joshofet |
Posted on 10/12/07 @ 02:01 PM (updated 12/29/07)
Notes
Fooled is a scenario which is FULL OF BUGS. Some are pretty obvious, at least to someone who has used the editor before, some are rather hidden. IT CANNOT BE PLAYED AS IT IS, YOU MUST FIRST REMOVE SEVERAL ERRORS FROM THE MAP FILE to make it foolproof ;). So the challenge is not to play the scenario, but to find the errors. You must load the file into the scenario editor, and remove the most obvious ones, just to able to start the map at all and play the game. I have included at least 25 items that are wrong, or at the very least open for (vigorous) debate. When removed, or remedied, still a rather hard scenario results, which I played successfully at difficulty level hard for the first 10-15 years. By then I hadn’t yet satisfied all victory requirements, but the main problems were over, and it seemed well possible to finish not too much later.
Challenge
I propose that we discuss the main shortcomings of this scenario at the HG forum. I will open a thread for that where you can enter your comment, and read that of others. Once the problems have been identified, and a solution has been agreed upon, I will amend the file, note the changes here, and upload the corrected version. Presently we have version 0.0, the version number will increase when we progressively improve the scenario. At some point it will need to be tested in full, but that, as stated, only after the main obstacles for playing have been corrected. When we reach that point, I will add a comment and correct this instruction set. Some of the errors will not easily be found in the editor, but are only detected when you actually play the game. Note that not only the map file itself, but also the instructions here may need correction in order to make the scenario an enjoyable one for whomever will download it.
Story
I suppose you also have heard the stories of Caesar’s latest discovery of large iron deposits in the German Forests, dear friend. And then I gather you have also heard of the great reward he promises to the governor who is willing to develop the site, to become his successor. It is said the Emperor has offered to donate a generous starting capital, ask for only moderate amounts of iron and weapons in return, and will not bother the developing city with troop requests. No, the weapons are needed for the soldiers at home, and since there supposedly are no enemies left after his last campaign, Caesar assures us no investment in local troops are really needed. A single company to check possible riots, or better, prevent riots from occuring, might not be a luxury, but since also fire risks in the wet climate are minimal, you need not spend your money on prefects. Why not save it for building a luxurious villa, yes why not?
Ha, what fool would believe such nonsense! As I was told by my cousin in Rome, who heard from her local baker, who is also delivering at the Palace, that the Empirial guards, so that is almost directly from Caesar himself, had been telling that they knew for sure that Caesar was just backing off from what he considers a virtual mission impossible into the German homeland, still infested with rogue tribes, and fierce wolves. Only an idiot would trust such empty promises and blindly go for such a hopeless endeavour. No, this Emporor certainly cannot be trusted, I tell you, he will meet his end in blood soon enough. Fortunately we are not so easily fooled my friend, why not drink some more of this really excellent wine, hey!
But first let me read this letter from Rome that was delivered this morning. Hm, … iron mines ..., eh ... forest, ... ah ... Caesar ...., o my ... gallows, ... ooh ... lions , oops ... Colloseum ... well, well. Could you please hand me my cup my friend, it suddenly seems awfully hot in here. Well, now this really is, eh ... excellent news. It ... eh ... appears these stories of the generous offer from Caesar are, ... well ... actually quite true, ... after all. Who would have thought my cousin could be so wrong, probably she is getting old and letting herself too easily in into this mere gossip. So, eh, well, isn’t this a great opportunity knocking at eh, ... your door my friend. I just happen to have a good horse ready in my stables, that I will gladly offer you for your journey. Had I been twenty years younger, you would already be looking at me heading off in the distance on my favourite stallion, to gather unmeasurable fame, but alas. So now, finish your wine quickly, and off you go my friend, God speed, you, eh ... will need it.
Don’t be fooled! :D
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