Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword Signups

[Panthera]

Civilization IV Signup Thread
It's in big letters so that you Know it's official

I'm going to set the hard limit at 12 players. If you're in, post in this thread and say so clearly so I know how many human slots to make. It'll be first come first serve. I'll start the game late tonight and PM everyone the server name and password.

More details of how this works:

1) You will have up to 24 hours to complete your turn. If you do not complete your turn, you will be taken over by an AI. If you miss just one day, that's fine, you can claim your faction again later and keep playing. Otherwise, I'll invite someone else to take your place.

2) This will require the Beyond the Sword expansion. Warlords is not required, only BtS.

3) The game begins immediately. When everyone has taken their turn or (24 hours passes, whichever happens first) the next turn begins. There is no turn order - act fast if you want to take the initiative.

4) This is not a tournament or serious business in any way. Most of us aren't very good at this. Don't take it personally if someone stabs you in the back.

If anyone has any preferences for map setup, post them in this thread and I just might make a poll.

Signed up: 12/12
Panthera
Jackel
violent
Wraith
Goronmon
Clark
Lint of Death -> Subbed by MagGnome
Scull
Jeffool
Acidpoptart
Rogue_hunter
Vigil80 -> Subbed by Jalinth

You can check the current status of the game here: http://www.civstats.com/viewgame.php?gameid=1724

That way you don't need to log in to CIV to see if the server is up or your turn is ready.

[Jackel]

Count me in!

[violent]

I'm down to lose.

[Wraith]

Yes, I'm in.

Re: map preference, I generally prefer maps that loop (continents, fractal) over maps that don't (lakes, mountains). Though beyond that, any map type is good.

[Goronmon]

I'm in.

I wonder if it would be interesting to have some sort of game blog to follow what is happening as the game proceeds.

[Clark]

I'm in like a mofo.

[Lint of Death]

I am (100 - tutorial)% newb and I am in!

[Scull]

In. In. In.

[Jeffool]

For the record, if we get enough people, maybe we could do a 48-hour-turn game AND a 24hr one? I'd prefer 24, personally.

Also, I'm in.

[Acidpoptart]

Count me in!

[Vigil80]

In it to win it. Or lose it.

[Clark]

Just a thought....

I do like having to ally with other players and worrying about the back-stabbing....

BUT....on the rare occassions where I get to play games where teams are set up from the start I have a blast. I'm down for any way we go (I'd guess the norm is everyone starts with no allies) but would like to at least throw the idea of set teams out there.

[Rogue_hunter]

<------this guy

[Panthera]

Just a thought....

I do like having to ally with other players and worrying about the back-stabbing....

BUT....on the rare occassions where I get to play games where teams are set up from the start I have a blast. I'm down for any way we go (I'd guess the norm is everyone starts with no allies) but would like to at least throw the idea of set teams out there.

There'll be no preset teams. We'll be able to make alliances as the civilizations contact each other. Are you in for this game?

[Panthera]

I'm going to extend the deadline for the start of the game to Sunday night since we don't have the 12 yet. I'm currently patching my copy - apparently there's been some pretty hefty updates since I last played.

[Vigil80]

I'm going to extend the deadline for the start of the game to Sunday night since we don't have the 12 yet. I'm currently patching my copy - apparently there's been some pretty hefty updates since I last played.
*whine* Where's my naaame?

[Panthera]

*whine* Where's my naaame?

Sorry, I missed ya. That makes 12. :)

[Jeffool]

Crap; I just went to buy Beyond the Sword on Steam, and it warns "Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword requires the Steam version of Sid Meier's Civilization IV to play." As my CivIV is a store-bought copy, I don't think this is going to work. If you don't mind waiting a day, I'll run around town tomorrow and look for a copy of BtS. I'm okay with buying an expansion; I'm not to keen on having to repurchase the game itself.

/edit: Screw it; I'm still in. I'll buy the complete package from Steam. Hell, just the expansions alone (which I own none of) are $60, so Steam's $40 for all of the expansions and the game? Sold.

[Panthera]

Alright, the game is started. Because I turn my computer off at night, the server will for now only be up roughly between the hours of 9AM EST to midnight EST. At least, until I set up my laptop as a 24 hour server. For now, I just want to make sure this works.

PMs outgoing.

[Panthera]

Found a very useful website. Since the email alerts for your turn is broken, here's a way to keep track of it: http://www.civstats.com/viewgame.php?gameid=1717

edit: And with that I'm closing the server until the morning. I see Jeffool has claimed his spot, so I guess this thing works!

[Jeffool]

Wait, I was the first? Then why wouldn't it let met choo-... Panthera, you dirty bastard; i<3FDR. :\

/edit: wait, it lists Panthera as Hannibal. Why WOULDN'T it let me get FDR? Crazy...

/double-edit: Ahhh, I see. Panthera, the game you started had AI choose the Civs in the world. When I started, I could only choose amongst them. I also couldn't move/build-a-city, as the AI took the turn already.

[Wraith]

Must have just shut down. Saw it in the list, entered password, connecting to host, timed out, now not in the list. Will check again tomorrow evening.

[MagGnome]

I hate you all and hope that the AI stomps all of your Civilizations into the ocean.


Errr....what I meant to say is good luck and hopefully I can join in next time! :D

[Clark]

There'll be no preset teams. We'll be able to make alliances as the civilizations contact each other. Are you in for this game?

Yep. I'm in. I think I need to wait for you to have the laptop running at this point. I checked the game list and saw it there, but when I went to connect to host it timed out and now the game is not listed.

[Panthera]

Wait, I was the first? Then why wouldn't it let met choo-... Panthera, you dirty bastard; i<3FDR. :\

/edit: wait, it lists Panthera as Hannibal. Why WOULDN'T it let me get FDR? Crazy...

/double-edit: Ahhh, I see. Panthera, the game you started had AI choose the Civs in the world. When I started, I could only choose amongst them. I also couldn't move/build-a-city, as the AI took the turn already.

Couple things. First, the server's back up. Secondly, it randomly generated which civs to play. I didn't have an option to let people pick, unfortunately, but you should be able to choose which civ you want out of the ones unclaimed. Thirdly, the game hasn't started yet. You can look at your starting position, but until the spots are claimed or the 48 hours have passed you won't be able to take the first turn.

[Clark]

Thanks for the update and work Panthera

[Jackel]

I got logged in.

[Scull]

Installing BtS and patching soon! I will be in before too long.

[violent]

Just a heads up guys, I'm an idiot and I took my turn I wasn't supposed to, was I? I hope it's no biggie but I do already have a nuke.

[Panthera]

Hm. Looks like you were legitimately supposed to take your turn, and Qin Shi Huang is up next. I think I messed up the setup and it's not asyncronous.

[violent]

Is this something that could be a problem down the road? Should we maybe recreate or will it work itself out?

[Panthera]

This means that we all have to take our turns in order instead of all being able to them whenever we want. I'll have to make a new game, otherwise it'll take even longer to play through.

[Panthera]

Alright, I need to run out for a little while, and I'll remake the game when I get back. If anyone has a preference for leader, post it in this thread and I'll make sure there's one of him or her available to claim.

[Lint of Death]

I have no preference :)

[Clark]

WHAT? No preference Linty? Where's that Spanish love?

[Jeffool]

Given my choice I'd like FDR/America, if that's cool with folk.

[Wraith]

I'll try Pericles.

[Jackel]

I'll take Bismarck.

[violent]

Tokugawa Ieyasu

[Lint of Death]

WHAT? No preference Linty? Where's that Spanish love?

Actually, I guess I could go for Joao II. :D

[Rogue_hunter]

It seems that violent has already one the game through a time victory. And the game isn't showing up in the game list.

I'll be the Portugese

[Panthera]

New game is up!

Same game name and password as before. Now that I have a better understanding of how this works, I've brought it back down to 24 hour turns. Everyone can log in, claim their faction, and take their first turn right away in any order.

Here's the new page: http://www.civstats.com/viewgame.php?gameid=1724

[Jackel]

Tried connecting, but its giving me a failed to contact host. I was able to join but for some reason it kicked me out because I couldn't connect to peer "Rogue hunter"

edit: I restarted the game and I was able to connect and play my turn.

[Clark]

So damn cool.

AND I got Shaka Zulu.

I'm geeked.

[violent]

I'm hyped for this shit.

[Jackel]

I'm hyped for this shit.

Bingo. Ze Germans are coming for you!

[Lint of Death]

Seeing as Rogue took Joao before I could get on, I went with the Khmers.

[violent]

Bingo. Ze Germans are coming for you!

The samurai fears no man.

[Vigil80]

So shall we start negotiating alliances now? First to enter a mutual protection pact with the noble Byzantines gets a royal daughter of their choice in arranged marriage!

[Jackel]

The samurai fears no man.

Fear will keep you alive!

[Goronmon]

Looks like it's the Indians for me.

[Jeffool]

Well, looks like I won't be getting America after all... So I guess I'll take the Celts! Watchout people; you can't stop the beard!

/edit: Also, is there a different password to register the game on civstats? It seems the password for the game doesn't work.

[violent]

Fear will keep you alive!

I will form an alliance like none you have seen to ensure your regime will be a meek offering. That is of course, unless the strength of a true warrior in combination with your mechanical prowess will ensure our dominance into the new century. The choice is yours, big man.

[Acidpoptart]

So shall we start negotiating alliances now? First to enter a mutual protection pact with the noble Byzantines gets a royal daughter of their choice in arranged marriage!

The Persians accept your offer. Any daughters like these?
http://ryanblock.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/crushinator.jpg

[Scull]

Well crap. Everytime I try to connect I get told that my version doesn't match yours. After much digging and trying several things it appears that 64bit Win 7 doesn't work unless everyone is using it.

Is anyone else using 64bit Win7? And if so, have you logged in at all?

[Jackel]

Yep. I'm using 64bit Win 7 and it is working fine. Steam version.

[Jackel]

I will form an alliance like none you have seen to ensure your regime will be a meek offering. That is of course, unless the strength of a true warrior in combination with your mechanical prowess will ensure our dominance into the new century. The choice is yours, big man.

Let our dominance reign supreme!

[MagGnome]

If someone doesn't show up I will gladly take his or her place.

Just so you know... ;)

[Panthera]

Well crap. Everytime I try to connect I get told that my version doesn't match yours. After much digging and trying several things it appears that 64bit Win 7 doesn't work unless everyone is using it.

Is anyone else using 64bit Win7? And if so, have you logged in at all?

You ran the updater, right? It should be version 319 if I remember right.

[Vigil80]

The Persians accept your offer. Any daughters like these?
Give us a while to get out of the ancient era, and we'll be happy to oblige. The first set may have substantially more gears than those. So, you know, be careful not to get anything caught.

[Scull]

Hmm..I ran the updater from inside BtS and was told it was up to date. But I'm at 3.00. I downloaded the stand alone patch. As soon as it comes down I'll install and try again.

[violent]

Let our dominance reign supreme!

May the heads of our enemies be parted with their person.

[Panthera]

Hmm..I ran the updater from inside BtS and was told it was up to date. But I'm at 3.00. I downloaded the stand alone patch. As soon as it comes down I'll install and try again.

Try reinstalling if that doesn't work. And please let me know - if you can't make it in, I'll have to sub someone else in.

[Lint of Death]

All slots are filled! I hope Scull is pucspifo.

[Panthera]

Which means we're on to turn 2! The game is afoot.

[Lint of Death]

Which means we're on to turn 2! The game is afoot.

Panthera, I can't seem to connect to the server at the moment. It keeps timing out. I'll keep trying.

[Panthera]

Give it another go, a few other people have completed their second turns already.

[Lint of Death]

I still can't connect. It may have to do with me recently moving my computer to a different location and network :(

[Scull]

Sorry, yes I managed to update offline and get logged in. I am pucspifo. You shall all fall to the might of Hammurabi!

