Are you tough enough to be the "King of the Hill"?

[Alneyan]

What were the first posts? Some of us are reading the boards from latest post to earliest, so our idea of "first" may be different. The accurate information is available on the site as Nodachi linked (and in my signature), with the oldest posts in the thread being outdated.

I will add you to the Hill as soon as I can get to PBW.

[geoschmo]

Typically Koth games go quick, as most Koth players are also fast players, but not all. And you can only go as fast as the guy you are pared against.

If your primary motivation is getting into some fast games you could start a thread asking specifically for that. You could probably find a player or three trolling the forum just about any time of day that could be convinced to jump in a game with you.

[Slynky]

Welcome to the madness (and fun), Rathar!

(Pssstt...hey, guys...fresh meat http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)

[Gozra]

My Battleaxe is sharp and my will is strong. Hear my footsteps Geo I am squinting after you. ( Puts glasses back on) oops I mean coming for you.

[Rathar]

No really, I want to join this as it seems to be a reservoir of folks who think that 24+ hours for a turn in unacceptable!

Please to lemme know if there is anything I need to D-load or whatnot...

I think I have posts set so that nothing is ever non-displayed and its all in ez board (first post--->last post order) standard.

E-mail sent to alneyan@fastmail.co.uk kill kill!

Basically, this is a damn well made cool game and I want to kill humans (err be killed by..) in it as the AI, no matter what mod I use, is stupid as a corpse..

[Alneyan]

Done. Welcome aboard Rathar!

[Rathar]

wOO! An opponent! ermm do we set things up through here or with each other or what?

[Nodachi]

What I do is use e-mail to discuss the settings with my opponent. When we finalize the settings I just CC Alneyan with the final e-mail. Seems to work pretty well.

[Captain Kwok]

Renegade, I forgot to ask did you want our game to be a rated game?

[Alneyan]

Nodachi said:
What I do is use e-mail to discuss the settings with my opponent. When we finalize the settings I just CC Alneyan with the final e-mail. Seems to work pretty well.



This is indeed the solution I find to be the most convenient: it gives me the settings directly in my inbox, easy to find when I set up the game.

[Renegade 13]

Captain Kwok said:
Renegade, I forgot to ask did you want our game to be a rated game?



I'm not in the rating system, so it can't be a rated game just for you, can it??

[Captain Kwok]

I'm not sure, let's see what Sylnky says. If not, you could always sign up - it's painless. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[LordAxel]

I lost my game can move me back down and Rand up

[Alneyan]

My apologies, I got your mail a few hours ago Axel, but forgot to handle your game before now. KOTH is now updated.

Renegade, I think there was a similar query a while ago (when setting up the Ratings Bash tourney), and the answer was that a player must be rated to be taken into account in the ratings. However, signing up is painless: drop Slynky a mail, and you are in the ratings. There are no strings attached, no fine print, and you are free not to play any other game afterwards.

[Renegade 13]

I think I'll sign up, so yes Kwok, I have no problem having this be a rated game.

[Captain Kwok]

Ok. Still doesn't mean that I won't try to destroy you though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Renegade 13]

I never expected it would http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Don't worry, you'll get a run for your money.

[Gozra]

Geo won in an unrelenting methodical way. Good game Geo.
I am ready to start again. I hope there is a Bar at the Bottom of the hill if there isn't then I may open one I spend so much time here....

[Alneyan]

Updated KOTH has been.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Talk like Yoda, you do.

[Alneyan]

Avoiding the "this post already exists" thing I must, Narf. One day, you shall grow strong in the ways of the force.

[Rathar]

Turn in turns in furball at rate which a 0.001 degree icecube melts, you do!

[Alneyan]

KOTH will be updated. There may be a few changes at the bottom of the Hill, so it won't be fully updated for a while.

I will play with Joachim; would anyone be so kind as to set up a game for us? Beware Joachim, for I am coming after you!

[Alneyan]

My apologies for the delay, my connection has been down for the past two days.

KOTH has been updated, but Spaceempires appears to be down. The updates are as follow:
- The game Rathar vs Intimidator has been deleted.
- The game Rathar vs VadimBey has been created in the bottom of the hill.
- Joachim has been paired with Alneyan on the top of the hill; we are currently looking for a game host.
- A couple of bugs were squashed out of the file.

[geoschmo]

I can set your game up for you.

[Alneyan]

Thanks Geo! You brought me once step closer to Kinghood and Ascension. The Crown is mine, mine mine! Oh yes... Trust us Joachim, we swear it on the preciousssss...

[Joachim]

Thanks Geo, appreciate it!

Alneyan... but only one can keep climbing....

[Joachim]

Is the KOTH site link broken?

[geoschmo]

Joachim said:
Is the KOTH site link broken?

The whole spaceempires.net site is having difficulties.

[Fyron]

The KOTH site is now back online. Who is maintaining it now during Asmala's absence?

Also, note that you can access it from the snazzier url: http://koth.spaceempires.net/

[Slynky]

Kewl !

[Alneyan]

KOTH has been updated; mostly.

[Alneyan]

KOTH is now fully updated; I even uploaded the files this time (the passwords were changed, so my last few uploads were... well, not exactly visible).

If something is still not working as intended, please let me know; hopefully, all links should be working now, and the game results part is now properly ordered.

[Slynky]

Slynky -vs- Axel: 2407.2

Axel surrenders. Trapped into less than half the galaxy (and with a few more worthless systems than me), he had to try to break out. First shot (and full training) is tough to overcome.

Good game, Axel! Not the best of positions for you.

[Alneyan]

Lo, KOTH has been updated!

[Alneyan]

A lovely KOTH update.

[Slynky]

Slynky -vs- Rand: 2404.9

Rand surrenders.

Thanks for the game, Rand. I would say concentrate more on expanding to improve your game. I appreciate the prompt turnaround time during the game...it went fast.

[Slynky]

Looks like we'll be up next, Geo. I bow to your "poison" choice. Rated or not. The only mods I play are your Balance Mod. And, Anklebiter, I suppose (but that takes so long...LOL). Full-tech? 10 Planets? Standard KOTH? 0 racial points? 5,000 racial points? 3 planet start?

Let me know.

[Alneyan]

K.O.T.H. has been updated.

[LordAxel]

Axel v Bogs 2405.1

Bogs surrendered to me this turn.


By the time of contact i had my half of the galaxy colonized and he had a little less then half of his.
The way the map was setup homesystem was the choke point for my half and he started near the top of his.

[Alneyan]

KOTH will be updated within the hour.

On another note, the default setting for the map is "random", without any manual placement, so you just happened to start in a better location. You may request manual placement of the Empires, so that both players start in a roughly equivalent system. Some players do like the randomness (or so I am told), so this setting is not on by default.

[Rathar]

I hereby surrender to Vadim_bey in our game.

I fully blame the fact that out of the first 6 systems I discovered 5 of them had absolutely nothing in them and that it wasn't till the 4th or so that I found a system with 3 small unbreathable planets useful only for a shipyard and a resupply base.

Damn the random number generator!!

Eh, it happens!

By the time I met my opponent I met him in 2 parts of the galaxy and from our meeting points it was apparent he controlled 2/3rds of the galaxy and while I do love the underdog position in this case it was completely apparent what the end outcome would be and well, it takes too damn long to get there in this game.!

Put me back on the hill, perhaps my luck shall be better next time!!

[Alneyan]

K.O.T.H. is up-to-date.

[Joachim]

Alneyan said:
K.O.T.H. is up-to-date.



Except for your turn!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Alneyan]

My turns are never late Joachim: I send them precisely when I meant them to arrive. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Nay, I have been lax on playing my turns of late, but you know the medecine for that problem: kill me off, and all will be fine (I cannot drop from the Hill after a win, that would be so odd).

So what are you waiting for? Hop to it, and make a quick end of me, or else I will have to challenge Primitive to meet my death. *Shudders at the thought*

[Joachim]

Well, if I could find where I have hidden those WMG armed, quantum powered baseships I would open a warp point to your homeworld and destroy it..../threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Lightning.gif /threads/images/Graemlins/Hammer.gif That's if I *knew* where your homeworld was after some fool lost all the star maps....

[narf poit chez BOOM]

/me giggles quietly and stuffs Joachim's star maps further under a couch...

[Joachim]

narf poit chez BOOM said:
/me giggles quietly and stuffs Joachim's star maps further under a couch...



