Exploratory Format

[Ry Vor]

We'll be making more than half a dozen changes to the High Elves, hopefully before the next Steel game starts. Will probably have some of those for the Dark Elves as well. Considering both moving a bit quicker and getting their own 565. Dwarves maybe as well. Maybe Ents for the High Elves, Lizard Men for the Dark Elves, and Dwarven War Machines for the Dwarves. All this on the hush-hush and indefinite.

Am considering a special kingdom order for the Rangers, something like Ancient Lore that allows them to do 790 and 795 orders without a High Priestess. Debating whether just to have the new orders or to have a new character class of Sage that could be fleshed out more in 3rd Cycle.

Also working on adding the characteristic of Hero for 3rd Cycle.

Back to creating the new Warlords game.

[The Usurper]

We'll be making more than half a dozen changes to the High Elves, hopefully before the next Steel game starts. Will probably have some of those for the Dark Elves as well. Considering both moving a bit quicker and getting their own 565. Dwarves maybe as well. Maybe Ents for the High Elves, Lizard Men for the Dark Elves, and Dwarven War Machines for the Dwarves. All this on the hush-hush and indefinite.

Am considering a special kingdom order for the Rangers, something like Ancient Lore that allows them to do 790 and 795 orders without a High Priestess. Debating whether just to have the new orders or to have a new character class of Sage that could be fleshed out more in 3rd Cycle.

Also working on adding the characteristic of Hero for 3rd Cycle.

Back to creating the new Warlords game.

This makes me so happy, that I don't hate "exploratory" any more

[Hawk_]

We'll be making more than half a dozen changes to the High Elves, hopefully before the next Steel game starts. Will probably have some of those for the Dark Elves as well. Considering both moving a bit quicker and getting their own 565. Dwarves maybe as well. Maybe Ents for the High Elves, Lizard Men for the Dark Elves, and Dwarven War Machines for the Dwarves. All this on the hush-hush and indefinite.

Am considering a special kingdom order for the Rangers, something like Ancient Lore that allows them to do 790 and 795 orders without a High Priestess. Debating whether just to have the new orders or to have a new character class of Sage that could be fleshed out more in 3rd Cycle.

Also working on adding the characteristic of Hero for 3rd Cycle.

Back to creating the new Warlords game.

This makes me so happy, that I don't hate "exploratory" any more

This does sound pretty awesome!

[unclemike]

I may be the contrarian here but isn't the Elven kingdom fairly well balance as it is? A decent mix of political, military, magic, and agents that provide a well balanced kingdom that's fun to play.

If the problem is geographical regarding the Trolls invading Oakendell early then just replace them with another kingdom like Westmen, Urik, or such.

I'm afraid if the general manner of solving issues is to boost up a particular kingdom then other kingdoms will need beefing up as well in order to fully balance out the game. The previously mentioned kingdoms that will get upgrades (EL, DA, DW, RA) are all fairly strong if played correctly - the boosts will make them that much more powerful compared to other kingdoms. Then other kindoms will need upgrades in turn to keep up ...etc.

When will it end?

I think the EL gets death spell at 8th level, make that sooner and the EL can take on the GI, TR, or another military kingdom without a problem. Perhaps that's the only change that is needed...

[Jumpingfist]

Personally I like the way it is being handled. Giving more strength help get more interest in a kingdom that is getting picked last and being bullied all the time. It is much better than nerfing the others. The GI most likely will still be able to take the Elf out early but now if the elf can 565 he will have a fight and may weaken him enough that it is not cost effective to win.

Lower the death spell level would do nothing to fix the problem. The EL is a strong end game kingdom due to its political advantage. It does not need a death spell at that point.

[unclemike]

Lower the death spell level would do nothing to fix the problem.

LOL. Give me an elven wizard that can cast death on TR or GI and I won't have a problem defending Oakendell. Like I said, if the EL and other "weak" kingdoms are placed in the hands of an experienced player, they'll do well.

[The Usurper]

I may be the contrarian here but isn't the Elven kingdom fairly well balance as it is? A decent mix of political, military, magic, and agents that provide a well balanced kingdom that's fun to play.

No.

[unclemike]

I'm now 3 turns into my first "exploratory format" and I think it's horrible.

Giving the EL the special ability to summon Ents won't change the concept of exploratory that much. If you don't like it, don't play

[The Usurper]

Since ALL games are now "exploratory" you are Wrong again