Bay 12 Games Forum

Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Topic started by: EagleV on August 27, 2009, 12:23:22 pm

Title: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 27, 2009, 12:23:22 pm

Well, I guess the title says it all. For more info on Stars!: this (http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php?topic=37607.0).

Turn limit shall start at 48h

Host for this game is Serefan, email will follow, you can either email or upload your turn file ('Gamename.x#' where # is your player number).

At the start of the game, everyone will receive the files he needs via Serefan, just paste these into your Stars! folder.

Everyone who wishes to participate should perform any 4 of the following 5 actions:

- Post your own race, protected with password, or send it to the host, also protected with password. The race, that is, not the file.
- Vote for any number of options as stated below.
- Send a blank bearer cheque to an anonymous adress in Europe which will be specified to you by PM, if you choose this option.
- Make sure you own a full version of Stars! 2.6 or 2.7.
- Post here and say hi.

Spoiler: options (click to show/hide)

- Universe size (Tiny, Small, Medium <1>, Large, Huge) <3 for large/huge>
- Density (Sparse, Normal <2>, Dense <1>, Packed <1>)
- Player Positions (Close, Farther, Moderate <3.5>, Distant <0.5>)
- Galaxy Clumping (Yes <3> or No <1>)
- Winning Condition(s) (Owns 60% of planets, Attains tech 22 in 4 fields, Exceeds a score of 11,000, Exceeds second player score by 100%, Has a production capacity of 100,000, Owns 100 capital ships, Has the highest score after 100 turns, Only by submission <4>)

I recommend the default options actually, plus galaxy clumping. And size has to be big and will depend on number of players, ofc.

Players:
- Me (Duh)
- Serefan
- Zorgn
- Rysith
- Il Palazzo
- I Hate Outside
- Shades

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 27, 2009, 02:08:32 pm

Myes, hosting it is. Email is in my profile. Hope people are interested here. :D

For the turn limit, I'll email the new turns as soon as I've received everyone's turn, and before entering this make sure you are able to answer with your completed turn within 48 hours, preferably 24 hours, more preferably within 15 minutes. ;D

As said, first send your races, next I'll send you every file you need, this is the galaxy file with .xy, and your personal turn file, with .mN (with N the player number).

From then on, every turn, only thing I need to receive from the players is the .xN file, with N the player number, and you'll receive a .mN file from me again.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 27, 2009, 05:35:27 pm

I'll be joining this shortly. I loved this game back when the company was still in business.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 27, 2009, 05:54:34 pm

I'd suggest removing all victory conditions. Just total annihilation of the other races.

Also, Eagle, put a list of the players in the first post. I'll be player 1, you 2, Zorgn 3, and continue the list when more players arrive. I'll be needing that to remember what file to send to whom.

And we can use this thread to mock each other while playing. :P

Too bad you can't host and be all-knowing of every player without entering the game yourself. I'd be able to tell a spoilerfree story of goings on ingame.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on August 27, 2009, 09:58:06 pm

I'm in.

I'd vote for no official vitory conditions but the option of submission. Packet Physicists and Space Demolishers can both make it aggravatingly annoying if you're forced to clean every last one of their planets off.

Other options:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

- Universe size (Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, Huge depending on number of players)
- Density (Sparse, Normal, Dense, Packed)
- Player Positions (Close, Farther, Moderate, Distant)
- Galaxy Clumping (Yes or No)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 03:13:55 am

Most primary racial traits can be a pain in the ass when played correctly. The point is knowing what other players are as fast as you can, and then adapting your strategy accordingly.

I talk out of experience, eh Eagle. :P

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 28, 2009, 03:18:45 am

Quote from: Serefan on August 27, 2009, 05:54:34 pm

Too bad you can't host and be all-knowing of every player without entering the game yourself. I'd be able to tell a spoilerfree story of goings on ingame.

I suggest we can use this thread to tell the story of our own races, for the people that would want to. Alas, that will be difficult if you don't want to give information to other players.

Also, Rysith, your option of submission sounds interesting. Even though I think there will always be players who fight till the last Smaguarian Peeping Tom.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 03:41:31 am

Yeah, I believe there's a resign button somewhere in the game. Or you could go suicidal and ram your fleets into Death Stars (if anyone has any).

Also, important note, if someone can't join the game for a while it offers an option to put the player on standby. This makes you AI controlled, although quite pacifist, but all your resources and research are still managed and such.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on August 28, 2009, 05:49:49 am

OK, I'm in.
As for the settings: medium galaxy, normal density, moderate distance, no clumping, no winning conditions.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 06:01:34 am

Everyone's saying they're in, but I haven't received any emails as of yet. :P

Eagle, could you resend your racefile too? Just to be sure.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on August 28, 2009, 06:39:18 am

I'll send you mine as soon as I'll decide on what I want to play as. Couple hours tops.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 06:41:57 am

No problem, I bet Eagle wants to wait for more players anyway.