Here my furry friend, come try this nice camenbert that I have libereated from Alneyan's ships and planets.... just pass me the maps... thats it hand them over - here is the cheese /threads/images/Graemlins/Cheese.gif

And in an attempt to keep this on topic - my reference to maps is a comment on the fact that I did not take ancient and Alneyan did. I had not stipulated no ancient in our set up talks and forgot http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif. It will be intereseting to see if I can be even a little competitive without the star maps...

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Oooooh, cheeze... */me absent-mindedly hands the maps back while easting the cheese

[geoschmo]

Slynky has gotten the better of me once again. Move him up.

Alneyan, take me off the hill please. I don't have time for another game right now.

[Alneyan]

Guess what, the standard "KOTH is updated" message.

[Alneyan]

As heralded in the days of yore, KOTH has been updated.

(How difficult it is to create ever-changing messages stating that "KOTH has been updated")

[LordAxel]

I surrender to VadimBey. Please move me to the bottom again and him up.
Good Game

[Alneyan]

The Update!

[Alneyan]

Rex Torres has surrendered to Belisarius. Long live to the King! KOTH has been updated.

This message was brought to you by Richard Neville and associates.

[Slynky]

Congratulations to the new king! I believe this is the first time (Grand) Master B has tested the throne out for comfort. May he find it comfortable (but not TOO confortable) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif.

[Master Belisarius]

Slynky said:
Congratulations to the new king! I believe this is the first time (Grand) Master B has tested the throne out for comfort. May he find it comfortable (but not TOO confortable) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif.


http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Thanks my friend! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Really wanted to take the throne and then I'm really happy... but honestly, don't expect to keep the crown for long!
Yes, here does exist many great players, and think the fight for the crown is always a very risky game... because a mistake against a good player can be deadly.
Anyway, you can bet I'll offer a good challenge! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Master Belisarius]

Now that I feel like Di Caprio in the Titanic ("I'm the King of the world!"), feel myself free to post this song from Elton John/Bernie Taupin:

No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
Round your throne room floor
While the juggler's act is danced upon
The crown that you once wore

And sooner or later
Everybody's kingdom must end
And I'm so afraid your courtiers
Cannot be called best friends

Caesar's had your troubles
Widows had to cry
While mercenaries in cloisters sing
And the king must die

Some men are better staying sailors
Take my word and go
But tell the ostler that his name was
The very first they chose

And if my hands are stained forever
And the altar should refuse me
Would you let me in, would you let me in, would you let me in
Should I cry sanctuary

No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
Round your throne room floor
While the juggler's act is danced upon
The crown that you once wore

The king is dead, the king is dead
The king is dead, the king is dead
Long live the king

[Alneyan]

Enjoy the good life while it lasts: soon, you will be running for your life. Many a rival is out to get you... and succeed we shall!

Yes, I should be studying instead of posting silly messages... especially that Latin American literature exam. You wouldn't happen to be anywhere near France this Saturday MB? Should be a breeze for you. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

On another note, all is very quiet in my game with Joachim. We are past turn 50, and there has been no real fighting as of yet. I have the bigger share of the galaxy, and I have been leading in scores for quite a few turns, but nothing surprising here: my score is almost as inflated as my ego.

[Master Belisarius]

Alneyan said:
Enjoy the good life while it lasts: soon, you will be running for your life. Many a rival is out to get you... and succeed we shall!



hehehe, don't worry I know that.
Just remember what happend to Leo... and after all I'm sure that the KING MUST DIE!


Alneyan said:
Yes, I should be studying instead of posting silly messages... especially that Latin American literature exam. You wouldn't happen to be anywhere near France this Saturday MB? Should be a breeze for you. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif



Yea... think would be cool to be there...
My favorite Latin American writer is Jorge Luis Borges. Also I like Julio Cortázar, García Márquez and Horacio Quiroga. But by far my favorite is Borges.


Alneyan said:
On another note, all is very quiet in my game with Joachim. We are past turn 50, and there has been no real fighting as of yet. I have the bigger share of the galaxy, and I have been leading in scores for quite a few turns, but nothing surprising here: my score is almost as inflated as my ego.


http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Can bet it's a very interesting game... and if you got most part of the galaxy... I know what kind of damage you can do! (don't know why I have a "Deja vu" feeling http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif)

[Alneyan]

The extracts we were given were more on northern Latin American literature though: namely Guatemala, Venezuela and Cuba, with the exam being on Guillén.

KOTH has been updated. The main feature of the update is Nodachi's first win, bumping him up in the rankings. Watch out for him: a single win may not be enough for his appetite. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Renegade 13]

Ahem...you may wish to revisit that update Alneyan. Rambie is shown as being on the hill twice on separate levels, and Nodachi is nowhere to be seen! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Alneyan]

Ubiquity is the key to a better future, Renegade.

KOTH has been fixed. For the last two updates, I have mixed up the winner and the loser... more specifically, I considered the loser to be also the winner. Don't ask.

[Nodachi]

So much for my cloaking device! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Rathar]

With great skill (/cough.. Luck!) I have defeated Xaralie and crawl one step up this steep hill.

Very fun game, we had the good fortune to find ourselves both online at the same time on two separate occasions and cranked out 10+ turns each time.

Meeting on turn 11 was quite a surprise for both of us let me tell ya!

[Alneyan]

I feel a great disturbance in the updates.

Stop smirking, and try to come up with fifty different posts to the effect of "KOTH has been updated". I'm waiting. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Nodachi]

1. KOTH has been updated!
2. KOTH has been updated, again! (ok, that one's lame!)
3. KOTH rankings have changed.
4. Positions on the hill have changed.
5. Some have climbed, others have fallen.
6. Someone is a step closer to the king, someone else has hit bottom.
7. Some are the windshield, some are the bug!
8. What goes up must come down.
9. Notice the updates you will.
10. Nodachi lost again!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Anybody else?

[Slynky]

LMAO, Nodachi! #10...LOL...what a sense of humor! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[parabolize]

K.O.T.H. update # 289
K.O.T.H. update # 290...

[Slynky]

parabolize said:
K.O.T.H. update # 289
K.O.T.H. update # 290...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking but it seemed a bit mechanical and obvious. If Alneyan had wanted to settle for that (grin), he would have been using it LONG before. Secretly, I think he prefers the stimulation for his brain http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif.

[Alneyan]

I like the sound of some of your proposals Nodachi. I hope my next update will be something like: "Joachim has fallen off the Hill, and is now reaching terminal velocity", or some such.

And speaking of which, any update on the Hill? Here, we have had our first genuine skirmish (on turn 60), and I actually won. Before that, one of his scouts glassed a couple of my planets, but nothing serious.

[LordAxel]

Bogs just surrendered to me please move me up the ladder a level

[Alneyan]

KOTH has been swiftly updated, making the use of deadly force unnecessary. By the way, if you find broken links on the main page, please let me know: I have noticed I copy-pasted a link only working for the game owner in one case.

Belisarius and Parabolize, how is it going up there? I would like to know how I should retrofit my Kingslaying scheme; at first, it was intended for Asmala, then for RexTorres, so a further retrofit will be in good order. The fight still goes on between Joachim and myself, though the game should be over in the next ten turns or so. I hope so, as otherwise it would mean something very bad happened to me.

[parabolize]

MB is slowly eating me. Bit by bit his low tech light carriers are consuming my east and west empire. The center was dominated by me at last contact.

[parabolize]

Turn 63. Time to roll over and die. Good game.

[Master Belisarius]

parabolize said:
Turn 63. Time to roll over and die. Good game.


You played a very good game and your trained fleet was close to keep you more time in bussiness... but I had more systems than you and think it did the difference.

[Alneyan]

I will assume you are going back to the bottom of the Hill Parabolize.

Dear MB, king for a day, you should clutch to your throne, as I am out to get YOU! Kidding aside, we should agree on the settings now, as my game with Joachim could be over in a few turns; if he does manage to come back, I will let you know so that you can discuss settings with him instead. Those Aussies sure are hard to kill. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

My own preferences would be a bigger than average map (where big is defined by the game owner, though I am of course not asking for 255 systems), with set starting locations, no intelligence, and I would rather remove the Crystalline and the Religious trait; I am a true scion of Primitive after all.

[Master Belisarius]

Alneyan said:
Dear MB, king for a day, you should clutch to your throne, as I am out to get YOU!



Considering you defeated me before, think I should! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif


Alneyan said:
Kidding aside, we should agree on the settings now, as my game with Joachim could be over in a few turns;



Hum, I don't like the idea to speak about a dead man when still is breathing and can command fleets!
Anyway, because my preferred setting is only one... then, think it would work for Joachim too!


