Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Yeah, but see, that is the point of the small map. To keep the markata scout SCs to a minimum. Otherwise each player would have dozens of them running around, and that would just be no fun to fight.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

please for the love of gawd, please take it to another thread... please!

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

So now it's Team Easy-Slay(TM) -vs- everyone?!?

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Note for game 2: I had been hoping for an error-free and efficient method of combining both PBEM and Direct Connect modes of play for any sequels. Gandalf tells me, that while possible, the process still needs more work (if completely feasable) and he cannot guarantee against any mishaps. Maybe for game 3.

Therefore, I've decided to go with just Direct Connect w/ e-mail reminders for game 2. I think this will allow the game to run more smoothly, possibly faster (no files to shuffle around), will avoid many of the issues associated with PBEM, and will make the switching in of alternates easy with a password(s) that can be posted on an individual teams' forum if desired.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Indeed, it appears that the dastardly Mysterios are vile treaty breakers, and have attacked us without notice after we spared them!

For shame.

I'm not particularly surprised, although it was a foolish decision on their part.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Well, there is one good thing about the situation. The ultimate realization of the Easy-Slay(TM) philosophy: the opportunity to distribute violence to consumers world-wide! :D The question is, have we expanded our business too quickly, trying to service too many customers at once? Our marketing teams will get to work post-haste developing new ways to expand the Easy-Slay(TM) brand and finding new ways to slaughter people.

Mysterios, you may have to wait a few months to begin receiving packages in earnest, but worry not. We will spare no expense to bring the benefits of Easy-Slay(TM) to you!

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I would wager there are probably some on the Mysterios who are not particularly enamored of being used as meat shields by either of the competing kings of the hill but there are also probably some on the Mysterios who remember the 'Days of Infamy', when the Devas launched a savage, cruel, and unprovoked attack against them.

Hosting update:

3 hours till host, I have received a PM request from DrP on behalf of Caelum for 12 hours. I will attempt implementation unless I hear otherwise fairly soon. I am awaiting a response from Algae to a previous PM regarding wishes for TC and Helheim. I may need to force host it it becomes necessary.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

The poll on hosting interval will be closing shortly. If you've not voted and you find yourself or your team needing more time, this is a good way to accomplish it and yet keep things moving without resorting to delay requests every turn.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Recently, I had a chance to sit down with the famous/infamous Chris Pedersen, veteran Captain of ACGHHS whose maverick machinations have been the subject of some controversy. Chris was kind enough to take some time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

SS: Chris, some of the other teams have poked fun at your team, particularly your team's name, calling it variously ACHOO, AARGGHHH, ABCDEFGH, and other things. Others have wondered about your perhaps unorthodox style of leadership and strategems. What is your response to such criticisms?

CP: Gesundheit?

Well, I really buy into the whole team concept, and I want to try to encourage forming a team identity.

To this end, all of our teams turns are sent to a common mailbox - as are our proposed turns. Each player can review any others players turns and orders. Each turn we make a manifest of what we hope to accomplish - and all players are invited to make suggestions, critics etc. Additionally, we use the chat room here to conduct team meetings where faster turn around is needed.
Periodically we create a jpg reflecting the current gamestate.

I have to give a lot of credit to our team members. Shard made a fantastic catch just this turn that will have a big impact on the rest of the game; squirrel made two last turn.

Playing with these two guys has been great. But what has really been gratifying has been showing Grudge some of the ropes in the game, and how much he has picked up on it. Thats been really fantastic.

SS: Have you found the position of team Captain difficult or challenging in any way? And if so how?

CP: Well the most difficult part was the turnover we had in the early going. I really hate losing friends and players. I know my style can be difficult, and I really hated losing Hoplosternum. He was a classy gentlemen, and a great player.

Other than that, my style requries a lot of communication and feed back - so we are usually among the last team to get turns in - and we are spread across 19 time zones so it can be challenging - but all of us have been really good about checking our turns and schedules - and squirrel especially has been good about being our enforcer- holding out until our entire team is confirmed ready.

On top of these were technical difficulties, but we worked those out with the help of KO and Gandalf.

SS: On a scale of 1-10, (10 being most likely) how likely do you rate your team's chances at winning?

CP: 2-3: Don't get me wrong - I think we are doing a great job as a team, and outperforming our individual nations. But the combination of Hinnom, Niefle, Caelum, and Ulm in the hands of Dr. P

Hinnom's early game is real strong - but its end game is *terrifying*. And we are getting into the mid game with no signs that the devas really *can't* do whatever they want.

SS: Thanks for your time, you are a wonderful asset to the community and I am sure everyone appreciates your efforts.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Hmm, interesting, I wonder how long ago that interview was done. With all the nations in the world united to bring down the Devas, and us being the only real rivals to team ACGHHS (I can honestly not imagine any team winning at this point other than one of us two), I would say their chances have definitely got to be better than a 2 or 3 out of 10 :)

Our team has been a lot more laissez faire (hope I'm spelling that right) than ACGHHS, with a lot less team effort going into each player's turns. With all the hype built up against us, I wonder if we'll be able to live up to everyone's expectations. Hopefully so, or else ACGHHS has this one.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Does anyone understand the hosting status page right now?

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Nope.
But the actual timer says force hosting wont happen until
Jan 27 19:50 PST

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I think it might be nice to have the status page display the actual timer.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Yes it would.
Unfortunately that would require a wrapper since the web page runs as www and the counters belong to nav. I will switch it to one that works until I can iron it out.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Okkk...

Sauromatia did not get a turn. Very strange. Did not get a stale message.. But NOTHING moved, nothing forged, etc.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I just dled the sent 2h file from my sent folder. It has the proper orders and everything. It was not a problem with the sent file.

Gandalf, can you confirm receipt of a 42kb 2h file from me?

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

The staling page indicates only one stale for Helheim.

I show a Sauromatian .2h file at 42,291 in size with a date 1/26 and a time of 10:39 PM. If you didn't get a new .trn for the current turn I can send you one now to the Noobheim box, but if it is something else (like a .trn with an apparent stale which is what you seem to be indicating), Gandalf will have to address it. Let me know.

Looks like C'tis is finally dead.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Ok, I finally got to look at my new .trn file... I seem to have actually carried out orders, so I don't know what Chris is looking at...

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

So what's up with The Mysterios Lanka -> Fomoria land swap?

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Yep.
1 stale, no wrong turns, and 8 serial violations out of 16 files.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Sorry, but another newb question - What do you mean by serial violation?

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Stagger, I'm tempted to answer the above question but I am sure Gandalf can probably give you a more detailed answer.

Game note:

The poll on the new hosting interval is now closed.

The results were 5 to 2 in favor of remaining at a 56 hour host for the next 10 turns.

Thanks to those who participated.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

To anyone who is interested - Easy-Slay(TM) is so popular that our service is overbooked!

As a despicable treaty-breaker, Septimius has earned preferred customer status; we will be accomodating his slaughter requests first if at all possible. Customers already in line for service will still be butchered, however we have a host of valuable coupons and incentives available to any of our other valuable customers who will accept being moved to a later butchering. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused but would like to remind you that we need to drive our hands in all the way up to the elbow, or the terrorists will have won.

Thank you (yes, all of you) for choosing Easy-Slay(TM)!

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Where is the honor, courage, and valor in attacking teams who have no real chance of fighting back? Where is the sport in that? Sure it is the easier route, but it does not win you points in my book.

Rememberance of the "Days of Infamy" (sounds like a nice name for a game title :D) and the score graphs were probably the reason for the Mysterios actions.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

If the Mysterios truly remembered the days of infamy (known to the Devas as Customer Appreciation Week), I would think they'd let sleeping giants lie :D

Besides, seeing as how we are under attack by every other team, I don't think there is much cause to complain about a counterattack. It is the Mysterio's own unprovoked aggression that will bring about their ultimate doom. Prepare yourselves Mysterios, the Devas are coming. And this time we are serious.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I probably should not have said "violation".
We had 8 player files where the serial number matched those of another player file. Meaning that the same copy of Dominions made the file. 8 files had 3 numbers between them.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

It's 12 -vs- 4. That sounds sporting to me.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Hello, I'd like to introduce the Easy-Slay(TM) product Tele-Melqart, affectionately known as Dial-o-Death. If you need Easy-Slay(TM) services quickly but have been unable to find a suitable solution, we can create a custom package to satisfy the most demanding specification. To acquire our new Tele-Melqart service all you have to do is exist. By simply existing we will tailor a package to satisfy your every Easy-Slay(TM) need and deliver it promptly.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Yes, I think I saw those melquarts running away from Pranda (109) last turn. :)

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Game/sever note:

Gandalf tells me he is working on trying to get the accuracy issues worked out as far the displayed time remaining on the .cgi page. Assuming forced hosting is still on, the next turn is scheduled to host on:

Fri Jan 29 23:09:20 PST 2010

As of the posting of this message this means you've less than 24 hours to get your turns in. Please don't delay and I warn you against waiting till the last few seconds to get your turn in until this issue can be resolved.

