy and despair. Please do not spend more than 5 minutes on your turns as that would just be a waste of time.

[Jazzepi]

It's actually quite frustrating to have such a low VP count for winning. Generally I dislike VP victory conditions anyways, as they tend towards the "artifical grab capitals" approach which has nothing to do with really dominating the game.

I'm over on the west, and have had no involvement with what's going on in the east, but the game might just end before I've even had a chance. What a waste of time =\ I really wouldn't have joined if I had noticed the VPs were so low.

Jazzepi

[DonCorazon]

Well, do you have anything that can stand up to his sheer numbers?

Magic! And uh, how many nations are still left?

What about after the losses you might expect to take against Bandar Log?

What losses? :)

Zhao is going to win. If he claims the rest of what Ashdod has, he'll be at 4 capitals already, with income+gems far beyond anyone else, and with research that is even rivaling yours now. If he were a less experienced player (like me, or even less so!), then I'd agree it's still a bit up in the air, but as it sits I'm having a hard time imagining the game making it to year 5 before a Shinuyama victory occurs.

Games not over til the fat lady sings.

[JimMorrison]

Games not over til the fat lady sings.

That's no lady, that's my wife!

:happy:

And you're right, with 5 more turns of NAP, the Bandar will either be completely hip-deep in giants, or wiped out anyway, and you will get to attack undefended territories, as our reward for sparing your miserable Arcoscephalian lives. ;)

Interesting to note how often I have been stabbed in the kidneys after showing mercy in MP games (here and other games entirely), I suppose it's a response that I must condition myself against.

I think a lot of us have wasted our time here, Jazz. I feel ya. <3

[Incabulos]

Heh I wasn't sure on the protocol since I had no contact with Bandar. Is it generally considered good form to declare you will be at war the floowoing turn. So that you have a single turn in which to make some adjustments (the turn you get the message) I.E get a message the same turn in which I set my troops to attack you?



I also had little notion that the vp conditions were so low.

[DonCorazon]

Incabulos, no, nobody does that. You can attack someone whenever you want if you don't have a NAP. In my case, I had a NAP and gave notice.

Anyway, I agree VPs are too low, but the line has been visible on the graph all game. The thing that has surprised me is how fast Shin has risen and how nobody has organized against him. In most games, a nation with a similar trajectory would have a rapid downfall as their neighbors organized against him. Here it just seems his rise and the low VP threshold is being lamented, but no action is being taken.

[Jazzepi]

Incabulos, no, nobody does that. You can attack someone whenever you want if you don't have a NAP. In my case, I had a NAP and gave notice.

Anyway, I agree VPs are too low, but the line has been visible on the graph all game. The thing that has surprised me is how fast Shin has risen and how nobody has organized against him. In most games, a nation with a similar trajectory would have a rapid downfall as their neighbors organized against him. Here it just seems his rise and the low VP threshold is being lamented, but no action is being taken.

I live on the other side of the freaking world. :|

Jazzepi

[cleveland]

Machaka declares war on Shinuyama!

BillyWitchDoctor.com kindly request coordinates to the Shinuyaman citadel. And satellite imagery, if possible.

[Pelthin]

Speaking as one who has already been declared taken over by someone (I am MAN).

I got beat up by Ashdod, but am now holding my own. I havea NAP with Shin, so I would have 5 turns to build up a force to deal with him if need be.

Also my partner in crime has been very forthcoming with information to help with my war against, Ashdod, so I think before you all think that this game is all but won, sit back and give it a play and see what happens.

I know Man is not very impressive on the graphs, but I have land in front of me to take, once I get rid of those silly Giant leaders in my front yard, and do not plan to roll over.

[AdmiralZhao]

Contrary to my earlier joking, I would agree with Pelthin. I'm still looking at two Ashdod armies of 400+ units, they still have complete control of their capital, and they are still making an SC per turn. It would be nice if we could put down one threat (Ashdod) before starting the ritual drawing and quartering of the next threat (Shinuyama).

As to the comment about why people haven't ganged up on rising leaders, I would say that they have, since that is what I, Man, and others did to Ashdod. And as you have seen, it is thankless work, and likely to lead to your death either from the original threat or from the nations you are trying to save. It now looks like the spiders that we so doted on, that we sent so many lovingly prepared care packages, are now turning their many, many eyes away from us. I think that truly hurts worst of all.

