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Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Norfleet:
Where's your sense of motivation and love of the game?

Do a word count on my Posts in this (AAR) thread and then think about just how silly that question is ... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Maybe. But you haven't showed anything of the sort since you got back from Mexico.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

<center>Turn #41, Late Summer of Year 4
Biting off more than I can chew?</center>

<center>Part 1 of 2</center>

Rimdriva's Acashic Record ritual upon Arnbeg reveals two magical astral sites: a Painted Cave (1 pearl), and a Maze (2 pearls).

Marignon defeats over a score of amazons to retake the indy province of Polgrave.

Swanuth the Firbolg, in command of 20 Jotun spearmen and 8 vine ogres, attacks the independent farmlands of Helmshire, defended by 2 commanders, 10 heavy infantry, 23 fanatics, and 22 archers. Joining in the battle is commander Theag with 5 troglodytes and a bodyguard of 4 vine ogres. The trogs carve a swath of death through the center of the indies, despite being the target of unrelenting volleys from the enemy archers. The combination of the firbolg and trogs proves to be irresistable and the indies soon rout. Only a half-score fanatics, infantry, and archers escape the field, only to be hunted down and killed later.

Vanheim, with over two-score troops, easily slaughters Caelum's four PD in Emryc.

Ualgo (carrying a Sceptre of Authority), in command of a company of 19 Jotuns plus a bodyguard of one vine ogre and one Jotun axeman, together with the priests Albrecht and Geiserek (carrying Sceptres of Authority and with one vine ogre apiece as bodyguards), attacks the mountain province of Banded Hills which Vanheim defends with only 4 PD, 8 archers, and 8 black hawks. The enemy archers rout immediately after releasing but a single volley, and the Jotuns eliminate the PD and hawks with contemptuous ease. My victorious priests raze the Vanheim temple.

My wyrm Jorgun finds only 5 PD hiding in the Ulmish forest of Dendra Nigra, which soon become a very light snack.

My prophet Grymis, commanding 23 Jotuns, plus a bodyguard of one Jotun axeman, attacks the Ulmish forest-covered mountains of Validun, which is defended by 2 commanders of Ulm, a priest (PD), 3 infantry of Ulm (flail), 1 heavy infantry, 18 raptors, 9 slingers, and 5 crossbowmen (PD). Only 2 infantry of Ulm and 9 raptors escape my Jotuns, who suffer no losses of their own.

Bove, commanding 26 Jotuns, attacks the Ulmish mountains of Bergamum, along with the priest named Erkeborn (carrying a Sceptre of Authority and with a bodyguard of one vine ogre and one Jotun axeman). The defenders number 1 priest (PD), 3 nightmares, 4 amazons, 1 sapper, and 6 crossbowmen (PD). Bove single-handedly kills the nightmares and sapper, and 3 of the amazons fall to the advancing Jotuns, who lose of their number (mainly due to wounds sustained in earlier battles). Only a single amazon escapes to carry word of their defeat back to Ulm. As my troops raze the Ulmish temple they discover a Copper Cliff yielding magical gems (1 earth and 1 fire).

Orion and his Eternal Knights are in the employ of Vanheim, and located in the province of Welrydh (NE of the Pillar of the World). These very powerful mercenaries, which I absentmindedly neglected to hire at my peril Last month, now threaten to recapture Banded Hills and possibly cause me much further mischief. I can only hope that Vanheim commits another strategic mistake (greater than my own in not hiring Orion) and directs this formidable force against Mictlan instead of against me.

My realm grew by another 15% this past month, but I am stretched dangerously thin. I am gambling on the timidity of my opponents, a little luck, and my strong PD to hold on to these gains. It is not a strategy that would work were my opponents more aggressive or had more foresight.

Other activity of note in the world:

Atlantis takes Aole from Vanheim.
Vanheim takes Fucan from Atlantis.
Vanheim takes Sleepy Mountains from Mictlan.

