Home » Stars! 2.6/7 » New Game Announcements » Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers
Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Tue, 04 September 2012 12:53 |
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Fledgling Admirals VIII
A pretty straight short game which is intended to lure back oldtimers (considering themselves beginner to lower intermediate) and to bring in new players. It's the 8th game I'll be hosting of this type. Each is a bit different and usually with a new bunch of players.
To make the battleground even, players experienced in the mean combat vs other humans will have to leave some leftover points in the race wizard (see restrictions).
Host is not playing and feel free to ask when you feel unsure about the conditions, Stars-version, abbreviations etc.
To get new players going, I'll give comments about your chosen race design to help you finetuining it. During the game several articles, tutorials and links will be provided helping you to find your way in the vast available knowledge base for Stars!.
If a friend told you about the game and you are keen on playing but lack a serial code, there are unique serial numbers available from Ron who is also running autohost, look in the following thread: Getting serial numbers.
Concerning problems of Stars with Win7 (64bit), here several solutions: Windows 7 compatibility issues? Look no further!
Game Info
Players: 6 - 9
Skill level: beginner - lower intermediate
Ranked: No
Version: 2.6 J rc4, 2.7 J rc3 (German) (downloads)
Autohost: Yes
Turn generation: 5 turns a week (Mo-Fr) up to year 2430, then 3 turns/week (Mo-We-Fr) as soon as requested by at least one player. Weekends and holidays off (do notify me about holidays).
Host is playing: No
Universe size: small packed (240 stars in a 800x800-ly-universe), distant starting positions
Starting conditions: ACC BBS
Victory conditions: Last Man/Last Team standing or consensus. Winning team mustn't exceed 2 players.
Game Rules
1) No pregame alliances which means that players should not get in contact before the game starts to optimize their race designs for a later alliance.
2) Using chaff, split-fleet dodge, mine damage dodge and the repair after gating loophole is ok, all other "cheats" are forbidden and most likely lead to your disqualification, for more info see the thread: Known Bugs (JRC3) - Player Exploitable Bugs / "Features" (or ask the host when in doubt)
Restrictions for your race-design depending on experience
Players which have already played Stars games vs humans will have disadvantages by leaving leftover points in the race wizard and some PRTs (primary race traits) might be forbidden. I'll check the races and especially to the beginners I'll be offering some advice how to improve your design.
a) for beginners (no Stars-experience vs humans or 1 game and soundly beaten):
* banned: AR (Alternate Reality) and PP (Packet Physics)
b) for advanced beginners (up to 3 games vs humans and not part of the winning alliance):
* banned: AR
* all other PRTs: 60 leftover points
Leftover points can be spent as you like.
c) for lower intermediates and (perhaps) rusty oldtimers:
* banned: JoaT, SD
* AR: 0 leftover points
* IT: 150 leftover points
* all other PRTs: 100 leftover points
Leftover points can be spent as you like except on mineral concentration.
If in doubt where to sort yourself in, send me an email and ask.
About race design
Here some very helpful links:
* Stars! Official Strategy Guide: Basic Race Design (especially the info about breakpoints at the end)
* Basic Race Design by Art Lathrop
* "Race Design, Step by Step" by Mahrin Skel 1997 v2.6/7
* Lots of more articles: Race Design/Strategy
Take it as hints and inspiration, never follow it to the point or believe everything what you read in the articles. But some stuff is really good and helpful. Remember that you need to adapt what you read to our specific game settings.
If you want to get a feeling how your race fares, test it in small packed vs 8 random expert AIs. Your race should manage to conquere the first HW between 2430-40. If you need anylonger, rework your race design.
Misc
* Inactivity: Players which have missed 3 turns will be set to inactive. I'll look for replacements if appropriate or may put in some last orders myself to upgrade the defenses but the game won't stop.
* No rule but especially new players I want to urge not to play in more than 2 games (better even only 1 game) of Stars. You will encounter various difficult tactical challenges and there are lots of good articles available, waiting for you to get inspired by them and to apply their ideas somehow onto your specific situation. After turn 30 orders and thinking will consume time and a good game will be in the back of your mind all the time. It's more fun to play only 1 game but to do this one right.
A note about game length and what you might have to expect
With the above turn generation and assuming the game will last for about 60 turns, the game will be played over a period of around 16 weeks (about 4 month). While this is rather short for a Stars-game, I want to remind everybody, it is not wise to sign up for the game when you already know that eg in 2 month you will be away/without internet connection for several weeks.
Small packed games with 6-9 players tend to be very fast paced. Thus you better don't expect a long peaceful development but skirmishes along your frontiers and somebody trying to invade your colonies perhaps as early as in the 10th and first fleets with destroyers in the 20ies. Early scouting is important not only to know your possible enemies but also to find a suitable ally. It's not at all like playing against the AIs, humans are tricky, nasty and look out for your weak spots.
