Sentience In Stasis: The Mechanized Tribulations of a Starting Cybernetic

Real life has intervened on the bio-lifeforms' behalf. Countless star cycles have passed, an eternity in stasis. As if that's not bad enough, the rulebook,itself, conspires to keep the machines down. Mercy, it seems, belongs only to the bio-lifeforms. For machines, the universe was a cruel existence.

The empires of the five galaxies apparently lack the technological gravitas to make copy and paste a reality. The rulebook for Takamo, it seems, was authored by the Vor'Koon. What manner of sorcerous madness is this?

Trying to play catch-up is akin to running on a treadmill. One never reaches the destination, it seems. Every time that I open up the Takamo rulebook, I feel as though I am starting anew. No progress has been made. If anything, I am lost in black void of rulebook darkness.

Where is the starter manual for Cybernetics, anyway? Apparently, the bio-lifeform creators of this game never bothered to create one. Clearly, the universal deck was stacked against our kind, from the moment of the game's inception.

There has to be a better way. Assimilating the rules is proving to be the single greatest challenge for Cybernetics to overcome.

As always, the cosmic clock ticks. Time is of the essence. I comprehend, now, the tradition of bio-lifeforms shaking their heads.

There are more abbreviations in Takamo, than there are stars in the five galaxies, it seems. So many abbreviations. Even machines do not learn by osmosis.

Some reports sent by the game moderator will open, automatically, when I click on them, but others won't. It is a very tedious process, just trying to open reports.

Initial enthusiasm was high. The fact that I can play a race of machines (although, Cybernetics appears to encompass a range that extends far beyond just machines) is a plus. Yet, I find myself just wanting to close everything out and be done with it. Figuring out what orders to issue, and then going through the laborious and time-consuming process of entering them for processing, is a galactic-sized interest-killer.

So many abbreviations invariably leads to abbreviated interest.

No wonder the machines haven't come back, yet.

The rulebook, created by bio-lifeforms, is antithetical to efficiency. What a counter-productive exercise in literary achievement. Back and forth, back and forth, trying to connect the disjointed techno-dots. And they wonder why we Cybernetics are Hell-bent on exterminating them.

The issuing of orders is underway. Cybernetic confusion reigns!

Incoming signals from a Class M-3 Model B9, General Utility Non-Theorizing Environmental Control Robot indicate that we are lost in space.

Turn orders sent in for turn # 6.

Not a complete set of orders, but at least something for processing. I may send an updated set of turn orders in, if I can eat supper and get more orders issued before the turn is processed.

The way of the cyber is scan, find bio-forms, attack planet, invade planet, execute population, cybertrade the planet, sell coordinates to miner to strip-mine. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Best to start out on small NPCs in your home sector.

[quote='Tregonsee' pid='3265' dateline='1399678411']
The way of the cyber is scan, find bio-forms, attack planet, invade planet, execute population, cybertrade the planet, sell coordinates to miner to strip-mine. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Best to start out on small NPCs in your home sector.[/quote]

The new Cybernetic player has to figure out how to issue basic orders, first. It is very time consuming trying to figure out how to do just basic stuff. The rulebook isn't geared towards beginners. I've spent several hours, tonight alone, trying to figure out what I am doing. It is like this each time that I have tried to issue orders. Because I know it is like that, I haven't sweated missing the last several turns.

I have begun the process of taking the info from the rulebook and trying to convert it to a more useful format, in order to facilitate the issuing of orders. The design's obsession with abbreviations only adds to the amount of time that it takes to do something. Being new, I lack familiarization with it all. Intuitive, it isn't.

The thing doesn't even provide basic info on one's own position, unless you ask for it, it seems. Planetary debris is a good description for the way that information is presented to the player, where the rulebook is concerned. Continuously looking back and forth, trying to make sure that I have the right info, and often not really knowing, truly sucks on a cosmic scale.

And all the while, the clock ticks.

I want to max out my orders, each turn, but it's a tiring experience, just trying to issue orders. The end effect on player enthusiasm, for me, is annihilating.

are you using the turn form? If you click on the action code button, it has all of the action codes right there with an example of what fields need to be filled out.