Turn #41 overview (1174x1002)

My researchers achieve mastery of the fourth level of Alteration and the eighth level of Construction magics, and expect to achieve mastery of the fifth level of Alteration by the end of the month.

My realm has:

__10 Dominion max.
__27 Temples
__45 Provinces converted
1418 Treasury.
2145 Income. (+148)
_664 Upkeep. (-2)

39 Provinces controlled (border provinces listed below)
Isurian: Dom=1, PD=10, Unr=5
Helmshire: Dom=4, PD=0, Unr=20
Saeborea: Dom=7, PD=20, Unr=4
Ultima Typhia: Dom=9, PD=20, Unr=1
Well of All Waters: Dom=10, PD=17, Unr=0
Arnbeg: Dom=5, PD=10, Unr=9
Betane: Dom=-1, PD=0, Unr=10
Banded Hills: Dom=-1, PD=0, Unr=27
Dendra Nigra: Dom=1, PD=0, Unr=22
Clon: Dom=-1, PD=10, Unr=1
Validun: Dom=1, PD=0, Unr=11
Kratas: Dom=1, PD=20, Unr=1
Wold: Dom=-3, PD=10, Unr=0
Bergamum: Dom=-3, PD=0, Unr=17

Gem income is:

+11 Fire (19)
+_7 Air (17)
+14 Water (19)
+_8 Earth (08)
+30 Astral (28) (includes 20 Clams)
+_3 Death (13)
+12 Nature (12)

Magical knowledge (stars denote schools being researched):

7-Conjuration*
4-Alteration*
7-Evocation
8-Construction
6-Enchantment
5-Thaumaturgy
0-Blood Magic
304 RPs (of 408 available at labs)

<center>To be continued in Part 2 ...</center>

[ April 19, 2004, 01:24: Message edited by: Arryn ]

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

You've mentioned that you feel stretched a little thin. Perhaps, in order to avoid the feeling of biting off more than you can chew with both hands, you should seriously consider your rapid response capability. While your armies appear to be meeting with victory, armies are not terribly mobile.

Looking over your research situation, I see you can build any item you want, if you can scrounge the forgers, and your gem economy is reasonably healthy.

Do you have any Air mages of any level, and perhaps a Water+Earth mage? A Bane Lord equipped with a Wraith Sword, flying boots, and Jade Armor will give you that rapid response ***-kicking you need, at a bargain price, that can be upgraded for better asswhooping through the use of a lucky pendant and/or Wraith Crown. Perhaps you should get one today?

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Norfleet:
While your armies appear to be meeting with victory, armies are not terribly mobile.

Indeed. Unless the army is composed of angels, or better yet, a vastness. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Quote:

Do you have any Air mages of any level, and perhaps a Water+Earth mage? A Bane Lord equipped with a Wraith Sword, flying boots, and Jade Armor will give you that rapid response ***-kicking you need, at a bargain price, that can be upgraded for better asswhooping through the use of a lucky pendant and/or Wraith Crown. Perhaps you should get one today?

My best air mage is 3A, which I am bootstrapping to 5A by items which I am building. All my best commanders already have flying boots, so that aspect has been taken care of (part of the reason why my armies are taking no or very few casualties).

I lack any W+E mages, which makes making the Jade Armor a bit hard to do. Do you have a suggestion for fixing this, besides spending gold to buy mages until I get lucky? (I am able to forge the alternative combo of Stymphalian Wings and Boots of Quickness, but it will take me a few turns to amass the gems.) Another problem is my anemic death gem income (which should be somewhat remedied in the next couple of turns by the orders I'd already issued for turn 41 prior to my recent hiatus from the forum).

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Arryn:
Do you have a suggestion for fixing this, besides spending gold to buy mages until I get lucky?

Well, there's always jade amazons, which are just about my favourite independents to find. I second the bane lord choice, as they are extremely good at what they do.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Graeme Dice:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Arryn:
Do you have a suggestion for fixing this, besides spending gold to buy mages until I get lucky?

