There is a test map in the thread marked Test.

I can see the map.

I see 5 units total: 3 normal "armies" and three heroes. One is a fairly powerful rogue at that.

The city names need to be posted a slight bit higher than they are in the hexex. The units cover them up, especially the two cities at the top of the cluster of units. The scouts and ranger are being obnoxious. :)

Generally the map looks fabulous, but there are those occlusion issued mentioned together with it being tricky to tell which special resources may (or may not) sit on the settlement hexes (or whether those are simply settlement graphics

Hmmm ..maybe the hexes need to each be individually bigger? Like say twice as big, but with army and resource icons remaining as they are now. That's an idea anyway.

Ooooh trade goods. Gotta catch em all!

I'm already liking the synergy between "exotic furs" and "seals." :P

Seems like I will be helping to guide our third civilization.

I'm eager to see what each of you has come up with, and to seeing how many players factions we might end up with before beginning play.

The map looks great!

I see six units, three armies and three heroes but contrast is poor and I can't read the resources on the map.

Oh and greetings all.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:19, Wed 28 Apr 2021.

Greetings everyone.

Looks like we have an eclectic group of characters and cultures so far. It  should be interesting.

Pleased to be here. Have we any clue where we are all starting? Wondering who my neighbors are.

No clue yet, although I am interested to see our sheets.

Out of curiosity, are the Frost Elves also Nomadic?

Frost elves are horse type nomads, yeah. I am borrowing from native america, sammi, and a few other cultures very very VERY loosely.

Hi all,

I'll be playing the city-state of Bex, builders and traders who prefer the safety and comfort of cities over the wilderness.

Hopefully can forge a great trade network with Moss Rock, as better to make money together, than lose money opposing one another.

I've asked for a particular location because there are few desert Islands on the map.  I don't know whether I'll get that place yet. We'll see.

I imagine we'll be close to Moss Rock.

The gm has been around, developing things. But lately I can't get them to take a moment to talk to me about the game. They seem caught up in their own head and bubble right now. So I don't know where I'll be starting yet as there are forests all over.

However, as for inspiration I've unashamedly drawn inspiration from black clover and it's forest of witches. Although have tweaked it to become my own creation.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:41, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

Our beloved GM posted substantially in the Argentos game today so they'm doing what they need to do.  They'll be with us when they'm ready.

Hey all! Just arrived.

Looking forward to getting started.

I was also originally going to play a bunch of elfy fey forest people, but I didn't want to crowd the field, so instead I settled on possibly-a-little-bit-communist paladins :D

Ah... no doubt you are good.  We hold beauty to be the most sacred of all things, rather than goodness or evil, order or chaos.  (Although a certain degree of both order and chaos is needed because in the end, beauty is stochastic).

Devout urbanite elven types who worship the sun and the moon(s) here.

Glad to see others who see the wisdom of urbanisation!

In view of the propensity to trade among all of us, I have decided to alter my Traders attribute and replace it with Diverse.

I'm surprised you haven't got KNOWLEDGEABLE as a domain, wanting to find scholars, and building a big library.

Welcome Radiant.

I was also assuming you had Knowledge Insula, given your write up. Also no Trade  Specialty here for the Moss Rock.

How many of us took Nature?

No... my library is going to be beautiful and quite possibly worthless... except that Beauty attracts Bards, and Bards bring knowledge.

When we are lost beneath the sand and the sea, myths shall arise, carried by wind and song, suggesting we possessed all sorts of magical and scientific knowledge.

Hah! I like it.

Like if the Library at Alexandria had actually just been a big art gallery.

We are getting there, I plan to have this running next week!

Means all weekend to think about what my first turn might be.

Likely similar to others, with diplomatic actions with all the players, investing in infrastructure, maybe some military.

All depending on heroes, abilities, any nearby NPC factions & monsters, and so on.

As for the library of art, I'm imagining the Louve or Hermitage.

I was thinking both, with the British Museum and the Guggenheim to add to it.  It won't actually BE that big, but I was thinking of it.

Greetings everyone!

The elven/undead nation of Luna Doreith will be chilling in the forests.

In reply to Luna Doreith (msg # 30):

Oh dear!

I'm sure our peoples will get along really well XD

Looking good so far, GM!

In reply to Radiant Order (msg # 31):

Haha, it does seem like our nations would disagree on a very wide array of topics.


The SE Sector map is looking good. Can't wait to start!

Oh, you do not strike me as Summer Elves. Mayhap, Fall Elves? Right now, the Isreitha would have no opinions about elves and undead.

Actually, diplomatically, my race is probably going to be quite isolationist. Though based on the resources I see we are getting, that may not be a viable position for long.

South east map is looking mighty fine, GM

The icons on the unit cards are excellent as well. It looks like a real computer game. Which it is. I mean a professionally-made thing. Better than actual Civ6, I'll bet!

Looking good in the South East. Bex looks powerful.

Yeah,  Bex is identifiable but who are the rest? NPCs?

No, they're all players

Only thought is the settler, when I plan to be one big city.

Build a road to Vern to enable trade, which can then connect to Umkor & Weave. Get some trading posts done and watch the money roll in!

I see Bex as center for us in SE. But no outlying settlements or trade colonies.

I am the nomads in the southern forest.

Happy to talk terms :)

Nomads on the islands too, 69.47.

Yes, I see them. Also me.

And we have fairies in the north. Filorn?

I would be fine with that ;)

I've got ideas for Bex with it's development, and interaction with other nations.

Creating a trade network between cities with roads, but also trading posts.
Hiring out military units I'm not using, to save on creation costs and draining population, especially if I end up being able to make something others don't. That Healer could be awfully usefully to hire, for example...
Acting as a bank and loaning money out, but needing to make sure people don't default on their payments. Think the Iron Bank, from Game of Thrones/ASoIaF.
Establishing diplomatic missions everywhere I can, as they also count as trading posts too!

We will have to visit the people of Bex as soon as we can. I feel sure they have beautiful ideas.

Some of you will notice you are not starting out where you thought you would be.

This is for several reasons.

First, the civilizations will be on the east side at first, leaving the west open to exploration.  This is necessary because everyone will be able to see everything on the map, I cannot do private maps for everyone with what each player "sees" and so if players started everywhere there would be no Unknown

Second, there is a matter of balancing and finding the right "fit".  Thus, the Federated Sons will start up north at the edge of the jungle, where its good country for their elephants.

How many Halflings can ride an elephant at once?

I also don't want to crowd one area too much, so there will be about five players per map sector.  Of course you can move between them and grow beyond them.  And naturally, because that's how Faeries roll, the Faerie kingdom of Annwyn starts out on the border of two, equally a part of SE and E sectors.

Sounds fab, boss

How many players are you aiming for?

Will it be roughly 5 players per sector, or nations, and some of them NOC nations to interact with?

A war elephant is probably limited to a driver on the neck and three archers / pikeman on the back.  While an elephant can carry 9,000 kg or 19,000 lbs the area is small for the platform.  They can lift huge amounts with their trunks and make a nice mobile crane that can travel on soft earth and steep inclines.

Where you start me is fine.

Hi. =P

Oh, had to guess based on what I could read of others. Not everyone's character description is as robust as others.

I definitely wish some of you guys would fill out your descriptions better or even at all.

Filorn is a holdover from an older version of the game. I poke the GM about joining, but then missed their response so I've been a bit slow on the uptake :)

My first idea is either to make a nation of traveling merchants, or an arhturian-esque feudal society that's all about chivalry and knighthood. Would I be stepping on anybody's toes too much then?

I don't think so. The Radiant Order is sort of knight-ish, and there are a couple of other trade-based societies... but what sort of game would it be if we didn't have a bunch of trade empires competing with each other for resources?

If 'The Phantom Menace' taught us anything, it's that all stories are better with trade disputes? ;)

Will mull over things for a *little* while. Will either go with some sort of Nomads or über-stratified feudal society!

Depending where the various traders are located, we might not even be near one another, and surrounding nations, to have any disputes.

Or we become a vast trading network, where anyone who would try to fight us finds their trading options vanish and a previously good source of income gone away..?

I'd say there are several nomads already, and go for the knights.

You've convinced me, Bex! Working on my RTJ and exact configuration of domain/specialties now. It's a real head-scratcher.

The game rules aren't finished yet, so I don't know how appropriate it would be to do so. I don't want to describe some stuff that doesn't make sense because of the game's nature or our illustrious GM's decisions.

For example, I was previously thinking that faeries should be disguised with illusions and glamours and their nation appear to be human, but the GM either can't or doesn't want to handle (and I don't blame him for not wanting to; that'd be a ton of work!) different maps for different people with "secret" strategic info only available to some people.

Further example: I don't know what trade goods my nation has access to. I thought, with my choices, that it would make sense if they sold magical doodads and whatsits, potions, amulets, curses, etc, but if I don't actually have corresponding trade goods, that doesn't make sense.

Or maybe I wanted to have faerie monsters, such as giants, monstrous boars and cats, or the like, but that might be either too strong or not in the GM's vision for the game.



I appreciate you asking. I don't think you would be stepping on my toes. I was going for a more "faerie classic" setup, that is, Dark Ages style, with both wonder and terror aplenty. Heavy Gaelic influences, so there's some Arthurian stuff in there, but it's the pre-chivalry version.

For me it's a case of, I can state what my domains and specialities are, and a vague notion of what I am about (mega city!).

That way, if someone wonders who might have the Traders speciality for example, they could look at me and see.

Oooh, neat! My mind is going at mach-speed at the moment. I'm doing the knight thing, but I ended up dipping my brush in the 'Holy Roman Empire' bucket rather than 'Arthurian' one. Same ideas though, just different 'look'. Going for a sort of 'strength through cooperation' thing.
Would LOVE some weird neighbors, faeries included! I think my society will be human and fairly 'low fantasy', so would be dope to have some weirdness close-by. But I think I'm getting ahead of myself now :)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Sat 01 May 2021.

So my understanding is that we don't have FULL control over certain mechanics-related things at char gen, just some influence over them. Mainly in our selection of specialties and domains. but from there the GM then arbitrates what we start with and so on.

And yeah secret maps is probably a bit much for this game, but I totally get your point! Especially since Faerie is one of my Domains too (although my nation has way different thematics than yours I'd venture) but I'm mostly holding out and just waiting to see what special combinations and unique abilities and units I've managed to unlock accidentally or otherwise.

Since you all are being pretty open about domains I'll share mine: Arcane, Twilight, Faerie, Dynasty, Specialist (Herbalism & Magic Potions)

Domains: Light, Order, Forge
Specialties: Devout, Productive

We don't have a very diverse slate of abilities, but what we do, we do very well.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Sat 01 May 2021.

Domains: Ocean, Beauty, Travel
Specialties: diverse and riverine.

I'll be interested to see what that means in practical terms.

I have no issues playing with an "open hand" as it were.

The Moss Rock Confederation has the Domains of Nature, River and Unity.

And the Specialties of Federation and Nomads.

If we end up with enough of the "standard" races to have the Tortle population be more numerous, they might swap River for Life as having both River and Riverine may be redundant.

There is also a write up I did that would be fairly common knowledge. I will likely add it to their description.

The write up has not been confirmed it approved by our GM, so it's tentative at best pending his review.

---

Appearance: Human members of the confederation run the gamut, as they are generally descendants from more established populations.

While the founding tribes may have tended towards more pale complexions, reddish brown hair and green or hazel eyes the current population is remarkably varied.

The Tortle population is generally dark green, brown or buff colored with a predominance of families resembling large Snapping, or Loggerhead turtles.

Day to day dress varies depending on the season and location, but both groups seem to prefer drab earth tones and multiple layers of sturdy garments to ward off weather, insects, and the cold where appropriate.

Architecture: Buildings in the Confederation are nearly always temporary, unadorned and practical structures not intended to last more than a year or so. Mud and thatch are the most common materials, and they generally serve as temporary workshops for food storage or preparation, and crafts that require large amounts of space like rope making or carpentry.

Boats are a very different affair, and are often constructed to "heirloom" standards by families that can afford it. It is not uncommon to find three generations inhabiting the same vessel, living and sleeping in close quarters. While hull designs, carvings, ornamentation and features vary from Family to Family, and even more so from Tribe to Tribe, there are a few things that seem consistent across the Confederation.

The "typical" family craft in the Confederation is a shallow draft, lozenge shaped vessel with a light but sturdy shell that forms a roof. The space between the shell and the railings are sometimes equipped with storm shutters to keep out severe weather and vermin. The typical family craft is two decked, with the families stores, tools and keepsakes stored in the lower hold. The upper deck is for day to day living, cooking, and working.

All but the smallest vessels have multiple airtight partitions built into the lowest hold to curtail the risk of a catastrophic breach in the hull.

Navigation is done via a combination of push poles, oars, mechanical paddles or wheels and sometimes a series of stubby, collapsible sails in coastal regions.

Wealthier families naturally have larger vessels, more specialized craft, or simply more of them.

Religion: Ancestor worship features prominently in the Confederation, as does Animism.

Each River is generally thought to have its own unique spirit, and knowing the temperament of each is part and parcel of any Captains education.

A facet of this Animism is a strong element of sustainability and conservation running throughout the Confederation. It is considered practically sacrilegious to leave a Camp a mess after vacating it for the season, to take wildlife that is pregnant or too young to reproduce, or to take more than is healthy for the local eco-system.

Warfare: Being a Nomadic people the Moss Rock Families can rarely afford the cost or space for dedicated weapons or armor. Despite this they are used to being self reliant, and make do with what they have on hand. Harpoons, gaffs, pike poles and crossbow quarrels, all often barbed, are employed in both fishing and defense.

Armor heavier than leathers is rarely seen.

Dedicated pirates, raiders or defense forces often employ grapnels, pavise shields and a sort of small ship mounted ballista sometimes fired from recessed mounts.

The barbed ammunition of these larger weapons is designed to be tethered and winched in with a capstan, so that enemy vessels may be brought alongside and boarded.

These more professional warriors are also infamous for their use of poisons. Incendiaries are normally avoided as boats are worth a small fortune if captured.

Culture: While not renowned musicians, most Families have many personal "River Songs" on hand which often include complex intertwining lyrics.

Catchy work shanties and weather songs are also mixed in for entertainment. Where instruments are used they are normally simple drums.

As paper records are easily damaged or lost in their native climate, they rely on a rich oral tradition to relay important historical events, family deeds or histories, and directions to some of the more far flung or esoteric passages.

Some Tribes are also known for intricate carvings, most especially on boats, but also scrimshawed onto bones or ivory, and into common house hold goods like combs, utensils, hair pins and the like.

A spirit of cooperation and loyalty is deeply woven into the very social fabric of the Confederation, and while actual laws are few and far between, traditions for meeting, parting, taking in guests and trade are all widely adhered to.

A Family that violates these cultural norms may eventually face ostracism or exile without the need for any sort of  official proclamation or trial.

You can call them Fall Elves, Shadow Elves, Jerk Elves. I don't think it would make a difference to them lol.

As for specialties/domains I had Death, Nature, Shadows, Aristocracy and Feral

A lot of interesting juxtapositions there Luna.

Good on you for mixing it up.

I do appreciate everyone sharing their info like this, and I plan to do the same. I just want to see what I've actually got first before I go crazy.

In reply to Luna Doreith (msg # 66):

But not shadow elves, because you will get confused with the Eosian Theocracy, Elves who are into Light and Shadow... but in need of a character description.

Just waiting to see how things turn up to write mine

Light, Shadows, Twilight
Devout, underworld

LOL your poor people are going to feel so torn and conflicted doing anything. :P

I'm getting a sort of inquisitorial vibe from this.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Sun 02 May 2021.

Sneaky and mercurial and fluid with ownership was a bit more where I was headed, but that why I'm waiting to see the GMs intepretation before I write-up

I also am wondering exactly how the GM will "interpret" my selections too.

Flavor-wise they're a nation of leyline mages and other magic-touched folk. Something in between wizard and Druid without being either. If you watched the anime Black Clover, my concept is heavily inspired by the forest of witches from there although mine is my own creature of course.

I think the GM is going to try and see if he can get the "Gist" of our nation concepts and then run it through his background rules, and some up with something. But we'll have to see. :)

Sheesh, sleep for a few hour and the world gets itself in a big damn hurry.

Life, Nature, Travel, Nomads, Winter

AS for what the Frost Elves are like, see my description. If I have to modify it, I will.

