SMAX PBEM Wanted

[jtsisyoda]

So we just need the two other emails and we're ready to go?

[Rubin]

Well, we also need to agree on a ruleset and map settings/game options (the AI factions?).

So far we have: Transcend, Standard Map, Average everything, right? Play order might reflect our different time zones.

When everything is ready we should mail H0bbes. I can try to make a ruleset and send it to you???

[jtsisyoda]

We can just go with Dreifels' rules.

http://1st-euro.com/AC/pbemrules.html

If anybody comes up with something better, go ahead and post it. :-)

Time zone order as turn order is a good idea. I'm EST (GMT -5). For people in the same time zone, H0bbes can flip a coin?

Other factions... doesn't matter much to me, but just to suggest something-- Drones, Gaians, and Spartans. Going for a balanced mix, but the AI will stink regardless, right?

[Gufnork]

As I see it:

Drones = Hive
CyCon = Univ
Cult = Gaia

I don't like to see one of these pairs in a game. Two played by humans is fine, but I think we shouldn't have Drones if we already have Hive. I suggest Morgan instead.

As for rules, I'll accept anything.

My e-mail: perhenri @ dd DOT chalmers DOT com.

[Rubin]

I suggest:
Lal, Deirdre, Roze - for balanced play
Santiago, Deirdre, Roze - for a bit more erratic play

I agree with Gufnork in avoiding "pairs", but Nwabudike controls the weakest faction. Let's leave him on the Unity

I recall Dreifels having a few - IMHO - problematic rules. I'll take a look at it and post/mail my suggestion soon.

[jtsisyoda]

Good point, but I think Roze AI is just as weak as Morgan AI, especially because i heard Roze had a +4 equals +0 probe bug. How about Lal, Santiago, Deirdre?

[Gufnork]

True, Morgan is rather weak in the hands of an AI. I like him since he's so unique, though. I vote for option 2, Santiago, Deirdre and Roze. I want atleast one aggressive faction in the game (Spartans) and I prefer leaving the Governor battle all up to humans (so no Lal).

Edit: Roze tends to do very well when I play with them, even if they are apparently poorly played. Morgan always gets eaten by random neighbour thoug.

[Rubin]

Maybe Zalek should decide: Roze or Lal?

We could always replace a few factions with nasty aliens They don't attend the council sessions and tend to be ...hmm... aggressive, I think.

[jtsisyoda]

santiago, deirdre, usurpers? :-)

[Rubin]

Ruleset suggestion

Dreifels ruleset is fine apart from:

6. Should read: (1) If you perform a probe team action other than to infiltrate against another player with whom you are in a truce, treaty or pact, you must inform the probed player what it was you did and what you stole/sabotaged (notify the victim of your transgression). (2) You must choose the 'declare vendetta/cancel pact' option when you perform the action, unless you have received permission in advance.

8.1-8.4 Should read: (1) You may not upgrade a particular type of unit using the design workshop, and then attack with that unit in the same turn. (2) Upgrading units with the design workshop is allowed at end of turn only. However, supply crawlers upgraded in this fashion can still be used to advance Secret Projects in the same turn. (We can omit part 2 if desired)

9.1-9.3 Should read: (1) You are not permitted to establish contact with another faction prior to having met them in-game or you have the Empath Guild. (2) Player dimplomacy is not permittet during sunspot activity. (We can omit part 2 if desired)

10 I prefer: You are not permitted to make more than one social engineering change per line, per turn (no flip-flop within turn!).

11 Should read: You may use reverse engineering except with the rover chassis from Planetary Networks.

12 delete

13 Add: You may not accept a bribe from another player's AI during council sessions.

14. Add: Renaming allowed if bug is NOT exploited.

Additional rules:

a) You are not permitted to use the 'demand withdrawal' feature against another player.
b) You may not use the F4 screen when infiltrated to change an opponent's workers to specialists.

How about this?

[jtsisyoda]

I'm fine with your rule changes/adds, Rubin.

My preferences:

Spoils of War OFF (so the Cyborg ability will mean something)
Tech Stagnation OFF
Look first ON
No Unity Survey OFF (land masses are visible)
Randomize personalities/agendas OFF

For other settings, I have no preference.

[Zalek]

Sounds good.

Rubin, you said, that I should choose Roze or Lal. Why? Maybe I don't understand sth, but there are so many factions, that we may choose right order.
I like very much playing Hive - especially after chanings in SMAX.

[Rubin]

Sorry Zalek! I wasn't making it clear. Zalek you play the Hive of course! I was refering to the computer controlled AI factions: Deirdre, Santiago and Roze/Lal. Do you prefer Roze or Lal as computer opponent?

Have you got an e-mail for this game? Please post it.

[Zalek]

My e-mail is zalek at interia dot pl
Roze or Lal? It doesen't matter for me.

[Gufnork]

Gotta love it when the tiebreaker abstains.