Game 55 in 1650 [Archive] - Middle Earth Play-by-Mail

Dendra Dwar

4th May 2004, 01:26 PM

The residents of Umbar send greetings to all nations. It would seem that the strife which has long been brewing is about to come to a head. We welcome emissaries of all nations to open a dialogue with us. It is our hope that peace may prevail as long as possible. This does not mean that we shall not also prepare for war. The time may come to choose sides, and we intend to be ready when it does. As a people, we respect might and competence. We also respect wisdom and sound judgement. Our emissaries in the land will be watching how nations on both sides of the coming conflict comport themselves. We also value information and welcome the same from any source.

Our nation is a strong one, but our borders are small. All nations in Middle Earth feel the bite of war preparations, and the need to expand is great. We would humbly request that our borders be respected and not infringed upon without permission, by settlements or armed forces. Included within this missive is a map with roughly drawn boundaries. These boundaries, we feel, are a fair representaion of what we consider the borders of our nation. We have little enough room to expand and trust they will be respected. We shall conduct our own affairs in a like manner.

Lastly, as a neutral nation, we will freely conduct business with either side in the coming war. There are those in the land who make their business by spreading rumors and whispering in shadows. We wish to disarm these rumormongers here and now by saying up front that we will deal with Free and Dark alike. It is our perogative to do so as a neutral nation, and doing so does not indicate a desire to ally with either side. That being said, if our confidence is requested regarding certain information, it will be granted, untill such time as we declare an allegiance.

Hopefully these words have made clear our feelings on the state of Endor and our role in it. We hope they have not fell harshly upon any ears.. they were meant only to inform. We now set the bargaining table and invite all emissaries to come and sup at it. Respecfully we request that no orcs or trolls be sent (we tend to lose our appetites in such company).

Thank you.
Lord Angamaite,
Captain in Chief,
Corsairs of Umbar

br_fisher

4th May 2004, 03:28 PM

Rhudaur sends its greetings to the nations of Middle Earth.

I may be reached at br_fisher@yahoo.com; I'll contact each side when time permits, assuming that you haven't contacted me first.

Rhydon, advisor to Lord Arfanhil of Rhudaur

(There's a little underscore in my email address, br(underscore)fisher@yahoo.com. You may not be able to see it).

bjorn

5th May 2004, 04:49 PM

Just wondering if the player of Easterlings in this game is watching this board.

If you are, please contact me on bjorn919@yahoo.se

Long Rider

Kitirat

7th May 2004, 01:12 AM

Good day!

We would love to ship you some elven bread, perchance would you let us know how to contact you via email, or feel free to contact me at:

dakinis@yahoo.com

Have a great one,
Ken, The Noldo

fragilesi

8th May 2004, 02:31 PM

simon.arnold1@which.net

Some familiar names in this one!

And to our neighbours the Corsairs while you ask much in extending your borders up to our population centres we agree that we have space to expand in different directions. No Harad pop centres will appear within your lands!

Simon.

Christian Smith

9th May 2004, 08:32 AM

Cardolan salutes enemies and friends...

Witch King, your reign in North is over.
Neutrals, we lords of Cardolan wish you all only peaceful prosperity (for awhile at least).
Feel free, anyone, to drop a line:
lordofarda@earthlink.net

happy gaming all,
Christian

Christian

vandal

10th May 2004, 09:46 PM

Well my Cardy friend after we curse NG at 3024 its that slow march north.

Can you face it death every turn?

Vandal

Kitirat

15th May 2004, 01:02 PM

What position are you playing???

vandal

15th May 2004, 08:09 PM

Its no secret I as some of your side already know as I told them.

Nothing to dangerous just the QA, so not much of a threat myself, I really on others to do my dirty work in this game

Vandal

Kitirat

18th May 2004, 09:19 PM

Its no secret I as some of your side already know as I told them.

I'm glad you know. :)

Good luck to Everyone one on their turns (well except for those pesky Dark Servants).

See ya,
Ken, the potter of the cousin of the shoemaker of the scribe of Elrond

vandal

21st May 2004, 04:56 PM

Well that was an interesting first turn.

First blood to us?

Never seen that before an overun on 3124 first turn,, like to say it was all planned but our gods rules the day if you ask me

An omen for the future me thinks

Vandal

Kitirat

29th May 2004, 09:06 PM

Well that was an interesting first turn.

Indeed we plan to see how many of our armies we can get overrun by yours before turn 5. The objective is to have no active characters by turn 10, that way you have no one to assassinate.

See ya,
Ken the scribe for bob, the janitor at the rivendale store of magic swords and overrun character tombstones

vandal

31st May 2004, 01:59 PM

Me thinks your god will not be happy with such a plan, ours of course will be most happy.

Long may it continue

Vandal

Christian Smith

9th June 2004, 01:50 AM

Originally posted by vandal
Well my Cardy friend after we curse NG at 3024 its that slow march north.

Can you face it death every turn?

Vandal

Well, if the Dunlending heart is truly poisioned by your deceptions, then you and allies don't need to make that long march do you? Your courage is exemplary for a dark servant: make empty threats at a nation on the other side of the map--one who can't touch you--and then since, in your words, you're "not much of a threat," you use the Dunlendings "to do my dirty work in this game."

Christian of Cardolan

Pfendi

9th June 2004, 05:53 AM

Hey Cardolan,

that´s great you blame the QA if the Duns do something, next time the Nordmen army moves against the Long Rider, I as the Dragon Lord will accuse the Harad of a criminal act :D

And as for dirty work, well somebody got to do it. And I personally think the Dunland people should get a medal of honor for clearing Middleearth from the decadent FP, but my oppinion can be considered one-sidedly.

Cheers,

Dragon Lord Game 55

vandal

9th June 2004, 05:37 PM

I myself take nothing for granted until the fate lady sings and I dont see it singing.

A tip for you when all is in the balance be nice it may work for you

Perhaps our God does still hold sway but for how much longer?

QA

fragilesi

10th June 2004, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by Pfendi
Hey Cardolan,

that´s great you blame the QA if the Duns do something, next time the Nordmen army moves against the Long Rider, I as the Dragon Lord will accuse the Harad of a criminal act :D

Oi!! How dare you besmirch the great Harad nation!

Simon

vandal

10th June 2004, 03:14 PM

Dont worry

vandal

10th June 2004, 03:15 PM

Dont worry we have to make it look like we dont like you or things might get very nasty.

I can state for the record the Harad are not doing my dirty work.

QA

fragilesi

10th June 2004, 04:40 PM

Careful . . . our neutral status is very important to us and not to be tainted by aspersions . . . especially from one so careless with his assets as you apparently are at the moment!

You should take the name of your nation more seriously, particularly the first part!

Simon. :D

American-Iron

10th June 2004, 05:08 PM

Come Now People,

Anyone who knows Vandal knows Quite isn't in his vocabulary.:D
Arthedain aka Doug;)

Pfendi

11th June 2004, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by fragilesi
Oi!! How dare you besmirch the great Harad nation!

Simon

Dear great nation of Harad,

the last think I wanted to do was imply that Harads are criminals.
I just wanted to point out that telling Vandal that he is responsable for the Duns is bull****. I think the Duns can play for himself, just as any other nation/player.

Just because an army drops by on your pops that is no reason for hard feelings, look at me already the Noldo are on my MT and I am smiling my heead off :D :D :D

Cheers,

Dragon Lord

vandal

11th June 2004, 04:28 PM

Anyone who knows me just a bit knows I am a complete nutter who likes death and destruction, why am I playing the QA?

OK so to all my other twisted mind controlled followers, why wait!

How come I always take the blame for whatever anyone does, beats me

Vandal

fragilesi

11th June 2004, 05:35 PM

This is fun, I'm starting to feel like a real politician!

On Harad news it's sadly being reported as another diplomatic gaffe on my part, speculation is intense that a vote of no confidence will be called in my leadership. Members of my own political party are rumoured to be plotting behind my back.

So you can see I need all the friends I can get and in the current political climate going to war would be a huge risk . . . still too early for the Harad to decide!

Simon.

Christian Smith

2nd July 2004, 10:55 PM

Dear great nation of Harad,

the last think I wanted to do was imply that Harads are criminals.
I just wanted to point out that telling Vandal that he is responsable for the Duns is bull****. I think the Duns can play for himself, just as any other nation/player.

Just because an army drops by on your pops that is no reason for hard feelings, look at me already the Noldo are on my MT and I am smiling my heead off :D :D :D

Cheers,

Dragon Lord

So QA didn't seduce the Duns? How disappointing. Maybe he truly is, in his words, "not much of a threat."

Christian of Cardolan

Christian Smith

2nd July 2004, 11:17 PM

Original quote fron DrLrd: "Just because an army drops by on your pops that is no reason for hard feelings, look at me already the Noldo are on my MT and I am smiling my heead off"

I think you're losing your head in multiple senses of the phrase: You're losing your MT, but you're smiling, you're about to lose your head, in the same sense that The Great Goblin lost his to Gandalf, all the while you're smiling "your head off."

Keep smiling :)

Cardolan

otscotty

15th July 2004, 01:44 AM

Nice job refusing challenges with Ren the Infrequently Bathed. Although, I was really looking forward to that tangle. Perhaps we'll have another opportunity.

Loathingly,

Prince Celdrahil
Professor of Arcane Studies
University of Southern Gondor
Ithil Pass Campus

Pfendi

15th July 2004, 08:43 AM

Yes, refusing challenges is a trick we learned form the Dwarves, Sinda, Nordemen, Arthedain, Woodmen and Cardolan.
Only Mahrcared is honourable (i.e. dead) of the nation of the Eo´s. Well okay also sometimes North Gondor doesn´t refuse but actually challenges, but that is just becasuse they fear our armies.
We were just surprised to be challenged by South Gondor and refused because we thought it was a mistake on your side.
Just name your place and time and we will gladly accept a challenge.
We might be Dark Servants and sell our grandmother for a penny, kill you in your sleep, put a pox on you when you are looking away, rape your women and sell your kids, but otherwise we are quite honourable.

br_fisher

15th July 2004, 10:02 AM

So you can see I need all the friends I can get and in the current political climate going to war would be a huge risk . . . still too early for the Harad to decide!

Simon.

