Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Lol...that sure sounds like the pot calling the kettle black. I had to attack someone and when you offered peace in exchange for a PROVINCE I figured it might as well be you! And you're leading the game right now so figured you needed some attacking http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
Anyway game on, good luck etc! And anyone who wants to join on my side please do!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I feel all boxed in! three nations on my boarders and only one province left to expand to!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I believe pretty much all independents are conquered by now, so naturally pressure for war increases. I wouldn't be surprised if another war started in addition to one between Arco & Midgård.
In any case it will be interesting to see who decides to duke it out with whom.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I'm willing to offer lands of arco if pplz help me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif
But really the armies he's invading me with should be dead in 3 turns. Much units.. but weakish.. nothing compared to my einheres and skinshifters etc

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Oh probably...maybe...I've never even heard of skinshifters or einheres to be honest. Whatever the outcome I'm loving this game!

Hmmm...and I wouldn't deign to 'offer' lands, but if you want to gnaw on Aezeal's carcass then feel free!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Well NAP-breaker... you'll hear of them soon, right before you hear their axes crushing through the skulls of your minions http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I'm feeling generous,

Leaders of Arco, I appreciate the fact you have not invaded my lands further in turn 18, if you have kept that wise course in turn 19 I have the following offer... Leave my province you have captured (or if you invaded the next province, leave them both) and surrender one of your own border provinces and then I can accept a new NAP.

Your decision.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Wow, you sure are generous. I do like your strategy though - conquer the world by offering peace in exchange for province! Genius. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Uh, no thanks.

C'mon Patala - don't be our first stale turn!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Here's a random thought I just had. It would be nice if players could share some details about their most awesome battles, cunning plans, greatest successes, catastrophic failures etc when they are eliminated from the game. I think it would make a great reading, both fun & useful for learning the game. Of course this doesn't mean players shouldn't brag about their exploits while they are still in the game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Okay, because I think I am probably one of the weakest nations in the game I am going to share my grand strategy!!!

Here it is (drumroll)...TA DA!

Don't die.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

hmm all my neighbours are warring me.. my plan is to not die but it might be a little difficult.

My most awesome battle was against my most trusted ally (accident, no betrayal like arco) and cost me a rather substantial army (I didn't even win)

Arco and Jomon are teaming up against me so their southern neighbours would be wise to take advantage once my corner is conquered they will have to go your way anyhow so better team up with me now before they hvae my lands and income.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Ok, there's something serious I don't understand...

Aezeal (bless his little socks) invaded me. And my province defense defended but my army didn't. He of course beat my province defense.

Why didn't my army fight?!

PS: Nice one Jomon!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

@James: Was your army set on defend or patrol? If their orders were to defend, then they didn't fight with the PD because they were garrisoning the castle. If they were on patrol, they should have fought with the PD.

Jomon has this stack o' troops on my border. I hope they aren't planning to do something rash, suicidal even. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Well Jomon has an army on my border too.. probably just managable though http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif the fact I'm busy with arco is a lil hassle but since even his army + pretender + a ****load of mages didn't give him much more kills than my army did I''m not so impressed with him..

still it's 3 on one (I was already in a skirmish with pytium before traitor arco broke his NAP (Jomon hasn't attacked yet and is honoring his NAP and our break-up agreement I would like to mention) So a bit of help for the little guy in the northwest corner would be appreciated..

Zenzei kill Jomon since he can only focus half (probably less) of his strenght on you.. you should be able to damage him and take lands.. You can have his capitol if we destroy him and put equal effort into it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Change hosting interval for the holidays?

Hi,
Could we increase the hosting interval for this week to 48 hours, or if possible from now on? I have to do lots of micromanaging (I have a love/hate relatioship with blood economy http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif ) and I do not have plenty of time right now. Of course with quickhost enabled we can run them faster if we can but I have a lot of pressure right now to test the tactics and such on time.
What do you think?
Karlem

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I'm ok with 48h hosting should majority of players want it but I'd personally like to stick with 24h hosting as long as possible.

