Initiative: EA game. "Grow that Nub!"

[Immaculate]

Here (http://www.llamaserver.net/gameinfo.cgi?game=Initiative) is the game link.

This is an early age game with a more relaxed pace- we'll start at 36h/turn then quickly move to 48h or more once year two arrives. Players are expected to be a mix of newbs, intermediate and more experienced players. There aren't a lot of Vets playing on these boards but we'd ask you to kindly excuse yourself from playing in this game if you consider yourself a veteran.


This game is meant to launch the one Parone referred to in this (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=48906) post. In the interest of getting Parone’s game started, I took it upon myself to co-administer with him and to get the settings published. I assume this is fine with Parone but if its not, then we can arrange something.



http://images.alphacoders.com/112/thumbbig-112643.jpg





Game Info
Administrators: Immaculate and Parone (if he agrees)
Name: Initiative
Players: 8-13 (depending on sign-ups)
Schedule: 36h quickhost to start, moving to 48/72/beyond as needed –We are aiming for a more relaxed pace.
Mods: CBM 1.92 w/ ettin fix http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=804194
Map: Streamlands, Realm of Roaring Rhinoes, or another wrap-around balanced map with approximately 12-14 provinces per player.

Game Settings
Age: Early Age
Independent Strength: 5
Research: Standard
Magic Sites: Default for the age
Money: Default
Resources: Default
Supplies: Default
Random Events: Default
Re-naming: On
Score Graphs: Off
Hall Of Fame: 15

Diplomacy:
Machiavellian.
Trades are binding.

Nothing else is. You play by your word. Please do not allow personal grudges from other games to influence your decisions and do not allow the events of this game to influence you in other games.

House rules:
Usual stuff, common sense applies here. No bogus orders, no lab-flooding or invisi-sieges, etc. If newer players have any questions about this section, they should mention their concerns. Note that with this mod the free ettins should not be a concern (thank you Shard for your insightful and much appreciated comment)


IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NEWER PLAYERS: please DO NOT set yourself to AI without prior approval. if for whatever reason you're unable or unwilling to continue playing, either find a sub or just make a post in this thread saying you have to bow out - it takes the same amount of time, and prevents the rest of the community from hating you forever.


Nations [11/8+]
Curtadams – Helheim (not your forge b*tch- not now- not eva!)
Mars76- Maverni (The real real real terror!- master enslave without communion- how is that possible?)
Parone- Sauromatia
Immaculate- Lanka (very cuddly- lets be friends)
Tratorix- R'leyh (the REAL terror!)
KeithZ- C'tis (if you're into that sort of thing i guess)
Kungfoo- Mictan (WATCH OUT!)
Austen- Caelum (zap!)
HoleyDooley- Agartha (thanks)
Frost- Pangaea
Samhain- Abyssia

[Anaconda]

Just to let you know: I would like to play Machaka, but I dont have time.

[Immaculate]

Its an EA game...

(first time i ever faced you you were playing Machaka. I tried to sue for peace and you didn't go for it. We were both really newbs then though.)

[HoleyDooley]

Game Settings

Age: Middle Age


Might need to edit that to reflect EA.

[tratorix]

Claiming Vanheim.

Edit: Actually, are water nations allowed? If so I'll take Rl'yeh instead.

[KeithZ]

C'tis please.

[Anaconda]

Its an EA game...

(first time i ever faced you you were playing Machaka. I tried to sue for peace and you didn't go for it. We were both really newbs then though.)

Sue for peace? You were attacking relentlessly over that isthmus with your hydras. I think you meant to say you were trying to enforce peace where I would not exist at all :D

However, unlike you, I am noob still. But, it says MA in the OP.

Well have good game!

[Kungfoo]

I like the settings!

Umm, I'll join, probably as Mictlan.

[Immaculate]

Game Settings

Age: Middle Age


Might need to edit that to reflect EA.


@HoleyDooley and Anaconda regarding age of the era:
...Doh! sorry.

@Anaconda regarding peace and experience:
I don't consider you a newb anymore... its impossible. You've played more than 8+ games i am sure.

@Tratorix:
I got you down as R'leyh...

[tratorix]

@Tratorix:
I got you down as R'leyh...

Thanks. Also, a "watch out" for Mictlan and none for Lanka? Someones getting an early start on diplomacy here. ;)

[Immaculate]

*nods*

The real terror is R'leyh of course. Freespawn mindblasters.... We (collective we) must end the threat once and for all... :P

[Shardphoenix]

no free ettins I`ve seen a version of CBM with fixed "free ettins" bug somewhere... Oh, HERE (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=804194) it is.

[Immaculate]

Mods: CBM 1.92 w/ ettin fix http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=804194


So you mean like the one i referenced here too?

[Shardphoenix]

So you mean like the one i referenced here too? Sorry, didn`t notice. :)

[Shardphoenix]

The real terror is R'leyh of course. Freespawn mindblasters.... We (collective we) must end the threat once and for all... :P
THE real terror is Maverni. Good recruit-everywhere sacreds with +4 str from 0-research national holy spell, Gifts from Heaven spam, Ring of Wizardry from national mages, Master Enslave without communion... Add some Air, a little bit of Death, maybe a bit of blood for sacrifice and boots- and watch the slaughter.

[Austen]

This is prob a bad idea, but I want to try EA Caelum

[Immaculate]

how to master enslave without a pretender or a communion? that rod artifact?


Austen- confirmed as EA Caelum- ZAP!

[Kungfoo]

10% shot at an s4 druid, which with skullcap/ros/crystal coin/crystal shield/northern star/gems might actually allow you to get under 200 fatigue :p

they also have a really small (0.25% I think?) shot at an s5 druid, and there's always the dimensional rod. ofc using all those boosters means your penetration will suck, so I think I'd rather just commune for master enslave, personally.

[Shardphoenix]

10% shot at an s4 druid, which with skullcap/ros/crystal coin/crystal shield/northern star/gems might actually allow you to get under 200 fatigue Why bother with fatigue? Cap, coin, shield, eye of the void, rune smasher. A ramdom guy with Banner of the northern star. Cast master enslave with 4 penetration turn 1 and watch half of enemy`s army slaughtering another half. Your caster may, as well, pass out from fatigue after casting.

[Kungfoo]

800 fatigue spell, need to get it below 200 to cast it, no?

[Soyweiser]

You can never get more than 200 fatigue from casting one spell.

(So, s4 + 2 boosters, + power of the spheres, light of the northern star gives s8. So then you can cast it, lets say the mage already has 20 + 25 fatigue from casting booster spells. After one mass enslave the mage gets 245 fatigue, which is 45 over 200 so 5 damage).

[Samhain]

I would like Abysia please.

[Shardphoenix]

No.
If you cast it in communion - you get 800 fatigue + penalty from insufficient paths (so you need a BIG communion, or slaves die). Or you cast it by a single druid/illithid/pertender and get just 200 fatigue.

[Kungfoo]

Cool, that does work! I did not know that - for some reason I thought the AI just wouldn't cast a spell that would put you over 200 fatigue. I was wrong! :D

[HoleyDooley]

Agartha thanks.

[parone]

immaculate, huge thanks for the hand. i meant to redo the first page, but been working working working.

hey hooley and austen(jeez, austen the super raider with ea caelum? ouch) glad to see you guys.

is sauromantia left? i'd take a shot with them. im usually ulm, i guess i should try someone who doesn't rely completely on armor.

thanks again immaculate.

[HoleyDooley]

Working parone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 to 1 you were just horsing around....lol.

Damn I'm funny.

[Immaculate]

K- i'll set up the game tonight with however many players we have. We have enough. Don't forget to download the mod everyone.

Parone: i'll PM you the password.

[Soyweiser]

No.
If you cast it in communion - you get 800 fatigue + penalty from insufficient paths (so you need a BIG communion, or slaves die). Or you cast it by a single druid/illithid/pertender and get just 200 fatigue.

Yeah, that is true, slaves can get higher than 200 fatigue.

[Kungfoo]

Wow, Agartha? Now THAT'S an overpowered ea nation. I mean, have you SEEN boulder throwers? ;p

[Soyweiser]

Wow, Agartha? Now THAT'S an overpowered ea nation. I mean, have you SEEN boulder throwers? ;p

LOL.

Kungfoo, you owe me one keyboard... Coffee!

[Shardphoenix]

Wow, Agartha? Now THAT'S an overpowered ea nation. I mean, have you SEEN boulder throwers? ;pBolder throwers are OK, if you remember, that Agartha has no other decent units.
Darkness on 20 PD, on the other hand... Nobody should be effetively immune to rush, period.

[Soyweiser]

Wow, Agartha? Now THAT'S an overpowered ea nation. I mean, have you SEEN boulder throwers? ;pBolder throwers are OK, if you remember, that Agartha has no other decent units.
Darkness on 20 PD, on the other hand... Nobody should be effetively immune to rush, period.

I'm sorry but you are wrong with boulder throwers, Agartha is UNDEFEATABLE. I would ban the nation until further notice.

[PriestyMan]

a guy named frosted on IRC wants to join but his account isn't activated here yet. could you hold him a spot? he'd take Pan

[HoleyDooley]

Given the intense dislike of Agartha, I'll switch to Abysia.

[Kungfoo]

Pretty sure we're being facetious and mocking another thread, HoleyDooley. :D You're free to play whomever you want from my standpoint.

[HoleyDooley]

Ah, okay...lol......don't want to be seen swimming against the current.

I'll leave the decision to Immac...actually the two races I want to play are Agartha and Pan, purely to have fun pretenders relatively early on as opposed to the boring rainbow I'll have with Abysia.

HD

[Samhain]

Hmm, my post requesting Abysia seems to have been overlooked. Either that, or Immaculate feared my legendary mad skills and chose to reject me based on the "no pros" requirement. :)

No hard feelings though. I was debating if I had the time. If RL gets busy, it was a blessing. If not, I'll catch the next game that looks interesting.

Good luck and have fun, everyone.

[Kungfoo]

Samhain: Guessing he probably just missed it. Should add you as Abysia and move Holey back to Agartha imo.

[Samhain]

I think I will sit this one out regardless. Holey is free to play whichever nation. Thanks though.

[Immaculate]

Ah, okay...lol......don't want to be seen swimming against the current.

I'll leave the decision to Immac...actually the two races I want to play are Agartha and Pan, purely to have fun pretenders relatively early on as opposed to the boring rainbow I'll have with Abysia.

HD

I think I will sit this one out regardless. Holey is free to play whichever nation. Thanks though.

Sorry- i did indeed miss the message.

HoleyDooley is Agartha. Samhain is Abyssia. You're not sitting this one out Samhain. You just got conscripted.