Coward! You don't see Rhudaur huddling in their population centers and claiming neutrality! Get out there and fight, ya yellow sea rat!

In all seriousness, I'm headed on vacation for two weeks (back just before turns are run) so if you're wondering where I've gotten to, that's it. I'll try to reply to everyone before I send in my turn, but I'll be scrambling to get the turn in, mow the lawn before the subdivision nazis come after me, etc. so I'll be short on time.

Rhydon - Rhudaur

otscotty

15th July 2004, 03:07 PM

Well okay also sometimes North Gondor doesn´t refuse but actually challenges, but that is just becasuse they fear our armies.

You mean like the armies that were protecting Barad Ungol? Incidentlly, I look forward to returning there someday. I hear it's making a splendid recovery. It may even be a village by then.

Prince Celdrahil
Chairman, Dept. of Economic Development
University of Southern Gondor
Ithil Pass Campus

fragilesi

18th July 2004, 02:55 PM

Coward! You don't see Rhudaur huddling in their population centers and claiming neutrality! Get out there and fight, ya yellow sea rat!

In all seriousness, I'm headed on vacation for two weeks (back just before turns are run) so if you're wondering where I've gotten to, that's it. I'll try to reply to everyone before I send in my turn, but I'll be scrambling to get the turn in, mow the lawn before the subdivision nazis come after me, etc. so I'll be short on time.

Rhydon - Rhudaur

Don't tell me the Rhudaur have finally declared????

otscotty

18th July 2004, 05:01 PM

I could be wrong, but I think Bradford is simply saying that he is not using neutrality as an excuse for isolationism. Rather, he is pursuing a policy of 'engagement'. I don't think he is actually contrasting his style of play with that of any other neutral. If I read him correctly, he is merely responding to your light-hearted message about the difficulties of operating as a neutral under the inherent political pressures. If he has declared, I haven't heard about it. One gets the feeling that when Bradford declares there will be no uncertainty about it.

Sincerely,

Prince Celdrahil
Chairman, Dept. of Political Science
University of Southern Gondor
Ithil Pass Campus

American-Iron

25th July 2004, 02:09 PM

Rhudaur Hasn't declared and yes you are correct in your assumption about his meaning, at least in my narrow vision. :) Dunlend - What a shame. You should have at least waited for your allies to be able to help you :cool: Cardolan is a numerically superior nation and now he's pissed and geared up. Witch-King can't do to much to help because he lost 2305 and is being pressured by myself. So any help he will muster will be morale at best.
Witch-King I hear you are doing a lot of smart and cool stuff ;) I hope I don't dissapoint you. I will try and raise myself to your challenge. I have played your position before and found it to be my favorite :D With support from Mordor you will in a one on one basis be able to drill me. My only hope is that Dunlend be dealt with fast and we can bring in pressure from a slew of areas. We will see how you do at 1805. You will probably win. I was hoping to get passed you but kudos on the block.
Big-Doug

br_fisher

25th July 2004, 03:48 PM

(Back from my vacation)...

Nah, I haven't declared, although I'm watching events in Angmar and Dunland closely at this point. I was sitting here huddling in my OWN population centers, but it seemed appropriate to give you a hard time for doing exactly what I'm doing myself.

Bradford - Rhudaur

Fupstein

28th July 2004, 10:31 AM

Dont run, dear peolpe of mordor we come in peace :D

Easterlings :cool:

Kitirat

1st August 2004, 11:46 PM

Just because an army drops by on your pops that is no reason for hard feelings, look at me already the Noldo are on my MT and I am smiling my heead off :D :D :D
*******
Yes, thank you for being such an excellent host. two turns of exquisite goblin ale. We the noldo do thank you for your kindness and hope we and/or the other free can join you at capital in the future. (Note to the rest of the free, do not eat the cavier, for more information ask the family of Dae atar of the sinda).

For a dark servant your not half bad.

In fact, hopefully you could convience the QA to be as friendly and accomidating as you have been to the Easterlings now that they have joined him for toast, jelly, and tea.

Also, could you please ask your refuges to leave the misty mountains, there be dragons up there and they could get hurt.

See ya,
Kitirat, rose sniffer of the gardener for the gardener of the chief chef of the guy who was the shoe cleaner of the human servant who knows of elves (through drunken stories told in Bree) who are of of the house of Elrond.

fragilesi

4th August 2004, 02:53 PM

American-Iron

15th August 2004, 05:53 PM

Hey Adunaphel,

I know your known for being quite but this is to much. Have the Easterlings caused you to become quite for good? I bet he does more damage with his nation here then you do in other games :) . I will be pressing Simon to squeeze you badly. Your luck seems to be holding though as he is taking pity on you. Good Luck my friend as you will need all you can muster :p

Arthedain

Dendra Dwar

15th August 2004, 09:28 PM

I hadn't wanted to join the war this early, but it seems the Free Peoples are making the decision for me. That is, unless Southern Gondor does not speak for all of the free. If not, the please speak up. I'm not going to go into how sad I think it is to delcare war on a neutral simply for desire of a powerful artifact. Everyone has their own opinions on what is wise, I suppose. For posterity, I am including the entire thread which will illustrate the forcing of my hand.

Sincerely,
Scott
Corsairs
************************************************** ********

Scott,

I'm sure you knew that my team would interpret the unannounced
appearance of
your navy next to my capital as aggressive. Including the other
neutrals,
every player I talked to about the move said the same thing. More
importantly, I simply couldn't allow you to sail away with the Ring of
Wind.
We found it impossible to believe that you both located and planned to
utilize the Ring of Wind yourself. I have no doubt that I would have
seen
that ring again on a DS agent's hand while he was running around
Southern
Gondor kidnapping and/or killing my commanders.

If you had wanted it, you could have asked us for it as a condition for
joining our team. We had two navies in the area that could have picked
it
up for you. But, I doubt you intended to keep it for your own use.

I enjoyed communicating with you and hope to play with you again in the
future. However, for the remainder of this game I'm afraid we are
enemies.
Some suggested that I write to you pretending to have accidentally
bumped
into you. I have chosen, rather, to be up front with you.

Happy gaming.

Scotty,
S. Gondor

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott McKelvey [mailto:naturist32@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 1:27 PM
To: Scotty
Subject: RE: No violence

Hi Scotty,

Just a note to say that my continued presence in your
area is now not by my own doing. :) I just wanted to
go home.

Scott
Corsairs

--- Scotty <otscotty@jam.rr.com> wrote:

> Hello Scott,
>
> I'm sure you know that the Sinda and I are regularly
> patrolling my
> coastline. You obviously had no problem avoiding
> our navies last turn. But
> just to be clear, we will be continuing our patrols.
> Let me know if you
> have any special requests.
>
> Scotty,
> S. Gondor
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scott McKelvey [mailto:naturist32@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 9:59 AM
> To: Scotty
> Subject: No violence
>
> Hi Scotty,
>
> I just wanted to let you know that the navy next to
> your capitol belongs to me. I apologize for getting
> so close to your shores. I'm sure it must have
> caused
> quite a stir! I sent that little flotilla out
> fishing
> for artifacts. Unfortunately, one happened to be
> right next to your capitol. As I see your ships
> mustering for sail to intercept whatever interloper
> is
> there, I bid you a peaceful farewell. My ships will
> be leaving your waters on the next high tide.
>
> Scott
> Corsairs

otscotty

16th August 2004, 12:36 AM

While this is my first game, I think I've learned enough not to post private communications on this public forum. However, I don't think there is any problem quoting messages previously posted in this forum. So, here is what the Corsairs posted earlier in this thread:

"We would humbly request that our borders be respected and not infringed upon without permission, by settlements or armed forces. Included within this missive is a map with roughly drawn boundaries. These boundaries, we feel, are a fair representaion of what we consider the borders of our nation."
*Note, his self-defined boundaries included the coastal hexes surrounding his population centers*
"We have little enough room to expand and trust they will be respected. We shall conduct our own affairs in a like manner.

Thank you.
Lord Angamaite,
Captain in Chief,
Corsairs of Umbar”

Only, he didn't conduct himself in a like manner. His navy appeared unannounced in the coastal hex next to my capital. This is clearly a violation of the standards he himself defined as appropriate. I really don't feel a need to justify my decision to prevent your escape. However, I would like to submit that I had every hope of gaining you as an ally up until your aggressive move. I would not have made a similar move against you precisely because I still hoped to gain you as an ally. Your willingness to break your own standard of conduct between nations signaled to me and my team that you no longer held out any hope of that happening. If you had wanted the artifact and also hoped to continue friendly relations with the FP you could have done so by simply following your own prescription for national conduct.

For the record, I’d also like to add that I meant what I said about having enjoyed all my communications with you up until this point and I do hope to have a chance to play with you in future games. There was certainly nothing personal in my decision.

Best of luck to you.

Scotty,
S. Gondor

Kitirat

16th August 2004, 07:06 PM

[QUOTE=Dendra Dwar]I hadn't wanted to join the war this early, but it seems the Free Peoples are making the decision for me. That is, unless Southern Gondor does not speak for all of the free. If not, the please speak up. I'm not going to go into how sad I think it is to delcare war on a neutral simply for desire of a powerful artifact. Everyone has their own opinions on what is wise, I suppose. For posterity, I am including the entire thread which will illustrate the forcing of my hand.

Sincerely,
Scott
Corsairs
************************************************** ********

Are ya honestly saying you didn't think running up next to and behind SG's capital to get the ring of wind (which the DS told you about because we didn't) was not going to provoke us? Ya didn;t even talk to us first. Did ya think we DIDN'T TRACK the ring of wind and going up and saying "I'm just artifact hunting" was going to fly under the radar? Perhaps for a teleport arty or some such, but for the ring of wind? Scotty is new but not stupid. Ya seem nice but that was "showing" your hand a bit.

So I enjoy your "feint" post here saying ya didn't want to get involved, but I'll point out for ya: you made your choice, we didn't.

Hey, who knows, if we get a 4 DS :1 FP neutral split it will have worked out nicely for you.

See ya,
Ken, The Noldo

Dendra Dwar

16th August 2004, 07:27 PM

Are ya honestly saying you didn't think running up next to and behind SG's capital to get the ring of wind (which the DS told you about because we didn't) was not going to provoke us? Ya didn;t even talk to us first. Did ya think we DIDN'T TRACK the ring of wind and going up and saying "I'm just artifact hunting" was going to fly under the radar? Perhaps for a teleport arty or some such, but for the ring of wind? Scotty is new but not stupid. Ya seem nice but that was "showing" your hand a bit.

So I enjoy your "feint" post here saying ya didn't want to get involved, but I'll point out for ya: you made your choice, we didn't.

Hey, who knows, if we get a 4 DS :1 FP neutral split it will have worked out nicely for you.

See ya,
Ken, The Noldo[/QUOTE]
************************************************** ********
Ken,
I'm sorry. I missed the part in the rules that says neutral powers have to ask aligned powers for artifacts. I also missed the part that says when a neutral starts with Locate Artifact, he cannot use it. As I have said in private emails, it amuses me that everyone seems to think neutrals have to come begging for artifacts from aligned nations, and cannot hunt them on their own. Perhaps to trade to the highest bidder, or for other artifacts. You're correct, I didn't ask you. I didn't need to. I have the same rights as any other nation in this game to hunt artifacts. It seemed pretty obvious to me that neither side would want to give up such an item once they had it. So I mentioned it to no one. I was pretty sure that any team worth their salt would know where it was, certainly. But there it still lay on turn 6! I knew the DS weren't going to get it where it was. The fact remains I made no hostile moves toward anyone, and explained my presence. It was not I that called anyone enemy.

This all being said, I am not personally upset by any of this. It is all part of the game and I am enjoying this game. If my posts came across as personal attacks, it was not my intention (I should differentiate better from in character and out of character posts). Scotty's move was a smart one and a bold one. But the fact remains he's drawn my nation into the game against the Free by his statements. Your team could have asked me for the ring. Did that every occur to any of the Free? Anyone who sees where his navy intercepted mine will notice that I was LEAVING his shores, not instigating any hostilities. I guess in a way its better for me.. takes the burden of deciding off of my shoulders.

Scott
Corsairs

American-Iron

16th August 2004, 07:37 PM

Hello One and All,

I have followed this little ruse from afar and I have to agree with Ken. You stated very strongly how you were to be respected in regards to your nation and it's borders. Then you go and seek out a do-dad right under the nose of South Gondor. I don't get why you just didn't send a little private message to the South Gondor player and say "Hello fella just a note to let you know I'm seeking an artifact out and it is very close too you. I will be there for one turn and then I will be gone." That would have been fine.
I hope that not all the neutrals will be swayed by this foolish action. I for one hate the idea of the neutral nations but as it is everyones money and it is the way of things so be it.
I don't think it will be four to one. They're are at least two very honorable neutrals yet declared. I put my trust in their sound judgement. If the Corsairs are to become a slave of the minions of Sauron then so be it. With the Easterlings acting as a beacon in a very dark part of middle earth anything is possible.
I ask the Harad and Rhudaur to come to our banner and help us in ridding the world of this pestilence. Dunlendings acting on turn one out of fear and now the Corsairs out of who knows why. I ask For all of us now to right the wrongs and pound our enemies to dust.
Big-Doug

Dendra Dwar

16th August 2004, 10:00 PM

I think it is very clear why, actually. When one of the aligned nations calls you an enemy, let alone the entire alliance, you have very little choice but to end up on the opposite side.

Corsairs
************************************************** ********

I ask the Harad and Rhudaur to come to our banner and help us in ridding the world of this pestilence. Dunlendings acting on turn one out of fear and now the Corsairs out of who knows why. I ask For all of us now to right the wrongs and pound our enemies to dust.
Big-Doug[/QUOTE]

American-Iron

16th August 2004, 11:52 PM

Mighty Corsairs,

Let it not be said that I have been called subtle. My ally considers you hostile so then I do also. Frankly I don't care. I was informed by the QA that you had been coordinating moves and they had asked you to get the artifact for them as a show of faith. I guess my spies were wrong and you are not against us but for us? Then my brother declare this turn and I will shower you will all my team has to offer. After all isn't this just a bunch of saber rattling from both camps? If you have no ill will towards us then come on aboard and South Gondor will choke down 2-3 helpings of humble pie:)

Big-Doug

It's just a game.......this little game of ours.....

faisal_ahmed257

17th August 2004, 09:21 AM

Hello,

Firstly Greeting to one and all from the Eothraim. My first time writing on this forum, so it is with some trepidation that I 'pop my cherry' and post a maessage.

To the Corsairs - I think that you are being somewhat disingenuous when you say that you had no ulterior motive other than a simple desire to collect an artifact. Besides the obviously provocative movement of your navy off the S. Gondor coast (without the courtesy of forwarning him of your intentions), the Ring of Wind is one of the most powereful artifacts in the game.

Whilst you may feel that you are as entitled to it as anyone else, the reality is that without declaring soon, it is unlikely that you would hold onto it for long. It therefore does not seem credible that you would make such a bold move without the comfort of allies ready to support you.

No doubt you will be planning your military response against us if you have not aready done so. I am just a little disappointed that it appears that you made your decision to join the DS without engaging in any serious dialogue with the FP.

Regards

Faisal (Eothraim)

P.S It is afterall only a game, so I hope you enjoy the (brief) remainder you have left.

fragilesi

17th August 2004, 10:08 AM

Artifacts? What are they then? What's all this fuss about? Is there a war on?

br_fisher

17th August 2004, 06:35 PM

I ask the Harad and Rhudaur to come to our banner and help us in ridding the world of this pestilence. Dunlendings acting on turn one out of fear and now the Corsairs out of who knows why. I ask For all of us now to right the wrongs and pound our enemies to dust.
Big-Doug

Yikes! Don't pull me into this, I just live here!

Flips a coin lazily... watching it as it catches the light... the shadows... the light.... the shadows...

Rhudaur the indecisive...

American-Iron

17th August 2004, 08:03 PM

:rolleyes:
I was merely trying to ease you in our direction. That fence cannot be comfortable at all. :p
Come on now boys and let's git'em :)
Douglas

Dendra Dwar

18th August 2004, 11:25 AM

American-Iron

18th August 2004, 11:42 AM

Hail Corsairs,

The problem with talking out of the side of one's head is it's hell on one's neck :) Let's see what South Gondor says he is a the party that is hopping about.

Doug

astartes

22nd August 2004, 02:42 AM

Intresting enough there is a new QA in this war.....

Vandal has been disposed and his bickerings have come to an end....which I think was directed by a higher power, and I'm not saying Sauron here....

The Free have me in a vice, but there is hope yet for my fledging nation...Southern Gondor Forcing the Corsairs to the Dark...Thank you...

The corsairs did not attack Gondor, even when looking for an artifact....Attacking Corsair Property is dangerous and I'm glad it was my rival and not one of my allies.....I look forward to a very Bloody sea of Belfalas...

I can only expect that Harad will now move to a non-neutral positon now...

But first I must deal with the Easterlings......

Thanks Frank where ever you are.....

Ryan - the new QA

American-Iron

22nd August 2004, 03:29 AM

Hello All,

Yes Frank had decided to "Retire." The Corsair thing is old news and after the lad went to the trouble to state his bounderies and all then to violate South Gondors without notice if foul. The artifact part is moot. He could have said he was retriving an artifact and not stated what it was. But that has been beaten to death really. Fact is if the Corsairs wants to be chums he can issue the change allegance order. If he was tweeked to much and burned by his own rules then just declare dark.
I beleive you will find the Harad player to have a very good brain of his own and no matter how the different people try to "Wag the Dog" Simon nows the deal. If he indeed goes dark it won't be because of what happened to the Corsairs. That's a joke. The Dunlend nation attacked Cardolan because of Frank and no other neutral said boo. As rightly they shouldn't. I also didn't hear spit when the Easterlings went on his tair.
It is my hope that the Two mightly powerful neutrals not yet declared will look out beyond this and evaluate the true sense of the teams. Frank quiting probably did more good for the team then you will ever know :)
Douglas

otscotty

23rd August 2004, 02:28 AM

Greetings Ryan,

Welcome to the fray. Now, for the taunting...

You may be good at 'Avenging'. But, for a nation with 'Quiet' in the name, you sure have a lot to say. Jug Rijesha has gone the way of Barad Ungol. Yet, you boast. Actually, it is at least a step up from what we heard out of Vandal. I think he must be a veteran player. I guess the other players who have been around for a while have learned to decipher his incoherent ramblings. I, being a new player, found them basically incomprehensible.

Unlike you, I do not look forward to "the Bloody Seas of Belfalas". Although that sounds like a great title for my next novel. We do intend, however, to spill whatever blood is required to defend our beloved Gondor. We have long awaited your coming. We never imagined that you would come alone. But whether alone or accompanied you will most certainly be met with malice and inclemency. Our resolve is firm. Our cause is just. Where diplomacy fails, our swords will prevail. (Hey, I actaully have goose bumps)

Thanks for checking in. We look forward to you checking out in the near future.

Contemptuously,

S. Gondor

Dendra Dwar

24th August 2004, 11:49 AM

He could have said he was retriving an artifact and not stated what it was.
************************************************** ********
In case anyone doesn't know, this is exactly what I did. As you say, it has been beaten to death, but.. Would YOU tell someone who has a navy at his capital, that there is an artifact laying right next to his capital in the sea that you want to come and get? Wouldn't that make you want to just pop your navy next door and pick it up yourself? Not only that, but I couldn't be sure that I wouldn't be stopped by the Free navies patrolling the coast. I informed SG of my mission as soon as I arrived in the sea hex because to tell him beforehand risked him going for the artifact first. This was my thinking. Also, I would like to point something out, since so many people have made mention of my "boundaries rule". Actually rather, let me ask a question. What did I say would be the penalty for violating my boundaries?

************************************************** *******
The Dunlend nation attacked Cardolan because of Frank and no other neutral said boo.

************************************************** ********
What is the deal with this? There were some vague references to this on this board, but this neutral never heard the story.

