Head-to-Head SMAC/X PBEM Tourney

[smhfan86]

Greetings all.

Since a lot of my games have stalled, or are simply moving at a snail's pace, I figured I'd start a Head-to-Head PBEM Tourney, otherwise known as H2H.

Unlike the CGN one, this will be open to all players, and won't be as strict in terms of rounds and such.

Basically, two people want to play, they play. The game get's an official number, and we're off.

The first person in the game, starts the game along these guidelines, sets their own password, and sends it along to their opponent.

Point System:

Win: 1 point
Loss: -1 point
Refusing to continue one game, while still playing others for no good reason: -2 points

What constitutes a win?

All victory conditions count, but probably the easiest is simply elminating your human opponent through conquest, or having them concede defeat.

**If your opponent is elected supreme leader, you 'can' defy the council, meaning the game is not over.**

The winning and losing player must post in the this thread to have their game acknowledged.

What's a loss?

If you're conquered by your human opponent, or more embarrassingly by the AI. Or if your opponent wins by any of the other possible victory conditions, such as transcend, economic, or supreme leader. Also, conviently losing/forgetting your password, thus preventing the game from moving forward. So make sure you got it written down on paper, cuz hard drives do crash.

Map settings:

Large, Random map
Erosion, Native Life, Clouds and Oceans = average
Difficulty: Transcend

Game settings:

All Victory Conditions
Look First: On
Tech Stag: Off
Spoils of War: Off
Intense Rivalry: Off
Directed Research (pick your own techs)
No Unity Survey (map not visible)
Pods are scattered
No Random Events
Time Warp: Off
Iron Man: On/Off(Your choice)

Rules:

• Communications - None until in-game contact, obtain commlink, or build EG (*Note* Physical in-game contact means you have to have a unit adjacent/next to your opponent's unit or base)
* You cannot bribe an AI player to attack your opponent, until you have legally obtained your opponent's comm frequency.
• SE switch "quickies" forbidden - (obviously you can experiment to see what effect various SE choices have, but cannot change, play moves, then change back in the same turn)
• Stockpile Energy in your build queues is OK!!!
• Crawlers and units upgrade anytime - OK!!!
• Probe actions: Must choose vendetta option when probing your opponent if you are not at vendetta, unless you have previously gained permission to probe by e-mail. Also, you must tell your opponent what you stole, ie. map or tech(s). You don't have to say what specific tech(s), just that you stole them. If you are already at vendetta before you probe, then you don't have to tell them anything.
*Sometimes when probing with a probe foil, you might not get the vendetta pop-up, but you must still inform your opponent of what you stole.
*You do not have to inform your opponent of infiltration.
• You cannot bribe the AI on council votes nor to demand withdrawal of units (Note: This means you can't bribe your human opponent on council votes or use the right click feature to demand withdrawl, because the AI makes the decision for them. It's okay to bribe or demand withdrawl of the AI controlled factions. However, you could still bribe or demand withdrawl of your human opponent, via email or in the trade screen, where the human player would get the chance to make the decision themselves.
*You cannot accept a bribe made by the AI on behalf of your opponent in council votes.
• Cannot use the right click feature for multiple drop moves to extend range (ie limited to 8 tiles unless owning the Space Elevator SP)
• Cannot use the 'set waypoint' feature for automatic worm hunting/lifecycle enhancements
• No accepting pending treaties/pacts *after* declaring vendetta in the same turn )
• Cannot use the F4 feature (or the bases feature of the F4 screen) to change an infiltrated faction's workers to specialists.
* You cannot trade bases with the AI. It is okay to gift a base to the AI.
* Reverse engineering okay, except with the rover chassis from planetary networks.
*If you cause a save/load warning, you must inform your opponent of the reason in an email.

Additional SMAX Rules
*If Angels are in the game as AI, then you can both exploit their +4 probe bug weakness.
*No playing Angels for humans, as the +4 probe bug is unfair, since the AI can still exploit it, and there's too much room for accidental exploitation and subsequent bickering.
*Can only play the Aliens, if both players play an Alien faction. i.e. one plays Usurpers and the other plays Caretakers.
*Aliens in the game as AI is fine, as long as, both parties agree to it.


Name game save file as apolyh2hXX-name, 2101.sav Where XX is the number of the game, i.e apolyh2h01-alex, 2101.sav

And name is the name of the next player's turn.

If it's an smax game, then make it apolyxh2hXX-name, 2101.sav

Also, the player who takes the second turn, must always remember to change the turn year around to the correct year as well, if it's not done automatically.

SMAC Standings:

1: Name: Smhfan Pts: 1 W: 01 L: 00 R: 00 GP: 01
2: Name: Archaic Pts: -1 W: 00 L: 01 R: 00 GP: 01

SMAX Standings:

1: Name: Flubber Pts: 0 W: 01 L: 01 R: 00 GP: 02
1: Name: Smhfan Pts: 0 W: 01 L: 01 R: 00 GP: 02

Overall Standings:

1: Name: Smhfan Pts: 1 W: 02 L: 01 R: 00 GP: 03
2: Name: Flubber Pts: 0 W: 01 L: 01 R: 00 GP: 02
3: Name: Archaic Pts: -1 W: 00 L: 01 R: 00 GP: 01

When signing up, leave your email, the faction(s) you want to play, and whether you prefer to play smac or smax on this thread.

