This is the place for open discussion, taunting, and general brick-throwing.

The GM smells like cheese!

How's that?  xP

In reply to Sylvek (msg # 2):

well pfffttt! You're a doodoo head~!

I have come to decapitate this sham of a civilization and create one that history will never forget!

*Sword Slices through the air*

PLOP

One noble is dead. Only a few hundred more to go.

I should probably change this name at some point.  It's the same one I had for Round Two.  xD

The Arbiter makes his presence known as the ethereal forms gradually take shape from the inky blackness, "Spur yourself to action whilst you can.  Be strong and haughty while you may; but, I tell you true: all will not be easy for you in this land."

Oh, such a friendly attitude.
Besides, history forgets everything - you really think the stories from more than two generations back are true?
Nah, they're just stories, tales that makes the old people feel good about themselves and 'their' nation.
History's a poor goal, all together.

Never mind two generations. Do you think tales of the one prior to this will be told?

For at least a few months more, yes, I do.
And I've no intention of discarding the lessons to be learned from others' mistakes either.
I think you meant to imply this generation will be so exceptional that it will overshadow the previous ones, but the thing there is that the most important tales are not of success - they are fun, but teach little - but rather of failure.
Only if we fail so miserably that we become the but of everyone's joke, will the past be forgotten.
If we succeed, they will still say 'See how they prospered, where others have failed', which means they will remember the past by how they were lesser than us.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Fri 07 Aug 2015.

In reply to Ronja Lovisdottir (msg # 9):

I see that you too are a product of this hedonistic culture.

And I see that you are a typical elf, if a bit violent.
Besides, what's wrong with a little Hedonism now and then? *grin* It's fun, being a bit hedonistic at times.

Hello everyone, I just joined the game. Its a pleasure to be playing with you all and thank ou for having me.

My ruthless slaughter of your people and the ruination of all they have built and hold dear will be done in the most efficient and painless way possible as a token of my gratitude. You are of course most welcome.

So, I'm assuming that's everyone from the previous game now then.  xD

All the consistent players from Iterations 2 and 3.

Over the next five days I will be finishing the wiki.

Please feel-free to point out any stupid you find.

I know - lots of blanks still.  They will get filled.

Also - ask questions on anything that remains unclear.

I expect we will TENTATIVELY get started in roughly 10 days.

It does seem like it to me, I guess I probably should have mixed my character and her race up a little bit more before applying to the game but the boss said it was okay. Although thats no excuse, my apologies everyone.

Perfectly fine, Alexandra.

GM, I should probably let you know that I found a bunch of typos in the wiki then.  xP

I am sure you did.  Feel free to fix them or make fun of me and post them all  =)

Oh, I can actually edit stuff?  I didn't realize you had given me permission to do those things!

I'm pretty sure all of the people here have that permission

Okay... so some bad news - I somehow flash-fried the power supply on my desktop - and well before I had any chance to do my latest backups - so, it's going to be about two days before I get a new one (power supply) to get that beast up and running again.  This may delay things for me for a minute.  I'll still be checking/updating via laptop - but, I won't be nearly as quick without my dual monitor goodness.

Pssh.  I haven't had my dual monitor for months and have been keeping up with you.  Less excuses, more progress!  :P

Nah, I understand how crappy that can be.  I've burned out my fair share of computers before.

The other downside being all of my convenient setups (such as FTP access) were all on that computer.  I dislike working from macs.  It's obnoxious.

But, I'll figure it out.  Just need to setup stuff over on here that I haven't done in a while.

That's exactly what I did when I had to set up my laptop to come out to this third world country eight months ago.  You'll learn to make do.

No worries boss, I'm just glad that this game is back and running again. I don't mind a few more delays now that everything is alive and functioning again.

It's been barely a week since we finished the last round, Alexandra.  Unless you weren't in it with us?

No - she was not - she was in iteration 2.

Ah, that makes sense.

How are you doing, GM?  Computer exploding problems relatively mitigated?

Just steadily working on each page of the Wiki.  Hopefully most of it is shaping up to be readable.

Just let me know which ones you want me to read over to fix for any editing errors.  I don't want to interfere with your work and look at the wrong ones before you finish.

I am tentatively 'done' from the Creating your Usurpation down to Spells.

Cool.  I'll  look them over and double check for clarity then.

Thank you.

Hey folks - feel free; for those with the inclination/time - as you are reviewing the rules: if you see any term used that seems nebulous/confusing/not well-worded - please make a list and post them here: they will end-up in the 'Terminology' page with a definition.

Woot! New and bigger power supply installed with a nice, clean fan to boot - back in business.

Tonight I should be able to finish up about 75% of the wiki and hopefully by Friday the wiki will be complete.  Then, we can play Q-n-A until we're ready to play.

Cool. Let me know as you finish sections and I'll read them and fix things.

I'm down to combat.

Going to be a bit before I make a sample turn.

Okay - all ready.

Folks - over the next few days, I will be inviting new players to join - please take a read over the Rules in the Wiki and let me know what questions you have, or where you think I may have left-out information.

I suppose you might want to put the part about Cohorts being a thing in a more visible spot.
Right now, the only info about leadership outside of the wiki is the bit about making your Chief - the cohort is first mentioned a few 'chapters' down in the wiki, and it's even a slightly redundant chapter (assuming they've read every off-wiki post) since it's just more detailed and complete info on creating the usurpation.
(EDIT: And might want to add the 1 Unit to the list of what you start with in the RTJ. You mention late-comers getting the 'usual [...] one unit', but I don't see it in the info for 'non-late-comers')

Not sure how hard it'd be to actually stumble across; I already knew the info, just vaguely felt I'd not happened upon any info on it, so went to check.

I think it's fine as is, but possibly consider whether mentioning stone versus wood (in terms of what it is used for) in the 'Lair' page, rather than just the more 'specific' Renovation/Construction pages - probably, again, fine as is, though.
It'd be mostly for the convenience of not having to load extra pages to get a reminder if they struggle too - but they probably won't, since I don't see any mention of vaguer terms like 'construction materials' or whatever.

And you seem to be a step (or several) ahead of me, as actions now have a clearly-defined set off tools that are useful for them, and even clear bonuses (I think the +4 was established last time, but I don't recall ever reading about the +3 secondary)
Might even make it worth switching tools around, rather than just guessing at the most useful one and not bothering changing for a small chance of a small bonus (but also a slightly-smaller chance of losing the same bonus instead, since whatever you switched out might have been more suitable)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Fri 14 Aug 2015.

Added:

Mentions of Cohort in RtJ thread, Introduction, and broadened the explanation in the Leader Bonuses page.

Added "1 Unit" to starter kit info.

Fixed start kit info to be more readable.

Added slightly generic description in Lair page: "With time, you still stock up-on Lumber for Constructing new Rooms (and making certain items), Stone for Renovating those Rooms (and for certain items), and Iron key weapons and armor."

Thanks much!

'Iron for'?

In reply to Ronja Lovisdottir (msg # 40):

*waves hand* You saw nothing.

In that case, once the game's ready to start, do please let me (and probably everyone else) know what the 'planned schedule' is.
It changed twice last time, after all, so I don't know for certain if you're back to thinking you can handle twice a week, if we're sticking with once a week, or if the 'whenever everyone's updated' schedule's being continued.

For me - the twice a week schedule is fine, especially in the early game.  Once we have our 'cast' of players - we can put that to a vote again and seen if people are willing to keep it up.

Later in the game, I might need it to drop-down to once a week, as the complexity increases.

I suppose I can handle twice a week again, but my vote's going to start at once a week - and probably isn't going to change.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:11, Fri 14 Aug 2015.

Sounds good. I'm fine either way - for me - it just gets harder as the game progresses.  More actions = more checks, etc.

As I've said to RedFox - once I learn more about programming, I will be able to put more of this into a clean generator; but, for now - JS and Excel are my friends.

I'm probably with Ronja on this one.  When medical school goes into full swing, it would suck to miss out on turns like that what happened last round.

Hey folks - I think we'll begin play next Friday.

This will allow us time to add new players if any decide to join - it will also allow anyone who does so join a chance to read and get caught-up on the rules.

Feel-free in the mean time to tinker with your Lair threads and build various 'starter' setups for yourself.  Nothing will be set-in-stone until Friday morning.

---

For this iteration; we will leave-out the Council Voting system until I have a chance to rework it.  It's going to receive some re-balancing in favor of simplicity and lowering the overall changes it makes to the game world.

---

However, as it has been brought up - I'd like to ask for everyone's opinion on schedule.  Looks like we've got a couple of votes for once-per-week turns.

This means:

I post 'new turn' indicator (week, month, year), you post orders, I post results, you post changes/upkeep.

This means ~2 'posts' per week from everyone, possibly three depending upon any complicated turns/decisions.

So - scheduling: How does Sundays sound?  Beginning on Friday, I will post-up the new turn indicator, and if everyone can have their first post in by Sunday, I will have responses done by the middle of the week, and everyone can post their changes accordingly before Sunday.  Does that work?

