Re: TucoTuco
 

Well, Psycho will kindly be stepping in for me for the next week or so. So I'll bid you fine people adieu for now and turn over the show to Psycho.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Saxon: I've changed it to your addy. You should receive the latest turn.

Fakey: Enjoy your trip (or whatever it is you're doing?).

Psycho: It seems we'll be encountering each other in yet another game. Heh. I hope my fortunes will be not so horrible. PM me with your email so I can set it up when ready.

We'll be waiting for Saxon and Psycho to both do their turns, and I'll move back the hosting time if necessary so there will be no stales.

Re: TucoTuco
 

For clarification sake, I'll be visiting my aunt's place in Quebec over the long weekend where I'll spend my time being piss drunk while throwing bocce balls on a lovely private beach with about 50 friends and relatives.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Sounds like fun. Never played bocce with a drink handicap, but I imagine that just makes it better, heh.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Well played defense, Don Pablo. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/redface.gif

I had a nagging feeling that I was being too aggressive in my placement. And if I only I had listened to that feeling. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: TucoTuco
 

Howdy,

I am travelling Monday and Tuesday. I should be able to get the Monday turn in on Sunday night or Monday morning. However, may I request the Tuesday turn be set to around 21:00 GMT? I will be back in time to pick up the turn and send it.

Thanks!

Re: TucoTuco
 

I am taking over Pangaea starting from this turn. I've been informed that I have NAPs with Tien Chi and Vanheim and no relations with Caelum. I will be here for just a week, so I will not be making any diplomatic changes, except if Caelum wants a NAP that can be negotiated (PM me about it if interested).

to Caelum: I suppose you are the one who defeated Bandar Log, but I will send a small army to take their last province. Their misfortune scales are hurting me, so I want their dominion dead. You can take the province later if you want.

Re: TucoTuco
 

I want their dominion dead too.

< shrug >

Knowing you all have a NAP makes me just want to go AI though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

I'm finding that I'm not overly fond of 8 player games, not a very complex dynamic.....

Re: TucoTuco
 

8 player games may not be as complex, but they involve less provinces, smaller armies, and more mid-game action. Most importantly there's less micro and the turns go by much quicker, which is a major plus if you survive till endgame.

Re: TucoTuco
 

"Not as complex" seems to oversimplify the oversimplification.

One player goes AI, a couple others get rushed out, and then what? Giant NAP party that systematically eliminates 1 player at a time. The only overarching strategy involved is largely luck based - do you start close to the right people and ally them in the beginning? At least in a larger game, there are usually at least 2 competing alliances. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

I was going to babble on about the situation, but it sounded too pathetic. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Suffice to say, I had hatched a pretty plan to ally with Pan and crush Vanheim from both sides - but with that out of the question, it seems the only variable left in my game, is how long I can manage to last against a much stronger Vanheim. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif If I didn't have such a well developed sense of honor, I would go AI and save myself the trouble. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: TucoTuco
 

If I was so strong, why haven't I attacked yet?

I wouldn't count you out just yet Jim... considering my position in the center is strategically weak, and NAP's tend to evaporate at the worst possible moments. Where as you have the mobility to attack from wherever you choose... I'm limited in that any force I send in any particular route, is committed.

Lastly, even if you didn't have a sense of humor, I'm not sure you'd get upset if you'd lose any particular game... since you're such an active player (a truly jaw-dropping amount of games).

