Hi guys.
I am conscious my efforts to organise an epic MP game of Field of Glory Empires starting a week after its release (release date will be announced next week) is taking up quite a bit of space on the Empires thread so it makes sense (and avoids upsetting Mods!) If I create a specific thread.
As of now all updates will be included on this thread.
We now have 14 victims (sorry.....I mean volunteers) as of 1900 hours GMT today which is brilliant.
I will fully update with a list of nations, players and other details in due course.
Any queries or further expressions of interest please post them here.
All the best
Ian
Thanks for doing this.
Don't suppose any kind soul will do an AAR of this match, should be a good read.
Kind Soul? Here? Oh, I bet somebody will be bragging about it around here someplace. <:-)
Quote from: -budd- on June 04, 2019, 01:48:00 PM
Don't suppose any kind soul will do an AAR of this match, should be a good read.
I will be doing an ongoing brief summary of events as viewed from the majestic throne room in Alexandria but for screenshots you may need to rely on the musings of other more "modern" rulers who have such a technical ability :-)
Please be aware that such reports are likely to have all of the journalistic integrity of CNN or Fox News (depending on your viewpoint) so some less objective rulers than myself may scurrilously challenge their accuracy.
These malcontents can be ignored. O:-)
So far:
Yaitz331 : Judeans
Geffalrus : Antigonids
Jimwinsor : Seleucids
Gusington : Bactrians
Tripoli : Rome
Devoncop : Ptolemaic Egypt
Lecrop. :Britons.
Asty. : Syracuse
Lokki. : Picts
Al_infierno :Carthage
Jason Pratt : Sabaeans
SpeedyCM : Iberii
Lysimachos : Maurya
Greyhunterlp : Saka
ReneTS : Dacia
Massina_nz : Epirus
JasonPratt: doesn't even know what's available. :D
Got it: Sabaeans.
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 04, 2019, 07:57:32 PM
Got it: Sabaeans.
Sabaeans are yours Jason !
Now for me to track down where the help they are on the map 😁
Gaulish tribe ?
Edit : Jeez my geography is crap......just checked....Arabian peninsula 😂😂😂
That is ideal.....stops the Judeans having a free hand down there ! 😉
I will take Rome if no one wants it
Will it be possible to have 10 or more players all playing in the same multiplayer game, or is there some behind the scenes work going on here by the GM to make this all work? Genuinely curious. This sounds like a fantastic idea, especially if it can all be done in house. Just wish I had the time to throw my name into the ring!
Quote from: Tripoli on June 04, 2019, 09:42:53 PM
I will take Rome if no one wants it
Rome is Yours !
The Samnites and the Carthaginians now have some human competition :-)
RECRUITMENT FOR THIS IS NOW CLOSED
We have 13 players with a really good geographical spread so all human players will find at least one other human player not far away :D
These players are from a combination players using the Slitherine Forum and the Grogheads Computer gaming forum so I will be using both to keep in contact prior to the game start.
I am thinking of implementing a single house rule to ensure all players get a good run at the game and would appreciate feedback via a PM to me to see if other players agree..........
The proposal :
Human players can make co-operation treaties and non aggression pacts with other human players as well as agreeing to come to their military aid if they are attacked. However human players will not be allowed to join in offensive wars with other human players )...........................
My thinking is it will stop one player being ganged up on by several other human players who may have decided to parcel up their lands........(I know how nefarious wargamers are :D )
I look forward to receiving any feedback (positive or negative) on this idea via PM.
Cheers
Ian
Quote from: IICptMillerII on June 04, 2019, 10:50:51 PM
Will it be possible to have 10 or more players all playing in the same multiplayer game, or is there some behind the scenes work going on here by the GM to make this all work? Genuinely curious. This sounds like a fantastic idea, especially if it can all be done in house. Just wish I had the time to throw my name into the ring!
I will be able to confirm very quickly if it is possible but it is certainly designed to be able to do exactly that and I know some beta games are already ongoing doing exactly that !
👍👍👍
Good luck people and don't beat down to hard on Gus :)
Quote from: IICptMillerII on June 04, 2019, 10:50:51 PM
Will it be possible to have 10 or more players all playing in the same multiplayer game, or is there some behind the scenes work going on here by the GM to make this all work? Genuinely curious. This sounds like a fantastic idea, especially if it can all be done in house. Just wish I had the time to throw my name into the ring!
The server will handle this automatically.
Basically, the newest version of the Slitherine PBEM server (#3) has been made able to handle WEGO multiplayer matches of more than two players. Luckily, WEGO makes this quite feasible, as the turn gets resolved when everyone has sent their orders in, or the turn deadline has expired, whichever happens first. The turn deadline is set by the original creator of the PBEM challenge on the server.
Quote from: Tamas on June 05, 2019, 06:23:49 AM
Quote from: IICptMillerII on June 04, 2019, 10:50:51 PM
Will it be possible to have 10 or more players all playing in the same multiplayer game, or is there some behind the scenes work going on here by the GM to make this all work? Genuinely curious. This sounds like a fantastic idea, especially if it can all be done in house. Just wish I had the time to throw my name into the ring!
The server will handle this automatically.
Basically, the newest version of the Slitherine PBEM server (#3) has been made able to handle WEGO multiplayer matches of more than two players. Luckily, WEGO makes this quite feasible, as the turn gets resolved when everyone has sent their orders in, or the turn deadline has expired, whichever happens first. The turn deadline is set by the original creator of the PBEM challenge on the server.
Nice! :bd:
I'm used to it :/
I for one welcome my Judean brethren, and remind them that one of our queens came back with Solomon's child so if y'all need a legitimate king at some time we're ready and able to help with that! :coolsmiley:
[spoiler]The Sabaeans were notorious for sending out princesses from their tribes as ambassadors to... um.... ..... work their way up to queen level, or if not at least get into position where they can send back military and other intelligence on a regular basis. This is definitely what was being attempted in the famous meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba -- and why she subsequently had such a bad reputation in Jewish culture despite the Biblical record of her trip being nothing but respectful! -- and there's a pretty good chance that this is what was happening with Solomon's mother Bathsheba: married Uriah, then while he was gone on campaign she arranged with some tactical advertising to trade up to queen! :o
The legend about the princess coming back with Solomon's child is exactly why Solomon moreso than David is so highly thought of throughout the region, and also why they have historically made claims on being legitimate heirs of David's family -- this includes the Sabaeans who migrated across the sea over to Ethiopia by the way -- which explains a number of interesting historical oddities in the area, including why two separate Jewish kingdoms were set up for a while in Ethiopia (including with its own attempt at a Jewish Temple!) and on the southern coast of Arabia during the 'dark ages'.
It also explains why Herod the Great was able to promote himself, despite being from Israel's traditional enemy Edom, as a legitimate heir of David: one of his parents was Arabian and descended from that Sabaean lineage.
It also explains what those "magi" or astrologer/wise-men/kings with three gifts -- all from the Sabean region, and one of them exclusively found there at the time! -- originally went to Herod's court when they saw signs suggesting the Son of David had been born: they knew Herod was connected himself with them, and through them back to David via Solomon and "the queen of Sheba".[/spoiler]
wtf
Having had some valuable feedback on the proposal for a house rule in our game including from players involved in the beta it is obvious that this proposal (like so many in my life!) has all the logic and sense of splitting Alexander's Empire up on his death amongst a load of Generals who hate each other and then expecting all to be sweetness and light :idiot2:)
As a result the game will be played with no house rules and just concentrating on not being crushed by the nearest one province AI country we are next to in the first 5 years.😁
Thanks again all.
Ian
Phyrros salutes all. I will fight for expansion and recognition until I get killed by the thrown tile in the city of Argos!
All bow before the might of Epeiros!
With this bunch, what are the odds a bunch of wars, conquests, invasions, and assassinations will occur? I expect Grogs will live in peace and harmony with each other, trade and culture will abound, the world will flourish. Am I missing something? ::)
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 05, 2019, 10:11:21 AM
With this bunch, what are the odds a bunch of wars, conquests, invasions, and assassinations will occur? I expect Grogs will live in peace and harmony with each other, trade and culture will abound, the world will flourish. Am I missing something? ::)
Put bluntly.
Yes.😂
'When someone asks if you're a god, YOU SAY YES!'
Quote from: Gusington on June 05, 2019, 12:27:56 PM
'When someone asks if you're a god, YOU SAY YES!'
Ptolemy points out that it you don't like the Gods available then you create your own.....a bespoke God.
Ladies and Gentlemen may I present to you the God Serapis.👏👏👏👏👏👏
Merely another example of the superiority of the true successor to Alexander...🙏
This game has some real freaky deaky potential.
Quote from: Gusington on June 05, 2019, 12:27:56 PM
'When someone asks if you're a god, YOU SAY YES!'
I think you're confusing this game with Dominions 5, Gus.
Who will be the first to turn against his brother and use violence to enrich his people? OH, The humanity!
Zuul was a 'moldy Babylonian god.' Babylonia is playable in the FoG2 Immortal Fire dlc isn't it?
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 05, 2019, 01:49:14 PM
Who will be the first to turn against his brother and use violence to enrich his people? OH, The humanity!
Well it won't be happening in Ptolemaic Egypt I can assure you of that.
(For one thing most of the females of the dynasty are being married off to their brothers!) :hide: :hide: :hide:
Quote from: Tamas on June 05, 2019, 06:23:49 AM
Quote from: IICptMillerII on June 04, 2019, 10:50:51 PM
Will it be possible to have 10 or more players all playing in the same multiplayer game, or is there some behind the scenes work going on here by the GM to make this all work? Genuinely curious. This sounds like a fantastic idea, especially if it can all be done in house. Just wish I had the time to throw my name into the ring!
The server will handle this automatically.
Basically, the newest version of the Slitherine PBEM server (#3) has been made able to handle WEGO multiplayer matches of more than two players. Luckily, WEGO makes this quite feasible, as the turn gets resolved when everyone has sent their orders in, or the turn deadline has expired, whichever happens first. The turn deadline is set by the original creator of the PBEM challenge on the server.
That is really good news to hear! This game just keeps getting better and better. Release can't come soon enough!
Just a heads up for all players involved in this upcoming MP game :
The game will be played on "Balanced" setting.
No optional rules will be used given this is a "first attempt" for most.
Maximum 48 HOUR turns.
(The balanced setting means players will get some warning that civil war may be about to break out, and slaves have a 50% chance of being automatically redistributed around the empire from the capitol even without slave markets.
(Without this revolts are more likely given the concentration of very cheesed off slaves !)
I look forward to driving Carthage into the ground and getting my fields salted ASAP! :notworthy:
That's the spirit!
Wait...
That does sound like fun. I'll bring the salt.
For noting by Ysonkyn and Gus :
From the manual........
18.3.2. Epirus
Has a special building, the Castrum Elephantidae, which can be used to generate elephants units for free. In addition, as with Syracuse and Pontus it has the Ellines Soter modifier that means you gain no decadence (or a production penalty) if you take a Hellenic region but will gain extra decadence if you capture a non-Hellenic region.
18.3.3. Bactria
Has the unique buildings of the Kleros and Phrouria which can swap between aiding agriculture and commerce or as a defensive structure depending on if you are at war or peace
Note lots of countries have unique rules and characteristics......
Thanks for that! I assume this comes from your beta tester manual?
Quote from: Yskonyn on June 10, 2019, 06:06:31 AM
Thanks for that! I assume this comes from your beta tester manual?
It is indeed from the beta Manual 😉
Sweet, thank you. Any special stables or similar for Bactrian camels?
Quote from: Gusington on June 10, 2019, 08:09:04 AM
Sweet, thank you. Any special stables or similar for Bactrian camels?
Nothing I can see at first glance but we will need to wait for release to see what specific traits/bonuses each nation has.
One thing I did notice during the Dastactic challenge as the Antigonids was that Bactria starts as a client state of the Antigonids ready to rebel. ......a bit like Judea ...if that is the case in the main Campaign you may want to choose another nation or you may want to stick with Bactria and lead it in an epic right for independence 😉
Hmm...would leading a nation to independence start me out with a huge disadvantage?
Bactria Libre! Got a name for your Bactrian Camel Factory/ Agriculture Building Gus, "Drama-Dairy". :DD
Quote from: Gusington on June 10, 2019, 09:23:02 AM
Hmm...would leading a nation to independence start me out with a huge disadvantage?
As a client state you don't have total independence of actions ....also your money is siphoned off to the big boss....I would wait and see what the starting situation is on release....it is easy to shift you to another region in the area....
The product page says 1-6 players.. we have 12. Can you confirm this actually works on release?
Just spotted it and I thought I'd ask. 😊
Quote from: Yskonyn on June 10, 2019, 11:02:13 AM
The product page says 1-6 players.. we have 12. Can you confirm this actually works on release?
Just spotted it and I thought I'd ask. 😊
Supposedly up to 16 . This was posted on the Slitherine Forum for Empires from someone playing such a big MP game in beta.
The steam page describes the MP system as the "biggest asynchronous MP system ever created" so should be fine !
We shall see.
Ok that's reassuring!
Might be that the product page is just a standard template thingy.
Dammit - I was going to try to claim the (exotic, delicious) Seleucids but they were already taken - that's why I went for Bactria...not knowing they would be under someone else's thumb.
Quote from: Gusington on June 10, 2019, 12:29:59 PM
Dammit - I was going to try to claim the (exotic, delicious) Seleucids but they were already taken - that's why I went for Bactria...not knowing they would be under someone else's thumb.
If you fancy the Ptolemaic Egyptians then you can have them and I will take another nation.
I really don't mind .
There are a couple of others I fancy so let me know.
(Unbeknown to many I am the direct descendant of Mother Theresa 😉)
I knew you sounded familiar.
No it's ok, it would not be fair.
So Gents....we now have a release date of Thursday July 11th.
Given most players will be working (though not me as I am happily retired ! ) it seems fairest to have a start date for the MP tournament of Saturday 20th July to give everyone time to get familiar in SP.
There will be a 48 hour turnaround for turns.
I plan to publish a regular intelligence and gossip sheet before the first turn and then every 3 turns thereafter from the state of the art Ptolemaic printing presses in the world renowned "Papyrus Spysheet".
This will cover the publicly visible major events in game such as declarations of war,conquests,collapses of governments etc as well as rumours and scurrilous gossip....
I will of course accept any bits of information (or disinformation) from other players for publication.
I have yet to decide whether to post this to each players inbox by PM or just post it on a new Empires Intelligence thread so none players can follow events.....
More to follow.....😉
Sounds great 👍
Sounds good to me. Thanks for setting this up devoncop! I envy the spare time of a retired grognard :notworthy:
Quote from: al_infierno on June 12, 2019, 04:34:31 PM
Sounds good to me. Thanks for setting this up devoncop! I envy the spare time of a retired grognard :notworthy:
My pleasure !
The launch edition of the esteemed newsletter is already under construction... O0
Be very afraid players....intelligence is already being received that may mean sleepless nights and the need for more Palace guards for some....😱
This is shaping up to be truly special.
Proclamation from Ptolemy the Pharoah of all Egypt:
Ptolemaic Emissaries are at present being sent out to neighbouring nations with a view to establishing close and fruitful relationships with Egypt and suggesting possible ways in which such a relationship can be developed in the future.......
(ie........All MP players in the game starting on 18th July may find it advantageous to check your PM's over the next day or so :D )
>:D
I like your thinking.
Quick note to all Empires players in the forthcoming MP game :
The following players are contactable via PM for diplomacy purposes should you wish to do so on the Slitherine Games forum before the game starts (messages will be available in game once it starts)
Geffalrus : Antigonids
Le Crop : Britons
SpeedyCM : Iberii
Yaitz331 :Judeans
Lokki : Picts
Asty : Samnites
Jimwinsor : Seleucids
Lysymachos : Maurya
(A mirror message to users on the Slitherine forum about users here has already been sent).
O0
For info of all players ...Asty, the player who nominated the Samnites as his choice of nation, having had some useful intelligence as to the probability of a very foreshortened game as a result has wisely decided that he is actually being called to lead the Etruscans by a grateful populace ! ;)
I have changed his nation to the Etruscans accordingly.
All the best
Ian
Heh! -- they didn't fare much better. Arguably worse! The Samnites hung around for a while as a semi-independent mountainous vassal state.
Meanwhile, I recommend you add a link to the game's thread over at the Slitherine forum, to your signature here, Devoncop.
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 17, 2019, 05:01:17 PM
Heh! -- they didn't fare much better. Arguably worse! The Samnites hung around for a while as a semi-independent mountainous vassal state.
Meanwhile, I recommend you add a link to the game's thread over at the Slitherine forum, to your signature here, Devoncop.
I know what you mean but his choice and the Etruscans are a three region state, like Rome at the start whereas the Samnites only hold two so maybe a big effort will allow then to stick around !
Link to the Slitherine Forum MP game for Field of Glory Empires now added to my signature below.
Thanks Jason. Good call.
Emails went out today for the game from Slitherine. Rejoice all!!
Err what?
:cowboy:
Quote from: Yskonyn on June 18, 2019, 12:35:15 PM
Err what?
Don't get excited ! Just a promotional email for the 11th July release 😉
GET EXCITED
Quote from: Gusington on June 18, 2019, 12:50:47 PM
GET EXCITED
As Gus is a man who I believe has been known to moisten his loins on occasion here is some information for all players signed up for our MP game.
After having checked the setting up procedure with the devs I will be able to set up our game on the 11th of July and the password will be sent to all players by PM that day.
Players can sign in at any time from then until 0900 GMT on the 18th July once they feel happy to start.
If all players have signed in before the 18th and are ready to go then I will launch the game straight away rather than wait for the 18th and you will get emails stating the game has begun via the Slitherine server (so make sure notifications are left in if there is an option to turn them off).
All players will then have 48 hours to submit their first turn and book into therapy for when they get the results of the first turn and see how their plans are already turning to dust :)
Some info on mercenaries follows from Pocus the developer :
Most nations can recruit one type of mercenary infantry and mercenary cavalry, as much as they wish, provided you have a mercenary center (this is to restrict a bit where you can get them as they are produced rapidly).
Carthage has instead 5 mercenaries, 1 can be recruited everywhere Carthage is, without rec center, and 4 are regionalized (Spanish Scutarii, etc.).
In addition to that, Nation of Civilization Level II or III can get a decision to recruit a whole army of mercenaries from a nearby tribal nation. In such case, you'll get a mix of units that can be recruited by said nation, so depending of your geographical position, it can vary a lot: German warbands, Numidian horsemen, Samartian armoured cavalry, etc.
I really like the sound of regionalized mercenaries!
Sounds like The Grogheads to me. :notworthy:
Quote from: al_infierno on June 18, 2019, 03:33:21 PM
I really like the sound of regionalized mercenaries!
Me too !!
Proper excitement level achieved 8)
The Sabaeans are already living in dust, so my plans have nowhere to go but up! :bd:
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 19, 2019, 07:57:39 AM
The Sabaeans are already living in dust, so my plans have nowhere to go but up! :bd:
Given "up" from the location you are in at the moment means you are heading directly for Judea and the Antigonid holdings east of Ptolemaic Egypt I am sure we have all noted this statement 😉
Mua ha ha ha haaa?
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 19, 2019, 03:21:45 PM
Mua ha ha ha haaa?
Nothing escapes the all seeing eyes of the Pharoah's spies :hide:
OK guys.
Slitherine have made the FULL RELEASE MANUAL available for download on their store page for the game this morning :bd:
Enjoy !!
Yay!!
Dammit and here I am stuck at work :/
Quote from: Gusington on June 21, 2019, 06:33:11 AM
Dammit and here I am stuck at work :/
What's work ? :DD
>:(
Work is very over rated. If it weren't for the pay, I'd never do it. :idiot2:
Note to players:
Having read the manual ( and realised the Etruscans were less impressed with the prospect of his rule than he had been led to believe....)
Asty has switched to play Syracuse !
Da Kingfish, Huey Long, once observed: "hard work, like monogamy, is greatly overrated."
Quote from: besilarius on June 22, 2019, 03:44:22 PM
Da Kingfish, Huey Long, once observed: "hard work, like monogamy, is greatly overrated."
Huey Long.........my new hero :notworthy:
Quote from: devoncop on June 22, 2019, 02:53:09 PM
Asty has switched to play Syracuse !
sigh, WILL NO ONE RID US OF THESE MEDDLESOME ROMANS?! Our astrologers have seen a sign in the heavens that they are going to be serious trouble if someone doesn't put the boot to them now.
Just look at their language: words like 'yes' and 'no' are unimportant, but there are something like 3000 words for killing someone!
This is indicative!
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 23, 2019, 09:42:44 AM
Quote from: devoncop on June 22, 2019, 02:53:09 PM
Asty has switched to play Syracuse !
sigh, WILL NO ONE RID US OF THESE MEDDLESOME ROMANS?! Our astrologers have seen a sign in the heavens that they are going to be serious trouble if someone doesn't put the boot to them now.
Just look at their language: words like 'yes' and 'no' are unimportant, but there are something like 3000 words for killing someone! This is indicative!
As the Roman player, I heartily approve his decision to play Syracuse. However, I would approve even more if he took a nation closer to the Carthaginian heartland. Numidia, perhaps? >:D
Quote from: Tripoli on June 23, 2019, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 23, 2019, 09:42:44 AM
Quote from: devoncop on June 22, 2019, 02:53:09 PM
Asty has switched to play Syracuse !
sigh, WILL NO ONE RID US OF THESE MEDDLESOME ROMANS?! Our astrologers have seen a sign in the heavens that they are going to be serious trouble if someone doesn't put the boot to them now.
Just look at their language: words like 'yes' and 'no' are unimportant, but there are something like 3000 words for killing someone! This is indicative!
As the Roman player, I heartily approve his decision to play Syracuse. However, I would approve even more if he took a nation closer to the Carthaginian heartland. Numidia, perhaps? >:D
It seems Roman diplomacy is active already....is the Tyrant of Syracuse already the puppet of his masters in Rome ?
As emissaries from Carthage in Alexandria wryly observed to the great Ptolemy however, Rome can wave it's fists at Carthage from its bickering Senate House all it likes...with two rowing boats and and a leaky wooden raft as a navy it is hard pressed to take on a shoal of fish in the seas....😉
Quote from: devoncop on June 23, 2019, 11:45:44 AM
Quote from: Tripoli on June 23, 2019, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 23, 2019, 09:42:44 AM
Quote from: devoncop on June 22, 2019, 02:53:09 PM
Asty has switched to play Syracuse !
sigh, WILL NO ONE RID US OF THESE MEDDLESOME ROMANS?! Our astrologers have seen a sign in the heavens that they are going to be serious trouble if someone doesn't put the boot to them now.
Just look at their language: words like 'yes' and 'no' are unimportant, but there are something like 3000 words for killing someone! This is indicative!
As the Roman player, I heartily approve his decision to play Syracuse. However, I would approve even more if he took a nation closer to the Carthaginian heartland. Numidia, perhaps? >:D
It seems Roman diplomacy is active already....is the Tyrant of Syracuse already the puppet of his masters in Rome ?
As emissaries from Carthage in Alexandria wryly observed to the great Ptolemy however, Rome can wave it's fists at Carthage from its bickering Senate House all it likes...with two rowing boats and and a leaky wooden raft as a navy it is hard pressed to take on a shoal of fish in the seas....😉
Yeah, I'm working on an AAR in
Empires right now. Roman misadventures on the Bounding Main feature in one of the posts.... :(
Quote from: Tripoli on June 23, 2019, 11:59:30 AM
Quote from: devoncop on June 23, 2019, 11:45:44 AM
Quote from: Tripoli on June 23, 2019, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 23, 2019, 09:42:44 AM
Quote from: devoncop on June 22, 2019, 02:53:09 PM
Asty has switched to play Syracuse !
sigh, WILL NO ONE RID US OF THESE MEDDLESOME ROMANS?! Our astrologers have seen a sign in the heavens that they are going to be serious trouble if someone doesn't put the boot to them now.
Just look at their language: words like 'yes' and 'no' are unimportant, but there are something like 3000 words for killing someone! This is indicative!
As the Roman player, I heartily approve his decision to play Syracuse. However, I would approve even more if he took a nation closer to the Carthaginian heartland. Numidia, perhaps? >:D
It seems Roman diplomacy is active already....is the Tyrant of Syracuse already the puppet of his masters in Rome ?
As emissaries from Carthage in Alexandria wryly observed to the great Ptolemy however, Rome can wave it's fists at Carthage from its bickering Senate House all it likes...with two rowing boats and and a leaky wooden raft as a navy it is hard pressed to take on a shoal of fish in the seas....😉
Yeah, I'm working on an AAR in Empires right now. Roman misadventures on the Bounding Main feature in one of the posts.... :(
Well you can't Leave us hanging with that juicy info !!!
When can we see it and where ? 🙏
An AAR in my opinion is far more interesting if it contains failures and cock ups along with successes...I can't relate to one's that show uninterrupted success 😉
If you're taking Romans to sea, be sure to bring along the Sacred Chickens.
Meanwhile, on the flagship, some sources state that Pulcher, as the senior magistrate in command, took the auspices before battle, according to Roman religious requirements. The prescribed method was observing the feeding behaviour of the sacred chickens, on board for that purpose. If the chickens accepted the offered grain, then the Roman gods would be favourable to the battle. However, on that particular morning of 249 BC, the chickens refused to eat – a horrific omen. Confronted with the unexpected and having to deal with the superstitious and now terrified crews, Pulcher quickly devised an alternative interpretation. He threw the sacred chickens overboard, saying, "If they won't eat, let them drink!" (Latin "Bibant, quoniam esse nolunt!)
Adherbal saw a chance for victory and ordered his right flank to attack the rear-most Roman ships. The result was an utter Roman defeat, with 93 of the ships commanded by Pulcher sunk or captured with the loss of 8,000 or 20,000 men and only 30 ships escaping to safety.
Never. Ever. Cross a chicken. :hide:
Especially if you're a road.
[quote author,=Ubercat link=topic=23586.msg649603#msg649603 date=1561319749]
Especially if you're a road.
[/quote]
But why would a chicken EVER cross a road ? :2funny:
To pass as far as possible from a KFC store. Chickens I know will call Uber to get around them. :hide:
Now some would say that this episode shows the sagacity and ability to see the future of the Sacred Chickens.
Being an agricultural people, animals were integral to their lives. For instance, they never got over Brennus and the Gauls taking Rome. It was the Sacred Geese that honked in the night, and woke the sleeping sentries. The dogs were apparently asleep as well.
So every year at the Feast of the Lupercalia, the Senate and People of Rome crucified a dog.
As to the Sacred Chickens. I'm not so sure they were that smart. (Have you ever tried to work with chickens?)
My theory is that some hard headed sailor saw how poor the Roman fleet was, and fed the chickens overnight. Hoping to get the admiral to back down and avoid those dastardly Carthaginians.
Quote from: besilarius on June 23, 2019, 11:15:42 PM
Now some would say that this episode shows the sagacity and ability to see the future of the Sacred Chickens.
Being an agricultural people, animals were integral to their lives. For instance, they never got over Brennus and the Gauls taking Rome. It was the Sacred Geese that honked in the night, and woke the sleeping sentries. The dogs were apparently asleep as well.
So every year at the Feast of the Lupercalia, the Senate and People of Rome crucified a dog.
As to the Sacred Chickens. I'm not so sure they were that smart. (Have you ever tried to work with chickens?)
My theory is that some hard headed sailor saw how poor the Roman fleet was, and fed the chickens overnight. Hoping to get the admiral to back down and avoid those dastardly Carthaginians.
Let that be a lesson to both dogs and Roman senators with ambitions for a Navy :knuppel2:
Gents we have a Saka Player :-)
Horse archers have officially entered the building :-)
Greyhunterlp the You Tuber has officially joined our MP game .
He is contactable for diplomatic messages pre game on the Slitherine forum.....
Gus.............you have another neighbour :-)
Looking good guys, I look forward to hearing the tides of battle...
Quote from: FlickJax on June 27, 2019, 05:08:02 AM
Looking good guys, I look forward to hearing the tides of battle...
I predict rough seas :)
A neighbor! I'll bake a pie. Ancient Bactrians liked pie, right?
Looking forward to leisurely perusing the manual this weekend.
Better get those War Elephants ready Gus. \m/
What about the pie?
What do you think the pie is made of? ^-^
Former enemies?
Quote from: Gusington on June 27, 2019, 12:24:02 PM
Former enemies?
Will the recipe change to include current enemies when the game starts ?
It could become a bit complex 😉
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 27, 2019, 09:57:12 AM
Better get those War Elephants ready Gus. \m/
Stop right there!
I am the king of Elephants!
Uh oh.
Elephant Fight! :bd:
AND THEN AFTERWARD, PIES!! :D
;D
What's the tan stuff between elephant's toes?
Slow phalangites.
;D
Scratch that. Better get the Flaming Pigs ready Gus. O0
We don't have any exotic units ourselves, like flaming pigs.
So we'll have to make do with hot princess ambassadors.
Soon all your base are belong to us. :coolsmiley:
Gonna unleash my cadre of Murderous Moyles on you. Look it up!
While you boys are threatening each other with recipes of dubious quality I would have you know Egypt has been engaged in furious diplomacy with the upstart Judean State that has apparently got concessions of free territory including Jerusalem and a port on the Med sea (in exchange for peace in the area going forward) from Antigonus and was attempting to extract similar land from my client state Nabatea to get a port on the Red Sea.
Only when the Foreign Ministry in Alexandria, acting upon order from Ptolemy himself issued a statement that "Any attack on our brothers in Nabatea shall be considered an attack on Egypt herself " did the High Priests of Judea back down......though their diplomatic message concluded with the words "for now".
This information has been made public in the interests of transparency for all powers in the area dealing with both a very belligerent Judea and those wondering in which direction the Antigonids are intending to expand............
Good point. How's the Diplomacy in this game?
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 28, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Good point. How's the Diplomacy in this game?
What particular aspect are you interested in ?
As a couple of examples : Section 9.2 of the Manual :
Other states will send you messages as appropriate. Some of these are requests to agree a particular option such as for a co-operation treaty. Some are triggered by your actions and the relative values (which can be based on military power, wealth, culture, decadence etc.) between your two nations. These do not lead to any immediate consequences but do indicate the relative relations between your powers. A message praising your recent successes might suggest now is a good time to seek an alliance. One gloating at a disaster, or praising some-one for attacking you, indicates poor relations and you may want to prepare for war at some stage. Section 9.3
The chances of any action (except the unilateral ones, such as declaring war) are influenced by the relationships between the two countries, represented on a scale from -99 to +99. At -99, the hostility is
extreme between the two countries, at +99, the trust is so great that being allied seems almost natural. There are two special relationships values also, -100 and +100. You can't reach them by normal means, only through events or special decisions. -100 means you are locked in a permanent war, called a Feud. +100 means you are locked in a permanent alliance, called a Pact. In addition to the relationship value between the two countries, relevant parameters that influence the decision of the other nation, if controlled by the AI, includes: w The balance of power; w The relative control of objectives they want or ones you have in their own territory; w the number of allies; w If you, or they are already at war.
All these and more play a role in the decision. For example, don't expect a winning nation with allies to make peace with you, unless war exhaustion is crippling them (or another threat appears in their back). War exhaustion is the incentive to make peace as it increases as time passes and the wars accumulate against the country. In effect, for most nations, every turn of war against every opponent adds one unit of war weariness (so you can gain more than one unit per turn) but this will be removed once a peace has been agreed. Furthermore certain actions other than diplomatic ones are affected by diplomatic relations between countries, so a nation that has the "Raiding" special ability cannot do this to a neighbour that has better than +25 relations.
Interesting to see how this plays out in actual gameplay.
Here's a link to the MP AAR I did for the game using one of the Beta versions. I tried to write it in such a way it gave ideas on how some of the pieces of the game work. The AAR is now on the public webpages:
http://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=534&t=92523
With the diplomacy being so well articulated, this could be a great platform for a solitaire campaign game as the Byzantine empire, say starting around the time of Justinian and Belisarius.
Quick Announcement :
The first issue of the celebrated "Papyrus Spysheet" , essential information and scurrillous gossip rag will be circulated one week from today....the day before the game releases.
Players will then have no excuse not to storm through the game having been fully informed as to diplomatic shenanigans that have been underway prior to game start :mrgreen:
Editors note : Any relation between the contents of the Spysheet in issue 1 and the actual state of affairs in the game is entirely co-incidental : ;)
Sure :-"
I respectfully forfeit this effort to multiplay. Better to say it now than when we are a ways in, but I have second thoughts about wether I can dedicate myself to this game in the pacing that it needs.
Thanks for setting it up and good luck to everyone. I hope you all have fun.
Epirus is back on the menu, boys!
Quote from: Gusington on July 03, 2019, 11:53:15 AM
Sure :-"
A shame but thanks for deciding now rather than once we started :bd:
Maybe next time :-)
All the best
Ian
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 06, 2019, 05:00:51 PM
Epirus is back on the menu, boys!
If Epirus is on your menu Jason you have some mighty ambitions as the Sabaeans :)
Looks like some mixed signals above...I am still in!
Quote from: Yskonyn on July 06, 2019, 04:14:12 PM
I respectfully forfeit this effort to multiplay. Better to say it now than when we are a ways in, but I have second thoughts about wether I can dedicate myself to this game in the pacing that it needs.
Thanks for setting it up and good luck to everyone. I hope you all have fun.
I respect your decision, but as a beta tester, I can tell you the MP games take about 10 minutes a turn-They really aren't a heavy lift in terms of time Now, sending emails and PMs to human players adds a bit to that, but not much-maybe another 5 minutes or so every couple of turns. depending on how the game is set up, there may be as much as 1 turn/day or as much as a turn every 28 days. If you can't make your move in within that time limit, the AI moves for you, so none of the other players are inconvenienced. I just came back from a 3 day vacation, and the AI did a credible job for me as Rome in a MP test game I'm playing.
Quote from: Tripoli on July 07, 2019, 12:32:50 PM
Quote from: Yskonyn on July 06, 2019, 04:14:12 PM
I respectfully forfeit this effort to multiplay. Better to say it now than when we are a ways in, but I have second thoughts about wether I can dedicate myself to this game in the pacing that it needs.
Thanks for setting it up and good luck to everyone. I hope you all have fun.
I respect your decision, but as a beta tester, I can tell you the MP games take about 10 minutes a turn-They really aren't a heavy lift in terms of time Now, sending emails and PMs to human players adds a bit to that, but not much-maybe another 5 minutes or so every couple of turns. depending on how the game is set up, there may be as much as 1 turn/day or as much as a turn every 28 days. If you can't make your move in within that time limit, the AI moves for you, so none of the other players are inconvenienced. I just came back from a 3 day vacation, and the AI did a credible job for me as Rome in a MP test game I'm playing.
Useful info. Thanks.
Quote from: devoncop on July 07, 2019, 12:01:33 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 06, 2019, 05:00:51 PM
Epirus is back on the menu, boys!
If Epirus is on your menu Jason you have some mighty ambitions as the Sabaeans :)
Step 1: encourage other players to go after Epirus.
Step 2: watch them slay each other fighting over Epirus.
Step 3: ???
Step 4: Profit. :bd:
Here's a suggestion for when we do the MP game: I would recommend 1 day turn limits. Here's my logic: With 16 players , someone will generally be on the road or otherwise unable to do a turn for within a 48 hour turn. With a 24 hour time limit, the game will still move forward expeditiously, one turn every day, and the game will be completed in about 500 days. With a 48 hour time period, given that one of the 16 players is likely unable to make a move, the game will still move forward, but the absence of a single player will limit everyone else to one move every 2 days, and the game will be completed in 1000 days.
In terms of player time, the game is really very quick. I just played 38 turns as Rome in the early game in 145 minutes. Admittedly, I'm probably quicker than most, as I've been beta testing for awhile, and I'm very familiar with Rome. Also, since I played straight through my turns take less time that a MP game would, as I'm not restarting the game for each move. Still, it is very quick to do a turn.
Hi Tripoli
I have no problem with 24 hour turns but some might. In any case the turn goes ahead as soon as everyone submits their move so hopefully the turns will progress much quicker than once every 48 hours.
Also your speed of turn was presumably in single player.....the beta MP games I believe had a longer turnaround time than 48 hours didn't they ?
I would be more than happy to play in a 24 hour turnaround MP game in addition to this 48 hour one as well as a single player game but some players will not and I want to stick to the advertised maximum 48 hour turns (with the hope and expectation most turns will go much quicker) rather than risk several players pull out.
Hopefully you understand my logic 're this .
If you want to set up a fast MP game as well as this one though.......count me in 👍👍👍
All the best
Ian
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 07, 2019, 04:14:00 PM
Quote from: devoncop on July 07, 2019, 12:01:33 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 06, 2019, 05:00:51 PM
Epirus is back on the menu, boys!
If Epirus is on your menu Jason you have some mighty ambitions as the Sabaeans :)
Step 1: encourage other players to go after Epirus.
Step 2: watch them slay each other fighting over Epirus.
Step 3: ???
Step 4: Profit. :bd:
You are truly wasted sitting in the desert bothering camels Jason with that kind of twisted thinking..... :notworthy:
We do a lot of caravans, so "Step 4: Profit" just comes naturally. ^-^
Quote from: devoncop on July 07, 2019, 07:20:25 PM
Hi Tripoli
I have no problem with 24 hour turns but some might. In any case the turn goes ahead as soon as everyone submits their move so hopefully the turns will progress much quicker than once every 48 hours.
Also your speed of turn was presumably in single player.....the beta MP games I believe had a longer turnaround time than 48 hours didn't they ?
I would be more than happy to play in a 24 hour turnaround MP game in addition to this 48 hour one as well as a single player game but some players will not and I want to stick to the advertised maximum 48 hour turns (with the hope and expectation most turns will go much quicker) rather than risk several players pull out.
Hopefully you understand my logic 're this .
If you want to set up a fast MP game as well as this one though.......count me in 👍👍👍
All the best
Ian
Right now, all the MP games I've been running in the Beta have been 24 hour turns. Here is why I was suggesting the 24 hour turns-If 15 of the 16 players get their turns done in 12 hours, everyone will be waiting for the 16th player to finish his move. That might be frustrating for some. Of course, people could simply start multiple games, as you suggest. Because FoGE has such a low level of time commitment per turn, that is a good option. The 48 hour time period you suggest is also good, in that if people have weekend commitments, they can still get their turns in without relying on the AI to do their move for them. However, the 48 hour turn option means that it will take approximately 3 years of play to finish the game.
Of course, if everyone gets their turns done before 48 hours, the game advances to the next turn (in otherwords, the 48 hours is the maximum amount of time per turn, not the minimum). I'm personally good with any choice ya'll make. I just wanted to give you some insight into how the mechanics of a MP game worked for planning out how to organize it. I am looking forward to playing it with ya'll :)
Cheers Tripoli.
Helpful into as always.
I think in practice we will get pretty quick turnaround and as is the nature of things some players will drop out whatever the limit though I intend to stick it through whatever 😉
I will be sending out PM's to everyone on release day as well as posting on both this forum and the Slitherine one where some of the other players reside and hopefully the game will crack along nicely.
Cheers
Ian
Hey guys, I'm Grognerd, and I'm new here! I am also "jimwinsor" on the Slitherine forums, and one of the playtesters for Field of Glory: Empires.
AND I am also the Seleucid player in this here upcoming PBEM game. With this new Grogheads account, this should give you all an alternate means of communicating with me diplomatically, should you so desire.
Omnis fortuna!
Quote from: Grognerd on July 07, 2019, 10:43:45 PM
Hey guys, I'm Grognerd, and I'm new here! I am also "jimwinsor" on the Slitherine forums, and one of the playtesters for Field of Glory: Empires.
AND I am also the Seleucid player in this here upcoming PBEM game. With this new Grogheads account, this should give you all an alternate means of communicating with me diplomatically, should you so desire.
Omnis fortuna!
Noted Jim...........are you up to something ? :)
Quote from: devoncop on July 07, 2019, 10:45:19 PM
Quote from: Grognerd on July 07, 2019, 10:43:45 PM
Hey guys, I'm Grognerd, and I'm new here! I am also "jimwinsor" on the Slitherine forums, and one of the playtesters for Field of Glory: Empires.
AND I am also the Seleucid player in this here upcoming PBEM game. With this new Grogheads account, this should give you all an alternate means of communicating with me diplomatically, should you so desire.
Omnis fortuna!
Noted Jim...........are you up to something ? :)
I am, as a matter of fact ... which you all should see (hopefully) on release day (Thursday)! ;)
Quote from: Grognerd on July 07, 2019, 10:58:15 PM
Quote from: devoncop on July 07, 2019, 10:45:19 PM
Quote from: Grognerd on July 07, 2019, 10:43:45 PM
Hey guys, I'm Grognerd, and I'm new here! I am also "jimwinsor" on the Slitherine forums, and one of the playtesters for Field of Glory: Empires.
AND I am also the Seleucid player in this here upcoming PBEM game. With this new Grogheads account, this should give you all an alternate means of communicating with me diplomatically, should you so desire.
Omnis fortuna!
Noted Jim...........are you up to something ? :)
I am, as a matter of fact ... which you all should see (hopefully) on release day (Thursday)! ;)
:hide:
Be afraid. be very afraid.
By the way, though I will buy and set up the game Thursday I will only launch it when everyone has logged in (hopefully quickly but to be fair to everyone they have until the 18th to do so if they need to practice SP first) so while we could see your nefarious scheme on Thursday you may have to wait a bit longer :)
Quote from: TripoliHowever, the 48 hour turn option means that it will take approximately 3 years of play to finish the game.
Math isn't my best skill, but wouldn't this only be true if everyone always took the full 48 hours and also went through the whole game without being defeated?
'Grognerd'...why didn't I think of that.
"Grognard"?....... nah, too overtly dongly.
"Grongle"?
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 08, 2019, 07:41:15 AM
Quote from: TripoliHowever, the 48 hour turn option means that it will take approximately 3 years of play to finish the game.
Math isn't my best skill, but wouldn't this only be true if everyone always took the full 48 hours and also went through the whole game without being defeated?
That is correct. With the 48 hour setting, it is possible for sixteen players to complete their turns in less than 48 hours, and the game advance to the next turn in less time. However, my deep level of experience with humans tells me that with sixteen players, that won't happen too often ;) Somebody's turn will be delayed because they have a business trip to Paducah, or their dog ate their carpet, or they are going to the Lutefisk festival in Buttzville with their in-laws that weekend.....
Any word on the price on this? Wondering whether to grab "Gathering Storm" before the sale ends, or wait for this.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback, but I am going to hold off buying it for now.
With my resurgence in DCS and my other ongoing PBEM games I just don't have the time. Good luck to everyone! Will definately keep on reading this thread and the AAR's.
In a development that will hit hard the ambitions of those nations (you know who you are :knuppel2:) who are intending to stick their noses into the inviting riches that comprise the Greek penisular, Epirus has resolved its power struggle and Massina_nz is now playing as Epirus...
So no free lunches guys....
He is available for contact on the Slitherine forum or else in game once we launch !
Will there be a running AAR on this? I want to read what you guys are up to.
Quote from: jomni on July 08, 2019, 09:48:31 PM
Will there be a running AAR on this? I want to read what you guys are up to.
THere may have to be a bit of a delay-I'm not sure we can do one without at least a 10 year delay without giving away too much info.
Quote from: jomni on July 08, 2019, 09:48:31 PM
Will there be a running AAR on this? I want to read what you guys are up to.
Jomni do not panic.......... ;)
Tomorrow the first Edition of the Papyrus Spysheet will be hitting the newstands including full Editorial on the start of play position and a Special Report on the specific diplomatic shenanigans that have been going on in one particular region of the world pre game to give you an idea of events........The Spysheet will be published every 4 turns to give a completely reliable and unbiased acccount O:-) of events in the gameworld and will feature a Special Report on a different area of the known world each edition :)
I am panicking.
Quote from: Gusington on July 09, 2019, 08:08:13 AM
I am panicking.
To be fair you may have reason to 😂😂😂
:-X
....sort of? Devon plans to release a running newspapyrus of rumors going on around the map from his central position in Egypt.
I may try my hand at a Semetic epic poetry form. But if I do a more visual AAR, I doubt I'll start that until much later, so as not to give away much of my position and capabilities (or even what I can detect of other players).
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 09, 2019, 12:07:06 PM
....sort of? Devon plans to release a running newspapyrus of rumors going on around the map from his central position in Egypt.
I may try my hand at a Semetic epic poetry form. But if I do a more visual AAR, I doubt I'll start that until much later, so as not to give away much of my position and capabilities (or even what I can detect of other players).
Which reminds me.....time for publication of issue 1 I think 😉
First Edition is out :)
EDITORIAL : ISSUE 1
A note from the Editor : Demetrius of Alexandria
It is 310 BCE.
The Diadochi disputes over the great legacy of Alexander have spilled over into open warfare. Egypt and her loyal
client state Nabatea are already entangled in wars with the huge unwieldy Antigonid holdings as well as with that of the more distant and aggressive Macedonian Kingdom. Already Judean High Priests preaching of independence as well as of their God have taken advantage of the chaos to strike out alone.
The Seleucids, straining every sinew to keep their fractious realm intact as Satrapies squabble and their remote subject states such as Bactria agitate for freedom are also in conflict with Antigonus.
Everywhere in the known world the diplomatic situation appears set to come to the boil.
In the Western Mediterranean the wealthy traders of Carthage are leveraging their dominant naval position to steal trade from their competitors whilst raising mercenary armies with their profits, causing alarm everywhere from the Tyrant of Syracuse holed up in his fortified city to the proud independent tribal nations of the Iberian peninsular and North Africa.
The fledgling Roman Republic, eager to assert its dominance in Italy can surely not ignore the expansion of Carthaginian influence into Syracusean holdings to the South ?
In the extreme north west the warlike barely civilised Pictish tribes appear to be casting covetous eyes on the rich fertile lands to the south where the Britonae are building up their forces in anticipation of a fight to the death.
Far to the East, diplomatically isolated from the Diadochi traumas yet sitting threateningly on the borders of the Seleucids are the Elephants and massed archer armies of the Mauryans. How ambitious are they to dabble in such a quagmire or do they wait to pounce like a vulture on the first twitching corpse ?
Finally there is the sweet tasting fruit of the rich and cultured yet fatally divided Greek states. The faded glory of Sparta, the corrupted democracy of Athens and the historical anachronism of the haughty city states barely hanging together in a fractious defensive League. Already rumours sweep the theatres and bath houses of Antigonid forces being readied to swoop and Macedon's pledges to intervene on their behalf are viewed with justified cynicism. A new energetic leader of Epirus also pledges not to remain on the sidelines. Greece is indeed a tinderbox.
310 BCE : The stage is set.
It now appears the actors are ready to play their part.
By our next issue so much may be clearer.
Demetrius of Alexandria......Editor in Chief
THE PAPYRUS SPYSHEET
Reports that the shadowy High Priests of Judea are seeking powerful allies to assist them in an unprovoked attack on the desert Kingdom of Nabatea have caused despair in the Kingdom and delegations have been urgently despatched to their overlord in Alexandria pleading for increased military presence from Egyptian troops .
....See our Special Report this issue for more details.
All the while there are reports of new Seleucid troop movements to the East causing concern in the hearts of those citizens loyal to Antigonus. Though with a new energetic leader in Maurya flexing their muscles on the Seleucids own exposed and remote eastern borders is a war with Antigonus really risk free for the Seleucids ?
Diplomatic moves are as a result reportedly underway between Antigonid diplomats and those of Ptolemy, Pharoah of all Egypt.......many see this initiative as a radical move whereby the two powers may seek to put past disputes behind them though any concrete agreement has yet to be reached.
There are worrying signs of barbarian activity in the far north with the warlike Pictish tribes during a great gathering in the glens in the presence of their Chief announcing the targeting of the fertile lands to the south.
The Britons are reportedly greatly concerned by this developing threat from their primitive northern neighbours the Picts but "expert" analysts in Alexandria predict the two tribes will find a way to live in peace and harmony on the Sceptered Isle and dismiss predictions of centuries of bloodthirsty conflict as completely groundless.................
Problems are also apparent in the court of the Camel loving Kingdom of Bactria whispers a court official to our scribe on the ground where after an unfortunate incident involving the King's favourite Camel Sophia and the errant stallion of the General commanding the Bactrian forces, a huge military purge is underway as the crazed ruler seeks revenge...... Strange indeed are the ways of the mountainous Kingdom.......
There are also growing tensions in Iberia where the aggressive local tribal kingdom of Iberii has become greatly concerned with moves by Tunis to expand Carthaginian influence into the area...Allegations that the newly confident Republic in Rome is encouraging such aggression have been denied by the Consul's diplomatic staff but it is clear that such a development is to Rome's advantage in occupying the attention of the dominant naval power in the Mediterranean...
There is a mystery however in establishing the future plans of the mysterious oasis dwelling Saba ....will they come to the aid of Judea in its expansionary ambitions against the Egyptian Client State of Nabatea or are they planning to strike from the south , unifying the fractured desert tribes before challenging the Diadochi rulers to the north ? ..........Any information from sources in this inhospitable region would be much appreciated by the editor...(sources will be protected under codename "Wadileaks")
Naval exercises underway off Tunis by the powerful Carthaginian navy involving the repeated loading and unloading of large numbers of troops have caused huge consternation across the Western Mediterranean and it is reported that the Tyrant of Syracuse has been casting about frantically for allies whilst Syracusean hoplites are being trained and drilled in anticipation of anticipated Carthaginian expansion from their foothold to the west of the Tyrant's stronghold.
Publishers Note :
The Papyrus Spysheet, though published from plush offices in the Grand Palace of Ptolemy, Pharoah of all Egypt is a journal of total integrity and its editors operate with complete editorial independence.
It is totally without foundation to link, as some have done, the imprisonment of the last editor for corruption with scurrillous stories run in the Spysheet before his arrest regarding the Pharoah's son and daughter having a less than wholesome relationship.
SPECIAL REPORT ..........THE LEVANT
or
"How do you solve a problem like Judea"
Each edition the Papyrus Spysheet will give its readers a detailed insight into a particular region of our known world focusing on developments not everyone may be aware of.
For our first edition we focus on the Levant where a "little local difficulty" is becoming too big to ignore...........
It seems things in the Levant have reached a state of extreme tension.
With the Antigonids already at war over the legacy of Alexander it seems the militant High Priests of Judea, newly broken away from Antigonid control are seeking to take advantage of the turmoil.
Briefings from the Nabatean Court indicate that not only has Judea demanded their Red Sea port as the price of peaceful co-existance but that the sect has made even greater demands of their old overlords the Antigonids, demanding Jerusalem and Levant ports on the Eastern Mediterranean.
Bolstered by diplomatic support from Alexandria where the Pharoah of all Egypt and Protector of Nabatea Ptolemy sits on his gilded throne the Nabateans have taken a firm stance refusing Judean demands.
The reception in the Antigonid capital was reportedly more receptive however and it is now openly being briefed by Judean sources that the Antigonid garrisons West of Judea are already pulling most of their forces out of Jerusalem and the port cities to the West. When Anigonid diplomats were asked about these troop movements they issued a terse "No Comment".
In response Ptolemy has hardened the Egyptian rhetoric in recent days and tody stated that "Egypt simply will not allow the old religious balance in the region to be destroyed by the militant sect now running Judea. Any move West by Judea against Nabatea or into Jerusalem or the Mediterranean ports will reluctantly force Egypt to act to protect existing religious structures and peoples."
Latest concessions offered by Egypt of a 30 year delay before Judea takes over Palestine Province including Jerusalem have reportedly been rejected by hardliners within the High Priest Council.
It remains to be seen which nation in the area blinks first..........
Check out our next edition for a new Special Report......
BREAKING NEWS...................Negotiations between Judea and Egypt break down without agreement !!!!
Camel-loving 😳
Quote from: Gusington on July 09, 2019, 01:47:49 PM
Camel-loving 😳
Don't fight it......learn to accept it.
It makes things easier long term ;)
Is yer newspaper run by time travelers? How do they know the date is 310 BCE (Before Current Era)... it's their current era? ;)
Quote from: Barthheart on July 09, 2019, 02:17:52 PM
Is yer newspaper run by time travelers? How do they know the date is 310 BCE (Before Current Era)... it's their current era? ;)
Have you not heard of our expert Seers ? ::)
This thread is quickly becoming...unsettling.
Quote from: Gusington on July 09, 2019, 02:28:47 PM
This thread is quickly becoming...unsettling.
"Unsettling" is what is going on the Levant .......try negotiating with the Judean leadership if you want to experience "unsettling"....... :)
Quote from: devoncop on July 09, 2019, 02:33:19 PM
Quote from: Gusington on July 09, 2019, 02:28:47 PM
This thread is quickly becoming...unsettling.
"Unsettling" is what is going on the Levant .......try negotiating with the Judean leadership if you want to experience "unsettling"....... :)
Is that the Judean People's Front or the Popular Front of Judea?
Front of Judea's People
Hi guys SpeedyCm from the slitherine forums here, leader of the Iberri tribe.
Signed up here to make it a little easier for the locals to conduct diplomacy.
Oh and looks like an appropriate time to bring out the standard "bloody Romans" quote.
"You look like a piss boy."
Quote from: devoncop on July 09, 2019, 02:26:36 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on July 09, 2019, 02:17:52 PM
Is yer newspaper run by time travelers? How do they know the date is 310 BCE (Before Current Era)... it's their current era? ;)
Have you not heard of our expert Seers ? ::)
You can thank the Magi from Saba for this, as they foresee something coming up to make the era common to all the "oikoumene_n". ^-^
One of the options when I set up our MP game tomorrow (yes it really is only 24hours or so before release!) is the ability to have nation and language specific names for armies rather than generic "1st Army, 2nd Army" etc ones.
I am minded to choose that option in set up to give even more nation specific flavour.
Does anyone have a problem with that ?
Cheers
Ian
Not at all. I would do the same. I always appreciate that feature when it's available in games like this.
Quote from: Gusington on July 10, 2019, 07:31:45 AM
Not at all. I would do the same. I always appreciate that feature when it's available in games like this.
This 100% O0
If I'd thought this all the way through, I'd have taken tomorrow and Friday off so I can properly obsess over this game. Looks like those work days won't be productive after all >:D
Quote from: al_infierno on July 10, 2019, 03:15:23 PM
Quote from: Gusington on July 10, 2019, 07:31:45 AM
Not at all. I would do the same. I always appreciate that feature when it's available in games like this.
This 100% O0
If I'd thought this all the way through, I'd have taken tomorrow and Friday off so I can properly obsess over this game. Looks like those work days won't be productive after all >:D
That seems to be the consensus across both forums so nation specific army names it is :bd:
Just to cheer you up having taken early retirement I will be hitting the F5 key from breakfast time onwards waiting for release to get stuck in ;)
The interesting decision I have is should I practice with Egypt first as that is what I am playing in MP or choose some potential enemies to check out my opposition ?
Quote from: devoncop on July 10, 2019, 03:36:11 PMThe interesting decision I have is should I practice with Egypt first as that is what I am playing in MP or choose some potential enemies to check out my opposition ?
Not to give people ideas, but I assumed "all of the above" was gonna be everyone's standard procedure :D
ALL OF THE ABOVE
So just about to head to work on afternoon shift, hopefully the game has dropped by the time I knock off at 11pm - work is going drag so hard tonight.
Oh and yeah all of the above, I've got a feeling the sun is going to be up before I get to sleep tonight.
Message to All MP players
CHECK YOUR PM INBOXES .......Password sent out for our MP game :bd: :bd: :bd:
Quote from: devoncop on July 07, 2019, 11:18:29 PM
Quote from: Grognerd on July 07, 2019, 10:58:15 PM
Quote from: devoncop on July 07, 2019, 10:45:19 PM
Quote from: Grognerd on July 07, 2019, 10:43:45 PM
Hey guys, I'm Grognerd, and I'm new here! I am also "jimwinsor" on the Slitherine forums, and one of the playtesters for Field of Glory: Empires.
AND I am also the Seleucid player in this here upcoming PBEM game. With this new Grogheads account, this should give you all an alternate means of communicating with me diplomatically, should you so desire.
Omnis fortuna!
Noted Jim...........are you up to something ? :)
I am, as a matter of fact ... which you all should see (hopefully) on release day (Thursday)! ;)
:hide:
Be afraid. be very afraid.
By the way, though I will buy and set up the game Thursday I will only launch it when everyone has logged in (hopefully quickly but to be fair to everyone they have until the 18th to do so if they need to practice SP first) so while we could see your nefarious scheme on Thursday you may have to wait a bit longer :)
Actually, I wasn't referring to our PBEM game specifically, but rather this: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1796786043 8) I hope you all find it useful and of interest!
Wow !
Great job .
Thank you for all your work on this. :notworthy:
Grognerd made amazing work on that guide, thank you.
I will hold a bit of a grudge with you, though, because "Grognerd" is an awesome nick that I should have thought of myself.
Our final player ReneTS has joined at the last minute and will be playing as Dacia !
Good luck to everyone !
Quote from: Tamas on July 11, 2019, 10:51:02 AM
Grognerd made amazing work on that guide, thank you.
I will hold a bit of a grudge with you, though, because "Grognerd" is an awesome nick that I should have thought of myself.
I'm frankly amazed it was still available when I created this Grogheads account! I felt sure I was going to have to be Grognerd123 or something ...
US$40, or 25% off along with all current FoG2 games. Steam will prorate that out, so in my case I'll be buying in at $30. :bd:
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 11, 2019, 12:36:39 PM
US$40, or 25% off along with all current FoG2 games. Steam will prorate that out, so in my case I'll be buying in at $30. :bd:
Important, you have to
choose the bundle in order to get the discount!
Full list of all 16 players now updated on Page 1 of this thread and their respective nations........
Hopefully our Syracuse player fares better than the AI did on my initial attempts >:D
On the other hand, the AI Sardinia managed to smack me around while I was focusing all my efforts in Sicily so... A little give a little take...
MP Game update :
Already 8 out of our 16 merry band have signed into the game indicating they are ready to go : :bd:
devoncop : Egypt
Geffalrus : Antingonids
Jimwinsor : Seleucids
lecrop : Britanae
ReneTS : Daciams
SpeedyCM : Iberii
Infierno : Carthage
Massina_nz : Epirus
Breaking News : Historic Treaty Signed !!
After many hours of " full and frank" tripartite negotiations between envoys from Egypt, Judea and the Antigonids the Jerusalem/Palestine Treaty was signed early this morning in Judea.
Under the terms of the treaty the following steps have been agreed......
1) Within 20 years all Antigonid troops will be withdrawn from Palestine Province and Jerusalem.
2) In 290BCE Judean will be permitted to occupy both Jerusalem and Palestine Province.
3) Until that time Judea will be permitted to take any Nabatean Province regions (outside the sovereign borders of Nabatea itself).
4) Should Nabatea ignore Egyptian advice and seize any of the Nabatean Province regions outside its sovereign borders Judea can take these(and only these) regions back from Nabatea without Egyptian military intervention.
This treaty has been made public so the international community can judge appropriately any breach of this agreement by the signatory nations.
I've gotta sign in over the weekend...
Quote from: Gusington on July 12, 2019, 08:02:55 AM
I've gotta sign in over the weekend...
No probs Gus.
Lysimachos has said he probably won't sign in until Tuesday as he needs time to practice.
With you I know it is just perfecting the perfect route to world domination with a couple of minor tweaks however 😉
Hopefully. I posted in one of the other FogE threads that in my Pontus game I am doing reasonably well but I cannot tell you why, yet. I do get that 'just one more turn' feeling though and I think learning wtf is going on will be more fun than work. Going to check out the Dastactic videos too.
My next major campaign decision is choosing which neighbor to go to war with. My last great discovery was learning the links between manpower, food and my military. A lot of digital Pontus dwellers were not happy with my learning curve.
Quote from: Gusington on July 12, 2019, 11:52:24 AM
Hopefully. I posted in one of the other FogE threads that in my Pontus game I am doing reasonably well but I cannot tell you why, yet. I do get that 'just one more turn' feeling though and I think learning wtf is going on will be more fun than work. Going to check out the Dastactic videos too.
My next major campaign decision is choosing which neighbor to go to war with. My last great discovery was learning the links between manpower, food and my military. A lot of digital Pontus dwellers were not happy with my learning curve.
My big discovery was that the pride of the Egyptian Fleet looks very different when you screw up a naval invasion and leave the fleet out of supply.....truly horrible ....but educational. :hide:
Heh I learned that same lesson as well.
I learned that the world fockin' hates Carthage and half my neighbors are at war with me within 10 turns ;D
Quote from: al_infierno on July 12, 2019, 02:09:55 PM
I learned that the world fockin' hates Carthage and half my neighbors are at war with me within 10 turns ;D
Harsh.....but fair many would say :-)
Quote from: devoncop on July 12, 2019, 03:16:19 PM
Quote from: al_infierno on July 12, 2019, 02:09:55 PM
I learned that the world fockin' hates Carthage and half my neighbors are at war with me within 10 turns ;D
Harsh.....but fair many would say :-)
Hey now. The Carthaginians are merely defending Carthage in Sicily, Sardinia, Iberia, and west Africa. They were comin' right at us! Existing so menacingly!
Quote from: al_infierno on July 12, 2019, 03:23:06 PM
Quote from: devoncop on July 12, 2019, 03:16:19 PM
Quote from: al_infierno on July 12, 2019, 02:09:55 PM
I learned that the world fockin' hates Carthage and half my neighbors are at war with me within 10 turns ;D
Harsh.....but fair many would say :-)
Hey now. The Carthaginians are merely defending Carthage in Sicily, Sardinia, Iberia, and west Africa. They were comin' right at us! Existing so menacingly!
The word "defending" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence ;)
Pontus loves and is loved by all. Not sure about Bactria.
Quote from: Gusington on July 12, 2019, 11:52:24 AM
Hopefully. I posted in one of the other FogE threads that in my Pontus game I am doing reasonably well but I cannot tell you why, yet. I do get that 'just one more turn' feeling though and I think learning wtf is going on will be more fun than work. Going to check out the Dastactic videos too.
My next major campaign decision is choosing which neighbor to go to war with. My last great discovery was learning the links between manpower, food and my military. A lot of digital Pontus dwellers were not happy with my learning curve.
Gus-In the MP game, remember that your opponents can see your manpower, metal and gold. If they see you getting consistently low on two or more of the components, they may start to view you as being ripe for the picking. I think of it like airspeed and altitude in flying: It is very bad to be low on both. You can sometimes overcome being low on one of the components (gold, manpower or metal) with some decisions that allow you to trade one of them you have a surplus in for one you have a shortage of. But don't get low on two of them, and try to keep a nice surplus (Figure 300 of each) on hand whenever possible)
Okay, I'm clearly doing something very wrong: buying the game on Steam doesn't register my game in my Slitherine account; and that needs to register before I can play mp.
I've double-checked my Slitherine account login information -- I can log in there fine, and see what games I've registered and which not. FoG:Emp (and FoG2 for that matter), not registered.
If I try to go there from within the game, and login that way, login fails.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 12, 2019, 04:37:26 PM
Okay, I'm clearly doing something very wrong: buying the game on Steam doesn't register my game in my Slitherine account; and that needs to register before I can play mp.
I've double-checked my Slitherine account login information -- I can log in there fine, and see what games I've registered and which not. FoG:Emp (and FoG2 for that matter), not registered.
If I try to go there from within the game, and login that way, login fails.
Jason,
I am confused. I bought the game on Steam but did not register it on the Sltherine site. That is not necessary to my knowledge.
All you need to do to access MP is to go into MP in game and enter your slitherine forum user name and password.
I have done that continuously.
Just tried again. Same result: "not logged in." :pullhair:
Okay, wait. Apparently my username and password for the Matrix/Slitherine site isn't the same as for the forums? And it's the forum username and password that they're looking for?!?
Just confirmed that my Slitherine username and password for my account (e.g. checking on my registration of games) doesn't work for Slitherine forums.
Well, that was at least three thousand percent insane, but yep! -- the game wants the Slitherine forum username and password, not the Slitherine ACCOUNT username and password. And my passwords were (slightly) different.
Note to self, improve those passwords.
Anyway, I can get in now.
QuoteHaving checked the MP set up procedure with the devs I can now announce that our game will open up for players to sign into it on 11th July 2019 (release day). Password for the game will be sent to all players by PM that day.
.......checking p-mail....
:-\
Quote from: devoncop on July 11, 2019, 09:41:57 AM
Message to All MP players
CHECK YOUR PM INBOXES .......Password sent out for our MP game :bd: :bd: :bd:
.....missing mine?
"Hey now. The Carthaginians are merely defending Carthage in Sicily, Sardinia, Iberia, and west Africa. They were comin' right at us! Existing so menacingly!"
You have to remember that Rome conquered the world in self defense.
Thank you Tripoli. In my SP Pontus game, I do very well with metal (Pontus was rich in metal), ok in manpower and my gold ebbs and flows. I'm only about 15 turns in to that campaign though...
Quote from: besilarius on July 12, 2019, 06:08:48 PM
You have to remember that Rome conquered the world in self defense.
Which is exactly what I am doing with my Iberri game at the moment, the Spanish AI really doesn't like having neighbours one turn they have a 40% chance of allying to you the next turn they declare war on you.
Quote from: Speedy on July 12, 2019, 09:19:31 PM
Quote from: besilarius on July 12, 2019, 06:08:48 PM
You have to remember that Rome conquered the world in self defense.
Which is exactly what I am doing with my Iberri game at the moment, the Spanish AI really doesn't like having neighbours one turn they have a 40% chance of allying to you the next turn they declare war on you.
I find once you start expanding previously potentially riendly nations for some reason start to have "doubts" 😉
It is kind of weird though that you have pretty good relations with them (in 40's) then they will start raiding you then declare war without the relations actually deteriorating before war is declared.
Watched a few Dastactic and HforHavoc videos and they really help in learning the systems here. I began making more money quickly but I may have spent it even more quickly on more troops...now losing money again. But slowly earning progress tokens and now Pontus is ranked #5...was as high as #4 but then fell back 1. Enthusiasm...growing :)
Amused that on one hand the Sabean description mentions that legends of the kingdom go back to 1700 BCE although there's no evidence of anything until the 700s; and on the other hand that the Dam, the oldest such structure in the known world, was built around 1700 BCE. ::)
That was sure a bunch of organized goats back then, huh!
(Bonus points for mentioning the "equally legendary" Queen of Sheba! Point loss due to lack of hot princess secret agents in my capabilities, as far as anyone knows. ^-^ )
It appears Gus has chosen Rome when he logged in :DD
There has been a coup ........is the Senate aware ?
PM's sent to Gus and Tripoli to see if this can be resolved without having to restart the game sign in process .............. #:-)
Eek...I will attempt to fix it tomorrow. I think Rome is the MP default, isn't it?
Quote from: Gusington on July 12, 2019, 10:56:11 PM
Eek...I will attempt to fix it tomorrow. I think Rome is the MP default, isn't it?
Yep :)
Gus, that's great.
A Cataline conspiracy to overthrow the consuls right at the get go.
I feel somewhat better about my chances, if Gus -- who has more experience than many of us playing the game so far -- fumbled the user interface so badly out of the gate. >:D
For any player trying to sign into our MP game please be aware Slitherine have a glitch on their server at present so you may get an error message flash up....if you do you can tab through to the "ignore" option and can then interact with the game normally.
Cheers
Ian
As an update we now have 11 of 16 players signed in.👍
With regard to the MP game starting Thursday at the latest can I ask it anyone who has yet to log into the game can do so by Tuesday evening at the latest so I can see everyone is still interested in participating ....we have two reserves who are keen to play and it gives them a chance to sign in if anyone has dropped out .
In case everyone signs in by Tuesday when you do sign in can you also PM me if you still would prefer to delay the game until Thursday as otherwise we will launch the game as soon as we reach a full compliment of players.
Cheers
Ian
Did the Roman Gus problem get fixed? ???
Also, while I'm okay with starting as soon as everyone logs in, I'll cast a vote for delaying until Thursday so that everyone has a chance to get at little familiar with the game. O:-)
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 14, 2019, 11:59:27 AM
Did the Roman Gus problem get fixed? ???
He is still shown as Rome at the minute.
I will PM him to remind him.
If he can't change it do you want to take another country ?
PROBLEM: Trying to access the MP console has resulted in the game crashing, twice. Any suggestions?
Quote from: Gusington on July 14, 2019, 01:14:51 PM
PROBLEM: Trying to access the MP console has resulted in the game crashing, twice. Any suggestions?
If you got the error code box with the three options...tab down and across and click "ignore"
It is a known problem they are working on but that will get you in and allow you to play MP
It looks like the server is having issues, but when I checked the other day, it seemed there was an option to simply leave the game and re-join. That should solve our little Roman Gus problem whenever the servers kick their cough.
Quote from: al_infierno on July 14, 2019, 02:34:05 PM
It looks like the server is having issues, but when I checked the other day, it seemed there was an option to simply leave the game and re-join. That should solve our little Roman Gus problem whenever the servers kick their cough.
The coup in Rome is hopefully sorted O0
Quote from: devoncop on July 14, 2019, 02:40:58 PM
Quote from: al_infierno on July 14, 2019, 02:34:05 PM
It looks like the server is having issues, but when I checked the other day, it seemed there was an option to simply leave the game and re-join. That should solve our little Roman Gus problem whenever the servers kick their cough.
The coup in Rome is hopefully sorted O0
BTW, I noticed you joined another public game as Carthage and helpfully inserted myself in as Numidia. Howdilly doodilly neighborino :D ;D
Quote from: al_infierno on July 14, 2019, 02:48:26 PM
Quote from: devoncop on July 14, 2019, 02:40:58 PM
Quote from: al_infierno on July 14, 2019, 02:34:05 PM
It looks like the server is having issues, but when I checked the other day, it seemed there was an option to simply leave the game and re-join. That should solve our little Roman Gus problem whenever the servers kick their cough.
The coup in Rome is hopefully sorted O0
BTW, I noticed you joined another public game as Carthage and helpfully inserted myself in as Numidia. Howdilly doodilly neighborino :D ;D
Oh God ! ( all of them !)
I feel ill 😱
That's the problem with moving house.....you can't choose the neighbours !
Hmm ok I will try. The game froze my machine though and I could not select anything the first couple of times, had to reboot.
Ok worked through the error messages like 10 times :/ and am now signed up as Bactria.
That means Tripoli can now sign in as Rome; although he might wait to do so until Thursday or so? (In order not to trigger an autostart.)
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 14, 2019, 06:24:20 PM
That means Tripoli can now sign in as Rome; although he might wait to do so until Thursday or so? (In order not to trigger an autostart.)
Sorry was on the road all weekend with little/no connectivity. I understand Gus "the unsurper" took Rome on turn 0. Yes, he such a good strategist he conquered Rome before the game started O0. I don't have any trouble with Gus having Rome, but now do I understand he no longer has Rome? Let me know how ya'll want to handle it. I'm good with any nation. As far as doing an autostart-If I'm the last player to log on, I can delay until 18 July to give everyone a chance to learn/practice some more.
I took Bactria. Rome is yours. For now.
....I feel like if Bactria reaches and conquers Rome, the rest of us should automatically make peace with Gus at once... :o
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 14, 2019, 09:47:09 PM
....I feel like if Bactria reaches and conquers Rome, the rest of us should automatically make peace with Gus at once... :o
The concept of Bactria taking Rome exists only in the mind of a crazed despotic Camel loving Leader who has recently declared himself a Consul of Rome.....I say no more than that :2funny:
>:D
HEY, WHO ARE YOU CALLING A LEADE---? Oh, wait, you were talking about Gus. Nevermind.
:)
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 15, 2019, 07:53:15 AM
HEY, WHO ARE YOU CALLING A LEADE---? Oh, wait, you were talking about Gus. Nevermind.
Okay fellow combatants we start tomorrow.
As soon as Tripoli signs in which he is doing tomorrow to ensure the game starts as planned on the 18th I will launch it.
Now to see all plans crumble like dust ............. :)
Quote from: devoncop on July 17, 2019, 02:50:26 AM
Okay fellow combatants we start tomorrow.
As soon as Tripoli signs in which he is doing tomorrow to ensure the game starts as planned on the 18th I will launch it.
Now to see all plans crumble like dust ............. :)
My plan is to log in tomorrow in the morning CST, so our European and Asian/Australian players can get a turn in, if they like. Look for a move around 8 AM CST
Quote from: Tripoli on July 17, 2019, 07:29:00 AM
Quote from: devoncop on July 17, 2019, 02:50:26 AM
Okay fellow combatants we start tomorrow.
As soon as Tripoli signs in which he is doing tomorrow to ensure the game starts as planned on the 18th I will launch it.
Now to see all plans crumble like dust ............. :)
My plan is to log in tomorrow in the morning CST, so our European and Asian/Australian players can get a turn in, if they like. Look for a move around 8 AM CST
Can I ask a favour and that you delay signing in until late afternoon.
I have it on good authority there may be positive " developments" tomorrow....
I plan to simulate the Sabean cultural relativity, by studying the game management as little as possible so that I have almost no idea what I'm doing! :D
^Heh
This should be the most fun I've had with my clothes on or off in a long time. With this group, can we expect an all-time 'Decadence' level high? ;)
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 17, 2019, 10:34:35 AM
This should be the most fun I've had with my clothes on or off in a long time. With this group, can we expect an all-time 'Decadence' level high? ;)
Quite frankly I am not sure the huge amount of decadence being generated in the remote fleshpots of Bactria and Sabatea will be adequately measurable ........
Thankfully Egypt under Ptolemy (aside from the admittedly common practice of marrying one's own siblings) shall remain an oasis of culture and morality 😉
Quote from: devoncop on July 17, 2019, 07:34:44 AM
Quote from: Tripoli on July 17, 2019, 07:29:00 AM
Quote from: devoncop on July 17, 2019, 02:50:26 AM
Okay fellow combatants we start tomorrow.
As soon as Tripoli signs in which he is doing tomorrow to ensure the game starts as planned on the 18th I will launch it.
Now to see all plans crumble like dust ............. :)
My plan is to log in tomorrow in the morning CST, so our European and Asian/Australian players can get a turn in, if they like. Look for a move around 8 AM CST
Can I ask a favour and that you delay signing in until late afternoon.
I have it on good authority there may be positive " developments" tomorrow....
Will do. I'll log on at 3 PM CST. That should still give the folks in Europe a chance to do a move before bedtime, and those in Asia a chance to play a move before going to work.
Excellent.
Top job.
The Fleshpot Bitches...my new band name! They'll be huge in Belgium.
Quote from: Gusington on July 17, 2019, 11:46:13 AM
The Fleshpot Bitches...my new band name! They'll be huge in Belgium.
Most things are 😏
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 17, 2019, 10:34:35 AM
This should be the most fun I've had with my clothes on or off in a long time. With this group, can we expect an all-time 'Decadence' level high? ;)
Make sure no one asks Sir Slash what he's wearing in Game Chat!
Quote from: Tuna on July 17, 2019, 12:15:51 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 17, 2019, 10:34:35 AM
This should be the most fun I've had with my clothes on or off in a long time. With this group, can we expect an all-time 'Decadence' level high? ;)
R
Make sure no one asks Sir Slash what he's wearing in Game Chat!
Unless he is taking up a role as Gus's glamorous Camel assistant or has an alias Sir Slash is not a participant in this contest which may be for the best given the apparently frenzied state of excitement he has reached before Turn 1 :hide:
True, but I'll be watching for the Fleshpot Bitches wherever they rear their pots, flesh or otherwise.
First Belgium, then Luxembourg.
THEN THE WORLD.
Then a slow, painful-to-watch decline into decadence punctuated by luxury drug abuse and civil conflicts between band members. Then they get sacked by Rome. It's what happens to every band that gets big.
The saddest story, I cry every time :'(
Quote from: al_infierno on July 17, 2019, 02:44:12 PM
THEN THE WORLD.
Then a slow, painful-to-watch decline into decadence punctuated by luxury drug abuse and civil conflicts between band members. Then they get sacked by Rome. It's what happens to every band that gets big.
The saddest story, I cry every time :'(
..and Sir Slash will that guy in the bar who says......"Yeah the Fleshpot Bitches.....I knew them before they got big and sold their souls to sleazy Bactrian producers" :coolsmiley:
I now lament more that Sabea somehow doesn't have hot princess ambassador spies... :'(
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 17, 2019, 03:25:05 PM
I now lament more that Sabea somehow doesn't have hot princess ambassador spies... :'(
That is a level 3 upgrade to the Pleasure House ;)
HA! Al you are a comedy genius.
I should print up some Fleshpot Bitches t shirts. Really doesn't matter they are not a real band.
Yet.
Since when has reality been required while posting on subjects here? And, aren't ALL Bactrian producers sleazy?
Yeah, yeah. Its all fun and games until Princess Trixie introduces drugged pudding to the local aristocracy.
Nothing says decadence like lolling about on silken pillows while being fanned by middle eastern eunuchs and lapping up psychedelic puddin.
Drugged Puddin' - the debut release of the Fleshpot Bitches.
This writes itself!
My information was correct....the new patch has come out today. :bd:
We are now good to go !
Okay Tripoli !
Whenever you are ready let's get this show in the road !!!
Good luck guys!
If there is going to be a sequel to this perhaps I will join!
I just hope everyone plays fair and keeps both hands in sight at all times. Good luck and may the best Grog win. \m/
Quote from: devoncop on July 18, 2019, 09:15:31 AM
My information was correct....the new patch has come out today. :bd:
We are now good to go !
Okay Tripoli !
Whenever you are ready let's get this show in the road !!!
I've got the new patch installed, and my master plan for taking over all the known world has been approved by the high overlord council. Now where did I put that password for logging onto the game....Nope, not there.....Drat, it isn't there either....Shazbot. Maybe I deleted the PM? ..... :-[ Can someone PM me with the password. The High Overlord Council is not pleased by my filing system....
Quote from: Tripoli on July 18, 2019, 11:38:56 AM
Quote from: devoncop on July 18, 2019, 09:15:31 AM
My information was correct....the new patch has come out today. :bd:
We are now good to go !
Okay Tripoli !
Whenever you are ready let's get this show in the road !!!
I've got the new patch installed, and my master plan for taking over all the known world has been approved by the high overlord council. Now where did I put that password for logging onto the game....Nope, not there.....Drat, it isn't there either....Shazbot. Maybe I deleted the PM? ..... :-[ Can someone PM me with the password. The High Overlord Council is not pleased by my filing system....
As galloping messengers arrive with the history making appeal that will be remembered long by the ancient scribes ( "I lost the password......what is it please?" ) enemies of Rome sit contentedly watching the administrative chaos evident in the ambitious young Republic. ..... :DD
Okay guys it's underway !!!!
Now what did I do with my grand strategic plan.......?
By the way, I will be taking notes to put together an AAR. I may start publishing it after turn 30 or so, on a 5 turn/post basis. THIS IS STRICTLY OPTIONAL, but if any of you want to join in, just start keeping notes in MS Word or in .txt. If you take screenshots, use the following naming convention: "YEAR-Image number for the year-Nation". For example, if you are Carthage, the and you take two screenshots from the 299 BC turn, the files will be named "299BC-1-Carthage" and "299BC-2-Carthage." If you take another screenshot from 288 BC, it would be "288BC-1-Carthage" Beginning turn 30, I'll ask for inputs every 5 years and begin publishing on the Slierine and Grogheads forum. If you think we should hold off until turn 50, I can also do that.
Gus-Based on some of your posts, I think you were thinking about writing about this game. If you want to join in on this, or use this information for your write up, we could also do that.
Finally, it might be interesting if a non-participant in the AAR would like to be like Howard Cosell and give some commentary about the play/mistakes, etc that they are seeing, as the game progresses.
Oh, I'm sure you'll get lots of peanut gallery comments with asking for them. :-"
30 turns sounds a decent enough "cordon sanitaire" before it starts.
Really good idea (though quite how anyone could distrust the objectivity of the widely respected "Papyrus Spysheet" is indeed baffling to all those sat in its plush offices in Ptolemy's Palace in Alexandria)... ;D
I will keep notes on the Egyptian planning if such a dogs dinner can be termed planning !
Thanks Tripoli - there are currently three posts on the Mythical Front Page[tm] for this, and the MP game will only add to that. If you want to forward me notes once a week I can assemble them in to a coherent narrative. Let me know what you think.
Quote from: Gusington on July 18, 2019, 01:00:44 PM
Thanks Tripoli - there are currently three posts on the Mythical Front Page[tm] for this, and the MP game will only add to that. If you want to forward me notes once a week I can assemble them in to a coherent narrative. Let me know what you think.
I'll PM you, and we can work out the details.
Wurd.
Put in my Turn 1 this morning before work. Got a bit unlucky with my ruler traits, but I can't complain. I'll just take it out on my lil bro Numidia :knuppel2:
Seriously though... Where can I get some of this psychedelic puddin'... It'd really go down great while I spin this rare '89 BCE vinyl pressing of the Fleshpot Bitches pre-Puddin' demos!
YEAH BABY
First turn done.
My diplomatic Corps have been working overtime ............ :-)
At about this time
Beyond the sea of sand
Came a quarrelous king.
Do you know his name?
Fred?
I've uploaded my turn you Fleshpot Bitches!
I think some of you guys may start the game OVER the max level for decadence. Just saying. <:-)
The first turn is in and second turn submitted :-)
Some interesting developments already :-)
Evidently the appeals put out to certain potential enemies of an enemy of Egypt have borne fruit...The diplomatic service are awarded an extra camel each and a night at the pleasure house of their choice (but not with the camel :hide:)
Ever holy days
For the time arrives
Gallop like a flood
Holding sea embrace.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 19, 2019, 03:55:09 PM
Ever holy days
For the time arDrives
Gallop like a flood
Holding sea embrace.
It seems the Sabaens may have designs on a higher astral plane O:-)
Quote from: Gusington on July 18, 2019, 07:49:22 AM
Drugged Puddin' - the debut release of the Fleshpot Bitches.
This writes itself!
Yer welcome.
^That...is the greatest thing ever :2funny:
:notworthy:
Graphic artist friend of mine did it.
Conversation went like this:
Barthheart: Dude, Need a quick album cover for a band called Fleshpot Bitches. The album is called Drugged Puddin'. For a running joke on a forum.
Artist: Done
BH: Oh, all female band if that wasn't obvious.
BH: From around 310 BCE.
GA: Wow. Oddly specific
BH:Came up in a thread about a game that starts in 310 BCE.
GA: But 311 BCE was a much cooler year. So half naked Roman orgy wenches on the cover?
BH: Yeah... only make them Judean.
GA: Judean?? They never had any fun. Whores showing you their ankles??
BH: You got it now.
Oh and here's a better version with "special" pottery as a background.
Good thing I'm sober reading this post or else I'd have to start drinking.
Quote from: Barthheart on July 19, 2019, 10:18:20 PM
Graphic artist friend of mine did it.
Conversation went like this:
Barthheart: Dude, Need a quick album cover for a band called Fleshpot Bitches. The album is called Drugged Puddin'. For a running joke on a forum.
Artist: Done
BH: Oh, all female band if that wasn't obvious.
BH: From around 310 BCE.
GA: Wow. Oddly specific
BH:Came up in a thread about a game that starts in 310 BCE.
GA: But 311 BCE was a much cooler year. So half naked Roman orgy wenches on the cover?
BH: Yeah... only make them Judean.
GA: Judean?? They never had any fun. Whores showing you their ankles??
BH: You got it now.
Oh and here's a better version with "special" pottery as a background.
Sometimes in life you just have to sit back in awe.............
This is one of those times............ :DD :DD :DD
Who's ready to put down the money for a vinyl pressing of 310 copies? I'll buy one as long as Gus promises to sign his promo shot on the back. I swear it won't end up on eBay for thousands of shekels O:-)
That cover art is truly something special. Well done, Barthheart's friend.
I am humbled by this. I dig the special pottery edition! But I always go with the original when given a choice. I will sign all autographs in appropriate ancient Hebrew script. And the beauty of Fleshpot Bitches is that its an all male act.
Drugged Puddin' for all! Full album, none of the EP nonsense either.
All I have to do now is 'learn music'...preferably the drums because everyone knows the drummer gets the tail.
Today the forum, tomorrow, Madison Square Garden!
Never thought I'd say this but, you maybe too big for us anymore Gus.
...annnnd now it's his avatar gif! :notworthy:
This is the power of hot Sabean princess spies. (As David and Solomon can attest to.)
Quote from: Gusington on July 20, 2019, 09:23:00 AM
But I always go with the original when given a choice.
A man of culture, I see. Maybe we were all wrong about Bactria. We will all be collapsing into decadence while the Fleshpot Bitches lead their motherland into a glorious new cultural golden age.
Learning music is for hacks. All you need to do is downtune a bunch of garbled guitar chords, yell over it, and call it extreme blackened punk metal. :2funny:
I will create my own genre. Bactrian Death Glass!!
That should be the title of the first album, too.
Next turn in and trouble brewing in the East it seems :)
Quote from: devoncop on July 21, 2019, 06:14:32 AM
Next turn in and trouble brewing in the East it seems :)
Since when has there not been trouble brewing in the East? :)
Quote from: Tripoli on July 21, 2019, 10:54:09 AM
Quote from: devoncop on July 21, 2019, 06:14:32 AM
Next turn in and trouble brewing in the East it seems :)
Since when has there not been trouble brewing in the East? :)
Nostradamus definitely knew his onions on that one.😉
If I were the Seleucids right now I would be worried.....😱
Is the aged king
Just a greedy fool?
Kindly to his foe!
Laughing, raise their heel.
The Papyrus Spysheet........Issue 2
Bringing you all the News..... (that is approved by the Censor)
306 BCE : Turn 4
This second edition of the Spysheet will review what has been an intruiging 4 years of activity (or in the case of the party loving Picts....five years of total inactivity other than attempting to make their barren god forsaken land an economic powerhouse). This project, according to our unfortunate reporter embedded with the clans in some of their recently improved mud huts in the Highlands remains very much a "work in progress".
Special Report : THE EASTERN GORDIAN KNOT
The biggest tinderbox of all with implications for all nations bordering the main protagonists appears to be the situation in and around the sprawling Seleucid Empire.
The apparent diplomatic triumph of the Seleucid leadership in having participated in successful peace talks between the leaders of three Diadochi nations(Egypt,the Antigonids and the Seleucids themselves) now appears to have been overtaken by events.
The scheming of Chandragupta of Maurya, initially done in a covert and clandestine way under the cover of the soon to be expired peace treaty with the Seleucids is now operating in plain sight. Close contacts appear to have been established between Maurya and both the restive subject nation of Bactria and the Antigonids and Mauryan plans for a co-ordinated strike have reportedly received a sympathetic ear in more than one foreign capital.
Surely the prospect of a Bactrian bid for independence simultaneously with a full invasion of the Eastern Seleucid Satrapies by Maurya would cause huge concern given the notoriously ambitious and aggressive Antigonids waiting to feast on the Seleucid corpse from the West once battle was joined.
Latest reports confirm big payments made by Maurya to Armenia whilst Bactria is attempting to secure its northern border with the Saka by also depositing generous payments of gold and jewels to the fierce horsemen of the sprawling Saka lands. Just how large will the coalition prove to be and what will be the Seleucid response ?
LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE
It was often said are only two certainties in life....the rising of the sun in the East and Carthaginian naval dominance in the Mediterranean. Its unrivalled merchant fleet led the way and its navy built on its profits, well led and equipped was more numerous and better trained by far than any rival.
It now seems this dominance is being challenged. Concerns over Carthaginian designs on the territories of southern Europe have led to several nations co-operating to be able to challenge Carthaginian dominance and latest figures now show their fleet has been outmatched in numbers at least.
