Countdown

[TwoBits]

Ermor staled last month, and only have a few hours to go until hosting (despite the extra time). Anyone know what's up there?

[TwoBits]

Yep, Ermor staled, twice in a row :(

[Verjigorm]

Wow! That's a lot of stuff coming at me. The most powerful attacker of you four appears to be Kailasa with the massed Guhyakas and Jade Maidens with their D9S9N4 Bless... Nasty.

Wrathful skies is down, of course.

I don't know that I can defeat Kailasa's army even if I can manage to get a Wish off before you destroy me. Guess what I'll Wish for....


-----------------

And a BIG reminder:

Remember that the game's Victory Condition (in the actual software) is set on "Victory Points" which means that no one can control all 6 VP provinces at one time or the game goes croak.

[Verjigorm]

In other news, please see my new map, the Abstract Sky Tower which is designed for situations similar to this one.

As I recall we had originally looked at a symmetrical map with centralized victory points, but one of the problems I had with it was that it essentially forced all nations on the same arm of the map to kill each other before proceeding to the VP area since there is a singular bridge between the VP area and the arms. The other option would be to take bridges around through other enemies territory which means a long and circuitous route between your center and your army. Arena also doesn't appear to be designed for water nations which would have a clear advantage having 10 (at 3 water nations), 15 (at 2), or 30 water provinces with 6 entrances to the center thus circumventing the nasty "kill your neighbor before entry" problem the land nations have.

I tried to address these issues when designing the Sky Tower. The only issue I didn't address was the ugliness. I had originally thought I would do a nicely colored map like Jason Lutes (from whose artwork our "Crown" map is derived), but when I started doing it, I found that the amount of time required would be extraordinary, and resolved, rather, to simply provide the necessary structure and try not to offend the eye as much as possible, though I'm not sure I accomplished the latter task as Pinkland and Yellowland are quite difficult to look at.

[Grounds]

Sorry everyone for staling. I went away for the weekend and forgot to inform you all. I should plan better for the holidays I suppose. That said, my latest turn is now in.

[DrPraetorious]

I have need of air boosters. I can make... pretty much anything else? I can also pay air gems for them, of course.

PM me if you'd like to make a deal.

[TwoBits]

Pablomatic may not have found a sub (?), and maybe gone for the week. What's the plan? Might be too late (unless Chrispetersen sees this in the next few hours), but perhaps we better pause things until he gets back.

Oh, and personally, I wouldn't mind moving things to a 48 hour schedule, now that things are heating up.

[chrispedersen]

ChrisPedersen does in fact check the game thread he is adminning =).

Game is paused for 180 hours. Pablo thought he had a sub lined up - but I have not received an email address.

In the meantime.. Please look for a (competent) sub.


chris

[Samhain]

I'm a bit of a newbie but know TNN fairly well. If you are still looking for a sub for Pablomatic, I'd be happy to give it a go.

[chrispedersen]

Great.. shoot me your email address.

[TwoBits]

I will be gone on business from this Saturday, May 3 to the following Saturday June 4.

Sounds like he should be back in a couple of days anyhow.

[Samhain]

Ok, in that case should the game not just wait until he returns? I would ideally want a 24+ hour delay regardless before submitting my first turn to give others a chance to PM me any NAP or other diplomatic info.

[DrPraetorious]

I think if we all hustle, we can get three turns in over the next 48 hrs before he gets back! It'll be hard, but pointlessly inconvenient and unfair, so who's with me?

[Grounds]

I'm personally starting to get a bit self-conscience. Every time I load the game page I see, "Game paused for discussion of what to do about Ermor." Makes me feel like you guys are talking behind my proverbial back via PMs. Just sayin'.

[Samhain]

From Pablomatic's post requesting a sub (see the link below) he indicates that he is open to the idea of turning over the game permanently. If that is indeed the case, I would be happy to do so. But, for now, I will hold off sending in my turn until he confirms that is what he wants done.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=746930&postcount=217

[Verjigorm]

I'm personally starting to get a bit self-conscience. Every time I load the game page I see, "Game paused for discussion of what to do about Ermor." Makes me feel like you guys are talking behind my proverbial back via PMs. Just sayin'.

He just forgot to update the message. We're waiting for finalization of Pablomatic's (TNN) replacement.

[chrispedersen]

I think the players have been super sportsman to agree to wait.
++1 to all of you, and to Sam for agreeing to sub.

Still it seems to be the consensus to wait. So when pablo gets back he'll have to give me his email address.

Sam, stay on hold until we confirm one way or another.

And message fixed = )

[chrispedersen]

Game returned to hoplo, and 24 hours added to timer to allow him to get reaquainted to the position.

[Pablomatic]

My apologies to everyone for the long delay and problems. I did get 2 sub offers after I left town, but I was away from civilization for 8 days, and had no way of knowing.

I am unclear whether you have waited for me? If someone has taken over Tir and wants to continue, I'm fine with that, but if y'all have waited for me to return, I will continue.

I want to be a respectful player, so let me know what you want. I am now available to hopefully play this out with only short interruptions.

[chrispedersen]

they were nice and waited for you Pablo. I think. Send me your email and I'll set it back to you.

[Verjigorm]

Claiming 3 VPs again:

81 101 105 [[+3 VP Turn 47]]

Total: 45 points

(This submission is slightly late).

[Verjigorm]

Claiming 2 VPs :

81 105 [[+2 VP Turn 48]]

Total: 47 points

Marverni has taken Morn Woods (101).

[Verjigorm]

As for my current state, I think next time, I'll have to take better scales. I'm pretty sure the Heat-3 Scale killed my income. Unlike other Arco builds I've used, this one didn't have enough money to buy units and castles, and I was unable to purchase my usual continuous stream of Oreaids.

I'm not saying I'm out, but Marverni has a lot of troops including several very large water armies. If you don't attack him, he'll start claiming all the VPs and win very quickly.

[TwoBits]

Marverni once again solemnly pledges not to declare VPs until such a time it has proven itself worthy by defeating all major adversaries first.

The Stone Circle

PS - are we still looking for a sub? If not, the thread title might be misleading.

[TwoBits]

BTW, is anyone interested in moving to a 48 hour schedule?

Oh, I forgot who's subbing Yomi for chrispedersen - can someone refresh my memory?

[Verjigorm]

Marverni once again solemnly pledges not to declare VPs until such a time it has proven itself worthy by defeating all major adversaries first.


Which is the point of what I said. If you don't attack him soon... if you allow him to consume me entirely (my holdings are substantial), he will be in that position immediately following my demise.

[Debaser8]

I'm Yomi and would also like a 48 hour schedule.

[DrPraetorious]

I'm Yomi and would also like a 48 hour schedule.

Likewise.

[Verjigorm]

I'm Yomi and would also like a 48 hour schedule.

Likewise.

I would agree as well.

[chrispedersen]

Already done =)

[Verjigorm]

A Happy FYI:

Kailasa teleported his Oracle into one of my provinces trying to use Master Enslave and died in the attempt. He did manage to kill some of my units.

The statistics of Kailasa's Pretender (keeping in mind the -1 to all paths for dying):

9S 9D 4N (Now 8S 8D 3N after death)

Remember, Kailasa, Teleporting like that only works on the defensive. You always fight before your army arrives if you teleport offensively. :P

He also sacrificed a ring of sorcery and a ring of wizardry, so at least that is a good thing. ^_^

I also smashed 60 of his stupid Jade Maidens and quite a few of those Guwhatziz.

I am dying. Remember how the Phoenix dies--in a great pillar of all-consuming fire! Mwahahahahaha!
====================================
Claiming 2 VPs :

81 105 [[+2 VP Turn 49]]

Total: 49 points

[Grounds]

Claiming my VPs:

101, 124 [+2 VP, turn 50]

Total: 2 points

[TwoBits]

Ermorians, your unprovoked sneak-attack was a dirty piece of business indeed! Marverni will not soon forget this Day of Infamy :mad:

Oh, and we see you're already declaring VPs for your ill-won gains, as if a few stolen victories somehow made your foul "pretender" fit to sit upon the Pentakrator's throne...

The Stone Circle

[Grounds]

The right of our god to sit upon the throne will be established through conquest and blood.

Your feeble forces will not be capable of concealing the truth of the matter. The truth that you are not fit to ascend to the heavens and be it's master.

[Verjigorm]

I had been wondering when you would attack, Mr. Ermor. All of those water provinces hiring and hiring for such a long time.... and never doing anything until now.

Very nice.

I had remarked to the druids of Marverni the last time we had friendly relations that The nation I was most concerned about, despite it's small size, was the state of Ermor since the Skull Mentors were researching away all that time without interruption or battle...

[Grounds]

All of that research is from brute magery. We don't abide by the use of research aids.

[Verjigorm]

I thought I saw a Magus over there, too... High Temple of the Magii is an excellent site.

