Alpha Centauri 2

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri & Alien Crossfire => After Action Reports => Topic started by: ete on October 19, 2014, 07:44:30 PM

Title: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel - [Complete]
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 07:44:30 PM

I feel like another game. Let's play.

I am The Advent Pilgrimage (http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/The_Advent_Pilgrimage) by Sigma.

(http://i.imgur.com/tHOLb0y.png?1)

They play like a mix of the cult and believers.

I'm a fan of making things hard for myself, so here's a list of things I'll be doing to increase the difficulty:
Using a low native map, despite being a native faction
Giving each opposing faction at least one useful SP from the start
Putting some of the best builder factions available in as my foes, and using a very large map to give them time to build
Putting several players who'll hate me using fundy
Banning myself from using 'copters and crawlers
Banning various tricks like speed building SPs with cheaply upgraded units
Giving each foe a handful of forest patches to seed growth and improve their mineral income
Starting every faction as wanting revenge on me
Playing on Transcend

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 08:04:02 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/ztInK55.png)
The Pilgrimage begins in a fairly neutral area, and looking at the map..

(http://i.imgur.com/mtRIeUY.png?1)
This is a beautiful map. Almost everything's connected, but it's got a lot of interesting structure to it. I'm not even tempted to make my usual corrections to terrain :).

(http://i.imgur.com/JOeBOtT.png)
Popped two pods, both have resources so this is a decent place for my first base, and getting up and running quickly is important. Means you are higher in the powergraph so get treated better in politics when you first meet people. Rocky+Nutrient is always an annoying combo though, and teraform level takes a while.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 08:17:01 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/rCGwnsx.png)
Recycling Tanks are important to both good play and living lightly.

(http://i.imgur.com/FeMjbLv.png)
Exploring, got a former rushed by a pod which was handy. First priority for formers is foresting that mineral bonus for a lovely 1/4/1 square early on. Though of course, always road before forest, much quicker for the formers.

(http://i.imgur.com/nxqcJ5v.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/o63RPlr.png)
Got Biogenetics. Speeders next to pop pods, catch worms, and maybe find a faction or two.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 08:18:44 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/VEP7ayq.png)
!

And suddenly the robots set up camp right next to me.

That was quite unexpected.

hmmmm

I'm going to not give them their SP yet, since me taking it would be too easy at this point, but will give them something really good if they restart.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 08:36:15 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/A4oRBmk.png)
I'll found the base over here anyway, just in range of the energy and nut specials. The Machine Mandate is a worthy opponent late game, but early on they tend to be very pacifistic and I'm confident I can handle them even with divided bases.

Switching to former and rushing it so I can get some forests up quicker. Scout can come after.

(http://i.imgur.com/KQthG6J.png)
Knowledge is key to enlightenment, and winning AC. Network Nodes are a great way to acquire it, though my low indust will slow that down.

(http://i.imgur.com/TYp3ZNO.png)
Lost a scout patrol, but captured a worm with the rover I'd just got from a pod. Good trade. My pod hunting will accelerate, and if the MM wants to fight I will be able to.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 09:54:52 PM

I've entered talks with the first faction encountered, the Machine Mandate!

(http://i.imgur.com/Hx5xgOV.png?1)
They're powerful builders thanks to that high indust (especially coupled with the AI's intrinsic indust bonus at higher difficulties), but fairly passive and have little energy due to low econ.

(http://i.imgur.com/R5RlCNa.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/VDKDwsz.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/g7G23du.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/7yfcXIz.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/zijux2D.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/5jdeeGz.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/OeXdOAL.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/Gjutc5E.png?1)


I do not with to treaty with them currently, if I am bigger they'll offer a lot for a treaty later, and may just get squashed. Can a machine become enlightened?

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 09:59:32 PM

Ah, the first consequences of the SPs I handed out.. A very, very early council called by Emperor Sepsu thanks to the Empath Guild.

(http://i.imgur.com/203DhT5.png?1)
And an offer of bribery from everyone's favorite academician. It's not a lot of cash, but I would've voted him over a slavedriver anyway.

(http://i.imgur.com/WFxA19D.png?1)

So much for each new faction being a big reveal :p. Oh well, I'll make that the SPs they each got!

Sepsu has the Empath Guild, easily the weakest SP I've given away, thanks to his absolutely terrifying builder game. The latest in a game I've been on the backfoot was against him, and it was well into air power before I could push him back, despite throwing everything I had at him and feeling otherwise very well established.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 10:13:31 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/ivQ78Ow.png)
An artifact! Thankfully taking them has no political penalty, so my worms will do just that.

(http://i.imgur.com/Oxh22ZU.png?1)
Though she is getting a bit annoyed about me being so near her bases.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 10:23:16 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/v4T5NB0.png?1)
Rushing rec tanks is reliably good because it speeds up your infrastructure growth in general. Just remember to rush only after the first row is finished naturally, otherwise you're paying extra! In other news, forest+any bonus is awesome.

