Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Hi all, I'm very new to the game (not the genre) and am a long-time fan of the Starfire series (both paper play and fiction). I would be very interested in joining your game as the Ophiuchi. My reason being, I am not experienced in PBW, I am not experienced with Strategic combat (or simul. mov.) yet, and I am just getting ready to explore the awesome sounding Proportions mod. I wouldn't want to hamstring the war effort too much when my carriers start ramming Arachnid cruisers http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif . Seriously though, If your timetable is to start in mid-May, then I might have enough under my belt to at least keep the fighters flowing.

To get the story straight, this will be an alternate timeline where the fringe rebels from the Federation before first contact with the Arachnids correct? Wow.

I have two other quick questions. Will the Ophiuchi still get a fighter bonus with the Proportions Version? and can foreign fighters launch from allied carriers?

Oh, I have an extensive Starfire system map .bmp somewhere. I'll see if I can't dig it up and send it along.

One more thing, wouldn't drones make awesome stand-ins for Arachind gunboats?

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

grr. I tried to post earlier, but it ate it.

You've got them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Interesting idea on the drones..

"To get the story straight, this will be an alternate timeline where the fringe rebels from the Federation before first contact with the Arachnids correct? Wow."

Specifically what happens: first contact is delayed, so the Federation doesn't have the "pressure release" of the Arcachnid war, and the civil war boils over early. The scenerio starts one month after a sucessful nuclear strike on Galloway's World- all the units that would rebel have done so, but the fringe is still unconcentrated. Meanwhile, First Contact with the bugs hasn't happened. Yet.

"I have two other quick questions. Will the Ophiuchi still get a fighter bonus with the Proportions Version? and can foreign fighters launch from allied carriers?"

Yes, and no. I've got a couple surprises I'll throw in with PvK's permission. I need to find out how to manage two empires at once on PBW, for one.. if I can't, the closed warp points go down the toilet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

If there are any more spaces left i would love to join as a small neutral or pirate empire that woudl just sit by and add diplomacy and other stuff to the game

chocolatefro@angelfire.com

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

There aren't any small.. hmm. I suppose I could make up the Tangri. They IIRC a slight annoyance. Pirates with delusions of grandure from what I can tell.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

I just had an idea for simulating military vs. commercial drives. Use the solar sail for commercial drives and combat movement ability for the military drives.

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

PvK already has efficent vs normal engines in his mod. The efficent engines have much better "gas milage" but produce less overall thrust.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

The game will probably start about the time PBW gets moved and back ready to go, from what I can tell.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

One way to deal with the engine damaging weapons is to make the engines regenerate. Basically self repairing systems. In a cybernetic mod I have created (but never posted) - engines regenerated 2 points each- and were a bit tougher in order to absorb the damage. the end result was a ship could get hit by ionic weapons and still move- unless it was hit with overwhelming fire power..

here is an extract from my mod,

Name := Ion Engine IV
Description := Standard Ion Engine for sub-light inter-system travel. Nano technology incorporated into the engine enable self repair.
Pic Num := 9
Tonnage Space Taken := 10
Tonnage Structure := 25
Cost Minerals := 300
Cost Organics := 0
Cost Radioactives := 70
Vehicle Type := Ship\Base\Drone
Supply Amount Used := 10
Restrictions := None
General Group := Engines
Family := 9
Roman Numeral := 4
Custom Group := 0
Number of Tech Req := 2
Tech Area Req 1 := Propulsion
Tech Level Req 1 := 3
Tech Area Req 2 := Cybernetic Technology
Tech Level Req 2 := 4
Number of Abilities := 4
Ability 1 Type := Standard Ship Movement
Ability 1 Descr := Generates 1 standard movement.
Ability 1 Val 1 := 1
Ability 1 Val 2 := 0
Ability 2 Type := Supply Storage
Ability 2 Descr := Can store 500 units of supply.
Ability 2 Val 1 := 500
Ability 2 Val 2 := 0
Ability 3 Type := Movement Bonus
Ability 3 Descr :=
Ability 3 Val 1 := 0
Ability 3 Val 2 := 0
Ability 4 Type := Armor Regeneration
Ability 4 Descr := Regenerates 2 points of damage per combat turn.
Ability 4 Val 1 := 2
Ability 4 Val 2 := 0
Weapon Type := None

[ 30 April 2002: Message edited by: AJC ]</p>

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Hello again, I've a few more questions and comments regarding this up-coming game (I can't wait).