[Lint of Death]

My connection's so bad now that I can't even login to the Gamespy Network. Arrrrgh!

[Panthera]

Sounds like your connection is really firewalled up something fierce. See if you can get these ports opened up: http://www.gameconfig.co.uk/ports.aspx?game=civilization+iv

[Lint of Death]

Sounds like your connection is really firewalled up something fierce. See if you can get these ports opened up: http://www.gameconfig.co.uk/ports.aspx?game=civilization+iv

Do you think something like that could also cause my Internet connection to be highly intermittent? Like, some things can stay connected, but I'm often (but not always) having trouble making new connections. Does that make sense?

My apartment's Internet connection is such a bitch. If it's caused by my network being firewalled by the people running it, then maybe I could convince them to just take the firewall down or something.

[Panthera]

If it's having trouble making new connections, then the problem is likely with your DSL/Cable modem or router, or possibly on the ISP end somewhere. I used to have a really poor DSL modem and that would happen to me all the time. All I had to do was reset it, though.

[violent]

And we have ourselves a leader.

[Lint of Death]

Is there any way to kick me from the game? I don't expect my Internet troubles to be resolved soon, if ever.

[Panthera]

Is there any way to kick me from the game? I don't expect my Internet troubles to be resolved soon, if ever.

Alright. I'll sub someone in. You're the Khmer, right?

[Panthera]

MagGnome has entered the game.

Good luck!

[MagGnome]

All shall tremble before me.

Actually, I hold no illusions of winning. :o

[Goronmon]

Is there any way to get notifications if a new turn starts?

[Panthera]

You should be able to do it through the civstats site. Ah... looks like I'll have to remake the civstats page, because I gave it a password that I can't give out.

[Goronmon]

Alright, maybe I'm just being stupid, but something seems off about the turn timer. A new turn was started yesterday at 9am, yet the CivStats page says the next turn starts at 9pm today. Isn't that a 36 hour turn timer and not 24 hours?

[Jackel]

Alright, maybe I'm just being stupid, but something seems off about the turn timer. A new turn was started yesterday at 9am, yet the CivStats page says the next turn starts at 9pm today. Isn't that a 36 hour turn timer and not 24 hours?

I noticed that too.

[Panthera]

Maybe it has to do with time zones?

[Vigil80]

I'm headed out of town overnight, so I may possibly miss the turn that starts today/ends tomorrow.

[Jackel]

I'm headed out of town overnight, so I may possibly miss the turn that starts today/ends tomorrow.

Maybe we'll get lucky and the turn will start early if everyone finishes :)

[Vigil80]

Well I'm leaving in a half hour, so if the server doesn't come up soon I may miss today's turn too. :p

[Panthera]

Well I'm leaving in a half hour, so if the server doesn't come up soon I may miss today's turn too. :p

The server is up, and your turn is ready to be taken.

[Vigil80]

Don't see it yet, but I'll keep refreshing. T'ank yew. If you had a desk and I had an apple... well, you get the idea.

Edit: Still don't see it, but I must hit the road. Sorry fellows, looks like I'll be the first to screw up the rotation. :o

[Panthera]

Hm. Odd that it would do that. I'll check on the game when I get home, but the civstats page wouldn't be counting down if the server wasn't keeping it up to date. For the record, I've been keeping the server on 24/7.

[Goronmon]

Hm. Odd that it would do that. I'll check on the game when I get home, but the civstats page wouldn't be counting down if the server wasn't keeping it up to date. For the record, I've been keeping the server on 24/7.Actually, the CivStats page seems to be counting down the same hour over and over again.

[Panthera]

The last time I took down the server the civstats page specifically said that the server was down. I guess it's stalled somehow? I'll restart it when I get home in about five and a half hours.

edit: If the server actually hasn't been up then that means time isn't advancing, so at least there's that.

[Panthera]

Alright, I saved the game, closed the server, and started it up again, and for some reason it changed the game name to 'esc' but it's working again.

In case anyone skims over that: The game is now called esc in the server browser.

[MagGnome]

I found the game and logged in, and I get the feeling that the AI took my turn for me. Instead of it saying "Press Enter to End Your Turn" at the bottom, it said "Waiting for Other Civilizations" which is what it says once my turn is over. I could still do stuff, but it feels like the AI moved for me. Is that possible?

Edit - Doh, I'm a moron! The turn hasn't advanced since I played last night. Nothing to see here, folks. :o

[Goronmon]

Something is funky with the server. It's like it's stalling and the turn time keeps creeping up. I had the CivStats page open and it said it was 1 hour 50 minutes until the next turn, then I refreshed and it said 2 hours and 5 minutes.

[Dukefrukem]

WTF?! I missed this???

[Panthera]

Something is funky with the server. It's like it's stalling and the turn time keeps creeping up. I had the CivStats page open and it said it was 1 hour 50 minutes until the next turn, then I refreshed and it said 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Which means it's probably stalled again and needs to be reset. Once more, I'm at work and can't start it for another seven hours.

[Goronmon]

Nah, I think it's progressing now, but it seemed to lose about 15 minutes or so.

Edit: Or maybe there is some weird timesync issues with CivStats and the server itself as it just lost another 3 minutes.

[Clark]

WTF?! I missed this???

Duke!

I'm looking for a sitter for the Zulu for 8 days while I'm on vacation. Interested?

[violent]

I have a plan. Now I just need to be able to execute it!

[Dukefrukem]

Duke!

I'm looking for a sitter for the Zulu for 8 days while I'm on vacation. Interested?

Interested yes. What days??

[Jackel]

I was just able to play my turn so I don't think it is stalled.

[Panthera]

Looks like it has advanced to the next turn, so everything is good.

[Goronmon]

Yeah, it's not stalling, I just think that the server's time is moving slower than actual time. If you leave the CivStats page up for a while in your browser and then refresh, you'll see the time get changed.

[Clark]

Interested yes. What days??

