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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, if you can get away with them... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

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

Gecko,

Thank you for an excellent game! Whatever mistakes you made, I am sure were equaled by some of my own. This was a very fun and close game.

We started about 2 systems apart, and Gecko's Space Sharks found me around turn 6 or 7. At that point I attempted to colonize in the neighboring system, which had one of the only carbon dioxide planets (my atmosphere) I found for quite some distance around. Gecko threw me out of that system. He was savvy enough to focus on missile technology, since he noticed my defensive advantage and took advantage of his movement bonus. I countered this by going for Drones, and they served their purpose well. On at least 2 occasions Gecko was in my home system and struck at my homeworld once. In an critical moment, my drones attacked his 19-ship fleet (which had just annihilated my fleet at about the same size) and heavily damaged one of his sweepers...enough to leave this fleet vulnerable to my mines, and then lacking much point-defense my fighters picked apart the remainder of his ships.

By this point, I had put together a small fleet in another system, with a troop transport. I had explored much of the galaxy and found few CO2 planets (particularly with any mineral production), but quite a few hydrogen planets. So I snuck in from a surprise direction and liberated one of his planets and shuttled that population back to my systems. They were just beginning to boost my resource and intel production, although I never had time to use the latter.

With both of us having gas giant colonization, the game hinged on my having superior position to move unhindered through the rest of the galaxy. Gecko had more planets available for exploitation earlier in the game. However, had he pushed further in the south, he would have found 5 hydrogen planet for his use. Otherwise, focusing his attack on my home system did prevent me from really moving in other directions, since I had to defend my homeworld. Had our positions relative to the galaxy been more equal, or had more hydrogen planets been within his reach, this game would have gone longer.

I can't wait until I have another match. It was fun playing an opponent who chose a more unique race design. Knowing he needed no spaceports was a great concern of mine.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif I do deny the Sherman's March comment. I destroyed one colony the entire game, and that was early. I was moving to capture planets rather than glass them and that not only helped, but made for a more on edge game.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, if you can get away with them... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Of course I can. How do you think you can prevent me? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">From my perspective, your drone kill on that single mine sweeper won you the game. I should have backed off and regrouped at that point, but I took a chance that you might have skimped on mines to build that fleet I had just scragged. I attempted to perform scorched earth against your homeworld, and promptly lost 12 ships to mines. A high risk, high gain move that failed catastrophically for me. Sometimes lust and greed kills. The game definitely rocked, cradle to grave, for me.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">From my perspective, your drone kill on that single mine sweeper won you the game. I should have backed off and regrouped at that point, but I took a chance that you might have skimped on mines to build that fleet I had just scragged. I attempted to perform scorched earth against your homeworld, and promptly lost 12 ships to mines. A high risk, high gain move that failed catastrophically for me. Sometimes lust and greed kills. The game definitely rocked, cradle to grave, for me.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Really an interesting assessment. And a discussion of just what goes through minds when comptemplating what to do next. Somewhat like the chess games I used to play (when I played competition).

I find it interesting. I wonder if the pace of the game (sometimes, slower than what we want) and the rush to the crest of the hill sway our judgement. One thinks, "If I do this, this could be my win!", instead of, "OK, I've got position on him...pull in a few more ships, quard this point, feint here, and in 10 more turns or so, I should be able to do...". You get my meaning.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Consider that I thought I had lost the game when I sent my fleet against yours. I realized after I submitted the turn that I hadn't sufficiently determined how under-equipped my ships were to facing yours. That, and some idiotic manuevers in the battle left me virtually defenseless. I figured I should have kept my fleet over my homeworld. All I had left were 2 drones, a pretty good contingent of fighters, and several capable weapons platforms.

In that regard, I was fortunate my drones didn't so heavily damage that sweeper that it couldn't move at all. Stopping that fleet before it hit the minefield could have been devastating for me!!!

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

Geoschmo,
I concede the game against Pablo. I have obstructed his way up far too long by not sending turns.
Please also remove me from the KOTH participents.

Rollo

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">This sounds vaguely familiar. Hmmmm, where HAVE I heard this approach before....?

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

Hey, what can I say? It was too good to pass up on, and the situation is similar. Nod’s needs to use his WMD or the war is lost to him. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, I did not have enough to stop him in the short term. That will be a cramp. Kudos to Asmala on that move... Right now it is still pretty even.

The Black hole riders pushed themselves into our border systems and made a general nusiance of themselves. No planets were lost; but I had to sacrifice a few ships...
I was finally able to capture one of his carriers, which will result in some nice free tech.
Short term balance swinging in his favor. But I'm used to that. Patience is a virtue. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

This is a fun game... it's been a long while since I had to combat someone using Asmala's tactics... his style is completely different from my previous challenges up the hill. He definitely anticipated me nicely, was ready to throw me some curveballs, which I am working on countering. Hope I'm not too rusty.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is a fun game... it's been a long while since I had to combat someone using Asmala's tactics... his style is completely different from my previous challenges up the hill. He definitely anticipated me nicely, was ready to throw me some curveballs, which I am working on countering. Hope I'm not too rusty.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, I don't claim to be an expert...for SURE. But, of the games I've played, I'd say he's the best I've run into.

But you said it above...it's a fun game with give and take. That makes it worth it. NOW, having said that, I don't know about the others who frequent this thread, but I am interested in "following" the game for the top of the hill. So, any news that doesn't give away game plans would be welcomed by me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

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

Rollo, as I said in some other thread - take your time. I can wait as long as it takes. All the game I am Nr.2 and the victory sounds unfair.

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

I'm still wanting to hear if Asmala (who I have my money on) got those "kidnapped" population out of the system. Last I heard, Stone was hinting at their impending death.

Hey, after all, guys, this game is for the hill.

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

The Thermolian forces of liberation have on this day sliced through the Last of the evil Nodachian fleet units. In two standard space/time units, we will liberate the Last home world of the evil Nodachians. So we take this opportunity to ask that the Nodachian people revolt against their leaders. Throw off the chains of the evil empire and know the joy of being Thermolian. Spare yourselves the pain and suffering of another hopeless battle.

Unless you have a very big surprise in one of the three systems that I can’t see, this one is about over http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

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

Update with the game between Rambie and myself. We finally met at turn 19. I have a horrible starting half of the map. Hardly any planets and hardly any systems that arn't nebulas and so forth. But I've managed to hold 1st place through the whole game. I'm sure that'll change though.

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

The emperor Nodachi surveys the damage and wonders why the gods abandoned him.

The Nodachian empire is no more. Thermo, you got me again! Fun game, though. I probably should have surrendered several turns ago but I wanted to see how my scraped together warp point defense would do, not well enough obviously!

Thermo, thanks for a fun game! Who's next in line to smack me around? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

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

Well , maybe its me.
I was destroyed by Kazarp, so back to the bottom for me.

Sparhawk

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">But I was able to destroy it before you had time to analyze it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It looks like so. I finally dropped to the second place. However I mothballed some ships so don't celebrate yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Completely different... hmm... is that positive or negative thing http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

I think we'll got some bigger battles soon. Stone Mill has gathered a nice fleet and it'll be only a matter of time when he attack. I reveal that I have gathered a nice fleet myself too so interesting times are coming...

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

Some news about my game against Stone Mill.

Everything is going brilliantly though I guess Stone wouldn't say so http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

At the turn 2404.0 there was the big battle which I expected. I can't imagine how Stone was able to brought that fleet to my system and I have to admit that I was very lucky. The Stone's fleet emerged from the nebula system and attacked one of my planets. Luckily my large attack fleet was just passing the planet and the two big fleets ran across.

The result of the combat was overwhelming. The ships count was even, we both had 24 ships. And the losses was the following: Stone lost all of his ships and I lost one planet, furthermore two of my ships damaged.

The reason is simple: my ships were more advanced and more experienced. For example PBB 5 vs DUC 5, ECM 2 vs ECM 1, Combat Sensors 2 vs none. And I had trained my ships.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thanks for the Game Nod’s, sorry that we can’t both be winners. Perhaps we will end up as allies in a larger game some time.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Advanced... yes. But that fleet was trained to 20% and each ship was also 20%. I still should have lost, however.