You can check the old .cgi page here at this link for right now, which seems accurate:

http://www.dom3minions.com/~nav/bin/old_nav_chk.cgi

We could switch to forced host off/quick host only, but that is obviously not a viable long term solution. Anyone who can help Gandalf with his server math issues, contact him. In the meantime, I am asking that he restore the old turns received page or at least display the next hosting date and time if it can be done so accurately.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Test.

edit: What's less than 24h supposed to mean?
Well, I'll need about 6h minimum to do it.
I can't be that I should play this game without having a correct deadline I really don't have the time to check for the game every two hours.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Why can't gandalf just ask llama for the appropriate code?

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

They were just rushing off to service a higher paying customer. ;)

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Around 10 hours left before hosting.

I don't really want to be put in the position where I must speak for someone else, Gandalf can and I hope will speak for himself on the server issues and as to why he is unable to to correct them at present and why he has apparently been unable to get help.

What it boils down to is that everyone in this game has some responsibility:

Players know they have around 56 hours from the time they get that e-mailed file in their box to get their turns in and to notify myself as soon as possible and with sufficient time for me to do something about it if they need a delay.

Gandalf has responsiblity for everything related to the server. I certainly cannot assume responsiblity if the calculations are not correct and for all the automatic scripts that have been put in place, albiet for my and your benefit. At this point it does seem that the displayed timer is correct but Gandalf cannot apparently assure that this will always be the case.

I have responsiblity for keeping things moving, maintaining and monitoring this thread for delays, running the team forums, preventing cheating, and doing what I can to ensure everyone has a good time.

We've only two choices with regard to this somewhat minor but important issue going forward (quick host only is not a viable option neither are constant rollbacks):

1. Keep things the way they are and perhaps Gandalf will put up an approriate disclaimer on the turns received page.

2. Go to full manual hosting. Turns will host when Gandalf gets to it but will in no circumstance host less than the current hosting interval (56 hours). This will be inconsistent but you'd have to live with it without asking for rollbacks.

Those are the options, if necessary I can take a poll on the subject. Gandalf tells me that direct connect games will display an accurate timer so hopefully that won't be an issue next game. I of course will want to ensure that everything runs properly though for next game (I am sure people can understand why).

Once again, I implore all of you to submit your turns promptly and I warn against waiting till the last moment to do anything keeping this in mind. You've voted to remain at 56 hours, that is where we are and will remain for the next 10 turns.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Look, 56 hours means 56 hours....No around, about, close to, Maybe.

You are right I do have a responsibility to the game, I also have a responsibility to my Rugby team for practise, my 2 companies for payroll, invoices, etc.

I am old enough (and have 2 secretaries if I need them) to schedule my time IF I know the amount of time I have.

Gandolph does a great job and if we started this with "It will be AROUND 56 hours" I would have no complaint.

I will get my turn in but sometimes I cut it close (and Chris keeps on me hard about it), but life gets in the way sometimes.

This is a game...an important one I agree, but to my employees not quite as important as the paychecks.

If we keep having problems and I am the one hold us back I will find a sub..until then IT'S 56 HOURS!!!

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Not sure who you are asking by posting it here. But asking LLama doesnt seem to work very well. Particularly in this case since I think its talking about something LLama doesnt have.

Well the webcode has a "host again on" which seems as correct as possible for now. Its a whole 3 minutes off from the actual timer and reads it from the same config file.

Its the countdown timer that was requested which is having a problem. It seems fairly correct.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Ooh .. can I have one!?

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Please tell me we didn't just host twice....


Edit: Okay, that looks like just a resend. Not sure why, but I can live with that.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Sorry.
I got a message from a player that the files didnt get sent out so I did a resend.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

3 minutes is not bad at all in terms of accuracy and as to the countdown timer, well I believe the wording will be changed a bit to reflect that it is approximate. I am glad to see that Gandalf continues to do what he can to try to provide the players with a sense of when the next turn will host and the amount of time remaining till the next host. That is really all we can ask.

Despite some of the server issues we've had in this game, I will always, as long as I am playing, have a certain high level of respect for Gandalf and Llamabeast given what they do for the community and the fact they do this largely voluntarily and without pay.

Looks like the AI Menace, is no more... Ermor having apparently bit the dust...

