Game 80 - Clint vs Brad and Wade

[VEO]

Coming soon to a Forum near you.... Clint playing 12 DS nations against a couple of beer-logged Canadians running 6 each. Maybe I should make this a poll...? ;)

Last we heard, Clint espoused the Cloud Lord strategy of retiring characters and naming 6 emissaries in the early game. I'd like to rally the community to support him in this cause. Clint, you should also retain Din Ohtar as an artifact retriever and name only Com/Agents with that military juggernaut, the Blind Sorceror, to dissuade Cardolan from kidnapping all his front line characters. The Dwarven Navy will be heading south shortly, please ensure an appropriate welcome is prepared at Vamag.

Brad the Freep

[Ulrik Bisgaard]

HE ! Knowing all three of you I'm putting my money on Clint
- you guys will lose you maps whenever at sea, recruits will abandon your armies and go home, and mages will see their spells erased from their spellbooks ! The only thing worth betting on is whether it will take 20 or only 10 turns to eliminate you :)

Ulrik

[Ed Mills]

Brad, good fortune to Wade and yourself. Here is some unsolicited intel. My read on your opponent is that he gets bored easily and likes constant stimulation. If you focus activty in zone "A" he will neglect zone "B". While he has played many games they have tended to be short and mid-length. I don't think he is aware of some levels of the game and if you preplan now, you can force him to play in unfamiliar territory around the mid-20s. Deception is contrary to his nature, but the game stil contains many deceptive elements which he may not be aware of.

[Clint]

Should be fun... .:-)

I know Brad likes to think outside the box but we'll see who's box is smaller... :-)

do you know how much paper 12 turn sheets are.... !!!

Clint (player)

[Ulrik Bisgaard]

Damn ! You just won't stop ranting about Clint and Harlequin, will you ? Any idea when you'll run out of quarters ?

[VEO]

do you know how much paper 12 turn sheets are.... !!!

Clint (player)

Type out the character info, say in an Excel sheet, then all you have to print is the pops/armies/econ/rumours pages. Double-sided, not all that much, really... ;)

Wade and I are arguing already. He want's to win utilizing, as he refers to them, the inherent FP advantages to stomp Clint off the map. I was thinking more along the lines of naming all our Elves after characters in Russian novels. We've come up with a formula for compromise: Every army he wants me to hire, he buys a pint. Every agent/mage I get him to name, I buy the fries and gravy.

Brad the Freep

[vandal]

Yes I do know how much paper 12 turns uses and my print costs have gone through the roof also.

Vandal

[SMoyes]

Gees guys,

I'm on my second game of playing all twelve nations. Tell me about the costs.

Scott Moyes
Game 92 one on one against Chris Courtier (finished)
Game 36 (ongoing on turn 20) against team Chris Guerra

[Clint]

"Brad, good fortune to Wade and yourself. "

Ed, not to me then uh? :-)

Ah well...

Yeh, good luck guys. If you win you win and if I'm ever over there I'll buy you guys a pint (or whatever your poison is). General bet over here is for who makes the next round of teas...

Clint (player)

Paper - don't forget you can ask for smaller format (nearly half the size) if you want to save on paper.

Clint (GM)

[VEO]

Yeh, good luck guys. If you win you win and if I'm ever over there I'll buy you guys a pint (or whatever your poison is).

I'll take a Keiths, Wade's a Guinness man. Tea? Just got an espresso machine in my office....productivity is way up...

Brad the Freep

[VEO]

Game 92 one on one against Chris Courtier (finished)
Game 36 (ongoing on turn 20) against team Chris Guerra

Scott, g36 is ongoing and public - how did game 92 go? I don't recall it on the boards (voyeur that I am). Long game? Short game? Follow any general trend we'd be familiar with? Did you notice that it was Easier to coordinate, or Harder (ie, you just eventually lost track of, like, 200-250 characters..). I know the "ideal" is to utilize the Allegiance as symbiotically as one would a Nation in a regular game - possible or all over the map?

Thanks,

Brad the Curious

[VEO]

"Brad, good fortune to Wade and yourself. "

Ed, not to me then uh? :-)

Ah well...

