Below is the journal of Arch-Fiend Danzebub and his attempted ascension to the throne of Hell:
Lovingly pulled apart and put back together again by yours truly.
You can read alternative views of this same game here and here.
You can read alternative views of this same game here and here.
Solium Infernum – Game 1
The Introduction
So, this is it. After a break of roughly 10 years from inter-family competition, the clan Mitchell is once again at odds, over a “friendly” game of Solium Infernum. Not only is this the first competitive game we’ve had since we abandoned Command and Conquer all those years ago (and damn but that was a good game!), it’s also each of our first games of Solium; other than a couple of trial runs.
My younger brother (Tom - Jaeryl) and sister (Amy - DiscoStu) have been joined by Amy’s husband (Ian – Hoard of the flies) and best man (Paul – Wstfgl). Needless to say the sneaky two timing, backstabbing, “little-uns” will stop at nothing to prevent me from winning. Mention has already been made of the “anyone but Dan team”. Typical.
In creating my champion I flirted briefly with the idea of taking the king maker trait but, given the relative inexperience of us all, I thought it would be hard to pick any one opponent to bet upon. Given that Ian and Paul are (relative) dark horses and my sister tends to lose enthusiasm quickly, Tom was the natural choice of king in waiting. However, I decided that this level of advanced play was probably better served in a 2nd game, assuming we get there!
As such, I picked a champion with level 1 cunning and wickedness, set myself up as a duke of hell, and took the infernal cardinal, prince of lies and playing for keeps traits. This makes my deceit rolls particularly powerful, and it’s my intention to rob my enemies blind, whilst smashing them into the ground with my legions of doom. Original, huh? J
Turn 1
Having setup the game, I viewed the map. My initial observations were not good. Firstly, my starting unit was barely powerful enough to harm a small bird, never mind the other denzions of hell. Certainly it was going to make no impression on the place of power located near me. Darn. Secondly, the evil, deceitful, underhand, and generally wicked DiscoStu was located within touching range of me. No way could I trust my sister not to stab me in the back, repeatedly. Obviously only one conclusion came to mind. Crush her, immediately. Unfortunately, her legion is 2 levels higher than mine and would spank me thoroughly. Combat appears to be out. When perusing the auction house however I notice a relic I must have. The book of Enoch gives me +1 turn slot. A massive advantage at this early stage. Consequently, I forgo moving my legion towards the place of power that would destroy me, and instead flog my minions for double tribute. “Back to work, slaves!”
Turn 2
Evil Amy, how I hate her evilness. In typical bullyboy (girl) style, Amy has picked up a second combat unit from the auction house. I must admit that I’m surprised that she’s able to afford this on the first turn. Either she got very lucky with her tribute, or she has a perk which ups the amount of souls she gets. Either way, it’s a concern, especially given as my unit is useful for cleaning out toilets, but very little else. In other news, it appears that Jaeryl and wstfgl are heading for open conflict, both moving towards the same place of power. Roll on the scrap. Unfortunately for Jaeryl, Wstfgl appears to have both the better unit, and the advantage of position of move order (wonder if anyone else has worked out how the turn order works!).
Hoard of flies appears to also be heading for a PoP, but I’m not sure his unit can win the battle un-modified, must read up on the combat mechanics, especially with the obviously militaristic Amy on my borders.
With regards my own master plan, sadly it appears my minions failed to read the “how to beat tribute out of the damned” starter book, and have therefore completely failed to meet my needs. A minimum of 8 souls and 11 darkness are required to purchase the book of enoch but I currently only have 3 souls and 3 darkness. Stupid minions. My main concern is that it won’t take the other players long to realize what an awesome advantage an extra turn is, and when they do – they’ll snap it up. I am particularly concerned about Amy who appears to have a resource advantage already.
I’ve also come to a horrible realisation. I’m an idiot. I should have taken at least one rank in Charisma at the start, which would have massively increased my tribute haul. I bet that’s what Amy did. In order to purchase this, and get the evil plan back on track, I need to rank Charisma up asap, which means I need 2 more ichor. Back to plan A then, send minions out to get tribute.
Turn 3
Charisma, charisma, why have you deserted me in my hour of need? Damn you rule book also, why didn’t I read you thoroughly? Two places of power have been taken (not by me), and someone has bought a Praetor (not me either). I’m not convinced that I’m thoroughly ensconced in last place, except…… Hoard of the flies has had a charge of the light brigade moment. He *had* the best starting unit in the game, but appears to have dashed it to death against his local place of power. I did say I didn’t think he could win. Oops!
His faux par however has left a PoP unoccupied with only 2hp. I think either Jaeryl or Wstfgl (I must work out what that means!) will be heading for it asap.
From me, another turn of double minion tribute. Fun Fun Fun.
Turn 4
Still no sign of the required final Ichor and this means I can’t complete my additional Charisma rite. In fact, I can’t do anything useful at all, other than march my legions towards a PoP I can’t beat, or take double tribute again. <Sigh> Other than the fact I’ve done nothing for 4 turns, am without a PoP (or indeed any chance to take a PoP), and am basically uselessly specced, I think I’ve started pretty well. Perhaps that king maker perk would have been smart after all…..
Double tribute again it appears. In other news; Jaeryl is marching towards a PoP he can’t hope to beat which makes me believe he either a) bought the Praetor and will add it to his legion or b) doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. Answers on a postcard….
Turn 5
Things are going from bad to worse. 5 turns and I have done exactly nothing other than claim tribute cards. Even still, I’ve not got enough Ichor to purchase my Charisma upgrade still. In addition, Wstfgl has claimed his second PoP. Ironically, my inactivity has prompted much consternation amongst my fellow archfiends, with rumours that I have a diabolic plan. At present, my only plan is to make sure I take at least one point in Charisma in my next game, otherwise the start of the game is unplayable.
I was the holder of the sceptre of the regent last turn, but got a crappy event which slows everyone else’s units down. Useless.
Turn 6
Disaster mounts upon disaster. The book of Enoch has been acquired by another archfiend, my cunning plan lies in tatters whilst one of my competitors is considerably stronger. I’m already feeling the pressure of failure crushing me down. Luckily, some light at the end of the tunnel in that I finally got my final Ichor and can buy a Charisma upgrade. Still, I worry that I’m already so far behind that catching up will be problematic, if not impossible.
In news of the other archfiends, Jaeryl appears to be making a break for Pandemonium. I’m not sure he appreciates that his unit is completely unable to capture the city and that attempting it excommunicates him and makes him fair game for every other player.
Finally, a 2nd praetor has been purchased by someone, making 2 now in play. I’m fairly sure that Discostu has one, and either Jaeryl or Wstfgl the other. Plan for this turn is charisma upgrade and (surprise surprise) more tribute.
Turn 7
Finally the Charisma kicks in and I start accumulating tribute at a reasonable rate. I’m still kicking myself for wasting the first 7 turns because I didn’t read the manual. A point in wickedness and one in deceit is USELESS early in the game. Grrrrrr. Anyway, surveying the battlefield I’m undecided what to do next. The nearest PoP to me remains one of only two left unclaimed, but it’s just too hard for my minions to assault and live. I flirted with the thought of moving aforementioned unit into combat range at least but have decided to stay put.
As I see it staying put has a number of advantages, the primary one being that no one has a clue what I’m doing (until they read this battle report anyway). Lots of the other players have asked me what I’m up too, so I’m going to try and make some good come of my stupidity. In addition, even if I move towards the PoP, I can’t capture it, so it makes more sense to amass tribute so that I can eventually do something!
Next turn (tribute permitting) I’m going to either scour the auction house, or increase my Charisma further.
Turn 8
It appears my inactivity has prompted my foes to take me lightly, Jaeryl is marching is crappy army up to the PoP closest to my borders. Like me, he doesn’t have a hope in hell of taking the place so I can only assume that he has made one of the two praetor purchases and intends to bind it to the unit. Needless to say this affront can’t go unpunished and I’m moving my legion towards the PoP at full speed. Luckily, I have position on Jaeryl (infact, I’m the worst person for him to fight as there is only one turn per 5 that he moves before me) and am intending to cut him off. My other move slot is then dedicated to tribute.
Turn 9
Blast, darn and drat. I’ve been so focused on the blatant threat that Jaeryl offers to my PoP that I’ve missed the sneaky movement of the insidious Hoard of the flies as he also moves to threaten my PoP. In addition, some bugger has played an event that robs all players of a random amount of tribute and, you guessed it, my ichor has been stolen.
It’s been 9 turns, I’ve only received 3 ichor in tribute, and someone has gone and stolen my one remaining point. Bloody typical!
Back to my pressing concern however. It appears that I still have position on both Jaeryl and Hoard though so, after a quick flick through the manual, I *believe* I can make my legion move two slots and cut them both off.
That’s the plan anyway. I need to consider the consequences of course; I’ve expanded my borders which could allow my unit to be cut off (though the necessary diplomacy gives me a few turns turn play with), and I’ll be smack bang inbetween 2 enemy units, both of whom are now firmly (like me) underdogs. And all this for a PoP that I STILL have no hope of capturing. Hmmmm. Fuck it J
So, first turn is a movement order to cut the buggers off. And then the second turn is another order to the minions to send them scurrying amongst my slaves for more tribute.
Turn 10
Hallelujah, praise….well….. the devil I suppose. Things finally appear to be turning in my favour. As the holder of the rods of moving first I’ve drawn a random event card of……..unexpected tribute. Hooray! A shower of tribute will be raining down on me next turn. In addition, I’ve blocked Hoard of the Flies away from the PoP as planned by moving first last turn. Sucks to be you Hoard! J
This is the last turn that I can select my threat levels and I must admit to being torn. At present, DiscoStu and Wstfgl are clear leaders, so they should be my main targets, but, they’re either militarily strong, a long way from my lands, or both. Hmmm. Hoard of the Flies and Jaeryl however are relatively easy pickings. Jaeryl especially has a lot of prime cantons neer me that I believe can be “liberated” reasonably easily, allowing me to win a vendetta early doors (with the associated prestige benefit). Whilst diplomacy has been inactive recently, It’s bound to start soon.
After some deliberation I have decided to place DiscoStu top of my threat monitor, with Jaeryl second, and Wstfgl third. Hoard is relatively safe at last place on my threat-o-meter. The scores btw as follows;
DiscoStu 50
Wstfgl 32
Danzebub 10
Jaeryl 10
Hoard of the Flies 7
Given that I’m expecting a windfall next turn I’ve decided to give the minions a brief holiday, and am instead increasing my cunning a further level. My plan now is to steal the damned relic that should have been mine, seing as someone (I suspect DiscoStu) got in first at the bazaar. In order to nick other players items however, I need level 3 cunning.
Turn 11
If this wasn’t a game about the very antithisis of god, I’d be thanking him right now for the unexpected tribute event. Just like that, in one fell swoop, I’m back in the game. I’ve gone from zero, to 15 ichor in one turn. Not only did I get 4 tribute draws, each with two choices, but I also got significantly better cards than I usually would. In addition, I also received tome 2 of the bone breaker book. Methinks it’s time to hit the auction house.
On this note, someone has purchased part 3 of the rite of flesh rapture which is interesting because it leads me to believe they probably received one of the other parts as tribute. I’ll need to keep an eye out for that. This is a rite which increases the users cunning by two points, potentially putting them at odds with my cunning orientated build (I got my second cunning point last turn).
Reviewing the available Praetor choices, my attention is invartiably drawn to Haagenti, part man, part minotaur, all praetor killer. He has 13 skulls and 7 shields but, worryingly, no orbs. If the opponent can neutralize his initial punch, he’ll be burnt to death. He does add a staggering +5 to melee however. He’s my man. I move to purchase him and reach a shocking conclusion. Those wonderful multi tribute cards I’ve received mean that I have to over commit tribute in order to purchase Haagenti. Either I look for someone else, or I lose 3 extra darkness. None of the other available Praetors require darkness it seems. Hmm, back to square one.
After re-evaluating my options I decide for a slight change in plan. If I take one additional level in Charisma I get to chose 2 cards from 3 from the tribute monkeys. This should allow me to select Ichor on my next roll without the attached additional tribute. I’m obviously taking the risk that one of my compeitors is also able to take the Praetor I want in the intervening time, but what’s life without a few risks!