Honestly, all that a dis-illusioned Shinuyama wants to do at this point is retire in peace back to the farm, having done its part to save the greater community of nations. We'll even go further than our previous guarantee, and will leave Ashdod in possession of its Mictlan holdings and all its other territory in the west. That will quickly level off the province graphs you are so worried about, even if I am successful against Ashdod.

[DonCorazon]

Provinces mean little other than the gems (and to a lesser extent income) they produce - that's what makes the philosophers wet themselves when they gaze east.

Speaking of which, the White Tower has recently endorsed Vine Shields as the shield of choice for our thugs and seeks some nature gems. We can trade a mix of W/F/E/D gems in exchange. We are also offering Construction 6 abilities to all who seek our masterful works. We only charge MSRP + 2 gems. :)

[JimMorrison]

The thing that has surprised me is how fast Shin has risen and how nobody has organized against him. In most games, a nation with a similar trajectory would have a rapid downfall as their neighbors organized against him.

Well after I took Arco's capital, I was going to gear up and go after Shinuyama, actually.

Our original agreement was that I spare your nation, in exchange for military cooperation against the ogres.

At the last moment, as my NAP with Shinuyama expired, and I asked you where the heck your troops were, you stated that your initial thrust had failed, and that you wanted to back out of the war.

This was turn 18 IIRC.

< shrug > You managed to diplomatically keep me from annexing a second capital early in the game, by agreeing to a war against the frontrunner (Shinuyama), which you then backed out of, condemning Bandar to a game of turtling, which you then cut short by allying with our other proposed enemy, whilst complaining that no one is fighting against Shinuyama.

Blah blah blah, right? :happy:

[cleveland]

It now looks like the spiders that we so doted on, that we sent so many lovingly prepared care packages, are now turning their many, many eyes away from us. I think that truly hurts worst of all.

No need to take it personally. We Machakans plan to declare war on everyone, eventually. :)

p.s. When the fate of the universe is decided, you MUST give us your giant recipe! Was that coriander? Our black hunters swore they tasted coriander.

[DonCorazon]

Blah blah blah, right? :happy:

Perhaps another perspective would be useful: :)

Bandar rushed our capital. Never took it. Elephant vs. elephant. Bandar had more but ours were home garrison, friendly dominion and his would be enemy dominion and general low morale impacting both. Either elephants could turn on a dime (read bad DRN) We had researched up the Thaum ladder with an awake pretender and felt we would wipe out Bandar if our mages could survive long enough. I honestly wasnt't sure who would win. We felt a battle between us would be mutually destructive and seemed like a total gamble. If you lost you'd basically be out of the game. That is not how I like to play. I don't play in 50 games and just roll the dice and then go AI or quit in games where my gambles don't work out. I play till the end in every game. Even when it seems like I am going to lose, as in this game, I don't just quit or suggest its not worth the time to take my turns....

Anyhoo, I asked for a NAP and said we should focus on the leader -Shin. Bandar agreed. I avoided signing a NAP with Shin and attacked what had been 2 undefended provinces. Apparently, Shin somehow learned of my attack and moved troops in. I lost both fights b/c his PD and troops skyrocketed in between turns (apparently there was a leak in someone's embassy or the Admiral has my apartment bugged). At that point, I didn't have much to attack with but still refused Shin's offer to both sign a NAP and give me land, as this would violate the spirit of my agreement with Bandar. Granted I couldn't do much offensively til I re-built my forces. Nevertheless, I can say Arcos attacked 2 Shin provinces this game, 2 more than Bandar ever did. Bandar then agreed to Shin's offer to a NAP. After that Arcos signed a NAP with Shin.

We had no more dealings with Bandar for many turns. Then, Arcos cancelled our NAP with Bandar. No big deal in our minds since all nations must fight one another at some point and all NAPs must come to an end.

[Pelthin]

Well I must say this is a very fun game. I love the banter on the forums and the general amount of mayhem in game.

