[Maltrease]

I agree. If it is impossible to create an official (or collectively managed) server then at least having a few "official" or "trusted" people that could store the ftherlnd files would allow people to ressurect the game if the host disappears.

Does the ftherlnd file change between turns? If not it could be as simple as mailing Gandalf (or someone else) the file at the start of each game. For the most part it will never be needed again so it shouldn't take much time from the "game keeper".

If the ftherlnd files updates every turn... then backing it up with other people is not going to be reliable safe guard method.