[Verjigorm]

Claiming 1 VPs :

105 [[+1 VP Turn 50]]

Total: 50 points

Province 81 (Sea of Woe) was taken by Yomi.

[DrPraetorious]

Because He is the True God, Knife Bright Insight does not stoop to such bellitling and name-calling. No, He is compassionate in all His doings and all His works.

Abysians do not have tear ducts, so He does not *literally* weep, but figuratively speaking, although there are no outside signs of it, be assured that the True Lord of All, who is Knife Bright Insight, Sage King of the Abysians, is moved to profound sorrow by the plight of all these heretics and lost souls who, being too prideful to accept their place in His plan, have been needlessly butchering one another in such great numbers on all sides. Greatly is he sorrowed by this. Yea, be assured, that though their deaths be a foreseeable consequence of their sin and idolatry, the Most High does not scorn them, nor rejoice in their justly deserved sufferings, but pities them greatly.

[Verjigorm]

When attacking Marverni:

Province (139) contains a 20% Construction bonus site! You mustn't let him keep this.

Province (115) produces 5 Air Gems per month.

[TwoBits]

Hey Chrispedersen, can I get 24 extra hours? The Japan game is about to start (w/ Cameroon) - yeah, I know they'll probably suck, but oh well :) After that, I'll have to go to bed.

BIC: Drat you, Arco and Ermor! You'll all pay for your crimes! :D

[TwoBits]

OMG! Japan actually won!!! :shock: And no own-goals :p Well, I'll let you check elsewhere for the details.

But now I'm good and loaded. So I'm going to to some bookkeeping stuff for my turn, but I'd still really love that 24 hour delay, as I'll likely pass out soon :o

[chrispedersen]

Hosting postponed 24 hours due to inebriation =)

[Peacekeeper]

always a good reason!

[TwoBits]

Thanks for the delay :) I'll have the turn in shortly!

[Grounds]

I'm claiming my VPs:

101, 124, 83 [+3 VP, turn 51]

Total: 5 points

[Verjigorm]

Claiming 1 VPs :

105 [[+1 VP Turn 51]]

Total: 51 points

[Peacekeeper]

Im going to be going out town to see a family member on Friday and wont be back until Monday. I posted a thread looking for a sub and hopefully its successful.

[Verjigorm]

I say just do an extension if it's just a weekend... Our turn duration is already at 48 hours. Just submit a turn before you leave and we can pause for the weekend.

[DrPraetorious]

+1

I say just do an extension if it's just a weekend... Our turn duration is already at 48 hours. Just submit a turn before you leave and we can pause for the weekend.

apparently my message was too short

[chrispedersen]

On Friday, if prompted, I will extend the game 24-48 hours depending on what seems appropriate.

[Peacekeeper]

alright, if yall just want to pause it lets do that. Ill finish up the new turn today and be back Monday night to play the next one.

[Grounds]

Where did our game page go?

[Verjigorm]

Nagot Gick Fel on Llamaserver. I assume we'll be rolling back and resubmitting the turn?

[TwoBits]

The turn's out now (or at least I got it). Seeing as how I just killed Ermor's god in my dominion (immortal lich and all), I'm hoping there's no need for a roll-back? :D

[chrispedersen]

Noooooooooooooooooooooo

Llama has an error message posted on his page - but I don't think he's aware that the problem is more than disappearing maps.

I'm going to ask him to lock turn submissions for all, and to rehost.

[chrispedersen]

I'm told the issue is fixed by our friendly neighborhood superllama.

Please advise if there are issues. I am going to extend thetime 48hours, to allow peacekeeper to discover if there are issues.

Oops: Correction. Admin pw is no longer the same. I can't admin. Llama has been advised. News at 11.

[llamabeast]

Fixed!

[DrPraetorious]

So are we doing a rollback or....?

[Verjigorm]

Claiming 1 VPs :

105 [[+1 VP Turn 52]]

Total: 52 points

[chrispedersen]

At the present time I am unaware of a reason for a rollback.
However, even more, I strongly stated at the onset that there will be no rollbacks.

More or less, I will adhere to a no rollbacks policy unless:
a clear majority of players wish it (and I think there is justification.

or

the game cannot continue due to error.

[Verjigorm]

There isn't a need for a rollback. Unlike the message I got earlier from the server, I did not get a "stale turn". When I received turn 52, it was correct. I believe that whatever caused the Nagot Gick Fel on the server was fixed by the administration and the turn proceeded normally.

All of my orders went through correctly.

[DrPraetorious]

Ah, good. No rollbacks then excellent :).

[Peacekeeper]

im back in town and my turn is in. Thanks for holding the game for me.

[TwoBits]

Hey, I see Ermor has staled the last two turns (no wonder my counter-attacks haven't faced much resistance!), and TNN staled last turn.

Maybe we need to check up on those guys?

And maybe we should consider moving to a 60 or 72 hour clock?

[Verjigorm]

Claiming 1 VPs :

105 [[+1 VP Turn 53]]

Total: 53 points

[Verjigorm]

Request for Extension

I am going camping this weekend Friday, June 25th through Sunday, June 27th. I will be back Sunday Evening, and I am in the CDT Time Zone (GMT - 5 in Summer). I would prefer a weekend extension.

[Debaser8]

I think we should pause the game until we get some feedback on the stales, and then maybe extend the game to 72hrs.

[chrispedersen]

Game paused. Ermor emailed.

[Pablomatic]

I think we should pause the game until we get some feedback on the stales, and then maybe extend the game to 72hrs.

I thought I had more time, so no excuses here on staling.

I'm happy with any extension/pause while Ermor checks in + the camping. I don't want to stale twice though, so which turn will be due when please?

[Verjigorm]

Scratch the extension for me, I no longer need it. The campsite is flooded so we're "camping" in the back yard instead...

[Verjigorm]

No VP Claim:

Province 105 has been taken on turn 54 by Yomi via Water Queen (et. al):

Total: 53 points

[chrispedersen]

Scratch the extension for me, I no longer need it. The campsite is flooded so we're "camping" in the back yard instead...

I'm not going to reset the time. Don't want to stale someone that didn't get the -postphone.

If all players get turns in, it will quickhost anyway.

[TwoBits]

And well, we still need to hear from Ermor anyway, and find out what's up there.

[Debaser8]

Any response from Ermor? Are we going to host as scheduled, or try to find a sub, or set Ermor to AI?

[TwoBits]

I'd say it's not looking good for getting an Ermor sub, which is a shame, as before their multiple stales, they were looking pretty good.

They had a great surprise attack against me (Marverni), taking lots of provinces and killing loads of valuable troops, and then followed it up the next turn taking more - but they lost their pretender and a fully equipped golem then too.

And the player has been AWOL ever since, so it might be poorly timed RL issues, or a failure to adhere to the "Baalz pledge" spirit. If it is the latter, that's a shame, as Ermor had a lot of tools still in left in the shed - at least two, if not more, of the Elemental Royalty, several of the Artifacts (and I think some very important ones), and the lead in research!

So too bad the player disappeared. And now after three stales in a row, and coming under attack, it is likely a losing proposition for any sub :(

But I guess it would still be nice to find someone who'd like to fool around with a "Custer's Last Stand" scenario, rather than setting Ermor AI (and watch the AI totally waste the assets the player built up before walking away).

[chrispedersen]

Right TwoBits.. I really hate games being decided by stales.

I'd ask all players (especailly those that don't want two running away with it) to look for replacements.

I shall probably not be allowing the ermor player into any further games that I admin.

[chrispedersen]

Wow I really have to say thanks to Stagger lee
who has decided to pick up and sub for Ermor.

As soon as he gives his email information I will sub him into the game.

Yay!

[Stagger Lee]

Hi guys. I've sent chris my email and hopefully will have the turn when I get home from work. It may take a minute or even two to figure out this vp system. And I'm at war with one of you. Prepare for the wrath of the Old Empire. I hope I got something left to fight with ...

[chrispedersen]

Stagger Lee has been updated as the new player for Ermor.
A turn has been sent him (advise me if you do not receive stagger) - and the turn has been delayed 8 hours for his benefit. as this is now more than 24 hours that should be ok.

If you need more time, please give me a heads up stagger.

Chris

[Stagger Lee]

Abyssia, are we at war?

Please PM if we have or had any sort of arrangement.

[DrPraetorious]

Can we have a 24hr extension in case there is diplomacy? I don't think there will be, but also I'm drunk.

Thanks,
DrP

[DrPraetorious]

Also, since people may have forgotten the game is back on, can we get a "your turn is due in 20 hours" message from llamaserver?

I'm afraid that people who've forgotten about this game won't be able to do turns on the normal 12-hr notice.

[Stagger Lee]

I second the request for a little more time. I got the turn fine, but was not able to complete the job last night. It seems there is quite a lot to do. Thanks.

