Keeper's Game

[NotPersonal18]

WARNING! Slightly complicated, and most likely a long game.

Story: Oladite used to be a dead barren planet made completely of Zelprithe Crystal, a plain gray rock that sparkles under moonlight from Oladite’s five moons. This place bothered the Keeper, a high and “all powerful” being. Using his powers he grew land and sea, somewhat mirroring Earth. The Keeper addressed God about his copyright laws, and was able to draft in a few species onto this new planet. He also created a few of his own. After awhile the primitive life forms made him bored. He wanted things like humans! He went back to God and talked about copyrights, and got humans, and made a few more species. But knowing that it took years before this life developed into such a stage, he littered Oladite with pillars of knowledge, that when touched, give you superior line of thought! Those who touched the stones have been named “Chosen.”

Goal: You are a new primitive nation that has been placed above the tribes that litter Oladite. Why? You have two Chosen that are beginning the advance into science! And you will prove your science the best! Plunder the surrounding smaller tribes to gain a advantage against the other player nations. Defeat those nations through whatever means, and take over the world you power hungry beast! Alliances are allowed, but should they last to long the Keeper will intervene.

Setup: First off, you need a nation. You must create a race using the infamous point system! 1 pt = 25% or 2 tp/chosen (explained later). The traits are-

You get a total of 25 points to spend on your race/nation
Anatomy- the biological power of your race. Like all other traits, 100% is equal to the human ability.
Economy- The bonus credits you get when the income is determined after a period. 100% = no bonus 150% = 50% more 50% = 50% less
Birth Rate- the size of your legions. 100% = normal 150% = 50% larger. Every 50% allows you to
tp/Chosen- how much tp is gained a day by one chosen
Resistance- your people’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Max of three points. 1 = weak 2 = moderate 3 = excellent

Example:

Race: Nanites- brief description 200% Anatomy 125% Economy 125% birth rate 10 t/chosen moderate resistance
Nation: Piper’n’Flute – tiny description of values and other
Government: Lost Republic- how your crap works (can change ingame
Religion: Various- religions involved in your nation. If any religion is allowed put “various.” Can also change in game
Currency: Zelprithe and trading- what your economy is based on
History (optional) we’re a lost republic- how you formed
Location:little island in middle of map- where you are
Style (optional, though helpful): techno- what things look like
Chosen #1: bob- little about bob
Chosen #2: bill- a lot about bill, we like him better.
Other important chars: jack- why is he important
Starting techs: basic cooking 200tp, advanced cooking 200tp (not accurate tp scores) – what you already know. A limit of 400tp
Starting Force: many nanites- 1500 credits (this is the starting credits, no matter what the post says elsewhere)

Science!: Every day your nation becomes more and more advanced. The fate of the nation depends on the research of your chosen. When you begin on a research you need some basis for it. How did you find out about it, why did you start it? On every first post of the day, put your current research at the end in a spoiler tag.

Chocolate- Bill 10/30
Masonry- Bob, raymond 20/80

The number ?/? indicates tp. Every day a chosen produces tp for what they were researching. Once it hits the top you have completed your research. Any left over tp can be saved for the next research, as one thing does lead to another. Max tp is based on a honor system, so please, don’t screw things up. A single research can unlock multipule things, so never put “plastic cups” as “plastic” will do.

Forces: No nation is valid without an army! Every five days (we will call it one period) 100 credits will be earned per city (100 credits a period= 100% economy, 75% = 75 credits a period per city) you can use these credits to build your army. Your forces do not have to move as one, you can make separate armies.

Name: Credit Cost: Size (100%):
Fodder infantry- 50 for 200
Weak infantry- 50 for 100
Moderate infantry- 100 for 100
Strong infantry- 150 for 100
Veteran Infantry- 200 for 100
Elite Infantry- 500 for 100
Support- 100 for 100
Specialist- 200 for 100
Beast- 50 for 200
Mythical Beast- 50 for 100
Almighty mythical beast– 100 for 100
Legendary Beast- 250 for 100
Light Calvary- 100 for 200
Medium Calvary- 200 for 100
Heavy Calvary- 400 for 100
Siege Weapon- 100 for 10
Adv Siege Weapon- 250 for 10

Cities: You can place a city for every 50% birth rate you have. Cities cannot be placed more then two centimeters away from other cities. You start with only one city. This city will be your capital and will be in the same place as your location (dur). Your capital earns five times as much credits a period then other cities. Once destroyed, you cannot have another capital (for strategy reasons, not reality). Cities will be represented on the map by colored circles based on the nation. The capital will be a square.

Gameplay: You find pillars to increase your research setup quick NPC tribes and attack them for credits. Gained credits from tribes will be determined by the Keeper based on the strength of the tribe. Try to destroy the other nations armies and cities. Once their armies and cities are dead, they are out. They can rejoin, but must join their conqueror nation. They share tp, but the joiner must restart with a certain amount of credits (it will be a low amount) depending on the place of the BW. The conqueror has final word on what the nation researches. The joiner gains credits separately from his conqueror, but cannot make separate cities. Victory comes to the last nation with armies and cities.

Rules:
No Powergamming or metagamming. If you need to know something about the other nation badly then send a spy and hope he isn’t intercepted.

The keeper will cause the world to suffer natural disasters, don’t wine.

Don’t defy the Keeper, respect his authority! The Keeper can assign some helpers. Don’t defy these helpers either.

You can spawn resources and the such around your location if needed. But it has to be sensible, no explosive gas in volcanic lands.

Map Legend:
Green- Grassland, Plain. Weak+. Nothing special
Blue- Water. Weak+. Storms/hurricanes can happen at random.
Purple- Swamp, Marchland. Moderate+. Slows units, hazardous to unprotected feet.
Yellow: Sand, Shore. Moderate+. Slows units, bad eyesight due to sandstorms.
Darker Green- Forest, Jungle. Weak+. Random wildfires and bad eyesight.
White- Snow. Excellent+ Slows units, snowfalls.
Red- Lava field. Excellent+ Burns unprotected feat.
Orange- Magma river. Inhabitable. Death to he who touches.
Gray- Glacier. Moderate+. Windy, hurts eyes. Can break under feet.
Black Spray- Elevation, mountains. Darker is higher. Moderate+ or Excellent if land its on requires it. Hard to traverse.
Brown- Hard Desert, Cracked Earth. Moderate+.
Cyan Square- Pillar of Knowledge. Will be placed after first set of players, and may change from time to time. Disappear after used.

You can travel on any land type (besides magma, unless flying), but cannot stay long if it is above your race’s resistance unless you have protective technology. You need ships or have air capabilities to cross water. You get the point.

Now I'm not so sure about this, so any feedback would be nice.

[Weavern]

Gaaaah someone's been stealing skie's antz concept!

To clarify: It was a very old BW from the origional group which is a very close resembelance. However upon reviewing it was much much more complex.

/me considers joining after reviewing rules again

[NotPersonal18]

Skie's antz? Never looked at that, but if I am I am terribly sorry. And after reviewing the rules myself, the birth rate needed for cities is now 75% per new city a period, not 50%.

[Red Fox]

I'll join this and post Race when i get the computer and not browsing on PSP

[Xan]

I will probably join this, even though I don't like strategy BWs. :)

I will decide it when I see the map. I reserve myself the right to make a flyer race living in the mountains.

[Sword_Monkey]

Woah, I am sorry I have aslight ###### for complcated systems, so this is what I thought up.

Race: Vizzerdrixi - brief description; 300% Anatomy, 25% Economy, 150% birth rate, 6 t/chosen, excellent resistance.

Nation: Spawnforest - A grim dark howling place, spanning across a mountain valley, the Vizzerdrix race found their home in this humid hunting ground. There are cave systems and vast jungle trees, all of which house Vizzerdrix 'families'. The society runs on a belief of self-superiority, and attempts to breed itself to perfection.

Government: Aristocracy of a sort - there are ruling houses within the race, each one asserts their authority through breeding the strongest children. Battles for superiority often occur, but two houses remain on top, the houses containing the Chosen.

Religion: A small house led cult exists that hopes to channel divine power through breeding, but their results have been far from engaging. Otherwise the race is religion free, with only a limited knowledge of the Keeper, or the Great Breeder as they call it.

Currency: Boons and Tithes; the race grants boons to other antions, promises of service or money. Within their culture they prefer to give breeding specimens to each other to keep the race free of genetic foulling. They will also often give more stupid specimens to foreign ambassadors or representatives as a token of freindship, the creatures are often monstruous and loyal to death.

History: It was once said that during the Keeper's fascination with creating races,a nd bettering God with his own races, that he decided to cross two of God's races to make himself a new race. The result was the Vizzerdrix a humanoid monster of hulking but lithe proportions. It has blue short fur, sometimes longer, long ears, a snarling bestial visage and rows upon rows of daggered teeth. They usually wear no clothing, run everywhere and use all four limbs to do so. Since their early days not much has changed, they still behave the smae but have their own language, can adapt to other languages, and have a rudimentary governing system. They have no goals but to continue evolutions work.

Location: map...

Style: Breeders; they live on harsh diets, exercise routines and education on how to be the best predator. Things are never that advanced in appearance, but behind the harsh image these perfectionists have there is an ethical debate coursing through their veins.

Chosen #1: Kalanar of house Venethor - A monstruous creature, the pride of his house, when the pillar was found he was sent directly to it, nobody else was allowed to touch it. He is soon to inherit the house from his father, his many dozens of brothers and sisters do not care as they all see his power, and they also see the pwoer they will inherit from being his sibling. He has a large mane of blue fur around his neck and torso, amrking his majesty. he also has large teeth and a tail, and unusual feature on a Vizzerdrix.

Chosen #2: Razortalon of house Tachychar - Razortalon is a ranger, his senses and reflexes have been honed from birth, he stalks the forest cities of Spawnforest in silence. His knowledge gifted by the pillar has advanced him a long way in his pursuit of stealth and silence. He has black fur and stong leg muscles. His eyes have a secondary shading cover that slide into place at night, to prevent reflections. He is also one of the more common subtypes of Vizzerdrix having a set of gills under a patch of folical like fur on his torso.

Other important chars: General Rorm - Leads the United Houses to war.

Starting techs: Breeding 50tp, Advanced breeding 100tp, Alchemy 50tp, Drugs 50tp, Advanced Drugs 100tp, Beast Handling 50tp

Starting Force: Vizzerdrix UH force- 1500 credits (150%)

50 for 300 Rabbithounds (Beasts) X3
200 for 150 Vizzerdrix Dragoons (Medium cavalry) X2
250 for 150 Mammoth Vizzerdixes (Legendary Beast)
200 for 150 Gilled Vizzerdrixes (Specialists)
50 for 300 Vizzerdrix Housemen (Fodder infantry) X10

1500 credits in all.

[NotPersonal18]

Very good, besides the rabbit hounds. Just put ridding or taming for tech. And sorry about the map, forgot about that in the first post. Well, here it is:
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/8162/smap7gp.th.png (http:///img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=smap7gp.png)

[Sword_Monkey]

Ok so on the map, I'd say around about the middle left, in the jungle area, with water to the bottom of it and mountains to the left. I hope thats a pretty clear description... Just above the swamplands, on the other side of the water, yeah that should be clear enough.

EDIT: Woah a senior member in the Boardwars area awesome. (below)

[No Surrender]

Ok, I'm in. I'll probably post up a race in about a day when I'm not so fraking tired.

[Xan]

Mountains in the bottom right. Will post a race when I think of a name. :)

[c-web]

I'd like to join and will post long description of my small race when i get the chance... oh I'm in the middle top forset place.
nice bw Blaize/keeper. :bow:

[Red Fox]

/me likes dragonkin so will make a race of them

Race: Dragonkin
Stats: 250%-Anatomy 150%-Economy 100%-Birthrate 6t/chosen Excellent resistance
Description: Dragonkin are muscular humaniod beings with dragonlike features such as claws and wings. These variety have deep red scales and obsidian black obsidian scales in some. They can breath fire and sometimes spit large amounts of lava. There average hieght is from 6"3' to 7"8' and average around 300 to 600 pounds. They are born from eggs which take nearly 2 years to hatch. Reaching maturity around 30 they can live to be up to 210 although it is rare to see past that.

Nation: Dracan- Set in volcanic moutains where the Dragonkin where born it is a harsh place for others to live with many high mountains and ashcovered vallies. The main city its builtinto an actual mountain taller than the surrounding volcanos but low enough so the ash doesn't go into the city

Government: Religous Moanarchy- The king of the Dragonkin is a direct decendent from Dracor their patron god and is the largest dragonkin of any. As his bloodline grows longer it eventually becomes too weak for them to produce another heir and Dracor chooses a new King. During these periods it is extremely quiet and non productive as the race mourns the loss of a bloodline.

Religion: Monotheism/Various- Any religion is allowed to be practise by Dragonkin but it leads to treatment like second class citizens. The main religion's god is Dracor the First. The 3 others are his two sons and daughter who are also gods but not as worshiped. It is believed that Dracor was a real dragon who took lava and crafted Dragonkin as a lesser version of himself. This could be true as dragonkin do have the ability to immerse themselves in lava for short times. Infact when reaching maturity a Dragonkin must undergo a babatism in Lava as proof he is ready for society.

Currency: Draconians- rich resources in the mountains have lead to an increase in the amount of precious metals used. Instead of using gold or silver coins Dracanians use an obsidian black metal with red streaks know to them as Draconite. It is very plentiful and highly heat resistant. It is of the same value of gold to them an a bit more due to its unique red streaks to other races.

History: Dragonkin like they said in religion where crafted from the lava by The Keeper or known to them as Dracor. The first three he made are considered Dracors sons and daughter and are the original founder of the race. From there they changed little breeding at the slow rate dragonkin due to non live birth. Besides that Dragonkin have always lived in the mountains and haven't had much conact with other races. There was one time where Dracor chose two new bloodlines and there was a bloodfeud that droped the Dragonkins population but it has recovered since.

Location- Top right above the lava river in the mountains.

Style: Manipulative Traders- Despite their menancing appearance and strong build Dragonkin have a mind that is more than kill everything in site and more on how to get the best out of something. Instead of raiding a convoy for example a Dragonkin would see if they needed a guide and lead them to a trading post near by where he would proceed to negotiate some good deals on the things he needed. Not known to use force unless force is used against them Dragonkin are just good at persausion and manipulating things to there advantage.

Chosen #1: Duke Tan'karic- All chosen being close to the king have a high rank in society Duke being the highest. He was chosen to touch the pillar due to his great artistical talant. He is a Da'vinci of his race the First to make buildings more beatiful by using metal and stone together. He owns an academy where he trains others, including the prince, in his arts.

Chosen #2: Duke Bal'mor- A trader who has seen many other races and is famous for his ability to manipulate others to serve the Dragonkin as trading partners he was chosen in hopes to help improve the economy. Since then he has taken the first steps into Alchemy and other sciences and trains his 2 sons in his arts. He is also close to the royal family

Other important characters:
King Adairias- He's the king. Duh!
Grand Priestess Amaria- Leader of the Followers of Dracor
High Lord Vancouer- The leader of the armies of Dracan.

Starting techs: Stonemasonry 50tp Advanced Stonmasonry 100tp Trading 50tp Advanced Trading 100tp Natural Flight 50tp Metalworking 50tp

Starting Army: National Dracan Gaurd
700 Dracan Gaurd (Weak Infantry)
200 Dracan Palace Gaurd (Moderate Infantry)
100 Royal Gaurd (Elite Infantry)
200 Medical Priest (Support)
10 Lava Cannons (Advanced Seige)

[NotPersonal18]

So this is still going? Alright, when everyone gets their nations up we'll start.

[ShatteredFaith]

It looks liek an absolutely awesome idea, but all of that setup makes my brain hurt.

[Red Fox]

Oh come on shatterfaith its good for your head. Besides if you played any of the galactic wars then making your own race should be easy.

[c-web]

er' we go, er' we go, er' we go

Race: The Gurf- these small furry animals are mainly fur with some body mass hidden somewhere inside the interior. Imagine a brightly colored puffball that can think reasonably and role around. Ranging from 6' inches to two feet in diameter in size, they aren't very inteligent but can coordinate attacks and communicate with one another.

Anatomy-150%
Birth Rate-300%
resistance-3
economy-25%
6 t/chosen

Nation: Gwug- Ancient home for the Gurf, located in the upper left middle part of the map.They live in a valley they call Koo. Their capital rests in a giant hollowed out tree where the great Iufoo is. The hollow tree (Nica) is full of tunels and mazes designed to keep intruders lost. Only the Gurf can navigate thru them due to their bond with the great Iufoo, who lays in the exact middle of the Nica.

Government- All the underbeings (as Iufoo would call them) are linked mentaly to Iufoo. Iufoo has a vast mind that is ever expanding and can do multiple things at once. They obey her every command which makes the Gurf race, in prespective one giant being. If out of Iufoo's phycic range Gurfs will act on there own doing what they think best for the colony/greater good.

religion-Gurfs worship nature and are very concerned for it's well being. They belive that the seasons are how the keeper feels and understand what the keeper does on Oladite. They also think that Iufoo and Ruini are supreme being and that their mission in life is to severe and protect them and their race.

Currency- No real organized currency they just bartter peacfully with each other. Markets are nonexistant and any forien trade is only done by Iufoo in extreme surcumstances.

History- One day the keeper was walking trough a flowery medow doted with danndylions (in heaven or where ever he lives) when he tripped. He landed fface first in some flowers and when he looked up he saw those puffy plant/flower things. The keeper decided it would look funny in a different color but when he tryed to change it the plant sprang alive and started to multiply so uncontrolably that it made him panic. So he threw the ever expanding ball to Oladite which later evolved into the Gurf. Or so the legend says...

Location- The valley of Koo in the dense jungle(upper middle left on map.

Style- everything made of wood just discovering science. Typical day for Gurf would be
6:30-12:00 forage eat a meal or two
12:00-1:00 help birth new ariveles
1:00-dark gather fruit and hunt
dark-light sleep
Gurfs hunt by means of high piched sounds to confuse their prey and then hunters jam themselves down the prey's breathing hole to suffocate them...yeah...

Chosen #1- Iufoo the great
When this race was young, Iufoo was a small ridiculed Gurf. One day she rolled away crying to find a large black glowy rock where she normally cried. she started to cry on it and fell uncountious when she awoke she gave birth to a Gurf (at such a young age when she wasn't even fully matured made it all the more unusual). Well she discovered that she could control others in a vast area around her. She got the race to start obeying her and she kept geting larger and larger until she could no longer move. But she now gave birth at a tremendously fast rate without any male help. Her brain had now grown vastly and if she desired she could kill small animals. Oh the sweet, sweet irony. :tophat:

Chosen#2- Ruini the allmighty
A hunter Gurf who accidentaly bumped into tall pillar. After he did he grew tremendously and gained the abilaty to change his fur color at will. Using his powers to get to Iufoo herself they settled a deal and got to do whatever he pleased. (for Iufoo can't touch the minds of other chosen)
As big as your house and very strong he moves lightnig fast and can smash things into a bloody pulp.

Techs- medicine(50tp) adv. medicice(100tp) hunting(50tp) Sonic understanding (100tp) botany(100)

starting force: 6000 fodder infantry (exactly 1500 Crds.)

Not too uber I hope :Pimp: and thannk you sword monkey for the compliment I don't get to many wonder why... :screwy:

[Sword_Monkey]

Okay I was having trouble deciding between vizzerdrix and small cute rapidly reproducing furries, but I am glad I didn't C-web has nailed them perfectly! This should be avery original boardwar, Kudos to the creator(s) of the system/idea.

I just noticed we are going to be sharing the same expanse of jungle, possibly, oh well hehehehe......

[atmawpn]

Race: Synes

Anatomy: 100%
Economy: 200%
Birth Rate: 75%
Resistance: 2 (Moderate)
tp/Chosen: 16

Description: The Synes are a faction of humans who have been leading relatively peaceful lives in the Southeastern Grasslands. Having led sheltered lives for generations, their resistance to the elements is somewhat average compared with the rest of the races. However, this history of peace has also allowed for an explosion in both commerce and the sciences.

Nation: Eon - The nation of the Synes is located in the Southeastern Grasslands, just between the waters of the Life River and the Southeast Jungles. The capital city of Eidolon is relatively open to foreigners due to its policies on external trade, but this could change in the future due to the recent rise of other aggressive nations.

Government: Democratic Republic - Those years of peace and prosperity have also allowed considerable refinements to the concept of People Power. Due to the Synes' ever-continuing wish to seek the ideal, there are no so-called ruling houses or factions within the government, but mainly key characters who have the full support of the united people.

Religion: Various - Free practice of religion is permitted throughout the lands of Eon, so long as they are moderate in their teachings and pose no dangers to the current stability in the nation. However, recent incidents of extremism have caused an increase in surveillance of the various religious practitioners.

Currency: Utopians - A largely metal-based currency issued by the central government of Eon. Currently made of bronze and pewter, though discussions have been taking place about a possible transition to a paper-based currency.

History: Many theories have been put forward about the Synes' origins, but the general consensus is that the Keeper made the first Synes in an act of defiance against the copyright-wary God. They were actually humans, but due to copyright issues the Keeper renamed them the "Synes" and gave them pacifistic tendencies (Unlike the standard human counterpart) to create a new race that infringed none of God's copyrights. It is interesting to note that this theory was favoured due to its value as a humourous filler during awkward moments at mealtimes.

Location- Eon is between the river and the jungle in the Southeastern Grasslands. Eidolon itself is a riverside city.

Style: Peaceful traders and researchers - The Synes live for two things: To make more money, and to find ways of making life better. This combination has inadvertently allowed the Synes to progress very quickly in the fields of science even before the discovery of the Pillars.

Chosen #1: Provost Rea - A promising young researcher who went out and accidentally found a pillar. Upon touching the mysterious monolith he gained tremendous insight and replaced his mentor to become the new Research Head. Meanwhile, in what was deemed the most spectacular role reversal outside of an artistic play, Rea's mentor became his student, unlearning and relearning the Arts and Sciences under the tutelage of his former student.

Chosen #2: Commander Byri - Leader of the Eon Defence Force, Byri leant against a pillar while resting during a training expedition and was given a vision of the rise of the other nations. Reporting to the government after his moment of clarity, he effectively silenced those who argued for the disbanding of the military on the grounds that "Things are so peaceful now. Why should it change in the future," as is commonly voiced by outspoken critics. He now has tremendous expertise and skill in the tactics and strategies of war despite having not participated in one before.

Other important characters:
President Artania - The President of Eon
Advisor Carrie - Personal advisor to the President

Starting Techs: Fire (50 tp), Primitive Hydro Power (50 tp), Primitive Metallurgy (50 tp), Medicine (50 tp), Alchemy (50 tp), Primitive Engineering (50 tp), Basic Archery (50 tp), Botany (50 tp)

Starting Army: Eon Defence Force

500 Moderate Swordsmen (Moderate Infantry) - 500 credits
500 Archers (Support) - 500 credits
500 Light Chariots (Light Calvary) - 250 credits
100 Wooden Mobile Fortress (Legendary Beast) - 250 credits

Current Research:
Basic Metallurgy (16/100) - Rea
Basic Engineering (16/100) - Byri

[NotPersonal18]

C-web, the pillars give superior thought, not supernatural powers of possession and psychic abilities. Now, for my race. Don’t worry; the Keeper will play with them to.

Race: Sceptoid- 75% Anatomy 200% Birth Rate 75% Economy Moderate Resistance

Melliniod- 18tp/chosen Moderate Resistance

Description: The Sceptiod are an insectoid race. A rather retarded insectiod race. Before the Melliniod found them, they fought as disorganized tribes. They are green and have rounded beaks on a spherical head. They have four limbs, they use all of them to move. Their head extends from their neck, which is nothing then one point of their almond shaped body. Two limbs come from each side perfectly placed. Their limbs are a small fore arm the goes up into a joint. At this joint, the larger main arm extends down like a leg. The end forms into a point. This point acts as a spike, and can divide into four to open the Sceptiod’s “hand.” This hand is a hole with a single tentacle that can retract out of it. The Sceptiod are weak, and rely on teamwork to do most grunt work. Sceptiod have died soon after their birth from tribal wars so no lifespan can be named. The longest is 36 years, still living since the Carbine. As they crawl around their height is quite small. Though from point to beek they are about 75% the size of a human. From limb to back they only reach their knees.

The Melliniod are fish like bipods. They are about the same height as a human but are much weaker and slower. They cannot lift more then a vcr at a very slow tired and pace. They make up for their physical lack by their mental ability. They have silky shimmery skin. This fish like skin has no scales and is a pale teal. Their head is triangular with a tight skin fitting over the brain. The brain’s shape is visible, two folded pods with a canyon in between.

Nation: Guardiania Carbine- The values of the Carbine are simple to each race. For the Sceptiod, obey and protect the Melliniod. For the Melliniod, lead and develop the Sceptiod.

Government: Melliniod Council/Condfederation- The Melliniod number very few, like only four few. Only four Melliniod live in the world. One Melliniod controls a collective of Sceptiod through a “hive mind” chip. The Collectives are sorted out by birth. Sceptiod belong to a certain hive mind. The hive mind is not a separate being, it is a connection between the minds of the same collective. The Sceptiod can communicate through a series of clucks and clicks or through the hive mind. Their mind is divided between their own mind and the hive. The hive mind is of course stronger the the single, for it is the feeling of the collective. The Melliniod install a chip that connects the hive mind with their own to rule the collective. The chip is installed in their brain, and will not work for anyone but the Melliniod with the required DNA. The Collectives and their Mellinoid are like separate nations that are only bound to the other collectives by the Mellinoid council. The council discusses the actings of each nations and shares discoveries. The council is the only thing that keeps peace. If you have a problem with the Guardiania Carbine, you only have a problem with the collectives involved.

Religion: The Sceptiod tribes had separate religions, it wasn’t until the Carbine that the Sceptiod had shared beliefs. The Melliniod imposed their beliefs on them. The belief that there was one god, Titus. And that the Melliniod were favored by him. Other races could be overlooked, but the Melliniod were everything. This farther strengthens the Sceptiod’s will to serve. That they, in serving the Melliniod, are pleasing Titus and gaining a chance for the better afterlife.

Currency: There is no need for currency in the Carbine. As long as there is enough supplies it will be done. The Sceptiod’s only live to serve, and require no money. With no currency there is no greed, thus little crime.

Histroy: Guardiania was once a monarchy, and only involved the Melliniod. Viceroys, much like nobles, fought over the throne once the heirless king died. The result was death on a mass scale, and the already low populated Melliniod became even less until four finally agreed that peace in the form of separated power was the only way to preserve their race. These would be the four now. These four tried to restore Guardiania, but everything was destroyed in the war. They had nothing, and could not re-build without the droids of their old civilization. Then they approached the Sceptiod, the only other race known by the Melliniod. They brought the tribes together and talked with the hive mind. The collectives agreed on a Carbine. The Melliniod would lead the Sceptiod to greatness and preserve the peace in return for the Sceptiod’s utter devotion. When the Melliniods discovered how to connect themselves with the hive mind, they became a part of it. This increased the devotion and merged the collective’s ideals with the Melliniods. A Melliniod with a collective is called a Viceroy, and simply call the collectives by their own names.

Location: The isolated swamp island at the West of the map.

Style: You should get the idea. Buildings are from an insectiod race with the help of machinery on a swamp, the involve a lot of earth and vines. They are upheld by spines of wood and good earthwork.

Chosen Number One: Regan- Regan was exploring the surrounding forest of the island to get away from the pains of war, when she found a strange pillar. Using her new found talent she tried to bring peace. It wasn’t until only four survived that the Melliniod’s ignored their power and blood lusts to listen to her.

Chosen Number Two: Ohgla- Ohgla was the opposite of Regan. Once he found out her secret of the pillar, he searched for his own. He found it, and used his new talent to fuel the war with massive machines. Now he seeks to use his talents to make the Carbine, or more importantly, his collective, stronger then any other united force on the world.

Other Important Chars: Jargan- The current and only Viceroy. While other collectives exist, they are very small. Jargan lucked out on the draw and got the biggest most powerful collective. Using his collective he built the capital, and introduced the Sceptiod to settled life. The other Melliniod are still building their cities to gain the title of Viceroy and develop their collectives.

Harp- the forth Melliniod. A female.

Starting Tech: Electricity 50tp Metal Molding and Framing 50tp Hive Chip 80tp Earthwork 40tp Electronics 80tp Chemistry 60tp Swamp Farming 40tp

Starting Forces: I will post this at the start of the Bw.

We start tomorrow, regardless if you have posted your race or not. Like any other bw latecomers are welcome. The map with all nations and pillars will be posted at the start.

[NotPersonal18]

OOC: Now we start! http://img358.imageshack.us/my.php?image=keepersmap1yt.png (http://img358.imageshack.us/my.php?image=keepersmap1yt.png)
Remember that the Keeper can place or destroy any pillars he wishes to. If some one lacks in Chosen they will get a few lucky pillars near them.


Dark Blue: SLickWilly
Pale blue: NotPersonal18
Red: Bentus
Pink: Sword_Monkey
Tan: C-Web
Green that might as well be black: atmawpn


IC: The Keeper sat upon his throne, and chuckled as he watched the lesser races run around. At least they had a chance now, that Guardiania had fallen. The Keeper laughed out right. Put a little spit here, some lust there, and a whole nation would crumble. He had hated the Melliniod to, his first try gone wrong. Slow and weak, they were nothing compared to the races now. The Keeper once again spun his globe to view another nation, that of gurf. Those furballs had a disturbed idea how they got there, but at least they believed in him. He switched his view to the Synes, another race he was fond of. How God had twitched at them, unforgettable! The Keeper sat back, and just watched. He wondered which one would come out on top.

[atmawpn]

OOC: How exactly do the Pillars work? From the way you phrased it touching a Pillar would make it disappear, as well a granting additional tp/Chosen. But how is this additional tp/Chosen calculated?


Current Research:
Basic Metallurgy (16/100) - Rea
Basic Engineering (16/100) - Byri


IC: Rea listened to Byri's words with interest, considering the commander's theory that there could be other forces out there preparing to mount an offensive. As Byri demolished the last of the parliamentary arguments, the Provost thought he'd stand up and add his two cents as the first Chosen.


"You have something to say, Provost?" Byri enquired as the rest of Parliament hushed and became silent out of respect for the brilliant Chosen.

"I'd like to propose something more frightening," Rea began, "Suppose the good commander is correct - suppose there are indeed other hostile nations on the rise. Let me now suggest that there are more than two Pillars out there, more than the two that initially gave us these incredible thoughts. I suppose you can all now visualise the possible consequences, if we do not take immediate action?"

"Nothing personal Provost, but do you have any evidence that similar Pillars may exist around the world?" a minister asked.

"No, I do not," Rea admitted, "But before the two of us even gained these abilities, we were also lacking in evidence that pointed to the existence of these monoliths. Which leads me to conclude that until we can develop a theory explaining these mysterious Pillars, we cannot take the absence of evidence to be proof of the Pillars' nonexistence."

"So you would support expeditions to map the surrounding terrain, I trust?" Byri asked, seeking confirmation from his only other equal.

"Why of course. In fact, I believe it is high time that we updated those geographical maps in the planning departments," Rea agreed, "The precision and accuracy of the old ones are quite a national embarrassment."

"The Provost's justification certainly adds weight to the commander's argument," President Artania noted, "Well then, do we have an agreement?"


A wave of murmurs went round the seated Members of Parliament as they began quick discussions on the matter. A minute or so later, a unanaminous decision was reached.


"Commander Byri, you have approval," Artania declared, "You may now undertake military expeditions of any kind in addition to full control over the military forces, which means you may take action without prior Parliamentary approval. Of course, if you misuse this power..."

"I understand the implications," Byri responded, "Parliament reserves the right to strip me of my post and assign a new leader."

"But that will never happen to the good commander, I'm quite sure," Rea added.

"Of course, the warning was a mere formality," Artania smiled, "And one more thing - remember our policy."

"Attempt diplomacy first. Otherwise, fall back unless the other side has expressed clear wishes to invade us," Byri recited.

"I suppose there is nothing to worry about then," Artania commented, "Parliament is dismissed."


As the ministers began strolling out of the Great Hall, Byri wasted no time moving off to give the orders. The expeditions to the River, north, south and east would begin before the day was out.

[NotPersonal18]

OOC: The pillars disappear on touch, they simply just fade away. The one who touched it becomes a Chosen, thus you get another slave for research. If a already Chosen touches it, they simply act like they were two Chosens, or however many depending on how many more they touched. Oh, I edited my research if anyone cares. It was a little to advanced. Still kinda is, but the Keeper/myself will restrain myself, so don’t worry. As for y army list, that is going to have to wait… I am tired! :snore:

IC: The Keeper’s eyes widened. He had forgotten something very important. If these the lesser races ever came in contact they wouldn’t be able to communicate! This would have to change, he needed to play with his “Chosen” more. He laughed again. When they went to sleep, their dreams would only be filled with him. The laugh continued.
------
Regan sat in her spot in the newly built Council Chamber. “So,” she asked. “What’s next?”

Jargan turned his head away from the wooden Sceptiod Cup. “You mean what you and Ohgla should look into?”

“Of course she does!” Ohgla said as he put his cup down and stood up. “I say warfare. These Sceptiod are nothing near Guardiania’s old power. They can already live, why go farther into that area. If we find any other contact besides the Sceptiod and ourselves, we need to be able to defend ourselves.”

“Or use our new power to overthrow other collectives? I don’t think so Ohgla.”

“You don’t have to! I will look into warfare, and whatever I find is yours to use or not when the time comes. Good day my fellow Melliniods. If you need to talk to me, contact the hive mind trough a Sceptiod.” With that Ohgla left.

“If we ever get across the water!” It was to late, Ohgla had left. “Regan,” Harp begged. “Please find out how to traverse that beautiful ocean. It will be a breakthrough for our new nation, one that Guardiania never found!”

“I think that is a better idea, but perhaps we shouldn’t use it until we are sure we could stand up to Ohgla’s ghost nations. As much as I hate it, he’s right. I’m going to learn how to make that machinery we used to own. We have taught the Sceptiod of metal, but they need to see its best uses. Both for war and internal affairs. I will leave too, there is nothing left to say.” Regan also uped and left.

“I have city work to attend to Harp, I must go as well.” Jargan left through a door opposite to that of Ohgla and Regan.

“Well fine then,” muttered Harp. She left, but not for her home. She could not stand being stupid, or a least in two of four Melliniods. She would find one of these pillars, and lead her Collective above the others!

Warfare- the ideals of war: 18/20 Ohgla
Mathematics- a gateway to a better civilization in nearly every area: 18/40 Regan

[c-web]

OOC: hey I thought i was supest to be at the middle top left place near the magme /volcano stuff. Oh well... :(
and that village southwest of me is called what and who inhabit's it? and please none of you people corecct my spelling cause' you do it in vain.
----------
IC: It was a pleasent day for any Gurf. the sun was shining the keeper was in high spirits(or he was constapated they couldn't decided) or so the weather this time of year told them. Nica was thriving with activity and Iufoo was pleased. She took a second to survey what she had acomplished and saw that it was good. Just then her mind was distresed by a Gurf she had sent to fallow Ruini , Just to keep an eye on him. The mind informed her that there was a small settlement in the direction of which on of the keeper's glowing balls faded into the horizon. Iufoo was glad ,her worriors had not seen battle for somer time now and they needed refeshment. She also could now please the Keeper by showing Him her race's superiorety...

Ruini-hunting 6/50 tp Iufoo-medicine 6/50 tp

[grewican]

please, notpersonal18 let me start, please ill make my race quick and you just at least give me one day and ill have it all ready. please just let me join....!!!!PLEASE!!!!:bow:
My race will be not a waste of time.. i will not disapoint you, o yea if you except i would like to be in the water

p.s.(look at my avatar and stuff guess who i am)

do you consider yourself a jar not personal18 :bow2:

[atmawpn]

OOC: Seems to me like a rather slow start. This post'll be short then.

Current Research: (After 2 days)

Basic Metallurgy: Required for small-scale manipulation of iron. (48/100) - Rea

Basic Engineering: Required for the development of new structures capable of withstanding the weight of iron. (48/100) - Byri

IC: Provost Rea rode on towards the East, eager to discover the new Pillar which had been reportedly discovered by the Eastern Expedition just a day ago. He estimated he would be there just before nightfall.

[Sword_Monkey]

Kalanar roamed the forest cities looking always for new mates. He never accepted the best pickings of the other houses, preferring to find viable genelines for himself.

He had many spawnings now, all young but ahead of their age in the military and academic paths, not that the Vizzerdrixi were all too focussed in studies.

Razortalon stalked him, always wondering who would win in a fight, Kalanar was monstrous, truly double his size, but Razortalon was fast, very fast, he toned himself everyday and hunted the smallest of prey and the biggest. He had honed his skills into an artform, and yet the pure muscle of Kalanar put him off somewhat.

Their uneasy relationship, two different houses, the same generation, the same incident, made them arch enemies. And yet they were both hailed as brothers of blood by their people.

A howl went up in the forest, followed by a cascade of howling across the entire Valley of Might, the three cities were communing, the subject was war.

Kalanar rose up on his hind legs and beat his chest releasing a mighty primal roar which dwarfed the others. Razortalon just sank lower, and started back off home to see what all the commotion was about.

The howling was explaining enough, the Vizzerdrixi were being called to claws, they were marching an army out, the other races were using 'technology' above their natural skills, this would all have to stop. They were an affront to the Keepers skill of creation, they were condemning all he had done for them.

By nightfall the first army marched. (I have no idea where as my deficient eyes can make absolutely no sense of that map, most of the little squares look the same to me, perhaps letters would be better NP? Sorry I just cant distinguish between colours too well)

[Lestaki]

OOC: Well, I'll join this if that's okay. Just had an idea burst... ;) Anyone who can spot where I got the idea from, I know I've taken liberties with it... I'm only on the eighth boss... :p

Race: Sarathar- tall and thin, typically with dark-red hair and excessively long, delicate fingers. They are physically weak but excellent with their hands.
50% Anatomy
200% Economy
100% birth rate
20 t/chosen
low resistance

Nation: The Artificers- Sarathar excel, in essence, at making things. In particular, they are experimenting with the art of "soul trapping", or capturing the spirits of the dead and binding them to machinery, forming sentient structures they call golems. They also are apt at manufacturing more conventional materials, giving them a very strong economy.

Government: Theocracy- the nation is lead by the sixteen Oracles, who are said to commune with the God of the Dead himself. These Oracles sit on a conclave that collectively dictates the actions of the Sarathar as a whole.

Religion: All worship is dedicated to the Three-Faced God, or the God of the Dead as he is more commonly known. He is said to have three forms; Elysium the Purifier, Asphodel the Guardian and Tartarus the Destroyer. This also serves as symbolic of the three main castes of Sarathar society; the preisthood and Oracles, the people and the warriors. Suffice to say any worship of any other god is not tolerated by Tartarus, though the Sarathar do not take any interest in whether any other species worship their religion. They are the elect of Death Himself, and only care for their own purity.

Currency: The Sarathar have a standard metal currency, but far prefer trading their goods for raw materials internationally.

History: The Sarathar trace their history to the time when a great hero went alone to a forbidden land and struck a pact with Death himself. The pact, at great cost, was fulfilled, and one who was dead brought to life. Together, these two individuals cleansed the forbidden land of the ancient beasts that inhabited it. The Sarathar, who had seen the hero's quest as a hopeless challenge of fate, eventually persued with the intent to destroy the two. But when they arrived, they found an eden, ready for them, and the two in wait of their judgement. The Sarathar began to settle the empty land and sent messangers to their people with news- only to find that their homeland had been destroyed by calamaties of nature, and a deadly war. Seeing this as a sign, the Sarathar returned to the forbidden land and have never left it. The Two guided them as best they could for as long as they could, before falling into a deep, shadowed slumber that was not to end for hundreds of years...

Location: Wherever you can fit me, probably a fairly small area of grassland. Obviously must cater for weak peeps, and is a small intensively developed area.

Style: The Art of the Dead- Sarathar principly rely on their golems, machines motivated by the souls of the dead. These constructs can perform many tasks and are the key to the Sarathar at war.

Chosen #1: Wanda- the first great hero, now free of his long sleep. Wanda has been marked by darkness, forever seeming a youth of perhaps twenty, the shadows that wrap round his form the only sign of what price he has paid for his powers. Awoken by the God to seek out these pillars.

Chosen #2: Selina- the second hero, this maiden was brought back from death itself by Wanda. To save him from the price of his own pact, made for her sake, she too struck a deal with the Three-Faced God. Like him she is seemingly young and beautiful, but wracked by a great evil and the memory of her crimes. Like Wanda, she has been brought back from her sleep to take what advantage she can of the Keeper's eccentricities.

Other important chars: (makes these up on the fly)

Starting techs: Soul Trapping (100 tp) Mining (50) Forestry (50) Masonry (50) Fire (50) Engineering (50) Preservation of Nature (50)

Starting Force:

10 Grand Golems- count as advanced siege weapons, 250 credits- Cast in the likeness of the great creatures that once inhabited the Forbidden lands, these massive creations of iron and wood are motivated by an entire sea of souls. Each is ridden by a Soultamer who is needed to channel suitable agression into the otherwise docile creations.

100 War Golems- legendary beasts, 250 credits- sufficently small as to be directed by the soul of a single warrior, these massive constructs can wreak mayhem with their enemies, but have little to no understanding or interest in tactics.

2000 Golems- beasts, 500 credits- smaller than War golems, these constructs are driven by civilian souls and effectively drafted for war. They are not natural fighters but in large numbers can rouse themselves into a war fury.

300 Sarathar Archers- moderate infantry, 300 credits- armed with longbows, these archers are well-drilled and accurate with their bows, but suffer in close quaters combat. They provide fire support for the golems.

100 Soulpact Warriors- veteran infantry, 200 credits- armed only with shortswords, spears and other light weapons, these troops are the apprentices of death. They are deadly in close combat but with no armour, are vulnerable at range. They are most important in rousing the golems into their war frenzy, using their limited command of spiritual forces.

[atmawpn]

OOC: Welcome aboard. We could use a boost, given the slow start and unresponsive players. :D

Sword_Monkey I think you're the pink square that sits just north of where the two western rivers join. Assuming you don't have naval technology, your armies could only reach SlickWilly (Who is far up in the northwest corner) or, *gasp*, the cute little reproducing furries of C-Web's!

Current Research:

Basic Metallurgy: Required for small-scale manipulation of iron. (80/100) - Rea

Basic Engineering: Required for the development of new structures capable of withstanding the weight of iron. (64/100) - Byri

IC: Provost Rea observed the mysterious pillar standing before him. It was a curious thing, an artifact that had granted him amazing intelligence and thought. Every intricacy of the thing before him was exactly the same as that of the original Pillar which he had touched not so long ago.

Holding his breath in anticipation, Rea closed his eyes and raised a hand to the smooth surface of the artifact. As he did so, he felt another rush of mental power as knowledge seemed to stream seamlessly into his mind.

When Rea opened his eyes again, the Pillar was gone. But his mind had undergone a great change.

CHOSEN UPDATE: Rea now produces 32 tp/Chosen

MAP UPDATE: Pillar east of Eidolon used and vanished.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1161/keepersmap1yt1nf.th.png (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=keepersmap1yt1nf.png)

[Sevorak]

OOC: I sent a PM to the thread creator, requesting permission to join - I just had a burst of inspiration for my race, though, and wrote it up in record speed, so here it is, by far ahead of schedule, and before any reply from the creator. ;(. Also after noticing a note that said newcomers were welcome...after I sent the PM, no less. At any rate, any issues, NP, complain to me via PM, and I'll address any problems you may have with the race.


Esterrén

Attributes

Anatomy – 250%. Slender, graceful and haunting to the eyes, the Esterrén, while remarkable to look at, are unremarkable based upon simple physical biology. However, secrets locked deep within the recesses of their hearts and minds grant them the ability to tap fountains of psionic power that they can manipulate and turn to their own ends.

Economy - 50%. The Esterrén are far more concerned with concepts of the spirit, the heart and the mind than any form of monetary currency. They trade in vials of a liquid crystalline substance that can be manipulated psionically for their ends; true money takes a back seat in all things.

Birth Rate – 50%. The Esterrén, being an intrinsically complex and emotionally intensive people, have a low birth rate – this owes both to the slow speed of the natural process itself, and to the fact that Esterrén relationships do not develop nearly as quickly as that of other races – their lives are long, and they see little need to rush into anything.

Tp/Chosen – 20. The Esterrén’s scientific development revolves almost entirely around the manipulation of the liquid crystalline substance that is intrinsic to their society; this extends to the Chosen, who naturally extend their enhanced abilities into unlocking the fabrics of both their potentially formidable psionic abilities, and the secrets of this mysterious liquid crystal.

Resistance – Weak. The Esterrén are not particularly physically gifted without their powers; they are, in fact, less able than humans – even if they have grace and the like in their favour, humans are stronger and much hardier than they are.

Politics

Nation – The Esterrén nation as a whole simply values reliance upon each other for sustenance, survival, and emphasizes peaceful cooperation with each other rather than conflict; however, only fools would believe this extends to the vast majority of their neighbouring races.

Government – Unification. The Esterrén as a whole require no centralized government save those psychics sufficiently able to divine outside of their city, and guide them into the future – there are no authoritarian leaders. There are only guides; the Esterrén, however, are remarkably able to come to a rapid consensus on virtually every issue on the suitable course for their people.

Religion – The Esterrén have no religion; their only beliefs in higher powers is that they likely exist, and are far from omnipotent, omniscient, and can certainly be destroyed by any mortal sufficiently powerful and devoted to the task of killing them.

Currency – The Esterrén really have no need for money; they work on principles of mutual cooperation and give-and-take when it comes to exchanges.

History

The Esterrén have long been capable of crystalline manipulation; it is how they have thrived, even before the emergence of the Chosen at their ‘head’. And since the earliest days of their civilization, they have been able to boast of a significant ability to cooperate and make decisions communally. Their ‘unification’ system has always existed as part of their lives, and has served them well for years.

Geography/Aesthetics

The Esterrén eke out an existence from the land and the water; living northwest of the center ocean, right by the sea. Their ‘technology’ seems almost ethereal; everything they craft and design is made of a permeable crystal – in either a gaseous or liquid form, held in place by psionic constraints.

Chosen

Saethira – A strikingly beautiful Esterrén woman with a significant talent for psychic manipulation and telepathy; the augmentation of her mind at the hands of the pillar has only served to augment her already powerful abilities, and elevate her far beyond the level of her peers. At twenty-seven years of age, she is very young by Esterrén standards; and with her shoulder-length white hair, radiant sky-blue eyes, and flowing robes inlaid with crystal, Saethira certainly looks the part of the young princess; though when a corona of psionic lightning arcs about her body, flaring outward in her fury, she appears reminiscent of the seraphim of legend.

Sethari – A counterpart to Saethira’s terrifying psionic powers that rend her enemies asunder, Sethari’s powers augment his own motions and make him a lethal presence upon the battlefield. Wielding an icy katana and garbed in a white suit of crystalline battle armour and cloak, his cold, calm presence brings stability and cohesion to the warriors around him.

Starting Technologies: Crystalline Manipulation – 100 tp; Psionic Affinity – 100 tp; Haunting Visage – 100 tp; Shard Blades – 50 tp; Shard Archery – 50 tp.

Crystalline Manipulation – the basic art of crystal manipulation that allows the liquid crystal to be formed into structures and basic necessities of life.

Psionic Affinity – the ability that allows the Esterrén to unlock the most basic of their psychic abilities; minor telekinetic manipulation, minor telepathy, and the ability to subtly augment the muscles in their bodies.

Haunting Visage – the ability that allows the Esterrén to project slightly distorted images of themselves to others, thus affording them some form of ranged damage resistance.

Shard Blades – blades formed from liquid crystal.

Shard Archery – bows and arrows formed from liquid crystal.

Initial Forces

Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.
Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.

Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.
Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.

Crystalline Sentinels – Siege Weapons; 100 for 10.

[Sword_Monkey]

OOC: Forgive me but what in hell is SlickWilly playing, I cant seem to find his entry?

IC: Kalanar marched north, hunting would be good there, and Razortalon took his rangers east, across the waters, it would take days, but it would be worth it, so worth it.

OOC: Seriously ould someone edit the colurs, or at least letter each one, I have no clue what the squares are, pink, cyan and so on are so confusing to me, all i see are random squares above me and around, I don't know which is a city and which is a pillar.

EDIT: I think I have it now, thats a lot of Pillar's right?

[Lestaki]

OOC: I'll take that as an invitation to get stuck in, then. :D

Current research:
Wanda- Pact of War Spirits (dramatically enhances the capacity of Soulpact Warriors to drive Golems, allows for civilian souls to be made into more effective Battle Golems in future)- (20/40tp)

Selina- Channeling (allows others to take pacts with the God of Death that give access to death sorcery)- (20/100)

IC: Wanda approached very quietly, wondering whether she wanted to be alone.

"Times are changing," she remarked. She was looking out over the horizon, legs dangling from the ledge. They were at the very highest level of the Grand Temple, the center of the city and the highest point in all the forbidden land. It was a beautiful view, and one that provided some peace and solace.

So she wanted to talk. He sat by her, likewise staring at their realm. "Yes," he said. "I do not like it. But do we ever have to like it?"

"Never," she reflected. "I think He's worried. By this new God."

"He worries me," Wanda said. "After all this time, with him at least you know, to a degree, what you're dealing with."

"This new one is an unknown power and quantity," Selina agreed. "Though he scatters his blessings widely."

"I think we both know what our God wants," he said softly.

She sighed and nodded. "It's a heavy price to pay."

"It's the only thing we can do."

She put a hand on her chest, feeling the heart fluttering beneath. There was a dull pain there, one that had existed for as long as she could remember. "Perhaps," she said. "But that does not excuse it."

"I think it can be done," Wanda said.

"The Conclave?"

"You know that we can rule them, if we have to," he said.

"I don't like to," she said.

He put a hand on her shoulder. "I don't like it. I hate it, Selina. But that never matters. You know the altelnative."

She sighed and closed her eyes. "So be it. We will have to corrupt our people still further."

"In his thrall, never to return. We can only go onwards."

"Then I'll give the people the power they want," Selina said. "Theirs to judge the price."

"I'm making a deal of my own," Wanda said. "But that won't be enough. I think it's time to put that final ploy into motion."

"I agree," she said. "We should begin."

He hugged her gently, then they both closed their eyes, and cast their minds onto a spiritual plane of existance...

[Sevorak]

Shadows in the dreamworld...reflections of the ether.

Saethira drilled the lessons of her elders through her refined mind; the ether's energies coursed through her spirit, coalescing about her form and flickering with trails of light across her incredibly subjective mental image of the dreamworld; a plane of silver and light - how most saw it, in truth. At her side, Sethari stirred and glanced to the side, ever-ready...there wasn't much likelihood of interference from another dreamer...or any of the dreamworld's myriad denizens. Both Saethira and Sethari had been brought into the ether for the first time by a dreamer already accepted, and with his blessing, and the dream-beings' own examinations, they had gradually been accepted into the plane...some of the few, to be certain...

...to astral project into the dreamworld was a place few survived. And to do what they were about to do was something that virtually none survived. They reached out with the twin impulses of their minds, casting their consciousnesses further along the dreamworld; the echoes of real places they knew faded behind them - their minds echoed for the briefest of moments across a star...they witnessed another world, another place...then they were back in their own, and they had found what they sought.

Both Saethira and Sethari bowed their heads in silence...the dreamworld coalesced, rippled and swirled around them, almost at peace - it was never truly silent, nor was it ever quiet...there were always calls, whispers in the ether...and it wasn't something either of them could change if they could. The distant, siren's call of the sleepers - a hauntingly beautiful melody, intertwining with their souls themselves - resonated in their hearts and minds.

"Asheval, teral...unduli thera..."

[c-web]

Ruini-hunting 30/50 tp Iufoo-medicine 30/50 tp
OOC:If They Creater wold POST then mabe i could attack somthing.

[Lestaki]

OOC: *casts the summonation of notpersonal, as used in leviathan*

IC: "It is done," Wanda said, his voice echoing loudly in the great council chamber.

The Oracles stared at the pair, sighed, and nodded. "So be it, if He wills it so," one said.

"He does," Wanda said. He knew he sounded imperious, arrogant, but it was too easy to take out his various frustrations on these idiots. "And by His grace we will see this through. Have scouting parties assembled and our horses prepared- in the morning we will ride out again. In the meantime, pleasue leave us. We will converse with Him." Treat them like servants, humiliate them, smooth there. But they really did understand so little, and in looking apon him could know they did know so little. That was why he was hard with them; those guardians who were supposed to protect the people from the truth, didn't know the truth themselves.

Bowing, they hurried out. Sighing, Wanda kneeled and looked up into the light, Selina by his side. And the light answered.

[NotPersonal18]

OOC: Ah, I love you guys. You resurrect the tread three times, and give me my own summoning chant. Its just so warm feeling. Sorry I was gone so long, I went to the beach (I love CA). And I consider myself a jar of sorts, filled with strawberry jelly and the occasional melon juice. I have question for you too, how long did you make C-Web beg before you said you would join?

As for SlickWilly, I believe him deleting his entry post is a sign of him quitting. Don’t bother with him, and ignore his spot on the map. It will be erased with on the next map update. And a period has passed since the start, so increase your army (you only gain credits from cities you already had before the period). And tell me the direction of your new cites, the new players will be given spots on the map. I have looked over everyones’ armies, and I found something. Some people *gives a quick glance to Lestaki* didn’t incorporate their birth rate into their army. With a 50% you should get 50% of the units. (50 legendary golems, not 100). Also Lestaki, you need a birth rate of at least 75% to get another city, so something needs changing. We just started, it shouldn’t be that hard. Please, look over your army lists. And as seeing as you can’t have a multi-raced bw without some sort of psychics, I’m fine with your races. And do to my lack of time, I will once again delay in making my army list. Sorry guys, but don’t worry, I’m isolated. I won’t be seeing war for awhile. And C-Web, if you want something to attack, go kill some NPC fairies or something. And by the way, all the chosen need to go to sleep. The Keeper needs to visit their dreams. I also have a problem with Sevorak’s position. It is near sword_monkey’s, or am I mistaken. Could you post a more specific one?


IC: The Keeper viewed the three faced “god” with interested. He lay at his feat, bowing. “You are my faithful devil aren’t you?”

“Yes Keeper.”

The Keeper rose from his throne, and walked over to the globe. “Then why do you have a race worshiping you?”

“You aren’t concerned with the other nation’s religions.”

“That’s because most aren’t true. But this one, happens to be close. They worship you,” the Keeper spun the globe and zoomed it on a single spot. He watched the conversation between the chosen. “They even think you are worried about me. Of me taking over, little do they know you are my servant.”

“What will happen Keeper? Are you angered?” At this the Keeper smiled, and turned back to his servant.

“I will let it go, but don’t let it get out of hand. Understand?"

Yes Keeper."

"Good, now go!" And with that, the three faced "god" left.
-------
Harp walked through the forest. She would find one of these pillars! She would not let her collective fall behind just because that snob Regan got lucky. That went for Ohgla too! A branched smacked her in the face, as she was to bent on her angered. She reached up to break it, but was unable to. A few tentacles shot up and snapped it. Thank you. Your worth knows no bounds. First you build a city, and now you even break a simple branch for me. The hive mind seemed pleasured by this remark. Lets rest for now; we will continue the search tomorrow. Harp sat in the roots, and gleefully went to sleep.

Day two, Period one:
Warfare- completed 16 tp left over.
Mathematics- 36/40
Day three, Period one:
Natural discovery (The learning of what different substances exist in the area of the Carbine, and their properties.)- 34/100 Ohgla
Mathematics- completed. 14 tp left over.
Day Four, Period one:
Natural discovery- 52/100
Engineering (a form and formula to construct objects)- 32/50
Day Five, Period One:
Natural discovery- 70/100
Engineering- completed.

[atmawpn]

OOC: Ugh. Had I remembered I'd have chosen to give myself 100% for a nice round number. I so hate math...

Btw, I thought if you chose a birth rate of say 50% it'd just mean you won't be able to get a new city for the first period, and you'd have to wait for the second period. (to accummulate 50+50 = 100%, of which you deduct 75% to get a new city) Or are the calculations done differently?

And regarding the credits: Do you have to use them up immediately come one period, or can you hold them and build the army later on?

IC: Corrected Starting Army: Eon Defence Force

375 Moderate Swordsmen (Moderate Infantry) - 500 credits
375 Archers (Support) - 500 credits
375 Light Chariots (Light Calvary) - 250 credits
75 Wooden Mobile Fortress (Legendary Beast) - 250 credits

Credit income: 1000 credits (200% Economy, Capital City so x5?)

New City: Perhaps just east of my capital, where the Pillar used to be?

Current Research:

Basic Metallurgy: Required for small-scale manipulation of iron. (80+20/100 COMPLETE) - Rea

Steam Power: Required for the first generation of fuel-powered devices and economy. (0+12/100) - Rea

Basic Engineering: Required for the development of new structures capable of withstanding the weight of iron. (64+16/100) - Byri

"Marvellous breakthrough, Provost," Artania commented after reading through his research, "This is certainly one step up from those wooden armours we are currently using."

"Thank you," Rea answered politely, "Now, I understand both you and the Commander called me here because of something important?"

"I'll cut to the chase," Byri quickly replied as he laid a map down on the table, "The northern expedition just sent word - they've found another Pillar up far north. They're now moving in to secure the area - should be there by nightfall. In the meantime, you have some theoretical knowhow on military doctrine?"

"I'll stand in for you," Rea reassured, "You can go ahead and grab that Pillar. But you're not going out there just for the Pillar alone I'm sure?"

"You're a sharp one Provost," Byri sighed before continuing, "I also got suggestions of possible vectors from the west river, but they can't confirm owing to distance and the occasional sandstorms."

"You mean an invasion's on the way?"

"It's not a matter of sighted enemy forces," Byri answered, "But rather, they did notice a confluence towards the north of the river. Theoretical military doctrine states..."

"...possible multiple vectors of attack," Rea noted, "Then you'd better leave at once to investigate the possibility."

"Right. Once I secure the river I'll head out west," Byri declared as he made a prompt departure.

"I guess we can call it a day," Rea commented.

"Yes, yes, of course," Artania replied, "Tomorrow then."


With that, the Provost retired to his quarters for his nightly rest.

[NotPersonal18]

Hmm... that works. Lestaki, your fine on birth rate, don't fret yourself. Now about credits however, you can't save credits, simply for one reason, its not smart. I now notice that I left out upgrading units out from the first post. Once a certian troop becomes obsolete of sorts, you can upgrade them. The cost of upgrading is the differece between the cost of the new unit and the cost of the old unit. So saying everything is at 100%, this would be an example.
Weak Infantry 100>Moderate Infantry 200 Cost:50
If it is from a troop with higher numbers you have to first split it up until it has the same numbers as the troop it is upgrading to.
Fodder Infantry 200>Moderate Infantry 100
Fodder Infantry 100>Moderate Infantry 100 Cost: 50
Fodder Infantry 100>Moderate Infantry 100 Cost: 50
So now you would have 200 Moderate Infantry. If the unit you are upgrading into is considered the same rank in the era as the last one, there is no cost.
Support>Support Cost: 0
Since you can upgrade troops, it would be smarter to build all you can. Whatever credits are leftover from your purchase can be saved, post how much in your research area.

And now that thats done, my army!
Fodder Infantry: Drones- Sceptiod new to war, and newly born. These are the learning Sceptiod, and cannot fight as near as well as others. 6x50= 300c/2400 men
Moderate Infantry: Barbarians- it can't be forgotten that the Sceptiod were once warring tribes. These barbarians are a dying caste, but a fierce one. They do not hold to honor and the Hive Mind like other Sceptiod, they are more independent. They also are a whirlwind in combat. 4x100=400c/800men
Warriors- trained for combat with a high sense of honor and pride for the hive mind of their collective. The loyalist of soldiers. 4x100=400c/800men
Veteran Infantry: Haurinki- The haurinki are veteran soldiers that have advanced to one of the highest of Sceptiod rank. They are by far the best on the battlefield in the Sceptiod ranks. 2x200=400c/400 men
Elite Infantry: Hive Arms- the personal bodyguard of the Melliniod. The best in combat, just rarely seen on the battlefield.
Specialist: Scalers- These Sceptiod arn't the best at combat, but are instead trained to scale obstructions in the path, weather it be a mountian, cave, or wall. This makes them good for breaching and scouting. They are the fastest of the ranks. 1x200=200c/200 men. 175 left over credits.

[Sevorak]

Saethira waded, knee-deep, in the spectral river...one of the more stable aspects of the dreamworld; flashes of coalescent energy blazed around her in blissful, icy-cool synergy with her slender body as Sethari stood by her side, fiery katana wreathed in spirit-flame drawn and held to the void as a sign of his guardianship. The dreamworld truly was a beautiful place, for all its dangers...and within those dangers, those depths...the terrible, majestic might of aeons...enough to unmake the stars, and wreathe the gods themselves in agony; torturous weals of horrifying torment as nightmares bound them in dark coils, shackling them and dragging them screaming into the abyss...

...and in the distance, the remains of deities lingered...withered husks, broken forms, their sentience long since obliterated beneath the weight of pain the nightmares bestowed upon them. So many gods had thought their greatness could shadow eternity...and every last one had been undone by one power or another; be it mortal, divine, immortal...or the strength of entire dimensions; no god was invincible. None could chain existence - and all of them inevitably met their end, in time - everything came to dust eventually. Vastly ancient civilizations whose might spanned the stars, demigods, deities, stars, worlds...spirits...everything both made and forever existent could be unmade.

And that was the beauty of the dreamworld. Saethira drew back, leaving with another her whispers of thought; her designs, her impulses, and the impressions of her mind, deep as the ocean and tinged with an inflection of its majesty...

[Lestaki]

OOC: First of all, NP, I'd just like to say that I disapprove of you commandering my god. To me, it frankly smacks of control freakery to attribute everything and their children to the Keeper, but you're the GM. Also note I quite clearly have 100% birth rate, and 50% anatomy. ;)

Also, re research, I'm not sure I like the excessive "catching up" that's been going on, as it puts me and Sevorak at something of a disadvantage as the latecomers. Personally, I think it would be better for research to only count if you post on that day. For a start, that would encourage everyone to post more frequently.


Selina is upgraded by absorbing a pillar.

Current Research:
Wanda- Pact of War Spirits (20+20= 40/40)- Complete
Starts War Riders (0/40)

Selina- Channeling (allows others to take pacts with the God of Death that give access to death sorcery)- (20+40= 60/100)

Credit Income: 1000 credits (200% x 5)

Updated Forces:
All Golems are upgraded to Battle Golems (Mythic Beasts) at a cost of 500 credits.

Two units of Sarathar Archers raised- moderate infantry- 200 credits

One unit of Devout raised, who can enchance friendly units with prayer- support- 100 credits

Two units of Horse Scouts raised- light cavalry- 200 credits


I don't get how the new cities things works, though I do have 100% birth rate... if I get a new one, I do. If I don't, I don't.

I also guess I call the large light green area with a blue thing and a black thing for now... can we have an updated map please?

IC: The drums beat. Wanda felt sweat trickle down his neck as the temple torches flared with growing heat. Drums, thumping out a relentless pounding heartbeat. It was an organic sound, roiling with life. It reminded him of the blood in his ears as he leapt through the air, blade raised... to stab down. Beat, beat. The torches flared still higher, the thick, deathly ambience tightening like a noose around them. Beat, beat, with a rising pace, and he stepped forwards, raising the ancient blade on high. "Children! Our time is near!"

His very voice, thick with the power tempoarily thrust within, trembled across the vautly room, shaking the torches. "Soon is the time for us to free who we must! But for now, our God has new blessings to give you!"

The Soulpact Warriors cheered. The Golems just bowed their heads in acceptance. The drums beat.

"Stand," Wanda instructed. "And embrace this power!" The drums beat still faster, rushing towards a creshendo, then he thrust his sword into the sky then pointed it at them.

The darkness spilled from his blade, dark light that leapt in great stabbing lines to puncture everyone present. The golems grunted and buckled, falling to their knees. The Soulpact tried to stand their ground as best they could, fighting against the pain that was ravaging them, but it was hard. Oh, it was hard. If only they knew... Still the power poured in a torrent from the Chosen, filling the room, slashing into the mere mortals in its thrall, casting out the torches and flickering in tendrils across the fallen statues. Then, in an instant, it went out.

Wanda grunted, turned, and walked away.
***
"So this is the nature of the gift?" Selina mused, studying the pillar.

The scouts made no reply- she didn't expect them to dare to adress her either. She had been talking to herself.

"Well, so be it," she said, spurring her horse forwards, dismounting, and praying before the pillar. Gently, tentatively, she touched it, feeling its power running into her body. Yes. This would be useful, for now.

[NotPersonal18]

Dope! My bad, you get one city. And that black thing, that would be the Synes Capital. Still want the spot? And also, newcomers can have a tp equal to the amount they would have got if they started on the 20th of june (US west coast time). And I'm not sure what you mean by "smacks control freakery." Could you define? And please people, sleep. Or else soon I will have to asume you are asleep whatever your position. As for the updated map, it will come when more people tell me where they're expanding.

[Sevorak]

OOC: Just shove me somewhere east of the river, on the borders of the dark green bit. *shrugs*.

Research:

First Sphere Divination - 100 tp. 100/100 Progress; five days' research.
Enables Saethira to probe certain facets of the future and potentially uncover plots and strikes; in addition to certain dangers or events approaching in the near future.

Channeling - 80 tp. 80/80 Progress; four days' research.
Enables Sethari and the bladeweavers to channel the dreamworld for short bursts of combat affinity and ability, to enhance their natural abilities.

First Sphere; Battlefield Prescience - 100 tp. 40/100 Progress; two days' research so far.
Enables Sethari to use a limited amount of short-term prescience on the field of battle.

Second Sphere Divination - 200 tp. 20/200 Progress. One day's current research.
Enables Saethira to probe deeper and more easily into the skeins of fate, providing her with more accurate and more substantial visions.

IC:

"My children...we are free..." Sethari spoke to them in uplifting tones; the ten bladeweavers around him inclined their heads in acquiescence, armour formed of liquid crystal flowing about their bodies; the faintly shimmering silvery-blue light converged about their slender forms as they moved forth and advanced, blades drawn and readied as they closed on the pillar. "Free to wreak death, blood and pain upon those who stand against us...and free to forge our own path, without interference from so-called divines whose power they claim is their right to rule..."

The savages were gathered around it; haggard, ragged, hulking eight-foot forms with shaggy manes of hair and thick, odour-permeated fur-covered bodies. Seven of them - enough to put up a fight, that was for sure. But not nearly enough to halt the bladeweavers as they closed...the explosion of motion from the surrounding trees as Sethari erupted from the dreamworld beside his men; his mental summons and commands already having drawn them into position...they didn't even flinch to see their leader appear and set upon one of the savages with his trademark katana; the fiery blade scythed viciously into the legs of one of the creatures, felling it instantly; he swept atop its chest and impaled it, deftly slicing its hands off with a spinning defensive arc as they then came at him, spasming.

He leapt off, targeting another, as the rest of the bladeweavers closed in and struck; blades and arrows found their marks, gradually dredging down the creatures, whose clumsy blows could find no purchase amidst the flurrying whirlwinds of the Esterrén. Before a minute was gone, the fight was over - and Sethari closed on the pillar, allowing its radiant light to engulf him and empower his soul...

OOC: Sethari now counting as two Chosen. 40 tp/day.

[Lestaki]

OOC: I would have thought "control freakery" would be self explanatory. It, to me at least, seems as if you want to ensure that nothing at all can even approach the power of the Keeper, and indeed that anything of deific nature must have been created by or serve the Keeper. I think you must know that I never intended for my God, that I essentially created, to be taken over and portrayed as a mere minion of your own.

As for geography, it doesn't seem like I have a great deal of choice. It will serve.

Hmm, tech catchup time.

Current Research (after four days catchup bonus)
Wanda- War Riders (40/40)- complete
Reaffirmed Alliances- dramatically strengthens Wanda and Selina in combat- (40/40)- complete

Selina- Channelling (60+20+20= 100)- complete
Soul Tearing- allows Selina and other Death sorcerers to rip free the souls of enemies or thralls, using them to fuel magical attack. (40/80)

IC: Wanda frowned as he reached the desert. "You can go no further," he noted.

The scouts accompnying him made no reply- their race told legends about the harsh, killer desert.

"I will go on alone," Wanda said. "I do not fear the desert." He felt the reaffirmed power of his pacts stirring within him, reminding him of all he had gained, and all he had lost. It would take more than a mere desert to stop him now, even if he had to go on alone. His horse, while a poor shadow to the one of yore, would be enough, with his guidence. The sword was clear- a pillar lay in this desert, and he would find it. He scowled and rode forth alone.
***
Selina, mind still burning from the power of the pillar and from the steady reawakening of her own gifts, was riding with her entourage of scouts towards the Synes lands. They were pacifists, but the times were dark. Parley and an assurance of the safety of the Sarathar boarders would be useful.

[NotPersonal18]

OOC: Oh yeah, that would be about it. Nothing touches the Keeper besides other Gods, a god of a certain area could only be minion. Don't worry, I won't touch him again. Sorry, no hard feelings right? Not, personal, right? C’mon say I’m right! I think you guys have a wrong image of the Keeper, he won’t be a major part of the game. All he will do is hurt powergammers, and give your chosen the odd ability to understand any speech (in your dreams) and make them aware of the other nations. After that I will use him sparingly.

IC: The Harp search for a pillar.

Then we must search for our own. Jargen rose from his rock chair, and began a slow walk to the exit of the building. We will not fall behind.
--------
Regan shifted the papers at her desk, she had been up all night doing research. “Ah ha!” She fed the Hive Mind of her new discoveries, and told it to pass it on to the other collectives. “Now we can began designing machinery!” Regan focused her attention on a blank piece of parchment, and starting using her engineering formula to create machinery. After a few hours of work, she fell under a deep sleep.
-------
Ohgla wadded through the marsh on a Sceptiod’s back. It was much faster that way. Stop! Ohgla jumped off, and picked up a plant nearby. A odd green dew leaked from its leaves. “Hmm” Bring that back to the city. A nearby Sceptiod took the plant in its beak, and leaped of to the new Ohgla hive. I think I’ll sleep now, lets stop. Ohgla walked over to a comftable position in the dirt, and feel asleep. A nearby Hive Arm preceded to take watch over him.
-------
Harp walked on, and then she screamed in delight. “A pillar!” She ran up to it as fast a Melliniod could, and touched it. She fell under its power and went unconscious. (This would be the Northern pillar on my island)



Mechanics: advanced objects and machines to help around with a civilization 18/110- Regan
Natural Discovery: the discovery of substances, and a system to place new ones 88/100- Ohgla


OOC: Heres a updated map, though I still don’t get your location Sevorak. East side of the main river, bordering the dark green bit. So, left of the map bordering dark green. There is no dark greed on the left side of the map that’s not already bordered by a city! What does it all mean! The forest/valley thing in the mountains? Where! http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/3917/smap6gr.th.png (http://img173.imageshack.us/my.php?image=smap6gr.png)

[Sevorak]

OOC Edit: Stick me north-west of the ocean, bordering the forest.

Saethira slipped from the embrace of the dream, her task fulfilled...Sethari, her watcher, had already gone - vanished to oversee the hunt in a distant place...

She sighed softly, her white hair flowing in a faint breeze as she gazed out the towering crystalline balcony...she looked from the tower - the Crystal Citadel - across the crystal landscape of the Esterrén city; the faintly luminescent glow visible more than ever as night fell...she smiled slightly, her slender features aligning themselves into a contented gaze as she watched the stars shine above her, lines of moonlight gently filtering across her form.

"You can't take this away, can you...?" She smiled, speaking into the atmosphere tp the one crazed entity that believed its immortal power was sufficient to hold the world in its grasp...it was wrong. As such deluded beings always were. She knew its power wasn't unlimited - other than such a thing being impossible, she had felt it attempt to smash through the dreamworld's veil that safeguarded her as she slept...it had failed.

"And your desire to do so is exactly why you can never win; you can't take what you never truly gave - and you can't understand anything beyond what you craft with your own sick designs...and this universe isn't yours...and neither are we. To my last breath, I will see my people free from you..."

Sleep then took her; and the dreamworld protected her as it always did - the power of stars and the aeons watching over the restful dreamer...

[Lestaki]

OOC: Like I said, it's the minion thing I dislike. It seems to be far too centralised.

IC: Wanda stopped by the oasis, drinking greedily. Sighing, he put his back to a tree and started to go to sleep. A long way away, Selina too called a halt. They slept, and dreamed of death.

Edit OOC: No, not entirely right. You're compromising the independance of the God who is the background of my people! ;) Gameplay be damned, I'm an idealist here. But I'll go with it.

[NotPersonal18]

Ah don't worry about it Lestaki. I don't think it'll effect gameplay much, which is really what matters. Right?

[Sword_Monkey]

Kalanar, and Razortalon halted their two advances, Kalanar in a field of golden wheat, and Razortalon on a small coral outcropping some half way across the ocean, Kalanar noticed a strange formation and wandered over to it excitedly.

The Keeper shall be pleased he thought as he touched the pillar the understanding burst into him, he slept well that night.

[atmawpn]

OOC: I'd not like Byri to fall asleep mysteriously now that a new place (Lestaki's I believe?) has just sprung up so close to my capital. You can appear in his daydreams perhaps. :D

Current Research:

Steam Power: Required for the first generation of fuel-powered devices and economy. (12+32/100) - Rea

Basic Engineering: Required for the development of new structures capable of withstanding the weight of iron. (80+16/100) - Byri

ARMY UPDATE: (Universal upgrade: Iron Armour except for Mobile Fortress)

375 Moderate Swordsmen (Moderate Infantry) - 500 credits
375 Archers (Support) - 500 credits
375 Light Chariots (Light Calvary) - 250 credits
75+300 Wooden Mobile Fortress (Legendary Beast) - 250 credits (New additions: 1000 credits)

Credits Remaining: 0

IC: Byri was suddenly alarmed and stopped his horse, looking towards the east...

"The Keeper be damned - was there a city there before?"

It was then that a messenger arrived from the north.

"Sir, the Pillar has vanished! It just disappeared!"

"Not unbelievable, given how an entire city has just sprung up here overnight," Byri replied as he gestured towards the distant civilisation.

"By the Keeper..."

"Anyway, I must trouble you to send a message back to the North expedition," Byri spoke suddenly, "Order them to continue further north until they cannot proceed any further. If a Pillar is found, then the leader of the squad, Captain Alson if I'm not mistaken, will have to secure it."

"Secure it?"

"Become a Chosen," Byri clarified, "Meanwhile I need to go and investigate this... anomaly. Having it appear so close to Eidolon is cause enough for worry."

"Understood sir," the messenger replied as he dashed off on his horse full speed.

"Now, let's see what we have here..." the commander muttered as he led his expedition towards the eastern city, "Diplomacy first. Now I hope they'll return the diplomacy..."

[Lestaki]

OOC: Aren't we supposed to be visited by some dream vision? Oh, well.

Wanda finds a pillar.

Current Research:
Wanda- Birdtamer- enables Wanda and Selina to control and manipulate birds of all kinds, using them as scouts and in attack- (20+20= 40/40) Complete
Starts the Art of Logistics- this establishes the vital techniques needed to supply an army in campaign- (0/160)

Selina- Soul Tearing (40+40= 80/80) Complete
Starts Shield of Naure- sorcerers can cast a shield over their army that allows them to withstand moderate terrain conditions- (0/160)

IC: Wanda approached the pillar quietly. It seemed this desert could still support some manner of local. And it looked like they were about to claim it; he'd got here just in time. That wasn't going to happen. He drew his bow, aimed quickly, and fired.

The arrow struck the native "chosen one" in the chest, killing him instantly. Wanda had fired two more shots before the natives had reacted, hitting his targets in the throat. Then he drew his sword and leapt down at them, blade thrust up and glowing with light. He felled three more with savage blows before the others fled for their lives. Grunting, he touched the monolith without preamble, smiling as its power flowed into him.

By the time the locals had returned in force, he was long gone.
***
Selina for her part rode slowly towards the Synes lands, as she had been doing for some time. Closing her eyes, she blinked as one of her newly bound birds spotted the Synes entourage. Hmm... She spurred towards them, leaving her scouts behind as she rode forwards, apprently unarmed. "I am Selina of the Sarathar," she called. "I wish to parley. What say you?"

[atmawpn]

OOC: If my messenger hasn't even reached the expedition it only means that they are still in the grasslands. I can't move THAT quickly - it'd take at least another day for the messenger to reach the expedition, THEN they can even begin to move towards the Pillar, which would take another day. (Or it'd be powergaming) So if I may: you killed no one, but got the Pillar without resistance. :)

IC: "Parley?" Byri asked cautiously, puzzled by the hostility, "I should hardly think that we would be enemies."

"But I'll be frank - we don't like wars. We Synes prefer peace. Of course if you wish to trade we could add you to our list of trading partners. If you dislike trade we will also settle for a simple Treaty of Friendship - a stepping stone towards a future alliance?"

OOC: Meanwhile, given the pace of things, I think it is high time we figure out the battle system, since it seems likely that a war may erupt soon.

I sort of understand the military unit ranks available, but we need more information. For instance: A Weak Infantry has battle power equal to how many Fodder Infantry? What circumstances would allow an inferior rank to beat a superior rank? And so on. Or unless you're talking about a point system, where we have x-y where x is attack and y is defence, so a Fodder is 1-1?

Anyway, we'd better get this battle system done soon.

[Lestaki]

"These are troubled times," Selina observed. "And I imagine modes of speech have changed in five hundred years." She flashed her best enigmatic smile. "But in that I digress. We are not enemies, though in this time I fear we all have enemies. Your dislike of war is well known, and we are glad of it. We are certainly willing to trade with you."

[atmawpn]

IC: Byri heaved a sigh of relief. He hesitated a moment, wondering if it was the right thing to do given their... culture. Shrugging, he smiled and offered his right hand for a handshake.

"I guess we have an agreement then - a trade pact and a Treaty of Friendship, unless I misunderstand? Of course I must clarify: We are pacifists, but it does not mean that we will never go to war. That said, we will gladly assist you however we can should you encounter... undiplomatic powers."

OOC: Is it possible for the economies of Pacted nations to have small boosts, or would that be too overpowered?

[Lestaki]

OOC: Oh, claification on the pillar thing. If you were referring to the one Wanda took, he slew some NPC natives of the desert, not your expedition.

IC: She took his hand formally. "So it shall be. On behalf of all Sarathar, I thank you."

[atmawpn]

OOC: I see. Thanks for clearing that up.

IC: "Well then, I must bid you farewell now," Byri spoke as he prepared to saddle his horse, "Like you said - these are troubled times, and explorations for partners and hostiles are crucial. May we meet again."

With that, Byri bowed slightly before taking his leave with the expedition.

***

At Capital City Eidolon...

"I apologise for disturbing your rest Provost, but it is an urgent message," the messenger spoke apologetically.

"Speak," Rea mumbled as he sat up sleepily on his bunk, slightly annoyed by the awakening.

"The Western and Southern expeditions have reached their destinations. The West team has reached the river, and cannot progress further. Meanwhile the South team has arrived at the brink of a glacial region. There is some strong wind that will slow their progress, but simple optical protections should do the job. Your orders?"

"A glacial region?" Rea wondered, "Then you had better order the expedition to move carefully. They must not put too much weight in a small area. That said, tell the expedition to go ahead with the explorations. And due to the remoteness of the area, full independence."

"You will allow another Chosen?"

"We must assume that other nations have been acquiring Pillars," Rea sighed, "With no word from the commander we must make contingency plans. Why, I feel thankful for the commander's insight - to send four expeditions!"

"Is there anything else then?" the messenger asked.

"Nothing more. Now go at best speed, and may the Keeper watch over you," Rea said as the sleepiness began to take over again.

As the messenger exited the room, the Provost entered slumber once more...

[Sevorak]

OOC; Research:

Battlefield Prescience - 80/100 tp.
Second Sphere Divination - 40/200 tp.

I'm just going for one of the pillars in the mountains, making use of Saethira's divination abilities to scry the safer ways through the mountains. I'm intending to write up a struggle with a pseudo-guardian of one of the pillars up there, in which I will take casualties, even if they're not huge (something about simply taking a pillar with no losses more than once seems a li'l unfair ;p). Also, if NotPersonal has no issues with me using the guardian of the pillar itself (or his remains, whichever works) for my own purposes after he's defeated (and I won't be killing him for one post or anything - it'll be a relatively long fight for an NPC), I'd like to do that also.

IC:

Saethira's eyes glazed over as she glanced into the storm, her relatively small entourage of ten bladeweavers arrayed around her, garbed in their winter gear...but it wouldn't be enough to shield them from the storm ahead, brewing on the icy peaks of the mountains. And something was up there, near the pillar - their final destination. What it was, she had no way of knowing...but it was powerful; that much was certain; and it wouldn't give its life easily. And it was, at least, moderately aware of her presence - it was a creature of instinct, true, though it possessed remarkable intuitive abilities for a mere denizen of the mountains...it was a quandary, to be sure, and a quandary that would regrettably have to be destroyed if it attempted to bar their passage.

They were, after all, scaling a mountain...which could prove fatal in and of itself, without any outside complications...and whatever that thing was, up there, it would certainly complicate things.

She drew her cloak around her, and led her bladeweaver retinue forth - they moved swiftly and in near silence through the gradually frostier woods as they drew closer to the base of the mountain...

[Lestaki]

"Soulpact Andreni, you seek the title of Favoured."

"I do," he said.

"You know the trial?"

"I know the trial."

"You know the costs?"

"I know the costs."

"And you continue?"

"I continue."

The Oracle nodded. "Bring forth the Grand Golem," he instructed. "Captain, you will fight the golem alone. It will be undirected, and so will not attack until you attack it. You must touch its Nexal Point with your blade. That will suffice." He raised both his arms. "Five hundred years ago, the Knight ascended a creature such as this and struck it down with his blade, alone. Today this Soulpact will attempt to replicate but one small part of this feat, in worship and praise to our lord the God. So let the trial commence."

Andreni walked forwards alone, spear in one hand and shortsword in the other. The Grand Golem made a slight grumbling sound, staring in disorientation around it, then glancing at the Soulpact as if it had an inkling of what was to come. Andreni nodded, then started to run at the creature, eyes set firmly on the bastions of its legs. He knew what to do.

[Sword_Monkey]

OOC: "will not attack until you attack it." and "You must touch its Nexal Point with your blade. That will suffice." That pretty lame, just climb the thing and touch the nexal point, if it wont attack til you attack you are sorted. Silly challenge.

[Lestaki]

OOC: Climb something fifty feet tall and bucking because he doesn't like you on his back? Who will attack when you start climbing, not being that stupid? You go first, Sword Monkey. :p

[NotPersonal18]

OOC: Battle system? You send your armies in an area, you describe what they all of your units do. You consider the disadvantages and advantages of one side and the same for the other when units engage. Then, casualties are calculated. If we are unable to settle an agreement, outside players determine the outcome. If we still have problems, the Keeper’s word is final. If the Keeper cannot be trusted, or we argue way too much, a battle system will be created. If you guys would prefer a battle system instead of the normal “I do that, and I lose X many from your attack,” I will make one. Now I open the voting poll! And I have no problems Sevorak, your choice though I don’t recall giving the pillar’s guardians. Oh well. And trade can increase your economy by 10%. Each new nation you trade with is another 10%. As for how many fodder infantry are equal to weak infantry, just look at the base cost and size. 50 for 200 vs 50 for 100. Two fodder infantry = one weak infantry.
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/3539/smap9eq.th.png (http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?image=smap9eq.png)
---------
Each Chosen found themselves in a meadow, surrounded by a black field. It was obvious this was a dream, they could feel it in their bones. They each sat upon a wooden chair intertwined with vines and flowers. They went around in a circle, facing the vocal point in the middle. The Keeper, or a floating purple came with a gaseous black body. “Look around you my Chosen, these are the others that have touched pillars. They are representatives of other nations, ones that can be your stepping stone or demise. I gather you here today (to wed these two beloved) to show you that you aren’t alone. Some of you speak different tongue, and as so to avoid confusion and miscommunication, I give you the ability to talk and hear in any of them.” And after that, the dream faded before any could say a word.
--------
Jargan stood along the edge of the grass. The swamp one step back, the plain one step forward. He went forth, and kept on looking for his pillar.
--------
Harp was in her new hive, the closest to the pillar that she had found. She found herself busy making a system to create maps, for if they ever crossed the ocean maps would be needed, and they would help when the carbine was larger. Heck they would help now, marking out every resource and substance deposit in carbine lands.
--------
Regan kept her mind of the dream last night, and on her work. That couldn’t have been Titus, or could it? No, it couldn't have been. Titus wouldn't have blessed others besides the Melliniod.

Mechanics- 36/110 Regan
Natural Discovery- completed. 6tp left over. Ohgla
Mapping- a system to create maps. 18/50 Harp


EDIT: Oh yeah, what pillar did you get Sword_Monkey?

[Sword_Monkey]

Kalanar awoke with a grunt, the keeper ahd truly blessed him, he wondered if the power was hereditary. Haha! Kalanar had now seen his potential prey, they were all puny, easy kills, the only worthy species seemed to be the small ball like creatures, one was massive, Kalanar respected that, but thier ferocity in battle would be their final test.

They marched on, a grna army going ever furhter north.

---

Razortalon could see land, but his keen perceptions knew they would not reach it within the day, the swim had been long but at last a true place of rest came, some form of island at least.

[atmawpn]

OOC: Perhaps a mix of the two, since a pure battle system would seem rigid. Maybe at least some non-subjective method of calculating casualties? Because casualties have a tendency to be undercalculated when allowed to be subjective anyway.

Current Research:

Steam Power: Required for the first generation of fuel-powered devices and economy. (44+32=76/100) - Rea

Basic Engineering: Required for the development of new structures capable of withstanding the weight of iron. (96+4=100/100) (COMPLETE) - Byri

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (0+12=12/100) - Byri

ARMY UPDATE: (Upgrade: Iron Armour for Wooden Mobile Fortress.)

375 Moderate Swordsmen (Moderate Infantry) - 500 credits
375 Archers (Support) - 500 credits
375 Light Chariots (Light Calvary) - 250 credits
375 Iron Mobile Fortress (Legendary Beast) - 250 credits (UPGRADED)

Credits Remaining: 0

IC: Byri looked at the gathered expeditions, then looked out at the forbidding desert before them. Many were slightly nervous about leaving the peaceful grasslands, but yet driven by the fact that there could be dangers to their nation waiting out there.

"Let's go."

***

The Provost awoke suddenly, quite shocked by his dream. His worst fears had been confirmed.

"The commander had better return soon..." he muttered.

[Lestaki]

Current Research:
Wanda- the Art of Logistics- this establishes the vital techniques needed to supply an army in campaign- (40/160)

Selina- Shield of Naure- sorcerers can cast a shield over their army that allows them to withstand moderate terrain conditions- (40/160)

IC: Wanda frowned as he rode towards the edge of the desert, musing on what he had seen. He did not trust the gifts from gods- he, of all people, should know there was always a price. As said before, he knew the price with the Three-Faced God, but this Keeper was new to him. New and very dangerous, quite possibly. But it could not be helped, and it was just possible the god was benevolent. Yeah, right. Raising his sword and watching the resonant light for guidance, he rendezvoused with his scouts and set a course for the hard desert and moutains to the east.
***
Meanwhile, Selina had taken up her place at the balcony of the great temple. Below, a taskforce had been assembled; five hundred of the new battle golems, the Soulpact and their new Favoured leader, her Devout and Scouts, and two units of archers. "Brethren, our God has spoken. For too long the Daethar Tribe has raided our boarders and clung to the edge of our civilised lands. It is time to throw them back into the desert from wence they came! No more shall they pillage and kill the defenseless folk of our countryside! We will march and break their threat forever!"

They cheered, and she smiled.

[Sword_Monkey]

Kalanar's mind was on fire he couldn't stop thinking of his potential enemies and ways to defeat them, his mind raced with possibilities. Finally an idea struck him.

Charge down - 0/20tp

---

Razortalon and his elite group of some hundreds of rangers kept moving across a long island complex, the islands were small but provided a nice change to the seafood of their earlier swim. They reached the other side of the islands soona nd began the swim anew.

Razortalon loved swimming, he decided to formulate a plan involving its use.

Estuary strike - 0/30tp

[atmawpn]

Current Research:

Steam Power: Required for the first generation of fuel-powered devices and economy. (76+24=100/100) (COMPLETE) - Rea

Electromagnetism: Required to unlock access to artificial electromagnetic phenomena. (0+8=8/150) - Rea

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (12+16=28/100) - Byri

ARMY UPDATE: (Upgrade: Steam Engine for Calvary and Legendary Beast units)

375 Moderate Swordsmen (Moderate Infantry) - 500 credits
375 Archers (Support) - 500 credits
375 Light Steam Tanks (Light Calvary) - 250 credits (UPGRADED)
375 Super Steam Fortress (Legendary Beast) - 250 credits (UPGRADED)

Credits Remaining: 0

IC: The expedition stopped, seeing nothing but sand for miles around. There was not a single Pillar in sight, unless of course they decided to scale the massive mountains nearby...

"I think that is enough travel," Byri noted, "Fall back to Eidolon."

***

Meanwhile, the Western expedition returned to Eidolon, and the Eastern expedition returned to the First City Tethys, having completed their tasks.

[Lestaki]

OOC: Do we get credits every day? atmawpn seems to update his army daily but thought we only got money at the end of a period thing.

Current Research:
Wanda- the Art of Logistics- this establishes the vital techniques needed to supply an army in campaign- (80/160)

Selina- Shield of Naure- sorcerers can cast a shield over their army that allows them to withstand moderate terrain conditions- (80/160)

Selina begins warefare with a tribal enemy.

IC: Once again, Wanda called a halt at the edge of the hard desert. Once again, he'd have to go on alone, and the sword showed that the objective was a long way away...
***
The taskforce marched quickly across the Sadathar lands. Selina closed her eyes, once again visualising the enemy through the eyes of her birds and pinpointing their camps. They wouldn't know what hit them. By the time the tribe had seen them they were already poised to strike like a javelin into the first camp. The Sadathar were outnumbered overall... but that was not of great concern. She arrayed her forces for battle, the Battle Golems and Soulpact in the middle, with the archers and devout on one flank and her and her scouts on the other. The enemy moved to defend and battle was joined...

[atmawpn]

Nope, we get credits only every five days. I was just doing tech upgrades. (0 credits since it is into same rank)

[Sevorak]

OOC:

Research:

Battlefield Prescience: 100/100 tp - completed. Two days' research addition, 20 tp overrun, with an additional 40 for today, assuming Lestaki's idea of research only continuing on days you post hasn't been implemented. Assuming that it hasn't, since it hasn't been mentioned...

Ghostly Visage: 60/200 tp - Sethari.
Warps and twists the image of Esterrén warriors, thus providing them with even more defence against enemy attacks. This applies especially at range, where there is no frame of reference (such as where enemy blade swings are coming from) with which to calculate the true location of the Esterrén warrior.
Second Sphere Divination: 80/200 tp - Saethira.

IC:

Saethira's eyes met the frosty guardian's icy blue, bereft of whites or pupils - just a radiant, blazing sky blue flame, glaring directly at her as it withdrew its frostspear from one of her bladeweaver entourage...the icy hail beat down on them all, with the pillar just barely out of reach...the frost-guardian reeled back as she lashed out at it with her mind, then forming a corporeal strike with the dreamworld's energies, and battered it back with a furious hail of psionic lightning. It writhed in agony as the lashes of energy raked across its form, shearing away its skin and carving into bones strong enough to withstand practically anything...she severed the contact and advanced on it again, her spear - emitting a chilling symphony of death that seemed to be the only thing frightening the creature and keeping it back - raised and the tip pointed directly at it.

Two of her other bladeweavers advanced, double-edged blades spinning in lethal arcs. It parried one and knocked the 'weaver back with a single offhand strike, then leapt atop the other; the 'weaver's blade impaled it, making it scream in pain, but it kept coming, crushing her loyal bodyguard by sheer force of mass bearing down on him. Seething with anger, Saethira directed another corona of lightning at the thing...it reared back and screamed, darting back to its pillar for some form of strength, or hope...Saethira inclined her spear to its head, and advanced, determination and rage in her eyes as sheer force of will beat back the elemental currents...

[Sword_Monkey]

Kalanar was nearing his northern location, paths were begnning to appear, even signposts leading to the cities of an advanced race. No doubt his army would soon be noticed laying waste to town after town. ((Whoever is north of me beware))

Razortalon was nearing the shoreline too, though this still meant some overland travel too, but he was making good prgress with his rangers. ((Whoever is directly east of me, you know nothing of my approach muahahaha!))

[c-web]

ooc: He beged me to show him how to join. srry i didn't post for so long i on vacation... underlined words are misspelled SO DON'T CORECT ME

Ruini-hunting done Iufoo-medicine done

iufoo was pleased the small human village to the west was completely sorounded she reached to ,a gurf with Ruini mind.
"Is the invasion ready" the gurf questioned in a monotone voice

"yes we launch when ready"

"go when i give the signal"

Ruini nodded and rolled to his post...

All was quiet in the small village of narg. Men were rising for the day's tasks and women were up and cooking breakfast. Kita (a village man/leader) looked down on the little village and sighed what peacfullnes he had sucsesfully made a nice thriving village with little strif.Suddenly things got quiet birds stoped their merry songs and dogs looked up the the sky and sniffed. Just then he saw somthing in the middle of the main street. A small ball of pink but what was it... he bent down to pick it up and it kooed softly what a cute little thing he tough. All was well till the ball opened it's small mouth covered with razor sharp fangs and jumped out of his hands into his own mouth and down his throat killing him slowly...

:vikingb: The sign was given and Ruini Rolled out smashing a small hut and telling others to attack. The battle was fast almost no resistance.Truly a sight to behold, thousands of furries pouring out of the woods and smothering a small hillside village till all it's inhabitants lay on the ground all suffocating on the furry worriors... :vikingb:

Iufoo giggled with joy the village would be very nice for a new city/outpost(hint hint) the keeper would be pleased by the bodies of the humans being burned on the sacred allter to send to him...

[NotPersonal18]

OOC: Alright, here is the battle system I came up with. Feel free to say anything you must. This battle system will cause you to re-setup your army. Not the units, but the capabilities of each unit. Now, here’s the new army list to suit the battle system. The system isn’t in stone yet however, I expect revisions to come along.


Name: Credit Cost: Size (100%): Weight:
Land
Fodder infantry- 50 for 200 /0
Weak infantry- 50 for 100 /3
Moderate infantry- 100 for 100 /4
Strong infantry- 150 for 100 /5
Veteran Infantry- 200 for 100 /6
Elite Infantry- 500 for 100 /14
Support- 100 for 100 /5
Specialist- 200 for 100 /10
Beast- 50 for 200 /0
Mythical Beast- 50 for 100 /3
Almighty mythical beast– 100 for 100 /4
Legendary Beast- 250 for 100 /8
Light Calvary- 100 for 200 /0
Medium Calvary- 200 for 100 /4
Heavy Calvary- 400 for 100 /8
Siege Weapon- 100 for 10 /20
Adv Siege Weapon- 250 for 10 /50


Naval
Warship- 100 for 1 /10
Galleon- 150 for /15
Frigate- 200 for 1 /20
Destroyer- 300 for 1 /30
Cruiser- 450 for 1 /45
Battleship- 800 for 1 /80
Carrier- 600 for 1 /35
Transport- 150 for 1 /20


Aerial
Airship- 100 for 10 /10
Fighter/Bomber- 200 for 10 /20
Fighter- 300 for 10 /30
Bomber- 300 for 1 /90
Capital Ship- 900 for 1 /300
Freighter- 150 for 5 /15


For every weight, you can put on a certain item that your nation has developed. I will be using gunpowder, as it is an easy example. Scince you discovered gunpowder, you now have developed muskets. Muskets are rather light guns, but they are very inaccurate. Thus you would give them a value of 1 weight (a unit can only take on the weight of items equal to its weight) and 1 physical attack. You can give your elite infantry 12 muskets, and assume each is in use. So they would have a physical attack of 12. Ranged as well. Units also gain +1 weight for every 25% anatomy.


Now, when two units engage in battle this is how casualties are determined. There are five kinds of weapons. Physical, the most common, represents swords and other kinds of physical matter. A rock, arrow, and cannonball is considered Physical. The next is Explosive, which represents projectiles that explode. These can be missiles, grenades, rockets, or exploding cannonballs. The third is energy, which is something that is barely considered matter, or part matter. This can be lasers, plasma, and acids. The forth is soul, which represents an attack that harms the mind instead of the body. Then the last is Ethereal, which is whatever you can’t seem to place in the other areas. P, EX, EN, S, ET. Pa = physical attack ENd = energy defense

Lets say you are shooting at a fodder infantry unit with your elite. Their nation has 150% anatomy, giving them three extra weight. Two of this was put into iron armor, giving them Pd2. The last was put into a laser rifle, adding Ena2. You engage on a plain with no obstructions, so it’s a clear shoot-out. You times 12 by the number of your men, getting Pa1200. They get Ena400. You have no ENd, but they have Pd. Same thing, Pd2 x 200= Pd400. They lose 1200-400= 600/10= 60 (you divide by ten so the losses aren’t extreme) men, and you lose 400/10= 40 men. They got the better deal, they have 140 men left and you have only 60, and they paid 450c less then you for their unit. Deciding that those stats were horrible, you run into melee. Now, as a specific ranged unit, both squads lose 50% of their attack and defense. Now Anatomy comes into play again. In melee, you gain Pa1 and Pd1 for every 75%. Since you had zero, and the enemy had 150%, he would gain a large advantage over you. P2/3. a/d. You have P6/0, and he has EN1/0+P2/3. 60 x 6 = 360. 3 x 140 = 420. 360-420= -200 (you don’t lose troops for negatives, but your enemy loses ten for sheer luck) so he would lose only ten. Now his 420/10 is 42, leaving only 18 men standing in your unit to his 130. Defense is obviously a needed part of the game. Uber weapons will still get you killed. Had the last two weights of your elite unit been taken by armor, things could have been different. Numbers are also helpful. It also would have helped if your unit had some anatomy backing. When you create your armory or update it from you tech, you are on a strict honor system. A difference of 1 can be a lot in the battle, so we other players will be watching you! If your unit has special abilities, lower their weight by a good amount. Here would be an example of a few troops.

Name: troops, type.
(Equipment) how many, name, weight taken, stats
Abilities

Swordsman: 50 for 100, weak infantry.
1 Iron Sword 1 Pa1, 1 Iron Shield 1 Pd1, 1 Iron Armor 1 Pd1 P1/2
Melee specific, ground only.
NBS-Mk2: 300 for 10, fighter.
2 Heavy Railguns 12 Pa8, 1 Seeker Missile 8 EXa6, 1 Shield Generator 6 ENd4, 1 battle armor 4 Pd5 P8/5 EX6/0 EN0/6
Anti-air only.

In your post during a battle, a referee of sorts needs to be picked. If not the Keeper will act as the referee, though if he is the one fighting this obviously cannot happen. The referee mainly makes sure they players do their math right, and designs the battlefield. He determines the effect of the obstacles on the battlefield, and also is the one who says if a unit can move as much as the person said it did in one post. He will take care of any issues in the battle. If the defender has higher ground or a city, they need to be given a significant advantage. If they a research that allows them to build defenses for their city, you must assume they did build them. The older the city the stronger the defense, which is mainly told from the distance between the city and their capital (longer=older).

How about it? Oh, and one more thing. You need to post what units are where. Group them in armies and give ‘em a name. Makes it easier that way. Army 1 traveled West until they got to the moutians. Instead of 8 swordsmen units, 3 archer units…

Then there is the system where we forget the weight, make the game go even more on honor, and have it where units just have stats and abilities based off their techs, race, and rank. Your vote.

IC: Harp was devising the maps, when the hive mind contacted her. Where to next Viceroy?

What do you mean?


Where are we going?

We are staying right, here, if you feel idle go build another hive nearby, wait, cut that. Setup a guard, I refuse to believe that Ohgla will settle for being one collective out of four.

Immediately Viceroy.



Period Two, Day three:
Mechanics 54/110 Regan
Mapping 36/50 Harp
Physics: How everything works. Or in Ohgla’s terms, how to make a weapon that can hurt more, or a weapon in general. 18/100 Ohgla
Period Two, Day four:
Mechanics 72/110 Regan
Mapping completed, 4tp left over.
Physics 36/100 Ohgla


EDIT: With little resitance? And you get a city. Hmmm... let me think upon this. I'm just saying now, you might end up with a crappy city or one that is more of a burden.

[atmawpn]

OOC: NotPersonal, while I commend you for coming up with such an extensive system within a short span of time (It's amazing I must say :D), it seems that the system seems to require a bit more for accuracy, and that would be too much trouble.

Because you have now included an item system, we will need ANOTHER list of sorts to measure the relative power of weapons of varying tech levels. Since each of the nations seem to be using very different research methods it is likely that we will be using very different weapons for a similar tech level. In other words, this could get rather confusing and complicated. (Then again, the battle system I'm suggesting seems to require a similar point of reference, so it looks like we'll need a weapons guide or something, unless the boardwar veterans like Lestaki can suggest something more helpful?) :|

But we could keep some bits of the system, especially the bits that include Anatomy in the battle calculations. So if I may suggest a grossly simplified alternative:

***

Assume we have two groups of 100 Moderate Infantry, or just two groups of armies each with identical total credit costs (100 credits vs 100 credits) against each other on normal terrain with no strategic advantages. Therefore the battle would be a draw. (Not sure how to calculate casualties though - Perhaps a standard 50% of whatever numbers sent into battle?)

Then include Anatomy into the calculations: Assume Side A is 100% Anatomy, Side B is 150%, so we multiply the credit cost of Side B by 1.5. Since Side B now has the credit advantage (A: 100 vs B: 150), Side B will definitely win (Provided the difference in credits exceeds a certain range, say +-10% or something, otherwise it would still be considered a draw except with heavier losses on whoever has fewer credits?)

Now we consider Technology: Assume Side A is 1 tech level ahead of B, (This one may require some sort of basic reference) therefore Side A can increase credits by 25% for every tech level advantage. (A: 125 vs B: 150) Because the credit difference is within the +-10% range it will be considered a draw, though Side A will suffer more casualties owing to the credit disadvantage relative to B.

Very crude alternative, which is why I hope Lestaki can come up with something else easier to work with, given his experience in this area of the forums? :)

***

Current Research:

Electromagnetism: Required to unlock access to artificial electromagnetic phenomena. (8+32=40/150) - Rea

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (28+16=44/100) - Byri

Advanced Metallurgy: Required for medium scale manipulation of metals in general, as well as the development of alloys. (0+16=16/150) - Seraph


IC: The squad captain and his team moved nimbly across the glacial ice, approaching the Pillar carefully. Many a time had they nearly broken the ice and barely escaped by moving to stabler ground.

Now the Pillar stood before him, seemingly untouched by the bitter elements of the region.

Captain Seraph touched the Pillar, which strangely enough was not cold to the touch.

And another Chosen was born.

[Lestaki]

OOC: Something easier to work with? Err, we could just roleplay it as we go, that's what's normal around here. :p

I by far prefer atmawpn's system, as it is relatively simple and I can understand it at the first reading. ;) I'm going to throw out a suggestion for incorporating tech without discrete levels- perhaps we could total up the amount of TP each player has spent on military matters, and then find the difference between them. So:

Bob has spent 150tp on war. Bill has spent 250 tp on war. 250-150= 100
If we say that 50tp represents a "tech level", we have a rough frame of reference to go with atmawpn's system. Of course, this just leaves us to define "military matters":

Upgrades to General (if he or she is on the field)
Upgrades to Troops
Research to unlock new troop types
Anything else sensible

A note on the "beast" troop type, and indeed siege engines and other such things- how do these work with reference to anatomy scores? It seems unlikely that the pet dragons or such of a race would be tied to the physical limitations of that race. I'd suggest that all beasts have a base value of 100 anatomy regardless of species.

Current Research:
Wanda- the Art of Logistics- this establishes the vital techniques needed to supply an army in campaign- (120/160)

Selina- Shield of Nature- sorcerers can cast a shield over their army that allows them to withstand moderate terrain conditions- (120/160)

Current Military Tech Points: 140+40+40+80+40= 340
Once complete, the Art of Logistics will be added to this but NOT Shield of Nature, which is plainly used for non military purposes. This is an example of a civilian tech.

IC: Selina raised a hand, ripping the soul out of a warrior in front of her. She shaped the energy into an orb of darkness, flinging it into the enemy ranks. Then their cavalry moved to engage her scouts and she turned her attention to them. She conjured and tossed dark bolts into them, rending more souls down to fuel her magical attack. Around her, the scouts rained down fire with their bows, while the Battle Golems and Soulpact pushed into the lines of the enemy barbarians. Taskforce Aegis was winning its first victory.
***
Wanda frowned and sighed at the mountains above him, that he'd have to ascend. A Chosen's work was never done. Cursing, his spurred his horse forwards.

[atmawpn]

Lestaki's suggestion on the TP used for military seems friendly enough. You rock. :P

Techs achieved: (Bolded techs contribute to war)

Fire (50 tp)
Primitive Hydro Power (50 tp)
Primitive Metallurgy (50 tp)
Medicine (50 tp)
Alchemy (50 tp)
Primitive Engineering (50 tp)
Basic Archery (50 tp)
Botany (50 tp)
Basic Metallurgy (100 tp)
Basic Engineering (100 tp)
Steam Power (100 tp)

Total tp spent on War:
50+50+50+100+100 = 350 tp

Current Research: (Just to show which is War related.)

Electromagnetism: Required to unlock access to artificial electromagnetic phenomena. (8+32=40/150) - Rea

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (28+16=44/100)(WAR) - Byri

Advanced Metallurgy: Required for medium scale manipulation of metals in general, as well as the development of alloys. (0+16=16/150)(WAR) - Seraph

[atmawpn]

OOC: I just realised that we have not yet taken into consideration the Birth rate in the calculations. That said, it may be necessary to deduct credits accordingly to account for birth rates, say a multiplier of 0.75 for those with 75% birth rates.

***

Current Research:

Electromagnetism: Required to unlock access to artificial electromagnetic phenomena. (40+32=72/150) - Rea

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (44+16=60/100)(WAR) - Byri

Advanced Metallurgy: Required for medium scale manipulation of metals in general, as well as the development of alloys. (16+16=32/150)(WAR) - Seraph

War-related tp: 350

***

IC: As Byri led the 2 expeditions back, he stopped to look at the vast expanse of desert towards the west. He observed the sandstorms blowing across the landscape, obscuring all vision of what lay within and beyond.

He felt thankful for sending the messenger.

***

The messenger arrived at the gates of the Sarathars' capital and was greeted by the guards there.

"I'll be brief," the messenger began, "Commander Byri sends word that the sandstorm phenomena makes hostile detection within the sandy shores a very difficult affair. He asks for Lady Selina to beware of possible surprise attacks from the western areas. That is all."

***

Captain Seraph felt relieved after his feet reached the safe grasslands again. Glaciers were just too cold for his liking.

He then led the soldiers on the journey back to Eidolon.

[Sevorak]

OOC:

Current Researches:
Ghostly Visage: 140/200 tp - Sethari. Two days' added research.
Second Sphere Divination: 120/200 tp - Saethira. Two days' added research.

Total tp spent on war:

Psionic Affinity (100), Shard Blades (50), Shard Archery (50), Haunting Visage (100). Channeling (80), Battlefield Prescience (100): 480.

IC:

Saethira lashed out with her mind, the torrents of psionic energy beating the creature back against its own pillar; she charged, spear spinning in a screeching arc as its innate magics screamed out like a banshee; then she lunged, fury in her eyes through the bitter cold, and impaled the frost-guardian on her spear...it writhed, screamed...then finally, it slumped, its breathing shallow.

She reached out and touched its mind; it wasn't the savage, instinctual mindset of a predator; instead, it was a guardian in spirit as well as in actuality - its sole directive was to protect the pillar...she wondered slightly whether that would extend to her once she absorbed the energies of the pillar, if it yet lived after she did so. She extended one numb, cold hand out to the surface of the pillar, and shuddered as its energies coursed through her...

[Lestaki]

Wanda absorbs another pillar.

Wanda- the Art of Logistics- this establishes the vital techniques needed to supply an army in campaign- (160/160) Complete
Drill and Discipline- all units in the army are trained furiously, giving them acess to advanced formations and tactics. (0/120) (WAR)

Selina- Shield of Nature- sorcerers can cast a shield over their army that allows them to withstand moderate terrain conditions- (160/160)
Telepath Leaders- units in the army are lead by Devout telepaths, allowing them to rapidly respond to orders. (0/80) (WAR)

War TP: 500

IC: Wanda cursed the cold, and also the dark, which was stripping him of his guiding light. But he could see it now. There was no opposition save the weather, and the dry, rasping desert air. Well, that wouldn't be enough. He dismounted and stalked towards the pillar, leaning forwards and touching it unsteadily. These things were worth so much... they gave so much understanding, so much power... but was he the only chosen who wondered at the price?
***
That is the situation, my lady. It is based on guesswork, nothing more.

Hmm. Nonetheless, we cannot afford to be suprised now. Bring the army to full readiness and concentration. I will continue the campaign here, but the moment something turns up, I want to know. That way I can fall back and reinforce you.

The Oracle nodded mentally. As you wish. I'll attend to it.

"This settlement has been captured, my lady," a Soulpact messanger said.

"Good," Selina said. "Pillage everything worth stealing from it then put it to the torch. We may be short on time."

[Sevorak]

OOC: I'm not really sure how the credits system works at the moment, so I'll just say that I'm using my monies to replenish those I lost at the hands of the guardian...I'll also add the frost wolf to my li'l army - if no one objects - after having to fight and kill the bastard. ^^.

So my army, as it stands:

Greyback - Frost Wolf; Guardian of the Pillar - 50 for 1.

Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.
Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.

Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.
Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.

Crystalline Sentinels – Siege Weapons; 100 for 10.

Total: 1550 credits.

IC:

Saethira returned to the city to find the mood tense, the air seething with nervousness and fear; something was fast approaching; the Chosen gathered her star-crystal cloak around her, eyes darting from one deserted street to the next...the few Esterrén that lingered in the streets were clearly nervous; even the Vanguard, the highly disciplined watchers of the city were on edge, hands tight around their katana hilts in their sheathes as they watched from the walls the overcast skies; they looked south, down into the forest. A city under threat; that was what it was.

And Saethira was about to find out why - a pair of bladeweavers appeared to usher her inside the Citadel, where Sethari was already divining battle plans and pacing when he wasn't doing that; even he was tense; when he saw her, he relaxed somewhat and offered her a seat. She refused, to his mild surprise, then he filled her in: there was an army coming for them. Moving north through the forests; their own forces were being prepared to head south and engage them...either victory would be theirs, and they could push forth to wreak vengeance upon the foe...or they would fail, and the city of their people would fall.

[Sword_Monkey]

Kalanar finds a new Pillar, upgrade to whatever...

Kalanar decided to rest near the pillar as it dissolved away, he climbed to the mound it had one ben on, above the treeline and looked north to the distant cities of his enemies, they were advanced, that much he could tell. Every shiny city meant advanced, but of all the other chosen he had seen he knew that nearly any one of them could be living in that city, he would know when he saw their people. The army marched on.

---

Razortalon had reached an inland river, and was following it under bridges and boats, when they came to an obstacle they waited till nightfall before carrying on. They were near their target but the progress was slow.

---

Kalanar's army; (300% anatomy)(Kalanar = 50)

500 for 300 Vizzerdrixi chargers (upgraded from cavalry)
250 for 150 mammoth vizzerdrixi
250 for 1500 Vizzerdrixi housemen
100 for 600 Rabbithound chargers (upgraded from rabbithounds)

Razortalon's formation; (300% anatomy)(Razortalon = 50)

400 for 300 Rangers (ugpraded from gilled vizzerdrixi)

---

Kalanar - roar of the wild (sonic attack technique for ammoths and kalanar himself) 18/40

Razortalon - hit and run (raid houses and flee) 6/20

[NotPersonal18]

OOC: Alright, your system has officially been adopted, though it kinda destroys the difference between the nations. Not completely, but somewhat. I’m the minority here though, so you win. J And yeah, I knew mine would need some serious looking over. In that sense, at least yours is balanced. And all you players, specificly say where you got the pillar? How do I update the map without knowing what happened where? Lestaki you get 75 credits for your troubles, though I don’t recall many loses or saying what they were. C-Web, your new city only has a economy percentage of 15% regardless of your nation. And also, another period has passed!

IC: Jargen studied the pillar. It was exactly as Regan described, a tall stone tablet with odd glowing blue runes drawn up it. To think he would find it here, in this Titus forsaken grassland. Why would he place such a blessing there?

Period Two Day Five
Mechanics: 90/110 Regan
Physics: 36/100 Ohgla
Botany: 22/50 Harp
Period Three Day One
Mechanics: 108/110 Regan
Physics: 54/100 Ohgla
Botany: 40/50 Harp

War Research- Chemistry, Metal Molding and Framing, Hive Chip, Warfare, Engineering, Natural Discovery, Mapping. Total: 400tp.

[atmawpn]

OOC: Are you referring to the Military tp gauge? I don't think the differences are that badly destroyed because ultimately whatever tech you choose to research has influence on what ability you get in future. For example, the power of flight or a storm-summoning magic. There would still be variety due to these unique abilities (Which could have a large bearing on the battle outcome, for even if according to the credit system a certain force is disadvantaged, use of say an uber storm spell or a WMD could turn the tide.)

I also realised another advantage of the tp system: It appears that nations with low tp/Chosen are "compensating" by using lower tp requisites per tech (Possibly rendering tp/Chosen a useless factor in the old system). However, the tp system calculations ignore that in battle, making for a rather balanced game without "powergaming" through super research via low requisite tp per tech. :)

But regarding Lestaki's mentioning about the Beast/Mythic Beast/Legendary Beast unit classes... I don't quite get it. :|

Meanwhile, it seems that at the rate we are overhauling the system, it may eventually force a restart owing to the changing emphasis on the various factors you consider while designing your nation. (Could be unfair for those who didn't think tp was important, or anatomy was important, or etc.) Perhaps we can take this as a trial run for a fully-tested and calibrated "Keeper's Game Release Version" in future. :D

***

Current Research:

Electromagnetism: Required to unlock access to artificial electromagnetic phenomena. (72+32=104/150) - Rea

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (60+16=76/100)(WAR) - Byri

Advanced Metallurgy: Required for medium scale manipulation of metals in general, as well as the development of alloys. (32+16=48/150)(WAR) - Seraph

War-related tp: 350

***

INCOME: 1000 (Capital "Eidolon") + 200 (East City "Tetyth")

ARMY UPDATE:

375 Moderate Swordsmen (Moderate Infantry)
375 Archers (Support)
375 Light Steam Tanks (Light Calvary)
+225 Heavy Steam Tanks (Heavy Calvary)(Total Cost: 1200 credits)
375 Super Steam Fortress (Legendary Beast)

Credits Remaining: 0

***

EXPANSION INFO: 1 new city directly north of my capital.

PILLAR INFO: I took the Pillar that is on the southern grey patch. (Glacier, if I'm not mistaken?)

***

IC: Captain Seraph stepped through the gates of Eidolon amidst much cheering.

"So this is the life of a Chosen," Seraph thought as he smiled at the dozens of supporters.

***

Commander Byri entered the new northern city, which had been named "Einherjar." He decided to take a rest and station his forces there temporarily while the city's permanent defence force travelled from the capital.

[Lestaki]

Anatomy dictates a race's combat ability. However, beasts are not of the same species as the rest of the army, as they are beasts and not soldiers. Therefore it is a little illogical for beasts to be tied to the anatomy of a species they don't even belong to. So I suggested that we default all "beasts" to 100% or normal anatomy for cost. Just a thought. ;)

Wanda- Drill and Discipline- all units in the army are trained furiously, giving them acess to advanced formations and tactics. (60/120) (WAR)

Selina- Telepath Leaders- units in the army are lead by Devout telepaths, allowing them to rapidly respond to orders. (40/80) (WAR)

Credit Income: 1000 capital, 200 southern city, 75 battle (25 used to replace losses), 120 credits for trade pact with atma (10% of income)= 1370

Army
10 Grand Golems- count as advanced siege weapons

100 War Golems- legendary beasts

2000 Battle Golems- beasts

500 Sarathar Archers- moderate infantry

100 Soulpact Warriors- veteran infantry

100 Devout, upgarded to sorcerers- elite infantry- 400 credits spent

400 Horse Scouts, upgarded to War Riders- medium cavalry- 600 credits spent

100 more War Golems created- legendary beasts- 250 credits spent

10 Reaper Golems created- four legged golems that act as large missile platforms for bolt throwers- siege weapons- 100 credits

20 credits remaining, spent on a large basket of fruit to be sent to the Synes leaders. :p

IC: "Take this to the Synes capital," the Oracle instructed. "Make haste!"

The nine riders nodded. "As you command, master." They rode away, somewhat encumbered.

"That's a lot of fruit," the Oracle mused. "Well, everyone likes fruit."
***
Wanda frowned to see the army concentrated, and still more units being raised. He resolved to search the boarder with his birds... just as soon as he got some sleep.
***
"We don't have time to finish the campaing," Selina said regretfully. "I have a bad feeling about the rumours of enemy to the west. We will concentrate with the main army."

"Yes, mistress," Gelia said.

"Oh, and leader?" Selina adressed to the Devout.

"Yes?"

"He blesses you." She raised her hands, black light flashing from it and running them through. "It hurts. But I know the pain."

[Sevorak]

OOC:

Current Researches:
Ghostly Visage: 180/200 tp - Sethari.
Second Sphere Divination: 160/200 tp - Saethira.

Current Income: 250 (Capital) = 250.

Current Army:

Greyback - Frost Wolf; Guardian of the Pillar - 50 for 1.

Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.
Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.
Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50 - Purchased.

Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.
Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.

Crystalline Sentinels – Siege Weapons; 100 for 10.

Remaining fifty credits spent on black roses and papers detailing his funeral arrangements to send south to Sword_Monkey. ;)

IC:

We regret to inform you of your loss; it is with great sadness and mourning that we remind you of your impending demise at our hands. We deeply regret the loss of your lives that will inevitably result as we destroy you. Again, we apologise for any inconvenience your deaths may (and probably will) cause to both you and your people. Though this clearly cause great disruption to diplomatic ties (carnage and slaughter sadly often does), we hope that our two peoples can work together for a better future for both our kinds, though it is unlikely we will allow you to remain as a sovereign nation after we have obliterated your army.

We would also like to inform you that we have made arrangements for your people to be dumped unceremoniously in the woods for the carrion birds to feast on your rotting carcasses. Though this is an undeniably undignified method of death and preservation of your rancid corpses, we feel unable to offer beings of your distinctive odor to be buried anywhere near our city. And, of course, we spent our last fifty credits mailing you these funeral arrangements.

As you may somewhat have gathered, we take exception to being marched towards, threatened by your odor and fanatic savagery, and being about to attacked.

Sincerely,
The Esterrén People.

[atmawpn]

OOC: lol @ Sevorak. Esterren are good with humour. :D

But I'm slightly confused about your location. You're north of Sword Monkey right? Therefore just to confirm: You're responding to his northern invasion?

[Sword_Monkey]

OOC: My beasts are an offshoot of my race.

And my teching is nowhere near as advanced as everyone else, theoretically I should be able to just tell my troops how to charge the enemy, without having to waste tp on developing it, unlike astral projection and advanced metallurgy like the other races.

Plus my low tech race will soon be at a disadvantage as its anatomy can only support it for a while, soon nough other races will hoard money per period and tech to absurd levels, leaving me in the dark ages with a small army, against huge armies of absurd tech. Perhaps technology in warfare should make the ost of troops higher, I mean giving you men muskets must cost surely? And then there is training too.

[atmawpn]

OOC: I never thought of that. :|

Maybe then we should place a cap as to the maximum limit on tech advantages in battle, say a maximum of 50tp x 4? (A corresponding max bonus of 100%?) That would help ensure that teching doesn't unfairly disadvantage the low tech nations?

I agree with you Sword_Monkey. We'll just have to keep tweaking this until it works.

However regarding the "Small Army" bit, I'm not sure if that needs balancing. After all, for example, my nation depends on economy and tech so as to compensate for lower birth rates and anatomy.

IC: Credits: 0+50+10 (Forgot to account for pacted nations' commerce)

[Sevorak]

OOC: Yeah, atma - my people are pretty much directly north of Sword_Monkey's own. :(. We wouldn't mail him his funeral arrangements if he wasn't already intending to kill us - we're not that mean ;). The Esterrén, for their part, are a fairly peaceful people - they just loathe people who go to war and commit atrocities and the like for no apparent reason, or for reasons that frankly just...suck. Much like your own people, the Esterrén are extremely reluctant to start or fight conflicts - they'll only really do so if there's someone going around doing bad things to everyone.

And I don't agree that there should be a cap on tech - I mean, look at my race. If there were a cap on tech advantages, my race's low birth rates would cripple them horrifically when it comes to fighting others. I sacrificed birth rate and economy to have a small, elite force, and putting a restriction on the bonuses I could get from technology would pretty much ensure they couldn't ever really be a viable army in direct engagements. ;(

[atmawpn]

OOC: Sevorak, in the long run there would have to be some sort of cap to prevent overpowered teching. Maybe a 100% cap is too strict - perhaps a liberal 200% since most attributes max out at 300% for most designed nations, and 100% (default) + 200% would be sufficient advantage?

I sort of understand your position, since my nation is designed also to have some reliance on tech. (though more so on economy)

Of course, if anyone else has some other suggestion on how to balance this... :)

EDIT: Sevorak while your economy and birth rates are low, I also noticed you have somewhat powerful Anatomy in addition to your tech advantage. These two factors in combination are already quite lethal in my opinion, since it means a 2.5 anatomy multiplier AND a maximum 3 tech multiplier if we use the 200% cap. Doesn't look too bad to me. ;)

Of course the exact tech cap is still open to debate.

[Sevorak]

OOC: *shrugs*. Since I'm fighting Sword_Monkey, I'll use him as an example. His birth rate is three times mine. Thus, his troops have three times the credit value of my own, even when we've spent an equivalent amount on troops. Since I put tons into tech where he didn't, I have to make up a deficiency of several hundred percent with technology if I'm even going to think about facing him on even terms. Things're going to start looking horrifically bad for me - maybe I'm only thinking of myself here, but there ya' go ;) - if my technology advantage is going to be capped; my economy sucks, so others are going to start outnumbering me horribly because of both this and birth rate.

My tech advantage is the only real thing I have, including anatomy (which my main enemy at this time actually has better than me) and if that's going to prop me up against enemies who are by far numerically superior to me... simply put, a cap would effectively kill my race if this thing develops far enough. Look at Lestaki - he's getting over 1,000 credits a period, and I'm getting 250! Technology is all I've got to make up for a horrific numerical deficiency; capping that effectively kills me in any major engagement.

[atmawpn]

OOC: In that light, then perhaps we will need to find some way of amplifying anatomy, or nerfing economy, and all this without making tech too overpowered.

UGH. Is there some way to balance Anatomy, Birth Rate, Economy and Tech? :(

[Sword_Monkey]

OOC: Thing is Sev, as soon as I have fought with you, and start to move to others I begin to face a problem, my 25% economy is getting my army anywhere, and my 6tp a day tech isnt boosting me too high, others though see the sky as the limit, their armies grow and grow and their tech does too.

My rushing advantage will be over soon, and I will be outgunned horribly. This is war after all.

[Sevorak]

OOC: That's assuming you live from your fight with me, Sword. ;). But let's not get into that right now - I was simply using you as a 'test subject'; nothing personal, naturally. My point was simply on how difficult it is for people who are outnumbered horribly to cope with other things; they need anatomical advantages and/or tech advantages - people have to have legs to stand on...and balancing this thing's hardly easy.

I mean, look at Dawn of War - an assload of patches and it still isn't balanced. We, as boardwarriors, just have to try and hope for the best, and try not to powergame - 'cause we probably can't hope for too much decent balance without a ton of work, and I'm sure none of us would rather be figuring out the nuances of a balance system instead of actually roleplaying these characters we've crafted in this world we inhabit, ayia? :D

[c-web]

OOC::jaw: :jaw:

*******
IC: Iufoo had discovered something a large phycicly active, Stone east of the village they had "absorbed" she imediatly sent Runi to Investigate.

Ruini rolled up to the stone in a lage crater then he relized "another PILLAR!" he touched the pilar and instantly felt like a god.

Ruini tp+2

Ruini : botany 40/100 tp Iufoo: 40/100tp

foder infantry = 6200 such a devatating change... :disagree:

[NotPersonal18]

Hmm… how to balance it? Well when I created it I meant anatomy to be a good early start, while going with the others would help you later on. In this sense, someone who had a good anatomy advantage over the other players would conquer them early on to gain two armies. That of himself his new slave player. Of course, that would mean they would have to do so in a very timely manner in order to keep up with the fast advancing nations. But I never meant any one trait to be supped up to 300%, that’s just insane. But since you did, hmmm. Even my vast (yet humble) and complicated (but simple) mind cannot figure that out, because it can’t determine the imbalances of the other areas to anatomy. While you guys are trying to make everything equal, you have failed to see something, the strengths and weaknesses of a nation. Obviously, an anatomy based nation would do well in the beginning, but stumble at the later stages of the game. After Sword_Monkey’s initial rush, should he be just as good as the other nations who didn’t get that helpful rush? Of course this is partially one sided, as I have a tech relying nation. And as for balancing birth rates, it should not be the same thing as anatomy, because it gives you more people to die as well. So every 50% could act as if it where 25% anatomy? Any ideas here? And Sword_Monkey, which troops are going for me and which are going for Sevorak? It probably wasn’t smart to split your army between us as that makes the forces somewhat even. And as for developing war plans, yeah you shouldn’t have to. But I guess it’s a good fast way to gain war tech. Now if we are unable to somehow balance this, Sword_Monkey can gain a variety of blessings from the keeper, including randomly spawned pillars nearly all around him. There would be enough pillars to get him near the other nations, but not equal as he still has that lovely x3 multiplier. I seriously don’t know, I hope one of you have a brain surge or something of the sort.


Research:
Mechanics completed, 16tp left
Botany completed, 8tp left
Physics 90/100 Ohgla, Jargen



IC: Ohgla rubbed his brow and faced the other three Viceroys in the chamber. Regan couldn’t stop babbling about the economic beauty of mechanics, despite all of Ohgla’s speeches about using it for defense and advanced weaponry. He perfered it when Harp explained her new discoveries, she didn’t brag about it. “Jargen do you have that document for me yet?”

“Yeah I do, took me only but a night. These Chosen powers are amazing!” exclaimed Jargen.


“Tell me about it,” Ohgla reached out and took the document, scanning it with his eyes. “Good!” Ohgla looked at the females. “Hmm, lets say we all look at this tonight, and finish of physics once for all. Me and Jargen just seem unable to crack it alone.


“Done,” replied Regan.


Army: 175 left over credits plus three cities (225 credits) plus a capital (375) 600 + 175 = 775!

6 + 1 Drone units 350c
4 Barbarians 400c
4 Warriors 400c
2 Haurinki 400c
1 Hive Arm 500c
1 Scaler 200c
Support: Herbalist- these are Sceptiod with a advanced knowledge of herbs and plants. Not the best at fighting, but still can. They carry bags of various herbs on the back which the retrieve with there tentacles. 1 x 100 = 100c/200 men
Specialist: Cultist- these are Sceptiod who have taken a different turn with plants. Instead of using herbs to heal, they use poisons and other harmful mixtures. They rub these mixtures on their tentacles, making for quick use of poisons in battle. 3 x 200 = 600c/600 men.

25c left over.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8430/smap6go.th.png (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=smap6go.png)
Did I miss anything in the map?

[atmawpn]

OOC: Then I suppose we should leave things as they are for now. If we do start a Keeper's Game v2 using this system, at least we can include a disclaimer on the advantages and disadvantages of each nation stat.

Current Research:

Electromagnetism: Required to unlock access to artificial electromagnetic phenomena. (104+32=136/150) - Rea

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (76+16=92/100)(WAR) - Byri

Advanced Metallurgy: Required for medium scale manipulation of metals in general, as well as the development of alloys. (48+16=64/150)(WAR) - Seraph

War-related tp: 350

[Lestaki]

OOC: I snatched the northenmost hard sand/mountain pillar on my boarder.

Wanda- Drill and Discipline- all units in the army are trained furiously, giving them acess to advanced formations and tactics. (120/120) (WAR) Complete
Starts Siegemaster- provides excellent tactics and equipment for sieges in attack and defense, allowing golems to scale or defend walls, archers greater accuracy and large shields in attack ect- increasing the army's defensive bonus by 50% or decreasing an opponent's defence bonus by 50%, in defense or attack respectively- (0/360) (WAR)

Selina- Telepath Leaders- units in the army are lead by Devout telepaths, allowing them to rapidly respond to orders. (80/80) (WAR) Complete
Starts Dark Hand- death magic spell that effects multiple targets- (0/40) (WAR)

IC: "Enough lurking," Wanda said. "Let us march to our boarder and once and for all confront this rumoured possibility of an attack."

Selina nodded. "I concur. I will send one of my horsemen to the Synes. Perhaps they will march with us and confront what their own deductions started. If not, we go alone anyway."

Wanda nodded and turned to the assembled officers. "Ready your companies!" he shouted. "We ride!"

[Sword_Monkey]

OOC: Razortalon the Ranger is coming for you NotPersonal, and Kalanar the Mammoth is heading for Sev. Razortalon has about 500's worth of rangers with him and Kalanar has an army of about 1000 with him. it may be more like 350 to 1150, I did post them a while ago.

IC:

Kalanar - roar of the wild (sonic attack technique for ammoths and kalanar himself) 54/40 (14 leftover)

Razortalon - hit and run (raid houses and flee) 24/20 (4 left over. Razortalon finds a new Pillar to the east of his forcem during night search, he then splits forces up into small groups to fan out and find new pillars.)

--
Kalanar - Readies for war, stops thinking basically.

Razortalon - Vizzerjutsu - Martial from of fighting and stealth, catch-all term for armour-weaving, weapon crafting, daily training, sparring, meditation, poisonmaking, spying and so forth. 12/1000

Bring it Sev, Kalanar marches on, battle formation!

((By the way I am setting up a contingency plan for while I am away, so Razortalon will effectively be disappearing.))

[atmawpn]

IC: "I see," Byri noted after Selina's messenger came to Einherjar, "We are people who honour promises, so please inform Lady Selina that we will join you to meet this invasion. However we would like to attempt some form of diplomacy first, so we request that your forces hold back unless the invaders attack, or if they reject diplomacy."

As the messenger rode off with the reply, Byri glanced around at his expedition and the defence force that had just arrived.

"Dangers have come to our peace nation, and Eon will be threatened if these invaders are allowed to move unimpeded. Therefore, we leave immediately, to protect the peace and to aid our ally!"

Whereupon Byri rode out of Einherjar, taking with him the reinforcements.

***

Army en route:

200 Moderate Swordsmen (Moderate Infantry)
100 Archers (Support)
100 Heavy Steam Tanks (Heavy Calvary)
200 Super Steam Fortresses (Legendary Beast)

Base credit cost (Without multipliers): 1200

[Sevorak]

OOC: Researches:

Current Researches:

Ghostly Visage: 220/200 tp - Sethari - Finished.
Second Sphere Divination: 200/200 tp - Saethira - Finished.

Both of these have direct military application, so my tech total of warfare-related technologies is thus: 880.

Battle Resolution, assuming 50 tp = tech level:

Kalanar's Army

50 for 1 - Kalanar.
500 for 300 - Vizzerdrixi Chargers
250 for 150 - Mammoth Vizzerdrixi
250 for 1500 - Vizzerdrixi Housemen
100 for 600 - Rabbithound Chargers

Base Total: 1150 Credits.
Modifiers: x3 for 300% Anatomy Bonus = 3,450.
Total Technology for Warfare: Since I don't think Sword's actually quantified what he's spend on warfare, I'll give him a sum total of 200 tp spent on warfare. Since his race isn't all that technologically, it's probably more than he's got anyway. :(. Damn you, Sword - make things easier for me! I'll leave writing up the battle 'till he posts next, so I can see if I'm wrong about that.

The Esterrén Army

Greyback - Frost Wolf; Guardian of the Pillar - 50 for 1.

Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.
Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.
Esterrén Vanguard – Veteran Infantry; 200 for 50.

Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.
Esterrén Bladeweavers – Elite Infantry; 500 for 50.

Crystalline Sentinels – Siege Weapons; 100 for 10.

Base Total: 1750 Credits.
Modifiers: x2.5 (250% Anatomy) = 4,375.
Technology: 880 (Assuming Sword's at 200 tp or less); 680 technology advantage; at 50tp a tech level, that gives me a total of 12 more tech levels than Sword. 12x25 = 300. Thus, an additional 300% advantage, assuming this is added on to my base total instead of after being modified to anatomy (that, I think, would be a little OP'd) gets me 5,250 initially. So I add together those two results, perhaps (it's late, so my maths isn't good - tell me if I'm wrong, please)... and get 9,625. I'm fairly certain something's wrong there, but probably not by all that much - enough to soundly defeat Sword's army, at any rate, even if something is wrong there.

As a side-note, this gets somewhat confusing - I'd recommend that anatomy and technology modifiers are worked out seperately rather than working together. Naturally, though, you guys probably already assumed that, and I'm a little behind. ;(

Reserving this space for writing up the battle scene.

[atmawpn]

Current Research:

Electromagnetism: Required to unlock access to artificial electromagnetic phenomena. (136+14=150/150)(COMPLETE) - Rea

Mathematics: Necessary foundation for advanced sciences. (0+18=18/50)

Gunpowder: Required for the first generation of explosives. (92+8=100/100)(WAR)(COMPLETE) - Byri

Advanced Metallurgy: Required for medium scale manipulation of metals in general, as well as the development of alloys. (64+16+8=88/150)(WAR) - Seraph and Byri

War-related tp: 350+100=450

[c-web]

ooc: you did miss somthing that pillar east of me dosn't exist anymore. and can i have a city where it was (?never got one?)

[Sword_Monkey]

Razortalon - Vizzerjutsu - Martial from of fighting and stealth, catch-all term for armour-weaving, weapon crafting, daily training, sparring, meditation, poisonmaking, spying and so forth. 30/1000

[atmawpn]

Current Research:

Mathematics: Necessary foundation for advanced sciences. (18+32=50/50)(COMPLETE) - Rea

Advanced Metallurgy: Required for medium scale manipulation of metals in general, as well as the development of alloys. (88+16+16=120/150)(WAR) - Seraph and Byri

***

Byri's soldiers marched alongside Selina's and Wanda's, approaching the enemy force slowly. A Syne ambassador had been sent ahead to meet the enemies. Hopefully, there would be no need to fight...

***

The unarmed ambassador knew he was carrying out his task at great risk. As he approached Kalanar on horseback he shivered slightly in the presence of the mighty beings. At last, he was before the Chosen Kalanar.

"Sir, I am an ambassador for the Synes, though our Pact with the Sarathar means that they have a high likelihood of corresponding with whichever diplomatic relation you choose with us."

"We understand that your forces are here with hostile intentions towards the Sarathar. Since a war with them while our Pact is in effect means that you will be at war with us as well, I am here to ask you to reconsider."

"We Synes are a peaceful people, and if you will call off your attacks we will gladly open trade-links with you, as well as put in a good word for you with the Sarathar. We may even go so far as to sign a Pact with your people."

"While we are peaceful people, we also do not tolerate hostile intentions against ourselves or our friends. If you continue with your attack, we must remind you that your forces, though undeniably strong and physically superior to our alliance' soldiers, are in the end far from home ground and also outnumbered, since you will be facing both us and our allies the Sarathar. Since you cannot hope to win, and we do not wish to be involved in a slaughter, we advise you to either pull back or accept diplomatic ties. Should you insist on the attack, we will... regret the loss of life on your part."

[Sword_Monkey]

Razortalon - Vizzerjutsu - Martial from of fighting and stealth, catch-all term for armour-weaving, weapon crafting, daily training, sparring, meditation, poisonmaking, spying and so forth. 48/1000 (new Pillar found)

[Sevorak]

OOC: I've done the maths of the potential battle in the previous post, and while I have doubts as to their accuracy... the modifiers are in my favour; I can't possibly have skewed everything to the extent that the battle's outcome was fundamentally altered. So I can - and will, if it comes to it - win this battle.

I also forgot to define my next set of researches:

Current Researches

Wraiths in the Wind: 100/300. (20 overrun, two days' research).
Enables the Esterrén to master the art of rapid hit-and fade warfare; in areas conducive to such forms of battle, they recieve a +50% to their credit cost. (Warfare-related).

Echoes of Eternity: 80/500. (Two days' research).
The Esterrén cities resonate with the touch of the dreamworld; the essence and will of ages, coruscated in arcs of streaming light and power. When the Chosen are located in an Esterrén-built city, they may double their tp/Chosen rating.

IC:

The Esterrén halted at the crest of the hill; the enemy was below; the diplomat was speaking. Soon, blood would be spilled; the foe would not halt in their bloody path - that much was certain. Thus, absolute destruction was necessary... and indeed preferable. The die was cast; the warriors had marched and would never be more ready to fight, die and kill in the name of their lords and masters... or in the name of their homes, or gods.

"We are the wraiths in the wind... they will break when we descend; let the diplomat see the face and ideals of chaos these servants of the vaunted keeper first - then we shall sweep them from our lands and cleanse our soils of their perfidious taint."

[Sword_Monkey]

What in helll!!!! Atma this system is not going to work, I charge my poor army at hima s fast as possible and he still has time to field an army 3 times as powerful as mine!!!

Perhaps we shouldn't be timesing tech level by army power but adding it on.

Also having a number of techs that are small seems to be worse than having one big WAR tech, so 5 100tp techs should have less effect than one 500tp teh right? Maybe tech level should divided by the number of techs being implemented.

Also general techs that affect war but also effect other stuff shouldn't have all their tp value added to tech level as they are not solely war focussed. Metallurgy does not focus on sword making, it only aids it so perhaps its tp value would not all count as a WAR tech.

I propose

Army (cost)
+
Tech (tp/number of techs. with adjustments for general techs)
*
Anatomy

(Or swap tech and anatomy around)

EDIT:

Mabe even a yechnology skill could be devised I think it was attempted before, but quite simply it could be tp*10 so 10tp per chosen would make 100% or 200% if two chosen were fighting, and so on.

Also may I and that resistance should make a difference as it basically constitutes how tough they are. A resilience 1 race is going to be crushed whereas a resilience 3 race is going to survive longer.

(Note to self currently have 350 currency)

[Sevorak]

OOC: Bah. Altering these things is simply going to make everything incessantly difficult for everyone. ;(. A workaround solution would simply be to have tech levels work with, like... 100 tp constituting a tech level. In all honesty, making things have yet more complexity would be excessively annoying for all involved. Or we could do as Lestaki suggests and do everything based upon an honour system... though after all the fuss of making a system in the first place, it'd make everything seem somewhat... pointless, to be honest.

Either way, I'm hitting Sword where it hurts ;).

IC:

Saethira and Sethari stood as one; their forms - and those of the Esterrén around them - stood as dark forms upon the horizon. Then they started their advance - the Vanguard at the head, blades raised in perfect uniformity, with liquid crystal weapons and armour flowing gently about their robed forms; it would solidify instantly, guided by minute psionic impulses, upon impact, then return to its liquid state right after.

Psionic currents of energy swirled around the Esterrén. If their foes believed they could stand before the swirling, scything whirlwind of their fury and righteous hatred, they would find themselves mistaken - if they were capable of finding themselves or their comrades at all after the hurricane had rent them asunder.

They halted, eye to eye, baiting their foes. When they charged... the Esterrén would be ready for them. Their strength and might - and confidence in such - would be their undoing. And finally, Saethira reached out and gently plied the mind of the other, opposing Chosen, with Sethari's own mind augmenting her will and lending her the force required to break down the other's mental barriers...

[Sword_Monkey]

The Vizerdrixi army howled at its foe, the howling soon became louder and louder, reaching a terrible crescendo. Then lines of blue fur whipped past the frontlines, rushing head on at the Esterren, they were the Rabbithounds, vicious creatures, all teeth and claws, they shrieked as they ran.

As they ploughed into the Esterren ranks the howl reached a level beyond normal vocal ranges and became a deadly weapon, but the Esterren wouldn't be shaken so easily.

Then the Chargers managing a simultaneous jump over the Rabbithound horde to attack the Esterren ranks from above. It was a veritable tide of blue, crashing like a wave on the ordered Esterren lines, but the Vizzerdrixi were bigger three times bigger.

As the attack began Kalanar marched in, his mammoth brothers by his side, they were full twice the size of their lowly siblings, Kalanar was twice that, a true titan. The Housemen, crowded in and around the mammoths, to give support and aid.

[Sevorak]

OOC: As an interesting side-note, I failed to factor in my deficient birth rate into my calculations for the battle's resolution. And with tech levels consisting of 100tp instead of fifty... things are reasonably equal. My total happens to now be 3,937.5. So I still win - just barely. Though I think the fact I have two Chosen on the field when compared to Sword's one should at least count for something. At any rate -

IC:

Sethari snarled, his face contorting into a mask of fury and rage reminiscent of the nightmares of myth; he brandished his blazing katana and charged, his Bladeweaver retinue at his sides as they darted, weaved and formed the tip of the Esterrén lance as they charged into battle. Pitiful few of their own fell in comparison to the Vizerdrixi; but that was far from the point. Their foe was far more numerous, and possessed of a savage, bestial strength that could only barely be met and held on the psionically-augmented blades and weapons of the Esterrén themselves.

But they would win. They knew that; and Saethira had seen the blood-streaked fields, torn and littered with the blood and ashes of their enemy... and their feral servants. The Bladeweavers lanced forth, Sethari at their head and Saethira in their centre, as the Vanguard kept the furiously advancing horde of the Vizerdrixi at bay by dint of their fearsome, spinning blades and incredible skill. Though even those formidable masters of the blade could not hold out against the sheer weight of savage numbers - and savagery itself. They began to cave, though not after repaying back their pain countless times over to their numerically superior foe.

The Bladeweavers themselves charged on, Sethari leading as he made directly for Kalanar - and with all the might of the Esterrén behind him, he would lay low the enemy Chosen and either take his allegience... or his life. His opposite was a giant, true - but Sethari was a master of the blade, and capable of augmenting his strength and resilience through the dreamworld to withstand even that one's mighty blows.

Let them come. Let their animals charge and mar the ground with their blood beneath our feet; let their pathetic whelps soar above our heads to bid the skies rain red with blood. And let their hulking brutes of elderkin come forth for us - but we are Esterrén; we are the sleepers and the chosen. And they will perish for their crimes against us.

And as he saw it, so it was - the Chargers, Rabbithounds, Mammoths, all as one, met upon the blades of the Esterrén; and they were held fast still, led by the inspiring, rallying war-cries of Sethari, and the whispered words of Saethira, their siren, their angel, herself.

They would not fail.

[Sword_Monkey]

The Vizzerdrixi were loving the bloodshed, the petty blades of the Esterren did little to penetrate the layers of muscle the Housemen and Chargers had, the Rabbithounds were all but gone having long serve their purpose. But still the Esterren fought. In fact they regrouped, with an order unkown to the Vizzerdrixi, a large entourage of the skilled bladewielders was making its way to Kalanar, and he recognised two of them.

"Welcome little ones, how you two ever became gifted in the eyes of the Keeper I don't know but today you die!" He roared at them the earth shook with the sheer might of his voice.

He pounded his fists down on the ground like Donkey Kong a crazed animal, throwing up dirt and mud into the Esterren group, from this wave of dirt he leapt through attempting to take them by surprise...

[NotPersonal18]

Sword_Monkey, you can't simply just say you have a new pillar, you have to say who found it, where it was, and of course, add that little rping everyone loves. And I now just realized, we have not yet said how losses will be determined, or I missed it. I do like Sword_Monkey’s idea, that those techs not centered as war should just be half the war tp or something of the sort. Again, your choice. As for Chosen in a battle, they act as generals, they don’t add hordes of power to your men or aren’t whirlwinds in combat. A normal soldier could train to be better then them, as they have more time to work on their skills as well. But perhaps some kind of value should be added to the player who seems to have the better strategy? Arg, how are we supposed to fight if we can’t figure out this system? Alright, this game is officially on pause until we figure this out. If you have not posted on the 5th you still can though as some people already have. The pause starts on the 6th.

Day four
(War) Physics- Ohgla, Jargen, Harp, Regan completed 62 tp left over
Day five
Propulsion- 62/100 + 72 = completed with 34 left over. Everyone.

[Sword_Monkey]

OOC: sorry, i'll do it durin the pause.

IC: Razortalon had heard his men had found something north east of his position the howl went up and he moved at night before coming to the new Pillar. they never looked the same, and this one was in the middle of a forest, surrounded by trees and crawling vines. He sat and meditated beside it, hearing its power, and the whispers of the Keeper. After a while he touched it and felt that same flood of understanding, yet he never got used to it. As swiftly as the Pillar disappeared so did Razortalon and his men, leaving no amrk they ahd been there except a hollow space of where the Pillar had once been.

[Sevorak]

* Sevorak shrugs.

My Chosen were exceptional to begin with; suffice to say, I don't like characters who are made remarkable by mere circumstance, so I had a gifted psionic and her bodyguard. I also have a predilection for creating warrior-leaders who head up conflicts from the front - my vision of a general is instead someone who charges into the battle blade-first, rather than an arrogant, aloof statesman who watches from afar, scarcely deigning to get involved at all; and never in the actual fighting itself - so that's my reasoning for that, though you likely won't like it.

Other than that, though, I think perhaps it's necessary to define the use of technologies themselves - I mean, a great deal of the technologies being researched don't seem particularly cohesive as to what they do, other than those that are intrinsically related to the art of war. I can't really say I'd enjoy restarting (who does?) - but it does seem to be one of the more sensible courses at the moment - it could kill this boardwar outright, or make things better; everyone, I think, should be allowed to voice their opinion on any matter they really feel needs addressing before anything happens. I, for one, wouldn't be too pleased if things were changed to disadvantage me, when I've created my race on an entirely different set of principles, and had no say in how it was altered.

As a side-note, I think it might be advantageous for you to select a second leader for the boardwar; to generally assist you in the running and decision-making - in addition to being around and active in posting when you're not (I recall you mentioning in another thread - Leviathan, perhaps?) gifted with an overly large amount of time on the internet, so maybe it's a good idea. I'd hate for good ol' Lestaki to lose his voice from incessantly invoking the summoning of NotPersonal :(. Keeper seems to be running along fairly smoothly - or was, up to this point (as disputes are cropping up), so another GM might not be necessary; but closer to 24/7 coverage of the thread than what we presently have can only be a good thing, ne?

Another idea that would perhaps be useful is to implement some system of advancement - for players to perhaps address glaring weaknesses within their races; hindsight's 20/20, after all, and it would at least allow people to help themselves out of a tough spot in the event there's something severely crippling them; it'd also perhaps enable people to perform these small alterations without having to otherwise rework their entire race (which other than being more than a little unfair to the others, is damn unrealistic and a bad way of doing things anyway).

The current system seems rather good, I suppose - all that's really left to do is work out how losses work; an honour system would do okay, as it often does, but it might seem a little out of place in a regimented boardwar like Keeper. But there you go - not perhaps my area of expertise, so I shall keep quiet where I know little. ^_^

[Sword_Monkey]

By the way I am pretty much handing over to Sev at this point he knows what to do about my race, he can't really control it til he has beaten it, but i give hi permission to do that without response from me. Razortalon is going underground, he is pretty much undetectable, in fact the only people to of seen him and his men are dead.

I'll be back in a few weeks, then I shall pick up my research and the remains of my cities under the all omnipotent rule of the Esterren.

Babiiiii!

[atmawpn]

Game on Pause? Perhaps it might be better to restart, and further discuss the stat system before doing so.

[Sevorak]

I disagree with a restart; simply because any system we devise is going to have its deficiencies and flaws, simply due to the fact that we don't really have any chance of making a perfect system on the second try. Issues would inevitably arise again; I'd still say our best shot would be to attempt to work the system and compensate for the races we have right now, then simply to keep on going after we've done so. Because a restart would likely end in the exact same way this one did; consecutive restarts would inevitably kill Keeper outright. And of course, restarting erases all the hard work the players have put in thus far.

So I say we forge onward as we are, as soon as these issues are resolved - if, indeed, there's anything to resolve; my fight with Sword, after all, seemed to work pretty damn well: our armies were relatively equal after all the corrections were worked into it, and if he'd have got his whole army together, he'd have beaten me. What'chu guys think?

/me pokes everyone, then waves goodbye to Sword_Monkey.

[NotPersonal18]

I don't think a restart is needed, we're arn't far in the game and it wouldn't change much. That is of course, unless we choose to change the system that is what the Keeper is based on (first post). As for a second GM, anyone? *Glances as Lestaki* Anyone at all? And Sevorak, is your advancement system just adding another point to your race every period?

[Sevorak]

No. ;p

I wasn't suggesting I had a system - merely that one would perhaps be useful. I really have no idea what it'd consist of ^_^. Probably a bit less than simply adding one every period... a little less frequently than that, at least; not sure, really. As for a second GM...

* Sevorak predictably nominates Lestaki.

If he isn't interested, I guess I could do it. *shrugs*

[Sword_Monkey]

*SwordMonkey hears the mention of GM and Lestaki in the same sentence and flies back to a computer to denounce the fool.

j/k I think I'll have time to finish my fight with Sev tomorrow, but it'll be later on (UK time) and after that I really will be gone.

[NotPersonal18]

No ideas? How about that losses are just the difference between credits? But how would we judge various land types into it and weather resistance. And for the advancement system, how about every three periods a new point is given. Lestaki, reply dangit! If not Sevorak or any other willing can take the post.

[c-web]

*cweb stops staring into space mindlessly*

WHU?... need splanin