Sam:
I'm about to play in the GMs vs others Fourth Age game. I've never
even played MEPBM before and I need advice on a startup quickly.
Cold shower time: this was probably not the wisest move! The Fourth Age
scenario is very tough and can be over quickly, even if you are an
experienced player. (I was wiped out in just nine turns. And I've played
many, many games of MEPBM.)
That said, the key is to communicate frantically and often with your team;
watch your finances very carefully; protect your capital at all times with
at least one agent and, if possible, a commander for those important "only
at the capital" orders; be very careful in choosing your set up (leave
yourself some extra cash for the first few turns). Get hold of the Flagship
issue which covered the game.
If you have two or three enemy nations around you... expect to die very
quickly. Sorry, but that's a reality, due to an imbalance (in my opinion)
in the scenario.
If you can duck out, I'd try for another game; the 1650 is a bloodbath (but
very enjoyable) and the 2950 is a longer game, taking a while to get going
but, again in my opinion, well worth the effort as you can set and achieve
longterm goals.
Gavin