&lt;LONG POST ALERT!&gt;

My main question is, How exactly does PBW work? Do you sumbit a turn a day or do you all pre-arrange a suitable time and play through as many turns as possible? I searched on it but "PBW" turns up a lot of irrelevant hits.

Secondly, how do you go about setting up this kind of game? Is there a scenario editor that allows you to place and populate colonies and such? I think I heard you (Phoenix-D) mention that you play each empire into position? That can't be right...

What sort of tech level will the players be starting at? Will new techs be available for discovery during the course of the game? Any specific exclusions (I think you mentioned a couple before).

As for comments, I had a few thoughts about some things that seem applicable to the game situation. Feel free to reject any of these as irrelevant or ignorant as I am still very new.

Role-Playing: It goes without saying for this type of game, but players who are at all familiar with the circumstances surrounding ISW-4 KNOW what we're in for. Since I believe you said there will be a short calm before the swarm (ha! get it?) the non-civil war races shouldn't start building up for the invasion on turn one or making other such preparations. Also, I might suggest slight alterations in the points of contact (if you were going to be that specific), I and also I'm sure Big Game Hunter, are familiar with both books covering this and would be hard-pressed to not (even subconciously) exploit that knowledge.

Finally, I have a few suggestions regarding empire set-up, but I can e-mail those to or PM you later. I don't mean to step on your toes or anything since I'm sure you have a pretty fair idea of how you want this all to run (and I've been playing all of 3 weeks), but I get a lot of time to think on the subway and have just come up with a few ideas that I thought might be cool. Anyway, thanks for listening and I look forward to your reply.

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

"My main question is, How exactly does PBW work? Do you sumbit a turn a day or do you all pre-arrange a suitable time and play through as many turns as possible? I searched on it but "PBW" turns up a lot of irrelevant hits."

http://seiv.pbw.cc Essentially it does all the work that the game host would need to do in a play by email game. The turns can be sent in anytime, and it can be set to go to the next turn if a player takes too long.

"Secondly, how do you go about setting up this kind of game? Is there a scenario editor that allows you to place and populate colonies and such? I think I heard you (Phoenix-D) mention that you play each empire into position? That can't be right..."

It is. Patience and lots of it. The map editor helps.

"What sort of tech level will the players be starting at? Will new techs be available for discovery during the course of the game? Any specific exclusions (I think you mentioned a couple before)."

Don't know, yes, yes. Excluded: quantum reactors, drones (probably), emergancy resupply, solar sails (NOT panels).

"Role-Playing: It goes without saying for this type of game, but players who are at all familiar with the circumstances surrounding ISW-4 KNOW what we're in for. Since I believe you said there will be a short calm before the swarm (ha! get it?) the non-civil war races shouldn't start building up for the invasion on turn one or making other such preparations."

Actually there's a built in excuse for this. I have an event happening that will take care of some problems, and make most empires mighty parinoid..

"Also, I might suggest slight alterations in the points of contact (if you were going to be that specific), I and also I'm sure Big Game Hunter, are familiar with both books covering this and would be hard-pressed to not (even subconciously) exploit that knowledge."

Maybe, maybe not. The exact system configurations will be different, but probably not the points of contact. OTOH, I may have a few NEW points of contact..

"Finally, I have a few suggestions regarding empire set-up, but I can e-mail those to or PM you later."

Email! Email!

"I don't mean to step on your toes or anything since I'm sure you have a pretty fair idea of how you want this all to run (and I've been playing all of 3 weeks), but I get a lot of time to think on the subway and have just come up with a few ideas that I thought might be cool. Anyway, thanks for listening and I look forward to your reply."

Go ahead and send it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Possible role-playing hazard: the Orion player must use his race's actual name in diplomatic communications. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

["The Zheeerlikou'valkaaaneee... *cough* *gasp* *need oxygen*"]

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Sinapus:
Possible role-playing hazard: the Orion player must use his race's actual name in diplomatic communications. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

["The Zheeerlikou'valkaaaneee... *cough* *gasp* *need oxygen*"]<hr></blockquote>

I am quite fluent in the tongue of tongues...

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Ok, before I start to read this entire thread - Has this game started yet? I been wanting to jump into an RP game and wanna ask that question before I start the long process of reading this thing *lol* Im sure my question will be answered as I read, but I appreciate any insight. Thanks.

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

No, it hasn't started. ATM on in the process of building the map for the scenerio. Then I'll start playing the various empires into position. All the 'major' empires are taken, though I suppose I could stick a one-system neutral or pirate here and there..

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Big Game Hunter:


I am quite fluent in the tongue of tongues...

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif <hr></blockquote>

Good. Luckily, the Bug player has the easiest. Just type unintelligible garbage to anyone foolish enough to send a message to him. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Some background posted in another thread:

http://www.starfiredesign.com/starfire/index.html
If you want to know about the history and the races read this link
http://www.starfiredesign.com/starfi...dia/index.html

At the FTP site you can get a copy of the starfire tech tree.
ftp://ftp.localhost.com/pub/starfire/

zIt all started around 1976.. amazingly enough I still have all the original micro games plus 2nd edition.


Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Sinapus:


Good. Luckily, the Bug player has the easiest. Just type unintelligible garbage to anyone foolish enough to send a message to him. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif <hr></blockquote>

Right or reply with this "-------"

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

So I have finally read up on the Gorm. They look like an intersting play.

Is the description from http://money.cnn.com/2002/04/30/news..._lay/index.htm

an accurate description of how each person should play there races???

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Hey Pheonix - I feel like am going insane - do you remember where you got my Starfire links post from? I could have sworn I posted it in this thread since I was so fascinated by this StarFire Rp idea... I would have loved to have joined in - but I was too late to the dance ....


<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
Some background posted in another thread:

http://www.starfiredesign.com/starfire/index.html
If you want to know about the history and the races read this link
http://www.starfiredesign.com/starfi...dia/index.html

At the FTP site you can get a copy of the starfire tech tree.
ftp://ftp.localhost.com/pub/starfire/

zIt all started around 1976.. amazingly enough I still have all the original micro games plus 2nd edition.


Phoenix-D<hr></blockquote>

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...&f=23&t=005437

looks like there's enough people that want to try it out to get a SECOND game going once I get this finished. No pressure LOL.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

THANK YOU ! argh... anyway - I am considering creating a starfire mod also - I have already incorporated some of the sf tech into my cybernetic mod.

I am really interested in joining the next game.

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Actually, I've kind of lost interest in actually PLAYING this game, so if anyone wants to take over the main Terran Federation, you're welcome to http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Also, in light of the concerns about exploiting prior knowladge and the general !@%!% of the map editor (to say nothing of my own lack of good info) I'm dropping all but a few custom systems from the map. Namely, the home systems.

Oh, and I found a way to impliment closed warp points easily, so expect some sprinkled around (actually expect a lot sprinkled around). It's not without it's cheating risks, but oh well. If they're THAT lame..

Current race status:
Terran (core): available
Terran (fringe/rebels): TerranC
Orion: Big Game Hunter
Ophiuchi: Chrowl
Gorm: Tesco
Bugs: suicide junkie

Phoenix-D

[ 08 May 2002: Message edited by: Phoenix-D ]</p>

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Phoenix-D:

Current race status:
Terran (core): available
Terran (fringe/rebels): TerranC
Orion: Big Game Hunter
Ophiuchi: Chrowl
Gorm: Tesco
Bugs: suicide junkie

Phoenix-D

[ 08 May 2002: Message edited by: Phoenix-D ]<hr></blockquote>

I'm wondering about the Thebans (how would those Samurai sleds be done?) and Rigelians. It would add more players and flavor to the game.

Dan

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

I don't think either would add much, since they're both basiclly single-system move-and-you're-dead conqured races by the time the scenerio starts.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

What's the status so far on the Scenario?

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Map essentially finished; mod in-progress.

So far I have the some of the special Bug traits done and the Ophiuchi traits done. If all goes well, I'll have the mod (of proportions 2.2) done tonight or tommarrow. Then I start playing things into position.

Should be ready about the time PBW comes back up, if they stick to their original estimate (1 week).

EDIT: hmm. Hit a small sticking point. I need names for the leaders, and I can't find any.

