Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) smiting has begun!
 

Looking for players with some MP experience. Doesn't have to be a lot, but this shouldn't be your first or second MP game.

settings:
Map: Realm of Roaring Rhinos
Players: 12
Mods: CBM 1.92
Era: late age
Indie strength: 7
Magic sites: 45
Hall of fame: 15
score graphs: off
all other settings default
banned nations: Ermor, R'lyeh
hosting: Llamaserver
30h turns until at least turn 30, will advance to 48h afterwards as needed
diplomacy is non-binding, gem/item/province trading remains inviolate

Please do not abandon the game or stale repeatedly without notifying me or posting- I'd much rather find a sub than have someone quit abruptly.

1) Groundworm- Marignon
2) Immaculate- Patala
3) Slobby- Gath
4) Carpetbagger- Pythium
5) Bat/man- Bogarus
6) Finalgenesis- Atlantis
7) decourcy- T'ien Ch'i
8) Snacktime- Utgard
9) shard- Jomon
10) Nightfall- Ulm
11) HoleyDooley- Agartha
12) schoelle- Man
13) Whollaborg- Arcoscephale

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

I'd like to join playing Acrosephale.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

You've been around for awhile, but I've never played with you. Are you new to MP? Vet? Somewhere in-between?

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

I have played few multiplayer games thou not recently, quite sporadically i'd say. I even managed to win one or two ;)

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Patala.

Interesting that diplomacy is binding. Thats an increasingly unpopular option. Should be interesting how it changes the dynamic.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Welcome aboard. Immaculate, why is binding diplomacy becoming unpopular? Would you suggest less rigorous diplomacy?

Non-binding diplomacy certainly has it's place in the game, but I don't know if I'm a fan of securing a NAP with someone and not actually knowing if I have a NAP with them.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

no- its fine- i am okay with either option. i guess i just played in a lot of more cut-throat games.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

I am having a bit of second though on binding diplomacy. How is it enforced in not so rare cases of conflicting treaties the inevitable wars and such would bring?

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Define conflicting treaties?

In general, people only really sign NAPs. Alliances, if any, are always temporary (and never written or binding in any way). You rarely see anything that may be considered, say, a mutual defense pact or somesuch (i.e. X attacks Y, Ys treaty with Z forces them to attack X), because there is only one winner at the end.

I suppose someone can try more zany treaty ideas (and go for things like a double victory), but in the overwhelming majority of cases, you don't see it. And things like gem/item trades are basically always honored, even in games where diplomacy isn't binding. Even in non-binding diplo games, the majority of treaties which are signed are generally maintained (due to the reputation cost of breaking them).

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

gath please

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

I would like a spot. Will post nation in a bit. :)

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

You might notice that even a simple NAP cannot be maintained trough the game as there "can be only one".

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Well, that's why every NAP has an expiration clause (either it's timed to last only X amount of turns before being renewed, or, more popularly, there is a cancellation clause which requires X turn notice before the treaty is dissolved and attacks may commence).

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Welcome aboard, Slobby and Carpetbagger. I'm glad to see at least a few more people interested, since no one had been joining.

If binding diplomacy is really such an issue, I'm willing to change it to non-binding. Those of you who've joined, let me know what you think.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Count me in.

I'm a glutton for punishment .. so LA-Agartha.
If thats taken- LA-Mictlan.

and I'll have a surprise for anyone that wants to rush me = )

I'm fine with binding diplomacy, in fact it would be fun to find an "honorouble" game.
but these kinds of games are rare - people are more used to cut throat.
I'm fine with either but prefer binding.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Greetings, Bat/man!

What's your MP experience like?

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Oh I don't know. 50+ games?

But.. I haven't played for 2 years, have never seen cbm 1.92.
And I volunteered to play agartha. So I figure its a wash = ).

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

why down on agartha- no one skelly-spams like them. i don't even think that c'tis can outspam their skellies.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

In a tight map like shahriver, you are very succeptible to a rush: all the skelly spam in the world doesn't help if you don't have it researched = ).

But, fine... switch me to Bogarus = ).

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Lol. Well, credit to you for being honest but I think you may have just moved to the top of the dogpile list. Hope that's a really good surprise you've got waiting. ;)

50+ games is considerable. So, will the Bat/man reveal his identity after the game?

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Hi Groundworm, it's been half a year since my last MP game almost. I'd like to get my feet wet again, sign me up for Atlantis. I think you were arco in New Kinda noob way back when? Good times =)

I'm definitely newb, still in the 8~ games range and first time on 1.92. I hope I don't get rushed out too quickly!

