Vicious Circle 2 Newbie game Recruiting

[GrudgeBringer]

A Newbie game for those that are new or fairly green and have not won a game.

Players: We can take up to 12 players (11 Land and 1 Brave soul in the Sea)

Map: Cradles Of Dominion (Map has hand placed starts so no one gets a bad start)

Mods:
CBM 1.5
Magic Standard
Graphs ON
HOF 15
Indie Strength 5
Renaming On
Money, Resources, Supplies (Default which I found out is 100)
Starting Province 1
Random Event: Common

Winning Condition: If we have 12 players you must hold 7 capitols for 3 turns OR General Consensus of remaining Players.

Hosting: 24 Hour Quick-Host until we agree to raise it to 36 or 48 Hour Quick-Host (usually around turn 25 to 35).

Extensions will be given freely IF you PM Admin AND put a notice in the game Forum in a timely fashion. NO roll-backs if that condition isn't met (emergency Extensions will be given as Life Happens).

If you stale twice in a row without notice you WILL be replaced.

DO NOT SET A PASSWORD ON YOUR NATION (so we can set it to AI or get a sub should a problem arise).

IF you have to leave the game for some reason, PLEASE PM admin and SET YOURSELF to AI, this really helps your fellow players.

List 2 nations that you prefer with your first choice being the one that you would like first.

Join up (if we get more than 12 intrest we could chose a differnt map (DarkHeaven) and take up to 17 if we want.

Players and Nations
GrudgeBringer Arco
Mule Warrior Ryleh
Eldanesh Ermor
Trumanator Pangea
Squirrelloid Calem
Bander Lover Kalisia
JR77 Lanka
Kietsensal Hinnom
Ishamoridan Mictlan
Lihaassa Fomoria
Shard Sauro
Aaminoff Helheim
Frozen Llama Tir-A-Nog
Iainuki Marverni
Fakey McFake Niefelheim
Mcfish TC

SEND IN PRETENDERS

[GrudgeBringer]

I'll start it....

I pick in order for my selection

1. Arco

2. Sauro

[Mule Warrior]

I'm in

1 - R'lyeh

2 - Yomi

[Eldanesh]

Still in..
For nations I don't really know, EA is not something I do often butttt:

1.Ermor
2. Helheim

[Trumanator]

Can I join? If so:

1: Pangaea
2: Ulm

[Squirrelloid]

Doesn't Cradle of Dominions have set nations as well as set starting positions? I seem to recall it does? Also, those 'hand-picked' starting positions are not evenly balanced, and some starts are vastly harder than others (Compare Caelum's mountaintop start to any of the others, for example) - this is a map clearly designed to be played in SP as a 'lite campaign'.

Not that I'd object to playing it, but the OP doesn't make clear the limitations of the map. (and as Nox has ended prematurely...).

If this really is running, I suppose my preferences are

1. Caelum (yeah, i'll take that...).
2. Marveni

[Micah]

Uploading the latest CB and the no hording mod for your convenience, hopefully I got all of the bits and pieces in there (I have a lot of mods in my folder...)

[BandarLover]

My picks are:

1) Kailasa

2)Sauromatia

[JR77]

Thanks for the effort Grudge!

My picks are:

1) Fomoria
2) Lanka

[Black Sun Empire]

Thanks for starting this up, sorry about the problems.

I'm attempting to get my home computer fixed.

I wish everyone good luck in this game.

Once again, sorry about my lack of posting.

[Kietsensei]

I would like to sign up for the game:

first choice: Hinnom
Second choice. Helheim

[Ishamoridin]

I'm still interested, count me in.

1st Mictlan
2nd Niefelheim

[Lihaässä]

I'm In

1. Fomoria
2. Ulm

[GrudgeBringer]

Its going to get off the ground it looks like.

I didn't know the preset where so unbalanced, I will look at some different maps for the amount of players ww ened up with, if anyone has suggestions for a map to fit chime in!!

Black Sun, we are still in the recruiting phase, your more than welcome if you can get your PC problems resolved.