[Immaculate]

Game is now awaiting pretenders.

here (http://www.llamaserver.net/gameinfo.cgi?game=Initiative) is the link.

Parone i am presenting PMing you the password.

[Kungfoo]

which rusty nails version? calahan's v4?

[Immaculate]

Good question- is that the one thats listed as 'dreams' under the map list on lamaserver or do i have to upload one?

I think dreams will work since we are ten land nations and one water nation. The ten land nation will get the assigned start positions but the water nation should start in a standard random water province. I think this is fine....


so i guess i'll use dreams.

"Plane of Rusty Nails- Dreams

143 land + 12 sea.
Fixed start positions: 10 land starts and 0 sea starts.
Note that sea nations can still play on this map, they just won't have fixed start positions.

Version of the Plane of Rusty Nails (v4) for the EA game Dreams of Ghatanothoa, with 10 set starting positions (none in the water)."

[Calahan]

I have just uploaded my 10L+1W Plane of Rusty Nails map to the llamaserver for you to use. Letting the Water nation start randomly is a very bad idea as they could either end up in the 2-province pond, or they could be directly neighbouring a coastal Land nation (as random starts do not interact well for Land-Water nation placing). Please use the 2nd upload, as the first one had an error in it which I remembered about the very moment I finished uploading it :doh:

You only need the original image file to use the map and play the game (which you can download from the map thread for this map). You do not need the .map file. If anyone wants the .map file then please PM me, but I won't post it because that allows players to know the starting location of other nations (although having the .map file won't matter much if you are having VP marked capitals)


Edit - I also recommend either turning off auto-start or putting a message on the llamaserver screen asking people to please sign-up on this thread before they join. As there have been a few cases recently of random people joining llamaserver games who were not on the sign-up list, resulting in games needing to be restarted. ie. causing hassle basically. (turning autostart off prevents the game starting until you know everyone who should be playing is playing)

[Immaculate]

Thank you so much Calahan.

[Kungfoo]

There's a link to the image file at http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showpost.php?p=738772&postcount=1 if anyone needs it.

[Immaculate]

Nations joined so far:
Agartha
Helheim
Abysia
Pangaea
Mictlan

[Immaculate]

Game: Initiative
Early Age, max 11 players
Players so far: 6

Map: Plane of Rusty Nails for 10 Land, 1 Water (Please use this one and ignore the above Map)
Mods: CBM 1.92 - Ettin Fixed (with download link)

Nations joined so far:
Agartha
Helheim
Abysia
Pangaea
Mictlan
Marverni


Everyone else, get those pretenders in!

[parone]

should be able to try and get a pretender in tonight, i think. sorry 4 the delay.

[Immaculate]

OKay, it seems like only Parone and I are left to upload and all expected nations are present and no unexpected nations are present.

So as soon as Parone and I get our pretenders uploaded (tonight for me), we'll pull the trigger and get this train-wreck underway.

Did anyone do any play-testing on this map? What are people's thoughts?

[curtadams]

I'm playing on it in noobaphobia and it seems like a good map. No glitch complaints. My only complaint is that there are only 3 Wastelands IIRC, all close together, so it's quite possible to have no access to Wastelands.

[parone]

hey guys, i've messed this up before. all i need is the image of the map? and do i need to be able to unzip? i am pretty hopeless

[Samhain]

I believe you are correct, that you only need the image of the map. And, yes, you do need a means to unzip to get it out of the file linked by Kungfoo above.

The key part though, as far as getting the game launched smoothly, is to create your pretender with the "Conceptual Balance Complete 1.92 - Ettin Fixed" mod enabled and that mod only.

Having the map image is necessary only once you try to view your first turn.

[Kungfoo]

Yep, Samhain is absolutely correct. Newer version of Windows should be able to handle .zip files innately, but if you're having issues you might consider using 7zip - http://www.7-zip.org/ - it's kinda the de-facto king of zipping these days.

[Immaculate]

Mictlan's god has an awesome name.

[skymoon]

I'm in, EA Yomi please. ;)

[Immaculate]

Actually the game is already on turn 4. sorry.

[Immaculate]

Mars has to leave so we need a new Maverni player.

[Immaculate]

Fungal reason has been set to Maverni.

Thank you Mars and thank you for writing considering what has happened. My condolences to you and your family.

[parone]

immaculate/lanka

i thought we had agreed to peaceful relationships?

tsk tsk. not very sporting, friend.

[parone]

my bad I-mac. didn't see pm. no problem.

[parone]

hmmm. i mac, you said you made a 'mistake' attacking during our NAP. and that you would withdraw...imagine my surprise when i went to retake that province and you had nearly 100 units there? im beginning to think that Sauromantia may have been deceived and duped!

say it ain't so...

[parone]

my god, i am stupid. i didn't realize that it wasn't you imac. it was abysia! im only in two games, really, but i can't even keep those straight.

anyway, sorry. i just issued an apology in another game due to a similarly stupid screw up on my part.

[Immaculate]

Its all good.

You are more than welcome to join me in destroying Abysia if you like. Together we can pull them apart easily enough i suspect. Hopefully you went enchantment for skellie-spam... that and some poison arrows should do the trick...


Anyone else want to get in on a this action?

[parone]

unfortunately Sauromantia is busy. some poor scripting by me and a worthy opponent has our hands full.

[Samhain]

Fishing for allies? That is not an effective way to convey confidence. Nor does giving up two provinces without a fight. I expected more from the mighty nation of Lanka.

You should have stood your ground at the start. Because, I can tell you, it's not going to get any easier for you.

[Samhain]

We have 9 stales from Pangaea including at least the last 5 turns. I think it is safe to say that Frost is no longer in the game. I don't have sight of any Pangaea territory so, without graphs, I don't know how significant that nation is.

[Immaculate]

thank-you for bringing this to our attention.

i've sent an e-mail to the players to provide what information they can.
if the situation is hopeless than we have to set him AI. if not, we try to find another player.

[Immaculate]

Okay, with some help from Blanketthief- I tracked down Frosted.

Mictlan, Caelum:- you are fighting Pangaea- is the situation hopeless for them?

[Immaculate]

Based on what i heard, i'm going to ask Frozen to turn himself AI.

I.

[Austen]

So... I was just noticing... Pangaea seems to be active and human controlled.. what's up there.. is there a sub?

[Immaculate]

Nah- frozen got back into the game.

[Immaculate]

Well- good game all. Didn't expect the dom push to be so quick. I had stealth preachers but my base dom was six and his was i think 9? And blood saccing next to my cap?

Anyway, thanks for a fun game.

Seeing as I am no longer a player and Parone is, i will let him assume the administrative duties solely to himself. Maybe he will assign another co-admin?


Anyway, thanks again all... see you in another game.

[parone]

ill give it a go. although truthfully, i'm pretty clueless. but it'll be a learning experience.

thanks immaculate. this game would have never gottn off the ground without you.

[parone]

well, this game is on shaky ground folks.

first, with immaculate gone, that leaves me as admin. i can barely turn on my computer, so that is a little disturbing.

ryleh and mictlan have staled two turns in a row. i am hoping they aren't pulling the old "well, things aren't going my way, so screw everyone in this game" trick. i have PMd them both, so time will tell.

what does that leave? 5 or 6 of us? i think it might be worthwhile to find a sub for ryleh, if traitorax is all done. they seem to still be a force. mictlan-i don't know. two stales in the midst of a major invasion has left them in tough shape. c'tis, let us know if it'd be worth sub-hunting for that nation.

[Austen]

FWIW, I can help with adminning if you want/need a backup..

[parone]

no word from our absent mictlan/ryleh friends, either here, in PMs or turn files. it would appear they have, indeed, flown the coop.

should i let the turn go, or delay indefinitely while searching for subs?

[HoleyDooley]

Rlyeh definately needs a sub. His position is not hopeless.

[Athenspatch]

I would be happy to Sub wherever you need me. As long as you don't expect much!

[parone]

great athens. ryleh or mictlan? it think you'd have more longevity as ryleh.

not sure the proceedure to swith players. will check it.

[parone]

i am going to try to postpone turn 24 hours.

[parone]

hmmm. got it done. but to my surprise, ryleh's turn was in. athens, would you be interested in 'last stand' with mictlan? no pressure, as all is lost. but you might be able to make it a bit tougher on our lizard friends.

[Athenspatch]

Sure! Just tell me what to do!

[parone]

athens, i think i need your email address. then i'll try to send you the turn file. you also need cbm1.92 mod-do you have that? at that point, you will play your turn, send it in, and the whole turn should auto host...

i think.

[Athenspatch]

PM'ed!

[parone]

ok athens-

changed email and resent. hope you get it in time, as i think hosting is fairly soon. i'll try to extend it, now that i think about it. but as soon as you send in, it should auto host.

thanks very much. we are glad to have you onboard. if i ever put another game together, you get first pick.

[parone]

k, delayed hosting again. should give you till tues some time, depending on your location.

[Samhain]

Actually, quickhost is not currently enabled in our game. So, the turn won't host until the clock runs out regardless of whether we are waiting for a turn file.

And, thank you Athenspatch for coming to our rescue. Good luck and have fun.

[parone]

samhain, should i enable quick host in this situation? if you haven't guessed, i'm quite clueless here.

[fungalreason]

Yes, make sure Athenspatch has enough time and turn on quickhost. It will process the next turn as soon as he's finished, since it's only waiting on Mictlan. BTW, I can help w/ hosting duties if you'd like. I have a little bit of experience with it.

[Athenspatch]

Turn is in. Wow! Some People have HUGE armies for so early in the game!!!!

[parone]

well, we may be ok here. fungal/austen are willing to help admin if i am too busy/incompetent. and athens is taking over mictlan, who is likely dead, but still has a part to play here. ry'leh is back with us, as well.

this little game is in far better shape than it was 4 days ago. good job and thanks to all.

[parone]

hosting postponed 24 hours on next turn cycle due to player request

[tratorix]

Sorry about all the stales. Been a crazy couple of weeks. Just posting to make sure I don't get switched out of this game.

[parone]

hey guys. i just staled last turn again. working a bit too much to get my turns in. so i'm going to post for a sub. i know a couple of you guys offered to take over as admin, so if one of you PMs me, i'll get you the password. if that doesn't happen soon, i'll probably delay hosting until a sub can be found.

personally, i think athens might be a good option. he didn't get much of a chance with mictlan, and while i have made a few blunders, sauromantia may still have role in this game.

good luck to all, i hope to have a more reasonable schedule in late fall winter, so i hope to join back up then.

[Samhain]

Without graphs, it is kind of hard to exactly how everyone is doing. But, Sauromantia looks to be solidly in the top 4 with no secure leader.

Immaculate would be another good option as he could potentially solve our admin as well as player deficit at the same time.

[Immaculate]

i'm in four games already. if someone wants to trade out for me in of those positions i would though- i love sauro.

[parone]

austen is going to take over as admin, so that is covered.

also, austen, if you do have a sub in mind, let me know.

[Austen]

Don't have a sub lined up... Going to delay hosting until I can get one for Sauro..

[Nikelaos]

Hey guys, i'm the new sub for Sauromatia. Good luck.

[Austen]

OK.. Nikelaos has turn in already.. will take some time off the clock to get game moving again.. Please get your turn in if you haven't already (I don't have my turn in yet but will tonight ) :)

[Samhain]

Thank you Nikelaus for taking over Sauromantia and Austen for taking on admin responsibilities.

[Samhain]

Please add twenty four hours to the clock. I Am on the road and can't get my turn in.

[Samhain]

It seems we are experiencing another Pangea flake-out. There has been no 2h file submitted for at least the last five turns.

[KeithZ]

It seems we are experiencing another Pangea flake-out. There has been no 2h file submitted for at least the last five turns.

No worry, it doesn't make any difference if he submit his turn in or not.

[Austen]

You're right, I prob should have gotten a sub to do his last stand for him. He hasn't had any provinces that weren't under siege since he started staling, so I let it go. Those forts also seem to just have Maenads and maybe a mage or two in them, so there wasn't much to be done.

Still.. he had some gem income and could have been summoning some guys with his N gems (if he has he research), and that could make things take longer which makes for a better game.

I know this, but guess i got lazy since it had been allowed earlier in the game. I apologize for letting it go. I have been force hosting when all the other turns are in to try and keep the game moving along a little faster.

At this point though I am going to continue to let it go however as he is down to one fort and it's not fair that the player on the last fort has to deal with a live player last standing one fort when the others have fallen with mostly just Maenads inside.

[Nikelaos]

Can I please get an extension of 24 hours. sorry about that, we're redecorating to sell the house

[Austen]

Done

Can I please get an extension of 24 hours. sorry about that, we're redecorating to sell the house

[Austen]

That was a lot of staling... I woke up and when I checked it (on my phone no less) I saw that there were still turns missing and _one_minute_ until hosting... I frantically tried to thumb in what I thought was the password for a delay, but failed.

I guess the Sauro stale is the most concerning and that can't become an ongoing thing.. R'lyeh has staled a lot throughout the game, which is suboptimal, but seems common in water nations and not really effecting the game.. I think Pan and Helheim are mostly done, so also prob not a huge deal?

I really don't like the stales, but trying to find 2-4 subs doesn't make sense either, so hopefully we can get on track a little better.

[Samhain]

HoleyDooley and curtadams,

Well done fighting through to the bitter end. That's not always easy, and both of you did a commendable job of it. I'll certainly keep that in mind the next time I run into either of you in another game.

Best of luck.

[HoleyDooley]

No problem, I enjoyed the game and learnt some valuable lessons.

Enjoy the rest of the game guys.

HD

[Austen]

I need some extra time.. I added 24 hours to be safe, but don't think I will need that long and will force host when I'm done to prevent unnecessary delays.

[KeithZ]

I need a 24 hours delay for this turn....

And I have to end my NAP-3 with Caelum now, will start to attack them from turn 57.

[Austen]

I need a 24 hours delay for this turn....

And I have to end my NAP-3 with Caelum now, will start to attack them from turn 57.

Added extension. Should we just go to 72 hour turn?

Also, to be clear, we script attacks on Turn 57 and see results on 58?

[Samhain]

I'm good with 72 hours. It seems pretty appropriate for this stage of the game. With Pangea out and quick host enabled, we can always go faster anyway when we are able.

[Austen]

Sorry about the delays.. I have just been slammed (and I don't know what to do about C'Tis' thugs). I will have it in tonight though.

[KeithZ]

It's ok. Actually I have much more problems than you do...
But shall we find a sub for r'lyeh or maybe just turn him into AI?

[Austen]

I've been thinking about that.. could do either.. no neither ;)

At this stage, I was sort of thinking about just leaving them be and ruling their provinces to be unavailable.

Getting a sub or setting AI could both impact the game balance pretty severely. Right now I think the game is pretty even. A human or AI deciding to go after someone would essentially take that player out.

After this many turns, I would sort of hate to see the game decided that way. I'm open to other thoughts tho of course.

[Austen]

Hmm.. no editing I guess.. first line should say

"can do either or neither"

[Samhain]

I'm ok either way. But, I would like to know what the decision is before this turn is run.

On edit: Personally, I think just declaring his territory off limits is a good compromise. And, that is coming from the nation that has the most to gain, I believe, from keeping him in the game in any capacity.

[Austen]

ok... let's go with the off limits plan.. I will have his turns sent to a dummy address so he doesn't suddenly start submitting turns. Also, I will add 24 hours to turn Samhain.. post when you have adjusted and I will quickhost.

[Samhain]

ok... let's go with the off limits plan.. I will have his turns sent to a dummy address so he doesn't suddenly start submitting turns. Also, I will add 24 hours to turn Samhain.. post when you have adjusted and I will quickhost.

KeithZ must not have read this post. C'tis took province 27 from R'lyeh. I'll let the two of you figure out to resolve that. But, if we are putting R'lyeh back in play, I at least ask for a delay before doing so as I redeployed the assets I was moving in that direction.

[KeithZ]

Sorry for that... I actually read your post but just forgot it when I was playing... I agree with your decision and will not take province from R'yleh any more...

[Samhain]

Anyway, while perhaps advantageous, I am finding peace to be stupendously boring. So, my NAP with Caelum expires in 3 turns. We are on turn 60. I guess that means we can script to attack or perform other sorts of mayhem upon one another's empires on 62 with the effects taking place on turn 63.

[Samhain]

This time it was me that was forgetful. Austen reminded me that we actually have NAP7, not NAP3. So, that means scripting dasterdly deeds is ok on turn 66 with their effects taking place on turn 67.

[Austen]

Sorry for the delays, but I was out of town and I thought I would be able to play my turns, but it didn't work out. I will try to get it in tonight, but it could be tomorrow :(

[Samhain]

We are now on turn 64. That means there are three turns left in my NAP with Caelum.

To make this interesting, and hopefully end this thing quicker in the process, I declare the beginning of the end of my NAP3 with C'tis as well.

So, on turn 66 I can script to attach whichever of you I see fit and visa versa with actions taking place on turn 67.

Congratulations to both of you for such exemplary playing. You've both proven to be excellent opponents. Good luck and have fun on this final round of late game mayhem.

[Samhain]

I just realized we are actually on turn 65, not 64. So, I won't be able to attack C'tis, and visa versa, until turn 68. Sorry about that.

[Austen]

Sounds good Samhain. And while I will sound like a broken record, sorry again for the delays. I have sort of lost interest in this game and the idea of spending another 2-3 hours to do a turn that results in a continuation of a stalemate is hard for me to get excited about. Hopefully when Abysia enters it will shake things up.

[parone]

just in passing-is sauromantia dead?

[Samhain]

Sauromatia is out. I ordered my Abysian minions to attack on turn 47. A few turns later Caelum joined in taking provinces in the South.

The long war with Helheim had left Sauro pretty weak. So, it was largely a cakewalk. Still, it had actually managed an 11th hour victory against Caelum in defense of one of its Southern forts. But, Nikelaos went AWOL just before. I don't know if he even saw his victory. That turn and everyone that followed was a stale.

Helheim went down just before Sauromatia went on autopilot. Sauromatia was able to close the deal just as my shock troops were moving in to steal the kill from him. But, to his credit, HoleyDooley (who had taken over for Curtadams) fought tooth and nail the whole way down.

[parone]

thanks samhain. i thought hooley was agartha?

[Samhain]

You are right. I was a bit confused last night.

Hooley was Agartha. It was Curtadams who made the eternal die hard with Helheim. Like Curtadams with Helheim, Hooley also gave no quarter with Agartha. I was in that fight and took some massive losses in a province adjacent to his cap and ended up ceding that province, his cap, and couple of other forts to a fresh invasion from Caelum.

[parone]

ahhh. cool. yes, curt simply wouldn't die when i was playing. and hooley is game.

sounds like you boys are well into that late game grind. good luck to all.

[Austen]

Haha! So I see now that our NAP expired :P I guess this is thee sort of thing that happens when you sort of lose interest..

Well its certainly more interesting now! :)

[KeithZ]

Please postpone this turn for another 24 hours, I just had a busy weekend and didn't have much time on my game...

[Austen]

I'm postponing the game again.. not sure what to do.. I've been trying to stay in and get turns done, but it just isn't happening and I don't see it getting better. I realize that this makes me the wrong sort of Dom 3 player, but I just don't see me getting turns in... they take 2-3 hours+ and everytime I start to look at it, I just don't get anywhere. SO then it gets postponed forever..

What do you guys want to do? I can look for a sub, but I doubt they are going to get much done given the state of the game... I could go AI.. I could stale *shrug* I could keep postponing in hopes of getting a turn done one day..

I've been struggling to figure out a way to not have to post this, but I don't feel like I can do another big postponement and not at least comment :(

Sorry for being awful :(

[Samhain]

Now that all NAPs are expired, I'm pretty confident that we won't need more than a few turns to come to an agreement on how to conclude the game. If you need to take a break for a few days, that would be much preferrable to having you sub out at this stage. But, can you maybe just spend less time and do quicker turns? At the risk of soundind cocky, I don't think the outcome is going to change at this point, just how long it takes to get there.

[KeithZ]

I'm postponing the game again.. not sure what to do.. I've been trying to stay in and get turns done, but it just isn't happening and I don't see it getting better. I realize that this makes me the wrong sort of Dom 3 player, but I just don't see me getting turns in... they take 2-3 hours+ and everytime I start to look at it, I just don't get anywhere. SO then it gets postponed forever..

What do you guys want to do? I can look for a sub, but I doubt they are going to get much done given the state of the game... I could go AI.. I could stale *shrug* I could keep postponing in hopes of getting a turn done one day..

I've been struggling to figure out a way to not have to post this, but I don't feel like I can do another big postponement and not at least comment :(

Sorry for being awful :(

I don't think it's easy to find a sub for Caelum in the current situation. In the worst case we will have to end this game without claiming a winner if yon can not play and a sub can not be found either. To be honest, I don't really mind doing so, but it seems to be not fair for Abysia...

[KeithZ]

Anyway I'm ok to continue, but I hope we can make it more "relaxed", probably 4 or 5days a turn.

[Samhain]

I just saw that the next turn was delayed until December 2nd. That's two and half weeks from the time of the last turn, which was on November 14th.

I would really like to get this game wrapped up. And, seriously, it won't take more than a few turns to convince either of you that it is over already. But, if we don't get any turns in, that obviously can't happen.

Austen, if you just don't want to continue, then at least set yourself to AI and email KeithZ and I the admin password so the two of us can resolve the game and get on with our lives.

[Samhain]

For the record, Austen has elected to go AI and leave KeithZ and I to compete for the Throne. With two players and no NAPs remaining, this should be interesting.

And, good luck, KeithZ. All that talk before about the game being over was of course just psychological operations. So, try not to be disappointed if the outcome of our initial battles are not as foregone as I implied.

[Immaculate]

After the game i would LOVE to get a little AAR from you samhaim. I was impressed by your abysia play when i faced you (although- admittingly- Abysia seems tailor-made to destroy Lanka)

[KeithZ]

Well, I'll keep playing a few more turns until I think it's completely meanless to continue.

[Samhain]

Thanks, KeithZ. And, if I learn my position is hopeless, I will return the favor. There's no use dragging this out any longer than necessary.

Likewise, whoever gets their turn in second should feel free to force host. There's no use in waiting around for the clock to run out on R'lyeh.

[Samhain]

KeithZ, and anyone else who may still be monitoring this game, the score tables are visible now on llamaserver. See here:

http://www.llamaserver.net/showScores.cgi?game=Initiative

My guess is that this started when the new patch was applied. If they were there before that, I didn't notice. And, I seem to recall that happening previously when the server was upgraded.

I'm for keeping them myself. But, since the game started without them. You should feel free to disable them unilaterally, KeithZ.

And, speaking of unilateral administrative changes, I changed the hosting interval to 96. Of course, once both player turns are in, we can still just force host.

[KeithZ]

How stuiped was I:( I finished my last turn but submited a wrong file to the server and I didn't realize it. That result in my staling and make me really discouraged... After checking the latest turn and the score table, I think it's time to surrender now.

Seeing from the score table, Abysia has got more than twice provinces than we do, and 4 times higher income than we earn. And obviously they're going to conquer most of the provinces Caelum left. Abysia is growing bigger and bigger every turn, while my C'tis is still struggling with the ai caelum in my territories... I still have quite good gem income, lots of Tart SCs, maybe the GOH global if I didn't stale, but I have a great many problems as well, my poor income, ai caelum, the insanity of the tarts (they are pillaging everywhere)... I just can't see C'tis has any chance to win, it's waste of time to contiune this game.

Congratulation Samhain, you played well and deserve the victory.:up:

[Samhain]

Thank you, KeithZ, for hanging in there so we could have a decisive finish. Though I did think my prospects looked pretty good coming out our NAP, you made every turn a challenge.

And, Immaculate, I will provide as thorough of an AAR I can shortly.

[Samhain]

Here's my AAR. It's a bit long. But, I actually kept decent notes in this game. Take the turn numbers with a grain of salt, though.

I also attached a couple of turn files, turn 20 and turn 70. Turn 20 was the decisive turn in my war with Lanka. (If that doesn't provide the info you were looking for Immaculate, let me know.) And, turn 70 was obviously the last turn of the game.


PRETENDER

Physical: Titan - EA Abysia CBM 1.92 [Belloc]
Awakening: Dormant
Magic: 4A5E
Dominion: 10
Scales: T3P3H3G2L3M1

Adds access to the critical path of air at a level capable of making air boosters and strength in earth. The bless is helpful for mages, but not a gamemaker. The dominion on the other hand is. Also of great value is that he makes for a both highly mobile (cloud trapeze) and extremely formiddable SC. What's more, in CBM 1.92 this chassis gets an extra temple check.


BEGINNING
In the first few turns I agree to NAP for 12 turns with Lanka. Expansion otherwise is kind of weak. But, I plan to attack Lanka anyway as soon as possible unless first attacked by another nation. It is Lanka after all. So, waiting won't make it any easier.

TURN 15
Attacked Lanka the same turn that he attacked Sauromatia. As Helheim had Sauromatia too tied up to respond anyway, Sauromatia agrees with Lanka to let it slide.

War starts out as a cat and mouse where I bluff him with a weaker force (according to my battle tests) while taking three provinces and keeping him away from my fort construction in 153.

One of the provinces is Sauromatia's former province of 154. I apologize but keep it as I need to make sure Lanka doesn't get it.

TURN 20
Took two more provinces next to Lanka's cap adding 3 to my take putting our province ratio to about 18 to 8.

Decisive battle in Lithia (38). Lost 7 commanders including 3 Annointed but took out most, perhaps 70, of Lanka's Palankashas using a combination of 30 PD, 20+ Burning Ones (mostly KIA), a whole lot of lesser fire elementals and the above pretender decked out in level 0 and level 2 gear.

Most importantly, my tactic of using lesser fire elementals proves sound and he is now on the defensive.

TURN 22
Took Lanka's home province wiping out what must have been the last of Lanka's Palankashas. Losses were significant. But, I think I have enough left to keep him from ever getting it back. We'll see.

TURN 23
C'tis asks for NAP3. I agree according to my standard terms.

TURN 26
Lanka is out. Domkilled after both of his armies were destroyed and both forts under siege.

Domkill via putting my pretender and prophet both on his capital while an Annointed blood sacs in an adjacent province.

TURN 29
A scout witnesses a major battle between Agartha and Marverni, the latter is victorious on his own soil. Meanwhile, Agartha swipes a water province from R'lyeh.

TURN 30
I notify Agartha of the expiration of our NAP in 3 turns and begin to prepare for war. I think I'll try Will o' the Wisps. I know he's got high Construction and is using Weapons of Sharpness, that plus his units high Strenght will otherwise destroy my slow dodging troops.

TURN 31
Agartha sends me a message ment for Marverni stating that he agrees to peace. Caelum attacks Marverni.

TURN 34
Attacked Agartha in the two of our three border provinces that seem most well defended. Defeat him solidly with Will o' the Wisp spam.

TURN 37
Multiple victories against Agartha. No losses. Caelum asked to take 3 provinces, two of which had fortresses. I agreed though with the stipulation that he agree to NAP7 with me. I figured it was time to take a permanent ally. Sauromatia's new management is an unknown quantity. And, Caelum+Abysia seems to have a better chance against Sauromatia+C'tis than Sauromatia+Abysia has against Caelum+C'tis.

TURN 38
Saw Caelum's pretender across my border. She is a crone. Also saw a battle. Her bless is N4E4D4. That means she has no more than S3. Caelum took three of Agartha's provinces. I had sent 80 blood slaves to Caelum and received the promised 10 D gems with 10 more to follow the next turn.

TURNS 40-43
Lost a surprise attack in Oaklands (7) immediately west of Agartha's cap. After, I agreed to let Caelum take that province and Agartha's cap. He seemed eager to do so while that left me free to prepare for war with Sauro. Researched Cons 8 on 43.

TURN 44
Contacted Sauromatia to declare an end to our NAP in 3 turns. Forged what I could use from the list of available artifacts.

TURN 45
Caelum lost his initial attempt at taking the province of Agartha but still has significant reserves. In addition to Maelstrom from a turn or two prior, he also snagged both Mother Oak and Eternal Pyre from C'tis.

TURN 46
C'tis took Maelstrom and Mother Oak from C'tis.

TURN 47
Attacked Suaromatia. Two small armies took two provinces with little resistance. A couple of more small forces were put in place to join in. Took Bogus and three of his crew with Charm and Hellbind Heart.

TURN 50
Split the rest of Sauromatia with Caelum. The war was over a few turns later.

TURN 60
Cast Arcane Nexus with about 600 pearls.

Declared end of NAP7 with Caelum.

TURN 62
Started monthly casting of Wish, initially just for gems.

TURN 65
Declered end of NAP3 with C'tis.

TURN 66
Attacked Caelum on multiple fronts with rather large armies composed of devils, imps, Abysian infantry, and Abysian fire mages.

Three forts were sieged and their gates broken down in the same turn.

Caelum steals Maelstrom back from C'tis. His attack on me is limited to trapezing an A2W1 mage on one of my forts.

TURN 67
Escalated the attack against Caelum. Started a more limited attack against C'tis. Among the first in is Tart Killer 1.0, a Golem with Styphalian wings and a Holy Scourge included in its kit. The plan is to turn out one of these per turn. Also, wished for the The Chalice to throw a wrench in the works of C'tis's Tart factory.

TURN 68
Austen, in command of Caelum, has had enough of the game and agrees to go AI as finding a sub at this point seems pointless.

TURN 69
Grabbed 10 provinces, mostly from Caelum, in a successful series of attacks.

C'tis dispelled my Arcane Nexus. Took his Boots of the Planes with Wish.

TURN 70
Final scores:

Nation Provinces
Marverni 0
Sauromatia 0
Mictlan 0
Abysia 74
Caelum 40
C'tis 33
Pangaea 0
Agartha 0
Helheim 0
R'lyeh 8
Independents 0
Lanka 0

Nation Forts
Marverni 0
Sauromatia 0
Mictlan 0
Abysia 26
Caelum 17
C'tis 12
Pangaea 0
Agartha 0
Helheim 0
R'lyeh 3
Independents 0
Lanka 0

Nation Income
Marverni 0
Sauromatia 0
Mictlan 0
Abysia 6331
Caelum 2731
C'tis 1750
Pangaea 0
Agartha 0
Helheim 0
R'lyeh 933
Independents 0
Lanka 0

Nation Gem Income
Marverni 0
Sauromatia 0
Mictlan 0
Abysia 161
Caelum 130
C'tis 149
Pangaea 0
Agartha 0
Helheim 0
R'lyeh 18
Independents 0
Lanka 0

Nation Research
Marverni 1609
Sauromatia 7329
Mictlan 1267
Abysia 28260
Caelum 32000
C'tis 32000
Pangaea 1933
Agartha 7782
Helheim 1510
R'lyeh 8313
Independents 0
Lanka 872

Nation Dominion
Marverni 0
Sauromatia 0
Mictlan 0
Abysia 1227
Caelum 673
C'tis 446
Pangaea 0
Agartha 0
Helheim 0
R'lyeh 46
Independents 0
Lanka 0

Nation Army Size
Marverni 0
Sauromatia 0
Mictlan 0
Abysia 3123
Caelum 3454
C'tis 3549
Pangaea 0
Agartha 0
Helheim 0
R'lyeh 970
Independents 87
Lanka 0