[chrispedersen]

Game postponed 12 hours. Since it was down to 6, people got the 6 hour warning yes?

[DrPraetorious]

Actually, I didn't get a notice, no.

[Debaser8]

Looks like we are going to have some stales this turn. Can we have another poll about adding 24hrs to the clock? I am definitely in favor of more time.

[DrPraetorious]

+1!

Looks like we are going to have some stales this turn. Can we have another poll about adding 24hrs to the clock? I am definitely in favor of more time.

[TwoBits]

Yeah, three out of nine staled. Time to move to a 72 hour (or more?) clock, IMO.

[chrispedersen]

Ok. Clock will be changed to 72 hours.

Since kailasa has now staled twice - can someone email him and ask whats up?

Also lets start looking for a sub.

[Verjigorm]

My stale was due to idiocy.... I performed the turn, but forgot to upload it.... I had everything decided the day the turn came down, but then never submitted it.

Not that it particularly matters... A single turn delay will not have any significant effect especially since Kailasa isn't doing anything except waiting for me to destroy his army.

[chrispedersen]

Well I delayed the game for a kailasa sub, although I hope that peacekeeper comes back.

If no sub can be found in 24 I will sub it a few turns or set it ai. Shame for a nation that big.

[Debaser8]

Could I get a 10 hour extension please?

[TwoBits]

We may need even more time, unless we hear from Kailasa and TNN. Dang, both are definite contenders, kind of a shame if we have to find subs for one or both :(

But I guess we should keep looking, just in case.

[iamofage]

I can sub for one of them if you guys want. I might screw it up though since I'm a bit new to multiplayer.

[DrPraetorious]

I vote to bring him on board. Being crushed by TNDP is a great learning experience; it prepares you to be crushed repeatedly and in increasingly gruesome ways.

Welcome iamofage!

[Stagger Lee]

I vote to bring him on board. Being crushed by TNDP is a great learning experience; it prepares you to be crushed repeatedly and in increasingly gruesome ways.

Welcome iamofage!

The Notorious Dr. Praetorious is about to teach me a harsh lesson about subbing in over my head in experience and skill level, too. I also welcome iamofage. I assume he will take over Kailasa? TNN has not staled consecutive turns yet...

[chrispedersen]

Yes, Iam, if you will send me your contact information I will set you up as Kailasa player.

[iamofage]

I have received the turn file, thx chris.

This is first time I played Kailasa, but I loved to kill monkeys in single player. I will need maybe 3 turns to get a handle of what's what and the general situation, so please don't attack me aggressively for 3 turns. I will pull out my troops in Arco land and not attack anyone for 3 turns.

First glance at Kalissa is that it is very organized and able thanks to the previous player, however...his playing style is vastly different from that of mine. I assume I am at war with Arco, and having either NAP3 or peaceful relations with everyone else? Any deals or agreements made beforehand needs to be renewed with me now before I do anything rash. I am also open to new agreements.

It's a wonder that monkeys are not hated yet, maybe it's because all the naked sexy advertisement department!

[TwoBits]

iamofage, thanks for stepping in!

Now we just need to find out what to do about TNN (I mean, what's up with the players of two of the top factions just disappearing like that?)!

[chrispedersen]

I don't know - this game has been a lot of work - had I know I would have quit adminning it too = )

[chrispedersen]

FakeyMcFake has agreed to take the TNN position. He is out of town till monday. If there are no objections I will take 1-2 turns in an effort to keep the game moving.

Is TNN at war with anyone?

[Debaser8]

They might be at war with Hinnom.

[chrispedersen]

For all the new people:

Would anyone care to give a breakdown on if the royals are known taken? Demon lords, Eater of the dead, tree lords etc?

Also I've looked at TNN's postion. Definitely strong. I can't get a turn in in just a few minutes. Will try to get one in tomorrow.

Info would help

[DrPraetorious]

I believe that TNN was not at war with anyone. The fire royalty is all taken.

[chrispedersen]

Thank you Dr. P. Thats very sporting..

Can anyone else chime in on demons, devils, eater of the dead info?

[Hoplosternum]

The Air Queens are all taken too.

[Debaser8]

At least one water queen gone.

[chrispedersen]

Wow great calibre of players here. I'm really impressed guys.

Anyway, Fakey has signed up for TNN. Thank you to Fakey and ALL the subs in this game. I've changed the email and forwarded him the turn file.

Two thumbs up to all you!

this turn will host whenever he uploads a turn. Target date for next turn will be monday, as fakey is travelling - and then back to regular schedule.

chris
'your frazzled admin'

[Fakeymcfake]

Hey all, if anyone has any sort of diplomatic shennanigans going on with me let me know (here or PM).

[Verjigorm]

TNN was at war with me. Their last attack culminated in the loss of a butt load of mages to my Strands of Arcane Power which might have been why the last sub quit, but I can't be sure.. I'll I know is I saw: 8 mages found, 6 mages killed. Kailasa has mostly Astral mages left (maybe a couple Jade Sorcs, I'd have to check intel), I assume that most of the mages that got hit with Soul Slay belonged to TNN since Marverni has been cautious not to bring any.




Extension Request

Oh! BTW... That extension I requested earlier and canceled is needed now. The camping trip was postponed due to flooding, but this weekend it's all good, so I will be Internet free from Friday afternoon, July 9th through Sunday afternoon, July 11th.

[chrispedersen]

That fits with the previously announced scheduled. Next turn monday.

[TwoBits]

First off: Verjigorm, I think all of us 'original' players owe you huge amount of kudos for sticking with the game, even while you're being attacked from all directions at once - you are a truly stand-up player, and I'd have no problems in joining a future game that you were in! :up:

As far as Kailasa and TNN, if their original players indeed bailed just because they lost some mages to Arco's SoAP, well, that would be even more punk than the original Ermor player disappearing after losing his pretender :down: I mean, that's no one's fault but your own - keep your important mages out of Arco's dominion, if you're not willing to lose them, simple as that.

(And yes, the original Kailasa and TNN players had spearheaded the attack on Arco, and Marverni [me] had more or less come along for the ride - but I certainly don't expect any of the new players to hold to the past - you're certainly free to do whatever you want diplomatically! Regarding NAPs and such, all I know is no one has one with me - I've managed to go this whole game so far without agreeing to a single one! Take that, stupid NAPs!!! :D )

Well, since we've never heard back from Grounds, Pablomatic, or PeaceKeeper, I don't know why they quit (theoretically, there could be something like a death in the family, etc.). But until I hear some worthy excuse, I personally would be extremely loath to ever join a game that they were also in.

Chrispedersen/Fakey(TNN), regarding the 'uniques', I can't add much beyond what has already been said. Most, if not all, of the Elemental Royalty seems to be in play, although a spare Water, Earth, and/or Air Royal might be left, but I don't know. As far as Demons/Devils/Treelords/Eaters/etc. go, I haven't seen any at all in play elsewhere, and if I've summoned any and no one else has spotted them yet, I certainly wouldn't admit to it :p

[Verjigorm]

Also, I killed Kailasa's pretender on a botched Master Enslave/Teleport attempt. I think he was trying to "join" an attack of his main communion (the army on my capitol), but didn't remember or didn't know that teleporters arrive first when moving offensively, and I smashed his fountain with some Icarids.

[chrispedersen]

The truly annoying thing:

I made it clear that this is a Good player pledge game.
I have seen peacekeepr and pablo have come to the boards and they haven't even had the courtesy to respond to my inquiries.


I promised that people that dropped would be shamed. I will definitely consider hard before I let any of them into another game I organize.

[TwoBits]

Every so often, some poor sucker, who's suffered an especially brutal back-stabbing, wants to start a thread publicly naming NAP breakers.

While I'm definitely not in favor of that, maybe there should be a thread that publicly names people who just unilaterally walk away from a game without a word of explanation :mad:

Well, big thanks to our subs, and big thanks to our players who stick it out when things go south! :up:

[Debaser8]

So I guess there was no consensus on extending the hosting interval to 48 or 72 hours?

[DrPraetorious]

Yeah, turns in this game are kicking my ***.

+1 for a (permanent) extension, please.

So I guess there was no consensus on extending the hosting interval to 48 or 72 hours?

[TwoBits]

I vote for 72.

[chrispedersen]

scratches head. I thought I did that already.
Regardless.... 72 hours it is.

[TwoBits]

Thanks boss ;)

[iamofage]

Sorry for the late turn uploads, there's been abnormal amount of work. Also the heat wave that's hitting my area is killing me...seeking shelter at friend's AC place.

[Stagger Lee]

My email server is down. Sorry, but I don't recall this happening before. We have some time, so I'm not really worried - just a heads-up.

[TwoBits]

An hour to go, three players still need to send in turns. Is it too late to get a delay?

