Right,
This is the smaller and shorter of the 2 MP games been set up. The bigger, 9 man game is still in preparation mode and will have longer time between each turn.
Step forward then 5 brave champions, Pretender Gods challenging for the right to rule all.
A brief summary of the protagonists from Jason 'pretender buffer' Pratt:-
Yskonyn (who is also hosting/administrating the game) will be playing with the Eagle Kings, a faction known as Caelum, comprised of three tribes of winged humanoids and their supporters. They work well in icy cold, and use a lot of Air magic. Also a lot of FREAKING MAMMOTHS!!
Huw is playing the New Faith Ermor faction, based on the late Roman Empire, if the late Roman Empire had had a fire-based priest-mage theocracy which is now being replaced with worship of a guy who returned from the dead in a shroud, leading over the next few ages to a highly undead faction.
Undercovergeek is playing the Niefelheim Sons of Winter faction, which by the standards of this game is pretty close to its source material: a cold-based (thus air-based) faction of frost giants and hags and jarls, descended from (one of) the former undisputed rulers of the world. He will most likely crush all opposition, figuratively and literally. I'd bet on him, if money was at stake.
Ubercat is playing the Mictlan Reign of Blood faction, also pretty close to its source material, the legends and practices of the Aztecs. We can expect a lot of blood magic usage from him. (Blood magic works a little differently in Dom3 than other schools of magic: people have to be rounded up from the population and killed to get their blood.)
Lastly, Jason is playing Golden Age Arcoscephale, a mixture of Bronze Age Greek pagan, philosophical and historical/military sources. I won't have hoplites (those come from a later age), but I'll have access to myrmydons and chariots and winged horses and some things of that sort. No real archers to speak of (but maybe I can find some elsewhere), but I have engineers who can help in castle sieges, and philosophers and mystics and sceptics who can think about things really hard. I also have an expensive and high-maintenance harem of seductive magical women, whom I can trapeze around the world as super-combatants.
The one thing about this AAR is I will contribute what i know, who ive met and how battles have gone, but maybe a turn or two down the line - i dont want to reveal too many nefarious plans and deeds of skullduggery.
I played the game endlessly a couple of years ago having ordered the 'full bastard package' from Shrapnel - beautiful ringbound manual, cd, poster - all for £80 and another £15 for it to be imported to the UK. Played it to death and then was tempted by another game I ironically cant even remember now and after a brief hiatus sold the lot on Ebay for £10 - :'( :'( >:(
Well im back - what I do know is, like Men in Black, I have been mind wiped and I remember nothing at all! Had to redo the tutorial, I am working my way through an excellent set of Lets Play vids on Youtube and learning as I go - not the best for a multi player match, but we'll see how I get on.
Im happy for this to be an open AAR, the other players are welcome to come in here and add their experiences or comment on mine and we'll build a decent story of awesome tales and legendary battles.
Next......... turn 1
Quote from: undercovergeek on March 13, 2013, 07:43:08 AMI also have an expensive and high-maintenance harem of seductive magical women, whom I can trapeze around the world as super-combatants.
And in the game!
;D
(This game lends itself well to lots of "and in the game" jokes.)
Meanwhile (in the game!), my first wretched little commander just earned the trait of HEROIC STUPIDITY!!
For running the hell away. (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wargamer.com%2Fforums%2Fsmiley%2Fnono.gif&hash=2b750a52059e15a71a2a349c79f2f9c1de089f18)
(Either the developers need to tweak their code for a specific character entering the Hall of Fame, or they're just screwing with us now.)
The map:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg213.imageshack.us%2Fimg213%2F5645%2Fdom32013031314543267.jpg&hash=1b7bc5e0199be12b372ee1685abb22de80cb40de) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/213/dom32013031314543267.jpg/)
An uncrossable river and whats known locally as 'Cock and Balls Lake'
So, lets see how me Kingdom unfolds. A great strength of Niefelheim is that the cold from my dominion pushes out past my borders. This lends itself fabulously to having a strong dominion push, even if my pesky neighbors manage to push back to a dominion stalemate they'll be bleeding gold from the temperature drop all along their border. If (in the much more likely case with me actively pushing my strong dominion) I manage to push my dominion into their territory it doesn't take much to cover half their nation in a wintery blanket with devastating impact to their economy - moooohahahahahahaha
Since I'm intending to actively push my dominion to the unbelievers let's consider the impact of the scales at the top. Ideally, I want a dominion that is great for me and terrible for anybody else. Cold-3 is obviously mandatory. Luck-3, as the way the game mechanics work a hostile dominion with luck functions as misfortune (my good luck is my opponent's bad luck). So pushing my lucky dominion is pushing misfortune-3 to them! Death -3 I think also fits perfectly in that it doesn't really hurt me too much but death-3/cold-3 scales make plenty of invading armies get really hungry, and makes old mages really grumpy. Sloth-3 probably won't hurt my neighbors too much, but it's basically free points and it's not going to help them any. So, my evil plan is pushing cold deep into enemy territory, and death-3/misfortune-3/sloth-3 following on its heels accompanied by all those really nifty random events those scales unlock. Meanwhile i'm sitting pretty in an order-3/luck-3/magic-1 dominion not really noticing the death/sloth scales.
Bring it the f*** on
Next, my province and my units
I see that my money was well-bet, considering you haven't even mentioned your frost giant army yet. ;)
Edited to add that this map was generated by the game engine itself, so blame the lake on monkey typewriters or words to that effect.
Niefelheim:-
A thing of beauty.
I'm not going to identify that unit - he's my secret weapon to ultimate domination.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg18.imageshack.us%2Fimg18%2F9729%2Fniefelheim.jpg&hash=1f263cb32689bef08b241316512c7b8cf7f8fb8f) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/niefelheim.jpg/)
Its a goddamned beauty pageant, these are my core forces:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg826.imageshack.us%2Fimg826%2F8070%2Fdom32013031320134140.jpg&hash=c2731d6cddf5bce252d0c8ebc17882b727050a75) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/826/dom32013031320134140.jpg/)
My Frost Giants - I will be using these to stomp all over the challengers:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg855.imageshack.us%2Fimg855%2F1323%2Fdom32013031320135652.jpg&hash=f0d67525fa8c3f69486ccddc72a345337bcb569e) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/855/dom32013031320135652.jpg/)
more tomorrow, due to crappy connection in hotel
^Really Geek?
