Updated the FAQ
 

Guess what?

Check for spell erors!

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Finally got out the latest revision to the newbie FAQ. Added about 7 pages of stuff sprinkled throughout.

INTRODUCING A NEW SECTION (17) FOR STRATEGY ARTICLES!

And special thanks to Stone Mill for opening up the new section.

CHECK IT OUT!

p.s. Apologies to Ruatha and Stone Mill for taking so long to get this out. Got hit with a cold (recovered) and had some real life priorities to take care of.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Just wanted to give my thanks to Ruatha and Slick. I just recieved my copy of SEIV Gold 3 days ago and the newbie FAQ is just fabulous!

It saved me tremendous time looking up stuff in the forums and now I realize I am not as big a idiot as i originally thought as other people obviously had the same questions. Specifically on not being able to use transports as remote miners or sat layers.

Anyway once again my thanks for your hard work it is much appreciated.

Malagon

PS just re reading what I wrote I got the game 3 days ago and was looking at the faq on the forum here. Kinda err sounds like I got the faq with the game:)

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Minor update to FAQ 3/24: corrected typos, added total of about 1 page of new text throughout, incorporated addition from Foreman (ty!)

Slick.

p.s. Thanks Magalon! It is a community effort.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

The Newbie FAQ has been updated. Here's a synopsis of the major changes/additions:

- fixed many inaccuracies identified in the FAQ thread plus some others.
- added section 17.6 from Stone Mill's Strategy Articles.
- added a total of roughly 6 pages of new information throughout.
- added new (probationary) section 18 where I posted my Turn Checklist.

Please post any feedback to the FAQ in this thread if possible to keep the main FAQ as close to the top of the thread as possible. Thanks and enjoy!

Slick.

[ May 30, 2003, 02:46: Message edited by: Slick ]

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Slick, you learn something every day. For instance, I just realized you can get colds, even if you are in a paradise like Hawaii. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Nice work my friend, and to all contributors. Indeed, the FAQ has become quite a feature.

No need to thank me, really. I guess you can tell I don't mind at all writing the articles. And I'm never offended by a gentle reminder to get another one rolling. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

well, get well soon.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thanks anyway! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Good update Slick.
Will set me down and go through the turn check list later tonight, might streamline my gaming some!

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

sorry, i was replying to stone mill. but feel free to get well all you want. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">

[ May 30, 2003, 08:14: Message edited by: narf poit chez BOOM ]

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Hmmm... I'm not sick. At least not with a cold. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

You can say sometimes I have the "Blues" lately. But then, I just spend a little time in "Heartbreak Hotel," Baby. Shake-it-up! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Paragraphs 4.4.7 and 12.1 have the same purpose- riots. IMO it is better to incorporate all info about them in one place and place references when needed smth like this:

4.4.7. Rioting Planets do not construct anything, as the construction queue will display "Never." To resolve Rioting see '12.1 Riots & Riot Control'

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes. There are a few places with redundant information, but in this complex game, sometimes it is hard to keep the info only (or all) in 1 place because of how the aspects of the game are inter-related. Sometimes it is just cleaner to be slightly redundant so that the reader is not jumping around all over the place chasing paragraphs. In this case, you are right in that there is room for improvement and I'll see about making those two sections less redundant like you suggest for the next update. Thanks for the input.

Slick.

[ May 30, 2003, 16:10: Message edited by: Slick ]

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Mini update:
-- added a new paragraph under Waypoints
-- fixed a quote attributed to the wrong person
-- sections 4.4.7 and 12.1 now reference each other. This redundancy still needs some work - for the next major revision.

Slick.

[ June 01, 2003, 21:51: Message edited by: Slick ]

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Please post any feedback to the FAQ in this thread if possible to keep the main FAQ as close to the top of the thread as possible.

Thanks.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

"Don't wait to long to research medical bays".
I still haven't had any use fo rthem. I can see that they can be good to have when you need them, but there are other things I think are more important, i e computers (System wide enhancements).