Alneyan said:
My own preferences would be a bigger than average map (where big is defined by the game owner, though I am of course not asking for 255 systems), with set starting locations, no intelligence, and I would rather remove the Crystalline and the Religious trait; I am a true scion of Primitive after all.


Your preferences are Ok with me.
My only request is to play with the Geo's Balance Mod: as King, don't like to lose my trhone just because had a bad luck in the map!

[Joachim]

Hmmm, a little presumptious of Alenyan.

Still, he should have just claimed victory on turn 1 after he saw the map and our respective positions, as I had very little chance.

I suspect I surprised him slightly but it is still as good as over. I will check the turn tonight then most likely concede.

Can onerefuse to play KOTH if your opponent does not want to play balance mod and equi-distant start points?

[Slynky]

Joachim said:
Can onerefuse to play KOTH if your opponent does not want to play balance mod and equi-distant start points?

Technically, if players can't agree, then there is a KOTH standard to apply. That standard start was made before the Balance mod came along and before there was time to ascertain just how lopsided the game can be about placing 2 opponents in a game. When players approach the top of the hill, their talent and skill become more equal to each opponent they face. It then seems a bit odd (in an effort to see who is good enough to be king) to let the randomness of a game-generated map have such a big part in being the deciding factor.

[Alneyan]

I will admit I am not much of a gond of the balanced systems, especially because they remove all other systems (I am fine with balanced planets, however). I particularly like one map I played with Primitive, where we both had plenty of planets of our atmosphere type (Oxygen for me, None for him), though it may be too big for a quick resolution on the Hill. So, if you like Balanced Systems, I will go with it. So long as you do your best to kill me, I will be happy. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif (I have been hoping to be defeated for a few games, but it looks like it won't work)

Joachim: I am readying other fleets to do a bit of mayhem, but if you can get SM up and running soon, you still have a decent shot at victory, or you could do something on this turn. The other wormholes leading to my territories will be shut down soon, letting the vessels attack you as they will.

I believe you lacked two things in your end of the map: methane planets and asteroids. There was a surprisingly low number of methane planets, even outside of rocky planets, while I had a good deal of oxy planets a bit everywhere (especially away from home). Asteroids made for the bulk of my economy with remote-mining (mainly before I got my Gas colonies up and running), while you had no such opportunity, and I think that was a virtual death warrant. Even on turn 75, remote-mining still covers all my construction expenses, and I had room for more, bigger miners.

I think you lagged in colonial expansion, though there wasn't much to colonise to begin with, and in plain luck to get in the direction of those choke-point systems first (no Ancient trait means you had to fly blind, though your colony ships were faster than mine). If memory serves, you settled several planets near or in your homesystem first, while I spread out very quickly, and that could have made the difference in getting secured borders.

[Joachim]

Alneyan said:


Joachim:
I believe you lacked two things in your end of the map: methane planets and asteroids. There was a surprisingly low number of methane planets, even outside of rocky planets, while I had a good deal of oxy planets a bit everywhere (especially away from home). Asteroids made for the bulk of my economy with remote-mining (mainly before I got my Gas colonies up and running), while you had no such opportunity, and I think that was a virtual death warrant. Even on turn 75, remote-mining still covers all my construction expenses, and I had room for more, bigger miners.





All over, I quit. And that does summarise the map nicely.

[geoschmo]

Alneyan, I went ahead and deleted the game and setup a new king match for Master Belisarius and yourself.

[Master Belisarius]

Alneyan said:
I will admit I am not much of a gond of the balanced systems, especially because they remove all other systems (I am fine with balanced planets, however). I particularly like one map I played with Primitive, where we both had plenty of planets of our atmosphere type (Oxygen for me, None for him), though it may be too big for a quick resolution on the Hill. So, if you like Balanced Systems, I will go with it. So long as you do your best to kill me, I will be happy. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif (I have been hoping to be defeated for a few games, but it looks like it won't work)

Joachim: I am readying other fleets to do a bit of mayhem, but if you can get SM up and running soon, you still have a decent shot at victory, or you could do something on this turn. The other wormholes leading to my territories will be shut down soon, letting the vessels attack you as they will.

I believe you lacked two things in your end of the map: methane planets and asteroids. There was a surprisingly low number of methane planets, even outside of rocky planets, while I had a good deal of oxy planets a bit everywhere (especially away from home). Asteroids made for the bulk of my economy with remote-mining (mainly before I got my Gas colonies up and running), while you had no such opportunity, and I think that was a virtual death warrant. Even on turn 75, remote-mining still covers all my construction expenses, and I had room for more, bigger miners.

I think you lagged in colonial expansion, though there wasn't much to colonise to begin with, and in plain luck to get in the direction of those choke-point systems first (no Ancient trait means you had to fly blind, though your colony ships were faster than mine). If memory serves, you settled several planets near or in your homesystem first, while I spread out very quickly, and that could have made the difference in getting secured borders.


I understand your concerns about the balanced systems, but think your own words about the map of your game with Joaquim, support my view!
I don't want to win just because had better luck than you, with my part of the galaxy... and don't want to lose for the same reason.

[Alneyan]

I wouldn't complain if my end of the map was poorer (it was in our first game, but I ended up with more systems, so it all evened out); anything that gives you an edge is fine with me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Just send me back to the bottom of the Hill.

So, no intel, no religious, no Crystalline, Balanced mods, manual starting points, and we are set? I will upload my Empire right now, though I will not be playing turns this evening (namely because I will head to bed soon).

[Master Belisarius]

Alneyan said:
I wouldn't complain if my end of the map was poorer (it was in our first game, but I ended up with more systems, so it all evened out);



Interesting! Because always believed that in that game, you had a better starting map than me! hehehe
Come on old friend! I prefer to play in smallest maps and to play without bans, and said nothing about your preferences!! (until now! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif).


Alneyan said:
So, no intel, no religious, no Crystalline, Balanced mods, manual starting points, and we are set?



But also, you wanted a biggest map than the average, right?
I'll upload my file tomorrow.

See you in battle!

[Alneyan]

Well, big only means "something with more than one system". http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif More specifically, a game where there is breathing room, and more than one way to reach the other side. I'm sure Geo will find something appropriate.

The ban on the Crystalline trait is really a way for me to avoid being dastardly (again): that component is amazingly powerful, especially if the target does not quite know how it works. If you are not at all ready for it, it can be a killing blow in itself: invulnerable vessels are much worse than vessels making every single hit count. Primitive initiated me to the mysteries of the Crystal Amour, and that thing sure is deadly... just ask Asmala in Pairs. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Renegade 13]

Vadim Bey has defeated Renegade 13. You can send me down the hill, all the way down to the bottom if you'd like, and advance Vadim Bey another level. Damn I hate light carriers!

[Alneyan]

My Earl has updated KOTH; I am busy fighting at Hastings myself.

[Alneyan]

I, acting in the name of the King, hereby authorise the updating of KOTH. Let the gallant knights joust for our pleasure!

On a more serious note: I will be away from June 25 to July 10, so Geo will be creating games during this timeframe (if needed). The site will not be updated while I am away.

During my leave, Geo has full authority over all the subjects of the realm, and has my leave to kill, damage, or otherwise maim all evildoers.

[Joachim]

OK, cant help myself, please put me back on the hill....

[Alneyan]

KOTH has been duly updated.

[Joachim]

Parabolize,
I would really prefer geo balance mod. Other than that I am easy.

[parabolize]

*Balanced System Mod map
*manual placement
*good home world
*no intelligence
*koth defaults for the rest

Sound Good?

[Joachim]

parabolize said:
*Balanced System Mod map
*manual placement
*good home world
*no intelligence
*koth defaults for the rest

Sound Good?


Sounds most fine.

Good Luck, allthough I hope skill decides it not luck! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[parabolize]

Cool. Empire uploaded. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Alneyan]

Back online and kicking. Now all I need is to read through my mail and sort the KOTH problems; expect an update tonight, or tomorrow at the latest.

[Master Belisarius]

Alneyan left the game at the turn 37.

I was ahead in the numbers and think with the better possibilities to win... but the game was not yet decided, for the time he wanted to leave.

Alneyan doesn't wanted to continue playing SE4 games (he lost the motivation).

Now, my next game will be against Slynky... and again expect to play a hard game.

[Fyron]

Alneyan, do you want someone else to take care of the KOTH site?

[Alneyan]

KOTH has been updated *and* uploaded (something I love to forget). I really should have dropped the ball (in my own KOTH playing) earlier though...

Fyron: I am still administrating KOTH, so it will be fine (if I stop forgetting to run the upload script).

[Slynky]

Master Belisarius said:
Alneyan left the game at the turn 37.

