Okay, I've been playing on Noble a bit, but since I'm not very good, I keep ending up in a bad position somehow. I'd be interested if there were any people who are near Noble and/or in my position who would like to play some games together and discuss strategy. We would all start with the same save and we'd check in every once in a while to see how we're doing. So would anybody be interested?

Game 1:Noble Elizabeth (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=266562)
In this game, most of us aimed for a cultural victory. And we ended up next to Monty. Right next to Monty.

Game 2:Noble Ramesses II (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=267622)
This was a nice game run by Bleys(thank you ;)) in which we tackled a hemispheres map and as a result, nearly endless barbs. I think we're still praising the GW.

Game 3:Noble Kublai Khan (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=269067)
Our current game, in which we try to leverage keshiks on a pangaea map. Yeah.

Succession Game 1:Suryavarman II (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?p=6637198)
A current game where we lead the Khmer as a team.

And a list of thank yous:

To Bleys, who did a great job organizing NC2.

To Rolo, who has been a great help with advice and the WB save.

To those players who are dedicated enough to hop in the NC threads and help.

To all of you NC members who are the core of the NC, playing and giving advice.


List of people: OUTDATED
Krick19-Confirmed BTS 3.13
Memo-Confirmed
Groogaroo-Confirmed BTS 3.13
GFM
Loose Nut?
J4ck-Confimed BTS 3.13
Commodore Nate-Confirmed
KaytieKat-Confirmed

Okay, from now on, I'm only adding people who definitely have BTS 3.13. You will have to install Bhruic's patch.

Will post save soon. Also, I think we should all go for the same victory, so we can see the different ways we won(or lost :)) I think Apostolic Pal. and UN will be two different kinds of victory, as they differ greatly.

I'm interested.

I started playing in Warlord but the bonus is so noticeable that I know I'll end up winning so I close the game after a while. However, I have been unable to win/end a Noble game. I'm always on the middle or the bottom half of the score table by mid-game. :/

Yeah, I've been able to run some games in Noble, but they were almost all Space or time victories. The one game in which I won early and truly conquered was a game where I had the best start you'll ever see.

Technically, I've won one game in Noble. Duel map, conquest victory.
That doesn't count though. :P

I'm definatley interested.

I've been playing Noble for a while and have success 50% of the time. Tried prince, get whooped everytime! :(

Sounds like a good idea.

:)

Added. Will put up the first save soon. Also, if this is a success, we may move up to prince (Prince's club) and so on, so we all can keep getting better.

Suggestions for Civ/Leader?

Hi there !
I'd really like to join in. I've been a lurker for some months now and recently moved up the ladder to Noble.

PS: It's my very first post here ! Yay me ! :)

Elizabeth? For Phil/Fin?

Are you playing Warlords or BTS or what?

(Recently moved up to Noble, won three games, have two that are going very well and one that just got interesting)

Hi there !
I'd really like to join in. I've been a lurker for some months now and recently moved up the ladder to Noble.

PS: It's my very first post here ! Yay me ! :)

Welcome to CFC!

You'll proably all want to agree which version you are playing (including patches), before you start. You can use easy upload (use "go advanced") to upload a start.

I'd recommend Elizabeth or maybe Mansa Musa as a good starting point.

Welcome GFM,

As for leaders/civs, I'm pretty open minded. I like Elizabeth, as I love the philosophical trait and the UU is great.

another suggestion, maybe pericles Phi/Cre (don't know what people think about creative you either love it or hate it) I just love cheap libraries and uni's.

Like I said though, I'm pretty easy going on whats chosen.

You'll proably all want to agree which version you are playing (including patches)


Opps, good call. Just for the record, I'm running BTS 3.13 with the unnofficial patch.

im interested. can i join?
im playing mostly on prince (its fun and challenging), won a few noble games but i lost more :)
playing on BTS 3.13

Yeah BTS 3.13 for me too. If you don't have BTS, i'm sure we can find something that works. I think Elizabeth sounds great.

BTS 3.13 with Bhruic's patch here.

I don't think you should all go for the same victory, I think you should all play the same map and see which victory condition is the quickest or highest scoring.

I don't think you should all go for the same victory, I think you should all play the same map and see which victory condition is the quickest or highest scoring.
The problem with different victories is that we would have widly different games after a few turns, rendering useless any kind of comparison or advice among us.

Once you post, the advice will come ;)

I would play but sadly I only have vanilla, maybe sign me up for the next one if its vaniller?

I'm game. I'm trying to make the switch to prince, but I'll hopefully learn something here :D

The problem with different victories is that we would have widly different games after a few turns, rendering useless any kind of comparison or advice among us.

yeah. i think all should go for one victory...

I'll bite. I'm a Noble-Prince player on normal BtS. BTW, I like cultural victories, and am very partial to leaders with the Cre/Phi traits, particullarly when together. *hint*

I also think choosing a preset victory is a good idea for comparing stratagies, obviously things can all go to hell half way through your game, but to start out with a focus on a particular goal is good.

With Diplo wins though I find that its hard to set out with that objective in mind and its something that either develops or doesn't. But then again true diplomacy isn't a strong point of mine.

This is a learning game so I guess it depends what kind of thing you want to learn.

As for me, I need a cultural victory under my belt but that won't be a good condition to pursue with Lizzy.
Maybe domination, conquer, or diplo?

I was thinking (I know, I usually don't do that) that we should choose the same start/leader, and al go to different victories, giving in depth reports, so we can all see how to achieve different victories.

I'd be keen to play too. I've only just installed BtS (3.13 + the unofficial patch) but I've played Noble on vanilla a few times and usually punch out a victory. From the 2hours I've clocked up in BtS it seems a bit tougher but I'd like to give this a go and hopefully improve my game.

Hi

What game speed will this be on? I usually play noble games bts 3.13 with unofficial patch and do so so but I play on marathon and adjusting to slower peeds ALWAYS messes me up hehe. So if it marathon I would def be interested but if it not I might still try but dont expect my game to get very far hehe.

Kaytie

Most Noble level players don't have a problem getting a good start. It's the mid game where the game gets dicey. I think you guys should try to solicit explicit economic advice about twenty turns or 40 turns before you start flagging. The difference in performance is made thereabouts.

@Krick19: wouldn't it be better if u play the game alone and post screenshots every Nth turn with start... and we all comment and suggest? The way u want to play would be to confusing and not much fun if we all start revealing our maps to eachother ( IMHO :) )

Thanks for the warm welcome. For the record, I'm playing BTS 3.13 with the BUG mod, but I can play any version with any patch you guys want (got Vanilla + both expansions)

I thought we could start by stating the areas where our game is lacking, that way we could choose the most educational format (meaning Leader + Map Type + Victory Condition). For instance, I feel I can win with confidence if I have a leader with either Financial/Philosophical/Organized (the "economy" traits) but recently got stuck in games with Tokugawa or Charlemagne.

We could also try a SG (Succession Game) where each player consecutively plays a round of x turns before passing the save to another player. Each player posts a detailed report with screenshots and comes back to the group if an important decision is at hand (like War, unexpected Great People, City placement, etc.)

PS: Nice to see other Noble players around ! And I thought I was one of the only ones around here :lol:

This is a learning game so I guess it depends what kind of thing you want to learn.

As for me, I need a cultural victory under my belt but that won't be a good condition to pursue with Lizzy.
Maybe domination, conquer, or diplo?

Whoah there! Lizzy is one of the best at cultural. She is financial (for cottage spam) and philosophical (for many great artists).

Im working on moving up to prince but would like to participate.

I might like to take part too. I'm a noble player who can usually win but I deffinatly start to slow mid game onwards!

Can the unoffical patch be added to CIV Complete?

I reckon the game should be epic speed (I also like marathon but epic is ok by me). Also we shold agree on how long turn sets are going to be so we can get some accurate comparisons of progress.

As for victory conditions I've never achieved a cultural victory so would be interested in that.

Hmmm... Not sure what kind of format this should take, it is meant to be a learning experience, then I can't see a problem with just discussing the games at certain key points in the game.

I kind of like the idea of cultural victory, I have achieved this before but not since moving upto Noble, and its not my normal victory method.

I play on Epic, But what ever is posted doesn't bother me I'll just save as scenario in worldbuilder and reload it as whatever speed.

Have to put post-it notes all over my laptop screen when I do that. :mischief:

Maybe this should be a planning thread, and the game should be posted in a new thread, as theres clearly still alot to iron out here!

With a few tweaks the Lonely Hearts format coulds work pretty well for the purposes we intend. The reports there are based around key points in the game.
If however you want to get more feed back and discussion a more ridged format might work better.
Tricky tricky!

@Krick19

:goodjob: This is an excellent idea, and I have a few comments/suggestions that might be helpful.

I'd advise you to play with the standard options, on a standard-sized map. Epic speed could be a good compromise between Normal and Marathon, allowing for heavy warmongering without stretching the game out too much for those who choose to play more peacefully.

For the leader/civ, Lizzy sounds like a good idea - a very flexible leader.

Playing with Bhruic's unofficial patch is highly recommended - 3.13 has too many bugs and issues without Bhruic's fixes. It's easy to install and it improves the game considerably imo. You can get the file here:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=246057

Definitely start a new thread for the game itself. As grandad1982 suggests, following the Lonely Hearts Club format would be a good move.

Start with a brief overview of the idea behind the game - making clear that this is about Noble players comparing strategies, rather than a race to get the earliest victory or the highest score.

Also, be sure to include a screenshot of the starting position and a summary of the game settings (civ/leader, map type, size, speed, etc). And don't forget to tell everyone to use spoilers for their reports!

I would let the players choose their own victory conditions, rather than specifying one in advance. Firstly, you'll learn more from seeing players target different victories from the same start. Secondly, choosing a victory condition is an important strategic decision, and specifying one in advance will probably make the game a lot more difficult for some players. Thirdly, people may be more inclined to join in if they can make that decision themselves.

Finally, I have a question:

How much (if any) feedback do you want from more experienced players?

I'm sure we could offer a lot of useful advice, but having us pipe up with comments from the word go might derail the thread somewhat. Maybe you should request that we wait until most players have finished the game before we post any advice. Alternatively, you could request that we post advice in spoilers.

Anyway, I'll be lurking with interest. Have fun! :)

Well I'm sure Krick19 must have a rough idea of what kind of format this would take, but heres how I imagined it.

Taking a similar format to LHC, posting the starting screenshot so we can discuss the start, leader's traits and early strategies. I think then we go away and play and come back when we reach a certain point maybe even as early as 100-150(epic) turns in and carry on the disscussion, if everyone is at the same point in the game there shouldn't be too many spoilers. Then carry on discussing the game at certain points (which would get further apart as the game goes on)

of course this might take a while to play through the game but the idea is to aimlessly bumble through the game in a couple of sittings but take your time and get feedback and compare stratagies with people playing the same game.

Alternativly we could just discuss the start play through and then compare once the game is finished but I don't think thats as intersting as discussing the game while its open.

I see no reason why experienced players shouldn't pipe in as and when they want, allthough taking a backseat until to allow us to discuss the game.

Even though a set victory is quite restrictive I still think its a good idea for comparing games.

Obviously Krick19 will let us know how he see's it working, just wanted to give some input.

Count me in. I play BTS 3.13 with Bhuric.

I play noble currently and am working on Prince, but I would love to join.

I'm all for the higher level players chimming in. Comparisons of our ideas and theirs can only be a good thing.

