Okay as we're all aware new Players to the game run into all sorts of
problems and regularly drop. So with that in mind I am discussing with GSI
a test game - something with 3 aside so that they can play against some
opposition with minimal rules to learn and try out. This would give a
limited arena of conflict and last some 6 turns maybe - just enough to get
them into the game. Probably cost nothing as well - I would create a
limited rulebook as well - with lots less to read.
So get your thinking hats on if you can - any thoughts on this? What orders?
What nations - which part of the map? This could also be used at
conventions maybe?
--- Middle Earth PBM Games <me@MiddleEarthGames.com>
wrote: > Okay as we're all aware new Players to the
game run
into all sorts of
problems and regularly drop. So with that in mind I
am discussing with GSI
a test game - something with 3 aside so that they
can play against some
opposition with minimal rules to learn and try out.
This would give a
limited arena of conflict and last some 6 turns
maybe - just enough to get
them into the game. Probably cost nothing as well -
I would create a
limited rulebook as well - with lots less to read.
So get your thinking hats on if you can - any
thoughts on this? What orders?
get rid of navies.
Use HC or HI only.
drop most of the spells (ALL ???).
Unsure if 1650 or 2950 setups would be better for
beginners. Maybe 1650 - more money means more options,
but then aren't we trying to reduce the option they
have ???
Remove dragons and the spirit encounters. Unsure about
the riddles, they add 'feel' to the game, but they are
not critical.
I would keep the items.
What nations - which part of the map?
space the free/ds apart from each other - that way
they don't get attacked so quickly.
Basically you want the beginners to
a) learn how to use characters
b) learn how to use armies
c) do basic pop centre stuff (create, upgrade).
d) understand the basics of the economics (which is -
everything must be paid for).
So stuff like 'ripping up defenses', or 'blowing a
major bridge' can be removed.
I'd definitely eliminate some of the more esoteric orders and spells. Also,
let the positions be a little better than a starting 1650. Give them some
REALLY decent agents and mages. Pretend it's a close game and you are 5 or
6 turns away from turn 52 (start at like turn 48) so that Characters and Pop
Centers and Armies are a little better. BUT, reduce the number of
characters to account for the smaller map and such. Also, reduce the
artifact list to just those on starting characters and maybe a few extra.
No need for LA, or LAT, but you could still get some encounters in that time
so they can experience that thrill.
Make certain the riddles are easier so they don't have to have the
Silmarillian memorized (i.e. Q: What do I have in my pocket? A: ring). If
they have even the most basic knowledge of the Trilogy and the Hobbit, they
should be able to answer these questions.
You might even eliminate the need to maintain gold to finance things. Let
them know up front the real game will be tougher than this play test, but
they won't have to be begging their allies for money or anything in this one
at least.
Okay as we're all aware new Players to the game run into all sorts of
problems and regularly drop. So with that in mind I am discussing with
GSI
a test game - something with 3 aside so that they can play against some
opposition with minimal rules to learn and try out. This would give a
limited arena of conflict and last some 6 turns maybe - just enough to get
them into the game. Probably cost nothing as well - I would create a
limited rulebook as well - with lots less to read.
So get your thinking hats on if you can - any thoughts on this? What
orders?
What nations - which part of the map? This could also be used at
conventions maybe?
I like the increased skill rank of beginning
characters. The characters will success in the
easy/average tasks, and thats good when you are
learning about the game.
You might even eliminate the need to maintain gold
to finance things. Let
them know up front the real game will be tougher
than this play test, but
they won't have to be begging their allies for money
or anything in this one
at least.
I would keep the money in. I just wouldn't want them
to go bankrupt unless they are doing something real
stupid (like buying all the mithril since their VC
says "have the most mithril at game end". ) That means
either starting with more money, or more pop centres.
But paying your troops/characters/defenses are rather
critical to the game. You just don't need to worry
about it when your income is greater than you
expenses.
I would also charge less than the normal 3.90 you are
charging us.
thanks
din
p.s You can remove or reduce the number of VC they
have.
> Okay as we're all aware new Players to the game
run into all sorts of
> problems and regularly drop. So with that in mind
I am discussing with
GSI
> a test game - something with 3 aside so that they
can play against some
> opposition with minimal rules to learn and try
out. This would give a
> limited arena of conflict and last some 6 turns
maybe - just enough to get
> them into the game. Probably cost nothing as well
- I would create a
> limited rulebook as well - with lots less to read.
>
> So get your thinking hats on if you can - any
thoughts on this? What
orders?
> What nations - which part of the map? This could
also be used at
> conventions maybe?
>
> Clint
>
> Middle Earth - Legends - Serim
Ral
> CTF 2187 - Starquest - Crack of Doom
> Battle of the Planets - Exile
>
>
>
> Middle Earth PBM List - Middle Earth and Harlequin
Games
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> http://www.MiddleEarthGames.com
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>
>
>
My theoretical test game:
Battle of the Five Armies!