I thought that Milton Keynes was the hub of the communications world.
Oh wait, is it north of Watford Gap?
i think it is - i have 1 bar and a transfer rate of 30kbs - i have to say Lithuania had better!
More tomorrow
Niefel Jarls - my Frost Giant commanders - enemies will be seeing a lot of these!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg820.imageshack.us%2Fimg820%2F7186%2Fdom32013031320143012.jpg&hash=d542529ea1a0512f32c1dc46ca52cef6040c751a) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/dom32013031320143012.jpg/)
Gygjas - wrinkly old giant hags, my magic users:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg268.imageshack.us%2Fimg268%2F4607%2Fdom32013031320144050.jpg&hash=2a2dccb4aee3f987c6b1a0e5ce81147abc484c61) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/268/dom32013031320144050.jpg/)
So, thats team Niefelheim
Next, turn 1
I cant really post many screenshots yet for fear of revealing my position and plans, but i will soon.
Turn 1 opens with a message from Ermor (Huw), basically im rubbish, he's ace blah blah blah. The problem was this coincided with a discussion from Huw on the forum that he had started right next to another player, connecting the 2 I thought this was a server generated message that had already considered our starting positions and pretenders and decided he was the stronger and i was going to get my ass kicked!!! Alas no, just a crazy Welsh man
Im sure everyone's turn 1 is quite similar. My scout is sent sneaking off to a neighbouring province to gather intel - i would prefer a forested area for the higher resource count as my luck scales should generate plenty of 'oooo heres some extra cash' messages but there are none nearby.
Ill go into recruitment next time, but needless to say i built 6 of what was required. And then the only real decision - do i send my pretender into combat or into research - my pretender is an awake, immortal, millenia year old master liche, which basically means he's a walking digestive biscuit and just as useful in combat - to the library it is - our first priority is the school of construction so we can start cranking out strong magical items from the forge
So thats the main 3 choices for every turn, recruitment, research and army movement
Next, what the scout finds, the recruitment plan built with Jason in mind and research
Quote from: undercovergeek on March 16, 2013, 10:45:39 AM
Next, what the scout finds, the recruitment plan built with Jason in mind and research
{nodding} Good, good, that's all perfectly what?
Wait, why am
I the one in mind?!
Or is that misdirection?
(Mental note: should I have been recruiting more with an eye toward defeating an opponent than just "being awesome"...? Investigate this...)
So, turn 2 - here then is home and the surrounding regions. Ive been done out of 2 neighbouring regions as theyre water, which limits my expansion some but theres plenty of other areas to go. Intel from the scout shows 40 lizardmen to my immediate west, also that this area is a swamp (bad for income). Immediately northwest are 40 deer tribe huntsmen and archers in a 'standard' provice - no boosters, no negatives, and to my northeast 40 barbarians (quite handy with a 2 handed sword) - so actually the more i look at it the worse it gets - ive actually started with only 5 neighbouring provinces - the one north isnt attached to the capital, 2 are water and 1 is a swamp - awesome!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg132.imageshack.us%2Fimg132%2F2034%2Fdom32013031820512123.jpg&hash=cf3a06bc62825349118966a19e256e68abc61fec) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/132/dom32013031820512123.jpg/)
Last turn I swelled my ranks with 6 new units, 3 cannon fodder units and my ace up the sleeve unit - the Jotun Skinshifter, especially recruited for Jason. Now, on first glance it's maybe not apparent how incredibly awesome this guy is, but consider the following. He's got 35 hit points, then when he runs out of those he changes into A GIANT FRIKKING WEREWOLF. This second form has 48 more hit points, raising the total to chop this guy down to 83 points of damage - MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA errrrrrrr cough. Sssssshhhhhhhh, secret unit!!!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg62.imageshack.us%2Fimg62%2F6079%2Fdom32013031820515139.jpg&hash=1c7b23d9ed5abdb5b0ce870a15e97cc4f65f0425) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/dom32013031820515139.jpg/)
With out further ado, 3 more are recruited for further expansion and an army of sorts is built around my crazy, beserker units of awesomeness. The brown looking giants are just there to catch arrows with their faces and are set to hold and then charge, the Wolfmen of Doom and the Surt the commander are ordered just to go bowling straight at the enemy, roar and howl and win the day for Niefelheim (i hope). Mum'Rah stays in the library and reads some books, like a good biscuit based god should do
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg577.imageshack.us%2Fimg577%2F1175%2Fdom3o.jpg&hash=7d10ea1f64a6f5ad1d877c0f440a56451767513a) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/dom3o.jpg/)
After much careful deliberation of the 2 choices i have, we opt to go Northwest and take on the deer tribesmen. Sneaky Sneakersson the scout is sent further North as we look around for a good site to build a fort and bring in some more resources
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg832.imageshack.us%2Fimg832%2F4344%2Fdom32013031820541221.jpg&hash=fef38a0b67e5773dd019e324c24c1905fb23a3fb) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/832/dom32013031820541221.jpg/)
Next, our first battle, more intel and the Dominion spreads
I've read the strategy guide that you are using for your core Cold Brown Werewolf Strategy. I've had problems making it work. There are such tight money limits on the strategy that nations that could amass a large number of units would eat my lunch.
It is also interesting that there are multiple players trying to turn the world into an icesicle. Only one traditionally "hot" country - Micitan. Of course, people can choose all sorts of different scales.
i hear you - ive tested a trial run or two in SP - i think i can do it
:-\
Oh, that's why this strategy was made for me! ;)
(For those who don't know, I started playing through Sang-Froid several days ago, while waiting for turns to get going. So my answer to everything was "werewolves" for a while.)
Turn 3 - time to test out the Werewolf juggernaut:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg838.imageshack.us%2Fimg838%2F7007%2Fdom32013031921310404.jpg&hash=7c0102c799ca7bb0611729e3ca7e2db6293d56de) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/838/dom32013031921310404.jpg/)
Heh, like a hot knife through butter, this pic is just as they start to run for it, you can see the front line starting to turn, and youre not going to out run a giant. I actually set the militia (brown troops) orders wrong and them set to attack straight off the bat as well as the skinshifters, it needs changing to hold and then attack just so they can attract those pesky arrows. No casualties and not even enough damage to turn one of the skin shifters a bit 'wolfy', Surt is on the far side of the troops in the middle, next to the big '24', he did well.
Swande - my newly acquired province - piss all use really apart from my first point of expansion, no great income, no great resources but at least it highlighted the awesome power of just a few skinshifters and their arrow catchers. Tax is set to 70 to quell the rabble:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg836.imageshack.us%2Fimg836%2F5185%2Fdom32013031921314992.jpg&hash=1253eec7e2bb61e7d54bf8ef1db5424a8449a0b0) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/dom32013031921314992.jpg/)
Remember Surt the commander? Here he is - the red star? He has received high praise for his heroic on field deeds. Heroic Obesity - he is the fattest thing on the map, and justly proud!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg195.imageshack.us%2Fimg195%2F7351%2Fdom32013031921332716.jpg&hash=49c01c2b16b0f71e7bdf97c927564b952c79aabe) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/195/dom32013031921332716.jpg/)
Here then is the Niefelheim Empire:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F6296%2Fdom32013031921343136.jpg&hash=ad671c37f68c363b7de938432efd96e87694d656) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/17/dom32013031921343136.jpg/)
To the North of my new land is 50 hard core Heavy Infantry and Cavalry, to the West is 40 more. To the Northeast are 5 - whilst not directly attached to the capital (my first goal to capture all the linked lands) its close enough - the now blooded and experienced band head there. Back at home there are 3 more skinshifters, 1 militia unit and Mum R'ah the Rich Tea warrior - to their Northeast are 10 barbarians, again it should be a cake walk, and instead of consolidating the forces i go for two provinces at once. Note the tax rate in Niefelheim is pumped high to bring in some extra gold - itll stay here til the unrest gets a little hairy and then ill lower it again. Sneaky Sneakersson comes back south to head west toward the Crown Province and to check out the mountains and forest areas.
Lastly we employ our first Gygja to replace the research lost now that Mum R'ah has gone off rampaging:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg96.imageshack.us%2Fimg96%2F337%2Fdom32013031921344440.jpg&hash=f48c536bc9e91a1e7f2beb6608b27cbcd8df3f88) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/96/dom32013031921344440.jpg/)
Thanks for doing the AAR. Looking forward to future episodes.
The next episode is likely to be especially entertaining... ;D
We want updates!
We want updates!
And so to turn 4 - the double province taker and a chance to do some serious expansion. The first battle was against 5 light infantry of the AI - lets see if the lycanthrope express can batter that down without difficulty..........:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg441.imageshack.us%2Fimg441%2F3734%2Fdom32013032222200004.jpg&hash=e8afd2247c8c0de9149ee0a9a377cc60467363f1) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/441/dom32013032222200004.jpg/)
............Ummm and the 20 heavy cavalry, ive already killed 10 here (man they hit hard), and 10 heavy infantry - i only came with 3 skinshifters and 5 militia - this is going to sting.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg854.imageshack.us%2Fimg854%2F4084%2Fdom32013032222202300.jpg&hash=2c54cb5515904e3a6123dfa7ca359602842a259b) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/dom32013032222202300.jpg/)
Run, run tiny men on tiny horses are coming! Sigh, hangs head in shame........... We depart the field with Surt and 2 Skinshifters
So onto battle 2 - my pretender, the Great Afterthought, the Digestive King, Mighty Mum'Rah, with 4 skinshifters and a militia, against the massed hordes of 10 barbarians. The McVities magician flings rocks at the oncoming group of..........................
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F6118%2Fdom32013032222203894.jpg&hash=7c1243ea745ab72ee0fad28f6fd3f7a7b686626e) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/5/dom32013032222203894.jpg/)
W. T. F ????????? 40 barbarians............. oh s***...........
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg820.imageshack.us%2Fimg820%2F4519%2Fdom32013032222210528.jpg&hash=9e1fbd6cbf9a174043a2ed214a6b4cbd2446c42c) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/dom32013032222210528.jpg/)
Ruuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn............................................
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg41.imageshack.us%2Fimg41%2F1507%2Fdom32013032222212284.jpg&hash=36a36b271e58d5bbb68271d8c6d1392ea482dd31) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/41/dom32013032222212284.jpg/)
Sadly the Crumbly King takes 1 6 HP hit and disappears in a puff of his own smoke, or gastric wind
I dont know if he'll be back next turn, ever, or he's now some ethereal super god in Cadbury World. We'll see. Anyway, for every fkd up plan theres a silver lining -
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg853.imageshack.us%2Fimg853%2F5454%2Fdom32013032222213385.jpg&hash=1bbd5a95ec3a92e5460d483dc7dbde50ab5bfbdd) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/dom32013032222213385.jpg/)
or two..............
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F2215%2Fdom32013032222213822.jpg&hash=eeb7ab984a29333c595a7f2c0318d0656a037cb3) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/22/dom32013032222213822.jpg/)
That'll be the Luck +3 kicking in, and will be spent rebuilding Niefelheims shattered armies.
No need for a map pic - its the same as last turn!! The Gygja turns up and starts researching Construction to get me up to Cons 4 for forging good sh** to hit Huw, Ysknoyn, Ubercat and Jason with
The moneys spent on more skinshifters
Lessons learnt - dont take intel reports at face value and I will return and burn the bastard places to the ground
Next, turn 5, the rebuild and my first new book of magic
Hilarious - in a sad god-killing way.
Step 1 on the long road to kicking everyones ass:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg268.imageshack.us%2Fimg268%2F3751%2Fdom32013033000232058.jpg&hash=4463dc08c328a96ed84d9e72002fd34fec7726de) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/268/dom32013033000232058.jpg/)
This is the rarest kind of Gygja ill get - a Nature 3 mage, very handy for casting later game spells that will protect my troops - Will of the Fates, Mass Protection, i like her very much:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg202.imageshack.us%2Fimg202%2F2117%2Fdom32013033000213203.jpg&hash=ee33d3ab1ad7acb5001aa33a5084aa1030f53a15) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/202/dom32013033000213203.jpg/)
And finally the map for this turn. You'll notice Mum'Rah has reappeared in the capital, now sporting a wound that permanently reduces his HP by 20%, thats not actually the end of the world as he's not meant to be doing any fighting, what with him, you know, been made of biscuit. Theres not a whole lot of activity as my army is a little depleted - the four new skinshifters have arrived and are moving out to join the defeated bunch to the north east of the capital. We order more skinshifters and another mage to boost the research:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg545.imageshack.us%2Fimg545%2F9088%2Fdom32013033000211969.jpg&hash=d7047c11bf4beb27339d460d78997d2e85b9af47) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/dom32013033000211969.jpg/)
Turn 6, lets try that again
Up in Swande, Surt is reinforced by the new skinshifters - 6 militia to catch the arrows, and 6 skinshifters to batter the opposition is my minimum 'model' for expansion, this army is now ready to have a go north east again. Mum R'ah heads back home having escorted the skinshifters here - more commanders needed - having read around i should be aiming for 10 provinces and 1 new fort by the end of the first year (10 turns) - eeeep. More skinshifters, militia and a gygja are ordered - i need to get the research factory up and running:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg829.imageshack.us%2Fimg829%2F4136%2Fdom32013033021381081.jpg&hash=19614edf0fc46803dd338fb2c0937318c069e2a1) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/dom32013033021381081.jpg/)
My new gygja is another rare wonder - Astral 2 - with a crystal cap and a crystal coin she will be up to Astral 4, with the right magic path there are some hefty spells she can bring to the battlefield:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg594.imageshack.us%2Fimg594%2F7366%2Fdom32013033021383347.jpg&hash=c73327fed81e52da562dc7f003637989e0bebadd) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/dom32013033021383347.jpg/)
So, the end of turn map:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg6.imageshack.us%2Fimg6%2F2144%2Fdom32013033021372444.jpg&hash=42a827285598e5a6800810b626b4460e086c1c18) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/6/dom32013033021372444.jpg/)
Turn 7, expanding and building
A return then to the battlefields of Venna, having decimated the heavy cavalry in the first battle, only a few stragglers are left. The skinshifters race forward, and the arrow catchers hold the rear - in the end its a walkover - literally:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F3703%2Fdom32013033022455240.jpg&hash=55bd34a3bb65d3a9b2469e253b8442aaf8a154dd) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/dom32013033022455240.jpg/)
Water gems - i have my own natural supply of these, but i wont say no
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg40.imageshack.us%2Fimg40%2F6306%2Fdom32013033022461073.jpg&hash=aa176214ef8a70f4b61b32d34557ac7518c5ed94) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/dom32013033022461073.jpg/)
And this, simply because im awesome...........
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg594.imageshack.us%2Fimg594%2F9831%2Fdom32013033022461869.jpg&hash=8b0572eb0742bc6e09507f55233d6fefb730a754) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/dom32013033022461869.jpg/)
Another fancy astral Gygja - as soon as i get my magic strategy in order ill see how advantageous these guys will be
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg404.imageshack.us%2Fimg404%2F8307%2Fdom32013033022482366.jpg&hash=c16f471accbf78da20f90bc417f1e4030f416bfc) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/404/dom32013033022482366.jpg/)
So the end of turn map - the victorious army of Venna under Surt turns southeast to meet Ragnar the Skratti (more on these later) who is marching north with more skinshifters and arrow catchers - the 2 shall combine on the field of Mum R'ah's downfall - Tenera. The gygjas set to research as does biscuit boy - research has switched to Alteration - the key to preventing another disaster like we saw earlier is for the gygjas or mages to be out casting Protection and Body Ethereal to toughen up the poorly protected wolf men, these are Alteration spells - we get the books out at the library. Another gygja and more skin shifters are ordered.
In the far northeast our first sight of a black candle - the taint of a treacherous false pretender
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg138.imageshack.us%2Fimg138%2F2015%2Fdom32013033022511921.jpg&hash=3fb918b2a0a0f2b635d199bbc52a074163c830fd) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/138/dom32013033022511921.jpg/)
Next, Conan who? Pfffft
Enjoying the AAR. Looks like the Giants are probably behind in number of provinces due to some early disasters.
Thought - what was the level of independents set to? The default in single player is 5. If it is set higher than that then the strength of independents is greater than what you are used to in SP and may be why your head got handed back to you, repeatedly.
Quote from: airboy on April 02, 2013, 09:35:35 AM
Enjoying the AAR. Looks like the Giants are probably behind in number of provinces due to some early disasters.
Thought - what was the level of independents set to? The default in single player is 5. If it is set higher than that then the strength of independents is greater than what you are used to in SP and may be why your head got handed back to you, repeatedly.
they were set to 7 - there are some evil accumulations around
Quote from: airboy on April 02, 2013, 09:35:35 AM
Enjoying the AAR. Looks like the Giants are probably behind in number of provinces due to some early disasters.
Fortunately 1: he wasn't the only player to suffer one or two early disasters.
Fortunately 2: EVEN HIS SKIRMISHERS
ARE FREAKING GIANTS!
Each new turn is like opening a sack full of presents, its great!
My unexpected event is 300 more gold for being ace. The battle we can discuss below, and the research is good. Im heading out for 2 early magic goals. Construction level 4 so that i can build some semi cool and scary things for my commanders (this would have included Dwarven Hammers but i didnt realise CBM shifted them to Construction 8 and made it a unique item - frowny face) - the other is Alteration, the first step been Alteration 3 - here lies Protection and Ethereal making my 25 foot werewolves harder to hit and harder to damage once you do, but more susceptible to fire - this is Alt 1 where i can make shadow puppets on the wall and pull hankys from my sleeve (that might by Conjuration 1 now i think about it)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg248.imageshack.us%2Fimg248%2F4231%2Fdom32013041114371090.jpg&hash=25b13f1c8a840c2510974b2bc1f114eabfed605c) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/248/dom32013041114371090.jpg/)
And so to Tenera.
A small pile of cookie crumbs lie where we last saw Mighty Mum'Rah in action. We're here in force this time - lets try this again. Lots of shouting and charging, a loud CLANG in the middle (no, not Bobs wife) and we get to it -
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F4761%2Fdom32013041114311585.jpg&hash=b5001c5919acc098324a0193d669a82c453c6438) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/4/dom32013041114311585.jpg/)
And that was that - 28 Conan impersonaters down for no loss:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg836.imageshack.us%2Fimg836%2F7634%2Fdom32013041114313035.jpg&hash=4049bbc6aff6bc53f38a033d2476eaa92725f6a6) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/dom32013041114313035.jpg/)
The crossed swords mark Tenera, to the South East a **** ton more barbarians, to the east 80 odd indies, and the North East - Mictlan - boooooooooo. More on them later, we send a polite message introducing ourselves:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg195.imageshack.us%2Fimg195%2F3936%2Fdom32013041114330219.jpg&hash=8c8c3ff5dc3cee306f4b65010a48ed7e240f0559) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/195/dom32013041114330219.jpg/)
The end of turn map - im turning away from the region in the North East, i have no interest in a fight with Mictlan, or fighting 60-70 barbarians without the above mentioned protective spells. If Mictlan heads straight for me i can turn back round but for now everyone heads back South West so we can strike out west and south. An indy commander is ordered in our most Northern territory, id forgotten standard troops couldnt move without a leader and i dont have enough to ferry around the growing werewolf army
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg577.imageshack.us%2Fimg577%2F9489%2Fdom32013041114373514.jpg&hash=2c3aaf9e85d81e021dae7ddd4119403ef2678010) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/dom32013041114373514.jpg/)
Bleeping ethereal protected giant werewolves... I sure hope I don't have to fight those things any time soon...
Quote from: JasonPratt on April 11, 2013, 09:27:28 AM
Bleeping ethereal protected giant werewolves... I sure hope I don't have to fight those things any time soon...
its funny you should say that - there is rumour of an upstart in the North, with his fancy ways and wings and chariots - i dont like the sound of him at all
Turn 9 - more of a management shuffle and action hiatus:-
Level 2 in construction - good for minor forges but not what i need. And Ermor with their God, Dave - Crazy Dave and his prophet, he's Welsh - theyre like that down there!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F8977%2Fdom32013041116124011.jpg&hash=3928562dfec6ee32b73591e488acc9acb1d9038d) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/dom32013041116124011.jpg/)
Here's the werewolf factory - now ive found the eastern limits of our borders i can look west and south with an aim to building another army and 2 expansion armies for the purpose.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg585.imageshack.us%2Fimg585%2F334%2Fdom32013041116141035.jpg&hash=bf0473151425666171c3af4c4919b270406e2381) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/dom32013041116141035.jpg/)
End of the turn then - Surt and his band are heading out West - its the Lizardmen next in the Midge Fens - income 6, resources 7 - what a catch that will be! The new commander further north is coming south west to rendezvous eventually with the western marching army that's been planned
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg96.imageshack.us%2Fimg96%2F6082%2Fdom32013041116185569.jpg&hash=dc25515654f0e9450b6fc01ca2fc4c99d8c7e812) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/96/dom32013041116185569.jpg/)
Next turn - Cursing Lizards - not good
Quote from: undercovergeek on March 13, 2013, 07:51:11 AM
Well im back - what I do know is, like Men in Black, I have been mind wiped and I remember nothing at all! Had to redo the tutorial, I am working my way through an excellent set of Lets Play vids on Youtube and learning as I go - not the best for a multi player match, but we'll see how I get on.
Could you recommend some?
I only found 2 lets plays... and weren't impressed by them.
They were entertaining, and eventually got me to buy the game... but i dont think these r the guys i wish to learn how to actually play from...
have you tried the Das ones?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4erpr0d4G20&list=PLGB6RkFB7ZmPy9ezc07UXWZ8TNVFnRZUF
Yeah!
Das kinda put the last nail in my decision to buy it eventually...
Quote from: Ogaburan on April 12, 2013, 11:58:46 AM
Yeah!
Das kinda put the last nail in my decision to buy it eventually...
have you read the Mrs Butterfield AAR?
Quote from: undercovergeek on April 12, 2013, 12:15:56 PM
Quote from: Ogaburan on April 12, 2013, 11:58:46 AM
Yeah!
Das kinda put the last nail in my decision to buy it eventually...
have you read the Mrs Butterfield AAR?
Yeah!
So far its the best one ive read... (No Offence) haven't finished it yet tho, im ~pt40.
Turn 10:-
Mictlan say 'hello' and state their intentions - it looks like it will be a peaceful border - we'll see how that goes. Alteration 2 passes by - were still talking sawing old ladies in half and pigeons from sleeves but we're on our way.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg560.imageshack.us%2Fimg560%2F7031%2Fdom32013042023560317.jpg&hash=dcf38a17ee0e96841541923216c0ff05a2e69d15) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/560/dom32013042023560317.jpg/)
The Midge Fens fall and we reap the......... umm rewards:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg35.imageshack.us%2Fimg35%2F7605%2Fdom32013042023553355.jpg&hash=5e0f029b2e28bc11a02dac9b84b69f7345f8fdfc) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/35/dom32013042023553355.jpg/)
See the black smoke? Pffft thought I, a curse, heh, how bad can that be? Shitty as it turns out! It wont benefit the denizens of the Fens at all - theyre all dead - but what it does mean is any of my now cursed troops/commanders (including Surt) get a horrendous affliction the next time they take a hit in battle - this could be a split nail or your eyes hanging out and arms falling off - dammit:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg839.imageshack.us%2Fimg839%2F6908%2Fdom32013042023553581.jpg&hash=0ad89e617170194356a30db8dabdb199e0eb4113) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/dom32013042023553581.jpg/)
However, there is one advantage to taking this god forsaken pit - it comes with Indy mages who are proficient in Nature and Astral, and what paths do Protection and Ethereal need - oh hell yeah - its almost like i know what im doing. Just need to build a lab down there and the mage factory opens:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg21.imageshack.us%2Fimg21%2F8418%2Fdom32013042100041081.jpg&hash=bd0539ad5a6a11b234767f882c345fbf42edbf2a) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/21/dom32013042100041081.jpg/)
In the meantime i find this guy mooching around in the mercenary table - he brings an extra 9 research points to the kingdom:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg266.imageshack.us%2Fimg266%2F811%2Fdom32013042023574044.jpg&hash=2abd454525ff7d9a10a8543c9f04901780e596b4) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/266/dom32013042023574044.jpg/)
End of turn moves - Surt and his cursed werewolf band head west, the commanders come down from the North (this was before i remembered the 2 province move for some of my troops!). Striking out from the capital are the Lord of Biscuits, a Skratti skinshifter and a N3 Gygja that should give me at least 3 in every field i need on a site search.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg194.imageshack.us%2Fimg194%2F2987%2Fdom32013042100022906.jpg&hash=5bd33e3a12c346b29ace0f60c0202fddf3c794ec) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/194/dom32013042100022906.jpg/)
A rider approaches from far flung lands bearing messages of import, wise counsel indeed, but i know not where either of these lands are:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg842.imageshack.us%2Fimg842%2F8290%2Fdom32013042100532696.jpg&hash=b0f90e89f9f53208b9b382476abc7e9ec9e544c6) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/dom32013042100532696.jpg/)
The battle in Juec goes pretty much the same as the Midge Fens:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg802.imageshack.us%2Fimg802%2F1719%2Fdom32013042100540446.jpg&hash=80c7f844799f418780656d729ab9715bdc83d4c7) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/802/dom32013042100540446.jpg/)
Sick of this cursing nonsense the bog dwelling, affliction flinging mage gets it in the face. Surt is cursed forever in this battle:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg716.imageshack.us%2Fimg716%2F3585%2Fdom32013042100542497.jpg&hash=9b6c3ba595cb7f6476f8d6a85a24e5d64ef7879f) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/716/dom32013042100542497.jpg/)
Northwest of my newest conquest (crossed swords) lies Yldmyre - a perfect spot for a new castle - my biggest problem right now is lack of resources - Yldmyre borders 4 provinces with a mountain terrain type - it will receive a huge bonus from all these mountains........... when its mine. I say that because bordering it to the Southwest is another black candle - the race is on
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg221.imageshack.us%2Fimg221%2F9927%2Fdom32013042100553715.jpg&hash=fa26adec5f9146301148e3c9d3b7afc03767221a) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/221/dom32013042100553715.jpg/)
Whilst perusing the map it occurs to me there is a huge tract of land to the southeast, under the lake and into the corner of the map that only Mictlan and I are fighting for - the race down here also starts in earnest lest most of it go to Mictlan
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg266.imageshack.us%2Fimg266%2F8052%2Fdom32013042101015970.jpg&hash=488d13c349c621ce6e7e92a2cc4f72626323c4ec) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/266/dom32013042101015970.jpg/)
End of turn moves - the scout heads northwest to check out the new castle site, whilst cursed Surt heads south to expand there. From the capital comes an indy commander with reinforcements for Surt or a new army depending on how the fight goes. The King of Custard Creams and his minions search the Midge Fens for magic sites
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg69.imageshack.us%2Fimg69%2F8719%2Fdom32013042101093113.jpg&hash=18f7fcf5c0d9c92d0687239626784576a0a6dfc4) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/dom32013042101093113.jpg/)
Since we're doing an AAR retrospective delay thingy, I'll explain the message:
1.) Caelum had just recently appeared near my borders, far to the north on the map;
2.) Caelum at that time had the three or four most experienced and deadly heroes in the game.
Since I didn't know their cultural path or intentions at the time, I had to assume they would be an enemy; and since this was a kind-of-newbie game, I thought I would try a prank and see how many players were paying attention to what "their" spies were telling them. ;D
To turn 12 then............
Two magic sites found in the Midge Fens and a battle in Nilmeria where Surt headed South - can he avoid injury and the cursed affliction that will follow?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg209.imageshack.us%2Fimg209%2F1343%2Fdom32013042710520509.jpg&hash=09efd1641e7630d801adabb4a3f7514ae21c55d3) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/209/dom32013042710520509.jpg/)
Quite a sizeable force of Deer Tribe warriors and archers prove to be nothing short of a speed bump for the now experienced Surt Band:-
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg839.imageshack.us%2Fimg839%2F8675%2Fdom32013042710523308.jpg&hash=f71bf1bc0908acaee6ab72eb093443f49a800d15) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/dom32013042710523308.jpg/)
Like a true Neifel hero, Surt wades into the archers oblivious of his curse, while the wolves clear the warriors further up - here an injury strikes Surt
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F2199%2Fdom32013042710532853.jpg&hash=4c288cbf78811ff8a56b3cbf38fd4daa05e30248) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/22/dom32013042710532853.jpg/)
And heres the cursed affliction - a limp - it could have been worse - it just means he'll be last to reach the front lines - no bad thing for a commander of troops i suppose
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg854.imageshack.us%2Fimg854%2F3813%2Fdom32013042710545004.jpg&hash=6b9aa3346f49dbcdbb9a1edc6cb602edc9a3cdee) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/dom32013042710545004.jpg/)
The end of turn shot then - Mum R'Ah, the N3 Gygja and the W2 Skratti head west to the 'crowned' province for more site searching (you can see the first magic sites we found in this shot - they turn out to be Burial Mound bringing in extra Death gems and Brigand Lair which allows me to build Villains (scouts) but increases unrest. An indy commander heads east into Neifelheim from Midge Fens to lead more reinforcements, a Holy Jarl, recruited last turn is heading west out of Neifelheim to build a temple and lab in the Midge Fens for mage recruitment. Our 2 armies combine to move west and south into the province where cavalry can be seen as we try and cut off Mictlans free run across the south. The scout heads into Yldmyre itself to check out fortress plans and a border with whoevers over there - although the black candles have receeded
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg585.imageshack.us%2Fimg585%2F9904%2Fdom32013042710594940.jpg&hash=70f701b0a3901b6bbb88eede32b602ef9c27c70e) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/dom32013042710594940.jpg/)
Hoping for a few more updates???
Lol I'm on it - crazy work schedule at mo
Turn 13 (we're on 53 at the moment).................
A battle i expected, Swande pulling in more gold, Alteration 3 has now been reached and we can start protecting our warriors some more and another messenger from afar, maybe with offers of gold and gems, alliances, intelligence reports even?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg267.imageshack.us%2Fimg267%2F7629%2Fdom32013050616552320.jpg&hash=438bf89f8e827651a60a080920e76b9a7a23c236) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/267/dom32013050616552320.jpg/)
The nation of Neifelheim looks at each other, shrugs and collectively says 'Muh?' whilst looking like this - ??? I love him to bits, but sometimes you have to let Jason be Jason :P............
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg15.imageshack.us%2Fimg15%2F4449%2Fdom32013050616554402.jpg&hash=8ec307ff5b7097b55361f119a096a31b7c6aa0f7) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/15/dom32013050616554402.jpg/)
The battle of Ardun - its our first time facing cavalry en masse since the humiliating crushing at the start of the game. We close our eyes and prepare for the clash of werewolf and horse..........
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg809.imageshack.us%2Fimg809%2F6408%2Fdom32013050616545226.jpg&hash=d6cdfb96fb47b37b722ffc649c5a6e7ee141238a) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/809/dom32013050616545226.jpg/)
And a few seconds later theyre all dead, leaving the priest to get a javelin to the face and its all over...........
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F9774%2Fdom32013050616550603.jpg&hash=a4fddab948a8acafbaaca0ab2873dce10708cb3c) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/4/dom32013050616550603.jpg/)
These are the two armies that combined in Ardun - all the troops will be transferred over to Surt and their march will continue. Hippomachos will head back North for more reinforcements
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg585.imageshack.us%2Fimg585%2F6636%2Fdom32013050616565047.jpg&hash=1882783346cac76593f2da876decc9be3f038c57) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/dom32013050616565047.jpg/)
End of turn movements. Now theyve arrived, Mum R'Ah (may Mcvities bless him forever) the Skratti and the Gygja (now collectively called the Searchers) search the province of Juec for magic. Surt and his cursed band head southwest - although it has more defenders it offers a greater income, we will move east from there into the lake area ASAP. Saxe the holy Wolf builds a temple at The Midge Fens, and behind him reinforcements leave Neifelheim and enter the fens. The scout leaves the planned fortress site and heads Northeast with the plan to go round the mountains and see whos up there - the candles have gone from the West and this coincides with Ermor (Huw) complaining the Indys are tougher than he thought - i suspect that might be him out west
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F6920%2Fdom32013050617023594.jpg&hash=c64c234825ee2641f00dc8a9fb159635ec1d6303) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/163/dom32013050617023594.jpg/)
Turn 14 -
Right then, a shit ton of money drops out of the sky in Venna, god love my luck scales. The searchers uncover magic sites. Dagan goes back on the market and we lose his research points and there is a battle we expected.................
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg18.imageshack.us%2Fimg18%2F9465%2Fdom32013050617415058.jpg&hash=22a46ac73aa176c7ab0d5949ef8b663dc859ed62) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/dom32013050617415058.jpg/)
The battle of Mnace. Wait, WTF???????? Oh Noooooooooooooes - rampaging elephants!!!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg23.imageshack.us%2Fimg23%2F4997%2Fdom32013050617421948.jpg&hash=44a8d335ad04a1fde10c538cecf2c7f52ae94a98) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/dom32013050617421948.jpg/)
Bwaaaaahahahahahaha - im taller than they are - your stomping skills are no good here fat boys!!! However, they will come in handy for stomping other indy provinces - ill leave a commander here and we can start recruiting the big grey fellas ASAP
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg832.imageshack.us%2Fimg832%2F4015%2Fdom32013050617425262.jpg&hash=6507c2db407488cc2913c87634c34ac95545e1e6) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/832/dom32013050617425262.jpg/)
The 2 new magic sites in Juec, where we can see Mum-biscuit in his purple robes. The Bile Marsh allowing Hydra Hatchling production - yawn, and the Painted Cave giving 1 Astral Pearl - at the top right, im already rich in water and death gems
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F5148%2Fdom32013050617434020.jpg&hash=95dbe19dbfbdc6bff77e2874f34073374e44f36c) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/dom32013050617434020.jpg/)
'THIS IS NEIFELHEIM' - 5 researching Gygjas and a newly recruited Neifel Jarl, Svipdag - a bad ass indestructible deliverer of cold and ice and doom. Well, he will be as soon as ive covered him in phat goodies charmed up by the old hags, while he waits i make him Prophet, a) because hes big blue and awesome and b) once he gets marching he will deliver the message of the Crumbly King with him, and he'll be doing a lot of marching..................
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg842.imageshack.us%2Fimg842%2F5245%2Fdom32013050617443858.jpg&hash=0ff10ebd2f538b6be2adc99f8308e89e7abf934d) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/dom32013050617443858.jpg/)
..........and for creating the goods im going to need Construction 4 - our next magic goal is locked in then:-
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A picture paints 1000 words - the black candles are back to the West, theyve appeared to the South East so Mictlan has had the same plan i have - arse, and theyve also appeared to the North, 2 provinces West of Mictlan so its not him. I figure Ermor to my west and Caelum or Arcosophale to the North
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg812.imageshack.us%2Fimg812%2F9484%2Fdom32013050617463802.jpg&hash=bee840993b141556cf9773cf343abd9ebd183a9b) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/dom32013050617463802.jpg/)
End of turn shennanigans - Surt goes Northwest to meet the reinforcements coming West (still hadnt figured out the 2 province move yet!) - the presence of Ermors candles have made me nervous he'll claim the fortress site before i do. Hippomachos heads North towards the fens because i forgot to move him last time, and the searchers head south to Mance to search for any magic elephant stuff. The scout goes North to see who's there
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg839.imageshack.us%2Fimg839%2F6893%2Fdom32013050617552771.jpg&hash=976b748f7597c53d75ca553297654ce75decfeca) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/dom32013050617552771.jpg/)
In regard to the message on turn 13, I was replying to someone who had replied to my attempt at trolling the players to see if I could get them to think the message was coming from their own spies. Apparently either that message had come from you (and you've forgotten), or I missed my aim when clicking the nation to whom I wanted to send the message. (This happens more often than I want to admit on rare occasion.)
Soon afterward I would decide that Caelum should be an ally, so after that I wasn't worried about his heroes being so uber.
(Also, I inadvertently killed half of them when he walked into a territory within my dominion that I was also planning to liberate from its bandits. But we got our boundaries sorted out quickly afterward and formed a joint victory alliance. Not that I told anyone at the time, figuring it might be useful if people thought I was fighting against Caelum.)
Turn 15 -
Another management turn
The 2 unexpected events are 1600 gold being raised from taxes and good will - see luck 3 everytime! The proclamation from me is announcing Svipdag as my Prophet and Construction 3 is achieved
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg267.imageshack.us%2Fimg267%2F1331%2Fdom32013050709152919.jpg&hash=29f5fb9254a164b0578bfeec8bc20835d2076062) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/267/dom32013050709152919.jpg/)
So that's Caleum in the Northwest, but still 2 black candles to the North - that must be Arcosophale which means they must have both raced South together to this point
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And the end of turn movement. The searchers do their searching thing in Nilmeria. The victory in Mnace leads me to believe i have enough troops to split the army and head for the southeast with Surt in the 'race for the lake' with Mictlan AND the north to secure the fortress site. The bulk of the forces head east and a small detachment heads North. Saxe leaves the fens after building a temple and heads Southwest to meet up with some reinforcements to take North - the Northern army has plenty of werewolves but only a few arrow catching Jotun Militia, Surt leaves some behind in Nilmeria for Saxe to pick up and move North with. Leaving Neifelheim for the Fens is a Gygja who is needed to build a lab there - the Mages i will hire in the fens need both a lab and a temple - almost there
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F581%2Fdom32013050709223818.jpg&hash=e438c8f18f6d9ce7b8632ad1965f72095ff98725) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/dom32013050709223818.jpg/)
Turn 16 -
More magic gem sites found - woohoo. The battle for the province next to the fortress site and we rehire Dagan for his research prowess
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Its a small band of wolves that take on the 30 odd indys and i cross my fingers its not a Venna all over again...............
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg195.imageshack.us%2Fimg195%2F4795%2Fdom32013050710073278.jpg&hash=35fc3ec7cd07f545b542e25acb7633f6a52c2909) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/195/dom32013050710073278.jpg/)
............we neednt have worried, next turn the fortress site
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg577.imageshack.us%2Fimg577%2F6320%2Fdom32013050710075070.jpg&hash=3ebdb5f123756eafd664b7c41e861e3a4b94c662) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/dom32013050710075070.jpg/)
End of turn stuff - Confident now i can take the fortress site without further reinforcements we send Saxe and his militia reinforcements back toward Surt. The searchers move south again to the bottom of the map - there stands a new indy commander who will be in charge of my Elephant Regiments!! The small pack of wolves head west to the fortress site - 3 candles to the West now, Ermor is coming! Out of Neifelheim comes Hippomachos with his own band of werewolves to reclaim the North, and the scout heads into enemy territory to see whats happening
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg14.imageshack.us%2Fimg14%2F4262%2Fdom32013050710190121.jpg&hash=fa2d79e873d088842f1d88f9708605b17b7be9bf) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/dom32013050710190121.jpg/)
Turn 17 -
Astral gems and Earth gems found in Ardun and Juec. The battle for the fortress site in Yldmyre and WTF has happened in Midland - i dont even know where it is!
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Same as usual - wolves charge, indys charge, indys get mashed, province to Neifelheim:-
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Aaaaah - its Caelum's battle and i have a scout in the region (awww look at the tiny men with wings on, he has a fairy army!) - free preview of Yskonyn's tactics - im either going to be highly impressed at this, or highly amused
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Chortle, i dont think that went according to plan, although to be fair about 2 seconds after this shot a s*** ton of lightening came out of the sky and fried most of the guys not on horseback - that was quite an eye opener.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg259.imageshack.us%2Fimg259%2F415%2Fdom32013050714215509.jpg&hash=c59b9ed747b9bdc0b3822fcfd3a30c6fdbadd2f0) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/259/dom32013050714215509.jpg/)
This then is all the players, Caelum to the Northwest, Arcosophale to the North, Mictlan to the East and what must be Ermor to the West - and here in the middle is where we have all met - this will be the hotbed of contested ground i imagine. Note as a newbie it never occurred to me to initiate contact with Caelum and Arcosophale, i didnt share a border with Caelum, and Jason is....... well, bonkers!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg339.imageshack.us%2Fimg339%2F1776%2Fdom32013050714331740.jpg&hash=dfeb42acb68149f71da2fcfcc95c4b7dcd6cc416) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/339/dom32013050714331740.jpg/)
The end of turn shuffle - Hippomachos and his wolves go Northwest, the Gygja goes back to Neifelheim having built the lab - our first indy mage is recruited here in the fens. The searchers search and Saxe, Surt and the cursed army go southeast to take the lake shores
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When will we see an update?
It has been a month and a week since the last update!
Update: I lost.
Um, spoiler. ;D