Mists of Time: Early Era Game [full]

[Firewalker]

Not many new games starting up lately, and I have a hankering to play an EA nation. General idea here is for players who have a couple/few games under their belt but are still learning (as I am). If some intermediate players want to jump in, that's fine too. We'll see how many game-less players are milling about.

Mists of Time
Host: Llamaserver
Era: Early
Map: TBD (20 provinces/player)
Mods: CBM 1.5. Streamers & Standards.
Players: 10-24
Special Sites: 50
Score graphs: off
Research: Difficult
HoF: 10, 15 if we have more than 20 players
Victory: Capitol VPs, 10 of 24 wins.
Rest: Default

Hosting: The game will be hosted on Llamaserver (http://www.llamaserver.net), an automated PBEM service. For those who are new to Llamaserver, the FAQ (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=35160) explains how it works.

Mods: We'll be playing with Conceptual Balance Mod v1.5 (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=43120) and Streamers and Standards. CBM is basically a bunch of tweaks to units, spells, and magic items to make it more attractive to players try to use more of the options that are in the game. It's been in development for quite some time and improves the game on many levels.

Streamers & Standards (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=39989) is a cosmetic mod that greatly improves on the banner icons used for the various nations.

The pace of the game will be (barring extensions granted):

Turn 1-20: 24hrs
Turn 21-40: 48hrs
Turn 41+: 72hrs

I'm not a fan of rush games, as life usually has other things to worry about as well. Nor do I deny extensions that players need. Its a game, not a job. On the other hand, 2 stales in a row with no communication is a forfeit.

If we lose a player due to forfeit or resignation, we'll take a few days to a week to find a new player before setting the position to AI.

Nation Selection: Post 3 choices. If more than one player requests the same nation in a given round of assignment, I will roll dice to make the selection. If you lose the roll, your next choice will be used for the next round of assignments, etc. If one or more players fail to get one of their three choices, they submit three again of what's left. Since I'm the guy with the dice, I will pick from what's left after three rounds.

Results (thus far, one last round left)



Tir na n'Og: Iron Duke
Lanka: Sambo
Fomoria: Strabo
Niefelheim: Frozen Lama
Pangaea: TwoBits
Atlantis: TheJeff
Vanheim: Stretch
T'ien-ch'i: Grijalva
Caelum: LoloMo
Arcoscephalae: punkzip
Hinnom: Amonchakad
Marverni: Hoo
R'lyeh: Ossa
Oceania: ?

[Lavaere]

I'm in for a new game.

Helheim, Oceania, Yomi

[Sil]

I'm not a total noob, but I've never played a CBM game(and obviously never played a game organized here).

I'll take Sauromatia, Kailasa, Caelum.

[Iron Duke]

Finally a new game! I've been waiting forever.

Arco Mictlan Tir Na'Nog

[Sambo]

I'd like to jump in. I'd like to try a blood nation, so:


Lanka
Sauromatia
Mictlan
Abysia


Should be fun!

[Firewalker]

For those who are new to playing with the Llamaserver as a host, there is a FAQ that explains things (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=35160).

Once we've decided on a map and victory conditions (don't be shy to voice any opinions), I'll get the game created on Llamaserver and then everyone can get the files they may need (map, mods, etc) from there.

[Firewalker]

I'd like to jump in. I'd like to try a blood nation, so:


Lanka
Sauromatia
Mictlan
Abysia


Should be fun!

Sauromatia is spoken for as a first choice already, so I pulled it from your list and moved the others up for you ... but feel free to change your choice if you'd rather it differently.

[Strabo]

Im in
Fomoria
R'lyeh
Ermor

[majuva68]

Niefelheim,Fomoria, Lanka please.

[Alpine Joe]

I'd like in on this

Mictlan, C'tis, Yomi

[TwoBits]

Well, I haven't played an "at large" MP game yet (just some games with a small group of friends), but I'd like to give it a go, if you don't mind.

If that's OK, I'd like to try:

Pangaea, T'ien Ch'i, or Marverni.

Thanks

Oh, by the way, what's "Streamers & Standards"?

[Firewalker]

Well, I haven't played an "at large" MP game yet (just some games with a small group of friends), but I'd like to give it a go, if you don't mind.

If that's OK, I'd like to try:

Pangaea, T'ien Ch'i, or Marverni.

Thanks

Oh, by the way, what's "Streamers & Standards"?

Sounds like you fit the bill perfectly.

Streamers & Standards is a mod that replaces the stock banners with more distinctive and larger icons. It's just cosmetic. I think it was originally made to differentiate the different eras of each nation for the mega games, but ever since I played one using the mod, I've never liked to go back to the stock icons.

[hEad]

Abysia, Marverni, Fomoria please.

[thejeff]

I'm not technically new, but I haven't played much MP. None in the last year or so.
So if you'll have me anyway, I'd like to try:
Mictlan, T'ien Ch'i or Ermor.


The only quibble I have with the victory conditions is that non capital VP provinces are risky. Everyone castle them or expect the game to end suddenly with a mass teleport attack.

[Sil]

Speaking about a map, my only real wish is that it isn't a totally random starting point one, that way no one risks getting their capital in the middle of a bunch of no income waste provinces or something similar. Aside from that anything works for me.

If we're doing a VP game then having quite controlled starting locations seems even more important.

[GrudgeBringer]

I'd like to try a weaker nation...I have played a few MP games but have finished 3rd as my highest.

I will take Arco which should put any thoughts of me being too good to rest..LOL!!!!

If you have a lot of nations look at the Darkhavens map...has set starting positions and is REAL easy on the eyes.

I am with the Jeff on Victory conditions but its your game...you might want to make sure you don't unbalance it, by trying too balance it.

If it would favor Certain magic intensive nations it will be a quick game.:up:

[llamabeast]

I have seen quite a few games end miserably with non-capital victory conditions, so I third thejeff's comment. Not that I'm actually playing, so feel free to ignore me! Capital VPs seem to work quite well.

[PAR]

i would like to join

ulm,Marverni,ctis

cheers

[Stretch]

Sounds fun. I'm pretty new here. I'd like Vanheim, Sauromantia, or Helheim.

[Firewalker]

Yeah, I can see the way VPs can go wrong. Hmm ... well, it is just an idea, as I said in my intro. Last-nation-standing is usually going on too long for me.

How about we vote on the victory conditions after we have the sign-ups done. Either use capitol only VPs or play standard game (last nation left).

[Firewalker]

I'd like to try a weaker nation...I have played a few MP games but have finished 3rd as my highest.

I will take Arco which should put any thoughts of me being too good to rest..LOL!!!!

If you have a lot of nations look at the Darkhavens map...has set starting positions and is REAL easy on the eyes.

I am with the Jeff on Victory conditions but its your game...you might want to make sure you don't unbalance it, by trying too balance it.

If it would favor Certain magic intensive nations it will be a quick game.:up:

Thanks for the map tip. I'm hoping we can get a full game.

Can you give me a second and third choice for a nation? Thanks.

[shard]

I'll play, not entirely new but haven't touched dom3 for over a year.

Sauromatia, Fomoria, Niefelheim

[Stretch]

I'd like victory points in capitals. Maybe something like 50% of the world's capitals to win, unless we get a lot of people and then 40%.

[hEad]

Perhaps victory conditions can be somewhat dynamic? For instance, once it gets to teh stage where their appears to be a winner, ask players to declare them. If it is unanamous, then the leading player wins, if not, then those who voted for the leading player join in a campaign to rid the world of belligerents - who knows, maybe these belligerents may form a counter alliance and fight against them in a war for liberty.

Victory conditions that fit the evolution of the game rather than an arbitary number, would in my opinion, breath a bit of new life into the end game still with out it requiring a individual total conquest.

[Firewalker]

Perhaps victory conditions can be somewhat dynamic? For instance, once it gets to teh stage where their appears to be a winner, ask players to declare them. If it is unanamous, then the leading player wins, if not, then those who voted for the leading player join in a campaign to rid the world of belligerents - who knows, maybe these belligerents may form a counter alliance and fight against them in a war for liberty.

Victory conditions that fit the evolution of the game rather than an arbitary number, would in my opinion, breath a bit of new life into the end game still with out it requiring a individual total conquest.

My experience is that standard victory games usually grind down to a few players remaining, who concede to the one who is doing best once the game becomes more of a chore than fun. So it is usually an informal version of what you've described. What about deciding a given turn ahead of time -- 50,60, whatever -- that a vote is taken and then a sort of sudden death war ensues like you've described? That could be interesting, but it would depend on where the game was at.

I like VP games because it sets a goal for everyone. It does shape the way the game goes ahead of time. Decisions get made based on VPs needed. But, it also places a definite end point to the game.

