Dominions 5 - Return of the Octopus Overlords

[Zenn7]

First - going out of town either tomorrow or Monday (not sure which yet; hoping tomorrow though traffic will suck, don't really want to spend Xmas day driving 8 hours). Coming back Thursday (or maybe Friday).

I'll try to get this going on my in-law's PC, but their PC is much older (fortunately, not really demanding game). If I can't though, I won't be able to do another turn again until I come back. Will at least be able to post and let you know.

Second - second game - see above regarding my ability to start, but assuming I can or you are willing to wait til I return, I would love to play a second game. Just a FYI though - turns are still pretty fast now, another 30+ turns might see turns taking a bit longer. Just for those who are newer, want to make sure they are aware later in the game, turn time can go up exponentially.

[Freyland]

Very exponentially, although its a bigger deal when you are playing against human opponents because you (or them!) are being more sneaky and evil. Regardless, I would volunteer for a second game as well.

[Zarathud]

Yes. I'm in for a second game.

The AI can aggressively expand but often screws up. I have had troops dash themselves against my Fortress before. I think the AI feels losing a stack is worth it to shut off your production of capital only troops.

Sometimes the reports can be wildly off which is magnified for throne troops. Unless they're in our dominion (with the free scry effect) or you can place a spy, don't rely on the reports. They could x2 estimate 250 troops.

[tgb]

I'm coming into my busy season with my final two home shows approaching, so I'm going to have to pass on a second game.

[Zenn7]

FYI - tgb, new turn is up. You are the last one, after you submit, if you wait a couple minutes, you should be able to reconnect and take your next turn too.

[T]

I'm going to pass on a second game too. I'm in a couple of other async games and once our turns start getting longer, one is all I can handle.

[Zenn7]

Bonus for expanding the fastest - I currently have borders with 6 enemies. No active wars yet. Need to build me a second fort somewhere ASAP I think (probably on this throne province I'm attacking).

[RMC]

I have finally gotten a feel for these guys, but man I have a ton of heavy troops around me.

[Zenn7]

First - going out of town either tomorrow or Monday (not sure which yet; hoping tomorrow though traffic will suck, don't really want to spend Xmas day driving 8 hours). Coming back Thursday (or maybe Friday).

I'll try to get this going on my in-law's PC, but their PC is much older (fortunately, not really demanding game). If I can't though, I won't be able to do another turn again until I come back. Will at least be able to post and let you know.

Weather changed my plans, so I'm home all week. Can keep my turns up no problem and ready for a 2nd game whenever.

[LordMortis]

I can host a 2nd game if you like but I'd rather see how this one pans out before committing to round 2.

[Zenn7]

New turn is up this morning.

Looks like it was a decent round, we won every fight we were in, both offensive and defensive.

I captured a throne and am claiming it this turn. Throne of night - +1 dom and blessed get darkvision. Not terribly great and it might make the work dark. But there's worse, so I won't complain. Going to build a fort on the throne.

Depends on what happens this turn, will be turning to Ctis and helping Machaka next turn (consolidating/reinforcing my army in the south and taking out one last neutral province there this turn). Unless I get attacked by too many other enemies and not Ctis, then I might need to focus in other areas.

Thinking about taking out Ermor, but hoping they and Jotunheim will hit each other. Not many of Yama's followers around me, all Spittle's. Not an ideal situation.

[Freyland]

Machaka had a bad turn about two turns ago, but for now seems stable. Ctis sent its large armies north instead of at me, and I just Stealthed a province from them in the middle of their lands. In two turns I plan to bring some hurt back to the Giant dudes to my SW. Are the AI's a team, or a bunch of individuals?

[Zenn7]

The AI's are 2 teams.

Under statistics (I think that's the button - it's where the score graphs are), there is an option to see the pretenders of the world, so you can see who is on who's team.

Hope my large army is significantly better than Ctis's large army.

[T]

Looks like I've held off both AI's. Thanks to whoever helped! I just started building a palisades towards Ashodel. I plan on building and moving troops over while it builds. Then I will siege Ashodel's castle. Marignon, and anyone else close by, you are welcome to join me.

[baelthazar]

Sorry for the hold up guys. I processed the turn and sent in a second one - so we are good to go.

Arcoscephale, I think we can hit Pythium now, if you are ready. I have about 60+ troops, including over 20+ Starspawn to paralyze. If we both attack, I assume our forces will work in tandem?

[LordMortis]

Sorry for the hold up guys. I processed the turn and sent in a second one - so we are good to go.

Arcoscephale, I think we can hit Pythium now, if you are ready. I have about 60+ troops, including over 20+ Starspawn to paralyze. If we both attack, I assume our forces will work in tandem?

No hold up. I have no idea if we attack in tandem. I was going to hit him next turn, but this turn works for me. What's the worst that could happen.

[Freyland]

If you both attack simultaneously the game will determine who entered first and that army will be the first to assault, alone. If they fail to win, the second army will attack, also alone. If the first army wins, the second army can occupy the same spot if allies, although only the first attacker will enjoy the primary benefits of the territory. Supplies rules will apply, so two big armies could start starving if they occupy a territory that cannot support them.
Also, if the two attacking armies are not allies, they will fight each other after the initial victory against the original province owner.

[Zenn7]

Hmmm... lost too many trog slaves to try C'tis main army. When my next batch of reinforcements catches up, maybe. For now, attacked one C'tis province w/ no noticeable armies in it.

Northern army is continuing to hold position on throne while fort is being constructed. Figure they're in a good spot if there's a breakout from C'tis. Plus I don't want to lose the fort b4 it gets built.

[baelthazar]

Sorry for the hold up guys. I processed the turn and sent in a second one - so we are good to go.

Arcoscephale, I think we can hit Pythium now, if you are ready. I have about 60+ troops, including over 20+ Starspawn to paralyze. If we both attack, I assume our forces will work in tandem?

No hold up. I have no idea if we attack in tandem. I was going to hit him next turn, but this turn works for me. What's the worst that could happen.

I meant next turn as well (I am gathering one more group). But if we do not aid one another, it might be best for me to turn towards the other enemy AI to the south east.

[Freyland]

Apologies for possibly holding things up. I just finished my turn, only to have the game crash on me. I reloaded, and nothing is saved. Since its 0225 here and I still have critters to feed, I'm putting off the redo until tomorrow (today, actually).

[Zenn7]

Apologies for possibly holding things up. I just finished my turn, only to have the game crash on me. I reloaded, and nothing is saved. Since its 0225 here and I still have critters to feed, I'm putting off the redo until tomorrow (today, actually).

That sucked for you.

On the plus side, you aren't holding things up - 3 players have not completed their turn. Not that you need to apologize even if you were.

[Freyland]

Apologies for possibly holding things up. I just finished my turn, only to have the game crash on me. I reloaded, and nothing is saved. Since its 0225 here and I still have critters to feed, I'm putting off the redo until tomorrow (today, actually).

That sucked for you.

On the plus side, you aren't holding things up - 3 players have not completed their turn. Not that you need to apologize even if you were.

You are kind.
A (possible) pro tip for anyone if they hit end turn and the game just hangs-- When I reloaded, I received a message saying something like, "Local Turn Data is different than Server Turn Data" and I was asked to choose which Data to go with. I chose poorly, apparently. Go with the "Local Data" unless you clearly saw your information getting uploaded.

[Zarathud]

I will be starting a fortress in the mountains to the west of Ulm (dark blue). I have to choose whether to push south or north.

My main force now numbers 150 strong and I produce 20 units a turn. Should be good until magic offsets my faction's armor.

[LordMortis]

Sorry for the hold up guys. I processed the turn and sent in a second one - so we are good to go.

Arcoscephale, I think we can hit Pythium now, if you are ready. I have about 60+ troops, including over 20+ Starspawn to paralyze. If we both attack, I assume our forces will work in tandem?

No hold up. I have no idea if we attack in tandem. I was going to hit him next turn, but this turn works for me. What's the worst that could happen.

I meant next turn as well (I am gathering one more group). But if we do not aid one another, it might be best for me to turn towards the other enemy AI to the south east.

Well, then Whoops!

[baelthazar]

If you fail, I will swoop in and mop up the rest!

Every time I look at the turn list, it says that Machaka has finished the turn and but marked it as unfinished. Is this something on my end or is that intentional?

[Freyland]

Intentional. If you load your turn but don't finish it, that is an option to choose. As noted earlier, the game crashed on me and I have to redo my turn. Hope it doesn't process without me but what can you do?

[LordMortis]

I took Pythium, but I'm not strong enough to damage the fortress. Will be interesting. I have enemy on all sides now.

