Game settings

[Troymk1]

I just did a playtest with our settings for advanced Start with 18 players

the 12th player to log in (I did it as Hotseat) was coming up against the borders of already established players. This continued for all but one of the players from then on. Also I was none too happy with the map script...lots of straight line finger peninsulars that extended from 5-10 spaces....bleh. 

Unfortunately I'm not savvy enough with Civ to be able to save a Multiplayer in WB so I can examine the map.


So my advice would be 1-2 cities max, then settlers. It's rare you're happy with where your cities are in advanced start anyway as you don't get full visibility (and it won't let you place them anywhere within your sphere of influence...which is odd.)

Also remember you don't have to spend all your cash when we do this. 

[Capsavian Hopewell]

I've done six single-player playtests with this setup (I don't think it's possible to open a multiplayer file in world builder, which makes sense as that could be interpreted as cheating), and if you build say, five cities, you are all but assured to run up against someone else.

If you build two or three, then you usually still have adequate space.

As for Space Race, it will be about 18 months before we ever get to that stage in this game, but I think it's good to have since we are playing a roleplaying-style game; more options and routes to victory, other than flat-out war.  This was pointed out to me on the Civfanatics forum, and I agree it's better to have more options in a game like this.

I am going to go set up the game now with these settings, but will wait to announce the IP address and password, until after we have settled on what we should have for starting restrictions (if any).

Should we limit the number of starting cities?  I think we should probably not, personally.
Should we disallow purchasing of religion techs? I'm on the fence with this one, as the religion is awarded more or less randomly, so everyone is taking a gamble by attempting to purchase a religion.

Other than that, I think we are more or less in agreement on everything else.  I shall go set up this beast now...

[karayanev]

All looks great! Lets fire up this baby 

Can't wait, any chances that we will have a turn tonight? 

[Capsavian Hopewell]

I will aim to get this set up tonight, yes...although probably won't be until late (like midnight or so, MT).  I have to get a client project done before I get this set up. 

Yes, I have my priorities mixed up!

[Carolus Maltman]

Might I suggest that we do a practice start - to test the server & connectivity, get a feel for the advanced start, play a few turns, and THEN start for real?

[Capsavian Hopewell]

Give me another 20-30 minutes and this baby will be ready for you to log in. 

As to connectivity and whatnot, the countdown timer doesn't start until everyone has made their Advanced Start moves--which means, we can take as long as is needed for that to happen.  I'll probably allow for upwards of 48 hours for each player to make their initial move.

So, I think we should be good. 

[Capsavian Hopewell]

OK, finally got it working...will post access details in The Speakeasy forum.