[thejeff]

You could also put a "hold 50% of the VPs for 3 turns" conditions. I don't think there's any way to automate that. Someone would have to verify it manually.

[Sil]

Decided to switch my second option from Kailasa to Hinnom. Updated my first post.

Or maybe not since it won't let me edit that post.

[Sil]

Oh also: why difficult research? It seems like it would just further strengthen strong blessable nations which are already very strong in EA.

[Firewalker]

Oh also: why difficult research? It seems like it would just further strengthen strong blessable nations which are already very strong in EA.

That can be true, on the other hand it makes them have to survive longer before they can get the high level magic that they will need towards the middle/end game, and do so with horrible scales more than likely. Overall, I don't like how fast some nations can get to level 9 research on easy. The map will be 20 provinces per player, so we'll have some breathing room.

[OoohSnap]

Still accepting sign-ups?

Ermor, Helheim, Marverni

[Firewalker]

Still accepting sign-ups?

Ermor, Helheim, Marverni

Yes, we have now 16 players and I'd like to see a full game of 24 if we can.

[GrudgeBringer]

I also will go ahead and give 2 other Nations.

Since your letting Hinnom in I will take 1.ARCO (Prefer it)

2. Hinnom

3.Sauro

[Firewalker]

I also will go ahead and give 2 other Nations.

Since your letting Hinnom in I will take 1.ARCO (Prefer it)

2. Hinnom

3.Sauro

No, I'm not banning any nations for this game. I'd like to see a game with every Early era nation in it, but we'll cut off sign-ups after a week and get the ball rolling.

[statttis]

I'll help you make 24.

Picks: Atlantis, Yomi, C'tis

[statttis]

If you don't mind, I'd like to change my picks to Yomi, C'tis, Hinnom.

[Sil]

Keep in mind that there's no point choosing a nation as your 2nd or 3rd option if it has already been chosen as a 1st option by someone else.

[GrudgeBringer]

I thought that was kind of different also Sil...

SOMEONE is going to get the 'Roll' on every nation thats picked on the first go round which leaves you in a whatevers left situation.

He seems to have it thought out pretty good and maybe I'm missing something though.

[Apocalypse]

I am quite new to Dominions 3 so this would be my second or third MP game if I join. My picks would be:

1) C'tis
2) Kailasa
3) Whatever is left

[shard]

Yeah, I think I will have to repick my 2nd and 3rd choices too.

Won't too many players esp with those that are new cause the game to be a bit unwieldy? Especially with stales possibly unbalancing the game.

Might also put ppl off with all the micro u need towards the midgame and beyond.

Your choice of course, just some comments. I'm ok with anything rly

[Sil]

If a nation has been picked first option at least once then it is guaranteed to not be available for the following rounds. If it is picked second option then it might be available for the third round if that person gets his first choice.

[Cipher]

Lanka, Hinnom, Niefelheim

[thejeff]

Given that someone's taken Ermor as their first choice and I can't seem to make T'ien Ch'i work with difficult research, I'd like to switch to:

Mictlan, Caelum, Atlantis

[Firewalker]

I thought that was kind of different also Sil...

SOMEONE is going to get the 'Roll' on every nation thats picked on the first go round which leaves you in a whatevers left situation.

He seems to have it thought out pretty good and maybe I'm missing something though.

The first round will be the one that selects for most people. There are only a few people who will be rolling against someone else for a nation. So, yeah ... some people may not have their 2nd or 3rd options available and will have to choose from what there is left. I'll be picking up one of the "nobody wants" nations, but I'm sure one or two people will be in the same situation if we have a game that's close to full. It'll be a pain I can tell, but my purpose was to make sure everyone has a chance at a nation they want to play ...

[Firewalker]

Okay, everyone is allowed to change their picks once before we actually do the selection process. It's really just the players in a roll-off for the first round that need to re-assess what they could actually get in round 2. I think next time I try this method it'll be blind bidding :D.

I just ran a mock selection with the players and picks we have now and one person was forced to choose something else. Everyone else got one of their three picks (one person got a third).

[Firewalker]

Yeah, I think I will have to repick my 2nd and 3rd choices too.

Won't too many players esp with those that are new cause the game to be a bit unwieldy? Especially with stales possibly unbalancing the game.

Might also put ppl off with all the micro u need towards the midgame and beyond.

Your choice of course, just some comments. I'm ok with anything rly

Recruiting a couple alternates would be ideal, but we may well have a couple interruptions to try to recruit replacements. That is basically how it is, though, regardless or whether a game has 12 or 24 players.

I think under any victory conditions, we'll always have the option of everyone conceding to the leader and the game being called if it gets to be no fun.

[GrudgeBringer]

You might want to think about putting a link to CBM 1.5 up for the new guys.

[the Vanishag]

I'm in: Agartha, Hinnom, Atlantis

CBM 1.5 is <a href="http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=43120">here</a>

and Streamers and Standards is <a href="http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=39989">here</a>

[Firewalker]

Welcome, Vanishag -- we've hit 20 players. Very nice.

Wow, there's still I chance I might get Hinnom. If everyone is terrified of them, they can leave it that way. Myself playing them is a nerf all by itself. :D

[Firewalker]

I've started nosing around for maps and so far have found two that are the right size. There is Glory of the Gods (SP edition) and Edi's Faerun 466 (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=40776), which also has some modded special sites that could be used for fun as well.

That's it that I've found so far that is in the 400-500 province count. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know. I would rather not use a random map.

[GrudgeBringer]

I noticed in D/L the CBM 1.51 Mod that when placed in the Mod section of the game that it has a SEPERATE Worthy Heroes 1.51.

I read the description and it said it included ALL of previous fixes but it seems Worthy Heroes 1.51 would be a NEW fix.

A question you might want to find out...

Does 1.51 include Worthy Herows 1,51 or is it staying with the older version and we have to physically (if we even want it)enable 1.51.

2. The Glory of the gods SP game does not have Preset starting locations from what I have seen, which means 1 person may be in the middle of all swamp while another player may have a starting location with 2 neighbors right next to him and they will either want a restart or go AI quickly.

I know nothing about Edi's map but will look at it.

There is a game called Darkheavens going now that took 24 players with preset starting positions, it has around 250 to 275 Provinces. It is a really good map and plays well with a lot of players. (LOL, btw the map is also called DarkHeavens)

Do we really want a map that has 400 or more starting provinces?

It will be a while before any contact is made and will already be doing quite a bit of Micro Managing even BEFORE we start scrpting battles. And you will be asking a LONG (maybe 6 month) commitment.

Just a thought...as you asked for suggestions, I will play what ever you want, with what ever map and mods you want (as I know I will get one of the 'Good' starting positions:angel)!!!:D

[GrudgeBringer]

Sorry, I just looked at Faerun 466....are we talking about the April 10th map or the May 1 Map?

[Firewalker]

Sorry, I just looked at Faerun 466....are we talking about the April 10th map or the May 1 Map?

I was looking at the recent update myself. I tried looking for Darkheaven(?), but I couldn't find it. Do you have a link to it somewhere?

[Edit: Nevermind, I had skipped over you're post explaining it to me. LOL Also, yes, Glory of the Gods SP will need some editing to create start locations at least semi-random ones. I'm going to play around with Faerun some in SP and see if I like it while we wait for signups.]

No, this will not be a rush-bless nation's game where you can grab a capitol or two right off the bat because the non-sacred neighbors don't have a chance to get the mages to counter you together. 20 provinces per player equals 400-480 province map. It'll be a longer, more strategic game.

[Firewalker]

I noticed in D/L the CBM 1.51 Mod that when placed in the Mod section of the game that it has a SEPERATE Worthy Heroes 1.51.

I read the description and it said it included ALL of previous fixes but it seems Worthy Heroes 1.51 would be a NEW fix.

A question you might want to find out...

Does 1.51 include Worthy Herows 1,51 or is it staying with the older version and we have to physically (if we even want it)enable 1.51.



Okay, first, I only know of a CBM 1.5. I'd like to see a 1.51, because there have already been found a couple typos, like 70 death gem Shade Beasts. Second, Worthy Heros and CBM are pretty much one mod now, AFAIK. When you activate CBM 1.5, you turn on the Worthy Heros that came with it. Unless you download the "split" version, which I think is for the case when you don't want Worthy Heros activated along with CBM.

[Firewalker]

Well, I went looking for Darkheaven and noticed that Baalz already has a full early era Faerun game going. Guess I'm replicating it by accident. Also Faerun has VPs all over it, meaning it would need to be changed a bit for a capitol only VP game. And its a really busy map. Not sure I'd want to stare at it for months.

I think I'll work on creating a multiplayer version of Glory of Gods SP map instead. But if other players have some alternatives that fit the bill (capitol-only VP, 400-500 size), feel free to post and if we've a couple good choices, we can vote on it.