For binding agreement, I highly recommend very clear and defined rules on it if we go ahead with it, otherwise it WILL go wrong. Let me provide a suggestion (which shed some light on where things can go wrong):

1) Only NAP X can be binding. X may be any non-negative, non-zero integer. For example, NAP using imaginary numbers will not be binding.(Yes this is a bad joke)

2) No last minute declaration (5 minutes before turn resolved), let's say a pm during first 6 hours for 24h turn and 12h for 48h turns will be considered valid, non-valid declaration will be considered valid starting on the next turn.

3) After declaration, 3 turns must occur counted as follows: Ex. NAP 3 - Turn 10 valid declaration made, Turn 11, Turn 12, Turn 13 battle may occur (orders can be given in turn 12)

4) All stealth units other then indie scouts caught will be considered breach of NAP (assassins, unrest generator ...etc are no no). Which leads into another problem, there is no repercussion for breach, in fact it seems like a freebie way to break NAP for war, there is no way to enforce the binding. You could say no stealth units in NAP mate territory period, but what can you do it you find them? End the game (another way to grief the game)?

5) Global spells will not be considered a breach of NAP, or do we want the restriction of not being allowed to cast certain global if you have NAP with anyone? The flip side of the coin is what if you are a long lived race and cast burden of time, while you have NAP 5 with most of your short lived rival?

6) Territory stealing is allowed because of how onerous obtaining proof is (you can't). Consider this example: Nation A is at war with nation B and have NAP 5 with Nation C. Every time Nation B takes a province from Nation A that it can't hold on (with say a ghost rider), Nation C would conveniently attack right after with a single scout to take it, and oddly Nation B doesn't say anything and their actions is in fact fully coordinated throughout, but Nation A cannot attack nation C immediately due to NAP 3, even though clearly Nation C is actively working with B to screw A over.

Basically, binding agreement can often be used as a sucker punching weapon that cause a lot of unhappy *****in', I've seen scenario 5 happen often, and scenario 6 in various variants a few times myself (all in non-binding games thankfully). You can abuse the hell out of binding agreement and cause a lot of grief unless you come up with a textbook sized rule list.

I'm fine either way, and despite the above I don't actually have a clear preference, but I've seen cases where if there was binding agreement it can go against it's original intention (a clean game) and turn it into a mess. So... since we're going binding agreement I'd like a set of very clear and precise rules =) doesn't mean I won't abuse any loopholes though (of which there will guaranteed to be some).

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Perhaps this doesn't qualify as a "simple NAP" any more ;)

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

All right, Bat/man, you're in! Shall I put you down for Agartha or Bogarus?

Finalgenesis, I remember you! Great to play with you again! Welcome back! :)

The whole issue of binding vs. non-binding diplomacy seems to be contentious. I'm changing it to non-binding, with the caveat that most of the people I've played with have been more interested in having a good game that's won honorably. If someone does breach a NAP, feel free to call it out publicly so that it's noted for future reference. Things that constitute breaching a NAP include, among others: deliberately overwriting the same global, assassinating commanders, casting remote attack spells (hard to catch), etc. Trades of gems and items, as well as province swapping, are to be considered inviolate regardless.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

I too like the reputation method =)

Now I gotta run up some SP and remove some of this rust.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Oh just curious, I assume quickhost is off?

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Pythium I choose you!:doh:

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

So, make it Bogarus.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

I am interested but i have no experience with Llama server multiplayer. I am an experienced strategy gamer, with some game development credits, and i have now played several multiplayer games of Dom 3 with a direct IP connection on quick host.

If you are willing to give me a shot i would like Tien Chi or Jomon.

Michael

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

If you'll have me, I'll take Utgard.

I've played about 10 multiplayer games, but haven't played in at least a year and a half and trying to return, FWIW. I've used llamaserver but it's been a while. But I remember it being not too tough.

If you'd rather more experienced players np!

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

I am interested in joining as Jomon, they seem to be vastly different from what I remember.
(Decourcy: I assume since you didnt state a preference, you wouldnt mind going with Tien Chi?)

I have no preference on the type of diplomacy, but a suggestion:

How about for diplomacy to be limited to ingame messaging and any breaches can be publicly announced if necessary (backed up by screenshots if warranted). This way you dont disadvantage those who dont spend so much time on the boards/irc or have arguments over timing of messages....

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Hey all, I'm happy to join as well.

I'd like to try as LA Ermor, or LA Ulm if people would prefer no Ermor in the game.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Excellent! Welcome, everyone!

shard: I've found that the actual communication method makes little difference. I've received communications in-game and by PMs on here, and they've worked equally well. And, for the most part, people seem to live by their word, and don't breach NAPs even with non-binding diplomacy. I'm assuming this will continue to not be an issue.

Nightfall: I forgot to mention that I would prefer no Ermor or R'lyeh, so I'll put you in as Ulm. :)

And that just leaves one slot left!

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

bump for that last spot:angel

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Hmm well not much left as the last to join.

Lets go with LA Man.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Augh, damn. Scratch that, count me out.
:doh:

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Wow- this map provides really resource-restricted start sites. I am happy i am not ulm or another resource- intensive nation.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Agartha Thanks.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Im in as ABYSIA. Please confirm here im in and i will upload asap.

EDIT: if not or too late, np.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

May I join and take Man?

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

Lol Groundworm...you could have auctioned off the last place in the game!!!!

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) recruiting
 

HoleyDooley has the last spot as Agartha- sorry Ragnarok-X and CyborgKillerMonster! :(

I will put the game up now; start submitting pretenders and we'll start when everyone is in!

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

Sounds good - if it's not too late and no one objects, can we allow renaming? It makes keeping track of commanders easier for me, although if there is a particular objection (thematic/RP etc) no problem.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

May I second that?

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

I am unfamiliar with the shahriver map. Could someone share some info on it?
What does no random sites mean?
I won't be back to my computer until tomorrow so I can't run mapviewer.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

It is a new map for me as well.

I downloaded it and tried it out, it is very colorful. I am a lover of art but i think these colors might be a bit distracting. No sites means that they have removed all of the preset sites, so all sites are random.

I understand why we are going with a small map, large number of players but boy is this going to be and adjustment for me! This is all about early expansion which is what LA T'ien C'hi is not all about. About 11 provinces per player i think.

Mike

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

Renaming is on. Sorry if I forgot to mention that in my original post.

Bat/man- Shahrivar is a fairly open, non-wrap map with a small (12? province) lake in the middle west that is the only water on the map. It's colorful, as decourcy mentioned, and has decent resources, income, and terrain variety. The original map had fixed magic sites (some of which were quite powerful) that were unequally distributed and so gave certain starting spots disproportionate advantages. This version that we're using has them removed.

decourcy- excluding water provinces, Shahrivar has 168, which means that we'll each have 14 on average. This is pretty standard, in my experience, for a small-medium sized game (which is what I'm used to). If people would rather have something a little bigger, I'm not opposed to changing the map to something else. Though if you're worried about LA T'ien Ch'i expansion, check out your Ancestor Vessels!

Do let me know if a significant number of us would like a map change, we can certainly do that. Riverlands is also a possibility- 226 land + 19 water provinces would give us an average of 18-19 provinces each, exclusive of water provs. Would make the game somewhat bigger.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

Map isn't too small, 14-15 provinces per player is actually on the big side; map looks fine to me...

Keep in mind that average expansion is going to be a little slow anyway, it is LA with indys set to 7, half the starting armies may struggle to take a province...

From the little testing I've done there seems to be a LOT of pop on the map too, which should be interesting.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

No, the map is fine; i need to try new maps more, i have been using Lutes maps almost exclusively.

I also from glancing at the map tonight thought there were 140 land provinces, teach me to glance count.

No, the ancestor vessels are in the top 3 or 4 sacred troops but too expensive for early expansion. I enjoy early age the most so i SP that, but the couple of people i have MP with like MA so we use that, so this is my first experience with LA.

I did a little start on this map and played 6 turns to get an idea... yea, composite bows suck in LA! I miss my Imperial crossbowmen. I had set my archers to 'fire archers' confidently expecting my composite bowmen to slaughter those pathetic short bowmen. Yea, um, they have plate armour. On a short bowmen. Dude.

Mike

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

A lovely map, also a first for me. Looking forward to it.

A friendly reminder, for those who have hidden in sand capability and planned to use it, the spell requires wasteland to cast ;)

Btw, can we have quickhost off during the 24 hr turns period? Turn creep is a problem for us working folks.

Re: Smiting Season (newb-intermediate, LA, CBM 1.92) submit pretenders
 

Or just set it to 30h instead of 24 please.