Re: TucoTuco
 

Well you're correct, I found it not entirely funny that you stripped 3 territories off of me when I was at my most vulnerable, and specifically told me, in the middle of that process, that it wasn't an act of war. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

And you are also correct, that at this point I may partly sound fatalistic because I am dreaming of a different start for my lovely Caelum. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif I won't suicide the nation or go AI, but I'm not looking at the game as an economy that lasts to the end - more rather planning each move based on what does the most damage in the short term. Ironically, since I feel that if I don't behave that way, I won't have a long term, it also coincides with doing what is best FOR the long term, which I won't have if I don't fight like a cornered dog. With wings. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I still don't find it particularly funny to lose my only non-mountain provinces the way that I did. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif But I don't hold it against you, it's those bloody Vans, they're bastards. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


You're actually quite lucky right now Darkstone, I'm reasonably certain that if our other players weren't represented by subs atm, the aforementioned NAPs would in fact be dissolving as we speak. I do what I can. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


Oh also, not sure if I was misunderstood. It's less that I am bitter about my own position in this game, just that I really prefer larger maps with more players, and I'm bitter that I placed myself into a small one, and then chucked my pretender into Inkpot End in the first year. <3

Re: TucoTuco
 

Let's clear a few misconceptions up.

You shouldn't have grabbed territory so far from your capital and so close to mine, if you had no ability or desire to defend it. As for it being or not being an act of war, I said I was willing to consider not being at war, as much as being at war.

I attempted and began negotiations, and you decided to end them. So instead of keeping that third province and getting a couple items for a NAP with me, or making some yet different arrangement, you chose war. I still believe you chose rashly, as you didn't get anything out of it except possibly some sense of satisfaction, but this really shouldn't be that big of a deal.

--

Secondly, I'm not sure what you are fatalistic about, each of the 4 major nations left has a good shot at winning the game.

As for starts... well, since you play so many games, I'm sure you realized that luck has a lot to do with how your game turns out, even if you pick the same nation on the same map, against the same players, with the same game setting.

--

As for the NAPs, anything is possible.

--

Lastly, if you prefer bigger games, I guess you can make that happen easily in the future, but complaining about it now doesn't make a lot of sense. As for your pretender, that sucks. You didn't run off and cry like Bandar (who was next to both Arco and Caelum who lost their pretenders just like Bandar). People who expect their game to go perfectly shouldn't play Dominions.

Sticking to a commitment deserves respect, and I think the other players recognized that, in regards to Arco, you, etc.

At least, I did.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Your offer amounted to 10 gems, for 2 provinces. I was not going to accept that, as it amounted to 10 gems for 2 provinces AND a NAP. I gained nothing from refusing, but I did not so cheaply sell my honor as you wished to have purchased it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Of course it's entirely possible anyone could win this game. However considering that it was related to me that TC and Vanheim were allies rather than NAPed neighbors, this tends to validate certain assumptions about the potential directions the game might take. In my eyes, this not only implies that TC has a poor shot at victory unless they negate their alliance - it also implies that Caelum is the next molestation victim. All this on turn 40, there are 2 superpowers, and 2 nations with rather gloomy outlooks (and 1 nation who is all but crushed already).

Perhaps you might think these are hasty conclusions to draw, however that would just be semantic differences. In my eyes an alliance is far more significant than a NAP, and it is a grave matter indeed if someone wishes to dissolve that alliance prior to the agreed time (typically when there are no other contenders), whereas a NAP is simply a gentleman's agreement to not rush off to war without a polite warning of imminent hostilities. I do not make a habit of breaking alliances, nor do I make a habit of asking people to break alliances. If the wording was a mistake on Wrana's part, that is unfortunate, as he is absent to clarify the point, and I hardly see it in your best interests to dispel the notion if I am wrong, as it leads directly to me trying to corrupt TC over to my cause - since you are clearly much more of a threat to their chance of victory than I am. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

As far as complaining about the small size of the game, I was merely grumbling and expressing myself, it's not really a focal point of anything - I just prefer short games to be short, and long games to be long - rather than this sort of scenario that we find ourselves in now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


Anyway, sure, I shouldn't have taken those provinces at the start - it cost me a lot. But what you're overlooking, is how much you're going to end up paying for them. That is a cursed and wretched stretch of land in those swamps, and no good will come of claiming it, the future will show the truth in these words. How many huskarls are you hiding beneath that flock of crows? I wonder if they'll sound like popcorn. <3

Re: TucoTuco
 

It's the diplomacy part that I enjoy the most. Darkstone, it's a shame that our other game is so simple in that regard.