[PaGal]

May I sign up (if I'm not late)?

Caelum, Abysia, Pangaea.

[Firewalker]

May I sign up (if I'm not late)?

Caelum, Abysia, Pangaea.

Not at all. Welcome aboard. 3 slots left, plus a couple alternates to go.

[shard]

How about Antilarium? That seems sorta interesting.

Faerun 466 i can stare at all day since i'm into fantasy maps :D

[punkzip]

I would like to play if there is still room. My choices (if not available I could play anything):

Arco
Agartha
C'Tis

[Amonchakad]

Finally a new newbie game!
If I'm still in time,I'd take:

Kailasa
Yomi
C'tis

[Firewalker]

Finally a new newbie game!
If I'm still in time,I'd take:

Kailasa
Yomi
C'tis

Okay, welcome aboard guys. We've room for 1 more player.

[hoo]

I'd like to jump in although I can't really get started till next Tuesday.

I'd like maverni, Tir, Formoria

[Firewalker]

I'd like to jump in although I can't really get started till next Tuesday.

I'd like maverni, Tir, Formoria

Okay, we're full now. If anyone still wants in, I'd be glad to take a couple alternates in case we lose a player or two early on.

I will begin the nation selection process tomorrow night. If anyone ends up with no selections, I will PM them for new choices. This might happen to a couple people who lose a roll off. In the meantime, anyone who wants their picks changed, PM me. You have until the sign-up deadline (tomorrow night) to do so if you want to. But only once! I don't need to be confused any more than I naturally am. :p

Also, just as an update, I've been setting up Glory of Gods SP for the game and as it happens, the map already has most poor locations marked no-start, but I'm going to constrain it further so that everyone will be as evenly spaced on the map as possible, and in a province with 4 or 5 neighbors. But it will not be fixed starts. Where exactly each nation begins in relation to each other will be random.

Once I get the map ready, in a day or two, I'll get the game setup on Llamaserver and everyone can get started on their pretenders, once they know who they'll be conquering the world with.

[Firewalker]

How about Antilarium? That seems sorta interesting.

Faerun 466 i can stare at all day since i'm into fantasy maps :D

Is there an Antilarium map with 400+ provinces? It is a cool map, I admit.

Faerun is a great map for looking at (and brings back fond Baldur's Gate memories), but when I try to play Dom3 on it, I get cross-eyed trying to distinguish between the province borders and the roads.

[Firewalker]

Last item of business --

If anyone would rather play standard victory over VP victory, let me know. If more than half vote no to VPs I'll set the game up as standard game. VP victory will be 1 VP per capitol. 10 capitols captured wins. That would be about 42% of the map.

[Lavaere]

Only thing I hate about that is, we will see where everyones capital is from the start.
Anyway 10 capitals, and how long to hold them?

[Firewalker]

Only thing I hate about that is, we will see where everyones capital is from the start.
Anyway 10 capitals, and how long to hold them?

Yeah, the locations of the capitols will be on the map from the start using VPs. I don't want to get into the mess of trying to determine who controls what VP for how many turns in a row. I'd rather let the program determine the winner, so that would be 1 turn holding 10 VPs wins.

[GrudgeBringer]

I will go either way but I rather have a standard game tho I LOVE the hard research.

i am in Reno and will have very littlee access to a computer until Monday afternoon so PLEASE keep that in mind when you get this started as I REALLY do want to play.:up:

[Firewalker]

I will go either way but I rather have a standard game tho I LOVE the hard research.

i am in Reno and will have very littlee access to a computer until Monday afternoon so PLEASE keep that in mind when you get this started as I REALLY do want to play.:up:

Hoo needs to wait until Tuesday himself, so the very earliest turn 1 would go out is Wednesday -- and that is assuming all the pretenders are in from you guys.

[Stretch]

Since it's a full game and I'm the only one who picked Vanheim, if you want to just assign Vanhiem to me that's cool.

[Firewalker]

Okay. I've got the map ready to go and I've created the game (MistsofTime) on Llamaserver (http://www.llamaserver.net/gameinfo.cgi?game=MistsofTime). I've also completed all but the final (fourth) round of nation selection and posted the list on the first post of the thread. There were just a couple who ended up without any of their three nation picks.

For those who'll be working on their pretenders and generally just would like the files for the game all in one place, I've attached a .zip file of the map and the mods we'll be using for the game.

The map files, mistsoftime.tga and mistsoftime.map, go into your .../dominions3/map/ folder.

Put the archives of CBM1.5 and Llamabanners (Streamers & Standards mod), go into your .../dominions3/mod/ folder. Then extract them there.

NOTE: You will need to have CBM 1.5 installed before you create your pretender if you don't already have it. CBM tweaks the pretenders and costs and such. Llamaserver's copy of Dominions may well throw an error if you send in a pretender designed with the vanilla game.

[Iron Duke]

I can't seem to get the map to work... Just me?

[Firewalker]

I can't seem to get the map to work... Just me?

I noticed that when I open the map in Dominions (when starting a new game), it is actually still called Glory of the Gods, instead of Mistsoftime. It's a second copy found down further in the list of maps. I neglected to change the name in the description found in the .map file ... Or was the problem something else?

[punkzip]

I've played quite a bit against the computer but haven't done PBEM before.

I did install the mods but don't know where to find the maps.

How do I send my pretender?

Is there a guide to playing PBEM on Llamaserver?

[statttis]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=35160

[Firewalker]

I've played quite a bit against the computer but haven't done PBEM before.

I did install the mods but don't know where to find the maps.

How do I send my pretender?

Is there a guide to playing PBEM on Llamaserver?

The map files are in the mists.zip file I attached a couple posts ago. If you would like to start a practice game with the map, drop the two files mistsoftime.tga and mistsoftime.map into .../dominions3/map/ folder and then start a new game. When you reach the list of maps, it'll be called Glory of the Gods but it'll be a second copy that appears after the original version that came with your game.

The only difference you'll notice from the original Glory map is that there are only 24 places players will begin the game. Otherwise, its identical.

The link statttis posted is Llamabeast's instructions for players new to Llamserver. It's fairly simple, a matter of sending files to an email address.

[Iron Duke]

I didn't know the map is glory of gods. I just searched for a map named "mists of time" as filename. If there'll be no problem I'll let it stay that way.

[Firewalker]

I didn't know the map is glory of gods. I just searched for a map named "mists of time" as filename. If there'll be no problem I'll let it stay that way.

If you put the files I posted in your map folder, everything should be fine.

[Firewalker]

It looks as though we need 2 alternates to play in order to be a full game. GrudgeBringer has bowed out and I have not heard back from Cipher about his picks. Therefore, if anyone wants to hop in and play one of the remaining nations between now and Wednesday when I will start the game, you're more than welcome.

The nations currently remaining are:

Rl'yeh
Oceania

We could really use at least 1 more player to give Atlantis some competition in the sea. Anyone who is interested, post here or PM me.

I've decided to take Kailasa.

[thejeff]

Atlantis needs no competition in the seas. They are ours by right, from the depths to the shores. Neither the fish-men nor the abominations will prove competition.

<OOC>On the other hand, if no one does pick up the other water nations, you could move the start location to one of the smaller bodies of water. Force me onto land sooner. I didn't look closely at them when I was playing with the map, so I don't know if they're big enough not to be crippling, but small enough to not let me get too strong without leaving the water.

[Amonchakad]

I was looking at the game's description on the llamaserver, and there it says that independent strength is set to 6...i thought we were using the normal settings?

[Firewalker]

I was looking at the game's description on the llamaserver, and there it says that independent strength is set to 6...i thought we were using the normal settings?

Huh. You're right. I have it set on default now.

[hEad]

Would it be possible to consider a swap to normal research? Difficult just seems to benefit the bless nations too much and games take an age to get going.

[Amonchakad]

Would it be possible to consider a swap to normal research? Difficult just seems to benefit the bless nations too much and games take an age to get going.

I totally agree on this.

[Firewalker]

Difficult research is part of the package. It goes hand in hand with a large map and this many players. On normal research, everyone would be hitting level 9s before they were half way to the victory conditions ....

[TwoBits]

Are there any other "house rules"? Or just the aforementioned mods and game settings?

[Firewalker]

Are there any other "house rules"? Or just the aforementioned mods and game settings?

None that I can think of. I guess some admins will ban certain high level spells, but I'm not really into it. The couple that I used to think deserved got tweaked in the last patch or two or the game.

[TwoBits]

Sounds good :)

[punkzip]

I have been out of town, I will get my pretender in by tonight or tomorrow.

[punkzip]

Ok I created a pretender, but how do I find it in the dominions folder? I read some instructions that it is in the savegame folder but I don't see that folder anywhere.

[punkzip]

Ok I created a pretender, but how do I find it in the dominions folder? I read some instructions that it is in the savegame folder but I don't see that folder anywhere.