[ Cycle ]

• Sunday: Receive new turn indicator
• Players Post as soon as possible.
• Monday-Wednesday: Narrator posts results
• Thursday-Saturday: players post any decisions/changes they make (such as purchases at a CP.)
• Sunday: Receive new turn indicator.

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Sat 22 Aug 2015.

That works for me.

In reply to The System (msg # 47):

That sounds good to me. I am going to be exceptionally busy for the next 2 months as I am teaching 2 (new to me) subjects in High School. Previously I have been teaching 7th graders. Now I have to actually do 'work' to check the students 'work'.

Also - for those who have not yet selected a portrait - please do.

Yes, I'm going to be a pain about it this time.

added:

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/basicstrategy

A quick overview of things to consider at the beginning of the game.

Little side note to clarify something - as in previous iterations - you cannot recruit new Units during this 'pre-game' phase.  Only purchase items/set-aside gold for future recruitment. (This has been added to the 'creating your Usurpation' page.)

Scheduling works for me

Sounds like majority are in agreement.  If you have not yet spoken in here - please feel free to hurl taunts.


Ranged Combat has received its own post to explain how speed affects # of rounds of ranged combat.

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/ranged_combat

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries! *cough*

Couldn't resist...  That being said everything sounds good.

as we can not buy a second unit to start will we have the opportunity to do so during this pre-phase or will we have to wait until month 2?

You can recruit new units as soon as the game actually starts just not in the pre phase

So, basically, 'neither' :P

*chuckle.

You ca. Conduct diplomacy with a nearby CP during week 1 and recruit that way.. I guess that is the first opportunity.

Provided that you don't fail diplomacy.  Or can you not fail in the first month that way, too?  I suppose that works.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 59):

You can't fail at diplomacy during the first month

Well, that answers that question then!

Argh, I want to start already.  I'm jonesing for this game SO HARD right now...

But nooooo.  We have to wait for more people.  Yeesh.  And the GM has to fix quests and junk.  GAH.  xD

Oh, right, we're doing 'no fails' stuff this time too?
Since you said you'll be more open, what are the exact special 'easy start' rules, then?
Don't want to do like last time, and refuse to chance failures only to be later told I couldn't fail anyway.

I believe you can only not fail the first month.  I'm not sure what you mean by "easy start" rules.  That's the only thing I know of offhand that you could mean.

Its in the wiki somewhere. I remember reading it last night.  We can't completely fail except in combat (where units can still die like normal).  If I remember correctly if we fail it counts as a partial success.

And partial successes are still good since they give you a +10 if you attempt that same action again.

That's partial failures.
Partial successes are 'You succeed, but only technically'
Minimal harvests, crappy nodes, etcetera.

Oh, pfft.  That's what I get for responding from my phone while drinking.  You'd think that even then I could remember that much about a system I've been helping with for the past few years.  I mixed them up.

Yes, you're correct.

During the first month - if you get a fail - it becomes a partial success.  It's like a success - but, less result.


http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/BasicStrategy
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:38, Sun 16 Aug 2015.

Fixed an error on Scout/Artisan - it had claimed to be Unit only.  This was not supposed to be the case.

Added explanation of IN : http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Intelligence%20Network
Inside of the Spymaster's Suite Page.

Hey folks - we're getting started on Friday.  If you know anyone else who would be interested - we'd love to have them.  For those who haven't done so yet - start choosing your leader's races, bonuses, and starting Unit (be sure to name them!) and your Lair's (need an equally epic name).

Also - use your journal threads to record your initial purchases.

Hey folks - some of you still haven't setup your stat sheets - let me know if something is wrong, if you can't see it - or if you need any other help.

Did you change the map since the map was first posted?
I can't find anything that looks like where I planned to start - I don't remember the location exactly, but I remember certain traits, and I can't get anywhere to fit it.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Wed 19 Aug 2015.

The only addition from when I first setup the maps was the addition of landmarks.  Those did not change any terrain or anything else.

My bad then.
Like I said, I didn't actually look that closely.

Missing something about diplomacy or such?

wow - that sentence was gibberish.  Let me check on that.

Duration: DMP lasts for twice as many rounds as the total DMP value, and the duration restarts if the Unit receives another instance of DMP.  You can reduce the amount of DMP by completing quests for NPCs, the benefactors of whom share a race with the Unit in Question. (Your Troops tend to appreciate it when they feel that their efforts mean something to the world around them and affects positive change.)

(edit: the following)

Also added: The Boost Morale Action can be used to reduce instances of DMP.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:26, Wed 19 Aug 2015.

We've only got a couple hours left until the deadline has been made, people!  I hope you've got all your purchases and setup settled!

Okay folks - the World Event is updated (you will not likely see it turn red, but, I will do a bump on it so everyone knows anyway).

Also - everyone should have their first-turn indicator in their game thread now.

If you're writing narratives remember: it doesn't need to be long, just provide a solid RP of what you're doing - and remember- intent counts.  If I can read the intent in the narrative itself; it may just help.


(And just a reminder - this week's turn - I'd like to see it turned in by Sunday if possible, that way we can get onto a weekly schedule as smoothly as possible. If not - no worries, but, please try to get it as close as you can - after this Sunday, everything will be on a weekly basis again.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:40, Fri 21 Aug 2015.

Oh - and if you all need a quick-n-easy turn format

Just use 'quote' and copy-paste out the turn format here - add new lines as needed.

In reply to The System (msg # 80):

Honestly, the first 4 weeks, I could probably post a turn every day :-)

EDIT: Sorry
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Fri 21 Aug 2015.

I don't understand what you're saying, Sylvia. ^^;

The Victory Point system has now been updated (and will receive definitions over the course of the next few days.)

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/victory
(Edit: Note that the RED text for the VPs are clickable links.)

As we learned from the previous game: there was an imbalance in victory point values that led to the appearance that only Combat-oriented Usurpations could take the lead.

(more explanation on the following will also be added)

What is the importance of victory points?

1) If you have 51% of the total VPs at any given time after the first year has passed -y ou win.

2) Victory Points create the 'scale' of the NPC's reaction to your presence.  What does this mean?  In short - once the AVERAGE of VPs of the Usurpers reaches X threshold - the Monsters/NPCs/Encounters you find will become more dangerous (instead of a Single Unit of bandits, you'll begin to run into 2 or 3 + Leaders, etc.)

3) Victory Points create the threshold for when the Legendary Foes begin to appear.  Once the AVERAGE of VPs achieves a certain point - Legendary Foes will begin to populate and begin to wreak havoc on the land.

4) VPs will be published at 3-month intervals.  A small bonus will be awarded to whomever is in the lead in each category.  This bonus will be lost if the position is lost.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:59, Fri 21 Aug 2015.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 82):

I believe Sylvia is suggesting that she already has her first four turns planned.

Ah.  It's usually that way for the first four weeks.  After that, though, every action can change a plan easily.  All bets are off.

I've got nothing planned <.<

Don't worry. I was that way the first couple times I played. It's not a bad way to play.

Well, obviously :P
I did decently last time, and this time a lot of my 'incorrect assumptions' have been shown to me, so I should be playing the same game as the rest of you - unlike last time, where I was playing a harder variant of the rules, and doing it poorly on top of that.

No worries. I've been helping to create and update this game for the better part of the last four years and even I was playing a harder variant of the game. I sat with the GM for a good amount of time before the last game ended to fix up a wiki, so hopefully we should all be on the same page.

Four years?  No, no.  More like 2, maybe a tad more.  The first game took place in 2013!

Yep. It feels twice as long though!  ;p

No idea if that's a good thing or not? =)

It's bee quite a slog, but I still love this game. ;p

Do we know the rough race-populations of the various on-map CPs?
I suspect Human is a common one, but there's a big difference between, say, a 20% dwarf-population somewhere, and a 5% one.

All of the on-map CPs are a thorough mix of the standard races - with NO presence of the non-standards.

It is quite unlikely, as in practically impossible, for someone to win with a Victory by Domination unless more than one Usurper dies in the same week.
The moment there's only two left, the only way for neither to win by Accrual, is for both score-percentages to be within 49.1%->50.9% - otherwise, one of them wins.
It might need a special rule that says you also need to be XXX% of the next-highest in score (a higher margin makes it harder to win by Accrual, but also harder to 'intercept' a victory by Domination)

Otherwise, you might as well toss out Domination - for one, you still win by score if you do kill a bunch in one week (you have 100% of the total score), for another, like I said, you cannot normally win by Domination because Actual happens first.

I think we discussed that at the end of the last round, but it seems it wasn't changed.

Ronja actually has a pretty solid point there.  The math is sound.

If the game gets down to two players - victory by Accrual won't be an option.  Not explicitly stated - but, yes - as you pointed-out: it would be rather stupid.  Accrual assumes at least 4 players.

Might be good to write a note on that victory condition then.  ^^;

4 players is fine.
I had initially written, but apparently deleted and not re-written, that it'd still be... Wait, no, I had my problem backwards @_@
'assuming' 3 would probably work fine, actually - I was working based on 'can't Accrue at 3 players, can accrue at 2', which lead to silly situations, but it's also the inverse of what I should have worked with.