O wow, this is a lot bigger than I expected. I will post game one soon. Unfortunately, I think we will end up doing BTS 3.13 Bhruic's If people want to do epic, then I could try it.

Also, I was already thinking about Checkpoints.

Now to answer a couple of things. For starters, I like SGs, but we'll only do those once in a while, cuz we need to get better first.
And all advice from experienced players is definitely welcome, just use spoilers.

Game one (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=266562)
If you don't like something, I can reload. Good Luck.

Oh...I missed this yesterday. I'm interested!! I have just moved to Noble and I struggle badly with military units and strategy. I have BTS 3.13 but not patched yet. Will do so shortly.

I want to give this a bash too! Is it too late?

Guys, this is an ongoing thing. You can join and quit as you like.

Hi Krick, that's awesome, I had been thinking of doing this just yesterday... For us poor Noble players. I think I'll participate although I already have a game going on and I don't like having 2 at the same time. But we do with what we have, hehe. I'll add a post to Game 1 if I start it, which.. I guess I will.

Also, how does one take screenshots? I pressed the Print Screen button once in the game but it didn't show a "name the screenshot" window, and there was no screenshots in the screenshot folder.

cool. i take screenshots pressing 'print screen' and than paste it in paint program

I was hoping you'll open a new thread for this... as well as screenshot of the starting position so anyone can comment and give suggestions.
And how shall we split those checkpoints?

It's already been done dear;

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=266562

Yeah, I know the feeling :)

yeah i thought he put just the link to the save but i was wroong! damn :)

I really enjoyed playing the same map as some other people and I think that if I'd been playing on my own I'd probably have ditched this game early on, but as it was I stuck it out and got a fun cultural victory.
So what I want to know is does anyone else want to do this again? I do. The format might need a bit of tweaking to get the max out of the educational side of it but thats something that will evolve as we play no doubt.
Basically lets play more!

I agree, I don't know where the original poster is though? Haven't seen him after the first checkpoint, maybe we should wait for him, or if he wants to pass it to someone else.

Another thing though, this game, I think in the excitement, was played really fast by everybody. I don't think I could keep up with Noble's Club if I had to play 10 hours games every 2-3 days, hehe. Maybe one a week or even two per month would be enough? Some kind of schedule would probably help.

I'm definatley up for another game, but as mentioned the format could be tweaked a little bit, maybe we should sum up what we thought worked and what didn't, revise the checkpoints, maybe raise the bar to prince?

I agree with slowing it down a little, adding more time for disscusion, especially about the start. with first nobles club game we all just said 'thats a nice looking start' and then got down to business, it would be nice to hear more about peoples initial thoughts, plus it might be nice at some point, maybe after 80ish turns to do dotmaps and compare, I definatley could have placed my cities better and more aggressivly, after seeing other players games.

But it was a very enjoyable game taking part and folloeing other peoples games, :)

Not sure about krick19, I think he gave up on his game in the end, hopefully he be around for nobles(princes?)club No2.

I also agree about finishing games in "clubs" more than my own casual games, I only posted that I might not finish this one because I felt guilty, heh. I will actually finish it, after conquering Sal and DeGaulle, which should put me over the top for Domination.

I really enjoy games where a group of people play a common map. The Lonely Hearts has become one of my fav games to play each month, simply because its run by a great guy and has a bunch of cool players who also play it. I have learned a TON from guys like BurN, shyue, rolo, etc. Even when players dont do well, there is much to be learned from their (and my own, I am 1 win, 3 losses on Monarch, heh) failures.

I also try the GOTMs and BOTMs (and I still have the current WOTM on my drive, but havent played it). Those come with specific difficulties though, and no re-loading is allowed, so it can be harder. I almost beat Vanilla Emp with Qin last month though, I felt I was going to win right up until HC launched his ship. If I could have gotten one more Golden Age to produce parts, I woulda HAD it, heh.

Personally, I have oodles of free time, so any schedule is fine for me. We can even keep the name "Nobles Club" but play Prince, heh, since Nobles Club sounds better than Prince Club. I didnt see a single game played here that couldnt have done very well on Prince, though. You guys are ready, trust me.

Some of you should check out the Lonely Hearts. rolo offers saves at all levels, and its amazing how much you can learn. Being isolated creates a very dynamic situation for various strategies that can be translated into regular games, just developing a bit slower. To be honest, I got my GLH-Colossus idea from the Hannibal game, his UB is a Harbor, and it was AMAZING how much power the Trade Route Economy had in that game. It was so strong I specifically LOOK for such opportunities now, hence my choice to play it in this game with its winding landmass, tons of coastal tiles, but not a lot of actual Ocean tiles. Worked like a charm too.

So if we stick to the easier leaders to leverage, leaders with SPI, FIN, IND, CRE, even PRO for turtles (my respect has gone way up for PRO leaders, especially drafting Rifles with massive upgrades out of the box in a city with HE and some settled GGs in this months Gilga LHC), and play Prince to adjust to the "faster pace of the AI" so to speak (pace is the biggest adjustment in moving up, IMHO, the AIs get things faster each level, so you have to streamline your own pace) I think it could be very successful indeed. I will most definitely play a monthly or bi-monthly Prince Club thing.

I deffinately agree about the pace! I pulled some late nights to get finished in this time! Two games a month sounds pretty good to me. Also more and shorter rounds would facilitate more disscusion, and contol the pace a little bit.

I agree about seeing what Krick19 thinks too.

Hi

I had fun too. I wouldnt mind doing another one but probably wont if it is prince noble is still very hard for me. Dropping to epic instead of marathon was already like jumping up a level hehe. I do agree checks could be better.

Myabe just make em so if you feel like its a good place for one you stop and post about it.

And maybe a secend "spoilers" thread for people who want advice and can ask and show screenies and stuff and talk about game more without having to put everything in spoilers tags. That way people who dont want to look to far ahead can avoid it.

I know it would be helpful for me. I still have NOO clue how everybody did so well with getting cities out so FAST early on. By time I even THOUGHT I was bout ready to make a third city Monty's borders were already crowding me so I dropped those plans and just went after him and never did end up founding more than two :/.

I agree coastal cities helped LOTS specially since I didnt bother making that many cottages hehe. So Lizzy's financial trait got used a bit that way. I just get too focused on wanting hammers hammers hammers so I end up making more farms to use more mines which is probably not best way to go.

I still didnt use her traits very well I dont think. Like she is philo and I NEVER built nat epic anywhere. Again mostly because I was more worried about hammers so the two cities that would have been best for Nat epic didnt have room. My cap I left space for ironworks and it was also my best science city so it got Oxford too and my next best city needed maori for hammers and it was my best commerce city so it got wall street. AFter that there wasnt really anyplace that I thought nat epic would have helped so it never got made whole game :/.

Things like that I need to work on better.

Kaytie

Whoah there, you need to build National Epic in your highest food surplus city in a cultural game, it doubles your GPP points and it gives Great Artist points! Always look for a high food site (a couple of hills helps as well to get it built). Normally great artist points "pollution" is a problem but not in a culture game.

Ironworks on the other hand... not really worth bothering with. I don't think I even teched to steel last culture win... although with Monty as a neighbour as you guys and gals had I suppose military is definitely needed.

I just get too focused on wanting hammers hammers hammers so I end up making more farms to use more mines


There's nothing wrong with that. Take a glance at the one of the saves from my game, and you'll see a distinct lack of cottages (the ones I did build were only meant to be temporary, but I kept forgetting to farm over them), and a whole lot of farms and workshops/mines.

Specialists, trade routes, and naturally commerce-rich tiles (inc. coasts if you're Financial) can handle the sciencey side of things. Often, the best way is to alternate between periods of research/GP generation, and periods of military and/or infrastructure production. The anarchy from civic changes can be a problem (unless you're Spiritual - that trait is unsurpassed for this approach imo), so you'll need to plan ahead, and use your Golden Ages wisely.

What you can't afford to do is have your cities generating the maximum possible hammers at all times. You either need to have:

(i) mixed production/science cities (the weakest choice imo)

(ii) cities that can switch between production and science

(iii) two distinct classes of city - some pure production, some pure science.

(iv) some combination of the above

(Generally, with a farm-based economy, I'll go for (ii), but with a few highly specialised production or science/gold cities. With a cottage-based economy, it's always (iii) for me. In either case, having at least one city that spends most of its time generating GP points is very important.)

You also need to make sure you don't restrict your cities' growth by working too many hammer tiles (or specialists) rather than food ones. This is something I did a bad job of in my game - in my rush to get temples and cathedrals built, new cities settled, and GPs generated, I neglected to let my cities grow as large as they should have been.

Those look solid to me. Remember guys, keep it simple for the "masses". You can always do more updates individually, but if you keep it simple, we are likely to get more players.

Always remember to post in spoilers though, thats important, and define whats in the spoiler above it, like:

2000 BC, my first War:
I crushed Monty like a BUG!

Also, just so we can start getting on the right track, I am copying this post into the "other" thread. This thread was supposed to be for the Elizabeth game, and here we are talking general Noble Club business!

EDIT: well thats confusing in this context, LOL, but I think you get my meaning. So are we ready? Have we decided on a format as far as level/speed? Prince/Epic is my vote, seems the most "generic" to me.

BTW, I highly support either Ramses, Gandhi, Willem, Hatty or Louis, since IND, SPI, CRE and FIN are the easiest traits to play, especially since some of you feel you arent ready for Prince (although I really really think you are).

Good call moving this discussion over here,

Checkpoints are fine, I vote for prince/epic too. Prince is a hump I need to get over and this is the best place to do it!

Any leader is fine by me, from the ones listed I'd like a shot at Ramses or gandhi.

I also think keeping it to one thread for now is best, its gonna get too complicated! and I agree Bleys lets keep this as simple a possible to make it easier for new players to join in. So please anyone out there interested please chip in experts/newbies alike.

Well... I'm good to go whenever. :)

I'm also for the "keep only one thread" avenue... All these leaders are fine by me. Don't mind Noble or Prince, although I haven't tried Prince yet. But I do hope we stay at the epic speed.

Game one (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=266562)
If you don't like something, I can reload. Good Luck.

@Krick19: Might be a good idea to also put the link in your opening post of the thread. The OP could then form an index of the games so that people don't have to search through all the posts.

I'd be happy with Ramesses. Would love to use some war chariots - playing a bit of RTW at the moment and the Egyptians keep nailing my army!

I'm easy with the dificulty setting though maybe I'd be slightly more up for prince - got to bust the hump at some point. For me the most important setting is the speed, I just can't handle normal! Epic is fine - even I find Marathon a bit much at times!

As for map settings I think maybe continents so if we go conquest or domination we get to have some early wars and some late intercontinetal wars. I'm already wonering if it'll go to nukes. I hope so!! I may focus on getting them at the end game as there so pretty!

Also the checkpoint seem pretty good to me, though I'd support another one after 1000AD but before victory - thats still one large chunk of play left!

Lets get this puppy rolling!!!

Eh, you guys can do prince. I'm not even close to winning on noble. Once I post the save, if anyone knows how to change the file, feel free to do it.

I'm still happy to play nobel! I just feel with you guys supporting me - and each other - we can do better than we expect.

I'm happy with whatever, this club is all about Noble players improving their game to a stage where they can play the next level. so it makes sense even if some people want to play at prince to still post a noble save, then new players can join in too.

I have never beaten prince :( but really want to give it a go. I think the reason I always lose is because I give up :sad: but the last game showed me to never give up, It was an easyish win once I got over the frustrating start. Playing along with everyone else, sharing their frustrations as the game unfolded really helps.