Don't despair when you get wiped out. Usually you learn more from loosing a game than from winning... and the advantage of a short game: you can apply your newly gained knowledge soon in the next game and kick some admiral's ass.
Since this game is also for new players, the host will describe in detail how to use the autohost interface to upload/download turns.
There were other Fledgling Admiral games, the rules were slightly different, though. But to get you an impression, here what the players wrote about it:
FA I - FA II - FA IV - FA VI
If you are interested, please send to altruist (at) arglos (dot) net :
* the race file
* the password (none is needed but if you want to set one)
* your desired email address (which will be revealed to the other players after some time in the game)
* your nick at autohost
* a short note about your Stars-experience
I'll try to keep this post updated to display the players taking part.
Dead line for race submission: We, 19th Sept 2012.
Players so far (green with race file, orange without race file, (B):beginner, (BA):beginner advanced, (IL):intermediate lower)):- Scott (IL, rusty oldtimer)
- Ben (IL, rusty oldtimer)
- Alex_heney (IL, rusty oldtimer)
- bluechucky (B)
- Asmodai (B)
- dennis (BA) no email-address yet
- xb95 (B)
- Vostromo (BA)
- Mark Hewitt (IL)
Waiting list:- Axel (IL)
[Updated on: Mon, 17 September 2012 23:23] Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Sun, 09 September 2012 10:44 |
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Seems to become the FA-game where everybody writes directly to me instead of using the forum...
FA8 has 4 players now.
2 more spots to fill for 6 players total, then I'll set a deadline for the race files.
Upto 9 players can take part.
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Sun, 09 September 2012 12:11 |
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Ah, that partially* explains the recent spurt in new forum registrations...
I was waiting for registration number 1337 for more than the past three months to make an anonymous id, but someone beat me to it... But then again MrNmid wouldn't really be too anonymous :s
[Updated on: Sun, 09 September 2012 12:14]
I know my minefields.. but I'm a chaff sweeper.
I used to curse when I got stuck in traffic... till I realised I AM traffic.Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Sun, 09 September 2012 15:26 |
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Asmodai | | Officer Cadet 1st Year | Messages: 214
Registered: February 2012 | |
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Sign me in before it gets too late....
Definitely i`ll take some another game to improve my skills.
2 unfinished games with human player - in both i`m taking quite a pounding, qualifies me to beginner, or i`m advanced beginner?
[Updated on: Sun, 09 September 2012 15:31] Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Sun, 09 September 2012 16:37 |
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Asmodai wrote on Sun, 09 September 2012 21:262 unfinished games with human player
Why unfinished? Are they still running? Then I'd strongly recommend not to start a 3rd game.
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Sun, 09 September 2012 18:40 |
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Asmodai | | Officer Cadet 1st Year | Messages: 214
Registered: February 2012 | |
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I actually playing in one - second is on hold - player seeking replacement. From long time. I`m also sure, that old games will be end, before mm will be problem.
[Updated on: Sun, 09 September 2012 18:42] Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Mon, 10 September 2012 00:24 |
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Hi,
Thanks for the email, you've resurrected me from the deep space beacon I had been trapped inside. (Or something.)
I'd be interested in joining FA8. I played in one of the FA games a while ago... FA3 or 4, I forget. Anyway, if you still have room, consider this a signup.
PS I am in no other games, and have not played since 4 years ago when I last played. That was the first and only time I've been in a multiplayer game of STARS!.
[Updated on: Mon, 10 September 2012 00:28] Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Mon, 10 September 2012 04:44 |
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Asmodai wrote on Mon, 10 September 2012 00:40I actually playing in one - second is on hold - player seeking replacement. From long time. I`m also sure, that old games will be end, before mm will be problem.
Ok, you are in and with no game finished I've put you down as a beginner.
xb95 wrote on Mon, 10 September 2012 06:24Hi,
Thanks for the email, you've resurrected me from the deep space beacon I had been trapped inside. (Or something.)
I'd be interested in joining FA8. I played in one of the FA games a while ago... FA3 or 4, I forget. Anyway, if you still have room, consider this a signup.
PS I am in no other games, and have not played since 4 years ago when I last played. That was the first and only time I've been in a multiplayer game of STARS!.
Welcome back.
Same as above: a spot is reserved, you are listed as beginner.
Unfortunately the new forum seems to be even stricter about editing old own posts. So I can't update the first post but must put an update in here:
Players so far (green with race file, orange without race file, (B):beginner, (BA):beginner advanced, (IL):intermediate lower)):- Scott (IL)
- Ben (IL)
- Alex_heney (IL)
- bluechucky (B)
- Asmodai (B)
- dennis (BA)
- xb95 (B)
In the next days I'll set a deadline for the race file submission which will everybody also get via email (if you haven't given me your email, please, let me know one). But surely you can already start testing and designing your race designs. Remember the restrictions according to your experience class and that the game will have between 7-9 players in a small/packed universe.
