***IMPORTANT***

there is a small movie file used in this map (from AoW2), which you can download from
HERE if you do not have AoW2. This file should be placed into the AoW:SM "movies" folder. It is not essential to do this, but you may experience a 15 second black screen where you can do nothing. The game is NOT locking up, and nothing bad is happening to your computer. The game is just trying to locate or play a file that isn't there. Everything is back to normal after 15 seconds or so.

This will be a more common problem for the 6p version.

I've played 5 games until at least turn 40. (on the 4p version - 1 game until turn 35 on the 6p version)

• in 4 of the games, at least 1 wizard (different each time) was eliminated by day 15 or so, almost always due to independants.
  
  
• in each game, wizards would take turns dominating the map, but none could hold domination for long
  
  
• there will be alot of turns where you do very little; if the turns keep moving, its no problem. Just keep in mind that it is an empire building game.
  
  
• there is alot of suspense in the turns. things really pick up around day 30. Most likely there will be some major conflicts around this time, and then another period of rebuilding armies.
  
  
• SCOUT! You are playing blind, and you have no wizard tower. While you should be safe on your first couple turns, all bets are off after day 3. Keep your wizard well protected.
  
  
• While I playtest very thouroughly, what I can not predict is what effects diplomacy will have. The map was designed keeping in mind the request 'players should roleplay the races like the races/alignment really would'. There are no 'artificial rules' I'm imposing though, so enjoy whatever chaos ensues!
  
  
• There is alot of randomness to increase replayability and unpredictability. Depending on how the 'dice land', you may find yourself very powerful early on, or under considerable duress.
  
  
• If you play smart, you can overcome your limited and quickly dwindling resources WITHOUT having to disband troops. In fact, if you do disband troops, you may find that you get 'stuck' without enough troops to help you claim resources. Or worse, you may find your enemies are really close, and you won't be able to fend them off.
  
  
• Its a SMALL map. That means its very dangerous. Play cautious, or gamble big - that's up to you, BUT, if you do gamble, be prepared to go down in flames. On the other hand, a well-timed gamble when another wizard has their guard down could pay off HUGE.
  
  
• I'm confident enough in the map's balance that I can recommend it for wizard ladder games. If all players agree right away about making it a ladder game, go ahead and register them.
  
  
  
• lastly, there is a GAME bug I found which pops up semi-often on this map due to unique scripting. It may cause too many units to occupy the same hex, and when it does, you will not be able to move anyone. IT IS NOT A GAME BREAKER, and is an easy fix. Simply save your game, exit out, and reload where you left off. The units will still occupy the same same hex, but you will be able to move them now. It does not cause a restart.
  

Ooooh, is this really happening?!

Yes. Yes it is.

And I placed you 2nd, because I know you are impatient!

Er, is there a seat free here?

Sorry BlueBaby, but I already have someone to fill in for Frall if he doesn't return in time. Also, this game is for advanced players only. I had a big sign up thread running for a while for 6 Beta games on my upcoming map, but the games were filled up a while ago.

After these games have gotten pretty far in, I will be tweaking the map, then making it public. Until then, I'm afraid there isn't a spot for you, unless someone in one of the beginner games drops out.

(BTW, it is helpful to make an email account for public use and keep it in your profile here. Gmail is quite popular, although you can't use the autosend feature of the game with it. A GMT also helps alot when PBEM games are being organized, to help them move along faster. Welcome aboard though, and if you need help getting a game started, shoot me an email, and I'll help you out)

[This message has been edited by greenmonster (edited 06-27-2008 @ 07:42 PM).]

Turn sent. Log later.

Gin

Gin shows no emotion on his weathered face when the tower was taken. The Frostling inhabitants were no match for the fire breaths of his Lizards that put them to ashes. His forces were tired from months of travel but at least have something roasted to eat now...

The tower revealed only more barren and rough land. It seems to never end. Athough many of his fierce Lizards hate the cold, something has to happen now. With a single gesture of his hand, Gin ordered the construction a settlement on the riverbanks to build ships and move on to lusher lands.

[This message has been edited by Swolte (edited 06-29-2008 @ 11:49 PM).]

TS, no time to log.
Thanks for the game, GM.

Archon Explorers

Landing on a shore as white as our garbs, as unsoiled as our souls, as pure as our intentions, we start our new life by spilling the blood our a vile monster without mercy.

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Turn sent
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not to crush your spirits, but the 4p rookie game is finishing day 6 already.

I thought you were suppossed to be the experienced group?

Kyr the Outcast, day 1

I am sick of sailing and of this dank, dark, lightless sea. I have founded St Morgon, my new base, and perhaps my capital to be. Two huge bears guarded the mine to the north, and Black Cat hunetd them down. I have sent scouts in every direction. Let's see what we have here.

ts

p.s. Sent to H6 and Frall.

@GM, experience teaches that it is best to start slow and finish strong than to pull up with a monster stitch after the first turn and look foolish.

Ancrock Anroll, day 1

We take the frostling outpost, though my Warlord nearly botches the simple task. Lucky for him there is a healer on hand. Now he wants to raze the site, but I don't trust the fool. We will let the frosties live for now. I have other plans for them.

Glim Glendon -

Some interesting discoveries made by my forward scout.

Turn sent

Gin

Another settlement was founded today. Though the environmental conditions are abysmal, it could not be averted. The icy lands do not allow any crops to grow and so food remains scarce. The population in the two outposts do not yet generate enough to support the army.

Scouts are being sent out to determine a course of action.

Archon Explorers

A plethora of opportunities for purifying the icy wastes. Where to do good first...

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Turn sent
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Hagatha - Day 2 - Foundation
The name is not under discussion, Frary, "Torquay" will become the most powerful city in the world, so break the champagne bottle once and for all. That's the one we brought from Zaranbizar, right?, I still remember that trip like it was yesterday, don't you dear? Our visits to the market, all the fine yarns, the soft furs. And the only thing you bought there was this silly mask... Do you know why I am thinking? of course not. Why don't we arrange a big party, a carnival so you have a chance to wear that red cloak...

TS

Edit: forgot to say guys, that the game crashed when I was "replaying" a battle from last night versus indies. My apologies. I just sometimes forget to restart my laptop before starting to play my turns.

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Use a password in your PBEM games, and contact the Game Password Keepers.

[This message has been edited by Unnapu (edited 07-11-2008 @ 03:31 PM).]