Quest of the Great Jewels

OK, I'll put my head on the chopping block: I'm in the best test (game #200) of Quest of the Great Jewels. Anyone else?

So far, I've communicated with three other players and know of three more (one of whom uses a player name familiar to me from years past). That leaves another five unaccounted for.

Bob McLain

Have you played PBM games before, Bob?

No, this is my first...

[quote='BobMcLain' pid='136084' dateline='1472652774']
No, this is my first...
[/quote]

I always suspected as much.

Good luck in your game of Quest of the Great Jewels, PBM Old One.

I'm in QJ #200! There's a second playtest forming. It's really fun, more people should sign up.

Also, should this game have its own subforum now that it is officially "a thing"?

[quote='aloysius' pid='136184' dateline='1473392149']
Also, should this game have its own subforum now that it is officially "a thing"?
[/quote]

I can fix that.

[quote='aloysius' pid='136184' dateline='1473392149']
Also, should this game have its own subforum now that it is officially "a thing"?
[/quote]

Done!

I blame FaceBook. Think I am just as guilty. Came hear hoping to see some talk about the game. Sadly, it is just crickets.

I'll never forget, it is PlayByMail.Net, that made this all possible. It brought together all the participants.

I am in Play Test games 200 and 201, under different player names.

So far I am enjoying myself, though I do need to get better at turning in my turns in a timely matter.

Game 200 has taken some interesting and unexpected turns. Which has reminded me of some things from the old PBM game.

Fog of War, which is a necessary part of the game. But with it, it is hard to learn any lessons from losing. Did you lose to a much larger player, or was it a close call. Are you expanding fast enough, or using the benefits of your race's abilities better than your fellow race players.

My suggestion is that there be some type of 'post game', turn by turn history sheet. Sort of what like the Civilization PC games do. So at the end of the game, you would get this post game report that would show you how fast and wide other players expanded, whether or not the Forbidden Cities were taken at all, and other information that would help learn to be a better player.

I believe a post game report is an investment in the players. It will keep them interested in the game, well after they have lost. While the winner gets all the accolades, the rest of the players at least will get to see the big picture of how the game was won and lost, which is important to becoming better players.

I understand this is asking a lot, a lot of work. Even something bare bones would be nice. And it will probably pay dividends when you eventually will make this pay to play.

I wrote a lengthy article/diary of the first six or seven turns of QJ200, at Charles Mosteller's request for inclusion in S&D #14. With Charles dead (to a reasonable certainty), it's unlikely there'll be another issue of S&D. Unless someone objects, I'd be glad to post the article here, in several installments.

Bob: Well, I have no objections.

To go off-topic a bit...

Starkadder: "I blame FaceBook" -- Me too. It's a sad fact that people are abandoning web forums for the ease of Facebook groups. My own private family website is dead after 15 years; when once there were posts from cousins, aunts, uncles every day, now hardly anyone visits. Even the larger forums, e.g. Something Awful, are slowing down.

While I appreciate it allows faster interactions by being a central site, FB groups doesn't have the "history" that a forum does. (Try finding a specific posting from a couple years ago.) I'd suggest starting a PBMGames subReddit -- reddit.com is a thriving site with bazillions of users, it's discussion-oriented, and old historical discussions are kept archived and searchable.

I like an idea about reports, but where you talking about post TURN or post GAME reports. There might be a way to add items like how many FC are left, Largest and smallest player...etc.

One of the best ways to find out what is going on is to talk to the other players. There are 3 players I have tried to talk to and have never received a response. 

As far as Facebook, well it is a changing time. I like the fact that I can access it on my phone and keep the talk going. FORUMS are not allowed on my work computer and this one does not work on my phone.

by the way, QJ202 is starting up...9 enrolled so far, need 3 more.

[quote='phx1jjm' pid='136250' dateline='1480563319']
I like an idea about reports, but where you talking about post TURN or post GAME reports. There might be a way to add items like how many FC are left, Largest and smallest player...etc.

One of the best ways to find out what is going on is to talk to the other players. There are 3 players I have tried to talk to and have never received a response. 

As far as Facebook, well it is a changing time. I like the fact that I can access it on my phone and keep the talk going. FORUMS are not allowed on my work computer and this one does not work on my phone.

by the way, QJ202 is starting up...9 enrolled so far, need 3 more.
[/quote]

Talking about a post game report.  The CIV PC games usually have several post game graphs and maps that show the growth of the other players.  While we can't do what they do, some form of POST game report would be helpful.  Maybe something that lists the number hexes/leaders each player owned per turn.

Really anything that would help a player assess what they are doing wrong, other than losing.

I'm in QGJ 202  guess I missed you.

[quote='phx1jjm' pid='136250' dateline='1480563319']
FORUMS are not allowed on my work computer and this one does not work on my phone.
[/quote]

I don't use a smart phone, so what do you see or get on your phone, when you try to access the forum here?

[quote='phx1jjm' pid='136250' dateline='1480563319']
FORUMS are not allowed on my work computer and this one does not work on my phone.
[/quote]

Try this:

1. Click on the User control panel link (User CP).

2. Scroll down under the Menu options listed on the left hand side, and click on the Edit Options link.

3. Under Other Options on the right hand side at the bottom of the screen, select Mobile MyBB 1.8 from the list of other themes available to choose from.

NOTE: I have never used this theme, so it may be a pretty basic theme, but it may make the forum here more usable by you on your phone. Feedback would be appreciated.

It's been awhile, since the last post.

Game is still going strong.  Believe there are three concurrent games going on at this time.

It is staying fun for me.

Whay's making it to stay fun for you?

Guess it would be the strategy. But the players make it fun too. Each game is different, you might get lucky or unlucky on your starting position.

Haven't won a game yet, but I keep coming back. I think for the current GM's it is a labor of love. Glad they are willing to moderate the game. So I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Is this game still being operated? If so, what is the web address and email contact?

[quote='Rinzai' pid='136981' dateline='1572903182']
Is this game still being operated? If so, what is the web address and email contact?
[/quote]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/565574913625939/

Game is still running.

Currently playing QJ 210 and QJ 211.

Both games I am currently getting over run.  Still fun though.

Game is still running.

Currently playing QJ 215.