Re: Challenge Match
 

As long as I remain sober the secretes will remain secretes. Since I'm no longer allowed to drink and play SEIV then I should be safe. ;-}

Re: Challenge Match
 

Lord Ithis, ruler of KaRella, scanned the reports from his admirals. Now that decisions had been made and preparations for war were under way, he would be spending many hours at such tasks.

Three vessels taken out of mothball. (click) Five more Slayer Processors, KaRella's latest, linked Online for research projects. (click) Production of Synth doubled. Yeah, needed to have that ready in case the citizens became alarmed. (click) Removal of "Olden Ones" emblems from existing warships and replacement with "Black Hole Alliance" insignia.

"WHAT?", he bellowed.

He threw his handmote accross the table in disgust and buried his face in his hands. Well, he was no psychic but it was crystal clear that coordination would have to improve if the alliance was to be successful in its gamble.

Re: Challenge Match
 

Hey, one Last time can we get a rundown of the final official settings for the game? Racial points? All techs allowed? Ancient race allowed? That sort of stuff.

Geoschmo

Re: Challenge Match
 

100 Random systems plus a few specials. A few System name changes. (Are there any you would like to see?)
Full communications even befor you meet.
Trading of Tech
No Trading of Planets or People
Can Share Systems

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Pulled from an earlier page:

Quadrant:

FQM 1.8 Std
Dense Paradise
Medium size
All warp points connected
Warp points located anywhere

Races:

Racial points 0
Technology level 0
No AI
3 Good starting planets
Starting resources 20,000
Player can view score of allied player

Technology:

All areas allowed
Tech cost medium

Miscellaneous:

No events
No ruins (can ruin the game… )
1K ship limit
2K unit limit
All players must take rock/oxygen as planet type/atmosphere
Gifting or trading ships/colonies/units/population is not permitted
Email outside the game permitted

Victory Conditions:

Surrender

In the beginning, I had listed 36-hour turnaround but I see it is listed at 72 on PBW. The next time Gryphin is around the site, perhaps it could be changed to 48 hours.

Re: Challenge Match
 

Thanks. I copied that into the description on PBW too. I figured it was somewhere earile in the thread but couldn't find it.

Geoschmo

Re: Challenge Match
 

All we need to do now is get the empires loaded up and try "building" the game file (crosses fingers) and perhaps knock several turns out over the weekend http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Re: Challenge Match
 

I'll finish the map by 12:00 Noon East Coast Time, Saturday. Maybe sooner.

Re: Challenge Match
 

Sorry if I seem overly anxious. The Tourney game is in its second day of waiting for a turn. And Dreiko usually only has time to submit 2 or 3 turns over the weekend (and didn't submit anything today) in our KOTH game. So, this is my only hope for something, I guess http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif .

Re: Challenge Match
 

I know from the group of players here turns will go quick. At least they will be quick for a 6 player game.

Geoschmo

Re: Challenge Match
 

The vidscreen startled Lord Ithis from his light sleep. Springing to an upright position in his Grav-bed, he rubbed his eyes clear of dreariness to reveal the image of Lord Chane already deep into remarks.

"...immediately, ...reckless behavior unbecoming...and...dauntless indescretions warranting only disgust and removal!"

"What tha...?" Ithis gave in to conscieneness.

"Are you awake Lord Ithis?" Chane's voice echoed through the chamber.

"Mildly so, Commander." Ithis adjusted himself to the light flowing from the vidscreen. "He's an ugly cuss!" he thought.

Fifteen KaRellan time sectors passed as Lord Chane pursued his, seemingly, unending tirade on war plans. When an appropriate pause occurred, Ithis mumbled an obligatory response.

"Noted!"

The room returned to an ambient glow that invited sleep as Lord Ithis rolled on his side, scooped up his stuffed starship sleep toy, and talked himself to sleep...

"Why oh WHY did I ally with such a tempermental sort of person?"

[ April 26, 2003, 11:17: Message edited by: Slynky ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

Ya know, if this game doesn't start soon, I'm gonna write even MORE. Now, we wouldn't want that to happen, would we now? Some might call it cruel and unusual punishment... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif .

Re: Challenge Match
 

Are the players waiting for me and the map or am I waiting for the emp files?

The map is almost ready.

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Not hurrying you, Gryphin. Still need 4 empire files. I think the game has been posted for 3 days now http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif ).

I'm sure Asmala will post his when he gets off work today. That should complete out team.

So, you have plenty of time. And, thanks again for helping out here! It has obviously turned into a bit more effort than you first thought.