You have had your fair share of luck. I can't figure out how your ships slip past mine throughout this game when we start out adjacently, and I am player #1???

I am completely astounded at how you have so much tech, and so quickly. And I have played many, many games. I just hope you are doing it fairly. If so, my compliments.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I have much tech because I have much research points. I don't know how much research points you produce but I guess it's much less than my 83k. And I have research centers under construction at six planets so my research output increase 3k per turn.

When I entered Zanthris system I was amazed: there was three empty large planets! I really wondered why you haven't colonized them. If you have more empty planets in your inner systems that'll be one of the most important reasons why my ships are more advanced.

One important reason is the oxygen breathing population that I captured from you. It brought to me over 100 new facility slots.

Finally I'd like to say that I never cheat. If you want to see it I can send all the save game files (I have all of them stored in my Outlook Express' deleted folder) and my password to you after the game.

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

Hello everybody - this is your friendly sportscaster again.

We are comming to you live from the "Sky high arena" located at the very top of the hill, to follow the ongoing Kingship match. The stakes are high - For the winner: a chanche to keep the crown nice and shiny until Primitive comes and takes it away. For the looser: A long tumble down to the gutter, where he will have to face the scum of the earth for a chance to ascend the hill again.

The contestants:
In the red corner; raigning King and keeper of the crown, the bad Elvis impersonator: Stone Mill
In the blue corner; the young contender, the laughing Hyena: Asmala

Before we join the match in progress, here is a recap;
The initial rounds showed the contestants to have great respect for each other - very polite posting - the usual boring stuff.

By round 4 the match has heated up considerally, the arena is buzzing when post like:
- Well, if you can get away with them... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif and
- Of course I can. How do you think you can prevent me? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

This is truly a machup of gigantic proportions and the spectators follows every move with bated breath.

We goes to the live action:
Ouch, The laughing Hyena goes on the attack with a badly phrased post (which could be seen as) containg gloating, a weapon outlawed by the arrangers as a WMD. This really hurt the King, who responds with another badly phrased post (which could be seen as) containg accusations of cheating.

Hey guys, its just a game.

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

2404.2
Technology Minister: We have achieved Tech Level 2 in Ship Construction, sire.

This was a milestone at the history of Black Hole Riders empire http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

And Primitive, did it truly heard that I was so serious about that game? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/confused.gif

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

Of course not.
It was just a comment about the choice of words. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Your post about the great battle was a little gloating, and I'm pretty sure Stone Mill didn't mean to accuse You of cheating. That's all. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

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

You mean I will have to hang out with the scum again? Ack! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/blush.gif

It certainly may look that way...

Well the good news is that it looks like if (when?) Asmala finishes me off... your new King well be even cockier than the former. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Ouch, you are putting the boots to a guy who is down...

But not completely without hope. If lady luck swings my way.

Asmala, you played this one out really really well. You used a strat I wasn't ready for, and by the time I compensated, you had the left hand ready. I'm impressed. And you were so bloody lucky (sweeping minefields with barely enough sweepers... one more turn and they'd be dead). And out-guessing me on a few moves.

Not that that means much from a bad Elvis impersonator. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif The King, battered and wounded (ego, worst of all) pulls himself up to continue the fight. However, he sends several servants to have his bags ready, just in case. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm afraid I may have to take some of the blame for that. I think I have have been interested in how Asmala was doing to the point of requesting some Posts here. I may have built him up some and he may have wanted to live up to it.

In a world where 17-year-olds play PS II and the assorted skateboard games intermingled with 1st-person shooter games, it's a breath of fresh air to see one undertake a strategy game (dominated by much older peeps) and do darn well at it.

He's has beaten me twice (once I may have been able to win against him but I withdrew to regroup after I had, I think, the upper-hand and he took advantage of it).