Re: TucoTuco
 

I concur Psycho. Diplomacy is a lot of fun. I like to grab an ally in a game, discuss strategy, hear about what's going on elsewhere, battle results, etc. It makes a big difference from just playing SP against really smart opponents.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Must be fun. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

I got lucky and got stuck in a corner between -

Abysia = refused to even NAP, as he wanted to war me sooner than later, which he even hinted at. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Bandar Log = No time to ally before he mysteriously went AI and disappeared.

Vanheim = Attacked me before even saying hello, plotting a very different course for our relations. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif


<3

Re: TucoTuco
 

Sorry Jim, we can't all be allies, then nothing would happen.

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

Edit:

By the way, nothing was stopping you from opening a dialogue yourself.

Re: TucoTuco
 

I don't want everyone to be allies, that's silly. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif I just want enough people in the game that it takes longer to get down to the last few. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif So that a single alliance doesn't determine who will be victorious. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Nothing against you, if you win that's great. I'm pretty sure you didn't arrange this situation from the moment that signups started, you just had a good run. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: TucoTuco
 

Don't act like I've won just yet. I suspect things will be more chaotic as soon as the other players come back. Besides, if I was a betting man, I'd probably place on Pangaea.

Likewise, if you win, that's also great. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Good luck.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Pangaea is the leader in so many ways, has secure flanks and is worried about nothing more than the dominion of an AI nation with one province. And they are content to sit and relax for the next six or seven turns, building up dominion and nature gems. Hmm, what is the story here...

Re: TucoTuco
 

Well, truth be told, Bandar Log was a blight on the northern reaches. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif It's a very blighty game though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: TucoTuco
 

Well, just got back and it looks like I have a bit of reading to catch up on. Looks like there was some excitement whilst I was away.

Edit: Just finished reading and am currently under the impression that someone wants a war to break out to liven up this place. I might have to oblige soon enough.

Re: TucoTuco
 

My intentions were very noble, actually. I wanted to bring the true faith to the people of the Northern reaches.

Welcome back Fakey. Nothing happened while you were away.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Ok so the turn is due in about 4 hours and I've still not received it. Does anyone happen to know what's up with that?

Re: TucoTuco
 

http://www.llamaserver.net/gameinfo.cgi?game=TucoTuco

Go to that URL, and go towards the bottom and click "Request Turn Resend". Hope you get it in time.

Re: TucoTuco
 

I don't think Darkstone has changed it back to my email address yet, hopefully it'll get cleared up before the next turn is due.

Re: TucoTuco
 

Oh crap, that will teach me not to remember one post to the next. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: TucoTuco
 

I think Darkstone is out of the picture for some reason as he hasn't been turning in his .2h files as well as not responding to any of the PMs I've been sending him. Should we bug llama about putting someone else as admin so we can carry on?

Edit: I just PM'd llama about making me admin for the time being, we might also think about finding a sub to take over Van.

Howdy,

Darkstone has been out for a very long time. I think a decision needs to be taken about the future of the game. Wrana should be back in a couple of days and I am just a sub, but all of these stales are a problem.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

I just got the admin pass from Llama so I'll put myself back in the game today. Furthermore, if everyone is alright with it, I suggest finding a permanent sub for Darkstone as it looks like he's not coming back.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

How many stales has Vanheim suffered? I was being nice and not attacking while he was gone - sort of lost track of how many turns have passed.

I'd agree, we may need a sub - though if it's been 5+ stales, their overall situation may have badly eroded at this point.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Yeah, it's probably been at least 4 or 5 turns now which is why I want to move fast finding a sub. Even with a fairly long string a stales, Van is still in fairly strong position and given a couple turns could probably get back into the game with ease.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

I think we are up to at least a week of stales.