Never mind - I figured it out. It was hidden in a folder I never would have thought of because I have Vista.

[Firewalker]

Ok I created a pretender, but how do I find it in the dominions folder? I read some instructions that it is in the savegame folder but I don't see that folder anywhere.

Never mind - I figured it out. It was hidden in a folder I never would have thought of because I have Vista.

It's funny, I use Vista but the files go where they "ought" to go. But yeah, I guess for others Vista puts them under the user folder or some such.

Okay, well, we've no takers yet as alternates, so I'll assume we'll be playing with 22 players. We're just waiting on 6 more pretenders and then we'll get this show on the road.

[thejeff]

I think it depends on where you tell Vista to install it. If you take the defaults, it does the weird thing.

I agree it's time to get the game going. I'm a little uncomfortable starting as the only water nation in that large an ocean. What do you think of changing the water start location to one of the smaller lakes in the lower right of the map? And maybe breaking the connection between them? That way I'll be forced to start fighting land nations early.

Of course, if everyone's okay with the current setup, I'm fine with it. 80+ water provinces with no real opposition? I'll just have no excuse when I get slaughtered.

I'll put my pretender in tonight. I was waiting to see if we'd get another water nation.

[Ossa]

Do you still need another player? I'd happily join the game!

[Firewalker]

Do you still need another player? I'd happily join the game!

Yes, we need another water nation. Rl'yeh and Oceania are the choices. If you want to join us, your welcome. We're still getting our pretenders into Llamaserver.

[Ossa]

I'll take Ryleth and submit my pretender now;)

[Firewalker]

I'll take Ryleth and submit my pretender now;)

Good man! [You're a man right ...? Sorry if not. Internets and such.]

[thejeff]

Welcome aboard, Ossa.

It seems the Deep Ones will have a rival in the seas after all. That will make our conquest more ... satisfying.

Firewalker: Is it worth editing the map for only 2 water starts, or should we just go with it? If one of us gets the middle location, they'll have a much larger backfield to expand into. I'm fine with it either way. If you can't change it without restarting the game on llamaserver, I guess it's not worth it.

Pretender's sent and ready to go!

[Firewalker]

Welcome aboard, Ossa.

It seems the Deep Ones will have a rival in the seas after all. That will make our conquest more ... satisfying.

Firewalker: Is it worth editing the map for only 2 water starts, or should we just go with it? If one of us gets the middle location, they'll have a much larger backfield to expand into. I'm fine with it either way. If you can't change it without restarting the game on llamaserver, I guess it's not worth it.

Pretender's sent and ready to go!

I was having similar thoughts and was attempting to ignore them. But, now they have been validated by someone else. I'll look into it. I am thinking it shouldn't be a big deal unless for some reason we'd have to send the pretenders in again.

BTW, there're four people who need to send in pretenders yet. I suppose I'll need to look up who they are and bug them by PM soon.

[Alpine Joe]

I am one of those 4, but unfortunately I won't be able to submit my pretender until tomorrow afternoon. Its gonna be a good one though.....

[Firewalker]

Welcome aboard, Ossa.

It seems the Deep Ones will have a rival in the seas after all. That will make our conquest more ... satisfying.

Firewalker: Is it worth editing the map for only 2 water starts, or should we just go with it? If one of us gets the middle location, they'll have a much larger backfield to expand into. I'm fine with it either way. If you can't change it without restarting the game on llamaserver, I guess it's not worth it.

Pretender's sent and ready to go!

I was having similar thoughts and was attempting to ignore them. But, now they have been validated by someone else. I'll look into it. I am thinking it shouldn't be a big deal unless for some reason we'd have to send the pretenders in again.


Does anyone know offhand whether it is actually necessary for the players to have a copy of the .map file on their local computers?

[hEad]

Mine will be in shortly...

[statttis]

Does anyone know offhand whether it is actually necessary for the players to have a copy of the .map file on their local computers?

Players need the map image but not the .map file. Llamaserver will need it though.

[Firewalker]

Does anyone know offhand whether it is actually necessary for the players to have a copy of the .map file on their local computers?

Players need the map image but not the .map file. Llamaserver will need it though.

Okay, good deal. I didn't need to bother give the map files to anyone then, since the image comes with the game.

EDIT: Okay, all done. The middle sea position is deleted to make a 23 player game. Nobody need worry further about it.

[DakaSha]

to late to be in on this?

[Firewalker]

to late to be in on this?

Nearly so. Are you okay with playing Oceania?

[DakaSha]

haha ok. Ill just be a weak buffer until i get owned :)

[Firewalker]

haha ok. Ill just be a weak buffer until i get owned :)

Was that a yes?

[Sil]

He did say ok. I think EA Oceania has a fair number of things going for it, at least in the water. Transitioning on land is the real hurdle.

[thejeff]

Well, there's always the build yourself an impregnable base in the water, then clam your way to victory. In a game this size, without limits on clams or the big late game Astral spells, it's not a bad plan.

Probably better than my late game plans.

Which are, pretty much, get killed in the mid-game to avoid late-game burnout.:)

[DakaSha]

haha ok. Ill just be a weak buffer until i get owned :)

seemed like a pretty obvious yes to me...

the map needs to be changed though doesnt it? I will get my pretender in after work

[Firewalker]

haha ok. Ill just be a weak buffer until i get owned :)

seemed like a pretty obvious yes to me...

the map needs to be changed though doesnt it? I will get my pretender in after work

Yep. And welcome aboard. Good that we can have a full game after all. I'll get the map switched back tonight.

[DakaSha]

k cool. im in hawaii so my 5pm is a little later for you guys but ill get that pretender in as soon as possible

[DakaSha]

k just waiting for map to be changed

[Firewalker]

k just waiting for map to be changed

We have one AWOL player at the moment. I've sent him a PM. I think he was busy with school this week. I'll give him until tomorrow to respond.

[DakaSha]

pretender sent

[hoo]

Been on vaycayshun. Will send in pretender when home in about 4.5 hours. marv

[Firewalker]

Been on vaycayshun. Will send in pretender when home in about 4.5 hours. marv

Oh, I must have had you confused for someone else. :p

Okay, so we'll actually get started tonight. Hurray!

[DakaSha]

game has started ;)

will get my turn in right after work

[TwoBits]

Uh oh, I need some help it seems - I get this game-freeze error when I try to load my turn:

myloadmalloc: can't open ./mods/./sn3/indie_icon.tga

Any ideas?

[DakaSha]

you prob need streamers and standards mod...

[TwoBits]

Got it working now - I had the mod, but I hadn't unpacked the folders properly. Thanks for trying to help me with my ineptness anyway ;)

[DakaSha]

as long as it worked alls good :P

[OoohSnap]

Sorry, I didn't send my file yet. Weirdly TeaTimer from S&D deleted my dom3.exe I am currently re-installing Dominions 3 and re-patching

[Alpine Joe]

Wow 1/2 pop plague event on my cap in the first turn........

[Iron Duke]

That's what you get for snatching away my 2. nation choice :p

[Firewalker]

Wow 1/2 pop plague event on my cap in the first turn........

Ewww ... I think its takes some bad scales to get that one ... death and bad luck? You're rolling the dice with those together.

[Amonchakad]

Ehm...Hinnom here.
I totally forgot that today(monday) I was away all day...and so i missed turn n.2=/
If it's possible to do a quick rollback,it would be great, but it's my fault anyway, so I'm ok with just losing a turn.

[DakaSha]

Hey i just wanted everybody to know that anything i do that seems rude diplomaticaly is just part of the game. im not being an *** just to be an *** :P

[DakaSha]

Ehm...Hinnom here.
I totally forgot that today(monday) I was away all day...and so i missed turn n.2=/
If it's possible to do a quick rollback,it would be great, but it's my fault anyway, so I'm ok with just losing a turn.

ermor also stalled


...

[Alpine Joe]

Just got a second half pop plague in my cap....with luck 3 scales!!!!

On the plus side now my capital is an ideal blood hunting population province

[DakaSha]

well all your doing is making yourself a prime target for conquest lol

[Lavaere]

I've had that happen in a SP game before with Luck 3 Growth 3 and it really sucks

[DakaSha]

so are we rolling back or not???

[thejeff]

In a game this size, there are always going to be stales. While I don't have any problem with delays when people request them, I'd argue against rollbacks for anything less than actual bugs.

[Firewalker]

so are we rolling back or not???

EDIT: Again, posting before reading further back. Sorry.

[Firewalker]

Ehm...Hinnom here.
I totally forgot that today(monday) I was away all day...and so i missed turn n.2=/
If it's possible to do a quick rollback,it would be great, but it's my fault anyway, so I'm ok with just losing a turn.

ermor also stalled


...

