Turn the 4th
 

So far I've seen seven Prophets, including my own. Also at least two Pretenders on the board.

Which leads me to ask...how long does a VP game usually last? Noticeably shorter than a "kill'em all" game? Newbie with inquiring mind now worries that he should not have 'Imprisoned' his Pretender...

Re: Turn the 4th
 

The main danger with an imprisoned pretender in this particular game is not so much the VPs, but the crowded map. I expect that everyone will bump into a neighbor or 2 very soon. Whether your strategy is good or risky depends on what you did with the points. If you are cranking out ultra-blessed super troops, you'll be fine.

Re: Turn the 4th
 

Prophets are popular because they are useful for everyone. If you are playing a bless strategy, you want them for "Divine Blessing" (since every prophet is at least H3, they can all cast it).

Even if you aren't playing bless, all prophets can Smite. Plus, all prophets spread dominions, which is useful if your pretender is asleep or on holiday.

I don't know how many non-VP games truly go to the bitter end. My sense from reading these forums is that by the time one player has about half the world, the others often concede. That's why you often see VP games with victory set around 50% (like this one). Pasha sets it even lower for some of his games.

So VP games with conditions like this will go for a while. For this game: the map is a bit more crowded than average, plus we have some new players. I would guess it will go briskly, but I bet we get 50-60 turns out of it anyway (do the other experienced player agree?).

Now, if you use cumulative VP conditions, it puts a real ticking clock on the game. Not too many people have run those games here.

Re: Turn the 4th
 

Turn 5 has been emailed. Orders due Monday, 9pm.

In general, I will not host as early as I did today, even if I have all the turns. I figure this early in the game, though, there was little chance of anyone wanting to change orders at the last minute.

Re: Turn the 4th
 

Turn 6 is out. Next orders due at 9pm Tuesday.

Re: Turn the 4th
 

Turn 7 is out. Next one due on Wednesday at 9pm.

This map is just a bit more crowded than usual, but it feels worse...anyone fighting yet?

Crowding...
 

I've seen two other capitals, Fomoria and Abyssia. Definitely the neighbors are too close for comfort, but ain't that part of the charm? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

...
 

I'm planning on hiring the Brave Breakers. If you want them PM me and perhaps we can save each other some gold.

Re: ...
 

If you get out-bid for a merc company, you get to keep your gold.

Re: Turn the 4th
 

It wouldn't be so damn crowded if you didn't have all those friggin' giants running around taking up space!

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif