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... and all the other things floating around out there / Stellaris

« on: April 17, 2016, 11:50:25 pm »

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Stellaris is a sci-fi grand strategy game set 200 years into the future. It is developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. If you are familiar with Crusader Kings 2 and Europa Universalis 3 and 4, this new game takes elements of both games, as well as many space 4X games (master of orion/sins of a solar empire/etc) and combines them together.

The official game wiki has alot of information about how the game works:
http://www.stellariswiki.com/

If you want to see gameplay here is a video of Wiz (the Developer in charge of the games AI) and cKnoor (one of their Community outreach people aka PR) playing as the Blorg Commonality from the very beginning of the game.

I've been looking forward to this game from the very moment they announced it, as the space 4X genre has been dead for years. It is now up for pre-order on steam if you are into that sort of thing.

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Guides / I can Pike and so can you.

« on: May 18, 2014, 04:01:02 pm »

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People have always asked me to write up a post about how I pike and why my preferred method of piking is the support style/agi piker. I will start with the why and hope that it helps people understand the ‘how’ better, with a dash of Ravens of Valhalla clan play style information tossed in as well. I hope you enjoy the read. Note: All this information I am posting is not the absolute best way to be a piker, I do not presume to be the best piker ever or even that others should only use my style, I am just putting up my thoughts about piking and general play style info in hope that people will enjoy the read and maybe glean some information they can use from it. I hope you enjoy the read.

Why I am a support piker:

I like helping my teammates. It’s really that simple. The fun in this game is not necessarily winning but seeming like I and my team have accomplished a goal. In Raven we generally try very basic tactics to accomplish some random goal, “Hold the doorway” or “Push the archers”, it really just depends who is on and what weapons/loadouts we have at our disposal.

Why Raven play style makes me a better piker:

Raven is all about teamwork. Back to the very beginning of Norse Horde, teamwork was emphasized over everything else. Defend the guy next to you, do not fight alone, and try to stick with the plan. Those three “rules” are the basis for every single Raven member, except the piker. It was decided very early that the piker would be the floater. The go between of the members as they separate on the field, fighting in pairs, it is the pikers job to jump in and out of the fights hitting the enemy when you can and distracting when you cannot.

Why speed makes it happen:

You have to be able to get to the men fighting quickly and dart in and out. Higher speed equals more of the field you can cover, which has the pleasant side effect of making enemy cavalry feel like more area is off limits to them. With higher speed, I can pick and choose where and when I want to hit the enemy. If I notice teammates getting destroyed nearby, I will zip over and poke the enemy flank, seeing if I can get some pressure off them.

Side note on cavalry: Heavy cav are the bane of my existence. Unless they are charging straight at me and I get a gigantic speed bonus to my stab, they take forever to kill. I can stop them in their tracks but the rider just stares at me as he turns and rides off, giving no fucks to my pathetic attempts to kill his horse.

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Diplomacy / New beginnings

« on: February 24, 2014, 03:50:41 pm »

Strat 4 ending RP:

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The sky filled with clouds and roared. Thor was up high, riding his chariot and unleashing Mjolnir on the earth. Relit the Old sat alone in his dark tower at Narra, around him was gathered the maps and books of a lifetime devoted to the study of war. On the desk, the book 'Poetic Edda', was open before him.

"So the time has come... Ragnarök." he said, glancing out the window toward the open plains to the west. A moving wall of gray was approaching rapidly. It would be here soon. Slowly he rose, the sound of his hauberk clinking filled his mind with memories, and reached over to take up his trusted pike from its place beside his hearth. With no glance backwards, he went down the steps swiftly toward the city gates.

The gates were open and apparently others had the same idea. Assembled before the gate was every member of the Raven warband. At the front and center stood HungryandBroke, the new Chieftain, in his banded armor. Beside Hungry was Spin, his friend and standard bearer, slowly spinning in circles with the banner held high. The Battle-Brothers, Surtr and Guiness, stood flanking the banner, with faces grim, as usual.

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Addressing the entire warband, Hungry yelled. "Here we are, at the end. I do not know what is coming my brothers but look at the men beside you and remember who we are! Shields high! Spears ready! Charge!" and with a roar they plunged into the wall of grey. So ends the Saga of the Raven Warband.

Strat 5 opening RP:

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The first thing Relit the Old felt was the heat. Then the feel of sand pressed against his face. He was lying face down in a desert, in all directions men of the Raven Warband were scattered, most lying or sitting in a daze. "What is this? Where are we? This can not be Valhalla or Hel!" Relit exclaimed. Around him the men began standing up and talking amongst themselves. The Ancient One, Ingleram Isenzahn shouted for all the men to hear, "This is a sign from the All-Father! We must go back to the old ways of blood and iron. We have been given a chance to cast aside the chains that bound us to the land!"

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Relit the Old nodded in agreement and spoke up. "Each of us must chose a new path from here. The oaths that bound us to the throne of Narra are no more. Let each man decide his own fate going forward. I march to find a new home, each of you should do the same."

With that the Raven Warband dispersed into the new lands to seek glory in each their own way.

TLDR: NH/Raven will not be participating in this new strat as a entity. Members of NH/Raven will be joining whatever faction will have them. If any strat leader has questions/concerns about NH/Raven members joining their individual faction, you are more than welcome to message me. I can and will vouch for every single current member of Raven and think they would be a fine addition to any faction.

No longer valid. See later post for update.

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Diplomacy / War of Northern Aggression

« on: October 21, 2013, 02:18:08 am »

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Some music for you as you read the thread:

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The ruling council of The Central Confederacy has convened and unanimously decided that it is in the best interest of our members for The Central Confederacy to declare war on The Free Companies of Calradia.

Casus belli: Diplomatic insult, Border frictions, and Violated Sphere of Influence.

War goals: End of FCC Hegemony over much of the map. Oh and XP for those people who actually still retire.

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Before I even go on, let me be very clear: If you find yourself angry about this post and want to rant and rave at me or Artyem or any of the other Confederacy leaders. Don't. We are going to ignore you, so just stop. If you have something constructive to say, I direct you to Sandersson and only him, I personally wont be answering any questions about this, so do not even try.

The Confederacy rises up in opposition to the tyranny of The Yankees Free Companies of Calradia and President Lincoln Kesh. We can no longer stand by and watch the Northerner's relentless attacks upon our neighbors homes. Refugees flee over into our borders and tell us of the atrocitiesXP filled battles committed under the FCC banner.

We send out this call to arms to all free people not currently under the yoke of the Imperialist'sFCC. Stand with us! Stand for States Rights XP! Hospitaller, LL, Occitan, Chevaliers, and GOBBLIN's! We will march with any or all of you, let us set aside our past differences and unite for Freedomless strat boredom!

The Ravens of Valhalla officially calls to arms its ally of old, The Kingdom of Veluca. Oaths we have sworn and battles we have fought side by side, let us march together once again to victory.

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Diplomacy / Fimbulvetr II : Electric Boogaloo

« on: October 02, 2013, 03:12:18 am »

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To start off I would like to explain what Fimbulvetr was. Originally it was planned as a way for Raven to have a strong, ally with very active members. For Dracul it was a means to a end, they wanted to be a more active participant in strat. And for Frisia it was all about looks. They loved the way Raven's/Dracul's collective ass looked in jeans.

After a very short time together in Fimbulvetr, we realized that we all had very different outlooks on what CRPG and Strat meant for each of us. Back then I believe we did not fully understand each other and so it led to problems. Various members had problems with other members and it snowballed into a serious problem. The way we, as a group, handled it near the end was not the best. So we broke apart, always eyeing each other and always willing to talk or even help out.

Its been a few months and over these months the members of Frisia, Dracul and Raven have grown much closer than we ever were under Fimbulvetr. No longer do we meet to discuss plans as just allies but as friends, who enjoy this ridiculous game together.

And so it is my distinct pleasure to announce a new strat merger: The Central Confederacy

Instead of taking up the name Fimbulvetr again, which was named entirely around Raven's RP theme, this time we are keeping it simple and something that represents us all as equals.

The Central Confederacy also claims all current Dracul, Frisia, and Raven fiefs. Every one.

A word to all Factions in the short term: While we are forming our new strat faction if you attack Dracul, Frisia or Raven, you declare war on us all. Starting today, we officially are one faction.

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Diplomacy / Fimbulvetr II : Electric Boogaloo

« on: October 02, 2013, 03:04:41 am »

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To start off I would like to explain what Fimbulvetr was. Originally it was planned as a way for Raven to have a strong, ally with very active members. For Dracul it was a means to a end, they wanted to be a more active participant in strat. And for Frisia it was all about looks. They loved the way Raven's/Dracul's collective ass looked in jeans.

After a very short time together in Fimbulvetr, we realized that we all had very different outlooks on what CRPG and Strat meant for each of us. Back then I believe we did not fully understand each other and so it led to problems. Various members had problems with other members and it snowballed into a serious problem. The way we, as a group, handled it near the end was not the best. So we broke apart, always eyeing each other and always willing to talk or even help out.

Its been a few months and over these months the members of Frisia, Dracul and Raven have grown much closer than we ever were under Fimbulvetr. No longer do we meet to discuss plans as just allies but as friends, who enjoy this ridiculous game together.

And so it is my distinct pleasure to announce a new strat merger: The Central Confederacy

Instead of taking up the name Fimbulvetr again, which was named entirely around Raven's RP theme, this time we are keeping it simple and something that represents us all as equals.

The Central Confederacy also claims all current Dracul, Frisia, and Raven fiefs. Every one.

A word to all Factions in the short term: While we are forming our new strat faction if you attack Dracul, Frisia or Raven, you declare war on us all. Starting today, we officially are one faction.

7

Diplomacy / A tale of two cities

« on: August 31, 2013, 10:56:33 pm »

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In the not very far distance sat Halmar, the former city of the hated Hounds of Chulainn. Now under new ownership, The Frisian Freedom.

"How long has it been since we came here? It feels like years but its only been a short while." said Tormund Forkbeard, as he continued his march toward the city.

Beside him, marched Rotfeast, who recently recovered from his brush with illness. Rotfeast replied, "The only thing I remember from the last time we were here was the fires. By Odin, the entire plain was aflame. Looks much... better now...", as they passed a family of peasant farmers who were working their fields completely naked.

It was a strange time in and around the Raven lands, mostly quiet. A time of peace and prosperity, where the only enemy was boredom. But all that was soon to change for the men marching again toward Halmar. A great feast was expected, a vast celebration lasting over a week. The Frisians have promised exotic foods, alcohol and games of skill and something they are calling a "Erotic handshake competition". Halmar itself supposedly has been richly decorated to honor its coming guests.

"Let us remember that we are also here as diplomats from our people, we do not wish to anger our neighbor by appearing rude.", Tormund softly said as he watched Rotfeast walk backwards and stare at the farmers they had passed moments ago.

"Yes... but these Frisians... why do they do these things? Why do they act so strange? What do their Gods think of them?" asked Rotfeast.

"It is not for us to question the Gods, ours or theirs... Oh dear Odin, why?" Tormund began as they crested over a small rise and got full view of the city gates.

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They were wide open and a large crowd was gathered in greeting before them. Across the entire city flying high above the towers were banners, not unlike every other city... but in Halmar every banner was a rainbow. Crudely drawn upon the very walls of the city were 'pictures' of people and animals engaged in prolific lovemaking. Up on the walls, they could see piles of men, women and animals engaged in the very acts drawn.

Both men stopped immediately and stared in shock and horror, as a very familiar person jumped from above the gatehouse whilst riding a horse and yelled:

"Welcome to Halmar, fuck youuuuuuuu...", Daruvian shouted and fell. He held up both his middle fingers as if to further emphasize his meaning.

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Dedicated to Rotfeast and from the Ravens to the Frisians with love.

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The second half of the story wherein Sandersson and his delegation of Frisians arrive at Narra for the other half of the celebration, will be posted tomorrow.

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Diplomacy / Raven & Dracul Territory

« on: August 31, 2013, 07:56:55 pm »

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http://c-rpg.net/index.php?page=strategusbattlesupcoming#!?page=strategusinfobattledetail&id=4989

In case it has not been made clear. Raven and Dracul territories are NEUTRAL territory. Any person traveling inside our territory is under our protection for trade. By attacking inside our territory your trade and passage access will be revoked.

LL your access to our lands is now cancelled. Do not approach our land again or you will be considered hostile. If you wish to discuss regaining access, you are welcome to send myself or Turboflex a message and we will consider it.

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Diplomacy / The steppe winds

« on: May 06, 2013, 08:03:48 pm »

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He sat upon a wooden throne, made from the finest and rarest of woods available in the steppe. It was carved with men astride horses using bows against one another, probably one of the legendary battles of the ancient Khergit people, he thought, as he had many times, that they were a silly people. More concerned with horses then with the strength of their shields. As he contemplated these strange people, the discussion raged before him.

"What of our foes to the west? Will they not fight us?", asked BlackWhite. He was a large man with a greying beard, overly fond of horses. Even now, in the Mead Hall of Narra, he smelled of them. Perhaps he would know something of these Khergits...

"Our scouts report little movement and our Frisian allies report that many have even professed no desire to fight us. They would rather feast in their castles and fight the Velucans in the desert." replied Relit the Old. A dark man, this one. He has seen too many winters and the desire for glory has long since waned; no longer burning in his eyes.

A glance around the room showed the Chieftain that all were in attendance, even Vinr Zan, who spends more time reading in his lofty tower at Malayurg than training the men under his command. It was at this moment that the mead hall doors flew open. Men clad in mail and tabards walked in. Armed men, bristling with spears and swords.

"Welcome to you, Sandersson of Frisia and to your men." The Chieftain said softly, as he slowly rose from his wooden throne. There was nothing but silence in the hall. No man may enter the hall so armed, even in times of war.

Sandersson nodded his greeting to the Chieftain. He was a king in all but name; allowances must be made for such great men. "I have come to be privy to this discussion, for it affects us all in the Fimbulvetr Confederacy." He replied.

Beside the Frisian Hávedling, stood his highest ranking lord, Daruvian. The shamans say he is touched by the gods. That is why he is still alive after taunting so many men. Perhaps. Seats and mead were offered to the Frisians, who gladly accepted. It is not a pleasant journey through the forest near Narra. The wind is maddening, the woods teeming with wild beasts. The Chieftain sat back down. A map of the continent was brought forth and placed upon the long table.

"To the far west, our allies of old The Knights...", grumbles from around the table, but Vinr Zan and those around him were silent, with stoney eyes. "The Knights Hospitaller are decimated, stewardship of some of their lands given to Occitan. There is no honor in fighting them anymore. Some among us remember the old friendships and oaths of brotherhood spoken on the battlefields.", recounted Relit.

"To the east, the Stratians and the Bowlers fight together against the Free Companies. A border dispute turned bloody. To the southeast, the Velucans war against Occitan for land and glory.", several of the Ravens present banged their fists on the long table and stomped their feet in a cheer for their Velucan brothers.

"You know why we are here, speak to the matter at hand, you long winded spear-fondler." interrupted Daruvian.

Ignoring the outburst, Relit went on, "To the north and north east, I see the Free Companies and no others. A decision must be made regarding the matter of Cikel and of honor."

All eyes turned to Sandersson, who was in turn staring straight into the eyes of the Chieftain. "We erred greatly by not reacting to this slight without delay. We sit here before you with shame upon our minds. There is but one way to regain our honor; with the blood of the transgressors spilled upon the ground, their heads mounted atop long stakes." he said.

"War? With a people who hold us no ill will. Just weeks ago a Free Company diplomat stood in this hall and thanked us for our help fighting the The Knights and wished to keep coordinating the war effort.", the Chieftain argued, his voice rising slightly the more he spoke.

"The Free Companies say kind words to us while at the same time throw out our man, Cikel, from their city. Kind words and mutual enemies can only excuse so much.", said Sandersson with the desire for violence tangible in his voice. The Chieftain did not immediately respond, he sat and thought.

"There are also the tales from travellers who have recently been to Ambean, Vayejeg, Fenada, and even Sargoth.", spoke Relit the Old. He would be one to hear such tales. Too much time spent among foreigners.

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"Tell me these tales.", the Chieftain simply said. He had heard whispers, but nothing recent.

"It is said that in Sargoth and its surrounding villages, that men are being rounded up to fight in the Free Companies wars. That not even freemen and craftsmen are exempt.", mutters erupted along the table. The nordic custom exempts craftsmen and freemen, if they choose, from fighting in the warbands.

"And it is also said the women and children of the men who resist are held in ransom to assure the menfolks behavior.", finished Relit, his voice hard with no emotion. The Chieftain's face turned red with anger. Could these tales be true? Are the Free Companies trying to destroy the nordic peoples way of life?

"It gets worse, my Chieftain. The people are made to swear allegiance to... a woman. A red haired temptress, who wields a bow. She does not even stand in the wall with her shield-brothers!" The room exploded into angry men, questions flying back and forth. No nordic man would swear allegiance to a woman, not without being compelled by sorcery. All became silent when the Chieftain rose from his throne.

"Long have we looked to the northeast. To the coastline and rivers of our forefathers. Back when our great-grandfathers left their homeland, taking their wives and children to a new land, it was a easy choice to colonize these barbaric lands whose people were weak and unworthy of them."

"Now we are faced with a hard path. These Free Companies are hard men, with mighty siege weapons. They have proven their worth on the field of battle many times. But they have never faced the nords! Let us show them the axe and the spear!", the Chieftain yelled to the cheers of his men and Frisian allies. Men were banging their fists on the table and yelling oaths of vengeance upon our new enemy. Sandersson of Frisia remained quiet, all he did was nod his agreement, anticipating the coming conflict.

The Chieftain remained standing, slowly the men became quiet. "I will never sit in this wooden "throne" again. Bring me my axe and shield. We march for Sargoth."

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TLDR:

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Fimbulvetr declares war on the Free Companies of Calradia with the war goals: Aquire Sargoth region and Restoration of Frisian Honor.

Thanks to:

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Sandersson for editing this.
Zan for being a good sport and ideas, your the best Vinr!
Turboflex for the inspiration and for allowing me to use him as the main character.

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Diplomacy / Fimbulvetr territory

« on: May 02, 2013, 02:34:54 am »

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This is a notice to all neutral or friendly clans traveling within our lands:

If you are inside our territory, do not attack anybody without talking to Fimbulvetr leadership first. If its somebody who we are clearly at war with, then by all means attack at your discretion. But neutral parties trading or otherwise just traveling through are under our protection. If you wish to remain neutral or friendly with us, you will respect our sovereignty.