No roll backs for staling, if we did that we'd never get through a game. It's unfortunate and it happens that we forget, but it's up to each player to let me know before the turn is due.

[DakaSha]

ok your the boss :P

[Firewalker]

ok your the boss :P

Yeah. The main problem with rolling turns back is that it doesn't just do the player's orders over, it also does over random events and battles. So rolling a a turn back can hurt the positions (or help) of players who had nothing to do with the reason for the roll back. So, to me, its only fair. Of course, if Llamaserver hiccups and stales everyone, that's something else ...

[TwoBits]

Speaking of delays, what's the policy on potential delays, such as weekend get-a-ways, or even longer vacations? Getting towards summer here in the top half of the world, I know I'll be looking to take some time off now and again. :)

By the way, I see graphs are off. Is that typical in Llamaserver MP play?

[Firewalker]

Speaking of delays, what's the policy on potential delays, such as weekend get-a-ways, or even longer vacations? Getting towards summer here in the top half of the world, I know I'll be looking to take some time off now and again. :)

By the way, I see graphs are off. Is that typical in Llamaserver MP play?

I am perfectly understanding that life is a higher priority than the game.

Delays are granted when requested, unless you are asking for over a week or more. Then I'll consider the situation. Its best that if you know ahead of time that you'll be absent for more than a week to find a substitute to play in your place while you're away so we can keep the game moving forwards.

Graphs off is just my preference. It's nothing to do with using Llamaserver. It makes diplomacy and scouting important, and adds a "fog of war" on things like army size and research, etc. I do dislike the fact that you can't see the VPs as a result, but it's generally known by talking to neighbors and alliance members who's holding which capitols.

[Lavaere]

Helheim Markets
Selling Water Gems for either Gold, Earth or Death Gems

[TwoBits]

Delays are granted when requested, unless you are asking for over a week or more. Then I'll consider the situation. Its best that if you know ahead of time that you'll be absent for more than a week to find a substitute to play in your place while you're away so we can keep the game moving forwards.

That sounds more than fair. I for one wouldn't expect the game to go on hold for as much as a week - a couple of days tops, I figured - at least at this early stage in the game. Maybe later when the field has been winnowed down substantially. Of course, I doubt I'll still be around at that stage ;)

[Firewalker]

Delays are granted when requested, unless you are asking for over a week or more. Then I'll consider the situation. Its best that if you know ahead of time that you'll be absent for more than a week to find a substitute to play in your place while you're away so we can keep the game moving forwards.

That sounds more than fair. I for one wouldn't expect the game to go on hold for as much as a week - a couple of days tops, I figured - at least at this early stage in the game. Maybe later when the field has been winnowed down substantially. Of course, I doubt I'll still be around at that stage ;)

I'd be telling the person to try and find a sub, but if they can't, it'd be just as game ruining to make a player stale three times in a row when you know they'll be back ...

[the Vanishag]

My apologies to everyone for having held up turn 5 - I played the turn, but only realized today that I never sent in my .2h file. :doh:

There's a rookie mistake for you.

[DakaSha]

always good to check llamaserver now and then ;)

[shard]

Oh also: why difficult research? It seems like it would just further strengthen strong blessable nations which are already very strong in EA.

That can be true, on the other hand it makes them have to survive longer before they can get the high level magic that they will need towards the middle/end game, and do so with horrible scales more than likely. Overall, I don't like how fast some nations can get to level 9 research on easy. The map will be 20 provinces per player, so we'll have some breathing room.


Hmm. Well, I don't think I have anywhere near 20 provinces just yet, and Niefelhelm is already charging headlong into my territories.

Any tips to survive the incoming rush on difficult research will be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and if you happen to be neighbouring Niefelhelm, please PM me.

[statttis]

If you took a bless then your warriors of the 5 elements should be sufficient. If not... :hurt:

[Firewalker]

Oh also: why difficult research? It seems like it would just further strengthen strong blessable nations which are already very strong in EA.

That can be true, on the other hand it makes them have to survive longer before they can get the high level magic that they will need towards the middle/end game, and do so with horrible scales more than likely. Overall, I don't like how fast some nations can get to level 9 research on easy. The map will be 20 provinces per player, so we'll have some breathing room.


Hmm. Well, I don't think I have anywhere near 20 provinces just yet, and Niefelhelm is already charging headlong into my territories.

Any tips to survive the incoming rush on difficult research will be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and if you happen to be neighbouring Niefelhelm, please PM me.

A Niefel rush at turn 8 is going to be tough regardless of the map size or research setting. Diplomacy is best weapon at this point in the game I think.

[TwoBits]

Maybe enough glaive armed footmen (the cheapest sort, of course) can quickly deal enough damage before being frozen?

Or maybe enough of the "cheap" light cavalry can kill some giants with the lance charge bonus?

Or maybe the dual knife wielding wolf tribesmen (only 7gp with CBM!)?

[DakaSha]

glaive is the way to go in my experience

edit: your smaller units swarm large units and are harder to hit

[TwoBits]

edit: your smaller units swarm large units and are harder to hit

I don't think that's how it works, but I do believe multiple attacks reduce the defense (or is it protection? don't have the manual on me at the moment) of the defending unit, so swarms are useful against big targets like giants.

And while swarm wont help the defense of the 'swarmers', each giant can still only kill only one human a round (at least not without a W9 blessing or magical help), well, until they start taking fatigue damage from cold auras ;)

[shard]

Yup, its the cold aura which is the real killer, made worse by the onset of winter. E/N bless is for longevity and its quite difficult for any swarm of mundane troops to consistently crank out so much damage so early.

Of course, where the bless strat falls apart for niefel is the fact that the giants are cap only; for future reference his capital is at (214) by the way, just to the south of the centre of the map :gossip:

[TwoBits]

If you took a bless then your warriors of the 5 elements should be sufficient. If not... :hurt:


Hmm, might be your best bet regardless, depending on how well their 50% cold resistance holds up.

Their short swords (and wolf tribesmen's daggers) might have trouble punching through winterized armor. Maybe Earth Might at alt-1 and/or Armor of Achilles at alt-2.

Of course, another option is to hit them where they aren't - maybe it's raiding/pillaging time?

[shard]

Tien Chi is in the market for const lvl2 and lvl4 items! We may also be interested in selling gems for gold.

Please PM me if you are up the tree and interested in trading.

[Firewalker]

Kailasa has (10) Fire gems for trading. We would prefer Water gems, but will also take Astral or Earth.

[Firewalker]

The turn has been postoned for 24hrs. Hoo is having a computer problem.

[Lavaere]

Helheim Markets
We at the Helheim Markets are willing to trade for anything. But prices sadly are not the same for everything

Selling Prices
1:1 or 15 gold trades... Fire, Air, Water, Astral, Nature
3:2 or 25 gold trades... Earth, Death

Currently we do not have all tradable items, but we do have some things in stock...
Fire (1) Air (10) Water (10) Nature (7) Death (20)

At this time all nations are welcomed to trade at the Helheim Markets

[DakaSha]

Oceania is looking to buy a dwarven hammer. Perhaps multiple hammers if the price is right.

Pm with price suggestions.

[Stretch]

I sent in my turn with the proper file 1-2 hours ago but Llamaserver didn't acknowledge it even to say that I hadn't sent in the right file. Sent the turn in again 10 minutes ago and still nothing. Can you delay the game unless you see vanheim host? Is something wrong with Llamaserver?

These are the people with turns waiting as of 0305 GMT.

Arcoscephale Waiting for 2h file
Kailasa Waiting for 2h file
Niefelheim Waiting for 2h file
Vanheim Waiting for 2h file
Yomi Waiting for 2h file

I just got confirmation in my mailbox from a turn file that I sent in for another game 2-3 hours ago. Hopefully this new delay lets my turn file get in before the hosting... I'd hate to stale for something like this.

[Firewalker]

I sent in my turn with the proper file 1-2 hours ago but Llamaserver didn't acknowledge it even to say that I hadn't sent in the right file. Sent the turn in again 10 minutes ago and still nothing. Can you delay the game unless you see vanheim host? Is something wrong with Llamaserver?

These are the people with turns waiting as of 0305 GMT.

Arcoscephale Waiting for 2h file
Kailasa Waiting for 2h file
Niefelheim Waiting for 2h file
Vanheim Waiting for 2h file
Yomi Waiting for 2h file

I just got confirmation in my mailbox from a turn file that I sent in for another game 2-3 hours ago. Hopefully this new delay lets my turn file get in before the hosting... I'd hate to stale for something like this.

Yeah, thanks for pointing this out. I've sent my turn in as well and it still shows mine outstanding. I was about to go to bed for the night. I've postponed hosting for 8 hours so that we won't stale while I'm asleep. This sort of thing has happened before and Llamabeast has said that when he checks it, the logs say it is actually the internet not delivering the emails to his server in a timely fashion.

I'll see what the situation is in the morning.

If we do somehow end of staling because of this, I will roll the game back since its out of our control. But I'll try and stay on top of it and not let it do that. I sent my turn in over 6 hours ago I think.

EDIT: Okay, this too funny not to share. I checked my mail and had gotten a mail back from Llamaserver saying "Problem, 2h file not found". Turns out I had accidentally attached my resume to the email. LOL Yeah ... been looking for work for too long now.

The server updated itself saying its got my turn now that I've sent it in properly. Try again on your end and see if it works.

[DakaSha]

wouldnt it make ALOT more sense to postpone hosting for 24 hours (and then more if needed) instead of rolling back the turn if it stalls? that sounds very much like exploitation and i cant think of a reason not to do it that way. correct me if im missing something

you said youd stay on top of it but why risk it stalling? :P

if i get a good event and then we roll back id be pissed... or even worse if we rolled back and i get a disastrous event (and its sure to happen to somebody)

in fact id even be unhappy if i got a good event due to rolling back as i feel like a cheat ^^

[Firewalker]

wouldnt it make ALOT more sense to postpone hosting for 24 hours (and then more if needed) instead of rolling back the turn if it stalls? that sounds very much like exploitation and i cant think of a reason not to do it that way. correct me if im missing something

you said youd stay on top of it but why risk it stalling? :P

if i get a good event and then we roll back id be pissed... or even worse if we rolled back and i get a disastrous event (and its sure to happen to somebody)

in fact id even be unhappy if i got a good event due to rolling back as i feel like a cheat ^^

You're probably right. But I knew when I'd get up in the morning. There wasn't any danger of it happening. How would it be exploitation? I wouldn't know ahead of time whether it was good or bad for me or anyone else.

[shard]

Whats the average province count per nation for this map?

[Stretch]

Thanks for keeping an eye on it, Firewalker. It looks like it finally made it in about 50 minutes after I posted. I hope that the lazy router in between me and llamaserver gets better soon...

After submitting today's turn (12), I may not be able to submit a new turn until early Sunday morning GMT. I'll be out of town going to a friend's wedding and will not have internet access. Once we receive turn 13, can we have a delay so that it isn't due before something like Sunday at 0400 GMT?

[Firewalker]

Whats the average province count per nation for this map?

Theoretically, its over 20 per player. 480 land / 21 players = 22.85 provinces/player. 122 sea / 3 players = 40/player. But reality isn't like that since there are seas that are not accessible to the sea players and on land there are regions of wasteland and swamp that a player can't be forced to start on. So, it isn't perfectly balanced. Some areas the starting positions are more crowded than others. I tried to give everyone at least 4/5 provinces distance from another start position.

[Firewalker]

Thanks for keeping an eye on it, Firewalker. It looks like it finally made it in about 50 minutes after I posted. I hope that the lazy router in between me and llamaserver gets better soon...

After submitting today's turn (12), I may not be able to submit a new turn until early Sunday morning GMT. I'll be out of town going to a friend's wedding and will not have internet access. Once we receive turn 13, can we have a delay so that it isn't due before something like Sunday at 0400 GMT?

Okay, I'll make a note of it. Thanks for the heads up.

[shard]

Oh I understand, I'm trying to figure out whats a good average since we are playing without graphs.

Is it possible to turn the graphs on towards the end of the game? Or show them every 10 turns or so?




Whats the average province count per nation for this map?

Theoretically, its over 20 per player. 480 land / 21 players = 22.85 provinces/player. 122 sea / 3 players = 40/player. But reality isn't like that since there are seas that are not accessible to the sea players and on land there are regions of wasteland and swamp that a player can't be forced to start on. So, it isn't perfectly balanced. Some areas the starting positions are more crowded than others. I tried to give everyone at least 4/5 provinces distance from another start position.

[Sambo]

I like it better without graphs; it puts a premium on scouting and subterfuge. It your neighbor an aggressive powerhouse with a massive army waiting to attack or a struggling nation? Who knows! Negotiations and diplomacy are more interesting.

Just my 2 cents. This is only the second game I've played, so I'm no expert.

[DakaSha]

no graphs = pain in the *** but awesome.

oh and firewalker i didnt really express myself correclty. i didnt mean your trying to exploit anything but that since it made no sense it makes one wonder.

you could be planing to enter a dangerous site or really do anything that could go bad. then if it did go bad you could roll back :P

but as really i wasnt trying to flat out say you ARE doing that. thanks for keeping an eye on it and all is well :)

[Firewalker]

Oh I understand, I'm trying to figure out whats a good average since we are playing without graphs.

Is it possible to turn the graphs on towards the end of the game? Or show them every 10 turns or so?


Unfortunately, no. It would be fun to try things like that. Or simple rankings rather actual figures. I especially would like VP scores to be something that could be on. But as it is, they are either on all game or off all game.

[Firewalker]

no graphs = pain in the *** but awesome.

oh and firewalker i didnt really express myself correclty. i didnt mean your trying to exploit anything but that since it made no sense it makes one wonder.

you could be planing to enter a dangerous site or really do anything that could go bad. then if it did go bad you could roll back :P

but as really i wasnt trying to flat out say you ARE doing that. thanks for keeping an eye on it and all is well :)

No problem. I didn't think about it at the time. I was just thinking in terms of, if Llamaserver is not functioning, don't worry about staling if it happens. And I wanted to go to sleep.

[Firewalker]

I like it better without graphs; it puts a premium on scouting and subterfuge. It your neighbor an aggressive powerhouse with a massive army waiting to attack or a struggling nation? Who knows! Negotiations and diplomacy are more interesting.

Just my 2 cents. This is only the second game I've played, so I'm no expert.

My thoughts as well. I've played in a couple games with graphs on and inevitably as soon as someone pulls away from the pack, a alliance forms to take them down. I guess that can be fun too, kind of a king of the hill type of situation. But, I like a game where there is some uncertainty and bluffing and such is possible.

[DakaSha]

scouting and getting (possibly paying) for information about the strengths of other nations is much more important adding even more strategic options

[Stretch]

By the way, I need until Sunday 0400 GMT and not Saturday 0400 GMT to get this turn in. If the turn is kept at its current due date (Saturday 0400 GMT) then I will stale...

[shard]

scouting and getting (possibly paying) for information about the strengths of other nations is much more important adding even more strategic options

Even with graphs on you still need scouts imo.
Graphs allow you to look back and chart the course of a game; even reading the graph is an art in itself I think. Someone could always be inflating their army size :p

Without graphs you can make notes and stuff I suppose, but I don't have the time. If anyone has played civ4, a similar 'replay' graph/feature would be cool to have at the end of the game!

[TwoBits]

Speaking of settings, what are Random Events at, the usual Common, or Rare? I mean, I'm probably the only crazy fool who went Turmoil-3/Luck-3, and it just doesn't seem like I'm seeing many events. I had zero last turn, and I have, well, let's just say I have enough provinces, mostly in my dominion, that that seems kind of unusual.

There's nothing posted about events in the first post on page 1. If events are rare, I'll be bummed for sure (I would've picked a different race, or at least gone with a different build), but I guess I'll just have to suck it up now...

[Firewalker]

Speaking of settings, what are Random Events at, the usual Common, or Rare? I mean, I'm probably the only crazy fool who went Turmoil-3/Luck-3, and it just doesn't seem like I'm seeing many events. I had zero last turn, and I have, well, let's just say I have enough provinces, mostly in my dominion, that that seems kind of unusual.

There's nothing posted about events in the first post on page 1. If events are rare, I'll be bummed for sure (I would've picked a different race, or at least gone with a different build), but I guess I'll just have to suck it up now...

They are at the default setting, nothing unusual. Must be the luck-3 version of bad luck!

[Lavaere]

I've gotten 1-3 events each turn.
An annoying one was event giving 200 gold and the next event taking away 200 gold.

[Firewalker]

By the way, I need until Sunday 0400 GMT and not Saturday 0400 GMT to get this turn in. If the turn is kept at its current due date (Saturday 0400 GMT) then I will stale...

Got it set for Sunday now.

[Firewalker]

I've gotten 1-3 events each turn.
An annoying one was event giving 200 gold and the next event taking away 200 gold.

LOL. The random number generator giveth and the random number generator taketh away.

[Alpine Joe]

I have turmoil 3 luck 3 and I have been hit by 4 half pop plague events so far. I think i would prefer your lack of anything....

[TwoBits]

I have turmoil 3 luck 3 and I have been hit by 4 half pop plague events so far. I think i would prefer your lack of anything....

Sorry to hear that, Alpine Joe, I guess I'll quit my whining - compared to your "luck", I guess no news is good news ;)

I am happy to hear that we are using Regular events setting, and that someday my scales will pay off (just not with a plague or a visit by the Ancient Presence on my capital, I hope).

[Stretch]

Thanks for the extension. I'm back, and turn 14 has been sent out..

[TwoBits]

OK, had three random events this turn, one good (free temple) and two so-so (free militia, and growth up/faith down). Guess I just had some bad luck with my luck the few turns previous :)

[DakaSha]

looking to buy some Dwarven Hammers. Please message oceanias secretary of hammer purchasing

[DakaSha]

arco is about to stall..

[punkzip]

I am playing Arco. The message I got from the server stated that the turn was not until Monday - unfortunately I didn't notice it was GMT. Otherwise I would have submitted the turn in on time. Probably can't recover from a missed turn in these games.

[shard]

Stales happen, and aren't usually fatal. Unless you were in a major war and had your army annihilated or something.

Think of all the extra $$$ you have for your next turn!

[Firewalker]

I am playing Arco. The message I got from the server stated that the turn was not until Monday - unfortunately I didn't notice it was GMT. Otherwise I would have submitted the turn in on time. Probably can't recover from a missed turn in these games.

Yeah, the GMT takes a little getting used to. I look at the due date and the current time and figure the number of hours remaining in my head and then add it to my clock. Don't worry so much about it, you'll be fine. If you stale too often it can have an impact, but one missed turn isn't going to make you lose the game.

[hoo]

I'd like a 6 hour turn delay. Workign late and won't be home till turn hosts.

[Firewalker]

I'd like a 6 hour turn delay. Workign late and won't be home till turn hosts.

Done.

[Lavaere]

Thanks for the battle punkzip, kinda sad I couldn't kill your pretender though. I'm guessing thats why you had him there.
:) Now wheres that pointy stick I had for poking people in the eye

[thejeff]

I'm going to be away from the internet this weekend, so I'd like to request a delay.
I'll have a chance to play one more turn tonight, but probably not the next unless it hosts early.
I'll be gone until some time Monday night US east coast time, which makes it early Tuesday morning GMT. If you give me until 100 GMT on Tuesday, I should have a bit of leeway to cover anything unforeseen.

Thanks

[the Vanishag]

Seeking a loan: Agartha is now facing the brunt of the Niefel Giants that made forum news earlier, and is looking for war capital.

A total of 2000 gold is sought before turn 20, in any multiple of 100 gold (to keep the bookkeeping easy). For each 100 gold lent, Agartha is prepared to repay 12 gold/turn over 10 turns, e.g. 20% interest, after a 2 turn grace period (e.g., no payments will be made turns 20 or 21).

If you're interested, please PM me with the amount you are willing to loan. I will PM lenders confirming the amount lent, and, if asked by the lender, post the amount lent and/or by whom to this thread for accountability's sake.

On my personal honor, unless I am ousted from the game, I will repay the full sum on the proposed schedule. If lent the full 2000 gold (presumably not all by one player), my payments would come to 240 gold/turn, a significant but entirely managable amount.

If anyone would like Earth magic items (such as Dwarven Hammers) I am willing to negotiate that in lieu of interest.

[majuva68]

Agartha attack Niefelheim.Niefelheim and his allies respond to attack.Agartha can`t respond to loan because his income is very low.He has only 4-5 provinces.

[the Vanishag]

Agartha attack Niefelheim.Niefelheim and his allies respond to attack.Agartha can`t respond to loan because his income is very low.He has only 4-5 provinces.

I don't want to start an argument on this thread, so I'll confine myself to saying that everything majuva68 said is wrong. Obviously, its his word against mine, so you have to judge for yourselves. I'll try not to make any more posts like this.

[Firewalker]

I'm going to be away from the internet this weekend, so I'd like to request a delay.
I'll have a chance to play one more turn tonight, but probably not the next unless it hosts early.
I'll be gone until some time Monday night US east coast time, which makes it early Tuesday morning GMT. If you give me until 100 GMT on Tuesday, I should have a bit of leeway to cover anything unforeseen.

Thanks

Okay, I was considering moving us to 48 turns at turn 20 anyway as I have started a new job and it will be sucking all my brain power for a couple months.

[Firewalker]

Agartha attack Niefelheim.Niefelheim and his allies respond to attack.Agartha can`t respond to loan because his income is very low.He has only 4-5 provinces.

I don't want to start an argument on this thread, so I'll confine myself to saying that everything majuva68 said is wrong. Obviously, its his word against mine, so you have to judge for yourselves. I'll try not to make any more posts like this.

Try to view everything said on the thread as public "banter". It makes the game more fun, actually, if you take a role playing attitude. Obviously, a country is going to claim all sorts of things in public ... We are all just Pretenders contending to become the One True God, after all. :D

[DakaSha]

if anybody gets offended because of in-game / in-character babbling then he/she is an official dumbass :P

[the Vanishag]

if anybody gets offended because of in-game / in-character babbling then he/she is an official dumbass :P

You're right, of course. I feel comfortable RP-ing in messages I send in-game, but I need to get more comfortable talking trash on the game thread. I think I'll start posting in-character.

Thanks everyone, and in "everyone" I very much include majuva68. The next few turns should be interesting.:)

[Stretch]

Hey Firewalker, I don't see a delay past Saturday around 1600 GMT and I think that Atlantis (thejeff) hasn't submitted his turn. I think he's gone for the weekend and won't be back till Monday night, per his message above. Obviously if he submits a turn or posts here then forget what I'm saying. :D

[shard]

Ah nuts I thought they changed the event that gives you useless, upkeep sucking militia to one that actually gives low lvl troops?

Oh well... FEAR MY MILITIA HORDE! :shock::shock::shock:

[Firewalker]

I'm going to be away from the internet this weekend, so I'd like to request a delay.
I'll have a chance to play one more turn tonight, but probably not the next unless it hosts early.
I'll be gone until some time Monday night US east coast time, which makes it early Tuesday morning GMT. If you give me until 100 GMT on Tuesday, I should have a bit of leeway to cover anything unforeseen.

Thanks

Okay, I was considering moving us to 48 turns at turn 20 anyway as I have started a new job and it will be sucking all my brain power for a couple months.

Atlantis didn't get his turn in last night, so I'm assuming he's away now and have set the deadline back to GMT Tuesday 6/30 @ 01:30.

[thejeff]

Actually I just got lazy last night and didn't send it.
My turn's in now and I'm leaving shortly.

Sorry for the confusion. And thanks for noticing.

[Stretch]

Ahhh really? Well it's my dad's 60th birthday today and I won't be back at my place until late tonight so if you could at least delay the turn until tomorrow I'd be grateful...

[hoo]

Let's reset the timer for 0600 Monday which will allow everyone to get their turn in. Then the timer can be set at 48 hours to allow Atlantis to get back adn we'll be back on schedule.

Game is moving pretty well except no one has died yet

[Firewalker]

Sorry guys, the new job is one of those that thinks Saturdays and Sundays are just two more days of a week. Let's see, well, I'll leave the timer as it is, but there is no need to wait until Monday night to send in your turns, those of you who are still out there.

[shard]

I suppose now is as good a time as any to inform you all that I'll be flying off next friday for a week on business. I still will do my turns but i may require a postponement for the time I'll be in the air and travelling.

[Firewalker]

I suppose now is as good a time as any to inform you all that I'll be flying off next friday for a week on business. I still will do my turns but i may require a postponement for the time I'll be in the air and travelling.

Thanks for the heads up, but be sure to PM me when you need the postponements. I have a tendency to forget if it isn't right now. ;)

[DakaSha]

Uhm.

Nobody selling Dwarven hammers?

[the Vanishag]

The Council of Oracles sends its thanks to those who have responded to our request. Agartha is still seeking 600 gold of investment by Turn 22, repayment to begin turn turn 23, other details same as before.


Orrishu, Earthspeaker for the Council of Oracles

[Amonchakad]

Hello everyone, please read this (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=43486); I hope I can get a sub soon, and that I won't have to stall.

[DakaSha]

i vote for stopping the game until a sub is found. a player gone for a week would truly mess up balance

[shard]

I should hopefully be sending in my turn today, after which I'll require a 24hr extension as I'll be in the air.

[Firewalker]

Are you guys going to get another turn in or should I set the timer back now?

[DakaSha]

i can get this turn in np.

[the Vanishag]

The Oracles are satisfied. Agartha desires no further investment at this point.

Orrishu, Earthspeaker for the Council of Oracles and Lord Urizen, the spine of the world

[Amonchakad]

Guys, I've probably found a sub, but he has yet to confirm, the game will host in about 5 hours and I don't have time to look at it now. Could you just postpone the hosting to give the sub the time to get the turn files and play it?

