Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Hi all,

OK, this will be the thread in which the 7 players of the Spiralus PBW game will exchange Messages and comments. I prefer using Shrapnel for this rather than the forums at the PBW site, this site is faster and we know from our previous game (the PBW newbie thread) that other's like to keep tabs on how our game is progressing.

The Spiralus game has just started, and the first turn has been mailed out to everyone. This is my first attempt at being a game host so I hope I did not mess anything up.
As a Last minute change (as requested) I changed the unit and ship maximums, to 2500 and 400 respectively.

One small thing that worries me is that, on my first turn, I noticed I am still using a modified systemnames.txt. I'm pretty sure you guys don't see systems named Florida and such. Best case scenario, this will only mess up future negotiations since we won't know what systems we are talking about.
I wonder if I can fix this by replacing my systemnames file with the original one, have to check if I can do that mid-game.

Remember to install the Dragon shipset (from the PBW site File Library) if you want to see my ships correctly.
Email me if you have any questions about this.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Systemnames is only used when you make the map. We'll see the names.

I screwed up my race, and my game standing.. I withdrew to make some minor changes, then forgot to save. Result? Back to square one with the race. Oh well, they WERE minor changes.

Phoenix-D

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

One mistake I am certain that Corporal BeeDee is going to make at some point is to forget to switch his path to TDM Modpack for a turn. I'm certain of this because Corporal BeeDee has already forgotten it for his very first turn. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Anyway, does anyone know what the reprecussions of such a grievous error are? Since TDM doesn't mess around much with the components, it's my understanding that there wouldn't be much of a problem. But Corporal BeeDee is nonetheless concerned about screwing things up for others.

Corporal BeeDee is also way too proud about attaining the meaningless rank of "corporal" here on this forum, and will now stop referring to himself in the third person in the future. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

at least your not making the PFCs call you 'Sir.'

"Sir, the Private believes that any answer he gives will be incorrect, and the Sergeant will punish him more, sir!"

------------------
"...the green, sticky spawn of the stars"
(with apologies to H.P.L.)

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

If I did that, then I'm sure everyone over Corporal would start making me call _them_ sir. Better to not open that can of worms. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

The only effect should be a totally disorienting change in empire graphics for you. Nothing else.

Phoenix-D

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

How does everyone like their starting position ?
I haven't done any exploring yet, but am ancient race, and I expect I'll be meeting multiple races soon..

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Guys,

Since a lot of my other PBW games are suddenly terminating, I find myself with some extra time. I am considering creating yet another game, and would like to ask around here to see if somebody would be interested in a game like this:

NO AI players at all
Medium Mid-life galaxy
All warp points NOT connected, I but have regenerated maps till I had one where at least all systems are reachable.
No Intel (till the bug gets fixed).
Low tech start, 3 good-value planets, 2000 or 3000 racial points.
Circa 10 players.

What would happen: with 10 players in a galaxy this size you can expand quite a bit before hitting the diplomacy phase. You are likely to have only one or two neighbors initially, and comm channel trades become ever more important to get access to more T&R treaties. (or use cloaked deep space scouts like I like to do, to establish contact with other races).
Stellar manipulation would be important, with one wormhole opener you could cut your travel time to another section of the galaxy by a tenfold.
More players would be more fun, but I don't want the turns to take ages to come in. 24 hour turnaround max is what I had in mind.

What do you think? Any other ideas on game config ?

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I prefer games with smaller numbers of players for now, thanks.

I would suggest using Warp Points anywhere- it can add a lot to the game.

Phoenix-D

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Hello sirs. Guess I'm the only private here... Don't be too harsh on me will you http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif

So far I love my starting positon especially because of the planets in my system (huge breathable planet rich in minerals. Yum). It's too early to tell whether or not I'll like my neighbors, hopefully whichever one of you is my neighbor believes in world peace, and not galactic conquest.

Just wondering, but what happens in games where not all warp points are connected? Will you just see the graphic of a warp point, only when you try to warp through you can't go through it or something? On the subject of warp points, I wish there were ways to stabilize unstable warp points (especially since you have the tech to create them, would it be too hard to stabilize a pre-existing warp point?) or one-way warp-points. Could be fun.