Re: Challenge Match
 

Slynky,
This is not work. This is design and creation. That is play for me.

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">LOL...well, don't forget I have tried the editor and it reminds me of a MicroSlop product... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif .

Way back when (a Southern expression), I used to develop DOOM II levels for deathmatches. Now, THAT was fun.

Re: Challenge Match
 

My teammates and I have to work out some deatails of our strategy. The game settings are a little unusual. Not that that is bad mind you, just not what we are used to. Have to consider the options carefully.

Geoschmo

Re: Challenge Match
 

Just double checking.
Is the order the players signed up the order that I should place them on the map and add them to the game?
Makes sence but if I'm wrong

As for the Map Editor
"It is a poor musician that blames his instrument" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

I'm looking forward to ED. That had a very nice map editor.

[ April 26, 2003, 18:21: Message edited by: Gryphin ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, what are the problems? Perhaps I can help some... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif .

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">All I know is that the order they joined the game is the order you place them in the game when inserting empires. As to getting teams on the same side of the map...I haven't a clue.

BTW, what's ED?

Re: Challenge Match
 

I know how to place players.

ED is Empire Deluxe.
No comparison to SEIV but a nice strategy game you can play while drinking wine.

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes.

Re: Challenge Match
 

Only 2 more empires left to upload. Might get a gamestart today http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif .

Re: Challenge Match
 

Hey Slynky,
Speaking of challenges and the desire to play more games.
If you don't mind playing really weak players I'll go one on one with you. With the right map you should be home in time for the Spring Equinox.

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Don't forget the game master password. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds good to me. I'll let you surprise me with a game of your choice and parameters. Sound OK?

( why do I feel like I'm being set up...? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif )

Re: Challenge Match
 

Slynky,
I should have it ready tonight. Do you have FQM Deluxe installed?

Re: Challenge Match
 

No, I don't have that. I DL'd the standard Version to check out the stuff you were talking about.

Frankly, I should have said I'm not really into playing any mods, though. I prefer to stick with 1.84.

The mod you're talking about only concerns maps, right?

Re: Challenge Match
 

The deluxe Version changes quite a bit. We can do the standard.

Re: Challenge Match
 

EDIT
Found It.

Help,
How do I put a master password on the game?
I have never had to befor.

I can see how to do it at the PBW site, but what about the GAM file.

[ April 28, 2003, 22:36: Message edited by: Gryphin ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

EDIT:

Now I know what your "edit" comment meant http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif , so disregard my post.

As I recall, it's kind of in an obscure part of the screen (upper right, I think?) on the screen that says what kind of game it is. (but my memory sucks sometimes...)

[ April 28, 2003, 22:56: Message edited by: Slynky ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

Done! I prat to the goddess I did it right.

Slynky,
Yes, and on a 21 inche screen is it way out of my field of vision. I found it when Pooh Star pointed it out.

Re: Challenge Match
 

EDIT:

No, I guess not...I'm just practicing on being an idiot. (which is good for the oppostion http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif )

It looks like you checked "finite resources". I don't think we wanted that option... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif .

[ April 28, 2003, 23:03: Message edited by: Slynky ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">TWENTY-ONE! Gads! (you lucky DOG http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">'Eh? Uh, my part of the universe is definetly not finite resources. What are you looking at there Slynk?

Geoschmo

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">'Eh? Uh, my part of the universe is definetly not finite resources. What are you looking at there Slynk?

Geoschmo</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, you can tell by my edited post that I'm trying out for the idiot award of the game... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: Challenge Match
 

Slynky I don't think they will fall for that.
You are just trying to suck them into a false sence of security.

Re: Challenge Match
 

I'll do up the game tonight by 6:30 East Coast Time. I'll post here when it is done.

Any Last thoughts?

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, at the beginning the discussion about a challenge, I mentioned 36-hour turnaround. Please change it to 48, at least... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Otherwise, good luck!

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Somehow, I don't think they will fall for any tricks like that... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif .

Re: Challenge Match
 

Slynky the 21 inch monitor is belongs to Pooh Star,(my sweet heart). It was a hand me down from her X. He felt he needed something bigger.

It is both a blessing and a curse. At reading distance from the screen I can only see about 5 inches across, (tunnel vison). That is why Pooh Star had to find the Master Password field.

How's the game so far?

Re: Challenge Match
 

Greetings all: (well, all the participants and our illustrious map maker http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif )

There seems to be a problem with the map and the setup.

All the empires of the Black Hole Alliance have now compared their starting positions and determined starting setup has a fault in it.