4 works even better, even if it can make it less 'ideal' to go for an Accrual goal - last time, we had 4 players remaining when people got close to victories, and I think it's mostly coincidence that we had that number; We could have had 5 or 3 just as easily.

Update written - accrual can still be achieved with 3 players - but, it won't be likely.  If there are three players remaining - two can always gang-up - which is about to lead to me creating another page for a particular topic that came-up last game and was met with a lot of really bad assumptions.

hold.

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/playertrading

Yeah, I remember that being pretty crazy last game.  Though, I see the potential play style of being a freaking resource baron for the rest of the players now being a viable option.  If I have a 4:1 or even 5:1 ratio for buying a resource but not selling it, why would I not just sell it to other players for a better profit margin?  That would be hilarious.  It would also probably save actions instead of having to hunt down a CP that might have the the trade you want and then use diplomacy enough times to get that favorable trade negotiation.

Interesting.

Certainly a possibility - if someone plays like George did last game - you might end-up with some seriously powerful purchasing/selling/trading capability.  Could be interesting.

Heck, if anyone plays like 'Diederik' did, they'd have the gold to pay for the seriously-powerful items (or at least a few really good ones) and the need to get some to stay in the game.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Sat 22 Aug 2015.

Or, if someone plays like Dvorkin did, they could just up and sell high quality items to other players for hella high prices.  There's nowhere else to buy them or get them from, after all.

All true.

This is odd.  I didn't used to get new post indicators when I couldn't see the posts in the last game.  Now, I'm suddenly getting new post indicators every time even though I'm not privy to whatever said post says.  It's getting a bit annoying.

I guess ask site-related people for help?
I was of the impression they changed it a while back - I used to have the game get marked red for 'new game' all the time, no matter who I could or could not see, but I haven't for a while.

Same here.  Though, they did just launch a new update today which could have broken something.  Hmm.

Broken my ability to go to Adult games, at least - hopefully it's processed quickly.
It's not even like the game is Adult, it's just marked as such because all the players are Adults and the GM wanted maximal creative freedom and/or to cover their ass if anyone pushes the limits of sub-Adult permissions.

Have you done the manual submission? (go to User Preferences) you will see it on the left side.  Fill-out form and hit submit.  Takes them less than 30 seconds.

No, but apparently the system (not you, other system) is smart enough that I likely got the 'manual submission' page when I tried to access the game - I got something, which I filled out after refreshing my memory of rPol guidelines (doesn't seem to be any major additions), and now I'm accepted overall.
I guess it's either manual or more 'manned' than I'm used to - usually, if it requires human interaction, I expect at least half an hour for anything to get done.
Heck, 30 seconds is less than it can take to even just receive a mail.

EDIT: And apparently it's even advanced enough that they sent me the electronic equivalent of a self-destructing letter to inform me that I was accepted :P
Not sure why they needed to make it self-destructing, I could easily have deleted it myself if I didn't want it in my inbox, but hey, it's an established way to show how 'advanced' a spy-corp is :P
This message was last edited by the player at 19:57, Sat 22 Aug 2015.

That happened to me rather early this morning.  I'm surprised it only got to you now.

Haven't touched any game but this since Friday evening - over-slept (over-estimated my hard-of-hearing self's ability to hear the quieter of the two alarms I have (one's loud but old-fashioned, the other one's quiet but has a convenient snooze button. I should be using just the loud one, but it's oh-so-tempting to be able to hit 'ten more minutes' on the weekend)) and was then busy with RL stuff.

Ah. Makes sense. Wish I could be so lucky. Even early in the morning on Saturday I'm sitting in a library with a book of different medications open studying. I'm still in it. T_T

So, which one of you motherless whelps is holding up the turn?

Not me!

Its probably my fault, I just got my post up. My apologies for the delay.

Have to admire a being who will own up to their faults. We shall have to see if Alexandra can overcome them!

The Arbiter sits patiently at his desk, reading the missives and scrolls that come-in from the various frontiers.  Finally, setting alight a few powders and inks, he activates his orb; a device which lets him communicate to you all...

"I see you're settling in... don't get too comfortable.  If you're to have a chance at reshaping this land, you must do more than work hard; you will sweat and bleed for your right to rule.  Do not waste this precious time before the nobles of the land learn of your presence."

...*Staaare* o_o

...How long's it been a 'Dicussion Zone?'
*Checks* Ah, since the start, you say? Alright then >.<
System-guy, might wanna an S to the first post, since I think subjects default to a 'Re:' to the first one.

I think I missed something.

Re: Discussion Zone (New)

vs

Re: Dicussion Zone (old)

ahhh - the spelling error.  Thanks!  Yeah I had corrected the first post - but WAY late.

The changes so far are interesting and engaging. My compliments to The System.

Thank you kindly!  Trying hard.  Definitely going to take us all a bit to get into the swing of the new ruleset though - even I have to double-check myself repeatedly.

Oh where oh where are the other players, oh where oh where could they be?

I so hoped we could get the first 4 weeks done in a RL week and then when things start really getting going we could slow down.

Same here. Though, I don't think everyone's schedules are conducive to it.

In my case it's more that I do the same amount of work no matter what's actually happening.
As in, even if I knew the next six months of actions ahead of time, I'd still need to spend the same amount of time writing the 'fluff' for their actions.
It's the main part of the work, really - so, things are 'going enough' for me already.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Fri 28 Aug 2015.

I tend to only do fluff when there is a point to it. I guess that is once an extra or CP is found, then there is a point.

Afraid I'm enjoying the unhurried pace :)

I know the GM himself is hoping we eventually do go a bit faster at some point in the future. Otherwise, the game will not finish for over two to two and a half real life years. ;p

Yeah, I've gotta admit I'm enjoying it as well. It gives me time to think up some very cool lore posts to put up along with my turn.

The slower pace for the moment is helpful.  It's allowing people to get schedules accommodated to allow them to play and get in their turns.  It's also allowing me time to double-check my responses and actually get the new system/rules/formats right and in place.

But, certainly: once the game is well underway, a slightly faster pace would be nice.

That being said: for the first two to three months of game time, I'm not stressing about the schedules and people's posting times at all.  The only time that really matters is week 4 - we can't be late on that, as that would require a delay to the weekly news updates; and I can't put those out until everyone is completely done with their week 4.

Some things I am noticing and want to ask:

1) Does everyone know how to pull tables/other data out of a post? If not-> press "quote" and you will be able to copy/paste out tables and other information that you may want to use for your units.

2) If you need me to put something into your Stat-Tracker Thread (such as Unit Stat Sheets), please let me know.  I have no way to tell if you just forgot to do it yourself, or if you are unable to do it.

3) Whenever your Unit(s)/Leader(s)/Extra(s) gain a skill - add it to their skills area.  You can create more lines as needed.  Example: 1 gained in Bard would look like: Bard[1].

If you're above skill rank three, obviously it takes more xp to level, so if you had Bard[3] then gained another XP, you would write: Bard[3]^1.  Once you gain that second XP in Bard, it would become -> Bard[4].

4) If something is not clear-enough - please ask.  Most of the time I am linking where it is mentioned in the rules wiki, but, if it is still not clear: ask.

I prefer Bard[3]* to denote XP for cleanliness purposes, but you already knew how anal I am about that.  xP

There's a problem with RPOL though - multiple instances of * will not always appear correctly.  Yes, I agree though - I *would* prefer it that way.  But, it doesn't work 100% of the time.

Really?  I've never had a problem with it.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 138):

You may have forgotten or not noticed from the previous game - but, there were times when/if I used multiple asterixes in a row (especially on the skill chart) that they would be truncated to a single.  This caused lots of weird stuff.

An error on foodstuffs math was fixed in the trading section.

For those who have not done turn 2- please, when you can do so.  Turn 3 is up for everyone else.

Here we go again.....(Megadeath)

[Insert random cadence here]

*Twiddles Thumbs waiting for other players to get up to speed*

I was done Sunday morning.  You're behind, Sylvia.  xP

I waited 24 hours to actually post anything to give the other 4 or so players time to get things all finished. I know that my Elvin brother can outrun the wind ;-)

I do what I can.  ^_~

Sometimes I'm glad for the slower pace.  It makes studying for medical exams a bit easier on me.

I hear that. Its lesson plans for me, but it is the first month and the 'hard part' should have been deciding what to purchase with the 100 gold. Then just run with that you get with your limited actions. Its not like we have a dozen units to make decisions for across three lairs, yet.

I don't think I've ever had more than one lair in any of the iterations I've played.  That one lair, though.  Yeesh.  xD

Yeah - multiple Lairs... wow - that ended up being amazingly complicated with Bugrem and George in the last game living practically on top of one another.  Keeping a straight-face on my end of the screen watching some actions go back and forth and envisioning the two Usurpers 'just missing' each other as they tried to cross main roads with their Armies.  LOLs.  So many LOLs.

That's going to be even funnier this iteration with more players and a significantly smaller map.

I think that is why The System did it.

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 152):

=D
Yep!

Juggling twelve units across three lairs was complicated!

Iiiiiiiitssssss SUNDAY!

Time for USURRRRRRRRRPpppeeeeeerrrrR!

Screw football. ;-)

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 155):

Cheers!

Has football started again?  I don't pay attention =).

Well, that studying was a bit of a slog.

Just let me know when you're updating. My exam is tomorrow, but I'm just destressing now.

In about six to seven hours I hope.

In reply to The System (msg # 158):

I guess we are waiting for updates till everybody has their month of turns in....then the System can post the Monthly stuff.

Hey folks - this is week 4 - this is the week where things cannot wait.  If you have not resolved replies from week 3, please do so as soon as possible so you can make your week 4 turn.  Once saturday hits - if you're not done - you will cycle: this means I will pay your upkeep for you and you miss your turn.

For those of you who have completed Turn 4 - make sure to include upkeep in your response post!  Then track upkeep on your Stat-Tracker thread accordingly.

Roger that boss, sorry I forgot to do that. I'll fix it now.

Meanwhile, on a reality far far away, they wait what seems like an eternity for the month to be over.

Seriously, right?

Hey folks - new turns are just about-up.  For those who may have built a spymaster's suite, please hold while I work-out that information for you.  It will be in your 'Turn' notification.

The second month is upon us... no more safety nets for anyone.  This means you can now fail at whatever action you take; so, be warned.  It is time to begin determining what path(s) you want to take to achieve victory and where you want to focus to get there.

For those of you trying to figure out which actions to take, I will provide a small list of 'generalized tips' to help:

[*] Explore (the action) is usually expensive.  If you want to go Exploring, make sure you have gold.  Lots of it.
[*] Harvesting is a great way to get resources - but, if you don't get at least a success; it will feel like a waste.  Send multiple units to the same Harvest action if you can.
[*] Trading with CPs is great, but early game it may not be easy if you don't have spare gold or resources.  As the game progresses, it is much easier to improve the trade status.
[*] Many fights are winnable, but, many are Pyrrhic.
[*] Quests (especially those beyond difficulty 2) are some of the best ways to improve skills and find rewards that would otherwise be unobtainable.  However, quests require you to 'burn' or spend a fair amount of time on them, and thus may be better ignored if it would result in not completing other, more concrete goals.
[*] Building up skills (in whatever area) is often more important than getting a small smattering of goods.  Therefore, getting higher rolls is probably more important than sending your armies out in every direction. (though, if you're downright lucky; the opposite may be true.)

*coughBugremcough*. xP

*whistles innocently*

I... Don't get which part you're referring to?

The last part in parentheses.

Ah, fair enough *shrug*

Anyone who has not yet turned-in their turn for Week 1, Month 2 - please do so as soon as possible.

I don't think you have as yet. Where's my narrative?  xP

=) Waiting.

Folks, in the future - if you must; please simply provide a turn-in for your turns as soon as possible.  Even without a storyline/narrative.  Also, please keep narratives relatively short... one to two easy paragraphs.  My poor brain can only process so much.

=)

Your request has been heard.  And refused.

PREPARE YOURSELF!  xP

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*prepares to type a ten page story*  xP

See I was thinking short and complicated ;)

"Greetings, heroes! I have come to this forsaken land to unite all peoples under one blissful banner. Given that our World Order is New, I will forgive you for not hearing of me sooner. After all, Ignorance is Strength!

Now that you have heard of me, you may lay down your arms and join hands in my industrious people's nation! We will fight back the trolls and ogres that plague the land, for although all creatures are equal, we are more equal than they!

Come, and greet the Brave New World we are building!"

An arrow slices through the air **SHINK** narrowly missing Alaron's head. A smashingly beautiful Elf peers out from behind a tree and winks at Alaron, then scampers off.

Hey folks - while we're waiting for everyone to get their turns-in.. question

Regarding the Rules-Wiki.

How do you people feel about the format/structure?  Where has it gone wrong?  What would you prefer to see?

I have had some suggestions to bundle more of the data onto single pages.  Would this be preferred instead of clicking numerous links?

I honestly love it the way it is.  If there was too much on one page, it would be difficult to parse through.  The rules for the game are kind of...massive, after all.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 182):

Ditto

I don't think the rules are that large - particularly compared with other gametypes - but appear that way because of how they are distributed.

If anything is complicated "until you get the hang of it," it's because the information is difficult to deliver, not confusing. By using more tables/bullets and less paragraph / enumerated steps, information can be displayed in more dense but easily digestible portions.

The table on the Skills page is an excellent example, which could be further improved by combining the first two columns and moving the leader-only skills to just below the unit-only skills. I can provide an example if needed.

The wiki makes it look like there are TONS of rules because the format forces you to restate things in several places. Especially considering how the rules are grouped, it really isn't very complicated, which is part of the beauty of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

Unfortunately, due to the way the 'links' work on this wiki, the first two columns cannot be combined.  Any time a 'pipe' is used '|' - it creates a new table block.

And, easy tables translate better than normal HTML.

In reply to The System (msg # 185):

Just delete column 2, and you've done it. Then put the unit/leader specific markers after the hyperlinked name of the skill.

That's the point - you can't delete one without deleting the other.

When you create a link in the wiki you use a pipe

[[ Word

|

Word ]]

This causes both the link AND the normal typeface to appear side by side when presented in a table.

In reply to The System (msg # 187):

I modified just the forager skill by deleting the second instance of the word forager. I was able to follow the link, and it moved the contents of column 3 to column 2.

I then changed the names of the columns to demonstrate how to modify the table without adding a superfluous column. Of course it's rough prototyped so you can change it back easily if you prefer, or use that rule to go down the rest of the table.

Now I added a new table with just the Forager Skill that provides another example. The third column could be removed if you prefer - the point is just that the link could serve as the name, and that it will allow you to add the unit/leader specific markers without modifying the hyperlink or name.

**EDIT** I noticed in all the tables that you put a separate instance of the ! for each header - by putting two on the first column, you indicate that everything in that row is a header. It's a minor thing to clean up code.

For instance:

|!! Header 1 | Header 2| Header 3|
With one more | on the next line makes


This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

Interesting... Well done.  Thanks!

In reply to Alaron (msg # 189):

I only don't use the double-exclamation in case I change my mind later.  But, it is cleaner.

In reply to The System (msg # 191):

Sure, that makes sense!

On the Skills page, consider adding "Prereq: Skill[Level]" to advanced skills in the notes.

I like the format in general. Yes, it makes it look large, but that is basically because of the length of the action list. If you want to change it aesthetically then put the 'action' explanation links all in a separate page....although I think that is unnecessary.

Fair enough. I did exactly that for the skills - since it was quite cumbersome.

I think I will leave the actions where they are; as I *believe* they are one of the more reviewed sections.  This way people can CTRL+F them quickly,

Thank you both - but, seriously; if things need to be changed: just let me know.

We'll get there!

I've made *some* updates, adding a sentence here and there, or turning things into tables (thanks to Alaron's annotation about how to remove that ****ed extra column)!


http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/loyalty has been updated to specify when loyalty checks are made.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:15, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

As everyone got in their turns in a timely manner this week, and I was able to complete the turns well-enough; I have updated the turn indicator.  We're still on normal time for the week, but, hopefully this will give everyone a bit more time to get in their next turns.  I know schedules are getting hectic for some.

Hey folks - tomorrow is Sunday - please complete your turn responses as soon as possible.  New turn goes-up tomorrow.

Those who have not posted their turns yet - please do so as soon as possible.  This is not the same as last iteration where I can easily post asynchronously.  All posts must be turned-in together before I can rationally process results.

If you have not posted - you have 1.5 hours from this post to do so, or else your turn will be passed-over.  Please post folks!

As far as I know all of my stuff's ready as is.
But as I've said in my OOC thread, I'm leaving for a con today.
So, in an hour or so, I'll have a lot more trouble getting anything posted until late sunday.
Since I don't have the response to my actions yet, that'll be a problem; I MIGHT be able to do something as simple as updating the stats, but even that requires a bit of luck.

Folks - most of you have not yet posted.  Are we all doing okay?  Do we need to change the schedule in some way?

Very busy week, catching up after my illness last week and dealing with calling parents for the students who are not passing.

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 202):

=(

It's always the teacher's fault! (insert sarcasm here.)

Actually, it is always the primary teachers fault. The primary teacher being the PARENT!

;-)

*wahhh wahhh waahhhhh!!!!! (insert trombone here)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8XTpCwicwE

Too true.

Added:

- http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Casualties
- http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Traits

Information for casualties already existed, however; it was spread-out and unclear.  Hopefully this will make it as clear as possible.

For those who have not yet posted replies to the results - please do so as soon as possible.

Hey folks - we're down two players.  Looks like the current crop is posting fairly speedily.

Hope everyone is doing well and having fun out there.

Lost both to real life issues (one got a job! yay!)

YEAH for the Job.

BOOO for not being able to invest 15 minutes a week into this game!

Can we post for the next week yet?

That's what I'm wondering.  I haven't gotten my prompt yet.  xD

Actually - we're waiting on you (P5) to post your reply to the results. =)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:25, Thu 22 Oct 2015.

Oh, I did that in the OOC Thread. SOrry.

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 212):

pfftttt!!!! =P

So folks - this brings us to a new question.  This group seems fairly solid and fast-posting.  My question to you all is: do we want to try the waters for two turns per week?