Thanks all for sharing. I think a game like this works better with the OOC being open while the world itself IC is different from that. AS a player, I hate gotchas. Happy to walk into an ambush if my PC doesn't know of it or see it, but hate it a the player.

I love the conversations and details that have started coming out.

I've started compiling a list of what Domains and Specialities have been shared, to see what hasn't been taken, what is shared, and what is unique to a nation.

Nature is the most popular, with three nations having it.
I do wonder if Bex will be seen at odds with their love of urbanisation? Even with building parks, it's hard to be in harmony when making room for buildings and walls.

We officially have our quota of Elves.

This includes quite a variety of Elves, from the Frost Elves in the far south to the nocturnal inhabitants of Luna Doreith in the northern rain forest.

According to my leaderboard, Luna Doreith is the least happy nation.  Of course, for them, this is in character.  If you're going to be dark and nocturnal and all that, cheery and happy breaks the mood.

On the other end of the scale, Annwyn is the happiest of all the kingdoms, no one else comes close.

The Frost Elves have the biggest treasury, largely on account of having no expenses.  Bex has the wealthiest citizens, followed by Isole, the Radiant Order, and the Forest of Witches.

I had no idea elves would be so popular! So it's probably a good thing you're locking them as a playable race going forward. Glad I was able to get in in the ground floor!

That's so interesting the frost elves, who are kind of a disjointed culture from what I gather, are so wealthy. And I'd think something was wrong if luna had the happiest people LOL! Their concept is actually kinda terrifying when you think about it.

We citizens of Insula Isole are rich?  I'm surprised to be honest and yet grateful.

Wealth implies a treasury somewhere filled with coins and jewels. They are nomads, so this isn't the case. Probably, more that they have plenty food, materials, and stores to sustain themselves. We do have a pretty large forest all to ourselves. So, a treasury filled with acorns and dried meats? That said, with all the gold laying about... not sure what we actually do with it.

Disjointed? How so? I'm curious is all.

Looks like Moss Rock is running about average across the board?

Did not seem to stand out in any respect mentioned thus far.

In reply to Frost Elves (msg # 79):

Well your nation's culture is basically spread out and nomadic at least that's how I'm reading it. Like where is this mysterious frost elf vault is what I wanna know? :P

That also means less flaws though too. :)

Oh, not complaining at all, I just find the whole process interesting. :)

In reply to Moss Rock Confederation (msg # 67):
I don't think you're alone with that thought lol. Hopefully it all blends together well. I know I was flexible for my justification with Aristocracy, going with "vampiric hunters" instead of "posh nobles" that is normally thought of when thinking about the social elite.

In reply to General Operations (msg # 76):
Perhaps the common name for my citizens should be the "Grim Elves". Like you said I expected my culture/happiness to be low. Maybe I can build a petting zoo to gather, err I mean entertain those who aren't satisfied?

Greetings all!

Looks like I was one of the final Elf nations to make the cut. Looking forward to seeing how the game goes! And as others have already detailed their own domains and such, I felt it only fair to throw mine out for reference as well.

Domains: Arcana, Light, Luck
Specialties: Populous, Productive.


Should make for an interesting elven nation I think!

I imagine that the gold used for this game is a unit of account, not an actual amount of money. Sort of like the Roman talent and Japanese koku were used to represent value of goods, rather than an actual amount of gold or silver.

So, just as an example, if you pay 10 gold to hire a unit of infantry, you're not actually handing out sacks of gold coins. You're giving silver armbands to prove your generosity as high chieftain, allocating hunting rights to favored thanes, and gifting reindeer and cloth to the warriors' families so those warriors don't have to farm or hunt for most of the year and can be full-time fighters.

It's worth remembering that food, cloth, and furs were the major stores of value for all of history in every society until about 1780. So a nomadic people with a sparse lifestyle and access to plenty of furs is going to be rich in that sense.

^This!
The wealth of the nation is most likely in furs and like, rare stuff that only they have access to being the sole nation with Winter domain. But their citizens were less well off, right? So it's Wealth as in surplus equipment and goods, rather than bankaccount.

At least that's what I think.

I am pleased to have the wealthiest citizens, though being the only nation to have Prosperity and Traders makes sense.

But our citizens are next and we have neither of those things (assuming my decision to replace traders with diverse actually took).

Maybe you make more from ports/fishing due to Oceans?

Insula with your focus on both oceans and rivers you're naturally going to probably be the very best or at least in the top two or three of the players in the game when it comes to having ships or even a fleet. I could see depending on how you leverage those assets of yours you being able to do very well with trade routes related to water. Be it helping yourself set up trade routes or even doing stuff with allied players with water trade and helping us to trade and so on. Especially since you also seem to value things like knowledge and culture too.

In reply to Eroan (msg # 85):

Welcome!

We'll get along quite well, I think :)

Hi everyone! Never mind us, our scholar priests are just unlocking the mysteries of the universe in our immense cloister libraries. Nothing to see here, we just prefer flying carpets to horses.

In reply to Bex (msg # 90):

Ah yes.  Fish indeed, that would be riches indeed... and perhaps pearls.

Ooh, that sounds good, yes, we'll try doing that... and perhaps one of our architects will design the library of the Infinite Collegium.

Speaking of which, Welcome Infinite Collegium

I suspect we'll get along well if you want to trade knowledge, thats kind of our stock and trade (the other being the Real PowerTM).

In reply to Radiant Order (msg # 92):

Given our respective Domains, I'd say that's a safe guess! At least once we meet up in game. Not sure where exactly Eroan will be located quite yet, so we'll see how long that takes.


Re: Infinite Collegium:

Given Eroan will be focused quite a bit on magic works, I'd say its a safe guess they'll have a modest amount of knowledge to share at some point. :)

And someone would need to build it, for a price ;)

And welcome new nations, a growing assortment we have!

The Infinite Collegium, I'm guessing Knowledge is one of your Domains?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Mon 03 May 2021.

@Eroan - Glad the summer elves finally decided to show up.

@Collegium - Don't expect we'll have much to say.

@Talk of wealth - More or less what I was thinking.

Looking forward to things kicking off.

Does that make me the Autumn Elves?

Didn’t even know you were elves.

Damned Elves, they are EVERYWHERE! I thought they are supposed to be the LESS numerous ones :)

I'm imagining that in this realm, humans are living a more nomadic style and aren't super organized into kingdoms yet.

Well, at least these ones are.

And even then, they are relying on support from the Tortle tribes.

What elves lack in numbers, they make up for in ideologies, apparently ;)

We are human. We have cities. One is even on the mainland.

Well, the elves did arrive first, so makes sense there are more of them at the start.

Hmm, I wonder whether there's an NPC city called King's Landing

I have some questions:

1) How do we tell what our militia and garrison troop strengths are without "tiles?"  Are the two units equal in strength?

2) If I have Engineering 1 and want to build a road through scrub I pay 0.8×2=1.6 for two hexes to link them.  If my engineer is a human with movement 8 can he in one turn link 5 hexes of scrub for 5×0.8=4 resource points?  Or does each hex cost 0.8 twice for  4×1.6=6.4 resource points?  Or am I limited to one road hex connection per engineer per turn (unless only 1 hex away from my city in which I need no engineer)?

3) What posting rate do you want to start with at first given we appear road have many time zones?

We are going to be fairly dense if everyone is starting in the East.

Something like 15 PC factions now?

Just processing these turns is going to be a lot of work!

Not sure if everyone will be in the SE or just 'East'. Lots of room between the three eastern sectors.

But yeah, 15 players is going to take quite a bit for processing.

I know our beneficent GM can do it. I've seen him do something similar before.

I imagine I'm like others, and hungry to see my sheet, start planning my turn, and get started.

I think then it will help me visualise my nation more, as well as help build up questions to my fellow players, and also the GM.

Also, they said approximately 5 per sector, with us along the eastern coast, so NE, E, and SE.

Hi all,
I think I am the last civ in... If you can call the free holds a civ.

Domains
Mountain
Freedom

Specialties
Diverse
Federacy
Fronteirsmen

As you can see, they are more of a loose collaboration of mountain folks than anything else. There is a loose central government at least!

Welcome!

Welcome aboard! From one newcomer to another. :)

I think we are all chomping at the bit for something. I really want to start planning things and making moves. Yeah, and some final bits of the culture will come into place as I get a better idea of my neighbors. I expect one more based on population so far, perhaps two? Also wanto see if my comments of test things were acknowledged.