(http://i.imgur.com/etcVbwO.png?1)
yay NNs! I should focus on some more Colonies first though, because I've found two excellent places to build..

(http://i.imgur.com/xRf31tz.png?1)
The Manifold Nexus grants +1 Planet, which would mean more worms and more exploring, while the spot near that rocky mineral bonus square, monolith, and ready forested expanse of rivers looks.. too good to be true.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 10:28:44 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/dYNEfVu.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/12QOyPO.png?1)
Building things :).

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 10:39:43 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/McnPtXZ.png?1)
Missed SoHB.

(http://i.imgur.com/1G8JedK.png)
Exploration is going nicely. Another AA, a bunch of different other pod pops.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 10:49:33 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/ah8oPqr.png?1)
New base! It does not catch much of that lovely river/forest planted by a pod, but getting both monoliths and both mineral bonuses more than makes up for it. This is going to be a very productive base.

(http://i.imgur.com/D8EHDUx.png?1)
Excellent. Pod rushing facils is such a great help.

(http://i.imgur.com/GxQ4Sfq.png)
Lots going on here! New AA in the top right, new foil from a pod, next colony pod ready to go get the manifold nexus (and some monoliths+river), another captured MindWorm.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 10:56:39 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/xnBnPO2.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/zoXqvC0.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/cgfBRX2.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/qg1GEF3.png?1)

I'm going to be playing so that for each one faction I contact by land, I'm allowed to contact one by comms from the council. Though they all want revenge, so tech trading may be difficult now they're all pretty powerful.. which is why I went for a truce now. I have no weapons tech, and a load of bases I'd really like some time to develop, a treaty is good for now.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 11:06:21 PM

Far enough into the game that powergraphs mean something. Let's seeee

(http://i.imgur.com/o5TSMWA.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/QLkbV3Z.png?1)
Oh dear, the Imperium are doing as I had feared and towering over everyone else... it'll be fun to see if I can catch up before he starts getting every SP. University is doing nicely, not surprising with the start they had though. I'm last, but not a horrible last. I've had worse.

More worrying is the fact that machine mandate has both top military and top territory. I really need to be able to focus on development for some time to have a hope against the Imperium later, and a war now against the most powerful army on planet who's right next to me is not what I need.

I'm also giving the Machine Mandate their SP now, since I'm not likely to overrun them soon and get an advantage from it, which seemed possible before... yaaay.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 11:22:23 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/F9j7ZwS.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/A2PK4YC.png?1)
Planetary Networks is a good candidate for my favorite technology. It only requires one independently good tech, it gives by far the best earlygame SE option (Planned), gives Probes which usually net you several techs and are essential for most war or recon, and gives one of my favorite SPs: The Virtual World. It even opens the way to two other important techs. Sadly, the VW appears to be mysteriously taken.. but it's still a great tech.

Ethical Calculus next, for creches and to have the option of offsetting Planned's effic penalty when it starts to be a problem. Also building towards Intellectual Integrity, another excellent technology.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 11:34:52 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/o9J4VAi.png?1)
When your colony pod runs straight into an battle ogre.
(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/198/020/BRTky.jpg?1320962111)

(http://i.imgur.com/Au4eklx.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/BWKMazp.png?1)
Others are getting some SPs underway. I'll be starting mine soon.

(http://i.imgur.com/pBM7FFo.png?1)
MM build a new base. Vigil Grounds is feeling pretty cut off right now. Also an earthquake at the top.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 11:40:26 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/UgPuOeH.png?1)
Unity AI's getting a bit hissy, but all it does is let's me teleport my colony pod closer to where I want it.. so hey.

(http://i.imgur.com/cHQucHr.png?1)

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 11:52:04 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/FXfLn50.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/s6Blacv.png?1)
Handy, but not excellent right now. Planned+Police State is just too low effic for non-yang.


(http://i.imgur.com/cziU1d0.png?1)
Infiltrated the MM. They have 4 stealable techs, which is tempting, but I'm not ready for a war over it yet and framing is too unreliable. Need a bunch of probes ready for when the fight happens though, she has 2/2 tech and I'm on 1/1.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 19, 2014, 11:55:28 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/pHCfwU7.png)
It's fun when a pod teleports you across an ocean.

(http://i.imgur.com/pPbe3SP.png?1)
And even more when you get a Battle Ogre! That'll help a lot when war comes.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 20, 2014, 12:03:14 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/H9GorKs.png?1)
New base! Trying to keep them vaguely close together so I can easily reinforce, and this is a nice spot anyway. Plenty of places for river+forest, two specials.

(http://i.imgur.com/BGbRRVh.png?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/1Pilx9a.png?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/5aMZJTu.png?1)
Usually I'd avoid SoHB like the plague.. but this time I'm curious to try out the Pilgrim's ability to use it without the usual -2 research downside.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 20, 2014, 12:18:01 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/8XFJoKD.png?1)
That Battle Ogre is getting a bit nosey...

(http://i.imgur.com/ybvcR6t.png?1)
Going for the same SP as me.

(http://i.imgur.com/7eHbwkP.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/JguCNWi.png?1)
aaaaaaa, not just yet, give me a few more turns..

Let's see how much trouble I'm in.
(http://i.imgur.com/xKe3A3o.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/gONj8Hz.png?1)

Quite a lot. Out numbered roughly 3:1 and with much weaker weapons/armor. I have a battle ogre, probes, and better tactics, so I've got hope, but it's not going to be easy. It's those 16 2/2s that are going to be an issue..

(http://i.imgur.com/2nZyM3U.png?1)

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 20, 2014, 12:26:29 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/kluNM3g.png?2)
WP gone, 'tis fine. I like it, but it's not essential here.

(http://i.imgur.com/b8sCKPE.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/oTkfDml.png?1)
Grabbing some tech.

(http://i.imgur.com/0VwYVsY.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/EKaRO3f.png?1)
huh.. turns out MM is massively probe weak. And I've been saving cash for a while.

This will be easier than I'd thought.

(http://i.imgur.com/KuzwukD.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/R4cA8Wr.png)
That rover sure is falling through the dimensions a lot.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 20, 2014, 12:39:30 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/ERM229z.png?1)
Brave Scout Patrol beat the odds and fended off a rover the turn it was built!

(http://i.imgur.com/V9x6NWs.png?1)
HGP almost ready, looking forward to having this base contribute to the war effort. 15 min income :).

(http://i.imgur.com/WwNoLEP.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/YBbX34a.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/JOYc6zk.png?1)
Probes are awesome. Sadly, this one died.

(http://i.imgur.com/koIbeb4.png?1)
Tried to go for the base, took an AA but it was filled again with a new defender. Another time.

(http://i.imgur.com/hNOeosP.png?1)
Now is the time to focus on that battle ogre. Would cost 160 to steal.. which I can't afford any more. Ah well.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 20, 2014, 12:40:01 AM

And I'm done for tonight. Maybe back tomorrow for part 2.

As always, feedback and comments appreciated.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: JarlWolf on October 20, 2014, 12:52:34 AM

I'm watching this with great pleasure. I'm really happy about the roster of factions you have here...

On another note, this proves my theory that probe weakness's do indeed matter. The Machine Mandate is a tough enemy because they can pump out units very rapidly and have good research- but they are very vulnerable to probes, being machines and so closely tied to information networks, they can be subverted.

The Crimson Comrade's also have a slight probe weakness, as their society is a little bit more open when it comes to information transfer- they are very egalitarian about information control and flow so this leaves them a little bit vulnerable to outside malcontents, so spying on them isn't hard. Subverting them is a bit more difficult though then it is for the Machine Mandate..

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 20, 2014, 12:57:54 AM

I'm lovin' it!
 ;popcorn

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 20, 2014, 01:13:44 AM

Quote from: JarlWolf on October 20, 2014, 12:52:34 AM

I'm watching this with great pleasure. I'm really happy about the roster of factions you have here...

On another note, this proves my theory that probe weakness's do indeed matter. The Machine Mandate is a tough enemy because they can pump out units very rapidly and have good research- but they are very vulnerable to probes, being machines and so closely tied to information networks, they can be subverted.

The Crimson Comrade's also have a slight probe weakness, as their society is a little bit more open when it comes to information transfer- they are very egalitarian about information control and flow so this leaves them a little bit vulnerable to outside malcontents, so spying on them isn't hard. Subverting them is a bit more difficult though then it is for the Machine Mandate..

Thanks :). And yea, Probe weaknesses do hurt. Probe bonuses on the other hand are fairly unimportant, in my opinion. Nice, but usually no big deal.


@BU: Glad you're enjoying it

Oh, and I'll leave you guys with one last picture:
(http://i.imgur.com/e9hr0eo.png?1)

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to why the Genachs are catching up with the Imperium despite

(click to show/hide)

the imperium having started in the jungle which has almost no fungus, aaaaaaaaaaa, that is going to get scary

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Sigma on October 20, 2014, 04:50:35 PM

Human Genome project perhaps? HGP + Navarro's Talent bonus is generally a pretty terrifying combination.

Incidentally ete, are you using the most recent version of the faction pack, here (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=3819.msg51888#msg51888)? Judging from the fact that the game is calling them Genarchs instead of Chrysalites I'd assume not. It mostly buffs the Authority (which doesn't apply here) and nerfs the Chrysalites, probably a bit too hard (I need to take another pass at them).

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 21, 2014, 12:00:28 AM

On the right lines with a SP, but it's a fair bit more important than the HGP!

And no, I apparently missed that. Will download for next game, though for this one I'm glad I have the non-nerfed version.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Green1 on October 21, 2014, 10:43:26 AM

A strong roster of well designed factions. This will be interesting to watch.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 22, 2014, 09:17:36 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/QseFFoY.png?1)
HGP finished, next a command center at that base since it'll be pumping units for a while and I can afford a few turns wait now.

(http://i.imgur.com/s1SVoFj.png?1)
Picked off a recon rover, located that Battle Ogre. The heavy foresting will make it much harder to kill.

(http://i.imgur.com/eCPjQXY.png?1)
Perfect pod. That'll get my best base into the war much faster.

Though.. comparing our relative production rates, this is scary.
(http://i.imgur.com/glIKm5d.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/aTszYSr.png?1)
The combined effect of the Machine Mandate's bonus, the AI cheating bonus, and my Indust penalty means everything I build requires literally twice the minerals.. from 5 per row to 10.

I need to trade 2:1 just to stay even, and with their larger empire (leading the territory and military leaderboard), probably at least 4:1 to make any headway. Trading like that with only lasers for weapons is going to be nigh impossible, with only Probes giving me hope..

Oh dear.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 22, 2014, 09:48:48 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/oydGGGj.png?1)
Still, it's nice when things work out like this.

(http://i.imgur.com/2EZZKpn.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/HKo23ur.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/wXpExiW.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/TvPoozO.png?1)

I'm not risking a war with Sepsu. His powergraph is terrifying, and giving that base up would leave me wide open to the next part of the war. Anyway, the next few turns will let me probe and hopefully do a lot more damage than I'll take.

(http://i.imgur.com/RrDA7T8.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/7bmX9XP.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/UHLGPq0.png?1)
Free Fundamentalist!

I'm actually not certain whether it's worth it over democratic right now, but it'll be interesting to see how this goes.

Really shows how poor a choice it is usually when you're not sure you want an SE option even with it's penalty removed.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 22, 2014, 10:37:11 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/IoQMCfl.png?1)
Exactly what I need right now. This'll let me trade very efficiently with the Machine Mandate troops so long as I'm careful with my rovers, hopefully letting me push them back.

(http://i.imgur.com/k0p0o3X.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZHcnMwG.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/dQYp5Ln.png?1)
The AI screwed up here and destroyed the forest that was under them, losing that all-important 50% defensive bonus. My worms died, but did plenty of damage to let a recon rover clean up.

(http://i.imgur.com/XOhRQhD.png?1)
Battering down that isolated base, but it's production is insane, even with no teraforming. I shudder to think what the bases with loads of forests are pumping out.

(http://i.imgur.com/Ajf13L2.png?1)
In situations like this, maneuvering and terrain are the key to victory. Stay on rocky or fungal squares, try to hit the foe while they are not. Ideally with rovers outside of bases and infantry with.

(http://i.imgur.com/UTSVBAK.png?1)
And don't throw away probes.

(http://i.imgur.com/qyPJA4W.png?1)
Battles like this are exactly what you need, hitting units out in the open with rovers gives you great odds, and since healing is so easy in SMAX you're usually just up a unit.

(http://i.imgur.com/5op6A4V.png?1)
Excellent. I'll be cashing in an AA to instaprototype this, impacts on frontlines are needed immidiately.

(http://i.imgur.com/GgwPots.png?1)
Was not sure about this.. but I do love NLM, and it'll help me fastest. Starting on seabases would be nice, but requires more minerals than I can afford to direct to infrastructure right now, and as much as I think unlocking nut/energy/min caps is great, forests are okay for now. I can steal polymorphic software if/when I want it, and armor is not worthwhile. If the AI is attacking you, you're not winning from that battle. Hit first. Missiles would be nice later, but impact is all you really need right here.

(http://i.imgur.com/97XDFH2.png?1)
Worth risking a unity rover to take out something that'll bombard your more valuable troops.

(http://i.imgur.com/388EzVR.png?1)
My base to the east is under a bit of pressure, sending a couple of rovers to reinforce.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 22, 2014, 11:05:51 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/5xdmIdP.png?1)
Probed it off the machines.

(http://i.imgur.com/TuA11jF.png?1)
There's an undocumented feature where the first unit you prototype gets a +1 Morale bonus, which combined with Command Center, a Monolith, and Fundy's +1 Morale lets my first Impact Rover be elite. I'll be sending it to fight immediately, and it should start to really turn the tide.

And attaching your Monoliths by road is also a good idea.

(http://i.imgur.com/6v6iChM.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/oLNZzuK.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/7xFgm8c.png?1)
Finally the big man, the powergraph leader, contacts me. And he's close enough to be warning me off.

This is bad, because someone much more dangerous than the Machine Mandate is right there. And good, because I just got impact and have some hope he's not yet, so for a brief time have the chance to beat him in direct conflict.. but definitely not while fighting the machine mandate. I could try to switch alliances.. but.. I feel like beating the MM down a bit more may make them give up, and I don't want to risk the machines turning on me later.

(http://i.imgur.com/1w0BjE1.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/aMA5BnP.png?1)
Navarro is behind Sepsu in votes.. but is much, much more popular with the other factions.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 22, 2014, 11:23:36 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/wsIjKCZ.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/s11EhvO.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/7Jlaaxw.png?1)

Some battles from one turn.

(http://i.imgur.com/qPg5SEC.png?1)
Sepsu's getting annoyed about my one scout :(.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 22, 2014, 11:48:03 PM

I've taken the Machine Mandate HQ, those Impact Rovers really helped. They tried for peace, but I want a full surrender.

(http://i.imgur.com/vIKvSld.png?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/GHmInIg.png?1)
Taking their HQ reduced the cost to buy this unit by 4/5ths, excellent :D.

(http://i.imgur.com/72nt06x.png?1)
Grabbing another AA.

(http://i.imgur.com/CrUwBWR.png?1)
Wow, these units are cheap.

(http://i.imgur.com/Mv9zy96.png?1)
Not an important tech (except vs heavy native), but worth getting nonetheless.

(http://i.imgur.com/0uKSzRl.png?1)
Quite costly for a small base, but getting the defender makes it likely worthwhile. I should force them to surrender soon the way this battle is going, and focus on preparing for Sepsu.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 23, 2014, 12:04:18 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/IzKWkTO.png?1)
I knew it was coming, but still lost some worms to the initial attack.

(http://i.imgur.com/LwhbDPp.png?1)
Had a recon rover teleported in to nearish their bases, should get some good scouting at least, maybe upgrade it and try to take a base.

(http://i.imgur.com/Y489ui0.png?1)
War against the machines is going well. With Impact Rovers you can kill loads without taking much damage, and they're all infantry so don't have the speed to hit me back.

(http://i.imgur.com/rdr807I.png?1)
An area I had a worm teleported to a while back.

(http://i.imgur.com/gX4wz3A.png?1)
Only two defenders in that base... going for the upgrade.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 23, 2014, 12:22:29 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/5WX2uuN.png?1)
Crushing with Impact Rovers, weeee.

(http://i.imgur.com/qBIi20y.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/ycmDfw2.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/ce82Ebq.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/V2eUxpO.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/Jt3HM9E.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/1dMmlcT.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/7DTQZgF.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/sJToHpl.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/JDaxHqa.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/V8Sw8xx.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/kgo6Mwu.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/ihnTH6o.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/09tT27a.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/TdKq5uT.png?1)


And so the war of the machines ends. I had hoped to demand one more base, but it was rejected even after I gifted a couple of extra techs not shown here. I've found gifting techs before demanding bases tends to help the chances of getting the bases considerably in general, and makes them more peaceful after.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 23, 2014, 12:37:56 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/biqtuJ8.png?1)
Base has two defenders, my elite impact rover takes out both but runs out of move. However..

(http://i.imgur.com/vyrNje8.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/x4H1vcn.png?1)
The base is just undefended next turn, and I sweep in to take that lovely size 7 jungle base!

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 23, 2014, 12:54:26 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/ogdkxws.png?1)
Just as police was starting to be a problem for all those old Machine bases :).

(http://i.imgur.com/8uTXU4i.png?1)
It's time to start seriously teching towards Tree Farms, and unlocking min/energy restrictions on the way ready for sea bases.

(http://i.imgur.com/kSZVwMn.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/0mPQVPz.png?1)
Got this from an Alien Artifact, glad to have Empath Song up :)

(http://i.imgur.com/G6shT6r.png?1)
Mass upgrading to Police Infantry is one of the best investments available, I think. Every base just got one more drone control, for under 100 credits!

(http://i.imgur.com/tRw3kOv.png?1)
Slightly risky.. But I figure the rovers will be there first.

(http://i.imgur.com/lfpWpuB.png?1)
Here comes my army, Sepsu!

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 23, 2014, 01:12:22 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/18CHI0y.png?1)
A new base, to take advantage of that rocky mineral square. Fitting name, too.

(http://i.imgur.com/4PLF4LT.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/G71Rh21.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/D1487oy.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/EaEbZN7.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/y9aFmrZ.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/Kev50Ok.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/x76Px6L.png?1)

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Lord Avalon on October 23, 2014, 01:32:56 AM

Good stuff, but this

Quote from: ete on October 22, 2014, 11:05:51 PM

There's an undocumented feature where the first unit you prototype gets a +1 Morale bonus...

is incorrect.

On p.82 of the manual in the second paragraph under "PROTOTYPES," it says:

Quote

On the upside, all prototype units get a +1 to morale, since new technologies are usually put in the care of elite forces.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 23, 2014, 01:37:06 AM

Ah, I had a feeling someone would come up with something like that. I checked only the datalinks.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Sigma on October 23, 2014, 04:21:02 PM

Quite a turnaround in just a few years! Whats your Energy production look like? That war looked awfully expensive.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 23, 2014, 11:51:42 PM

Quote from: Sigma on October 23, 2014, 04:21:02 PM

Quite a turnaround in just a few years! Whats your Energy production look like? That war looked awfully expensive.

My energy production is pretty low right now due to Planned and having a load of bases far away enough that inefficiency is killing their production. I'm planning to switch to Green after a few more turns of high growth, which will quadruple my per turn profits but drop my Indust and bring growth from +2 to -2, but allow me to start rushing and afford maintenance for a lot more facilities.

(http://i.imgur.com/3QX16uR.jpg?1)

As you can see, mostly it's being eaten up by inefficiency and facilities. I've not had much energy free to rush for pretty much the entire war, and have been saving for probe actions where I had a chance. The army was produced purely on minerals, plus the few units I stole. Forests and a few mineral squares really helped even the odds.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 24, 2014, 12:11:16 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/wcwmAdm.png?1)
My troops are starting to arrive on Imperium territory.

(http://i.imgur.com/zhBmR0b.png?1)
Infiltrated. Five stealable techs, and he's at war with almost everyone else.. I feel confident about this. I think the bulk of his army must be fighting someone else for there to have been this little resistance.

(http://i.imgur.com/Ln65rPr.png?1)
My production has switched over to primarily Probes and Facilities, since the number of rovers I have is starting to be a drain on my production. Those Network Nodes are going to need more income when they're operational, that's when I'll drop out of planned into green.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 24, 2014, 12:22:33 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/B66zNKl.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/wqzoEiK.png?1)
That was unexpected. Even with the probe bonus I have.. anyway. Not going to declare war, they'd turn my rover around and hit me. I can always start war on my turn, if I want, and until then will just have to be more careful with my stacks.

(http://i.imgur.com/tiIvP5Q.png?1)
Probed off Sepsu. Not a great tech really.

(http://i.imgur.com/1YFB6tR.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/f2LqBsn.png?1)
This base had only one defender, so I pick it off and capture.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 24, 2014, 12:32:36 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/p6aCAPf.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/2T2g4rk.png?1)
Aw, really.. still not worth war, but...
(http://i.imgur.com/4oxnMBw.png?1)
Die probe. Die.

Fun how you can kill probes without them caring if you use a probe.

(http://i.imgur.com/TRPBoOo.png?1)
Hopefully more worms to capture!

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 24, 2014, 12:46:43 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/nJN11A3.png?1)
Ah, Omar of the Leviathan Body.

(http://i.imgur.com/c9sQAew.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/4EJfQXk.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/zBVp0kg.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/QE0KvVH.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/q39pw54.png?1)

That was pleasant, slightly more trade now too. I considered the pact offer, but would rather stay peaceful for now.

(http://i.imgur.com/zJ6kOUd.png?1)(http://i.imgur.com/f0fhfrV.png?1)
Probe, weeee. Both fairly nice techs.

(http://i.imgur.com/fpn83TT.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/fqpykvP.png?1)
Base with three defenders this time, but no match for a team of mostly elite impact rovers.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 24, 2014, 01:03:00 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/gmrHuSI.png?1)
Probin', Probin', Probin'

(http://i.imgur.com/FAYz0YN.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/RHIam8W.png?1)
It's nice when you get the tech right as you pick it.

(http://i.imgur.com/NDh5bFy.png?1)
Hard choice here, but I felt like I could use a weapons upgrade before too long.

(http://i.imgur.com/0LJyvXW.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/Scb8B8i.png?1)
Rovers streaming in, and stole their map. Looks like they're down to the last couple of bases already!

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 24, 2014, 01:06:12 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/ECw5N3G.png?1)
These bases are a bit better defended, but still no match for the forces flowing into the jungle.

(http://i.imgur.com/vqB7XLJ.png?1)
Lovely bases too, this'll be of great help.

(http://i.imgur.com/CG9yL8q.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/6HPb1Vm.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/5DIZpa3.png?1)
And the HQ falls.


From here on I may do much less frequent updates, unless people like to see all the detail. It'll let the game move much faster.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Sigma on October 24, 2014, 02:07:15 PM

Gotta love the impact rover caravan there.

Are you going after the Genarchs next? Taken them out and the game is probably yours, if it isn't already.

By the way, I think I'm most pleased with Omar's dialog out of all the factions that I built.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 25, 2014, 02:18:16 AM

Quote from: Sigma on October 24, 2014, 02:07:15 PM

Gotta love the impact rover caravan there.