Games Completed:

SMAC:

1. SMH(Hive) vs Archaic(UofP) - SMH wins

SMAX:

2. SMH(UofP) vs Flubber(Drones) - Flubber wins
3. Flubber(Drones) vs SMH(Hive) - SMH wins

Games in progress:

SMAC:

2. Hercules(Spartans) vs Darsnan(UofP)

SMAX:

1. Flubber(Drones) vs Archaic(UofP)
4. Curiosity(Drones) vs Darsnan(Hive)

[smhfan86]

I'll take on anyone, as the UofP or Hive, prefer SMAC, but will play SMAX.

callistosdarkside@rogers.com

[Mongoose]

There is no need for the council notification rule in a two player game, CDS. That rule is to allow all candidates an equal right to conduct diplomacy/campaigning before opening their turn and being surprised by an election. No such opportunity exists with 5 AI opponents.

[MariOne]

I'll always wonder why people insist to adopt that FARCE of a setting that Ironman is....
In pbems then, beyond having no meaning, it also has no effect at all...

[MariOne]

* Reverse engineering okay, except for rover chassis, unless you probe it early, but highly unlikely.

The actual purpose of the original version of this rule, was to avoid RE of the rover chassis FROM PROBE TEAMS before you discover Mobility

If you get *gifted* a rover from early contact before you discover Mobility (regardless of whether you already have PlaNets or not) I can't figure why you shouldn't RE it too.

But these are your rules, I don't want to interfere, whatever floats your boat...

[smhfan86]

points taken, i'll make the adjustments.

p.s. anyone know why this rule was made? 'You cannot bribe the AI on council votes nor to demand withdrawal of units.'

[MariOne]

Both cases are examples of decisions taken by the game engine while a human pbem player is not online.

That is, Player A (who's playing the turn) triggers interactions which should get immediate response by player B, who alas is not online while A plays because of the very intrinsic nature of a pbem.
So, Firaxis decided to let the game engine kick in and decide on behalf of the absent Player B.
Mind, this is not one of the worst Firaxis decision, for once they had actually few viable alternatives for implementing a simultaneous event in a forcibly sequential pbem...

BTW, that it's not one rule, they're actaully two.

- You cannot interact with AI on behalf of a human opponent on council votes (and beware, this also means that you can't *accept* a bribe from the AI for your vote, which sometimes the game does even on behalf of a human candidate in a pbem!)

- You cannot demand withdrawal in a pbem using the commlink menu
(although this rule is NOT conclusive in every context, ask Tau Ceti for a very clear and detailed rationale about this)

[smhfan86]

the no accepting has been added.

and yeah, i know that technically it's two. just too lazy to go fix it.

so when it says no bribing the AI, it really means no bribing the human player in-game, because the AI will decide for them?

Does this mean it's okay to bribe the AI for their vote before the council?

[Mongoose]

The AI bribing rules apply only to factions being played by a human. You may pay AI Mim for the Believing vote if there is no human controlling the Believers. You may not pay AI Morgan for the Morganic vote if I am playing Morgan...ya gotta pay me!

[Archaic]

Well, sign me up for this. I'll take any opponents with me as UoP. No preference for either SMAC/X.

archaiceternal@hotmail.com

[smhfan86]

Much clearer now Mongoose. I edited the rules to clarify it. Anything else I should change, that might not be clear to someone new?

Is it okay to demand the withdrawl of completely AI controlled factions?

Archy, is that SMAC or SMAX? I know I got your email, but could you still post it on the thread? TIA.

[Flubber]

None of my other games are moving so I may as well jump into this fray as well. I guess players have to learn to deal with crappy starts if they get one ??


I'll take UoP, gaians, drones, consciousness, angels ( if there is agreement not to mind control bases when proberating is +4 or above) consciousness, or peacekeepers. I figure that you will get to choose factions when you are setting things up.


How does this work?? Do we just challenge an opponent and then set up the game ??

[Flubber]

Originally posted by smhfan86
Is it okay to demand the withdrawl of completely AI controlled factions?

YES-- If the morganites are controlled by the AI, you can bribe them for votes or demand their withdrawal. In either case, the AI answers for itself and there is no issue. The whole demand withdrawal issue comes up when the human player ( who may be planning an invasion) finds his units sent home because of an AI decison on his behalf

[smhfan86]

Greetings Flubber.

Yes, since there's no CMN for the game and it's a random large planet with average everything, you'll have to adapt to the situation.

This is more for fun than anything else.

SMAX Game #1: apolyxh2h01

Flubber - ? ?
Archaic - UofP archaiceternal@hotmail.com


You guys can email each other privately to set up the game, and make a thread if you want.

I flipped a coin to see who goes first, and it was Flubber.
You guys can decide what other factions should go into the game and in what order after you two. I suggest keeping the Angels out, just because of the +4 probe bug.

When you guys start, just post here to confirm it's underway. Good luck.

[Flubber]

My email is at sharris4141@yahoo.com and I believe I will take the drones-- I would suggest going random factions and just living with what comes up-- If it includes the angels, we can either have an agreement not to exploit their probe bug or decide that we can go at them if we wish ( an equal opportunity to exploit a bug is " fair" as long as the players know whats up . .

What is the feeling on aliens for this type of challenge-- I assumed they are off limits for humans but what about them being in the game otherwise under AI control ? -- ( I can play either way)

Its late now and I have a busy day tomorrow but we should be up and running by tomorrow evening or saturday-- I figure since I am first, I simply set up the game and send it on to archaic -- once we have reached agreement on other factions etc

[smhfan86]

if you do have angels i strongly suggest that you both be allowed to exploit them, as trying to figure out if they have +4 probe at every base you decide to probe, would be tedious in the later game. also, you don't have to worry about someone accidently exploiting it.

aliens as AI is fine with me.

i think it would be okay to play an alien, as long as your opponent was too. i.e. one goes usurper and the other caretakers. that would be a cool game.

[Flubber]

Hey smhfan

I have emailed archaic and am awaiting a response before setting it up-- How about you and I go at it in game two-- I would take the drones once again . . .

So will you take the UoP and give me two similar challenges or will it be the Hive in an attempt to compete in industrial might ??

I figure since I am first in game one, you should be first in game two-- perhaps you could challenge archaic as well so we would each have two of these at once

I am just frustrated with my games-- I am in 9 now IIRC and have seen my last turn on Tuesday -- yes Tuesday

[smhfan86]

Hey Flubber.

How about two games then?

I'll take UoP in the first game and go first, and then take the Hive in the second game and go second. Sound good?

Or, I could just challenge Archaic, so we'd all have two games.

SMAX Game #2: aployXh2h02

UofP - SMH vs Drones - Flubber

Game created and sent to Flubber

[Flubber]

h2h 03 started with Flubber-drones and smhfan86 as the Hive

[SgtSlick_aus]

hi, i would love to play anyone who is good in a one v one.
smacx i play uop or cybernetics. can play hive/drones if necessary.

step up to the plate gents.. i da man! =)

[smhfan86]

Hey SgtSlick_aus, need your email before we can start.

You'll be matched up to the first person that'll play.

[Flubber]

I heard from Archaic and head to head #1 has been sent to him with myself as the Drones and archaic as the UoP.

[Archaic]

SMH, count me out for a second head to head for at least another week and a half. I'm going to have my hands full with Flubber as it is, especially if RTT, TG#3, BotP and CGN5 get moving again.

Sorry SgtSlick_aus, but you'll need another opponent for apolyXh2h04.

[smhfan86]

No problem Archaic,

I'll have my hands full with Flubber too. I got two games with him.

SgtSlick_aus, you'll be matched up with the first person that wants in. Just leave your email here, so we can contact you.

[SgtSlick_aus]

ok thanks a lot man

my email = sgtslick_aus@hotmail.com
first preference UoP btw, then cybernetic.

[SgtSlick_aus]

oh one last thing whats apolyXh2h04 ?>?

[Flubber]

Originally posted by SgtSlick_aus
oh one last thing whats apolyXh2h04 ?>?

apoly apolyton
x smax game
h2h part of this head to head series
04 fourth game in the series

its the game name that smhfan86 uses for games in this series-- There are already 3 in progress and when you get an opponent it will be game 4

[SgtSlick_aus]

gotcha, cheers

[smhfan86]

Everyone should read the rules over again.

I added some stuff to it.

Like, ***Once elected 'Surpreme Leader,' the game is over and you win. Your opponent can't refuse to join you, and vice versa. So watch those votes carefully.***

Also, added the rules regarding the Angels and Aliens we discussed earlier.

Any other changes were to clarify the current rules for newbie players not familiar with pbem and the bugs in the game. However, I suggest everyone read over it again.

Note: I will only make additions or clarifications to the rules from now on, and they will be discussed in this thread first, before being applied.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by smhfan86
Everyone should read the rules over again.

I added some stuff to it.

Like, ***Once elected 'Surpreme Leader,' the game is over and you win. Your opponent can't refuse to join you, and vice versa. So watch those votes carefully.***

Just curious as to what prompted this addition . . . Its never even been an issue in any of my PBEMs since, if someone has 3 times the votes, they are likely 3 times as big and their opponents capitulate earlier when the game is a lost cause . In fact, I am not even certain that a human gets the opportunity to decide whether to accede or not.

I can envision scenarios where you could have a very playable or even a strong position. In theory, shouldn't you have the abiliity to fight on against the combined might of all the factions ?? ( Again, I am not sure how it works in practice in a PBEM)