Alea Iacta Est: Start on December 11th

[Lumine]

Hello!

As you know, Spamage's magistral Concert of Europe is ending soon, leaving a spot open for a major game in the forum. While the past few games I've hosted have been interesting they have failed to reach a satisfactory ending, and I feel past players are owed a game to which I devote full effort and zeal.

This cannot happen until at least one more month, as my thesis will be finished by then and I'll have some weeks of spare time. In the meantime, I'd like to lay the groundwork for a game and, more importantly, see just how interested people would be in playing some of these games on December. I know some of the options I've added are long shots, but they interest me and who knows, they might appeal to people as well.

My current thoughts are:

Robert's Rebellion (282 AL): The next ASOIAF Game, this time going away from the Book-Show timeline and into a familiar past. The game would pit Targaryen loyalists and rebels against each other once the war has begun, but before houses like the Tullys, Greyjoys and Lannister join (and they would become available later on), and it would follow the model we've seen so far, with some modification.

First Triumvirate (53 BC): A Roman game, given that I am an enthusiast of Roman History. The game is set on 53 BC, right before the fateful expedition of Crassus to Parthia which broke the balance of Roman politics. Players get to play prominent Senators and Kings (Caesar, Pompey, Crassus, Cato, Cicero, Clodius, Ptolemy XII, Vercingetorix, etc) and vie for political and military supremacy as they control their own factions, armies and followers. This can be extended to other periods of Roman history just as long as there's interest.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes (796 UC) This one is based on a great (if obscure) Anime space opera, pitting key characters of the Free Planets Alliance, the Galactic Empire and Phezzan at the start of the series. I would be incredibly enthusiastic about this, but since few people have seen LOGH I understand if there is no player base for this.

"Balance of Power" Style Game (1840-1890): A return to my games such as BoP I and II and Swords of Damocles, placing ourselves at some determined point in the late XIX Century and the age of Imperialism as powers struggle for supremacy and colonies (starting points could be 1848, 1861, 1870 and 1889). On the other hand, Spamage just hosted an historical game of this sort, so there could be fatigue for this.

Napoleonic Wars (1803): This one is of course too close to Spamage's game, but I fully intend to host a Napoleonic game one day and hopefully turn it into my magnum opus.

If anyone has suggestions I'll be happy to hear them, but this is what I'd like to host next December. Thoughts?

[Lumine]

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Interesting, I hadn't considered an earlier time frame. The reason why I wanted to see players as some key individuals was to promote intrigue and political manuevering so it wouldn't be all war, to show the issues with the balance of power inside Rome (so that no matter how brilliant a player was in war, he would need to be good at intrigue or diplomacy to really succeed). Going by your suggestion, I would then feel confident to suggest the Second Punic War as an interesting time frame given the info we have and interesting monarchs in Egypt, Macedon and the Seleucid Empire.

The scenario would look as follows:

The Punic Wars (220 or 218 BC)

Republic of Rome:
-At least two players to showcase the different political factions, with, for example, the Scipionic family, the Fabians, the Claudians and so on. This to show how Rome is not a united entity.
Republic of Carthage:
-Two players, one representing Hannibal and the Barcids in Hispania (with so much power they're semi autonomous) and the other Hanno the Great and the government of Carthage itself, to also show the division of power inside Carthage
The Successor States:
-Four players as the main successor states in the east: Philip V of Macedon, Ptolemy IV of Egypt, Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire, and Attalus I of Pergamon.
Others:
-If for some reason there were more interested players, then we can open minor states such as the Achaean and Aetolian Leagues, Siracuse, Numidia, Bithynia, Pontus, etc.

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I considered a suitable starting point and came to the conclusion that anything later than Season 1 is probably not a good idea given the sheer lack of balance between the Alliance and the Empire. On the other hand, Astarte doesn't give enough room as some key characters are still too unknown or not powerful enough.

So I settled on early 796 UC, right after Yang's victory at the Seventh Battle of Iserlohn. That way you get both a strong Empire and Alliance with issues of their own. The players I had in mind would be:

Empire:
-Fleet Admiral Reinhard von Lohengramm (commanding his own admiralty)
-Prince Otto von Braunschweig (as the head of his aristocratic political faction)
-Fleet Admiral Gregor von Mückenberger (as Chief Commander of the Space Fleet)
-Perhaps another noble (Lichtenlade) or prominent admiral

Alliance:
-Vice Admiral Yang Wen-Li (in control of his fleet)
-Defence Secretary Job Trunicht (as a political player)
-Fleet Admiral Sidney Sithole (as Joint Operations HQ Chief)
-Perhaps another politician (Edwards, Lebello, Windsor) or some of the more prominent admirals (Greenhill)

Phezzan:
-Obviously Rubinsky, he'd had to be the ultimate diplomatic and intrigue player.