Phoenix-D

[ 08 May 2002: Message edited by: Phoenix-D ]</p>

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Phoenix D, the names of the leaders are probably tricky to pin down - as I recall, they were as follows

The Gorm had no overall Il Duce leading them but had an "Assembly of 200" and then an executive 'Council of 20". No use to you I guess but their main admiral in the Khanate-Gorm war was "Force Leader Hanaku"

The Opuichi also had no single individual granted with the executive mandate. One of their admirals was called 'Admiral Haraanaatha" is that helps

The Khanate is easier. Khan Lihaarnow (ie Lihaarnow the Great) would be your main man
(I dont know who the Khan was at the time of Insurrection and the Bug War)

You will need to read the books to find out who led the Coreworld and Fringe elements of the Federation as I cannot recall

Hope this helps

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Are the Rim by thenselves ??? or part of the core?

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Tesco,

I think that the Rim was originally separate, but was combined with the Core (or 'rump' if you prefer) due to lack of players. Maybe Phoenix will reconsider this point since we've had a surge of interest.

Phoenix,

I guess you've finished with the map, but I still have the complete Starfire map if you're interested. It's on an un-integrated hard drive so it might have to wait until the weekend though. Perhaps you could use it for any future games? Also, if its not too late, I think I'd like the Amon'krie (green fleet I think) for the OADC.

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

"I guess you've finished with the map, but I still have the complete Starfire map if you're interested."

In SE4 format? I have a map of the regions in question, but it's system names and relations only. No data on what's IN the system, and frankly the map editor is too much of a pain to build more than a few systems by hand. Hell, I'm not even doing most of the warp points that way! I'm just using my GM race to open/close warp points where needed.

I'll use the Amon'Krie for the birds, then.

Yes, the Rim was combined with the core. If someone wants them, I'll see if I can work them into things.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

I was just wondering since i am reading the books now. I am still in the first one. I am enjoying it. Only humans so far and 2 mentions of the orions and a couple of passing comments on the 3rd interstellar war.

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Current status update:
Mod finished. Map finished. Playing the empires into position.. and MY is this a PITA.

Anyone want the Terran Federation? Still open.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

I'll take the Terran Federation if no one else will

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Ooo good! OK, all slots filled now. That solves one of my problems..

Terran (core): Growltigga
Terran (fringe/rebels): TerranC
Orion: Big Game Hunter
Ophiuchi: Chrowl
Gorm: Tesco
Bugs: suicide junkie

playing the races into position now. Sorry for all the delays..

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

*sigh* I'm sorry guys. This just isn't going to work.. I royally underestimated just how difficult this is.

Playing every race's turn is bad enough, but I'm looking at three or four HUNDRED turns here. Restarting every 5 turns or so because SE4 doesn't like being opened at shut repeatedly on my system.

I tried to speed it up by increasing production, reproduction, engine speed, etc.. but I keep running into Range Check errors and having to turn the avantage down. Still looking at way too much time; SEV would be out by the time I got this finished.

All talk and no walk I guess http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Once again, I'm sorry.

Phoenix-D

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

The important thing is that you've tried, tried then tried again and finally accepted that this way off just like the Omnimod http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

No biggie http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

*Gives a big round of applause to Phoenix*

[ May 19, 2002, 22:56: Message edited by: TerranC ]

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

Phoenix, did you post the mod/map/scen you planed to play ? Perhaps someone else can take on the flag ... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Multiplayer RP Scenerio (long)
 

uploaded it; check the data files forum as this one is barfing on my link.

The unfinished Starfire Scenerio. This is a modifed Version of Proportions 2.2. I asked PvK earlier if posting this on PBW would be OK; hopefully that also applies here.

You need Proportions 2.2 to use this, as I've deleted the pictures to cut down on download time. Just copy the pictures directory over from Proportions 2.2. Do NOT overwrite any of the files in the planets directory; they're needed for the closed warp point.

this isn't much useful on it's on, posted by request. Will not be updated nor supported, and I'm not 100% sure the new elements are balanced correctly.

Includes:
-map (sf2e is the one I intended to use, after manually opening some more WPs with the GM race)
-new techs: Allied Tech, OF, Bug Engineering/Weapons, Gunboats.
-modifed the racial traits to better represent the Bugs and Opolichi populations.
-.EMP files for all major races plus the "GM" race; text used for description is from the Starfire website.]

Phoenix-D