Well, there's always jade amazons, which are just about my favourite independents to find.<hr /></blockquote>Thanks for the tip. Alas, I haven't found any as yet, nor have I observed any of my opponents fighting any indy ones.

Quote:

I second the bane lord choice, as they are extremely good at what they do.

Indeed they are. Which is why I already have one (Ashsoul, who's currently sitting in Jotunheim).

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Buy mages until you get lucky is always a reasonable deal. You could always use more research. Even if you don't get the one you want, you're still increasing your research output.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Indeed they are. Which is why I already have one (Ashsoul, who's currently sitting in Jotunheim).

hmmmm... "Ashsoul" eh?

I think I would change the name.

(try saying it 3 times quickly)

[ April 19, 2004, 20:02: Message edited by: pole_shift ]

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by pole_shift:
hmmmm... "Ashsoul" eh?

I think I would change the name.

(try saying it 3 times quickly)

I like it just fine as is. It suits him, I think. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

For part of a mobile response force, perhaps consider summoning a pack (or more when you can afford it) of draconians? They're upkeep free (according to the summons list I checked, anyway), and the Chief can summon more draconian allies for *free* (I love free!) while he's waiting around.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

The drawback to that is that draconians are simply unimpressive: They are weak and easily killed. The single aforementioned Bane Lord would beat the snot out of the aforementioned Draconians. What good are they as a fast response when they are unable to kill the offending intruder they're responding to with any degree of certainty?

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Norfleet:
The drawback to that is that draconians are simply unimpressive: They are weak and easily killed. The single aforementioned Bane Lord would beat the snot out of the aforementioned Draconians. What good are they as a fast response when they are unable to kill the offending intruder they're responding to with any degree of certainty?

I haven't found them to be *that* weak, but that's why I said "*part of* a mobile response force". Put on attack rear, they can be good for taking out mages and commanders. In my (albiet limited) experiece, I had more problems with them routing than with them getting killed.

I agree they certainly don't replace a tricked out bane lord SC, but they use different gems, so you can have both. If nothing else, the draconians can soak up some of the abuse that would otherwise be directed at your bane lord and keep him from getting completely mobbed.

Do you think draconians are entirely not worth the gems? Perhaps my perception of cost effectiveness is skewed because Last game, I found a nifty 30% or 40% conj bonus site, which I exploited ruthlessly.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by LintMan:
Do you think draconians are entirely not worth the gems?

Considering their fragility, I do not think they are worth 45 air gems, especially given my current gem income ... and the fact that I already have a Bane Lord. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

<center>Turn #41, Late Summer of Year 4
Biting off more than I can chew?</center>

<center>Part 2 of 2</center>

I raise 10 PD in Beltane, Validun, Dendra Nigra, Helmshire. I raise 20 PD in Banded Hills, raise the PD in Wold by 10 (to 20), and raise the PD in Isurian by 2 (to 12). New temples are to be built in Clon, Wold, Kratas, and Isurian. These preparations drain the treasury of 1408 coins.

The taxes of Betane, Clon, Wold, and Kratas are raised back to normal. Taxes remain at 90% in Isurian, and 80% in Arnbeg. Taxes are lowered to zero in Banded Hills, and lowered to 80% in Validun, 60% in Dendra Nigra and Helmshire, and 50% in Bergamum.