@Karlem: Testing tactics is overrated. It's much more fun to just script in game and watch the results, victories taste better and defeats are even more bitter. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

let us just go for 48 hours. We would probably be quickhosting alot anyway, and I am starting to get nervous about the game hosting before I can get to the computer!

Attention all people that have a NAP agreement with Patala, I am officialy moving the time to a three turn wait, so I can remember what is going on!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

24 hours with extension if needed would be best for me but if it has to be 48.. well then it's 48

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I think at least one of my armies should win next turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif
either jomon or arco should get heavy losses http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif. they are trying to pass my natural borders now so my men will fight extra hard http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif Let's see if you dare siege me http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

(I guess this will buy me some extra time, arco is a cowardly traitor so I guess I should be able to recruit some extra troops to destroy that MANTICORE pretender http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif)

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Ghill: "I am officialy moving the time to a three turn wait, so I can remember what is going on!" I'm not sure I'm following what you mean by this, could clarify a bit?

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Sounds like a number of people would prefer 48 hours, me included. Since we have quickhost I'm going to make the change. Don't want turns to become a chore particularly with so much to do,and don't want battles decided because someone missed a turn. We can discuss going back to 24 after the holidays.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

He means that all his NAP's now include the agreement that when one or the other cancels the NAP you are agreeing to not attack eachother for 3 turns..

Of course.. I had that agreement with arco and he just attacked me without any warning...
so it's not worth that much when treating with scum... but Jomon did follow his 2 turn NAP cancel agreement. I'm sorry to say though that Jomon's army will probabaly suffer most next turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif and I have some other surprises for him...

Bye Jomon.. I'd rather destroyed arco.. traitor as he is but since you had to team up with him I fear you will get the worst of it...

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Well, Arcos should watch his back because in this game keeping the word is quite important. In general agreements are kept and things not carried over one game to the other except for those smalls things like knives on the back. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Oh mighty game admin and the master of the turn timer, could you play your turn soon, please? Pretty please. I'm dying to play my next turn as fast as humanly possible because it'll likely be such an exciting turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Guess which traitor is down 8 commanders AND a lost his 4E4A manticore...

YES my friends... it's time to pick the bones of arco.. lost his army, lost his SC pretender..

move in for the kill before he has it revived

(does the limp stay if he gets back http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif)

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Oh really? Bummer... Oh well, knew it was a risk. Well fought!
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

sorry.. but your pretender wasn't the only one with blade wind..

one of my mages cast one in the end... when most of your troops where gone and it killed like 5 of your mages http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

your pretender died from normal troops.. you'll see http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Did we just get our first stale turn(s)? Looking at the timer it looks like last turn was hosted because time was up.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Yes, I staled. My sub didn't work http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif.

But I'm back http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

Do we go back to 24h or keep it at 48? (or something in the middle?). 48h is ok for me but 36 too, just not having the stress to have to do the turn ASAP just when it arrives http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

for the next days I need 48, but I'll try to get it ASAP anyway

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

So lets get it on the table.. who are all attacking Jomon atm http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Just a note, the system is waiting for a turn from Pytium. It is a "know bug" of the llamaserver, after a player is vanquished the system waits for a last turn. So, if everybody sends the turn before deadline and Pythium doesn't the moderator could force it to run.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

*Raises hand* Well this isn't much of a secret because I think by now every other nation has seen Ulmish troops sieging that Jomon castle. If you have a scout in the area, tune in for a show for I predict there will be quite a battle soon enough.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Oh dear... Pythium is extinct? Do I need to do something as admin? Let's stick with 48 hours for a bit. I'm not attacking jomon. Contrary to my reputation I'm loyally allied to him. Need help down south jomon? Out of curiosity if I relieved that siege would that count as me attacking jomon? Don't worry... I probably won't... Probably... Need my god back before I do anything - thanks aezeal!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

See an allaince between 2 nations.. whoever is not attacking jomon should take down arco!!!

anyway can you do your turn plz James and Ulm to and then move the turn ahead? I'd be nice if I could see our next turn within the next 4 hours (2hours before it hosts)

as said above if it's only pyth then James can move it manually

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Just waiting for arco now.. another reason to attack him.. don't hold back

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Bad luck pythium - good game - I think in games like this you can just be unlucky and be cornered in or picked on early. Any ever play diplomacy? Used to happen in that all the time.

Just played my turn. When the server figures it out (seems to only update every 5 mins or so) i'll resolve the turn.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Heh, I was just about to go to bed but now I must see the next turn. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Raises hand http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Seems that I am also attacking Jomon http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif.

At the end it seems that everything is decided by diplomacy http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif I'm not sure if I like that.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Pythium really had himself to blame after a few turns he hand't taken a prov near his capitol (mistake 1)
I took it not knowing he was next to it. and then he reacted violently when I said we might find a solution for it later (mistake 2)

And then I saw he was next to mictlan and got him to help me (mistake 3 for not getting that NAP sooner http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif)

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I had a similar problem with Patala but we spoke and found a good solution so we are now good neighbours. Also with Ulm. Basically speaking is the only way to friendship.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

I probably wont have internet until sunday night. Anyone object to delaying the turn timer until then?

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Well I needed someone to attack anyway so after he started I just tried to NAP the rest and take him out.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Sunday night? Can't you find a sub? Or do it today?

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Bythine.- Field of death

On the field of Bythine two great armies confronted. In one side Jomon, with 127 men and 6 commander 2 of which were able to cast the cursed spell Bladewind. In the other side the sacred troops of Mictlan with 151 men and 5 commanders.

The combat was terrible. The bladewinds decimated Mictlan, many died due to its effect. 5 times the Jomon mages hurled deadly rocks on Mictlan Jaguar Warrior and each time it seemed that the world was coming to an end. However the courage remained and no Jaguar Warrior retreated.

The advancement of Mictlan troops was fast and soon we meet in close combat with those so called Samurai warriors. At that moment it was obvious that on 1-1 no man was a match for the sacred warriors of Mictlan. The samurais died by dozens under the swords and claws of Mictlan.

At the end Mictlan won the battle and keept the field. The losses were tremendous 95 Jomon warriors and its profet in one side and 77 sacred Micltan warriors in the other side.

At the same time 2 other battles were fought and Mictlan won them againt local troops without practically any loss, Jomon deafeat approached.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Ill delay till Sunday night. Only a couple of days and I haven't turned down anyone elses request. And in my mind this is meant to be a slow game with lots of thinking time.

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Just put in the delay. Only amounted to 24 hours. Aezeal, I wonder if our conflict has cost us the game and given it to ulm? Oh well... Been fun anyway! Ill certainly be back for more and yes I now understand the importance of naps!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

For me attacking Jomon would have been much better.. for you too I think since we only have one province where we meet, both castles there so no way to take lands easily.. If I hadn't had problems with Jomon you'd have lost though.. since I only use 50 % of my resources on you.

Now I'm having some problems expanding cus I have two persons to war with

You could turn on Jomon in the south, I'd give you a new NAP and then I could take on Jomon for real near our castles...

let me know http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Status report
 

[darth vader]NOOOOOOOoooooooo!cos(0)!!11![/darth vader]

On the fields of Borale a great battle was fought today and stakes were high: continued existence of Jomonese people. Jomon army was impressive, samurais numbered in hundreds, and they were commanded by their master lich false god. On the other side were armies of Ulm, vast numbers of rangers and creatures of night totaling about twice the size of Jomon army. Ulm was commanded by no other than Ixil, the dreaded Prince of Death who holds crushing grip over will of the living and unliving alike. At his side was Burchard Nachtzehrer, the legendary vampire general of the Great Keep, who was ready to unleash the power of blood to the heathens (Burchard's entourage of 20 blood slaves was freshly collected from the previous Jomon province of course http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif ).

