I notice that there are only 2 neutrals nations in the Kin Strife sceanrio… seems to be a wise design decision 
Where worst case scenario would be 6 vs 8 as opposed to the current 10 vs 15.
There you go - halved your statistical jeopardy Good luck with it
Winsten Wun Toof
PS are you an Australian or a British ex pat?
No I am a full antipodean… just a riled up, over-educated, Tolkien lore fanatic with an aversion to didactic bombasts
I was hoping for a fun challenging game in game13, I care more about how the game is palyed than winning at all costs. I would rather lose an enjoyable and challenging game than win one by default on t5.
I played MEPBM over 10 years ago and had fond memories. After getting jaded with the lack of depth in RTS, MMOs and other computer games I thought I would return. Having played games that get patched weekly and major rules overhauls I was a bit suprised to see that in 10 years there were almost no modifications, and there are still the same horrid character portraits. This consistency may be part of its charm and appeal. However, it does seem odd that the neutral issue is recurring but not addressed. Maybe there are licensing/contractual limitations. The Kinslaying scenario looks very impressive though, this era is a good chocie too.
[QUOTE=Grell;63694] I was a bit suprised to see that in 10 years there were almost no modifications, and there are still the same horrid character portraits. This consistency may be part of its charm and appeal.QUOTE]
Yes I had a good break off (about 4 years) with zero rules change it only takes moments for you to once again aspire to be that legend in your own lunchbox 
For all the grumbling, there is always demand for games and I guess that’s the basis for the service. Recently we raised the possibility of a veterans game with ME and they were very interested and may do more in the future. Another game ended badly with an attempted one ring snatch at victory from utter defeat. They seem oddly disparate but my communications with ME basically reveal that any idea for a game is possible (including no one ring victories), you’ve just got to get the numbers to get the show on the road. It’s no point pushing an idea at ME if no one signs up. If you actually came up with ideas that sold a game without rewriting the code, they’d use it. ME is not the enemy on game construction, they would use an alternate game variant in every other game IF you could come up with the numbers to sign up. It’s funny though, it’s the tried and true that keep filling every game - the indie and the challenge game. All other variants gain a bit of heat and energy on the forum, rarely proceeding to a full game, and even more rarely still - being used for further games. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t search for the holy grail - I’m sure Clint would happily take it off you and drink manky warm English beer to your health if you were able to fill more games
Cheers
Winsten Wun Toof
Grell, you’ve decided to dislike me. Join the club, you might want to bring a folding chair and umbrella, not sure if the clubhouse is big enough anymore…
In the event you ever get over the eyes closed tight, fists clenched screaming hissy fit you’ve found yourself caught up in, consider reading for actual comprehension. Be objective.
Just 1 would have made a difference. Just 1. It’s neither absolute nor rocket science.
Just 1. The opportunity was there. The door was open. The neutral was sitting around reading a book, looking up and gazing out the window this entire time JUST WAITING…alas, they didn’t come.
Just 1 would have made a difference, just 1.
I’m in the Kin Strife test game. Don’t be alarmed, my team has the 8… And it’s going to be a cakewalk as a result, frankly. There might be only 2 neutrals, but there are only 6 allied players to offset the difference. It’s easy to get 2 players, you can get 2 players by complete accident without even trying - see Rhudaur and the Easterlings in both games 13 and 30… But with 5 you should expect that after the first 2 chips fall, others will scatter more appropriately… In KinStrife, after the first 2 chips fall…well, that’s ALL the chips!!! No, sadly, not better in regards to neutral issues, frankly - play it if it get’s released, but not for this reason.