As soon as we get between 8 and 10 we go!!!

[JR77]

I think we are 10 already?

Edit: not that this should necessarily prevent more ppl joining, but I think we are enough judging by your own criterion :)

[shard]

If you aren't 10 i'll join;

1- Hinnom
2- Sauromatia

[aaminoff]

I would like to join this game.

1. Arco
2. Helheim

I have confidence that GB will figure out if we have too many players whether to go up to the 17 map or stick with Cradle.

[Trumanator]

Uhh, cradle doesn't have presets. You are thinking of DAWN of Dominions. Cradle is perfectly fine.

[Frozen Lama]

I might be a little over the level of this game, but as far as simple MP experience, i'm about tied with GB. maybe i could go for it if i play a weak nation?

1. marverni
2. tir na 'nOg

if you say no, its cool

[iainuki]

I don't know if you're full yet, but I would be interested. I'm still pretty much a total newb at MP.

1. Marverni
2. Fomoria

[Squirrelloid]

Uhh, cradle doesn't have presets. You are thinking of DAWN of Dominions. Cradle is perfectly fine.

Indeed, I am confused. Game on then. (I still like my choices).

[Fakeymcfake]

I'm not that new (I'd say I'm on par with Frozen Llama, whom I am going to trounce in another game). But if you're still filling up your roster, as it appears you are, I'll happily jump in.

1st Niefelhiem
2nd Saruomatia

[mscfish]

I'm in,If there still be a place for me. :)
Here's my picks:
1-TC
2-Aby

PS:I am a real real real bird.
If the map change to dawn,i would like to pick Ctis,lovely lizard.wahahaha~~~~~

[Frozen Lama]

fakey- i at least picked weak nations. i think we are either too good, or we need to take a little self-handicap.

oh and have fun killing endless hordes of skratti!

[Squirrelloid]

fakey- i at least picked weak nations. i think we are either too good, or we need to take a little self-handicap.

oh and have fun killing endless hordes of skratti!

He clearly wasn't talking about you, he was talking about the mysterious player Frozen Llama. Fortunately no one has yet referred to the dreaded Frozen Lllama, against whose existence i'd bet all pink pajamas i may or may not own.

I'm not that new (I'd say I'm on par with Frozen Llama, whom I am going to trounce in another game). But if you're still filling up your roster, as it appears you are, I'll happily jump in.

[Fakeymcfake]

Marverni are far from weak. Granted they haven't got an easy start but druids, if worked well, are terrifying. As for the fae folk... yeah okay they suck but can still be a force to recon with up until mid game.

In my defense though, I picked two nations I've never played in multiplayer, so I'll likely make mistakes.

As for the Skratti, well wouldn't be the first time this game I've had to deal with hordes of thugs and I'm sure it won't be the last.

[Frozen Lama]

there's a lot of people who fight for marverni's non weakness, but in every MP game i've played with them in it, they are the FIRST to die. every time. (so about 3or4 times). they are just so bad until they get a critical mass of druids. and i'm fine with Tir if someone else wants Marverni.

[Squirrelloid]

there's a lot of people who fight for marverni's non weakness, but in every MP game i've played with them in it, they are the FIRST to die. every time. (so about 3or4 times). they are just so bad until they get a critical mass of druids. and i'm fine with Tir if someone else wants Marverni.

Note to self, kill Marveni first.

Self-fulfilling prophecy is self-fulfilling.

[GrudgeBringer]

We have 14 I will close it there. Most will get there first or second choices NP, I will sort that out tonight and post them.

I have been asked not to allow Hinnom in the game, We have 1 person (a privite but I have NO idea of exp level) who wants to play them.

PM me or leave a message in this forum on your feeling.

Me personally would be inclined that a honest Noob be allowed to play them but its up to you guys.

Heres who is in And thier choices (IF you see your choices are picked by a number of people and want to play another Nation PM me.

I will be posting who is in and the nations they picked in the next post...there are some very unique names and I want to get them right.