Who ever takes over is going to have a huge stash of gems and gold to play with, but will be behind in recruiting.

I am now aprofessional sub, but do not feel I am suitable. When Wrana takes TC over, I would be free, but I just know too much about TC to fairly take over Van. That said, if it doesn't bother the rest of you, it doesn't bother me. I just can not pretend that my knowledge would not infulence things.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

He's had 10-11 stales. You can see that in the admin options on the llamaserver. But I don't think he's in a bad position, since nobody attacked him for the whole time. He even became the leader in research and stashed quite a lot of cash for whoever will be taking over.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Well how about this. If we can't find a sub by the time Wrana gets back we'll give Van to Saxon. In the meantime I'm going to start posting for a permanent sub.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Well 10 stales is a lot, depending on recruiting options.

Also bear in mind 2 things about that: He was just about ready to attack me when he disappeared - his troops are still massed on my borders, freshly summoned Trolls and all. And also, all that research may not mean much, I mean if he was 2 turns away from the spell he wanted in a school, then was going to switch to another, then he might have level 9 in something functionally useless to him.


Anyway, I already know that Caelum has lost the game. We're just sitting tight, ready to absolutely ruin whoever comes to pluck the peach. :P

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Greetings to all!
I am back, as said. However I will have to move again at the end of next week (till the beginning of September).
So please change the Tien Chi command back to me, starting tomorrow (I won't be able to make quality turn today & I wait for information on what happened from Saxon...).
But I'll be thankful for any words from anybody else, too... ;) Expecially if these are in-character descriptions. It seems that with disappearance of Dark, they disappeared, too, which is a pity.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

You'll have to send me your email Wrana and I'll switch you back over.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

I don't know your e-mail. If you PM it to me?

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

:cold:

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Understand now. I considered that he could just use information llamaserver already has on it. I've sent it now, but will probably be only at next turn...

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Hi guys. I PMed Fakey asking for a 24 hour hosting delay so I have chance to look things over.

I'd appreciate it if everyone could send me a PM so I know the diplomatic situation. Thanks.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Sorry, I didn't get the notification in time to delay the turn. As for 48 hour intervals I'd have no problem with that personally (I just started a new job so my time is suddenly at a premium) I just want to hear from Wrana and Jim first before I switch over.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Honestly, I thought we were at 48h turns already. I usually submitted mine pretty fast though..... So I was surprised to get a 6 hour notice today and get rushed to get a turn in. :shock:

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Welcome, Valerius!
I am not against 48hr turns, though this week I would like to try and make as much turns as I can, for at the end of the next I would probably be absent again... :(

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Howdy,

Various things are coming up and I don't think I can sub for anyone for the next few weeks. Work is, well, there are reasons they have to pay me to do it...

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

Pity. Thank you nevertheless!
On a brighter note, currently last strongholds of Abyssia power were crushed by forces of Tien Chi Empire. We will remember those fallen in battle with Abyssia death-worshippers and make their spirits proud with our further accomplishments.
Out of character, it is interesting why he pursued such a strategy as he did. Does anybody know him well enough to ask?

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

I certainly don't but I'm interested to know what strategy he went for. Oh and I'm switching to 48 hour intervals since no one seems to mind. Oh and I'm starting a war with Vanheim in three turns.

Re: TucoTuco - MA game for new/newish players (upload)
 

You mean the Disorder, Heat, and Death?

Well, it sure screwed me over, most of those provinces had 10-30 supplies for me - diseased my entire army, and my income from new provinces was almost nonexistent. So there was some pretty serious deterrent factor, if he could manage to make an offensive arm to the strategy I think it could work for Abysia.

Not that there wasn't any thought put into the offensive, it just needs to be tightened up a bit to be competitive - and maybe run as more of an early war strategy.


Unless the scales aren't what you mean, then I don't know. :D