Are you going after the Genarchs next? Taken them out and the game is probably yours, if it isn't already.

By the way, I think I'm most pleased with Omar's dialog out of all the factions that I built.

Yes, most likely. They started with The Cloning Vats, so taking their HQ would put me in an absurdly good position. They're not super close by though, so it'll take a while.

And yea, the Leviathan Body has some good text.

The game is essentially mine already, it's kinda disappointing that the best non-crazy builder faction I know of in the monsoon jungle with starting forests can be crushed so easily.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: JarlWolf on October 25, 2014, 02:49:12 AM

Am I reading this right? Vazheli Vatzev is a PACT BROTHER of Sepsu?!  ;lol ;lol ;lol  :danc:

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on October 26, 2014, 09:01:55 PM

He is, indeed..

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 16, 2014, 11:51:23 PM

Alright, while I'm waiting to start the next group AAR, let's finish this up. Will be doing just highlights from here.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 12:18:41 AM

Slight spoilers here, but let's show what I'm up against, and why the Genarchs were doing so well in the powergraph:
(http://i.imgur.com/XzF8SRW.png?1)

The University started with the VW and HSA, the two projects perfected suited to them. And the Genarchs.. they have the Cloning Vats, a late game SP that makes their bases grow extremely quickly. The Leviathan have the Telepathic Matrix, another very late game SP which stops all drone riots.

(http://i.imgur.com/oeYbkmT.png?1)
Zak offers a treaty.. but he's on the to kill list.

(http://i.imgur.com/W6BvFur.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/njVT9KJ.png?1)
With the far-flung Imperium bases now under my control and maintenance building up, it's time to drop Planned for Green and improve my efficiency.

(http://i.imgur.com/nduEAEp.png?1)
Founding a new base in this lovely Jungle.

(http://i.imgur.com/ENEFpvH.png?1)
aha! There's Sepsu, and he's a little more polite these days after that crushing defeat.
(http://i.imgur.com/RvzuOti.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/ifEcehV.png?1)
And he surrenders. I'll take it for the tech, and stop my vassals fighting.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 12:57:49 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/esoW5Kw.png?1)
You demand one little tech and suddenly they want to fight you..

(http://i.imgur.com/EG5piSF.png?1)
Okay then :). Rovers to the Uni, Probes to the CCs.

(http://i.imgur.com/JXZfd7F.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/DjNXDB1.png?1)
Got the CC's only tech I was missing, and it's a nice one.

(http://i.imgur.com/qNMnLAh.png?1)
Lost a lot of good rovers, but took the base through brute force of numbers.

(http://i.imgur.com/QnOYHQS.png?1)
Again, lost many more rovers than I'd like, but it's the base that matters.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 01:29:30 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/pzQ75HI.png?1)
Sepsu has a nice gift for me!

(http://i.imgur.com/nQ8PKol.png?1)
And it looks like the Genachs are beating the Leviathan.

(http://i.imgur.com/PUmyX7v.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/QAxIw6Y.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/AlqwapE.png?1)
Not one rover lost this time! And two good SPs stolen.

(http://i.imgur.com/4VYgUdc.png?1)
And he surrenders.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Buster's Uncle on November 17, 2014, 01:55:07 AM

 ;popcorn

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 02:35:16 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/YqDGdyR.png?1)
This is one of the most crucial techs for me. Tree farms let my forest-only bases start to seriously grow, and marks the start of the time I start being able to near constantly build useful facilities.

(http://i.imgur.com/EHCGOKa.png?1)
Holding the chokepoint for a while, but it's awkward due to fungus and their elite units

(http://i.imgur.com/0LBOM9r.png?1)
Yea, sure. You're getting mashed by her fusion reactor troops, but we can do some tech trading.
(http://i.imgur.com/8blLTuQ.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/mBWXUbJ.png?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/Ol6KrMz.png?1)
That'll help with the fungus, but I've truced the CCs for now.

(http://i.imgur.com/Ph0F8b0.png?1)
Excellent.

(http://i.imgur.com/HodbOTi.png?1)
Still at truce, but built a road down for when the fighting starts.

(http://i.imgur.com/Uv4A8od.png?1)
Making a land bridge towards the Geneachs, quicker than going through the CCs.

(http://i.imgur.com/xTYlN15.png?1)
And my mass-forest is coming nicely.

During this time almost all resources went into tree farms and other facilities, my bases are now becoming pretty well equipped.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 02:39:08 AM

In the next installment: Can the Pilgrims overcome their greatest foe yet, the Genearchs?

(http://i.imgur.com/WyVM7gp.png)

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: Sigma on November 17, 2014, 02:24:24 PM

According to that power chart: Yes, easily.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 03:23:05 PM

Yea.. I was thinking of including that, but I felt it would build tension better to make it look like they have some hope.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 05:57:22 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/Gq9a27F.png?1)
Uni's falling back, but Im still truced with CCs, despite their threatening words. I'd like to focus on one at a time, and am still producing few units, facilities instead.

