Re: Stalings et al.
 

that would work. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

? newbe question when someone goes AI what level does the computer play at (ai impossible - easy)?
?and does ulm get a master key ? (recon can make a huge difference if he can see all. and shares the info http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif).

Re: Stalings et al.
 

Some trust for others, eh, rex? What fun is it to use a master password to scout stuff? And fun is what we play for, right?

And the AI-level only changes the points usable for god-creating (harder=more); it doesn't affect its gameplay.

Re: Stalings et al.
 

So in particular when a human player goes AI the resulting computer player is like a very easy AI opponent (compared to the AI that folks normally use for SP), except with the advantage of having been played by a human for a while. When that human hasn't done anything in many turns, though, that advantage diminishes. I'm glad we've got a sub.

Re: Stalings et al.
 

after my 1st game (this is my 2nd) i have no trust.
stabed in the back twice (differnet players). and a very rude(actually verbably abusive w/ personal death treats) player. has left a very bitter taste. hope this one is substantually better (cann't be much worse). (note:the 4 other players i had contact with were very good).

?are you implying that he will have the master password?
what can one do w/ the password?

i play for fun and would be happy to do boarder skimmies till the cows came home but other are very aggressive and have different goals (as my 1st game pointed out).
I will see how this game goes and ajust my dom behavior to match.(ie if everyone backstabs or gangs up on one, conversly players hold deals true(barring mistakes) and attacks one another).

but look out i have soulless and not afraid to use them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif BTW what is the ratio of soulless vs vineorges w/ mages? 50-1? i find the AI to be tough but i must lack experience by the tone of the disscussion Boards vs AI.

Re: Stalings et al.
 

Backstabbing is just a sign of different gaming culture... Certainly not on par with actual cheating, which using the masterpassword to one's advantage would be! Verbal abusiveness is another matter again; although very loutish, it isn't cheating either, and should be handled the usual, social way.

With the master password one open any players turn files and do the same things the player could. I'm willing to trust a personal friend of one of the players with it; indeed, consider the alternative, some screen name whom no one knows!

To comment on backstabbing some more, consider this: If the game's goal is perceived as giving one's best within the limits set be the rules, and the joy in the game is derived from performing well, backstabbing comes naturally: Indeed, at some point of the game, one might consider a player who _doesn't_ backstab a clear winner to play poorly and to ruin the game for others. (If you know the classic board game, Diplomacy, please compare!) Well, I could go into detail, but suffice to say that as long as it's within the limits of the rules (both overt and "hidden") it's ok with me. Some might consider it poor tact to do some things, whilst others see them as necessities to satisfy the collective need to do one's best.

I wouldn't want such a trifle as getting a sub to sour the mood, though, so please rex, check the graphs and see that Ulm can't touch you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Oh, and the AI is pretty straightforward to deal with as Ermor; it doesn't often dare to attack against your massive hordes, so just put a couple hundred dudes on your borders and attack at your leisure.

Pan mages are not that hot against your horde, and vineogres can't hold out against superior numbers; you could consider just swarming the ogres and flanking his mages with cavalry; vineogres dissolve when all mages are dead IIRC.

Re: Stalings et al.
 

the masterpassword can't really be used to mess w/ someone's turn, w/out it being completely obvious (since he'd have to do the whole turn himself, and it would bear little relation to what you sent in).

however, it can be used to illegitimately scout out an opponent's empire. I wouldn't worry about it if the guy is personally known by someone else. You have to be on the level of a norfleet to do that.

Re: Stalings et al.
 

i am leaving for about week. so i have to change the hosting things. you know what i mean. sorry guys:) ill try to find a comp to use there where i will be..

-limbo

Re: Stalings et al.
 

Several things.

1. I'll not bring a friend into the game, if one or several players distrust him, before he has had a chance to make his own mark.

2. I already wrote the former Ulm player and suggested a joint move against Ermor. Which is a perfectly natural thing for neighbours of an undead empire to do. Any new player should be free to make his own decisions. Other- wise we may as well let the nation go AI. I have also made very little secret of my intention of attacking Ermor before their hordes darken the sun.

3. In my experience the exchange rate is around 20 wandering undead to a vine ogre. Keep 'em coming and my archers will all end up with 5 star experience :-)

Re: Stalings et al.
 

i say, let knudsens friend fill in as ulm. ulm has enough problems with ai pangae and indys. can we make non-agression-agreedment between new-ulm and ermor for a 15 turns? would that be ok for rex_havok?

please invite your friend to play.

Re: Stalings et al.
 

I don't think whoever is taking over Ulm should be restricted in their diplomatic choices...