REMEMBER, I said to pick your 2 nations in order of preference, I will try and work out any dual picks tonight by PM so if you can't respond this evening let me know or you may not get your first choice.

[Squirrelloid]

I've never played against Hinnom in an MP game - someone with more (any?) experience should probably weigh in and inform us.

Having fought against Ashdod (in admittedly more competent hands than mine), if Hinnom is all that *and more*, i'd be willing to bet any player using them would easily overpower players with little to no experience against such nations.

[Frozen Lama]

the skill of the player is much more telling than the nation. Hinnom is probably still a little OP, but depending on the player, they may or may not own. i'd be inclined to allow them.

[Trumanator]

I would prefer that if Hinnom is permitted at all that they be played by a bona fide newb, not a "mildly experienced" one so to speak.

[Squirrelloid]

I would prefer that if Hinnom is permitted at all that they be played by a bona fide newb, not a "mildly experienced" one so to speak.

Wouldn't anyone who knows to ask for them be, by definition, not a bonafide N00b?

[Trumanator]

I would prefer that if Hinnom is permitted at all that they be played by a bona fide newb, not a "mildly experienced" one so to speak.

Wouldn't anyone who knows to ask for them be, by definition, not a bonafide N00b?

I don't carry my definition that far. So long as they have close to zero MP experience I'm fine.

[GrudgeBringer]

The guy has 33 posts and is a privite...SP I have no idea about.

If we give it to him it makes the nation choices work...I don't want to make the decision by myself so give me some feedback...(quickly please)

[Frozen Lama]

he's got some MP, he's in watertotalwar, but lets just let him. GB- can you get a link for darkheavens? i can't find it

[GrudgeBringer]

Sent it to you PM

[Frozen Lama]

map is here:

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=670477&postcount=45

[Frozen Lama]

ok game is up! name is ViciousCircle2

make sure you make you pretender WITH CBM 1.5!
send them to pretenders@llamaserver.net and put ViciousCircle2 in the subject line.

now we wait for GB to post people's nations.

[GrudgeBringer]

OK, we have 16 so we are using the map Darkheaven (good map and easy on the eyes).

Frozen llama has it posted (Thank You!!) so D/L it there.

Here are the players and the nations they got (don't panic everyone got thier first or second choice).

Grudgebringer Arco
Mule warrior Ryleh (thank you brave soul)
Eldanesh Ermor
Trumanator Pangea
Squirrelloid Calem
Bander lover kalisia
JR77 Lanka
Kietsensal Hinnom
Ishamoridan Mictlan
Lihaassa Fomoria
Shard Sauro
AAminoff Helheim
Frozen Llama Tir-A-Nog
Iainuki Marverni
Fakey Mcfake Niefelhiem
Mcfish TC

Please D/l the map and the 1.5 CBM Mod.
When you D/L those you go in the Preferences and make sure they (and only them are 'enabled')
We will NOT be going with the hoarding mod this game.

Start work on your Pretenders and we may get this off the ground tonight or tomorrow.

This is a random start, I played in the original Darkheavens game and did not hear but 1 guy say he had a not so good start (it didn't finish..too bad it was a good game).

IF we get someone with a terrible start (and I mean TERRIBLE) we will restart 1 time so think long and hard before you yell because you didn't get 5 Provinces.

[Fakeymcfake]

No second water nation? R'lyeh is going to have an easy time of it.

[Frozen Lama]

its ryleh- they get a few free provs then get to sit there till the end of time since they can't live on land. no big deal. lol

[GrudgeBringer]

Last 2 things...

1. Since we have 16 what do we want the victory conditions to be?
Last man standing or a number of Caps kept for 3 or 5 turns?

2. Most of those that PM'd me wanted binding Naps and treaties...so be it.

HOWEVER, post them in the game Forum if you want them binding, NO CRYING on secret treaties and Naps that get broken:eek: if they are not registered.

[rdonj]

Hmm. Looks like only about half the noobs in this game are really noobs. I hope some of you noobs know who some of the not-quite noobs are.

