PBEM game: The first step (Running)
 

As usual, I have settled on a wonderfully unimaginative title for my game ("A journey of a thousand miles began with a single step").

So, this game is intended for new players to get their feet wet; for this purpose, a new player is someone having not played in multiplayer at all, or just a little (started a game, played with a friend, and so on). There will be a few "seasoned" players, who will answer questions and give a few hints to the other players (but certainly not a perfect strategy).

The game will be played in the Play-by-email format (PBEM), where turns are sent in mails; more specifically, the host (myself here) will send .trn files, the players will play their turns as usual, and send back their order (.2h) file.

The following players have expressed interest in joining the game as players:
- RibbonBlue: Man
- Sushiboat: Ermor
- BigDaddy: Pythium
- Agrajag: Jotunheim
- CyborgMoses: Machaka
- Molog: Pangaea
- Enforcer: Arcoscephale
- Schmonk: Marignon

If you have already made up your Pretenders, feel free to start sending them to me. They can be found in the newlords directory: if your nation is Ermor, the Pretender fille will be ermor.2h . My address is alneyan[AT]fastmail[DOT]co.uk (replace [AT] and [DOT] by @ and . respectively).

The seasoned advisers:
- Quantum_Mechani
- Ironhawk

Settings for the game will be fairly standard, along those lines:
- Map: Likely Inland (comes with the game), as it is a rather small map, and it does not have any corner.
- Strength of independents: 6, the level where independents are no longer push-overs, but aren't too deadly yet.
- Research level: Standard research
- Hall of Fame entries: 15
- Magic site frequency: 45 or so
- Renaming is on
- Graphs are likely to be on, allowing all players to see how well they are doing compared to the other nations.
- Turn-around: 48 hours, with the turns running as soon as all turn files are in.
- Mods: A tricky one. Enabling mods for a first game may be contradictory, but a mod such as Zen Pretenders Balance could be interesting, as it reduces the gap in power between all Pretender choices (making poor choices less of a problem). Zen Pretenders is attached to this mod, along with a readme file listing all changes made by the mod.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Please put me down for Ermor.

I haven't tried Zen's Pretenders Balance mod yet, but using it would be fine with me.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Im thinking about joining (I havent actually played an MP game yet), can someone explain to me how PBEM works and what will I need to do?
Im not 100% sure I'll join since Im not a huge fan of MP, but it might be a good way to improve my skills.
Thank you.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I have given a short summary for now about PBEM; I believe there is a slightly more detailed part in the MP guide. Basically, you will have to create a Pretender, send it to me, and off we go; to play the actual turns, you will put a .trn file into a game directory (any game directory actually), play a turn as usual, and send back one file (the .2h file).

Once I get all the files from the player, another turn will run, and will be sent to everyone, and so on.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

If that's all there is to it, great!
I'd like to try my luck as Jotunheim.
I haven't tried the Balance Mod, but I don't mind turning it on if everyone wants it.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Alneyan, where I do I get the balance mod? Also, each time I get a turn file, do I remove the old one?

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Welcome aboard Agrajag!

The mod is attached to this post, and will be added to the first post as well (a zip archive including a readme file, listing all the changes).

In order to use the mod, extract the contents of the archive into your mods directory, and enable the mod. To do so, go into the Preferences screen, then Mod preferences, and click on Conceptual Pretender Gods 2.01. Once it is done, create your Pretender as usual; there will be a black and white banner displayed in the main menu once the mod is enabled.

Once the game has been started, Dominions will automatically handle the mod, disabling and enabling it as needed, so it will not interfere with other games.

There will be two files in the game's directory: man.trn and man.2h (or ermor.trn and ermor.2h for Ermor, and so on). The .trn file is the one I will send you, and any new file will overwrite the new one; the .2h file is the one created after you have finished your turn, so the game will automatically overwrite this one. So there is no need to delete files by hand, as both will be overwritten by newer files automatically.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Please sign me up for this game; I've never played multiplayer before, and would like to give it a shot. I suppose I'll take a try with Machaka.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Welcome aboard CyborgMoses!

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

So, there are now five players in the game; I think we have room for a few more players, two or three or so.

On another note, what patch should this game use? I have most patches from 2.08 onwards on my computer, so I can use any patch; using the same patch as the host is needed to ensure that the battle replays aren't incorrect.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Alneyan, are you waiting for 10 players?

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I am using version 2.16, so that is my preference.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

There is room for a couple more players, but I wouldn't expect to reach 10 players; seven or so would be enough. On another note, if someone would like to play a water nation (or if there are only five players), Desert Eye could be a better map: it also comes with the map, is also wrap-around, and has some sea provinces (and fewer land provinces than Inland).

