Conceptual Balance (Discussion)

[Gandalf Parker]

Graeme Dice said:

Well, one thing to remember is that it's almost always possible to force somebody to have to deal with your large, powerful army. Siege a castle, and unless they break the siege, they'll lose that castle, and give you a recruiting centre right in their empire. If a nation can't deal with a frontal assault by the troops of another nation, there's likely a balance problem, as you can't guarantee that every battle will be fought on your terms.

Actually Ive successfully played MP games where I lost my castle fairly early in the game. Not on a small 2-player map but mid-sized with 3 players and up its not impossible.

[Graeme Dice]

Gandalf Parker said:
Actually Ive successfully played MP games where I lost my castle fairly early in the game. Not on a small 2-player map but mid-sized with 3 players and up its not impossible.

I can definetly see that happening, especially if you make a good last stand in your castle, then can manage to convince one of your enemies neighbours to attack the guy who just took over your castle. Or you can sue for peace and create a game-long allience. One of my favourite games was one where I took over for Zen's Abysia, and worked with his Pangaean ally (Sorry, but I forgot who was playing that nation.) that he had nearly defeated early on. Pangaea's earth mages, and his ability to make fever fetishes combined to make both of our armies much stronger than they ever would have been otherwise.