[Stagger Lee]

Ack! I thought I had posted. I couldn't get my turn off before going away for the weekend. I don't have the game with me. Just a borrowed laptop. Any extension would be appreciated. :)

[pyg]

"I'm not dead yet!"

Having rather accidentally gotten into this game (I was sure someone would outbid me) and being way to busy to play seriously, I've been quite surprised at the results of my turn 10 suicide. Anyway since turn 30 or so doing my turn only takes a couple of minutes so playing hasn't been onerous. Early on I scared Pan badly enough to send him AI and handed TNN his cap and provinces. Then TNN revealed his alliance with Kailasa bringing us to war. Kailasa exerted a lot of energy trying to take my cap and then quit with TNN after failing repeatedly (D9 bless is mean though). Yomi made a much better effort but also failed his first attempt. I'm sure he will figure it out soon though, esp. as I've lost my ability to push dom. I also peripherally fought Ermor and Arco. when I thought I could do damage.

[TwoBits]

Pyg and Verjigorm, thanks again for your commitment in fighting to the last - it really makes the game a lot more enjoyable for the other players, if not for yourselves :)

Chrispedersen, you may need to keep an eye on Llamaserver around hosting time, and maybe check in with our new TNN and Kailasa players to make sure they've got everything in hand. TNN and Kailasa are too important to just let them waste away. Summer is just a difficult time anyway, so liberal and frequent delays may be necessary.

[Fakeymcfake]

Sorry for the stale folks, sick as a dog all weekend, literally couldn't move from bed.

[Verjigorm]

Sorry for the stale folks, sick as a dog all weekend, literally couldn't move from bed.

Vitamin D. 10 minutes per day in the sun when it's available. Milk or supplements (up to 400% RDA is sometimes recommended) per day will help prevent all sorts of infections. ^_^

[DrPraetorious]

Bollocks. Unless you are actively *deficient* in any nutrients (or pregnant), there is sound evidence *only* that the following are good for you:
* Low doses of ethanol
* Moderate exercise
* Fruits and vegetables
* Fiber (on top of the fruits and vegetables)
* Sex - preferably hot and steamy

Sorry for the stale folks, sick as a dog all weekend, literally couldn't move from bed.

Vitamin D. 10 minutes per day in the sun when it's available. Milk or supplements (up to 400% RDA is sometimes recommended) per day will help prevent all sorts of infections. ^_^

[chrispedersen]

Er, I check the thread about 2 times per day. I'm afraid thats probably going to have to be good enough.

[chrispedersen]

If Verji is pregnant I suspect no amount of fiber would make a difference..

[Verjigorm]

Uh... something got a bit off track.. Most people have a Vitamin D deficiency. Usually not enough to cause Rickets, but I do agree with most of the stuff from that list. The "Fruits and Vegetables" part should mention that a diverse array of fruits and vegetables is better than just bananas and broccoli all the time. ;)

[TwoBits]

Dang, looks like we still have a problem with Kailasa :(

[DrPraetorious]

I disagree. The diversity of fruits and vegetables should be mentioned in the sex part.

/me runs away. :vroom:

Uh... something got a bit off track.. Most people have a Vitamin D deficiency. Usually not enough to cause Rickets, but I do agree with most of the stuff from that list. The "Fruits and Vegetables" part should mention that a diverse array of fruits and vegetables is better than just bananas and broccoli all the time. ;)

[Verjigorm]

lol. I've only known one friend who crossed the food/sex barrier... Without going into detail, his report: sticky and less fun as a result.

Please note, he was not using Pastrami, the most sensual of the salted, cured meats.

[Debaser8]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY8jaGs7xJ0

[chrispedersen]

guys if you have a suggestion for kailasa - I'm all ears..

Iamofage... last post was that work was killing him
and he has not logging into the shrapnel site since 7/15...

[TwoBits]

I think e better pause things until we get another sub. Kailasa is just too important to let go by the wayside, IMO.

[TwoBits]

So what's the consensus?

ChrisP, if you're too busy, or still having computer issues, or are just tired of administrating a game you aren't even playing in anymore ;) , do you want to appoint another admin? Is that even possible?

[chrispedersen]

Ihave posted in the sub forum for a replacement for kailasa.
if the players wish another administrator I'm happy to step down.

I think this is more a player consensus at this point ...

[TwoBits]

Hey Chris, I hope you didn't take that as a criticism, it truly wasn't meant as one. I think you've done a fine job, considering all the difficulties the game has faced! I guess I just thought that maybe you were tired of the hassle, not being a direct participant anymore and all, but if you're willing to continue, I have zero problem with that :)

[chrispedersen]

Sure, I'd rather quit. But I'm happy to continue = ).

[Fakeymcfake]

If you need a break Chris I'd be happy to step in, I know it can get tedious. Wouldn't be able to do it until the first week of August though.

On that same note, going to be off from the 29th to the 2nd. Probably only miss one turn, and I'll be sure to have the current one in before I go.

[pyg]

If you need a break Chris I'd be happy to step in, I know it can get tedious. Wouldn't be able to do it until the first week of August though.

On that same note, going to be off from the 29th to the 2nd. Probably only miss one turn, and I'll be sure to have the current one in before I go.

Not sure you've really built up the sort of reputation one needs to admin a game Fakeymcfake. Some people have observed that when the going gets tough, you get going (http://z7.invisionfree.com/Dom3mods/index.php?showtopic=150).

[Stagger Lee]

I thought we were on hold until we reached a decision on Kailasa. :confused:

[Fakeymcfake]

I've admin'd plenty of time pyg, I've stepped in for plenty of players who have left in the middle of games without explanation, I have fought to the bitter end many, many times. And I personally find it distasteful to have someone else's accusations thrown at me when all I'm trying to do is help another person.

[chrispedersen]

I had postponed the game trying to find a Kailasa sub. But at this point I think we have exhausted our potential subs. I have arranged.. 5, 6 for this game.

I am willing to put more work into it, if the players wish it. But as of right now, I'm going to set kailasa AI.

[TwoBits]

Dang, they're kind of an important faction. Maybe too important to set AI?

I don't mind delaying a few extra days to find a sub, and I can help keep an eye on the sub-request thread (bumping it, and perhaps adding a little more 'sales-pitch', etc., when necessary).

[chrispedersen]

Ok. I'll delay for 144 hours, unless players tell me otherwise.
Do please look for a substitute.

Chris

[Debaser8]

We should also put an add up on the other forum.

[TwoBits]

Heck, I don't know if Pyg was joking in the "I want to be a queen" thread, but, considering the difficult sale Kailasa might be at this point (but then again, it might not), I'd say, what the hell, let him set Hinnom AI (not much but the Sphinx left in the tank), and take over Kailasa :D

[Fakeymcfake]

It'd work, I've seen it done in games before. Good way to keep ahold of a good player too.

[DrPraetorious]

That's fine, as long as Pyg sends me all their gold and gems, so that I can spend them avenging myself on his hated enemy... Pyg! HA HA HA HA HA!

[TwoBits]

That's fine, as long as Pyg sends me all their gold and gems, so that I can spend them avenging myself on his hated enemy... Pyg! HA HA HA HA HA!

S**t, at this point I'd be willing to take anyone, especially if we knew they wouldn't stale or bail (and I think Pyg has done himself proud on both accounts)!

[TwoBits]

Looks like Maerlande has agreed to sub for Kailasa! Since he can't post here though, folks will have to go to "the other place", if you want to communicate quickly.

[TwoBits]

"Hey Twobits. Can you do me a favour and post in the game thread that I'd like to learn about any diplomatic agreements in place? I can read shrapnel but not post." - from Maerlande

Done. From my end, I'm pretty sure Kailasa is not actively at war with anyone (Yomi seems to have taken over the effort to finish off Hinnom, and while Kailasa had besieged Arco's capital previously before being driven off, Marverni seems to be drawing the wrath of the Greeks currently - still plenty of punch left there - at this point).

[chrispedersen]

Ok.. I updated the opening post, with the players as I know them. Please report any errors.

I haven't heard on VP's Verji; do you have any to report/update?
(Why stop now).

The last I heard of the situation with kailasa was page 36 of the thread. Want to say thanks to Maerlande for prefering monkey meat. The other red meat. It really sounds like between Dr P., verji, Two Bits,etc you have a great contest going on with good secondary players as well.

[Verjigorm]

If you look back to my last post regarding VP's, I didn't stop because I didn't want to claim more VPs, but rather because all of the VP Provinces have been taken from me. I have but two provinces left.

[chrispedersen]

Sorry, didn't know. Thanks for being a sport and hanging in there!

[chrispedersen]

Maerlande has gotten his turn in as Kailasa.
Now lets get the rest o ya sluggards going = ).

Huh. I know the OP was updated with the correct information. I *saw* it.
This is the second time thats happened...

[TwoBits]

Yep, time to get this show back on the road!