Turn 12
Good news, my cunning plan worked and my minions managed to get me some single units of ichor as tribute. Bad news, the last but one PoP has been taken by Jaeryl. I have no idea how his puny legion managed it, but they did somehow. I suspect foul play!
Taking a look at the auction house I’ve decided to shelve my plans for a Praetor and am purchasing a second unit instead. This is part of my diabolical masterplan to move against the already weakened Hoard of the flies. His unit is somewhat precariously placed and cut off from his base. If I can bring a second combat unit up, I can cause capture the PoP, then cause a diplomatic action and take his cantons between himself and his base. This’ll leave his puny unit cut off from home and waiting to be destroyed.
The auction house has a unit called The Beast who seems ideal for my purpose; strong in melee and infernal, and makes the ranged turn go last (see below). Am just surpised that no one else has snapped him up to be honest. Lack of resource, and martial limit cap I suspect. Purchase monster, flog minions for tribute. Usual stuff really!
Turn 13
Ok, so I have The Beast, that’s the good news. The bad news is that he needs to be fed 3 souls a turn to keep him on side. That’s not so good. With this in mind, I’ve decided upon a more drastic course of action. Claim a Vendetta against DiscoStu and attempt to steal her closest PoP. Ultimatly, if The Beast gets sent back to whichever plane of hell spawned him assualting DiscoStu, at bare minimum I won’t have to feed him 3 souls each turn (bit of a waste of the purchase resource tho!).
Turn 14
Well, that’s put the cat amongst the pidgeons and kick started the game into life J My vendetta is declared and DiscoStu has this turn to decide whether to accept the insult (and lose 4 tribute cards), or to throw it back in my face and risk losing her PoP. I suspect she’ll be too enraged to reject it, which means that war commences!
You can see from the picture below that her legions are 2 and 2 turns away (unless she has some special magical wings spell). I can only assume she will move them towards the PoP immediately to start to protect it, using 2 movement orders. What she doesn’t realize however is my level 2 deceit allows me to cast strategic confusion upon one of her units, preventing it (if successful) from moving in the turn. I’ve decided to confuse the bottom unit which is two turns from the PoP and stronger than the other.
I’ve also fed The Beast for 2 turns in advance. The downside is that I’m low on resources and, if pushed, will have no choice but to use more valuable “double” tribute cards in future.
I’ve decided against moving The Beast at the moment beacause I don’t want to play my hand too early. I’d prefer to take the PoP in the middle of the screen, which I assume DiscoStu will rush to defend, however with my superior maneouverability (The Beast has 3 flying points) I can also threaten the left hand PoP.
Turn 15
Well, that really caused a stir J. DiscoStu has bought a 3rd legion at the bazaar, clearly she has at least level one in the military attribute. As such, she’ll be able to create a combat card to help her defend her PoP. However, she’s shot herself in the foot by assuming I’m going for the closest PoP whereas, I’ll now swoop over to the undefended PoP on the left, and nab that. Genius!
To further sow confusion, I’m moving two squares down (the move I planned last turn), which will further advance the opinion that I’m going to attack that PoP. Then, next turn, I’ll fly over to the left and steal the tree thing. What could possibly go wrong? ;)
Turn 16
It appears I’ve lead by example as Wstfgl has declared a vendetta against Jaeryl. Not sure what his plan is however as his unit isn’t positioned to take anything decent of Jaeryl’s (he can’t attack the stronghold, though not sure he knows that). I’m guessing it’s a canton theft play to bump up his presitge.
For me however, the situation remains tricky. I’ve paid The Beast out for another turn (at the cost of two wasted Ichor), but the combat situation is unclear.
With regards my vendetta against DiscoStu, I’ve decided to take a risk. The situation is as laid out below, in that I can engage either PoP next turn (thanks to flight). I suspect that DiscoStu will be creating a combat card this turn, or doing something equally devious, and adding it to the closest PoP. I just have a bad feeling about attacking that place.
As such, I’ve decided to take a risk. I’m going to fly my unit straight into combat with the other PoP. This is risky because, if I win, I need to land somewhere and there is only one unclaimed canton that is suitable (highlighted in red). If DiscoStu moves her unit there (and she is infront of me in the turn order) even if I win, The Beast will be destroyed. Needless to say I won’t be hanging on to the PoP long in that situation!
For my second order, I’ve decided to flog the minions again. More tribute is needed to feed the voracious beast!
Turn 17
Success, the PoP is mine. Suprisingly, DiscoStu didn’t even attempt to defend the 2nd PoP; infact she’s moving her troops towards the border she has with Wtsfgl – perhaps she knows something I don’t!
Given the ease of my success I’m wishing that I’d wagered capturing 2 PoP’s from DiscoStu (as I feel I could have managed it). It appears that the 3rd unit she purchased has left the board too – I suspect she couldn’t afford the maintenance. Oops J
I think that now is the time for me to let The Beast go; it weakens my army considerably but I can’t afford to keep stuffing three souls down its gullet every turn. Orders this turn; purchase a Praetor (Haagenti – the one I intended to buy earlier) and send minions for tribute.
Turn 18
There’s been a lot of diplomacy in the last couple of turns which I’ve skipped over slightly, so now is the time to give you the highlights. Jaeryl dismissed Wstfgl’s claim for tribute, and Wstfgl has launched a vendetta against him. It’ll either be single combat or a canton play I suspect. What’s particularly interesting however is that DiscoStu has declared against Wstfgl, who is now facing a battle on two fronts. From the position of her legions I can only assume DiscoStu is going to try and take both of Wstfgl’s PoP’s which will hurt him immensly, and give DiscoStu an almost unassailable lead. Something needs to be done about that methinks.
Now that I have the evil Haagenti a preator combat seems winnable, but I’m not sure it damages her enough. I can’t cast spells on her legions unless we’re in a Vendetta and given I have no combat units close (or even close to being able to threaten her), single combat it’ll have to be.
I want to purchase my third level in cunning so that I can start poaching people’s relics, but it requires 10 darkness, which would entail wasting 4 souls to achieve it. Price is too high at the moment so my orders for the turns are diplomatic action against DiscoStu and flogging the minions to bring me some darkness only tribute.
Turn 19
I still can’t afford the extra level of cunning so I have decided to increase my Charisma instead this turn. In other news, wtsfgl has won his vendetta against Jaeryl by destroying one of his legions; my spys are telling me they both used magic to reduce the combat stats of each other, but Jaeryl’s spell failed, costing him his unit and his praetor. Ouch
In his counterstroke however Jaeryl has played a card called Torment in Hell on Wstfgl; don’t know what it does but it seems nasty!
I am the regent in hell this turn and have drawn a second event card. It’s a reasonably uninspiring Paladin card, which apparently targets a random player and sends their relics back to heaven. It beats my pre-existing event, which makes all players discard ½ of their cards with souls on, but still not a patch on the streams of tribute from earlier.
Whilst I wait for my diplomatic action to proceed, my second order is for more tribute
Turn 20
A praetor (Bifrons) has been bought at the bazaar this turn, I’m presuming by DiscoStu in advance of single combat with my monsterous praetor. In perhaps an unwise move I’ve staked the maximum amount of prestige possible on my wager with DiscoStu, taking me back down to 4 presitge. As I’ve not provided the scores for a while they are as follows;
DiscoStu: 74
WstFgl: 63
Jaeryl: 15
Hoard of the flies: 7
Me: 4
If I lose this praetor combat I suspect I’m almost out of the game, which adds a certain level of spice!
I’ve thought about buying the impale move at the Bazaar, and the more I think about it the more sense it makes. For each shield above that of the opposition, I do one point of damage (in a combat round). Given that Haagenti has the most shields of all the starter Praetors, if I go full shields at the outset, I’ll kill most Praetors on the second turn; irrespective of what they chose 1st. Hmmm; when I type it like that it’s a no brainer! So, first order is to purchase impale, 2nd order is to get tribute.
In news of the other princelings, DiscoStu is having a torrid time with not one but two vendettas against her this turn (myself and Wstfgl). I have a feeling Wstfgl is going to go for single combat also. Hoard of the flies and Jaeryl are being very passive at the moment, which is always suspicious. I suspect Jaeryl wants to get revenge against Wstfgl, so I’m ignoring him for the moment. Hoard on the other hand is more concerning (especially as he’s married to DiscoStu; my primary target). I think some consolidation is in order after this turn.
Turn 21
Ah, slight ammend from last turns notes. It appears DiscoStu isn’t having a torrid time. Indeed she was targetting Wstfgl with a vendetta, rather than vice versa, which she has now won. She’s claimed a 2nd (well 3rd ,though I’ve “liberated” one, PoP) and gained 24 prestige points on the way. Ouch. If I lose this champion single combat against her, she’s almost certainly won the game.
So, doubly important I don’t fail! Someone has picked up the manual of attack at the bazaar, whilst I acquired impale. Stupidly, I didn’t check what manual of attack does, so I have no idea how beneficial it is. Despite this, I’m still confident of victory as Haagenti is so vicious, but it does raise a small twinge of concern.
Irritatingly, I’m not sure how to add impale to Haagenti and, if I select him this turn I don’t have the option of using impale as a combat move. I have one more turn to chose a champion; but I really need to know how to give him impale! A quick read through the manual however helps immensly; it requires an order to train my praetor for impale, which I quickly give!
Second order is to get tribute. I still need one more darkness to up my wickedness to level 3!
Turn 22
Oh. My. God. It appears that Hoard of the Flies has finally been roused from his slumber, and his intended target for his first Vendetta is…..me. It’s not too hard to work out his plan to be honest
So I need to find a way of thwarting him. Even if I could get my unit over there in time; it’d just be cannon fodder for Hoard’s unit. Hmm, time to peruse my spells. I could attempt to stun his unit for a turn which would give me a little longer to get into combat range, but I’d still need some shenanigans to win. That’s probably my best bet right now though.
Turn 23
Cowardly DiscoStu didn’t even send a Praetor to defend against me. What a wuss! Still, by winning 30 tribute I’ve pushed myself right back into contention. One of the other archfiends has purchased FurFur this turn who, from my brief perusal, seemed a tougher sort of Praetor. My bet is on DiscoStu.
I have a choice to make now, a 3rd Vendetta against DiscoStu will lead to a Blood feud, allowing either of us to attack one another whenever we please. Given that militarily I’m significantly behind DiscoStu I don’t think that’s in my best interests. Also, given that Hoard of the flies has declared against me, he’s my next target!
I finally have cunning level 3, so I intend to use the ritual to steal other archfiends relics (and hope I get the relic which gives an extra turn!). Hmmm. Problem is, I can’t seem to cast it on anyone because either; a) I can’t see their artifacts or b) the item I want is a relic (requiring cunning level 5) rather than an artefact. Brilliant. Back to the drawing board.
I decide instead to increase my wickedness an extra level, and to draw more tribute.
Turn 24
Blimey but I’m a popular boy. DiscoStu has followed Hoard of the flies and declared a vendetta against me also. I really hope this isn’t the third vendetta which allows her to claim a blood feud against me; otherwise I may be in a spot of bother! (Thankfully the manual again allays my fears – DiscoStu needs to call 3 vendettas against me before she can do a blood feud)
Hoard of the flies has wagered a mighty 1 prestige on his vendetta against me (he was the victim of an event which stole a bunch of prestige, no idea who did that to him – especially as he was already stone last!). Irritatingly, I can’t see what he wants to achieve, but I can only assume it’s the theft of my PoP. I’m not sure if it’s brilliant timing, or just luck, but I’m holding the sceptre of moving first this turn, which means I’ll be moving first this turn, hence I can play my spells on his unit before he can respond.
I was going to play two; the first to stun him in place, the second to do 1d6 damage against his health. Unfortunately, I’ve misunderstood the rules (again), and can not only play just one ritual, I can’t afford the darkness to stun his unit. Irritating. I can either nuke him, or try and disrupt his attributes. Given that his only decent stat is ranged, I’ve decided to lower that with a spell. With my second order I’m looking for more tribute, I really need to replenish my darkness.
At the moment, an additional order slot is becoming a priority. I get one at the next level of cunning, but that’s VERY expensive. Time to start saving.
Turn 25
Not the most auspicious of starts to a turn, my ritual against Hoard failed so he is still sitting on my border in possession of all of his attributes. Irritating. In addition, DiscoStu didn’t reject Wstfgl’s insult against her, choosing to pay the tribute rather than fighting a war on two fronts. Apparently that type of thing is only for idiots like me.