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

I put that on my turn checklist when I once got hit with a random plague. If you are facing an opponent who uses plague bombs, you need medical bays as well. Level 1 is all you need for the random plague event because all random plagues are level 1. Agreed that it shouldn't be too high on the priority list, but research for level 1 is pretty cheap and worth having "before" you get a plague.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Mini Update:

Added Weapons Report for Proportions Mod to section 25 courtesy of Deccan. Thanks!

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Mini update:

- Updated the link to DavidG's Modder.
- Added section 11.2.3 courtesy of Grand Deceiver.

Slick.

[ June 09, 2003, 16:57: Message edited by: Slick ]

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Herc,

Thanks for the feedback. The first thought that went through my head when I saw that post was the same as Ruatha's and I questioned the value of the FAQ because it now seems that it can greatly benefit the pirates out there with no documentation. I guess that we will have to live with that since there was never an intention (nor a way) to restrict the information to people who bought the game.

I have to say that it was pretty crass of that guy to make that post and he should be Banned from this forum. But he already got what he wanted. Such is life.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

There will always be people who rip games... Maybe he will like it enough to purchase it.

Do not let that take away from the faq's main goal.

WHich is to help the community.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Post's such as these makes me wonder about the value of the FAQ http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

I bumped the FAQ to get this away from first page.
Nothing new included.

----------------------------------
To Piron:

Hi there.
This is such an awesome game, you will see that in a few days.
Then please support the author of it by buying it so that he can develop SPace Empires 5.
It's easy do buy it over the net. I live in Sweden and got my game a few days after I ordered it.
(Don't remember exactly how many days as it is quite some time ago now).

There is a free demo that can be downloaded aswell.
Please, don't spread pirated copies of this game around as it will take away the financial basis for a sequel!

[ June 14, 2003, 19:04: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">There is always one in every crowd. I for one would be constantly posting question if not for the FAQ. I am always checking looking for updates and look forward to seeing them as I would waiting for a new book at barnes and noble's. You and slick are providing an invaluable service to many players, and by some Posts this is veteran and newbie players alike. Do not let one post in any way make you feel that the FAQ's are taken for granted or not respected.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

I'm with tesco. We move forward with best intent!

There are all kinds of great things that are abused. But that never tarnishes the value of the great things, and all the hard work invested, personal satisfaction, and good feelings from helping out our mates.

That is the reward we already have received, friend. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

don't worry about what your posting as long as it isn't cracking information. pirates are going to pirate until they get caught or there conseince bothers them to much. if you don't post, you might get a few more people to play the game, but there wouldn't really be a community to play with. if you do post, 95% by my guess where going to pirate anyway. lack of a manual was only an annoyence when i was doing that and never stopped me.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree, it's very easy to order the game over the net. I ordered the game on Thursday and I get it on Monday even so I live in Finland and I chose the slowest shipping method http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

First, the guy is less than a good player if he really needs the info in the FAQ to play the game. Most new players catch on really quick and only use the FAQ for specific info.

The FAQ is a tool, and like any tool, is intended to be used. Wether it was posted here, or else where, people, especially those who pirate, are going to get there hands on it.

I am not really mad at the guy who has the ripped Version of the game, I am angry with the jerk, oh my a flame, who ripped it for him.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

AT your going to be upset with me as well.

I like to read the FAQ's As it is another manual for learning the game.

Sure you can jump right in and play.

But I always take the time out to read the manual and player faq's and do the tutorials.

That way I can decide if I want to invest a couple hundred hours of my time in a game.

he he http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Cause 400 hours out of ones life is a huge chunk of time.

P.S. I only started playing the SE series for a few games while waiting for MOO3 and STAR2 Super Nova.

Damn time flies. I am still waiting.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Ok, new update:

- added section 17.3 courtesy of Stone Mill. (Stoney, had to kill all your smilies, the UBB choked after 8 of them)
- incorporated discussions in the FAQ thread from the Last update.
- added numerous new sections from summaries of recent threads here on the forum. Credit given to original authors, as always.
- added some brand new material sprinkled throughout.

Sorry for taking so long on this one, but the weather here has been too great to spend on the computer.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Pardon the self-quote. Reminder...

Thanks.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

You could have at least answered the question...

Perhaps you should post a link to this thread at the top of the FAQ (the very top, not in the introduction section).

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The text in question was not written by me, it was written by Stone Mill as is all of section 17 (as noted in the Table of Contents) unless he specifically credited it to another author. Therefore it is only proper that the original author should answer questions about his own entries.

However, since asked, I also think it may be wrong, but I haven't specifically tested it to be sure. I am fairly certain you can get multiple Resource Procurements on a single turn and I believe I have done so on several occasions. If anyone wants to specifically test this one to prove it one way or another, have at it. When I find time to do more testing, I'll post the results if someone else hasn't done so already. Out of common courtesy, I do my best to specifically test things before I add them to the FAQ (or answer questions) unless I am absolutely positive of the answer. This does not mean that I haven't posted some wrong info here (I have), but I do try to minimize inaccuracies and I would hope others would do the same.

In the future, if you would like me to answer a question on text written by someone else, please address the question to me and I will be more than happy to answer you.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Done. Thank you.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You might want to use one fewer "effort" there. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Values for anger, for next update.

Slick.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Are you sure there is only one subtraction per turn? I recall having successfully stolen 50k resources in a single turn from an empire once. I imagine that the one that just destroys the resources works the same way. This should be tested, of course.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Whoops... I did not realize this was directed at me. You are right, it's my submission.

I seem to recall from experience, but not through empirical testing, that several projects will complete, but if you examine the actual resources subtracted and gained, it looked like only one took effect. I think Cheeze pointed it out to me actually, IIRC. I haven't looked at this in a while; but if anyone happens to have time, I think the test would be simple enough.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Unfortunately, no it doesn't. I'll make this clearer in the next update.

Slick.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Are you sure there is only one subtraction per turn? I recall having successfully stolen 50k resources in a single turn from an empire once. I imagine that the one that just destroys the resources works the same way. This should be tested, of course.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Whoops... I did not realize this was directed at me. You are right, it's my submission.

I seem to recall from experience, but not through empirical testing, that several projects will complete, but if you examine the actual resources subtracted and gained, it looked like only one took effect. I think Cheeze pointed it out to me actually, IIRC. I haven't looked at this in a while; but if anyone happens to have time, I think the test would be simple enough.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I used this resource stealing project quite frequently and if my memory isn't completely wrong several projects are effective in the same turn if the target empire has that many resources stored.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Yes, I have seen 5 of them effective in a single turn. I think I only stole 45k min, 20k org and 30k rad, but that is all they had. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Sorry guess I posted this in the wrong spot
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">So does anyone have an answer?

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

There is no phased Version of that ability, so the logical assumption would be that it adds to the shield point total, and does not affect phasing status.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Thanks for the response, I'm not sure how many countless hours you guys have saved me experimenting by having this forum; keep up the great work.
One Last thing regarding ETLs are they like shields in that when they are overcome then they are gone, or are they always there for each hit.
For example if you have a stack of small fighters (takes about 20kt of damage to destroy) with ETL I you would need 40 damage to kill the first fighter, so I assume a PDC V would kill 2 fighters. Would the next PDC also kill 2 fighters or would it kill 3?

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

I think ETL adds shields to each fighter. I am not 100% sure. There have been several claims that is the case. Not easy to prove - it must a real tactical battle in the system with ETL, simulator is no help here.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

It just increases the max (and starting) shield levels of each ship, base and unit (including each individual fighter) in space in the system. The extra shields act exactly identical to a component on the ship generating those shields.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

That sounds like a cheesey exploit to me.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You know, if I put that in the babelfish, translate it into Esparanto, then into Catalan, then into Manx, then back into English it comes out "Tactical Combat".

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

Umm... you are not serious about that, are you?

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">No, Babelfish should be capitalized and does not include Esperanto, Catalan, or Manx.

But yes, I don't see how you can call anything that can only be done in Tactical combat 'a cheesy exploit'. Tactical combat is already pretty cheesy and exploitive.

(Don't get me wrong, I use it in Single Player games when the AI is at a level that means it's going to pound me anyway. And I used to use it all the time.)

[ July 16, 2003, 19:56: Message edited by: Loser ]

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Fyron, I refuse to argue with you.

Re: Updated the FAQ
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">