[DrPraetorious]

I can't get this turn done today, I'm afraid :(.

But I'll get a turn in early next week. Someone might want to PM debaser8 and see if he wants to send in another turn as well? Although I'd say he's pretty well vanquished.

[Debaser8]

I'm Yomi.

[DrPraetorious]

I'm Yomi.

Oops. Meant StaggerLee, sorry :(.

[Stagger Lee]

I can't get this turn done today, I'm afraid :(.

But I'll get a turn in early next week. Someone might want to PM debaser8 and see if he wants to send in another turn as well? Although I'd say he's pretty well vanquished.

I'm Yomi.

Oops. Meant StaggerLee, sorry :(.

Yeah, someone give stagger a kick ... :re:

I was away with the wife and kids at Sesame Place. If I wasn't going to beat the hosting time, I would have asked for an extension. Sorry to hold up your conquest of the known world TNDP, but I did whup you pretty good two turns ago, and if my battlefield placement wasn't left to Elmo, I might have actually turned this war around. As it is, my turn is in. Send yours at your leisure. :p

[DrPraetorious]

I'll get in a turn tomorrow morning, now that I know who is still playing :).

[chrispedersen]

Applauds Stagger Lee's whupping Dr.P's butt... and taking a sub position, and staying with it.

[chrispedersen]

guys, I am going to be away Aug 5-12. Shall I give Fakey (or stagger, or ...) the password?

[TwoBits]

Dr. P, you got that turn in yet?

Anyone have suggestions on chrispedersen's situation? I'd volunteer to admin, but I can see how others might not feel that's fair or competative ;)

[DrPraetorious]

I'm working on it now.... but I have a meeting this afternoon :(.

On the plus side, I can now play dom3 at work!

[Hoplosternum]

I'll do it if we are stuck :) But people will have to give me roughly half a days notice if they want delays as I can no longer access this site during working hours. I can access the other place :evil: and Llamaserver though - I just won't know if you post here while I'm at work :p

Not that I have anything against TwoBits doing it....

[TwoBits]

I'll do it if we are stuck :) But people will have to give me roughly half a days notice if they want delays as I can no longer access this site during working hours. I can access the other place :evil: and Llamaserver though - I just won't know if you post here while I'm at work :p

Not that I have anything against TwoBits doing it....

I'm in favor of letting Hoplosternum handle the admin duties - as the 'dark horse' among the contenders, perhaps he's the most trustworthy! We all know how to access the :evil: place, I'm sure (maybe using the 5-4-3-2-1 Countdown thread I started there), and it would certainly be more convenient for Maerlande (who's probably wondering why he joined a game with no action anyway :rolleyes: ).

[DrPraetorious]

I could care less who administers, as long as it isn't me.

If one of you cheats, perhaps it will finally end this...

[DrPraetorious]

I got my turn in 15 minutes ago and it is still hosting.

I'm secretly hoping that I broke the game engine :).

[Fakeymcfake]

Whomever folks want to take over is fine. Just throwing my hat in if no one else wants the job.

[TwoBits]

Ah, the game is afoot once more! Ermor's capital has finally fallen (valiant effort to be sure though, Stagger Lee!), and Kailasa's Guiding Principle has been given a rough welcome (as far as I can tell).

Regarding finding an admin-sub, I should tell everyone that I also will be traveling from the 7th to 17th. I'll have my computer, and should have internet access, but that access, or my free-time, or whatever, might not be reliable. I shouldn't have a problem getting in turns (I hope), but I may not be around for other stuff.

[Hoplosternum]

I have the admin password now :)

Let me know if any delays are required.

[Verjigorm]

Oooh! Kailasa putting up the big bucks on an Arcane Nexus with so many people left in play.... Will it pay off or will it get Dispelled?

I'm betting successful collaborative Dispel next turn.

My SOAP is down, though... Why couldn't it have selected someone else's enchantment? :'(

Once again, my capitol has been cleansed of interlopers. Do you like my pretender Twobits? I think she's really cool though the scale sacrifice necessary to make her is rather crippling...

[Eximius Sus]

On behalf of my friend playing Kailasa:

I think the other players realize the threat is Marverni. Not Kailasa. Marverni is parked on most of the vps but is not declaring them? Is this a plan to carry this game on to turn 200? Kailasa hopes their good friends will understand the purpose of the spell and realize that its bounty will be spent creative masses of sacred whoopass to beat the snot out of Marverni. Other nations of the world need not be concerned.

[Verjigorm]

lol, Eximius.

You'd best go get a great demagogue like Barack Obama to sell that one.

Regardless of what purpose you state that the Nexus is for, if Kailasa is allowed to make it permanent, then Kailasa will probably win. You're essentially going for a "two-party system" wherein the eventual winner will be either Marverni or Kailasa depending on how you vote for the Nexus.

I propose that the Nexus is at least as great of a long term threat as anything Marverni has.

[Eximius Sus]

One itty bitty spell is as strong as that giant army of Icthytids? Methinks thou doth protest too much. Turtle spam FTW.

[TwoBits]

All right, the last portion of my trip was busy, then followed by a brutal trip home (4 countries and 2 continents in just over 24 hours :( ). I thought I could keep up with the turns on the road, but obviously missed that last one - and came back to Arcane Nexus!

Well, Hoplo, can you add an extra 24 hours to the timer? I finally got a good night's sleep last night, but need the extra time to wrap my head around this.

Oh, TNN, Abysia, Yomi, Helheim - what are your thoughts on the Nexus, eh? ;)

[Fakeymcfake]

My thoughts are that things are more complicated than they were one turn ago.

[Hoplosternum]

Well, Hoplo, can you add an extra 24 hours to the timer? I finally got a good night's sleep last night, but need the extra time to wrap my head around this.

Oh, TNN, Abysia, Yomi, Helheim - what are your thoughts on the Nexus, eh? ;)

Done.

[Eximius Sus]

I wouldn't worry about the other nations Twobits. They've already been brought to the side of light.

[Fakeymcfake]

Personally I'm still very much in a sort of dusk area, perhaps something in a nice ambient light... overcast perhaps...

[TwoBits]

I wouldn't worry about the other nations Twobits. They've already been brought to the side of light.


Have they now? Well, for their sakes, they better have all cut very good deals (did Kailasa promise a full share of the Nexus proceeds? and was believed? :re: ), otherwise, they just slit their own wrists...

[Eximius Sus]

My understanding, and of course I could have my interpretation wrong, was that each was offered 10 Marverni provinces. Not a bad deal really.

[Debaser8]

I haven't received any offer of any territory of Marveni.

I don't have a good idea of the power of Astral Nexus. Is it all non-astral/blood ritual spells and items or does it include gems used in battles? What percent of gems used does it give to the caster?

Yomi

[Verjigorm]

The Nexus takes the sum of all non-astral, non-blood gems used during the turn during ritual magic and forging and multiplies by 1/4 adds a small number and gives it to the controller after the magic phase ends.

Among its effects are:

1. Reduces casting among most players for fear of "powering" the Nexus.
2. Gives the owner an effective "25%" discount on everything cast, except the 25% return is given back in Astral pearls which are more valuable.
3. Once combined with Wish, the controller can wish for Gems and receive 150 gems in exchange for 75 Astral pearls. Once consumed, these 150 gems return 37.5 astral pearls back to the controller yielding 150 colored gems worth of whatever the hell you want for 37.5 Astral Pearls.
4. AI Players ignore the Nexus and power it.
5. Whenever a large global is cast, the nexus owner can use the average returns he's getting to gauge the number of gems put into the global so he knows how many gems he needs to take control of that enchantment.

I could probably think of more... It's not something you want to have up.

Anecdotally, I've seen single-turn returns from the Nexus at or above 100 pearls--especially on the first turn when everyone is casting and forging liberally. If everyone is being stingy it might go down to 25-30ish or so.

Usually, you have about 3-4 turns to dispel it, max, before it pays for itself. Once it pays for itself it sort of becomes a permanent feature until you destroy the player that cast it.

Once a healthy pearl "bank" is established for recasting (I like to increase the number of pearls in the nexus by 25-50 each recast), the Nexus can result in a wish every 1-3 turns strategy which is mindlessly simple to implement. Ever faced off against 5 Seraphs only to have 6 the next turn or Armageddon every 2 turns... You can use it to take over all of the globals by wishing for gems, steal artifacts, steal Unique SCs (especially if you find out one of them is controlling an enemy global), etc.

Oh, and anyone who accepts a "deal" valued in "someone else's provinces" in exchange for allowing the Nexus to live, is retarded and should quit playing right now. ^_^


----

Even more:

He suggested that "everyone" was already on board with his plan in exchange for a pittance of provinces that you have to collect yourself. What does that mean? In addition to allowing him to keep the Nexus, he also got you to agree to assist him in dismantling his biggest enemy, so he won't have to spend as many of his Nexus pearls doing it himself. "Oh, how gracious you are Great Monkey King, to allow us to attack your sworn enemy. I am in your debt!"