Would anyone consider playing a game where empires can start anywhere (even in the same system)?

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I'm peace-loving! Just ask the guys from Newbie II! http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

As for the not-all-warp-points-connected, I think that option is poorly worded. It should say something like "not all _systems_ connected" instead. Basically, the game will not guarantee that every system can be reached by every other system if this option is enabled; you can (and usually do) wind up with separate clusters and "islands" of systems that do not connect with each other.

Edit> To illustrate the difference in case my description wasn't clear, try generating a few maps with the option disabled and then generate a few more with the option enabled to see the difference (this is by clicking "generate map" at the game setup stage).

[This message has been edited by BeeDee10 (edited 25 July 2001).]

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I'm having real trouble registering in PBW. It keeps telling me registration failed but I can't find the reason. My real name obviously was not wrong, email was triple-checked and correct, tried a few different login names including the one I used here (CW), but nothing made it work. I can make use of some help.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Now, in response to Dragonlord's original question, it looks like a nice setup but I'm still not sure how many games I should be playing simultaneously. I tend to put a lot of effort into my communications, it takes a while to type it all in and keep my notes in sufficient detail. I guess I could handle one more, but that's getting near my limit. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Note that there is a bug in the current Version of SEIV that causes maps created by clicking "generate map" to have no ruins anywhere, even if you've got ruins enabled. So if you generate a map that way, there will be no ruins present.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Beedee: Ouch. I guess that means no ruins in Spiralus. Hmm the bug introduces an interesting tradeoff though.. what would you like better, a game with ruins or a game where I've tried to get a map optimised for tactical and strategical deviousness?

As for the number of games you can be in: when I started PBW I was not sure either. Now, I can tell you that at the max I was on 6 games, which altogether took me about 2 hours daily (on average). I try to arrange it so that I have some games going which are slow starts (like the one-planet start in the Dracus game) and they take me maybe 5-10 minutes per turn, and one or two bigger games. For example I was in what I called to my girlfriend "the big game" which was a 10-player, 5-planet start medium mid-life galaxy slugfest called "Letharg". In the final stages that game took me an hour a day.

Currently the games I'm still in altogether take up about 20-30 minutes a day, so I'm trying to create another "big game". The 5-planet starts (like Newbie II) obviously get big sooner. And Beedee trust me, the diplomacy in Newbie II was nothing compared to the complex negotiations in the Letharg game, although we didn't send such lengthy in-game in-character Messages there, most went via email.

I've tried attaching two of the maps I generated in the fashion described in my earlier post, hope it works since I've never sent files to this forum before.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Hi everybody,
first a couple of answers/remarks to your Posts:

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR> originally posted by Shoujo:
Hello sirs. Guess I'm the only private here... Don't be too harsh on me will you http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif

So far I love my starting position especially because of the planets in my system (huge breathable planet rich in minerals. Yum). It's too early to tell whether or not I'll like my neighbors, hopefully whichever one of you is my neighbor believes in world peace, and not galactic conquest. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Shoujo, don't worry. You not the only private http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif. The Space Vikings led by myself can make good neighbors. Looking forward to contact with you.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR> originally posted by Dragonlord:
What do you think? Any other ideas on game config ? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I like the idea of a map with all warp points NOT connected that ARE connected http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...s/confused.gif. Okay, let's call it "few warp points". Would you consider making that an ancient quadrant type? This way you would really have to plan out military campaigns with complete task forces instead of "just" fleets. IMHO that would really make an interesting game. Stellar Manipulation becomes even more important.
No AI and 10 players sounds good, but fewer players should also work.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR> originally posted by CW:
I'm having real trouble registering in PBW. It keeps telling me registration failed but I can't find the reason. My real name obviously was not wrong, email was triple-checked and correct, tried a few different login names including the one I used here (CW), but nothing made it work. I can make use of some help. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmm, that's odd. The only help I can offer is suggesting that you try a different email. Maybe the site doesn't like your email address. Make a new (generic) email account and try it with that.

Okay, now to my own issues:<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI> I have noticed that the Yvelon Republic led by Shounjo is using the same shipset as I do. To avoid confusion I will add a "(SV)" for Space Vikings to all my ship classes. I will also use the Scandinavian names most of the time. So, if you see something like "Alesund (SV) class", that ship should be mine (unless having been boarded or converted, of course http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif).
I suggest that Shounjo will also add a "YR" for Yvelon Republic (or something like it) to his ship classes just to make sure.

<LI> Just for the record, I live in the central European time zone (Berlin, GMT+1). What time zones are you guys living in?

<LI> I think we should set up a few house rules (code of honor, whatever...). Here are my proposals:
1. Diplomatic contact outside the game via email is allowed (and even encouraged).
2. The use of another players password (should it be known) is strictly prohibited unless approved by that player (I guess, that goes without saying...).
3. Since some players (myself included) are in multiple games, "cross trading" should not be allowed. What I mean with that is deals like: "Heh, xyz, if you give me Mines in Junkyard, I'll give you Fighters in Spiralus". While this cannot be controlled, it should be considered bad behavior and frowned upon http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/tongue.gif.

Any comments/additions/suggestions/applause?

<LI> Last, but not least, I wish everybody good luck and happy expansion... [/list]
Okay, enough for now,

Rollo, Space Vikings

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I don't really care for ruins anyway.. depending on what you find, they can give a HUGE advantage to one player.

Phoenix-D

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

OK, I guess it will be a no ruins game, though I kinda like racing with others towards ruins planets.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rollo:

<LI> I have noticed that the Yvelon Republic led by Shounjo is using the same shipset as I do. To avoid confusion I will add a "(SV)" for Space Vikings to all my ship classes. I will also use the Scandinavian names most of the time. So, if you see something like "Alesund (SV) class", that ship should be mine (unless having been boarded or converted, of course http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif).
I suggest that Shounjo will also add a "YR" for Yvelon Republic (or something like it) to his ship classes just to make sure.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I think that is a very good idea.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rollo:

<LI> Just for the record, I live in the central European time zone (Berlin, GMT+1). What time zones are you guys living in?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The time zones are all listed in every email you get with a turn, although it won't show who is who. We have some Americans, a German and a Japanese player in Spiralus.

[QUOTE
<LI> I think we should set up a few house rules (code of honor, whatever...). Here are my proposals:
1. Diplomatic contact outside the game via email is allowed (and even encouraged).
2. The use of another players password (should it be known) is strictly prohibited unless approved by that player (I guess, that goes without saying...).
3. Since some players (myself included) are in multiple games, "cross trading" should not be allowed. What I mean with that is deals like: "Heh, xyz, if you give me Mines in Junkyard, I'll give you Fighters in Spiralus". While this cannot be controlled, it should be considered bad behavior and frowned upon http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/tongue.gif.

Any comments/additions/suggestions/applause?
[/quote]

1) Definitely encouraged.
2) Of course, prohibited. But as far as I know every empire file has a password on it. If you forgot to include one, and are logging on with blank passwords, you can change this within the game under Empire Options.
3) I would definitely frown on such behavior.


I am glad you like my suggested map. The map will have several clusters of systems which are only connected by one line.
As for ancient quadrant type: I never use it, so remind me , how does that affect things? I seem to recall someone saying it gives you way too many black holes and asteroid fields...

As for number of players, I'm not so sure anymore if I'd like more than 10. I'm now thinking it is not so much the number of players which holds up a game, but the timezones they are in. Maybe 7-8 is better, depending on where they are from.

For example, in Spiralus I am already noticing the following: when a new turn becomes available it is usually afternoon or evening for us in America (not necessarily Americans). We here usually upload our turns within 1-2 hours after the turn is available. Then we wait until around 10 PM EST for Shoujo to get to his PC and send in his turn, but then it's 4 AM in Germany and it'll take another 4-5 hours for Rollo to be able to get his turn in. (I think he does it right before going to work/school or does it first thing when he gets there, judging by log timestamps). Then the next turn gets processed (3 AM in the US) and for some reason y'all in the US are nightowls like me cause you all upload immediately, even in the middle of the night. But then we're back to waiting for Japan... http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon9.gif

I considered making a game that's restricted to all-American or all-European players, but decided that would not be fair. Also because I like everyone in the Spiralus game and would rather have somewhat slower turns with good diplomatic interactions than fast turns with unknown players which perhaps don't interact as well.

One tip, though this probably goes without saying: if you see that you are the Last person to upload, and you have a limited time-window to play in each day, please send in two back-to-back turns.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Guys,
I have just figured out what the Statistics and History links do on the PBW site.

The Statistics is an admin function only. It is similar to "show scores: all" within the game. I don't know why this feature exists cause it can give the admin an unfair advantage, so I have turned it off for this game since we have a "score display: allied".

The History, I think, is a new feature and it allows you to see for all players how quick they were in uploading turns and how often they missed a turn.
Pretty useful, and according to the PBW admins it will get even better in the future.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dragonlord:
OK, I guess it will be a no ruins game, though I kinda like racing with others towards ruins planets.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Especially considering that you're an ancient race, eh? http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Personally, I rarely use the unique ruin tech. The only one I really lust after is the planetary shielding now that it's been souped up in the latest patch.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I am glad you like my suggested map. The map will have several clusters of systems which are only connected by one line.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Choke points good. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>As for ancient quadrant type: I never use it, so remind me , how does that affect things? I seem to recall someone saying it gives you way too many black holes and asteroid fields...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

"Way too much" is in the eye of the beholder. It completely screws up the AIs, they are extremely stupid when it comes to handling long distances between resupply depots and travel through black holes/damaging warp points. However, I think that features like this can be positively dreamy when you're up against a whole bunch of humans. It requires a lot more preparation before and during invasions.

As for timing considerations, I don't mind only having one or maybe two turns per day; once we're past the initial slowness of the first year or two I'm sure things will be complicated enough to keep me interested. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BeeDee10:
Note that there is a bug in the current Version of SEIV that causes maps created by clicking "generate map" to have no ruins anywhere, even if you've got ruins enabled. So if you generate a map that way, there will be no ruins present.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

yeah. and let me tell you, the third time you have to generate a .GAM file for a 20 player game, it gets really old.
(no, i didnt make the same mistake twice, the first regen was because one of the EMPs was wrong)

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Beedee, I understand what you mean about the ancient galaxy, though I'm not entirely convinced yet. Let's see what the others have to say about it.

Newsflash: there *are* ruins in the Spiralus game, even though I pre-generated the map.
There are about 20 planets with ruins, although for some reason almost all of them are scattered around the southern half of the galaxy.
I don't go for the unique tech in ruins, I never us it. But I do like the occasional find, if you are real lucky you'll get colonisation tech or something else that's both expensive and useful. Although I usually get tech that is medium-expensive but that I would not normally research, such as Satellites II. Still, it's nice to have slightly better sats, or troops, or resource extraction.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I like ancient maps. Makes the exploration stage so much fun. (Maybe you should turn off your ancient trait to fully enjoy them http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif). BeeDee is right about the AI not able to handle them. But since it's a humans only game that doesn't matter.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Heh, I just saw that everybody but one has their turn done already. Maybe I should stay up half an hour longer before going to bed and see if I can send in another one.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dragonlord:
Newsflash: there *are* ruins in the Spiralus game, even though I pre-generated the map.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Interesting. I never actually confirmed that bug myself, since I tend not to pre-generate maps when playing single-player. Wonder if it's sporadic and we just got lucky...

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I just generated a map with the ancient galaxy setting, and it looked horrible ! Fully 50 to 60% of the systems are either black holes, nebulae, or asteroid fields.
Please explain this to me again: why is that good?

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

It's good because it adds a lot of interesting buffer space between your valuable systems. Nebulas and black holes have strategic value for attack and defence, and the distances involved force you to think about supply lines and things like that when you send your fleets out. Since systems with useable planets are rarer, they become a lot more valuable; this changes the strategy too (you can't have "throwaway" colonies out on the border to slow down an enemy advance, for example). Remote mining can become actually significant to your economy, and then you have to defend all those remote mining satellites strewn about in the asteroid systems too.

With standard mid-life maps, for example, you can almost always avoid the black hole systems. But what if you _had_ to transit one in order to reach enemy territory?

Of course, this isn't necessarily a "better" way to play, just different. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

BeeDee, we both agree on this (You just make a much better point than I do, thanks http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif). This is what I meant with military campaigns being more difficult to prepare and needing actual task forces.
I think we should give it a try with an ancient map. Maybe just a few players for a test. I also suggest not to allow ancient race special traits (sorry, Dragonlord), because this spoils most of the fun.

Rollo

[This message has been edited by Rollo (edited 26 July 2001).]

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Hmm yes maybe we should try this with 4 players or so. And yes, ancient race would not be a fun trait to have on such a map.

Im still a little puzzled about black holes though...always have been. What's the big deal with them? My ships always safely make it past a black hole, it just takes a little bit longer to traverse the systems because you get sucked towards the black hole for 2 sectors worth of movement, but since ships have a speed of 6 to 12, they never actually get sucked into the thing.

Nebuleas I can understand, good to make resupply stations in or for forcing combat with no shields. (or was that black holes again, the no shields thing?)

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dragonlord:
Hmm yes maybe we should try this with 4 players or so. And yes, ancient race would not be a fun trait to have on such a map.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I don't have anything against ancient race myself; you pay your points and you get your maps. :)

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Im still a little puzzled about black holes though...always have been. What's the big deal with them?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, for starters black holes tend to be associated with corrupted warp points. They're like unsweepable minefields, and if they happen to cripple your engines you can still lose ships to the hole. But even if the warp points are normal, you just can't station a fleet in a black hole system for an extended period; eventually they run out of supplies and die. You can't put in sentry satellites or minefields either, they get sucked in too. And if your fleet is low on supplies, be very careful before sending them through. Remember also that combat consumes supplies, so fighting inside a black hole system could doom you even if you win the battle resoundingly.

Basically, it's a major pain to _hold_ a black hole system. They're natural no-man's lands.

Note that I haven't actually had much _experience_ with the strategic implications of these things; I've mostly played against the AI so far. But it all seems to make sense inside my head at the moment. :)

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Nebuleas I can understand, good to make resupply stations in or for forcing combat with no shields. (or was that black holes again, the no shields thing?)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Black holes are the no-shield systems, nebulas are merely naturally cloaked (though one of the red nebula types cloaks better than any sensor can overcome, and ships in such a nebula are _invulnerable_. Invest in stellar manipulation. :).

(I came across a mod that added a wide variety of new nebulas with all sorts of effects borrowed from the storms, but the name is slipping my mind.)

Oh, and the usual disclaimer applies; different people have different playing styles and enjoy different sorts of maps. I wouldn't want to play _every_ game in an Ancient quadrant, that would get tedious. :)

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Yeah, let's give it a try on a small ancient map with 4 or 5 players and no AI. If you don't mind, I could gamemaster that. I don't want to take away your idea, but since we are moving away from it anyway it will be in addition to that, not replacing it.
I don't actually care who gamemasters it, but I have not done it yet, so I could learn it.

About Black Holes: In one of my games with the demo I had my one of my explorers getting sucked into them, because it ran out of fuel. It already had solar collectors on, but had to travel through a couple of nebulae (sorry, no fuel here http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif). Already low on fuel they had high hopes of finding a sun at the other end of an unexplored warp point only to find a black hole... Well, the good thing about those is that you don't have to pay maintenance for stranded scouts http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif. In order to reach the other end of this nebulae/black hole cluster I had to develop better solar collectors, wait a few turns just outside the first nebula to refuel and then make the run (the Kessel run?). But it was worth it: On the other side, I found a really nice system with at least one breathable planet (cannot recall exactly). While the scout waited in the system to refuel and watch the system, I had to put together an actual colonization fleet (Colonizer, 2 Refuel ships with solar collectors, warships (just to make sure http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif)). That really gave a "Battlestar Galactica" feeling, if you know what I mean.
This little tale might illustrate best, what I mean with the fun of exploring and planning task forces. Playing in ancient maps gives you some other problems to deal with. Some might argue that playing with ancient maps in PBW can be a drag (in the boring sense), but I say we try it anyway and find out ourselves...

Just my 0.02
Rollo

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Whoops, I didn't see BeeDee had already replied. I was offline typing my stuff. Anyway, it's never bad to have a second opinion...

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Ship names - Ok I'll add YR after all my ship names from now on.

Time zones- I'm the Japanese player http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon9.gif Sorry for slowing you all down folks. If this game Lasts a month or so I'll be back in the states and ready to crank out turns as fast as the rest of you.

Ancient Galaxy - Eeep no ancient map please. I'm in three normal games that might as well be ancient galaxies from the sheer number of nebulae and black holes I've run into. From my experience they slow the game down a lot without adding much. I frequently end up just looking at a very short empire log, then hitting end turn because nothing happens http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon9.gif Maybe I'm just a tad impatient...

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

QUOTE:
I guess I should create my own (at least a different flag).
/QUOTE

You are aware that there is already a Space Viking shipset in build aren't you? That would be too much of a coincidence...

http://www.sandman43.fsnet.co.uk/viking.htm


------------------
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"
"I think so Brain but, if you replace the P with an O, my name would be Oinky, wouldn't it?"

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

No, I didn't know about it. That's great! I hope I can use it, when it's finished http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif.

Actually I've been using the name Space Vikings for a long time in these kind of games (i.e SE3, Galaxy PBM). Believe or not, it is pure coincidence. I come from an area in northern Germany where the Vikings had settlements (e.g. Haithabu) and also my real name sounds pretty "vikingish". Just for your information, Rollo was a Viking King (that sounds odd http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...s/confused.gif ) in the Normandy.

Okay, enough history for now... http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif
Until the shipset is finished and I get permission to use it, I think I will do my own flag anyway.

Rollo

[edit]
P.S.: Maybe when the set is finshed and someone wants to create an AI for it (don't look at me), I can help a little bit with the speech files. I'll have to keep an eye on that.

[This message has been edited by Rollo (edited 26 July 2001).]

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Wierd coincidence... I've was drawing Space Viking comics at school. ooOOOOoooOOOOooh!!

ANyway, permission to use it is yours as soon as it's working. I'd also love some help with the AI files, although I'm more worried about the "clever" stuff (i design files, anger files) than the spech, which I already have some ideas for.

Anyway, we're getting off topic. Can we continue this conversation on the proper thread? I'll bump it to the top of the forum for you...

------------------
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"
"I think so Brain but, if you replace the P with an O, my name would be Oinky, wouldn't it?"

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Shoujo:
Ship names - Ok I'll add YR after all my ship names from now on.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Okay, good. In all my PBW games I have somebody using the same shipset as me. I guess I should create my own (at least a different flag).
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Shoujo:
Time zones- I'm the Japanese player http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon9.gif Sorry for slowing you all down folks. If this game Lasts a month or so I'll be back in the states and ready to crank out turns as fast as the rest of you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't worry, I don't think you slowing things down at all (not more than I do, anyway http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif). I think this game is progressing quite good. Can't really judge, because this one of my first, but compared to my other games this is really fast.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Shoujo:
Ancient Galaxy - Eeep no ancient map please. I'm in three normal games that might as well be ancient galaxies from the sheer number of nebulae and black holes I've run into. From my experience they slow the game down a lot without adding much. I frequently end up just looking at a very short empire log, then hitting end turn because nothing happens http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon9.gif Maybe I'm just a tad impatient...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Yeah, I understand what you mean. I still like the "feel" of ancient galaxies, though. I guess it's not everybodys cup of tea.

Rollo

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Yep, we are indeed getting off topic, so let me try to wrench this thread back to Spiralus. I have moved the discussion about possible new games to:
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/003294.html

OK, we are now in turn 8 of Spiralus, and things are developing much faster than I had anticipated. Amazing how much can happen in 8 turns. Initially we didn't have much to talk about as we all build colonisers and scout ships, but now:

The Dragon Hegemony has already made contact with 3 races. The Amon'krie immediately turned hostile and have already destroyed two of my colonisers. Research has immediately shifted to defensive technology, and I should have mines on the next turn.
We have also encountered ships led by "Spock" and by "The General". That corner of the galaxy seems quite cramped, so it will be interesting to see how they wish to handle diplomatic relations. If all goes well I'll have treaties with them soon.
I really miss having the Propulsion Expert trait, my colonisers are sooo slow.
Then again they don't loose time going through wormholes into new territory.
Did I mention yet that I love being an Ancient Race? :-)

How is everybody else doing?

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I've hit a nice sweet spot in setting up my shipyard capabilities; I can pump out useful frigate designs in a single turn. I may experiment more extensively with smaller ship designs this time around. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Two contacts myself.. I seem to be boxed in even MORE this time.

I'm really glad I'm not playing the Certadsh. They'd go nuts at the dealing I'm going to have to do.

Phoenix-D

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I have one contact so far with an AI I have never been up against before. They declared war on me already.
Hmm, I guess they don't like the "Viking way of life" http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon12.gif.

This game is fun... http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/ima...ons/icon10.gif

Rollo

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Ouch. the two contacts that Phoenix mentioned are the same two races that I discovered. Something seems to have gone wrong with the equal distribution of starting positions. We now have 4 of the 7 human races boxed into a sector that is altogether maybe 15% of the galaxy.
If this turns to war, (and two races are close to war already) then it could be that the other three humans have free reign over the rest of the galaxy (after killing off the AI). It remains to be seen whether one or more (of the 4 up north) human races will come out of our corner with sufficient strength to take on the other three races who will have quietly grown big.

My own position: I have soom room to expand eastwards, but two of the other northern races have to go through me or the Scrons to reach the rest of the galaxy...they're boxed into a corner. And I expect to find another race to my east soon.

Will keep y'all posted on developments.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Hmm, posting seems to be dropping off.
Doesn't anybody have anything to report?

Come on, share your adventures and insights with the world http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

The shooting hasn't started yet, and their isn't much I can say without giving away my plans http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phoenix-D

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dragonlord:
Hmm, posting seems to be dropping off.
Doesn't anybody have anything to report?

Come on, share your adventures and insights with the world http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry, it's been kind of a busy day. I'll do my turn now and then post some news.

Rollo

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

One of my blockading fleets just got smashed by my AI enemy. Man, they pour out one light cruiser after another. What does computer bonus mean again http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif? Do they cheat or what?

If they keep doing this I'll have to retreat to my own territory and there will be no more plunder for my Vikings http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon9.gif.

Better send out some more explorers to find some more friendly types (if there are any). Colonized a ruin with high hopes and what did I find? Massive shield thingies. Too bad no colo tech, but I think it's better that way. If somebody finds another colo tech early in the game, it might unbalance it.

Rollo

PS: Dragonlord, would you mind turning the statistics on the PBW off? Since we play with "allied score" most of the information there is classified. I don't mind, if you leave score and even tech levels on, but the rest should IMHO be off.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Yes there is war in the NW quadrant. Not a declared war, but war none the less.

When the Scron first encountered the Bakulon, we would have gladly extended an olive branch. Cooperation and trade is much more beneficial to all concerned.

However, the Bakulon's greeting, without warning or a declaration of war, was the destruction of two new but defenseless colonies.

The Scron now look to eradicate such vermin from the galaxy.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I'd love to post some news too, but there's little I can say without giving away information that could potentially put my allies and/or enemies at risk. I'll post summaries of previous events once they are no longer of any use. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

I'm having a great old time roleplaying a Merchant race...I took this ability initially for the reduced maintenance, but figured I'd go with it and trade with everybody. So far quite succesfully. Now I know I should have taken "Natural Merchant" as well :-)

Meanwhile I keep a nervous eye out in all directions. Am building a fleet to deal with the Amon'krie, and hope my customer (allies) don't get alarmed by the rising number of ships they can see in my stats. I try to orchestrate my trades (star charts, resources, anything!) in such a way as to avoid an all out war in the northern section of the galaxy.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Dragon is trying to be Switerland during WWII. And so far, doing a good job at it.

Re: Spiralus PBW discussion thread.
 

Oh yeah, I love this roleplaying. I'm trying to meet up with the happy-happy joybots of the Irrh-nur, cause I know they're good at it too.
I like having the merchant backstory. For instance, this month (turn)I told one customer that he had been selected "customer of the month" and gave him some free star charts, just for the hell of it http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif