Re: ME-PBM (was Middle Earth Navy?)

From: Patrick F. McGehearty <patrick@convex.COM>

Date: Tue, 13 Sep 1994 16:26:57 +0000

In article <1994Sep12.234054.4875@leo.vsla.edu>,
Carol Callahan <ccallaha@leo.vsla.edu> wrote:
...
>many thanks to the responses...no first turn yet..but soon...
>  it seems scouting is another important activity..question is
>this usually done by a single Charactor, group, or army...
>  SOOOOO many questions....
>   stew

Do you know what position you will be playing yet?
Given the shortage of neutral players right now, if you include any
neutral in your list of acceptable positions, I suspect that you will
get to play a neutral.  For neutrals, the key questions are "Which side
to choose", and "When do I choose it".  Several factors enter into
this decision.  First, are you in a "grudge game", or a normal game?

In a grudge game, each side is made up of players who already know
each other and may expect to cooperate.  It sometimes can be difficult
playing in a grudge game as a neutral if neither team is interesting
in being reasonable.  See which players near your position are willing
to communicate, and whether either team is willing to take you on as a full
partner, with a fair chance to win overall.  That means that they won't
steal from you or kill your characters.  Also try to get some idea
whether the side you prefer is reasonably competent.  Don't forget the other
neutrals, as they might try to jump you before things get settled.
In a non-grudge game, what matters more is the attitude of those near you.

In either case, pick a side early (by turn 10 at the latest, turn 5 is
better).  Take your first few turns to improve your population base and
build your characters.  Every character should be doing an action which
improves their primary skill at least every other turn.  If the two
sides jump each other, by turn 5, your armies could make a major difference
in your area (but watch out for the other neutrals, they might go for the
other side).

Get someone to send you a summary of the known initial positions, and
some tips on strategy, since most players will have access to this
information.  Hundreds of pages of info has been written on the topic,
including an extended analysis of each position by Brian Mason and Tom
Walton.

- Patrick McGehearty
  patrick@convex.com

References

Middle Earth Navy?
ccallaha@leo.vsla.edu (Carol Callahan)
Sat, 10 Sep 1994 15:00:54 +0000
Re: Middle Earth Navy?
ccallaha@leo.vsla.edu (Carol Callahan)
Mon, 12 Sep 1994 23:40:54 +0000

Referenced By

Middle Earth Navy?
ccallaha@leo.vsla.edu (Carol Callahan)
Sat, 10 Sep 1994 15:00:54 +0000
Re: Middle Earth Navy?
ccallaha@leo.vsla.edu (Carol Callahan)
Mon, 12 Sep 1994 23:40:54 +0000