Frankly, I have been getting my butt kicked as Man, but I love this nation. It has a little of everything, and I just have to balance my arrows with some power. :doh:

Hopefully the war rages on and we can see who will reign supreme.

Okay I stole that last line from Iron Chef. :eek:

[cleveland]

Recommend a delay...looks like TC's gonna stale 2X...replacement?

[Juffos]

48 hour postpone given.

[cthulhu]

There's no point to a replacement for me. I can turn in turns if you want, but at this point there is little difference between what TC does I turn in a turn and what TC does when I stale. I have a grand total of 3 mages, 1 prophet, maybe 40 light infantry, very little research, and zero gem income. I'm only alive until Shin decides to end me.

[JimMorrison]

I don't play in 50 games and just roll the dice and then go AI or quit in games where my gambles don't work out. I play till the end in every game. Even when it seems like I am going to lose, as in this game, I don't just quit or suggest its not worth the time to take my turns....

This is where it gets fun.

I like suggesting things. There is -usually- a thinly or heavily veiled reason for me to say something, but often my point in expressing myself has little to do with being understood (seems a lost cause), rather than creating an effect (cause-effect, much more reliable than actual understanding).

Now, you can imply things about my character as a player, and that's great, but it just proves that you don't know. You see, I play to the end in every game as well. I have never passed a failing position to a sub as "still competitive", I have never gone AI prematurely, and I've never stopped submitting turns simply because a position begins to look hopeless. I'm actually only starting to become comfortable, in this game, taking the big risks when the signs are unfavorable, and I want to roll the dice. You make it sound as if you equate gambling, with a tendency to quit, or to abandon an unfavorable position. I find it ironic that when I turtled up with Gath in Kingmaker because I had no attractive options, you commented you didn't know how people could play the game without finding a fight, then when I rush you here, you complain to me how you keep getting rushed, and you just want to play out the game. And for clarification, I have gone AI exactly twice in MP games here, the first was Gath in Kingmaker, and I was down to my last 2 castles, with no units after my last blaze of glory. The other was World in Crisis, where I likewise had made a last desperate series of attacks against the *3* people attacking me, and only went AI when I did, because a player in a much stronger position in the game got frustrated about a stale, and wanted out - we couldn't find another sub so I offered to swap out, for the good of the game.

At any rate, I know full well about your confidence as far as our initial clash was concerned. The thing was, you were cut off from recruitment options, with no/little income (sieged capital), while I was prepared to send reinforcements every turn, with a very strong income, and national troops streaming in at a rate that I felt very much outweighed the potential power gains from your continued research. In any case, I'm not sure how you could argue with my assertion that I would be far happier with the situation had it played out as a 1v1 then on my terms, rather than a 1v2 against my vassal neighbor and his newfound double-dealing ally.

You see, what you called an "Alliance" (Star Elephant Alliance ring a bell? Your term, not mine), I considered vassalage. That's what happens when a nation is about to crumble under another, and out of fear of the end, begs for mercy, they become a vassal. Big mistake on my part, I suppose, to think that you might be grateful that I responded favorably to your plea for survival, and would continue to plan and work with me to make both our nations stronger.

[DonCorazon]

You see, what you called an "Alliance", I considered vassalage.

And therein lies the problem with our communication. I am not sure how alliance equates to vassalage :) I certainly never have in this or any other game said I'd be someone's vassal. My goal is to protect the good people of Arcos and see that my pretender ascends or dies trying. In my admittedly spotty mind, alliance just meant we would both attack the same foe. I complied and attacked but the "alliance" ended in my mind when we signed a NAP with Shin . After that all we had was a NAP with each other which had to end sometime. I have complied with it, right?

Going back to the moment where you had me besieged and I asked for a NAP - you didn't know how close my reinforcements were, nor that I had nice indie mages in addition to my capital mages, nor what my research level was, so your claims that I was "begging for mercy" are based on incomplete information. I asked for a NAP because, for the reasons described above, I thought I had a decent chance of winning back my besieged capital, but that even winning it would be a big setback. I didn't want to risk a single mage, and who knows what can happen on a battlefield with a bunch of elephants. I told you as much and you agreed to a NAP. Its not like I used the Jedi mind trick on you. How that turned into me being your vassal, I have no idea. I did not feel "grateful for your mercy" as you describe it but rather was annoyed that you thought it was a good idea to elephant rush another elephant nation when there were bountiful indie provinces all around. Part of the reason you were able to siege the capital was it seemed like such a bad idea, I thought you had attacked the adjacent province mistakenly and so I did not move in reinforcements. My stupidity there. And I am not saying your plan would not have worked - your elephants might have stormed through my sparse defenses and wiped me out - it might have been brilliant. I didn't want to take a chance that it was and so asked for a NAP.

And if I misinterpreted you on quitting, then my apologies but a few posts up you said "sort of makes me not want to bother making up a turn at this point.." and "I'd rather just have it over, and be able to start a similar scenario on the same map perhaps." That sounded to me like you wanted to give up.

Sorry if this all left a bitter taste - you alluded to being stabbed in the kidneys, etc. and I certainly don't want to make anyone feel like that. For me its just a game and fun. Having someone end a NAP or attack unexpectedly can be rough, but its part of the game. It knocked me out of the KM race when Eriu surprise attacked me but I played on in good humor with Cleveland, the evil Sidhe mastermind.

Ok, someone please post something funny to pull this one out of the mud...



:beer:

[JimMorrison]

And if I misinterpreted you on quitting, then my apologies but a few posts up you said "sort of makes me not want to bother making up a turn at this point.." and "I'd rather just have it over, and be able to start a similar scenario on the same map perhaps." That sounded to me like you wanted to give up.

And I meant those things. It makes me not want to bother. And I would rather it was just over. But once I was diplomatically blocked in as Gath in Kingmaker, for example, I played at least 20 turns, just making myself as strong as possible, waiting for the inevitable attack. I don't think I even let the nation stale once, out of respect for the others playing (even to the extent that while I built up to hurt whoever attacked me, I wasn't just going to suicide against a neighbor I had no chance against, I was going to let them come to me).


I just find this current situation, and your rationale to be incredibly ironic. But again, the whole thing really is somewhat moot - Shinuyama will be on victory's doorstep before Bandar has fully exited, so I think in light of the VP conditions, and your own lamentation that people are not attacking Shinuyama, I'm just surprised that your solution is to attack Bandar, rather than to brooch the subject of war with Shin again.

In the scope of the game's scenario itself, and your ability to impact it, just take a moment to think, of Bandar's neighbors, who has always shown them respect, and who has betrayed their trust? If you think on that long enough, you may soon realize that your actions have in fact only hastened the subjugation and enslavement of your people. At least my people are going to be placed on a Reservation, maybe we'll build some casinos to garner a disproportionate amount of wealth for our subdued populace. ;) Your people will likely just become food, or slaves. :p

[DonCorazon]

I agree its totally ironic :)

A pictorial history of the Arcos-Bandar relationship follows to illustrate the complex dynamics between these two proud nations:

Here is the scene where we convinced the Bandar general to spare Arcos:

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080425/planet-of-the-apes_l.jpg


Our alliance is sealed:

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k124/skarblog/planet_of_the_apes_kiss.jpg


And here is the Bandar diplomat right after he was informed that Arcos has pulled out of the Star Elephant Alliance:

http://blogs.cetis.ac.uk/feedforward/files/2007/11/scared-monkey.png

:D

[quantum_mechani]

Here is the scene where we convinced the Bandar general to spare Arcos:

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080425/planet-of-the-apes_l.jpg


Wow, thats really uncanny DC. :D

[JimMorrison]

OMG You're actually Marky Mark?!

[cleveland]

7560

The above Enemy Agent was captured in Machakan lands. The Eyes of the Lord were unsure who sent him, until they laid themselves on the above photographic evidence.

Machaka therefore declares war on Bandar Log.

Machaka also declares war on Arcoscephale, for previously being allied with the vile Bandar.

- The Paranoia of the Lord

[JimMorrison]

I've never seen that damned dirty ape in my life.

You've got the wrong man, see! I've been framed, see?!

:shock:

[DonCorazon]

Not that we can do much at this point, but Arcos will end its NAP with Shin and do what we can to save the world, again, sigh....