We'd obviously need to revise the schedule, but, I want to know if others think it's feasible, and if so - what kind of schedule we should try?

I'm cool with it.  As long as we stick to some kind of solid schedule, I can do it.  My RL schedule is pretty strict, so I can't change it on a weekly basis.  But, if we maintain the same twice a week schedule I can change my schedule to the twice a week schedule and make that my new schedule.  As long as we aren't constantly changing or shifting it on a weekly basis, it shouldn't be a problem.  I just need to know what we're changing it to.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Thu 22 Oct 2015.

That would be good for me as well, at least till things get a good bit more complicated.

While I could do it, my 'vote' (as if it's a democracy :P) goes towards keeping it as is.
I like it the way it is.

My only real objection to keeping things they way they are is that the projected game time for this game is two years.  Which, if we keep going at the same pace, is exactly the same amount of real life time that will be required.  ^^;

It'll still be at least half that time no matter what, and it'll have a greater impact on our spare time.
Mainly, I feel like going more often (and therefore rushing more) would make me screw up more, and few things drain me of my interest in strategy games as much as failing (it's a personal flaw, I acknowledge, but I think it's inherent to my nerdiness, so not much I can do)

Like I said, I can handle doubling it if I have to, but I'd be happier with things sticking to what they are now.
I voted against it last time it was discussed too.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Fri 23 Oct 2015.

I understand.  Though, I'll be dropping from the game once a year passes due to real life conflicts.  So, if we get low enough in player population, the game will likely close like it did in the first and second rounds.

My only piece on this is: the turns are simple right now.  For the next two months of Game Time - it is likely to remain that way.  Player divergence won't really happen until the end of month 4.  So, even just a short-burst of increased pace would get-us through the simpler turns.

Happy to stay or shift the pace of turns

In reply to Alhamandriel d'Souzathii (msg # 222):

Depends on what you call simple. Till we get to 8 units, I am not to worried about it. That should only take like 2 more months, right?

Indeed.

So, here's the plan - let's 'speed-up' the turns to two per week for the next 2 GMs (Game Months) of play.

(until the end of Month 5.)

Hopefully, that will give us enough speed to get into some of the more complicated turns; then we will return to the standard 1:1.

Is everyone willing to tolerate that? (hopefully, for you Ronja - that's a fair compromise between the two.)

Works for me.  If you want, it's even easier to do after December 10th as well since I'll be completely off.  But, I can still do it for the next few weeks.

Just to let you know that I can do it multiple times if we want.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Fri 23 Oct 2015.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 225):

I can do two a week indefinitely.

Sure, sure.

Aye

Guess the votes are in favor of twice a week then!

Alright - Ronja, please post your next turn as soon as possible.  Then we can begin handling twice a week.

We'll use U.S. Sunday as the starting point.  I'll try to have 'new turn' indicators up early Sunday.  Let's try to have turns in by Tuesday, I'll respond by early Wednesday, then we'll cycle again.  That does mean people will have to be fairly 'johnny-on-the-spot' on getting replies Wednesday night/Thursday for us to cycle again.

Got it.  Mind adjusting the turn schedule on the Monthly Update for me then?  I tend to constantly reference that schedule in order to affirm that I'm on the right track for my week.

For future reference, if anyone is considering medical school, your life becomes chained to the hour.  @_@

Right, sorry.
Had the mental checkbox of 'done stuff in Usurper' checked from the discussions, forgot I hadn't done any turns.

Remember folks, this is week four, be sure to account for upkeep.

Hey folks - updates are through - please note that both the monthly update has occurred and a VICTORY POINTS update has occurred (look directly above the month 4.)

You will see your current status - as well as any bonuses you have have earned for being in a top-scoring position.  Bonuses are cumulative.

Also the benefit from the SMS Ren 2 has had a wording update: "You may choose the first result when scouting (Node [type], Enemies, Cache, or CP)," or

This was to align it with what it was meant to do after a term discrepancy was pointed-out ('node' was being used two different ways, which made no sense).  Node will now ONLY refer to "harvestable locations".

I just wanted to let our awesome System know that I check the boards twice a day and the first place my eyes look are on the Usurper game to check if it is red.

Thank you!

You're too kind! I'm having a shit load of fun myself.  Thanks for putting up with the myriad of changes and the ***** grammar/typos =)

Turn updates in approximately 15 minutes.

For those who enjoy tiny details:

Fully (and finally formatted for something humans can read) CP list!
http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/offmcp (see bottom of page) - in excel form.

Figured I'd tell you guys: I've got Scout 10 on a unit now :P

Remember the unit with Scout 10?
It's also level 10.
Man, this place's so dead - though unfortunately I can't think of any good taunts to get you guys talking.
Just kinda observing stuff, like a bad stand-up comic.

Nicely done with the Levelling :)

Of course it won't help you

In reply to Alhamandriel d'Souzathii (msg # 240):

WOW. Level 10 on a single unit. Hope it doesn't get slammed in a combat or all of your military points go down the toilet in a single flush.

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 241):

Hey, it got two people who aren't me to talk, didn't it? :P
Goal's accomplished, even if I'm saddened at the lack of support <.<

Eh. I've got more than that across multiple units, so I don't mind. I've been avoiding maxing out a single unit on skills because it's inefficient. Requires more skill points because of diminishing returns. I've got my leveling engine going, so I can basically get new units to level five at once. Good luck. ^_^

That is interesting!

Hey gang - I know we've covered a LOT of ground in a short time. I need a quick break, because I fell-behind on real life.  I will post again on Wednesday.

Damn.  Was looking forward to posting today.  I might be a tad bit pushed on to Sunday because of the medical practical skills exam I'll have Sunday, but I'll do my best to get a post out then!

Hey folks - we're going to try something a little different in order to reduce clutter.  Moving all of the CPs known to each player into your STTs at the bottom.

For those wondering - CPs will update once you make a return visit.  (In other words - a CP does not grow at the same moment in which you trade with them, as that creates a confusing loop.)

Just a reminder to those who have not yet posted - we are back on schedule and turn indicators are up.

The Arbiter sits down at his large table once more, having shuffled through piles of tomes, tablets, and other sacred writings.  It seemed that the prophecies were coming true; outsiders would waken the land once more and bring both chaos and a new world order.  But, in whose image would it be reshaped?  Each of the newcomers to the land had brought their own capabilities and powers, however; two had already fallen by the wayside.  Could the others keep up with already established powers of the nobles of the land?

Setting his great black orb in the center of the large, round table he spoke dark and ancient words in his smoke and whiskey voice.  Alerted, each Usurper ran to meet the calling - their own missives and stones opening at a visual portal to hear the Arbiter's words.  He was an enigma to be sure, but his aid had been valuable thus far.

"Several houses have now begun to search for you.  Your presence has made itself known, and scouts begin to mobilize against you.  Spies now bribe villagers to whisper ill-words untoward your own goals." Sneering and viewing each, knowing they could neither see nor hear one another he continued, "The land is changing.  The signs of the prophecies grow much stronger and the magic in the land is awakening further.  You must take advantage of this!  Press your strengths, stay your weaknesses, and prepare for the fight of your lives!"

Sitting back, arms resting on the heavy, high-backed throne, "Rest assured, it is a fight for your very lives."

(Check World Events- Month 6 for what all of this means.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:18, Fri 27 Nov 2015.

Was this meant to go in this thread?

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 250):

yeppers!

The first legendary success has been rolled!

Only the need four legendaries that are rolled will yield special results - at which point legendaries will become trivialized and will result in "better than epic" results, but without additional benefit.

Wow, someone got a Legendary?  Congrats!

Hey folks - to those who enjoy the RP parts of things - please look upward a few posts.

I know I have updated the turn early, but, I am not expecting anything to begin until Sunday as normal.

Welcome back everyone!  Hope everyone (to those who celebrate such) enjoyed their Holiday.  I know we'll probably experience some general slow-down during this time.  So, we'll at least try to make it through the 2nd week of December if everyone is okay with that, then I think we can take a brief slow-down and possibly a break for the December holidays.

You mean we're going to break right when I get free time and can actually post consistently.  Blarg. -_-

Retroactive Fix incoming.

Diplomacy:  Trade will affect all items simultaneously, instead of one.  This was never specified in the wiki, but, I'm specifying it now.

Trade: So long as the Usurper writes-out the full-value of their purchase, you can advance multiple stages of Trade in a single week.  You can take advantage of each 'level' of trade as you break it.

A single item sold must be sold at the current/worst value. (In other words, even if an item is 'worth' two increments worth, a single item is sold at the current value; but, may in-fact move you up two increments.)

Thus, if you sold 40 lumber all at once - calculate the gold value for each increment.

Hey folks - I just wanted to say thanks for tolerating all of the bizarre on-the-go changes I've been making as we have played.

No system is ever perfect, and this is far from it.  Unfortunately, without the ability to playtest a dozen or more trials of the game at once; it's difficult to make this "scientific" in the approach to what to change.

No worries.  For as much time as you and I have spent re-building and adjusting the system, I'm used to it.  It's not a problem!

Heck, I think we are still playing testing the system till we only have a few slight changes to the previous rule set. Then, then we will have some real competition for Windrunner ;-)

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 259):

Hey there - I think you're competing pretty close =)

Give him hell will ya? =)

Hey folks -- two on the fly (yeah... sorry) adjustments are being made.  They may be pretty drastic, so apologies before you read the next lines:

1) REMOVING the following text from the Train action: "Unit(s) and your Leaders can only receive training from one Teacher at a time."
If you have multiple teachers - you can teach everyone all at once.
Each teacher/trainer can still only teach one thing that they know per turn, but, you could potentially have several classes going-on (just don't kill your Followers with Power Point.)

--- Training is just too much of a trap.  So, this is alleviating the pain on the action economy.

2) The Throne Room is being fixed.

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/throne_room

Note: if you already had a Throne Room up to Renovation Level 2- you will receive the benefits retroactively. (I will place a note in-game to reflect this.)

(Edit: explanation: The Morale/Loyalty bonus of the TR was just not enough to justify people burning actions into it early in the game.  Also, upkeep becomes too difficult to manage as Usurpations reach 6+ Units.  So, this will partially alleviate that pain.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:36, Sat 05 Dec 2015.

Tweaking is fine, twerking less so

In reply to Alhamandriel d'Souzathii (msg # 262):

ewww!!!! LOL

Ew.  Why.  Just...ew.

Sorry, my son is not sleeping well so I'm running on caffeine and my humour becomes... Weird ;)

In reply to Alhamandriel d'Souzathii (msg # 265):

Ah caffeine - arguably one of man's greatest achievements.

I'm allergic to coffee.  And in medical school.

I feel your pain.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 267):

You're allergic to coffee?  That's... awful... Seriously?

That's like women being allergic to chocolate.

In reply to The System (msg # 268):

Yep.  Seriously.  I've been doing this first year of medical school with nothing.  Not even caffeine because most of it is in soda which has too much sugar.  I've been going full on with just water.  Sometimes I have a little orange juice.  The acidity can get me up a bit.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 269):

Jeepers... I dislike pop - but, sometimes will drink it just to get through some of those awful graveyard times.

But, I have coffee and coca beans; I love my damn Brazilian press.

In reply to The System (msg # 270):

I used to drink Japanese canned milk coffees before I found out I was allergic.  They tasted pretty decent.  I don't care much for hot drinks since my tongue burns easily.  Considering the terrible effects of my allergy and the fact that coffee usually comes hot, I don't miss it much.  xD

The Arbiter hones in and focuses on his seer-orb once more, "I don't think I truly need remind you, however; I may as well if you are to survive this land.  This tournament is here.  Whilst you may not be one for the customs of this region: it is important to garner as much information as you can."  With that surprisingly direct statement, the Arbiter's visage disappears in a cloud of smoke.

Are we in the break period now?
I thought that wasn't for another week or so.

No, we're not supposed to be - but, a player has fallen behind.

Ah, fair enough.
Guess I'm just used to being the last.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Sat 12 Dec 2015.

It was me.  Final medical exam yesterday.  So, was a tad indisposed.  I'm usually super on time, too.  Sorry about that.

I am all good with whatever. I know RL happens.

It seems now is as good a-time as any to get into 1 turn per week mode.  I think we'll resume that course for the time being, as I am quite sure everyone's schedules have achieved a special level of insanity.  For those with time to spare - have fun and be safe out there!

Busy for the week, given exams, but otherwise, nah, Christmas' always a rest-time for me.
Even with a trip to the mountains, most of the time will be spent indoors.

Generally a down time for me as well. I will be doing a good bit of driving here and there and everywhere it would seem, but most of the hotels will have wifi.

I'm finally on vacation and have posting time. Don't slow down on my account!

Just want to see what happens with this turn!


AaaaaarrrrRRGG!

Happy with either pace, boss

To be clear here, I still vote for 1-per-turn, for the same reasons I have in the past.
Just shouldn't be much of a problem with being busy, at least outside of 4-hour increments.

Yes, sustainable is better.

Just really want to see what happens.

Congratulations to all tournament participants.

On what had to have been, hands-down, the most boring fight ever - Sylvia wins the tournament in an epic struggle against Ronja!  Lasting for what seemed like hours - Sylvia's Champions delivered a beating which will be talked-about for months to come.

Boring. BORING!

Come on now, that was the longest fight ever. The entertainment value for the crowds was top notch. As in they got a really long show for a small price.

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 287):

=D oh they got a show.  A merciless and exhausting beat down.  It was just boring to run the dice roller =)

This is indeed the kick in the pants I needed to make myself REALLY want to program the combat sim.

I kinda wish I had more info on how the battle went, so that I could see any flaws in the 'stats' of my unit x3
'Merciless and exhausting beat down' doesn't sound good, but on the other hand they apparently survived long enough to make the dice-rolling boring.

I will attempt to do some writing to give people an impression of how well they did.  I was just F*ing tired after updating all of those turns at once.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:57, Thu 17 Dec 2015.

Hang on, why do you know how long the fight is? <.<
I don't have access to the dice-log anymore this round - it used to be hard to read without any labels or knowing what order they were done in, but at least I COULD see a list of context-free rolls last time - and I've certainly not gotten any kind of 'log' of what happened.
Did you get info I didn't?
Or is this related to knowing the GM outside? I know at least one player implied they were working with them outside the game to help develop the game, but I forget whom and how much.
EDIT: That sounded accusatory... It's not meant to be, it's more 'unless you're psychic, you must know something I don't, and I'm wondering what'
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Thu 17 Dec 2015.

The GM said so?!?

Now I have been offering a lot of suggestions and every once in a while I find something obvious (spelling, etc) that could be updated in the Wiki that I correct.

I also know how my unit is 'set up' and anything it went up against would have had a short fight or a very long fight against it.

Indeed - I did say so in that description.

That last fight literally took me 50 minutes to complete on dice rolls.

GAH!

That is harsh, but then again I have put in 12 hours of computational rolls and updating to process a cycle in Empirium before (Never Again). I finally had to put a limit of exploring 400 sectors per player per cycle on the game! Idiotic I know.....to play with a 60 by 60 grid.

EESSSH!!! That sounds... punishing and masochistic!

Yes, but it was awesome!

One of the races was working on a method of converting every planet in the galaxy to energy and using it to Ascend to a higher plane (another dimension) where they would rebuild the planets in their own image. (Thus destroying all other races and winning). He had already saved up all of the raw materials and had started building the necessary components and defenses. If another race had not won, it would have been almost impossible to stop him.

Another race had previously found an artifact that could stop all travel in the galaxy for a cycle (1 turn). He then set up a plan to attack enough planets to gain a majority of the galaxy (enough to win by conquest) and worked that plan on a razors edge till he had the number of fighting units to do the job. To win, he attacked, won enough space battles over planets, and set off the Space Rotation Bomb cutting off all hyper-drive and Worm-Hole travel in the whole galaxy. This effectively stopped any form of reinforcements while his forces took complete control of those planets the next cycle.

This all happened only a cycle before the other major player was to back stab his own Federation to gobble up a solo win by conquest.

jeeebus that game sounds awesomely complex.

I was clearly thinking way too small minded.  I wanted to do a race of biomass necrophages.  But, clearly I was WAYYYYYY too closed-minded.  Gotta go back to the drawing board

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 296):

Sounds like Twilight Imperium on crack.

I must get ahold of this crack.

Be my supplier.  Like NOW.  xP

I would love to play as well, but there just are not a lot of people with the time to be able to run a game like that sized. The next largest to that was the G5 game which had a LOT of players and 3 GM's. Unfortunately two of the GM's ended up with RL issues and one quit permanently. I doubt the game will ever be resurrected unless I find myself in a different job where I have a lot more time.

Do you know where I can take a look a this system, at least?  I'd like to get a better look at it!

link to another game

Holy crap.  Is that an official system?  Or something someone just made up?

Because damn.

Sylvia - it's mostly you right? (developed)

But, yeah - that game is intense.

Crazy intense.  And very open-ended.

Wish I had the chance to play that.  I love intense strategy games.  Twilight Imperium is a favorite of mine.

The guy who originally started it up was the GM that quit permanently. He, I, and Godzfirefly (who is on a prolonged absence) worked out most of the system, yes. G1-3 had a lot of development in fixing system problems which lead to victories for people who figured out the 'holes' in the system.

G4 I introduced the Grid Sector System where there were actual spacial locations instead of abstract locations. However, to keep people on their toes I also had random 1 way worm holes that could cross the entire galaxy in a single cycle. Problem was....they were 1 way till your race learned a high level technology. There were also Stargates in space that allowed instant travel to any other 'known' stargate location.

After that the Grid Sector System stuck till this last game, where we went from squares to hexagons because Godzfirefly found some kind of program to make the maps. Makes figuring out routes a lot easier and I think this is the smallest galaxy we have used.

The truly awesome part of the game is that your race can come up with ANY technology of which you can imagine. There are rules and precedents. There are also rule breaking things that you can discover, but they usually have some kind of very nasty space monster or situation that you have to defeat in order to acquire them. They also takes cycles of research to activate. The real limitation in the game is that you can only research 1 thing a cycle....unless you have an artifact ;-).