Frequently, when someone initially casts the Nexus, they have made a gamble and have put a big bet down (sometimes All-In as in all of their gems because it's so easy to get them back once it's permanent). If you call their bluff and collaboratively Dispel it before it's 3rd turn of operation (which is the earliest you can do so since you have to send gems on the 2nd turn), Kailasa will lose the gambit and pay for it dearly.

If however, you allow him to continue the Nexus AND do not exact ANY pearls in rent from it (e.g. an equal share divided amongst all participants), you are fools, and I will point and laugh at you if you lose.

[Debaser8]

Thanks for the explanation. The wiki has Wish at 100 pearls. Shouldn't it cost the owner of the nexus 100 pearls to wish for gems because they receive no discount on astral spells/items?

[TwoBits]

My understanding, and of course I could have my interpretation wrong, was that each was offered 10 Marverni provinces. Not a bad deal really.

LOL, so it is "slit their own wrists" then, eh? :re:

I mean, let me get this straight - for siding with Kailasa, each nation will get 10 Marverni provinces? Well, let me just say right now, no one is going to just "get" anything. They can each try to take ten provinces, but I can promise, it will be a long, hard, and bloody slog before they can claim their 10.

Meanwhile, Kailasa will be rolling in hundreds upon hundreds of gems per month! Debaser8, Arcane Nexus is a well known game winner, if allowed to stand unchecked. It doesn't include gems used in combat (you can bet, that's where I'll be using the bulk of my gems from now on), but it'll give Kailasa 50% of all non Astral/Blood gems used in forging and ritual spells - which would be a huge crap-load, just going by what Marverni was using each month in that regard.

So, those siding with Kailasa should be asking for way more than "the chance" to fight Marverni for 10 provinces that wont come easy. You should also be demanding a massive number of gems each month (he'll get half of them back anyway), like 50-100 at least. Otherwise, it's a fool's bet.

Oh, and for those worried about Marverni's power, I'm willing to make whatever accommodations you feel are required (giving up VP locations, withdrawing from border provinces, whatever), until Kailasa and/or the Nexus are no more. Just let me know what it'll take to make a deal :cool:

[TwoBits]

Ninja'd by Vergigorm. Crap, his description is way more scary than mine! :eek:

[Debaser8]

Is it 25% or 50%?

[Verjigorm]

25%

[Verjigorm]

Thanks for the explanation. The wiki has Wish at 100 pearls. Shouldn't it cost the owner of the nexus 100 pearls to wish for gems because they receive no discount on astral spells/items?

You get 25 of each gem including Astral. 175 for 100 becomes 150 for 75 after you subtract out the astral pearls.

Wishing for gems is a no-risk bet, btw, since if you need the pearls back, since you got twice as many gems as you paid in, they alchemize back into the same number of pearls that you initially paid for them, and with the Nexus up, spending them is very beneficial to you.

Seriously... I MUST repeat this part as it is essential that you understand what he's trying to sell you:

He suggested that "everyone" was already on board with his plan in exchange for a pittance of provinces that you have to collect yourself. What does that mean? In addition to allowing him to keep the Nexus, he also got you to agree to assist him in dismantling his biggest enemy, so he won't have to spend as many of his Nexus pearls doing it himself. "Oh, how gracious you are Great Monkey King, to allow us to attack your sworn enemy. I am in your debt!"

Also use of the word "everyone" is a psych tactic called "social proof" which is more commonly known as "peer pressure" or the "if everyone jumped off a bridge" technique.. IMO, lemmings deserve to die.

[Eximius Sus]

Oh my. I think I better explain to my friend that he has enemies now. I think he might have missed that point. But frankly, Marverni has this game won if he had just declared his VPs. What is he playing? He's got near all the vps in hand for many turns and hasn't declared them? He's just waiting for the rest of the players to fart around fighting each other then he'll do a VP rush and win. The rest of you should be quite concerned.


Of course my friend running Kailasa is doing some spin doctoring. It's just sensible. Do you have a chance to stop the Marverni VP rush? If not you should join with Kailasa in any attempt to slow the hegemony of Marverni. Don't be fooled. Marnerni is trying to distract you from the real threat.

[Eximius Sus]

PS: Why listen to Verjigorm. He's kaput.

[Verjigorm]

lol. You listen to me because you know I'm right. Even if you decide to side with Kailasa against Marverni, you still shouldn't let them have the Nexus. Therefore, even if you don't like Marverni and want to crush them, you still have an obligation to your own personal survival in the future to destroy the Nexus.

You surely don't need Kailasa to have the Nexus in order to destroy Marverni large though they are...

[Eximius Sus]

It's not all that hard to get rid of the Nexus. Just find the caster and kill him. I'll give you a hint. He's got a lot of astral.

[Eximius Sus]

You surely don't need Kailasa to have the Nexus in order to destroy Marverni large though they are...

What you need is someone to do something to stop Marverni. At least Kailasa made a move. I suggest the other players join him and negotiate for a reasonable time to drop the nexus after Marverni is managed.

[TwoBits]

Oh well, it looks like it's a done deal anyway. I figure Abysia at least, and probably Helheim, have cut a deal for a share of the Nexus, and left the other powers dangling.

And though I've certainly waited too long, I guess I better start declaring my VPs now, while I still have them!

Um, I'm still way behind on my sleep, and while I can get in a minimum turn in the next hour and a half, it will be nowhere close to what needs to be done to deal with the crap-storm heading my way.

So Hoplo, if you see this, can you give me another 24 hours? Sorry guys for the delays though - but once I get my rest this weekend, and recover from the jet-lag, I'll be back to my normal pace, I promise! :)

Better PM Hoplo now...

[Hoplosternum]

Oops. Sorry I was catching up on my sleep. I have added a probably unnecessary 24 hours to the next turn.

And as we have been doing a lot of open diplomacy on the thread I'll add some of my own thoughts. It might not be a bad idea for powers to do their own diplomacy rather than trust the musings of powers long past their prime or friends of those who caste obnoxious globals :p

While most of the remaining powers have some chance of victory some have more of a chance than others :) Not really sure that I care that about the arcane nexus as long as its not in the hands of one of the two big powers at this point. Still PMs are always appreciated :p And so my own high level astral caster remains busy casting Vine Man as everyone knows that is the real root to victory....

[Hoplosternum]

Oh current (Turn 69) VP Totals (I think!)

Arcoscophale (Verjigorm) 54
Ermor (Stagger) 5
Maverni (TwoBits) 6 (3+3)

Please can Maverni declare the VP provinces he has?

Let me know if I've missed any....

[Verjigorm]

Come on, guys, Dispel that Nexus! You don't need 100% compliance.

[Eximius Sus]

Maerlande can be found on IRC and at dom3mods if anyone wishes private diplomacy. I really haven't consider this to be diplomacy. It's more spin doctoring and taunting and all in the spirit of having fun. Please read all of my comments assuming my tongue is firmly in my cheek.

Some of the players have found Maerlande on IRC for long chats about diplomacy.

[TwoBits]

Oh current (Turn 69) VP Totals (I think!)

Arcoscophale (Verjigorm) 54
Ermor (Stagger) 5
Maverni (TwoBits) 6 (3+3)

Please can Maverni declare the VP provinces he has?

Let me know if I've missed any....

I've got 83, 124, and 134.

BTW, anyone read the description on my new prophet? I've never seen that before! Looks like Lucterius will have to work hard to keep up his reputation ;)

[Debaser8]

Interesting battle between Abysia and Ermor. Looks like Yomi gets some action finally :-).

[chrispedersen]

50% of all non astral non blood gems spent in spell casting or forging are converted into astral and given to the caster.

It is not at all uncommon to make 75+ astral a turn with this spell.

[Verjigorm]

25%

[TwoBits]

25%

The spell description is kind of confusing then, as it states "half".

Oh, and now (turn 70), for the time being at least ( :p ), Marverni has 5 VPs: 83, 101, 105, 124, and 134.

"Thus it has come to pass - all powers have joined against us, or at least none has sided with us (The fools! To spite us, they will sell their souls to the Monkeys!). So be it!

In the face of this, Marverni, in the greater glory of the mighty Bump of Chicken, will take on the ultimate test - having once begun, we shall openly and continuously declare our VPs, until we place our lord upon the Throne of Heaven, or are thrown down! We have no other option.

Unfortunately, that will take time. But what shall you do with this interim? Continue to give your gems to the Monkeys, and their foul Byr, only to see them place the slave collar around your neck once Marverni is no more? Or put them in their place now, while you still have the chance, and try to destroy us in an honorable and valiant struggle, without their whip cracking at your back?

We live in interesting times...