Also, it's friday today, that means within a few hours I won't be able to do anything for this game anyways, cuz I'm going out.

EDIT: Palazzo's tentacle rape race received, working with my version 2.70i.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on August 28, 2009, 09:24:45 am

I've got a general race design picked out, but I'm not going to be able to actually generate the race file until the next time I restart my computer (hooray 16-bit apps!), so I should have it in tonight.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 09:49:34 am

Yeah well, the game isn't going to start for at least tomorrow anyways. EagleV's not online anywhere, and I'm gone in an hour or two for today too.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on August 28, 2009, 10:38:22 am

Quote from: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 09:49:34 am

Yeah well, the game isn't going to start for at least tomorrow anyways. EagleV's not online anywhere, and I'm gone in an hour or two for today too.

Stop blatantly showing off your implied social life! There are nerds here, you know...

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 10:41:52 am

Quote from: Il Palazzo on August 28, 2009, 10:38:22 am

Quote from: Serefan on August 28, 2009, 09:49:34 am

Yeah well, the game isn't going to start for at least tomorrow anyways. EagleV's not online anywhere, and I'm gone in an hour or two for today too.

Stop blatantly showing off your implied social life! There are nerds here, you know...

Ok, I admit. I'm off to go watch porn in my basement until my mom comes in to beat me.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 28, 2009, 01:55:19 pm

that is so sig-worth, but i like mine more. Also i need to check this game out.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on August 29, 2009, 01:01:54 am

Race submitted. I can also report success running STARS! 2.70i in windows 2000 on VirtualBox (XP outside), so that's definitely an emulation option.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 29, 2009, 03:34:31 am

Rysith's race received, The Shades, working.

Zorgn's race received, The Ethereals, but it's NOT working with my 2.70i! You must be having another version.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 29, 2009, 04:10:13 am

I'll send you my race ASAP.

Off-topic, Rysith, your avatar made me think of

Spoiler: this (click to show/hide)

(http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/fail-owned-buy-baby-fail.jpg)

IHateOutside, are you planning on joining this?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 04:19:41 am

I don't have it so no but i will be watching with great interest.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 29, 2009, 04:22:49 am

Well, I have the feeling there isn't gonna be much to read here, because you can't talk about it a lot without revealing your position/fleet compositions/etc... :-\

Also, I thought Eagle posted a link to download the game, or didn't you?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 04:26:02 am

Yeah i think he posted a demo somewhere.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 29, 2009, 05:01:23 am

I think he didn't mean demo. It's the full version.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 29, 2009, 05:04:10 am

EDIT

As stated before editing, 2.7i and j are not compatible, as in, 2.6i can't host a game that has j players. Now testing backwards compatability of 2.7j.

EDIT2

Nope. Compatability zero. I guess I'll have to get i ;) Zorgn, can you change to i as well? And my apologies for the inconvenience.

EDIT3

2.60 i and 2.70 i are both okay AND 100% compatible. 2.60i == 2.70i - battle sounds (which is not really worth it anyway). So, can everyone check his version?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 29, 2009, 05:11:53 am

You're quite the friendly dude today, my good sir. :D

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 29, 2009, 05:52:06 am

Carp. The link on the wiki to download 2.6/2.7i is dead. Known 'download everything' sites also have no Stars for download.

I'm very sorry, but I think the only option is to let everyone get 2.6j or 2.7j - these two are, again, 100% compatible.

Please, do upgrade ASAP. If you're not sure which version you have, you can see it on the start screen. If you can't, it definitely isn't J ;)

I hope everyone can still follow the course of actions :)?

If not:


2.6i  ==  2.7i    <-- Those two can't be downloaded, IMHO

!=         !=

2.6j  ==  2.7j    <-- Those can, on the wiki


Sorry, again

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 06:08:49 am

I really want to get this game now i've played the demo! I went on the wiki and followed the download link to a huge list of stuff on stars autohost. Which do i get to play this awesome game?
(yes its that awesome it has to be bolded)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 29, 2009, 06:33:54 am

I think I'd better put a direct link here.

2.7j can be downloaded here (http://wiki.gible.net/files/stars27jrc3.zip), if that link doesn't work go there (http://wiki.gible.net/index.php/Patches_and_versions) and download stars27jrc3.zip. Yes, the RC3 is important, RC1 and 2 won't work.

Also, to run it properly, you need to run as administrator and have wavemix.dll in your windows folder. This dll is not on modern windows, and can be optained on the same "there (http://wiki.gible.net/index.php/Patches_and_versions)" link, under wavemix.rar. Download, open (eg. with Winrar), and put the wavemix.dll in your C:/Windows folder.

Hope this helps.

For a serial, if you didn't buy one when they were still sold, I fear your only option is to find one via <insert random search engine>.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 06:44:57 am

sucess! I managed to find someones donated serial as well. I may join up now. So I have to make a race and send it to you right?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 29, 2009, 07:22:23 am

Send it to Serefan, but don't expect answer untill this evening.

EDIT: know what, send it to me, I'll make sure he gets it.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 07:32:09 am

by PM?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 29, 2009, 07:39:23 am

Email should be enabled now :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 09:12:38 am

time to make my abomination of a race. Will edit to say when im done.
done! You the need the password as well right?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on August 29, 2009, 11:49:39 am

Quote from: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 09:12:38 am

time to make my abomination of a race. Will edit to say when im done.
done! You the need the password as well right?

No, keep the password to yourself. It will make sure that only people with the password can open the turn files.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 12:36:16 pm

ok cheers

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on August 29, 2009, 02:22:41 pm

upgraded to 2.70j and sent the race file.
You might need my email address: widmac at o2 dot pl

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 02:46:26 pm

How do i attatch my race file? The link in your profile won't allow me to.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on August 29, 2009, 02:58:31 pm

send it manually to his address, as specified next to the msn bit

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 03:06:09 pm

Duh! I forgot I had to send it to Serefan. Sent it and just saw the mail Eagle sent. Duh! again.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 29, 2009, 05:10:41 pm

Alright, sent my new race file in. I was using 2.6j, which sounds like it should be compatible with 2.7j, but I've upgraded and made some changes to my race.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 29, 2009, 05:22:47 pm

Quote from: Zorgn on August 29, 2009, 05:10:41 pm

Alright, sent my new race file in. I was using 2.6j, which sounds like it should be compatible with 2.7j, but I've upgraded and made some changes to my race.

It is compatible, it's just, Serefan was using i. But anyway, you have the gigantic advantage of Battle Sounds now! ;)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 29, 2009, 05:29:13 pm

Which is rather strange, considering there should be no sound in space...

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 29, 2009, 05:31:34 pm

there isn't. you have that guy from police academy doing the sound effects for you.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 29, 2009, 08:29:39 pm

Noticed I didn't vote on the settings for the game.

Universe size: Large, or Huge if we can get a few more people.
- Density: Packed
- Player Positions: Moderate
- Galaxy Clumping: Yes
- Winning Condition(s): None. Total Annihilation.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 02:59:26 am

Everyone's race working now. So, EagleV, to start or not to start, it's your call if you want more players or not. Maybe you should bump the previous thread.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 30, 2009, 03:08:28 am

So, we're starting this evening. That is, around 10 pm, GMT+1; EST+6.

If you still want in, send your race to Serefan and post your name by then.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 03:17:12 am

IHateOutside's race received, but not compatible. 2.60j or 2.70j needed.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 30, 2009, 04:49:35 am

oops. I thought i was j but it must be i then. I'll check it when i get back on my computer which has stars! on it. I'm on 2.70j. Must have been a dodgy upload. I'll try again.

Quote

around 10 pm, GMT+1

This would 9pm GMT right?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 08:56:17 am

Wow, wait what, 10 pm? I'm not doing an awful lot of turns for this evening then, haven't slept a lot this weekend.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 09:31:09 am

IHateOutside's race received and compatible. Eagle, you give the word, whenever you're ready.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 10:20:42 am

IHO, we're starting as soon as you send your race through with a password, or you would be screwed. You're lucky I'm this honest. :P

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 30, 2009, 10:53:09 am

If it's not too late I just sent you a race Serefan. I totally forgot about this thread till now :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 11:02:01 am

Not too late. I'm waiting for IHO's password.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 30, 2009, 11:03:21 am

Course not, If I say you can join till 11, you can ;) Welcome btw, I was wondering where you were :D

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 30, 2009, 11:16:52 am

Seven races is a good number for a huge universe, some room to play in but not too much. Can't wait :) although I'm sure the first few turns are going to be quick.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 11:18:22 am

And painful. ;D

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on August 30, 2009, 12:00:33 pm

fuck, guys, huge universe? when are you planning on finishing this game, next century?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 30, 2009, 12:13:49 pm

well otherwise we'd just have to start a new one :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 12:17:49 pm

Depends on how everyone plays Palazzo, I know I'll make sure that's not gonna happen. ;)

If it's really a problem I can still pick large. Remember it's on normal density too.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 30, 2009, 01:22:34 pm

Goddammit I can't do anything right! Sending AGAIN.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 01:42:05 pm

No problem dude, I could've just as easily started the game, I waited up because it wouldn't have been fair for you, besides, we agreed to not start until this evening. ;) Whenever you're ready.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 30, 2009, 01:55:10 pm

OK i've sent it. I'm getting excited, weirdly.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 02:17:45 pm

And so, we're off. :D

Good luck everyone, I've never played with this many people before, so I'm predicting a massacre. ;D

Remember: Losing is fun. As bad as it gets, keep on playing 'till the others really get you on your knees. :D

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 02:43:32 pm

I just thought of something, I think everyone wants at least one turn a day, so I'd figure if I haven't got a turn by the end of the day, I put that player on AI for one turn, what do you guys think about that?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 30, 2009, 02:53:01 pm

Quote from: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 02:17:45 pm

Good luck everyone, I've never played with this many people before, so I'm predicting a massacre. ;D

Hey this is the first game I've played against humans at all, I'm just hoping you all act like the AI does :)

Quote from: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 02:43:32 pm

I just thought of something, I think everyone wants at least one turn a day, so I'd figure if I haven't got a turn by the end of the day, I put that player on AI for one turn, what do you guys think about that?

I thought that was what the 48 hour limit was for? If you haven't done your turn by then it gets automatically generated or something. If you have everyone's turns before then there is no reason you can't generate even if it's only been a few hours or something.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 03:00:32 pm

Don't count on it Shades. Unless you've battled multiple hardest mode AI's, and even then it's a totally different gameplay.

I'm getting scared with these 6 guys around me. Especially since I've played with EagleV before, and he's a bastard lunatic in that game.

Also, if anyone feels like it's easier passing on files that way, you can add me on MSN if you like. Same address.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 30, 2009, 03:12:47 pm

Quote from: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 03:00:32 pm

Don't count on it Shades. Unless you've battled multiple hardest mode AI's, and even then it's a totally different gameplay.

Oh well 'losing is fun' :) although maybe I should have gone with a less experimental race design.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 30, 2009, 03:13:34 pm

Me, a bastard lunatic in that game?

I might be a bastard, and I might be a lunatic, but NOT, I repeat, NOT in that game  >:(

Also, good luck to all, and kiwi's to the winner.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 03:19:40 pm

Indeed, kiwi's for everyone.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on August 30, 2009, 03:28:39 pm

Oh yeah, first turn sent. How very exciting!

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 30, 2009, 03:47:01 pm

Okay so what file(s) do I send back when I've done my turn? :)

Edit: RTFM

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 30, 2009, 04:27:44 pm

First turn finished. Good luck, everyone.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 30, 2009, 04:42:05 pm

I think i just sent my turn...

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 05:06:40 pm

Rysith is still out, IHO you too, I haven't received any .x file from you yet I think.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 30, 2009, 05:09:59 pm

Sent now I have to go to bed. Got school starting on thursday  >:(

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 30, 2009, 06:29:48 pm

Don't worry about it, I've got exams tomorrow. :-[ (Actually it's already today). Well, it seems only Rysith's left, but I'm gonna respect EagleV's rule, especially the first turn, I hope he answers by this evening. The next turn could be pretty late tonight, (late as in my timezone) 'cause I'm meeting up with someone.

This reminds me, maybe it's pretty useful to know where you guys are from, and what time you're most likely on your computer.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 30, 2009, 06:41:44 pm

Uk so GMT +1 currently. Mostly I figure I'll be doing turns after work so evening-ish times.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on August 30, 2009, 08:45:32 pm

I'm in GMT+8 (US West), just submitted.

I'd propose generating 48 hours after the previous turn was generated, or sooner if everyone has their turns in. That should let the first few turns go by quickly while leaving time for other things to come up.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on August 31, 2009, 03:05:33 am

Turn 2 submitted.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on August 31, 2009, 09:31:02 am

I seem to have triggered a form of copy protection that I haven't seen before, taking 20% off my productivity and halving my growth rate, but still allowing me to play. Anyone have any idea what would cause that?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 31, 2009, 09:36:40 am

Wait, what? I'll check the wiki.

Wiki states that it is indeed copy protection for having the same serial. Which sucks, cause there are no more serials available than those currently on the internet. I'll see if I can find a way out, and send an email. We can restart without a problem.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 31, 2009, 09:52:43 am

Rysith, I've found another serial that someone donated. I can send it to you if you like.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 31, 2009, 10:10:20 am

As far as I know, there are not enough serials currently available to support a 7-people game. I'll try and find something else.

Ofc, if it works, I won't complain ;)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 31, 2009, 10:11:32 am

I suppose it would help to see what serials everyone is using.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 31, 2009, 11:15:52 am

My serial is the one I got with the retail cd way back when, although wine has the habit of telling me my system has changed and I keep needing to reenter it.

If we restart it probably doesn't matter but should I have files (.m or .xy I guess) for turn two? or have I misunderstood how this works?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 31, 2009, 11:29:12 am

The Wine thingy is a well-known 'bug' in the Stars serial algorithm.

If we restart, you can delete everything that starts with b12 (I think it's called b12, might be bay12).
You will, for the new game, receive a .xy file which contains the galaxy and a .m# file which contains your personal info (that is, fleets, scanners, minerals, buildings etc.).
To submit a turn, send the .x# file to Serefan, and then for every turn you should get a .m# back, which should replace the previous one.
If you didn't get a .m# back, something is wrong with Serefan ;) .

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 31, 2009, 11:54:56 am

Quote from: EagleV on August 31, 2009, 11:29:12 am

If you didn't get a .m# back, something is wrong with Serefan ;) .

We will have to fix him :)

I've emailed regarding the turn 2 .m file but if we restart it doesn't matter so much.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 31, 2009, 12:01:56 pm

Wait a minute... I have the same serial as eagle, and I'm not suffering from copy protection. Yet. Could it have something to do with the version he's using?

Either way, I'll be looking for a keygen. Not much hope since the game is old as dirt, but it's possible it's still out there.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 31, 2009, 12:07:36 pm

I've looked. Nothing. I found a crack but it didn't work.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 31, 2009, 12:17:10 pm

I found what appears to be 20 extra serials. I'll test if they work, and if they do, we're in business.

EDIT: Or, I would if I could figure out how to unregister my now registered copy. Ideas?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 31, 2009, 12:21:30 pm

Quote from: IHateOutside on August 31, 2009, 12:07:36 pm

I've looked. Nothing. I found a crack but it didn't work.

http://starsautohost.org/sahforum/index.php?t=msg&th=1158 <-- this guy runs something that looks like an automated hosting solution for stars and claims to give out serials (back in 2007) might be useful if those 20 don't work :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 31, 2009, 12:36:14 pm

How to use the donated serial number? In STARS.INI file in the root
folder of your windows installation (usually C:\WINDOWS) find the
section
[Windows]
and within it the line
GlobalSettings=(some 30 characters and numbers).
Those characters held (beside computer ID) also coded Stars! serial
number. Now just delete them, so nothing is left to the right of the
equal sign, and save the file. When you run Stars! again, it will ask
you for the serial number. Enter the donated, and you're good to go
with the current PBEM game, and all your testbeds / hotseat/ single
player games as well.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on August 31, 2009, 12:45:22 pm

good to go assuming turn one didn't penalise him the 20% production and half growth already, otherwise it sucks a little

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 31, 2009, 12:46:39 pm

Looks like it worked. I'll get mailing.

Edit: This early in the game, we can start over easy enough.
Edit2: Everybody should have a unique serial at their disposal now. I say start over so Rysith has no excuse when we murder him everything's fair.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on August 31, 2009, 01:45:40 pm

ok i'm ready to start.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on August 31, 2009, 02:10:51 pm

Zorgn

Have a kiwi on me.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on August 31, 2009, 06:23:52 pm

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn315/Melmoth_the_Wanderer/kiwi.jpg)
THIS IS AWESOME. Thanks.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 01, 2009, 02:00:02 am

Oh, maybe a bit too late, but if IHO's method doesn't work for some reason, you can simply delete the ini. Stars creates a new ini and asks you for a new serial.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 04:56:42 am

Wait what. I was just about to send my 200 nubians to Rysith. Now I have to do EVERYTHING over again. :(

Ah well, new game in a few secs.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 01, 2009, 05:03:29 am

So, it seems 2.60 j will work without serial.µ

Gentlemen, I promise you that this is the last download before we can start playing ;).

Download (http://wiki.gible.net/files/stars26jrc4.zip)

Or site (http://wiki.gible.net/index.php/Patches_and_versions) and download 2.6jRC4

Also, first delete your stars.ini, else it will still use the serial stored there, which can cause conflicts.

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 05:10:17 am

New game started. Don't know how it all works, but maybe best to open it up with 2.60.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 01, 2009, 05:49:18 am

So, once more, How Does It Work:

(You probably get it by now, but just to make sure)

1. Get 2.60j RC4 (see 2 posts above) (also, rc3 should be fully compatible - but I'd rather be safe)
2. Races are already submitted (the race file you made a while ago still works)
3. Delete the .ini file before you generate a turn! Stars 2.7 will make a new one, so if you only use 2.6 you'll have to delete it only once.
4. You've got mail! The files you need are B12.xy (The Galaxy, won't get far without one) and B12.m# with # your player number. Paste them next to your stars.exe (the right one, not the 2.7)

5. So let's go!

6. Make Nubians and Deathstars, Nuke Others, Form Alliances, Backstab Allies, Build Stuff, Destroy Someone Else's Stuff, etc.
7. Submit turn and close stars.
8. Send mail to Serefan, containing the B12.x# file
9. Wait
10. More mail! the B12.xy stays the same during the game, so you only need to send the B12.m#. Replace the old one with the new one.
11. Repeat from 5 until utterly destroyed.

Grtz, and good luck

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on September 01, 2009, 07:10:09 am

Is it just me or is this galaxy more packed with stars?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 07:18:19 am

I used the same options... The only thing I doubted was the galaxy clumping option, it's off, and I'm not sure if it was off in the first game.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 01, 2009, 08:19:15 am

It was on in the first game, it looks fuller because there is less space between clusters now.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 10:43:28 am

Only player 3 and 7 left.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on September 01, 2009, 01:48:58 pm

Blood and whatever else the Blood God wants for the Blood God!



Stars 2.6 did not make a new Ini file after I deleted it. This is what is wanted, yes?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 01, 2009, 02:06:58 pm

It is. Because the baaad, baad ini tells the others what number he is.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 01, 2009, 02:12:38 pm

The ini is friendly he recalls stuff for you, although my one forgets his code each time I start STARS!.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 02:27:27 pm

BAD INI! BAD INI! *Hits with stick* RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH!

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 02:28:07 pm

Also, turn 2.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on September 01, 2009, 02:42:00 pm

Done.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 01, 2009, 02:43:15 pm

Serefan...

How dare you doublepost in mah thread!  >:(

On a side note, thanks for hosting :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on September 01, 2009, 02:49:09 pm

just sent my turn.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 05:30:54 pm

Dude... How dare you give a shit about doubleposting.

Also, damn timezones. We have half of the players emailing at night in our timezone, and other half (including us) probably at night in their timezone.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on September 02, 2009, 12:49:29 am

Yes, you guys should all move to Europe. Or at least Africa.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 02, 2009, 12:57:38 am

Quote from: Serefan on September 01, 2009, 05:30:54 pm

Also, damn timezones. We have half of the players emailing at night in our timezone, and other half (including us) probably at night in their timezone.

It's not too bad though, the CST based posse can do their turns while I sleep or am at work, depending when they are alive, and then, as you'll have the GMT based turns you can generate a new turn and they can get to work on the next one. That evening us GMTers can do our turns, you generate a new one and we get started on the next days.

Gives use around 2 turns every 24 hours, which is pretty good going for a 48 hour turn game. Of course I'm assuming your awake all the time to generate turns :) so it might be less than that in reality.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on September 02, 2009, 01:48:02 am

Quote from: Shades on September 02, 2009, 12:57:38 am

It's not too bad though, the CET based posse can do their turns while I sleep or am at work, depending when they are alive, and then, as you'll have the GMT based turns you can generate a new turn and they can get to work on the next one. That evening us GMTers can do our turns, you generate a new one and we get started on the next days.

See, that would work well if I weren't off in PST messing everything up. I'll be trying to do a turn each morning/night, though, when possible.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 02, 2009, 03:17:00 am

Quote from: Rysith on September 02, 2009, 01:48:02 am

See, that would work well if I weren't off in PST messing everything up. I'll be trying to do a turn each morning/night, though, when possible.

I meant CST not CET :) and PST is close enough to that

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 02, 2009, 03:48:13 am

Wow, CST, CET, PST...

Where is GMT + x gone  :) ?

But, I guess I'll see when the next turn comes ;) I'm too lazy to look up those time tables :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 02, 2009, 03:54:22 am

Quote from: Shades on September 02, 2009, 12:57:38 am

Of course I'm assuming your awake all the time to generate turns :) so it might be less than that in reality.

You'd be surprised. :P

Actually I'm already glad everyone's making sure they do their turn every day.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on September 02, 2009, 01:12:34 pm

Quote from: EagleV on September 02, 2009, 03:48:13 am

Where is GMT + x gone  :) ?

It stayed in Europe...?

Turn done.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 02, 2009, 01:26:23 pm

Only Shades left...

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 02, 2009, 04:03:13 pm

Sent :)

Sorry it took so long, too many ships and planets to deal with... it's a chore

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 02, 2009, 04:44:32 pm

Right.  :P

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 02, 2009, 05:39:45 pm

Cool, everyone submitting a turn at around nighttime here, submitted again, I think. That means maybe 2 turns tomorrow!

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 03, 2009, 02:55:31 am

Not unless you send me a turn as well :) Before my boss gets to work means early response too ;)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 03, 2009, 12:54:35 pm

Only Zorgn left again. It's good to see everyone tries to hold on to a certain time a day to post their turns. If Zorgn follows up, he should post within the next 4 hours, but it's possible I'll sleep by then. I REALLY need some decent sleep (although I'd better not get my hopes up).

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on September 03, 2009, 01:56:46 pm

I gotta sleep sometime. It just happens to be the same time you're sending out turns... Anyway, turn sent.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 03, 2009, 02:02:16 pm

Well, now's a great time actually, it's 9 PM here.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 04, 2009, 02:58:17 am

Just to ruin your planning on when we send turns I'm sending mine now instead of after work :)

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 05, 2009, 06:19:27 am

Planning ruined anyway for this weekend. I won't tell why or I'll piss off Pallazzo again. :P

Sending turn now.

EDIT: PROBLEM! The Steel Banshees' turn is marked as 'partially done'. So you must've not submitted your turn. Submit and resend please.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on September 05, 2009, 11:32:01 pm

I'm going to be unable to get to a computer for the next 18 - 24 hours. I'll get a turn in once I'm back, so please don't hand my turn over to the computer just yet.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on September 06, 2009, 04:26:39 am

I'll do it when I get on the right computer.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 07, 2009, 08:57:45 am

Only IHO left?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on September 07, 2009, 09:54:41 am

done

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 07, 2009, 11:18:25 am

Turn sent.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 11, 2009, 08:35:47 pm

did this just die?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on September 11, 2009, 10:25:10 pm

Someone probably just forgot to send in their turn. Wasn't me, at least.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on September 11, 2009, 11:18:48 pm

I've sent in my turn. I'd be willing to take over as host if the person who has disappeared is Serefan, as well. We'd need to put him on computer control, but hopefully it won't be for too long and he's got auto-build queues set up.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on September 12, 2009, 03:26:31 am

Wouldn't that require of you to get Serafan's turn and/or game file?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 12, 2009, 10:14:05 am

Serefan has not disappeared.

The dead body of a 12 year old girl has been found in his basement, along with a huge amount of various hallucinogenics. He was found guilty, but mentally disturbed, and after a few days in jail he will now be transported to a psychiatric clinic, where he will recover from mental illness and drug abuse. He will, however, have limited internet acces there, so as soon as he's out of jail and into psychiatry, he will continue hosting.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

And now for real, he's on a short vacation, will probably return soon and has forgotten to post it here.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on September 12, 2009, 10:32:19 am

I knew I shouldn't have read the last sentence. Now you've gone and ruined my new view of Serefan.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 12, 2009, 04:27:02 pm

I spoilered it, so nobody but Zorgn should ever face it without choosing so himself.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 13, 2009, 04:46:36 am

Well it's good timing, as of tomorrow I don't have this laptop (jsut because I'm changing employers my old company think I should return their laptop... so unreasonable).

My only other computer is 64bit vista which I believe has issues running the game. Hopefully I'll have a new laptop by the time we start up again.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 13, 2009, 11:40:09 am

*plays along* Yeah, it was a good vacation.

BUT IMMA BACK!

I'm dead-tired though, but I'll try to still send the turn this evening.

Twelve year olds will do that to you.


EDIT: IHO is still out... I'll recheck my emails but normally I don't miss an email.

EDIT 2: No email from IHO. If you guys want him on AI, tell me to, I'll wait a little while until I receive some answers here.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on September 13, 2009, 03:27:17 pm

Head like a sieve ::) Sending now.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 16, 2009, 05:57:33 am

Sievehead, you're the only one left again.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 16, 2009, 11:34:15 am

Finally it gets interesting. I've made first contact with some ugly-ass aliens. :D

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on September 19, 2009, 08:33:16 am

"Wammalammadingdong" - best planet name ever.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 19, 2009, 10:41:07 am

Rofl. Best I ever saw was the planet named 'Wanker's Corner' and it was actually situated in a lonely corner of the universe.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on September 19, 2009, 11:16:00 am

It's a lot of fun in itself to see obscure references to various books/authors/movies/random stuff the game's creators put into planets' names.
Here's a couple from our galaxy, can you guess what are they referring to?
1.Klaupaucius(and Trurl)
2.Horselover Fat

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 19, 2009, 12:51:38 pm

I have no clue, but with my internet search mastermind I'll try to find out now. :P


(aka first I'll wiki it, then I'll google it) :P


Are you a science fiction fan, by any chance? Because I've heard the planets are references, but really most of them are meaningless to me.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on September 19, 2009, 01:13:31 pm

Yeah, I'm a sf nerd. Still, not knowledgeable enough to spot more than just a few references.
Those two are pretty nerdy, though.
How about some incentive? Anyone guesses it right(without googling, you cheating bastards!) and I'll fling a mass packet of up to 1000kt (any composition) in the direction specified by the winner. As soon as I'll get a mass driver, that is.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 19, 2009, 01:45:27 pm

I've already looked it up, and the titles didn't ring a bell.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on September 21, 2009, 09:45:04 am

I definitely see some references that I recognize, though not Klaupaucius, Trurl, or Horselover Fat.

Also, Hello Doomducks.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on September 21, 2009, 10:55:59 am

Why hello thar Rysith.

AIM AT UR BAES KILLING UR DOODZ

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 21, 2009, 12:28:51 pm

IIRC, horselover fat has to do with some author called philip, which is latin for something to do with horses. Lover and fat, no idea.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on September 22, 2009, 11:30:22 pm

Who are we waiting on?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on September 25, 2009, 02:57:20 am

bumps the thread hoping to get new turns to fall out.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on September 25, 2009, 05:58:03 am

Serefan, you're still alive?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Rysith on September 25, 2009, 09:02:11 am

Quote from: Shades on September 25, 2009, 02:57:20 am

bumps the thread hoping to get new turns to fall out.