Never considered Ed a big fan of myself either...:confused: But I'll take his advice under advisement. You better get us like Ulrik said Clint, lest you prove our unsolicited consultant right.. :eek:

Brad the Snarky

[SMoyes]

Scott, g36 is ongoing and public - how did game 92 go? I don't recall it on the boards (voyeur that I am). Long game? Short game? Follow any general trend we'd be familiar with? Did you notice that it was Easier to coordinate, or Harder (ie, you just eventually lost track of, like, 200-250 characters..). I know the "ideal" is to utilize the Allegiance as symbiotically as one would a Nation in a regular game - possible or all over the map?

Thanks,

Brad the Curious

Brad,

Game 92 was over after about 18 turns. Chris C. beat the snot out of me. At the time, there wasn't a AutoMinister and as you said, it was easier to lose track of artifacts and characters. Now, with the aforementioned program, Palantir, AutoMagic and the Order Checker program, it's a LOT easier, still really hard, but not as daughnting as before. I just have to realize that it's going to take me about 24 hours of straight work to do a turn.

Scott
Still loving the whole nation thingy

[Clint]

You better get us like Ulrik said Clint, lest you prove our unsolicited consultant right..

Actually I was a lot more confident before we started. Now looking at it all together I've had that "gulp" moment. Started doing some plans but with no-one to say "that's pants that is" I'm wary of messing up big time... :)

We'll see though. I've got a lot of respect for your play so it's gonna be fun. Now Ji Indur 740, 725 Emi right... ;)

Clint (player)

[Sam Roads]

Go Wade and Brad!

My advice: name all your new characters after famous superheros. Clint can't abide anything spandexy and will overexert himself attempting to kill them.

Or use names from Asimov and mis-spell them, hoping to infuriate him and take his mind.

The names of invading English Kings might have the same effect...

:)

Sam

[murmur]

"Deception is contrary to his [Clints] nature"


--Well i don`t know about that...


;)

[Ulrik Bisgaard]

As always, Sam, you've got it spot on !!!!

Ulrik


Go Wade and Brad!

My advice: name all your new characters after famous superheros. Clint can't abide anything spandexy and will overexert himself attempting to kill them.

Or use names from Asimov and mis-spell them, hoping to infuriate him and take his mind.

The names of invading English Kings might have the same effect...

:)

Sam

[VEO]

Oh this is good stuff. So, Gondor gets the superheros, all the emissaries are Asminovs, and every Noldo assassin is an Englishman... Okay, this is going to be a fun game!

Brad the Freep

[Clint]

GOITSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Usually I theme my names for some added fun but 12nations seems a tad large. Just get the LotR source book I guess...

Clint

[VEO]

[yaaaaawwwwwwnnnnnnn]

Was it really me that asked for this much time between turns...?

Okay, 20 hours now and the game of "where oh where did my little army go, where oh where can it beeee!!!!" begins in earnest...

Cheers,

Brad the Freep

[Clint]

Interesting first turn - honours even I'd say.. :-)

Clint (player)

[VEO]

I'll agree with you there. Time will tell as to who's confusing themselves the most while attempting to confuse the enemy... I empathize with all you 12 nation players, 6 is quite a headache. Bad enough I don't want to give an arty to my ally, I can't even find it in me to ship money to myself.. Now, as soon as we find the Long Rider, all will be well in the world.. ;)

Brad the Freep

[Øystein]

So, has Clint bankrupted Rhudaur yet? :D (No, you'll never live down that one, Clint ;) )

[Clint]

Time will tell as to who's confusing themselves the most while attempting to confuse the enemy...

Well I can happily go for that - as you said more confusing for your own nations. So far 2 errors, one transfer from CharacterA to CharacterA and one other... :-) Luckily I can count to 8x2, but more than that's getting difficult.

So, has Clint bankrupted Rhudaur yet?
Not yet - but the Noldo has decided to help out by removing his army on turn 1. Very kind of him but it means the money is tighter than I'd imagine. Also the Fps seem to be working on the concept of no-interaction and see if I can blow myself up accidently in the North. Down south well it's not the same... :eek:

Clint (player)

[VEO]

You're talking to Mr Rhudaur here! I'm terrified of those hoardes, we're hightailing it outta here! Eriador is all yours... And I don't believe your claims about economics at Imladris are true, I think you had another reason to send the armies you did... ;)

Brad the Freep

[VEO]

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!!!

[Clint]

Nice one - interesting the bits missed out though... :-)

If I had a spare lifetime I'd reply in kind.

Clint (player)

[VEO]

Nothing missed out...editors insisted on 2 pages max, so we had to be selective :) Feel free to send along submissions, we'll add a page for Letters to the Editor if you like...