The concept being that the war goes on (and there is no supreme player to control the Alliance and the Empire yet), and these characters are in a position to influence the war while dealing with internal issues and the struggle for power inside the Alliance and the Empire.

[Lumine]

Just added "The Punic Wars" as an option, people who already voted should be able to also vote for it if they want (I already voted for it as I would certainly host that one).

[Lumine]

Honestly I think there might be a fatigue for Balance of Powers game but if yes, count me in as France. Particularly as I would finally have time as it ils late december

And I would be interested in the other games as Assistant GM.

That's the main concern about a BoP game, actually, fatigue after Spamage's game (which I can't top at the moment no matter what I do). Since it does have its fair share of votes the Roman would be my preferred choice to host at the moment, as it allows us to do something different and it's not necessarily just warfare.

I would ask the players interested in a BoP game to propose starting dates, though. I've toyed with 1848, 1861 (again), 1870 and 1889, but I want to hear your thoughts.

[Lumine]

Lumine, you know I'm down for whatever you do. I would need a rundown of what this Galactic Hereos universe is, if that's the path we're going down.

Well, it's sort of long to explain (it's an Anime series with 110 episodes in the main story alone, and other 40-50 which expand the story), but the basic gist is this:

About 1,500 years from now on a large part of the galaxy is terraformed and ruled by two "interstellar states": the autocratc, german-style Galactic Empire (ruled by a cabal of corrupt nobles but with a rising number of commoner officers with a reformist mindset) and the democratic, multi-ethnic Free Planets Alliance (which has grown corrupt and stale, even with many still believing in democracy). Both the Empire and the Alliance have been at a bloody war for 150 years, involving star fleets of thousands of ships and millions of men fighting in corners of space. There's also a third state, the neutral Dominion of Phezzan (sort of a merchant city-state) which provides a link to the Empire and the Alliance, controls trade and trades valuable information.

As you can see, the Alliance and the Empire are separated by two corridors in space. One of them is the neutral Phezzan Corridor, and the one above is the Iserlohn Corridor, where the war takes place as either side attempts to control it to invade the enemy homeland. By the time the story takes place (and the game) both nations have weakened each other through constant war, and the balance of power (always favoring the Empire) has finally switched to the Alliance after the capture of a key fortress in the Iserlohn Corridor. At the same time, both countries face internal strife due to the resentment of the Alliance fleet against the corrupt Alliance politicians, and the bickering between the Imperial nobles and the rising reformist Admirals. The two main protagonists are the genius admirals of the Empire (Count Reinhard von Lohengramm) and the Alliance (Vice Admiral Yang Wenli), although at this moment in the story they have limited power and influence.

I can go on and on about this (this is a good summary of the context: https://myanimelist.net/featured/1378/The_Space_Opera_that_Gave_Rise_to_the_OVA), but that's the idea, players in Phezzan, the Empire and the Alliance influencing this war and seeking to achieve their own varied objectives.

[Lumine]

After some PMs with Kalwejt,

Lumine, would it be possible for me to take Russia and Kalwejt France?

Haven't made my mind on whether I even want a BoP game, so please wait a bit on requesting countries. I'm not yet convinced there wouldn't be fatigue, and what starting point could it be.

[Lumine]

Plus, its where Lumine's name came from. Don't y'all want to know where Lumine's name came from? Go watch it.

PS: Team Yang/FPA>>>>>>>>Team Empire

Oskar von Reuental >>>>>>>> The rest of the cast

There, I said it.

[Lumine]

So far Balance of Power (III?) leads the First Triumvirate, so it's probably going to be one of those two so we have a decent-sized player base. I will be accepting proposals and suggestions for either game!

[Lumine]

If you were going to start the 19th century game before 1840, my suggestion would be immediately after the July Monarchy is established in July 1830. The Belgian Revolution would be an immediate issue for major players to deal with and a new (relatively) more liberal monarchy in France would be a good excuse for the shakeup in the Concert of Europe that putting Atlas users in charge of 19th century nations would immediately cause.

Otherwise, I like the 1840 start date. There would be a year or two of "good times" to get used to the game and the Concert before things really hit the fan with the famines and recessions of the mid-1840s that led to 1848. I'd think that any start time after 1830 would have to be more or less designed around the chaos of 1848; it'd be the elephant in the room that would either be the climax of the game or it would be what would shape the world we'd start in.

Never been that much of a fan of that particular time period, so I'd have to do a lot of extra research. Perhaps 1840 would be doable, but I'm not sold on it.

Alternatively, I can remake Balance of Power II in the 1860's but done right. I was left unsatisfied by not expanding that game, and it is such a crucial decade as it lays the groundwork for Italian/German unifcation, sees the final conflict between Austria and Prussia, Napoleon III's attempts to hold onto power, the American Civil War and the list just goes on and on.

There's a lot of info, but I can remake BoP II's gameplay and combine it with elements of Concert of Europe to allow for an easier, yet detailed game. I could also begin in 1862 to allow for three crucial changes: the French intervention in Mexico is right at the start, the American Civil War is now consolidated, and Bismarck in power in Prussia.

[Lumine]

Voting is closed, and the strongest choices are Balance of Power and the First Triumvirate (which I might rename to Alea Jacta Est). Once I'm available (after December 11th or so) I'll be hosting the Roman game first because I want to do something a bit simpler and different, and because I'm interesting in new game dynamics to test. Then a Balance of Power sequel will come, after the Roman game is finished.

[Lumine]

ALEA IACTA EST:

A Roman Republic Game:

By Lumine

Synopsis: The year is 53 BC. For six years the unlikely alliance of Caesar, Pompey and Crassus has dominated Roman politics through their enormous influence among the Senate, Knights and the people, leaving moderates like Cicero, outcasts like Clodius and the aristocratic faction of Cato isolated as the "Triumvirs" continue their uneasy pact. While Pompey remains in Rome grieving the death of his wife Julia and looking closely at the politics inside the city, Caesar is on the fifth year of his wars in Gaul fighting Ambiorix and the Belgian Tribes, and Crassus trains his armies in Syria while preparing his invasion of Parthia. Not only prominent Senators, but even foreign Kings plot around the struggle for power inside Rome as the Republic seemingly reigns supreme across the Mediterranean. But as the struggle turns violent once again... how much will the political balance shift?

Players:

Note: This is a tentative list of players, I may remove or add historical characters as needed. People may already claim a particular figure so they have time for research, to get in character and to prepare. Thankfully this timeframe is along the more known of Roman History, so I would hope finding info won't be too hard. I'm always willing to help out!

Caesar: You know him. Gaius Julius Caesar, proconsul of Cisalpine Gaul, popular and scandalous politician and a stellar general who has been leading a controversial (and widely popular) war across Gaul for years, having defeated several tribes. Caesar stands on the verge of conquering Gaul for good, but the loss of his daughter has severed his ties to Pompey and his enemies wait for any excuse to force him to stand trial for treason. Can Caesar finish the conquest and return to the adoring crowds in Rome safely? (GoTfan)

Pompey: Still the greatest general in Rome (although Caesar threatens his prestige) Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, the Great, has defeated countless enemies in the form of  Sertorius, the Pirates, Mithridates and Tigranes. Constantly undermined by the aristocracy Pompey has been forced into the Triumvirate over the past few years despite his rivalry with Crassus, but with his beloved wife Julia's death and Caesar's rising popularity his political goals might change. Ruling Spain from the distance, owning half of Umbria and still wielding significant popularity and influence, can Pompey cement himself as the true most powerful Roman?

Crassus: The one and only, Marcus Licinius Crassus, richest man in Rome and immensely powerful amongst the knights and the businessmen. One of the more prominent men in the "popular party" besides Caesar, all that's missing for the ageing Crassus (with a very promising heir on his younger son Publius) is a military triumph to outshine Pompey and Caesar. Now Governor of Syria due to the Triumvirate, Crassus prepares for an ambitious campaign against the Parthian Empire despite some significant political opposition. Should Crassus succeed on this undertaking his fame and wealth would multiply to levels never seen before, but can he pull off such a risky campaign? (LouisvilleThunder)

Cato: Unyielding and stubborn, Marcius Porcius Cato the Younger serves as the leader, philosopher and moral backbone of the more aristocratic faction, the Optimates. Fanatically opposed to Caesar and an enemy of the Triumvirate Cato has fought battle after battle in the Senate to keep Roman tradition alive and safe, while doing his best to fight again corruption and what he percieves as moral decay. Not a battlefield commander, Cato is nonetheless a highly skilled orator and still a young senator and former praetor, still having the consulship ahead of him should he managed to seize it. Can Cato break the power of the Triumvirate? (Dereich)

Clodius: Unusually eccentric, passionate and a populist to boot, Publius Clodius Pulcher belongs to one of the oldest aristocratic families in Rome, but has fully embraced the popular cause as an almost revolutionary tribune. Hugely popular with the lower classes and owning a personal army of street gangs Clodius continues his meteoric rise in politics and keeps a close watch on his personal enemies, fighting the opposite street gangs of Milo (another powerful senator) and harboring a deep loathing of Cicero. Known as "King of the Streets", can Clodius turn his populist appeal into a political machine? (Kingpoleon)

Cicero: Prolific writer and almost unparalled orator, Marcus Tullius Cicero has made his career as a political animal, defending high profile cases at famous trials, saving the Republic from Catiline in an energic and highly controversial performance, and surviving the hostility of Clodius (for personal reasons). Despite having been silenced by some time by the Triumvirs, Cicero retains his inmense rhetorical skill and great sway of dozens of moderate and some conservative Senators, making him a force to be reckoned if he was to relaunch his political career. Can he? (YPestis)

Vercingetorix: Young Vercingetorix, Prince of the Gallic Arverni tribe has watched the campaigns of Caesar with great dismay, seeing tribe after tribe smashed after fighting in division, with the latest revolt by Ambiorix not having recieved support from those outside the Belgian tribes. Charismatic, daring and posessing a keen military mind, Vercingetorix dreams of a day in which Gaul unites to fight back against their brilliant conqueror. Is Vercingetorix brilliant enough to bring down Julius Caesar and the Romans? (Windjammer)

Ptolemy XII: The life of old Ptolemy XII Auletes, Pharaoh of Egypt, has not been an easy one. Disliked by his people, briefly overthrown by his own daughter (whom Ptolemy executed afterwards) and constantly having to bribe his way into Rome to keep his throne, Ptolemy has watched the power and might of Egypt slowly slip away. Now into his old age and with his potential heirs loathing each other, Egypt seems ripe for civil conflict as Rome watches carefully. And yet, Egypt is still technically a wealthy Kingdom (even if it's wealth is not solely controlled by Ptolemy). Can the Ptolemaic Dynasty bounce back? (Dkrol)

Artavasdes and Pharnaces: Sons of two of Rome's greatest enemies (Tigranes of Armenia and Mithridates of Pontus), King Artavasdes II of Armenia and King Pharnaces II of the Bosporan Kingdom stand in an awkward situation. Both are technically allies of Rome, yet they also have ample reason to be their rivals given its power. On the other hand, if Pharnaces overplays his hand he could easily lose his Kingdom and his life, whereas Artavasdes has the rather serious problem of contending with the Parthians in the East. Could Artavasdes or Pharnaces restore the fallen Empires of their fathers?

Orodes: The Great King of the rising Parthian Empire, Orodes II has just seen his older brother Mithridates III of Parthia defeated and executed, ending a bloody struggle for power over the Parthian throne. Despite the power and wealth of Parthia and its potential to recreate the old Persian Empire, Orodes watches with unease as Crassus and the Roman legions pile up in Syria, in what could be the beginning of a difficult war as Parthia is yet to heal his wounds. Can Orodes defeat the Roman threat and bring Parthia to new heights?

[Lumine]

I will take Vercingetorix!

I think I'd like to try my hand at Ptolemy XII.

I would like to claim Clodius... I have an idea.

Could I take Cicero? He's one of my personal heroes.

Super excited for this to start!

Welcome all! You may begin preparing your characters, they are now reserved. I'll be working on the specific rules when I have time, and as some heads up (and to give the game ending points) every player will be given a secret goal of their own. Should a player complete that goal first he/she wins the game itself, at which point we'll probably decide with the player base if the game has enough momentum to carry on.

[Lumine]

I'll take Cato the Younger.

Excellent! Once Caesar, Pompey and Crassus are taken we'd have a full roster necessary for the game.

[Lumine]

May I take Caesar?

Of course!

[Lumine]

Can I have Crassus?

Absolutely!

[Lumine]

Lumine,
After your game with Rome, wouldn't it be great to make Concert of Power 2.0 please?

Concert of Power belongs to Spamage, Windjammer, I wouldn't dare usurp his concept.

[Lumine]

Pompey is the only one left, correct?

The only main one, if you take it I'll open slots for some less prominent characters.

I think something is open...

I'd be interested in this, not ignorant of the time frame and eager to learn more

Great!

If Kingpoleon takes Pompey I can offer you Orodes of Parthia or another prominent Roman Senator.

[Lumine]

This game starts on about a week, on December 11th.

[Lumine]

Oh, no. I was just asking. I really want Clodius because he seems well-placed.

Noted.

We still need a Pompey!

[Lumine]

If Pompey is more important than Cato, I'd be willing to switch.

I'd prefer you staying as Cato, actually, we really need someone to play the Optimates.

[Lumine]

Right, I'm back. I took a minor absence as I was writing my thesis (it's finally done!), so we're still on track here. I'd like to get started today if possible, I'll be messaging players to confirm their interest.

If be willing to switch to Pompey if he is crucial to the game starting.

Please, Dkrol! It would be really helpful if you could, we need Pompey.

Hmm. In that case I'd be quite tempted to start with Auletes, though I might be a wee bit quiet(er than usual) at first...!

If Dkrol switches to Pompey I'd be happy to welcome you as Auletes!

[Lumine]

Great! I'm working on the rules, background and the first turn, all will be up during the next few hours.