To give you an idea of the battleground…
I can only imagine that DiscoStu is going for a canton play (which seems a little….silly) because I don’t believe she is able to take my main castle. Being proven wrong would be not only painful, but fatal for my input into this game. Sadly, I don’t really have the tribute to buy super units to defeat her, so I’ll have to fall back on cunning, alas.
This turn, I will cast again on Hoard because he’s further into his Vendetta, hopefully successfully this time! As I have no darkness, the best I can do is drop a flaming ball of doom on him from a great height (aka Infernal Affliction), so that’s the first order slot filled. The second slot will be, as ever, a request for tribute. My minions are tiresome in their inability to bring me a decent spread of tribute!
Turn 25
Still no darkness, idiot minions. Not only are my minions failing me; but also my rituals. Everything I cast against Hoard of the Flies has failed; if he wants my PoP, sod it – he can have it! I’ve decided instead to focus on the units of DiscoStu. I don’t think I can stop her from stealing my cantons (worthless though they are) however I do intend to give her a bloody nose in the process. This time I’m dropping the fireball on her head. Whilst her crawler minions are closer they are, frankly, crap, so I’m going to target her starter unit instead. Actually, sod that, her starter unit regenerates unlike the mountain crawler people. Eat fireball!
Turn 26
It’s a good thing I’m not the cynical type. If I was, the “coincidence” of having both Hoard of the Flies and DiscoStu casting infernal affliction on me, in the same turn (and remember, these two are married…..), might convice me they were conspiring against me. As I said, good thing I’m not a cynic.
Whilst DiscoStu’s spell was successful, Hoard’s was not (sucks to be you!). My unit lost 3 hp, and my counter strike against DiscoStu cost her unit 2 hp. Hoard of the flies is moving his unit away from my border (weird), but seems to be heading in the general direction of my unit; I wonder whether his vendetta is to kill a unit? Seems weird as he buggered around near my PoP for ages…
DiscoStu is more obvious however, she’s stolen her first of my canton’s, and must be after a couple more at least. I’m going to use all 3 of my darkness on her to cast sowing confusion (stun) on both her units. Fingers crossed!
My second order is, as ever, for more tribute. I really need to get a 3rd order slot!
Turn 27
Random events, when you’re the victim you curse, when you’re the beneficiary you smile. Someone has cast an event which has brought the Angelic Host into play. A super unit which flies around the map smiting people. And the first person smite-ed…… DiscoStu’s mountain crawler unit. Lovely.
In other news, Hoard of the flies has failed in his Vendetta against me, but my ritual failed AGAIN. These things are beginning to get a little irritating to be honest; they seem too unreliable to be of any use quite frankly.
My minions finally got off their asses and hauled in a decent tribute of 6 darkness which helps immensely. I still need another 9 however before I can raise my cunning sufficiently to get that vital extra order slot.
Even though DiscoStu is on the backfoot, I have decided to take my ire out upon Hoard of the Flies. I’ll be initiating a vendetta against him this turn and will be sending my Praetor into play. He’s got bugger all prestige to lose (he actually has zero prestige!) but I don’t want to move into first place yet. At the moment there are still 8 rods of game ending to be drawn, and I don’t want to be everyone’s prime target (as DiscoStu is discovering!).
Turn 28
After a little outside of game insult trading with DiscoStu I’ve discovered (namely because she laughingly told me that I was next) that Heaven’s angels randomly stroll around the map attack one unit from each Archfiend in prestige point order. DiscoStu believed, incorrectly, that this would result in me being next up. Thankfully, Wstfgl has more prestige than me so the angel is winging its way over to him now.
DiscoStu has bought yet another unit at the Bazaar, she really does believe in overwhelming force and it now seems unlikely I’ll be able to prevent her canton stealing. Especially as my rituals NEVER work.
I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t have spared DiscoStu from the rod; she’s already got a 37 point lead over me, and about to win a vendetta as well. Not ideal!
I can however see some light on the horizon. I holder the sceptre of regent this turn and have therefore drawn an event card. I have the choice of sticking with “the beast is lose”, which sends the beast off after a random PoP, or “Infernal Cabal” which forces every one of a single opponent’s legions to take a loyalty check or be banished to the Abyss….. I think you can all see where I’m going with this.
Needless to say turn slot one is filled with Infernal Cabal (aimed at DiscoStu), here’s hoping it succeeds unlike almost every other spell I’ve cast this game!
It does make me lose one extra darkness, but well worth the price if it banishes Disco’s legions at their moment of success! My next order is a demand for tribute.
Scores at present;
DiscoStu 98
Wstfgl 65
Me 61
Jaeryl 8
Hoard 6
Bit of a two tier game at present!
Turn 29
Cowardly Hoard failed to respond to my insult and has instead shipped me 4 tribute cards. Very annoying, why will no one give me a chance to engage in praetor combat L
In other news, DiscoStu has succeeded in her vendetta against me, taking all of the cantons she needed, despite my event banishing one of her three units. I’d hoped for more, but I suppose I can live with that.
I’ve decided to pause the conflict with DiscoStu for the time being in a vain attempt to get the extra darkness required for an additional level in cunning. At cunning level 3 I get an additional order slot, and the ability to steal other players units. That sounds like great fun (despite the abject failure of my spells to date), and is a tactic to be unleashed on the unsuspecting DiscoStu as soon as possible. Double tribute it is.
With regards to the other archfiends, Jaeryl has completed his vendetta against Wstfgl – I’m not actually sure what his mission was tbh. I’ve also noticed that Jaeryl has FurFur (the only praetor I was concerned about facing), whereas Wstfgl has Bifrons. I’m sure there have been at least a couple of other Praetor purchases which I’ve skipped over; god knows where those have gone. The Angelic Hoard has spanked Wstfgls unit and is now moving towards my solitary bodyguard. Fingers crossed the event expires before the angels descend upon an already useless minion.
Turn 30
Another turn, another flogging that I should dish out to my minions for their ineptitude. It never ceases to amaze me that they NEVER manage to bring me the tribute that I need. If this was a game about conniving evil archfiends scheming against one another, I’d think it was a conspiracy! Whilst I have a surfeit of every other material, I received 1 darkness (not 1 darkness card, 1 darkness on a card) from 8 picks. Brilliant.