Lucterius, the World's most feared slayer of men, Prophet of the Great Lord Bump of Chicken" :D

Oh, time for a little smack talk (I know, a little unfair, since Maerlande can't reply directly, but I cant resist ;) ): How much do Rudras cost? Dang, even with Arcane Nexus, that loss might take several turns to recoup :angel

BTW, last turn I forgot to say a big thank you to Pyg for sticking his game out to the very end - so I'll say it now: very classy! We all appreciate it, I'm sure, especially after all the 'quitting' problems this game has had.

[Eximius Sus]

Maerlande would like to share his commiseration. The bandar commander responsible for that tactical plan has been eaten.

[Fakeymcfake]

Hey folks, my computer is about to go through a magical and wonderous transformation (mainly a new mobo, cpu and ram) so there is a chance that things might go horribly horribly wrong. As such, I'm putting my current turn in and if it looks like things are going to go completely to hell I'll notify you guys.

If anyone needs to reach me for diplomacy or whatever, might take a couple days.

[Eximius Sus]

On behalf of my friend Maerlande, he has started a thread on dom3mods about this game. Simply put he refuses to pay pearls for protection. Come and get it if you can.

[Verjigorm]

http://z7.invisionfree.com/Dom3mods/index.php?showtopic=182

I'll also note that you should have pooled pearls LAST turn, now you've given him another turn worth of income from the Nexus and that's probably... mmmm.... 75? nails in your collective coffin.

[TwoBits]

"Har har har! We could have predicted this - once the chance to dispel the Nexus was squandered, and Marverni had been compelled to make its move, the offers of Kailasa to share gems are suddenly withdrawn!

What will you do now? You can drive us off the VPs and destroy our empire, but it will not be easy by any means (ask Kailasa about the 3 Rudras, if you doubt us!). And all the while, Kailasa will mass an unassailable horde of gems. Now you feel the crack of the whip, but once we're gone, you'll feel the boot on your neck!

Well, there may be another way. Marverni is willing to talk, and make concessions (such as returning the two VP provinces to Yomi, and halt claiming VP points until such a time as the Nexus is no more).

If not, you'd best start learning to climb trees and eat bananas!

Lucterius, the Worlds Most Feared Slayer of Men"

[Eximius Sus]

Hmm, I reread my postings and I'm pretty sure that I did not make any offers to share gems. On behalf of Maerlande, I offered to share Marverni provinces and of course that offer still applies.

Maerlande himself has only made a single statement on this issue.

[Hoplosternum]

"Har har har! We could have predicted this - once the chance to dispel the Nexus was squandered, and Marverni had been compelled to make its move, the offers of Kailasa to share gems are suddenly withdrawn!

What will you do now? You can drive us off the VPs and destroy our empire, but it will not be easy by any means (ask Kailasa about the 3 Rudras, if you doubt us!). And all the while, Kailasa will mass an unassailable horde of gems. Now you feel the crack of the whip, but once we're gone, you'll feel the boot on your neck!

Well, there may be another way. Marverni is willing to talk, and make concessions (such as returning the two VP provinces to Yomi, and halt claiming VP points until such a time as the Nexus is no more).

If not, you'd best start learning to climb trees and eat bananas!

Lucterius, the Worlds Most Feared Slayer of Men"

Well I am not sure that by attacking none Monkey provinces you are encouraging anyone to take down the Nexus for you. After all most of us only risk to lose to someone other than yourself or Dr P :) While you and Abysia can see that possible win get sucked out of your nations and into Kailasa's Nexus :)

Why haven't you and Aby taken it down? You have much more to lose than the rest of us if it stays up for long. You and Aby get over 230 gems a turn between you. Even if you don't get a single natural pearl between you that's 115/turn after alchemy. Cast your own dispel....

[Verjigorm]

This is an early notice of an absence:

I will be camping Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4th - 6th) and will not have access to any Internet or computer.

[TwoBits]

Well I am not sure that by attacking none Monkey provinces you are encouraging anyone to take down the Nexus for you. After all most of us only risk to lose to someone other than yourself or Dr P :) While you and Abysia can see that possible win get sucked out of your nations and into Kailasa's Nexus :)

Why haven't you and Aby taken it down? You have much more to lose than the rest of us if it stays up for long. You and Aby get over 230 gems a turn between you. Even if you don't get a single natural pearl between you that's 115/turn after alchemy. Cast your own dispel....

First off, I have raided and taken Monkey provinces - but mostly I'm hunkering down on defense, because I expected I would be attacked from all sides!

I'll give kudos to Kailasa's diplomacy, and grumble about everyone else'. No one, NO ONE, offered to help cast a dispel. More importantly, no one, NO ONE, contradicted my assumption that they weren't all in on it with Kailasa!

No one other than Verjigorm expressed serious concern about the Nexus. In fact, the insinuation from Kailasa was that other powers (and I assumed that meant TNN, Abysia, and Helheim) had accepted a hefty share of gems to ally with him (and Yomi confirmed that he was also negotiating for a share as well).

Since no one bothered to counter that assumption, I had to assume that everyone was against me, and thus make my own play, which was to forget casting Dispel (what's the point when the Nexus would go right back up with everyone's connivance?), and go for the VPs. It wasn't a good plan, but it seemed to be all I had.

Well, was my analysis wrong? Are folks not on board with Kailasa? If so, damn, let me know! Like I said, I can still make a deal :) But if I don't hear anything serious, I'm gonna keep figuring it's Marverni against everyone else :mad:

[Verjigorm]

I'm gonna keep figuring it's Marverni against everyone else :mad:

Welcome to the club. ^_^

Hold all 5 VPs for 20 turns.

Go!

[Eximius Sus]

I must say. Maerlande must be enjoying the chaos he has caused. Perhaps that was his only goal?

[TwoBits]

I'm gonna keep figuring it's Marverni against everyone else :mad:

Welcome to the club. ^_^

LOL! Yes, there is a certain amount of irony :o

[Hoplosternum]

Firstly let me apologise about abusing my Admin powers by granting myself an extra day for the turn. I was away from home last night and hadn't completed my turn. I have added a further 6 hours from a request.

We may have a problem with Dr P. He staled last turn and has not put in a turn this time yet either. Anyone heard from him?

If he has gone :( then we will need to find a replacement. But he may just be away for a few day. Either way I hope no one takes this as an opportunity to attack him. It's extremely cheesy play :p I don't include Stagger/Ermor in this as obviously he should be free to liberate his lands. But Abysia is a viable power and I would hate to see the game skewed by people taking advantage of a major power taking a week or two off. Can we all agree (except for Ermor) to keep out of Abysia's lands until they are clearly being led again?

[Hoplosternum]

I will just put this out there. But I am NOT advocating it. Just putting this up as a suggestion.

Shall we call this one a draw?

If Dr P has gone only myself, TwoBits and Verji remain of the original players. I joined because I liked the idea of bidding and I liked the idea of having victory conditions which meant (I hoped!) we would not have to fight it out till the bitter end.

But many/most of the players have changed. And the bidding for powers - while a good idea - did not really work as there were few bids against one another. And besides that was ages ago :) And many of the players in the game did not even take part in it!

The Victory spaces have proved to be a waste of time. Unless you are strong enough to win anyway you are highly unlikely to win by VPs. Plus they are an admin nightmare ;)

So while the game is nicely poised we are all facing a potentially long end game. Maverni, Kali (if he keeps his Nexus for a while) and Abysia all have great chances to win. TNN and Yomi both have a decent outside chance and even I am not completely out of it. That's a lot of end game. If big wars are about to start that's long long turns for us all.

So while I am happy to carry on I will just put that out there for you all to think on. I don't think Maverni (or anyone else) could really claim they are far enough ahead to claim victory. And the game has let too many powers get in to the end game so this one is likely to run for a long while yet. Especially as I suspect we have all done enough research even if we haven't completed everything we could (so all mages are 'available' if needed).

[TwoBits]

I will just put this out there. But I am NOT advocating it. Just putting this up as a suggestion.

Shall we call this one a draw?

If Dr P has gone only myself, TwoBits and Verji remain of the original players. I joined because I liked the idea of bidding and I liked the idea of having victory conditions which meant (I hoped!) we would not have to fight it out till the bitter end.

But many/most of the players have changed. And the bidding for powers - while a good idea - did not really work as there were few bids against one another. And besides that was ages ago :) And many of the players in the game did not even take part in it!

The Victory spaces have proved to be a waste of time. Unless you are strong enough to win anyway you are highly unlikely to win by VPs. Plus they are an admin nightmare ;)

So while the game is nicely poised we are all facing a potentially long end game. Maverni, Kali (if he keeps his Nexus for a while) and Abysia all have great chances to win. TNN and Yomi both have a decent outside chance and even I am not completely out of it. That's a lot of end game. If big wars are about to start that's long long turns for us all.

So while I am happy to carry on I will just put that out there for you all to think on. I don't think Maverni (or anyone else) could really claim they are far enough ahead to claim victory. And the game has let too many powers get in to the end game so this one is likely to run for a long while yet. Especially as I suspect we have all done enough research even if we haven't completed everything we could (so all mages are 'available' if needed).

You know, I've only been in a few games that have reached this late game stage, but they all seem to have had the same late game "malaise": Half (or more) of the players are subs (despite pledges, etc.), and the remaining original players are kind of burnt out (and probably enjoying other, newer, perhaps more interesting games).

But that's no reason to pack it in, IMO. For starters, the introduction of Maerlande and the Arcane Nexus has certainly made things more entertaining at the moment! And some of us original players still like our chances at victory.

The original bid plan may not seem relevant now, but it did mean no Mictlan, and Hinnom, Niefelheim, etc., are no more. And as far as the VP thing goes, it is a bit of an admin pain, but it does open an alternate route to sure victory (one Arco tried, and one which I've nearly felt compelled into trying).

If the micro-hassle is getting to be a bit much (but be thankful there are no gem generators or uber blood nations anymore), perhaps we should just extend the Llamaserver clock, and just take it easy? No rush, no pressure, just relax and do your turns whenever.

The missing DrP situation is kind of worrying. It would be sad if he went AWOL, and we lost another original player. But we've found subs before, and I'm sure we can again.

If worse comes to worse, you can just declare me the victor, and leave it at that :D

[Debaser8]

I think having the victory points all in one place is a mistake. If they were scattered and automatically tallied a few players would be building towards victory, which would force the action.

I am beginning to feel like an original player :). I am ready to call it in, if there is no DrP. Isn't he on IRC a lot?

[Eximius Sus]

I suggest you don't worry about DrP. Maerlande talks to him most days on IRC. He's still in the game although he does express the opinion that he'd like it to move towards an end. And that is related to the Nexus. It was partially a way to push the game out of stalemate.

You might just want to revisit the VP conditions. Maybe just changing them right now to say 4 capitals might force a quick end. Or maybe 5 capitals. I think this victory system is broken. Not forting a VP is crazy.

[TwoBits]

I suggest you don't worry about DrP. Maerlande talks to him most days on IRC. He's still in the game although he does express the opinion that he'd like it to move towards an end. And that is related to the Nexus. It was partially a way to push the game out of stalemate.

You might just want to revisit the VP conditions. Maybe just changing them right now to say 4 capitals might force a quick end. Or maybe 5 capitals. I think this victory system is broken. Not forting a VP is crazy.

Ah, I've suspected Abysia and Kailasa might be in cahoots :eek: A few turns ago (right after Maerlande took over), Abysia attacked Kailasa and was rebuffed in an epic battle, and since then, they seem to have made nice-nice.

An Abysia/Kailasa axis with the Nexus would be hard to overcome. Just such a possibility (plus I thought everyone else was in on it too) was what pushed me to go the (admittedly awkward) VP land grab route.

I'd be willing to discuss alternate victory conditions. Just as long as they don't blatantly favor any one particular nation (say, a nation with massive access to Astral Pearls, for example).

Remember, I've always got the original VP plan to fall back on - try to hold the VPs I already have for another 18-19 turns or so. Think that's a joke? You just might be surprised. I might just be able to outlast (figuratively or literally) you all, if your hearts are not in it.

But I'd prefer an alternative.

[DrPraetorious]

I could crush you all but I still want to surrender :).

[Verjigorm]

Astral Corruption is an excellent counter to the Arcane Nexus. It significantly reduces the gem income from the Nexus and makes it much less cost-beneficial. It can expand a Nexus that was paying for itself in 6 turns to one that is paying for itself in 12.

A good move--not as good as a turn 2 dispel, but good nonetheless. Oh! and a successful Nexus Dispel as well! Lovely!

Bravo, guys, bravo!

[chrispedersen]

I think having the victory points all in one place is a mistake. If they were scattered and automatically tallied a few players would be building towards victory, which would force the action.

I am beginning to feel like an original player :). I am ready to call it in, if there is no DrP. Isn't he on IRC a lot?

No plan survives contact with the enemies, or, in this case, the players.

I still like the bidding; whens the last time you saw marverni, yomi, abysia, and kailasa in the endgame?

But in restrospect the map was a huge mistake. I *like* the map, but the choice of the map was too rapidly done. I should have stuck with arena - or, if I was to do it again - the Lo2 map. And the number and placement of VPs was definitely a mistake.

Mea Culpa!

[Verjigorm]

I still don't like that Arena map. It creates major choke points outside the arena area. I made the Abstract Sky Tower map to create a more pliable Cumulative VP scenario. Check it out if you haven't already.

If you don't like it, tell me why you like Arena better.

[Debaser8]

Well that was a mess of a turn, for me.

[Eximius Sus]

Which of you jerks dispelled the nexus? Inquiring minds want to know!

[TwoBits]

Which of you jerks dispelled the nexus? Inquiring minds want to know!

Figure it was either overwritten by Astral Corruption, or the AN caster got eaten by a Doom Horror while trying to cast Wish or something.

Arco lost its global as well, likely in another horror-related incident :eek:

[DrPraetorious]

Doom-horrors: 2
You ****ers: 0

On a related note, I have concluded that I don't really have any practical means of fighting in the damn water. I was going to make a reverse-communion of Abominations, but cursory examination of my tarrasque reverse-communion experiment indicates that this strategy will fail.

[Eximius Sus]

Tarts tarts and more tarts.

We thought the Tarasque experiment was quite brilliant. At least for Kailasa.

[Hoplosternum]

24 hours added to the clock as per request. I have also turned Quickhost off. I'll switch it back on once this turn is in - prod me if I forget!

[Verjigorm]

Which of you jerks dispelled the nexus? Inquiring minds want to know!

Figure it was either overwritten by Astral Corruption, or the AN caster got eaten by a Doom Horror while trying to cast Wish or something.

Arco lost its global as well, likely in another horror-related incident :eek:

It is not possible for Arco to lose it's global in any horror-related incidents. My pretender cast the SOAP and is immortal. Therefore, no matter how many horrors attack it, the global will never fall. If you are wondering about the "Feeblemind" thing, it doesn't work. Shaula has been feebleminded with the global up and it had no effect. Thus, even though the description states that Feeblemind ends the spell, it continues...

Now, as for how such a global got dispelled--it wasn't "technically" dispelled while under my control. It was overwritten by someone else who then apparently subsequently died possibly due to a horror. I can't remember which nation it was that overwrote the spell or exactly how long ago it was (maybe 4 turns max). If you really need that information, just review the turn files in your email--I, being semi-dead, am to lazy to care.

[Verjigorm]

!! Notice of Absence !!

As previously indicated, I will not have access to a computer starting 12pm CDT Saturday Sept. 4th through around 6pm CDT Monday September 6th as I am going camping over the Labor Day weekend.

A stale turn for me at this point will not create any significant disturbance in the game, so feel free to ignore me and let me go stale. It will only be one turn, anyway.

Thank you,

~ Verjigorm

[Eximius Sus]

Mwahahahahaha

[TwoBits]

It is not possible for Arco to lose it's global in any horror-related incidents. My pretender cast the SOAP and is immortal. Therefore, no matter how many horrors attack it, the global will never fall. If you are wondering about the "Feeblemind" thing, it doesn't work. Shaula has been feebleminded with the global up and it had no effect. Thus, even though the description states that Feeblemind ends the spell, it continues...

I see my mistake. I'd confused your global with Yomi's Maelstrom (which did disappear).

Well, now we've got Utterdark to deal with anyway.

[Eximius Sus]

Mwahahahahaha

[Debaser8]

We're turning this world into a hell. The Dai Oni don't care much one way or the other, but the average citizen of Yomi is hurting.

[Eximius Sus]

Mwahahahaha. Armageddon FTW!

[Hoplosternum]

24 Hours added to the clock per Player request.

I shall be away from this Saturday to next Sunday (8 days). I don't think I will have any internet access during that period. I should be able to get my next turn in though before I go.

So I am going to abuse my admin privilages by extending the hosting period to about 4.5 days so that I don't miss a turn :) Assuming I can get a turn in before I go. With extensions often being asked for, wars going on and obnoxious globals to be dispelled I don't think this will cause too many problems.

If you need an admin then you will need to ask CP to step back in or send someone else the password.

[Eximius Sus]

Really. There is no need to dispel those nifty globals. Just adapt.

[Verjigorm]

Well, the most obnoxious global (Astral Corruption), is essentially impossible and pointless to dispel since you have to pay pearls to dispel a global cast with blood slaves.

I was thinking of how one would go about dispelling it and I thought that you could dispel it with blood slaves in two turns by (1) overwrite it and (2) teleport your air-breathing controller into the sea. Of course it costs you a commander and you have to have a good number of booster items.