:)

The White Tower Forges are offering a special sale this month. Artifacts are available first come first serve. Cost + 10. Payment in advance. Death gems preferred. Mwahahaha!

[Incabulos]

We too must herald that this NAP with Shinuyama no longer serves the greater good and we hereby give notice that we wish it to terminate 3 months hence.

[Jazzepi]

Not that we can do much at this point, but Arcos will end its NAP with Shin and do what we can to save the world, again, sigh....

:)

The White Tower Forges are offering a special sale this month. Artifacts are available first come first serve. Cost + 10. Payment in advance. Death gems preferred. Mwahahaha!

Don, you seem to have something stuck in your eye.

Jazzepi

[DonCorazon]

Jazzepi, Do they use shurikens in Shinuyama? That may be prescient of my fate.

[AdmiralZhao]

Are you sure you want to cancel your NAP, DonCorazon? I mean, canceling a NAP10 is a pretty risky maneuver. Who knows what the world will look like 10 turns from now? :)

[Zapmeister]

Are you sure you want to cancel your NAP, DonCorazon? I mean, canceling a NAP10 is a pretty risky maneuver. Who knows what the world will look like 10 turns from now? :)

I think that when one nation is clearly running away with the game, the only risk lies in not cancelling any and all treaties with that nation ;)

Also, I don't think that anyone (except Shin, of course) would blame Arcos for failing to honour the period of peace in a crisis situation where the only realistic alternative would be to throw in the towel and call it game over.

Just the 2c of a distant but interested party :)

[Hoplosternum]

I think that when one nation is clearly running away with the game, the only risk lies in not cancelling any and all treaties with that nation ;)


I think we can all agree with this :)


Also, I don't think that anyone (except Shin, of course) would blame Arcos for failing to honour the period of peace in a crisis situation where the only realistic alternative would be to throw in the towel and call it game over.


This kind of thing has caused many many bun fights on the boards and I am sure will do so again :p Lets just say this is a very controversial view of NAPs :)

Normally I don't like long term NAPs. Especially as they are usually secret. You don't know when you negociate with someone if he is in an effective eternal peace with some of his other neighbours or not. It also leads to situations like this when neighbours of the big bad are faced with a choice of oath breaking (to those who see it like that) or watching their neighbour win. It can also have a knock on affect for the whole game. If only the long term NAPpers can stop him them the game folds if they have scruples against breaking NAPs. Short term NAPs don't suffer from this, it is usually clear that a power is getting ahead in time for the NAP to be dissolved and the NAPer to help.

Having said all that long term NAPs were not banned in this game. And I have to confess I signed one :p Didn't do me much good though as the power in question went AI and shockingly has not kept to the bargin :shock:

[DonCorazon]

Unfortunately I don't believe in the emergency eject philosophy of NAPs so Arcos has to ride it out. I'll save the debate on that philosophy for another thread. I can't remember ever signing a NAP this long, but for Arcos it seemed a matter of survival at the time since our ex-foe, ex-ally, Bandar had just signed a NAP with him and our military was wiped out after our 2 botched attacks on Shin. In hindsight though, we should never have agreed to such a long NAP or waited so long to cancel it. We had hoped to resolve affairs with Bandar first and that in the meantime Shin's foes would be striking back. Which is why I said earlier I was surprised there seems to be no resistance. But it seems he has NAPed up with everyone but whoever is in his path. :)

So, I chalk it up to being out-maneuvered by the wily Admiral. And we see Shin is now attacking Bandar so things indeed look grim. We would hope those beiseieged by this foul menace will try and hold out in their capitals as long as they can. We have a couple tricks up our sleeves though it looks like they may come too little, too late. Sorry we didn't do more earlier.

[Incabulos]

Hah my utter inexperience shows as a bunch of monkey communions and some enslave minds destroys my army and steals my skrattis..

Ouch!!

[JimMorrison]

I was all excited when I read your post (hadn't checked the turn yet), but there was no mention of those idiot hotshots blasting off 20 Blade Winds after their scripts were up, and killing off all my Communion Slaves. :(

[Incabulos]

so do you now have those skrattis and all their equipment? Well I think one enslaved skratti with the equipment ended up attacking the other equipped skratti...