If you have already made up your Pretenders, feel free to start sending them to me. They can be found in the newlords directory: if your nation is Ermor, the Pretender fille will be ermor.2h . My address is alneyan[AT]fastmail[DOT]co.uk (replace [AT] and [DOT] by @ and . respectively).

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I would like to use patch 2.16.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Alneyan, I am willing to sign up as a "seasoned" advisor.

Also I have a general question about your games: why do you run them as PBEM games, and not regular? If you need a server to host your games, I can provide it.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

There are a couple of reasons; in no specific order, here they are:
- As a player, I much prefer PBEM over TCP/IP, though I have been known to play TCP/IP once in a while.
- I usually cannot play in TCP/IP reliably, though it looks like this problem has disappeared.
- I feel that PBEM is much easier to handle backups than TCP/IP, both for the players and for myself.
- Some of my games simply *have* to be PBEM, as I must run the actual hosting of the turns. They include King of the Hill and Entwined Destiny (I have to dump the scores regularly, which is something that wouldn't be quite as easy with TCP/IP).
- Lastly, I prefer to make sure all game files are saved up somewhere else, both for reference purposes (looking at the whole game once it is over) and to check for miscellaneous cheating attempts. This is something I cannot be sure of via TCP/IP.

Oh, and I am just a glutton for punishment and love running the turns. So thanks for the offer, but I think I will stick with PBEM (even if I could run TCP/IP on my own computer, I am not sure if I would switch to TCP/IP in this case).

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I'd like to try and play with Pangea. Are we using that pretender rebalance mod?

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Welcome aboard! We will indeed be using this mod (available for download in the first post of the thread).

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Pretenders for Machaka and Pangaea are in.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Are we ready to start the game? I am getting a feel for my Pretender design, so I don't want to send it in if we are still a few days away from launch. However, if we are ready to go, I will submit it now.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

You could also send a Pretender now, and change it later if you find something else that works better.

The game will start soon, though there is always room for another player or two. Once I get all Pretenders file, we will get started.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Hey, Alneyhan.

I am interested and enjoy having you as a moderator for the other MP game I am currently getting spanked in. This would be my 4th MP game...do I qualify as new enough to join or is your preference "brand new" folks?

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I think it will be fine, if you believe you can benefit from this sort of game. So welcome aboard!

I have received the Pretender for Ermor; that makes three Pretenders, out of six.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Okay, I'm gonna try something new and go with Arco. Prentender sent.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I have all Pretenders except for Bigdaddy's (Pythium).

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Alneyan -
Any chance there's room for one more? I've been "lurking" for months now on the boards, and only play SP so far. Figured I'd give MP a try. Let me know if one more is okay. I'd be willing to select an available race and start a pretender (using 2.01 zen mod, I believe).

Let me know, otherwise I'll just keep watching and get in another game. Thanks!

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Welcome aboard Shmonk!

Eight players should fit quite well on Inland (about 18 provinces per nation), and the game hasn't started yet. Please select a land nation (there are very few sea provinces on Inland), create a Pretender using Pretenders 2.01, and send the Pretender file to me (it can be found in the newlords directory).

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Ok, I choose Marignon, and have just created a pretender. It's on it's way via email. Thanks!

On average, how long do newbie games last, would you say, 30-50 turns, or not even that long? Just curious to get your impressions.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I am not sure if a newbie game has a different length compared to other games; usually, games seem to last 60 turns or so, but that depends a lot on the aggressiveness of all the involved parties.

Another map on Inland with 6 teams of 2 players is already nearing its end (I think) at turn 40, while I am hosting a Karan game already past the "turn 100" mark, with no end in clear sight.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Alneyan
have you a place for a beginner in multi? i think its closed.i am a very bad player without experience

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Thanks for the info.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Valent => I have replied to your mail, rather than here. But in short, I'm afraid we already have a full house here: eight players for Inland is fine for a beginner game, and more may make the game overcrowded.

I am thinking there would be interest in this sort of game on the French boards, but I could be wrong on that one (I haven't been paying much attention there in the past couple of weeks).

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I put a border around the edges of the tga of inland to help me orientate myself, because wrap around maps give me a headache.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

The game won't mind, so long as the .tga file is still called inland. At least, I *think* the game won't mind.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

The first turn has just been sent; please let me know as soon as possible if there is any problem.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Upon starting my unstoppable ascension to godhood I decide to check out the competetion.

I notice Ermors false god has both male and female titles.

Man's pretender is named Fountain of Avalon, probably a ploy to fool us into believing he has chosen the fountain as his pretender.

I burn a bush and appoint a prophet to spread my faith.

My pretender goes to work in the lab.

I also decide to engage in some diplomacy.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Can you send me my turn file again? I haven't received it yet (or somehow the spam filters auto deleted it). Or it's just delayed coming all the way from France. hehehe

I figure if I don't get it a 2nd time, I'll PM you a different email address.