As before, if we decide that Serefan is dead I'm happy to generate and distribute turns until he's back.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on September 27, 2009, 07:21:44 am

Quote from: EagleV on September 21, 2009, 12:28:51 pm

IIRC, horselover fat has to do with some author called philip, which is latin for something to do with horses. Lover and fat, no idea.

Phillos=like/love, hippos=horse, Phillip means ~"horselover", so you were closer than you thought, althought the language in question is Greek.
Anyway, competition closed.
It was from Phillip K. Dick's(Fat in german) "Valis". The second one from S.Lem's "Cyberiad".

in other news, turn sent.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on October 07, 2009, 11:25:59 am

is this the end?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on October 07, 2009, 01:41:31 pm

Is not.

Would the person who is identified as "Player 6" please post his turn or be set on AI for eternity and 3 days?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: IHateOutside on October 08, 2009, 11:21:59 am

done

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on October 22, 2009, 01:32:29 am

Requiescat in pace, Stars! Pbem.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on October 22, 2009, 01:58:41 am

Noooooo!

This can and may not happen! THIS GAME LIVES ON!

Sneaks into Serefan's underground base, trying to figure out what's happened.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on October 22, 2009, 11:09:41 am

I don't suppose we could AI someone if they haven't sent in a turn 48 hours after the host sent it?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on October 22, 2009, 03:24:38 pm

Yes we can. (Heard that before... Somewhere...)

And even if we can't, we'll take harder measures - skip a turn!

Will prod Serefan now.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on October 22, 2009, 03:30:19 pm

Wait what. I never got player 6. I know I'm not as active here anymore, but anytime I get a mail it immediately goes to the game directory.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on October 22, 2009, 03:34:29 pm

Hmmm. I hate to say this, but we better be consequent from now on. IHO, could you please re-send within 48 hours?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Il Palazzo on October 22, 2009, 10:15:38 pm

Screw this kind of consequence. It's not the first time he causes a holdup. Set IHO on AI now and forever. He had ample time to send his turn as is clearly not interested in giving a crap about this enterprise.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on October 23, 2009, 05:19:53 am

Yeah, well, it's a bit my fault too. I'm just slacking around waiting for the e-mails, then finishing my turn and not checking this thread, because I'm really, really, in need of a different race because I am sucking donkeyballs atm. I took the wrong f*ing race file at the start, but hell, I'll still use some bastard tactics to slow everybody's progress down. :P

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on October 23, 2009, 05:29:48 am

Quote from: Serefan on October 23, 2009, 05:19:53 am

Yeah, well, it's a bit my fault too. I'm just slacking around waiting for the e-mails, then finishing my turn and not checking this thread, because I'm really, really, in need of a different race because I am sucking donkeyballs atm. I took the wrong f*ing race file at the start, but hell, I'll still use some bastard tactics to slow everybody's progress down. :P

Hey you can't be doing worse than me so don't worry about it :) I'm gonna hide in the corner till you all kill each other then claim it as a victory.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on October 23, 2009, 05:46:21 am

Or me. I sent out 2 colonizing ships, took me 3 years to realize I forgot the colonists.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Serefan on October 23, 2009, 05:49:52 am

Shades, you take the topleft corner, I take the bottomright. ;D

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on October 23, 2009, 09:17:01 am

Quote from: Serefan on October 23, 2009, 05:49:52 am

Shades, you take the topleft corner, I take the bottomright. ;D

Sounds like a plan, plans are good.

Just to note due to lack of any 32 bit (or less) machines at home anymore I can only really do turns at work, which means during the week. So weekend I'll fail to get < 48 hours but weekdays I should be fine to do them all day.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on October 23, 2009, 07:08:17 pm

Quote from: Serefan on October 23, 2009, 05:19:53 am

I took the wrong f*ing race file at the start, but hell, I'll still use some bastard tactics to slow everybody's progress down. :P

Space Demolition, then? Yearly exploding minefields is the only bastard slowing tactic I can think of off the top of my head.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on October 24, 2009, 03:21:02 am

Quote from: Zorgn on October 23, 2009, 07:08:17 pm

Yearly exploding minefields is the only bastard slowing tactic I can think of off the top of my head.

What about the claim adjusters de-terraform bomb? Or super stealth transport raiding parties?

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: EagleV on October 26, 2009, 01:47:11 pm

Deadline passed and doublepassed, IHO is on AI.

I'll tell Serefan ASAP.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Zorgn on October 30, 2009, 06:16:07 pm

Any idea when the next turn starts? I haven't received anything from Serefan since the ninth.

Title: Re: Stars! PBE
Post by: Shades on November 02, 2009, 07:52:19 am

Hmm might have to put me on automatic as I can't seem to remember my race password :( I'll see if I wrote it down anywhere when I get home tonight though.