Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Organization Thread VI]

[OzzyKP]

Thanks.

[Robert]

Congratulations old man!!!

[Pitboss Spain]

The very very best, Ozzy!

[Pitboss Japan]

Gratz Ozzy!

On more serious matter:

I have tried to protest about Russia-or any other quite active civilization- taking over Khmer but it seems it was not strong enough.
I didnt wanted to go into detailed explanation why i didnt like it because this is not the place for that-and still dont want to, but i say: it's not cool.
Unfortunately i dont have a good solution...but if we cannot find a sub and one of us should take over then why not the Mayan player for example as i suggested? Its unlikely that Maya would get involved into any serious world event so it wouldnt cause problems.
These kind of drops makes me rethink the ideal numbers of player per diplogames.. maybe the less would really be better.. and only with those who can be trusted to finish what started..
(sry for the rant btw, but i'm really losing the will to continue the game the same way i did.-I'm not saying i will quit, I wont, but these kind of subs just screw up the game (ofc i understand Portugal concern aswell)

[Pitboss Rome]

I understand Japan's point - the whole sub thing is a mess. I'm pleased Russia offered to sub, because it got us started again, but now I am wondering whether I need to change Roman foreign policy since I have traditionally been a close friend of the Russians, with an accomodation with the Portuguse who are the arch-enemies of the Khmer who are now run by the Russians!

No idea what the answer is, since circumstances can affect us all over a year long game, so I'm not sure you can ever achieve the utopia of the right number of fully committed players. It could be another reason for going for a 'ref' in the way St Jon has described in other games, since such a neutral but involved party could easily sub for folks. If it could be designed right, I wouldn't mind doing it myself in a future game.

Fortunately I trust St Jon to handle the complications well, but even so, its a complication it would be nice to avoid.

[St Jon]

I appreciate Japan's concerns and wish that the situation were different. If I am considered another Rising Sun then I am saddened that any should think such a thing.

If Ozzy had not been honest about subbing for Deity none of this would have happened. There are a number of Subs, past and present, of which the Game seems unaware of but a couple have/will have an impact on the policies and progress to the end.

Of all the people professing an interest in Diplo-Games is there not one who will take on Khmer?

[Robert]

1. St Jon, can you please now stop the name calling to Blackdragon? He has apologized and punished, now we should move on. Not to mention that name calling is not allowed on these forums.

2. Regarding subbing for the Khmer, both me and Ozzy agreed that a sub for the khmer should be a good civ player. It would be a violation of the balance of the game if the #3 civ at war with the #2 civ would be played by a less experienced player.

[Pitboss Rome]

In case anyone wonders, I have finished my turn, but just as I reached for the return key to 'end turn' from the computer's point of view, it disconnected me, and its not possible now for me to go back in.

[St Jon]

There are only just over 2hrs left on the clock and Portugal has not moved. I will have to go out in about an hour so if they still haven't moved either Khmer moves first or the game is paused. Either is ok with me but please let me know or I will have to take the turn rather than lose it.

[Pitboss Rome]

I recognise that St Jon is left in an unenviable position.

More generally, surely we don't intend to try to run this game with people having a veto on the turn moving on just by not playing. If people ask, that is one thing. And if a player who needs to play second, find themselves in a mess because the first player played late, again that deserves sympathy and accommodation. But if someone just doesn't play for 24 hours, surely we can't automatically stop? A week ago I missed quite a few turns and, well, it was my fault so I lived with it.

[Robert]

The game has been paused because Portugal didn't play yet and therefore neither did the Khmer.

We only pause the game for players who are about to miss a turn while they are at war.
Missing a turn during peacetime is hardly a problem.

Pausing the game sucks, Portugal, please explain yourself.

[St Jon]

Ok, I am now back but will not be paying constant attention.

Please can you post when Portugal has played before setting the clock going again.

Can we please see a return to the 8hr Rule as otherwise, war or not, it means anyone can potentially hold the game up for days. It is true that disasters can happen to any of us and a game of Civ will be the last thing on our minds but war cannot be a carte blanche to just halt the entire game. Japan is right about this being an issue for future games in terms of named subs for each player - in-game or not - but that is something to talk over after BtP.

[Robert]

I'll let you know, St Jon.

And I agree that we should indeed discuss some x hour rule.
Perhaps 12-16h or something, and an option to ask a delay in advance.
Then the 2nd civ should of course also get 12-16 hours. (and be able to ask a delay)

Or just let the 2nd civ be able to play when the turn timer has only 2h left.
If the 2nd civ can't play within those 2 hours the game will be paused till the 2nd civ arrives. (at most 16 hours, ie)

[St Jon]

It seems we still have an absence of Portugal. If they play please pause the game afterwards as I'm off out now to get some of the sunshine.

[Robert]

I will of course.
This should not last much longer.

For the rest of the game I'm going to be strict.
Every player must finish his turn in time. Players at war can request a delay. I'll send my cell phone number to everyone by PM. Players can then request a delay with a cell phone text message, if they can't use the internet.