Crazy Game - Started
 

[img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon30.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dogbone.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon42.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon04.gif[/img] http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image.../beerglass.gif [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Martini.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Panda.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon30.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dogbone.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon42.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon04.gif[/img] http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image.../beerglass.gif [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Martini.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Panda.gif[/img] http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

CRAZY GAME! We will play on the following map:

Tyrande: 8 player map with set starting places and special sites.

The game will be PBEM (with me as host).

1st 10 turns will host daily. Then we will switch to Sunday - Tuesday - Thursday. Turns are due by 9:00 pm EST (Boston Time).

Mods are CB Pretender 5.4; Worthy Heroes 1.3; Jurri's Emblem Mod.

[img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon30.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dogbone.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon42.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon04.gif[/img] http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image.../beerglass.gif [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Martini.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Panda.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon30.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dogbone.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Dagger.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon42.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon04.gif[/img] http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image.../beerglass.gif [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Martini.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Panda.gif[/img] http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rant.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Players so far:

1. Pashadawg as Arco
2. Lebarjack as Jotunheim
3. shovah as Atlantis
4. Jurri as R'lyah
5. Steerpike as Pan
6. Alneyan as Caelum
7. Ygorl as Ulm
8. Shmonk as Machaka

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Hey, I am interested in anything crazy.

However, I would have a hard time committing to 24 hour turns. Perhaps if you could allow a one day host delay upon request, I could commit to that.

Also, one of my big problems is the unreliability of my current email server (mails are lost too often). Perhaps you could set up an acknowledgement script with an automatic reply that you have received the 2h file.

And to be REALLY crazy, why not random nations? Just leave out Ermor, and perhaps the water nations (on certain maps), and randomly assign the remaining nations to players.

If we are picking, however, I would like to reserve TC (unless it is a low magic setting).

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I always knew you were a crazy kat.

I am open to all sorts of stuff. I would prefer to choose nations. I am also very happy to exclude Ermor from the mix, especially after the spanking the dastardly Boron gave me in the last game.

The hosting schedule can be 48 hours if players prefer. We might want it to be 24 hours for the first 10 or 15 turns to get things moving. As always, hosting postponements will be granted upon request.

My preferred map is Tyrande, and that would limit the number of players to 8, but if there is a high demand, then we could do Arduria, which might be an excellent map for water nations.

I am happy to send confirmation emails when I receive turns.

In terms of other settings, I was expecting to play with the standard settings, which might keep the game moving. But, we could adjust the magic setting a wee bit so that magic does not progress too rapidly, depending on the size of the map. Another idea would be to start with 3 provinces to give the game a kick start.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

if we are picking our nations give me atlantis if water is allowed and pythium if not. i'll still be in if its random.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Zowie! No other takers? Is it the maps, the settings, the way I smell?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Well, I would have loved to join but I'm currently engaged in four MP games and I don't I think I can squeeze a fifth in.
One of them games is about to end, so maybe if this game was scheduled to start in a week or so from now I might be able to join.

Oh and I'm moving to a new apartment at the beginning of July, meaning my Internet connectivity will be hurt for a week or two, so I'm not sure if this is reasonable for this game or not.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Well, maybe we will leave this "invitation" open for a while.

What happened to the days when games filled up within 24 hours?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

the same thing that happened to the dinosaurs (they got abducted by aliens http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif)

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Pesking aliens sucking the brains out of the heads of our Dominions buddies! Grrrrrr! Where's my ray gun?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Maybe summertime blues... or we're all waiting for Dom 3and don't want to start a Dom 2 game if we have to quit in a month or so! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif Pre-ordered my copy yesterday. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I'm in two pretty big games right now... I'd love to play, but don't have the time!

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I'll play! Pasha's an awesome host, so I'm surprised this game isn't full already.