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

22 of his commanders got away. I feel ripped off.

Ordinarily, I'd say something choice about a Niefel Jarl (they come with leather pants!) and a Sauromatian Witch King bent over a log. I hope he likes it cold!

Instead, I'll say: thank you for choosing Easy-Slay(TM).

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I'm feeling a little ripped off myself. All those dead Melquarts, and I only got one item for it! :(

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

You feel ripped off? I had one Niefl Jarl down to single digit hp repeatedly and could never manage the final blow. That is aggravating.

Solar Brilliance, very nice btw.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Guys -

Apology from me. I had to move house, with the date was arranged quite suddenly. I had asked for a replacement for a while to cover potentially up to the end of January and had planned to sort some stuff out over the weekend of the 15th but my broadband died, which is why I disappeared very suddenly. Then with the hassles of moving and reconnecting, I've only just managed to get back.

Looks like you've had fun without me - I'm sure I'll catch you all round in other games.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I think your team still needs you agema
Lanka is still in position to make significant contributions.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Well, I can see what I can do. Should be able to brew up a bit of damage.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I've received requests for either a 12 or 24 hour delay so I'm going to put 24 hours on the clock just in case some or all of it may be needed.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Recently, I had a chance to sit down with the courageous and daring Algae Nymph, Captain of the Blessed Ones team. Algae, was kind enough to take some time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

SS: Captain Nymph (if you don't mind me calling you that), your team The Blessed Ones have been categorized as something of a dark horse, an odd-man-out sort of team in this game and the oddsmakers had squarely placed them in last place prior to the game. Due you feel this is an accurate/fair depiction of your team?

AN: Yes and no. Yes, we're last place now. However, I expected us to do better considering my simplistic strategy of stealthed bless rushers. A competent AI was a surprise, as was the cramped geography. That my units didn't follow the battle script half of the time didn't help. Tir'Na'Nog seems well enough, most likely due to Immaculate (the previous player) actually purchasing non-commander units.

SS: Also, you have been lauded for your bravery in donning the mantle of leadership when others would not, do you think this courage extends to your team as a whole?

AN: I don't believe you intended that to be a loaded question. You do know how it'll look if I say 'no'? Nonetheless, I wouldn't call my teammates cowardly either.

SS: Have you found the position of team Captain difficult or challenging in any way? And if so how?

AN: Being captain means more communication, which is a bit of a bother. I'm just glad I didn't get involved in that rollback drama, thankfully a non-issue for my team.

SS: On a scale of 1-10, (10 being most likely) how likely do you rate your team's chances at winning?

AN: It'll be a learning experience if we win, so I'll say 2.

SS: Thanks for your time, you are a wonderful asset to the community and I am sure everyone appreciates your efforts.

AN: Or if not that then at least my temperament.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

Indeed Algaenymph, you have a most appreciable temperament. I was really expecting your team to do better as well, as I believe I may have said a time or two in the past. The makeup of your team isn't really inspiring for the late game or path diversity, but what you do, you do very well. I guess hinnom is proving to be a tough nut to crack, as his giants tend to escape even when they lose. Of course there are also turns like that last one :D. You could still maybe make a comeback, though I fear TC may be irretrievably lost at this point.

Re: Noobs & Vets: Rise of the AI Menace. EA, BI, Running.
 

I think I might incorporate some of the essential elements of Belac's idea mole/mafia concept into game 2.

As you know, I've been searching for more ways to empower the non-particpant/supporting players in the game and hold their interest. I think creating a seperate exclusive forum where team alternates (8 in number) and team advisors (4 in number) will be able to mix might be an intriguing idea along this vein.

This Black Market forum, could be the place where these 12 can do deals, conduct inter-team diplomacy, exchange intel, gather intel, trade items, spread propaganda, misinformation, etc.

By giving the team alternates and team advisors power over inter-team diplomacy and relations, these often left our players could in fact become more powerful than the 4 participating players on each team. Of course much of this could and probably should be handled via PMs, but advertisements for items for sale, trade offerings and so forth could be posted on such a forum.

So now a team advisor who feels he is being ignored by his team, can have a way to "correct" their behaviour if so inclined. Alternates now become very important as well. Of course people can play it honest and true, but the option of course is always there. Now the only question is will alternates and advisors have the time or inclination to do this.

I might set it up as a standalone forum or locate it within a seperate neutral forum. I want to call it either Belac's Black Market or The Deva's Den.

Comments/suggestions?