[Fakeymcfake]

Last man standing would be too much for this many people. I'd say either a portion of caps held so many turns (which could lead to a very fluid game), a portion of all the land held a certain amount of turns (which would be a more long term strategic game), or VP (though I don't know if this map supports it).

As for those of us who aren't exactly noobs anymore, well I might propose that we could have a 10 turn no rush rule so that those who are noobs won't have to worry about those who aren't running them over within the first year.

Other than that, having the binding NAPs will also cut down on the surprise attacks.

[Squirrelloid]

Hey, this will only be my 5th MP game...

Admittedly, a willingness to use the resources already on these forums does much to help. But I'm still rubbish at mid-late game against real people, i'm sure, since none of my games are yet past the army stage.

Also, binding NAPs are for wusses. Seriously, its a war strategy game - you think Neville Chamberlain got to lock in a binding conditions with Germany? (Alternately, I'm quite happy to make secret NAPs. I'll probably observe them - my track record is spotless so far).

[rdonj]

Well squirrel, you did pretty well for yourself in NvV, and so did Iainuki. You've both displayed a fair degree of knowledge and I would not call either of you noobs.

Also, experience shows that having a mass nap at the start of the game benefits the more experienced players anyway, so I personally would not go that route. I just wanted to let everyone know that there are players in this game who are not quite noobs anymore. And there are more than just squirrel and iainuki :P

[Squirrelloid]

Let me emphasize: there are strategy guides on this site. Use them. They help a lot, especially figuring out what the heck to do with a nation in the early game.

[Frozen Lama]

I admit to all that i am maybe "not quite a noob." GB has agreed to let me and fakey play, but i at least am 100% with pulling out if a large amount of people want me to.

[Cerain]

Hi, me 1- Atlantis (if other water natio is possible) 2- C'tis

[Frozen Lama]

i believe we are closed for recruiting sorry Cerain

[Ishamoridin]

So, are we at the stage of sending in Pretenders?

[GrudgeBringer]

There are some folks in here that can hold there own and even give some serious grief to someone that takes them lightly.

But there are also people that have played SP a year and never got on line and posted so they are 'New' also.

Has anyone in this game won a game? The closest I personally came was 3rd and I was so far behind Executor that I was alive by his grace.

I lasted 19 turns my first game and it woke me up in a HURRY that this game isn't Rome Total war.

I'm sure there are new up and coming players in this game that will deal out thier share of damage and there will be a few that will go out quickly, but either way they will learn and fall into that catagory (like I feel I am) that i am not very good but can make it to the mid game intact (and then it falls apart). I see nothing wrong in these players that fall in the middle playing in new games (especially large ones).

These people do double duty, they ally, teach and answer questions new guys (like Psycho and Executor did me)but they don't run over the game because other 'Middle' players won't let them.

I think we have a good mix and no one that can be considered 'middle' really took a power nation.

Just my opinion

[GrudgeBringer]

YES GENTLEMEN....SEND IN THE PRETENDERS.

Make sure you have the 1.5 Cbm mod enabled and no others.

[GrudgeBringer]

I have made a new Thread called

'Vicious Circle2 Upload pretenders'

We will use this as the game Forum, Nap agreements, questions ect.

[Fakeymcfake]

I actually technically won my first game online. Played MA Pan like it was MA Ulm, took over half the map but the game was called because it was at more or less a stalemate between me and a coalition of 3 smaller nations.

Not something I'd consider an actual 'win' especially considering what an atrocious amount of mistakes I made in the course of it.

As for getting knocked out early, in big games like this that can happen to anyone as people jockey for position, form snap alliances, or get crippled by one or two poorly timed random events at a critical moment.

[GrudgeBringer]

Well, no problem there just get your pretender in.

I subbed for about 15 turns at the end of the second Vets Vs Noobs on the Noob side and we won.

So I got my name in the team victory for 15 turns...at the very end. All I had to do was fend Baalz off for 15 turns, piece of cake right:eek:.