I would suggest a crazy ending condition to top it, though: let's stop the moment Pasha holds Dom3 in his paws. (About 30+ turns, if we go three turns a week and the game ships in July.) That way no one need feel reservations about joining because s/he is waiting for the sequel, and as an additional bonus we avoid the nasty endgame, which seems to be a turn-off for some. Whoever has the most victory points or provinces or whatever at the time wins: research or gold might be more interesting, since VPs or provinces change owner's very easily, which might make the last few turns untowardly messy in an environment where the game is set to end at a certain time.

Another option would be trying out that hexmap from Ballbarian: I take it it's for four players which is the amount we have right now.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Ok! So, we have 4 players so far. If we get 4 more, then we could play on the Tyrande map. I've wanted to try it out for a long long long long long long long long long time!

Hmmmm... maybe Alneyan would play. It's a french map. So... he would kinda be on his home turf.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Yay! Stonebrow will be joining the game, too. His nation is TBA.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I like hot, even when I know it's not good for me. I'll take Ulm - I've never given them a serious shot.

Just to be sure, that's Heroes 1.3 and CB Pretenders 5.4?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I could be interested, but no nation strikes my fancy at present. Let's say Pythium if Shovah goes for Atlantis, or Caelum otherwise.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Ok! One slot left. (Dragonfire has decided not to play.)

I did not know that the mods have reached the level of Heroes 1.3 and CB Pretenders 5.4, but if those are the latest, then we should use them.

CB Pretenders 5.4 can be found here: Link

I am not sure where to find the latest Worthy Heroes Mod. I can find the link for version 1.2 here: Link 2

I am fine with using Heroes 1.2, but if someone knows where 1.3 is located speak up! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

The Tyrande map can be found here: Link 3

Jurri: Where is the best place to find the latest version of your Banner Mod?

Thanks.

Pasha

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Hey, I am sorry, but I am going to withdraw.

I really don't have time for another game, especially on a 24 hour hosting.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

You Krazy Kat!

Even if we went to 48 hours?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I guess 1.3 is "somewhat experimental" but it looks fine to me... Here's a link:
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...?Number=413333

(from the Animal Kingdom thread)

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Hmm... okay, I'll cave in and join 1 more game before Dom3. Put me down as Machaka.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Good question...

There it is! (Just in case your GUI makes you want to gauge your eyes out, you can rename one of the others, or the default one (located in the main folder), to replace it. Let me know how you like 'em!)

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Can I take the last slot with Jotun?
I'm sure this little wolf rider hero is more useful with the hero mod http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Just downloaded the map... It sure looks nice! However, I notice there are some typos in the map files, which means that certain magic sites are not placed even though apparently intended. Like, on province #30 (a starting province, and with two powerful sites! I like this map already) there's an "Alchemists' Guild" in the map file, but on the map there isn't one. The glitches, acquired by comparing the map file to what shows up in the in-game provinces:
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
#setland 14
#knownfeature "Sirrinter"
This is the name of the province, so I don't think it's supposed to be a site at all

#setland 30
#knownfeature "Alchemists' Guild"
"Alchemists Guild"

#setland 33
#knownfeature "Well of White Waters"
no clue how it's spelled

#setland 54
#knownfeature "Lost Vale of the Elders"
#knownfeature "Troll Pit"
no clue how they are spelled

#setland 86
#knownfeature "The Sea of the Teras of Men"
"The Sea of the Tears of Men" </pre><hr />

Anyone can fill in the spelling? This could be safely ignored, too, of course.

I haven't claimed a nation yet? I guess I'll take Mictlan. No, wait: I think the scenario allows for 6 land nations and 2 sea nations only, so if Stonebrow wants a land nation I guess I'll end up with R'lyeh.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Welcome, Lebarjack!

Thanks Jurri for looking at the map. Should we correct the errors? I know nothing about map files, but it would be nice to correct those typos, etc. I think I have a list of special sites, and maybe I can help with corrections.

I am not sure that we are forced to have 2 water nations. Are we bound by a specific scenario?

Pasha

Map Map Map
 

I found my list of special sites. This is what it leads me to conclude:

"Well of White Waters" should be "Well of White Water"

Apparently, "Alchemists' Guild" is correct.

"Lost Vale of the Elders" and "Troll Pit" look right according to my special list.

Jurri's other spelling changes are correct.

Pasha

Re: Map Map Map
 

Ok. I am going to need everyone's email addresses. I think I have everyone's but shovah and lebarjack. I sent them PM's requesting their emails (and giving them mine).

Thanks.

Re: Map Map Map
 

I believe your source is incorrect: I verified the Alchemists guild by removing the apostrophe from the map file and it showed up just fine afterwards. Navigators guild doesn't have an apostrophe either, so it's consistent... On the other hand, Devil's Den for example does.

Interesting, this time both Troll Pit and Lost Vale of the Elders show up. Maybe there's another force afoot that makes my method of testing inaccurate? (Which was starting a game with about a dozen nations with 9 provinces each, then using F1 screen to compare the map-file and the game.) Well, who cares, with these corrections there shouldn't be any typo-induced flaws. Attached is a zip with both versions of the map-file fixed with the corrections. It's possible that I've introduced more errors to the mix so someone ought to double-check...

The scenario that has pre-set starting locations has room for 6 land nations only. Weren't we going to use that? It has two advantages: Firstly, it distributes players in a supposedly fair fashion. There are no nostart provinces at all set in the 'free'-version of the map, which might result in wonky placement. (In the extreme end, on the map there are a couple of nation specific sites that allow you to recruit troops there only if your capital is in the province in question. E.g. a house of Fiery Justice in #44. While impossible in the scenario, in the free version it's quite possible to start in #44 and thus gain the ability to recruit Grand Masters, even if you're not Marignon.) Huh, I don't really mind these balance-matters, so why am I the one doing the exposé? You choose!

Oh, be it as it may, I decided against Mictlan for another reason: in both maps there are a lot of possible extra sites in your capital. It would appear that the limit of 4 sites per province holds even in this case, so Mictlan with its three starting sites misses on the opportunity to benefit from the starting provinces that have two or more special sites. Thus I'll have Abysia, with only one special site, to maximize the possible boni to be had from starting placement! (Unless we go with the scenario in which case I'm stuck with R'lyeh, unless Stonebrow wants it. You should bug him into reporting for duty on the forum anyway http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif)

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Ok I will go Pan. Im still refining my techniques and this is a good opportunity. Oh Pasha called me Stonebrow if your wondering why I'm cutting in on this game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

If necessary, I could switch to R'lyah. I have never played them.

I like the idea of trying out the scenario for the map. So, let's keep that.

Thanks, Jurri, for checking out the map for errors.

I suppose we should finalize the nitty-gritty of the game. Here is what I suggest:

Magic Research: Normal (I am anticipating that this will be a relatively short game. So, let's get the magic research goin'.) Actually, I am thinking that every setting would be the default setting, for old time sake, except:
Independents set at 7;
Renaming on;
Hall of Fame at 15; and
Graphs off.

How does that work for folks?

As Jurri suggested, I think it would be fun if the game lasted only until I have Dominions 3 in my grubby paws, and I plan to own it as soon as possible. I have not preordered yet, and I will let players know when I order it. The player with the most provinces at that moment will be the BIG WINNER!! Then we can all rush off an play Dominions 3!! Yay. (I can share proof of delivery for the panel of judges, if needed.)

Would players prefer a daily turn or should we do something like Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday turn hosting?

Pasha

Site list
 

That's interesting that my list of sites is wrong. Where did I get that list anyway? Why do I have it? I have had it since 2004, and this was the first time I ever really used it. Hmmmm.

Dominions 3 Ordered
 

Ok. I just pre-ordered my copy of Dominions 3.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I'll take R'lyeh, sure. I played them before, but that was with the [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon33.gif[/img]-mod and its veeery cheap lobos.

Turn a day is fine with me. I don't mind a slower pace either. When's the projected launch?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I'm up for whatever hosting schedule is easiest for others. While I like the 1 day host time for the first 10 or 20 turns, that might be harder to follow for pbem, what with people in different time zones.

I've downloaded the map and am currently making a pretender, waiting for the launch date to be set...

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Let's plan to launch on Saturday!

Let's play 1 turn per day for the first 10 turns.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

and 2 turns per day for the rest http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif. just kidding.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Heh, let me play the part of the obxonious player for once. Do you have a direct link for the CB mod we are using? I haven't kept up on the new versions, so I don't know if they are all still bundled in one mod, are split up again, or some such.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

The splitted CB mode is attached to the second post on this thread: link

I have started some test game on the 'vanilla' Tyrande map. The independant strength is set on 3. I think it is a little weak. I'am sure I can take some province with only one herse.

Don't you think we should change this? (Yes, i know, it's a crazy game, but I usually play with maxed indep strength http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif )

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

well this post by pasha does say indies 7.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Better start practicing at indeps 7, 'cause that's what the top dawg decreed! edit: foiled by shovah

And I understand we are using only the pretender part of the CB-mods. Pasha collected all the necessary links to a post on page 2, so make sure to grab all of those. (Might be nice to make them available in the first post, too.)

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Okay, I got the files fine (I did overlook Pasha's post in the thread).

Note that direct thread-links should not be used, since they depend directly on your own viewing preferences, and will therefore not work for anyone else. The most reliable to achieve a hard link to one particular post is by using the flat view, where only one post is going to be displayed anyhow.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

yay i foiled someone (does disturbing dance around the room)

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I sent everyone an email with a zip of all the necessary mods, etc. Let me know if you did not get it. The zip is 2mb.

Since no one has objected to the proposed settings, I will put them in the first post on this thread. (People are still free to make suggestions.)

Shovah: Please confirm whether you will be playing Atlantis, because I think we need an Atlantis for the scenario. Thanks.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

if you need one then i'll do it and if for some reason jurri dosnt want to be ryleh then i'll take aby. you will get my pretender soon (for atlantis)

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Hi:

The zip I sent everyone did not include the graphic file for the map. (It's 14mb.) You can find it on Illwinter's map page. Be sure to use the corrected versions of the other map files.

The scenario version of the map does not seem to give me the opportunity to change a lot of the settings (e.g., independent strength). And, I think independents will be very weak, as Lebarjack mentioned.

I would rather have the fixed starting positions in the scenario version (which nation takes each fixed position is random, however, except that water is in water.)

Having weak independents could create an interesting early game dynamic. What say you, fellow players?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

I'll be taking Caelum then. I've only played them once, but got wiped out (and whipped out) by turn 15. Granted, picking a dummy test Pretender with Dominion 1 didn't help much.

You should be able to set starting positions without using the scenario, by doing a big of .map editing. That, or we could rewrite the scenario to serve our needs better: you don't need to send us the corrected .map file for us to benefit from your modifications.

It also means you could put twenty Thrones of the World in your starting province, wily Pasha, along with a couple dozen (friendly) Tarrasques. The other players might get suspicious, though, but I'm always willing to cover your back - for the right price, of course. M'okay?

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Hmm... I would think there'd be a way to mod the map file to change the independent strength. But I don't know where or how. I'm all for a tougher indy strength (higher than 3 at least). Maybe removing the "#scenario" line gives the capabality to set indy strength and research levels? Just a guess, I'm at work so I can't test this myself.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Ok. I experimented, and if I delete the scenario line, then I can specify the usual game settings. I don't know much about .map editing. Does anybody know if it changes other stuff?

I have attached the updated map file, even though you don't need it (according to Alneyan, and I believe him). Note that you need to change the .txt extension to .map for it to be useful.

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

my allmighty weener has been sent to pasha http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: Crazy Game - PBEM - Any takers?
 

Dah Weeeeener has been received. Aussi, le Grand Golem de Jotun avec le Petit Pretendeur d'Alneyan a la Caelum. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif