Just another run-of-the-mill SMAC PBEM Game

[Cognoscente]

Hey!

I'm completely new to SMAC multiplayer. Looking to play with whomever's interested, indifferent as far as rules are concerned. If there is anything less than obvious that I need to do to properly set up a PBEM game, please let me know. Also, I have a preference for fast players--those who can check the forum at least twice a day; and also prefer a maximum of four players. I'll be the Hive.

[knowhow2]

I'm pretty sick with PBEM games that have more than 3 players so if you want I can start a one-on-one with you with or without moderator.

[Cognoscente]

Sure, I'll play a 1 on 1. But I have to ask: what would a moderator be doing, exactly? What exploits would he be guarding against? Again, I'm new, and am acting under what I'm gathering is a misconception that SMAC PBEM is flawless in itself.

[Flubber]

I'll jump in

The moderator is not usually there to guard against exploits or cheats (although I suppose it is a possibility) since on most things players are expected to abide by the honour code.

A mod can

1. provide a map that is "fair" so one of you is not in the jungle while the other battles fungus on an arid island-- The games random map generator is hit and miss for fair starts and has been known to place players almost on top of each other-- Its not much of a test of play skill to have to start fighting with scouts.

2. Hold the passwords so if a player disappears it is possible to continue the game against a replacement

3. They can set up special conditions or attribute if you are seeking a particular type of game

4. Clarify the rules under which people are playing since there are a few issues on which there are some different opinions


generally though, once the game is set up the moderator is not involved unless there are problems

[knowhow2]

Flubber, you wanna Moderate for us?

Cognoscente,

any preferences? map? settings?

I can go with UoP if you go with Hive. If you want UoP Ican take Hive. Basically, I take UoP whichever factions you choose and Hive if you choose UoP.

Flubber, if he choose to Moderate for us, will need your email (come to think of it so do I). He has mine.

[Cognoscente]

No preferences ruleswise or mapwise. Stickin' with the Hive. My email: editorinchief@sprynet.com

[knowhow2]

okey cognoscente, either Flubber moderate or I just make one myself and send it to you. Shouldn't take more than a day or two either way.

[Cognoscente]

I'm anxious to get this game started. I don't care if it's moderated or not; let's just go. (Unless, of course, flubber happens to catch us before we do, in which case I won't mind; so long as time isn't lost!)

[knowhow2]

Okey Flubber didn't have the time this week. So we do this without moderator and take our chances (well it's more risky for me than you ). Give me a few minutes.

[knowhow2]

okey there could be a problem. Since Hive is prior in the order of play than UoP I couldn't play before you did so I just went SAVE & EXIT without putting any password. So hopefully you'll be able to put your password on it (twice) and then play your turn. After which you SAVE & EXIT and let me put my password on me turn.

Do you know how to play PBEM?

This is what you do in short.

Unzip (VERY important to zip and unzip) the file.
Load the file as a Load turn after you started the game.

MULTIPLAYER
hotseat/PBEM
Load Game
find the file
play
save the file somewhere you can find it
zip it
send it as an attachment with your email

[Cognoscente]

I'm not that new

Just sent it; didn't experience any problems.

[knowhow2]

turn sent back to you. We don't need a thread for turn tracking do we? We're only two. We can pretty much assume thatif you don't have the turn then the other one has it.