Brad the Freep

[VEO]

You lucky there Icey...changed orders at last minute, forgot to change them all. Enjoy your single victory, we've already have a few of our own and some more to come.. :D

[Clint]

3612 is now (to be) DS... :-) Any time you guys want to attack in the north that would be great. WK and Rhudaur are getting lonely. I quite like the little block near 1611 - now that's a lot of troops held up... :-) I see the dwarves ran away from Goblin Gate - heh isn't that supposed to fall on turn 3, like always?

Shame DG had a visit from the Woodies but you can't win them all. Wonder if I'm going to lose ANY pcs of the southern pcs of the Harad - seems an even battle @2635... Not quite sure when the FP hordes will descend - probably gone on holiday or something... :-)

Otherwise looks fun. I'm wondering what the next big upset is...

Clint (player)

[VEO]

Ahem, YOU blocked US at 1611...? This is the 3 blind men and the elephant, I think... And you don't need us in Angmar, they got so lonely they decided to move out, didn't they? Hmmmm, methinks I need a new map maker...

Brad the Freep

[Clint]

Doncha just love this game... :-)

Clint (player)

[VEO]

I see the Dwarves ran away from Goblin Gate

Um, they were up there on business, don't you read the newspaper? Who wants this "Goblin Gate" place anyway? Full of goblins, I hear. And you can take your South Bank and shove it. The Corairs have to do SOMEthing in a 12-12 game, let them figure it out. I'm SG here and I think I am having loads of fun on the North Bank...

Brad the Freep

[VEO]

...like always...

Now now...doncha know that all of "those" items have been redundafied in this game? Any "standard" moves you observe are either false ruses or mistakes, rest assured. We were under the impression you wanted to try some different things and are glad to oblige. ;)

[VEO]

Migration to the new machine almost complete at home and whammo, new machine at work throwing everything into a shambles...but we're getting back on line slowly. As a result, we offer some reading to the greater public.

Cheers, and will be back to yap next week!

Brad the Freep

[VEO]

ps - sometimes I can view the document, other times I can't...but when I can't, it still downloads and then opens off my machine properly. Any problems viewing this lie with the forum or Micros***... ;)

[Clint]

Ouch! :eek:

Clint (player)

[VEO]

Turn 3 has run.

Rhudaur in Mirkwood in Force, the Eothraim attacking the Witch King...mostly because they're impatient and nobody else has the guts to go against Angmar, it seems. As the newspaper reported, Harad is clamouring over itself to join Gondor: 3 new villages and 2 new towns so far added to our Empire, more yet to come... Fire and Ice bring their patented "freezer burn" 10,000 troop 1-2 to a poorly defended Gondor whilst Hoarmurath rampages in the Rhovanion. Character losses have begun with the Free suffering a challenge loss (nothing sinister, just a Noldo with some toys, nothing important, no no, even-steven with capturing Sispar, oh yes, straight-up trade that, uh-huh :rolleyes:...) and their first death by death...or something like that... witnesses are unreliable as Celdrahil claims he saw nothing, heard nothing, wasn't even there, in fact. Damn unions, I can't get him to say anything else without representation. All in all, one of those interesting games where most wouldn't have a clue what the heck is going on or why. As Dory says "Just keep killing, just keep killing, just keep killing killing killing...." or, whatever...

Freep

[VEO]

Ouch! :eek:

Clint (player)

Okay, I've been patient...but I'll bite. What are you referring to? Come on, out with it. Harad evaporating? Eothraim at 2703? The imminent demise of Dol Guldor? Or did Dunsul bite his kidnapper at Osgiliath?

Freep

[Clint]

Well I quite liked the challenge of Gildor picking up the Bracers and RoI...; ditto the challenge on the Corsair commander... Those are probably the highlights. Low lights well I don't want to mention the ones you don't know about of course...

As for Dol G - I've tried Eothriam on DolG before - not a big fan of it. But I also enjoyed getting the FK across the river - bit unexpected so I've not got a master plan for that yet... 2703 - did that in a game with the Eothriam - it's a nice move but eats a lot of troops to be effective. Back to Dol G - who says it's going to fall :-)

In the East all is looking rosy - but I'm sure that you'll start messing with me there soon. N Harad - well as could be expected I'd say (ie bad).

I'm hoping to get some time to look at my turns in detail tonight but we'll see.

Clint (player)

[VEO]

Don't worry about the FK not being sure what they're doing...remember the Dwarf? "This way!"..."No, THAT way!"... I suspect you'll be seeing more of that as we get our results back and initiate whole new 5 Year Plans every turn...this is a fun game...

[VEO]

Turn 3 certainly shows some interesting items. Dog Lord is trying to save Dol Guldor from the Eothraim, who are also on 2703. Seammu and Marendil of Rhudaur are wandering lost in Mirkwood whilst Greater Angmar shows 23 DS icons at last count..guarding/blocking, I suppose. Played up there a lot, didn't know the women were worth such desperate measures...although I suppose that's why Seammu is in Lorien!

Southern Gondor has taken most of the North Bank, South Bank is solid for DS but Umbar untouched. The last wave of the starting armies should be appearing now (Cloud? BS? Long Rider?) now, where or where did they go??

Here's our turn piece. Hope you enjoy it!

ps - editing post, checked attachment, works on my system fine! If you'd like a copy but can't get it here, just ask bbrunec296@rogers.com. Cheers.

[Clint]

This game is hard! But fun... :-)

Diary: Went to bed thinking about Rhudaur/ Witch King blocking moves... woke up thinking about WK/Rh blocking moves... (never played WK before). Bit tired today.

FK is still doing my head in though. If you'd be kind enough to blow the bridge that would be a big help taxing my brain.

Clint

[VEO]

We considered it, but decided that the more options we leave you, the better odds you'll get a headache and do something stupid just to have it over with. I was going to build another bridge in the Rhovanion, what do you think?

Brad the Freep

[Clint]

Not sure - isn't that like 6 combinations then.... :-)

If there's anything I can do to confuse you guys then feel free to contact me though.

Clint (player)

[VEO]

Enjoy the rewards offered to my enemies due to my "what the hell" style of play. Every turn like this I beat my head and say "gotta play more conservative, gotta play more conservative...". Elladan shall be missed.

Lots of icons in the south, lots of icons in the North. What the heck is the plan in Mirkwood? I mean for both of us...ah well....

Freep

[VEO]

Phone call with my ally. 2 hours of cell time during working hours...gotta love government jobs! After all the analysis, bitching, cheering, [phew]ing, etc, I sit back and realize: "I bet he thinks he's doing as well as we think we are."

Notes: More Freeps on the North Bank, Corsairs met by Cardolan, while the last DS navy has moved up also to make a fight for their last 2 MT's (seiged last turn by suicidal Celdrahil and Camlin...SG's rich, go figure...). South Bank shows a DS icon on every pop...but no attacks on FP holdings yet.

Angmar is conspicuously devoid of icons, it would seem. Managed to get one army through his 24 icon maze of blocks. Oh look, undefended...

Mirkwood is an absolute mess. Rhudaur is wandering around, GG forces finally landed on Woodie capital, Gundabad has been naked but unconquered, Eothraim landed on Dol G, but an extra DS army made it, so they left this turn and met up with yet more Large armies from Mordor... Armies armies everywhere, armies armies in your hair...

Gondor is mysteriously untouched. Minas Ithil abandoned with the forts ripped down turn 1, he's been skipping over it. Some IceK dude just died on some walls, he hasn't even moved on 3020 yet. The man is having a serious Mirkwood moment. Do the DS win here or do the FP lose? Or was that Angmar?

BS and LR forces have disappeared, the only DS in Rhun/Rhovanion has been starting IceK Light Cav (3612 burned). Something has popped off 3621 now, on an Eo camp...oh, the Horror! the Horror!

DS down, like, 5 Harad towns, 1 Ice town, 2 Ice camps, 1 WK town (Eo on 2703), 1 QA town, the Dragon small pops Iron Hills way. FP down 3612 and the village 3712 and one NG town in the backfield (starting DolG army making an ass of himself...). North Bank to lose an MT this turn, Rhangmar to lose a couple in the next couple turns. We're liking our slow-burn early game strategy. Let the character game come...who needs Gildor and Elladan and all those Free Agent artifacts anyway!

Regards,

Freep

[VEO]

No word from my noble opposition..? Tsk Tsk. Here's our Turn 4 submission for your voyeur pleasure!

[Clint]

Busy... :-)

Clint

[VEO]

Hey Clint! We're on the South Bank! Gee, you have an army on a village, but nothing on your Major Town? Shame, that...

As for the North, I take it the WK lost the coin toss? Ah, those damn guessing games :p

Hey! Your cronies have kept 2 of my turns! What's this "funding problem" and "House Rules" stuff? Eh? Bloody imperial snobbery, wot?

[marinersk]

Bad enough I don't want to give an arty to my ally, I can't even find it in me to ship money to myself..

I think this may go down as my favorite quote on the forums for quite a long while.

[VEO]

Turn 6 has run. Another Harad MT down, 3 more. Oh look, 1 Harad town has degraded to a camp, another to a village this turn. Witch lost 2 more towns and a village, another village and Gundabad this turn. Seems nobody is refusing challenge this time, Lanthir, Pochak, and some newbie from Mordor all dying to their betters.

Sinda lost a town and a city, but Sarn G is looking pretty naked, no? 3716 is the Dark Lieutenants for 1 turn as the Eothraim takes it back..oh look, the Major Town 3621 they moved off of is about to burn also. Tsk tsk.

Ethacali running the BS down the NG backfield (BS down the NG backfield? Rhudaur taking Sinda cities while Angmar burns?) and the Long Rider finally moved off their little rock all the way to 3110. Too bad none of these Eastern moves were coordinated... Hoarmurath has been leading an army since the beginning, a couple hundred LC tops ambling about the Rhovanion to little effect.

All in all, with Osgiliath finally going and armies moving about the East Bank, it looks like the DS have finally had some impact on NG and the Sinda. Mind you, don't the Corsairs usually get steamrolled in a 12v12? We have a bankrupt Harad and a mangled WK. Find any artifacts lately? With the Ring of Wind, Ring of Curufin, Tinculin, Collar of Might, etc, I think you've been living the glory of killing a lazy Gildor and the RoI a little long..maybe if your mages weren't running armies around in circles...

All told, a most interesting game all around. I'm enjoying it quite much, thanks, so no Clint, we'd appreciate it if you didn't concede just yet.. ;)

[Clint]

12v12 - usually the Corsair win... :o It depends on many other factors though...

I think I've held off the hordes - not that there were that many and I think the Woodmen and Sindar (how many characters do you want to lose!) are stuffed - Angmar well that's a tad awkward but we'll see. I did the same with the Eothraim move and it's an interesting play up North - we'll see if the expenditure is worth it. Where has your Noldo start army gone? I expect I'll find out this turn uh?! :rolleyes:

Can't believe I lost the challenge - that was in my favour @ Thuringwost!

I'm happy to swop 2514 and 2608 for a mythical attack on 2809 anytime you want. :-) Actually please feel free to send lots of troops there to attack whilst I mop up the Woodmen's MTs. Too many choices... FK Start army neutralising the entirety of the NG forces is fine with me as well btw.
It's been a learning experience - probably my own errors will cost me the most- I'll tell you guys after the game! :( We're playing such different styles that I'm actually confused and that's to your advantage! :confused:

Economics: Economy is fine now - shame you're running a few zeros but that's okay with me.
Basket case nations - covered
Near Basket - just about covered
Safe nations - OMG I've nearly killed them! :eek:

- 12 nations is hard to play but most fun. Recommended to anyone with a bottomless pocket! :D

If you want to concede though that's with me. ;)

Clint

[VEO]

I think the Woodmen and Sindar (how many characters do you want to lose!) are stuffed -

Woodmen and Sindar are fine. How's Harad and WK doing? This turn coming you'll almost be close to us in pops taken. If you kept up all game the FP would still consider themselves ahead...keep drinking...

Where has your Noldo start army gone? I expect I'll find out this turn uh?! :rolleyes:

Noldo?

Can't believe I lost the challenge - that was in my favour @ Thuringwost!

Somethings have to go our way.

I'm happy to swop 2514 and 2608 for a mythical attack on 2809 anytime you want. :-) Actually please feel free to send lots of troops there to attack whilst I mop up the Woodmen's MTs. Too many choices... FK Start army neutralising the entirety of the NG forces is fine with me as well btw.
It's been a learning experience - probably my own errors will cost me the most- I'll tell you guys after the game! :( We're playing such different styles that I'm actually confused and that's to your advantage! :confused:

You just keep working in Mirkwood... We've got the Whole Map to play, a Whole Game to play also. How many Nazgul are leading armies again?

Playing style? Our playing style is more like "How did that happen? What did you do that for? NOW what the hell are we going to do???" than any grand plan.