If anyone is curious what domains/specialities others have taken, here is a list I made, based on what people have shared here or with their descriptions.

https://docs.google.com/spread...j8Y/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for putting that together!

Good mix of overlap and individuality. Am I really the only person who picked Order and Forge? Interesting!

Noting the lack of dedicated warrior cultures.

Might be people didn't want to dive into a conflict based nation, wanting more PVE than PVP.

Though there could be NPC nations to be fought, who knows?

But yeah, surprised by how (un)popular some of the options are.

I could see someone building a good 'Sparta' based nation from some of those unpopular ones pretty easily.

Hearth & War for Domains, Specialties of Artists/Specialists (Warriors) and Warrior Ethics with (maybe) one of the others tossed in for a little more nuance. But as said, that would make them a very conflict based nation.

Yeah, that's always the hard thing with warrior-civs: the people around you see that label, and immediately peg you as a threat. Meanwhile, if you're at peace, you're somewhat hampered by not getting the bonuses others are getting.

There is also a lot of relatively “primitive” civs. I expect the high fantasy setting will offset some of that imbalance. Not that the game mechanics seem to directly factor it. All the traits seem to have roughly equal benefits.

Posted a very short initial description. Waiting to see how my choices come together before finalizing my own history.

Domains: Protection, Order, War
Specialties: Warrior Ethic, Productive

Thank you for making the list Bex.

As someone who ended up taking several traits that help with war I'm definitely hoping there are some PVE aspects. Like Radiant said from a mechanical standpoint I will probably start the game at a disadvantage unless I decide to go full on conqueror. The history did say that enemies were drove away from the east, so I'm hoping others will recognize the benefit of having an ally whose good at combat.

In reply to Dagrnun Stratocracy (msg # 125):

Hey! Order/Productive bros! *Fist Bump*

Luna: Being good at war-stuff is one of those things that is a huge disadvantage... until it suddenly isn't and you're conquering the world.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Tue 04 May 2021.

If war come, I plan to run away.

Neat list! I drifed away a bit from my original arthurian concept, became more HRE but still same theme I think. Will update description when I get the chance later today!

Domains: Order, Unity, Protection
Spec: Horses, Aristocracy

I'd say Unity is definitely more Camelot than HRE.

Definitely is. Although Unity in this case it more about citizenship and 'doing your part'. We'll see once I finalize and post the desc where on the spectrum it ends up.

Looks like the table is missing the Federated Sons. They have Mahout at the mininmum.

They haven't shared what their 5 are, so I didn't want to put just Mahout and leave it as that.

I'm also hoping for some pve stuff too. The last iteration of this game had great pve stuff. Mind you some conflict is to be expected but I don't see pvp as the only "win condition" by any means. I want to see things like alliances, diplomacy, trade, and us dealing with third party threats too.

And yes, I know I'm definitely chomping at the bit lol.

I'd like to pretend that I'm an avatar of patience, too... but I also keep refreshing RPOL and getting excited every time the game turned red for the last four or five days XD

I'm in the same boat as you. Hehe.

Me, too!

And this post is my own contribution to that anxiety!

At least I know it isn't just me ;)

We another nomadic river culture?

Are we running out of ideas at this point?

Hmm, I am seeing some possibilities for using reindeer/travel and winter. Could be military or economic.

Either way, I need to invent sleighs... yes, sleighs.

And then barter with some strong arcane oriented nations for enchantments for said sleighs. Flying reindeer sleighs. Can load them with archers for military purposes or for general economic transport. ;)

Or just coincidence/popular idea?

Granted, they haven't spoken here yet, and might be people had an idea and didn't know what else was going on?

I am curious what people without special-units are getting *mumbles jealously*

I suspect there is a whole lot we haven't seen yet. I know there are certain types of units and things I haven't seen yet for myself and I have a particular selection of domains and traits.

And no need to be jealous. Trust me every domain and every trait has power and I think quite frankly the GM is still deciding how they're all going to blend together.

Maybe special structures?

I will admit, as special units go Tortle Marines are pretty cool.

Semper Testudo

Clearly, magic should be the best.

Unless I make something else, in which case it should be whatever that is :>

:)

Also, your nation seems interested in magical items and products made with a keen mind. I'm foreseeing a good business trade set up between us as my nation has the best potions  and herbalism in the setting.

Yeah snap!

I hope so.

Taking Civ 6 as inspiration, I know it's a mix of units, city upgrades, or tile improvements, that are unique per civ.

One idea I have, that I'll be pitching (assuming it gets lost here), is having outposts adjacent to my city, but having it where the city expands into the outposts, rather than turning into new cities to themselves.
Seems like a viable perk for cities/urban combination ;)

Notes from the Leaderboard:

Best protected nation:

Luna Doreith    Invading them is very, very dangerous.


Runners up, tied for 2nd:  Dagrnun and Lyshart


But that applies to the nation as a whole. The  best defended single place is the capital of Mons Imperium, followed by the capital of Dagrnun and the Infinite Collegium.

How about the least protected ;-)

In reply to The Free Holds (msg # 151):

I was going to try to post something witty and funny, but you win. I lol'd :D

All the teasers make me wonder just how I'll end up standing in the grand scheme of things.  Sort of a Willy Wonka moment with the anticipation. Hehe.

In reply to Eroan (msg # 153):

Most populous nation:

Eroan.

Second is a tie between Annwyn and Eosia, but that's theoretical, it's really hard to get an accurate count of either of them.

I heard this in Jack Sparrow's voice.

Just a little worried.

Only if the Free Holds have a strong naval capacity.. in which case, queue CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow!

I don't think there would be many boats with their love of the mountains, but who knows!

Greetings all from your friendly neighborhood pirates merchant-sailors. AKA the Warakan Collective. (Think Ancient Greeks/Polynesians but more based off of the native Caribbean islanders) :D

I'm looking forward to seeing how this game plays out!

Aaaand THAT's who we're going to run away FROM!

I'm on the coast, and would trade - You don't fight people you trade with, it would end up costing you money ;)

Assuming you believe in money.  I think we're going to be pacifists not because of cost but because war is devilish unpretty.

I'm tempted to etch GREED IS GOOD on the gate into Bex ;)

I'm sure some of us would agree with you.

All jokes aside, I think my people will be (mostly) peaceful.

If anyone has played Civ 6 against King Kamehameha, expect similar STOP POLLUTING >:| vibes haha

The HRE would have Freedom, since the princes did a lot of "whatever I want" rather than "what I'm supposed to do." =P

Can Diplomatic Missions be placed in PC cities?
If so, is it capitals only?

I ask as Diplomatic Missions also count as Trading Posts, cost as much as Trading Posts unless you have an Engineering skill of 2+, and don't need an engineer to build them, it would be a quicker/easier way to establish trade between PC cities.

A thought I had, as I keep refreshing RPOL to see if anything has happened...

I kind of want to draw some of my people, but I feel like their clothes/appearance will depend a bit on the climate they'll be living in.

I have a feeling that our glorious DM will put me on the northern map, but I don't want to assume that :D

Today has certainly been quiet compared to yesterday.

<excited quivering>

*Chomps on bit*

I would rather our nations not have stated our domains and specialities, but since everyone else has done so I will too.  We might as well keep everything even.

Nation: Federated Sons
Race: Halfling
Domains: Beauty, Hearth, Knowledge.
Attributes: Frontiersmen, Mahouts. (Productive)

Nation Sheets have appeared!

All that's left is maps.

Wow, that is quite a feat with all these players!

Greetings everyone! I am playing the vanilla classic Dorfs Dwarves. Just so long as you don't pull any levers in our fortresses that read "warning will release lava and kill us all", we'll be peachy keen.

I have read some of the previous pages so here's in the spirit of disclosure:

Domains
Forge (We're dwarves)
Order (Orderly dwarves)
War (Angry, orderly dwarves.)

Specialties
Engineers (Basically we're contractors for hire. Want a road built? Call us. Reasonable rates, referrals appreciated and compensated)
Specialist (Dwarven metalwork, especially our arms and armour, are renowned for their quality.)


Race: Dwarves

Nation sheets appeared? A in you have them but not us yet?

Oh I think we'll get along well. Hopefully we can just keep the war part away from us :>

I think he put them in our character sheet area.

To be honest, we're not really interested in starting something. As I noted to the GM I see us as more of the Turians from Mass Effect. Our role is essentially that of the military arm of a peaceful federation.

Didn't Earth contact with Turians start with a (brief) war between them?

Sadly it was quite a fustercluck. Due to the Rachni Wars, opening dormant mass relays was a big no-no. As in "we will open fire if you try" no-no. The humans had no idea and were experimenting with one when the Turians showed up. With no means of common communication, it lead to war. The Asari stepped in and mediated a peace.

Not that the Mons Imperium is interested in diplomatic oopsies starting a war mind you.

"We need you to help develop a chronotower for our chronomancy experiments."

"What? Chronomancy is forbidden! We must destroy it!"

*war declared*

;)

In reply to General Operations (msg # 173):

Hooray! Kudos GM for getting all those sheets made. Now to ponder what I should build, even though any planning will probably be thrown out the window once I see where I am on the map.

Also welcome new nations! The eastern shores are going to be a crowded place.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the maps shake out. Hopefully its not too crowded at the start... Given freedom is one of my core attributes, I am not sure how much control I have over where my people settle -- hopefully it is not on land others have already claimed >.>

I have updated the domain sheet with the latest announcements from nations.

We have no Artists, nor Seafarers.

Meanwhile Order is the most popular option at 4 nations.

As for what to do on the first turn, I have a strong idea what I am planning to do in terms of spending money.

I had an idea for a seafaring empire,but it was all wet.

I imagine if the map was more of an archipelago, more people would have chosen boat-flavored options.

Well, anyone in the NE could use it as a route to sail around the N and make their way around, calling dibs and planting outposts periodically.

I've planned out my turn, and I have 0.07 money left. I wonder if I could buy James Bond for that...?

Weird effect of my nation? I have no military units currently but start with six “settlements.” Probably a reason I am so wealthy. Each of my six settlements provides an income rather than costing anything.

I plan to move across the tundra in the south while establishing contact with direct neighbors. I am also eyeing that large island north of me but am not getting funny notions. I plan to really play up “travel” and “winter.”

Yeah, I'd say the biggest surprise for me so far is that I can apparently build marines!

Oorah!

I was planning to sail around the North East as well, or perhaps up the rivers and then build a humungous (but beautiful canal) in (or under) the mountains to sail across the continent instead of round.

Watch out for outlandishly sized ships...

Sounds like you will need some engineers for that to happen, so Bex or Mons Imperium then.

I'd say bidding war, but also depends where we all are, and what would be needed to make it happen!

I can build engineers... we has BRICKS you know... proper bricks made from clay and fired.
;)
):o

But wouldn't you want the best engineers money can buy ;)

??? I can't seem to find any interest in your engineers at all! Wait, unless you can teach me how to build sleighs. Nah, I'll figure it out.

You all keep your engineers and your bricks. We'll stick to our reindeer and elven magics.

That depends on how pretty they can make their work.

You be the architects and design it, we will build it.

And give us time to build up Bex and show how glorious it is, and what we can offer.

I'm curious to know how research will work too.

Sounds reasonable to me.

Much depends on where we begin I think.  I have an idea given my starting resources but one never knows.

Well we might not have the sophistication of Bex but Mons Imperium construction has its own charm... if you are into minimalist architecture. Sturdy, simple and functional marks our work as well as much of the psyche of the Dwarven population of the Imperium.

When we meet I can see the Dorfs really interested in the building techniques of Bex and the aesthetics of the Insula Isole. If the Free Holds wander into our lands, there will probably be this giant family reunion party. Imperium diplomats would likely write out entire charts to keep all the different kinds of elves straight.

Technically the free holds are a group of humans, but given our mountainous nature and accepting of diversity, I'd expect there to be some dwarves kicking around. Some dwarves might be attracted to the highly permissive and hands-off governance.

Edit.
Free holds will probably be a frequent customer of the dwarves too.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Thu 06 May 2021.

So I understand how movement points work for normal units but I cant figure out how mobile heroes are. Like if I am sending them somewhere alone rather than with a troop?

One (of my many) thoughts has been, how do we represent our borders?

Just the hexes adjacent to our cities?
But when what about the gaps between them?
I know outposts help, but wouldn't they have the same issue as cities?
Make a wall of outposts?

So, do you have anything comparable to base the movement on?

What borders? We have Continuity, which can overlap, but borders are fluid and nebulous

If you wish to have borders, draw them in your mind and, if someone crosses them...kill them! :-)

In the real world, state borders are defined by the willingness of armed men to kill anyone who crosses the line without permission. State borders are also a rather modern invention; before the 1700s, borders were defined almost entirely by natural features that were difficult to cross, like large rivers, mountain ranges, or particularly nasty bogs.

I guess I had misread that and assumed it was like if they were traveling with the units but now as I read it again I do see what you mean you can use an estimate of one of your available common movement types from like a normal unit and just assume your hero has some way of mimicking that movement. Or something lol.

Or walls for those states that could be bothered to build them... eg Hadrian, Trajan, Antoninus and Offa in Europe, and Whoever built the big one in China.

Great wall of China is a misnomer. It's actually several different walls built over hundreds of year by various people. I am not even sure if the entire wall is contiguous. IF you ever saw it, you would see it has several different construction styles as well.

To be fair to Insula, the Great Wall of China was, in fact, intended as primarily a method of marking the border. (Also a postal system.)

Walls are usually used as borders. That is sort of the purpose of their design. XP hehe

As opposed to a fortification, I meant.

Actual functional question: What effect, if any, does our taxation level have on other aspects of our cultures? Or, is this something we need to learn through experimentation? I don't mind having to learn how certain aspects of the game system function IC if that is the intent, just wondering.

Small aside, I have no idea how to actually expand my civ... well, in the way I want to expand it.

So, how is our population stat working functionally? Will it slowly grow over time at a set rate based on race/attributes/other factors? As it goes up, how does that affect our civ logistically?

EDIT: On a fun note, anyone else writing up backgrounds for their heroes?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Fri 07 May 2021.

Well now I am! Great idea.

I hadn't considered writing about my heroes either, very interesting idea.

As for the discussion on borders and the like, under Diplomacy it talked about having an agreement to pass through territory, which is what prompted me to ask.

A chain of outposts to represent a wall, or even a unique building option, would be interesting. Though I'm guessing there wouldn't be a need for hard barriers between us (yet, at least).

Maybe a moat would be interesting.  The great moat of Isole perhaps.

I imagine a normal sized moat around the city would be abstracting out part of improving city fortifications.

Or are you imagining something that goes across multiple hexes?

Yes! More moats! I have marines!

(Not that I'm going to attack anyone, it's just likely that if I have them, so will others)

I was thinking of something much bigger, to take advantage of ships and marines

Thanks for the clarifications on borders, boss

Amen

Welcome Ma'hellas.  You sound a lot like us.  I think we shall get along well.  I am sure we will be looking for an alliance once we see where each other rests on the map.

I have confirmed with the GM that militia have been removed from the buy list.  The units are automatically calculated as part of fortification and are no longer specifically bought or maintained for separately.

Well, there goes my theories on where I was going to start XD

Did we have a colour legend for the maps somewhere? I swear I saw one but can't find it now

In the tutorial.

I was wrong, and updated in a later message.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Fri 07 May 2021.

I think we need a more defined hex legend though put into tables

Hey I'm on the map! For those who don't know I am the brown/dark green civilization on the northeast map.

Looks like there are definitely some npc factions to deal with!

It's not in the tutorial :(

My bad, bottom of Tables thread, not tutorial.

What does the number by a city name mean?

Population, I believe.

Thanks for checking, Bex; that has the special resources, not the colour to terrain mapping I was (perhaps too vaguely) seeking!

Lol! Wow that is not the map I expected.

I have a feeling I'm going to have to "go dutch" to expand my capital.

But it marks wooden hills, etc on the colours.

It's just that some colours are very similar and hard to distinguish.

... and is incomplete. It might be I'm misremembering there being an actual legend, or from a prior game with the same boss!

Thanks ;)

In reply to The Infinite Collegium (msg # 237):

It's certainly a unique spot!

I think it's a good one though. You've got some room on the north side of the peninsula, and lots of room for good-ol' ocean-bound colonialism to the west :D

Ah population!

And yes I think the old game had a legend that's gone. Because some of the shadings and everything can be subtle.

Just a quick question, and one that's public because I believe others might be interested as well. If our nations appear in close proximity, can we assume that we are in diplomatic contact or must we send a Diplomat to their respective capitals to establish ties? Can we discuss deals in PMs or do we have to roleplay out negotiations?

In reply to Mons Imperium (msg # 242):





You don't need to send a diplomat unless it's an NPC nation. For player to player I assume you can just handle it through PMs.

I literally have a scout and a floating market from another player next to my cap so I'm imagining I'm at least in contact with them :>

I now know why halflings are so productive.  I have three cities around a resource of coffee.
*chuckle*

Ah, yes. I can see their coffee schedule now.

First Cup
First Breakfast (Second cup)
Coffee Break (Third Cup)
Second Breakfast/11sies (Fourth Cup)
Lunch (Fifth Cup)
Afternoon Break (6th Cup)
Happy Hour Cup (7th Cup)
Dinner (8th Cup)
After Dinner Cup (9th cup, usually they go demitasse or half caffeinated on this one).

We have herbal teas for those who are too wigged out on coffee too. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Fri 07 May 2021.

Tea is well and good, but Mossrock has the Hops.

Brew you an IPA that'll knock a Tortle on its ass.

The Dwarven emissary is particularly welcome to swing by for a sampling. Just saying.

I've got fish, ships and brass ware.

Doesn't seem as interesting as coffee...

I've got armor!

... and lead. Between me and Bex, we've got municipal plumbing covered.

We're not on the map yet but we have wine.

All the maps are up!

Next thing is, who's cities are who's?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Fri 07 May 2021.

Thank you for sharing. This is excellent info!

My next question is:

What value do trade goods have in themselves?

E.g., if a nation has Fish, what does that mean, in a practical sense? Does it increase their population Growth due to the additional food source?

Mine are Oostral and Isole.

Is there a range of how far you could trade with someone?
Infinite?
Up to your/their Continuity?
If there is a distance limit, would distance reset so long as you reach a town/trading post, allowing tremendously long trade routes?

As depending on the answer, I'll be wanting to trade with as many players as I can, the question is, is it everyone who would be up for it, or just that I can get to?

It’s in the rules and based on Continuity, extended via chains of settlements or Trading Posts

All the starting maps are up!

Very excited! When, and how, do you want annual and seasonal orders?

I was looking at both trading and continuity, and couldn't see it.

On my phone, but… taking this as my basis



There’s something later in the Continuity too, I think

A ship should get us to many players but you'd have to maintain it and the trip could be fraught with foreign attacks from pirates Spartans.

The Radiant Order is based in the humble city of Lightforge... which was supposed to be a mining town back in the day, but I suppose the ore dried-up since then? Anyway... we're pretty close to Bex, and... my god... GOBLINS EVERYWHERE.

My trees need new fertilizer...

Challenge accepted! The first intra-continental trade road is going to become a reality just so that the Dwarves can get to those sweet, sweet hops!

My cities are Capitolinus and Palatinus.

Updated character description with city names and locations.

Cities
- 60,11: Moot
- 61,10: Hillsfort
- 59,10: Quarrytown
- 60,08: Coral Bay

In reply to Mons Imperium (msg # 265):

I might be a little bit jealous of your position. Lots of room to expand. No super-close neighbors. Mountains.

I'm surrounded by goblins, stronger players, and bloody "horse elves"... I hope they're friendly.

I was joking a little bit about the Radiant Order being a little bit communist/Russian, but when the great elven khan comes galloping over the horizon, that'll be more true than ever XD
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Fri 07 May 2021.

In reply to Radiant Order (msg # 267):

Well I do have some neighbours and I sure hope they're friendly.

Personally I would not mind raising a cavalry troop and riding off to help but you are on the other side of the map. By the time I make it there, it would be all over bar the shouting.
orz

Don't underestimate yourself.

Your fighter especially will tear those goblins a new one if they get too close

Oh, I'm still feeling pretty good. I like a good challenge.

... and I have a strong feeling that those goblins aren't long for this world :D

Ya I just noticed that Knight is over there too. But your fighter is really powerful, and has the Leader trait. Toss him in with that infantry and you'd rip them a new one for sure. :P

I don't have any infantry, unfortunately. My only units are the two heroes, a settler, and the one cavalry.

You lucked out with those five heroes :)

Do you know what the "W" on your faerie mage stands for?

Greetings,

I guess I'm the last player to appear, the state of Ma'hellas, a state of freedom and trade (mostly maritime).

I'm in NE, and my cities are:

• Port Matan (6413)
• Port hele (6510)
• Port Olphar (6013)

I hope to establish relations with all my neighbours, though I'm still trying to figure the game mechanics...

If you need sugar for your coffee, we, your neighbours, have it to trade

It's because I have Dynasty as a trait. My nation is probably going to survive mainly because its high-quality, magically-touched heroes more than anything lol.

I actually have a list of questions I'm gonna send to the GM and the W is one of them (I have no clue actually)

In reply to Leyla, The Forest of Witches (msg # 275):

Ah! That explains the number of heroes. I was sort of expecting more (or more powerful) heroes myself, based on my choice of the light and order domains (and then the devout specialization, on top of that), but it's possible that those choices will eventually manifest in other ways.

Haha, I was thinking the same with my Light and Luck domains. Though I'm liking my current position. Good growth potential!

Mossrock and Rushwood here.

Curious as to who the two cities nearby, Sarnthrond and Sarntiri belong to?

... just us poor, peaceful villagers

In reply to Dagrnun Stratocracy (msg # 279):

So. Many. Archers.

Well you may only have 2 heroes at the moment, but they are both powerful and have extra abilities.

That knight is going to me a good diplomat while being versatile as a warrior. And the Fighter like I said is a beast and has the leader trait so will lead armies as a leader of men!

That probably translated into smaller but more elite forces essentially. Like put the fighter and that cavalry together and sic them on those humanoids...

Assuming the goblins are willing to give battle. If they're smart, they'll run and hide.

In reply to Leyla, The Forest of Witches (msg # 281):

You're being very kind :)

Regardless of the situation. No matter the circumstance, the Radiant Order shall endure! The climb may be arduous and long, and the horse elves may be numerous and scary... but rest assured, we shall ride to victory! The creed of the order is that of sacred toil. It is not called 'toil' because it is easy! Nay, friends! In the marathon of life, one must strive!

And strive, we shall.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Sat 08 May 2021.

We choose to do these things not because they are easy but because they are hard!

In reply to Dagrnun Stratocracy (msg # 279):

Well at least somebody might be willing to trade us weapons here out on the ragged eastern frontier!

In reply to Radiant Order (msg # 283):

I try to be nice. Until I feel feisty and turn people into toads and such. :)

But yeah...I just wanted to try pointing out some of the positives you have going on. smaller starting out, but a lot of power and economy concentrated in that small area.

In reply to Moss Rock Confederation (msg # 285):

I kill things for gold... :-)

Well, I am in the same place as I was on the test map. Opposite problem of the radiant order, lots of population and territory, no military. I know my first turn! Haha. Infrastructure and defense.

Close to fellow elves and halflings is nice though. But don't see a lot of things we need in trade. However, we have lots of furs and copper and blubber to trade to you.

My "Cities" are Greengate and Ice Bay.

Man, my brain is buzzing and I just want to sink my teeth into it!

Then begin negotiating with your neighbours and writing your first turn presumably to general orders. All you can do for now.

I'd like to know who the elves NE of Annwyn are and the mountain folk North of me. Also the folks close to Bex.

I think that's all the neighbours I haven't spoken to yet.

Eroan and Free Holds respectively.

Anyone know who owns Crownhold?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Sat 08 May 2021.

I own Crownhold. I've been a bit busy this week, but will be able to sit down tomorrow and really deal with things. Stoked to start this!

How long do we get to negotiate and to make our moves?

I don't know if we're starting yet or if things are finalized. I don't think they are, and I don't think we are. I'm waiting for a confirmation from our GM that it's "go time" before I actually make any decisions or send any messages "in character."

In reply to Annwyn (msg # 293):

Though some of you still have questions it is go time.
Remember the economic stuff only happens once per year. This is spring year one, so you can submit only military and hero moves and do everything else in a later season.

When does the economic stuff happen though?

Yeah, I guess I misunderstood that point. Here I am making plans, assuming I can build stuff that I can't actually build XD

The difference in turns is not really spelled out in the rules.  It appears that we can move and attack 4 times before getting an economic turn.  Does a round of income happen before we spend?  Can I expect more income before building units (at a new tax rate, if applicable)? What is an actual order of execution?

The turn stuff is confusing, and makes no sense.

If I want to start building something, does this mean I have to wait a whole YEAR in game to do so, and to initiate anything else another YEAR? That seems...weird and I wanted to ask if I was understanding things properly?

And how do we submit "moves?" In a PM top you or something GM?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Sun 09 May 2021.

Now, now, they only said we cannot build in Spring. Perhaps this is a turn one thing or a Spring thing.

I am getting this image. Each turn is a year. But turns are broken down into seasonal things.

Now, I am a bit perturbed as I have no military units to move and threatening mobs on my borders, but attacking first pass wasn't my plan. Still, upsetting to have undefended borders.

Yes, and where do we post these turns? PMS?

Without technology the  game year is actually fast for constrction time.  I just hwvn't read any posts about multiple seasons for troop actions.t changes what my  actions are.

I figured turn orders where to be submitted by PM.

Well that is a bummer. I was hoping for a place to post narrative descriptions of my turns! I didn't just want to push numbers on a spreadsheet here. I can play civ6 if I wanted to do that.

Yeah, I was hoping for some more narrative and storytelling as well Frosty.

Hopefully we can fit it in somewhere.

I think the confusion comes from the ambiguity; can we only collect money and order constructions at one specific time of year?

Once the turn is processed I wanted to post my actions publicly.  I did not want to post and have players react based on OOC knowledge.  Perhaps we can have a separate IC thread to post to.

I think part of the confusion is that Seasonal and Annual Turns are both "Turns". When the rules or correspondence says "next turn", the question that arises is "which one?". Why not we borrow D&D terms and call a Season a "Round" and a year a "Turn" so that things can be clearer somewhat.

Perhaps the GM can make threads for each Nation? We can add our orders in a private line to the GM on top so that the GM can easily see what we want to do. The rest of the post can be for RP. Perhaps each thread can be open to all PCs so that we can roleplay diplomacy as well as combined operations where two or more nations come together to fight a common threat.

I believe that this will streamline things a bit as opposed to the GM having to shift through all the PMs to find our latest orders for our nations. Diplomacy, trade and even just natter could clog the PM system after all. In threads I think it will be neater and more consistent so that our GM can cut down on the workload. When the GM replies to us, it can also mostly be in Private Line with some text for flavour.

+1

I agree! We need a system that won't cause the GM to have a stroke just trying to sort through all the turn instructions from each player. LOL!

GM? HOW exactly do you want us taking turns, and HOW should we submit our instructions?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Sun 09 May 2021.

Ah. I had not understood the way the rules work..
So.. Spring turn, we can move, fight, explore and make diplomatic actions. This changes everything.

I am also slightly confused! Will give the GM a day or two to respond to the questions posed here before I give my turn orders.

I agree with other the rules are quite confusing about game mechanics. As examples:

1. Can we build units before starting? E.g. I don’t have any engineers, so I’m very limited in what I can build right now
   
2. All references to ship movements/actions are by sectors, but if a sector has been defined I have not found it…
   
3. How do units move? Do I just say “unit x moves to hex Y” ir I must specify which hexes do they move?
   
4. How do heroes move? I have not found how many movement points they have, just that they use 2 of them for diplomatic actions…
   
5. What about settlers? Do I send them to a hex and order them to settle to form a new town (having freedom as one of my domains, rules seem to hint they will go wherever they want and settle there, regardless my intent)?
   
6. To build a diplomatic mission on another player’s capital, should  I just say it (and pay for it, of course) and if the other player agrees then it will be build, or must  I do something else?
   
7. As per trade routes, it must only be specified (by both players) to have them built (e.g. X and me establish a trade route from capital to capital to exchange those products)?
   
8. Also about trade routes, I’ve been told by another player that they can extend 4 hexes by sea (8 if a ship is devoted to them), but I see nothing In the rules
   
9.   Can a trade pot be built in another player’s city? If so, I understand you must send an engineer and build it, right?
   
10. According rules (section 6) A string of trading posts may be used to create a long overland trade route. Can they also create long sea trade routes?

And be sure many more will come...

1)  Doesn't look like it.
2)  Rules message #7 at the bottom (Ocean sectors are 12 hexes, River hexes and coastal sectors are 16 sectors, ships only 8 hexes in rivers)
3)  They go to x  (unless they're riverine, coastal or naval, that's 1 or 2 hexes away)
4)  Dunno.  I've been sending mine via ship
5)  I'm assuming you send them to hex x and then they settle on the end of year turn but I may be wrong.
6)  Why would you want to do this?  We can have diplomatic relations with other players without having to build a mission.
7)  Yep
8)  Rules message #8
9)  see 6 above
10) I assume so.

I've sent GM revised spring orders.  Earlier diplomatic message to some NPC gnomes, still stands I think?

@1 - don't think engineers are required, you just operate with a skill of ) by the build cost chart.

@2 - Rules seem to indicate that a destination is all that's required but more specific details about route will help you. I.E. if you specify a path, you might notice something on that path. If not, the GM picks the path and what you notice is set by that.

@3 - hero momvent was indicated to be based on troop movement of a similar style. Fighters move like infantry, knights move like cavalry, rangers move like scoust, etc.

TO the rest, no idea off the top of my head.

I will just comment on the Engineer aspect since others have more than adequately answered the rest and believe you me, I read the Construction Rules quite thoroughly. ;)



Basically you can build city improvements without an Engineer. To build other things like roads, trade posts, outposts and the like, you will need one. Unlike Civ it does not seem like they will travel around the map as a unit as they can build at any distance (I guess a year is more than long enough to get there and back) so long as you have Continuity. You can even build in other people's territories assuming they let you, you have a road back to your territory or a connected sea port nearby. Surprise outposts bristling with fortifications are the kind of thing a sneaky gitz would do just to distract you from theyz real army...

Also here is a suggestion. How about a dedicated Q&A thread so that the GM can just point people to the pertinent post if someone asks the same question.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:12, Sun 09 May 2021.

First of all ,thanks for you prompt response, but I see there are some of the question neither you know...


But this means, to give an example, that if a ship acting from Port Matan is within a single sector if acting at 6 hexes radius (so Port Matan would be the center of those 12 hexes across sectors), that it may act on 1 sector anyway while the maximum distance among acting hexes is 12, or the sectors are fixed?

I  know little about graphics, but if not too difficult (the GM seems quite good on that), maybe it would be easier if sectors were fixed and marked on the maps (e.g. with boldened hexsides)


About your question, a diplomatic misión also act as Trading post, but without the need for engineers (that I don't have) , and a trading post (according chapter 5, paragraphs 4 and 5) may be quite beneficial…


This is about Contiuity, not about trade routes… I don’t find anywhere that trade routes are only at continuity range, nor that a sip only extends it to 8 hexes…

As per rules (or at least as I understand them), I could establish (to give an example) a Trading post (by sending an engineer) at hex 1443 (to say a very distant location) and keep it In contiuity from Port Matan by dedicating a ship to it (not sure if this dedication should be exclusive, the same ship might be used for several such distant trade posts/units or it might even combine this action with others) so keeping trade with it…


Depending on what do you want to build. You can build roads adjacent to a city of yours without them (at quite higher cost), but not, to give an example, a Trading Post.

Being a maritime nation, roads are quite secondary for Ma'hellas, but being a trading nation too, Trading Posts are not


And can those be build on seasonal turns, or just in the Annual (economic) one?


Well, I assumed the Engineers must be where they build something, but,as you say, it’s not specified in the rules, so it was more my assumption than anything else..


A very strongly supported suggestion

Question:

11) Do my cities have "Trading posts and Baggage" in them?  The rules state that my trading posts can be used by others if I allow it.  I want to use my cities to link two players on either side of my continuity zone to allow them to trade, so I am trying to see if they need one diplomatic mission, two at either end of the chain, or one every 8 hexes of movement (which would require less and less posts as roads were built).

Hehe, I think we are starting to sort our own questions. This is good.

@2 - Not sure what is being debated as far as question 2. Trying to establish Sectors? I think sectors are relative to the ship. Sectors are being used, rather than hexes, to capture the HIGH maneuverability of ships. Thus, using the ship's home port, you count sectors when moving ships not hexes. You count hexes to count sectors.



This incomplete sentence may be the issue as I think it intended to list a ship's movement. My guess only. Anyway, Unlike units on  the land map that count hexes when using their movement scores, Ships count sectors. That's how I understand it. A nice way to use a single set of stats to capture two forms of movement.

@Building - This is complex. I've been rereading and rereading the rules. They are a bit scattered about. The key words are there though if you have a brain like mine. Something like this? To build in a city or adjacent to a city, you do not need an engineer only continuity. Basically, an ability to direct workers to the task. They function at 0 skill. So if you wanted to build a trading post/diplomatic mission in Moot, alright as it is within continuity of Port Olphar. However, if you wanted to build a trading post in Bex, not possible as it is far outside your continuity. You could build a diplomatic mission within the city if you had permission, as those don't require continuity and you are building in a settlement. The rules say nothing about having to won the settlement where you build. A settlement just provides a ready pool of workers to... uh.. do the work with no skill. You pay the cost and it appears. However, if you wanted a trading post, then you need to build a string of them at internals equal to continuity.



Thus, I expect trading posts will eventually pop up along roads as we slowly connect ourselves (roads allowing continuity to stretch further in each interval.). A trading post extends your continuity but does not extend your influence beyond that. Having just read this, outposts seem far, far more interesting to me now as well. The other problem is, building things away from your settlements requires an engineer. And those require protection. An incentive for some to work together to build a system of trading posts/roads as trading posts, but not outposts, can share a hex with other trading posts.

Note - Having the nomads quality is proving super nice here as... duh duh duhhhh.. I can ignore continuity! Hah! I was wondering what good it was going to do me other than making me rich and having no bloody military.

As for when we can build, that is not stated in the rules as the rules of seasons/turns seems to need an update.

Note 2 - Yes, it seems that settlers are a bit hard to direct especially for you freedom loving types. Seems that you can, as a player, give the area you want the settlers to settle as part of your turn orders, but the GM will have them follow to a greater or lesser extent your directive based on the resources in the area and your nation's traits. ORdering settler to establish a settlement in the middle of a desert seems like it wouldn't work very well. That's what outposts are for.



@ Federated Sons - I wouldn't think so. You'd need to build them. Per what I said above, you'd need one every "8 hexes of movement." I don't think cities start with them. And building diplomatic missions is not possible in your own cities or non-capitol cities as per the rules. They can only be built in foreign capitols, I think. That would be how you link them via land routes. Ocean routes would be a different barrel of fish.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Sun 09 May 2021.

As long as the GM agrees with what we understand, yes, it is, but if not, it can be a problem...



I mean to divide th esea into sectors, so that the yare fixed (as in Word in Flames Wargame, if you know it). Otherwise, my sector may not coincide with yours, and I guess this may bring trouble...

See also that in many instances th eship actions are told about, but if there's a limit, I have not found it (I guess it was on the missing part you say)...



If contiunity is the key here, I could build an outpost at any coastal hex, as according chapter 8:



So, as long as I dedícate a ship action (see above about this term), I can keep contiunity at any coast hex.

But to build without engineers, one can only in a city or adjacent to it, WIth engineers, should they move to the place to build? I assumed yes (and sos they may be attacked while building, to give an example), but it's true the rules don't specify it...






But if I cannot build an outpost to make more attractive the zone to be settled (as I don't have engineers, and my intent is not adjacent to any city of mine) , and my settles will either add one pop into a city or form a settlement at the end of the  year (so before I can build them), that means I cannot direct them, and that makes freedom more a hindrance tan anything else, and I guess Domains and Spacilties should be more advantages tan hindrances...

I can only assume that the GM will balance Freedom in other ways.

Exploring hexes for "free", taking an active hand in their own defense. Maybe setting up the occasional free trade post or a free hex of road on occasion.

Maybe not exactly where you want it, but things along those lines.

I think diplomatic missions are purely cosmetic for player on player diplomacy. I think actually building a mission is only required with NPCs if you don't have a diplomat. Diplomats are also for NPCs only. Players are self contained in their mutual diplomacy.

Diplomatic missions in PC cities are tricky. It would depend on the situation. Well, from a purely stats point of view. However, it does still count as a trading post in a chain of trading posts if that is your goal.

On the other hand, from an RP perspective... you want good relations with my faction, please be so kind as to actually establish such a presence. That may be some people's perspectives; it will be mine. I do sorely hope this is not just pushing numbers on spreadsheets for folks. I, for one, will not actually act on any negotiations if there is no believable way your nation and mine are interacting in the game world.

@Ma'Hellas - yes. As long as you have continuity and the ability to build at that location, you can create that outpost. As long as you maintain continuity, that outpost remains yours. What happens if continuity is broken, I don't know. The rules are also unclear as to how enemy continuity might affect your continuity. For example, gobbos or wandering monsters standing between two trading posts might disrupt the connect and break the chain. That is something you'd only be able to learn IC as the effects of wandering monsters depends on the whims of the monsters. Your continuity crosses continuity with a PC nation you are fighting... what happens? Whoever builds an outpost there breaks the others' continuity. Most of these issues are ones I look forward to learning in the game.

With you there Frosty. I have reached out to immediate neighbors in character and that's it at the moment.

I myself have only been speaking with a single kingdom that's right near my continuity which I think is sensible. Especially since witches have brooms. :)

Annual Turns: everything economic.
Seasonal turns: movement and diplomacy.
You can do the annual turn at any time, which means you could produce an engineer, move it and use it in the same year.

Ahhhh....

And, how and where did you want these turns? Also, an RP thread?

While I agree with the Frost Elves about the RPG part ,even from a more practical part, and Ambassy (diplomatic post) in a foreign capital may be useful, as it als ocoutns as a trading post, and that not only increases your contiuity for trading (somethin it seems not needed for sea trade), but also (chapter 5):

So, this diplomatic post may well pay off in trade


But, as you ahve prots, any sea trading nation may have a believable way to interact with you. You're unlikely to interact with Mons imperium (no offense, just as it's far and landlocked), but not so unlikely to interact with Ma'hellas for sea trade.

Even in the middle ages (I guess the current technology) there were long trade routes, mostly sea ones.

OK. Even so, the idea to call them differently (be it turns/rouns as someone suggested, or simply year/season) would avoid confusión...



So, could I this same Spring buy an Engineer, send it to where I want to establish a town, build an outpost there, and latter in the year send there the settlers in hope they will turn the outpost into a new town?

Also, to build a diplomatic post in a neutral city, should I send a hero and make a diplomatic action to build it?

You need a Hero with a Diplomat skill, I believe

As an aside as well, who was it that controlled High Hold? Seeing them as my neighbors to the northeast so wanted to verify. :)

In reply to Eroan (msg # 329):

Those are The Free Holds

Since we're officially started and info is nailed down, I've added a description for Annwyn.

My traits are:

Domains: Arcana, Beauty, Faerie
Traits: Diverse, Dynasty
Race: Faerie

Suggestion: Put your city names/capitol in your description so that you are easier to find.

Done so, together with names and pronouns for my heroes, exports and - hopefully - a little flavour

Upside to having a one city nation and naming them the same thing ;)

Good suggestion!

Consider it done.  Our capital is Isole of course.

I really need to retire soon so I can start playing games like this and others again.

Been looking for a bit, but haven't seen a legend for the maps. I'm trying to figure out the continuity for my lands, but not sure what exactly the terrain around me is.

Look in the bottom of the tables thread that is extremely helpful. And then actually in the tables thread I believe are the movements for races as well. Continuity is always calculated off of each movement points. For example if you're in the woods and are an elf we only do points per wood hex cuz that's like what we're good at so we could do four but if we were doing wooded hills or Forest I mean that's four points so we could only do two hexes instead. Humans I think do three points per wooded hex so they could only do two wooded hexes.

Bueno. I am a bit colorblind, but I think I will be able to deal. Though some of the terrain like that on 64.16 that I don't see on the sample chart. I've got a lot of that nearby.