DiscoStu has declared against me again as well. I have almost no territory left, so I’d imagine she’ll go for my (her old) PoP. I’m tempted to give her the 4 tribute cards because, frankly I can give her a pile of crap and then declare a Praetor combat on her. It doesn’t help that the Angelic Host smashed my only unit this turn.
Speaking of Praetors, Jaeryl has played an event card which has given his Praetor the Infernal Order of the Crismson Skull; whatever that does (probably makes him a shit load harder!). Good luck getting anyone else to fight him now J
Once I’ve refused DiscoStu’s vendetta I’m tempted to unleash one of my own, the only problem is that she might give me back the same four tribute cards. Hmmmm. Not a problem for this turn anyway as I can’t do anything other than respond to her vendetta.
For my orders, I decide to draw a new secret objective. Realistically I’m unlikely to have 30 souls to feed to my current objective, so a roll of the dice might help me burst over the finishing line. Second order is for, surprise surprise, more tribute.
Turn 31
Having rejected DiscoStu’s vendetta there is very little she can do to me for the next two turns. I’ve decided not to declare against her yet; rather I’m going to continue to attempt to get some darkness, as well as asking my minions to bring me a rare text (a little something different!).
The angelic hoard have descended on Jaeryl and smashed his unit also. I have a funny feeling this was the unit that had Furfur as its praetor, it’d make me laugh if he got an event which made him a super praetor, only to lose him due to combat J
I drew a secret objective that requires me to buy 10 artifacts and 10 relics. Bit crap for 20 bonus prestige, will need to remember to draw another one later!
Turn 32
3 more darkness added to the vault, just one more needed before I can finally get my next level of cunning and associated extra turn slot!
Jaeryl has bought The Beast at the auction house, which surprised me until I saw something I hadn’t noticed; the angelic hoard not only killed my unit, they also “liberated” the canton they were standing on; allowing Jaeryl to claim the last PoP that I was hoarding. Arse. Very little I can do about it also, which is frustrating. With 20/20 hindsight I really should have claimed that PoP when I had The Beast myself.
In what is perhaps the most obvious move I’ve seen for a while, DiscoStu has moved her troops away from my strongholds border. Again, it doesn’t take a genius to see where she’s headed!
This is the turn when I send my minions off to claim my third vendetta against her, hopefully she won’t refuse me! My second order slot is occupied by getting that final darkness from my bloody minions!
Turn 33
An eventful turn in the diplomatic circles, with both myself and Jaeryl declaring a vendetta against DiscoStu. Nice to be popular. I have a feeling she’ll pay me the four tribute cards rather than fight me, but accept Jaeryl’s vendetta. Little does she realise that he’s after praetor combat also.
As expected, Jaeryl was able to take the final PoP that I had been protecting. It’ll be interesting to see whether he continues to feed The Beast, or releases it back to the bazaar now its mission is accomplished.
In perhaps the least surprising event of the turn, my infernal minions singularly failed to bring me the required final point of darkness. Idiots! I’m bearing the rod of moving first this turn, and have drawn an event card; not a good one though as it hides a players prestige for 5-10 turns, perhaps useful in the end game, but of little assistance right now!
Now that my diplomatic action is in the ether, double tribute is the order of the day. Fingers, tenticles, and other extremities crossed!
Turn 34
As expected, DiscoStu has rejected my vendetta, but accepted Jaeryl’s. It’ll come as no surprise to my dedicated readers that even with 4 bonus tribute cards from DiscoStu, I still didn’t get any bloody darkness. Thankfully, my minions pulled their ideas into line and FINALLY delivered the darkness I need. Wstfgl has also declared a vendetta against DiscoStu, more and more reasons why being first early isn’t an advantage!
What I’ve now discovered however is that I have too many single point darkness cards to purchase something worth 15 darkness, and I therefore need to consolidate. What a faff!
My second order slot is occupied with a vendetta against Wstfgl; no one else is targeting him at the moment, and DiscoStu keeps paying me off (the spinless wretch!).
Turn 35
Little to report as I did this turn in a rush. First order was to finally buy that extra Cunning, opening up my third order slot, second action was to send minions for more tribute.
Turn 36
Timing, it transpires, is everything. After finally getting enough darkness to increase my cunning I spent it all last turn, and was the victim of a raiding the vaults ritual this turn losing 7 tribute cards. Had I lost my darkness haul I would have been spitting teeth; thankfully this is an annoyance rather than a tradgedy. DiscoStu must be responsible, and will feel my turn around wrath this turn with exactly the same spell. Take that sucker!
Wstfgl has refused my insult so it’s Praetor o’ clock. I’ve built this chap up so much he’ll undoubtedly lose in the first combat he faces against Wstfgl’s baby Praetor, but hey ho! Praetor combat initiated, with the maximum available stake of 13 prestige. Whilst it appears both of Wstfgl’s Praetors don’t have a chance against me, I’m tempted to steal one of them with pilfer, lie, coerce next turn anyway, just for fun…..
Turn 37
I think it’s about time I got a plan. To date, I’ve been running around like a headless chicken, doing very little. All it’s got me is 2nd from last place, an implacable foe (in DiscoStu), and a monstrous Praetor who is, as yet, unblooded. DiscoStu has declared a vendetta against me again and, this time, I’ve a mind to accept. My vaults are full to the brink with tribute, I’ve stolen 3 cards from DiscoStu this turn (and am tempted to do so again), and Wstfgl has accepted my Praetor combat.
If I want to win the game however, I must destroy DiscoStu. Our respective empires look as follows;
We each only have one combat unit, though I have no doubt that her one is better. She also has more martial ability than me, and a higher level in wrath too I suspect. That doesn’t mean all is lost however. My old friend “The Beast” is available in the auction house, and I have copious amounts of souls to stuff down his throat.
If I accept DiscoStu’s vendetta I should still have sufficient time to fly The Beast in on a rescue mission and save my PoP, which is the only logical target for her vendetta. With this in mind I’ve decided to accept her second vendetta and attempt to beat her on the field of battle.
As such, I’m also going to level up my martial skill so that I can create combat cards to equip the beast with. My final order is to get yet more tribute as I’ve spent a lot this turn.
Scores at present as follows;
DiscoStu: 125
Wstfgl: 64
Jaeryl: 61
Me: 59
Hoard: 0
Bit hard to see how Hoard can come back from zero to be honest.
Turn 38
I’ve just realised that we’re perilously close to the end of the game, 11 of the 15 rods have been drawn, and DiscoStu has a significant lead. Whilst I believe she’ll lose the Praetor combat against Jaeryl, and I don’t think she’ll attack me now that I have The Beast, I’m concerned that it might not be possible to catch her. In this instance, the only chance I forsee is to attack Pandemonium and get excommunicated, allowing me to fight DiscoStu without a vendetta, and attempt to wipe her out.
Given the limited amount of time available, and my opinion that DiscoStu will declare a PoP stealing vendetta against me, I’m moving the beast down towards my PoP to defend it. I’ve also cast an event on DiscoStu that prevents her playing any rituals higher than level 3. My final order is for more tribute as I have, once again, used all my darkness up. Sigh.
Turn 39
What an ingenious masterstroke. At one fell swoop DiscoStu may have won the game. A picture is better than a thousand words, and this instance that’s a thousand swear words I don’t have to type.
No diplomacy for 5 turns, all existing diplomatic actions cancelled. Given that there are only 4 rods left to be drawn there is almost zero time for the rest of us to enact enough diplomacy to claw back DiscoStu’s prestige lead. Looks like a focus on other routes to gain prestige is urgently required!
My event to prevent DiscoStu using rituals above level 3 has succeeded, but if I can’t do any diplomatic actions in the 3 turns of grace, there’s very little point! I also have The Beast bumming around in my base consuming souls and adding no value whatsoever. Arse!
It’s at this point that I start to consider an insanely risky master plan. If I attack Pandemonium I become excommunicated which allows me to attack any other player without a vendetta. The Beast is within walking distance of DiscoStu’s home base, in one turn I could probably destroy her. The problem is that I am unable to gain prestige whilst excommunicated. I’m currently in second place but I’ll soon lose that if other players can gain prestige whilst I can’t. An actual attack on Pandemonium would be my only avenue to win, and the city is four turns flight away, and I need to hold it for 5 turns.
I actually suspect that the game will go on another 9 turns at least which means it’s not completely stupid but I’d have every other player against me once they worked out what I was doing.
I also need to start thinking about my secret objective, which is to feed myself with 30 souls – If I’m going to make that work, I’ll need to start stuffing them down asap. In addition, there is an item at the bazaar which gives 30 prestige at the end of the game – that needs to be purchased also to cover my bases.
I have decided to fly The Beast towards Pandemonium, buy an item which allows me to add my infernal attribute to my combat damage (which should allow me to kill Pandemonium in one turn), and to ask my minions for tribute. Suicide mission, here I come….
Turn 40
Apparently that old adage about it never raining, but pouring also applies in Hell. Who would have thought?! An event has been played against me which has made my one PoP defect, freeing the space up and allowing another player to take it. Given this PoP is in the middle of DiscoStu’s territory, it isn’t hard to work out who played it….
Another conclave token has been drawn this turn, leaving 3 still to be drawn. A minimum of three more turns to this game, but hopefully more. I have a decision to make. If I get excommunicated, in two turns I can fly The Beast into DiscoStu’s territory and kill her stronghold, knocking her out of the game. If I do this however, I can’t win the game myself (but there is a certain satisfaction in preventing inter family gloating!).
On the other hand, I can fly to Pandemonium in three turns and assault it. I also need one turn to cast the ritual to get myself excommunicated. I have to hold Pandemonium and my stronghold for 5 turns to win the game outright but, on the positive side, no further conclave tokens are drawn once Pandemonium has been seized.
This is the plan I’m going to effect. As such, I have decided to purchase another legion at the Bazaar to defend the homeland. I can’t afford the second “pay per turn” big brute, so a smaller legion will have to do. One point of note, I need to be able to fly into opponent cantons to have a chance to seize Pandemonium, if I can’t do this then I revert to my plan to destroy DiscoStu!.
My orders therefore are
· Purchase the Iron Maidens at the Bazaar
· Cast a ritual to attack Pandemonium
· Draw tribute.
Wish me luck!
Turn 41
I’ve succeeded in being excommunicated, probably the only thing I’ve actually succeeded at all game to be honest! Irritatingly however, someone has stolen Haagenti from me with the pilfer, lies, deceit ritual. I don’t think it was DiscoStu because her rituals are locked down, but I can’t work out who else it might have been. Either way, it seems as if a conspiracy to make DiscoStu win is in place, everything seems to be going her way!
Two of my orders this turn are simple, I’m applying my banner of the flayed hand to The Beast (adds infernal score to melee damage), and stealing Wstfgl’s praetor (hopefully) to beef up The Beast further. I’m still torn as to whether to fly into DiscoStu’s base and kill her (risking the game ending before I can fly to Pandemonium), or going hell for leather to fly and conquer the city. No rod was drawn this turn, leaving at least 3 more turns. If I attack DiscoStu (assuming no counter rituals, stunning etc) I need a minimum of 6 turns to kill her and capture Pandemonium. It’s stretching it, but I can’t leave such a dangerous enemy alive next to my stronghold whilst I launch my attack. Time to destroy DiscoStu!
Orders this turn;
· Fly next to DiscoStu’s stronghold
· Apply the flayed banner to The Beast
· Steal Wstfgls praetor
Turn 42
Unable to determine who is responsible for this ritual? I’m pretty sure I know exactly who prevented The Beast from smashing her fortress into ity bity pieces. I wonder whether other players took some extra perks at the start that makes their rituals more effective than mine? I certainly feel a bit victimised at the moment because….
My sources tell me that Wstfgl (who also stole my praetor last turn, god knows how as I hadn’t even played it!) is responsible. I’m beginning to have dark thoughts about Wstfgl, either he wants DiscoStu to win (kingmaker perk?) or he’s a looney who doesn’t know what he’s doing (sorry Paul! J )
Time for another attempt to move The Beast. I have a horrible feeling that DiscoStu is going to lock me down until the end of the game, which would be bloody frustrating.
I’ve also decided to reciprocate and loot the vaults of Wstfl, hopefully I’ll get my six tribute cards back, thieving swine. I wanted to steal Haagenti back, but I don’t have the darkness (Shock news; me in darkness shortage!)
Still no rod drawn, so still a minimum of 3 more turns;
Orders this turn;
· Fly the beast into combat range (maybe)
· Loot Wstfgl’s vaults
· Demand tribute from minions
Turn 43
Another turn, another failed ritual. Wstfgl appears to have locked his vault doors too tightly for my valiant raiders, and I was unable to steal any of his loot. To add insult to injury, someone (no prizes for guessing who!) has looted my vault again leaving me with just 2 more cards than I picked up this turn. Resolving to deny another looting attempt, I have decided to spend all the tribute I have left, that’ll teach the sneaky thief!
I hope DiscoStu has something cunning up her sleeve as her attempts to halt The Beast were unsuccessful last turn, leaving me one turn from knocking her out. It feels like kind of an anti-climax to be one turn from tearing her empire down given that she’s been in first place for so long; just goes to show that one careless move away from her stronghold might cost her 44 turns of evil conniving-ness!
Just in case she has some sort of tactical nuke up her sleeve, I have added the Praetor I stole from Wstfgl onto the Beast (my turn is last anyway, so I figure even if I put my movement in turn slot one, DiscoStu will still have a chance to cast before I can move!)
Orders this turn;
· Apply praetor to The Beast
· Increase Martial attribute (spending my loot!)
· Smash DiscoStu into itty bitty pieces J
Turn 44
And so it’s done. 44 turns of toil, backstabbing, battle and deception and I have finally smote the ruin of DiscoStu upon the mountainside. I feel empty, my victory feels hollow, I bought the best unit in the game, fly it on an unstoppable mission and smashed my opponent……wait a minute, take a look at this turn report. Something seems wrong;
I’ve been the target of three rituals this turned (all of which failed, hah!), but DiscoStu only had one ritual slot. Her husband and their best man have been conspiring against me, looting my vaults, casting spells on my units, and stealing my praetors. It’s been 3 vs 1 from the start, they raised DiscoStu as their champion, and I smashed her! Victory against impossible odds is mine. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, and Wstfgl is next. Sod winning, Sod Pandemonium, everyone who conspires against me gets smashed!
Turn 45
Just a brief turn as I played in a hurry. My plan now is to move towards Wstfgl and inflict maximum damage upon him. With the Beast back in the bazaar due to lack of souls (had they held me off one more turn I would have been screwed!) winning the game is beyond me. My mission therefore is to make sure the triumvate don’t win!
Orders this turn;
· Move 2nd unit towards Wstfgl
· Demand tribute x2
Turn 46
We’re *still* stuck on 13 rods, I was under the impression that these were drawn more quickly at the end, but this hasn’t been the case. I continue to move towards the stronghold of Wstfgl, only two turns till I can kill him (other people’s rituals willing!)
My orders this turn are aimed at helping my conquest, in that I’m applying a combat card to my unit, stealing the enemy praetor, and moving towards Wstfgls stronghold. In other news, Jaeryl is engaging in a diplomatic war with both Wstfgl and Hoard of the flies; little does he appreciate that he’s next (time permitting!).
Turn 46
The penultimate rod has been drawn leaving us just turns away from a final victory for someone. Whilst my own experience with rituals has been fairly poor, Wstfgl seems to have had a whale of a time, looting vaults with impunity and generally dropping fireballs on people whenever he’s wanted too. This turn, my advance unit has had both a fireball, and a confusion spell successfully cast against him, sticking him in place and reducing his hp to 2. Methinks my plans to exact vengeance on Wstfgl are coming to a premature end.
Given that I can’t engage in diplomacy, use the bazaar, or do much other than fling my units around, I’ve decided to continue my attempt to assault Wstfgls stronghold. I’m once again going to attempt to steal Haagenti back (not holding my breath), and I’ll move my unit towards the stronghold (see above re breath holding). Finally, more tribute is required from my underworked, overpaid, minions.
Scores are as follows with one rod to come;
Wstfgl: 91
Me: 81
Jaeryl: 66
Hoard: 0
Turn 47
As we move into what must be the final turn, there has been a dramatic change at the top of the leader board thanks to the praetor vs. praetor combat of Jaeryl and Wstfgl. From third place in the leader board, Jaeryl has moved up to first thanks to his successful praetor combat. I find it deeply ironic that I spend half the game trying to get Haagenti to eat someone else’s praetor and then, in his first combat, Jaeryls representative wipes the floor with him. How’s that for irony Wstfgl, you thieving git!
Wstfgl has yet again attempted to throw a lightning bolt my way, this time my legion was able to resist it thankfully, and is now in position next to Wstfgl’s stronghold. Sadly, given the battered state he is in I hold out little chance he’ll be able to win, unless I successfully cast two rituals. Can’t see that happening, doesn’t mean I’m not going to try though! I’ve sworn that if I can’t win myself, none of the triumvate can win either (even if I am effectively handing victory to my brother, which will result in much inter-family pain!)
At the bazaar, the “odd portrait” has been acquired. Can’t recall what that one did exactly, something to do with prestige in PoP’s I think; bit beyond me now!
Turn 48
That’s all folks! The game ends and Jaeryl is triumphant. He reached a massive total of 193 prestige, with an extra 34 from cantons (I didn’t even appreciate cantons added prestige!), 30 extra prestige from relics (presumably the one that added 30 prestige!), and he also completed his hidden objective to add an extra 30 prestige. I wonder whether DiscoStu, who was on 130 odd base prestige when I knocked her out, could have countered Jaeryl?
Final scores as follows;
Jaeryl: 193
Wstfgl: 91
Me: 70
Hoard: 22
Frankly, I felt third place was a little harsh on me. I started the game rock last thanks to my fateful decision to take no extra charisma. I was the first to initiate diplomacy (successfully), I took an insane risk to knock DiscoStu out (handing the game to Jaeryl), and I only failed to take Pandemonium because 3 players conspired to rob my vaults and target me with ritual after ritual.
I do have to accept however that I spent the majority of the game running around like a headless chicken doing very little of use.
Hats off to Jaeryl but, to damn him with faint praise, he won because DiscoStu and I killed each other’s chances of winning.
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