Short version - Sylvia thinks crazy cool - and has a crazy complex game - you would drool to death over, Talonrel =)

Updated the time tables in the World Event threads for our once-turn-per-week post rate.

Hope everyone is having a safe time out there - especially those of you who live in snow! =)

I'm in Utah, and we get randomly bombarded, and then a lot of nothing.  Be safe everyone.

We're on once a week now?  NooooooOOoooooOooooOooooo!

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

Hey!~  It's Star WARS week.  You're suppoda say SSSOOOOOLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I believe that's a spoiler, good sir.  I've already seen it twice, thankfully.  xP

That's not a spoiler!

And twice?  Sheesh.

--------------------

Update:

Significant Clarification (I hope) has been provided for:
http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Capture
http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Interrogate

and their uses within the Prison.  Hopefully this will clear-up and make the Prison more apparently useful.

In reply to The System (msg # 312):

Both on the same day.  It's because the first show was a 21+ show, which allowed alcohol.  Unfortunately, my sister managed to procrastinate long enough that she couldn't get a ticket to that show.  So, my fiance and I ALSO saw a show later that day as well with her.  xD

Alcohol.  That would have made the entire affair far more tolerable.

I was invited because of a company to which I have been contracting copy-editing services.  They 3D printed their own R2D2.  Was kind of neato.  Apparently some of the programmers had put in some wheels and circuit boards and made it move around and make beeps and such with an X-Box controller!  Pretty fun.

In reply to The System (msg # 314):

That's pretty cool.

I actually rather enjoyed the movie.  It was better than the prequels.

I only ever saw the first one - and that was an abomination.

In all fairness, the lightsaber fights in the prequels were pretty damn good.  So, they're worth seeing just for those.

Literally couldn't at the time.  Now, I have glasses for that =)

Phantom Menace was rediculous up to the point where the two jedi battle the sith guy. That was Epic. Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith were both good.

This new one has a lot of good elements, but I think the writer/directors tried to make it just a little to much like A New Hope.

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 319):

To that last - I agree.

I'd argue that's not a bad thing really.  It's better than the alternative that was done with the prequels.  And it gives them a good point to spring from now that they've built their credibility back again.  We'd be less likely to give them leeway for anything with how the last movies went.

In lieu of a much larger (and far more complex change, which will take place after the game has ended) - the Workshop is receiving a much-needed update.

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/workshop

Another update (please don't miss the one above about multi-crafting) [remember you could already do multiple reforges in a turn - the update now allows taking a penalty for MAKING multiple items - once you have the right level of Workshop)]

The question had been asked, "why not HQ Gold?"  Well, now there is:

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/hq_resources

Also - be sure to review the spell descriptions as many of the non-combat skills have received an additional effect if you have HQ Gold.

Final update for the day.  Harvesting Sucks.  It's just not as valuable due to heavy unreliability.

Although this fit VERY WELL with the "rogue-like" theme of horrific RNG, it does not for reliable and fun game-play make in what is *ALSO* supposed to be a Birthright/4X game.

Thus:
http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Harvest

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/resource_nodes

You will see/note that instead of a wide range of dice - dice are being augmented by a standard roll.  This will mean that Units can get along better without leaders when harvesting.  It will also reduce the "range" of results to something a bit more predictable.

Workshop and HQ resources contradict each other: HQ says lvl 4 workshop, workshop says 3 for getting HQ stuff.

In reply to Ronja Lovisdottir (msg # 325):

That's because they were just fixed.  Workshop should be the correct one for this round.  There's going to be a MAJOR overhaul to the system coming for next round, but it would be too unbalancing to have it all come right now.  So, smaller adjustments are being made.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Tue 22 Dec 2015.

I know, I meant 'the GM didn't update all the places mentioning it', to be helpful and such.
There's probably other places too, but I just checked the linked ones.
So far my main problem (with the balance) is not knowing why I fall behind; In Starcraft, I always fail against decent foes, having a playstyle unsuited to it, but I can see where they used superior skill to get more done, defeat my tactics, and where I wasted resources without sufficient 'benefit'
In this game, I'm satisfied with my results in terms of points and general success, but I've no clue what I did better or worse than others.
Only thing I figured out after last time was that others had more units than me, and a few 'mistakes' on my end, but nothing that explained the gap between me and the winner.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Tue 22 Dec 2015.

In reply to Ronja Lovisdottir (msg # 327):

Well, being in the lead also doesn't mean that you're going to win.  It's just a way to get a few small perks to your subsequent turns.  The only real way to win is to fulfill a win condition.  And if Bulgrem hadn't rolled really well on that attack against the Commander, he wouldn't have won.  The alliance probably would have.

Also, the Commander has been taken out of the game as an auto-win condition, I believe.  So, there won't be that kind of zerg opportunity again.  xD

I think the reason I'm in the lead now is because I'm really anal about action economy.  Though, it's kind of weird being in the lead this round after being in last place almost every time last round.

Yeah, Units are very useful. Its building the barracks necessary to house them, mining the gold and gathering the food to pay and feed them that takes up a lot of their actions.

Its balancing things between expansion and upgrading your units and lair(s) that is the key. Economy is massively important and starting the round with Economy in mind is a necessity to 'staying' in the lead IMO.

In reply to Sylvia Starhelm (msg # 329):

Honestly, I don't think I have the most amount of units on the board.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I don't.  I'm staying in the lead simply by virtue of taking advantage of specific actions as they come and not wasting any movements.  Otherwise, I'm pretty sure I would lose the lead.

(Bugrem here): Although I was technically in the lead for most of the last round I shouldn't have won; my points represented a much longer scoring horizon than the campaign turned out. Attacking the Commander was a gambit to try and pip the alliance to the post

Playing a very different strategy here (and suspect it's not a winnable one, though it's providing some interesting insights for me)

I thank you for noting it - it has now been corrected.

To address the question for you Ronja.

A key difference - and a regret from iteration 3: I didn't post how the VPs worked.  The VPs (and the numbers) are available to you this round.  So, you are more able to see where you are getting your points.

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Victory (each of the red links).

What change DRAMATICALLY between the two?  Extras are now worth a shit-load more than they used to be.  Higher quality gear is now worth far more relatively (to iteration 3).

Also - Diplomacy is actually worth VPs.

None of you are necessarily doing anything 'wrong'.  It's just a balance of action economy.  Those who reached 4 Units early - are indeed going to be leading this game.  If anyone is at or reaches 5 Units?  They will have a significant advantage.  Why?  It's more things you can do - or more you can succeed - either one, or both.

What takes up huge gobs of time?  Quests.  However, they rely on the assumption that you have roughly 1 Unit less than the difficulty level at a minimum.  If you don't  - you will find Quests quite time consuming.

Also - special and unique abilities now pay-off far more than they used to.  This means those who complete quests - or get to Fanatical with CPs, will see leaps and bounds of bonuses.

---------------
Finally - the biggest change of all: Explore.

Explore is NOW, the single-most useful action.  I think I accidentally scared people-off when I made mention at the beginning of this iteration that Explore can cost gold.  It's not much.  This month?  Very worth it to do Explore.  Actually, I would go so far as to say - if you don't go for your Explore opportunity this month, you will fall-behind others.

-----------------
The  hopeful change to the Nodes/Harvesting is that now having leaders present will not be a "must" in order to get enough resources to survive.

------------------
Finally, I leave you all with a tip - Witches have spells... this game is like a Birthright RPG.  Kills Witches for Combat Spells.

This ^^^^

I could not have more aptly said it.

Part of the 'rogue-like' feel I had intended for this game, is that the first half was meant to feel and be a major struggle in balancing staying alive vs gaining power.

Having more barracks might be the most essential piece to staying alive.  More Units = More economy.  Once they start getting some skill points?  It takes fewer Units to maintain that economy, and the remainder can do other things.

Okay - I lied, one small update is made to combat XP.

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/experience

(And the example was fixed, it had a typo.)

Essentially - it is slightly easier to gain XP in combat (though, in the future, I really need to figure out a better ocncept for this - it should go a lot faster than regular skills.)

Development Question for everyone (especially those who have seen/used Unique Units).

A) Would you prefer to acquire Uniques as you do now: Based upon the Diplomacy check/Explore check that was involved in acquiring them? (Epic = Tier4, Astounding = Tier3, Significant = Tier2, Success = Tier1)?

Or

B) Would you prefer that any time you acquired a Unique Unit - it *began* at Tier1, but was upgrade-able through leveling or some other mechanic?

1) One idea for this second concept: Uniques can instead go to Level 12 (instead of 10.)  Instead of gaining a stat, they can go up 1 Tier.  This means a "Tier 4" Unique, would have a real level (in stat point terms) of level 9, but, they would have whatever cool power that Unique offers.

2) Another idea: Having them return to visit their respective CPs. ("Loan" for a Week.)  Pay small gold cost. (say 4xTier)

3) Final Idea: Spending time in meditation at the Lair, with a small gold cost (say 4xTier), and then at the end of the week they evolve to the new Tier.