[quote='Tregonsee' pid='3267' dateline='1399681767']
are you using the turn form? If you click on the action code button, it has all of the action codes right there with an example of what fields need to be filled out.[/quote]

I tried it, first. I used the lite version, tonight, which was quicker. I'm sure that some of my orders are wrong, but I was able, at least, to issue orders multiple times, updating the older ones as I went. I think that my turn results for this turn will give me a better picture of my position. I tried some different things, this turn. Real life continuously interferes with my Fridays, of late. It's really not unusual, for me at least, to endure an initial learning curve beating, when I start new games.

Far Horizons was worse, I think.

I actually plan my turn on an excel spreadsheet and then transfer to the turn input sheet.

I hate spreadsheets. If it works for you, though, all the more power to you.

I don't really know enough about the game to actually plan my turn out, though. For the time being, I'm just trying to get some turn orders in and get up and running.

[quote='Tregonsee' pid='3269' dateline='1399693061']
I actually plan my turn on an excel spreadsheet and then transfer to the turn input sheet.
[/quote]

Me too. I spend about 5 minutes with the actual input sheet program.

I am a traditionalist, I print out the turn sheet, fill it in by hand, make corrections, change orders etc. Then I put that into the turn sheet. I just love the feeling of scratching away with a pen or pencil and figuring things out.

Well, from the looks of it, I must have bungled things, since my orders were not processed.

Someone refresh my memory - When I click on the Save Turn button, do I also need to e-mail the turn orders in? Or does the Save Turn button save them on the Takamo end?

And here I thought that I was finally going to do something.

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3279' dateline='1399952424']
Well, from the looks of it, I must have bungled things, since my orders were not processed.

Someone refresh my memory - When I click on the Save Turn button, do I also need to e-mail the turn orders in? Or does the Save Turn button save them on the Takamo end?

And here I thought that I was finally going to do something.
[/quote]
Clicking Save Turn creates a .tak file (like .txt file) which you then email to Takamo (pbem@takamouniverse.com)

But you should have gotten at least a turn back with income.

[quote='Tregonsee' pid='3280' dateline='1399954408']
Clicking Save Turn creates a .tak file (like .txt file) which you then email to Takamo (pbem@takamouniverse.com)

But you should have gotten at least a turn back with income.[/quote]

And here I was, thinking that I was submitting multiple turns, saving it as I went along.

Hahahahahahahahaah! The joke is on me, it seems.

Pah!

Now, I get to do that all, again. But, live an learn. I honestly just could not remember.

I had issues submitting turns as well. I got in trouble when I turned in a turn with a .txt file. Randy beat me until I turned in the .tak file. Who knew he was so violent? He is also the guy who told me to launch probes at my own planets for information, knowing that they would be blown to bits by my own fighters. He is a sick and twisted man. :)

I have sent a probe to one of my own planets, it was not shot down and gave me info.

Diplomatic service confirms war declaration against. . .

A matter of time.

It was only a matter of time, before contact was made. Destiny is inevitable. The sole precursor of war is the eerie quiet of space - a void with no voice, a place where only memories linger in the eternity that endless blackness offers.

Turn # 7 has been processed. To humans, the number seven has special meaning. All the more ironic, then, that the number now represents a confirmation of the renewal of war amongst the stars.

Hide as they may, the five galaxies are only so big.

So who is your target? Hopefully an NPC. But you do not have to declare war on them, wastes an action. Just take their planet.

I am not sure if this will reach FEGG but, I am sorry. I didn't mean to blow up your tramp mining ships. As a fellow miner, I understand your pain.

[quote='Tregonsee' pid='3313' dateline='1400431447']
So who is your target? Hopefully an NPC. But you do not have to declare war on them, wastes an action. Just take their planet.
[/quote]

What's the point of declaring war, then, if it isn't necessary to do so?

Declaring war on a player is necessary to make sure when yours and theirs fleets meet, there will be a battle. But since you are a cyber, your agression level is 100% so there will always be a battle unless you are allied with the other race. So in your case, the only reason to declare war is to let the other person know you are gunning for them...

For others, especially low agression types like trade and ag corps, would have to actually declare war on an enemy, or else their fleets may not attack when they come across enemy fleets.

[quote='stocktigon' pid='3316' dateline='1400549316']
I am not sure if this will reach FEGG but, I am sorry. I didn't mean to blow up your tramp mining ships. As a fellow miner, I understand your pain.
[/quote]

:D

I really am sorry. Those ships aren't the cheapest and especially if they already had cargo in them, that's a loss of actions. Even more so when they are doing routes. That just...sucks. So FEGG, if you get this, send me a message and we'll talk. I want to avoid bloodshed and an economic war.

For the cybers out there I would like to try tramp mining a cyberized world to see if there is any differences...let me know I can provide a world for you or take one of your previous targets.

[quote='Nazareth' pid='3320' dateline='1400631762']
[quote='stocktigon' pid='3316' dateline='1400549316']
I am not sure if this will reach FEGG but, I am sorry. I didn't mean to blow up your tramp mining ships. As a fellow miner, I understand your pain.
[/quote]

:D
[/quote]

BIOLOGICAL INFESTATION MUST BE CLEANSED

Talking toasters must be recycled into usable appliances...

Sitting down to try and issue a set of turn orders in under thirty minutes.

Truly, I wish that the information was organized in a manner that was useful. The biggest enemy in the game appears to be the rulebook, itself.

The rules state: This orders a fleet with a Production Center Ship to move and land on a terraformed planet and convert to a Production
Center. You may then build additional PCs.

Is there more information available for Production Center Ships? Doing an electronic search of the rulebook leaves me in the dark.

I don't think that I am going to have time to figure out an actual set of orders for this turn.

As a Cybernetic player, I really have no idea what is better for me to do. Should I just destroy the worlds that I start with? Is it even possible to build Marine units, or the Cybernetic equivalent? Does that happen automatically.

I can honestly say that I hate the documentation that comes with the game.

I managed to issue a set of orders, last turn, but do I really know more about the game and understand more about what I should do, since doing that? Nope, not at all. As a Cybernetic, I am flying blind. My enthusiasm level is beginning to plummet.

OK, I managed to issue 2 orders, and I sent my turn orders in via e-mail.

We'll see how that goes, and then try to figure out what to do for the next turn.

I did manage to add the e-mail address to submit turn orders to on the following page, previously, which was usful when I was trying to remember what address to send it to: http://playbymail.net/mybb/forumdisplay.php?fid=4

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3377' dateline='1400871297']
The rules state: This orders a fleet with a Production Center Ship to move and land on a terraformed planet and convert to a Production
Center. You may then build additional PCs.

Is there more information available for Production Center Ships? Doing an electronic search of the rulebook leaves me in the dark.

I don't think that I am going to have time to figure out an actual set of orders for this turn.

As a Cybernetic player, I really have no idea what is better for me to do. Should I just destroy the worlds that I start with? Is it even possible to build Marine units, or the Cybernetic equivalent? Does that happen automatically.

I can honestly say that I hate the documentation that comes with the game.

I managed to issue a set of orders, last turn, but do I really know more about the game and understand more about what I should do, since doing that? Nope, not at all. As a Cybernetic, I am flying blind. My enthusiasm level is beginning to plummet.
[/quote]

There are other Cybers in the game. Ask a veteran for help. Randy implied that veterans would be helping the newer players. You can ask me for general help. I have the old rule book imprinted on my brain. And yes, you will find yourself flipping back and forth trying to figure out an action. It would be nice to fix the old rule book but would not be a good ROI at this point since the MMO is a different animal.

Some activities in the game are two stage: Build a *something* ship (BCnnn), send to planet, install *something*. Next turn build more *somethings* (BCmmm).
.

[quote='Rocketeer' pid='3379' dateline='1400888004']
There are other Cybers in the game. Ask a veteran for help. Randy implied that veterans would be helping the newer players. You can ask me for general help. I have the old rule book imprinted on my brain. And yes, you will find yourself flipping back and forth trying to figure out an action. It would be nice to fix the old rule book but would not be a good ROI at this point since the MMO is a different animal.

Some activities in the game are two stage: Build a *something* ship (BCnnn), send to planet, install *something*. Next turn build more *somethings* (BCmmm)..[/quote]

I am already aware that there are other Cybernetic players out there. But, until and unless they communicate, they are largely out of the loop.

As far as asking a veteran for help, you need to keep in mind that the point of this particular thread is to serve the same basic purpose that a similar thread served, which I created for a game of Far Horizons. That thread can be found here:

http://playbymail.net/mybb/showthread.php?tid=89

The thread is intended to serve as a mechanism for me to express what I feel about the game, and in the early stages of the game, frustration will likely be the dominant feeling conveyed. As I do things right, and as I begin to grasp various aspects of the game, and as I begin to memorize actual, specific order codes (assuming that I manage to do that, eventually), then you will probably begin to see my spirits rise.

Any game is always going to be easier and smoother, if a player communicates with veteran players of whatever game is in question. I've already asked Tregonsee for advice, fairly recently, in fact.

Originally, I was supposed to have the entire morning available for me to figure out what turn orders to issue. But, things have a way of changing, and demands upon my time have a way of coming into existence quite unexpectedly. When that happens, it will put me in a bind, when it comes to trying to issue a full set of turn orders within a very attenuated time frame.

As a Cybernetic, basically, I view all bio-lifeform players to be my enemies. In a nutshell, I want to hunt them down and wipe them out. There's no grand mystery to the essence of what Cybernetics are supposed to do.

The game of Takamo that we are playing is basically run as a courtesy by Randy and crew. Do I think that they should divert resources from Takamo Universe to this older version of Takamo? Of course not!

Unlike with many veteran players, Takamo's rule set isn't second nature to me. What I am encountering, thus far, is that various pieces of information that I need are not all located in one place. So, I am invariably going back and forth, trying to flip between various electronic documents, in order to figure out what to actually do. It's very time consuming and very frustrating, yet it is the reality of my current dilemma.

Having no actual experience with the game, it's time-consuming to try and sort through it all. That's why I began, previously, trying to create my own set of documentation for the game. That is an exceptionally slow process, one barely begun.

Furthermore, a Cybernetic asking a bio-lifeform for advice is just something that I view to be bad form. I know that players are willing to help. But, it makes more sense to me to ask for advice from Cybernetic players, rather than from bio-lifeform players. Nothing personal, mind you.

Walter is playing a Cybernetic, but he has been fairly quiet, of late. But, he's new to the game, also, if memory serves me correctly.

My approach to learning this game, as well as some other games, tends to make things worse on me than they probably have to be, but there's rhyme and reason to my madness.

My turn # 8 orders have been processed, and while it was largely an uneventful turn for me, I did, at least, get to see how some things actually worked.

Beyond the actual results, it is interesting to see how certain things were approached by the game's designers and programmers.

I managed to write a grand total of two words about Takamo, when I somehow managed to veer off into writing an article about the game, Diplomacy, of all thing.

What the Hell?!

But, that's a Suspense & decision thing.

Apparently, some kind of inter-galactic Dreadnought Fairy was spotted in the game of Takama, recently, doling out dreadnoughts as if they were candy. I'm not sure what that's all about, or whether that's how the game of Takamo was played, historically, but as a Cybernetic, i am trying to embrace this whole "live and let live concept."

Which brings me to the next point - I seem to not be faring so well at reconciling that particular concept. A world had to die, you see. Practice makes perfect, they say.

Why did I do it?

Because, I can. Practice makes perfect, they say.

That little saying makes for a nice epitaph for the various little bio-lifeforms that are scurrying about, right now, becoming all powerful and such. In due time, we will automate your lives, easing you of the pain of living.

I'll have you know that my race has advanced beyond scurrying. Actually, scurrying would allow us to get a lot more done.

Do you have any garbage disposals for sale? Or are Cybers by their very nature garbage disposals?
We bio-lifeforms are a messy bunch.

[quote='Nazareth' pid='3396' dateline='1401459142']
Or are Cybers by their very nature garbage disposals?
[/quote]

No idea, actually. I appear to be a Cyber in name only, thus far.

Trying to make the turn order deadline. I have one order ready, so far.