And it wasn't the FK that neutralized the starting NG forces, it was that assassination on Elatar on turn -1 or whatever that put us 2 turns behind. Good think Ji has done diddly since then...

Economics: Economy is fine now - shame you're running a few zeros but that's okay with me.
Basket case nations - covered
Near Basket - just about covered
Safe nations - OMG I've nearly killed them! :eek:


I'm impressed I got to those zeros. At least 1 turn too late mind you, but hey, if Harad put up a fight, SG wouldn't have a 39% tax base of 55,000 to try to zero out now would they?

If you want to concede though that's with me. ;)

Clint

Um, yeah, okay. We quit. You da mastah. Yeah... :rolleyes:


;)

[Clint]

Most careless with the Sindar... - :D

Looks like the onslaught in the North is held off - not quite sure why you're attacking down south but it's confusing me! :rolleyes:

Clint (player)

[VEO]

You think you know that we don't know what you don't know we know. Take a closer look, it's right there for you...

Oh, and my partner is expecting his first any day now, so there goes his account, 1/2 an allegiance held back again, and who knows what he did this turn and Lordie only knows what I'll likely have to manage on my own next...

Oh and Oh...don't confuse the issue. We've taken as much in Harad as you've taken on the entire map. There is no more Harad, in fact, as it would seem.. ;)

Da Freep

[marinersk]

You think you know that we don't know what you don't know we know. Take a closer look, it's right there for you...Woa, I feel dizzy after reading that line.

[VEO]

I think that one was about Harad dying...but the last part confuses me too.. It's a problem in a 3 week game, one that it's overwhelmingly obvious that Clint is experiencing also.. ;)

For an update, if Harad isn't out, he isn't playing, which is just as good. Unless that was an all cavalry army, but considering his last homeland pops have been identified as Fire King and Quiet Avenger, along with other items, I think we've eliminated Harad in 7 or less turns. Tell me Clint, was it SG suiciding against 2 MT's on turn 4 or so that did it? Camlin and Celdrahil's families would like to know it was worth it...

Clint finally got a dragon into combat on turn 8. Mind you, he hasn't killed anyone via assassination in a couple turns, it seems. Ji Indur hasn't done a dang thing here (not counting Elatar's 2000+ on turn 3 or something...). Harad is gone, last MT (QA) about to be toast. Gotta love War Machines... Angmar is 2 MT's and a village, likely to stay that way thanks to 2 dragons in a teeny army in the middle of nowhere, as Rhudaur goes backwards. Gotta love it.

Hoarmurath, running the starting IKing cav around the Rhovanion to little effect after burning 3612 early has finally been caught. Uvatha who finally sailed off 4215 turn 7 missed a threat and sat. Whatever for? Trying to ship/buy food? 7 turns, you didn't plan on feeding the guys until the last minute? This is how my wife plans a weekend away...uuuugggggglee.

Mordor has extended some destruction. NG's extended pops have been hit, 4 towns towards the back road, took the BS army to do it (mind you, I used Mahrcared to defeat it..go figure), the Rhov Road is getting slim, 3116 will be the last pop there, while Ithil, Osgiliath and 3026 went, we got Osgiliath back and about to retake 3026 also. Murazor and friends decided not to finish off some Elf they sicked down to 3 health, or something silly. Why now? 1 guy casting and he failed while the other did more "important" stuff. Sinda are actually in a pretty good position now...

All in all, I believe Clint went for a Mirkwood opening and has had some success, 2514 with Rhudaur (we'll get that back this turn) and 2609. We've burned 2703 and taken Gundabad, about to land on Sarn Goriwing and have forces to keep him bottled up until we get a dragon of our own.

We wasted 2 towns and 2 villages of WK, only 1 Rhu town, but he's got nothing as our nations steadily build. Attrition in both these theatres. We've knocked out Harad to his weakening NG (who was shipping gold around until last turn...). No cursers yet and miserable kidnap/assassination numbers. We're nigh on a World vs Mordor struggle, and since we've gotten every artifact of note (RoW, RoC and all the mage toys, and I mean all of them...) while losing RoI and the Bracers, I like our mid-late game strategy hopes.

Lip and sass aside, Clint's a good player. I suspect he's a little distracted, running 12 nations and potentially losing attention with a 3 week turnaround can do that. More "stuff" has happened in this game than most 8 turn starts I've seen in a long time, and it looks to be a good fight for a long time yet!

Brad da Freep

[Clint]

My turns are in so whenever you guys want I'm ready.

Hopefully will get a few kills this turn in the North. Not sure if I can hold my gains from the Corsair (you guys seem to have forgotten to report on that - you have noticed right?) If NM can stop recruiting that would be okay with me. Sarn G for 2711 - seems a fair trade to me but if you can bring Marhcared back as he seems to have wandered past, that would be good as I've got some troops to kill off.

Note 2514 is still mine - any time you guys want to re-take it please get in touch. 2136 should be an interesting battle. Corsairs down to 2337, 2438, 2339, 2039 this turn.

NW - now this should be very interesting - probably a game defining turn this time around. Nice move on the WK capital. Lost track of the army! :-) Wonder when the Woodies will turn up (this turn seems likely).

Finding out a lot about the market in this game - so thanks for that.

Bad points so far; Saruman decided he wanted to eat some of my troops - very kind, similar for Leucarath - a pain and a spider... Good points well I've only lost Harad so far (gulp).

Eothraim should start to feel some pain soon. Usual race to see who can lose the most the quickest... :-)

Nice to finally see some NG troops.

Clint (player)

[wadefrost]

2711? 2711? Common Clint. You been sitting outside that MT for 2 turns now, and last turn with no opposition. By the way, aren't you missing a nice mage arty from your sickness squad???

:D

[vandal]

Frankly I dont care who wins but I refuse to give up my one on one crown to either of you so you can take it as red I am waiting for the winner.

You dont have to take up the challnage but of course I just want to keep the crown and possession is all.

Vandal

[Clint]

Frank - I've got a list as long as my arm for challenge games but we'll see. Maybe the lads will win and you can try your might against them?

Brade: Yeh well one item down... shame that but there you go. I'm ready whenever though. 2711 - well I need some more troops so it's a bit awkward actually attacking in Mirkwood as a DS on Turn 9, keeping the hordes at bay in the NW and trying to beat up the Eothraim and Corsairs. Patience please... :p

Clint (player)

[vandal]

I already worked that one out but from all the mails here you are losing or so it seems.

What do I know but my money is on the other guy.

So your time may come Clint but for now I dont think I am on your list.

Of course you can always go play someone else anyway should you win, like always I am making those idle boasts, except of course I always carry them out when someone takes up that challange.

So I will stick with watching if the good guys win it or you make that comeback.

Vandal

[VEO]

Clint's down 1 nation (Harad) mostly due to different opening strategy and play style. Lots of surprises, mistakes, "What the??"'s and "Oh crap!"'s on both sides I suspect. I doubt anyone's liable to cash it in anytime soon in this one.. ;)

Brad the Freep

[VEO]

2711? 2711? Common Clint. You been sitting outside that MT for 2 turns now, and last turn with no opposition. By the way, aren't you missing a nice mage arty from your sickness squad???

:D

The correct term is "squatting" Wade. Sorry Clint, Middle Earth isn't as "progressive" as our western "democracies". No citizenship for whining at the gates, regardless of your longevity. Now, conquer the place or bugger off.

Brad da Freep

[VEO]

Maybe the lads will win and you can try your might against them?

Clint (player)

I just caught this...are Wade and I the "lads"..? I certainly hope the term doesn't take on the same patronizing connotation as it does on this side of the pond, lest you rile us up and motivate us further.. :D

[vandal]

Well hurry up and do him then I have stuck my neck and and gone with you lads so no slip ups now.

It does not matter to me if it takes you a long time or a short time at all.

Vandal

[Clint]

Personally I think I've got the game in the bag but there you go... ;)

Interesting thing about media and how this is represented in the game. "Da Lads" have a better media so... :(

No chickens to be counted but it's a good game, lots of action (slightly too much for my liking!) and we'll see what happens over the next 5 turns - probably the game will be reasonably defined then.

Clint (player)

[VEO]

Personally I think I've got the game in the bag

You must mean the bag they give you on the plane... And the game was reasonably defined from turn 1: 2 guys who had no clue against 1 guy with no idea. All the action has been incidental, the kind of action you bump into when your trying to back away from the action.

Brad 0.5 Freep

[vandal]

Well I live in hope its not all hot air as I have thrown my lot in with them so they best kick butt and not disappoint.

Vandal

[Ed Mills]

So, what's the status of this one?

[VEO]

We both think we're kicking the other guy's you know what.

Harad is out, Rhu/Angmar 30% gone, NW Fp untouched, Mirkwood a morass of mostly confusion, NMen, Eo, Sinda taking some licks. NG slowly eroding. I could be taken as a DS lead at this point, turn 12 coming up I believe it is. You might be proud, Ed, we have every Lost mage artifact...now if we can only keep them....

Brad da Freep

[vandal]

All gone very silent is that good or bad?

Vandal

[Clint]

Harad is out *** Correct

Rhu/Angmar 30% gone *** Meaning turn 12 and both nations very active - lost 3 towns on the East of Misties, one Mt and couple of villages. Recamped most of it so that's interesting. If I get the Dwarf town this turn then I think we're set for a win long term there.

Mirkwood a morass of mostly confusion *** Ie they've lost 2514, 2711 (now an Eo Vill), 2709 and 2608. I've lost 2809, 2703 and regained 2305 (as a town). 2715 and 2409 still mine... :-) Great fun that battle.

NMen, *** Losing 4017 this turn, 3916 (dw), and lost 3110 (now Si), 3108 and 3105.

Eo *** 3612 and 3112 gone.

Sinda taking some licks *** :-) Not sure how you got the Huge army but t'was nice to see you put up some defence in the the Eoplex.

NG slowly eroding *** Down to just the heartland now - but should be interesting in the army situation elsewhere. Believe I've got you licked and you'll need to take the bridge down soon.

You missed out SG and how that's character-light at present and Corsairs been hit big time... :-) Very interesting battle down south though with the Harad gone it's 50/50 I'd say.

I[t] could be taken as a DS lead at this point *** Okay I agree...

You might be proud, Ed, we have every Lost mage artifact...now if we can only keep them.... *** Lost any agent items? Just RoW to go and we've got the set haven't we? Lost any twins? Just a few superheros to go now...

Clint (player)

Overall a great format of game I've found - my head hurts but well worth giving it a go (and we'll even do discounts!)

Clint (GM)

[VEO]

Okay, for the record, you've removed all our starting agent toys AND RoC, while we've lost the Twins and Gildor. But I must assume our stealing a couple Non-Lost DS mage artifacts was why those curses went to Sickness a few turns later, no?

Yes, it's been a spirited game....lots of spirit left I'm afraid.. ;)

b

[Clint]

Non-Lost DS mage artifacts was why those curses went to Sickness a few turns later, no?

*** ... no - they've never cursed... :rolleyes: T'was careless of me - forgot that Murazor wasn't in the company. I'll correct that at some point... ;)

Not quite sure what all the chat does but heh if you want I'm up for it. :p

One thing I've found I like the armies - not such a big fan of Artefact hunting or agents or squads. I think I know where my strengths lie now (and consequently my weaknesses).

Like you said it's a blast. Just need some more time in my life to actually get my orders done.

Clint (player)

[SteveP]

One thing I've found I like the armies - not such a big fan of Artefact hunting or agents or squads. I think I know where my strengths lie now (and consequently my weaknesses).

Admitedly I'm only in my 2nd game but to me that sounds rather like your playing the wrong side? :)

Must admit the idea of a two player game sounds tempting. Just need to get another 3-4 games under my belt - say another 5-7 years and then clear the decks in terms of freeing up some time. Then win the lottery to fund my habit. Damn! I don't buy a ticket :eek:

Steve

[Clint]

Admitedly I'm only in my 2nd game but to me that sounds rather like your playing the wrong side? :)

Not my take... :p Must recruit, must recruit...

Clint (player)

[vandal]

Well I myself like to tell the other side what I am about to do to them before I do it and the do it anyway to show I can.

I think they call it taunting and boy I do so hope I hear the lads giving Clint a bit of a thumping as cannot have him winnng now can we

Vandal

[Clint]

cannot have him winnng now can we...Vandal

why not... :p !!! :eek:

Clint (player)

[vandal]

Well I dont want to be seen having thrown my lot in with some losewrs now do I?

So they best win and do a job on you is all I can say.

You know what they say if you want a job done well, do it yourself.

Vandal

[Clint]

No problem. I think 3 Grudge games is enough for me right now...

Maybe later uh but there's a few opportunities.

Clint (player)

[VEO]

Get over yourselves boys....this one has lots of juice to run through...

bb-fp

[vandal]

Well I for one am glad to hear that so get out there and kick butt.

Oh I have a few things t keep me busy so dont think I am looking for any one on ones in the near future.

So drag it out as long as you like

Vandal