Out of character thread XIX

[Ramses II CP]

I was just taking a look at the save to assess the general situation, and I noticed that, hilariously, the siege force at Dijon has built 21 rams and 7 siege towers. Now if only the AI would provide them with one single bloody company of infantry, they could really go crazy.

Things aren't all bad really. Have the AI armies been topped up yet, or is that waiting, or not going to happen? Just curious because it's difficult to formulate strategy, in particular in the Bavarian theatre, without know if there will be additional forces in play.

[TinCow]

FYI, the Library update will be delayed since I am on vacation. It will be done sometime on Friday or Saturday which is, unfortunately, after the Diet session is over. My apologies, but I simply don't have access to the game right now so I can't do it.

[econ21]

My computer is almost dead. So I'm going to be unavailable for a few days, since my internet is going to be unavailable too. Since I don't have an avatar right now it's okay, but I thought I'd better tell you guys, in case an available avatar came up.

From the Chancellor's final report, we do seem to have an avatar - two Steffen twins in fact. I'll pencil you in for one of them. Maybe FLYdude will take the other?

Have the AI armies been topped up yet, or is that waiting, or not going to happen? Just curious because it's difficult to formulate strategy, in particular in the Bavarian theatre, without know if there will be additional forces in play.

I'll try to do it tonight. There will be additional forces in play - I'll top up settlements and the odd understrength general, but I won't teleport stacks. I'll try to keep the changes in the fog of war, but sometimes that may not be possible (if we are toe to toe with the AI settlements, as in France).

[FactionHeir]

You could put the French new top ups at Toulouse or Zaragoza..

[Ramses II CP]

Mostly my concern was the two remaining Byzantine cities. If they're going to magic in more forces before we get to move then it represents a wholesale change to the apparent situation.

One more question, for Fritz, if I buy a merc ship can I use it as a shuttle to move troops two at a time to the mainland (i.e. Pick up two, take them near Arhus, drop off, go back for two more, etc.)? Or is that a bit cheesy? Mostly I want Fritz off that island (To avoid more withdrawal oddities) which I can do with just one ship, but it might be worthwhile to ferry off a few more companies just in case that captain Danish stack jumps past Stenkil's.

[FactionHeir]

Can't see anything wrong with that

[StoneCold]

I think that was the plan for the cyprus invasion OK and zim was envisioning. So I do not think there is nothing wrong with it too.

[econ21]

There's nothing wrong with shuttling a large army with a small fleet - look at D-Day and the subsequent build-up.

I have buffed up the AI a little - not a lot, as to be honest, it looks fairly competitive as it is. (Franconia looks over-run and Austria is threatened too.) If after 5 turns, we have made a lot of progress (as we may, now that the plague is over and money will be rolling in) then I will supply a bigger buff.

Despite my intention, I have made some changes within line of sight, as some of the distances of fogged out cities just seemed too far to have an impact. This applies particularly to Outremer and to the Poles. We will have first move this time, though, so hopefully it won't spark too much protest.

The two remaining Byzantine settlements in north Italy have been reinforced. Personally, I don't think it is that unrealistic - there's a sea route and we don't have a navy capable of interfering with it. I'd also cite the case of Hitler's desperate attempt to hold Tunisia after the US invasion of North Africa. What the Byzantines have received is nothing compared to what the Germans poured in. I suspect it will do the Byzantines as much good as it did the Germans, so it is nothing to get worked up about.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-1.zip

[Ramses II CP]

I wasn't trying to be snide with the magic comment, I'd love it if the AI reinforced their cities that were under threat, I just should've been patient and not started making plans before the save was fixed.

I'm rather worried about Hamburg. I firmly believe that even if the Danes bring both of those armies to Arhus I can hold them because the AI is so grossly incompetent at attacking huge walls, but if there's no one in Hamburg and they attack, it's gone and they're right in our backfield, holding Madgeburg constantly trapped and threatening Frankfurt and points south.

Is Dutch_guy able to fight? Any reason for him staying at Madgeburg?

[econ21]

Is Dutch_guy able to fight? Any reason for him staying at Madgeburg?

AFAIK, we have not heard from him in a while. He's a veteran Orgah and PBMer, so his absence does not spark alarm. But if you are elected, you might want to PM him to find out his situation. Heck, you could even PM before you are elected to try to secure his vote, killing two birds with one stone.

[Northnovas]

FYI, the Library update will be delayed since I am on vacation. It will be done sometime on Friday or Saturday which is, unfortunately, after the Diet session is over. My apologies, but I simply don't have access to the game right now so I can't do it.

I will send you the new mugshots!

[Ferret]

I'm going to be in Spain for a week starting on Friday, will change my actuve duty post.

[Ramses II CP]

Crud. If you don't lift the siege and/or a sub isn't allowed I'm pretty sure Madgeburg is going to fall.

That'll be about the worst start to the next Chancellor's reign imaginable.

[econ21]

Elite Ferret, in the circumstances, I think it would be fine for you to take the current save (1260-1) and break the siege while the Diet is still in progress.

We need more active duty generals in Franconia - perhaps GH should send his avatar there rather than to Swabia?

[GeneralHankerchief]

I would be fine with that.

[AussieGiant]

If that is the case then GH really needs to do a 100 degree swing and head north east.

Between inactive General's and the plague I was hard pressed to say the least.

Magdeburg was a really tough situation...as well as Bruges and parts of Austria.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Something for you to have a little fun with, AG.

[econ21]

At the moment, we seem to have only about 2 active generals per House (Outremer included). It's enough if we spread them out, but only just.

[AussieGiant]

Something for you to have a little fun with, AG.

On it GH!! Love your work.

That last effort in the Diet should nearly need editing

I've used every trait Arnold has to get that little effort "out the door".

Good night and see you all tomorrow.

[Ferret]

is Magdeburg under siege again? If it is the same armies as last time then there's no way I can beat them in a sally, is DG unable to fight battles? Anyway seeing as I'm going to be gone for a week doesn't that mean that a sub (Ramses ;) ) would be available?

[Ramses II CP]

If a sub is allowed I'd be happy to fight the siege. I have never seen the AI capture a citadel, I'm not actually sure it's possible. They usually seem to run into bugs and out of steam about the 2nd gate.

[AussieGiant]

I don't want to sound negative guy's but I doubt that will happen.

Check the top of the active duty thread and look at Dutch_guy's status.

It's been like that for weeks now.

Given the last ruling on subbing, it seems highly unlikely that anyone will be able to fight this apart from DG or someone going to the rescue in the game.

-edit-

and that is the OOC thing that has been frustrating. I'm not blaming anyone but if you go back in this OOC thread there's a moment there where I pretty much come out and strongly ask for everyone to update their status as I'm stumped as to what I can do.

Luckily it can be vented IC through Arnold. :-)

[Ferret]

have you played ahead and seen how soon they will attack? If the game goes slowly and they take their time I may be back to fight it. Also if their army isn;t too big I'll take a shot at it now. Taking the save for viewing if I can find it.

[TinCow]

I am back from vacation (on Active Duty again) and the Library has been fully updated, thanks in large part to Northnovas once again.

[OverKnight]

Jet to let everyone know, I will be on vacation from Feb 20 - Feb 28th. I'll be in London during that time, my first trip to England. I won't have access to the game and internet access will most likely be spotty.

Any tips on what to do while in London would be appreciated.

Edit: I've updated my entry on the active duty list.

[FactionHeir]

London is quite dull actually. Been here for 4 years and the only sight I'd recommend is the Tower of London.
If you are going around England though, visit places like Warwick or Windsor. Scotland is quite nice too.

Stonehenge is overrated btw

[AussieGiant]

Jet to let everyone know, I will be on vacation from Feb 20 - Feb 28th. I'll be in London during that time, my first trip to England. I won't have access to the game and internet access will most likely be spotty.

Any tips on what to do while in London would be appreciated.

Edit: I've updated my entry on the active duty list.

Mate, London for the first time. Killer town but it's a dirty run down thing.

Go see a show in the West End. It's like Broadway but with more history.

Any and all the museums are very good. The old gas works is a treat (they put a museum in the old gas works from back at the turn of the century).

Visit a pub or two...they are unique in how they fit in with the culture.

Take a ride in a Double Deck bus with one of those sight seeing tours...it's a little cheesy but you do learn a lot.

Visit the Tower of London as FH says...that's great. If you can get out to Windsor Castle then that is also a treat. Stonehenge is also a big yawn, again FH is right on the money.

If you like the night life then London is beyond comprehension. There is any and everything available. Grab a few magazine's and take a look at what is on offer...mind blowing array of options.

Go watch the buskers at Covent Garden. They are some of the best you will ever see.

The tube is below average...avoid it if you can, but you wont be able to, so prepare yourself.

The London Eye is apparently not bad. I've never been on it but it is the massive wheel on the river Themes.

[TinCow]

London dull?! I lived there for 10 years and never got bored. Home of my two most favorite museums in the entire world, both of which I consider a must-see:

The British Museum - Showing off the benefits of Empire
The Imperial War Museum - Far and away the best 'general' military museum in the world IMO.

The V&A is pretty impressive as well.

[AussieGiant]

London dull?! I lived there for 10 years and never got bored. Home of my two most favorite museums in the entire world, both of which I consider a must-see:

The British Museum - Showing off the benefits of Empire
The Imperial War Museum - Far and away the best 'general' military museum in the world IMO.

The V&A is pretty impressive as well.

Exactly. I had to leave or I would have partied myself into the grave

And really...the museums are unreal. I was back in December and I went to the Royal Portrait museum...I mean what could you expect...we ended up staying for 4 hours.

[FactionHeir]

Museums are alright. Not sure if its OK's thing though. I quite liked the National History Museum and the Science Museum, both of which have free admittance.

Can't say I participated in any of the nightlife at all.