March 14th-22nd

[MagGnome]

Yeah, it's not stalling, I just think that the server's time is moving slower than actual time. If you leave the CivStats page up for a while in your browser and then refresh, you'll see the time get changed.

You should refresh the page from time to time anyway, as the various stats don't get updated until you do.

[Dukefrukem]

March 14th-22nd

can't do it. I'll be in Seattle during that time away on business. :(

[violent]

Joao II is going down.

[Goronmon]

You should refresh the page from time to time anyway, as the various stats don't get updated until you do.Yes, but my problem is mainly that the time it says the next turn will start is wrong, as it just constantly changes.

[Jackel]

Hmmm....is the server down? It isn't letting me connect to the server now.

[Panthera]

The server is still up at the moment.

[shunoshi]

Wow, not sure how I missed this thread. I tend to catch everything that has the word "civilization" in it. Damn. Oh well, good luck everyone.

[Jackel]

You know....as I play my turn. I really have to wonder if maybe we shouldn't think about changing the time for turns. If we switched to 12 hours, everyone should still have the chance to play most of their turns. It would just get us into the game a lot faster. At the current rate, we'll be here in 3 years when Civ 6 comes out.

Any thoughts? Is it even possible to change the turn rate?

Even if we just do it for the first month.

[violent]

You know....as I play my turn. I really have to wonder if maybe we shouldn't think about changing the time for turns. If we switched to 12 hours, everyone should still have the chance to play most of their turns. It would just get us into the game a lot faster. At the current rate, we'll be here in 3 years when Civ 6 comes out.

Any thoughts? Is it even possible to change the turn rate?

Even if we just do it for the first month.


I support this idea. While 12 hours may seem limited at first, it's actually quite doable. Sure there would be rounds where a player missed their window, but I imagine it would happen to everyone every now and again. Adds a little chaos to the mix. Unless someone has a strict schedule that wouldn't allow it but honestly, that would require a hell of a fucked up schedule.

Thoughts?

[Goronmon]

Yeah, this 24 hour turn time is just crazy. If people were keeping up with the game more often it wouldn't be so bad, but we are waiting about the full 24 hours or more every turn.

[MagGnome]

You know....as I play my turn. I really have to wonder if maybe we shouldn't think about changing the time for turns. If we switched to 12 hours, everyone should still have the chance to play most of their turns. It would just get us into the game a lot faster. At the current rate, we'll be here in 3 years when Civ 6 comes out.

Any thoughts? Is it even possible to change the turn rate?

Even if we just do it for the first month.

How would 12 hours work? I play at 6pm, and then I have to play again at 6am? That's ridiculous.

[violent]

How would 12 hours work? I play at 6pm, and then I have to play again at 6am? That's ridiculous.

No. Play at 6pm, then at 5pm the next day and another turn an hour later. Rinse, repeat.

[Jackel]

How would 12 hours work? I play at 6pm, and then I have to play again at 6am? That's ridiculous.

Really....that's the math you came up with?

You think this game is ever going to end if you play once a day at 6PM? The time it takes for a wonder will take a month. For any sort of victory it will last a year.

Play once in the morning when you wake up, and once when you get home from work.

Who knows..you might not even have to play 12 hours apart. If you're the last person to play, then you can play both your turns right away.

If you miss one, deal with it...it'll happen to everyone.

I get that you might be busy with real life..but guess what, so is everyone else. A civ 4 turn (at least here early on) takes less than a minute. You'll spend more time logging into the game than you will playing your turn.

[Panthera]

I can't change the amount of time the turn passes without starting a new game. Anyway, a Civ game is only 300 turns, which means it'll take less than a year at its longest. As well, from what I'm told a multiplayer Civ game usually resolves itself well before the turn limit as players are eliminated and someone gains a big lead.

[MagGnome]

No. Play at 6pm, then at 5pm the next day and another turn an hour later. Rinse, repeat.

That doesn't make any sense to me. I guess I'm missing something.


Really....that's the math you came up with?

You think this game is ever going to end if you play once a day at 6PM? The time it takes for a wonder will take a month. For any sort of victory it will last a year.

Play once in the morning when you wake up, and once when you get home from work.

Who knows..you might not even have to play 12 hours apart. If you're the last person to play, then you can play both your turns right away.

If you miss one, deal with it...it'll happen to everyone.

I get that you might be busy with real life..but guess what, so is everyone else. A civ 4 turn (at least here early on) takes less than a minute. You'll spend more time logging into the game than you will playing your turn.

I was just asking because I'm not really sure how the turn timer works in the first place. There's no reason to be rude about it.

[Clark]

Is the game showing up on the list for everyone today? I'm not seeing it...

[Jackel]

That doesn't make any sense to me. I guess I'm missing something.




I was just asking because I'm not really sure how the turn timer works in the first place. There's no reason to be rude about it.

My Apologies, I was a few beers in at that point and I guess I took your "ridiculous comment" a bit more than I should have.

Violent's math is the same as mine. What he was saying is that if you are the last person to play your turn, then you'll be able to play your second turn right after, since everyone else will have played already. So since you'll have played right at the start of the second turn, you'll have almost 24 hours before the deadline of the 3rd turn.

Regardless it is a moot point apparently.

[Panthera]

Is the game showing up on the list for everyone today? I'm not seeing it...

Looks like it had stalled again. It's back up. Seems whenever my internet connection flickers, it doesn't restart itself.

[Clark]

Ahhh...thanks.

Shunoshi is acting as Supreme Overlord of the Zulu Nation for the next 8 days.

[shunoshi]

Ahhh...thanks.

Shunoshi is acting as Supreme Overlord of the Zulu Nation for the next 8 days.

Zulu will be safe in my hands, no worries.

[Loki]

Is there enough people for a second game to get going?

[Panthera]

Almost certainly. I recommend making a big game, not worrying about signups - which weren't really necessary for this game anyway - and just post the server password in the thread so that spots are first come first serve.

[Jackel]

Is there enough people for a second game to get going?

At the rate the current game is going. I'd be down for joining a second one.

[violent]

I would as well.