[Firewalker]

Guys, I've probably found a sub, but he has yet to confirm, the game will host in about 5 hours and I don't have time to look at it now. Could you just postpone the hosting to give the sub the time to get the turn files and play it?

Have him PM me so I can set his email for your nation send a turn off to him. I'll set the game to delay over the weekend since its holiday time in the US anyway. I'm working overnights all weekend myself, so I'll only be checking on things once or twice a day at best.

[Firewalker]

Just so everyone knows, Lingchih is subbing for Amonchakad this week.

[Lingchih]

Yes, hello. I am Hinnom now. Please direct any diplomacy or offers to me for this week.

[Lingchih]

Yup, its the cold aura which is the real killer, made worse by the onset of winter. E/N bless is for longevity and its quite difficult for any swarm of mundane troops to consistently crank out so much damage so early.

Of course, where the bless strat falls apart for niefel is the fact that the giants are cap only; for future reference his capital is at (214) by the way, just to the south of the centre of the map :gossip:

Jeez! That't pretty rude. Just posting someone's cap out on the main board. That sort of info is usually shared privately.

Don't mind me, the sub. Just checking out the old posts for this game.

[DakaSha]

its war.... if i think the world needs to know somebody's cap i AM going to let the world know

[majuva68]

My wife give me a travel to Egypt to 8th to 23rd of August.What can I do?.Search a sub please.I can play until this date.

[Firewalker]

My wife give me a travel to Egypt to 8th to 23rd of August.What can I do?.Search a sub please.I can play until this date.

The 8th of July or the 8th of August?

[majuva68]

8th of august

[PaGal]

I'm Caelum. Sorry, but I have no internet for а long time. Please set me to AI or find me sub.
I'm very sorry, but it's my real life.

[DakaSha]

wow this game is a joke

everybody stalling, quitting, whining. not to mention that it is the quitter/stallers job to find a sub

[Lingchih]

Yes, this sort of thing happens quite a bit. Especially with newer players.

I have even been in games in which the game admin disappeared. Not uncommon.

I would say that... to keep people playing, one needs to offer incentives for them to keep playing. Perhaps an NAP agreement to keep them interested?

[DakaSha]

thats exactly my thought... just didnt want to say it :rolleyes:
no more newb games for me even if i get destroyed.

[majuva68]

It`s 10th aniversary, I can`t say my wife,I don`t go Egypt because I must play a game, she kill me. Sorry.

[shard]

I disagree - I think its gone pretty smoothly for a newbie game.

If you look at the staling data noone has staled in the last 2 turns, and a total of 3 staled turns in the last 5 -> 3 out of 24x5= 120 player turns.

What it looks is Majuva (Niefelhelm) needs a sub which he may have trouble getting as I don't believe English is his first language, and PaGal wants to be replaced. His nation, Caelum, has yet to stale.

[thejeff]

Agreed, so far the main factor is that it's a big game not a that it's a newbie one.

The only real sign of newbieness is that Majuva & PaGal don't seem to be trying to find subs for themselves. It helps a lot if people having to leave or take a break do that, not just because no one else has to, but because they can describe their situation, which makes taking over a lot more attractive.

It would be great if the two of you could at least start the search by making a post asking for subs much like Amonchakad did when he had to go.

If not, someone else will have to try.

[Firewalker]

It`s 10th aniversary, I can`t say my wife,I don`t go Egypt because I must play a game, she kill me. Sorry.

Don't worry yourself. A game is not as important as a marriage ... I think. :D Just see if you can find someone to stand in for you while you're away. It's a month out yet.

[Firewalker]

Okay, I shall see if we can find a replacement for Caelum. Niefelheim is hardly an emergency, it's a month out. That's the first time I've actually seen so much forewarning.

So, Caelum is I take it dropping without notice, so I'll delay the game 48 hrs while we look for a replacement.

[Firewalker]

thats exactly my thought... just didnt want to say it :rolleyes:
no more newb games for me even if i get destroyed.

LOL. This is the usual thing for any game. Human beings are what they are. And they have lives outside of Dominions, alas.

[majuva68]

I can play until 8 of August or find a sub,it's a month out.

[DakaSha]

thats exactly my thought... just didnt want to say it :rolleyes:
no more newb games for me even if i get destroyed.

LOL. This is the usual thing for any game. Human beings are what they are. And they have lives outside of Dominions, alas.
keep the exaggerated LOL's to yourself. this is NOT normal. i have played other games you know. i have no problem with people having lives outside of dominions. having to leave for your wedding anniversary is completely fine. (and i really appreciate the fair warning)

i DO have a problem with people just not giving a crap and/or quitting because they lose a battle.... I myself quit 2 games a year ago suddenly due to real life problems but one was on the second turn and i was in a pretty good position in the other (im just saying it wasnt due to being a sore loser or just not caring) i have not missed a single turn since i restarted playing and if i do i will have a serious reason.

im not happy with the way this game is going and im still not going to quit.

edit:
btw i have no way of knowing when somebody is just being a sore loser or missing due to a real life 'problem' so im not pointing the finger at a single player here. its just that this has been pretty bad compared to my experience so i really think that some of it is due to that. if thats not the case i apologise

[Firewalker]

thats exactly my thought... just didnt want to say it :rolleyes:
no more newb games for me even if i get destroyed.

LOL. This is the usual thing for any game. Human beings are what they are. And they have lives outside of Dominions, alas.
keep the exaggerated LOL's to yourself. this is NOT normal. i have played other games you know. i have no problem with people having lives outside of dominions. having to leave for your wedding anniversary is completely fine. (and i really appreciate the fair warning)

i DO have a problem with people just not giving a crap and/or quitting because they lose a battle.... I myself quit 2 games a year ago suddenly due to real life problems but one was on the second turn and i was in a pretty good position in the other (im just saying it wasnt due to being a sore loser or just not caring) i have not missed a single turn since i restarted playing and if i do i will have a serious reason.

im not happy with the way this game is going and im still not going to quit.

edit:
btw i have no way of knowing when somebody is just being a sore loser or missing due to a real life 'problem' so im not pointing the finger at a single player here. its just that this has been pretty bad compared to my experience so i really think that some of it is due to thati apologise

You can move along at any time if this is so horrible. The only thing that has been out of line thus far is Caelum dropping suddenly. That does often happen somewhere along the line in these games because things happen that are unforeseen, etc. So relax.

[DakaSha]

it is pretty horrible. im not gonna quit though.

If something happens that destroys the game balance or similar i would see no more point though. (which hasnt happend yet)

setting a player to AI while that player is still in the game counts. it makes those provinces easy grabs for any surrounding players and destroys any diplomacy going on with that nation. and yes i would also be upset if i benefited from it. possibly more so.(in fact it prob would benefit me when it comes to caelum)

im just saying again i think the game should be stalled until we find a sub for the birds

[Firewalker]

it is pretty horrible. im not gonna quit though.

If something happens that destroys the game balance or similar i would see no more point though. (which hasnt happend yet)

setting a player to AI while that player is still in the game counts. it makes those provinces easy grabs for any surrounding players and destroys any diplomacy going on with that nation. and yes i would also be upset if i benefited from it. possibly more so.(in fact it prob would benefit me when it comes to caelum)

im just saying again i think the game should be stalled until we find a sub for the birds

No one is being set to AI unless there's no sub offers at all.

[TwoBits]

Hm, had to go to the second page of the forum to find the thread. Any news on finding a replacement for Caelum? What steps are being taken? I see that Kailasa hasn't submitted a turn either - what's their status?

[Firewalker]

Hm, had to go to the second page of the forum to find the thread. Any news on finding a replacement for Caelum? What steps are being taken? I see that Kailasa hasn't submitted a turn either - what's their status?

I'm Kailasa. I haven't submitted a turn just because I know there's no point in being in a hurry until a replacement is found. We have a potential taker at this point. Just finished sending him the current turn to look at.

[Firewalker]

Hm, had to go to the second page of the forum to find the thread. Any news on finding a replacement for Caelum? What steps are being taken? I see that Kailasa hasn't submitted a turn either - what's their status?

I'm Kailasa. I haven't submitted a turn just because I know there's no point in being in a hurry until a replacement is found. We have a potential taker at this point. Just finished sending him the current turn to look at.

TheDemon has accepted taking over Caelum, so we can get the game going again. Hurray!

[DakaSha]

nice :)

[TheDemon]

First order of business: I am cancelling all NAPs anyone has with Caelum, effective immediately. I still intend to be at peace with everyone I'm currently at peace with, but if you had a diplomatic deal with Caelum I would like you to contact me (PM or IRC) and renegotiate it.

[thejeff]

Yay!

Welcome aboard, TheDemon.

[Lingchih]

Fear theDemon.

[Lavaere]

do I have to?

[TheDemon]

Fear is completely optional. I would prefer to be BFFs with everyone :angel