Newbie PBEM

[Dagnarus]

Darkmalice sorry buddy we've got 5.

Guynemer, what faction do you want.
note: I'm changing mine to University

It will be random normal map.
Directed Research.
Hidden map.
Average everything.

I guess PM me or Email (Dagnarus@fastermail.com) me with you emails and desired PW.

[Sankis]

Originally posted by Dagnarus
Darkmalice sorry buddy we've got 5.

Does that mean i'm in?

[Dagnarus]

Yea you're in. I have the list of people that are in in a post about half-way up this thread.

[GeoModder]

A little *bump*

[Sankis]

Anyone out there?

[GeoModder]

Yes, but Dagnarus seems to be missing.

[Mr. Harley]

Bump this up a little - I'd love to play a SMAX builder game on a Huge map, whoever is still here post if you are interested. If we have enough, I think five is a good number, I'll try to find a CMN. I'll play the University, Cyborgs, or Morgan in that order, though I'll pass on the University if a less experienced player wants them - I'm fairly new to PBEM but have played the games since they came out. I'd say average everything, but go with 30-50% ocean becasue of how the computer biases in favor of water on bigger maps. If we want dense cloud cover to speed things up, and abundant life forms to discourage exploration (encouraging builders) and also to make Free Market a little less powerful, I could see that for balance. Any thoughts?

[GeoModder]

Well, I mailed the organizer (Dagnarus) of this thread the other day, but no response yet.

As for your request, shawnmmmcc, I'm willing to participate in a SMAX builder game, but I prefer a normal map, weak erosive forces so that their is a high relief difference. High native and dense cloud cover I have no problem with.

The reason I prefere a smaller map is that it also encourages building when everyone constructed 20-25 bases. By about that number a normal map is about filled with bases.

That is enough to let you manage your faction relatively easy and it encourages ingame diplomaty a bit as long as no human conquerors are around. Do I take it that when you say 'builder game', that the option 'Victory by conquest' is disabled?

Would you allow custom made factions? I like a seagoing faction, and I made a few more peaceful ones then the pirates are. Also, it could make a normal sized map game more appealing for the 'landlubbers' who like plenty of land to roam when they're 2 seafactions.

[Mr. Harley]

OK Geomodder, this will be interesting, a smaller non-conflict map. If we can find the right CMN, it could be interesting. Why don't you post it as a request for a game to test out these new factions. Post the details, and even encourage everybody to try them so we see what works. There's a site where somebody made up a whole bunch of seagoing clones of the standard factons, I can't remember where but I visited it once. We should definintely go with 50-70% land then if we make this an ocean-going game. Plus I think there's a special game using custom ocean factions right now, you might contact the CMN and get those factions, see which fit, and try those too for variety. Let's keep the talk here till we have everything figured out, and then start the new thread.

[GeoModder]

O, I didn't mean ALL factions to be custom made, only an extra seafaction so that more land is free for ppl who like a landbased faction on a normal sized map.

These are the settings I made for the seafaction I like to use:
^+2 POLICE and +1 PROBE: {Loyal citizens of a distinct culture}
^-2 GROWTH: {Accidents for the unattentive in a hostile environment and birth control}
^{May not use Free Market economic choice.}
^Free Deep Pressure Hull ability with discovery of necessary technology.
^Terraform Bonus: {Drowning your opponents is an option}
^Bases need Hab Complex to exceed size 4: {Small bases difficult to discover}
^Enhancements may be built in ocean and trench squares with the discovery of Advanced Ecological Engineering: {Trained for life at sea}
^Bonus mineral from ocean shelf squares: {Culture and technology adapted for the ocean}

I don't think it's an 'overpowering' one compared to the traditional factions. But might be a bit of an unexpected nuisance when the necessary techs are researched

The other seafaction, Pirates, should off course be included as well then.

And, I'm new to PBEM, so how do we search a CMN? Just post it here and hope someone answers?

[Mr. Harley]

Actually, it's not too unbalanced - not being able to use Free Market is a massive hit - I'm willing to play with that, I'd really prefer a HUGE map - why don't you start a new thread with your suggestion and let's see where it goes. Post you faction, I'll play Pirates, Gaians, or Data Angels (haven't retried them since I discovered how to do FM), and let's see where it goes. I want someone to play the Pirates, and if not them then the Gaians, you need both groups properly played to see how your faction works .

[Barinthus]

Still need players for that SMAX game? If so, I'm up for it... a newbie here so beware

[GeoModder]

Ok, already 3 then, welcome DataAeolus.
I'm fond of 'normal' sized maps, shawnmmcc seems to like a huge map.
How about meeting in the middle then? Large?

I'll start a thread tonight. Need to check ACDG now , and get to work afterwards