You know how, when you start out sometimes, you receive "free" scans of nearby systems? Well, I am virtually sure that one empire is inter-mixed with another empire of the opposing team. In fact, it appears one of the enemy homeworlds is completely surrounded by one of our empires.

That doesn't seem like a fair start for that person especially since another of our alliance members is only 4 systems away from both of them.

It also doesn't seem to reflect the map setup and starting positions we wanted to have for the challenge match.

I suspect the problem is that we joined in a different order than our proposed alliances. By that, I mean all of one alliance should join and then the other. It appears empires are assigned to starting points in some sort of contiguous manner.

Anyway, what do you guys think? To me, it only seems fair, especially the one empire of the Olden Ones caught in "inside" one of our (and a second empire so close), to exit the game, start another one, join in alliance order and generate a new map.

Comments?

Re: Challenge Match
 

Actually the player you have surounded has the same view of a couple systems around and we had determined the same thing ourselves and notified Gryphin. He is going to fix it tonight and restart the game.

We are in agreement it's not really fair, although we thought it was unfair to your guy who was going to be picked apart one homeworld at a time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Edit: If your theory as to the cause is correct, and it sounds reasonable, Gryphin can fix it my merely changing the number of the starting positions on the map. We don't need to be reordered in the the game.

Although, he may want to make a completely new map, or at least make six new starting positions so we don't all have knowledge of each others positions from this mistart.

Geoschmo

[ April 29, 2003, 18:11: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

Well, I guess it's a toss-up on just who was going to chew on whom. With another empire just 4 systems away, your person would be in trouble (unless, of course, another empire in your alliance were close by...and if that's the case, then the starting homeworld positions, which were supposed to put 3 empires on one side of the map and 3 on the other side of the map weren't done as well as it should have been...since there would be 4 empires on the left side of the map).

At any rate, everyone agrees that the starting homeworld placement got messed up. Are we to assume it has to do with the order we joined the game? If so, I suggest geo withdraw from the game and then re-join. That should put us in alliance order.

Oh, and IF I was correct about there being 4 empires on the left, the homeworld starting positions should be modified a bit.

Perhaps a new map should be rolled up. I say a new map because it's possible a person could have chosen Ancient abilities, now has a copy of the map (and planets and warp lines) and can then turn around and use those 1,000 points somewhere else while keeping a copy of the galaxy information. Not that anyone would cheat...but just to remove all doubt (after all, that's why we asked for a map generator... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

Comments?

Re: Challenge Match
 

It's easier for Gryphin to just reorder the map starting positions or make a new map entirely then for me to withdraw and rejoin.

And I don't think anyone should or needs to be changing their empires. Gryphin can just restart the game using the exsisting empire files we've already uploaded.

Geoschmo

[ April 29, 2003, 18:37: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">That's fine if it works that way. And, in this matter, I show (more of) my ignorance. You see, I'm worried that all you can do is specify that a particular system is a starting place for an empire. And that SE4 will just grab the empires and put them in any of the designated places without regard to what team they are on.

NOW,IF a person can specify that a particular system is a homeworld position AND that it should be used for a particular empire or team, then obviously the map can be adjusted and no one needs to leave the game and return. BUT, is that the way it works? I'm only asking because I don't know and just assumed all one could do was mark a system as a starting location.

[ April 29, 2003, 18:45: Message edited by: Slynky ]

Re: Challenge Match
 

Yipes! I'll have Pooh Star help me track it though I was sure I did it right.

No later than 6:30 tonight.

Re: Challenge Match
 

The map editor allows you to do either. You can mark a system as a "common" starting point, meaning anyone can start there. Those show up in the map editor as boxes with the word any in them. Or you can set it as a "specfic" starting point. In that case you specify the player number for each starting point. In this case Gryphin should be setting specfic starting points. 1, 3, and 4 on one side of the map, and 2, 5 and 6 on the other.

Geoschmo

Re: Challenge Match
 

See? Told ya I was showing my ignorance! Well, that's pretty kewl. Yep, probably easier to just make some map modifications and adjust team/empire starting positions to put one team on the left side of the map and the other on the right side.

One more question: So, after designating a system as a starting position, does SE4 THEN decide it can split that person's worlds up among one, two, or three different systems? My starting position was in 2 systems and another person's was in 3 systems. So, what governs that?

Re: Challenge Match
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">That's a little fuzzy. It seems to me to be kind of random. You will have one Homeworld at the spot specified in the editor, but you can't specify additional homeworlds. Sometimes they'll be in different systems, sometiems all in one system. I don't know how it decides.

Geoschmo