Nations:
FP Dwarves
FP Silvan Elves
FP Woodmen
DS Dragon Lord
DS Witch King
Give the Dwarves two pop centers:
1) The Lonely Mountain as a Camp/Fort (no army, just characters)
2) The Iron Hills at 3707 with it being a Major Town/Fort (Army)
Give the Elves Two pop centers:
1) 2908 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
2) 2709 (Village/Tower) (small army)
Give the Woodmen Two Pop Centers:
1) 2508 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
2) 2609 (Village) (small army)
The Dragon Lord should get Sarn Goriwing, Goblin Gate, and Dol Goldur.
Give the Witch King 2305 and make Framsburg into a village/tower (2405).
The goal should be one thing only: Take out or defend the Lonely Mountain
within X turns.
Only the DS should be able to recruit Heavy Cavalry. In addition they can
recruit Archers and Heavy Infantry.
All other nations can only recruit Heavy Infantry and Archers.
For orders:
Commanders: Upgrade/Downgrade, Hire Army, Training Orders and Recruit
Emissaries: Influence your popcenter, Improve your popcenter
Agents: Steal Artifacts, Steal Gold, Scout for Characters, Guard Pop Center
and the Recon stuff
Mages: (Yes have a couple of them) Just the PrenMgy and the Casting of
Spells. No learning new spells.
New characters could be recruited, I suppose.
Was intending it to be free and they play for 6 turns or so. �20 would give
you the map, free game, and truncated rules. If they then wanted to play
the full game they could and this would be a free set-up and we'd send out
the rules.
···
I would also charge less than the normal 3.90 you are
charging us.
My theoretical test game:
Battle of the Five Armies!
Nations:
FP Dwarves
FP Silvan Elves
FP Woodmen
DS Dragon Lord
DS Witch King
Give the Dwarves two pop centers:
1) The Lonely Mountain as a Camp/Fort (no army, just characters)
2) The Iron Hills at 3707 with it being a Major Town/Fort (Army)
Give the Elves Two pop centers:
1) 2908 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
2) 2709 (Village/Tower) (small army)
Give the Woodmen Two Pop Centers:
1) 2508 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
2) 2609 (Village) (small army)
The Dragon Lord should get Sarn Goriwing, Goblin Gate, and Dol Goldur.
Give the Witch King 2305 and make Framsburg into a village/tower (2405).
The goal should be one thing only: Take out or defend the Lonely Mountain
within X turns.
Only the DS should be able to recruit Heavy Cavalry. In addition they can
recruit Archers and Heavy Infantry.
All other nations can only recruit Heavy Infantry and Archers.
For orders:
Commanders: Upgrade/Downgrade, Hire Army, Training Orders and Recruit
Emissaries: Influence your popcenter, Improve your popcenter
Agents: Steal Artifacts, Steal Gold, Scout for Characters, Guard Pop
Center
and the Recon stuff
Mages: (Yes have a couple of them) Just the PrenMgy and the Casting of
Spells. No learning new spells.
New characters could be recruited, I suppose.
> My theoretical test game:
> Battle of the Five Armies!
>
> Nations:
> FP Dwarves
> FP Silvan Elves
> FP Woodmen
> DS Dragon Lord
> DS Witch King
>
> Give the Dwarves two pop centers:
> 1) The Lonely Mountain as a Camp/Fort (no army, just characters)
> 2) The Iron Hills at 3707 with it being a Major Town/Fort (Army)
>
> Give the Elves Two pop centers:
> 1) 2908 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
> 2) 2709 (Village/Tower) (small army)
>
> Give the Woodmen Two Pop Centers:
> 1) 2508 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
> 2) 2609 (Village) (small army)
>
> The Dragon Lord should get Sarn Goriwing, Goblin Gate, and Dol Goldur.
> Give the Witch King 2305 and make Framsburg into a village/tower (2405).
>
> The goal should be one thing only: Take out or defend the Lonely
Mountain
> within X turns.
> Only the DS should be able to recruit Heavy Cavalry. In addition they
can
> recruit Archers and Heavy Infantry.
> All other nations can only recruit Heavy Infantry and Archers.
>
> For orders:
> Commanders: Upgrade/Downgrade, Hire Army, Training Orders and Recruit
> Emissaries: Influence your popcenter, Improve your popcenter
> Agents: Steal Artifacts, Steal Gold, Scout for Characters, Guard Pop
Center
> and the Recon stuff
> Mages: (Yes have a couple of them) Just the PrenMgy and the Casting of
> Spells. No learning new spells.
> New characters could be recruited, I suppose.
>
> My two cents!
> Jeff
>
>
> Middle Earth PBM List - Middle Earth and Harlequin Games
> To Unsubscribe:www.egroups.com
> http://www.MiddleEarthGames.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
Ie what I should have said - anyone else interested in this?
Clint
We'll look into it.
Clint
> That sounds cool - I'd play it anyway!
>
> How about developing it as a fun little game for experienced players,
too?
>
> Tony
>
> From: webguys <webguys@lakenet.com>
> To: <mepbmlist@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: 30 May 2001 12:45
> Subject: RE: [mepbmlist] Test Game
>
>
> > My theoretical test game:
> > Battle of the Five Armies!
> >
> > Nations:
> > FP Dwarves
> > FP Silvan Elves
> > FP Woodmen
> > DS Dragon Lord
> > DS Witch King
> >
> > Give the Dwarves two pop centers:
> > 1) The Lonely Mountain as a Camp/Fort (no army, just characters)
> > 2) The Iron Hills at 3707 with it being a Major Town/Fort (Army)
> >
> > Give the Elves Two pop centers:
> > 1) 2908 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
> > 2) 2709 (Village/Tower) (small army)
> >
> > Give the Woodmen Two Pop Centers:
> > 1) 2508 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
> > 2) 2609 (Village) (small army)
> >
> > The Dragon Lord should get Sarn Goriwing, Goblin Gate, and Dol Goldur.
> > Give the Witch King 2305 and make Framsburg into a village/tower
(2405).
> >
> > The goal should be one thing only: Take out or defend the Lonely
Mountain
> > within X turns.
> > Only the DS should be able to recruit Heavy Cavalry. In addition they
can
> > recruit Archers and Heavy Infantry.
> > All other nations can only recruit Heavy Infantry and Archers.
> >
> > For orders:
> > Commanders: Upgrade/Downgrade, Hire Army, Training Orders and Recruit
> > Emissaries: Influence your popcenter, Improve your popcenter
> > Agents: Steal Artifacts, Steal Gold, Scout for Characters, Guard Pop
> Center
> > and the Recon stuff
> > Mages: (Yes have a couple of them) Just the PrenMgy and the Casting of
> > Spells. No learning new spells.
> > New characters could be recruited, I suppose.
> >
> > My two cents!
> > Jeff
> >
> >
> > Middle Earth PBM List - Middle Earth and Harlequin Games
> > To Unsubscribe:www.egroups.com
> > http://www.MiddleEarthGames.com
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
>
>
> Middle Earth PBM List - Middle Earth and Harlequin Games
> To Unsubscribe:www.egroups.com
> http://www.MiddleEarthGames.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
Ie what I should have said - anyone else interested in this?
Clint
We'll look into it.
Clint
> That sounds cool - I'd play it anyway!
>
> How about developing it as a fun little game for experienced players,
too?
>
> Tony
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: webguys <webguys@lakenet.com>
> To: <mepbmlist@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: 30 May 2001 12:45
> Subject: RE: [mepbmlist] Test Game
>
>
> > My theoretical test game:
> > Battle of the Five Armies!
> >
> > Nations:
> > FP Dwarves
> > FP Silvan Elves
> > FP Woodmen
> > DS Dragon Lord
> > DS Witch King
> >
> > Give the Dwarves two pop centers:
> > 1) The Lonely Mountain as a Camp/Fort (no army, just characters)
> > 2) The Iron Hills at 3707 with it being a Major Town/Fort (Army)
> >
> > Give the Elves Two pop centers:
> > 1) 2908 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
> > 2) 2709 (Village/Tower) (small army)
> >
> > Give the Woodmen Two Pop Centers:
> > 1) 2508 (Major Town/Fort) and (small army)
> > 2) 2609 (Village) (small army)
> >
> > The Dragon Lord should get Sarn Goriwing, Goblin Gate, and Dol Goldur.
> > Give the Witch King 2305 and make Framsburg into a village/tower
(2405).
> >
> > The goal should be one thing only: Take out or defend the Lonely
Mountain
> > within X turns.
> > Only the DS should be able to recruit Heavy Cavalry. In addition they
can
> > recruit Archers and Heavy Infantry.
> > All other nations can only recruit Heavy Infantry and Archers.
> >
> > For orders:
> > Commanders: Upgrade/Downgrade, Hire Army, Training Orders and Recruit
> > Emissaries: Influence your popcenter, Improve your popcenter
> > Agents: Steal Artifacts, Steal Gold, Scout for Characters, Guard Pop
> Center
> > and the Recon stuff
> > Mages: (Yes have a couple of them) Just the PrenMgy and the Casting of
> > Spells. No learning new spells.
> > New characters could be recruited, I suppose.
> >
> > My two cents!
> > Jeff
> >
> >
> > Middle Earth PBM List - Middle Earth and Harlequin Games
> > To Unsubscribe:www.egroups.com
> > http://www.MiddleEarthGames.com
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
>
>
> Middle Earth PBM List - Middle Earth and Harlequin Games
> To Unsubscribe:www.egroups.com
> http://www.MiddleEarthGames.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