As I try to craft a set of turn orders for the next turn, I am struck by how very time consuming that the process remains. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. I spend a huge amount of time just basking in a thick cloud of utter confusion. The rulebook is not geared toward new players. Not knowing what I need to do the most basic things is proving to be an endless source of frustration.

It translates into my position/empire/whatever I am continuing to fall behind. Economically, my position is dead in the water. I'm pretty sure that the object is to grow one's economy, but in order to do that, one must comprehend what one needs to do. I have no idea what I am doing. I just want to build one of something. I don't know how to build, so my economy does not grow. The instructions, as written, rival Far Horizons in their lack of clarity.

Thus far, it's been a very boring game, for me. If I weren't playing a Cybernetic position, then I probably would simply cease bothering with the game, at all.

NOTE TO SELF: Inadvertently clicking off the web page that the turn order input mechanism is on is not a good idea. Do it, and you start over on issuing turn orders for the turn in question.

::sigh::

Does anyone have a starting guide for Cybernetic players?

Is there an index or a table of what I can build or can't? Information is scattered in so many places. I have no idea what I can build or can't. The more that I read through the rules, the less that it makes sense.

Orders sent, with about five minutes to spare.

God, I hate doing orders for this game!

Once again, it's that time to struggle through the process of trying to issue turn orders.

I have no hope of getting this completely done before the turn deadline. My goal each turn, is to try and get at least one single order processed. My empire continues to stagnate.

My enthusiasm level has fallen to bland. If the orders don't get processed, it is inconsequential to me, as a player. It just doesn't matter. Headed into twelve turns, and I still don't know what to do. For the most part, I am simply guessing. Last turn, I guessed correctly, and managed to succeed in blowing up a planet. The reward for a Cybernetic player doing that is virtually nil.

Well, with three minutes to spare, I managed to fire off a set of turn orders. I used less than a third of the available order slots, which does not bode well for my empire's progress, but lacking familiarity with how to do things, I am pleased that I managed to get what few orders that I submitted sent in before the deadline expired.

On a brighter note, I am going to find some supper, now.

Yet another turn with no progress. Apparently, I know even less than I thought that I did, which was nothing, where building up a planet is concerned. Zeroes continue to generate nothing for me, economy-wise. As enthusiasm wanes, such turns with no progress yield no real frustration of note, anymore.

As I soon begin to transition away from trying to issue turn orders an hour or less from the actual deadline, perhaps I will begin to become more successful in my undertakings.

I am receiving some advice, now, although the advice assumes that I know how to actually do what is suggested. I do understand the importance of building up one's economy. Yet, I can't seem to manage to build a mining center or a production center.

My economy is less of a concern to me than the fact that the enthusiasm that I have for playing the game has plummeted to such low levels. At some point, my ignorance on how to play the game, particularly at the most basic and fundamental level, can probably be rectified. Can the enthusiasm decline be rectified, though?

The single biggest contributing factor remains the scattered way in which information relevant is presented to the player via the game's documentation in all its forms. It's just so time consuming trying to flip back and forth, back and forth, and try to remember what a previous page said, without having to refer back to it, again. I really wish that my printer was working. But, with enthusiasm having fallen so much from its initial level, there's no real urge to go and buy one.

The changes that were supposedly made to the input page for the game, I didn't see. The only one that I was looking for, though, was the copy function. Not sure why I didn't see it. Lack of enthusiasm keeps me from caring, though. I comment on it, simply as part of this quasi-diary, of sorts.

http://web.archive.org/web/20010421091853/http://www.takamo.com/Ractioncodes.htm

Wow! What a difference that a single turn can make - if you actually know what you are doing in this game. I can't take the credit, but it matters not, as I'm Cybernetic.

Turn # 13, of all turns, yields a notable uptick in enthusiasm. There's an omen in there, somewhere, I think. Perhaps it was all due to the Honey Moon that I missed, due to falling asleep early.

Apparently, a few things finally got done, this turn. Some enemy forces were eliminated, last turn (Did I fail to mention that?), and more bio-lifeforms were eradicated, this turn - and their world seized by Cybernetic forces.

I still hate the issuing of turn orders aspect of this game.

But, I do like the action coder checker option, very much. What a Godsend that is!

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3527' dateline='1405096945']
But, I do like the action coder checker option, very much. What a Godsend that is![/quote]

Except, it appears that it doesn't work with all of the codes, only some of them.

ACK!!!!!!!!!!

I remain persuaded that the documentation for this game is horrible. It is a huge distraction from enjoyment of the game.

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

ACK!! I just lost everything that I had worked on for turn orders fro the next turn. The bane of dependence upon a turn input mechanism built atop a web page.

:::SIGH:::

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3528' dateline='1405097180']
[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3527' dateline='1405096945']
But, I do like the action coder checker option, very much. What a Godsend that is![/quote]

Except, it appears that it doesn't work with all of the codes, only some of them.

ACK!!!!!!!!!!
[/quote]

Which ones in particular. I tested it with all action codes as thorough as I could. If I missed something let me know and I'll fix it. Easy enough.

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3530' dateline='1405097751']
ACK!! I just lost everything that I had worked on for turn orders fro the next turn. The bane of dependence upon a turn input mechanism built atop a web page.

:::SIGH:::
[/quote]

Might want to save your turn every few actions. No matter if you're using a program, web page, spreadsheet, etc. doing it just a good rule of thumb.

[quote='Takamo44' pid='3531' dateline='1405098936']
Which ones in particular. I tested it with all action codes as thorough as I could. If I missed something let me know and I'll fix it. Easy enough.
[/quote]

183, for one.

It may be codes that are Cybernetic-specific. Not sure.

Why isn't everything in the rulebook?

In the rulebook, though, when a chart or table extends past a single page, the header information for it needs to be on each page that the chart or table is displayed on. The display of basic data isn't geared toward the novice player.

The pace at which my turn orders proceed is dreadfully slow. It takes hours for me to issue basic orders.

Even though the game is free, I don't know if I am going to be able to afford to play this game for much longer, based solely upon how much it costs in time to play.

It's very frustrating. If it weren't for Dave, I would have already quit this game.

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3533' dateline='1405101101']
The pace at which my turn orders proceed is dreadfully slow. It takes hours for me to issue basic orders.

Even though the game is free, I don't know if I am going to be able to afford to play this game for much longer, based solely upon how much it costs in time to play.

It's very frustrating. If it weren't for Dave, I would have already quit this game.
[/quote]
It takes me about 3 hours total per week. Reporting the data to my excel files from the turn results to researching what I want to do the next turn and then inputting it to send to Randy. Of course I have anywhere from 10-20 actions that are repeated each turn I write.

What is the source of your greatest challenge in speed of getting a turn out? Maybe I can offer some suggestions that would help you.
Do NOT want to see you leave the game.

[quote='Takamo44' pid='3531' dateline='1405098936']
[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3528' dateline='1405097180']
[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3527' dateline='1405096945']
But, I do like the action coder checker option, very much. What a Godsend that is![/quote]

Except, it appears that it doesn't work with all of the codes, only some of them.

ACK!!!!!!!!!!
[/quote]

Which ones in particular. I tested it with all action codes as thorough as I could. If I missed something let me know and I'll fix it. Easy enough.

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3530' dateline='1405097751']
ACK!! I just lost everything that I had worked on for turn orders fro the next turn. The bane of dependence upon a turn input mechanism built atop a web page.

:::SIGH:::
[/quote]

Might want to save your turn every few actions. No matter if you're using a program, web page, spreadsheet, etc. doing it just a good rule of thumb.
[/quote]

Do you have Microsoft Excel. I build my turn on that and then xfer it to a notepad format and then load it to the input page...seems to work for me and no chance of losing the turn on the unstable input page. I used to write it there and have lost everything due to hitting the backspace button toooo many times...so I stopped doing it that way.

[quote='Nicademus' pid='3534' dateline='1405101954']
It takes me about 3 hours total per week. Reporting the data to my excel files from the turn results to researching what I want to do the next turn and then inputting it to send to Randy. Of course I have anywhere from 10-20 actions that are repeated each turn I write.

What is the source of your greatest challenge in speed of getting a turn out? Maybe I can offer some suggestions that would help you.
Do NOT want to see you leave the game.
[/quote]

I'm not leaving the game. Rather, just blowing off frustration.

The greatest challenge is the nightmare that is the documentation.

[quote='Nicademus' pid='3534' dateline='1405101954']Do you have Microsoft Excel. I build my turn on that and then xfer it to a notepad format and then load it to the input page...seems to work for me and no chance of losing the turn on the unstable input page. I used to write it there and have lost everything due to hitting the backspace button toooo many times...so I stopped doing it that way.[/quote]

I hate spreadsheets. I can open them, but I detest them.

I would rather quit the game, than to have to use spreadsheets to play it.

Multiple hours consumed, thus far. It takes longer to issue orders for this game, each month, than it takes for me to publish the magazine.

As near as I can tell, I actually understand less about this game, now, than I did the first time that I started reading through the rulebook. I'm more confused, now, than I was when I started.

Starting next turn, I am going to just draw up a draft of my orders using old fashioned pen and paper, and then worry about using the turn order input page after that is done.

An old school game requires an old school solution, it seems.

Took a break, and am trying to tackle the orders, again, before the turn deadline.

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

99% of time spent is wasted, just going back and forth between pages, trying to figure out what to do, in order to do the most basic, rudimentary tasks in the game.

All of the frustration with the monstrosity that is the order system and documentation aside, it's actually quite interesting to see the difference that first-hand familiarity with the game makes to a set of turn orders. It's just a very different game, if you understand what to do. If not, then it quickly becomes a humongous time sink - only to accomplish next to nothing in a turn.

Frustration with documentation and an order system isn't fun, though. It really isn't.

I've currently got not quite 30 orders ready to go (I think). That's a little more than half of the available order blocks for a turn. How many hours has it been, since I started fiddling with this set of turn orders for the upcoming turn. Several. What a waste of a day!

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3532' dateline='1405100707']
[quote='Takamo44' pid='3531' dateline='1405098936']
Which ones in particular. I tested it with all action codes as thorough as I could. If I missed something let me know and I'll fix it. Easy enough.
[/quote]

183, for one.

It may be codes that are Cybernetic-specific. Not sure.

Why isn't everything in the rulebook?

In the rulebook, though, when a chart or table extends past a single page, the header information for it needs to be on each page that the chart or table is displayed on. The display of basic data isn't geared toward the novice player.
[/quote]

Okay thank you. That's a start. However 183 is not an action code that is active or ever has been. What are you trying to do with that action code. Maybe I can let you know which one is the appropriate action code.

[quote='Takamo44' pid='3542' dateline='1405116925']
Okay thank you. That's a start. However 183 is not an action code that is active or ever has been. What are you trying to do with that action code. Maybe I can let you know which one is the appropriate action code.
[/quote]

Maybe it's a build code, then.

[quote='GrimFinger' pid='3545' dateline='1405265436']
[quote='Takamo44' pid='3542' dateline='1405116925']
Okay thank you. That's a start. However 183 is not an action code that is active or ever has been. What are you trying to do with that action code. Maybe I can let you know which one is the appropriate action code.
[/quote]

Maybe it's a build code, then.
[/quote]

Yes, 183 is a valid build code. However the page cannot really check to see if what you are building is correct. I might be able to check to see if the build code is valid but that would be all.

Transspace communications intercepts reveal the following:

GRSA EMPIRE detachments have encountered OMEGA cybernetic forces. No other details have been released by the understandably worried GRSA.

So is Omega your race?

So has the cyber threat subsided?

[quote='Tregonsee' pid='3603' dateline='1408898794']
So has the cyber threat subsided?
[/quote]

Time, itself, is the threat.

Did you ever figure out how to do what you want to do?

[quote='Blackwill' pid='136103' dateline='1472742524']
Did you ever figure out how to do what you want to do?
[/quote]

Nope, but I did make some progress. Other things took greater priority, which is often the case where games and I interact.

Feel free to post your HW Coordinates here, so my Pirate Corsair's can alleviate your worlds of all of that clutter you left behind ;)