[Updated on: Mon, 10 September 2012 04:46] Report message to a moderator
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FA8: deadline for race submission |
Tue, 11 September 2012 13:45 |
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We have 8 players by now. Time to set a deadline for race submission.
Dead line for race submission: We, 19th Sept 2012. My email-address: altruist (at) arglos (dot) net
As announced I'll be offering some advice and comments about your chosen race design. So the earlier I get it, the better and it gives you the option to finetune your design (the last design sent in will be taken).
It might be that another players steps in or one doesn't get in a race design. So have in mind that the game might consist of 6-9 players, 6 is minimum, 9 the max.
Players so far (green with race file, orange without race file, (B):beginner, (BA):beginner advanced, (IL):intermediate lower)):- Scott (IL, rusty oldtimer)
- Ben (IL, rusty oldtimer)
- Alex_heney (IL, rusty oldtimer)
- bluechucky (B)
- Asmodai (B)
- dennis (BA) no email-address yet
- xb95 (B)
- Vostromo (BA)
- Mark Hewitt (IL)
Waiting list:- Axel (IL)
[Updated on: Mon, 17 September 2012 23:23] Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Tue, 11 September 2012 17:09 |
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Mark Hewitt wrote on Tue, 11 September 2012 22:16Hello Altruist,
I'd like to get into Fledgling Admirals VIII if at all possible. Race file emailed.
I'd rate myself as lower intermediate. I've played in 2 games to effective elimination (Dig It! (poor mines & no diplo game as a SS) and Sixpack 3 (no minefields & no diplo game as a WM)) as well as currently playing in Stone Age Slaughter 7.
Thanks!
My advice would be to concentrate on winning sas7 *grin
Seriously, I have made the experience that I am getting into deep problems when playing in 2 games at the same time. Sas7 has just started but is a bit slower than FA8, so they will peak at the same time with lots of micro management.
If you insist, I am happy to have you on board but I will give you another 48h to make up your mind to rather win in one game than to loose in both *evil grin
The alternative will be a seriously disrupted real life in about 2-3 month.
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FA8: necessary things |
Tue, 11 September 2012 17:11 |
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First race files are incoming. So urgent time to mention/repeat some things everybody should be aware of:
1) You must use the proper Stars version as lined out in the announcement above:
* 2.6 J rc4, 2.7 J rc3 (German) (downloads)
2) You must have a unique serial code (or we will flock you when running into copy code protection problems during the game):
* Getting serial numbers
3) Stars Help file
It's not included in the download above and with some mistakes here and there but still one of the most helpful tools.
The newest version:
* e27ihelp.zip (456 kb)
* contains slightly updated Stars!.hlp, 2 dll-files and a ReadMe.txt with troubleshooting infos
* includes additional feature: quick search within the help (very handy)
* on other websites this help-update comes as e27ihelp.exe but I made it a zip-file (running an unknown exe-file is always a bit creepy)
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Wed, 12 September 2012 20:36 |
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I sent in a first draft at a race file. Please let me know if you didn't receive it.
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Sat, 15 September 2012 13:17 |
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Most race files are in (see above list, first post). Some need a bit finetuning but overall we are on track. It looks like a good mix: 4 ILs, 1 BA, 4 beginners.
What I noticed (once again) when trying to analyze and to comment the submitted race designs: It's a hellish steep penalty I have given the lower intermediates. With JoaT and SD banned (but only for IL) and for every other PRT forced to 100-150 leftover race-pts they really go handicapped into the game.
The good thing: the game will be exciting and a true challenge to win against beginners in this Fledgling Admirals setting. And don't feel embarrassed if you get creamed by a beginner. If they read up, they can get quite good players very fast. I lost myself vs one of the FA-beginners shortly afterwards in a duel (and yes, I felt embarrassed *grin).
A bit late but this will surely help the beginners to understand the gibberish we are talking here in the forum and I in my emails:
* Stars Abbreviations
In case several more players show up and want to play, we could perhaps ask neilhoward to host another game:
* New Game inquiry for beginner level experience players
Sadly this very interesting approach has gone a bit unnoticed, perhaps because it was posted as an inquiry in the bar instead of as a proper setup in the new game announcement section.
[Updated on: Sat, 15 September 2012 14:45] Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Sun, 16 September 2012 08:02 |
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Mark Hewitt wrote on Sun, 16 September 2012 06:08Question for you, Altruist.
For the game, Random Events on or disabled?
They are on.
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Mon, 17 September 2012 10:08 |
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magic9mushroom wrote on Mon, 17 September 2012 13:08Why is JoaT banned but not CA?
Because in this setting the CA isn't the feared monster which needs banning. As far as a I recall, in 7 FA games a CA was only once involved in the winning alliance. But I think only once the question wasn't asked.
[Updated on: Mon, 17 September 2012 10:10] Report message to a moderator
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Re: Fledgling Admirals VIII: beginners - lower intermediate - rusty oldtimers |
Tue, 18 September 2012 19:43 |
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Sent an updated race file. Thanks!
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