Absolutely no players joining together! If someone has already tried that, they both need to resend nation prefs independently!
The One Ring is a valid end game scenario.
as to “players joining together”, they should not know about each other’s nation preferences. Of course we’re all on the honor system as tons of us know each other.
I understand completely. 
Maybe I’ll give the 1650 scenario another look.
Well absolutely no contact about the game goes without saying…so far I think I know everyone who’s said they’re joining. But I’m not “joining with” any of 'em.
Most of us “know” each other. My friend down the road is in…we’re not “with” here, that’s 2 of 4 from Game 57 FP in. No, we’re all experienced enough to be putting our .02 in this one for the fun factor, no screwing around like that. Better to review the game with your friends afterwards - “You B@$T@rd! I thought that was Holt! Oh, gee, wonder who that was that I X&^%#!!! to…!”
Brad
go with random assignments. solves a lot of problems. you can not defeat two players willing to cheat the contact rules. keep player name and nation assignment blacked.
the easiest, simplest way. avoid posting on lists or the forum about the game, until its done. the rest is up to the players. clint should post a player count so you know when you hit 25 nations. basically, “sign up and shut up”.
good luck to the players, of which i could be one.
makes me think of “Earthwood”, and “state of war”
or am i dating myself with these GSI precursors to MEPBM?
sm
You in Steve? That’s 5 of us from 57 FP…where’s Lamulle…? 
In your concession email to us DS you stated you all were not capable of playing on at the level required; what makes you guys think you will be able to play this one at the level required…? Done right, it should require more effort, not less.
Ah State of War. Everything I needed to know about backstabbing diplomacy I learned in SOW. <g> Ranked right up there with Supremecy and WW4 in that regard.
And yes, you are dating yourself a bit there, as am I no doubt.
hah…
SOW did get gritty when you were on the east coast with a few other guys.
you should have played earthwood( gsi’s first product), agonizing over where to move your three armies, 2 spies( i think) and administer your handful of cities. as little as 6 orders per turn. trying to be uber efficent, and i think the mini magazine gsi produced was called “tales from the wood”. looking at your 3x5 index cards, waiting for the mail to arrive.
later
SM
Whispers of the Wood…
At one’s leisure. This isn’t a “Team” game, might take more time thinking and writing, much of which can be done on the bus. Less time reading and reconciling 12 nations worth of information…
Surely Drew you do not wish to come across in quite so condescending a tone?
Surely, Drew would never be condescending towards either myself or his enemy…
Dave: What’s a little tail-twisting amongst friends?
Brad: I’d hate to have seen what all you might’ve posted had your side won.
would be interested in this formatt but I kinda on hold until some health issues are resolved effecting my income… Looks like a blast though… Should be somewhat of a drawback to the good ole bad days of the Fog!
13 players…
Clint (GM)
Nyah Nyah! You guys suck! You’re all stupid idiot morons! We rule! We rule! 
Victorious and Superior, as always, Brad the Free!
Yes as I predicted, I hate it.
So how many more players do we need to fill this?