(http://i.imgur.com/aYrawBE.png?1)
Exchanging a few units, pushing them back, building roads to attack with.

(http://i.imgur.com/OHk5aC5.png?1)
Another core tech, will delay unit production for some time while all my bases make Hybrid Forests, but boost my research and growth of bases massively.

(http://i.imgur.com/bGazy8o.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/F51UGg7.png?1)
No more riots for me!

(http://i.imgur.com/EWPbJa7.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/brHcYfL.png?1)
Attacking, attaching that monolith to the road network for quick healing.

(http://i.imgur.com/oi2muix.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/RjhzWqn.png?1)
Another base falls.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 17, 2014, 06:52:57 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/g15kAjW.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/XIeKVoV.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/4C2wWDH.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/D3pxpXC.png?1)
Pushing them back, take their HQ and with it the WP and CV.

(http://i.imgur.com/N6ZTYS2.png?1)
Finally start fighting the CCs, take their exposed base.

(http://i.imgur.com/e6wkWW2.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/KnGJtGs.png?1)
Geneachs crumbling.

(http://i.imgur.com/zv1dkPZ.png?1)
Troops getting close to the CC's home, the last real bastion of resistance on Planet.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel
Post by: ete on November 18, 2014, 03:29:25 PM

(http://i.imgur.com/pwJzUTV.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/syzQVru.png?1)
After losing only one base, the CCs surrender. Slightly disappointing, I was hoping to take their HQ and the command nexus, but it's not worth the effort.

(http://i.imgur.com/HbSugR8.png?1)
You see the suddenly massive boost in the rate my powergraph grows? That's when I entered pop boom thanks to the Cloning Vats. Both the Imperium and Genearchs had perma pop-boom this game, and that's why they stayed vaguely close to me in power and built big things.

(http://i.imgur.com/9QmETRU.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/IwnKQxD.png?1)
Ah, they were one base from surrendering too. The Pilgrims control Planet.

(http://i.imgur.com/uuLzwoV.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/BEhCRMk.png?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/fdFBmxm.png?2)
(http://i.imgur.com/dsA6ZKN.png?1)

GG, AI.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel - [Complete]
Post by: Buster's Uncle on November 18, 2014, 06:48:37 PM

 :adore:

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel - [Complete]
Post by: Sigma on November 18, 2014, 07:37:44 PM

So what is your overall impression of how these Factions performed?

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel - [Complete]
Post by: ete on November 18, 2014, 08:19:00 PM

Pilgrims: Interesting to play as, different from any of the other factions. Combination of worm rush+aggressive bonuses is nice, and it makes a change for Fundamentalism to be a non-terrible option. Seemed fairly balanced.

Machines: Grew fast and had the potential to be super deadly, their mass of units was scary at the start, but their achilles heel worked correctly and Probes ended them.

Imperium: Monsoon start+constant pop boom should have given them an amazing setup, but unfortunately the AI's bad teraforming, total lack of tactical ability, and horrible production prioritization kinda made them topple to a flood of Impact rovers in only a handful of turns. They can be extremely dangerous, but were not this game. It's when they get air before you it gets tricky.

Genearchs: Took a surprisingly look time to start taking bases from Leviathan, given their constant pop-boom. Faction advantages were much smaller than their SP, so not the ideal test.

CCs: With the CN they have a really easy time getting Elite troops, and they did push back a few light pokes early on thanks to terrain as well as trimming back the Genarchs slightly, but never became a real aggressive threat. If only they'd had rovers, fusion, and good weapons.

Leviathan: Held back the Genearchs for impressively long. Their normal drone issues were eliminated by the TM, which probably helped them a great deal. They had a LOT of forests by the end, and would have been in a nice position if they'd got tree farms/hybrid forests.

University: Had immunity to probes and VW for their drones, and they used it to tech pretty well. Were never in a position to do much harm to anyone though, kinda isolated, and did not have enough to stop me rolling them with rovers.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel - [Complete]
Post by: Sigma on November 19, 2014, 05:39:07 PM

Quote from: ete on November 18, 2014, 08:19:00 PM

Genearchs: Took a surprisingly look time to start taking bases from Leviathan, given their constant pop-boom. Faction advantages were much smaller than their SP, so not the ideal test.

My most recent update to the Faction set gives the Genarchs (renamed the Chrysalis Collective) some significant buffs, including boosting their Morale to +2 (which was how it originally was) and increasing their Talent production from 1/4 to 1/3.

Title: Re: AAR: A pilgrimage through fire and steel - [Complete]
Post by: ete on November 19, 2014, 06:46:26 PM

That may have given them enough of a buff to push back Leviathan sooner and be in better shape to face me, not sure though.