This development has been warmly welcomed by the leaders of the Iberii, Syracuse and even ambitious Rome.
Whether the merchant oligarchs of Tunes feel the same or wish to respond is for now an open question.
FOR SOME, THERE IS ONLY WAR
While the Antigonids and Ptolemaic Egypt have signed a formal Peace Treaty in 308BCE and the Antigonids and Seleucids have reached at least an un-official non aggression agreement, for the other Diadochi such agreements are evidently considered merely "surrender in another name". Macedon and Lysimakos are now in their fourth year of open warfare. Whilst initially being quietly welcomed by the divided City States and historic centres of power in Greece who were more than happy to see such threatening presences devour each other this complacency now seems misplaced. An Antigonid strike north from their holdings near Athens would seem inevitable ...and yet.....commentators are noting as yet such moves have not occurred.
Maybe there is only one lesson to draw if the Antigonids are passive in Greece and the Satraps of the Seleucid Empire do indeed need to begin raising their levies very soon............
The Elephant in the Room
Finally in this edition we turn to Rome where the ambitious Consuls, egged on by a fractious Senate are already at war with the Senones and the Etrusci and are reportedly raising fresh Legions as fast as they can be trained. It has not gone unnoticed to the south where Tarantum has been strengthening its defences and readying its navy for what seems an intevitable move south later by the young republic.
It is whispered in diplomatic circles in the area that Tarentum may have got herself a secret protector who has pledged to take advantage of Roman naval weakness to sail in to the aid of Tarentum should the Romans reach the city in an attempt to halt the momentum of the aggressors before they become unstoppable and swallow the whole of Italia.
Who is this "guardian angel?"
Would Carthage really move East so soon ?
Can Epirus afford to turn its eyes and focus away from the events in Greece ?
Or is Ptolemy harbouring ambitions for a Summer Palace overlooking the Adriatic ?
All may become clear by the time of our next edition.
EDITORS NOTE :
Following an official complaint made to the Office of the Independent Papyrus Regulator (OIPR) by the fundamentalist High Priests of Judea over alleged pro
Egyptian bias in our first issue the Editor is pleased to announce that in a ruling published from OIPR's office in the Palace of the Great Ptolemy yesterday the allegation was found to be totally without foundation and to have been a scurrillous attack on the free press.
Breaking News !!
Antigonids apparently at war with Judea with the ink barely dry on the Judea/Palestine Treaty signed between Judea, Ptolemaic Egypt and Antigonus only last year ........Is this confirmation Antigonids have decided to strike East ?
With a name like, 'Anti-Gonads' you'd think they wouldn't have the balls to strike any direction. Perhaps it's a Misdirection Name Tactic? :uglystupid2:
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 22, 2019, 02:37:48 PM
With a name like, 'Anti-Gonads' you'd think they wouldn't have the balls to strike any direction. Perhaps it's a Misdirection Name Tactic? :uglystupid2:
Briefing by the diplomats of both Judea and the Antigonids now indicates this is an attempt to get around the provisions of the Judea/Palestine Treaty to benefit the Judean expansion that concerned Egypt originally. The Antigonids have gained a "technical war" which contributes to their ability to restrict their government ageing by being involved in multiple wars whilst the Judeans get a free hand expanding East towards the Seleucids and allows more rapid expansion of their economic and military base.
Urgent ("full and frank")discussions are now underway between Ptolemaic officials and the Judean leadership in particular warning of the dangers of such a move which runs completely contrary to agreed Judean expansion in the treaty which was merely Nabatea Province (outside of Nabatean sovereign territory) before 290BCE.
The merchant oligarchs of Carthago awoke from sweat-drenched nightmares of camels and mediocre Bactrian desert rock, and immediately sued for peace with Syracuse. A knife fight in a telephone booth is not on today's menu.
Reports of Carthage's naval decline and greatly under-exaggerated. As a matter of fact, we don't even have a navy. We just decided we don't need one anymore. :-"
Quote from: al_infierno on July 22, 2019, 03:37:08 PM
The merchant oligarchs of Carthago awoke from sweat-drenched nightmares of camels and mediocre Bactrian desert rock, and immediately sued for peace with Syracuse. A knife fight in a telephone booth is not on today's menu.
Reports of Carthage's naval decline and greatly under-exaggerated. As a matter of fact, we don't even have a navy. We just decided we don't need one anymore. :-"
This must be the fakest of Fake News !
Carthage scuttling its Navy.....I think not.
The Ptolemaic Camel Corps send its regards by the way :)
Murder Mediocre, Saba stalks
Numinous at night;
Over desert seas
Prayers will be heard.
Mediocre?? Pfft
Quote from: Gusington on July 22, 2019, 08:03:47 PM
Mediocre?? Pfft
I was having a prophecy of the post-reunion breakup re-reunion albums:
Bactria and
ReBactria. Even the biggest Fleshpot Bitches fans can agree those albums were totally phoned in. ::)
Of course, anybody who doesn't want their homes pillaged by roving camels would know better than to diss the legendary staple that is
Drugged Puddin' ;)
You know, genius takes many forms.
The year starts on a positive note: The entrails of the bull were nice and pink. Accordingly, the Roman army marches into the Senonian den of thieves in Picenum, quickly routing the pathetic little army there and....our intelligence said nothing about a wall here. Very bad omen. Have to go find another set of bull entrails to consult.
:o
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 22, 2019, 05:52:36 PM
Murder, Saba stalks
Numinous at night;
Over desert seas
Prayers will be heard.
If the mysterious Sabaeans are seeking allies in their quest to head north they will find a sypathetic ear in the Palace of Ptolemy..........just sayin' ;)
Oh? Judean bedsheets getting cold? >:D
I decided to take Gus' advice to improve my poetry for this turn:
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 22, 2019, 05:52:36 PM
Murder Mediocre, Saba stalks
Numinous at night;
Over desert seas
Prayers will be heard.
Better.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 23, 2019, 07:54:24 AM
Oh? Judean bedsheets getting cold? >:D
I decided to take Gus' advice to improve my poetry for this turn:
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 22, 2019, 05:52:36 PM
Murder Mediocre, Saba stalks
Numinous at night;
Over desert seas
Prayers will be heard.
To the poet of the desert......
There are two Diadochi nations bordering Judea one is a strong supporter of boosting Judean strength and has been in favour of giving them large numbers of regions of their own land uncontested totally unconcerned with the snowballing mechanics in game that make Judea truly formidable if they reach critical mass by mid game.......
The other one is Ptolemaic Egypt.....😉
When reflecting upon your next stanza this fact should be borne in mind.......
Bluff or warning, what'cha think Jason?
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 23, 2019, 09:27:53 AM
Bluff or warning, what'cha think Jason?
Would a small token of Egyptian appreciation of of the poetic ability of the Sabaens be more persuasive...?
If Egypt is ultimately at risk of huge Judean expansion then the Sabaens are even moreso....
Syria and Phoenicia Provinces have already been promised to the Judean lackeys of Antigonus.....once they get a taste for the desert who knows how far South they will strike ?
Egypt is not alone in these thoughts....Nabatea already has expressed concern and new Allies in the region will be announced soon....will the Sabaens be with us or with the Judean/Antigonid axis ?
Saba is lucky to even be on the map, to be honest. :hide:
On a possibly related note, I know most of the trade in this game is automatic, which is fine, but are there trade agreements between factions? I've poked around the diplomatic screen looking at that but haven't found anything yet.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 23, 2019, 12:20:36 PM
Saba is lucky to even be on the map, to be honest. :hide:
On a possibly related note, I know most of the trade in this game is automatic, which is fine, but are there trade agreements between factions? I've poked around the diplomatic screen looking at that but haven't found anything yet.
If you agree a co-operation Treaty with another nation it increases the trade acumen (chance of trade success) in bilateral trade for merchants of both nations.
Between a player nation and an AI one it also improves relations (which run from 0 to 100) by +1 per year the treaty is in existence.
Also ...remember there is always room for poets in this world.....even bad ones :)
Quickly run out sands;
Restless rise the sands.
Sands collect and pack.
Time may not be kind.
Underestimated
Victims strike the gate.
Waiting to prepare;
Exhalation held.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 24, 2019, 08:50:32 PM
Underestimated
Victims strike the gate.
Waiting to prepare;
Exhalation held.
Only the foolish underestimate those they do not know and do not understand.....
Impenetrable poetry places the Saba firmly in this category......
I figure there will be plenty of AARs eventually, so I'm taking a more minimalist route which gives hints about what's going on in the Sole of the World.
(I thought about making them haiku, but decided to stay a little more culturally appropriate.)
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 25, 2019, 07:46:29 AM
I figure there will be plenty of AARs eventually, so I'm taking a more minimalist route which gives hints about what's going on in the Sole of the World.
(I thought about making them haiku, but decided to stay a little more culturally appropriate.)
I started a SP game as the Sabaeans as you got my interest up...you have some major strengths.
I think if you decide to do so you can be a big player around the region that borders Ptolemaic Egypt, Antigonid and Seleucid territory and well capable of dealing with the upcoming Judean push....
Of course! -- if I play them smart, they can be great!
...if I play them smart. :-[
(Spoiler.)
Turn 7
Turn 7
Just three turns until the Seleucid/Mauryan ceasefire expires.
It seems the Saka now have a Co-operation Treaty with the Mauryan's whose war of words with the Seleucids appears to be escalating.
The chaos in Greece continues with the Antigonids now having captured the South East, are at war with Pamphylia and Athens while Lysimakos, already fighting Macedon now declare war on the Antigonids !
Judea has now expanded to take most of Syria Province.....
The wretched Picts now have a famine to contend with in their capital 😱.
Interestingly Carthage has made peace with Syracuse......
I came home last night to discover that my aging Netgear transceiver had bit the dust. I'm unsure if I can get a good new one before Monday.
I'm downloading FogEmp on my Surface Pro 3 as I type, to test whether I can mp with it. Or even run it more than a slideshow. I have some hope, as the footprint isn't large. (I would have tried this last night immediately, but the Surf was at work.)
Will update soon, I hope. Of course, the game should process for me if I can't get back to it before next week. Maybe it'll do better than I'm doing! :bd:
All this saber rattling is making me nervous.
Quote from: Gusington on July 26, 2019, 08:21:18 AM
All this saber rattling is making me nervous.
You just have to make sure that when it all kicks off you back the winning side Gus..........
No pressure..... :pullhair:
:(
The Bactrian Empire won't be won by being timid, Gus. :knuppel2:
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 26, 2019, 11:11:30 AM
The Bactrian Empire won't be won by being timid, Gus. :knuppel2:
Rumours that the Bactrian leadership have all been attending social worker training and are encouraging group hugs before important meetings have yet to be confirmed.......
Nice. But who's watching the Elephants?
Somebody's mom.
Yellow sets the sun,
Zealous for the fire.
All the surface runs.
Bated breath awaits.
Saber rattling doesn't scare me.
Camel rattling, on the other hand....
Quote from: al_infierno on July 26, 2019, 01:04:05 PM
Saber rattling doesn't scare me.
Camel rattling, on the other hand....
You appear to have a phobia for camels......stay well out of the way of the Sabaens in that case....
Hundreds of the beasts they have......
Quote from: devoncop on July 26, 2019, 01:18:13 PM
Hundreds of the beasts they have......
As far as you know! :coolsmiley:
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 26, 2019, 02:07:10 PM
Quote from: devoncop on July 26, 2019, 01:18:13 PM
Hundreds of the beasts they have......
As far as you know! :coolsmiley:
I have had a vacation down there.....every hotel room full of camels......al_infierno would have hated it..
I HATE staying in a hotel with camels. They hog the Tiki Bar and pee in the pool. >:(
^So do people!
True, but people don't keep making Hump Day references.
I used to know a girl that thought everyday was hump day. ::)
Crushing fails the blow,
Dusty windward walks.
Even fate must falter:
Force shall follow force.
Turn 8
So it seems great forces are stirring.....
The Antigonid steamroller attempts to crush the powerful city state of Athens .........
Are the Saba awakening from their desert slumbers... ?
Even indolent Bactria may finally coming off the fence....though will they jump into the arms of the Seleucids or make a leap into the unknown with Maurya and maybe even the Saka....
Now the Judeans have completed the takeover of Syria Province and their borders begin to approach the western extremities of the Seleucid Empire....
[spoiler]No.[/spoiler]
Galling war all year;
Horrible the deed.
Is there no relief?
Just a death away.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 29, 2019, 12:52:27 PM
Galling war all year;
Horrible the deed.
Is there no relief?
Just a death away.
It has often been said that the Sabaens are known for their happy uplifting poetry.....😱
We are a proud yet humiliated humble people, bitter as the sand, etc. O:-)
I can see how being proud and humble at the same time would make one bitter.
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 30, 2019, 09:45:39 AM
I can see how being proud and humble at the same time would make one bitter.
A bit like the client state of Bactria in its relationship with its caring protector the Seleucid Empire.....a loyal ally and a rebellious state yearning for independence........
So many confused folk out there...😉
...
Bactria Libre!
Kin will boast and brag;
Lately can't deny.
Maybe pallisades
Now will save our souls.
Uh Oh! That doesn't sound good. Is it time for, 'In Memory Of' poetry? :hide:
The chances of me doing a post-mortem analysis soon, seem to be increasing. Increasingly increasinger. :hide:
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 31, 2019, 02:16:29 PM
The chances of me doing a post-mortem analysis soon, seem to be increasing. Increasingly increasinger. :hide:
Tomorrow morning to mark 10 years of the game I shall post a snapshot of world events and try to analyse the roller coaster of fortunes that some nations in particular have experiences already..........
The Saba may have a starring role ;)
If we even still exist. #:-) L:-)
A Syracusian army has lost its way and accidentally found itself in Bruittium, in the toe of the Italian peninsula. Does it need any Roman assistance in finding its way back to Sicily? >:D
In place of the usual edition of the "Papyrus Spysheet" I thought maybe a summary of where we are after 10 years of this game would be helpful for some (like me!) who often focus on their own area of the world without following all that goes on elsewhere.
Year 10
It is fair to say there have already been some dramatic developments in what are after all the very opening stages of a long campaign (for most ;))
First the raw figures:
LEGACY
Rank to date :
1) Antigonids : 111. (Geffalrus)
2) Sparta : 100. (AI)
3) Egypt : 95. (devoncop)
4) Seleucids : 68. (jimwinsor)
5) Carthage : 50. (Al infierno)
Remember at this stage the numbers mean little but are included for interest only.
Army Combat Strength and changes since the start of the game by Nation : (Player controlled nations only)
(These give an idea of who are the rampant warmongers ......... :knuppel2:)
Antigonids : Now 450.....Start 260. (Geffalrus)
Bactria : Now 80.......Start 47. (Gusington)
Britons : Now 30...... Start 40. (LeCrop)
Carthage : Now 200.... Start 76. (Al infierno)
Egypt : Now 170... Start 124. (devoncop)
Epirus : Now 80 ... Start 31. (Massina nz)
Iberii : Now 50 ... Start 38. (SpeedyCM)
Judea : Now 10 .... Start 6. (Yaitz)
Picts : Now 40 ..... Start 23. (Lokki)
Sabaens : Now 20 ..... Start 41. (JasonPratt)
Syracuse : Now 60 ..... Start 47. (Asty)
Rome : Now 175 ... Start 43. (Tripoli)
Seleucids : Now 450 ... Start 233. (Jimwinsor)
Maurya : Now 225 ... Start 94 (Lysymachos)
Dacia : Now 30 ....Start 20. (ReneTS)
Saka. : Now 80. ...Start 58. (Greyhunterlp)
Main Developments
The game has been proceeding at a good pace so thank you to everyone playing and unlike many MP games we have had no drop outs :D
The situation with the Diadochi nations could not be more varied. AI Macedonia is smashed, broken into two insignificant provinces by a ferocious assault led by an Epirus (Massina_nz) and Antigonid (Geffalrus) Alliance supported by an effective AI controlled Lysimakos with other small Greek city states also piling in.
Among the other Diadochi it has largely been a period of peaceful consolidation although Egypt has established a forward trading and naval base in Crete whist Carthage has concentrated on keeping the unruly north African tribes in order. It can be seen however that Carthage has significantly increased its army strength though for what purpose is uncertain.
The quick agreement to end the initial wars between the Antigonids and Seleucids (jimwinsor) and the Antigonids and the Egyptians has meant only the Antigonids have aggressively expanded with heavy commitments in Greece and Asia Minor. Judea (Yaitz) has moved with the agreement of the Antigonids to take Syria Province but has met a recent reverse at the hands of fierce AI independents as they await the agreed takeover of Jerusalem and Palestine, also from the Antigonid's in ten years time.
Further East though no open warfare has broken out in an ominous sign for the Seleucids the Mauryan's(Lysimachos) and the Saka (Greyhunterlp) are now allied with the Bactrian's (Gusington) at time of this report still to make clear which way they will jump if their overlord is attacked.
To the south a small but truly ferocious most un-neighbourly battle has been taking place between JasonPratt's Sabaens and their sworn enemies the AI controlled Quatabans and latest indications are that Saba is in some serious trouble.
Way to the North East the Picts (Lokki) have been fully engaged in simply trying to establish a functioning economy and remain in their initial starting regions fighting off famine whilst the Britons of LeCrop now occupy a precarious thin strip of regions from central to southern England but like the Saba appear to have not found things completely plain sailing.
Around Italy the huge Roman(Tripoli) army build up has resulted in a formidible conquest of several Regions though as yet the unification of Italy remains incomplete and in an audacious move Syracuse(Asty) has now attempted to grab a slice of the Italian "toe".......this is unlikely to go down well in the Senate :D
.......the drama now continues...............
:clap: Sounds like fun.
How about a full map screen shot.... :-"
Quote from: Barthheart on August 01, 2019, 05:29:17 AM
:clap: Sounds like fun.
How about a full map screen shot.... :-"
Hi and thanks for your interest. It is indeed a fine game.
I think Gus is doing a full AAR for the game for the front page ....(screenshots are well beyond my neanderthal ability!) and Jason I believe may also be doing one from the point of view of the Saba....(so that may yet be a short one...😉...though they do have an amazing defensive building in their capital so maybe not!).
As if that is not enough, the Saka player is the Youtuber Greyhunterlp and he is doing a you tube series on his experience but that may be subject to delay (like the others) for "operational security" reasons :)
AAR is forthcoming from Tripoli, to be edited by me.
Question: starting this Saturday (August 3) and lasting 1 week I will be on vacation, away from the game.
Will the AI take over automatically after a certain amount of time has passed?
I can offer one unimportant correction brought by traders to the various far-flung areas of the world, such as the Picts (who announced publicly a trade cooperation with the Sabaeans, so I'm not spoiling anything there).
The Qatabians declared war on Saba some time ago, but there has been no fighting between them yet. Saba has actually been dueling with another 1-province AI faction to our west, on the coast, who to be fair was responding to Sabeaen aggression -- and who up until recently has been kicking Sabean butt in some close fights! They even took away my first captured territory for themselves, becoming the lone multi-territory faction in my corner of the world for a while!
This war has now ended with Saba taking their capital (in another close battle) -- while Qataba has finally expanded in parallel with me to their second territory (originally my first conquered territory).
Qataba still has room to expand in another direction or two aside from at me, but to be honest the only reason I'm still in the game is because Qataba thinks fighting me would be too boring or something! L:-) I fully expect every single turn that I'm going to be curbstomped by the Qatabian AI, which deserves to win because the AI has been playing more intelligently than I have.
More details on this later, or I should expect sooner than later. ::)
Quote from: Gusington on August 01, 2019, 07:26:10 AM
AAR is forthcoming from Tripoli, to be edited by me.
Question: starting this Saturday (August 3) and lasting 1 week I will be on vacation, away from the game.
Will the AI take over automatically after a certain amount of time has passed?
My understanding is the Ai takes over after 3 missed turns.
If you time a turn just before you leave and we then do a turn every 48 hours you MAY just get to stay in the game but otherwise unfortunately you may get supplanted by an AI even more enhanced than your own :)
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 01, 2019, 07:30:10 AM
I can offer one unimportant correction brought by traders to the various far-flung areas of the world, such as the Picts (who announced publicly a trade cooperation with the Sabaeans, so I'm not spoiling anything there).
The Qatabians declared war on Saba some time ago, but there has been no fighting between them yet. Saba has actually been dueling with another 1-province AI faction to our west, on the coast, who to be fair was responding to Sabeaen aggression -- and who up until recently has been kicking Sabean butt in some close fights! They even took away my first captured territory for themselves, becoming the lone multi-territory faction in my corner of the world for a while!
This war has now ended with Saba taking their capital (in another close battle) -- while Qataba has finally expanded in parallel with me to their second territory (originally my first conquered territory).
Qataba still has room to expand in another direction or two aside from at me, but to be honest the only reason I'm still in the game is because Qataba thinks fighting me would be too boring or something! L:-) I fully expect every single turn that I'm going to be curbstomped by the Qatabian AI, which deserves to win because the AI has been playing more intelligently than I have.
More details on this later, or I should expect sooner than later. ::)
Interesting stuff. Both the Saba and the Qataba are VERY tricky to take down because of the strong defensive buildings in their capital so have faith !!
Oh crap I'm gonna get kicked out? Once the AI takes over players can't take it back??
Quote from: Gusington on August 01, 2019, 09:17:11 AM
Oh crap I'm gonna get kicked out? Once the AI takes over players can't take it back??
I thought you could take control back from the AI. I can check on that
I hope so :/
You could appoint a caretaker... ;)
EDIT
Ooops... not that won't work with the Slithermatrix PBEM++ system... :buck2:
Quote from: Tripoli on August 01, 2019, 09:47:56 AM
Quote from: Gusington on August 01, 2019, 09:17:11 AM
Oh crap I'm gonna get kicked out? Once the AI takes over players can't take it back??
I thought you could take control back from the AI. I can check on that
I've put a query in the beta forum. I'll let you know. I could do a quick test MP game with you, using 24 hour turns, but if you are about to go on a vacation, we won't get the results in time. Let me know if you would like to try that.
Hmm I don't think there is enough time :/
Oh well it has been nice 💩
Can't somebody log onto Gus's account and put in his turns for him? Why wouldn't that work with the PBEM++ system?
Well, yeah if he wants to give up his username and password it should work...
But then you'd have to make a second install of the game or delete your account info from your game to enter his info...
The way it works is (hopefully I remember correctly):
The server waits for you for 3 turns, waiting for the turn timer to expire.
After 3 turns, you are set inactive, and the server will stop waiting for you, plus the AI will take over.
But, you can return any time, just simply submit a turn. You are not kicked out of a game until you are eliminated or resign.
Great news ! !
Gus will rise again 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Ok that sounds much better, thanks Tamas. So, at most, I will miss just 7 turns. Hopefully the AI won't get me involved in armageddon.
Sounds like it will force the game to take 48 hrs for each turn so you should only miss 3 or 4 if yer gone for a week.
Wurd.
Has it really been 10 years already? Time just flies when you're conquering the world. :coolsmiley:
Overpowered pride
Ponders all the past.
Qataba surrounds,
Readies final blow.
:'(
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 01, 2019, 03:28:34 PM
Overpowered pride
Ponders all the past.
Qataba surrounds,
Readies final blow.
:'(
"And so...the end is near.....and so I face...the final curtain"
Always take comfort in Sinatra at times like these 😱
Anyone who reports anything about Carthaginian child sacrifice should not be taken seriously, and should be promptly harassed and ridiculed.
Wait, how did child sacrifice suddenly get in the mix?
At this point, anyone looking at the map (which doesn't show FOW for nations) will observe that my only hope is for Ethiopia to invade from the west.
Considering that I somehow started out allied with Ethiopia (or so Ethiopia said), this could be considered possible.
Considering that Ethiopia instantly joined my side years ago and since then has done NOTHING AT ALL -- I'm not holding my breath.
When your only hope is the Ethiopian Army, that is pretty grim.
That's actually a nifty system, Tamas! In that case I could've played after all. Just having the AI manage things for me sometimes in busy RL times and return after.
Does it work like this for all PBEM++ games?
Quote from: Yskonyn on August 02, 2019, 01:50:23 AM
Does it work like this for all PBEM++ games?
IIRC this is something mainly configured on the client's (i.e. the game's) side.
Plus, this is the first game using PBEM++ that allows more than two players in one game, so we never needed to tackle the situation before. :)
So the setting sun
Tramples all around.
Under wooden stakes,
Victory must bleed.
WE ARE THE ANCIENT PIONEERS.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 02, 2019, 07:58:29 AM
So the setting sun
Tramples all around.
Under wooden stakes,
Victory must bleed.
You won the crucial battle ?
Or he lost and is heading to Maui to drown his sorrows.
Or I'm besieged, as anticipated, in my final territory.
Thank Allah I managed to get a pallisade built in time!
The Ethiopians are like, "Hey, brahs, we, uh, yeah we're still in your war, buddies! ......do we have an alliance with you?!" :hide:
(I suspect there was some sort of benign bug in the code there: they acted like my allies without being listed as my ally.)
Quote from: Gusington on August 01, 2019, 07:26:10 AM
AAR is forthcoming from Tripoli, to be edited by me.
Question: starting this Saturday (August 3) and lasting 1 week I will be on vacation, away from the game.
Will the AI take over automatically after a certain amount of time has passed?
Gus-Just sent you a PM with a draft AAR. Let me know if you want screen captures or to expand on the AAR.
Will do, thanks Tripoli.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 02, 2019, 10:40:49 AM
Or I'm besieged, as anticipated, in my final territory.
Thank Allah I managed to get a pallisade built in time!
The Ethiopians are like, "Hey, brahs, we, uh, yeah we're still in your war, buddies! ......do we have an alliance with you?!" :hide:
(I suspect there was some sort of benign bug in the code there: they acted like my allies without being listed as my ally.)
You don't have that Killer Army for Legacy points option?
I do but:
1.) It requires that the enemy outgun me by 200%. That might happen, but hasn't yet.
2.) It requires that I have 75 legacy points. I don't have that yet, and probably won't get there.
3.) Most importantly, it requires that my final territory not be the area under siege. Which is the whole problem.
Westward sally rides,
expecting nothing gained.
Young and old alike,
Zealous in defense.
Farewell and adieu to you, Sabaen ladies,
Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Saba
I assume that the best Sabaean ladies already traveled out of the country some time ago on ambassadorial missions, and so are being well taken-care of. ^-^
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 02, 2019, 06:37:55 PM
I do but:
1.) It requires that the enemy outgun me by 200%. That might happen, but hasn't yet.
2.) It requires that I have 75 legacy points. I don't have that yet, and probably won't get there.
3.) Most importantly, it requires that my final territory not be the area under siege. Which is the whole problem.
Westward sally rides,
expecting nothing gained.
Young and old alike,
Zealous in defense.
Jason....you don't need the Legacy points in the bank. In another game I screwed up early as Rome and had to use it and ended up minus 180 Legacy.
😁
I am already well back into that game after about 30 turns and am about 25th out of 77 for Legacy....Admittedly Saba is not Rome but you can go into Legacy overdraft !
I've already reloaded up Imperator and Aggressors, with some preliminary plans to run a three-game comparison of gameplay, using the "Celtics" of the Aggressors game and equivalent nearby factions in the other two games. Essentially the guys who hung out in the Alps north of Rome. (Aggressors has a much smaller scope in its campaign, so I have to choose something relatively simple to play that's available in all three games.)
Quote from: devoncop on August 02, 2019, 08:02:10 PM
I am already well back into that game after about 30 turns and am about 25th out of 77 for Legacy....Admittedly Saba is not Rome but you can go into Legacy overdraft !
According to the game itself, I cannot. I've got the technical option (it triggered last turn), but the game says I'm missing all three conditions, as listed. Maybe this was altered/fixed in the latest patch?
Technically, Saba is not the first player in this game to lose his capital ...
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 02, 2019, 08:05:38 PM
I've already reloaded up Imperator and Aggressors, with some preliminary plans to run a three-game comparison of gameplay, using the "Celtics" of the Aggressors game and equivalent nearby factions in the other two games. Essentially the guys who hung out in the Alps north of Rome. (Aggressors has a much smaller scope in its campaign, so I have to choose something relatively simple to play that's available in all three games.)
Quote from: devoncop on August 02, 2019, 08:02:10 PM
I am already well back into that game after about 30 turns and am about 25th out of 77 for Legacy....Admittedly Saba is not Rome but you can go into Legacy overdraft !
According to the game itself, I cannot. I've got the technical option (it triggered last turn), but the game says I'm missing all three conditions, as listed. Maybe this was altered/fixed in the latest patch?
Ah..maybe so.......bad luck .
Jason-If you want, I could start a six or seven player MP game of Empires, using the large empires (Rome, Carthage, Antigonos, Lysimakos, Macedonia, Ptolemaios, Seleukos) to minimize the odds of getting knocked out early.
Alternatively, and for something completely different, it is possible for a player to pick two or more sides. We could get a seven player game, but you get to pick two non-major power countries separated by at least at least 1/3 of the map, So, for example, you might pick Syracuse and Saba, or the Picts and Judea. At the end of 30 turns, you have to pick which nation you will stay with for the rest of the game, and abandon the other nation.
I'm not unhappy with my pick! -- I just played foolishly, and I'm getting hammered for it. O:-) As I should be.
When I play mp again, I'd want to be Saba and do it better. 8) But I'll wait until the game knocks me out, so that I can post-mortem my game more cleanly without mis-remembering what I did in one game compared to the other.