I didn't know burning a bush was required in appointing a prophet... can't I just point to someone and say "hey YOU, your it until you fail", or is that not inspiring enough? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Well whats something interesting that happened? Nothing that I can think of so I'll just say. Longbows are good!!!.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I have just send the file again Shmonk.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Pythium worships Zanbarth, He Who is at the Center, Prince of the Cold North, Dispenser of Fate, the King of Berries.

Man worships The Well of Avalon, Creator of the Calendar, Lord of Order, Dispenser of Fate, the Persuasive One.

Arcosephale worships Antrineus, Prince of the Harvest, the Unforgiving Prince.

<font color="#666666">Arcosephale worships Tarphe, Goddess of Destiny, Lady of the Pole Star.</font>

Ermor worships Nyx, God of Invincible Power, Goddess of Plagues, Queen of the Freezing Winds, Queen of Fishermen, the Divine Shepherd.

Marignon worships Fortu, Sword of Balance, Feeder on Impurity, the Armorer.

Pangaea worships Vespur, Lord of Corruption, the Armorer, God of the Hunt, Prince of Suicides.

Jotunheim worships Hrud, King of Order, King of Pain, the Man Eater.

Machaka worships Gran, Prince of Flames, King of Metals, God of the Harvest.

Edit: changed Arco Pretender description to match the one really being used.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Alneyan, I sent you another email with a different email address to use. I haven't received my turn yet on either account if you've sent it to the 2nd one also.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Theorticly could you take the adjetives of a gods name and therefore figure ot what type of god they have for example

Arcosephale:
Tarphe
Godess=Female
Destiny=luck/astral
polestar=astral
therefor tarphe is a natraja with astral and high luck the rest of the scales normal.

Jotunheim
King of Order =3order
King of Pain =Death
Man Eater =Blood

I think jotuys god is a prince of death.

Let me try the rest:
Pythium
He who is at the center= balance of magics, like 2 or 3 of every magic
Prince of cold north= 2cold because 3 order is "King"
dispensr of fate= luck1
king of berries=3 growth

emermor, vampire queen or ghost king cause of imortatly=inviscible power, plagues=death,freezing winds= max cold
fishermen/sheperd=growth

marignon
sword balance= no change of scales
feeder of impurity=high blood
armorer=high earth

pangae
curroption= nature+death magic, armorer=earth magic=god of hunt=3growth, prince of sucides= 2chaos
machaka prince of flames=high fire, king of metals= really high earth, god of harvest =production cause a harvest is what is produced. I think machaka is gunna get those scared spider assains and do a blessing.

I wonder if I am right.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

some one try and figure me out.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Man worships The Well of Avalon, Creator of the Calendar, Lord of Order, Dispenser of Fate, the Persuasive One.

I had most difficulty figuring out your titles.
Lord of order= probably order 3.
Dispenser of fate = High luck or productivity?
persuasive one = high astral or dominion?

From your name I'd guess you are an oracle.

The titles are a bit randomly, so I would be carefull in deducting to much. I remade my pretender three times ,because i wanted to get some cool titles.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Hmm... I also have not recieved a turn, I'm afraid. Have you previously had trouble with Yahoo! mail?

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I use yahoo, and I've recieved mine.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I use Gmail, and I've recieved mine.
By the way, anyone wants an invitation to use Gmail?
They're free, and I got ~49 left...

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

I usually have trouble with Yahoo, but on the "Player send files" end; I think it is the first time turns do not make it to the player's mail, though Yellow Cactus has been having trouble in Entwined Destiny as well (for the past couple of turns).

I am thinking my SMTP has been altered, explaining why it doesn't work quite as well as before. I will send back those turns with my own Yahoo mail, but I am not too hopeful... if it doesn't work, I will switch to Plan C (involving uploading the files somewhere, for players unable to get their turn files).

(In the case of Shmonk, I did send the turn to both mails, so that's why I suspect the problem is on my end, and not on yours)

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

The situation for now (I am writing it here, instead of sending it as a mail, given the current problems):

- Man, Ermor, Pangaea and Jotunheim have sent in their turns.
- Pythium has sent a turn, but that was a .trn file (contained in a zip file), and not the .2h file. You do not need to zip your turn files, as they are very light; I only zip the .trn files to make sure I am in the correct directory.
- No turn file from Arcoscephale.
- Marignon and Machaka didn't get the turn files, so they haven't played their turns.

Re: PBEM game: The first step (Open)
 

Nata's are male, I believe.

As for some of your other guesses, I agree with many of them, but there are some titles which I have found to be given out almost at random so dont count on them too much. Better to just send out your scouts and find out for sure http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif