Allegiances (Team Game, Experimental - PLAYING)

[Micah]

It sounded to me like DrP was debating which 2 of the 3 to include as the nation choices, as opposed to saying they would be overpowered in relation to the other teams. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The teams look pretty good to me, although the Half-Men faction might be a bit weak (And I don't think Abysia being back in there would change that). That being said there are 3 spare teams, so no big deal even if I'm right (and I might not be since it's hard to read how this will play out). No one has to play them.

[DrPraetorious]

All I was saying was that I think T'ien Ch'i and Arco are both more powerful than EA Ermor, but not by much. What about Agartha?

I'll start cranking out maps. Do we want water, or no?

On balance:
Nifelheim + Caelum - this looks scaaaary. Caelum raids while Niefelheim punches in the face, and you get excellent magic diversity.
Helheim + Tir - not as powerful as it looks, since the two positions don't contribute that much to one another. Still, raiding bless rushers can coordinate to cause serious hurt.
Lanka + Abysia - Brutal, and covers every path except water quite well.
Pangaea + Kailasa - I hope you like nature. Decent, but not terrifically exciting.
Arco + T'ien Ch'i - If they can survive to take advantage of their great research and gem income, very powerful indeed. But probably will be killed early.
R'lyeh + Atlantis - If their quadrant is mostly water, but there's little or no water elsewhere, should be balanced.

[Baalz]

You forgot Mictlan + Sauromatia - jaguar warriors or poison archers should cover most everybody and strong research with good blood on both sides could be quite deadly.

I'd say stick Argatha on the half men team, it marginally fits and I agree that theme needs a little help.

[Thrawn]

Reading all this, I'm really excited to play. Hopefully we will get two more soon. If not, can always do 2 vs 2 vs 2.

DrP: yes, let's do water.

Alright, so another adjustment to the themes:

DEMONIC: Lanka, Yomi, Abysia
VANIR: Vanheim, Helhiem, and Tir Og
BARBARIANS: Mictlan, Marverni, Sauromatia
CIVILIZATION: T'ien Ch'i, Arcoscephale, Ermor
HALF-MEN: C'tis, Pangea, Agartha
UNDERWATER: R'yleh, Oceana, Atlantis
FROZEN: Niefelhiem, Caelum, Ulm

I'll post this at the top as well.

We have the age and nations. Obviously, we'll do random teams. I have a random roll dice program which I'll use once we get 8 (or decide on 6).

After that, do we want to bid/draft for the theme each team will play? Or, random that as well? Seems like the consensus is for bid/draft.

[Aethyr]

Thrawn,

I am definately interested, but I'm in three games right now and don't want to overbook myself...it's relly a shame when work gets in the way of your gaming!

Anyway, if there is any potential for a "round two" at a later date, please pencil me in. Thanks

[Folket]

When did we decide on early era?

[Thrawn]

Well, Folket, I guess you're right. All the talk about fairness for the themes being batted around seemed to focus on EA. But, I am fine with MA as well. Let's vote on EA vs. MA, and I will tally.

[Baalz]

EA

[tromper]

Pretty much 3/4s of the MP games I've kindly allowed other players to kick me in the balls with have been EA. I swing toward MA for spice, but EA will be fine if that's how the cookie crumbles.

[DrPraetorious]

230 provinces, 1725x1725 pixels, 30% water *by area*, which is something l.t. 20% water provinces, and is balanced.

I've put little colored diamonds over the eight start locations, paired by teams.

The southern team is a little bit crowded and the northern and eastern teams end up with a bit too much breathing space, maybe - but it's not a big enough difference that it won't be outweighed by luck and/or the playstyle of your neighbours.

Looking forward to the game,
TNDP