The Ivy King Thomm continues a monthly ritual of Awakening Vine Ogres, at a cost of 1 nature gem each month. The Norna Rimdriva prepares to invoke the ritual of Acashic Record upon the province of Dendra Nigra, for which I allot 25 of the astral pearls in the treasury. The Skratti Tunne, using a Dwarven Hammer, forges a Clam of Pearls at a cost of only 7 water gems. The Wizard Retheric, using a Dwarven Hammer, forges another Clam of Pearls at a cost of only 7 water gems. Seithkona cast Dark Knowledge upon the provinces of Kratas, Wold, Clon, and Validun, expending almost all of my precious death gems. The Enchantress Pladina forges a Fever Fetish, at a cost of 5 fire and 5 nature gems. The Enchantress Sade forges a Fever Fetish, at a cost of 5 fire and 5 nature gems. The Enchantress Kara will cast Fires from Afar upon the forces of Ulm at Minz, consuming the remaining 9 fire gems in the treasury, plus 2 astral pearls (via alchemy). The Enchantress Petrona, using a Dwarven Hammer, forges a Bag of Winds at a cost of only 15 air gems.

Swanuth the Firbolg, in command of 20 Jotun spearmen, 12 vine ogres, and 5 troglodytes moves from Helmshire to Eribon. Tahmar, with six longdead giants, moves from the Well to rendezvous with Swanuth at Eribon. Commander Theag moves from Helmshire to Black Alps. The Bane Lord Ashsoul moves from Jotunheim to Black Alps.

My wyrm Jorgun will attack The Second Forest, which is reported to have approximately threescore archers, infantry of Ulm, crossbowman, black plate infantry, and raptors. This should finally eliminate the Ulmish threat to my mage enclave at the Well.

My prophet Grymis, commanding 23 Jotuns, plus a bodyguard of one Jotun axeman, moves northeast to attack the Ulmish plains of Dun Vale, where as many as 50 slingers, raptors, and sappers reportedly await.

Bove, commanding 25 Jotuns, along with the priest named Erkeborn (carrying a Sceptre of Authority and with a bodyguard of one vine ogre and one Jotun axeman), will attack northwestwards into the Ulmish plains of Cuna Eral held by an estimated twoscore heavy infantry and archers.

Rod the Firbolg, leading a company of 18 Jotun spearmen, along with two priests moves from Man to the Rim Mountains in order to defend against a likely attack from Vanheim's forces in Fucan.

Commander Ualgo (carrying a Sceptre of Authority), leading of a company of 19 Jotuns plus a bodyguard of one vine ogre and one Jotun axeman, together with the priests Albrecht and Geiserek (carrying Sceptres of Authority and with one vine ogre apiece as bodyguards), will attack from Banded Hills west into the plains province of The Pillar of the World. Vanheim reportedly is defending with only a score of light infantry and archers. My position along this front with Vanheim is precarious, especially with Orion's mercenaries close by in Welrydh, so I intend to move out of Orion's likely path while at the same time do a bit of raiding and temple-razing. If I am fortunate, I may be able to distract Vanheim into chasing my force with Orion, which is preferable by far to having Orion raiding my western provinces.

Five priests (each carrying a Sceptre of Authority, and with a bodyguard of one vine ogre apiece) attack westwards from Man into the plains of Momephe, which Vanheim appears to be holding with a score of light infantry and black hawks.

Priest movements: Gunthamun moves from Saeborea to Helmshire. Hermann moves from Arnbeg to Ivenmoor. Arnold moves from Imictan to Validun. Clodomir moves from Agenor to Betane. Adolf moves from Agenor to Man.

Turn #41 plotted movement (1174x1002)

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

I notice you haven't updated your AAR for a very long time. Did the patch mutilate your game, or have you simply not been playing Dom2 lately?

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

I have not applied 2.12 as yet. I've both been too busy to play Dom, and I've also been waiting to see if there are any hidden, nasty, surprises in the 2.12 patch that might cause me grief, when I do get back to doing the AAR.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Arryn:
I have not applied 2.12 as yet. I've both been too busy to play Dom, and I've also been waiting to see if there are any hidden, nasty, surprises in the 2.12 patch that might cause me grief, when I do get back to doing the AAR.

Not that I'm any expert on the subject, but my game patched without a flaw, and I'm using a pre-2.12 VQ.