(Third one is "easier" to accomplish than the second-one, since it doesn't require knowing where their home CP is.)

To get an idea of what the difference(s) can be between the "tiers", I'll show an example based on one everyone has seen: The Unrelenting Crossbows:




Puncturing Bolt (Tier 2): If the targeted enemy Unit has Shields and Armor Equipped: They are at -10 Def.


Puncturing Bolt (Tier 3): If the targeted enemy Unit has Shields and/or Armor Equipped: They are at -20 Def.


Puncturing Bolt (Tier 4): If the targeted enemy Unit has a Defensive roll bonus over +25: They are at -25 Def and -10 Damage Reduction.

---

---

What is the direct consequence of changing to the "OR"?  It would mean the "Uniques" become more Unique.  But, you would be far more easily able to predict which Unit(s) you were going to get.

Currently, four of every "type" of Unique exists (each of the stat blocks above has the same name (which gets changed when you find them), one for each tier.

If changed to the alternative: only one of the name would exist at all - but, it would have the potential to upgrade.

Thoughts?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:29, Tue 22 Dec 2015.

On first pass the concept of Uniques beginning at Tier 1 is intriguing, it removes (possibly?) some of the potentially significant unbalance. However it might simply accelerate the gap between players (depending on the Unique ability, much as the Shaman I found in Round 3 was extremely useful).

Tempted to say B but restrict the Tier gains to a mini quest they cannot complete themselves... Well, specifically that is unrelated to their Tier ability hence they require help from the Usurper, perhaps the Usurper specifically

In reply to Alhamandriel d'Souzathii (msg # 337):

The reason I'm against that, former-Bugrem is because actions are literally the most valuable thing in the game. I've gotten as far as I have by avoiding them almost entirely because it costs too many actions to get them. If it requires another unit to go with them on a quest, I'd avoid it in favor of action economy. Uniques are good, but they're not THAT good. And I believe that multi-action guy you had got super nerfed. xD

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 338):

Yeah, that's why I suggested it... taking an Action cost could well be balancing



Definitely super nerfed :)

In reply to Alhamandriel d'Souzathii (msg # 337):

Interesting idea.

I haven't really had much opportunity to think it all through myself, so I am open to any additional ideas as well.

For those wondering the numbers: there are currently 87 distinct Uniques (so x4 once you account for each Tier. [348])  This is a LOT of room for RNG.

-------------------
Regarding Grushkin (The Orc Sage) - he has not been nerfed - just moved to Tier3. (instead of Tier 1)

(Edit: though, I do suppose that is a pretty significant barrier to entry - and thus a "nerf".)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:19, Tue 22 Dec 2015.

Also a funny note there - I'm guessing by now everyone has figured-out who the other is, yes?

Sad that some of our other players did not stay =(

One player in particular has started every game, but, not finished, which is too bad.

I like the idea that if you find a lower tier unique that there is a possibility that it could gain something beyond what a normal unit could. If I may suggest a 4th option:

Upon gaining XP after reaching 10th level, a Unique Unit can gain a tier advancement by gaining 4XP's and having the Usurper sacrifice a gem worth at at least as much gold as 2x the next Tier. (So from 3rd to 4th the gp cost of the gem would be 8gp). This is a specific ritual that only Usurpers and tribal elders might now how to perform.

That's not bad.  Still follows a progression, but, you pay in XP instead of tons of actions.  Instead those actions are spent doing something you wanted to do anyway.

I think that is fair as long as you can also buy gems, at a premium, from towns.

Ah, then there will be a problem.

HQ-Anything can only be acquired by Usurpers - either from Artifacts, Abilities, Extras, or Harvesting from HQ Nodes.  CPs don't carry HQ anything.

Perhaps Gems might be an exception OR you just have to pay 2 times the gold that Gem would be worth in order to rank them up?

Will have to consider some of these possibilities.

----------------------------

There will be a slight rain delay on the game.  Next post will be up Monday.

No worries. It's Christmas, after all.

Hey folks - just waiting on one player to post and then we should be back on schedule.

Also, I have started a new job with real office hours.  Standard 9-5 stuff.  So, while I am excited to have an extra (and far more consistent) income; it will mean that I will not be able to return to the 2-turns per week schedule.  I know that works with some (such as Ronja), so I hope that'll work with everyone else.

We're starting to kick-off into the end-game, everyone seems to be building towards niches and a few legendary successes have occurred.

I think we're doing pretty well and making some strong updates - be prepared for some end-game changes.

Checking in on the office hours and the trailing poster?

The trailing poster posted a few days ago and updated.

Okay - looks like we're back on track now.

Yes - our trailing poster is back in the game and we're looking okay.

Sorry for the delays - lots of small updates have been made behind the scenes and you'll start to witness some of them enter the game soon.

Subtle rule change will be implemented from here forward:

If you attempt diplomacy at an Off Map CP - and your Barracks are already full - you will not receive a Unique Unit Recruitment opportunity unless you specify in your notes that you are looking anyway. (to prevent you from 'accidentally' finding a cool Unique - only to lose it because your barracks are full.)  You can still 'hate draft' if you want by declaring in your notes that you are looking for a recruitment.

----------
This will not affect appearance of Extras.

An update to the handling of Unique Units.

When Unique Units are first discovered they begin at Tier1.

Once Unique Units reach level 10, they can upgrade - up to Tier4, through some hard work and a simple ritual.  Once you gain 3XP (beyond level 10), the Unit may spend a week meditating in the lair.  In addition to this cost, you must sacrifice an HQ Gem with a value of 2x the new Tier (so going from Tier2 to Tier3 would require an HQ Gem worth at least 6 GP.)  At the end of the week, the Unique Unit will upgrade to the next Tier and gain all the appropriate benefits from the improved ability.

Any Unique Units anyone currently has will stay at their current Tiers (none will be forced back to Tier1 if you found them at a higher Tier.)

(Update is also provided at the bottom of the Unique Unit explanation: http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Unique%20Units)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:50, Sat 23 Jan 2016.

Because HQ Gems will have a use beyond just augmenting spells -and thus there will be considerably greater need for them - we may need to consider having more than one way to acquire them. (currently the only way is to build-up a workshop to ren level 3, which lets face-it - unless you're a playing using an EXCESSIVELY crafting-heavy method - this probably is not ideal.) [Which- incidentally, is also why the renovation system will be completely changed - but, not in this play-through]

Therefore - we'll be adding a number of means of HQ Gem acquisition:

1) Midas Touch will now create HQ Gems instead of just giving you gold.
[Again - one of those spells that was "neat", but until now - really was only useful if you got it early.]

2) The "Neutral, Hallowed Ground" landmark is going to be completely re-written to be useful.  Currently - it's only useful to the Diplomacy character (which it was meant to be)- but, in a VERY roundabout way that did not keep up with current clarifications to the rules. (and was actually outright contradictory).  So - to that end:

This landmark will offer quests - and the rewards (in addition to the standard gold-gain) will Pay-out handsomely in HQ Gems.

3) Some quests will now offer HQ Gems in place of other rewards (lower-end quests).  The DF2 rewards will be replaced entirely, they're stupid.

4) Finally - all merchant-related Exploring encounters will, instead of paying-out in cash, pay out in HQ Gems instead (or at least have the option).  This will make them worthwhile to all - not just the squirrel that stockpiles everything.

A slight update has been made to the Cornucopia spell to bring it in-line with Midas Touch:

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Cornucopia

It will now be "per lair" in which you have leaders/extras/Units.

Little advice - for those of you who have not yet done Exploration - take advantage of this month's bonus - as it will change next month.  The current bonus is *VERY* worthwhile to acquiring skills/spells.

Due to the changes in how Unique Units are acquired, the Force Commander Legendary Foe has been updated:
http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/legendary_monsters

Quest rewards will now accurately reflect some of the latest changes to the game:
http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/quests

The spell Armament actually has a full description now:

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/Armament

The Victory by Diplomacy condition has been modified to be more feasible based on some number crunching.

http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=50711/victory

Remember - this week is an upkeep week - so apply/pay the piper accordingly!

In reply to The System (msg # 362):

I say we all kill the upkeep tax man.  We'll ALL be rich then!  xD

Nah, I'm fine with keeping him around to slow the rest of you down.
Heck, I might have preferred the upkeep was significantly higher, given it'd hurt my playstyle less than certain others'.

Meh.  Hasn't been more than a speedbump to me for a while.  xD

A clarifying note on the world event updates:

Regarding the second item (increased monsters in the world)

This effect overwrites abilities that would normally let you select/choose your Second Node result.  Only Artifacts are unaffected.

"Hostile Encounter" ... really needs a new term - and, I'll be deciding between a few here soon...

But, there are two concepts here:

1) Hostile Encounter != (does not equal) forced fight.

2) running afoul of a hostile force = forced fight. (meaning whoever is present will have to fight immediately.)

Both of these will see revised terms that will be added to the terminology glossary later.

Try Ambush for a forced fight. It makes more sense.

In reply to Talonrel Windrunner (msg # 367):

*facepalm.

Sometimes the simplest of words elude me.

That's what I'm here for, my friend.  xD