So, how does one get involved here...

[Sarmatian]

Hello World.

I've been lurking here for a a long time. Accidentally found the forum when I was looking for some additional info on FFH2.

At first, it was just about getting the strategy info about various civs (FFH can be overwhelming when you first get into it), but after I while I noticed I was reading about the games just for the fun of it.

Lately, I've been thinking it might be fun to actually try an MP game.

So, what do I do/who do I talk to for that?

Also, are you guys ok with a player who would definitely be below average here? In most games it's not a problem, but in FFH/EitB, it can alter the overall balance of the game, if a good player conquers the weak player, due to snowballing effect.

[Dp101]

People start games all the time, you really just have to post in the signup thread for a game and people will generally be ok with you playing. You could even just make a thread yourself, post in civ general discussion something along the lines of "new here, want to start a PB/PBEM, anyone interested?". As for skill level, I know that there are occasionally greens games run here for more casual players who don't feel like getting run over by the vets, so if you are worried about not being good enough they would be the place to start.

[Sarmatian]

Thanks. I don't mind losing, I'm more afraid of ruining the game for someone else.

[sunrise089]

Welcome!

Best way to not ruin a game is to not quit unexpectedly. If you play through the end, at a solid pace, and are reasonably friendly you're easily meeting the RB standard, and are above the standards of about 95% of online gaming communities

[DaveV]

To amplify sunrise's mention of "a solid pace": you're signing up to play every day for six months or a year; if, for instance, you're not ever going to be able to play a turn on the weekends, people will be frustrated with you by the end of the game. Real life emergencies happen, but the goal is at least seven turns in a normal week.

[AdrienIer]

To amplify sunrise's mention of "a solid pace": you're signing up to play every day for six months or a year; if, for instance, you're not ever going to be able to play a turn on the weekends, people will be frustrated with you by the end of the game. Real life emergencies happen, but the goal is at least seven turns in a normal week.

I think you're overstating this. Most new players play their first games as part of a team (or at least have one major dedlurker), so you can leave the turn for your teammate for the duration of your leave.

If you generally can't play on weekends, to use your example, you can be a dedlurker for someone else or a team member + secondary turnplayer, but if your problem is that you'll be unavailable once every few weeks you can still be the main turnplayer. The most important thing is to communicate on the forum when you can't play a turn, so one of your dedlurkers can know in advance that he'll have to play a turn, or in the worst case the other players know in advance that they have to pause until you come back.

You also have to be careful that, while early turns are quick, at some point you'll end up playing your turns for 30mn to an hour every day.

[Brian Shanahan]

Thanks. I don't mind losing, I'm more afraid of ruining the game for someone else.

Play your turns on time when you can. When you can't give notice ahead of time or explanation after.

As regards helping improve your game, look for an experienced dedicated lurker and post regularly. I'm not a good mp player by any means and I've no problems getting into games.

Edit:Welcome to the fora. I love the name.