Scott
Corsairs

American-Iron

24th August 2004, 12:02 PM

In Answer to Dunlend,

This is kinda funny actually. The Dunlend player when he realised that the Ice King was Bobkins and QA Frank decided that they would win and he wanted to be on the winning team. The darks hadn't even brought in support for this guy yet and he barrels into Cardolan. How dumb is that? Cardolan is a warmonger beast. Militarily it is one of the meanest nations in the game. It can produce and mass forces like cock roaches. So any way that is how Dunlend committed Suicide. Best of luck to all!
Douglas

Kitirat

24th August 2004, 01:17 PM

Yes indeed Dunlend basically said:

I've played against Vandal (Frank) and he thrashed me last game and he has never lost a game and I want to win, so unless something massive happens, I'm going dark. (Of course that might not be true, Frank have you never lost a game?)

As for your reasoning, I've heard it before (this game actually), not telling someone something critical because you know what they might do or say DOES NOT make what you do any less wrong/aggressive. Just like Real Life, if you get caught red handed with the hand in the cookie jar, it does NOT make trying to get the cookie any less wrong then if you had asked and they said no. But what if they had said yes??? If you honestly had had thoughts to go free talking to us would have definately been a good idea.

But since we KNOW the dark's told you about the RoW, it makes your whole story crumble to dust (sorry you can't eat the cookie). Frank mentioned it to Doug.

Confess, it makes the burden lighter. (but does not make the results of your actions any less).

But we still love ya. :) Nice talking to ya before ya went dark, hope to play with ya again sometime.

See ya,
Ken the Noldo

vandal

24th August 2004, 02:47 PM

American-Iron

24th August 2004, 03:07 PM

Dear Friends,

I have heard both sides of Vandals arguements and fought both with and against him. Personnally I haven't an issue with him and to be honest I don't think why he left is anyones business but his own. I will say this though having heard from some of the parties in this issue I say let the issue settle once and for all and let it go to bed :rolleyes: For once let's try to play the game and leave the politicing outside. I mean isn't that why we play? For entertainment and enjoyment these are few of my favorite things, when the dog bites, when the bee stings....La,la,la,la,la, Doe a deer a big fat queer no wait how did that go again.... It's relative dude hit this again and be one with Zon! :cool:
Rasta Pasta Me Maities,
Big-Doug

vandal

24th August 2004, 04:04 PM

Indeed its a nasty business and not one we want to open up to much.

But game 9 was me at my best before it all went wrong and let history judge me on that.

Vandal

Dendra Dwar

24th August 2004, 05:05 PM

Just like Real Life, if you get caught red handed with the hand in the cookie jar, it does NOT make trying to get the cookie any less wrong then if you had asked and they said no.
************************************************** ********
This is a ver poor analogy Ken, and I think it's the crux of the issue. The reason taking the cookie is wrong is because:

1. It belongs to someone else.
2. You have been told you cannot have it without asking.
3. It is bad for you.

While my actions may have resulted in scenario #3, neither 1 nor 2 were true. As a player let me say this as well: the whole argument that SG is justified because I violated his territory doesn't hold much water (no pun intended). Players, especially with neutral navies, are constantly making mistakes and violating other players' territories. Apologies are made and life goes on (as long as they're not enemy nations). But because I went in to search for the RoW, you feel justified that "border infraction" was reason enough. I maintain that if my infraction had been at the southernmost reaches of his space, and had not resulted in my acquiring said RoW, not much would have been made of it. So lets call a spade a spade while we're all baring our souls. :) And yes, the DS did tell me where it was. Why not? They certainly couldn't get it. Better to have it in the hands of a neutral than the enemy. I attempted to bluff about that (though I don't know why since someone on that side couldn't keep quiet about it - unless you're now bluffing me, in which case, kudos to you). Fact remains I wasn't in their camp until after SG's statements. My intention was to sell to the highest bidder.

As I have said before, personally I don't care. This is the way the game is unfolding, so be it. But neither I, nor Angamaite will stand by and allow the name of the Corsairs to be villified. ;)

Scott and Angamaite
Corsairs

American-Iron

24th August 2004, 08:17 PM

Mighty Corsairs,

I like the idea about the highest bidder. I played the Easterlings in a game about 1.5 years ago and I was acting neutral to the "T". I was selling commodities and offering services and such for hire. All was fine then on one turn all of a sudden from my MT north was crowded with freep forces. They told me they were going to attack me unless I flipped. Since I'm telling this story you guess what happened. I failed my order to flip and lost a lot of pops. The statement here is you cannot do anything as neutral even remotely hostile or provacative other wise someone's alarm goes off. It doesn't matter who is wrong or right. That is always a matter of opinion. As we all know it's the three sides Yours, MIne, and the Truth :D Fact is it's done. The good thing is no one is behaving like a baby. To that end I say Hurray for our side (gamers). It's nice when you disagree without fighting. This enviroment is so small that my enemy this game is my ally the next :p
Good Gaming Chums ;)
Big-Doug

otscotty

24th August 2004, 11:37 PM

Continuing in the spirit of bipartisanship let me be clear about something as well. My good natured ribbing of Vandal was just that. I actually had no idea that he was going through some type of conflict. I understand that players dropping and others being added is a normal part of the game. It never would have occurred to me that his leaving the game had anything to do with any real-life conflict. I still don't understand the nature of the disagreement and really don't want to. I certainly didn't know Vandal was embroiled in any type of controversy. Otherwise I would not have chosen him as the target for my satire. In short, I hope there was no offense taken. Please forgive any insensitivity. I hope you will be able to resolve any personal problems you have with other players and return to the game in time. This is my first game and I'm having a blast.

That being said, I assume Ryan and Scott are not involved in any similar unpleasant circumstances. You guys are, therefore, fair game. So, let the taunting continue. And let me warn you both, if you fail to defeat the rookie of the Free Peoples, you will certainly be in for an ear full.

Prince Celdrahil
Chairman, Department of Third World Studies
University of Southern Gondor
Vamag Campus

astartes

25th August 2004, 09:47 AM

Vamag campus? If I had started as the Qa, I think things would be far different than they are now....true I can't help the first 7 turns, and I won't deny that I'm in a real pickel, but to claim to be a professor at the Vamag Campus is abit too much....first off it needs to at least fly your flag or in the very least an ally's........

I think the conflict of the Corsair and Gondor go back to those earlier years of the Kinstrife wars....well Celedrahil would know that if he was a history buff.....

You know a peaceful withdrawl or at least an offer of one from the Freeps would have been a good idea, but alas I'm much more happier to see conflict against Gondor....

I hate that Frank has decided to 'spill the beans' and give critical info of the DS side to an old copatriate, doesn't exactly make things fair....but we will have to see how the cards fall.....

Ryan

And yes I expect lots of bashing in the coming turns.....

astartes

25th August 2004, 09:56 AM

For the record the only higher power in this game that caused me to leave was me.

Playing in over 10 positions I draw the line at those players who chose to engage in personal out of the game attacks, but who are allowed to get away with it.

Thus I engaged in a en mass protest drop as I am sure I can find something else to spend my 100 pounds a month on.

Vandal

Your actions are your own and yet they have affected multiple games and most likely have had an economical affect for MEPBM.....but like in all things, our actions speak for themselfs. If you burn lots of bridges, soon you just walk on ash.

Good luck in your future endeavors Frank.

Bobbins

25th August 2004, 09:59 AM

"The Dunlend player when he realised that the Ice King was Bobkins and QA Frank"

Don't bring me into this! To this day, I don't know who the Dunland player was. I never spoke to him or exchanged an email. He spoke to no-one but the QA.

Regards

"Bobkins"

American-Iron

25th August 2004, 04:22 PM

Bobkins,

Sorry I was told that you intimidated the Dunlend player. I didn't mean that you had coerced him. Merely you being on the other team invoked fear. Kinda flattering actually :) . At any rate Looking forward to see you all on the field of battle.

Kitirat

25th August 2004, 05:59 PM

Bokkins, It was All Bokkins Fault! Could you have not at least had the darks play better so they would be crushing the free and rhudaur would have then gone free? Sigh.

Well of course Rhudaur went dark, fun fun fun. At least my moral fiber still stands, even as Imlandris falls. Enjoy the remainder of the game.

The Noldo.

vandal

25th August 2004, 07:38 PM

For the record it was me who did all the naughty stuff to the Duns, it either works or it does not, but having smashed him once, hey it worked.

As regards any ribbing its in the game all is fair in love and war, when you start mailing me directly you may find my tune changes though, its no longer in the game!

So no offense taken.

But you wont find me worrying at night any longer about playing a game you lack enjoyment in or playing on to keep others happy.

If our paths cross again think not that swearing or threateneing to kill me will cause me to leave, only being forced to drop the game to stop the problem will cause that.

Vandal

br_fisher

8th September 2004, 09:26 PM

RHUDAURIAN MILITA SHATTERS INVADING CARDOLANI FORCE IN DESPERATE DEFENSE OF HOMELAND

September 8, 2004, Third Age.
Lord Valadan of Rhudaur, having just intercepted a huge Cardolan army poised to invade Rhudaur at 1613, was triumphant in a massive battle that pitted Cardolani vetrans against the Rhudaurian militia that had desperately assembled to forstall the invasion. "We knew they were coming," commented the victorious Regent, "because they had just finished slaughtering the peoples of Dunland. Our agents reported that a move north was imminent."

A call went out among the peoples of Rhudaur for men willing to defend their homeland. Assembling under Lord Valadan, these forces intercepted Imlach's huge army of veterans at 1613, just as they emerged from Cardolan's capital to continue their aggressive campaign to the north and east.

These veterans, known as "bloodreavers" for their hapless slaughter of innocent Dunlending women in children in battles at 1720 and 1817 in prior weeks, had turned their eye on Cameth Brin. "What were we to do?" asked Setora Kal, a farmer outside of Thuin Bold and wife to one of Rhudaur's conscript militia, "You can't reason with them, they're savages. Look what happened to Dunland. One of their general's maps got turned around and his border garrison stumbled northwest instead of northeast. This tiny little force screws up, and before Dunland can pull them back and explain the mistake, thousands of troops are pouring south, practically without any provocation at all!"