[baelthazar]

I took Pythium, but I'm not strong enough to damage the fortress. Will be interesting. I have enemy on all sides now.

I shall enter and see if I can damage the fort. I have fortified the area around, so the Nazca scum will have to go through a 35 defense to get to Pythium. That said, they have a mix of soldiers and undead at the door.

[Zenn7]

So Ctis will move a sizeable army (for them) into the territory I chose to start the war with. Expensive victory. Thinking to march to their capital and siege it ASAP. With no castles (being under siege, they cannot collect income at this castle), they won't be able to collect income, won't have much to get new armies with. Have to see if I can advance and survive until my reinforcements arrive.

[Zenn7]

Next turn is up.

Might not be able to march on Ctis's capital as quickly as I thought. Supposedly 160 units there. Err... my guys are reasonably tough, but probably not tough enough to take out that 4-1 odds even if they are mostly crap troops (some probably are crap troops, but some are surely better).

[baelthazar]

The siege of Pythium goes well as my tentacled brethren tear down the heretic's walls. They are severely damaged an likely to fall within a turn or so. I hope that I have enough troops to take out the defenders. As Pythium owns no other provinces, this should put them down (and they are one of the pretenders, right).

[tgb]

Without having to go through all 7 pages of the thread, is Vanheim one of us? I didn't see them in the list of Pretenders.

[LordMortis]

The siege of Pythium goes well as my tentacled brethren tear down the heretic's walls. They are severely damaged an likely to fall within a turn or so. I hope that I have enough troops to take out the defenders. As Pythium owns no other provinces, this should put them down (and they are one of the pretenders, right).

They are one of the pretenders. My forces had no problem forcing them to hide in their keep. You should have not problem taking them out... or I should have no problem taking them out? but if you are the one damaging the wall, I'm guess it will be you. I have reinforcements coming just in case.

[Zenn7]

The siege of Pythium goes well as my tentacled brethren tear down the heretic's walls. They are severely damaged an likely to fall within a turn or so. I hope that I have enough troops to take out the defenders. As Pythium owns no other provinces, this should put them down (and they are one of the pretenders, right).

They are one of the pretenders. My forces had no problem forcing them to hide in their keep. You should have not problem taking them out... or I should have no problem taking them out? but if you are the one damaging the wall, I'm guess it will be you. I have reinforcements coming just in case.

For fort, you only fight the Province Defense and units on Patrol. Research/building/casting/forging/defending units are inside the fort. Chances are you did not fight the bulk of their army in their capital. But if they are not trying to break the siege, they probably do not have a powerful enough army to do so. WInning when you get the walls down might be another matter. Getting through their arrow towers and narrow siege entrance where their ranged/mages get more/easier time to rain death on you can be a challenge some times. Not always an issue, but just some notes on the matter.

As for who's going in - whoever is sieging is the only one who gets a choice in the matter. Don't think it's the largest army, it's whoever starts the siege, but not 100% positive about that. Once the walls are down you have to use a specific storm the castle command. So it will only be the sieger. If he loses, the other player's army will start a siege automatically next turn (might even be able to storm as the walls might be considered down still).

Without having to go through all 7 pages of the thread, is Vanheim one of us? I didn't see them in the list of Pretenders.

1 - on page 1, first post, we are all listed with our nations (you do not need to scan through 7 pages) .
2 - on the statistics button in game, there is an option to see all pretenders, will show you which nations are AI vs Human and who is a pretender and who is a disciple (and of which pretender they are a disciple to).
3 - Vanheim is not one of us.

[LordMortis]

The siege of Pythium goes well as my tentacled brethren tear down the heretic's walls. They are severely damaged an likely to fall within a turn or so. I hope that I have enough troops to take out the defenders. As Pythium owns no other provinces, this should put them down (and they are one of the pretenders, right).

They are one of the pretenders. My forces had no problem forcing them to hide in their keep. You should have not problem taking them out... or I should have no problem taking them out? but if you are the one damaging the wall, I'm guess it will be you. I have reinforcements coming just in case.

For fort, you only fight the Province Defense and units on Patrol. Research/building/casting/forging/defending units are inside the fort. Chances are you did not fight the bulk of their army in their capital. But if they are not trying to break the siege, they probably do not have a powerful enough army to do so. WInning when you get the walls down might be another matter. Getting through their arrow towers and narrow siege entrance where their ranged/mages get more/easier time to rain death on you can be a challenge some times. Not always an issue, but just some notes on the matter.

As for who's going in - whoever is sieging is the only one who gets a choice in the matter. Don't think it's the largest army, it's whoever starts the siege, but not 100% positive about that. Once the walls are down you have to use a specific storm the castle command. So it will only be the sieger. If he loses, the other player's army will start a siege automatically next turn (might even be able to storm as the walls might be considered down still).

Without having to go through all 7 pages of the thread, is Vanheim one of us? I didn't see them in the list of Pretenders.

1 - on page 1, first post, we are all listed with our nations (you do not need to scan through 7 pages) .
2 - on the statistics button in game, there is an option to see all pretenders, will show you which nations are AI vs Human and who is a pretender and who is a disciple (and of which pretender they are a disciple to).
3 - Vanheim is not one of us.

If you wait does the breach get bigger?

[Zenn7]

The siege of Pythium goes well as my tentacled brethren tear down the heretic's walls. They are severely damaged an likely to fall within a turn or so. I hope that I have enough troops to take out the defenders. As Pythium owns no other provinces, this should put them down (and they are one of the pretenders, right).

They are one of the pretenders. My forces had no problem forcing them to hide in their keep. You should have not problem taking them out... or I should have no problem taking them out? but if you are the one damaging the wall, I'm guess it will be you. I have reinforcements coming just in case.

For fort, you only fight the Province Defense and units on Patrol. Research/building/casting/forging/defending units are inside the fort. Chances are you did not fight the bulk of their army in their capital. But if they are not trying to break the siege, they probably do not have a powerful enough army to do so. WInning when you get the walls down might be another matter. Getting through their arrow towers and narrow siege entrance where their ranged/mages get more/easier time to rain death on you can be a challenge some times. Not always an issue, but just some notes on the matter.

As for who's going in - whoever is sieging is the only one who gets a choice in the matter. Don't think it's the largest army, it's whoever starts the siege, but not 100% positive about that. Once the walls are down you have to use a specific storm the castle command. So it will only be the sieger. If he loses, the other player's army will start a siege automatically next turn (might even be able to storm as the walls might be considered down still).

Without having to go through all 7 pages of the thread, is Vanheim one of us? I didn't see them in the list of Pretenders.

1 - on page 1, first post, we are all listed with our nations (you do not need to scan through 7 pages) .
2 - on the statistics button in game, there is an option to see all pretenders, will show you which nations are AI vs Human and who is a pretender and who is a disciple (and of which pretender they are a disciple to).
3 - Vanheim is not one of us.

If you wait does the breach get bigger?

I do not believe so. If you both have largish armies there though, you need to watch to make sure they are not starving or you'll get diseased which will screw up and eventually kill your units.

[Sepiche]

I'm holding my army outside Asphodel's capital for a turn to wait for reinforcements, but I'm planning on marching on it next turn. I'm hoping Sceleria has pulled enough of their forces away that I'll be able to at least put it under siege to cut off their reinforcements, but my armies there aren't super strong yet.

If anyone else has a border with them, Abysia south of me has been getting pretty strong. They haven't moved against me yet, but they have quite a bit of territory.

[T]

I'm holding my army outside Asphodel's capital for a turn to wait for reinforcements, but I'm planning on marching on it next turn. I'm hoping Sceleria has pulled enough of their forces away that I'll be able to at least put it under siege to cut off their reinforcements, but my armies there aren't super strong yet.

If anyone else has a border with them, Abysia south of me has been getting pretty strong. They haven't moved against me yet, but they have quite a bit of territory.

I was going to help you siege, but the brain-dead AI moved a force out and I don't want it attacking the province where I'm building my palisades, so I temporarily backed up.

[Sepiche]

I was going to help you siege, but the brain-dead AI moved a force out and I don't want it attacking the province where I'm building my palisades, so I temporarily backed up.

No worries, I think getting their heavier units out of their capital should work out for the best in the long run. They had some larger creatures in there last turn I wasn't so sure I'd be able to take, but if it's just his archmage and some basic units, I think my knights and mages can handle them.

[RMC]

New Turn is up. Sorry I was holding it up.

I lost again, to a bunch of hero's. I have some really powerful units, but they cost so much to get on the field it is not even funny..