[MagGnome]

As would I. The current game is moving quite slow.

I'd even be willing to join a game with 12 hour turns. :p



Edit - Also, acidpoptart really needs to take his turn!

[Jackel]

Agreed Mags. make it a 12 hour turn please Loki :D

[violent]

I third that.

[shunoshi]

If a second game gets rolling, count me in. I don't have an extra comp to run as a dedicated server, otherwise I'd host it.

*EDIT*
Edit - Also, acidpoptart really needs to take his turn!

Also, this. Looks like he only has 1 hour left.

[MagGnome]

He's been the hold out the last few times.

He's "online" on Steam right now, so I'm going to bug him.


Edit - Apparently he was out of town. I think he mentioned this earlier in the thread.

He's going to take his turn now, hooray!

[MagGnome]

A new turn has begun! :D

Log in, hit enter, log out. Exciting.

[Panthera]

I seriously hope nobody expected a 'play by email' game to go fast. :p

[MagGnome]

I seriously hope nobody expected a 'play by email' game to go fast. :p

I thought we'd be done in a week. :p


No really, I know it's going to take forever. I just wish the start of the game wasn't so slow. When I play by myself, I usually hit enter a bunch of times until things heat up.

[Vigil80]

So how can we communicate with other leaders in-game? Would it work like email or something? The diplomacy screen doesn't seem to exist.

[Panthera]

When I play by myself, I usually hit enter a bunch of times until things heat up.

I've never actually done that yet this game. The stuff you do this early in the game amplifies what happens late in the game, so I make sure that what I'm researching will be immediately useful applied to my surroundings, that I really am working the right tiles, and to keep my scouts moving. In a single player game I get lazy and plow through the early turns, but this forces me to slow down and consider what I'm doing.

[Goronmon]

I pretty much forget how to play entirely, so I'm mostly just winging it at this point. We'll see how that goes.

[Scull]

So how can we communicate with other leaders in-game? Would it work like email or something? The diplomacy screen doesn't seem to exist.
You have to make contact in game first. We haven't been able to explore much of the world, so there isn't much chance that you've encountered others yet. You could e-mail them, but that takes it out of game and all that jazz.

[MagGnome]

I've never actually done that yet this game. The stuff you do this early in the game amplifies what happens late in the game, so I make sure that what I'm researching will be immediately useful applied to my surroundings, that I really am working the right tiles, and to keep my scouts moving. In a single player game I get lazy and plow through the early turns, but this forces me to slow down and consider what I'm doing.

Um...forgive my lack of knowledge, but what is there to do at this point in the game? I'm researching and building something of course, but that's going to take a while. What else is there to do on a turn-to-turn basis so early on?

You cannot possibly have more than one unit yet, unless you started with extras.


I pretty much forget how to play entirely, so I'm mostly just winging it at this point. We'll see how that goes.

That's where I'm at as well. I don't expect to last long. :p


You have to make contact in game first. We haven't been able to explore much of the world, so there isn't much chance that you've encountered others yet. You could e-mail them, but that takes it out of game and all that jazz.

I've actually encountered one other player so far.

[Panthera]

Um...forgive my lack of knowledge, but what is there to do at this point in the game? I'm researching and building something of course, but that's going to take a while. What else is there to do on a turn-to-turn basis so early on?

You cannot possibly have more than one unit yet, unless you started with extras.

Last turn it took me about ten minutes to finish my turn because I had just received a new technology. Before that, I switched the tile being worked from one to the other because I decided it was better to grow the city two its second pop faster than to produce a second warrior faster.

Also, I do have two units, because a village I explored game me a scout.

[violent]

That's where I'm at as well. I don't expect to last long. :p


You'd be wise then to join the others in my ranks.

[Whunpo]

I want to be in this one. Pleeease!

[miah]

Oh cool. I'd like to take part in the next try at this =) Or, if anybody wants to play CIV4 online, let me know.

[MagGnome]

Last turn it took me about ten minutes to finish my turn because I had just received a new technology. Before that, I switched the tile being worked from one to the other because I decided it was better to grow the city two its second pop faster than to produce a second warrior faster.

Also, I do have two units, because a village I explored game me a scout.

I guess I just suck then. :o

[shunoshi]

I guess I just suck then. :o

*Insert obligatory gay joke here*

In reality, Mags, he just got lucky :p At this point, I'm doing the same thing as you. Enter game, hit enter key, exit game.

[MagGnome]

*Insert obligatory gay joke here*

In reality, Mags, he just got lucky :p At this point, I'm doing the same thing as you. Enter game, hit enter key, exit game.

I think he's a cheater!


Just kidding, Panthera, please don't attack me! :D

[Loki]

So where does one set up a new server and all that fun stuff so that a second game can get going.

[Panthera]

I think he's a cheater!


Just kidding, Panthera, please don't attack me! :D

Being on my border, I could crush you like a bug in about three turns, but I'm nice. ;)

[Panthera]

So where does one set up a new server and all that fun stuff so that a second game can get going.

It took me a bit of figuring and experimenting to get it to go. Basically, you need a computer that's on all the time, and you need to run the Pitboss server.

http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/pitboss.htm

After you patch up Beyond the Sword, there'll be a pitboss exe sitting in the BtS folder, so you don't need to download anything. Some other notes:

1) Don't worry about email settings, since the email alerts just plain don't work.
2) Make sure that you set turns to 'asynchronous' so that people don't have to take their turns in order.
3) Once your game is set up and running, go to http://www.civstats.com/addgame.php and download the stat updater. That'll also need to be running on the computer the server is running on. Make sure you pick a password here that you can give out, which is a mistake that I made.
4) Sometimes the only way to tell if the server is froze is to look at the turn countdown on the pitboss application and see if it's still counting down.

Feel free to ask me any other questions about the process.

[Lint of Death]

Being on my border, I could crush you like a bug in about three turns, but I'm nice. ;)

Looks like I dodged that bullet!

[Scull]

Damn, I'm sitting in last place already. 8 turns in. Guess I'll just have to step up my game.

[MagGnome]

Being on my border, I could crush you like a bug in about three turns, but I'm nice. ;)

It's scary how close we are to each other. You could easily make me your bitch. :o

[shunoshi]

It took me a bit of figuring and experimenting to get it to go. Basically, you need a computer that's on all the time, and you need to run the Pitboss server.

http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/pitboss.htm

After you patch up Beyond the Sword, there'll be a pitboss exe sitting in the BtS folder, so you don't need to download anything. Some other notes:

1) Don't worry about email settings, since the email alerts just plain don't work.
2) Make sure that you set turns to 'asynchronous' so that people don't have to take their turns in order.
3) Once your game is set up and running, go to http://www.civstats.com/addgame.php and download the stat updater. That'll also need to be running on the computer the server is running on. Make sure you pick a password here that you can give out, which is a mistake that I made.
4) Sometimes the only way to tell if the server is froze is to look at the turn countdown on the pitboss application and see if it's still counting down.

Feel free to ask me any other questions about the process.

I just got Civ IV installed on the laptop, so I may be able to run a game from home on my PC. It's on all the time anyway. I'll look into trying this out tonight. If I get it up and running I'll PM the folks here that said they'd be interested in playing.

Loki, if you get it up and running too, maybe we can have 3 rolling. I wouldn't mind being in 2 games since I'm just covering for Clark right now anyway.

[MagGnome]

I'd definitely like to join another game. I'm not sure if I mentioned that earlier or not.

[Panthera]

Yep. Traditionally, when one gets into PBeM games one joins several. I'd suggest people who didn't get into this game get first dibs though.

OH! And other detail: If you're playing in the game that you're hosting, make sure you make a second CIV online account so that it doesn't disconnect the server when you try to log in.

[Panthera]

It's scary how close we are to each other. You could easily make me your bitch. :o

Is it just me or is it getting a little warm in here?

[shunoshi]

OH! And other detail: If you're playing in the game that you're hosting, make sure you make a second CIV online account so that it doesn't disconnect the server when you try to log in.

Ahhhhhhhhh, that was one of the questions I was going to ask. I was wondering how that would work out. There isn't an issue with serial numbers though, right? You don't need two copies of the game or anything?

I can't imagine that'd be the case.

[Panthera]

Ahhhhhhhhh, that was one of the questions I was going to ask. I was wondering how that would work out. There isn't an issue with serial numbers though, right? You don't need two copies of the game or anything?

I can't imagine that'd be the case.

Nope, it doesn't even ask you for a serial, and I think the latest patch removed the CD check. Civ IV is an example of a very successful game that needed no DRM.

[shunoshi]

Nope, it doesn't even ask you for a serial, and I think the latest patch removed the CD check. Civ IV is an example of a very successful game that needed no DRM.

Yeah, I was very pleased to see the lack of CD check now. No more lugging discs around.

Cool, I'll give this a go tonight for sure.

[MagGnome]

Nope, it doesn't even ask you for a serial, and I think the latest patch removed the CD check. Civ IV is an example of a very successful game that needed no DRM.

There can't be such a thing!

Someone should tell Ubisoft.


Is it just me or is it getting a little warm in here?

;)

[shunoshi]

Hmm, tried to get a game setup tonight. Things seemed to be working out ok, but then my game never showed up on the internet game list. Panthera, I'm gonna PM you some questions. :o

[shunoshi]

Loki,

I suggest you give setting up a game a try. I'm network retarded and my router doesn't appear to be cooperating. I'm still gonna mess around with it, but I wouldn't wait on me. I'm not holding my breath. :(

[Jackel]

How does the pit boss work? does it require me to keep civ 4 running constantly? I have a PC that is always on, but I use it for my gaming so would that not work?

[Panthera]

How does the pit boss work? does it require me to keep civ 4 running constantly? I have a PC that is always on, but I use it for my gaming so would that not work?

You do need to have it running constantly, but the pitboss application itself doesn't take up much CPU or RAM. You should be able to game just fine on your always-on machine.

[MagGnome]

You do need to have it running constantly, but the pitboss application itself doesn't take up much CPU or RAM. You should be able to game just fine on your always-on machine.

I think he was asking if Civ IV has to run constantly, not the Pit Boss.

[Panthera]

I think he was asking if Civ IV has to run constantly, not the Pit Boss.

I'm not sure if he's quite clear that the Pit Boss is even a separate application, but no, you only need to run Civ IV itself when you're playing your own turn.

[Jackel]

I wasn't sure if it was separate or just a mod. but it is certainly clear. If Loki hasn't set one up by tomorrow morning I'll see if I can't get one going here. The only possible hiccup is that I'm on a school network and I'd be worried that they might block the ports.

[Jackel]

Ok. I just gave it a shot and I was able to connect to my game online. So if we want I can get a second game started now.

edit: should I do 12 or 18 players? and what map size would you recommend?

[shunoshi]

Ok. I just gave it a shot and I was able to connect to my game online. So if we want I can get a second game started now.

edit: should I do 12 or 18 players? and what map size would you recommend?

Excellent. I don't really have a suggestion on number of players or size as I don't really have enough experience in MP to know what's too big/small for a given number of players.

Count me in though.

*EDIT* Can I call dibs on Montezuma?

*EDIT2* Perhaps we can do a team game? 2v2v2v2v2v2? That'd be fun.

*EDIT3* Oh, and make sure to turn off barbarians. They can be seriously unfair in MP games.

[Panthera]

Ok. I just gave it a shot and I was able to connect to my game online. So if we want I can get a second game started now.

edit: should I do 12 or 18 players? and what map size would you recommend?

I recommend starting a new thread so we can keep track which games are in progress.

[Scull]

Panthera, the server seems to be down. I see the game in the browser, but am unable to connect.

[Panthera]

The server is up. I reset it a few hours ago, and I just logged in to check.

[Jackel]

The second game is up. First come first serve:

http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=16396

[Acidpoptart]

Hey guys I am going to be out of town for a few days for some family stuff. I will try to log in remotely and play my turn, but I may not be able to. I apologize ahead of time if I hold you all up.