I was ahead in the numbers and think with the better possibilities to win... but the game was not yet decided, for the time he wanted to leave.

Alneyan doesn't wanted to continue playing SE4 games (he lost the motivation).

Now, my next game will be against Slynky... and again expect to play a hard game.

So, looking at your avatar, where is the crown? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[JAFisher44]

Well, hello.

I just recently joined the K.O.T.H. League, and I thought I would say hi. I just won my first game, so I guess I'll be seeing someone on the second level http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

I am relatively new to PBW. Up to this point I have only played against Stock AI. Really, I joined this league, at least in part, to learn to play PBW better. I think that the quicker turns, as well as the skilled players, will help me to learn how to play well against humans. Also, I want to be King. I expect that I will be de-hilled many times before i make it to the top, but I will be up there someday.

I look forward to facing your empires in battle.

Joshua Fisher

[Slynky]

JAFisher44 said:
Well, hello.

I just recently joined the K.O.T.H. League, and I thought I would say hi. I just won my first game, so I guess I'll be seeing someone on the second level http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

I am relatively new to PBW. Up to this point I have only played against Stock AI. Really, I joined this league, at least in part, to learn to play PBW better. I think that the quicker turns, as well as the skilled players, will help me to learn how to play well against humans. Also, I want to be King. I expect that I will be de-hilled many times before i make it to the top, but I will be up there someday.

I look forward to facing your empires in battle.

Joshua Fisher

Well, that's a pretty good accomplishment. The AI is fairly easy to beat and some people get a real shock when they start playing against people. So...congratulations!

[JAFisher44]

Well, it was kind of a fluke. We started out, literally, in bordering systems. My early expansion strategy worked out better than his in that situation. It made for a really quick game (21 turns). If we had started further apart his strategy would have worked out far better than it did. It also shortened the game considerably, limiting his ability to exploit my lack of knowledge of how to play against human opponents. Next time I'll suggest fixed start locations so we can get a better game.

Joshua Fisher

[Master Belisarius]

Slynky said:
So, looking at your avatar, where is the crown? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif


hehehe, think David is very busy with SE5 stuff! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Master Belisarius]

For our game with Slynky, we have agreed the game settings:

- 3 GOOD planets
- Balance mod from Geo
- Manual Placement
- No intel
- No mines
- ZERO racial points
- KOTH standard for the other settings.

Hope Alneyan can

[JAFisher44]

How do I report a win?

[parabolize]

Post in here or email Alneyan. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Alneyan]

He has posted here, so it's fine. I will also check the status of the game if either player withdraws, as it is almost always a "game over, come in and check" signal.

There was no update yesterday because I was away for most of the day; in any event, I'm afraid you will have to wait for a while to meet up with someone on the second level of the Hill.

[Joachim]

Parabolize v Joachim... turn 70

Its all over, Parabolize has surendered. It was a very back and forth game with some systems changing hands twice. I had two col techs and a training edge that made all the difference in the end. Of course, if you had given me two more turns I would have opened two warp points!

Thanks for the game and your great turn turnaraound (especially compared to my tardiness!).
J.

[JAFisher44]

So, probably me vs. Joachim, right?

If so, what kind of settings would you like Joachim?

[Alneyan]

Beware! KOTH is now updated.

[JAFisher44]

Nevermind, It got fixed.

[Joachim]

JAFisher44 said:
So, probably me vs. Joachim, right?

If so, what kind of settings would you like Joachim?



I prefer geo balance mod, no intel.

[Slynky]

Just make sure he knows not to take NONE atmosphere. (Oh, if he reads this, then you won't have to tell him...LOL).

[Rathar]

Rathar>Axel.

Sadly, real life crushed my opponent before I could but a win is a win, I guess.

Sorry Axel!

[Slynky]

Hmmmm, King of the Hill game...

Finally meet each other and the first thing you do is capture my ship?! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif That is just too ugly! You are mean.

[Master Belisarius]

Slynky said:
Hmmmm, King of the Hill game...

Finally meet each other and the first thing you do is capture my ship?! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif That is just too ugly! You are mean.


Just wanted to be friendly!

[Alneyan]

The One Behind the Throne would like to make his will known to the common populace.

In other words, I was thinking of removing the Top of the Hill level, since it was introduced back in the days when more people were playing; now, the Top of the Hill is probably not necessary, since there are very few players on the third level. Please let me know if you would like to keep this level; otherwise, it will be bowstrung at dawn.

[Master Belisarius]

The King is dead...long live the King!!!!

Slynky defeated me at the turn 62.
He opened a hole into my homesystem at the first try... while still I would have needed 5 more turns to get my first warp opener working.

He expanded better than me and think it was the main reason for his victory.

Congrats!

Please Alneyan, remove me from the KOTH tournament... think it was enough to me!
Just wanted to say thanks to you, Geo and the others that kept this tournament moving for so long time.

[Alneyan]

I do not have a reliable access to Internet for the time being, so the website update will have to wait. If there's one game that has to be created, you should let Geo know about it: while I can create the PBW game, I cannot create the SEIV file needed to play.

Congrats to Slynky, the most exalted ruler of the land... *Insert other flattery here*

[Slynky]

If anyone cares, I'm sleeping on the throne. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/yawn.gif

(wake me if there is a need to play a match)

[narf poit chez BOOM]

/me sneaks up on the king and paints clown makeup on his face.

[Slynky]

narf poit chez BOOM said:
/me sneaks up on the king and paints clown makeup on his face.

Wakes up from a weird dream of hammers, cheese, and a mouse, then roles over to get comfortable again... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/yawn.gif

[Gozra]

The game between Rand and Gozguy is over. Rand has conceeded the game. This part of the hill is virgin territory.

[Alneyan]

I'm back and kicking, so KOTH will be updated soon.

[Alneyan]

And lo! KOTH was again up-to-date, and there was much rejoicing.

[Renegade 13]

Woohoo!

[Rasorow]

Wow...... never saw so many blank spaces..... hmmmmm..... nope... wouldnt last 2 turns...

<Rasorow moves on>

[parabolize]

K.O.T.H. Parabolize vs Xarlie turn number: 2406.6

Xarlie withdrew. Not sure if that was a surrender or I flat-out scared him away. I hope the hill isn't geting any smaller than it is.

[Slynky]

parabolize said:
K.O.T.H. Parabolize vs Xarlie turn number: 2406.6

Xarlie withdrew. Not sure if that was a surrender or I flat-out scared him away. I hope the hill isn't geting any smaller than it is.

I think you have just about seen the last of the Hill. (just an independent observation http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)

[Alneyan]

Xarlie dropped me a mail saying he was very busy, and so he will get off the Hill. Note that it isn't the last of the Hill yet: there are currently seven players, and we need six of them to have the Hill up and running.

Erh... I mean, we need six players for all levels to be reachable (four are needed to get to level 3, and we need another player on level 3 and the King).

[Alneyan]

ATTN: All seven remaining players.

Do you have any wish on what to do with what remains of the Hill? I am minded to shrink the Hill back to two levels, thus allowing Parabolize and Rand to play, instead of looking at each other, and giving more potential trouble for Slynky up there.

The only other suggestion I can make is to hook up with Malcolm: I'm sure he could help us out, really.

[Renegade 13]

Why has the hill died? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif I'll have no one to play when my current game is over http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Alneyan]

It isn't dead yet: we need to lose two more players for the Hill to be effectively dead, with the current three levels. I get your point though.

I guess interest in SEIV has been dwindling, and there were never *that* many players on the Hill (twenty at once? Perhaps a bit more). The ratings were pretty much in the same boat, except worse, and went down too (speaking of which, posterity should keep Asmala as the last leader of the tatings: Pairs was pretty much ended, giving him more than enough points to get back on the comfy chair).

[parabolize]

Two levels is OK with me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Rathar]

I think some shrinking of the setup seems appropriate.
Dunno why more aren't playing this, 1-2 turns a day in a single player game doesn't take much time!
Plus, it's much fun!

[Alneyan]

I have a problem with shrinking the Hill though: Renegade and Vadim will have nobody to play with if I go with two levels (pairing Parabolize and Rand), and they have been playing for quite a while. *Grumbles*

Of course, with the current setup, Parabolize and Rand are also not playing. If anyone knows a way of pairing everyone, please let me know (two players not playing mean that a third of the Hill is idle).

[Renegade 13]

We need to recruit some more players, that's what we have to do!

Join KOTH, join the bloodbath, join KOTH, join the bloodbath...

...and so on.