With victory in mind, maybe continents/hemispheres if we go the domination route so we get a little naval war action going on.

But for conquest, I don't know how other people feel but a pangea might be better, I really suck at conquest so this could just be me!

So lets get this game going!!! :)



PS - If we do post two saves, I don't mind converting the start to Prince through worldbuilder/scenario however... Does anyone out there know if this will effect the AI's bonuses? I know they don't get any free techs, but they do start with a free scout, will they still get that if the start has been world buildered up to prince?

Dont underestimate yourself Krick. I firmly believe that JUST reading these boards on a regular basis, you gain enough knowledge to compete very well on Prince level, by sheer osmosis. Noble is a solid learning level, perfect for getting a feel for the interface, the buildings, the basic tech tree structure, etc. However, once you achieve those early understandings, you are only hurting your game by playing at a lower level.

On Prince with a leader like Ramses, you can still make mistakes and you wont get demolished. You can build lots of wonders, and you will almost invariably out-tech the AI simply by playing. Extreme micromanagement isnt really required, although you do want to have some basic skills, like City Specialization, GPP understanding, reasonable tech judgment, etc. And by basic, I mean that you know enough to make the easy choices, and not worry about the super-advanced specialization.

And no offense to you Krick, but ultimately, I would really prefer if one of the more advanced guys who follow this thread make the game. Maybe Rolo, or Paradigm, or Winston. I think they would be a better judge of the start and the maps potential for the best "instructional" purposes. One BIG problem we had with the first game was having a mega-hyper AI leader like Monty right in our backyard. Most of us managed it fine, but had it been Prince, there is a chance someone would have gotten smashed, or at the very least crippled enough that they wouldnt be able to make a solid comeback. Rolo has his hands full trying to figure out the RPC he already runs, though, heck, maybe I can even have a go, I think its a fairly simple thing to create a scenario that will fit our narrow choices, which are:

Option of Noble or Prince
Choice of speed
No pre-knowledge of the opponent AIs (you can see ALL the AIs when you turn a save into a scenario).

I will have a look and see if I can handle it, and get a save up ASAP (unless one of the others I mentioned, or someone else who understands scenario building, wants to volunteer)

No pre-knowledge of the opponent AIs (you can see ALL the AIs when you turn a save into a scenario).


This is what post it notes were invented for! :D

Hey guys I just recently started playing Civ again and I wanted to introduce myself to the noble's club (I think I'm going to be here a while :p ) I used to be able to win on Noble but since I restarted I haven't had much luck. I'm not sure if it's rust or all the changes from the expansions but I even lost NC1 Elizabeth :blush:

Anyway I look forward to the next game and now that I registered I'll try to participate a little more. :goodjob:

Having a choice of Noble and Prince makes sense for a "Nobles' Club" I guess, considering playing Noble is trying to be good enough at it to get to the next level... But I wouldn't want the apparition of Prince to scare away people. But I think Noble and Prince games could be comparable in terms of strategy so it wouldn't be a problem when comparing games?...

If the games are available in both Noble and Prince, do they become "scenarios" that I can easily load with my graphics mod?

Also, yeah, we probably need someone who is addicted to posting on these boards as the manager of the Nobles' Club, without wanting to take anything away from your contribution Krick :). Actually, it's probably a good thing for you that you actually have a life ;)

Welcome RgnCajun, I hope you stick around for the next game. Are you a real cajun? If so, we must share some New France blood ;)

Well, I think that if we all decide on prince, we should put prince up for the next one. If you guys really want to make this a scenario, then I guess you can do it. I, however, am going to play a nice game with Ramesses myself on Noble, cuz I don't feel like/don't want to fix something up right now (and I don't want to wait).

I meant to join in earlier, but have been offline too much lately, so these comments may be too late to influence anything, but here goes:

I don't think I'm ready to cope with Prince yet, so if it goes to a "just Prince" format I'd have to stay out. The xOTMs are enough masochism for me!
Personally I'd have trouble playing on anything but Epic -- the LHC/Normal was disconcerting.
I've got so used to the HOF mod, with its warnings of cities about to grow, to go unhappy, to go unhealthy, that I'm making too many mistakes without it. Are people willing to switch to using that mod in these games?
I've seen 2 sorts of follow-along-with-others games:

xOTM and LHC and nobles-so-far, with major checkpoints where everyone reports in.
"personal" games where one person starts, asking for advice at whatever points seem appropriate, with saves posted for others to "echo" -- like various role-playing challenge games.
I don't know if trying to mix the two would work out -- having a thread where many people ask for advice at many different points in the game, with varying levels of difficulty and speed, seems pretty chaotic.
In particular, I'm a little leery of a multi-difficulty game: can someone who can barely master Noble learn much from discussion that mixes Noble with Prince and higher levels?
At the moment I'm particularly interested in trying to learn to warmonger, which for me is likely the single biggest barrier to working at higher levels, where the advice seems to be that you have to fight a few early wars to have much chance of winning. I'm currently trying "early" warmongering with leaders/civs good in the ancient era, but eventually want to do later ones too. I've made abortive starts a couple of times, and think it would be easier to keep going if there were a few others doing the same. If I re-start one more time, is there anyone else interesting in participating?

I think keeping it at Prince/Noble would keep it relatively helpful for everybody. There seems to be an equal amount of people who want to play Noble and Prince, and I'm sure they can help each others...

If I understood well, if someone creates the game as a scenario, you can play it with the HOF mod or pretty much any mod if you want... But I'm no expert on that.

I have a post in the Creations and Customization thread asking what I need to do to offer everyone their choice of level and speed, and this will allow everyone to play their favorite mod as well.

I think having people play both Noble and Prince will be fine. After all, in the LHC we have everyone from Prince to Immortal and it works out. Just keep any game specific info in spoilers, and it will be very workable, I think. In fact, if you are specifically asking for advice at a point, make note of that above the spoiler, so that other folks playing wont read the questions. Request responses be made in spoilers as well, and think the thread will flow nicely.

Rolo just put up a new LHC, and the new BOTM just went up as well, and I plan to play both of those as well as whichever game we do here. I will talk to rolo about how to build our scenario, I think ours is much simpler, and you will actually download a Scenario file (just a WB file I think) instead of an actual save and load it through your favorite MODs Scenario menu, which will allow you to choose your favorite level and speed of game.

Ok, as I told bleys in the LHC , I can do the save, but I need a precise shoplist: Settings, Adversaries that you want/don't want , you know the drill....

OK I will take it upon myself to offer the list for this one, so folks can get to playing as soon as possible, but for future ones, we can have more discussion:

Ramses II
Hemispheres, 2, with regular Islands
No Monty, SB, DeGaulle, Freddy or Saladin on our Hemi (on other hemi is ok, I think, since contact wont come until Optics, and no war til after Astro), since we just played against them nutjobs.

I dont think we need more than that. I want to make it as simple as possible for you, bro, and thank you in advance for this huge favor. If you put the file up on that other server your using for LHC, I will download it myself, and start the new game thread, re-upload the file there myself (I have oodles of room til my limit) with the instructions how to use it, etc. I will also look at the post you made about the changes and have it figured out for our next installment.

Ok, will work on it... I'll put something in line in a matter of hours ( hopefully )

Those settings seem fine, finally we might get this game going again.

cheers for doing the map rolo :)

Good job guys.

Anyone who has input on a leader/map to play in Game 3, head over to the other thread and make a suggestion! Gandhi came up as a possible for Game 2, but we have played both PHI and SPI, so maybe someone with a trait we havent played, CRE, or CHA, maybe, or EXP. Anyone is fine, but lets move the conversation to the other thread for continuity.

While I would love to play ghandi, one of favourite leaders, we have just played a spiritual trait in the last game. I would save him for later.

A creative leader would be good, some suggestions...

Pericles Greek Creative Philosophical

Catherine Russian Creative Imperialistic

I was going to list willem but he annoyed me in the last game,


Charismatic leaders, maybe Cyrus

Cyrus Persian Charismatic Imperialistic

I have a new found love for the charismatic trait and it has great synergy with imperialistic.

I don't really play much with expansive characters, so maybe actually that would be a better one for me from a learning point of view. But always I'm easy going with whichever leader we go for!

As for maps? after the last game with all that space maybe something a bit more clostrophobic, with more civ's on our actual landmass. Not sure what map type to suggest.

:)

How about pangea, hight sea level, and arid. Thats som clostrophobic lan right there. Maybe not arid though. Then a leader with Exp or Imp. Two traits I under use - especially Imp. Maybe Mehmed II - Exp/Org, nice :) with his UB and a good UU if you get there fast. Or as Groogaroo says Catherine.

I can't belive I'm thinking about the next game and I haven't finished number 2 yet!

We still haven't figured out the rate of games though, I mean, I haven't been able to play the previous game at all (I'm still at the second checkpoint so I haven't read most conversation there, be careful not to spoil it in here, hehe). I know we can't wait for everybody all the time and I don't mind skipping sometimes, but it would seem nice to know beforehand how much time a game will be the current game. I had suggested one game every 2 weeks, if you guys want to go as fast as one per week, okay. Just not sure how many people with a daytime job will be able to follow us ;) Anyway, maybe it doesn't need to be precise, but... Yeah.

For the next game I'm in Favour of a Pericles, Ghandi, or Dutch game. I think we need lots of peace. Also, archipelago maps would make it interesting.

@ SimonL
I agree about timing still. The only reason I'm near the end is because I couldn't stop my self on my days off! Once every two weeks still sounds good to. What we could do is post the new games starting postion and talk about it and what we might do etc, before posting the save. This give the faster players time to think about the next game (and maybe play some of the other games posted on this site!) whilst those who have less time can finish old games.

Also I was wondering about playing a few quike games up to 10AD just to practice my opening moves or trying to get lots of early beakers or hammers etc. Would anyone else want to do the same. I don't think it matter if we use different maps and leaders - it just adds to the mix and instuctive value! What do you guys think?

Once every two weeks still sounds good to. What we could do is post the new games starting postion and talk about it and what we might do etc, before posting the save.?

Agreed, I'm lucky in that I have alot of free time at the moment and forget that other people have jobs and stuff!

There's been too much pansying. I think we should go for Justinian(cataphrachts), Rome(Praetorians), or Khmer, just cuz I'm curious to see them used well. If we do another "peaceful leader", I'm gonna go crazy. Ramesses wasn't that peaceful, but he's still directed towards "wonder-crazy".

May I suggest GK?......

Ooh, good suggestion.

I'm up for a leader with more of a war angle :)

The reason I mentioned wanting a map with a more crowded start is because I fancy taking part in lots of short early wars.

Cyrus, is a excellent warmonger Cha/Imp, Immortals.

Justinian, another great leader, suits a specialist style economy, which suits me.

Genghis Khan. Well, If you want warring then I guess this is the way to go!

I must admit, when it comes to war I do like to play a charismatic leader, it does make things a tad easier. But I guess its not good to get used to a crutch of any kind.

Bring on war! if that what everyone else wants.

I like the idea of a war-monger game, then actually tend to be easier for me. Cyrus was one of my favorite leaders in Vanilla, I have never played GK, Justinian seems like a reasonable choice too, I never played him either. We have time to discuss it though.

I think we will be keeping to a 2-week schedule of games, with target post dates the 1st and 15th of each month. Even folks who cant play them all can always go back and play older games, I have done that with a bunch of old games in many series.

There is another game that you faster players can look at if you wish. Rolo made us 2 maps for Ramesses, and I posted a link to the alternate version in the Ramesses thread. Feel free to play it and even post your results right in the Ramesses thread, after all, this is supposed to be a casual, learning series.

I suggested GK mainly because he's all war flavoured and one of the things that I had dificulty in learning in noble is how and when to wage war ( a problem that I saw in some of the Ramesses games.... ). Another point is how to leverage the UU, that is clearly out of the more normal axe rush strat ( and the game is clearly fun with them )

I also agree ( in spite of being a lurker.... but I love this kind of games. You can always learn a thing or two reading them, even if we are currently playing above that level ) that you should calendarize the games... not everyone has the avaliability of playing this kind of games besides the weekends besides a 1-2 h in the night and 2 weeks normally gives time to people to finish the games. And it gives some more predictability....

Hi

I dont mind playing mongols. I might would rather try KK than GK just to be able to have creative hehe but GK fine too.

Cyrus IS fun. Well actually I think persia is VERY fun no matter who the leader is. Awesome UU and their UB is practically a free Expansive trait so they work well with pretty much ANY leader if you ever want to try unrestricted leader games. But they might be a lil too similar to egypt in style. LIke with both you tech AH first to see where the horseys are and if colse you pump out the chariot UU and go say Hi and if not you try more peaceful approach till later.

I have never played justininan BUT I did play Byzantines using unrestricted leaders and Yakhoweryouspellitob. And if you EVER had ww problems then Hippodrome can be FUN. When everything is Ideal you get get the SAME amount of happyfaces at 30% culture slider that a regular theater would need 70% to get.

But all time best warmonger I think is Shaka and using Impi diplomacy to expand early and be HUGE before the other civs or rather the civs that end up surviving know what hit em hehe.

Other warmonger games that might be interesting is BootyCall and her giant pair of traits. Maybe try her and Celts on highlands map or maybe something like Monty and his Jags on rainforest or Arboria map.

Nappy could also be fun. His traits work nice for both peace and war and you can try a musketeer rampage which would be a change for going to war in the BC's.

Those are just some thoughts but really I would probably try just about anything I even have fun with unrestricted leader combos. I think probably next combo I will try will be Wang Chung and mali--protective/skirmishers finanical/mint sounds like nice synergies hehe. Maybe do it while waiting for next game.

Kaytie

Hello;

I have a few questions about these games, because I am thinking about joining in on the fun. :) I typically play on Warlord (in Warlords) but I just recently got BtS and once I get used to it, I think I'm ready for the jump to Noble. I feel I can win easy on Warlord, but I do often make some bad calls or build stuff I don't need to (often simply because I can! muaha).

First, is the unofficial patch required to play these games? Is there anything else required other than just to download the save and have at em? I'm not sure if I will have a lot of time to play/post my games, but even an offline shadow watching the better players play and post might be helpful for me.

Anyway, I love these threads with a lot of people playing, I've learned a lot!

I can anwser that....

Bhruic's patch does not alter the WB saves ( or the regular ones ) , so you can play with or without it as it pleases you.

And it is just needed to download and put it in My Games/Saves/Worldbuilder and run it as a scenario from the game ( or simply double click it ... does not work with all configurations ( dunno why ) ).

Jaaboo. The point of these games is that all levels - well us lower level players - can join in and hopefully learn something in the process!

If you want to make the jump to noble or above then this is a perfect oppertunity. Also while you don't need to post reports, its always fun for us to read them when they come. Reporting will help us help you, and maybe help you help us! What a mouthfull.

Hey Jaaboo,

I can only mirror what grandad said, joining in the fun has already really improved my game.

Before nobles club, I struggled on noble, and could never get anywhere on prince. But even after two games, I won my first prince victory. It's already been mentioned, posting a report isn't manditory or anything, but you can even post to ask for help when your stuck! Which is what I do... maybe too much :mischief:

As for the next leader, maybe Kaytiekat is right, cyrus would be to similar in opening stratagy to the egyptians. All of the others mentioned some great.

IMHO the simple fact of thinking of posting a game help a player to perform better ingame... mainly because it forces you to think of why you are doing that move ( and the fact of don't want to look too bad possibly has something to do with that as that :p ). At least that's why I started to play SGs....

Well okay then, I think I'll (try to, time permitting, as always!) join in the fun! :D

Welcome aboard Jaaboo. We are trying to keep this really informal, so no one feels intimidated in any way. No questions are too dumb to post, no strat is to kooky to try out if you want too, any situation where you can learn something is a positive one in my book.

We are setting up the games as World Builder saves so that folks can play with the mod, level, and speed they are most comfortable with. That way, if you prefer Marathon and Noble with BUG mod, you can play the same map and leader as someone who prefers Normal and Prince with the HOF mod. Posting progress reports not only helps you organize your own thoughts, but it allows you to see how different people approached the same situations.

So jump right in, no worries, you can even play on Warlord level if you really wish too, but I think you will find your play to be much improved in short order. Heck, I am thinking of going up to Monarch on the next one (I play the LHCs on Monarch, but I only have 1 "actual" non-replay win in 4 tries, heh). And feel free to name your preferences for maps and leaders. We are trying to choose both with an eye on learning how best to play various traits and various maps. In fact, the last installment has 2 maps with the same leader (Ramesses), both of which offer fairly different sets of circumstances.

If anyone's interested, I'd really like to do an SG on the side.

I have never played an SG, and would be willing to participate in one among our little gang. I am not exactly sure how they work, its one of those things I plan to look into if the regular games I play get stale. So far, though, no sign of that for me, I cant stop playing, LOL. I think an SG would be a perfect diversion for those of us who play the regular games faster than the schedule.

I've never played an SG but have followed some on the SG board. It's a good idea and could be fun. I don't think it would be possible to host it on the strat & tips board tho, it kinda more belongs on the SG board I think. But I'm game.

I did check out the Ramesses take II game save, allthough I didn't play it all the way through, kind of getting board of him now!

I think it would be most instructive to play with the Ottoman Empire. The Hammam is a great UB to learn to leverage and it helps to point out to Noble and Prince level players just how important happiness and health caps really are. It's the kind of UB that helps new people get better. Expansive + cheaper whipped Granaries in every city is also a worthwhile lesson to emphasize at this level.

I'm all in for a warfare game in the next round!

I've been winning quite easily with space or cultural, and to a lesser extent diplo, but I actually never won a domination/conquest since warlord (the level)...

I'm trying one now with Ragnar on Archipelago, the hardest thing seems to stay organised,my troops are everywhere around the map, it's such a mess...

I'd like to play an SG but I don't know if I've got enough time to commit! If you guys play I may lurk it a bit. You should post a link here somewhere if you do play.

I'd be in if we play an SG, never done that before and it might be fun. If anyone who's up for it would let me know I'll roll a start for us.

We should use the 24/48 rule, and any rule set we can bum off of someone else. How about Noble/Epic, and how about Genghis Khan? We can set this up in the SG forum.

Well I'm in, aslong as nobody minds me screwing up the game from time to time

Those settings seem fine by me Krick, like you said just borrow the rules from another SG thread. I think the basic rules are fairly straight forward really.

:)

I am sort of against playing the Ottos, Suily is this months LHC. His UB is outstanding though.

I am leaning toward a Pang/Fract map with a warmongering oriented type of Civ. I would lean away from a Horse based one (too similar to Ramesses), but I still think we should choose a leader whose traits are fairly easy to leverage.

I think traits is where we should look first. Once we decide on a trait we wish to play, we can look at the leaders who have that trait, and choose one. My preferred trait for the next round is CRE.

Creatie with a non-horse UU, and a war-mongering civ? Sounds like Pericles to me.

EDIT: Suryavarman is OK as well, but his UU is pretty niche. His UB is good though.

We should use the 24/48 rule, and any rule set we can bum off of someone else. How about Noble/Epic, and how about Genghis Khan? We can set this up in the SG forum.

I would be willing to have a go. If you decide to set one up, post a link here.

With regards to the next nobles club game,

I still think playing the mongols will be totally different to the horsie strat than the egyptians. For a start chariots would only be a stepping stone until you get HBR, for ger's and keshiks.

Kublai is CRE/AGG and he is an out and out warmonger really, looking at the traits and unique's.

The problem with other creative leaders like pericles is that they can be a warmonger, but they ain't really a dedicated warmonger. With pericles I'd be to tempted to focus on early research as he is a super wicked with an Specialist economy.

Have never played as Sury, PS is right about the UU, its an odd one, its ability is pretty naff as its only effective outside of cities.

As always, I'm easy going with what leader we choose, but it sounds to me like people want bloodshed and I say lets give em what they want!

Kublai is pretty good, I won my first ever game on Warlords (not the difficulty, the game, it was noble level) with him, domination in 1925AD, I don't think I used Keshiks much at all either!

Keshiks rock though, they ignore terrain movement penalties, they are great. And they rock! Plus, the tech for the UU unlocks the UB too.

I won my only dom victory with the mongols on warlord (the difficulty level not the game:blush:) It doesn't really count becuase it was a tiny pangea with five leaders. :mischief:

Which is why I fancy cracking some heads next time. I still havn't had a proper domination or conquest win yet on Civ4!

Blimey, I spent ages only having dom and space (EDIT: i.e. failed domination) wins ;)

Kublai is fine for me. So is Pericles for that matter. I do agree that a Horse Archer UU is far different from a Chariot one, so thats not a worry.

I only suggested CRE as my preference, but I am very very flexible here. I do think CRE is one of the easier traits to play when moving up a level in difficulty, which was a big part of my suggestion.

What sort of map? I dont mind Panaea, or Fractural (although they can be a PITA with warring). I am thinking Pangaea is much easier to warmonger on, thats for sure, so lets stick to the path of more obvious choices.

Also, anyone else who has a preference, please chime in. I do see a lot of folks looking for a game with more early warfare, and KK on Pangaea certainly will fill that request, but it there are other ideas, lets hear em.

Pangaea is great, and for logistics, how many turns per round? I think to balance it (and speed things along), the turns in the BC era should be more. Like 20 turns in BC and 10 in AD.(Just a figure, I would want to go faster than 20 turns a round)

I only push for Sury cuz I haven't played him much, but Kublai is cool.

I can put up a save for Kublai, but only sign up if you're prepared to do a lot of screenies, and describe your plans a lot. Cuz we want quality reports before quality playing. So we can know why we're losing. Lol jk.

First rounds should be something 40-30-30 for the first 100 turns then 15 per afterwards.. Up to everyone else, oh and I'll 'officially' sign up for an SG if we're going for it.
No preference on leaders or map, I have more time now so I can do better reports than I did in the Ramesses game.

I think it depends upon the number of players you get. If you have 3, 40-30-30 would be fine, but if you have 6 or more, I'd go 20 for the first round and then 10 thereafter myself. You don't want people waiting too long for their turn.

Good luck anyway, be sure to post a link when you start.

I only push for Sury cuz I haven't played him much, but Kublai is cool.

Opps! confused? I thought we were talking about Kublai for the next normal Noble's club. Doesn't matter we can use him for the SG, kind of like a practice run. :)


Ibut only sign up if you're prepared to do a lot of screenies, and describe your plans a lot. Cuz we want quality reports before quality playing. So we can know why we're losing. Lol jk.

Count me in, I have plenty of free time at the moment, and I like posting my cunning plans for optimum failure, ;)

Just a advice:

If you want to run a SG, it is better to run it in the SG subforum... If you run it here, most likely a mod will move it anyway......

And , as a more experienced SG player ;) , I suggest that you don't pick less than 4 and more than 7 players. Other numbers normally lead to unmanagable situations in human terms.

Less than 4 and more than 7? Does not compute ;)

I know what you mean though ;)

(...)you don't pick less than 4 and more than 7 players

Someone skipped a thing or two when reading :p

Damn you and your reverse logic shenanigans ;)

EDIT: What you meant to say was, don't pick less than 4 OR more than 7. Phew, I am off the hook logically ;)

EDIT2: Or, for C programmers, !(x < 4 || x > 7)

:nono: What I said was:

~( x<4 ^ x>7 ) <=> x>4 ^ x<7 :p

You changed an AND into an XOR, you big cheater!

Oh, whoops. I guess Kublai for next Noble's Club, and Sury for the SG. I'll take everyone's advice and have 20 turns per round in the BC's and 10 in the AD's. We'll do first come first serve, so check around in the SG forum.

My logical operations are correct ... :p And my phrasing as well ;)

Well, I am too drunk to debug, I hope you are right mister. Sadly, I'll probably do a truth table tomorrow to make sure ;)

Oh, whoops. I guess Kublai for next Noble's Club, and Sury for the SG. I'll take everyone's advice and have 20 turns per round in the BC's and 10 in the AD's. We'll do first come first serve, so check around in the SG forum.

Post here to let us know its up aswell! I don't want to miss out! :)

I don't think I'll participate in the SG game yet, I have less time these days so just keeping up with Noble's Club plus whatever other games I play will be enough, hehe. Plus, I'm too much of a wuss to expose my civ gaming ;) Well, it's more like, I'm stressed enough when playing alone that I don't want to play with other people in mind :) I dunno why, but I get really stressed playing this game sometimes!

Just making sure about Sury. Gonna be pangaea. I'm gonna put Sury up, and hope you guys don't get too mad bout it.

Sury is fine, pangea is fine, everything is fine!!! ;) Lets get this game going! :)

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?p=6637198 The SG

Correct the link (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=268664) , Krick..... ;)

Correct link to NoblesClub SG game is...

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=268664

Well, I'm soooorry.

So back to the Noble Club seriers. Nealy all game are in - and SimonL looks to have it all tied up (nice one) - so who we playing next? Is it one of the glorious Kahns? Kublia might be nice - he smiles more than Gengis - and while you all go for a millitary win I might go for a wussy peacefull(ish) win. I want a UN win without a massive empire or loads of vassels! Does some one want to get the WBsave up or tell me how to do it so we can start to disscuss the start and stratergy for the game?

I know what I'm like, as soon as I see the start I'm ganna wanna play it!!! Not a bad idea, just lets not post the save just yet, otherwise I will play it. :mischief:

I think Bleys/Rolo know extactly how to set up the save, I think normally rolo looks over it to make sure there arn't repeated neighbours from the last game. On that note, No willem this time please!!! He's really starting to bug me!

We are trying to be on a regular schedule, twice monthly, with the 1st and 16th of each month as the target release dates. I think if we keep it fairly regular, it will be easier for players to stay current without worrying about missing anything. I will also start posting links to the next game right in this thread, or maybe have Krick do it in the opening post, much like the LHC and ALS bullpen threads

Most of us seem to be playing much quicker though, so if we wanted to move to 3 times a month, 1st, 11th, and 21st, or something like that, I wouldnt mind. I have more than enough time for that many, myself.

Well I finally got the latest patch so I might try the next game, as this seems to be the best group around. :goodjob:

I can play without any Mods, correct?

My vote for leader might be Washington, Charismatic and Expansive might be a nice change from Elizabeth and Ramesses. Or Napoleon, although I'm not a fan of Organized but it might help me use that trait better. Both leaders have later UU and UB, which might help us work on our mid to late games (the mid game is usually my biggest problem).

Hey Littlej, welcome to Nobles club :)

I can play without any Mods, correct?

No need for for any mods, correct. but as the save is set up to be a scenario you do have the option to use mods if you wish.

Perfect. I'm in, or at least I'll try :D

We're only a few days short of the twice a month. If we don't post the save then the players with less time can still benefit from pregame discussion.

As a side note it has to be said I love the WB save format! Its so versatile what with speed, MOD and difficulty choices being up to us.

We're only a few days short of the twice a month. If we don't post the save then the players with less time can still benefit from pregame discussion.

As a side note it has to be said I love the WB save format! Its so versatile what with speed, MOD and difficulty choices being up to us.


The WB save format is one of the reasons I decided to try out the next game. I really like playing Noble, Epic speed games, plus this group may help me actually stick through a game (I'm a chronic restarter).

We're only a few days short of the twice a month. If we don't post the save then the players with less time can still benefit from pregame discussion.

I'm with you on that! But it I know once I see that start location I'm going to be bouncing around like a lunatic getting impatient to play the game!!! :woohoo:

plus this group may help me actually stick through a game (I'm a chronic restarter).

I know what you mean! The first two Noble Club games I would have given up on within about 100 turns if it wasn't for playing along with everyone else! Playing and picking up tips with these guys has really improved my game already.

Ditto the restarting! I get frustrated and open world builder to see what the map looks like etc and then think I can't be bothered to play as I ruined it by opening world builder!

The systamtic and stepwise approch of these games makes it much more managable! Also I don't want to look a wally in front of everyone!!

Try some HOF games, you can't restart and you can't open worldbuilder.

Try some HOF games, you can't restart and you can't open worldbuilder.
I can attest to that. Its the ultimate learning tool to be honest. I have yet to win one. This month I blew the Prince BOTM game, UGH!! I practiced too! But with the HoF rules, no reload, no restarts, period, and they can tell from your uploaded saves if you did.

I am making a firm commitment to trying to stop my re-loading re-starting ways. Its not like I do it a lot, 2 or 3 times a game, tops, but thats all it takes sometimes. Reloading and restarting can be very strong learning tools, they help you streamline your techniques and focus your strategies, but it can be a hard habit to break out of.

Just trying some HoF games and some GOTMs, I did discover the HoF MOD, which is really really strong, especially for people like me who like a lot of cities. Pre warnings about border pops, health and happiness caps being exceeded, etc, are invaluable. They are especially strong in the early game, when you want to hook up that 2nd ring resource ASAP, but forget to check to see if the border popped a couple turns or something. I cant play without it anymore, I lose track pretty fast.

Oh, before I forget, I asked rolo to make us another game. I sort of know how, but if I do it, I will have pre-knowledge of the map, and I want to play these as clean as possible. Here is what I requested (just sent the PM)

Kublai Khan, Pangaea, NO WILLEM! (only AI restriction I requested, I figured we are all sick of seeing that guy, he even showed up in our SG game!)

Will do the same as the last one, he will link me to his upload site, I will grab the save, and post the start in the new thread. Expect it in the next couple days. In the meantime, remember, there are other common-game themed series out there, like rolo's LHC. He has those set up the same way, you pick your level and speed, and play in your favorite MOD.

Maybe we should think of doing what we did in the first game concerning posts; put all checkpoints in one post. Or maybe two posts following each others at the beginning of the thread. I found it confusing to follow individual games in the second game because the different checkpoints were everywhere in the thread...

I know some people had the image-limit problem with the one post thing, that's why I'm saying maybe we can reserve two posts (or even three?) for the spoilers early in the thread and refer back to them when we reach them? And also limiting our image numbers would help make this work (I can just say I built a wonder, no need to screenshot it I guess, although it's not as glorious :) ). Same goes for random events... Only empire screenshots are kind of helpful. Notable tech trades are okay too, I forget to screenshot those all the time...

That being said, who are we playing again? Was it Kublai Khan? Aw, I played him just 2 weeks ago :) Oh well. That was a space victory again.

Also try Bindy's challenges in the HOF forum, you can play at settler if you want, and he tracks who won so you get a mention.

HOF gauntlets are often low levels too. As long as you get a win, that's a result.

Maybe we should think of doing what we did in the first game concerning posts; put all checkpoints in one post. Or maybe two posts following each others at the beginning of the thread. I found it confusing to follow individual games in the second game because the different checkpoints were everywhere in the thread...
I dont mind this, IF people link the location of those updates in their posts. Its not hard, here (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=6644722&postcount=148) is a link to my post just a few above this one. Each individual post has a "Postcount" # in the upper right-hand corner, just click it and copy the location into your "checkpoint announcement" post.

And sorry about the choice Simon. It seemed to be the consensus. Hes a good war monger, and also has a trait thats easy to leverage (CRE), especially on Pangaea maps.

SimonL, if you just got a space vic with KK, go for a dom or conquest this time. Keshiks are made for that. Focus!!!

@ SimonL
I just posted links in my first post. This seems like the best way to do it to me. I put to many screens in - need to focus more! - so 1, 2, or even 3 posts isn't enough for me!

Especially Pangaea. I dont think I have ever had a space win on a Pangaea map, I almost default Domination every time, even one time in Vanilla when I WANTED to try space, but got a Dom (I always forget to uncheck the other VCs when I want to try a specific one)

Cultural on pangaea if you want to challenge yourself...

Just tossing the idea up for a later game:
Sitting Bull. I like the idea of running an EE with him. Philosophical can generate a couple of Great Spies and protective's cheap castles(+25% EPs too, that's key!)/walls + good archery units make for a solid defence while tech stealing/causing trouble. Possibly another Pangaea game for the future.

Okay, well... Um... maybe we can reserve one post early on in the thread, and in that post, we put links to the proper update posts under the proper checkpoints? That seems somewhat twisted... What I mean is like

Checkpoint 1
LINK TO POST

Checkpoint 2
LINK TO POST

and etc.

I don't know if I was the only one confused, but since we all play the same map, it was hard to remember the beginning of a particular individual's game and I had to sift through the previous pages to find the proper posts.

@SimonL

Yeah it gets harder as the thread gets longer, trawling back through to rimind yourself whose was what and such :crazyeye:

I think reserving a post at the beginning and having links to your updates is the way to go!

@Bleys

I picked up the latest LHC, yet to play it, so I may give it a whirl!

Thats a strong idea Simon, let me toss in a possibility to refine it even further:

How about each time we post an update, we simply create a link back to our previous updates. They do something like this in the GOTMs, where there is a Pre discussion thread, a First spoiler thread, and a Final spoiler thread. Experienced posters link back to their other posts for reference, and it seems to work well. Heres an example:

Checkpoint 1 AD (Checkpoint 4000 BC <here, link to proper post>, Checkpoint 2000 BC <here>)

Then checkpoint info in the spoiler, so those who wish to go back and see the previous ones can.

Damn, you guys are using your brain power here. I like the linking idea.

Checkpoint 1
link here

Checkpoint 2
link here

I lost :( here :D

That way when you post your final checkpoint, someone can go through and check out your game fairly quickly.



Now some initial thoughts on Kublai. Horseback riding is a pretty key tech (and the sooner the better) but once we reach it and if we are ready to roll, we're going to have to keep our economy running somehow. Priest specialist and/or cottage spam (depending on the terrain) ASAP might work, even obsolote's SSE. Also, it'll be important while in war to cut off the AI from metal to lower the number of Spears we face.

This waiting is going to kill me ;)

This waiting is going to kill me ;)

Its allready killed me :sad:

Yeah, HBR is going to be a major priority. As long as you get it as early as possible those Keshik's are going to enjoy quite an extensive period of warring. I'd be tempted to have some cities just build wealth to allow me to keep pushing the war. If going all out for a conquest I think the policy of raze most cities and keep only the capitals/holy cities sounds like the best bet. Like in madscientists Ghengis Khan RPC. I think I read he razed like 50 cities in total!

My biggest fear with the next game, you research Animal Husbandry and there are no horsies to be seen! :(

(rolo hope your reading this ;) )

Oooo I haven't played Kublai in a while. This should be interesting for my first Noble game (*gulp*).

You guys will still love me if I lose, yes? :p

Good point about razing. I was playing a game last night with Saladin, SittingBull and Tokugawa were real close, so I ended up axe rushing Tokugawa while researching construction to bring along some catapolts when I rushed SittingBull.

I did a good job razing Tokugawa's cities (kept his capital and razed his other 2 cities) but didn't raze enough of SittingBulls cities (kept all 3 cities but only his capital was worth keeping). That and a couple barb cities I picked up, I was only making 3gpt at 10% research (I have 8 cities and no commerce cities). I was lucky enough to get the great wall and I just finished the pyramids, so I was thinking about switching to a specialist economy while I can get more cottages up. The game might turn out to be good practice for our up coming game. :D


Jaaboo, no worries. It's really not that bad, it's just a little more important to stay focused (which is a big problem of mine, just a mild case of ADD).

I lost a close game a few weeks ago. I was just about to launch my space ship and someone won by the UN the turn before I was about to launch. I didn't even see it coming, oops.

I raze a lot on Pangaea maps, with the intention of re-settling them later when I can afford it. Even if the cities are in great spots, if you try to hold them, you can go broke very quickly. Nothing hurts worse than a big strike and having units disbanded because you cant pay them.

I am looking forward to this game, as I have never played the Mongols, nor have I ever used an HA UU. Usually I end up trading for that tech much later, and make a few to use as pillagers, etc. I love playing Persia on Pangaea, and just pillaging and razing the enemies cities with those crazy Immortals. You can ruin an AI quickly with a pack of them, especially supported by some Axes. This game, I am hoping to get some Woodsman 2 Warriors I can upgrade to Axes and send em along with the Keshiks. Very hard to dislodge.

I find my big problem is focusing on a start and knowing what to focus on from the get go. In Kublai's game though, it might be easier since the initial path is clear, get on up on 'dem horsies and go raid thy neighbors!

So just so I have something written to follow, with Kublai, I will need AH, Archery and HBR to get the Keshiks online, which are all easily gotten since I start with hunting. In fact, that may be a good tech path to start with, yes? AH -> Archery -> HBR and then maybe double back for some worker techs? (Mining/Agriculture, I'm looking at YOU.)

My capital will mostly build a warrior first while it grows to size 2, worker, worker, archer, settler? Hard to say without seeing the start, I guess. I like Bleys' suggestion of getting a few Woodie 2 axes along for the ride as well. :)

Must admit I always start with a worker as my first build (unless a coastal seafood start). then build military until I hit the happy cap, (ala snatty's early strat).With techs, I'll try and pick up a few more worker techs before I shoot for HBR, but it all depends on the start, if its a heavy forrest start I'll want B/working, so I can Whip/Chop an army asap.An early rush would be with chariots (provided we have horses), Keshicks will probably be too late for a Rush but more when I'm ready for full on war!

OMG! The starting pic hasn't even been posted yet and were discuss the start!!! this is getting crazy :crazyeye:

It helps to hear what others do for various leaders and what they do overall.

But having a start would help! :D

Hi

Just a reminder DONT 4get archery too. Like HBR archery is a tech most ppl usually put off for awhile but you need both to make HA's and since HBR is such a PITA to tech so early it would be annoying for people if they tech all the way through it then timing is messed up since they forgot archery hehe.

Mongols start with wheel and hunting not fishing so building worker first is almost gimme even on coast start since you cant make fishing boats at the start. Starting with wheel also means worker will have something to do even if there are no campy resources nearby. HOWEVER starting with hunting means you COULD go for building a scout to let city grow a bit and try to get most of goody huts which can ROCK if you on pangea hehe.

As for teching I probably will do something like AH to find horseys early (btw I HOPE that also something rolo make sure to do put horseys somehwere reasonably close hehe.) I have had games with NO horses within twenty tiles of start sometimes on standard map :/ so it not always a given they gonna be close. Then after AH something like mining/bw/ then ag or fishing depending on start then maybe decsions start being made. Like is there enough trees or marble nearby to make Myst/Poly Oracle for HBR more effecient than teching HBR the long way also who neighbors are and will it look like barbies will be a prob so is going for gw good idea stuff like that hehe.

This is one of main reasons why Im just noble player. I really have NOOOO standard early plan I go by. It ALL just depends on so many things from who my civ/leader is to stuff that I dont even know until I see map and get idea of who my neighbors are and/or how close they are, what resources are nearby, or even just what kind of terrain is around start. So until I actually start a game and look around to learn stuff like that I really have no real clue what I am gonna do exactly hehe.

Kaytie

Fun isn't it? :D

Depending on the map, I'd probably take something like Agri-AH-Mining-BW-Wheel-Pottery-Archery-HBR. I almost always start with a worker as well but I don't usually wait for my happiness cap before building more workers or settlers (although I'll go check out Snaaty's strat). Usually it's Worker-Warrior-Worker-Warrior-Settler-Warrior-Settler (or something like that, with maybe another worker shortly after).

I'd be aiming to get up 3-4 cities ASAP and then prepare for war, with construction and CoL important future techs.

Anyways, off to check out Snaaty's strat (it's been a slow couple days at work) :goodjob:

This is one of main reasons why Im just noble player. I really have NOOOO standard early plan I go by. It ALL just depends on so many things from who my civ/leader is to stuff that I dont even know until I see map and get idea of who my neighbors are and/or how close they are, what resources are nearby, or even just what kind of terrain is around start. So until I actually start a game and look around to learn stuff like that I really have no real clue what I am gonna do exactly hehe.

Actually this statement would lead me to think your a very good player (and ofcourse I know for fact you are :) ), adjusting your strat to the map, this is one of the things I'm weak at :sad: I just get stuck in my ways a bit!

(btw I HOPE that also something rolo make sure to do put horseys somehwere reasonably close hehe.)

Just quoting this to make sure Rolo's got the message! I bet tho he picks a map thats really interesting... like horses are 5 tiles away but happen to be in a rivals BFC :lol:

I suggest practicing. You can just go create games, and play around with the tech order and build order in a variety of circumstances. I have one going right now, I wish I hadnt started it with "Locked Modified Assets" or I would have done the WB Save myself, its a beauty!

BTW, its HARD on the economy to beeline HBR. I am thinking now that I will prioritize it, but without improved tiles to work, it just slows the game down far too much. Bare minimum is Mining, BW, and Ag. I also love to have the GW on these maps, just for the spy points, but that takes another tech. I will still have a fairly early HBR compared to other games, especially since it also unlocks our UB, but Ag and Mining are just to strong to hold off. My plan is likely something like AH >> Mining >> BW >> Ag >> Archery >> HBR. If I have stone or Marble, I will stick Masonry in there as well. GW is still a possibility too, if there are enough forests and/or stone nearby.

Its also harder than I thought to get a couple Woody II warriors, even if I constantly wander them around. The best plan seems to be setting them up on forested hills and hoping a Barb Warrior comes along, because animals just dont last long on Pangaea maps, the AIs have roaming scouts and such everywhere.

BTW the game I am playing as practice has a similar "Great Wall as an offensive weapon" thing happening, LOL. I spread a line of 3 cities to cut off the AIs, and had stone in the 2nd cities BFC (where horses were as well) so I built the wall, and sure enough, all the barbs are travelling right through the gaps to get to the AIs, LOL. I am getting some of them to hit my XP-seeking Warriors, but I lost 2 Wood I warriors doing it that way, heh.

Well, I'm going to have give Snaaty's strat a test run tonight and see if I can incorporate it into my plans for Kublai. My starting tech path will probably look the same (with going after Writing earlier for the GL and maybe moving up archery), but I will go worker-defenders till happy cap-then worker-settler-(workerx2-settler)x2.

The plan will still be to go aggressive after my initial 4 cities but again this is SOO map dependant.

Hmm pregame discution is it?

Well I'll definatly go for a couple of worker techs before heading out to the UU. If you can't support your army whats the point in having it?

First tech will be to get the nearest best food sourse up asap, then AH if it was't first, then mining, bronze, then maybe run to our UU. Of course depends on the map...

Next major target is CoL for courts to help keep the empire I want to forge. First time I played Gengis I didn't raze and I lost nearly all my units to strikes :sad: won't do that again!

I want a diplo win this time I think. So use cre to grab some land and then make nice I guess. Well with some folks anyway! I think I'm going to prioritise pillaging enermy metal in a war before I get to in to their cities. Wonder is Suryavarman will crop up as an AI? would be interesting.

Oh yer I'm thinking of using espionage more in this game. Should be pretty testing for my dodgy playing choices!

I usually go with worker, warrior, warrior, warrior (til cap), worker, settler, settler, worker, settler.

My only variation of that is if I see a PRIMO spot that I dont want an AI to beat me too, I will chop out my first settler ASAP, especially if I start with Mining, because then my first tech is almost always BW.

My build usually goes, worker, warriors till cap then settler, warrior, worker

Kublai Khan, Pangaea, NO WILLEM! (only AI restriction I requested, I figured we are all sick of seeing that guy, he even showed up in our SG game!)



Whooo, not for long buddy, not for long.

can I join but I have big trouble downloading bts 3.13.

My build is normally Worker, then warrior to happy (if the tiles justify it) then worker, settler, Ilike to build the 2nd worker to build a route to the city site while I build the settler. Plus I like to keep a worker at the capital to continue to improve the tiles to give me more options between food and hammers.

Where's that screenshot... It's driving me nuts! :D

EDIT - Sorry, Ylea didn't see your post, welcome! Not sure whether you need 3.13 or not? anyone?

Bleys asked me for making the save... as I'm using 3.13, players with 3.0x version can't use it :(

can I join but I have big trouble downloading bts 3.13.
You need to be up to 3.13, either the "official" version or the preferred unofficial Bhruics version.

I am not sure why you are having trouble? What version of the game did you buy? If its Bhruics patch that is causing you trouble, dont use it, and instead try the HoF MOD, which incorporates most of Bhruics important fixes into it. Games created with 3.13 can be played with either version, BTW, the original or the unofficial.

If you purchased Civ IV: Complete (as I did), it installs with all the current versions already built in, no patching necessary. I know there is some confusion on this because if you check the properties of the BTS exec, it gives you some 3.00.02 number that confuses you. And if you try to patch over 3.13 with 3.13, it tells you something about not being found, cant remember exactly, there was a thread on it somewhere.

I see you got the PM rolo, no worries if you cant get to it right away, these jokers can just be patient! Its a few days early anyway. I was actually kind of hoping you could do all our WB files though, so I can play em without the temptation of peeking, heh.

OK KK is up and ready to roll! (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=269067)

SG players, dont forget we have turns over there! (I still havent even had one, heh)

Oi! I played my SG set. So get your arses over there!

Since many of us have finished the KK game, we should start discussing the leader/map for our next installment. Couple of ideas:
Peter (Exp/Phi)
Sitting Bull (Phi/Pro)
Brennus (Spi/Chm?)

Pericles is a good leader. He is arguably the best SE leader, which is always a good thing to study.

Sitting Bull would be interesting as that is a type of leader/civ that I would not normally choose. Sorta like a Qui but without the culture. I definately need help with my specialist economy though, so a Phi leader might be good.

Another fun leader might be Willem of Orange. The Dutch fondness for the sea and trade could make for a fun water game.

OK, so I see a general trend to follow PSs advice and look for a more SE oriented leader, since we havent really played one yet (Liz, despite being PHI, tends to perform well as a CE leader). So lets take a look at the PHI leaders and go from there.

On another note, we had sort of settled on 2 a month for these, but if there is a general feeling that more is better, I am all for it (as long as we can keep getting rolo to make the maps for us!). Speaking for myself, I have lots of free time (I dont work, mild disability), so it we want to go with 3 a month, thats fine by me, I am getting a LOT of benefit from these games, and between these and the LHCs, I am feeling even more confident with my play than ever.

Even if a some people cant play them all due to time constraints, thats no problem, there is no harm in only playing 2 or even 1 any given month. Since each has its own thread, people can easily pick and choose. Writing them up takes almost as long as playing, LOL, so its perfectly acceptable to me if folks play em and sort of gundeck the write up. No worries at all. I want to avoid any pressures like that. I am working on my own write-up technique, so I intend to try to do much better in that regard, but I dont want people avoiding the games because they dont want to do long involved reports. Play as many as you wish, and write as much as your comfortable with, no worries whatsoever.

My vote for next AI: Lincoln. The CHA trait is another we havent tried yet. Its a fun trait, extra happiness early, cheaper upgrades for units, lots of great synergy with SEs. We also mentioned Gandhi a while back, hes PHI and SPI, both strong SE traits for sure.

What map do want? We have done a Fract, a Continents, and a Pangaea. I dont mind keeping them secret, even, and letting rolo pick, but any is fine for me.

How about Charlemagne? I'd be really interested to see him in play. That would make a good SG too. Willem would be good, but I'd really want to see him on an archipelago map

Well Gandhi is a classic SE leader spi/philo for sure, and Pericles is probably one of the most powerful SE leader with all the right cheap builds and a good UB, Justinian is also one of the best.

While I do love those characters and have played SE's with them many times, it might be interesting to play a not so obvious choice. If were looking at philosophical, I think we shouldn't consider sulimen as he was in a recent LHC and obviously lizzie. I'm a fan of charismatic too, so maybe lincoln could be a good choice, I rarely play a leader with such late UU/UB.

Just one thing tho! I'm all warred out! I must have played the KK game about four times and still havn't won! you guys just make war look easy! :)

I'm kind of curious to let rolo pick the map type and such. It'll make an interesting game not knowing what to expect.

As for speed... If the game goes up I'll find time to play it, no problems there.

I vote no on Lincoln. I WOULD like to see a Philo leader in the next one, as my SE game is also lacking. HOWEVER, Lincoln's charismatic lets him make philo ultra powerful, or simply ignored (heavy warmongering is powerful with charismatic). You could argue that he's good for learning it though. Either way. Still, I'd prefer someone a bit tougher, like SB/freddy, or Ghandi. ALTHOUGH, if we do Ghandi I'll probably try for conquest :lol:.

Edit: I'm up for some charlie too.

Hi

Poor Freddy has been a whipping boy in 2 of thr last 3 games so if we HAVE to go with a phlilly leader maybe we should show him so love and pick him. ALTHOUGH if we did go with germany I do like Bizzy MUCH better.

If noone wants Freddy or wants to save germany/bizzy for later then how bout Pete? I'd rather play Russia than Greece just cuz if it was greece I KNOW I would end up trying a phalanx rush asap which means my desk might get cracked from pounding my head on it since I ALWAYS end up making spearmen insted of Phalanxes cuz their stupid graphics in build window look soooo much alike :P.

Kaytie

You COULD just look at the letters next to the one you clicked on to be safe, KaytieKat :p.

Odd, I've not used greece much ever, which I find surprising considering the kind of player I am.

I'm up for anyone, really!

Yeah, I'm not very strong with a SE either but I may end up just going with obsolete's SSE/WE. Gandhi is my favourite Phil but any Phil would work.

I'm into the idea of a more off the worn track approch with our next game - having said that this is my first KK game, played GK though. Can we play one, with a mid to late UU and UB, i.e. one of the Americans or maybe germany?

As KatyKat says, we could give Freddy some love! He's ORG and PHIL. Nice combo, and I rarely play ORG as a trait for some reason - Mehmed II being the notable exception. Late UU - anti tank-tank! - and Late UB.

Now I've mentioned him Mehmed two might be pretty fun. He's a good for REXing with a early/mid UU that can be pretty fun if its in early. Maybe get folks to try a tech path they wouldn't normally be so eager to follow. He's ORG and EXP.

Yeah, Lincoln or Fred would be great. De Gaulle would be fun too but that's getting away from the SE (if that is the focus of our next game).

As for game time, we could do one every 2 weeks (as long as someone is willing to do the maps - thanks Rolo). Let's say a game gets posted every other weekend (or just before the weekend). Allow people to post game progress up to 1 AD the first week and then allow them to do their follow ups in the following week (in spoilers of course). After the week is up we will be allowed to openly talk about everything up to 1AD, including strategies going forward but everything after 1 AD must remain in spoilers. Anyways that's just a thought.

Well I love running a lightbulbling scientist SE it's my best play style so any philosophical leader will be great.

The more I look at fred the more I'm leaning towards him as our next leader, and like Katiekat says maybe its time we gave him some love. :lol: poor old freddie!

His traits, Philisophical has obvious benefits towards an SE and Organised allows expanding a little more than usual plus also has a good synergy with the UB(cheap factories) which are even cheaper with coal.

And the Panzers also suit the way I prefer to play with warring coming later rather than earlier.

Any leader Philo leader would be great tho.

If we play as Pericles I may have to go up a level, I find him almost overpowered when running a lightbulbing SE! (don't hold me to that!) :mischief:

Allow people to post game progress up to 1 AD the first week and then allow them to do their follow ups in the following week (in spoilers of course). After the week is up we will be allowed to openly talk about everything up to 1AD, including strategies going forward but everything after 1 AD must remain in spoilers. Anyways that's just a thought.
Thats a good idea. It sort of combines the best features of both the LHC and the GOTM spoiler threads.

Every 2 weeks gives us 2.5 games a month, which is also a good compromise between 2 a month (the 1st and the 16th) and 3 a month (1st, 11th, 22nd). So if we start new games every other Friday, it gives folks the weekend to get started, then, combined with the post 1 AD rule, most players should be able to squeeze in that many turns and can finish as time allows, without worrying about reading the spoilers.

Regarding our next leader, it looks like a choice between Freddy and Gandhi. I am up for either, I have yet to play Freddy in BTS, and I have always been a big fan of India because that UU is so handy throughout the game. Lets take a semi-straw poll between those two:

I vote Freddy, and for letting rolo surprise us with the map.

Played Gandhi a few times already, while I love him (not actually love him mind) I vote Freddie!

After the 2 weeks are up as well I figure the game should be open discussion again, which will help us (or those that want to) wrap things up or talk openly about what worked and what didn't.

A week for the early game and a week for the wrap up should be plenty of time (as I noticed a lot of people just finished the game over the weekend anyways). It will help us slow down a bit as well (maybe not make as many mistakes or give us time for more questions).

A suggestion:

I use the 2 weeks period in the LHC games because i want to give 2 weekends to let people to play and because there was no strong push to cut the times ( and because i sense that if i cutted the times , some good players that go there simply would not have time for playing them.... and LHC are good more because of the multilevel format ( that allows to compare dotmaps and strats between Noble and Immortal/Deity players ) than because of the isolation premisse )

But your case is somewhat diferent.... you are playing fast and the group is not so heterogeneous as the LHC in terms of skills. I would suggest a 3 sets/month in the 10th, 20th and in the end of the month...

I'll vote for Ready Freddy. I don't think I've ever played as, ze germans.

Freddy for me! Gonna whore the health then kick out the hammers! Would consider Tanks and bombers as my main tech objectives and try for conquest!!!

I've already voted but I'm going to vote for freddie again. Does that count as two votes :mischief:

Only if you delay the offical results, and set up a biased electral system whilst running you're economy at around 100,000% inflation.

I like Freddy and am pleased opinion seems to be swinging towards him. He can turtle and run specialists (due to philo) to get a tech lead before attacking after liberalism. Or you can war early through bulbing. Late game, Panzers probably wont face tanks so thats a non-issue, at noble/prince.

OK I see LOTS of Freddy votes, so I think he wins (not even counting Groos Florida System of Voting, heh)

Next question for some feedback, 3 a month or every other Friday (about 2.5)? I like 3 a month myself, I can play these pretty quickly, they are a blast and we have some good folks already playing a posting heavily. I agree with rolo, we are playing faster and appealing to a slightly different crowd as the LHCs.

Final question, maps. Decide for ourselves or let rolo pick, or maybe some of both, like let rolo pick this one, but make the next one a water-map with a more seafaring leader like Willy, Ragnar, Jaoa or Hannibal (his UB is a harbor). We can mix and match, I like the idea of being surprised this time with Freddy.

I'm all for letting rolo choose this map, then an archipelago for the next game.
Joao would be my choice, I love the quick REX. And if you combine that with GLH+Colossus+Eventual Feitorias, well.....

I'm still in favour of giving Rolo conrtol of picking the map type. Havn't been let down by his map choice sofar, I like the element of mystery, not quite knowing what to expect.

I agree about a archapeligo map soon. Not Ragnar or Willem IMO Traits are to obvious for real learning - but very fun, I love playing as Willem - never played Joao, or Hannibal. Joao would be pretty testing I reckon. Also rolo would appreciate the lovin I'm sure!

Freddy first though. @ the evental map maker. Could you put in a load of religious nuts as the AIs? Along with EP I feel that playing the religous scene - diplomatically - is one of my weak points. As is trading and some other points....

OK, the next map is created, Freddy, map unknown, and I will post it tomorrow morning (Eastern US time zone). Finishing up my LHC right now, so maybe even tonight if people are jonesing, LOL.

We didnt really nail down a general feel for timing on these, the last one was 9 days ago, so I am thinking most are playing these within a 10 day time frame, which makes it about 3 a month. If we want to wait, and release the next one in a few more days, and make it "every 2 weeks" thats ok too. Last one was March 26, so the next would be April 9th or so, but we could move that to the 7th (Monday) if desired.

I dont mind a 10 day schedule, but I dont want them coming so fast that folks feel they cant keep up. Please let me know what the general feeling is on this.

Or you can war early through bulbing.

Or warrior rush like I did in the Khan's. :>

I like the every 2 weeks but the 3 a month works, so it's realy just a coin toss. :D

So Freddy it is, looking forward to it. :D

10 day cycle works for me. I like to play games in 2-4 sittings, so it takes me that many days (usually). So with the way it's working out, the 4th, 14th and 24th of each month.

Hooooray, Freddy!

I actually tried him out in an offline game, inspired in part by MadScientist's Mao game for the Great Wall and settled great spies. Worked out well, and ran quite a few scientists there and apparently turned Berlin into a science/espionage GP farm. (Appropriate, no?)

Ze germans rolled hard and heavy in this game, boosted ze scientists and ze spies, and what ze eggheads couldn't do, ze panzers finished. Deutschland was a happy nation. Zululand... not so much. :D

I am so looking forward to this game. :D

Any time frame is good for me, I don't have much work on at the moment! so if you post it I will play it... Or not, as I gave up on the last one! :lol:

Looking forward to the freddie game! Much more my kinda game!

Yeah, this'll be great, I'm fine with fred. No offense Bleys, but could you just get the name right? I almost groaned seeing Kulai Khan. But that's tiny, so don't worry.

I almost groaned seeing Kulai Khan. But that's tiny, so don't worry.
LOL me too bro. My keyboard gets crumbs in it, and they always seem to get in the B, I type pretty quickly, and as such miss a lot of Bs, as well as Cs, Vs, Ms and Ns (although I fix the Ns pretty fast, since its a pretty common letter).

I actually tried to change the name, and if you check the actual "title" of the post, its correct, but the name of the thread is unchangeable.

You could have contacted a mod....... they normally change the threads names if there is need for it.

LOL me too bro. My keyboard gets crumbs in it, and they always seem to get in the B, I type pretty quickly, and as such miss a lot of Bs, as well as Cs, Vs, Ms and Ns (although I fix the Ns pretty fast, since its a pretty common letter).

I actually tried to change the name, and if you check the actual "title" of the post, its correct, but the name of the thread is unchangeable.

Oh well, at least everyone could tell it was Kublai.

I know rolo, I just didnt think it was worth bothering one of them for something so trivial. I have actually moderated a few message boards myself for other games, and it was a CONSTANT annoyance to be asked to repair minor spelling and punctuation errors. One board in particular didnt allow posters to edit once they hit "Post reply", so you can imagine how full my PM box was on a daily basis.

Anyway, I am putting the save up now. I will edit this post for the link.

As promised, here is the next installment, Freddy! (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=270175)

:bump:

Archipelago
Snaky Continents
Low Sealevel

Check out the maps here (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=246788#archipelago)

Leader - Hannibal
Traits - FIN/CHA
Starting techs - Fishing, Mining
UB - Numidian Cavalry
UU - Cothon (+1 trade route)

Any thoughts?

If you were to do an archipelgo map, I would suggest either the willem or hannibal.

But i'm fine with either.

Willem is pretty sweet. Love the UB and the UU is pretty handy.

Never played Hannibal. Extra happy early on is really nice. When combined with the coast tiles getting 2 food - with a lighthouse - and 3 commerce from FIN, 2 extra pop is a usefull thing early on.

My choice of low sealeavel and snakey continents would be to increase the chance we can use our UU.

Lol...if we do another hannibal I don't mind (I just did him in PYL :lol:). The orange man returns!

Must admit I'm a fan of hannibal too, so if were officially voted and stuff then I guess thats where my vote would go. However... I wouldn't mind seeing if anyone has any thoughts on less obvious leaders that would be strong for this type of map.

This is ofcourse providing we do go in this direction for the next Nobles Club. I must admit Archpalegio style maps are a bit of a gaping hole in my gameplay... never play em! so I will probably be asking for advice every five minutes, no change there then. :mischief:

The UB is excellent and will make Compass/Optics priorities for me.

Chm is also a powerful trait. I am fine with Hannibal.

How about Roosevelt.

Hes IND/ORG.

Starting techs - Fishing and Agriculture

UU - Navy SEAL (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=194003) aelf says it all.

UB - Mall (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=192196)

UU is a pretty sound choice on a water map.

IND for some early commerce wonders.

ORG is great for an island nation with the lower city upkeep, cheap courthouses and cheap lighthouses.

In fact any of the Americans would be ok. Lincoln could work on a seafood powered map with CHA giving the extra :) and PHI popping great people for you.

As I write this I think I may prefer to play as one of the Americans rather than Hannible :crazyeye:

Hannibal or Roosevelt are both good, but I don't know if we'd want to run another Phi or Org leader, since we just ran one.

I was actually thinking Joao II myself. I havent played him other than a BOTM with the worst starting land I have ever, seen, LOL, but his UU is nice for early water warfare, and he starts with Fishing and Mining, which is pretty sweet.

I was also thinking about the map. Arch is ok, but how about considering Medium and Small, islands mixed in, and High seas? Makes for some reasonable sized landmasses but still a whole lot of water.

So, for possible leaders we have:

Hannibal (he sees a lot of action, UU doesnt "fit" well, though)
Roosevelt (I LOVE the GLH-Colossus with this guy, great late-game leader, can bring a LOT of bad positions back from the brink, strong early game too for key Wonders)
Joao (has the best UU IMHO for this type of map, EXP/IMP are 2 traits I dont think we have played yet, either)
Willem (sees a lot of action too, IMHO the best all around Water Map leader, would be the easiest, I think, for those thinking about stepping up a level)

BTW because of the problems with the AIs being properly handicapped from the WB, you should all be aware that Monarch with these games is "Monarch Light". The AIs dont start with Archery or Archers as they would in a regular Monarch game. You will still have the slower tech-production than the AIs, and lower Happy and Health limits, same as other Monarch games, but the starting bonuses arent as big as they normally would be. Game will be coming out in a couple days, so make your votes now (If you havent, I see some preferences, if you change your minds, no worries, post your ideas)

I would lean away from the FIN leaders, as they are really powerful on water maps. Plus we have played a FIN, and the recent PYL game was all FIN leaders. I like Roos or Joao, each has his strengths.

Map choices are:

Snakey continents
Archpalegio
Medium and Small

I's like an Archioelago (Tiny islands, High Water) as Hannibal.

I'd like to try Roosevelt, most of my monarch wins have been with Joao so someone else would be a nice change :p

As for the map:
Medium and Small or Archipelago...
We should play a fantasy map script for one of these :lol:

I wanna try Shaka. Yeah, that would be interesting.

I wanna try Shaka. Yeah, that would be interesting.

Yeah... Well that would certainly be interesting! :lol:

My vote goes for Roosevelt, a nice leader leader for this type of map but not one of the big obvious ones.

Map type, Archipalegio... although it might be an idea to leave that up to Rolo again, lets see how sick and twisted he can get!

@ Groogaroo

I bet he can get very sick and twisted!

You don't have the slightest clue.... some of the inbuilt scripts make completely crazy maps. Do not tempt me :devil: :lol:

rolo:
I got the craziest map out of a Medium and Small, Unknown Continents, Regular Islands mixed in. There were, as far as I could tell, only 3 land tiles on the WHOLE MAP that were not coastal. I built the GLH for obvious reasons.
Still haven't finished it but my position is weak because the whole map is extremely hammer poor, I missed U of Sank and the Taj by 1 turn each :eek:

I've been making extensive use of the :whipped: and I've had 7 slave revolts so far :crazyeye:

I'll literally kill for a good production city on a water map.

although it might be an idea to leave that up to Rolo again, lets see how sick and twisted he can get!

You don't have the slightest clue.... some of the inbuilt scripts make completely crazy maps. Do not tempt me :devil: :lol:

Okay! Maybe my comment was just asking for trouble! I found the last map way out of my comfort zone! I'm normally very boring with my map choice in my online games, so I'm finding Rolo's choices very interesting and challenging to play, but on the other hand I don't want to unleash a monster! :)

I'll suggest one day that you would try a hub or a maze map in here...... crazy stuff ;)

Other suggestion: you have played all chalenges without any options ticked..... IMHO you should try OCC and AW or even AggAI... OCC is good for Micromanagement train and AW is a nice scholl of warring when outnunbered as well as Agg AI ( war in higher levels is all about fighting against more powerful foes and win... it is pretty usual to fight and win againt foes with a 0.6 ratio on us/them or less )

I actually have had some fun with the Donut and Fanasy Map scripts OCC games. I also played a pretty decent AW game on an Ice Age script.

How about raging barbs?

Fantasy maps make some pretty weird combinations. Bananas don't grow on ice.

Yeah but floodplains corn is nice :p
I've never actually played with raging barbs.. I tend to just move up a level, same for AggAI, besides, as the Shaka ALC showed, AggAI slowed AI tech rates a bunch..

I guess as NoblesClub goes on we will probably mess with the settings to keep it interesting, although right now I'm finding these games really different and fun to play as they are. Never tried an OCC and Nobles Club is a great place to try new things with all the advice and tips on tap! Never tried a fantasy map, they sound really wacky but must be fun.

With RagingBarbs on I think it would just force me to build the great wall and end up being more of a hiderance for the AI than anything, but I'm game for what ever people want play.

We are still looking for votes for the next leader/map which is due about now (middle of the month) Bleys listed the options earlier, so to recap...

Leaders

Hannibal
Roosevelt
Joao
Willem

Map type

Snakey continents
Archpalegio
Medium and Small

Can you tell I'm eager to get the game going, :D Its seems since Nobles Club I'm playing less and less offline games as I enjoy these so much!

It is time for the next one. I didnt finish Freddy, but it was just a matter of grinding out a win, since I stomped Monty and took about 8 cities from him.

Anyway, in skimming back, I notice Hannibal got a lot of interest. I think we will go with him, and keep the map secret again (although it will be a "lots of water" map, for sure). Roosevelt does well on water maps, so I think he will be next, but on a Fractal map so there is both water and land to work with. Its a real PITA building Wonders on water maps, LOL, thats why I want to avoid "wasting" Roosevelt for this one.

Now, if we wanted to use Roos now, on a snakey continents map, I could go for that, those Seals are crazy good, and using Forts to panama-canal the snakey parts is a blast.

So its down to Hannibal or Roos, with a "lots of water" map for Hannibal, or a "snakey land" map with Roos. Get your votes in, going to send Rolo the specs about 6 hours from the time on this post.

Actually looking at the traits Roos shares a trait with the last last leader freddie (organized) plus I fancy trying a full on watery map,

So my vote goes for Hannibal after all that!

Roose, snaky continents type map is my choice.

I'll keep watching your games guys, and maybe I'll even play one once in a while. I can't keep up right now. I have a hard time finishing my one offline game that I started a week and a half ago, hehe.

Hannibal is quite powerful, he's the first leader I won on Noble with earlier in 2007. I just didn't find much use for his UU, maybe because I had a lot of space to expand early on in the game. I had a huge economy.

Actually looking at the traits Roos shares a trait with the last last leader freddie (organized)
ORG is one of the strongest Water Map traits there is. Last game it was a "2nd teir" trait, as we were trying to work on the SE, where PHI becomes a star.

Hey, werent you the one pushing for Roos in the first place Groo? LOL, now you have schwartz talked into it!

Simon, no worries mate. I find I never even play offline games anymore myself. Between the NC, LHC, BOTM, and shadowing some RPCs, I very rarely play other games. I will play certain leaders and maps for a bit, to test strats and such, but rarely finish them. Dont be a stranger though! Heck, even if you just play through Lib, with no intention of playing it out, you are more than welcome to contribute and hang out as much as you want too.

Oh and in response to the Fantasy map thing, I am not sure this is the proper "series" for it, but I totally welcome anyone to individually play their own RPC with such maps, and even make it an "Especially open to NC players" type thing, sort of like Diamondeyes game.

Hey, werent you the one pushing for Roos in the first place Groo? LOL, now you have schwartz talked into it!

Arrgh! Now you just have me plain confused! :crazyeye: It doesn't take much! To be honest either leader map style is fine for me, I guess with the two leaders my preference is finely balanced so I keep changing my mind! :lol:

OOPs, my bad Groo! It was Granddad who suggested Roosevelt.

OK, I have made my decision. Hannibal it is, wont reveal the map. Next game (10 days to 2 weeks from now), we go Roosevelt, Snakey Continents, so that some of the learning experiences from this map may be applied right into the next game. Hows that sound?