Replacement sought for PBEM3

[timmy827]

The game is at 1650AD.

Unfortunately the reason I am looking for a replacement is that my job has prevented me from giving this (or any other of my hobbies/fun activities) the effort they really deserve -> hence the blackout in my spoiler thread.

I'll try to correct that somewhat in the next couple days so a potential replacement could make an informed decision on whether they want to take over.

[Gold Ergo Sum]

I've never played any multiplayer Civ before. But I am completely unspoiled as to this game. I just need someone to fill me in on the mechanics of a PBEM and maybe some lurkers would be nice enough to help through some mechanics if I discuss in the lurker thread. Anyway, let me know.

What is the time commitment for this kind of thing?

[Brian Shanahan]

If you post in the lurker thread before taking the job you're pretty much spoiled. If you have mechanics questions post in timmy's thread would be my advice.

I haven't played any MP games but going on various comments in the games I'm following it'll be about a minute a turn playing (maxing at about 3 turns a day) and a couple of hours strategising and C&D. I'd say the most important thing if you are decidning to play is to thoroughly read timmy's thread and find out where he's going and what his diplo is like. And if needed ask him questions.

[Tatan]

The "mechanics" of a PBEM are pretty simple. You get emailed the save, you open it and play the turn, then you end the turn and email the save it creates to the next person in line [or upload it to the tracker, if the PBEM3 guys are still using it].

The time investment depends on how much you want to put into the game. For me [a fairly slow player], each turn usually takes 5-15 minutes depending on what I'm doing. Diplomacy [again, for me personally] usually consumes another 5-15 minutes, but can be done any time during the day and is therefore less burdensome. And finally, if you are so inclined, updating the thread will take 5-20 minutes, depending on the particular turn and your own style.

Of course, you'll also want to take time to plan, but I find that I can "slip" that time into other activities during the day.

If you have any further mechanics questions, I'll be happy to attempt to answer, although I'm still relatively new to PBEMs myself.

EDIT: Cross-post with Brian. Yeah, make sure to post questions in Timmy's lurker thread, not the general one.

[Sandover]

What is the time commitment for this kind of thing?

PBEM3 has been moving at a slow pace of around 1 turn per 2 days lately. If you can handle playing one turn every day or most days then you're definitly qualified. Slack during holidays and such are pretty much expected. As for diplo it's up to you really how much time you want to spend on it. Timmy isn't exactly known for his willingness to chit-chat so none of us would notice much of a difference if you aren't either. There's only 4 civs to talk to anyway, so the burden isn't exactly a heavy one, and personally I'd be happy with any solution that keeps the game moving.

[Gold Ergo Sum]

I guess I should've been more precise in my terminology. I meant if I post any questions in Timmy's spoiler thread for the lurkers, maybe they can help me with the mechanics. I wouldn't read the actual lurker thread obviously.

I can definitely play one turn per day, probably two depending on when the save got to me. I plan to take a few snowboarding trips this winter that might take me out of commission for 48 hours or so, but I could drag my laptop along if the hotel we stay in has free internet.

I don't really care what state Timmy's empire is in or where the game is at. That doesn't affect my decision one way or the other. I mainly just want to help out. I would hate it if I put in months of work on a game and it failed due to an inability to keep enough players around.

[Shoot the Moon]

I am also unspoiled in PBEM 3 and would willing to take over if the game would otherwise stop. I'm the same timezone as timmy (at least according to the email thread), so that wouldn't be an issue. I'll be upfront and say that if I were to play, my diplomacy might be a bit limited: I certainly have enough spare time to play a second game, but depending on how intense the diplo is in the game I may or may not be quieter than others. (I only have PB3 to go on in terms of time commitment to diplo, which obviously takes a bit more time with soooooo many teams. I certainly can't put in that kind of time, but could manage some diplo, I just don't know how intense PBEM 3 is in terms of diplo commitment)

That being said, if Gold Ergo Sum wants to play, I'd think he should play rather than myself. Gold Ergo Sum, I'd be happy to be a dedicated lurker if you want someone who is also unspoiled to be able to help you through adjusting to MP.

[Gold Ergo Sum]

If you would be willing to Dedlurk, that would be great StM.

[Shoot the Moon]

If you would be willing to Dedlurk, that would be great StM.

Sounds good.

[Gold Ergo Sum]

So that is perfect as far as I am concerned. I am in.

If you guys are anxious to get the game up and running again, I can probably play turns as soon as I play my turns for SG3 tonight.