Introduction

[Durins Bane]

Hi,

My online moniker is Durins Bane but there are some who "call me Tim".

Been playing for about 35 years, negotiations then were by snail mail. My longest game took 5.5 years to complete. Good times.

My favorite Dip variant is Hardbop Downfall. Arguably the greatest variant! Please, for the love of all that is good and cute puppies, get some games going!

54 years old. Lived in China/Taiwan for 18 years. Gave up the corporate (kinda) life and now teaches CAD and coding at a middle school somewhere in the Gap of Rohan.

[Strategus]

Welcome Durins Bane. Hope you enjoy playing here. If you need any advice or help using the site, shout up.

[Don Juan of Austria]

....I only heard about Diplomacy like, 5.5 years ago... that puts things in perspective for me.

Welcome!

[mff11d7]

I just looked up that variant and that looks really cool! I might see if some of my LotR fan friends would be willing to give it a shot. Unfortunately most of those aren't into diplomacy.

[Durins Bane]

Then, what a great way to get them into Dip! Granted, most of the major powers are already aligned so the game is more of a consensus builder among the Good players and all out warfare with Mordor. With both sides whispering "bad intents" about the other side.

The keys to the game can be complex. The Goodies have to establish a logical search patter to find the One Ring. Decide how to use Gandalf and the Ranger best, and keep Gondor holding strong. Sauron needs to control the center of the board, get Umbar on board and make this a war of blood and death.

The really good tips I will keep to make sure you learn from the best teacher, The Hard Way!

If the Powers That Be around here give their okay, then I can run a test game. My only constraint is that it is on this site. I want to spread the word.

[mff11d7]

Sounds great. And of course learning in action is always the best. I'll have to find a way to play it.

[Durins Bane]

Sounds great. And of course learning in action is always the best. I'll have to find a way to play it.

Perhaps we could play via email. If the feedback is good then perhaps we could come back here and request to run a Beta game.

[mff11d7]

Ohh. That sounds interesting. Let me hit some people up and see who’s interested. I did one diplo game with them and most hated the PBP aspects of it and much prefer playing it live. But maybe I can get a few on board. I’d love to try it!