I'm curious how picking two or more sides works in mp, though. (Or even in sp...?)
Quote from: Grognerd on August 02, 2019, 09:36:01 PM
Technically, Saba is not the first player in this game to lose his capital ...
Well, I'll be the first to lose his capital (most likely) who can't possibly get it back. ;)
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 03, 2019, 10:31:12 AM
...
I'm curious how picking two or more sides works in mp, though. (Or even in sp...?)
When you set up the MP game, select "Hotseat". That allows a player to pick as many sides as they want to. If you were to do that, I recommend everyone agreeing to the sides via email or a forum, and password protecting the game.
Syracuse-To quote Vito Corolone: "Check your PM folder." :)
As the feet race west,
Be stumbling over foe,
Ceasing to besiege:
Dying on the way.
The Qatabarian army packed up and went home for no clear reason after having punched through my pallisade. The mobile remnants of my army were on the way west to try to take a recent Qatabarian acquisition while I had some chance, but the two forces collided while each was leaving my home territory! -- in different directions! Apparently, code hasn't been included to factor vector effects. ;)
End result, I'm no longer besieged (for now), but my last mobile force was wiped out.
I'll be making some improvements for next turn, but whether I'll be able to do much with them remains to be seen...
Note: I still can't do the emergency levy (because my legacy is nowhere near what's needed); but wealthy citizens did contribute 50 gold to help out. :)
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 03, 2019, 04:09:25 PM
Note: I still can't do the emergency levy (because my legacy is nowhere near what's needed); but wealthy citizens did contribute 50 gold to help out. :)
It may be your mortal enemies may not have been aware of the latest patch changes about the emergency levy and read my incorrect post in the nick of time 😉
I see my bull sacrifice to the Gods of Saba has been received favorably. :P
Saba LIVES :-) :bd: :bd:
Just played my turn and I see Gus finally got off the fence and rebelled alongside Mauryan and Saka troops fighting the mighty Seleucid Empire.
It seems the Seleucids are rattled though as they have lost territory to the Saka in the North and got checked by the Mauryans at least temporarily in one region in the East. Significantly they also took a decision at a cost of a lot of gold to raise a mercenary army so Jim as the Seleucid player may be feeling the pressure !
In more worrying news from Greece the Antigonids....already leading in Legacy have just stormed Athens....
There's a small bug in our game now: when the Maurya capital rapidly went back and forth in ownership last turn, the region ended up with two identical palaces.
I was hoping a re-reconquest would clear the bug, but what seems to have happened is one palace moved to the new Maurya capital, while one remains controlled by me at the old capital region. This palace is actually allowing me to build Silver Shields and Companions in India.
I think the best solution here is for me to disassemble this extra palace, so I'll begin that process next turn.
That's the way, Jason. Nothing like spreading optimism and good cheer to the teeming worshipers.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 04, 2019, 12:05:10 PM
Quote from: devoncop on August 04, 2019, 01:05:47 AM
Saba LIVES :-) :bd: :bd:
For NOW! :bd: :hide:
If the Saba can hold out for a while longer help may be on its way .....an Egyptian Royal Army is not far from you now having been despatched to deal with some rebellious desert tribes the other side of the Gulf.....in exchange for an alliance and Saba agreeing to push North ultimately to assist v Judea Egypt will intervene.....
If you can hold a region on the coast we can sail directly into your territory.....
Ummmm.... watch out if he brings a large wooden horse with him.... :hide:
Quote from: Barthheart on August 04, 2019, 04:50:32 PM
Ummmm.... watch out if he brings a large wooden horse with him.... :hide:
Egypt has many qualities in its army...horses (wooden or otherwise) are not one of them.....😏
In other words, don't accept any gifts of large wooden camels from Egypt. :hide:
I certainly intend to go north (I can hardly go south, and west looks rather crowded.)
However, at this time I don't own any coastal areas.
Qataba however has several, including their capital. Also at least one navy meandering around, although I have no idea how I would know about that (no longer being on the coast) -- but I could see them show up on the map two turns ago when their siege force was withdrawing to their capital.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 04, 2019, 09:46:28 PM
I certainly intend to go north (I can hardly go south, and west looks rather crowded.)
However, at this time I don't own any coastal areas.
Qataba however has several, including their capital. Also at least one navy meandering around, although I have no idea how I would know about that (no longer being on the coast) -- but I could see them show up on the map two turns ago when their siege force was withdrawing to their capital.
That is all noted.
I will check the ledger to see how big their navy is. I doubt it is too substantial. It may be I can hit an independent to gain access if there are any still around (and the food situation is good enough) . I cannot risk shipping the army across after I declare war on your arch enemies as I have no navy in the area of sea to your west so it would risk being sunk .
Even as we grow,
Foes return again.
Gather all inside!
Heave a higher wall!
Higher walls are ALWAYS a good idea. :clap:
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 08, 2019, 08:29:04 AM
Even as we grow,
Foes return again.
Gather all inside!
Heave a higher wall!
I'm tempted to start a "Go Fund Me" for Saba :)
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 08, 2019, 08:29:04 AM
Even as we grow,
Foes return again.
Gather all inside!
Heave a higher wall!
Egyptian relief column still fighting its way to you !!
Keep the faith :peace:
As pitiful as the situation is, it's still all my own fault, and I'd rather the AI be able to exploit that than dither around insanely. :smitten:
And, we're still chugging along. I'll have an actual wall built, despite the siege, in four or five years; and they'll need well over six years to crack through what I've already got in defenders and a pallisade (plus our awesome epic-level fort we start the game with).
Even so, they have three territories to develop and I only have one I can sometimes develop. It's my own fault (and the AI was smart), but it's still a losing proposition. :hide:
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 08, 2019, 12:09:23 PM
As pitiful as the situation is, it's still all my own fault, and I'd rather the AI be able to exploit that than dither around insanely. :smitten:
And, we're still chugging along. I'll have an actual wall built, despite the siege, in four or five years; and they'll need well over six years to crack through.
Even so, they have three territories to develop and I only have one I can sometimes develop. It's my own fault (and the AI was smart), but it's still a losing proposition. :hide:
That's what I like about this game-the AI takes advantage of my weakeness. As Rome, I have a real threat of barbarian invasions. If I'm occupied in the south, the previously quiet Gallic tribes may decide to attack. Unlike a lot of games where the AI is merely a passive punching bag for me, this game notices my weakness and tries to take advantage of it.
How is AI Bactria doing?
Quote from: Tripoli on August 08, 2019, 12:16:21 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 08, 2019, 12:09:23 PM
As pitiful as the situation is, it's still all my own fault, and I'd rather the AI be able to exploit that than dither around insanely. :smitten:
And, we're still chugging along. I'll have an actual wall built, despite the siege, in four or five years; and they'll need well over six years to crack through.
Even so, they have three territories to develop and I only have one I can sometimes develop. It's my own fault (and the AI was smart), but it's still a losing proposition. :hide:
That's what I like about this game-the AI takes advantage of my weakeness. As Rome, I have a real threat of barbarian invasions. If I'm occupied in the south, the previously quiet Gallic tribes may decide to attack. Unlike a lot of games where the AI is merely a passive punching bag for me, this game notices my weakness and tries to take advantage of it.
Very much agree with this.
You can't give a bigger compliment to a game when you can often see the AI acting the way you would do as a player and I have certainly seen that.
Rome I am finding is a fascinating nation to play which is very much contrary to what I imagined. Initially very tricky and just when you manage to unify Italy and imagine that your steamroller can begin you hit the rebellious regions of Cisalpine Gaul and either the likely but Gaulish nations if you head west, the mountainous raid living Balkan tribes if you head East of the intimidating naval powers of Carthage and Ptolemaic Egypt if you head south....
What is nice is that almost every major nation comes across similar (though not identical) dilemmas.
Quote from: Gusington on August 08, 2019, 12:31:38 PM
How is AI Bactria doing?
The Seleucids or your allies may have more info but they haven't lost any territory that I can see.
The Saka have main gains and the Mauryans, having been hit hard and split in two by the main Seleucid forces now have hit back and the Seleucids may have some problems ......so all set up nicely for when you get back !!
I can verify that AI Bactria has not invaded me yet. For whatever that's worth. ^-^
QuoteYou can't give a bigger compliment to a game when you can often see the AI acting the way you would do as a player...
Or better! :bd: :hide:
Delicious! Thanks.
Latest move in the game may give the Saba a lifeline as my Egyptian relief column was going to have to battle through Arabia to get to them as Arabia had been steadfastly refusing to ally with Egypt despite being happy to take bribes (sorry I mean "subsidies").
Then it appears Judea for reasons best known to itself, ignoring the Judea/Palestine Treaty decided to move West rather than East and seems to have got into a war with Arabia.....Arabia then reconsiders and asks Egypt for an Alliance :)
I now have a supply source and free passage down to help the besieged Saba within a couple of turns as long as the Judeans back off.....
I saw Arabia expand south, off in the distance, which was interesting as I hadn't seen that before. (I stay pretty focused on my area. They're still a few territories away from me.)
In another year,
Just in time a wall.
Kindred run away,
Likely to return.
Despite my perilous situation, we're doing reasonably well. I think it's hilarious that I'm by far the highest ranked CDR player in the game right now! -- and #2 among all 77 factions! As someone else pointed out, my relative lack of decadence is surely a big contributing factor: we barely generate any from properties, we have cultural power out the wazoo, and having only one territory keeps our focus pure I guess. Plus we generate a steady 6 points of legacy or more per year, so we're staying fresh and culturally active. (Naturally other players are pulling away from me in this regard, but I was ranked in the top ten for a long time.)
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 09, 2019, 06:14:08 PM
I saw Arabia expand south, off in the distance, which was interesting as I hadn't seen that before. (I stay pretty focused on my area. They're still a few territories away from me.)
In another year,
Just in time a wall.
Kindred run away,
Likely to return.
Despite my perilous situation, we're doing reasonably well. I think it's hilarious that I'm by far the highest ranked CDR player in the game right now! -- and #2 among all 77 factions! As someone else pointed out, my relative lack of decadence is surely a big contributing factor: we barely generate any from properties, we have cultural power out the wazoo, and having only one territory keeps our focus pure I guess. Plus we generate a steady 6 points of legacy or more per year, so we're staying fresh and culturally active. (Naturally other players are pulling away from me in this regard, but I was ranked in the top ten for a long time.)
You're just such a cultural mofo you are !
Look at Mr. Fancy over here.
Pratt always has been, 'cutting edge' around here. Doesn't surprise me. :notworthy:
Quote from: Gusington on August 09, 2019, 10:08:57 PM
Look at Mr. Fancy over here.
To be fair the thought of being regaled by Sabaen poetry if we see off their tormentors is a far bigger worry to the soldiers of the Egyptian column than the enemy troops they will have to fight to get there....... :hide:
The poetry is getting repetitious, but that's also true about my turns at this point. >:D
AI Bactria really blew stuff up for me :/
Quote from: Gusington on August 10, 2019, 09:41:33 PM
AI Bactria really blew stuff up for me :/
Holidays .......The devils work :)
The Papyrus Spysheet
Bringing you all the News..... (that is approved by the
Censor)
Turn 18
This third edition of the Spysheet covers explosive events in the East as The ferocious war between the Seleucid Empire and its enemies the Mauryans to its East and the Saka to the north.
Almost immediately the Peace Treaty beteen maurya and the Seleucids expired the Mauryans, citing terrible injusices being inflicted upon Indian citizens living in the remote and corrupt Satrapies of the Seleucid Empire swept across the border and pushed west but were met by a huge Seleucid Army prepared in anticipation. After initially holding the Seleucid host the Mauryans were pushed back but heavy casualties on both sides were reported.
Simultaneously however the Saka rode their steeds south and descended upon the Seleucid territories on their border but also significantly upon those of the Bactrian Kingdom which as a client state of the Seleucid had been subject to entreaties from the Mauryan and Saka coalition to break from the Seleucids and from the Seleucids to stay loyal. In the event the Bactrian King decided to retire to his Summer Palace with his assorted female "advisors" and camels to think about matters at his leisure. Sadly events overtook this cunning plan and the Saka hordes have swept through the Bactrian lands forcing the King back from his distractions and forced to actually assume the responsibilities of his office.
Meanwhile the Saka action and a determined Mauryan counter attack has split the Seleucid Mauryan conquests off from the rest of their holdings and an emergency levy of Mercenaries at great cost had to be raised by the Seleucids to stabilise matters.
Now however a new actor appears to be pouring fuel on the fire as the Antigonid juggernaught, after much prevarication has elected to join the conflict on the side of his Diadochi colleague. The sight of the two largest Empires now allied has caused shockwaves throughout the known world.
[u]A Land Down Under[/u]
Whilst great Empires ebb and flow to the north the bloody fight for survival by the Sabeans far to the south has continued with last ditch defending of the capital combined with a desperate wall building exercise by the humble citizens so far seeing off multiple threats but its military are exhausted and in a last ditch effort envoys were smuggled out of the besieged city to reach out for help. In the early hours of a cold winter night Ptolemy was awoken in his Palace and a decision was made that the Saba and their famous dam must be saved. An Egyptian expeditionary force has been despatched to try and save them. It is a race against time. To assist the rescue mission Arabia joins an Alliance with the Ptolemaics and allows the relief force to resupply only for Judean troops to become involved in fighting with the Arabians many hundreds of miles from agreed Judean area of operations.
This situation is developing.
The Picts Awaken
Almost two decades of partying hard and scraping out a living in the glens has finally ended as Pictish forces move south it is to be seen if their warring cousins in England will unite to see off the threat
or be taken down together..........
Epirus in Control ?
Greece appears now firmly dominated by the Antigonid "enforcer" Epirus. The independent City States have been cowed and Macedon destroyed by Antigonid and Epirus forces. So where now. Should Rome fear ? Whilst given Antigonid moves East Epirus may feel somewhat less secure for now how long will this last and how long before all other nations in the region get "a visit" from the new boy on the block ?
Many once again!
No more gold to pay.
Organize to fight.
Pray that we can win.
Not surprisingly the Qatabians returned again. These sallies against us are causing serious financial problems; although we're also trying to get a strike force up and running to gain more ground, and that costs cash.
If the game will allow me to sally forth my defenders, I have a decent chance of combining with my mobile task force and smacking the assaulters. To this end I have assigned them a general (though I thought I already did that -- I hope the game doesn't keep unassigning in between sieges, but I suspect that the game abstracts back my garrison troops when besiegers leave which of course would mean they have no commander again.) He'll need a game-turn year to get used to the troops and vice versa, but next year we should be ready to go: if the game will let us!
If the game doesn't let us strike out at the harassers while they're in range, I don't know what we're going to do. I've put all nine worker groups on financial duty, but under the circumstances we haven't been able to develop that property type, and our reserves are being drained trying to build an operational movement force. I have, nominally, three turns left before we're bankrupt; maybe a little more depending on when/whether the Qats withdraw to rest again, since then our production will be restored to normal and we may gain a little back.
In the last resort, I suppose I can disband the mobile brigade, and try to restore costs that way. But if I can score a substantial win by counter-attacking the sieging force while I have force superiority, I can buy myself significantly more time.
It's still a losing proposition unless I can take out the Qats' support territories around me, which are funding their war effort. The AI has not been lax developing them up from dirt (partly thanks to my own efforts in various ways). Each area is almost as well developed as we are (aside from our epic historical artifacts of course). And unlike us, they aren't being hampered in their developments by frequent invasions.
That calculus only slopes one way. :hide:
(This is, I repeat, entirely my fault for playing poorly, while the AI has played the game much better so they deserve to be ahead here.)
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 11, 2019, 12:41:50 PM
Many once again!
No more gold to pay.
Organize to fight.
Pray that we can win.
Not surprisingly the Qatabians returned again. These sallies against us are causing serious financial problems; although we're also trying to get a strike force up and running to gain more ground, and that costs cash.
If the game will allow me to sally forth my defenders, I have a decent chance of combining with my mobile task force and smacking the assaulters. To this end I have assigned them a general (though I thought I already did that -- I hope the game doesn't keep unassigning in between sieges, but I suspect that the game abstracts back my garrison troops when besiegers leave which of course would mean they have no commander again.) He'll need a game-turn year to get used to the troops and vice versa, but next year we should be ready to go: if the game will let us!
If the game doesn't let us strike out at the harassers while they're in range, I don't know what we're going to do. I've put all nine worker groups on financial duty, but under the circumstances we haven't been able to develop that property type, and our reserves are being drained trying to build an operational movement force. I have, nominally, three turns left before we're bankrupt; maybe a little more depending on when/whether the Qats withdraw to rest again, since then our production will be restored to normal and we may gain a little back.
In the last resort, I suppose I can disband the mobile brigade, and try to restore costs that way. But if I can score a substantial win by counter-attacking the sieging force while I have force superiority, I can buy myself significantly more time.
It's still a losing proposition unless I can take out the Qats' support territories around me, which are funding their war effort. The AI has not been lax developing them up from dirt (partly thanks to my own efforts in various ways). Each area is almost as well developed as we are (aside from our epic historical artifacts of course). And unlike us, they aren't being hampered in their developments by frequent invasions.
That calculus only slopes one way. :hide:
(This is, I repeat, entirely my fault for playing poorly, while the AI has played the game much better so they deserve to be ahead here.)
With your garrison selected choose the "Exit" tab on the options above (I think it is next to the "Assault" tab.) . That will force them to exit the fortifications and engage enemy troops in your region that are besieging you.
Like you say make sure your best attacking stats General is attached the turn before and if he has a bonus stat related to the terrain in your Capital region so much the better.
Egyptian troops are about two turns away from you so if we judge it right we can hit them on the same turn. :knuppel2:
The Qats have been hanging for two turns and then retreating -- and their own fortifications are not to be trifled with. This is why I want to hit them while they're hanging out in my space. So that'll be next turn.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 11, 2019, 04:37:44 PM
The Qats have been hanging for two turns and then retreating -- and their own fortifications are not to be trifled with. This is why I want to hit them while they're hanging out in my space. So that'll be next turn.
No problem.
I should be in the adjacent region to you with my Egyptian relief column this turn assuming I win v the independents. At that point you should have a lot less to worry about !
Qataba flees again!
Readying to strike,
Saba flexes hard:
Two more years and then...
The Ptolemaic expedition can be seen to the north on the way, although I don't think that's why Qataba withdrew again (otherwise they would have withdrawn in the direction of their vulnerable outpost). It was just their normal spoiling behavior. Cheap for them to do, hampers us at no cost.
Withdrawing allowed us to finish our wheelworks, and I think also allowed us to mature another generation of workers.
Consequently, we're now in a position where every three years another new generation of workers will mature; and our infrastructure is strong enough to work on projects reasonably quickly by itself (like a second food property, stables if I remember correctly, which will also reduce our cavalry costs); and all our workers can now focus on profitmaking. (No doubt this timetable will be spoofed by another Qatabian harraassment force, but in principle that's where we are.)
Between that and a generous gift by Rome, we'll be in a position to send forth a flexible assault force in two more years; and if the Qats come back, then we'll have more of a welcoming party for them! (My theory about the computer despawning my garrison troops into an abstraction seems correct; thus they'll have no general to give them immediate help unless I leave something independently camped in the garrison -- which I have also made preparations for.)
Saba will remember the generous activity of both Rome and Egypt. :notworthy:
Under desert winds,
Very far from home,
Wander weary guests:
Expedition force! (soon to be Q4 2019 anime series...!)
Saba welcomes the Ptolemy expeditionary force coming down from Arabia. Be aware that the Qatabian territory south of you will be no pushover, as the enemy has just now concentrated a defense there -- possibly by bringing them in by ship (they've had a small navy floating around the southern entrance to the Red Sea for a while.) Our scouts and trading caravans estimate around 50 combat power on the ground, not even counting the garrison.
In two more turns I'll have a respectable raiding force assembled (if I don't get invasion-harrassed again for a couple of turns), but not one that can hit their capital yet (although not many defenders remain on the ground there, outside their garrison.)
Depending on how things are going two turns from now, I may be able to strike out diagonally southwest against the main port in the area -- captured by Saba long ago in the youth of my first king, and then almost immediately taken away by the original bandits infesting the area you're looking at. (Then much later again by Qataba.)
Alas, my original Saba ruler has died peacefully of old age, to be succeeded by a nit who reeks at combat management. Our first king couldn't live long enough to see the sea again... :'(
Situation around Sabaen capital is interesting.
The Quatabian presence around the main port includes a large naval presence as you indicate but also it seems their man army is now embarked for reasons unknown. I am trying to negotiate a peace with the Nubians as I have a decent sized force around Coptis on the border that can insure against the Quatabians getting too frisky.
I anticipate hitting the Quatabian held port next turn.
It won't be easy but I will check what they have before moving.My troops are pretty experienced though not huge in number so we shall see.
I'm hoping to sneak one more move in tomorrow, before I'm gone for the weekend -- hopefully back Sunday evening in time to check my move!
But in case the AI takes over from a stale, how do I get back in? Just login to the game? ??? (Have you successfully gotten back in yet Gus?)
I thought the screams of pain from Gus when he saw how the AI had so effectively led his nation to the abyss indicated he had regained control, at least of his nation. however, the situation may be beyond his control >:D
I am back in yes, but my pudding has indeed been drugged by the AI. And yes all you do to regain control is log in to play as usual.
If I had a choice, I would play games and the AI handle my life for me. Except for bacon.
So Nubia tried to attack Coptis having turned down my peace proposal and got a good hiding from the Egyptian garrison supported by my loyal Nabatean allies but are nonetheless being a right royal pain in the butt when there are other bigger fish to fry....
On the plus side the Qataban will be losing regions from next turn onwards as the Egyptian expeditionary forces completes Operation Sonnet on behalf of the Saba. :)
Operation Sonnet? How poetic!
Quote from: Gusington on August 16, 2019, 08:16:45 AM
Operation Sonnet? How poetic!
How could an operation in aid of our very own race of warrior poets be called anything else ?
Good point. 1500 years later and further northwest and it could be called Operation Braveheart.
I was thinking, "Operation Pratt-Off-The-Mat". :-"
Quote from: Gusington on August 16, 2019, 09:33:37 AM
Good point. 1500 years later and further northwest and it could be called Operation Braveheart.
No Mel Gibson and his cod scottish accent references please :hide:
Quote from: Sir Slash on August 16, 2019, 11:54:46 AM
I was thinking, "Operation Pratt-Off-The-Mat". :-"
Harsh but fair :DD
Syracuse-We need to have a conversation about those troops of yours in Bruttium. I'm sure we can come up with a reasonable trade for their exit to somewhere outside the peninsula.
Antigonids-Rome has apparently inadvertently ended up in a war with you Several turns ago, when I proposed an alliance with Rhodes, they were not at war with you. Had they been at war with you at the time, I would not have proposed the alliance. Since then, it appears that you and them have had a falling out. Rome has no desire for a war with Antigonids. Can we agree to some type of peace?
This game now appears stuck with Jason and Gus to play their turn.
The timer expired 12 hours or so ago but the turn hasn't proceeded.
When they move hopefully it should resolve but I have a few games now that seem to have stal!ed.
I am hoping the techies can fix it.
I played my turn earlier today.
Quote from: devoncop on August 18, 2019, 03:31:03 AM
This game now appears stuck with Jason and Gus to play their turn.
The timer expired 12 hours or so ago but the turn hasn't proceeded.
When they move hopefully it should resolve but I have a few games now that seem to have stal!ed.
I am hoping the techies can fix it.
I think there's an issue with the servers, I noticed the same thing with another game I'm in with 24-hour turns.
Interesting! -- consequently, the AI didn't take over my turn!
As I discovered this evening upon returning. :bd: I finished out turn 20 and started turn 21, so things should be rolling again.
Yellow desert sands,
Zebra troops embrace.
Arab traitors, too!
But a different way. >:(
Calling all aloud,
Downward to the sea!
Exit ancient fort,
Forward we shall ride!
Saba thanks the Antigonids for their donation to our poetic efforts, such as they are! The dam burst again this turn, embarrassing us with the Ptolemies nearby and the Arabs -- more on that in a moment -- so that we actually lost a progress point! I can't tell if that's a subtle game design detail, or a random confluence, but literally that's what happened: we lost the point out of the rickety dam being a shame to our nation! (...and lost a worker's group of population. Fortunately we were about to gain a pop and then randomly gained another pop due to our high health standards!)
While we appreciate the arrival of the Ptolemies, we do not entirely appreciate the arrival of their Arabian allies who took the opportunity of newly common borders to try taking over our final and home territory! We easily crushed them, of course; and I suspect this was less a formal invasion than that Arabia has a "raiding" mechanic, lacked by the Sabaeans (oddly, despite us being retrograde bedouins fallen from a higher civilization of more ancient times).
At any rate, we've sent our first assault army out in decades, with a reasonable chance of taking the ancient port area of southwestern Arabia -- unless, which is possible, Qataba fortifies it after their loss to the Egyptian visitors.
Relatedly, I may need to ask, at the risk of being impolite: will the local Hellenics be keeping their areas? No doubt if we fall again, the area should be put under allied management (apart from the treacherous Arabians), but one of our target areas has now been taken by Egypt.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 18, 2019, 05:45:18 PM
Yellow desert sands,
Zebra troops embrace.
Arab traitors, too!
But a different way. >:(
Calling all aloud,
Downward to the sea!
Exit ancient fort,
Forward we shall ride!
Saba thanks the Antigonids for their donation to our poetic efforts, such as they are! The dam burst again this turn, embarrassing us with the Ptolemies nearby and the Arabs -- more on that in a moment -- so that we actually lost a progress point! I can't tell if that's a subtle game design detail, or a random confluence, but literally that's what happened: we lost the point out of the rickety dam being a shame to our nation! (...and lost a worker's group of population. Fortunately we were about to gain a pop and then randomly gained another pop due to our high health standards!)
While we appreciate the arrival of the Ptolemies, we do not entirely appreciate the arrival of their Arabian allies who took the opportunity of newly common borders to try taking over our final and home territory! We easily crushed them, of course; and I suspect this was less a formal invasion than that Arabia has a "raiding" mechanic, lacked by the Sabaeans (oddly, despite us being retrograde bedouins fallen from a higher civilization of more ancient times).
At any rate, we've sent our first assault army out in decades, with a reasonable chance of taking the ancient port area of southwestern Arabia -- unless, which is possible, Qataba fortifies it after their loss to the Egyptian visitors.
Relatedly, I may need to ask, at the risk of being impolite: will the local Hellenics be keeping their areas? No doubt if we fall again, the area should be put under allied management (apart from the treacherous Arabians), but one of our target areas has now been taken by Egypt.
Ptolemy greets the leader of the heroic Sabaen resistance !
As far as the actions of our Arabian allies are concerned I am afraid controlling the Arabians is a little like holding a tiger by the tail.....a brave endeavour but ultimately futile :)Picts
We adopted the approach to ally with them as a way worshipping them raiding us so we feel your pain ! Maybe you could also get an Alliance with them ?
As far as the newly aquired Qataban teritory is concerned Egypt has no desire to expand its lands in Arabia beyond the port which has been taken to reinforce the expeditionary force to allow them to move back north and construct a small naval force for their protection. This will also allow us to blockade the Qataban capital to assist in any Sabaen siege of it.
Hopefully this is acceptable to the Sabaeans.
Ptolemy, Pharoah of all Egypt.
Bearing in mind the need for Saba to gain access to the port is greater than than for Egypt, a review by the General Staff has led to a decision to immediately remove Egyptian troops from this area of operations to allow immediate reoccupation by Sabaen forces when convenient.
Ptolemy, Pharoah of all Egypt.
Great, thanks!
For what it's worth, I'm pretty sure I recall (from when I owned it) that the territory you initially took from the Qats can be a port site, too. It just doesn't start with one built. O:-)
Gathered once again,
Harbor of the sea!
In a year or two,
Justice shall set free.
Alas that our first king couldn't live a few more years to see the sea again, but here we are! -- with a Qatabian navy blockading the harbor, true, but we'll deal with that soon one way or another.
Bless their hearts, the one slave work-group has been cruelly mistreated with an actual whipping program! We'll kick that out of the territory in a year or two, and start them on the path to freedom and citizenship. Assuming the Qats don't manage to surge out and recover from their setbacks.
Considering that the central Arabians feel no compunction about wandering down into their allied Ptolemic territories and trying to score some points on us, I would feel a lot safer if Egypt would somehow cede the territory connecting Arabia to our capital. However, I also acknowledge and comport with my ally's desire for a southern Red Sea port, and that territory does have a natural area which would make a good harbor, once developed.
If possible, perhaps a compromise could be reached? Once I have dealt with the Qats (or perhaps even before then), I could work my way over to the territory north of that one (your current northernmost of your pair in Arabia Felix), which would insulate my capital from Arabian raids just as well. Then if I can develop a decent harbor in that area (which doesn't look as promising admittedly), we could trade off so that you have a developed harbor territory in connection with your Arabian allies, paid for by my development efforts, and I still have insulating territories to buffer my capital from them.
A long-term consideration, contingent on many factors to be sure. We can revisit the topic later when-if-ever I survive my sad fraternal war down here.
I have a very bad feeling.
Sit on your hands. You'll feel better.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 20, 2019, 07:04:58 PM
Gathered once again,
Harbor of the sea!
In a year or two,
Justice shall set free.
Alas that our first king couldn't live a few more years to see the sea again, but here we are! -- with a Qatabian navy blockading the harbor, true, but we'll deal with that soon one way or another.
