My own private Idaho-- a PBW newbie game

[Quikngruvn]

Due to popular (OK, one) request, I set up a game for PBW newbies called "My own private Idaho." (Hey, it was two in the morning!)

Currently it's set up for six players, 3000 racial points, small spiral galaxy, medium low-cost tech, with no computer players and no intelligence, Last species standing. If there is a consensus among the players ro change these settings, I'm all for it (except no intelligence, due to the bug, and small quadrant size-- I really want to see some fur fly quick!).

So, PBW newbies, come one, come all, but hurry-- four slots left right this second!

Quikngruvn

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"That which does not kill you will make you stronger." -- Nietzsche

[Rollo]

Great, I have joined (Well, applied for it). I really like the setup (small map). Maybe we should even consider 3 planets with good value to get the fights, ... err diplomatic contacts, on soon.

[Quikngruvn]

Cool, we've got four players already!

Three good planets, eh? Not a bad idea. Once we get enough players we can decide on all the parameters. (If demand is high enough, I can always up the max number of players.)

Before everyone starts uploading empires, free advice: since intelligence is off, drop your Cunning for your empire to 50% (I will be, anyway). That'll give you some extra racial points to play with. I figured I'd mention it so everyone gets off to semi-equal footing. (I know in some games with intelligence turned off, some people didn't, and so started at a disadvantage.)

Quikngruvn

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"That which does not kill you will make you stronger." -- Nietzsche

[This message has been edited by Quikngruvn (edited 20 July 2001).]

[Rollo]

Okay, I uploaded my empire. So, I guess I am ready to go then .

[Quikngruvn]

Cool, six players already! Once we get empires and decide on game settings, we'll get this puppy rolling!

Quikngruvn

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"That which does not kill you will make you stronger." -- Nietzsche

[Rollo]

Hi,
as I have suggested earlier, I would prefer to start with three planets of good value. This will ensure that everybody has a decent industrial base to start with. It will probably also allow for earlier contacts in the game.

I would also prefer to start with a low tech level. It makes strategic decisions at the beginning of the game more important (and also more interesting).
Pro: It makes friendly relations more interesting and worthwhile, since you can split the cost for the "basic research" like astrophysics, construction, military science, etc., if you agree to trade them later. If you want a truly "warmonging only" type of game this could of course also be viewed as a Con. But I think it allows for more variety in the approach of the game.
Con: This is a newbie game. Some people could make some severe mistakes at the beginning of the game. Medium tech would ensure that they have at least the basic research done. This way they could react faster to "superior tech".
It really depends on the players that have joined the game. If everybody has some experience with the game in solo mode and is just new to the PBW variant (as I assume), I suggest that we start with a low tech level. If we have somebody who is completely new to the game, I'll say that we stick with medium tech.

With the rest of the game setup I agree all the way .

I would like to hear your comments/suggestions.

Rollo