[Renegade 13]

Renegade 13 has just surrendered to Vadim Bey.

This was a very long game, and for most of it it was very close. But towards the end he was invading on one front while I was invading on the other. However, my invasion fleet was destroyed, and he destroyed enough of my colonies that everything was rioting. No need to prolong the inevitable, so I surrendered.

It was a very good game, and a pleasure to play against Vadim Bey. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Alneyan]

After many a meeting (right!), I have updated KOTH. We are down to two levels: Renegade was kind enough to be defeated in his game, so the Hill could be shrunk to two levels without leaving anyone alone (the King excepted).

[Alneyan]

KOTH has been updated. And guess what? We have a new player! Actually, we have *two* new players! Champagne for everyone!

[Slynky]

Well, well. Fresh meat is always welcome.

(Gee, the extent you'll go to, Alneyan, in order to get a post to post by making the words unique!)

[Alneyan]

And you don't know the other half of the story! I had to shell out quite a few bucks to bribe two honest players into entering KOTH, so I could gloat about still getting news players in this day and age.

You know, that comment you made about KOTH elsewhere... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif KOTh is still going strong after all those years! Okay, scratch the "strong" part.

[Emperor's Child]

I've also applied to join in the fun... Should be interesting...

[Renegade 13]

Woohoo! Now we have enough players again (for a while).

[DeKaye]

Huuummmmm, wonder what I'm going to spend all that money Alneyan passed to my hands to join KOTH? Maybe .... yeh that's it SEV!!!! If it ever comes out.

I am excited to join your league. Nothing like a good pounding (implying that I'll probably be the one receiving the bashing :} ) Maybe I won't be camped out on the bottom of the hill to long. Well, if I am, I have already sighted a nice little niche I can call home. Have you seen it? It's over there be the tree. A nice little hole and outcropping of rock. It should keep the rain off of me while I lick my wounds.

Fuzzie

[Slynky]

And a name like Fuzzie is sure to strike fear in the hearts of fleet captains everywhere http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif.

Welcome to the fun and madness!

[DeKaye]

My name is a disguise. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif Shhh, don't tell anyone I'm a killing machine. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/evil.gif

Thanks for the welcome.

Fuzzie

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Ok-a, I won't-a tell anyone-a your-a killing machines-a. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[wilhil]

I unfortuantly have so many projects at the moment that I don't really want to commit myself to a game, but as long as turns are at least 60 hours, if you are ever short of a player, PM me here (I usually check every couple of days) and I will be happy to join!

[Glyn]

I’ve been planning to join KOTH for a while, but I had to wait for one of my two PBW games to finish before taking on another game.

Having played for less than a week on my first KOTH game, I really like how the game turn rate feels more like an offline AI game (22 turns in < 7 days.)

[Slynky]

Glyn said:
Having played for less than a week on my first KOTH game, I really like how the game turn rate feels more like an offline AI game (22 turns in < 7 days.)

Yep, they can move pretty quickly!

[Glyn]

The games do move pretty fast. The Glyn vs Fuzzie game is over Glyn’s time traveling dinosaurs defeated Fuzzie’s Dragon horde.

Good game Fuzzie!

I had a good starting position that aided by initial expansion greatly.

[Slynky]

Congrats on your first win, Glyn! And for Fuzzie, look on the bright side...you didn't fall down the hill far http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif.

[DeKaye]

Yeah was a fun game Glyn.

Thanks for the encouragement Slynky. Anyway, who wants to climb the hill when the bottom of it is so cozy? I can't fall off and hurt myself. :}

Can't wait till my next game. I don't know why more people are not involved with this. It's fun, challenging, and one can learn a lot.

Have a great weekend all!
Fuzzie

Fuzzie was but not no more! Cuz Fuzzie be a heap of "was a Fuzzie" on the floor.

[Renegade 13]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif Your name reminds me of my grey cat, Mr. Fuzz! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

...and to keep this slightly on topic, lets just say that I'll probably be keeping you company at the bottom of the hill for quite some time!

[DeKaye]

That's funny. I have a cat named Fuzz Jr. Actually he has many names based on "Fuzz". This is not where my acronym came from though.

I am glad I won't get lonely down here on the bottom. Who knows, I may be the way for you to climb to the next stage :} . There's hope for ya!

Fuzzie

[Emperor's Child]

Look on the bright side, Fuzzy. Your next opponent is a KOTH newbie (me), so you should be marching (or whatever it is you do) back up the ladder in notime at all.

Then again...I don't intend to make it too easy on you.

See ya in our game...at the other end of my gunsights!

(Please contact me to work out game details..Thx)

[DeKaye]

Hello Child of the Emperor. What is the Emperor ruler of?

Did you get my email about the game? Let me know if it gets eatten by the email monster :}

Welcome to KOTH. I have only played one game so far. I am looking forward to evading your gun sites.

See ya in the battlefield (can space be called a battlefield?).

Fuzzie

[Emperor's Child]

DeKaye said:
Hello Child of the Emperor. What is the Emperor ruler of?

Fuzzie



I'ts a Warhammer 40k reference, a Miniatures game set in the future (my other hobby). The forces I play are known as the Emperor's Children... I started posting with that name years ago and then kept the name in other forums.

[DeKaye]

Okay, thanks!
Fuzzie

[Alneyan]

On the first day, humankind discovered fire.
On the second day, humankind discovered writing.
On the third day, humankind discovered electricity.
On the fourth day, humankind discovered computers.
On the fifth day, humankind discovered the Internet.
On the sixth day, humankind discovered Space Empires.
On the seventh day, humankind discovered KOTH updates.

[Slynky]

Quite the imaginative update there, Alneyan http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

[Renegade 13]

Rand has surrendered to Renegade 13:

It seems Rand got off to a bad start in the beginning, possibly due to some time off at the very beginning due to me having some fairly serious computer problems (Motherboard died). Whatever it was, when Rand surrendered I controlled a good 3/4 of the map with Rand controlling the other 1/4.

Good game Rand, and I hope to meet you on the hill some other time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Good luck with your next game!

[DeKaye]

Top news story!

Child of the Emperor beats Fuzzie.

At least in Fuzzie's eyes, the game started out really well. There was hope gleaming in her eyes, but when it came time to venture from her own system, she discovered she was stuck between her feroscious enemy and a ship eating black hole (in which the warp point that lead to it damaged ships). After struggling to try to find new planets to colonize, and to develop tech levels to enable her to build ships which could maneuver past the black hole, Fuzzie came under attack by Child of the Emperor. With their uncanny ability to build ships like rabbits reproduce, Fuzzie soon was infiltrated with enemy ships. Well, we can guess the final outcome, Fuzzie was soon compelled to declare defeat.

Good Game! Congrats Child of the Emperor

[Emperor's Child]

Sometimes you can eat the bear, sometimes the bear eats you... Unfortunately, Fuzzy was stuck in a difficult spot in this game. On one side was a ship-damaging wormhole leading to black-hole, and on the other we met in the first new sector Fuzzie could have established new colonies, so whilst we fought it out there I was able to expand uncontested in the other direction, and eventually overwhelm the dragons. I'd like to say it was skill...but realy it was just my better position. Good game, and thanks for sticking it out!

[DeKaye]

Hey Child of the Emperor! Don't under estimate yourself. You played a good game. Sorry, I couldn't give you more of a fight. Maybe next time.

[DeKaye]

Congrates Renegade 13!

[Renegade 13]

DeKaye said:
Congrates Renegade 13!


Thanks, and good luck in your next game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif I hate it when you get stuck in those bad spots, tends to make expansion just a little difficult http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Slynky]

Bad starting positions in KOTH was one of the main reasons Geo created the Balance Mod. For important games, I propose to my opponent we use it (so the map doesn't decide the winner before the game even begins).

[Glyn]

Fuzzie, hang in there! Your dragons will find a good nesting place soon!

Congratulation Emperors Child.


Congratulation’s Renegade, though I don’t understand how your mother board failure could cause Rand to get off to a bad start??? (Did you throw it at him?). I’m looking forward to our game!

[DeKaye]

Slynky said:
Bad starting positions in KOTH was one of the main reasons Geo created the Balance Mod. For important games, I propose to my opponent we use it (so the map doesn't decide the winner before the game even begins).



Slynky, do you use this MOD in all your KOTH games, or just the important ones - like now, as you are the residing King. I would consider that an important game when someone finally makes it to you and challenges you.

[DeKaye]

To All, I am curious. Does anyone have any idea how often a player is disadvantaged by location in the game? Also is it possible for a player whom has a bad location to win if the two opponents are different but equal in skill and strength.