I would like to see your AAR continued. My AAR is a pale imitation of yours.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Scott Hebert:
Not that I'm any expert on the subject, but my game patched without a flaw, and I'm using a pre-2.12 VQ.

I would like to see your AAR continued. My AAR is a pale imitation of yours.

VQs aside, once bitten, twice shy. I was bit badly on the 2.08 patch. So I'm in no hurry whatsoever to apply 2.12 until I'm quite sure that it won't adversely affect my game.

Perhaps your imitation of my AAR is 'pale' because your pretender is a blood-sucking *****? heh
Regardless, thanks for your compliment, and imitation is even more sincere flattery.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

VQs aside, once bitten, twice shy. I was bit badly on the 2.08 patch. So I'm in no hurry whatsoever to apply 2.12 until I'm quite sure that it won't adversely affect my game.

Yes, I remember the 2.08 fiasco.

Quote:

Perhaps your imitation of my AAR is 'pale' because your pretender is a blood-sucking *****? heh

Hey, it's BF Ulm? Who better to use a VQ?

Quote:

Regardless, thanks for your compliment, and imitation is even more sincere flattery.

You're quite welcome. Between my AAR and various statistical projects I have going on, I'm busy enough.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Scott Hebert:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Perhaps your imitation of my AAR is 'pale' because your pretender is a blood-sucking *****? heh

Hey, it's BF Ulm? Who better to use a VQ?
<hr /></blockquote>Scott, I think you missed Arryn's point. She wasn't giving you a hard time for using a VQ. She was exceedingly clever about your AAR being a pale comparison. The reason your AAR was pale (as in white or exhibiting pallor) is because of the blood-sucking action of your VQ. She was ribbing you about blood loss.

Get it? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Edited for grammer]

[ July 30, 2004, 17:22: Message edited by: Inigo Montoya ]

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Double post.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ July 30, 2004, 17:21: Message edited by: Inigo Montoya ]

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Inigo Montoya:
Scott, I think you missed Arryn's point. She wasn't giving you a hard time for using a VQ. She was exceedingly clever about your AAR being a pale comparison. The reason your AAR was pale (as in white or exhibiting pallor) is because of the blood-sucking action of your VQ. She was ribbing you about blood loss.

Heh, I was wondering how long it'd take for someone, anyone, to comment on that. Gee, it only took 5 weeks ... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

EDIT: sometimes (okay, maybe a lot) I'm too clever for my own good.

[ July 30, 2004, 17:41: Message edited by: Arryn ]

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Arryn:
Heh, I was wondering how long it'd take for someone, anyone, to comment on that. Gee, it only took 5 weeks ... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

EDIT: sometimes (okay, maybe a lot) I'm too clever for my own good.

I thought it was obvious and required no comment.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Norfleet:
I thought it was obvious and required no comment.

Since when did that ever stop you? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Arryn:
Since when did that ever stop you? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Never. But there wasn't anyone for me to mock, ridicule, or otherwise make fun of, nor anything for me to rant about, so what was the point?

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by tinkthank:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Norfleet:
But there wasn't anyone for me to mock, ridicule, or otherwise make fun of, nor anything for me to rant about, so what was the point?

You are hilarious. I love the way you take your persona (in the old-fashioned Latin sense of the word) so seriously. Keep it up! <hr /></blockquote>It's what's most endearing about the old curmudgeon.

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

Quote:

Originally posted by Norfleet:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Arryn:
Since when did that ever stop you? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Never. But there wasn't anyone for me to mock, ridicule, or otherwise make fun of, nor anything for me to rant about, so what was the point? <hr /></blockquote>You are hilarious. I love the way you take your persona (in the old-fashioned Latin sense of the word) so seriously. Keep it up!

Re: Jotunheim:Utgard AAR

FYI, I'll be resuming the AAR shortly after Shrapnel fixes the bug with embedding HTML code in Posts. Hopefully, the fix won't be long in coming.