Annual Raya Gaming Report ‘08
Ξ October 3rd, 2008 | → | ∇ Boardgames |
Gamers converge on Heng Residence on Raya to do battle once again for the 2008 edition. Today I bring you the report of not one, but TWO Twilight Imperium III: Shattered Empires games done that day.
1st game:
With 1 player pulling out at the last minute, it’s up to 7 others to do battle for intergalactive space supremacy. Yours truly (blue Naalu Collective) are psychic fighter pilots, Ivan (purple University of Jol-Nar) are peaceful researchers, Wolfx (yellow Federation of Sol) are hardy soldiers, Phuah (green Barony of Letnev) are fleet combat experts, Lim (red Embers of Muaat) are masters of the Deathstar-like Warsuns, Wonglc (grey Brotherhood of Yin) are zealous suicide bombers and finally, Yap (orange Clan of Saar) are space nomads with floating space docks.
The game’s first blood went to wolfx’s Sol as he helped to pass a law promoting galactic chivalry and prohibiting retreats, effectively compelling my psychic Naalus to stay and fight even if they could retreat without casualties. Ivan uncharacteristically kept his Jol-Nars at home, frantically researching for the ultimate tech that could bring him victory. Phuah’s Letnevs and my Naalus expanded cautiously while Yap’s Saarians ranged far and wide from their doomed homeworld to colonise a good chunk of the galaxy real estate, even taking the center planet Mecatol Rex.
Wonglc’s Yins took advantage of Lim’s inexperienced Muaats to launch a raid, catching the Muaats’ Warsun out without adequate fighter cover.
After a few decisive hits from their destroyers and cruisers, a lone Yin destroyer took one for the team as it crashes into the Warsun and took out Muaats’ sole advantage and expansion momentum.
Meanwhile, Yap’s Saarians took advantage of a peaceful border with Wonglc’s Yins to launch a full scale operation against my unprepared Naalus.
A border world fell and my Naalus are on the defensive, invoking intergalactic diplomacy twice to frustrate Saarian advances.
Meanwhile Wonglc’s Yin push continues into Muaat borderworld as Lim frantically pulled his resources for another replacement Warsun.
A productivity spike on Saarian controlled Mecatol Rex finally brought a response from Wolfx’s Sol, provoking a local unrest against the Saarian local government, thus destroying the local militia and space dock.
Wolfx’s Sol prepared to make a jump on Mecatol Rex when Phuah’s Letnevs triumphantly announced their successful conversion of the galactic Winnarian custodians to win the game at 10VPs.
After much finger pointing and blame shifting for Phuah’s sudden victory, the gamers adjourned for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
2nd game:
After changing seating arrangements and Ivan announcing his taking a breather to leave early later, the remaining 6 gamers picked their race and form their galaxy. The arrangements are now grey Lizix Mindnet - dreadnoughts specialist (myself), yellow Winnu - efficient politicians (Wonglc), blue Mentak Coalition - space pirates (Wolfx), red Embers of Muaat (again by Lim, special allowance for newbie), orange Brotherhood of Yin (this time by Yap) and green Clan of Saar (this time by Phuah).
The gamers:
Phuah in the foreground, obscouring Yap’s face.
Lim (seating), with temporary adviser Ivan lounging behind.
Wonglc (left) and Wolfx (right) continuing their running rivalry in a side by side seating arrangement.
With a game under his belt and adviser Ivan giving helpful pointers, Lim got his Muaats to a flying start as it starts encroaching into Yap’s Yin territory. History was not to repeat itself, as this time the Muaats came prepared with numerous fighter covers.
A preemptive strike and a suicide run failed to stem the red tide as Yap’s Yins were mercilessly crushed beneath the heels of the Warsun.
Meanwhile on the other end of the galaxy, a premature run on Mecatol Rex by Wolfx’s Mentaks, resulted in a miscalculated open home system. This invited in a quick stab through the back door from Wonglc’s Winnu.
Some signal jamming and light skirmishes delayed the liberation of the Mentak homeworld, thus setting Wolfx’s plans back indefinitely.
With another Warsun up running and raced to the front line with the new Magnus drive, the Muaats camped right outside the Yin’s frontdoor as Yap frantically call up his own Warsuns to the defense.
All quiet on the southern front as my Lizix were contented to sit behind a barrage of defenses, converting Winnarian custodians 2 VPs at a time. Phuah’s Saarians could only sit and watch as the gap in the massive arms race widens with my Lizix pumping out more hardware than the Saarian economy could.
The epic twin Warsun showdowns finally happened as the Muaat went on their invasion of the Yin’s homeworld. The Muaats were covered by their massive fighter fleet while the Yins called up a dreadnaught to even the odds.
In the end, even the dreadnaught could not endure the multiple hits as well as the fighter swarms and the Yins went down almost scratching the Muaats’ Warsuns.
With Yap’s Yins wiped out and Wolfx’s Mentaks struggling to revive their production, Wonglc’s Winnu and my Lizix went forth to claim galactic objectives. Phuah’s Saarians, seeing no opening in the Lizix lines, went and scavenge through the Yin wreckage for VPs. The Muaats, contented in their victory, were seen milling around among the Yin remnants.
In the end, the Lizix and Winnu were tied for VPs as the game ends with the Imperium Rex. A quick check on the tie breaker gives Wonglc the win for a greater number of public objectives completed by his Winnu.
The two games completed made me realise that among seasoned TI3 players, early aggressions are common and often decisive. Slight mistakes are punished with little chance of recovery. TI3 is also an experience game through and through with the euro-style mechanics as a light excuse for some efficiency management in the overall story arc of galactic warfare and political backstabbing. Here’s to the next TI3 session!