Then one more question, if this occurs quite often, then why isn't the Balance MOD used as the default settings for all KOTH games? I know that there is one option in place in which a mediator can create a balanced map. I just ask these questions for info purposes. I am not complaining, whinning, etc about my own random location in my last game. It made the game very interesting and actually is a bit more realistic - you never know where a civilization will take root. I learned a bit at what not to do if I am in that position again. :}

Thanks for sharing and satisfying my curiosity.

[Renegade 13]

I suppose it is possible for someone to win even in a disadvantaged starting position, but it's not very likely. Fortunately, it doesn't happen very often that such a situation occurs. I've played 9 KOTH games now (I think...) and on my 3rd game I ended up starting right next to my enemy, and had barely any room whatsoever to expand. In that spot, the only choice you really have is an immediate assault on your opponents homeworld, hoping that they're focussing less on defense, and more on expansion. Didn't work for me, but then again, I didn't expect it to! But I've only had a bad starting position 1 time out of 9, so that's not too bad.

What the balance mod does is basically kills all variety in the map. Every system has a single medium sized planet for every possible combination of rock/ice/gas and atmosphere type, thereby putting no player at a disadvantage. There's also (I think) no black holes, etc. It removes all advantages/disadvantages the map can provide, but also (in my opinion) kills anything that could make the map interesting, since every system is identical except for where the planet is in the system.


Congratulation’s Renegade, though I don’t understand how your mother board failure could cause Rand to get off to a bad start??? (Did you throw it at him?). I’m looking forward to our game!



http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif I'm not quite THAT evil! Nah, I'm not sure why the delay hurt him, but that's what he said in his surrender message so that's what I'm going on. At least, it was something like that, I may be misinterpreting (a likely possibility with me!).

I too am looking forward to our game, and good luck!

[DeKaye]

Renegade 13 said:
What the balance mod does is basically kills all variety in the map. Every system has a single medium sized planet for every possible combination of rock/ice/gas and atmosphere type, thereby putting no player at a disadvantage. There's also (I think) no black holes, etc. It removes all advantages/disadvantages the map can provide, but also (in my opinion) kills anything that could make the map interesting, since every system is identical except for where the planet is in the system.





It sounds like the balance MOD does take a bit of the environmental variety out of the game. I see why it is not used a lot more. It does look like it would be a great MOD to really determine who is a "Better" player, but this also can be miss leading. There are so many different elements to this game. I have discovered (since playing my two KOTH games) that a game winner is not easily predicted based soley on experience and skill/ability. How you set up your empire, your galactic placement, the computer generated map, and every single descision you make all determine the games out come (plus the addition of a little luck). I am so glad that all of you and whomever set up this game, set it up on the principle of just having fun along with the idea of learning to become a better player. It makes this league a much more enjoyable experience. Happy gaming All!

[Alneyan]

Default settings are pretty much as basic as they come: they were first set by Geo a few years ago, back in the days when there were no Balance mods (PvK Balance mod is also quite good in my opinion for Empires).

I know I am not too fond of the Balanced systems myself because they are so deterministic, and tend to make expansion a lot more straightforward, since you know what is inside each and every system. Expansion is perhaps even more important under the mod, as more systems always equal more resources, whereas you might have wealthier systems with random systems. On the other hand, I dislike very much random starting points, particulary the "start next to a neighbour" situation. So, tastes vary I guess.

I would say it is possible to win despite a bad starting spot, with a faster expansion, or cunning tactics (or plain old luck with the strategic battles). I know Primitive trashed me good in our battles in *that* game, while our economies were pretty much balanced, and I had an edge in Stellar Manipulation. On the other hand, in my first game with Belisarius, my undefended homeworld somehow kept at bay his four raiders, so quirks in the game can be beneficial.

[DeKaye]

Thanks for sharing your experiences/ knowledge/ opinion. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Slynky]

DeKaye said:

Slynky said:
Bad starting positions in KOTH was one of the main reasons Geo created the Balance Mod. For important games, I propose to my opponent we use it (so the map doesn't decide the winner before the game even begins).



Slynky, do you use this MOD in all your KOTH games, or just the important ones - like now, as you are the residing King. I would consider that an important game when someone finally makes it to you and challenges you.

I would hope any challenger would agree to the Balance Mod for the Hill game. I also played the Balance Mod in the game that won me the chance to play for the Hill. Usually, on level 1 or 2, I just take a standard map.

[Slynky]

Anyone who has played the game a lot knows the "space empires evenly across the galaxy" setting doesn't work. Around 3 out of my first 5 games stated be beside or one system away from my opponent. It got to be so bad I finally asked the question and then I learned it occurred often.

The problem is, by the time players arrive at the top of the Hill, their skill level has to be fairly close (assuming all the wins getting there weren't just luck), so being placed even slightly badly can make the difference in winning and losing.

[DeKaye]

Slynky said:

The problem is, by the time players arrive at the top of the Hill, their skill level has to be fairly close (assuming all the wins getting there weren't just luck), so being placed even slightly badly can make the difference in winning and losing.



This makes a lot of sense.

[Renegade 13]

Glyn, I'm sorry but there's going to be a slight delay in starting our game, due to my stupidity. I uploaded my .emp file not knowing that we both chose the same shipset! We must both have a fondness for the Jraenar it seems! I've sent a new .emp file to Alneyan (this time I'll be the Phong). I hope this isn't too much of a problem, and sorry for the delay. I shoulda checked what your shipset was before uploading my empire file http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[Glyn]

Renegade 13 said:
Glyn, I'm sorry but there's going to be a slight delay in starting our game, due to my stupidity. I uploaded my .emp file not knowing that we both chose the same shipset! We must both have a fondness for the Jraenar it seems! I've sent a new .emp file to Alneyan (this time I'll be the Phong). I hope this isn't too much of a problem, and sorry for the delay. I shoulda checked what your shipset was before uploading my empire file http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif



That’s Ok. I got a chuckle when I saw we had the same ship set. It might be interesting to play with the same ship set.

[Alneyan]

We have had a major increase in players for the past few updates (five more players). If the current trend goes on, KOTH-goers will become a voting block, instead of a voting bloke.

In other words, yup, KOTH is again updated, and games are up and running.


I don't think playing with the same shipset would have been so bad here, since there is only one other Empire besides yourself (if it ain't yours, it ain't be good). Then again, I'm definitively on the lunatic fringe for "me no likes shipsets".

[geoschmo]

Alneyan, go ahead and put me back on the hill. I've got an itch to play a few more games. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[DeKaye]

That is wonderful news Alneyan!

I am curious though, why do you not like to use shipsets? I find this very interesting. :}

[Alneyan]

DeKaye said:
I am curious though, why do you not like to use shipsets? I find this very interesting. :}



I would much rather *know* where the enemy ships are, rather than merely looking at them. I sometimes think about my turns when I'm not at the computer, but I can only "picture" the presence of these ships then. Being unable to rely on the graphics seem to make it easier to recall all these details about the ships, including who they belong to, their rough status, and so on.

So, shipsets don't help me at all for that, and are somewhat of a problem: many shipsets are too dark for my tastes (or too small; the Praetorians are a case in point), and I have trouble seeing what sort of hull it is at a glance with most shipsets. So I only use one or two shipsets, the ones I am most used to and the easiest to "use".

I guess it's kind of odd, and I can't explain it any better than that.

[Slynky]

Hehe, yeah, those Praetorian scouts of mine are hard to see sometimes. Even I miss them!

[DeKaye]

Thanks Alneyan for the explanation. I wonder, are you a mathmatician of some sort? I am artistic and see things visually and the different types of ship sets help me remember where they are when mentally visualizing them. It is very interesting how different people's brains work. I wonder how many folks agree with you.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

I do a lot of thinking in abstracts.

[DeKaye]

well, you're a mouse..... just joking with ya. :}

[Slynky]

Having been notified there is a challenger for the Hill, I suppose the first thing to do is discuss the settings with you, Parabolize.

So, as you are aware, I prefer this sort of game to be played on the Balance Mod with manual placement of empires. After that, would you like standard settings or would you like to mix it up a bit http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif?

[narf poit chez BOOM]

DeKaye said:
well, you're a mouse..... just joking with ya. :}


Oh, I know. Now just hold still for a second while I innocently reach for my hammer...

[Alneyan]

KOTH has been updated - again. Two updates in a row are quite unusual, so... well, they're quite unusual. I do have a problem though: I can't get the updates to show on my browsers. Does the rest of the world get the updates? If the site looks grossly outdated, I guess the last update (and this one) didn't make it.

If only the scouts were the only hard ships to see. Even Dreadnoughts are tough to see, and anything below Light Cruiser level comes with an in-built cloaking device. "Excuse me, are you trying to tell me you ran into an enemy fleet? I stared at the displays, and saw no such thing, so stop fighting the enemy that isn't there in the first place. Do you copy? Colossus, this is allied command, please respond!"

Fuzzie, I'm majoring in English, so that should answer your question. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Okay, I used to have a very intuitive grasp of maths, but that didn't last for long. I'm sure 6 times 9 equals 42, though.

[douglas]

Alneyan said:
I'm sure 6 times 9 equals 42, though.


And so, we know that God does math in base 13 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif.

[Emperor's Child]

I don't see any updates. I assume that I should be on the second tier waiting with an open slot, but I still see myself listed as in a game with Fuzzie.

[Slynky]

Alneyan said:
KOTH has been updated - again. Two updates in a row are quite unusual, so... well, they're quite unusual. I do have a problem though: I can't get the updates to show on my browsers. Does the rest of the world get the updates? If the site looks grossly outdated, I guess the last update (and this one) didn't make it.

Looks like it did yesterday. That is to say, I see no one in line to play me as Parabolize should be http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif.

[Alneyan]

Thanks. I have sent a message to Fyron, so hopefully it will all get sorted out.

I agree Douglas: Douglas Adams *is* God. Okay, perhaps not then: *I* am God, instead. A God that cannot edit a very minor part of his creation, let alone the whole World_1.6.exe thing, but still.

[DeKaye]

narf poit chez BOOM said:

DeKaye said:
well, you're a mouse..... just joking with ya. :}


Oh, I know. Now just hold still for a second while I innocently reach for my hammer...



LOL

[Renegade 13]

Hi Glyn...so nice to see you so soon in game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[parabolize]

Slynky said:
Having been notified there is a challenger for the Hill, I suppose the first thing to do is discuss the settings with you, Parabolize.

So, as you are aware, I prefer this sort of game to be played on the Balance Mod with manual placement of empires. After that, would you like standard settings or would you like to mix it up a bit http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif?



Its been a long time since I played a high tech level game but I don't know if we should play one of those on the top of the hill. If you want to:
*Balanced System Mod map
*manual placement
*good home world
*high tech level
*0 racial points
*no talisman
*no intelligence
*koth defaults for the rest

If not:
*Balanced System Mod map
*manual placement
*good home world
*no intelligence
*koth defaults for the rest

[Slynky]

I think anything can be played for the hill. I seem to recall a game with full tech and 10 homeworlds (LOL) but not positive that was for the crown.

Your suggestion sounds fine to me:

*Balanced System Mod map
*manual placement
*good home world
*high tech level
*0 racial points
*no talisman
*no intelligence
*koth defaults for the rest

I would only add that I would prefer the map be on a larger-than-normal small spiral or a smaller-than-normal medium spiral. (just trying to avoid one of those 15-system maps that sometimes pop up).

[Glyn]

Renegade 13 said:
Hi Glyn...so nice to see you so soon in game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif



Well since its only turn 2400.4, that must mean were neighbors!

My empire will have to send a negotiation ship to your home world demonstrate our peaceful intentions! (The Raptor ambassador said while smiling and showing lots of teeth!)
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Renegade 13]

When you open the next turn you'll see my ambassador...just a nice unarmed colony ship that wandered into some rough territory http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[parabolize]

Empire uploaded. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Slynky]

parabolize said:
Empire uploaded. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Well, POOP! For some reason, I was waiting on you to "OK" my last little request and now I'm stuck at work without an empire. I'll have to work it up at home tonight (which will be after Alneyan has turned in for the night) so maybe we can get started sometime tomorrow.

Here's (raises an imaginary glass of wine) to a good game my wicked friend!

[Alneyan]

I may be able to set it up tomorrow around 0700 GMT, though it's unlikely, given the higher odds of screwing up right after getting out of bed. It will go online sometime around 1300 GMT otherwise.

The updated KOTH is now online. Geoschmo reminded me to check my logs, and I noticed Fyron had answered me almost two days ago (I shut down my computer at 3 am while sleeping, so I didn't notice them). Nothing had changed on his side, so it was a problem on mine, namely caps that had sneaked by.

[Slynky]

Alneyan said:
I may be able to set it up tomorrow around 0700 GMT, though it's unlikely, given the higher odds of screwing up right after getting out of bed. It will go online sometime around 1300 GMT otherwise.

That's quite alright. It would be hard for me to complain since I was the slackard http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

[geoschmo]

Alneyan said:
The updated KOTH is now online.

Not a huge deal, but it looks like you forgot to remove the finished game between Parabolize and Vadim Bey.

[Glyn]

Alneyan, The KOTH link in your sig is pointing to the old KOTH page.

I found the new KOTH page at "http://koth.spaceempires.net/"


Old one is "http://www.spaceempires.net/koth/".

[Alneyan]

Both addresses should behave the same (I know I use either of them, depending on my mood). I know Fyron prefers the koth.se one, but I have grown quite fond of the se.net/koth address myself.

Geoschmo: I'm busy boosting the number of games being played here, so please be quiet about that, m'okay? I will remove the "ghost" game.

[Glyn]

Alneyan said:
Both addresses should behave the same (I know I use either of them, depending on my mood). I know Fyron prefers the koth.se one, but I have grown quite fond of the www.se.net/koth (http://www.se.net/koth) address myself.



Looks like the one in your sig is working now! The one in your post ????

[Alneyan]

The one in my post was a pseudo link, as I felt lazy. I should remove something so it isn't made into a real link.

[parabolize]

Slynky said:

Alneyan said:
I may be able to set it up tomorrow around 0700 GMT, though it's unlikely, given the higher odds of screwing up right after getting out of bed. It will go online sometime around 1300 GMT otherwise.

That's quite alright. It would be hard for me to complain since I was the slackard http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif


BTW are we playing 1.91 or 1.94?

[Slynky]

parabolize said:

Slynky said:

Alneyan said:
I may be able to set it up tomorrow around 0700 GMT, though it's unlikely, given the higher odds of screwing up right after getting out of bed. It will go online sometime around 1300 GMT otherwise.

That's quite alright. It would be hard for me to complain since I was the slackard http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/redface.gif


BTW are we playing 1.91 or 1.94?

Looks like 1.91 (according to PBW).

[parabolize]

Thats a good thing because 194 is failing horribly in wine. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Alneyan]

Yeah, the game was created prior to the Deluxe patch, and I'd rather wait for a while before all new games switch to this version, so all bugs within the patch can be found, players can complain (everybody has broadband or patience to download the big thing?), and so on.

If already running games make the switch, a PBW admin has to make the relevant modification.

[Slynky]

Just a "heads-up" for whenever our game starts: Early Tuesday morning, I'll be driving to visit family during the holidays. So, I'll be unavailable for Tuesday - Saturday (when I return).

[Alneyan]

PBW is back up, so go go go! I went with the "bigger than small" sort of map, using the standard value of 100 max systems.

On an aside, I forgot to set the racial points to 0 when creating the genuine game (you might notice that when exporting your Empire), but I did check your two Empires before, and they both passed under 0 racial points. And no ruins sneaked by this time! Hurray!

[Slynky]

Thanks, Alneyan! My first game in months.

BTW, Parabolize, are you getting turns via email? I'm not.

[Renegade 13]

2401.1: Renegade 13 surrenders to Glyn. After having my homeworld pounded by a few missile frigates, my spaceyard destroyed and only a couple ships left, I see no way of winning this thing.

Unfortunately (for me) we started in systems directly adjacent to each other. I happened upon him with a colony ship and promptly sent in a couple missile frigates to shake him up a bit. They did a bit of damage, but were subsequently destroyed. After that I think I focussed a little too much on expansion not striking fast and hard...which was what Glyn chose to do. After a lucky break for him in which my missile frigate was destroyed by his identically designed missile frigate (without a scratch on his, of course! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif ) he was able to get to my homeworld unopposed. He got another lucky break with that first ship, destroying only one facility on my homeworld, but that was (of course! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif ) my spaceyard. After that I was pretty much toast, especially when another couple missile frigates joined in the slaughter.

Alneyan, please move me to the bottom of the hill yet again, and I think for all my future games I'm going to specify manual placement!! I hate losing due to luck and bad posititioning...and maybe a little bad management. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Glyn]

Renegade,
I am willing to replay the game with manual placement! The game really was decided very much by luck. It was a little too quick and to much chance for my liking.

BTW, If you had continued your attack my empire, you would have bankrupted my empire within 4 turns just from blockading my homeworld.

[Slynky]

Reference the previous 2 posts and unlucky placement.

"Ahem. Cough, cough."

(please see my earlier posts on Balance mod and a comment on the sad number of times one is placed next to an opponent in a KotH game)

[parabolize]

Slynky said:
Thanks, Alneyan! My first game in months.

BTW, Parabolize, are you getting turns via email? I'm not.


I don't think I was getting email but I got the last one. Anyway, I forgot about warp openers and closers. You want to play with them or do the usual?

Edit: I should also read the PBW status thread before posting. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Slynky]

Doing a double-take when you posted the game made me wonder if you wanted steller or not. Kind of took that into consideration when I designed my empire but I'd be willing to drop the Opener/Closer portion of stellar manipulation and keep the rest.

[Glyn]

Slynky said:
Reference the previous 2 posts and unlucky placement.

"Ahem. Cough, cough."

(please see my earlier posts on Balance mod and a comment on the sad number of times one is placed next to an opponent in a KotH game)



I’ve never played with the balance mod, but I understand that it produces a more predictable map that is less interesting to play on.

A simple solution would be to request a gentlemen’s agreement that ether player can ask for a restart within the first 5 turns for extremely poor starting placement. Example of valid reasons for requesting a restart: Home worlds in adjacent systems, expansion is blocked by a black hole. Less valid reasons: all the colonizable worlds found so far suck.
Players would be on their own honor not to abuse the agreement. Players could request it after the 5th turn but their opponent would be required to accept it.

This way it wouldn’t place any additional burden on the KOTH admin, nor require special mods.

[parabolize]

Slynky said:
Doing a double-take when you posted the game made me wonder if you wanted steller or not. Kind of took that into consideration when I designed my empire but I'd be willing to drop the Opener/Closer portion of stellar manipulation and keep the rest.


Lets play with them then.

[Slynky]

parabolize said:

Slynky said:
Doing a double-take when you posted the game made me wonder if you wanted steller or not. Kind of took that into consideration when I designed my empire but I'd be willing to drop the Opener/Closer portion of stellar manipulation and keep the rest.


Lets play with them then.

I can get by without openers and closers without it being a big deal but if you want to play with full stellar, that's fine.

[Slynky]

Have to close down for the night. Have a problem that I can't figure out and it's screwed me TWO turns now! Need to find out what's happening by asking a question because the game is screwing up and not telling me anything! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[parabolize]

nah, I already started to build one lets just play with them.

[parabolize]

ugh, that doesn't sound good. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Fyron]

Glyn said:
Alneyan, The KOTH link in your sig is pointing to the old KOTH page.

I found the new KOTH page at "http://koth.spaceempires.net/"


Old one is "http://www.spaceempires.net/koth/".

From the perspective of the server, that is impossible. koth.se.net is just a redirection to se.net/koth directory. Any problem would be browser cache related. Hittng ctrl + f5 (maybe 2 or 3 times) when viewing the site will clear up such issues.

[Alneyan]

Glyn: Slynky's other point was about manual placement alone, where someone (*Waves*) sets two starting points, relatively balanced and not close to each other. The standard KOTH map is rather small (though I don't pick the smallest small maps), so you should still expect contact early on, but you aren't going to come right on their homeworld on turn 2.

The Balance Mod is something else separate from manual placement, though all Balance games normally also involve manual placement. The mod itself is not required for play, as it is merely used when creating the map.

[Slynky]

And, it doesn't necessarily have to be Alneyan to do manual placement. I've created games and placed players as a favor plenty of times. No need to overwork the "KotH Keeper" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Glyn]

If Renegade is agreeable, I would like to restart our game using manual placement, with the balance mod (see what its like), no Intel, and standard default for everything else.

In any case I would like to declare the previous game Glyn vs Renegade disqualified as counting for any KOTH. Call it a draw.


BTW in a game with only 21 systems the odds are 5-15% of starting in adjacent systems. Really about 5% per warp point in your home system.


Out of curiosity what do you look for when making manual placements?

[Alneyan]

I have gone ahead and uploaded a new game in your own game, using the same settings (except for placing). If Renegade doesn't wish to play it again, I will keep the previous results. I suppose you didn't get a mail about the new turn.

I put the starting spots in roughly equivalent situations in the galaxy (so I like maps that are somewhat geometrical), and with a fair distance between them, though it seldom is (and cannot be) the maximum.

[Glyn]

Alneyan said:
I have gone ahead and uploaded a new game in your own game, using the same settings (except for placing). If Renegade doesn't wish to play it again, I will keep the previous results. I suppose you didn't get a mail about the new turn.

I put the starting spots in roughly equivalent situations in the galaxy (so I like maps that are somewhat geometrical), and with a fair distance between them, though it seldom is (and cannot be) the maximum.



Cool, I did get the email with a new turn, but I hadn't realized it was a new game! Hadn't looked at it yet.

[Renegade 13]

So sorry for not responding to this for the past few days, my internet has been down for the past day and a half http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif . It's ok with me to restart (of course it is, I lost! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif ), but there's really no need to do so, I lost fair and square! But since you're obviously willing to restart, I guess all I can say is thank you! Hopefully this game will be more based upon skill, less upon luck.

Good luck, and you'll probably beat me again http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Glyn]

Renegade 13 said:
So sorry for not responding to this for the past few days, my internet has been down for the past day and a half http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif . It's ok with me to restart (of course it is, I lost! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif ), but there's really no need to do so, I lost fair and square! But since you're obviously willing to restart, I guess all I can say is thank you! Hopefully this game will be more based upon skill, less upon luck.

Good luck, and you'll probably beat me again http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif



It’s not important whether you win or lose, it how much fun you have toying with your pray before they fall!!!

Good luck to you too and I’ll probably beat you if you don’t beat me first!

[Slynky]

Off to Ohio. Back on Saturday night.

[Grandpa Kim]

Re: Grandpakim vs. Fuzzie

Fuzzie has surrendered. My fighters and lion's share of the quadrant made the difference. I'm ready to move up the hill and get pummeled.

[DeKaye]

Yeap, THOSE darn fighters. :} Good luck in your next game Grandpakim!

[Rathar]

Re: Rathar vs. Gozguy

After an amazingly fun and tough game I have defeated my foe and we are both ready to fight our new opponents.

I got amazingly lucky and captured some population early on whose added production capabilities made the difference imho.

Rathar

[Slynky]

Congrats to you, Rather! Nice move on capturing the pop/breathers.

[Slynky]

King of the Hill Game:

I always cringe when I play Parabolize in a fulltech game. The last time we played, I think he clobbered me. This game, I got lucky...my warp opener was ready on the turn I found his homeworld and I was able to make a path to it so my fleet could move to it in one turn. It was lightly defended and after the loss of the homeworld, Parabolize surrendered.

It's always a good game in fulltech with Parabolize! Thanks for a good game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[geoschmo]

Full tech and Warp openers allowed in a game against Slynky? Sounds like a guaranteed receipe for disaster to me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Slynky]

geoschmo said:
Full tech and Warp openers allowed in a game against Slynky? Sounds like a guaranteed receipe for disaster to me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Well, not with Parabolize. I think we've played 4 (maybe 5) games of full tech and he's very dangerous. As to warp openers, we've cut them out before but this time, nothing was said till after the game was near 5 turns or so. So, we kept them. He had a closer and an opener WAY before me!

[Alneyan]

SM allowed always sounds like a disaster in the making to me, regardless of who is playing. Who suffers following the disaster is another matter altogether, though.

KOTH has been updated. I have lost some of my favourite toys due to a computer crash, so this update took a bit longer than is ordinary (the switch from WYSIWYG to actual HTML code is a bit brutal). It will be fine now.

[Slynky]

Well, it looks like Rather is up for the next game. I prefer to play with the Balance Mod (will explain it if necessary). Do you have any suggestions for game settings, Rather?

[Rathar]

Well.. I am a fan of 3 good planets, no intel and manual placement to insure that we don't start right next to each other. # of points doesn't matter much to me as I can adjust to anything in that realm but I dunno about the balance mod as it seems a bit dull in a predictable sort of way (never played with it so what do I really know but..)

Everything else can be on if you desire as I can build warp openers as fast if not faster than you can and things like mines are only temporary speedbumps.

I also have to admit to liking low tech starts as I feel that I can research like mad but tis all good in this area too!

Anyways, continue the discussion here or shoot me an e-mail, johnmcniece@cox.net

Oh yeah and it's RathAr http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif