[SPOILERS-PBEM14] Sandover(phi/spi) of Egypt

[Sandover]

There's so many amazing out-of-context quotes in there I could have a different signature every day of the week! Oh how I love being me.

I realise I haven't done much in terms of speculations for this game so I might as well add some thoughts (since I'm still ill and camping the computer all day anyway).

Every player in PBEM14 have some previous experience from playing games here at RB. That means it shouldn't be all that hard to get a grasp of each person's skill set and play style. I haven't really thought about this before now so I'm just going to ramble a bit and see where I end up. Guess I'll follow the play order in an attempt to remain transparent.

Scooter

A strong diplomat. He has an ability to keep people on his good side when they should be inclined to move away. I can't quite put my finger on how he does it, and have to admit it usually works on myself as well. I do know diplomacy is his main aspect of interest in these games, and he's a native speaker, so it only makes sense that he's good at it. He's usually open with information but doesn't hesitate to stear conversation away from things he want to keep secret.

He's also a ruthless opportunist, which steams more from his competitive mindset than his direct personality. He will not act aggressively without justification, but is happy to justify aggression and deceit on flimsy things such as bad karma if it serves his needs. He will make every attempt to downplay hostile intentions, and is good at turning attention away from himself. He's not a reliable friend because he could turn into an enemy while still acting friendly, and will not give a friendship more effort than it earns him. As an enemy he's dangerous because he's better than most at creating beneficial allegiences.

He's a solid builder and general. His play is nothing special, but it's not bad either. He's prone to stick to mainstream stuff most of the time and executes it well enough to be efficient. This game he will most certainly be dangerous as he, if anyone, should have the diplomatic skills needed to back up an offensive with cataphracts. He will probably focus on keeping everyone on his good side before the mediaval era, slowly building up the needed support and security behind the scenes in preparation for his move. Any attempt at containment should be focused on brute force, as beating him in his own game shouldn't be relied upon.

[Sandover]

Gaspar

Has not previously been in sole charge of a civ, which is very different from acting on a team. My take on his personality, however, is that he's inclined to advocate forceful methods and that he's unwilling to take shit from people. He seems to know what he's talking about when looking from an objective perspective - but is he confident enough to pull off the right play when alone at the wheel?

If I am to wager a guess, I think his trait selection will be his downfall. The wonder trap has proven effecient at catching naive players in these few-player games before. I don't see why Gaspar necessarily would turn out any different in his first game as captain, and he's already expressed desire to build two(!) early game wonders in short succession, suggesting that's what's going to happen.

As a diplomat I would expect Gaspar to very much try to keep his options open and avoid NAPs when possible. I think he views himself as an underdog taking on more experienced players, and believe his agenda will evolve around playing smart and coming from below. His somewhat excluded starting position has probably helped him a little on the way, but he must have been dismayed to find that his closest neighbour is a renown sociopath. His strategy is probably to grab as much land as possible peacefully without painting a target on his back for anybody, and to then sit around playing the diplo game until someone comes knocking with an opportunity for a 2vs1.

[Rowain]

And Tatan finally solved the mystery.

Sandover is the Dark Lord himself.

Ha a confession a confession. Finally you can no longer blame me for your dirty deeds :neenernee

[Sandover]

Doh!

[Sandover]

Hm, I need a break from writing so I'll postpone Lewwyn, Serdoa and the final conlusion (whatever it might be) for the time being.

Serdoa should hand me the save within 3-5 hours or so I guess. Back to browsing it is!

[Ilios]

Dillusional from what he had witnessed Ilios came seeking reassurance.

And I never got it...

[Sandover]

Poor Ilios. Being a lurker sure is though some times.

[Sandover]

Meh, I can't spell. 'Tough' is the word. At least I caught it, which is far from a guarantee normally.

Anyway...

Turn 28

Darrell found the southern coast of the continent.



That's... not very wide at all. 7 tiles, with lakes shattered all over the place. If Gaspar and Lewwyn are going to share a border it won't be much of a border to speak of. That could surely become an issue for me, and the fact that the likely border area is a desert doesn't look promising.

It seems like I might be forced to take down Gaspar while turning Lewwyn and Serdoa against scooter so I won't have to worry about his cataphracts coming knocking. The first part sounds easy enough, but man, what about the rest? Should I ask them nicely or what's the deal here? I guess I could start a draft up before I meet them, but I'm not really sure how to do it. Am I supposed to use words like 'please' a lot? It would be really nice if a lurker could give me some advice.

[Mardoc]

Am I supposed to use words like 'please' a lot? It would be really nice if a lurker could give me some advice.

Try something like

You idiot, please please please kill scooter for me. I can't really do it myself since my army will all be down in the south, even the city garrisons. It's not so much that I'm afraid of scooter as that I want to make sure you stay busy doing something useless to you and useful to me. I'm sure I'm better than you and can beat you later on, but I'm not as sure about scooter.

Signed,
The Dark Lord

[Gold Ergo Sum]

That was hilarious Mardoc.

I can help you with diplo if you want Sandover, but I am inclined to be more friendly and free with information than you would probably countenance. There is just a massive gulf I suspect between the way you approach these games and the way I approach them. But that is why I am DL'ing you.

I saw you read through Timmy/my PBEM 3 thread. I've actually never read any of the other threads after the game ended. Based on the lurker discussion you just posted, I do think I really need to go back and read your thread. It sounds pretty awesome.