Bless their hearts, the one slave work-group has been cruelly mistreated with an actual whipping program! We'll kick that out of the territory in a year or two, and start them on the path to freedom and citizenship. Assuming the Qats don't manage to surge out and recover from their setbacks.
Considering that the central Arabians feel no compunction about wandering down into their allied Ptolemic territories and trying to score some points on us, I would feel a lot safer if Egypt would somehow cede the territory connecting Arabia to our capital. However, I also acknowledge and comport with my ally's desire for a southern Red Sea port, and that territory does have a natural area which would make a good harbor, once developed.
If possible, perhaps a compromise could be reached? Once I have dealt with the Qats (or perhaps even before then), I could work my way over to the territory north of that one (your current northernmost of your pair in Arabia Felix), which would insulate my capital from Arabian raids just as well. Then if I can develop a decent harbor in that area (which doesn't look as promising admittedly), we could trade off so that you have a developed harbor territory in connection with your Arabian allies, paid for by my development efforts, and I still have insulating territories to buffer my capital from them.
A long-term consideration, contingent on many factors to be sure. We can revisit the topic later when-if-ever I survive my sad fraternal war down here.
As far as the Egyptians are concerned Himjar Region and Mafonitare are both merely held in trust for the Sabaens. Whenever you are ready take both.
All I would say is that as there is no way for me to hand you the territory or give it up you will need to declare war on Egypt briefly to do it. Can I ask you are strong enough to occupy both on the same turn before you move so that we can then get a peace quickly as having several nations at war with me hurts my diplo standing.
As far as Arabia is concerned you can just build pallisades in the border regions and it reduces the raids a lot.
They are doing a fine job v the Judeans at the minute so they wont be bothering you down there as far as invasions are concerned. :)
Ah, noted, thanks! -- although I do want Egypt to keep a port territory in southern Arabia somewhere. That being said, I'd get significant benefits from consolidating regions or provinces or whatever they are, and those two territories are part of Arabia Felix. So I'm unsure of where to help you keep a foothold as thanks for the assistance.
Well, I assume you'll be consolidating the Nubian areas eventually and maybe even all the area south to the horn; Ethiopia talks like they're my allies, but technically aren't which is weird, and sure haven't acted in any such way. I won't complain if they're removed. And then you'll have all the southern Red Sea port areas you could possibly want. But I still want to be helpful for the assistance. O:-)
Re pallisades: in my experience, they don't help a lot so far. But they shouldn't: raiding calcs are based on roughly the same standard calcs as any non-manual battle, so what counts is how strong the garrison is, how strong any mobile forces in the region are, and then to some degree how strong the town/city protections are (like pallisades and walls). If they send a punkie-ass group down to randomly raid around one of your territories, and the dice roll up my capital, they're gonna get hammered -- probably. I'm not sure but there might always be a minor chance of success in raids, since the goal isn't to take and hold but to grab and leave doing damage along the way as a side-effect.
Anyway, I will definitely be herding the Qats first, and if the only way to trade territories is to declare war briefly then peace then I'll definitely want to bulk up first to get that done as quickly as possible against your local defenders. So that'll be a while. :peace: I'll revisit the topic later.
Quote from: devoncop on August 21, 2019, 01:06:29 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 20, 2019, 07:04:58 PM
Gathered once again,
Harbor of the sea!
In a year or two,
Justice shall set free.
Alas that our first king couldn't live a few more years to see the sea again, but here we are! -- with a Qatabian navy blockading the harbor, true, but we'll deal with that soon one way or another.
Bless their hearts, the one slave work-group has been cruelly mistreated with an actual whipping program! We'll kick that out of the territory in a year or two, and start them on the path to freedom and citizenship. Assuming the Qats don't manage to surge out and recover from their setbacks.
Considering that the central Arabians feel no compunction about wandering down into their allied Ptolemic territories and trying to score some points on us, I would feel a lot safer if Egypt would somehow cede the territory connecting Arabia to our capital. However, I also acknowledge and comport with my ally's desire for a southern Red Sea port, and that territory does have a natural area which would make a good harbor, once developed.
If possible, perhaps a compromise could be reached? Once I have dealt with the Qats (or perhaps even before then), I could work my way over to the territory north of that one (your current northernmost of your pair in Arabia Felix), which would insulate my capital from Arabian raids just as well. Then if I can develop a decent harbor in that area (which doesn't look as promising admittedly), we could trade off so that you have a developed harbor territory in connection with your Arabian allies, paid for by my development efforts, and I still have insulating territories to buffer my capital from them.
A long-term consideration, contingent on many factors to be sure. We can revisit the topic later when-if-ever I survive my sad fraternal war down here.
As far as the Egyptians are concerned Himjar Region and Mafonitare are both merely held in trust for the Sabaens. Whenever you are ready take both.
All I would say is that as there is no way for me to hand you the territory or give it up you will need to declare war on Egypt briefly to do it. Can I ask you are strong enough to occupy both on the same turn before you move so that we can then get a peace quickly as having several nations at war with me hurts my diplo standing.
As far as Arabia is concerned you can just build pallisades in the border regions and it reduces the raids a lot.
They are doing a fine job v the Judeans at the minute so they wont be bothering you down there as far as invasions are concerned. :)
I wish my negotiations with Syracuse over Bruttium could be as reasonable.... :(
'Herding the Qats' - the next big release from The Fleshpot Bitches!
I hear they're not easy to herd. 'Herd' it myself. :2funny: From a Qat though so maybe it's qat accurate. :2funny:
Quote from: Sir Slash on August 21, 2019, 09:22:32 AM
I hear they're not easy to herd. 'Herd' it myself. :2funny: From a Qat though so maybe it's qat accurate. :2funny:
Take from me....they are easier than herding Judeans. :pullhair: :pullhair: :pullhair:
FYI I am traveling for work tomorrow through Saturday night. I am hoping the AI will go nuts again and put Bactria out of its misery :/
Quote from: Gusington on August 21, 2019, 01:09:02 PM
FYI I am traveling for work tomorrow through Saturday night. I am hoping the AI will go nuts again and put Bactria out of its misery :/
To be fair the Bactrian national pastime is "misery" .....I speak from experience from another MP game where they constantly revolt, top their leaders (good,bad or indifferent....they don't mind) and enjoy sending the regime into a decadence death spiral whenever possible.....😂
That makes me feel...somewhat worse :/
I'll do what I can to help stabilize your region when I get an opportunity, Gus! :bd:
Kindred watch and tense,
Like a pair of wolves,
Mangy, ripped and torn.
Now which one will leap?
There's a decent chance right now the Qats will win if they load up and go after my newly recovered port territory, before I can settle peace in the area and start building up defenses. And it'll be a while before I have enough punch to both try to protect against a Qatabian counterattack, and to try to hit their capital with a very reasonable chance of winning. Each turn will tip things further in my direction, so if they're going to go they should go now; but waiting out the long game also gives them some hope of a disastrously distracting problem cropping up on my side, of course.
I'm also curious how long they can afford to be this strong. They're blockading my port right now (and Egypt's recently acquired port, too), but that has to stop at some point, right? When it does, my trade income with my allies should be significant.
Meanwhile, if I can get another decent expeditionary force together (and how long will that take), should I not try to expand out diagonally away in a direction I won't need to garrison much? I've still got some room down here -- though so do they. It's all a bunch of oases and nothing else, however, which will take hard work forever to become useful.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 22, 2019, 08:31:43 AM
Kindred watch and tense,
Like a pair of wolves,
Mangy, ripped and torn.
Now which one will leap?
There's a decent chance right now the Qats will win if they load up and go after my newly recovered port territory, before I can settle peace in the area and start building up defenses. And it'll be a while before I have enough punch to both try to protect against a Qatabian counterattack, and to try to hit their capital with a very reasonable chance of winning. Each turn will tip things further in my direction, so if they're going to go they should go now; but waiting out the long game also gives them some hope of a disastrously distracting problem cropping up on my side, of course.
I'm also curious how long they can afford to be this strong. They're blockading my port right now (and Egypt's recently acquired port, too), but that has to stop at some point, right? When it does, my trade income with my allies should be significant.
Meanwhile, if I can get another decent expeditionary force together (and how long will that take), should I not try to expand out diagonally away in a direction I won't need to garrison much? I've still got some room down here -- though so do they. It's all a bunch of oases and nothing else, however, which will take hard work forever to become useful.
I am hoping that fleet will shift this turn as it is out of supply blockading those two ports and return further east as I am taking a risk and transporting my unescorted troops north to Nabatea on the Red Sea as I have no fleet building capacity there......pray for me :-)...that should also unblock your port.
I would seriously consider seeing if you can build a mercenary centre if it comes up as the Saba is usually well off for gold and then just raise a mercenary army and crush them and then disband it if you need the cash. I would also look at developing the one of the ports and hitting the Aethiopian and Nubian territories in time.....Lots of Gold,Frankinsense etc over there if you look and they develop their lands so you arent taking over Arabian wastelands :-)
The only reason I wasn't considering going after Ethiopia eventually, was because I figured you'd want Nubia and Ethiopia yourself. (Being on your side of the Red Sea and connected via the Nile headwaters.)
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 22, 2019, 12:11:40 PM
The only reason I wasn't considering going after Ethiopia eventually, was because I figured you'd want Nubia and Ethiopia yourself. (Being on your side of the Red Sea and connected via the Nile headwaters.)
Definitely not.
In fact you would be doing me a favour as my main focus is up north and they tend to be disruptive at the worst possible time. Also if you needed help with them it would be much easier for me to get some to you...!
You could even try peace with the Qats and build up without disruption and head West....
How do the factions measure-up war-wise in this game? I mean does one faction have unbeatable units or a superior general to all others? Are there military giants in this game or is everybody just pygmies?
The military giants are definitely the Successor States, as you might expect: Egypt, the Selucids, the Antigonids, and whatever the heck is going on with Hellas (Macedonia, Sparta, Athens, etc., who have splintered off each other by now again). However, none of them are super-well developed despite their size at the start of the game, because Alexander just steamrolled his way along without pausing to develop his areas.
Then you have Rome, who at this point has just finished consolidating the Latin League and is coming back from having been rolled over by a barbarian horde. They have a lot of punching the do in the boot, but they also have a lot of latent ability already built in with their developed infrastructure compared to older more cultured factions around them (like Epirius). It's pretty normal for them to surge all over Italy. I think in our game everyone is down on the boot except for the Samnites? -- and they're surrounded? (And like historically, are kind of just waiting to exploit problems.) Syracuse has invaded the toe or the heel or something, so the islands have some punch. Carthage is spread out in trading ports all over north Africa but they don't have a unified nation yet (since originally they were just more Syro-Phoenician trading stations like the Canaanites.) They can get very punchy, as you might expect, but have a lot of actual contiguous nations between their own areas, albeit undeveloped ones.
Anyway. The big Successors tend to set up ally networks to forestall each other, using smaller factions as buffer states while they pick up spare territories around themselves and develop up their internal abilities (or redevelop in some cases using Hellenic efficiency to bootstrap back up ancient areas devastated by Alex and his generals). So they don't just superstack and go on Godzilla rampages. In fact they can't: the game heavily penalizes any attempts at trying to go far with large stacks, or even medium ones, or even small ones in some cases, unless you have already built up logistic support in your territories for them to springboard from.
I can give a pertinent example from my single-player games where I'm fiddling with how to survive and thrive as the Rhaeti, basically Alpine Celts. I've got a great defensive capital area with almost no development, and two great hinterland areas with literally no development at all, and I start with a reasonably punchy army for a minor. And even though I have a cultural and national ability to field up to 10 units without having to pay for them, they IMMEDIATELY start dying off IN MY OWN TERRITORIES because I have no way to feed them. Trying to invade any other nearby territories is worse. I'm probably supposed to be sending them out in random raids to try to survive, but I do pretty well dividing them up into a few units capable of living in the mountain capital and everyone else who shouldn't be in mountains going downhill to the north. This sort-of eases their drain on food to a manageable level, and provides some defense against random incoming raids, while I try to bootstrap my starting three territories into something useful. But my capital takes generations to get enough worker groups to try to do anything, partly because I simply can't stop all incoming raids there from the 'real' "Celtica" faction and the Boiis next door, and they blip off a worker group sometimes, and/or hampering my construction or food-growing for two to five years at other times. (I badly wish the game allowed us to move worker groups between areas.) The other two areas start with less but bootstrap up a LOT faster, even with occasionally successful raids against me.
My multi-player game as Saba (in this thread) is a somewhat different example. Saba starts with only one territory, but it has the remnants of a previously well-developed archaic superpower to rely on, so my decent little starting stack can survive there no problem. However, the moment I move out to other territories... well, depending on the weather conditions that year, I had better check the supply layer first because they'll likely starve to ashes if I move them in the wrong direction.
The superpowers have the exact same problems, except arguably worse, trying to move stacks around outside of logistical support.
It reminds me a little of how Russia and other Slavic nations (but especially Russia) operated before Stalin took control: your capital areas (whether Moscow or Petrograd) are developed up as feasibly as possible, but they kept everything around their key pop areas as a desolate waste so that attempts to invade them would miserably fail. The Russians were the world-class leaders on this for centuries, with artificial forests of doom hundreds of miles deep (some of their remnants surviving to today), dotted with easy-to-feed ranger forts, manned by light troops who knew how to move through their assigned areas. This was great until Napoleon arrived, and he only got through due to absolutely superior logistic train management -- until winter and the burning of Moscow! Then things went back to normal more or less for a while, but the strategy of keeping all border areas unlivable hell-holes for defense also meant Russia was increasingly self-crippled as an industrial power going into the 20th century. (By comparison contemporary to before the start of FogEmp and similar games, Alexander once famously quipped that the most terrified men in his army were his logistic officers, because they knew if he failed he'd kill them first!)
The Stalin comes along, taking over for Lenin in the second generation of the Revolution, and he not only starts breaking down the epic defensive barriers so that he can industrialize Russia at warp speed (part of the famous Five Year Plans and Hero Projects), he also starts moving war production westward to the borders and increasing logistic capability at the borders: because his armies are going to need full back-field support launchpadding westward into central and eventually western Europe. He progressively removes the more neutral border nations between him and Germany, too (the first super-power in the way -- and the home of "world socialism"), and crash-progams them into being high-caliber military logistic travel and supply areas. (But very very focused on shuttling troops forward; everything else is still a bunch of goatpaths. The Soviets up to 1941 were the utter portrait or crippling min/max overspecialization. >:D )
Obviously Hitler is doing the same thing going east, but he doesn't have to work so hard at it, because he isn't starting with a thousand miles of worthless deathtrap hell (much less areas forted up solidly to prevent fast movements of crazy-large troops -- Stalin has been destroying the modern defensive wonder of the "Stalin Line" for ten years by the time 1941 rolls around.) But even then, Hitler knows that it would take a hundred years to make western Russia profitable to Germany: that isn't why he's going.
There's one obvious drawback to making your border areas logistically great for your armies to move forward (not so much "around" for defensive shuffling) and springboard off for invasion, of course -- a drawback that factors into FoGEmp and also other games with good logistic simulation (like the Hearts of Iron series). If someone else has an invading army on your doorstep, and they invade first, you're screwed! -- the invaders catch you out of defensive position, roll up your logistic lines raiding all your army supplies, and race into your backfield along the routes you were using to bring your troops easily and quickly up to the front! You'd better hope you have lottttsss of backfield, and two or three or four strategic reserves!
The Successor State Superpowers have similar problems and temptations, at a similar scale. :coolsmiley:
Turn 24
A turn where the die was cast in the Levant as Judean troops stormed the Capital region of Nabatea, ignoring warnings and proceeded to starve out the garrison. To every action...there is a reaction.
Significant moves in north western Europe where the Belgae have moved decisively across the channel into southern Britain and are now bordering the Britonae in the central belt....to add to the Britonae woes news punitive tax laws introduced have sparked riots among their restive population.......
In Spain the Iberii are making excellent progress against both the Lusitanii and the Celtiberi, with the latter being reduced to just two regions in the Hispania Ulterior province.
An interesting quirk is that at present imperilled Bactria, suffering greatly from the rampages of the Saka horsemen and Dacia are now generating more Legacy per turn than any other nation in the game...... :notworthy:
In ferocious fighting in the East Maurya has been reduced to just 10 disperate regions by the Seleucid/Antigonid unholy Alliance .
In a surprising move Rhodes continues to resist against a determined Antigonid siege...... :clap:
Only more with me
Possibly could thwart
Qatabaian threat.
Ranging now to rule.
The fact of the matter is that Qataba (according to my check of their home territory) can bootstrap itself up faster than I can for the foreseeable future. They can afford more troops (including in manpower and metal), and their military can grow faster. Theoretically I can catch up and pass them eventually, since I have two territories and they only have one. But until then I'm vulnerable to problems.
One solution is to set up some skirms for home defense and hope for the best by sending my regular infantry with light cav support to take independents nearby -- one of them to my north is about to pick up their second worker's worth of population; and another one isn't terribly far from their third. But the slightly more populous desert area (both are simply oases right now) borders the Qats, and the slightly less populated area borders the Arabians who are MUCH more expanded with potential (and maybe actual) development.
Theoretically the most cost-effective way to gain some (eventual) speed to overtake and pass Qatabian limits, would be to ask Egypt for that anchorage area already. Which would involve a quick phony war and then peace again. I'm not happy with this idea... :buck2:
You are welcome to the two regions we have left near your borders, including the anchorage one.
I would take the one not bordering Arabia first as my over enthusiastic allies may declare war on you if you take the one next to them If they do I can try and get them to stop using the diplo options but there was no guarantee they will take any notice !
I haven't really talked about my early turns, but since I'm talking more openly now about what has been going on, the truth is that I hoped I could arrange an alliance with the Qats rather than be destined for a bloody civil war of brother vs brother. :'(
Alas, the AI was hard coded for Saba and Qata to reactively oppose each other at the start of the game, probably as a game-balancing measure to keep one or the other from instantly dominating southern Arabia.
I didn't realize this until too late, that nothing I did was going to work, at least in the opening moves -- including sending at least 140 of my own starting gold, maybe more like 210 (I don't recall specifically but at least two gifts maybe three).
So tragically, all I did was cripple my own expansion at the cost of giving my pre-destined enemies more ability to threaten me.
Then, when my hasty invasion to the only harbor area nearby led to the destruction of much of my starting army, I couldn't even keep the independents north of there on the coast from wandering in to take it for themselves; and naturally the Qats, seeing my overextension, had fresh troops unspent on anything, and they struck. My foolishness, their reasonableness (or good programming rather).
Saba is still suffering from my early mistakes. (And some bad luck along the way.) And the Qats are still coasting from them for a while yet. Time will reveal whether they can still turn things around before I can put them down.
Sad our legacy,
Traded forces for.
Understanding ally
Volunteers a war.
I'll need a couple of turns to arrange the pseudo-war with Egypt (for which I'll take Devon up on his offer, thanks!) I don't see any reason at all to need the northern Arabian territory, and I'm glad to see an anchorage has been developed there!
I can't offer much in return yet, but I'm sacrificing 100 Legacy (after finally passing the 75 minimum I needed to trigger this policy) to raise an emergency levy. That'll be aimed at, I hope, smacking the Qats out of the game, or at least down to size, soon.
In effect I'll be giving up any real chance at a legacy win (which was dwindling as I dropped behind anyway), but hopefully I can stay at my ridiculous CDR with a few point dips!
Oh, and I'm arranging to seize a navy from my newly conquered merchants, to deal with the blockade (hopefully) which is screwing with my merchants. They'll probably complain for a while, but they'll get over it.
285BC and finally the Egyptian and Arabian fightback against years of Judean aggression and expansion can begin.
The Egyptian Advance Guard under General Claenymes reaches the devastated region of Petra where the whole Judean army sits smugly over the emaciated corpses of its vanquished Nabatean garrison.
After a fierce battle the Judeans are crushed and Petra is expected to fall within the year to the Egyptian liberators.
The main Egyptian forces continue on their designated route out of the sight of Judean spies.
In a co-ordinated move, to the South East Egypt's Arabian allies now capture Aelana region in Nabatea Province from the Judeans.
The misled Judean populace in Jerusalem are reportedly now turning on the High Priests in their gilded Temple and accusations fly around of false prophets promising them a huge Empire and easy conquests..........
Some priests are reportedly scanning the horizon to the south from the walls of Jerusalem with horses saddled ready to abandon their people to their fate...........
You wanna talk about a sad legacy?? Gus's avatar is broken. No more Drugged Puddin' for any of us :'(
My game as Bactria is dead. DEAD!
If by broken you mean my avatar is awesome, then yes.
All things must change!
Quote from: Gusington on August 26, 2019, 08:40:23 PM
My game as Bactria is dead. DEAD!
If by broken you mean my avatar is awesome, then yes.
All things must change!
Nah I mean it's kaput. If you're still seeing it it's likely still cached on your system.
You can't see it?? Dammit.
...I can see it on my phone too... :'(
Quote from: al_infierno on August 26, 2019, 08:03:02 PM
You wanna talk about a sad legacy?? Gus's avatar is broken. No more Drugged Puddin' for any of us :'(
Possibly the most horrific news so far :'(
As Bactria falls, so do epic avatars.
I think I know what the issue is with my current one, will try and fix it later.
Yeah so anyway, I think my days are numbered in this game...it's looking bleak in the east.
Quote from: Gusington on August 27, 2019, 09:13:51 AM
As Bactria falls, so do epic avatars.
I think I know what the issue is with my current one, will try and fix it later.
Yeah so anyway, I think my days are numbered in this game...it's looking bleak in the east.
Not sure your so called "protector" state the Seleucids has done you many favours......in retrospect it maybe would have been better to break with the Seleucids just before the Mauryans and the Saka attacked and gone into an Alliance with them.
It may not have made a difference but it would have massively increased the Seleucid front lines.
This is the bible according to General Hindsight of course but it is a thought. :)
If it's a choice between saving Bactria and The Fleshpot Bitches.... put me squarely on the side of the Bitches.
Quote from: Sir Slash on August 27, 2019, 09:55:14 AM
If it's a choice between saving Bactria and The Fleshpot Bitches.... put me squarely on the side of the Bitches.
Once again.........harsh but fair O0
:-[
Waiting to attack
Execrable foes,
Yonder rebels rise!
Zounds! -- ah quick, ally!
Ironically, the turn after I temporarily broke alliance to work on picking up the offered territory, rebels pop up randomly there! -- which I assure you I had nothing to do with, because they're going to make my problems more difficult. (And also I have no idea how to instigate rebellions in other territories in this game, or if that's even possible. But for many reasons I wouldn't do that to Egypt, including because pissing off Egypt would be suicidal.) Still, I can re-ally with Egypt faster now. O:-) Hopefully this will add some legacy or civilization points for Egypt.
Having consolidated my expensive new army, I find I'm exactly the same power (in the AI's estimation) as the Qats, including fort for fort (or I'm one point more in fact). So I'm sure I'll be marching next turn for the rebellious coastal territory, and trusting my puissant fortifications (soon to be upgraded) to....
....
.......
...um. I picked up a new navy last time, or so I thought. I totally forgot to check on their whereabouts. They didn't spawn in and attack the enemy blockaders -- I suppose I would have seen such a report -- although on the other hand the blockade is gone. Something to look into next turn.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 27, 2019, 09:21:28 PM
Waiting to attack
Execrable foes,
Yonder rebels rise!
Zounds! -- ah quick, ally!
Ironically, the turn after I temporarily broke alliance to work on picking up the offered territory, rebels pop up randomly there! -- which I assure you I had nothing to do with, because they're going to make my problems more difficult. (And also I have no idea how to instigate rebellions in other territories in this game, or if that's even possible. But for many reasons I wouldn't do that to Egypt, including because pissing off Egypt would be suicidal.) Still, I can re-ally with Egypt faster now. O:-) Hopefully this will add some legacy or civilization points for Egypt.
Having consolidated my expensive new army, I find I'm exactly the same power (in the AI's estimation) as the Qats, including fort for fort (or I'm one point more in fact). So I'm sure I'll be marching next turn for the rebellious coastal territory, and trusting my puissant fortifications (soon to be upgraded) to....
....
.......
...um. I picked up a new navy last time, or so I thought. I totally forgot to check on their whereabouts. They didn't spawn in and attack the enemy blockaders -- I suppose I would have seen such a report -- although on the other hand the blockade is gone. Something to look into next turn.
That's cool.
The other abandoned Egyptian coastal region may well rebel too but either way the slaves temporarily in charge will give your army some useful experience before you return to deal with the Qats.
I have been hoping to get a harbour built at least in the Red Sea so I can give some easy naval support for you but it seems you may be there first !
As soon as you take the second region send a peace request and we will ally again. I just hope Arabia , my loyal ally doesn't mug you before you manage it !
I suspect I won't have any need to take the second area, so I already sent the alliance re-request. (We're still "cooperating" I think.) I may not recall correctly about that area being part of "Arabia Felix", though. I don't recall that it is, so consolidating Arab-ix for the benefits won't be an issue if so.
Even if I'm mis-remembering, I should have no reason to try to pick it up in the foreseeable future. O:-)
All to westward ride!
Bringing freedom from
Chains of slavery there.
Dare the Qats invade??
I'm running into an obvious constraint (which I can't figure out how the Qats are getting around yet) that there aren't a lot of people living in the Arabian deserts, even down near the coast. Which is screwing with my manpower. Thus, while I have plenty of gold to pay people with (thanks to generous donations from various superpowers who I suppose are hoping I won't pick a side to help militarily one day, or else pick their side ;) -- since I doubt our poetry is worth supporting that much >:D ), and while I have metal enough to work with, I don't have enough people to deal with normal yearly attrition turnover.
That means I can't get an army large enough yet to thwomp the Qats, who continue to steadily build up their army. (And whose fleet is still off blockading the coastline -- I have no idea what happened to the fleet I supposedly seized from local merchants to help out their mercantile goals, the choice no longer shows so I must have 'used' it, but the blockading fleet prevented it from spawning I suppose...? I didn't let the policy choice linger around long enough to expire.)
So, over to those dire "lestes" rebel ganglords who rose up against my ally, and who have created a slavery depot. DID SOMEONE HERE ORDER SOME FREEDOM?!
It's possible while my army is gone (and I'll have to use it or lose it to the manpower deficit), the Qats will take the opportunity to invade my capital; but if so, that could be to my benefit. I'll be worse off if they go after my harbor territory, since they'll easily steamroll the defenders there.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 30, 2019, 09:03:26 AM
All to westward ride!
Bringing freedom from
Chains of slavery there.
Dare the Qats invade??
I'm running into an obvious constraint (which I can't figure out how the Qats are getting around yet) that there aren't a lot of people living in the Arabian deserts, even down near the coast. Which is screwing with my manpower. Thus, while I have plenty of gold to pay people with (thanks to generous donations from various superpowers who I suppose are hoping I won't pick a side to help militarily one day, or else pick their side ;) -- since I doubt our poetry is worth supporting that much >:D ), and while I have metal enough to work with, I don't have enough people to deal with normal yearly attrition turnover.
That means I can't get an army large enough yet to thwomp the Qats, who continue to steadily build up their army. (And whose fleet is still off blockading the coastline -- I have no idea what happened to the fleet I supposedly seized from local merchants to help out their mercantile goals, the choice no longer shows so I must have 'used' it, but the blockading fleet prevented it from spawning I suppose...? I didn't let the policy choice linger around long enough to expire.)
So, over to those dire "lestes" rebel ganglords who rose up against my ally, and who have created a slavery depot. DID SOMEONE HERE ORDER SOME FREEDOM?!
It's possible while my army is gone (and I'll have to use it or lose it to the manpower deficit), the Qats will take the opportunity to invade my capital; but if so, that could be to my benefit. I'll be worse off if they go after my harbor territory, since they'll easily steamroll the defenders there.
I am assuming you have switched your pops out of money producing and into food producing roles and are building herbalists etc that give you manpower boosts as well as more food production ?
All will increase your manpower availability.....also once you get to 300 metal you should see the decision allowing you to sell 300 metal in exchange for a big chunk of manpower .....around 300 in one go.
I'm not likely to see 300 metal stockpiled anytime real soon, but I'll keep that in mind, thanks!
Of course I'm keeping an eye out for manpower increasers (usually the blue properties, which go into the top row along with green/food properties). I don't always get options for them (and I'm not in a position yet to have the luxury of converting infrastructure points to re-rolling property proposals), and up until recently I didn't need a lot of manpower increase. Basic manpower is a factor of things other than the health properties, though. And yep, I've been amping up food properties on a regular basis since turn 1, not least so that I can have more worker groups working on things! (I'll get to grind through that constraint soon on nearby territories which only have an oasis; and in my Rhaetia test games my capital territory takes for freaking ever to get anything made including food production properties by which I can gain more worker groups to get things made faster.) Even so, I'm using manpower (for initial and ongoing costs) faster than the food production can keep up, out here in the desert.
The game helps offset this by a mechanic, which varies among cultures and nations for balancing purposes, where the nation can field x-number of troops at no costs. For Rhaetia that's 10, if I recall correctly -- I don't recall what for Saba. (It really hasn't been an issue so far. ;) But I've clearly transcended that now with my emergency levy!)
Eastward back again,
Freeing slaves enslaved.
Gathering for war,
Homeward first and then...!
The campaign to free the slaves worked better than I had hoped, although in the process I discovered that the rebels were themselves former slaves rising up against Egypt. But they were still turning around and enslaving themselves and other people, and they had a chance to stop that already. So now I have stopped it for them. :knuppel2: Have some farms instead! (Quite a Biblical outcome there.)
The fleet off our coast appears to be starving and has no combat power, which is fine except that I have no way to whack them yet. If Egypt wishes to sweep those pitiful pirates off the trade route, I will surely have no objections!
While I can field an army strong enough to beat the Qats in the field, I'm unsure whether I have enough to deal with their garrison, too, at the same time. If the game allows me to work on them piecemeal, I might win. The Qatabian army is mostly skirmish, including light cav, with I think only one or maybe two regular foot. I have a bunch of lights, too, but also significant foot, so while I might be very worried about gaming out an invasion in FoG2, the automatic battle tends to throw lights directly into the fray where regulars can mow them down. So I like my chances: if I have enough time to consolidate my forces and strike out. Manpower is still a problem right now. I'll need this year, next year (to get the two forces used to one command) and the year after that for making the attempt. The Qats might try going for my harbor meanwhile, but if so then at least their forces will be split and I'll get it back eventually.
I am unsure whether I even have a functioning harbour on the Red Sea yet to build ships.....If I do then I can sort the pirates out for you....no problem.
The Qats garrison, like yours may well include some heavies so bear that in mind....for the Capital usually 2 of the Palace Guards.
True, their power is nothing to sneeze at. If I could feasibly wait, I would.
Speaking of waiting, as he noted through the in-game chat, SteveLohr, who plays Rome, will be heading off soon for hurricane damage recovery (and Dorian has strengthened to a Cat 5 this morning, God help everyone in its way), so we'll be going to two-day turnarounds for the next few weeks. Certainly for a worthy cause!
It'll be interesting to see what the AI gets up to with Rome in his absence...
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 01, 2019, 09:07:04 AM
True, their power is nothing to sneeze at. If I could feasibly wait, I would.
Speaking of waiting, as he noted through the in-game chat, SteveLohr, who plays Rome, will be heading off soon for hurricane damage recovery (and Dorian has strengthened to a Cat 5 this morning, God help everyone in its way), so we'll be going to two-day turnarounds for the next few weeks. Certainly for a worthy cause!
It'll be interesting to see what the AI gets up to with Rome in his absence...
Yeah best wishes to everyone in the Bahamas and Florida. Looks like a terrible one hitting.
I can confirm that my red sea harbour arrives next turn at last so Egyptian naval vessels will soon rid you of your "Captain Jack Sparrow" issue :)
Jason, it seem that you need a better general. How about this guy?
He did rape Thrace thrice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN-ttCBHyx8
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 01, 2019, 09:07:04 AM
, so we'll be going to two-day turnarounds for the next few weeks. Certainly for a worthy cause!
My understanding of how it works is we will have 2 day turnaround for 2 maybe 3 turns, then he will be classed as idle and the computer will take over and it will no longer wait the full turn duration for orders from him.
A new turn and huge developments.
The Seleucids have allied with Judea and declared war on Egypt, Nabstene and Arabia whilst Egypt's own alliance with th Carthage has brought them into the conflict too.
Jerusalem is under siege but it's walls are formidible.
Th e Egyptians now have a small fleet on the Red Sea to help out the Saba next year.
With the player representing Rome away on hurricane duty the prospect of any help from Rome which may have been possible has gone so it seems the timing is "fortuitous" for the Seleucid forces and it is almost inevitable that the Antigonids will join in to make the result beyond doubt but we shall see.
In a year or less
Just for freeing slaves
Kindled decadence!
Legacy returns.
I have no clear idea why, but my decadence jumped by 29 points in one turn, so now my CDR rank has plummeted from 2nd place to around 25th. :o Studying the tally gives me no help in understanding the sharp falloff. Was there a patch??
The Qats picked up a bunch of mercs last turn, somehow -- someone must be giving them cash, because I can't see how they can afford to keep this up. Even with the cash, they should be starving for food, but here they still are. And the new troops are top quality, too, 3 stars mostly. So no invasion any time soon: we're at parity on the ground now, or they might be a bit better!
My manpower hangs at -5, but it's slowly improving. My units aren't suffering badly from manpower shortages anyway.
I'm finally back from negative legacy (after raising emergency levies several turns ago.)
I'll have to consider creating sucker-territories nearby, to lure the Qats into splitting their forces trying to take them for themselves. (Aside from the nice challenge of bootstrapping up some desert oases into blooming civilization!)
Okay, I gotta get one thing off my chest. When you miss a turn in multiplayer and the AI takes over for you, it generally plays pretty safe...
BUT WHY DOES IT INSIST ON PLUMMETING YOUR ECONOMY BY QUEUING UP DOZENS OF TROOPS YOU CAN'T AFFORD?!?!
This crap makes me wish the game would just do nothing for me when I miss a turn instead of letting the AI run my country for me.... :pullhair: That and re-arranging all the citizens in every region to focus on one single production... I just can't be bothered to go manually un-fuck every single thing the AI did every time I miss a turn. I just quit at least half of the multiplayer games I had going except the few that I care enough to put in the effort.
/rant
Quote from: al_infierno on September 04, 2019, 02:10:36 PM
Okay, I gotta get one thing off my chest. When you miss a turn in multiplayer and the AI takes over for you, it generally plays pretty safe...
BUT WHY DOES IT INSIST ON PLUMMETING YOUR ECONOMY BY QUEUING UP DOZENS OF TROOPS YOU CAN'T AFFORD?!?!
This crap makes me wish the game would just do nothing for me when I miss a turn instead of letting the AI run my country for me.... :pullhair: That and re-arranging all the citizens in every region to focus on one single production... I just can't be bothered to go manually un-fuck every single thing the AI did every time I miss a turn. I just quit at least half of the multiplayer games I had going except the few that I care enough to put in the effort.
/rant
Thankfully I am able to not miss turns being retired but for those with real life jobs that must be a pain.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 03, 2019, 08:00:01 AM
In a year or less
Just for freeing slaves
Kindled decadence!
Legacy returns.
The Qats picked up a bunch of mercs last turn, somehow -- someone must be giving them cash, because I can't see how they can afford to keep this up. Even with the cash, they should be starving for food, but here they still are.
If you have the messages on low priority.......little button at bottom left.....toggle the option on the right if I remember right for message priority I think you should see if any money got sent.......
Bwahaha oh FogE AI...you killer of hopes and dreams! Just like my my wife!
Somebody hasn't gotten, 'lucky' in a while. ::) I'm talking about the game now.
Been luckier with The Wife than as Bactria. And that's saying something.
Many Qats invade!
Now Sulta is here!
Or is Sulta mine?
Punched out Sulta hard.
General Sulta, leading the Qatabian army, invaded my capital this turn, where he was met by... General Sulta, leading my army! (This confirms by the way that my garrison-spawn, although they did spawn in, didn't affect the fight; they stayed in the fort. Had my army also been garrisoned there, we probably wouldn't have fought this turn but my production would have tanked for a while.)
Fortunately for me, Sulta eked out a victory over Sulta. 8)
Not enough difference yet for me to strike back, but at least they didn't invade my lightly defended harbor territory nearby!
Meanwhile, I may have figured out why my decadence tanked so hard: when I took over management of the slave revolt territory, they had piled up a lot of decadence for some reason; so I absorbed that when the territory became mine! Naturally a bunch of wild catting didn't just immediately become pure as the driven sand. This is just an educated guess, but it seems reasonable with the game mechanics.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 05, 2019, 07:58:46 AM
Many Qats invade!
Now Sulta is here!
Or is Sulta mine?
Punched out Sulta hard.
General Sulta, leading the Qatabian army, invaded my capital this turn, where he was met by... General Sulta, leading my army! (This confirms by the way that my garrison-spawn, although they did spawn in, didn't affect the fight; they stayed in the fort. Had my army also been garrisoned there, we probably wouldn't have fought this turn but my production would have tanked for a while.)
Fortunately for me, Sulta eked out a victory over Sulta. 8)
Not enough difference yet for me to strike back, but at least they didn't invade my lightly defended harbor territory nearby!
Meanwhile, I may have figured out why my decadence tanked so hard: when I took over management of the slave revolt territory, they had piled up a lot of decadence for some reason; so I absorbed that when the territory became mine! Naturally a bunch of wild catting didn't just immediately become pure as the driven sand. This is just an educated guess, but it seems reasonable with the game mechanics.
Good to hear the famed Sabaen resilience continues in your life or death struggle.
The small Egyptian Red Sea Fleet will hopefully have solved your Qataban naval blockade problem this turn having just been despatched to the area .
:o
All sorts of shenanigans around Judea again.
Egyptian troops storm \Jerusalem and Arabian forces take Samaria and Gallilee as the Seleucid behemoth is arriving in theatre threatening hell and damnation on those fighting the Judeans if they do not give the beaten Judeans large amounts of their territory in addition to the recent gains in a blatent attempt to curry favour with Judea which had previously been closely aligned with the Antigonids.
The Antigonids have suggested a much more balanced peace settlement which Egypt has agreed to but Judea rejected.
The Judeans have unsurprisingly rejected the Antigonid proposals and accepted those of the Seleucids.......
In the middle of all this mayhem the last significant Judean field army is destroyed by the Arabians and a large Judean pirate fleet has been sunk off the Levant by the Egyptian navy......just to add spice a smaller Pictish pirate fleet (subsidised by the Judeans!) was spotted engaged in nefarious activity in the area .......warnings have been given...............
Meanwhile, the merchant oligarchs of Carthage awoke from a multi-year opium coma to realize that they queued production of troops for the next 10 years and assigned the entire populace to grow hemp. ???
Quote from: al_infierno on September 05, 2019, 12:01:18 PM
Meanwhile, the merchant oligarchs of Carthage awoke from a multi-year opium coma to realize that they queued production of troops for the next 10 years and assigned the entire populace to grow hemp. ???
Much more civilised sort of behaviour :)
"Judean Pirate Fleet" -- this alternate universe is just, so, I cannot even...
Quote from: al_infierno on September 05, 2019, 12:01:18 PM
Meanwhile, the merchant oligarchs of Carthage awoke from a multi-year opium coma to realize that they queued production of troops for the next 10 years and assigned the entire populace to grow hemp. ???
That sounds like they're planning to drink down, which my brother from fraternity experience recommends against...
I never thought you guys could screw-up this world worse than the real one but.... :hide: But, what-the-hell, it's fun to read. :bd:
Quote from: Sir Slash on September 05, 2019, 06:41:49 PM
I never thought you guys could screw-up this world worse than the real one :bd:
Oh I think you did :)
Qatabians sulk
Rather than have peace
So enough of this:
Time to end this war!
I saw the Egyptian fleet go down the coast, by the way, and although apparently(?) only one Qat fleet remained, I didn't see any result from the incursion. Weird. The vanishing of 5 of their ships (before the Egyptians arrived -- can't blame them, I'd have rethought my life choices, too!) prompted me to check on the main armies after we'd both spent a turn resting up from their failed invasion.
At first I still didn't think much of my chances. But then I noticed that practically all their units were exhausted, probably from manpower shortages finally eating into their ability to replenish after natural losses every year.
Whereas, my army looked in great shape (aside from one infantry who was a little depleted from not quite enough manpower this year).
So I'm invading this year, and we'll see if I can finish off at least their main army. Maybe not their garrison, but they don't have walls yet so who knows.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 07, 2019, 07:49:29 PM
Qatabians sulk
Rather than have peace
So enough of this:
Time to end this war!
I saw the Egyptian fleet go down the coast, by the way, and although apparently(?) only one Qat fleet remained, I didn't see any result from the incursion. Weird. The vanishing of 5 of their ships (before the Egyptians arrived -- can't blame them, I'd have rethought my life choices, too!) prompted me to check on the main armies after we'd both spent a turn resting up from their failed invasion.
At first I still didn't think much of my chances. But then I noticed that practically all their units were exhausted, probably from manpower shortages finally eating into their ability to replenish after natural losses every year.
Whereas, my army looked in great shape (aside from one infantry who was a little depleted from not quite enough manpower this year).
So I'm invading this year, and we'll see if I can finish off at least their main army. Maybe not their garrison, but they don't have walls yet so who knows.
Yeah that was my screw up.
I am still in a truce with the Qats after peacing out with them after booting them out of the Red Sea regions. So the Egyptian Fleet turned up.....threw a few insults at the Qataban rowing boats and sailed off again pledging to return to sink them if they are still around when the truce ends in four turns time :)
Unlike towns with walls
Very many troops
Will pour out to fight!
Excellent, retreat.... :buck2:
I completely forgot that, because the Qatabian capital doesn't have even a pallisade, its garrison when it spawns up for being invaded, will instantly trot out to support any nearby defenders in the field.
So I came in with 60 military power, expecting to fight a mostly-tired-and-exhausted 50 power force (power doesn't account for readiness), and ended up fighting a fresher 84 power force.
I was lucky to escape with the loss of only two units.
Fortunately, manpower capability is slowly increasing; and despite (or because of) the AI arranging my hasty retreat, I'll be able to recover to fresh units soon. Unsure what I'll do with them. I probably need to convert my force composition over to a more balanced arrangement: I've got a ton of skirms (foot and horse), but not much punch on the ground.
Younger troops disperse!
Zealous though you be,
All to be recalled.
Born again in iron!
I've got an option for a training ground, or whatever it is that puts out heavy infantry, which I can get next turn. Pursuant to this, I'm disbanding four of my more inexperienced crew, to retrain their manpower (I hope) as heavies asap.
I'm going to need significantly more than 90 war power to deal with the Qats, since their garrison-spawn will surge on defense. Also, hopefully my king will die soon and his heir will have a better military skill. :crazy2:
Meanwhile... I'm at war with Illyria, which surprises me more than a little. Shouldn't I have a say in whether I join the Antagonids in that? Not that I'm really complaining, I suppose. It's just a weird pro forma.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 10, 2019, 06:57:42 PM
Younger troops disperse!
Zealous though you be,
All to be recalled.
Born again in iron!
I've got an option for a training ground, or whatever it is that puts out heavy infantry, which I can get next turn. Pursuant to this, I'm disbanding four of my more inexperienced crew, to retrain their manpower (I hope) as heavies asap.
I'm going to need significantly more than 90 war power to deal with the Qats, since their garrison-spawn will surge on defense. Also, hopefully my king will die soon and his heir will have a better military skill. :crazy2:
Meanwhile... I'm at war with Illyria, which surprises me more than a little. Shouldn't I have a say in whether I join the Antagonids in that? Not that I'm really complaining, I suppose. It's just a weird pro forma.
It would be wise to peace out with Illyria to reduce war exhaustion.
Next turn I will declare war on the Qats again and destroy their blockading fleet.
Good idea, since I've been warring with the Qats now for a while, and the game now counts me as losing badly or something after my recent expulsion.
Can we goad the Qats?
Daring strategy.
Embers fly before!
Foe has come to me.
(Totally forgot to peace out with Illyria; note to self...)
Last turn I disbanded four of my less experienced skirmy types (foot and horse) to, essentially, start retraining them (or their manpower rather) as heavy infantry, since I'm rather top-heavy on lights right now. Even so, I wondered if my remaining 10 units might be capable of taking out the Qatabian capital, itself guarded only with a garrison-spawn -- if I could lure the Qats out for an easy win somewhere else! Meanwhile I parked my army in my fort so that if they invaded with total force I wouldn't be in trouble...
...annnd the Qats invaded with 10 units.
All righty then! -- not my original plan, but this might work out! Both forces shall sally forth, and I'll see whether I can hit his 10 units with my 20!
The Egyptians haven't forgotten the Qat navy being a nuisance but our peace treaty with them had another turn to run so next turn I should be back at war with the blighters and a small Egyptian Fleet should be on station.
I finally got my grubby hands on this game! May I get in on the next MP you guys run please?
Quote from: Huw the Poo on September 15, 2019, 07:55:00 AM
I finally got my grubby hands on this game! May I get in on the next MP you guys run please?
Definitely .....The more the merrier :)
Note to the Saba. War now declared on the Saba and Egyptian naval vessels will be on post this turn so your blockade issues should now be almost over. :bd:
Quote from: devoncop on September 15, 2019, 09:19:05 AM
Quote from: Huw the Poo on September 15, 2019, 07:55:00 AM
I finally got my grubby hands on this game! May I get in on the next MP you guys run please?
Definitely .....The more the merrier :)
Note to the Saba. War now declared on the Qatabans and Egyptian naval vessels will be on post this turn so your blockade issues should now be almost over. :bd:
Quote from: devoncop on September 15, 2019, 09:19:05 AM
Quote from: Huw the Poo on September 15, 2019, 07:55:00 AM
I finally got my grubby hands on this game! May I get in on the next MP you guys run please?
Definitely .....The more the merrier :)
Cheers mate! How long do I have to prepare? Are you nearing the end of your current game?
^^ Heck no! -- nowhere near the end (although one or maybe two of our initial crew have been defeated.)
We can set up a new thread for a new game tho. The game turns run fast, at least as a small nation.
Meanwhile, I had to play fast yesterday and didn't even have time to do my usual stab at post-turn poetry, so, um.... let's see...
Going forth we fight!
Home and land defend!
In a rage we wipe!
Just as we had hoped.
Sending out all 20 units to hit the Qatabian 10, was as hoped and expected a strong defeat for the Qats, and at last Sulta has slain Sulta. ;)
I'm not yet ready to try that against my enemy, although I noticed in passing that the Qats must have tried to invade my harbor, too, and got crushed by my one skirmisher defending it... not sure what happened there at all. Possibly the surviving enemy ships tried to make landfall to avoid the Egyptian fleet and they had no land power either.
Anyway, the sea is clean of Qatabian pirates for now! -- so our trade situation should be improving a lot soon. I'll have a new retrained set of heavy infantry this coming turn, although I think I need one more heavy on the ground to balance my forces out the way I prefer (for fighting in hill country anyway.)
The only bad news, sort of, is that because I'm not strong enough to go after the Qats immediately, they'll have time to rest and rebuild, especially with less of a logistical load to deal with for a while.
I also figured out why I got into that war with Illyria (and then later with the Picts, sorry, dropping out of that asasp): I'm at "Full Alliance" with the Antigonids currently, which didn't make sense to me (why them and not with the Ptolemics??) until I realized that Devon and I had had a brief phony war to trade off some territory and that reset our in-game stats.
Nice job with the Qats.
Epic head to head conflict you have had going on down there !
Once you finish them off I can recommend Nubia as a target ..... :)
I can help out once you are ready.....they have annoyed me no end as usual :)
King Scorpas, arise!
Lighten all our loads!
Men, to final arms!
Newly made and then...
My new king Scorpas doesn't have much going for him other than being a good administrator, but he should thus avoid the 50% risk of progress setback from moderate reforms, which in turn should help reduce the decadence I picked up from capturing the slave revolt territory (and being in a long war with the Qats which the computer insists I'm losing somehow.)
With plenty of manpower, all I lack now is one more regular infantry (I've got two heavies and one regular already) and I should have a good mix of 4 main foot to 8 skirms (mostly foot; I'd prefer some cav, too, but I'll take what's available.) I prefer to have one central fighter with two skirm wings, so to speak.
Even with only 11 units this turn, my combat power is significantly larger than the Qats' 12 units, though I've got to keep in mind his garrison, too.
My rough expectation is that I'll have finished off the epic intergenerational war there in about 5 more turns. After which I can land around on the other side of Ethiopia (or maybe invade it?) and start helping my ally with his Nubian problems. O0 (Though also consolidating Southern Arabia would be nice.)
King Scorpes = Scorpion King?!? :hide:
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 16, 2019, 12:21:48 PM
King Scorpas, arise!
Lighten all our loads!
Men, to final arms!
Newly made and then...
My new king Scorpas doesn't have much going for him other than being a good administrator, but he should thus avoid the 50% risk of progress setback from moderate reforms, which in turn should help reduce the decadence I picked up from capturing the slave revolt territory (and being in a long war with the Qats which the computer insists I'm losing somehow.)
With plenty of manpower, all I lack now is one more regular infantry (I've got two heavies and one regular already) and I should have a good mix of 4 main foot to 8 skirms (mostly foot; I'd prefer some cav, too, but I'll take what's available.) I prefer to have one central fighter with two skirm wings, so to speak.
Even with only 11 units this turn, my combat power is significantly larger than the Qats' 12 units, though I've got to keep in mind his garrison, too.
My rough expectation is that I'll have finished off the epic intergenerational war there in about 5 more turns. After which I can land around on the other side of Ethiopia (or maybe invade it?) and start helping my ally with his Nubian problems. O0 (Though also consolidating Southern Arabia would be nice.)
If you can raise Mercenaries I can subsidise you as my recommendation is that in a desert region you really need a full complement (12) of regular infantry as a minimum if you don't have heavy infantry ,matched by at least 5 skimishers/light cav/camels.
I have sent my fleet to scout about down near your ports to make sure the blockading issue doesn't reoccur. It looks to me like they don't have a harbour now though so they won't be able to build any new ones.
Over to our east,
Pull our foes up north?
Qataba, come here!
Really, evil grin...
I'm unsure that I can catch up with the Qats substantially any time soon, so with my task force ready to go and my brand new wall upgrades ready to repel boarders (or borders in this case), I've decided to march Sulta's army east to the mere oasis territory north of Qatabia. We should be able to easily handle the thugs and bandits infesting the oasis, and I look forward to upgrading it into another pearl of the desert!
Worst case scenario, they ignore my bait, and I march back home next year with more experience (maybe one or two fewer units but I've already ordered up some replacements) leaving behind a skirmisher to keep the peace and giving the Qats another tempting target to try invading (thus opening their home territory to a thrust at their garrison I'm sure to win.)
Best case scenario, they invade my capital and I then march down to overrun their capital behind their backs.
(Note to self: actual worst-case scenario is that my army starves to death due to logistic problems with this plan...)
{wave} at the Southern Ptolemic Red Sea Flotilla sailing by our harbors, now open for trading business thanks to your anti-pirate measures!
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 18, 2019, 03:01:34 PM
Over to our east,
Pull our foes up north?
Qataba, come here!
Really, evil grin...
I'm unsure that I can catch up with the Qats substantially any time soon, so with my task force ready to go and my brand new wall upgrades ready to repel boarders (or borders in this case), I've decided to march Sulta's army east to the mere oasis territory north of Qatabia. We should be able to easily handle the thugs and bandits infesting the oasis, and I look forward to upgrading it into another pearl of the desert!
Worst case scenario, they ignore my bait, and I march back home next year with more experience (maybe one or two fewer units but I've already ordered up some replacements) leaving behind a skirmisher to keep the peace and giving the Qats another tempting target to try invading (thus opening their home territory to a thrust at their garrison I'm sure to win.)
Best case scenario, they invade my capital and I then march down to overrun their capital behind their backs.
(Note to self: actual worst-case scenario is that my army starves to death due to logistic problems with this plan...)
{wave} at the Southern Ptolemic Red Sea Flotilla sailing by our harbors, now open for trading business thanks to your anti-pirate measures!
It was an uneventful cruise.......the pirates having gone off to enjoy their rum and serving wenches.
Good luck with your plan......the Nubians have just raised a load of mercenaries so you may have a good view of the fighting from across the Gulf if as I expect they decide they want another chunk of Egyptian territory and declare war.............this time however they may find there is a reception party.
I was about to say that your flotilla could easily blockade the Qats if you camp out there; but then I realized they don't have a harbor so they aren't getting trade by that route anyway.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 18, 2019, 03:30:30 PM
I was about to say that your flotilla could easily blockade the Qats if you camp out there; but then I realized they don't have a harbor so they aren't getting trade by that route anyway.
Exactly.
I was considering it but your port conquests have screwed them on that front.
New patch details being detailed this afternoon as 1.04 is imminent.
Includes increased effectiveness of Cavalry which now flanks all infantry armies and a "Retaliation attack" for armies with leaders that allow an army to chase raiding parties back across the border and fight them without taking the region :bd:
Saba now expands,
To the east we go!
Unlike Qats we care,
Volunteering free.
I'm unsure why the "oasis" doesn't exist anymore in our first expansion in two generations... ???
But anyway. Once we get a new troop in to replace our exhausted one (or anyway so we can leave behind a peacekeeping force), I plan to go south to the coast again and so hem Qatabia around in all directions. If that doesn't goad them away from their capital, I don't know what will!
Relatedly, I suspect part of our decadence comes not only from our ongoing war score with the Qats (now regarded as stalemate) but with Nubia (thanks to them warring with the Ptolemies, our friends up north) -- I didn't remember we were even at war with them.
So when the time comes for us to expand over into Africa, that will be one less small problem. >:D
We're still in the top 1/3 of CDR, with only one other player ahead of us. (I think it's Judea??) And we're finally catching up with our Legacy score ready to pass a player again (definitely Judea ;) ).
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 20, 2019, 12:26:55 PM
Saba now expands,
To the east we go!
Unlike Qats we care,
Volunteering free.
I'm unsure why the "oasis" doesn't exist anymore in our first expansion in two generations... ???
But anyway. Once we get a new troop in to replace our exhausted one (or anyway so we can leave behind a peacekeeping force), I plan to go south to the coast again and so hem Qatabia around in all directions. If that doesn't goad them away from their capital, I don't know what will!
Relatedly, I suspect part of our decadence comes not only from our ongoing war score with the Qats (now regarded as stalemate) but with Nubia (thanks to them warring with the Ptolemies, our friends up north) -- I didn't remember we were even at war with them.
So when the time comes for us to expand over into Africa, that will be one less small problem. >:D
We're still in the top 1/3 of CDR, with only one other player ahead of us. (I think it's Judea??) And we're finally catching up with our Legacy score ready to pass a player again (definitely Judea ;) ).
Remember ever region you capture adds 1 to decadence (though it is halved it you manage to form a Province with those regions). If it is an objective region this is obviously better.
Speaking of which....If you went for the independent Panchaa region rather than the coastal region East of the Qats you would be able to form Arabia Felix Province as you then have over half the regions of the Province which will halve the decadence from the regions....also the trade goods there and food are more plentiful.....remember when a Province is formed good is calculated centrally so it helps growth in poorer regions.
My status with Nubia should not affect your decadence but in any case Egypt is (just) still at peace with Nubia.
Nice job down there by the way......looks like you have got some momentum now !
Has anyone mentioned to Gus that he appears to be back in the contest? Bactria has re-emerged as an independent nation holding Hindu Kusch. Why they chose that specific region, I can only speculate. :-"
Orly?! I didn't realize I only needed half the provincial regions (territories?) to form a province!
Well, I still would have gone east for two reasons: (1) I don't want to be dealing with raids from your ally Arabia while trying to put the Qats out; and (2) I want to surround the Qats and, if possible, tempt them to break out, so I can whack their forces piecemeal.
It's my war with Nubia (no idea how that happened, if it wasn't from them declaring war on you or vice versa) which would be affecting my decadence, not your relation with Nubia per se.
Walking round the Qats,
Excellently ringed.
Yet they do not bite!
Zomething something here... ::)
(Note to self, I need to save the Z entries for when I'm at work and can lay hands on a nice dictionary...)
Presumably, next turn will see the completion of my regional encirclement around the Qats (assuming I win the fight which I should.)
I have no idea how they're doing it, but the Qats continue to run par with me on force strength, at least by the AI's reckoning: my task force has a little over 80 power, but so do Qatabia if the garrison is counted -- which it will be, because they have no walls. (This is why I keep trying to tempt their mobile force out to try taking one of my lightly defended surrounding areas.)
Congratulations to the Caledonians for pict-ing up 2nd place in the CDR rankings! (Judea remains in first place.)
While I just passed Judea in legacy (yay, I'm no longer final place in legacy after my emergency troop surge), I'm cheering on your attempts to retake Jerusalem's region. Wish I could help!
Bactria's re-emergency is kind of hilarious. Has anyone informed Gus??
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 22, 2019, 12:16:02 PM
Bactria's re-emergency is kind of hilarious. Has anyone informed Gus??
I don't know that Gus knows about this yet. While such an epic tale is not worthy of a poem, perhaps informing him via a llimerick would be appropriate? >:D
I don't need anyone cheering on Judea thanks given the grief they have caused me since turn 1 :)
All detailed in the Slitherine Forum but Jeez it has been hard work :hide:
Just the principle of the thing. We honor Solomon's Temple, too, even though this one isn't Solomon's exactly.
We would of course honor it even more if we somehow got ahold of it ourselves... :-"
Figures :/
Hail Undead Gus!
When comes the Fleshpot Bitches reunion album?
Everybody
Rock your body
Bactria's back, all right! :coolsmiley:
^Hahahaha!! Just got back from a week of classes with the Guard so I am ready for some Fleshpot Bitches.
However my new avatar will have to suffice for now.
^ I was just gonna say, I dig the new avatar O0 F.I. is probably Tool's weakest album, imo, but it's got some killer tunes, for sure.
THE HELL YOU SAY!
There's 4-5 15 minute long tracks on the new album that are godlike! GODLIKE
Weakest Tool album is still a pretty high bar to meet ;)
True.
Reunion group: Fleshpot Tools.
:hide:
Ouchie.
Ah the trap has sprung
By Qataba's force
Capturing my port!
Dare the deed we will!
One of the infantry of my task force suffered a wound in taking the final region around Qatabia, but the computer still ranks us at 84 military power; so when the Qats rode over to take my harbor away (again), not only did I wound a few of them in the fight as my garrison sortied, but they left their capital defended by only a 32-ish power spawn. So I'm swanning in to see if I can punch out their capital! -- I'd call that a fair trade for my semi-developed harbor area.
Meanwhile, the game engine declared that I had met the qualifications to declare an emergency levy again, so while that's going to tank my legacy I don't even care: at this point having two good armies around the Qats is worth it.
We shall see; with any luck, they'll swing back up to my apparently unguarded capital (I sent my few outside units gathering there, into the garrison), and so be distracted long enough for me to fatally cripple them once and for all: they are definitely not getting through my walls anytime soon! (If I have bad luck, they'll swing back to their capital pronto, but the odds might still be in my favor even then.)
Rank 84 military power?
I didn't think we had that many nations...
Quote from: Speedy on September 25, 2019, 01:17:39 AM
Rank 84 military power?
I didn't think we had that many nations...
I believe he is referring to his stack combat power rather than nation rating.....
^ That.
The Sabeans have done it at last :bd:
The Qataban capital was stormed this turn.....Egypt has sent its Red Sea navy off the Qataban held minor port so if the Sabaens are able to defeat the remaining Qataban forces and push them into the sea we will take huge delight in sinking their battered troopships >:D
El be praised on high!
For this year at last
Gathered we the spoil!
Harassment awaits...
Qataba marched on from Homeritae to Himjar, so there's some threat of them going after Ptolemy's holding, too! Not much I can do about that yet, but I've nixed their capital so there's that.
I need to rest up my task force a little, and bulk up my emergency levy (task force 2) a little more, before I try to root them out; though I've got a harbor ready to go next turn in Qataba so that'll be nice (they've got both my small ports right now). I've sent my main home-guard force into the garrison to get used to the current general this year, and maybe that'll convince the Qats to try attacking me. If so, I can surge out next turn and ruin their whole career!
But I've got a united front against them now with a stable hinterland being progressively developed in the eastern desert of southern Arabia. If they do something dumb like invade Ptolemy, I can't stop them but they'll suffer. (.....and if they invade Arabia after that, well, gosh, ::) ^-^ We'll just have to make the best of things somehow after that.)
They are welcome to take my province down there. It of no use to man nor beast as they say in these parts :)......It just costs me decadence.
The Arabians are well capable of dealing with them if they do move north.
Dear lord. Not only did I miss another turn (I seem to be putting in every other turn on this campaign), but the latest patch absolutely wrecked my economy. :hide:
Quote from: al_infierno on September 26, 2019, 06:15:41 PM
Dear lord. Not only did I miss another turn (I seem to be putting in every other turn on this campaign), but the latest patch absolutely wrecked my economy. :hide:
I had to readjust rapidly too. Apparently it is to get players to focus much more on revenue generating buildings and military building to build expertise for better commanders etc.
It certainly lacks a punch.😁
In the west we march
Just in time to punch!
K'o Qata troops?
Looks like we will see...
I've got some partly inexperienced troops marching from my capital (out of my capitol actually) to go get my anchorage from the remaining Qatian army. I should still out punch them by about double combat power; maybe more because I'm unsure if the computer rates damage/exhaustion into that estimation, and their army has apparently lost its logistic support (at last): all their units are orange or red flagged!
This could and should be the decisive battle, although I'll still need to crack through my own defenses in the harbor region, held by Qatian governors, afterward. If their army flees to the harbor, that'll make things more difficult for me. (But at least I'll get my anchorage back.)
Congratulations to Ptolemy's AI lackey Arabia for invading Nubia so far! :clap: At the very least I should be able to preserve the Ptolemaic port on the eastern Red Sea coast now.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 28, 2019, 12:15:56 PM
In the west we march
Just in time to punch!
K'o Qata troops?
Looks like we will see...
I've got some partly inexperienced troops marching from my capital (out of my capitol actually) to go get my anchorage from the remaining Qatian army. I should still out punch them by about double combat power; maybe more because I'm unsure if the computer rates damage/exhaustion into that estimation, and their army has apparently lost its logistic support (at last): all their units are orange or red flagged!
This could and should be the decisive battle, although I'll still need to crack through my own defenses in the harbor region, held by Qatian governors, afterward. If their army flees to the harbor, that'll make things more difficult for me. (But at least I'll get my anchorage back.)
Congratulations to Ptolemy's AI lackey Arabia for invading Nubia so far! :clap: At the very least I should be able to preserve the Ptolemaic port on the eastern Red Sea coast now.
Nice job.
I will send my fleet back down in a couple of turns if I remember and sink any troopships if the Qats get beaten in the harbour and try and does by sea.
Arabia is doing a great job with the Nubians....Frees my biggest and best army for activities further north......
Many verses must
Now be written out!
Once again we take
Part of southwest coast.
Qataba withdraws,
Ready to defend,
Standing and renewed!
Try to plan the end....
(Forgot an entry last turn.) Well, we took the anchorage area back, and now we've got the final Qatabian force holed up in the original ancient harbor area. (The region already had a harbor there at the start of the game.) This was either wise or lucky for the AI, as that place is much more defensible; and with its food reserves their army has recovered from its exhaustion promptly.
(They also tried putting someone out to sea, but the Ptolemies arrived and it looks as though the ship stayed in the harbor per se.)
I have a force north (at the anchorage) at about the same estimated combat power, and another force in their former capital at a decent enough power to hold out in a fight perhaps. I've emptied my own capital of mobile forces, but the fortifications there should hold up nicely if they run up the middle to hit it.
If I could combine my two task forces, I'd have enough oomph to overrun their final defenses. Unfortunately I see no way of doing this without leaving one (or two) of my areas super-vulnerable.
If I'm lucky they'll try assaulting my capital, and then pass on through to one of the new oasis areas where they'll suffer badly as I consolidate the richer areas behind them. But otherwise I'm probably looking at a standoff for another 10+ turns, until they run out of food stores. (That should be helped by Ptolemy blocking them in.)
That blockade ain't moving my friend :bd:
All looking good down South and even my Judean problems are now looking like they are resolved.....
I suspect things may be about to kick off in the Med....
Unless we combine
Very long we wait.
What if Himjar dies?
Exodus and see!
So, my current plan is like my previous plan except different! :D I'm taking my main task force out of Himjar (the anchorage area north of the harbor place, Homertoe... or.... or however that's spelled....?) and sending them into my capital region, to get into Qata with my second task force, to combine there.
This leaves Himjar undefended for a few turns (aside from some peacekeeping skirmishers), and so may tempt the Qats force to go after Himjar.
If they do, then I can combine a force into Homer-port and take it back; which will leave the remaining Qats in a more difficult situation (no fort to help them defend the area). I'll lose Himjar again for a little while, but consolidate my front, allowing me to push on with a combined force and finish off the Qats (retaking Himjar in the process).
If they don't, then I can combine my task forces in Qataba, maybe with a few mercs for flavor, and then I should have enough punch a few turns from now to march into Homerport and beat both the Qats and the port garrison. (My capital has plenty of garrison strength to keep the Qats from messing with them, but if they try then great!)
So it won't be next turn, but one way or another this should be the endgame for the Qats within a few turns -- at most another five turns / years.
Meanwhile, I'm focusing on gold production (and infrastructure upkeep) in my main territories, while growing the recent acquisitions normally.
Quote from: al_infierno on September 26, 2019, 06:15:41 PM
Dear lord. Not only did I miss another turn (I seem to be putting in every other turn on this campaign), but the latest patch absolutely wrecked my economy. :hide:
Yeah, I had been away a lil bit, and I fired up my Belgae (2nd game) that I've probably put about 40 hours into, to see my economy at something like -4500 for cash and I have 300 in the coffers.. Kind of pissed me off. .ended that game for me.
I don't know why, but Saba hasn't had any problems like that at all after the patch. ???
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 05, 2019, 07:25:05 PM
I don't know why, but Saba hasn't had any problems like that at all after the patch. ???
The patch made money production my th more important by pops as it was far too easy as a large Empire especially to amass huge amounts of cash using very few pops. Those Empires hit hardest were sprawling Empires where not too many pops or buildings were devoted to producing cash.
Saba generates pretty decent cash from its buildings relative to its size (and because of the Qat resistance in this game hasn't expanded too much).
Yonder from the north
Zips a plund'ring horde!
Arab battle force,
Bothering my lands...
As my plan to end the Qatabian threat continues lurching around the gears (so to speak), what to my highly-annoyed eyes should appear, but a very sizeable Arabian task force, meandering into Ptolemy's port area, and launching a raid on my capital! -- which was batted aside, no problem, but I notice their group was still moving.
I'm sure I can deal with it in time; but I'm going to be super-pissed if they screw up my plans by invading my lands with that force. >:(
I know Arabia is your valued ally, Ptolem, but I may have to punch them a few times, if they invade me.
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 06, 2019, 04:37:06 PM
Yonder from the north
Zips a plund'ring horde!
Arab battle force,
Bothering my lands...
As my plan to end the Qatabian threat continues lurching around the gears (so to speak), what to my highly-annoyed eyes should appear, but a very sizeable Arabian task force, meandering into Ptolemy's port area, and launching a raid on my capital! -- which was batted aside, no problem, but I notice their group was still moving.
I'm sure I can deal with it in time; but I'm going to be super-pissed if they screw up my plans by invading my lands with that force. >:(
I know Arabia is your valued ally, Ptolem, but I may have to punch them a few times, if they invade me.
Sadly......trying to control Arabia is like trying to herd cats.....feel free to give em a punch !
I am thinking maybe I should see if my expeditionary force should finish off the Qats for you and then pull out if i can spare them.......what do you think ?
I'd rather finish them off myself; just not sure what to do about the Arabian task force yet, while I do that -- they could cause a lot of damage. Thanks for the offer though!
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 07, 2019, 08:17:23 AM
I'd rather finish them off myself; just not sure what to do about the Arabian task force yet, while I do that -- they could cause a lot of damage. Thanks for the offer though!
No worries...👍
Cancel panic now;
Down in ships they go.
Ethiopia
Follows carefully.
So the Arabian task force was just using Ptolemy's port facilities there to embark and start a crossing over to to Nubia and/or Ethiopian territory (haven't landed yet). Much of Nubia, relatedly, is now Arabia. Watch the AI chew up this whole area under Ptolemy's protection has been fascinating.
In other related news, a small Arabian force (or its remnants) took another territory on my border last turn. I shall be watching them with a squinty eye; not least because their raids into my areas are becoming annoying. One of them got into my capital area and destroyed the trader's market!
This succeeded because I was continuing with my plan to meld my two main task forces together until the leadership of old Sulta, down in Qata('s former capital area). After a year of integration, the army will be ready next turn to march for reclaiming my lost ancient harbor area. In two years (perhaps), we'll have put the boot down on Qata's miilitary nefariousness once and for all.
Then I'm going to have to do something about Arabia, I suppose... (sigh) But if possible I'll try to just create a buffer zone between us, unable to be succesfully raided, and then concentrate on colonizing the horn of Africa on the map's southern border (currently unclaimed by any faction).
You could always try allying with Arabia.....also they do like cash....I lobbed some money at them early on to improve relations and remember they stop raiding once relations get over +25.
Once I start getting more cash, then maybe. I came close to losing out of the game because I spent substantial amounts of my starting cash trying to be friends with the Qats. So I'm fuzzy about trying that.
I suppose it will depend on my current ruler's diplomatic stats at the time, plus the combined diplomatic factors, whether I risk giving raiders cash to attack me more thoroughly.
Patch dropped today.
...it made me load up twice when I clicked the game's name in the Steam taskbar.
By which I mean it loaded up the Matrix game front-end, I clicked play (all as usual), it threw up the patch notes (no problem), I clicked onward and it took me into the game, I clicked multiplayer -- and the game quit, starting over automatically to load up the Matrix game front-end.
Same process, though that time I did get into check mp game status. (Our game will cycle about two hours from this post; only 9 players have put in their move, notably...?)
Awesome, it fixed my 'broken' Belgae game, that I have many hours invested in!
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 10, 2019, 08:34:06 AM
Patch dropped today.
...it made me load up twice when I clicked the game's name in the Steam taskbar.
By which I mean it loaded up the Matrix game front-end, I clicked play (all as usual), it threw up the patch notes (no problem), I clicked onward and it took me into the game, I clicked multiplayer -- and the game quit, starting over automatically to load up the Matrix game front-end.
Same process, though that time I did get into check mp game status. (Our game will cycle about two hours from this post; only 9 players have put in their move, notably...?)
13 of 15 actually moved Jason....I suspect the patch may have stopped the numbers being updated.
Seems fine now.
Gather all and march!
Harbor to be freed!
Is Arabia
Joining in our war...?!
Surprise! -- the Arabian invasion fleet decided to try to take the ancient port region where Qatabian miscreants are holing up abusing my citizens!
They totally failed, but did give me a look (I think) at what I can expect to deal with; and hopefully next turn the epic finale will be accomplished. Although if the enemy prefers to march on my capital, or even on Himjar, I wouldn't complain.
Keen laments arise!
Losers run back home.
Many more did spawn,
Now we have to wait.
Oh the irony!
Proper management,
Qata now exploits:
Rolling in the food.
Rassenfrassen rickenfricken... :pullhair: The Qats turned out to have significantly more power than expected, even accounting for their (not inconsiderable) harbor defenses, which of course I had managed for them, turning their ork-ass economy around in the years I managed the place.
Now they're rolling in food production, and can sit there comfortably having fish fries while they and Arabia raid (most of) my lands, screwing over my production, and training up highly experienced troops. :tickedoff:
All I can do is try to bootstrap up my other areas for who knows how many more years, while of course they're still improving Homertoe themselves. Maybe if I can luck up and get some proper fortifications in Qataba itself, I can send my army up to tell Arabia to HECK OFF! I'm not sorry they got kicked off Africa by Nubia (especially since now Ptolemy has to deal with an evident superstack over there), but now they're going to be looking around for easier pickings.
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 14, 2019, 06:40:36 PM
(especially since now Ptolemy has to deal with an evident superstack over there),
I expected a move by Nubia and fortunately the Royal army was moved into Musma last turn and are now adjacent to the Nubians...If I catch them next turn that "superstack" will look a lot smaller :)
The offer to sort out the Qats for you still stands by the way as Judea has finally been wiped this turn by a combined Seleucid/Ptolemaic land and naval operation so I have less irritations up north !
Condolences for the Judean player. Although that's kind of a historical outcome.
Urgh... Well, if you decide it's to your advantage strategically to do that, I won't complain! I hate to ask for help, but it's going to be who-knows-how-long to root them out now, and your NPC buddies are making my job more difficult.
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 15, 2019, 07:54:10 AM
Condolences for the Judean player. Although that's kind of a historical outcome.
Urgh... Well, if you decide it's to your advantage strategically to do that, I won't complain! I hate to ask for help, but it's going to be who-knows-how-long to root them out now, and your NPC buddies are making my job more difficult.
I need to knock down the Nubians first so it wont be immediate but if I can get a peace with them sorted after defeating their main field army it will be time for a little sail south my friend :)
We can't have you fighting the Qats for 500 turns !!
The celebrated Jarndyce v Jarndyce in Dickens took less time :DD
Bleeeaaakkk Hooooouuussseee
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 16, 2019, 08:48:26 AM
Bleeeaaakkk Hooooouuussseee
Indeed....
It could be the Title of the official history of the Sabateans ;)
Or with our ancient dam, LEAAAAAKK HOOOUUSSSEEE!
So another year
Traipses by again.
Underbalanced by
Volunteering mercs.
Depending on how things go, I may be able to try again in two more years. But I'd rather the Remnant-Qats try to invade somewhere else less profitable for his ongoing survival.
It's amazing how much of a thorn in my side the Qats have been. Though I give the AI some credit, I also have to wonder if the AI is salting the scales somewhat (though where their final army is camped now does have a lot of people and food sources to support them and to expand.)
What! -- at last they surge!
Exiting to north,
Yonder to Himjar!
Zorch their garrison...
The Qat task force decided to ride north to Himjar, which they took without much problem. They're still more powerful than my task force (somehow, probably due to experience combined with topped-off units feeding on my fish), but now I can zip into Homertoe (or whatever it's called) and take the harbor (most likely), trading a less-productive area (Himjar) for the more productive one.
Ptolemy's Arabian territory now stands exposed to Qatabian action, unfortunately, but while they'd probably succeed in taking that, too, if they continue forward, they'd not only be trading a more-developed for less-developed territory again (since I'd follow afterward), but that would greatly aggravate the Egyptians. After which the lives of the Qats would be nasty, brutish, and short. >:D
This should work out nicely, though I'll need some turns to gather the ancient harbor region back under my management. My only concerns right now are:
1.) Will they turn around (leaving a police-keeping skirm behind) to return to the harbor as I get in? That might be disastrous (though I still have to gamble and try).
2.) Will they go for my capitol? I think they'd have trouble cracking it, but they'd eventually succeed, and I'm fuzzy about whether I could time a sally from the garrison along with a sortie from my task force (in which case the invaders might defeat me in detail). They could also meander back to Qataba this way, and I don't think I could stop them.
The sole Egyptian buffer region down near the interminable Qataban/Sabaen shenanigans (which has amazingly managed to outlast even the Egyptian/Judean drama as Judea is now no more >:D) is of no interest to Ptolemy but our war with Nubia is going well and the Nubian capital fell to the Royal Army this turn.
An Egyptian expeditionary force is anticipated to deal with the Qataban nuisance within 3 turns....The area will then be abandoned allowing the Sabaeans to take back control (to coin a phrase :))
If the Sabateans resolve the problem before then, so much the better.
Congrats on the Nubian capital! -- I noticed they were asking me for peace this past turn, and since I wasn't really at war with them I meant to agree (and maybe pick up some legacy bonus), but got distracted by plotting and forgot to do it.
Dear lord. I don't know how long my latest opium coma lasted but I don't recognize this world anymore. :hide:
I have no clue what the computer was doing with my armies in my absence but it looks like my war with Massaesylia is slowly grinding away to no result. Mauretania is descending on me with a big army that they've apparently been building up for the last 3 or so decades that I've been blockading them and forgetting I'm at war with them. Whoops. #:-)
Quote from: al_infierno on October 19, 2019, 03:20:24 PM
Dear lord. I don't know how long my latest opium coma lasted but I don't recognize this world anymore. :hide:
I have no clue what the computer was doing with my armies in my absence but it looks like my war with Massaesylia is slowly grinding away to no result. Mauretania is descending on me with a big army that they've apparently been building up for the last 3 or so decades that I've been blockading them and forgetting I'm at war with them. Whoops. #:-)
I did wonder what was happening with Carthage !!
Quote from: devoncop on October 20, 2019, 11:38:01 AM
Quote from: al_infierno on October 19, 2019, 03:20:24 PM
Dear lord. I don't know how long my latest opium coma lasted but I don't recognize this world anymore. :hide:
I have no clue what the computer was doing with my armies in my absence but it looks like my war with Massaesylia is slowly grinding away to no result. Mauretania is descending on me with a big army that they've apparently been building up for the last 3 or so decades that I've been blockading them and forgetting I'm at war with them. Whoops. #:-)
I did wonder what was happening with Carthage !!
Being honest, I had this last week off from work and have absolutely no excuse for neglecting my beautiful merchant republic :( I stopped receiving email updates for this game a while back and kinda forgot about it for a solid 2-3 weeks. Looks like I've taken control just in time to prevent get stomped by my angry AI neighbors to the west :knuppel2:
That's interesting: we're discussing in the other thread whether the system sends out email updates, and Barthheart and I couldn't remember if we ever got them from our games (on an earlier version of Matrixlitherine's PBEM++ system) of Decisive Campaigns against each other. Part of me seems to remember getting email alerts that it was my turn, and another part of my brain is sure I didn't. ???
I am, however, sure I'm not getting email alerts for either of the FoGEmp mp games I'm currently in.
The Egyptian Royal Army has wiped out the Qatabans.
The Saba are free to expand at last :-)
...Note to Jason......give me 2 turns to get my army out of the Gulf and fill you boots :) :bd:
Interesting! -- the Qats had just tried to retake their capital area, and got punched a little by the crew I had left behind. I was about to march back in and thwack them with a superior stack while they didn't have backup from garrisons sallying out to help them.
I haven't checked my turn this morning, so I don't know the details yet, but hopefully I kind of helped. ::)
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 28, 2019, 11:45:16 AM
Interesting! -- the Qats had just tried to retake their capital area, and got punched a little by the crew I had left behind. I was about to march back in and thwack them with a superior stack while they didn't have backup from garrisons sallying out to help them.
I haven't checked my turn this morning, so I don't know the details yet, but hopefully I kind of helped. ::)
Yeah it was a combination punch that finally finished them I think!
A couple of units may be at sea so I have sent a fleet down the Red Sea to try and finish them off .
Yeesh, I haven't done a poem update in... weeks? In my defense, I've been fighting off a head cold (no fever but everything else).
Skipping the poem this time, since I can't think through snot in my brain -- but I've now recaptured all positions previously taken by the late Qats, so I'm peaceing out with Egypt, Dev. O:-)
I'm glad to leave one southwest Arabian port region as tribute, and I'll be able to pick up a large inland oasis area for my "provincial" Arabia Felix soon. Hopefully Arabia will peace with me, too, once we arrange things back to cooperation and alliance, but we'll see. Having them as a buffer between me and the Selucids isn't exactly a bad thing!
Since you don't want monetary gifts as thanks, is there anything you'd like me to be helping with in other regards? (Once I finish consolidating me recaptured areas I mean?) I'm thinking of taking up the rest of southern Arabia while I have a chance before the eponymous "Arabs" get it ;) , and then picking up spares of Abyssinia before working my way into the southern part of the Africa map. But if you have other preferences, let me know!
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 03, 2019, 04:56:48 PM
Yeesh, I haven't done a poem update in... weeks? In my defense, I've been fighting off a head cold (no fever but everything else).
Skipping the poem this time, since I can't think through snot in my brain -- but I've now recaptured all positions previously taken by the late Qats, so I'm peaceing out with Egypt, Dev. O:-)
I'm glad to leave one southwest Arabian port region as tribute, and I'll be able to pick up a large inland oasis area for my "provincial" Arabia Felix soon. Hopefully Arabia will peace with me, too, once we arrange things back to cooperation and alliance, but we'll see. Having them as a buffer between me and the Selucids isn't exactly a bad thing!
Since you don't want monetary gifts as thanks, is there anything you'd like me to be helping with in other regards? (Once I finish consolidating me recaptured areas I mean?) I'm thinking of taking up the rest of southern Arabia while I have a chance before the eponymous "Arabs" get it ;) , and then picking up spares of Abyssinia before working my way into the southern part of the Africa map. But if you have other preferences, let me know!
No problem though it is actually better if you take the remaining port region as well as it doesn't really contribute much and just generates a bit of decadence.
When you are able it would be great to see if you can take out Abyssinia and what is left of Nubia so I don't have to worry about the south....then we may be able to expand elsewhere :-)
Will do, though first I'm going to pick up the rest of Arabia so the Arabs don't get it. ;)
Um, don't accept peace yet though, if you're going to give me the final port area!
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 04, 2019, 09:47:01 AM
Will do, though first I'm going to pick up the rest of Arabia so the Arabs don't get it. ;)
Um, don't accept peace yet though, if you're going to give me the final port area!
[/quote
Change of plan !
Ethiopia has just offered me an alliance so my South is secured....
I will let you take the port area then we can leave out. If any of my allies stay at war with you I will try instructing them to make peace with you.
I am thinking we maybe need to be looking East rather than West given the Legacy scores...😉
Nice! -- let me know if things change.
Orientation eastward will fit with my southern consolidation plans anyway.
So, since Arabia insisted on staying at war with me, I decided to loop my superstack around counter-clockwise to hit Arabia from the other angle.
This should have worked, and it would have, except for Arabia having two superstacks instead of one. #:-)
The only good news is that they combined superstacks to counter-roll me back to my capital, rather than giving me a classic Montgomery pincer attack which would have been fatal. Also, I'm going to try a left jab at their capital while they're busy molesting my newly acquired lands -- through which their superstack will have to march at terrifying levels of attrition, mua ha ha haaaa.
Thus does the deepness of my strategy become apparent.
Step one: take a bunch of unsupportable regions to invade Arabia from a much longer roundabout direction.
Step two: aggro Arabia thereby into counter-punching me.
Step three: my army melts away as they draw back to my capital.
Step four: their army melts away as they try to invade my capital, hopefully ignoring the rich undefended coastal lands I've built up and/or taken from Qatabia with the help of Arabia's human ally. (This step may need some adjustment now that I think of it.)
Step five: rebuild an invasion force for a shorter thrust to their capital.
Step six: ?? ?? ??
Step seven: profit?
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 25, 2019, 02:29:00 PM
So, since Arabia insisted on staying at war with me, I decided to loop my superstack around counter-clockwise to hit Arabia from the other angle.
This should have worked, and it would have, except for Arabia having two superstacks instead of one. #:-)
The only good news is that they combined superstacks to counter-roll me back to my capital, rather than giving me a classic Montgomery pincer attack which would have been fatal. Also, I'm going to try a left jab at their capital while they're busy molesting my newly acquired lands -- through which their superstack will have to march at terrifying levels of attrition, mua ha ha haaaa.
Thus does the deepness of my strategy become apparent.
Step one: take a bunch of unsupportable regions to invade Arabia from a much longer roundabout direction.
Step two: aggro Arabia thereby into counter-punching me.
Step three: my army melts away as they draw back to my capital.
Step four: their army melts away as they try to invade my capital, hopefully ignoring the rich undefended coastal lands I've built up and/or taken from Qatabia with the help of Arabia's human ally. (This step may need some adjustment now that I think of it.)
Step five: rebuild an invasion force for a shorter thrust to their capital.
Step six: ?? ?? ??
Step seven: profit?
Your plan sounds a little like this clip from "A Princess Bride"
https://youtu.be/9mTlnrXFAXE
;D
I will be spending my loyalty coupon on this game, so I'd definately like to join the next MP game you guys start! O0
My plan has worked amazingly well so far -- the Arab thrust is a classic example about the folly of throwing a powerful army through logistic crap! I beat them back from my capital, and now they're starving in the land they took from me last turn.
My only concern now is that they may try to invade (and succeed at it) one of my more fruitful regions nearby. I've loaded up to go stomp them just in case (and then run away before I'm the one starving in the desert).
Meanwhile, the diplomacy engine has sort of been screwing me over without me realizing it! I got attached to the Antagonids some time ago in an alliance by... accident? Somehow? And since I've never had any reason to go to pseudo-war with them, I got into "Full Alliance" many turns ago.
Now I wanted to maneuver through Egypt's sole remaining region on this side of the Red Sea, and not go to war with Devon again to do it (even though he offered some time ago) -- but I couldn't make an alliance offer to Egypt (again)! After some poking around, I realize it's because (I suppose) the Ants are at war with the Ptols!
So I broke my Alliance with the Ants. No disrespect meant, but I just wanted some friendly trade cooperation; and alliance with Egypt is more important due to my position. O:-)
(Note to self: forgot to ask for Ant cooperation again.)
I've taken the offered territory in Arabia, Devon -- I think that's what you were doing? So I'm making peace again and allying asap.
I noticed you donated a lot of money to Arabia, which kind of makes sense for them as a bulwark against the Seluks (though they're going to use that cash to raid me, you know. ;) ) Does this mean you want me to make peace with Arabia asap, if they'll accept it? I can do so, but I thought you wanted a live ally (instead of only AI) working with you in the Saudi area, so since Arabia hadn't made peace with me earlier I was continuing war against them.
You're certainly my senior human ally in the region, so I want to cooperate (and not get flattened ::) )!
um... Devon, you refused peace with me. I'm going to have a harder time making peace with Arabia (which I'm trying to do starting this turn), as long as you're at war with me. And I don't know why you're still at war with me.
I'm trying to be helpful and cooperative; did you say something you wanted me to do, and I didn't do it? ???
Oh, hm. Looks like Devon isn't in the game anymore. Not just "idle" (though about half are "idle") -- Ptolemy isn't even listed as an mp faction anymore! :'(
...that's going to make things a little more difficult. :o
You have my full support from Rome. Although I'm not sure how much good that will do you. My other MP game also died, although this one seems to still be moving forward.
Thanks! I'll try to remember to provisionally ally with you next turn (provisionally in that if Devon really is still in the game and I somehow missed it, I should try to stick with my original patron of course.)
Quote from: JasonPratt on December 15, 2019, 05:06:49 PM
Oh, hm. Looks like Devon isn't in the game anymore. Not just "idle" (though about half are "idle") -- Ptolemy isn't even listed as an mp faction anymore! :'(
...that's going to make things a little more difficult. :o
Whoa! OK, that's a teensy bit disappointing, as PTO just declared war on me today (and dragged in half of Europe who had Full Alliances with Egypt). So I thought things had just gotten really interesting ... but it looks like this will be just a half-hearted AI war. :-[
I'll play on. If things keep going on their current trajectory, I should get a 3-1 VP victory pretty soon, thus ending the game formally. At least I think and/or hope so!
And I do want to thank Devon for starting this PBEM game, very likely the first post-beta PBEM FoG:E game ever! It's been great fun. I'll try to go easy on your AI successor ... ;)
SELEUCUS
Not gonna lie, your Seluk empire looks like a triumph! :notworthy: I've been reminding myself which game I'm playing in, by looking across the Persian Gulf at this GIANT HIGHWAY NETWORK and thinking, great Eye in the sky, maybe I should try playing the Seluks someday.