As the battle started Jomon formed a communion lead by the master lich Shek-Dimmu and archers fired at the ranks of Ulm. Samurais stood still, waiting for the command to attack. In return Ulmish troops advanced and Blood Marshal started to evoke the blood magic. Then, despite of all the careful planning and anticipation, the unthinkable happened : Ixil failed to call upon the power of the underworld, which was meant to Dust to Dust the master lich and end the fight before it started. After that Shek-Dimmu initiated the dreaded mind duel and actually beat the Prince of Death. This was the crucial moment.

With the their god gone, Ulmish troops were no match for the highly skilled samurais, while Shek-Dimmu was raining fire on them. Ulm suffered massive defeat and the hundred or so survivors retreated to the safety. And so the siege of Borale was ended before it started.

------

This battle was more or less a slaughter of my troops, which I could hardly watch. I think my initial plan to Dust to Dust Jomon pretender before the mind duel (I knew it was coming) was sound because without the lich Jomon would have stood no chance against my army. Heck, I'm certain my pretender could have taken the remaining troops alone, I just wanted to maximize Jomon casualties before mass routing. Anyway, my PoD refused to cast the said spell(probably because of range) even though I had calculated the distance in army placement screen. So into mind duel we proceed, which I lost. However there's more to this one. I was ready to take the mind duel because to my knowledge my pretender was equal to Jomon's in astral power , so 50% chance of winning was good enough for me to take the risk. As winning would have meant wiping Jomon out of the game. BUT Jomon had just empowered his pretender on the previous turn just for this purpose, so he had an advantage on the duel (big props to Wazooking for this one, it certainly paid off for him this time). With my god dead I stood no chance and lost, end of story.
Annoying side fact: Jomon archers were extremely happy to target my blood slaves in this battle regardless of abundance of other targets. Needless to say my blood magic didn't work out as well as I had planned either.


------


@James243: I think you have misanalyzed the power relations of nations or had insufficient intel available. Mictlan has huge lead in this game. And to be perfectly honest now that I failed to capture Jomon capital I don't think I can challenge Mictlan later on. I've had a nice research boost lately but I don't seem to be able to catch Karlem. In addition I'm going to suffer a big reduction in power because of the failed war effort, while he powers up even more. And my analysis of other nations (may be wrong of course) is following: Jomon is wrecked because of the multifront war. Patala is boxed in pretty badly and has fallen behind in research. Marignon is too small and too far away to challenge Mictlan (also falling behind in research atm). Arco is same as Marignon but even more behin d in research. Midgård has good research but is small and has quite likely big upkeep problems. Mictlan is #1 in territoty, forts, income & research, which is pretty back breaking. In addition his army is small but efficient and has low upkeep. Plus he is gathering SCs. Mictlan also has good gem income and blood income, which doesn't even show in the graphs.

So if things continue on their current course I'm rather certain Mictlan will simply win by a large margin. If a large alliance against Mitclan suddenly forms, I will join to it in order to make things a bit more interesting but not before my NAP with Karlem honorably expires. Otherwise I will continue to maintain status quo and entertain any army invading Ulm, which makes Mictlan even stronger. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Wow, that was quite a long post. I wonder how many grammar/thought errors I made there. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

EDIT: I almost forgot: Jomon, I'm still coming for you!

Re: VampireBat - LA game for new players
 

Wow . This is my first game and posts like this make me realise just how much I don't know. Things like measuring spell ranges etc. I think I've botched the game so far only aided by a convenient mountain range for defense. My war against marignon has tied up or killed most of my research staff. And my armies are big so I'm guessing my upkeep is bad. I've read the manual cover to cover but still coming to terms with translating the concepts to the game. Still trying to figure out how to improve mages and what is an efficient use of their time eg make item or research . But hey even with my bad understanding I'm having a blast so I guess it just gets better!