Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Warning: They are really bad.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Agree to Chtulhus modification.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Pretender file sent! I also agree to Cthulhu's proposed diplomacy rules. :)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Ulm is fine.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I'm of the opinion anyone can be destroyed with the right combination of diplomacy and strategy. If the Men of the West could defeat Sauron... ;)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Received nrasch, CthuluDreams and Fumantsu's pretenders.

I still need pretenders from cwkgc and Colonial. Once these are in, I'll get everything started.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

hmm, they are number 8 on the list of best MA nations, which would put them right in the middle...

but I dont mind loosing

so... how do you upload a pretender?

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Just create a pretender through "Game Tools". For the rest, I'll just quote my earlier post:

Ok, so here we go... everyone please send their pretender files to me at earwicker777@hotmail.com. This will be the email we use for the entire game. Please use the following format for the email title: "(Your forum username)--Dominions 3--(Whatever you are sending... for example, this one would be "Pretender File", then later "Turn 3 orders", etc.)".

Your pretender file will be in the /savedgames/newlords folder. Some people (Vista and Windows 7) may not see it here, in which case you will need to go into the following folders (usually, you will need to enable the ability to see hidden files by right clicking on the folder, and going into the properties menu): (Your drive, for example, "C:")/users/(Your Name)/AppData/Local/VirtualStore/ProgramFiles(x86)/Dominions3/savedgames/newlords.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Alright, I received the pretender file for Colonial, so we only have cwkgc to go.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Interesting looking game you have here guys, but can I highly recommend using a 3rd party independent server for all games. Or the llamaserver in this case if it's going to be PBEM.

I am not imply or suggesting anything here, but it is really bad practice in general for a player to host a game that he/she is also playing in, as it can lead to a world of problems and accusations once the game gets going. One of the first MP games I ever played in was with a player hosting his own game, and throughout the entire game there was bad feeling and suspicion behind the scenes any time anything 'good' happened to the host player. Be it a good fight, good event, getting a unique summon/artefact etc. As there was no way of the other players knowing how many times the host player re-hosted to get the result that he/she wanted. "Did he really win that battle fair and square, or did he simply re-host and change his orders until he found a way to win it?". Having thoughts along those lines every turn really doesn't make for a pleasant gaming experience IMO. The host might well not have re-hosted a single turn as he claimed, but there was absolutely no way of the other players knowing if this was true or not, as all we had was the 'word' of someone we didn't know at all, and hadn't met before that game. (and it was made worse in the game I played in due to the host not losing a single battle all game, and winning the game by a landslide as a result)

Again, I am not suggesting anything here with regards this particular game, or the players, or host, but the 'suspicious' thoughts I've outlined above will mostly always be the natural thoughts of all players in any game where the host is also playing. Regardless of who he or she is. I guess the world just isn't the trusting place it used to be :( But all of these problems go away with an independent 3rd party server such as the llamaserver (for PBEM) or Gandalf's server for direct connect games. As the hostings in those games are clear for all to see, and no re-hosts can take place without it either being logged (for llamaserver) or done by the server admin himself (for Gandalf's)


Apologies again for the intrusion, but I've seen so many arguments occur over games during my time that I now always try to prevent them in advance if I see an opportunity to.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I'm happy with Llama server.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Seconding a Llamaserver game. I haven't played one yet, but it's probably much faster and alot less work on the host. Aswell as the whole don't have to worry about any tampering.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Alright, though, to be honest, I was kind of looking forward to hosting the game :( I feel like I've had my players ask for a new Dungeon Master.

I have absolutely no idea how to set this up. What do I do?

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Http://llamaserver.Net

Looks relatively simple, there is a FAQ.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

not gunna lie, I'd rather stick to the plan if it gets the game going faster...

I'd like to see turn 1 by the weekend

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

That's a HORRIBLE connection!

"Did he miss??"
"Uhhh... *dice rolls are 1 2 4 and a 4* ... No, infact, he critted, twice. You die, re-roll."
"...Lift your screen and show me those rolls"
"...No"

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

While I'm not especially worried about cheating, I'm more worried about RL happening to earwicker, so I'm all for Llamaserver.

First the FAQ: http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=35160

To speed things up, I went ahead and made an game on Llama (with the options from the first post)
http://www.llamaserver.net/gameinfo....ock_the_Cradle

After finding you pretender file mail it to
pretenders[ at ]llamaserver[ dot ]net
Subject line: Rock_the_Cradle



[Edit:] Sent Admin-PW to Earwicker7

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I've sent in Arco's file.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

This is just depressing. I've always avoided multiplayer games because of issues like this, because you can't play for more than ten minutes without someone accusing somebody of possibly cheating because they don't like the way things are going. I expect this from a game like Gears of War, where the majority of players are a bunch of ten-year-olds, but I'm pretty surprised it happened here, as the community seems to be very mature and interested in the experience, not just being "in it to win it".

People might say I'm getting defensive, but the way I look at it, I went out of my way to try to make a fun experience for all of us, only to have my integrity questioned. I was willing to take time out of my life to track down people who were running behind, help people with any issues they might have had, etc.. I'm a busy person, a single parent with a ten year old, so all of the issues with keeping the game running would have cut into my free time, but it would have been a nice change from my usual routine of taking orders from my boss all day long; I felt good that I was going to be the leader of something.

I'd hate to see the game fall apart at this point, but I'm out as far as any hosting goes; that experience has been spoiled to the point that I don't want anything to do with it. Whether it's by email or by server, someone else can take over and deal with it. I still want to play, so whoever takes over, please let me know how to get things set up on my end (i.e., where do I send my pretender?).

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Just to clarify the last post, I still want to play in this game, I've just lost interest in being an admin of any type, and hope someone else can do it. I understand if nobody wants to, but hopefully this isn't the case.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Like I said, the advantage of the Llamaserver I like is the possiblility of changing the admin. (And I think it sends the turns automatically out)

That said, Llamaserver is not an must have for me.
At the moment I'm with Colonial, whatever is faster.
(Thats the reason I set it up on Llamaserver, to get the speed-bumps out of the way.)

So whatever we end up doing, I'm open for both.
**** we could even do it parallel. Same nation/pretender, etc. but the variable factors wouldnt be the same.

For the record, before it comes to pass that the game doesnt happen, I'll do the Admin work on Llamaserver. (shouldnt be to much, I hope.)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Korwin, that would be sweet if you could admin!

I hope there are no hard feelings with anyone on the forum; I don't want to sound *****y... I guess I'm just a bit of a control freak, so if it's my game, I kind of want to do it my way :)

EDIT--If you want to do it, let me know, and I'll send in my pretender file tonight.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I've sent my turn in to llamaserver as well but I really don't mind which we do. If there is less of an admin burden with using llama then I say go for that - one less thing for someone to think about and we can just get on and have fun. :)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

My pretender has been sent to llamaserver

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

OK, I'll admin the Llamaserver game.


The more I think about it, the more I would like an "alternate timeline game".
I mean two games with the same starting conditions, same players with the same nations and same pretenders...

I bet after turn 20 the two games look totally different...

Edit: 4 Pretenders from 10 are submited.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

You'll have mine in about 5 hours. I don't think I have time to play two games, but it's a cool idea.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

The main reason to use Llama server is reduced administration overhead

A) The host doesn't have to do any work unless a player drops out

Turn generation and mailings is done by the server. This is great if quick host is enabled and you have players in multiple different timezones, because it doesn't matter if I send the last 2h file in at 3am US time it will be generated and mailed out instantly, not when the host gets back from work.


B) Players can see that their turn has been sent to them by llamaserver, or that llama server hasn't got the turn they sent yet.

This helps a lot with modern email spam filters - as dominions PBEM games are mass mailings with attachments, they look and smell like spammers, and as a result they often get sucked into more aggressive spam filters.

C) If email doesn't work, llamaserver still does because you can direct download

My other PBEM game (which is direct mail) at the moment is on haitus because the hosts email service won't let him send emails. If it's hosted by llama server, you're in business.

IMHO these benefits are worth MUCH more than any cheating protection - the spam filter thing alone is a major issue with direct email games. I've been dinged for not sending a file before, when I had and the host's spam filter ate it which enraged me.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I see where you're coming from, but my concern is more along the line of looking at it from the opposite perspective; what happens to the person who, through no fault of their own, has their car break down and misses the deadline by half an hour? That would lead to a stale turn, wouldn't it? This seems like the type of game where a stale turn could destroy you.

I actually wasn't that worried about the overhead I'd have to deal with... in a way, I was kind of looking forward to it; as I mentioned before, it almost reminds me of my Dungeon Master days, of which I have very fond memories.

I already fished a couple of pretender files out of junk mail... I'd think most computer literate people would know better than to not check there.

Anyways, if I'm the admin, I prefer a more hands-on approach, but I guess this is all a moot point, as we have someone who doesn't mind administrating from llamaserver, so I'm good to go :)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Hrmm, for some reason my thread notification wasn't kicking in. I didn't see we were using Llama. Pretender sent! :)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Okay, atlantis' pretender sent to Llama.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Abysia sent.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Update:

1: earwicker7--Abyssia -- Pretender submitted
2: Domenje--Marignon --
3: cwkgc--Bandar Log --
4: Nosantee--Arcoscephale -- Pretender submitted
5: Korwin--Vanheim -- Pretender submitted
6: CthuluDreams--R'yleh -- Pretender submitted
7: fumanstu--Shinuyama -- Pretender submitted
8: Patolixo--Atlantis -- Pretender submitted
9: nrasch--Pangaea -- Pretender submitted
10:Colonial--Ulm -- Pretender submitted


Only two to go.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Hmm, who is Ermor?

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Hi guys, i think i'm too busy to start, so i prefer to quit now before a more concrete commitment.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

hmmm,

Half a mind to switch to Bandur Log in that case.

is ulm really that underpowered? I see that the latest CBM gave in a silly number of boosts, but Baalz guide and the other one don't make it seem that challenging to work with.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Do we try to get another player, instead of cwkj?

Did Domenje send an Pretender for Ermor by Mistake?
Or do we allready have an Mystery Player as replacement for cwkj?
If its an Mystery Player, do I set him/her to AI?

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Anyone know if/how the Admin can delete an Nation before the game starts?
If not possible we would need to resubmit the Pretender files, if someone wants to change the nation.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

my changing nation is not worth a resubmit by anyone else, I'm fine with slow, steamroller-y armies.

summoning monkey-laughs would be fun though...

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

To answer my own question, I contacted an newbie player on another forum, should register shortly.

We still have that mysterious Ermor Pretender, hope its Domenje who changed his nation to Ermor (sent him an PN)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Sometimes people just open llamaserver and join games without the reading the threads. When you create a game on Llamaserver it's advisable to post a link to the thread that is hosting the game and give a description saying 'This is a noob game for the people of the Shrapnel Dominions III forum' or some such.

For all we know Ermor is some veteran player looking for a game and just signed up without being a forum goer. Since there's no description on the game on llamaserver, he'd have no idea.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Admins can delete pretenders... we might want to consider this if Ermor doesn't make himself known.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Ulm is ****ing terrible for three reasons

A) They have no diversity in their armies. Sure the heavy infantry in heavy plate is a great infantry type.. but that it's. It's one type. Many other powers would touch themselves if they could have it in their armies as well.. but that's as well.

And unlike say, Abysia's flaming magma men, they are not great enough to carry the team by themselves.

If Ulm has some sort of super sling rock spammer unit or something that synergised it would be good, but ulms ranged units are highly armour peicing which makes firing into melee super dangerous.

B) All teams with ****ty mages just have great MR out of the box. Ulm has ****ty mages.. and ****ty MR.


C) Ulm's mages are really crap, and the unaffected by drain dominion thing does not compensate for it. Like, at all.

Any one of these issues would make a race small in the pants, but it's really bad when you have all of them.


Bandar log are actually really good. Their high level summons are ****ing awesome. Rudra's are arguably the best value SC chassis going around - Mandehas are sweet as well.

Standard operating procedure as Bandar log is to try and pile up clams to get a huge pile of astral gems and then convert these into really hard hitting SCs in the late game.

They are a bit weak early on, but if you can muddle through the mid game your late game is awesome. It's actually really ****ing important to smash Bandar Log right in the face before they get the clam -> Pearls -> Rudra thing going.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

@Colonial
Found the Delete Pretender button and used it on Ulm.
You can now resend an Ape Pretender.

And posted Link to the Forum...

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I will play around with this barrel of monkeys this evening.

sounds like I went from 'attack him because he's easy pickings' territory to 'attack him before he gets too goddamn powerful' territory...

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Korwin: You should use the "Send Message to Players" link on llamaserver and send out something (it may come to all of us, but no harm in that) saying that, since this is a noob only game, Ermor is deleted, but if the player is indeed a noob, he can post to this thread, make himself known, and then get Ermor added back to the game before we start. Otherwise, we may have a wrench in the gears ;)

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I have Domenje's Marignon file from when I was going to be the host. I emailed him asking if it was ok for me to post it to llamaserver for him.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

Send an Message to Ermor, then deleted him.
Good thinking earwicker7.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I realized that sending domenje's pretender from my email address might cause all of his future turns to be emailed to me, so I just emailed him instructions on what he needs to do. Assuming he gets it in quickly, that makes us good to go, correct?

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

I think we may have another person wandering in from nowhere... anybody know who sent in the Man pretender?

This is one of the reasons PBEM was appealing lol.

Re: Rock the Cradle--Noob Only! (Beginning--No More Open Spots)
 

You can change the email address turns are mailed too via llamaserver.