Whenever he did some tricky stuff, I asked him how he did it and he always sent long Messages explaining. I sent him the game between you and me for comments...and he typed nearly a whole screen of advice. Tips and such.

So, I like the guy from Finland. He learns fast and plays in about 5 games at any given time, goes to school in the week, works on the weekends and STILL manages to be much better at getting turns in than some of the people I am "plagued" with in my current games.

So, if his message came across as bragging a bit, I can't say I blame him much. He should feel proud of his ability and I asked for updates.

(steps off soapbox)

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

I resigned my KOTH 1.49 game. Congratulations, Yurloy.

Back to the bottom I go. Oh, I see Pablo is awaiting for rematch http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif and here we go again.

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

Slynky, you can't forfeit a win in the first 5 turns. Well, you can withdraw but Drieko won't get a win for it.

Let me try to get a hold of him and find out what's going on.

Geoschmo

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, I suppose you can try. But I sent him an email and have no reply. That was about 5 or 6 days ago. If a person wants to play, they will find time. If a person can't find time, there's just not much that can be done, is there?

I'm not saying it needs to go as fast as the game bewteen Primitive and me (61 turns in 4 days) but I would think a person could expect 2 turns a day. Barring that, I would expect a person to say, "I have a business trip next week...I'll be back at the end of the week." I would also expect that to be somewhat infrequent. (I say that now, but I know I have to start traveling to install computers in 3 or 4 states next month http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif )

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

Come on you Middle of the Hill woosies! Finish you petty squabbles and move to the top. The mighty Kazarp empire is looking for some empires to exterminate.

DavidG (aka Kazarp)

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

Geo, please terminate the game between Dreico and myself. I forfeit the win to him. I must confess, he has used a secret weapon...our empire was destroyed by boredom.

Game created by you on March 17th and we're only up to 2400.5 on March 26th. At that rate, the hill will be flat due to natural erosion by the time this game is over.

Either he doesn't have much interest in the game or he's too busy to play. In either case, I'll take a loss and try someone else (someone with a better track record submitting turns). (I realize the turnaround time is 120 hours, but in the beginning, the turns only take about one minute to do).

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Middle of the hill? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

How about in the rut at the bottom?

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

RexTorres won our game. Drones seem to be totally useless against point defence. Geo, I will try again so but me back to the bottom.

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

In the King of the Hill Match:

Asmala' raiders have fragged 3 systems, destroying all life while probing for the Mercator home system. A interior patrol tried to catch them, but they proved elusive for the time being.

In the south, StoneMill's Mercators launched a Last ditch campaign into enemy territory, bLasting up a nice system with a formidible fleet.

As of right now, it still looks bleak for the reigning King. Asmala has a whopping research and (perhaps?) resource edge, but if my spearhead is really lucky, that may change.

Despite some refreshing small victories, the King is still waiting for Asmala's next big move... the final strike to be dealt?

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

Well, the updates are running "thin". Both for the top of the hill and the "wannabees" just below the crest.

(I'd post some of my stuff, but at turn 12, how much interest could their be in colony ships taking 4 turns to reach a place to settle? Besides, I reside in the gulley http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif )

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

Well a update for me and Rambie.
Turn 46 and nothing big is happening. Only one battle has been fought and I won it. Even though I did have a number advantage, 5 to 1, plus his ship didn't have weapons. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif But my horrible start has turned out to be not so bad. I have been holding 1st place for the most part. I lost it for a couple turns but got it right back.
Not much to report, I will have more as news breaks. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

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

Asmala's offensive blitz was finally run down, but only after taking it's toll on 4 systems. The only optimistic thing about the attack is that the Mercator empire is still somewhat healthy.

Though hurt, the Mercator empire had other ideas than just laying down. Three attack Groups retaliated from different entry points, and scorched a few of the Black Hole Rider's systems, including a nice one. Significant interior patrols have yet to counter them. I think my counterattack was somewhat of a surprise, but I am skeptical about the level of damage I did to his war machine.

What a match.

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

Update on my game with "---open---"

Turn 0. No enemy sightings yet.

Kazarp

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds like it. I found it hard to believe you could recover from the 24 (or so) ships loss several turns back.

Sounds like a good match with a high amount of eagerness on receiving turns for both parties.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds like each of you have intentionally kept distance while jockying for just the right moment or else started on opposite sides of the map. But, at 46 turns, something's gotta be brewing soon http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I wouldn't worry too much at this point http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif .

I'm sure your turn number will pass mine soon enough...my game in progress for 13 days and just finished turn 12 this morning. (sigh)

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

I'm looking for a benchmark that I can guage my game progress with.

Would it be fair to say that around turn 25 or 30 that one's research level (in thousands) should start equaling the number of turns you've completed?

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

Slynky:
It all depends on the starting position and the tactics used. With a decent amount of breathables close, 30 K at turn 30 is fairly standard (I have done much more and much less in KOTH games). It all depends on available planets and how much resources you use for exploration/colonization and defence. The important thing in the first 30 turns (that is if you don't have your adversary next door http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ) is to grab as many systems as possible.

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">That's pretty much what's going on. Something will soon be happening probably. Just some things to get sorted out. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif It has been a fun match though so far.

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

2 updates from Baron Grazic.

The Gecko's Spacesharks versus Grazic's EEEvil EEEmpire - Gold Koth Match.

Currently we have just passed the round 20 mark and Gecko may have the upper hand as he has taken over first place.
Only 1 battle so far, a supplyless EEEvil Frigate destroyed by a SpaceShark Destroyer, but the EEEvil EEEmpire has detected a couple of SpaceShark planets, while the EEEvil EEEmpire remains hidden.

Game should pick up quickly now that I'm back from holidays.

Grazic's Lego Empire versus Darkshado's Zanthu Federation - 1.49 Koth Match.

Turn 33 and the Lego Empire is blockading the Zanthu Federation's Home World. The Lego Ships are damaged and without supplies but reserves are on-route.
Can the Zanthu Federation defend their Home World in time?

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

The battle between Gozguy and myself is at a critical point. We have had two major engagments in the preceding months, each of us being victorious in one.

To this point I have been practicing a policy of "containment" using strategically placed minefields, however he has developed the neccesary technology now to render those irrelevant.

He recently attempted a series of espionage and sabotage attacks, but our internal security uncovered his plot and executed all his agents before any significant damage could be done.

We are both building up our forces for the next battle. Likely the winner of it will be in a position to deal a serious if not fatal blow to the other.

Geoschmo

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Intelligence projects? WOW! I thought people mostly forgot those in KOTH. After all, IMHO, intel is one of the few flaws in the game.

PS: When reporting on items of interest in matches, it might be helpful for readers to know what turn you are on. (that way, one doesn't have to go search and see... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

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

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds like another good game.

Initially, when I played my first game (and got spanked by the Primitive one), I thought the game would be sort of drab considering the "low" start. One planet...average...etc. But it's quite interesting. It's slow in the beginning and therefore a bit sluggish. But interesting. AND, I think I may have an empire to be dealt with now. (of course, I COULD be wrong!) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

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

Cheese vs. Thermodyne

The Thermolian Empire was peacefully colonizing some empty systems when we met another race. According to the recognized laws that govern galactic states, we set up some visa checking stations, and began to look for new worlds in other directions. We even sent some unarmed ships to make first contact at one of their worlds on the frontier.

Sadly, our hand that was extended in peace has been slapped away. These life forms, which are little more than plants, have attacked our colonies and tried to force their way past our border check points. They have even gone so far as to attack unarmed first contact ships. We have therefore been compelled to start fortifying our frontiers in an effort to contain the uncontrolled expansion of these evil weeds. Everywhere we send colonists, they find the systems infested with these deadly weeds. So today we have drawn a line in the sand, not one more system will we surrender to this evil empire of plants. We will contest every world; we will equip our ships with spray rigs, and drive back the uncontrolled spread of this infestation. We will meet their seedlings with mega-liters of 2-4D. And then we will bomb their home worlds with Lawn Boys.

In short, we are sparring and have both had some successes.