But no longer. Blocked by Valadan's forces at 1613, the Cardolani reavers could continue their rampage of rape and blood no longer. Nevertheless, Valadan urged restraint. "I met with their commander, Imlach, in parley before the battle broke out. I begged him to turn back his forces. He said he'd consider it, then tried to kill me in a treacherous blow, crying challenge. I was barely able to fend him off, armed as he was with an enchanted hammer-- a dwarven hammer," he added with emphasis, eyes narrowed. "They've sunken even lower that I suspected, plotting with Dwarves."

Nevertheless, magical weaponry was no match for good Rhudaurian steel. After slaying the treacherous Imlach, Valadan rallied his forces to victory, crushing some 4300 Cardolan bloodreavers in a heroic victory. But this "victory" cost thousands of Rhudaurian lives, including Satora Kal's husband, Brett Kal. "They're savages!" she cried, upon hearing the news, her frail form weeping. "Why? How will we survive with winter coming?" Their three-year old daughter, Samantha, didn't understand that she had been rendered fatherless by the senseless slaugherers from the southwest. All she knew was that her father wasn't coming home....

- Mordor Press, "Fair and Balanced."

otscotty

24th September 2004, 12:24 AM

"Ulmo has smiled upon us once again. Make for those masts on the
horizon!" Dunsul strode proudly across the deck of his mighty
warship with renewed purpose. His officers exchanged quiet glances
of amazement. As with the Corsairs before, their commander
had ‘seen’ the vessels of the Haradwaith long before human eye could
ever have made out their form. For days he had vigorously pursued
this course confident that the invaders would be found and routed.
Now, with his prey in sight, he turned to his commanders. "Rouse
the men. Prepare them for battle. Send someone below to awaken our
guest, Angamaite. Rattle his chains and tell him he'll soon enjoy
the company of one of his Southron neighbors. That is, if the Harad
commander doesn't throw himself overboard before we overtake him."

I would like to publicly thank the Quiet Avenger, Corsairs, and
Haradwaith for not coordinating their incursions into my waters. It
has made the job of intercepting their navies much easier. It is a
shame that both of the originally neutral nations attempted
to steal artifacts from our realm when they could have simply
asked for them. Meriot now ‘sleeps with the fishes’. Harad's
thief, Tumbernaul escaped with his life. But, he wears a nice scar
to remind him of his visit to Gondor. Our three nations could have
known peace. Alas, choices have been made and wages shall be paid.

To the Haradwaith I make this final offer. While I have no choice but to send your ships into the depths, the Free Peoples of Middle Earth are gracious and forgiving indeed. In spite of your aggression, we remain open to the possibility of a Free Harad. However, assurances would have to be given. Indeed, it seems as though your hoped-for friends have themselves turned against you. Though you have offended, we would forgive and welcome you. By contrast, the Dark Servants, in their endless hunger for power, have moved against you without provocation. Consider well this offer. It will be our last. When faced with the same offer, the Corsairs would not repent of their foolishness. Do not make the same mistake.

As for the vile servants who hail from Vamag, I understand why you
would prefer the softer targets of the Haradwaith. However, we
remind you that your true foe remains to be met. Our friends, the
Sinda, have dealt with Fuinur. Perhaps you desire the population
centers of the Haradwaith because you fear that your own will soon
fly another nation's banner. Your foresight is to be commended.

Prince Celdrahil
Chairman, Department of Naval History
University of Southern Gondor
Kas Shadoul Campus

fragilesi

24th September 2004, 07:37 AM

Oh bloody hell!!! What kind of game is this when everyone picks on the bloody neutrals?????

Just wait until I've finished with the Corsairs and the QA, I'll be coming after you, this will be the first game in Middle Earth won by a neutral! How do you decide that intercepting my navy adjacent to one of my pops is *me* being aggressive???

Softer targets of the Harad eh? Well, your father was a hamster and your mother smelt of Elderberries!!! See, that shook your fortifications didn't it?

I'm just waiting for the Witch King to land a navy on one of my pop centres now, that would just about make everything complete.

Well, I always said that I wanted an interesting game . . .

Simon "No Mates" - The Widely Misunderstood

PS Okay so the artifact stealing thing was a bit naughty but you can hardly judge a nation on the misdemeanours of one individual can you? Maybe we should talk . . .

Christian Smith

5th November 2004, 07:27 PM

A Message Returns from Captain Halleth out of Rhudaur...

My Lords,

It appears that our last and desperate diplomatic mission has failed. My march for peace has been intercepted by Captain Zakath of the Witch King before I could reach Cameth Brin. We prepare even now as I write for the coming battle

The people of Rhudaur hail that foul captain as a savior. It makes me sick. Though bearing white flags and gifts, the people think we come in guise of peace that we may rape and pillage. "Bloodreavers" they call us. What lies have corrupted the hearts and minds of these once good but now maligned and pitiful people?

But we knew that there would be no reasoning with The Fisher King of Rhudaur. Surely the Sorcerer of Angmar spellbinds his mind whilst pouring a poison into his ears, such that everything evil sounds "fair and balanced." And this must be why The Fisher King foolishly challenged us to a war for the glory and Sauron, twisting our words and claiming that WE challenged HIM, so that he could justify his declaration, despite nothing from us but words of peace and friendship and the hope that we might reforge our bonds and unite against the evil of Angmar.

Though we have defeated his elite invasion army, though we have met his challenge and repelled his attack, we must not now give leniency, or the loss of brave and innocent lives at Minas Malloth and Argond will be for naught. Burn what the Black Hand has defiled and sever forever our bonds of kinship with these corrupted people.

Your Servant in Truth and Justice,
Captain Halleth

Christian Smith

5th November 2004, 07:38 PM

Corsairs,
Way to take advantage of those relations. Shame on me for not downgrading.

Dark Sevants in General,
Your play has markedly improved, meanwhile the FP have made some mistakes. Of course our "mistakes" are actually designed to prolong this little war--we wanted you to have a fighting chance at least.

Christian of Cardolan

br_fisher

6th November 2004, 11:34 PM

Christian,

It hadn't escaped us that you probably hadn't downgraded the Corsairs. Neat trick huh? (I'll say now that I've downgraded all of you, so a similar trick won't work). I wouldn't worry about any mistakes you've made; we've had stacks and stacks of them. Heck, I misread a hex this turn, and the one before I forgot to actually type in the amended order after I'd written it out. Laugh!

Nothing like the occasional bone-headed mental lapse to screw things up for myself (plus some amazingly bad luck with the random encounters). Believe me, I would have loved to have sent a second wave of troops sweeping down onto Cardolan, but between the Noldo, Woodmen, Northern Gondor, Arthedain, Dwarves, Cardolan, Northmen I've found myself a bit distracted. Rhudaur always does end up being a bit of a nose.

Hope you're all enjoying the game!

Bradford, Rhudaur

American-Iron

7th November 2004, 01:10 PM

Bradford You Scootch,

Stop complaining. You have just about evrything but an atomic weapon being stuffed up my ho-ha. Three dragons? What did you stumble upon a convention :confused: . You bastages. Your gonna earn your points though my friend. Keep reminding the WK how lucky he is and close it came :p
Good Gamming Dawgs,
Big Doug

Christian Smith

11th November 2004, 05:27 PM

Doug,
The scoop on the scootch is this: Bradford acquired property rights to most of the 1650 dragons as a condition that Sauron had to meet in order for Bradford to have the courage to sign on with the doomed servants. He got too greedy though so Fate justly punished him at 1515.

Bradford, my Arch-Nemisis,
I figured you had a hand in 2121 (if I'm wrong say so). I actually thought I was safe from Corsairs otherwise i would have downgraded. Good dective work by the way. This humbling experience has encouraged me to go re-read the rule book.

Christian

br_fisher

17th November 2004, 07:34 PM

Christian,

Yeah, I had a hand in 2121. I confess that I couldn't resist arranging that little gem, since I suspected that you wouldn't see it coming. Hope it hurt... alas, I find myself on the defensive in my homeland... SIGH. The Witch King wiped out the forces at 2009 this turn, and I have a few nasty surprises in store for the lot of you this turn, which is nice considering that you're trying to swamp me with armies... and agents... and emissaries... I'm holding up fairly well, though I doubt I can keep it up indefinitely without support.

Other news... Our Cloud Lord player dropped out of the blue on turn 11 (real-life crisis, hope everything's OK) so I took over and ran them turns 12-14 (until we find someone who wants to play them, which I think someone is ready to take over). I've been having some fun with the position in the interum though, killed off a couple stacks of Free characters and collected artifacts galore.

I really hate running more than one position per game though, so it's nice to turn it over to someone else. But hopefully the pain index was turned up for the past few turns for several of you.

Brafdord

Christian Smith

19th November 2004, 02:04 AM

Ahh...So THAT'S why the Cloud Lord seemed so suddenly aggressive. Nice job on Argeleb, Tarondor, and sundry friends.

I'll bet Kevan was amused by 2121. Thought the rule was 'no enemy army" could be present for 525. But there's a critical difference between that and "no army that considers you an enemy." OOPS.

Next couple of turns should be very interesting.

Christian

American-Iron

19th November 2004, 07:03 PM

Yeah,

Bradford not only changed the balance then took over the entire team But now he has control of all the best assassins, great news :eek: Freeps vs the lemmings and Brad.

br_fisher

21st November 2004, 08:31 AM

Laugh. I don't know, I'd say that the balance of power is on your side both militarily and economically, though we're strong enough to survive the low market, and you might find that it stings the Free as well as the Darks. (Plus the legions of deaths on the Free side can start to hurt. If you want to keep Elrond in my home area, feel free... sooner or later he's going to land in the wrong hex and win the assassin lottery. If I didn't have to support legion upon legion of troops, I'd have no problems at all (maybe I should have gone Free?)... mostly I'm having to scramble to forestall the invasion of Rhudaur proper.

Christian Smith

21st November 2004, 11:38 AM

I believe Elrond was just stopping in for some tea or something. Sheesh, what barbarians--we can't even make friendly diplomatic gesture without threats of murder.

I'm sorry you got attacked by emissaries and agents--as if the amries weren't enough. I've been telling my mates to focus their characters elsewhere. Such is the price of fame.

Christian

Christian Smith

16th December 2004, 02:38 PM

Rhudaur,
As we Smiths like to say: It is inevitible.

Witch King,
If you knew what I knew you'd be thanking Morgoth for watching over you.

br_fisher

16th December 2004, 03:37 PM

Inevitable?

You mean with another 4900 Sinda troops under Amroth at 2010? Yes, that would be a problem. Every time I think I've gotten rid of the horde (and the remanants of the armies I've been fighting aren't that strong at this point) another huge mass waltzes into the neighborhood.

Weirdly enough, my economy is still fairly strong, and I've been able to weather the agents, military forces, etc. without too much difficulty. That's not much of a consolation when I'm watching my armies explode like firecrackers. Rhudaur isn't long for this world, I think. (By the way, Elatar was somewhat lucky to win Valadan's challenge... Valadan's challenge rank was very high; he had bonuses to it, etc.) I also have the unfortunate situation of being a low priority; protecting Mordor is a bit more important for our agents.

I hope Cardolan (plus Arthedain, Northern Gondor, Woodmen, Dwarves, and Sinda) feel guilty as you crush the peace-loving peoples of Rhudaur under your legions of steel-shod boots. Can't we all just get along?

I turned the Cloud Lord over to a new player on turn 14 (ran 12-14) and promptly went on vactation; hope he's giving you problems.

My turns typically go something like this:

(1) Gleefully discover that the enemy forces continue to be worn down and eliminated...

(2) Notice that Seammu has stumbled into an Arthedain city/tower defended by a huge Arthedain army. Oops.

(3) Notice that I have another 4900 Sinda troops bearing in on me at 2010.

(4) Laugh and fill out my turn.

Don't you guys have anyone else to fight?

Bradford, the hapless Rhudaur

Fupstein

16th December 2004, 04:34 PM

No Bradford we all have the victory conditions "get cameth brin" or "last freep to get a piece of Rhudaur is a sissy". But we try to get into mordor to keep them DS there happy.

Easterlings will be in Rhudaur too, in a few turns.

Christian Smith

17th December 2004, 01:46 AM

Inevitable?
Well, short of the Morgoth returning to Middle Earth. :)

You mean with another 4900 Sinda troops under Amroth at 2010? Yes, that would be a problem. Every time I think I've gotten rid of the horde (and the remanants of the armies I've been fighting aren't that strong at this point) another huge mass waltzes into the neighborhood.
Chuckle. If the plan was executed as on paper those elves would be taking 1910 this turn.
Weirdly enough, my economy is still fairly strong, and I've been able to weather the agents, military forces, etc. without too much difficulty. That's not much of a consolation when I'm watching my armies explode like firecrackers. Rhudaur isn't long for this world, I think. (By the way, Elatar was somewhat lucky to win Valadan's challenge... Valadan's challenge rank was very high; he had bonuses to it, etc.) I also have the unfortunate situation of being a low priority; protecting Mordor is a bit more important for our agents.
Yes i noticed that Valadan's challenge went prior to Elatar's, who challenged you, thinking that the dragon that Sispar picked up might have gone to Valadan. Elatar has killed three Servants in two turns--not bad.
**Edited Note: With Elatar's CR at 80 the odds really were "roughly equal."**
I hope Cardolan (plus Arthedain, Northern Gondor, Woodmen, Dwarves, and Sinda) feel guilty as you crush the peace-loving peoples of Rhudaur under your legions of steel-shod boots. Can't we all just get along?
I'll re-open negotiations in a few weeks. :)
Don't you guys have anyone else to fight?
Bradford, the hapless Rhudaur
Well, if you'd hurry up and die...You're holding the line of victims up ya know.

Incidentally, Doug and I both botched our army orders on T15--what are the chances of that?--and missed your armies by one hex each. :o Didn't mean to hand you two Arthedain towns! :mad:

Christian, Who Is Glad Not To Be Rhudaur

American-Iron

17th December 2004, 02:19 AM

Bradford,

First of all you warmonger :) . You invaded me! I have never once brought any pain of suffering to your people. You used mine as Dragon chow. :eek: Here it is the beset of winter and you burn my pops to the ground. You could have shown the people that their situation was hopeless and should surrender with dignity for the sake of the populous. Nope not the Rhudaur. Them boys in Nangking could have taken lessons from you. Then after one great wyrm stuffs his gullit with my brethren and wobles of to have a nap you have the cruelty to have yet another one of these horific creatures come and digest more of my people.
You will be the first to die and WK second. The only reason for the fields of Angmar producing such good crops is due to the all the blood of Dunedain. :mad: The tide is turning. I may not be the one who finishes you off, but it should be as I am the one who you have blunted your weapons upon and quenched you thirst of blood upon. My people will see justice. It is a shame that you were swayed by that King of the Nazgul. We were already making preparetions for our union when you struck your evil and unexpected, unprovoked, and unwarrented attack on my people of peace. We never once attacked or invaded except when attacked or invaded. ;)
Witch King once your buddy is dispatched we will be coming for you. You had better send an emissary south to get a back-up capitol. :D

Christian Smith

29th December 2004, 04:20 PM

Considering that we just captured Rhudaur's capital :D, I shouldn't complain, but....

i have never witnessed such bungling as the attack on 1804 :mad:. it should have burned two turns ago. it was a simple plan. It was a good plan. But the best laid plans are fortunate to survive contact with your friends, or yourself, much less your enemies :(. Must have looked puzzling from the outside...(why was he just sitting there :confused: )...

br_fisher

30th December 2004, 10:27 AM

Laughter!

Yeah yeah, laugh it up, big guy! And you'll take my other major town this turn too. I would have gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for you darn kids! (And perhaps, a dragon at an in-opportune time in Cardolan's army, and the Cloud Lord agents showing up late, etc.) Ah well, I don't think I did half-bad, considering the sheer volume of forces thrown my way, which I don't think was an accident. A good plan!

The real problem was no Dragon Lord (and no Dunland) waaaay back on turn 8-- which I was aware of when I went dark. See, there was method too my madness. From the brink of the abyss, I spit at thee...

Rhudaur

vandal

14th January 2005, 10:19 AM

Well as you can see I have not run away and come back to play so are you going to take up the mantle and play me?

Lets not have to name names you know who you are, no not you AI, for game 9 was to good to fight over.

Vandal

Fupstein

14th January 2005, 12:26 PM

Well as you can see, deer destroyer of Smuller game-selfesteem, I'll have the last word...

vandal

14th January 2005, 01:51 PM

I myself thought it was me who destroyed Muller, but maybe he told you it was a deer, mind you not sure why.

You sure it was a deer?

I take it all mouth and no trousers so you can have the last word if you like, it carried no real weight so it seems.

Now if any position come up on the other side do let me know as I can then enjoy dealing a little death and destruction to soemone who runs away.

Vandal

Vandal

fragilesi

14th January 2005, 02:15 PM

Watch the blood pressure mate . . . it's only a game. (Bloody good game in case Clint reads all this stuff by the way :D )

Simon.

vandal

14th January 2005, 02:26 PM

Indeed its only a game but when you see me jumping into games I have never played in for no reason and calling the players also rans and slagging them off, tell me its only a game.

Think about it next time you do it and then give some thought to what those players may think about you doing it.

My blood pressure on the other hand is fine and at the moment I dont have any personal issues with you other than a desire to kick a bit of game butt.

But its your call play me or leave me alone its up to you.

Vandal

vandal

14th January 2005, 02:28 PM

Oh I agree the game is great, customer service sucks though.

Vandal

fragilesi

14th January 2005, 02:36 PM

Errr, when did any of that happen then? If you behave like this when someone merely indicates disagreement with your use of a single word in English then I would hate to see what happens in a pub when someone knocks over your pint!

Anyway, as I said in the other thread I have a lightness of step and a warm feeling of forgiveness in my heart so we can be at peace.

vandal

14th January 2005, 02:45 PM

No idea I dont drink so that perhaps clears up that little one.

Oh and the point is not about the use of a word but if you look at the phrase earlier it did not carry the intent you gave it and I suffer not having words put in my mouth I did not say.

To take up the mantle is a challange, unless you give soem indication that perhaps it was attributed to a position or item that leads you to believe it to be leadeship.

So I take it you dont want to play me?

Vandal

fragilesi

14th January 2005, 03:03 PM

Okay, here goes . . . look it up yourself . . . plenty of evidence for my interpretation, none for yours . . .

No, I do not want to play you . . . in fact I am starting to discover a desire to move further away from East London than I do now!

Chambers 21st Century Dictionary
mantle noun 1 a cloak or loose outer garment. 2 literary a covering • a mantle of snow. 3 geol the part of the Earth between the crust and the core. 4 a fireproof mesh around a gas or oil lamp, that glows when the lamp is lit. 5 literary a position of responsibility • The leader's mantle passed to him. 6 a fold of the external skin of a mollusc, etc that secretes the substance which forms the shell. verb (mantled, mantling) literary to cover, conceal or obscure something or someone • mantled in darkness.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin mantellum, diminutive of mantum a cloak.

And as you mentioned American versions . . . Merriam Webster . . .
Main Entry: 1man·tle
Pronunciation: 'man-t&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English mantel, from Old French, from Latin mantellum
1 a : a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes : CLOAK b : a mantle regarded as a symbol of preeminence or authority <invested his people with the mantle of universal champions of justice -- Denis Goulet>
2 a : something that covers, enfolds, or envelops b (1) : a fold or lobe or pair of lobes of the body wall of a mollusk or brachiopod that in shell-bearing forms lines the shell and bears shell-secreting glands -- see CLAM illustration (2) : the soft external body wall that lines the test or shell of a tunicate or barnacle c : the outer wall and casing of a blast furnace above the hearth; broadly : an insulated support or casing in which something is heated
3 : the back, scapulars, and wings of a bird
4 : a lacy hood or sheath of some refractory material that gives light by incandescence when placed over a flame
5 a : REGOLITH b : the part of the interior of a terrestrial planet and especially the earth that lies beneath the crust and above the central core
6 : MANTEL

vandal

14th January 2005, 03:11 PM

So whe you ask someone to take up the mantle in challange what you are in fact saying is all of the above?

Wow you really sure about that?

As I say wager me on it, bet I did not ask Muller to take up the Earth, or lead me to victory nor many of the other listed descriptions.

Well thats my arguement anyway not sure what yours is since you are arguing a point I do not seek to make.

I do keep telling you to give it up as a lost cause we are not going to agree on this now are we.

Vandal

fragilesi

14th January 2005, 03:16 PM

Sorry I have to make one last attempt . . .

Mantle doesn't bloody well mean challenge, not in English anyway! It means any of the things the dictionaries list above but not what you thought it meant.

That was the point which still seems to be sailing way above your head somehow.

vandal

14th January 2005, 03:22 PM

No it does not mean to challange as a word in itself, howver the use of the phrase to take upthe mantle means many things and one of those depending on the usage is as described.

Now its not only used in east london but whether its limited to London or the UK I dont really care to be honest.

As I keep saying and I am not that interested I want to go did out my books and list phrases, in the context I used it it does not mean most of the things you used it for and hence why should I worry about it.

I never said them and dont seek to and so you can dig about all day but the point is I wont agree with you no matter what you say.

Now that makes the argument pointless so why continue as we have reached a point we are deadlocked about

Vandal

fragilesi

14th January 2005, 03:36 PM

He he, this could go on forever . . .

In short, you said on the other thread :-

I dont wish to have to correct you but the Mantle is not an object of great desire only a saying and means very little as such in English. Now what it may mean in American is not something I wish to engage in at all.

It means to take up the challange for instance and a challange is not a crown of victory at all.

Using the dictionaries to help with English definitions demonstrates that you are wrong. I now understand your intent and have no argument with it but your words did not convey your intended meaning because they actually mean something else in English.

Okay, so you may still disagree . . . it's a trivial thing but I needed a pointless argument after a particularly long and hard day and I genuinely thank you for indulging me. I think that you could make money if you provided this as a service on demand!

vandal

14th January 2005, 03:41 PM

As well you know English is an evolving langauge and many things are in common use before they hit a book and yet if you ask people they understand its use.

Who is right and who is wrong and whats the point when you ask if its a good day and the other guy says how good?

Now I can say this over here and have no problem having it understood and that all I care about.

Now if having such arguments makes you happy have a good day but to me its very pointless but as you can see I just keep on truckin.

Vandal

vandal

14th January 2005, 03:45 PM

Oh have you not guessed money has no interest in itself for me otherwise I would have taken Mullers money off him for his loss.

I like to kick butt in games but of course that now requires a challange, now who else can I find to face me in a 12 v 12.

Vandal

fragilesi

14th January 2005, 03:51 PM

Okay you'll see from my separate thread I'll concede defeat in this quite happily now.

One day, if I get the time, I will contact you I hope to play such a game because I'd love to try it. I have to confess though that keeping 2-3 positions is taxing me enough for now with the normally limited time that I have for games.

Out of interest, do you get any "bulk discount" for one of these or do you pay for the full twelve turn fees every turn?

vandal

14th January 2005, 03:55 PM

Now unless your name is Chris you have to pay for all the turns at full cost each turn though the set up cost is held at a standard rate for a 1650.

So its not cheap and time wise its hard and rechecking those orders is interesting.

Vandal

fragilesi

14th January 2005, 03:56 PM

Okay, maybe one day I'll take up the challenge . . .

Until then the mantle is most definitely yours.

Dendra Dwar

9th February 2005, 02:51 PM

I haven't posted here in some time.. been rather busy. In response to this I will simply point out that one cannot steal something that belongs to no one. In fact, you, the lesser of two Gondors, are closer to thieves than are my people. Our fleet was in the hex first. :)

Scott
Corsairs

I would like to publicly thank the Quiet Avenger, Corsairs, and
Haradwaith for not coordinating their incursions into my waters. It
has made the job of intercepting their navies much easier. It is a
shame that both of the originally neutral nations attempted
to steal artifacts from our realm when they could have simply
asked for them.

American-Iron

9th February 2005, 03:20 PM

The Evils are running on empty here anyway. Bradford is all alone since the Witch-King went poof. Will be marching south. Have no problem giving out the requested thrashing. Gotta say Bradford you were one heck of a pest though. Very good play by your part. It's been nerve wracking fighting you. But alas I am hearing the faint sound of a chubby lady and why...she is singing :D
See you in a theater near you!
Arthedain

astartes

9th February 2005, 03:36 PM

For the record the only higher power in this game that caused me to leave was me.

Playing in over 10 positions I draw the line at those players who chose to engage in personal out of the game attacks, but who are allowed to get away with it.

Thus I engaged in a en mass protest drop as I am sure I can find something else to spend my 100 pounds a month on.

Vandal

Frank I just wanted to apologize to you as I over spoke my bounds and used language I'm not proud of. Sorry for being an ASS!

Learning to be a less of an Ass,
Ryan

vandal

10th February 2005, 06:18 AM

Now pray tell what caused this shot out of the dark.

Well unless you happen to be Bruce Fox in disguise, or Rob, Tony or Ditto, (even old Muller is not on this list, since I settled in game with him, it cannot have been that bad as I have forgotten it already.

But as you may have gathered I am not known for my tolerance of poor language choice and even less so when its directed to my personal mail.

Dont remind me what it was its just water under the bridge.

Vandal

Dendra Dwar

10th February 2005, 06:16 PM

Christian,
You may at least smile in the knowledge that the emissary which influenced away Aglarond was very shortly aftwards eaten by a hideously large spider.

Scott
Corsairs

fragilesi

10th February 2005, 06:33 PM

Is it okay if I smile at that too given the pasting I got in this game?

Dendra Dwar

10th February 2005, 09:04 PM

Heh, it is a "publicly smilable event", I suppose.

Christian Smith

10th February 2005, 10:47 PM

Christian,
You may at least smile in the knowledge that the emissary which influenced away Aglarond was very shortly aftwards eaten by a hideously large spider.

Scott
Corsairs

Ha! There is Justice I suppose. Jeez 2121 has been crawling with nasty things from the beginning. I suppose the encounter messages of the balrog that was thrashing my armies at 2121 tipped you guys off.

I'm actually bowing out. I haven't any more time for the game. Cardolan has been placed in good competent hands. Hopefully he'll give Scott some trouble in troubled Dunland.

So how many DS are left anyway? You guys reeaaally want to drag this out?

I tip my hat farewell to my opponents: well-played Bradford, Scott, Ryan et al. I hope I'm not leaving just when things start to get really interesting.

See ya! (maybe)
Christian

Fupstein

11th February 2005, 03:38 AM

So how many DS are left anyway? You guys reeaaally want to drag this out?

Yep, thats good questions. Dragon lord, fire king, Doglord, Dunland and Ice king are long gone, others are very close. None of the 12 freeps are close to being out, so how are you going to win, when you have 90+ orders less a turn?
Of course Corsairs, QA, Dark L are fine, but Rhudaur, BS and LR arent really in the game. Frankly I think its poor show that you DS keeps going on.

vandal

11th February 2005, 05:07 AM

When one player makes you play for a year to finish the game, only then will you know the meaning of futility.

Vandal

Dave Lovett

11th February 2005, 09:52 AM

I really do not want to ruin the Free's image of themselves (much) but 2 of us surviving DS are VERY inexperienced newbies. We are thoroughly enjoying learning the finer points of ME, admittedly some of them the hard way! Long may this game continue. And if we, the DS, are at such a disadvantage, and have been for a long time, why have you not put us to the sword yet? Or is there some complicated reason I am not aware of yet? Dragons, perhaps?

Now what nations are those tender newbies playing....... I'm not that daft!

Cheers all

Dave

Fupstein

11th February 2005, 10:32 AM

I really do not want to ruin the Free's image of themselves (much) but 2 of us surviving DS are VERY inexperienced newbies.

I dont care much about image, and I dont wanna compare newbie numbers or anything else for that matter. What does "VERY inexperienced newbies" mean btw?

Why havnt you been put to the sword, you ask, doesnt taking out nations count for something?
You guys where playing 13 DS against 12 freeps now its 6/8 against 12. despite that the ball was fumbled big time in the NW by freeps and more oddball stuff.

We have a large advantage in number of nations playing, but we are nowwhere near finishing all off the DS, thats rather clear but we've have gained the upper hand in a way that gives us very good odds at winning, allthough not right away, of course, that'll take forever if you play for survival only, since you have apx 2½-3 Mt per player and plenty of capable emies.

Dendra Dwar

11th February 2005, 11:54 AM

Yep, thats good questions. Dragon lord, fire king, Doglord, Dunland and Ice king are long gone, others are very close. None of the 12 freeps are close to being out, so how are you going to win, when you have 90+ orders less a turn?
Of course Corsairs, QA, Dark L are fine, but Rhudaur, BS and LR arent really in the game. Frankly I think its poor show that you DS keeps going on.

I, on the other hand, feel it is poor show to quit when things start to look bleak. To each his own, I suppose.

Scott
Corsairs

American-Iron

11th February 2005, 12:02 PM

Back before the internet and instant info people would play til the bitter end. Games have a way of turning on their heads. Alot can happen if you set a plan and stick to it. I for one am ready to play as long as my honored enemies are. I welcome the idea of chasing you down and putting to the sword :D Let's keep going I'm game.

br_fisher

17th February 2005, 04:29 PM

Oh ho! I go away from the message board for a week and there's a whole pile of activity (other than the lengthy discussions between Vandal and the other).

A few brief points...

(1) I joined the Dark Servants to shore them up; that was the real reason I went that way-- my intent just before that turn was to join the Free, but it was clear that the Darks were going to be crushed if I went Free.

(2) I have no intention of surrendering. We're on turn 21 and you still haven't driven Rhudaur from the Northwest. You've flattened me up there, but I still have armies running around and I'm still fighting. The Witch King bankrupted, but I can't control how he runs his economy. I'm playing this game for entertainment, and I'm finding it very entertaining. The Dark Servants are going to lose, but getting there is half the fun. You haven't seen as much out of Rhudaur because I'm battling the hordes around my (former) homeland and need to be careful to avoid bankrupting.

Like Scott (Corsairs), I'm in this game for entertainment-- losing games are actually more fun, not less. If you wish to knock me out of the game, you'll have to actually dedicate resources to do so. Til then, I'll see all of you on the battlefield. I'm quite happy with my battle strategies this game and continue to be pleased with them-- normally squeezing Rhudaur from the Northwest doesn't take quite so long. Turn 21 and counting...

Bradford, Lord of Rhudaur (and presently running the Quiet Avenger as well).

American-Iron

17th February 2005, 09:58 PM

Bradford,

My hat is off and I salute you. I'm aware of your begining game thoughts and plans. I also understand why you went dark. I hated it as you are a very good player and I was you chosen target :p But really I'm glad to hear that some old players like us are still out there. Your a very good player and have earned my respect. I hope one day that maybe we would be working together. Until then I look forward to keep on keeping on. ;)

fragilesi

30th March 2005, 02:45 PM

Hey ho!

Are we all still here? :confused:

MorgulHammer

30th March 2005, 04:46 PM

ALL of the free nations are still in it. Several DS nations are gonners and maybe a few more after this turn...c'mon guys let's finish this already...

Jason
Sinda 55

br_fisher

31st March 2005, 12:39 AM

Alive and well... pretty good turn for me, actually. I'm ready to accept your surrender whenever you're prepared to concede defeat.

Bradford - Rhudaur (and QA)

MorgulHammer

31st March 2005, 01:52 AM

I hope you accept my steel shod boot in your butt as well as you would a defeat declaration from the freeps...lol...

ok Bradford, next round we go.

Jason the Sinda

faisal_ahmed257

4th April 2005, 02:47 PM

Greetings to remaining DS player(s ?)

Hope all is well with you and glad to see that your fighting spirit has not waned (unlike your positions :D )

I look forward to seeing what further resistance you can muster - no doubt you will try and string this out as long as possible, though I can't help but wonder to what end...

Regards

Faisal (eothraim & currently enjoying a very pleasant sojourn in Mordor ;) )

MorgulHammer

7th April 2005, 03:41 PM

Well they can't be too happy with the game right now...looks like they've lost another nation...

and the LR lost two of his very good agents this turn...although the Qa did pick up a nice pop center for the ds...looks like our main opposition is really just a couple of nations.

Keep pouring it on guys eventually they'll have to give up. JMR

Christian Smith

20th April 2005, 03:07 PM

I'm bAAaaak. Back for the end-game slaughter of my ugly foes.

Christian

bjorn

26th April 2005, 04:39 AM

Hi,
LR here.
Just thought I would pop in and let you freeps know that I'm still in this game and actually in a much better condition than I deserve.
Losing Dino and Lomelinde was bad, but we got more of their kind.... :-)

fragilesi

26th April 2005, 08:31 AM

This is cool, I hate the current prevailing attitude that seems to be if you lose a couple of nations you concede defeat. The whole ethos of Tolkein's books was survival against the odds. Fair play to you all! but we're still going to show no mercy :-)

Simon.

faisal_ahmed257

29th May 2005, 06:45 PM

Hello,

All very quite out there - you DS chaps don't seem to be saying much. Perhaps it is because you do not have very much to talk about right now !!

Regards

Faisal (eothraim & looking forward to some friendly banter)

br_fisher

10th June 2005, 08:51 AM

vandal

10th June 2005, 01:34 PM

I am amazed it took them so long given the position you found yourself in, either good play or poor play or both by either side.

But i prefer to think it was good play on part of the dark side

Vandal

Christian Smith

11th June 2005, 05:55 PM

Yes, alas, we are rapidly getting crushed into little bits of orc goo. Pretty much helpless here all around as you run riot across all of Middle Earth. Where's Sauron when you need him? I can hardly make fun of the Free when Rhudaur has (at long last) been completely smashed. I put up a good fight though, 28 turns! At least I have the satisfaction of knowing that I took a few of your characters and troops with me!
Bradford - QA

They've been getting crushed into orc goo for a long time. We just turned the blender on high. Ta-ta, Cloud Lord. With the last little bits of Rhudaur that kept cropping up here and there finally stamped out I wonder how many DS nations are left? hard to keep count as the number keeps falling. I heard Sauron got smart and ran away to the far east where the pickings are easier.

Christian (who has returned from the nether realms)
--Of Nation X

br_fisher

15th June 2005, 05:17 PM

Hee hee! Another entertaining turn... Flipped the Easterling capital on him (city/castle). Of course, the Harad is running around doing the same thing to us, and the Easterlings decided to march to my capital (the QA capital, that is) with an army.

Bradford

faisal_ahmed257

2nd July 2005, 09:44 AM

Hello,

Whilst the musical chairs of major towns continues, the unquestionable truth is that the number of seats is decreasing and that more and more of them have FP bums on them :D .

I wonder how much longer the DS can hang on ?

Regards

Faisal

br_fisher

14th July 2005, 11:40 PM

We've discussed things on our side, and we've agreed (the four of us remaining, running six positions) that the time has come to yield to the superior forces of the Free. Oh, we could drag things out indefiniately (the Corsairs, QA, and Rhudaur are all far stronger than you might think) but we've been fighting 12 to 6 odds for twelve turns now, and the sheer numbers of opposing forces are telling. To prolong our defeat would require abandoning the CL and Dark Lts. economically, and 12 to 4 is even harder to fight than 12 to 6. My compliments again on a war well fought!

As for the QA, I had my fun making a run on the North Gondor capital(s) (did you notice them exploding three turns in a row? Alas, you hid his capital when we moved to knock out the last one) and then the Harad (you kept moving armies in to "cover") and then the Easterlings, but alas, I'm scrambling to reclaim Mordor at this point and all of the major towns that we'd lost. Losing my capital to the Easterling horde was annoying, but the QA economy was disgustingly good by Dark Servant standards-- 6000 surplus with a 39% tax rate and piles of emissaries. I had the satisfaction of taking his capital on the same turn, but then my HC force moving to smash 4228 walked into the Easterling forces rushing home to defend Khand. Bah!

As for Rhudaur, their economy is solid with a fairly large stack of emissaries, though you haven't really seen the sweeping emissary company that the QA is fielding becuase several of those emissaries haven't built up sufficiently yet (in the 50s). I was planning on lurking for another four or five turns, then re-igniting the military war in Angmar (I can't win, but it would have been fun).

I hope that you all enjoyed the game...

Bradford Fisher, Rhudaur (and after turn 17, QA as well)...

faisal_ahmed257

15th July 2005, 05:38 PM

Bradford,

Firstly I would like to commend you and your collegues on a game well played and to thank you personally for the help and direction yo gave to myself at the start of the game.

I look forward to crossing paths with you again - Perhaps next time we will be team mates rather than opponants.

Best Regards

Faisal

vandal

15th July 2005, 05:38 PM

Impressibe display none the less in a lost cause

Vandal

Christian Smith

15th July 2005, 09:38 PM

Yes, quite impressive. Bradford your play was truly worthy of Ken and Kevins' commendations. These last 4 players/6 nations were rather frustrating to play against--for a while the FP seemed to be losing ground as the player base dwindled along with FP enthusaism and coordination.

But the delayed demise of the DS was rewarding in some ways. Coming back for the end-game of musical MTs taught me a lot--in my prior two games I was eliminated in the teens before I got to experience the real character war.

We did have a few things up our sleeve--a 3rd curse squad to support even more emi strikes for example. "New Mordor" was about to get hammered in every way.

Maybe we will cross swords or paths again someday--would be a pleasure.

Christian
(Cardolan in the beginning. Then left the game for a while in the late teens. Then returned several turns ago--about the time we hid North Gondor's capital--to play Cardolan and later the Elves.)

PS--I was never fooled by your "Rhudaur is lost" bluffs--I just tried to play along. I thought you might hide out at 2039, and then in the early teens or so we scry'd the Corsairs cap and 2039 was suspiciously not on the list of MTs--later we confirmed it was your new capital.

faisal_ahmed257

16th July 2005, 07:04 AM

Bradford,

2 things...

How do we officially close out the game with harlequin - Do you guys need to formally notify them that you are conceding the game?

Would you and you collegues be amenable to swapping PDF's/XML's. I would be really interested to see what the final complete map looked like.

Faisal

br_fisher

16th July 2005, 09:25 AM

I'm certainly willing to send you my .pdfs once the game is officially closed. I sent our concession to Middle Earth Games Thursday night, but it's an individual game, so they need to hear from each of the four dark servant players directly. They replied to us as a group, but the emails may (or may not) have all gone through.

Christian-- yes, Rhudaur's capital was at 2039. It was a 100 loyalty city (laugh) and I had another major town at 2339, and a few villages and camps scattered around. Rhudaur would have been a lot stronger, but I lost three 70+ emissaries to dragons and spiders of all things!

fragilesi

16th July 2005, 09:28 AM

Bradford, you breathed life into a game that was threatening to be a landslide. More power to your elbow as they say!

I was certainly impressed by your emmies especially when an invisible company took 3630 away from me with just 3 Infothrs when it started at 58 loyalty . . .

At times I think we took our foot off the gas but I think that the momentum was gathering more pace in our favour as you indicate.

I for one thoroughly enjoyed the game despite being kicked from one end of the map to the other and almost back again! Taking over the Easterlings and burning 3034 was a little recompense :) .

Simon.

muggle

17th July 2005, 07:50 AM

My 1st game and I thouroughtly enjoyed it. Started out as the Fire King, I made a basic error when I tought I could disband an army by moving my commander away from it! That put paid to the FK. I then took over the Cloud Lord poition the following turn, right until the end. I was hoping to catch one of your agent or emissary teams, but that's not an easy thing to do. I took over the Long Rider position for the last 2 turns to. At the end the Cloud Lord, Long Rider and Dark Lts only had one MT each. Well done to the FP team. I'm quite happy to swap xml/pdf files too.

John.

NickB

17th July 2005, 04:43 PM

Great game,

First one for me in four years, slightly rusty at game start but soon got back into swing of it and shall miss the buzz of getting the turn results. Champing at the bit to start another!

Thank you to the remaining DS for keeping the fight going and making it much more enjoyable for all.

Glad we got to the end without losing a nation, though we were down to six players for the twelve nations...

I'd be keen on swaping final pdfs and exchanging some war-stories on great plays and disasters to piece together some of the storyline.

Having allies that stick through bad times as well as good until the end is a great asset, so if any of you (DS) would like to play again but on the same team (or opposite again if you prefer a re-match!) then let us know. Not sure yet if we are all going to sign up straight away but it would be good to know if you are keen.

Yours

Nick
(Northmen)