Summer Term: AU 601 - Introduction to Multiplayer

[Paddy]

Alexman, thanks for setting this all up

[jshelr]

We should definitely not read DARs beyond the period we have played on our own games. So, I guess it is up to writers to make clear what stage they are writing about. I've delayed publishing any maps in my opening DAR.

[alexman]

Originally posted by Aqualung71
Is there some way we can agree to have access to other DAR's at certain points?

I've been thinking about this, and I don't think it would be fair unless the entire map has been explored. We would also need to make sure that resources are not revealed to anyone who doesn't yet have the technology.

So how about this:

• DAR1: Read if you have the entire map revealed (including ocean). You must also have knowledge of Gunpowder. This thread should not reveal the location of any Industrial or Modern age resource.
• DAR2: Read if you have discovered refining and replaceable parts. This thread should not reveal the location of any Modern age resource.
• DAR3: Read if you have discovered Rocketry and Fission. This thread can reveal everything.

[jshelr]

Sounds good.

[Aqualung71]

Sounds like a good compromise, though I'm sure it will still be frustrating for those of us who love to read other's DAR's (which should be almost all of us!). Still, a good incentive to play fast!

Thanks alexman

[sabrewolf]

i doubt the entire map will be revealed before the industrial ages as most humans don't usually actively pursue every last ocean tile and the AI takes quite a while to do so. and magnetism is often the last researched medieval tech...

i fear DAR1 and DAR2 are just a few turns away from each other

[alexman]

How else can you be sure that Sir Ralph has not placed a resource island somewhere off the pangaea, which will spoil your game if you read ahead?

Motivation to explore the ocean for the DAR-addicts!

[vmxa1]

Do you need to have screenies that show map features? What about just screens of F11/F3 and other things.

Cut out any minimaps, until those conditions you listed are met?

[Tassadar500]

Wouldn't it just be easier to not look at your opponent's DAR until the game is over?

[alexman]

DAR protocol update: http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=118465

[conmcb25]

Re: Summer Term: AU 601 - Introduction to Multiplayer

OK I read this in the first post, note bold added by me

Originally posted by alexman
Here is a format that might be interesting:

• All players will be divided into pairs. Each pair will play a PBEM game on a standard pangaea map with six AI. For comparison purposes, all games will be played on the same map, with the same civilizations.
  
• Human players will agree not to attack any city that has not been founded by their own civilization, unless that city belongs to the other human. Also, they may not take control of such cities by any other means (peace negotiations, culture flips). Since the human players will not be neighbors, early rushes are ruled out.
• Instead, both players will concentrate in the early game on manipulating the AI to their advantage. Can you bribe the AI to attack your human opponent? Can you be the first one to make a profit from trading?
• Leter in the game, we are likely to have a military showdown between human players, but the AI will still play a role. Can you convince the AI to vote for you in the UN elections? Can you secure the resources needed for a spaceship launch by trading with the AI, or will the other human beat you to it?
• Each player will have a DAR thread dedicated to himself, where he is the only one to post the progress of his game. Each player may update his thread with screenshots, saves, and even ask advice from members of the AU community. Neutral observers will be able to follow the games, compare them, and comment in a special spoiler thread. It goes without saying that players should not peek in other threads until their game is finished, and neutral observers should not give out spoilers in ongoing game threads.

Then I saw this:

Originally posted by alexman
agree on whether or not you can attack AI cities. I would suggest following the Iron PBEM etiquette in all games, but it's up to each pair to decide, of course.

MoTown and I need to decide whether or not to on being able to attack AI cities. Knowing MoTown like I do (the cutthroat MP player that he is ), I know he will want to attack the AI cities and Im leaning that way as well. But wont that spoil some of spirit of trying to manipulate the AI in this course?

If we attack AI cities it does become much more like the traditional PBEM Im used to, get a SoD, and go at it. Without attack of AI cities I see it becoming much more of an AI manipulation exercise.

Im confused, there didn't seem to be any more discussion about this so Im wondering if I missed something or not?

Can someone elaborate on this for me?

Thanks

[conmcb25]

Re: Re: Summer Term: AU 601 - Introduction to Multiplayer

DP

[jshelr]

We decided to let freedom rule and you guys should choose for yourselves. I think some games will rule out attacking the AI and others will not.

[Addled Platypus]

The times you can play your turns.

1. How many turns per day you hope to play.

2. Any time periods of planned vacation when you won’t be
around

3. Whether you prefer stock or AU mod.

4. The diffculty level you wish to play.


I will do 1 turn a day during weekday, two on Saturday
No vacations planned for a while
AU mod- Monarchy

[Dominae]

Could someone explain to me what the two rulesets are for attacking AI cities? Krill and I need to decide on this and I'm sort of confused as to what the alternatives are. Thanks!

Edit: Ah, found my answer just three posts above.