Newbie PBEM game starting

[Zapmeister]

With Descartes as your avatar, you should be able to take it philosophically . As for me, I'll be astounded no matter what happens...

[Argitoth]

Why doesn't anyone prefer servers? I'll gladly run a 24/7 server. I'll even join if theres open slots.

[Graeme Dice]

Originally posted by Argitoth:
Why doesn't anyone prefer servers? I'll gladly run a 24/7 server. I'll even join if theres open slots.

Well, I can't run a 24/7 server on my home box, as it isn't stable enough over long periods of time to do that. Unless of course, you can restart the game at a later time.

Really though, I know how PBEM works, but I have no idea how Dominions server play works over month long games.

Also, make sure you've password protected your pretenders, so that nobody is tempted to cheat.

[ November 25, 2003, 02:24: Message edited by: Graeme Dice ]

[Saber Cherry]

Why doesn't anyone prefer servers? I'll gladly run a 24/7 server. I'll even join if theres open slots.

Hey, that's what I'd prefer - non-automated email is a pain - and especially web email=) Is there no limit to the number of servers you can run on a computer? But I'm not the one who proposed the game, so it's not my decision. I appreciate your generosity, though!

-Cherry

P.S. You can switch from one mode to the other at any time, if the server fails, for example.

[ November 25, 2003, 02:25: Message edited by: Saber Cherry ]

[Argitoth]

When joining is server, it is strongly recommended that you create a new shortcut and use the following command line:

--tcpclient --ipadr # --port # --nonationsel

EXAMPLE: "C:\Program Files\Dominions 2\dom2.exe" --tcpclient --ipadr 68.98.86.49
--port 1111 --nonationsel

That way, everything is automated. As soon as you double-click, you will enter the correct server.. If you don't know how to use command lines, heres how (for windows Users).

1. create shortcut
2. right click, select properties
3. in the target field, enter commands after the quotations (which is for the shortcut target)

Here are more detailed steps:

1. Create a shortcut of Dominions2.exe by right-clicking on Dominion2 and selecting SHORTCUT.

2. Place the shortcut where you feel is comfortable. I personally put servers in the STARTUP folder in START --> PROGRAMS --> STARTUP so that the server starts up after I restart my computer.

3. Right-click on your new shortcut and click RENAME. I name servers/clients based on the IP it uses.

4. Right-click on the shortcut again and click PROPERTIES.

5. In the TARGET field of the SHORTCUT tab should say, "C:\Program Files\Dominions 2\dom2.exe".
All you do is type the commands outside of the quotations.

6. You may string the shortcuts of the commands together, for example: -ismwqxxx. Put spaces
and dashes inbetween anything else.

7. The next step is optional. You may place a comment in the COMMENT field to record more information of the client/server. In the comments field, I usually put the ip address.

[ November 25, 2003, 04:59: Message edited by: Argitoth ]

[Raen]

Originally posted by Argitoth:
Why doesn't anyone prefer servers? I'll gladly run a 24/7 server. I'll even join if theres open slots.

Ok, forgive a cranky old bastard who's used to playing Stars! Why is client/server preferable?

PBEM runs on a stated schedule. C/S runs....whenever everyone gets around to getting their turns in....could be sooner, could be later.

What am I missing?

[Argitoth]

Well, maybe you shold give it a try. It is so much easier, so much faster. No tediousness involved.

I can even put automatic hosting times such as MWF.

Having the server host everytime all players have taken a turn is a given.

[ November 25, 2003, 03:28: Message edited by: Argitoth ]

[Raen]

My fear is that under that system there would be pressure to get the turns in.

How long are you willing to wait for a turn file before focing next turn? 24 hours? 48?

Many of us have limited time to devote to this and PBEM suits us very well.

[Raen]

Originally posted by Argitoth:
Well, maybe you shold give it a try. It is so much easier, so much faster. No tediousness involved.

I can even put automatic hosting times such as MWF.

Having the server host everytime all players have taken a turn is a given.

Ok, I'm sold.

[Argitoth]

All I need now is a YES or NO from the original PBEM host.

And if anyone wants to keep in close contact:

Argitoth@hotmail.com

AIM: Argitoth
MSN: Argitoth@hotmail.com
ICQ: 169752168
Yahoo: Argitoth

[ November 25, 2003, 04:08: Message edited by: Argitoth ]