[Wraith]

Just finished my turn tonight. Probably won't be able to get back to it until late Sunday. (Unless a new turn starts overnight, and I have a few minutes tomorrow morning.)

[MagGnome]

I'll be taking my turn shortly.

I just noticed that I'm officially in last place. :(

[Vigil80]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think if you queque up build orders, research items, and/or unit move actions, your orders will progress without you manually ending your turn every day.

[MagGnome]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think if you queque up build orders, research items, and/or unit move actions, your orders will progress without you manually ending your turn every day.

I hope you're right. I just missed my turn because I couldn't log in. :(

[Clark]

*EDIT2* Perhaps we can do a team game? 2v2v2v2v2v2? That'd be fun.

*EDIT3* Oh, and make sure to turn off barbarians. They can be seriously unfair in MP games.

I'd love to play a team game!

We may have to get another one going where we do this.

[Panthera]

There's a handful of people who haven't taken their turn, and it's almost at the next turn. Just a head's up.

[Vigil80]

Looks like you're leaving the server up more often than not. Kudos. I know I for one usually remember to check late at night.

On that note, anyone else having their connection attempt time out when trying to connect?

[Scull]

Looks like you're leaving the server up more often than not. Kudos. I know I for one usually remember to check late at night.

On that note, anyone else having their connection attempt time out when trying to connect?
Frequently. I usually have to try 3 or 4 times before I can connect. If I had to guess I would say that I had to wait until someone else logged off so that I'd have the bandwidth needed to connect.

[shunoshi]

I'd love to play a team game!

We may have to get another one going where we do this.

If I can ever get my router to cooperate, I'll setup a 3rd game with teams.

[Jackel]

I'll play a team game too lol.

[MagGnome]

What happens if I miss a turn? I'm pretty sure I just missed two turns in a row, as I haven't been on the computer much since Wednesday. Does my turn still happen?

[Vigil80]

Like I said, pretty sure that any actions already quequed take place. When I have some lined up, I notice that my boys have already moved when I log in, so all that's been left to do is hit "end turn."

If nothing quequed, I'd expect the turn just passes you by.

[MagGnome]

Hopefully you are right. I'll have to log in and see if my research and building has progressed.

[MagGnome]

I just noticed that goronmon has been eliminated. :eek:

[Vigil80]

Judging by the log, looks like he might have eliminated himself.

[Clark]

I've been playing a ton of single player to sharpen my skills for this. I'm struggling with how to improve tiles. Food/cottage/etc. ratio is hard to wrap my head around for some reason...

[Panthera]

Judging by the log, looks like he might have eliminated himself.

I'm afraid not. ;)

[MagGnome]

I'm afraid not. ;)

:eek:

I'll give you anything to leave me alone!

[Goronmon]

I'm afraid not. ;)Well, fuck you then.

[MagGnome]

Ouch! Poor goronmon. :(

Could you even see how you'd been eliminated? That's one thing I don't like about this mode of play. There isn't any feedback. We can't actually see the turns play out like we can in singleplayer.

[Panthera]

Well, my warrior unit must have been in sight for at least two turns. I can't see how he wouldn't have seen it coming.

[Goronmon]

Whatever, I'm not good at Civilization, but I wasn't expecting you to be a fucking jerk and fuck me over as fast as you could. At least I know not to bother wasting my time trying to play any more strategy games with you in the future.

[MagGnome]

So, uh, that unit parked within sight of my city is a warning then?

[Panthera]

Whatever, I'm not good at Civilization, but I wasn't expecting you to be a fucking jerk and fuck me over as fast as you could. At least I know not to bother wasting my time trying to play any more strategy games with you in the future.

4) This is not a tournament or serious business in any way. Most of us aren't very good at this. Don't take it personally if someone stabs you in the back.

Seriously. I'm not a particularly great player. I'm not nearly at the top of the score list. I'm just giving it my all with the resources I've got. It's twelve players on a standard sized map, so borders are going to be close and competition fierce.

So, uh, that unit parked within sight of my city is a warning then?

Nope. You can't attack with scouts, and I already agreed to non-aggression. Throwing my warrior at a defended city this early is too risky for my tastes.

[Goronmon]

If that warning said "Don't waste your time playing if you aren't an already pretty solid at Civ IV multiplayer." then I wouldn't have wasted my time. Because seriously this was the most boring, dumbest game I have ever played online.

It's twelve players on a standard sized map, so borders are going to be close and competition fierce.I guess it's my fault for not realizing the goal of this setup was to put together a super-competitive match.

[Jackel]

Is the server down? Because I'm not seeing it on the list in-game anymore.

[Panthera]

Can't check it until I get home later tonight. CivStats page seems to be going.

[Jackel]

Yeah...thats why I wasn't sure because I checked the stats page and it shows as up :S

[shunoshi]

If that warning said "Don't waste your time playing if you aren't an already pretty solid at Civ IV multiplayer." then I wouldn't have wasted my time. Because seriously this was the most boring, dumbest game I have ever played online.

I guess it's my fault for not realizing the goal of this setup was to put together a super-competitive match.

Wow, sore loser much?

That's basic multiplayer. Defend your cities or stay within defending distance. I wouldn't call it super-competitive. If I came across an undefended capital with my wandering warrior, I'd take it without a second thought. Having 2 capitals that early in a game is huge.


As an aside, I'm going to be wrestling with my router tonight to get it to let me host a game. If I do get it working, I'll post up a 3rd game thread to judge interest. It'll be a team game this time around though.

[Goronmon]

Wow, sore loser much?

That's basic multiplayer.My first time playing any form of Civilization multiplayer, so I'll have to take your word for it. But hey, good on you for proving how much more 1337 you are than I am at Civilization.

[Jackel]

While I can understand you'd be frustrated. It is my first time playing as well, and I sort of figured that this situation might happen.

I had an enemy warrior come up to my boundaries, so I made sure to keep my unit close by in case he was needed for defending.

The game is going to last a long time anyways, but it would take even longer if a few cities weren't taken early.

[Goronmon]

I think I just made a mistake trying to play with you guys. It had been too long since I'd played Civ at all, and had never done multiplayer. I was busy with work and PAX in the days leading up to being attacked, so I really didn't have time to spend micro-managing the game.

Oh well, I guess I know to avoid this stuff in the future.

[Vigil80]

The same thing very nearly could have happened to me, and I'd expect half the participants to be gone before we get out of the bronze age.

Time to buck up. Better luck next time, shit happens, and all that.

[Goronmon]

Yeah, I wish I was good enough at Civ to actually be competitive with you guys, but I think I was literally the worst player on the server, so I guess it makes sense that I was knocked out first.

[Clark]

I am average at best. But I think in any strategy game it makes sense that if you don't defend your city it can be taken over.

Shunoshi- I am SO in a team game.

[Goronmon]

Yeah, like I said, it was a while since I played. I forgot that not having an actual unit in your city it was completely undefended. I was using whatever unit they start you with to just scout around the map.

[shunoshi]

My first time playing any form of Civilization multiplayer, so I'll have to take your word for it. But hey, good on you for proving how much more 1337 you are than I am at Civilization.

Come on man, I'm not playing elitest here. You spent your previous 3 posts ranting, so I decided to point it out.

Yeah, if you haven't played Civ MP before it can be a shock how cutthroat it is compared to SP. I don't think any of us are Civ IV powerhouses playing the ladders or anything. I consider myself mediocre at best. I'd give a few real-time MP games a shot so you can get the feel for it. Maybe you can join in on my team game if I ever get my damn internets to cooperate.

[Panthera]

I don't think any of us are Civ IV powerhouses playing the ladders or anything. I consider myself mediocre at best.

Same here.

I'm up for joining another game, as long as it's not 12 hour turns. Maybe changing it from standard to a shorter game (whatever the opposite of 'marathon' or 'epic' game length is) would be a good compromise.

[Goronmon]

I don't think any of us are Civ IV powerhouses playing the ladders or anything. I consider myself mediocre at best.Well, from my perspective as someone completely knew to the multiplayer side of things, I don't see a distinction between a "mediocre" player and a "powerhouse". It's still someone who is going to wipe the floor with me. :p

[Panthera]

The server was frozen; back up now.

[Wraith]

Think the server is down right now.

[Panthera]

The server is up.

[Wraith]

The server is up.Hmm. I keep getting timed out trying to connect.

[Scull]

The game is down, I repeat the game is down!

I just tried to log in and the game is not on the server list.

[Panthera]

Looks like the power went down while I was at work. The game is resumed.

[Panthera]

Just a heads up, I'm going to be out of town for the weekend and I need to bring my laptop with me, so the server will be down from around 5pm EST today until sometime Sunday evening.

[Panthera]

Change of plans, I'm leaving my laptop here (already taking too much stuff with me) and if the AI has to take my turn, so be it. If we're lucky it won't freeze while I'm gone.

[violent]

I just have to mention how hilarious I'm finding this game to evolve. Goronmon gets wiped out(no offense) while I was gone for 10 days straight and I'm in second place. Just goes to show how accurate this game is to real life.

[MagGnome]

You suck Violent.

:p

[Wraith]

Can anyone else log in? I'm getting timeouts again.

[Clark]

I've played about 5 single player games in a row now where I'm getting DUSTED technology wise. I really am not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Do you guys use a lot of specialists?

Also, I notice the comp has way bigger cities than I do towards end-game. My biggest cities are around 22, while I see the comp with 26 or so. I try to upgrade tiles almost soley with food production, but it seems like I cap out early.

[MagGnome]

I think that the server is down.

[Panthera]

I'm back in town and the server is back up.

[Wraith]

Timing out again...

[Panthera]

I had to reset the game earlier today, but it's up and running now.

[Wraith]

I'll give it another try. It looked like it was started up this afternoon, but I tried logging in right before my previous post.

*Edit* Now it's working. Thanks!

[Panthera]

Looks like a handful of players aren't taking their turns anymore. If you've given up for now, please post in this thread so I can pass the civ off to another player or let the AI officially take over.

[MagGnome]

I'm still playing, despite my low score. :p

[Wraith]

Timing out. May try again later tonight/early tomorrow.

*Edit* Got in now.

[Vigil80]

Whoops, dropped into last place. I'm doing everything I can!

Who else hates the intro tune when you start the game?

[Panthera]

You can change which splash screen you use. I changed it back to the original Civ IV's.

[Scull]

Server is down again it looks like

[Panthera]

Server reset initiated. Server is now online.

[Panthera]

Alright, in an attempt to stabilize the server I've given us a dynamic IP. You should now be able to connect directly without having to log in through the server browser by using the following address:

panthera.endoftheinternet.org

[MagGnome]

Awesome! I'll have to make a little desktop file with the name of these servers. They certainly make it easier to connect.

[Panthera]

If nobody has any trouble with the direct connection, I'll delist it from gamespy. That should stop it from going down except when I have an actual internet outage.

[Jackel]

Go for it...seems to be working out better for Game 2.

[Panthera]

Since the game froze again I went for direct IP only this time. Let me know how it works.

[Wraith]

Not connecting for me; timing out. (You just copy "panthera.endoftheinternet.org" into Network Address and put in the same password, right?)

Can't ping that address either.

Not a new turn yet, but thought I'd try the direct connection to see if it worked.

[Panthera]

Server is up, DNS is up. Don't know why you can't get to it.

[Vigil80]

Second. I can't connect either.

[Panthera]

Roger, I'm going to host on gamespy again until I get the missing link figured out.

[Panthera]

It should be back up on gamespy now.

[Wraith]

Thanks.

Maybe it's my ISP that's the problem w/ the direct address...

(Did Rogue Hunter & Mag really just get eliminated, or is the civstats page mixed up?

*Edit* Looks like civstats is wrong on that, at least.)