[JimMorrison]

Enslave Mind reduces commanders to lowly units, with no equipment slots.

To spite me, your men killed most of the Skratti that I managed to Enslave.

To further insult me, the 2 that I got to keep, decided to be stuck in their Wolf form, which isn't the most exciting of the 3. :p

[Incabulos]

Ah well :D
Does the equipment poof or did you get to collect it from the battlefield?


PS fear my moose of doom!

[JimMorrison]

They just poof. I think the creatures should meld with their gear, and end up with bladed fists, and metal plates sticking from their spine.

[Juffos]

The once-mighty nation of Ashdod would like to inform the rest of this forsaken world that the upstart Shinuyaman bakemono sorcerers have the ability both to freeze the hearts of hapless men and to drain the very life from their enemies. You must be prepared for such abominable capabilities of their mages.

[Quitti]

The witch hunters of Marignon have deemed the act of Arcoscephale unredeemable, and wish to inform everyone that sending pearls our way will go into the purpose of dispelling this foul spell, that makes everyones mages and troops older and older. We shall be casting dispel in 2 or 3 turns, depending on how many pearls we get from people. If none come - it's your suffering. You are free to try to dispel it on your own, but the mighty nation of Marignon is offering to be the conduit of greater good here. Also any penetration items will be accepted gladly, primarily a rune smasher. Void eyes and spell foci we can make ourselves.

[DonCorazon]

Before you dispell it consider Shin's mages are very, very old. :)

[cleveland]

BillyWitchDoctor.com is outraged that his Black Sorcerers are now dying even more rapidly. We think.

The vile nation of Arcoscephale, our sworn enemy whom we are at war with, shall pay for this crime.

But BillyWitchDoctor.com also understands the need to kill off the vile Bakemono. We think.

So Machaka hereby declares war on any nation who attempts to dispell the Burden of Time. And any nation that assists with the dispell. And anyone who considers assisting.

Sincerely,
The Imbalance of the Lord

[Toran]

Still, it hurts the counter-Shinuyama faction more than it hurts Shinuyama - there are still more old mages outside of Shinuyama .... *very* clever planning, and, of course, Abysia has to protest... *sigh*

[Juffos]

Postponed hosting by 72 hours due to Vanheim looking for sub.

[Pelthin]

Man is very ticked. When his main magic wielders are called 'Old' Crones, and they age faster...Well you get the picture..And it is Old and Ugly!

We will send aid to whoever has the best chance to dispel this foul spell!
:angel

[Toran]

Any chance for a rollback? Dunno how ppl usually deal with such a matter - of course I'll moan about about not being able to submit orders, but I won't be the only one....?

[Juffos]

No one could.

So, either rollback or a stale turn. Your call.

I would just ignore that stale turn and let the game go on. Who knows what complications occur if we start to tinker with llamaserver.

[cleveland]

Normally I'd vote to just press on, but with the Burden of Time up, it's a bit different. Plus, Shin gets a free turn's worth of siegeing on those VP captials, which isn't trivial given how close he is to winning. I say we rollback.

-The Inability-to-Just-Let-This-Game-Die-Peacefully of the Lord

[Juffos]

A rollback it is then.

[JimMorrison]

So..... we just got turn 32 again, instead of turn 33 again. :S

[DonCorazon]

This game was screwed up before this and is even worse now. My understanding is at least one nation has invited Shin to take its capital to hasten the end, making it pretty demotivating for those who would otherwise fight to the last man.

And now we are rolling back turns, prolonging the pointlessness? I'd just move to elect Shin the winner and move on at this point.

[JimMorrison]

I would not mind being done with this game.

Oh and just for the record, I think a fairly large game with low Victory Conditions is an interesting concept, but if you try it again, I'd suggest stressing very loudly to people that the nature of the game is going to require vigilance and action.

Oh, I'd also suggest doing so on a wrap-around map, especially something like Asia Twist which has predefined starts that are pretty evenly spaced about the map.

Basically Shinuyama's start position in this game gave them a tremendous advantage, only magnified by them being coached by Zhao.

[Incabulos]

Congratulations to our new Overlords Shinuyama