Arco... whose capitol did you "step" on?  ( or is that private?) 

no ones, yet ,just the troops en-route to the front.
and no it is not Arco, it's the same mad man trying to kill me from the start

Protecting borders, eh? Tell me, do your ancient borders form a long noodle alongside the coast of the Bay? Or is your rag-tag band of mercenaries marching steadily westwards only to get some fresh salty air from the sea? Whatever your ancestors were smoking, we want some of that too.

However, there could be an elegant solution to this problem - let's just buy those mercs off! We will at least make Arco to pay more to maintain this colourful menagerie.

Well, you can chalk this thread up for one purchase of Dom3... never heard of it before this now I can't stop playing it. I feel like I could play this game for a year and not know the half of it. Something to do while waiting for 1.3 and FE.

I don't know if I'd qualify Elana, but I'd be willing...  This really is only my second MP game, and despite the big talk I fear I'm on the brink of being crushed by Marverni.  But don't tell anyone.

Ahem...  Abysia will rule the world! 

Yeah, unfortunately I haven't had time to solidify.  I was hopeful that I would, but Marverni turned out to be too nearby, and shrewdly built a fort in a key province before I had a chance to invade.  As a result, I've been sending rag-tag armies of 7-10 soldiers around trying to stop his army of elephants, but it's a losing battle because of the cost. Even if I miraculously survive (if my Pretender ends up being strong enough to take him single-handedly), I'm going to be gimped because I've had to alchemize so many of my fire gems just to afford enough troops to hold off a full-scale invasion.

It also hasn't helped that my capital province only has three land provinces adjacent to it.  Abysia's units cost not just a lot of gold, but A LOT of resources, and I haven't been able to secure enough. 

In the end, Abysia is a really strong nation if you can grab some high-income provinces and turtle until the mid-to-late game, but my metaphorical turtle's shell didn't have enough time to grow.   In retrospect, I should have been way more aggressive about bidding on mercenaries early on so I could have expanded quicker, but I guess that's why I'm still a Dominions newbie.  Losing is the best way to learn, after all. 

Hinnoms theft of the long serving and highly decorated Elephant Corp will not go un-complained-about!

The more astute of Hinnom's citizenry will realize the treatment of mercenaries and sell swords is a level or two below that of Arcoscephale's civilians, who are asked to do little more than recline and contemplate.

Well, there is the CBM mod, but I think they are most appreciated especially by the advanced players (i.e. not newbies). You must consider the fact that 1) the game is very mature (meaning a lot of thought has been put into balancing), it's been around since 2006 and is still supported, latest patch is from January 2001 2) early rushes including the Jarl rush are quite counterable. Hinnom in particular was nerfed in 3.17 patch.

I would be happy to play with any balance mod (though I gather you would not probably like to see me in your next game, and I respect that , but IMO if you limit the early rushes, you will twist the balance in favor of the turtling, research heavy nations. There are nations specifically designed for early grab, who fall behind seriously as magic research progresses.

Oh my, does this mean that Poor Arco will have to fight me without his mercs?  That was really your only chance.  Now you will see a true army in action. 

Compared to what Hinnom seems to get, I'd say "chaff" is a fair description for most of the rest of us. 

Ermor is pleased to announce that our magic item factory is now open for business. Jealous of your neighbour's mighty Doom Glaive? Want to impress an attractive Jade Sorceress with a shiny Pendant of Luck?

My tentative and negotiable cost for each item will be:

1) First of all, we must be at peace. If I feel threatened by you, no deal. If you agree that I make any items for you, it comes with it a built-in NAP-3.

2) 150 per cent of the item cost in gems, provided to me the turn before I make the item. If I am forced to use my own gems, the price will increase.

3) Labour costs of 500 gold coins per item made. This is to compensate me for using my turn to help you instead of helping myself.

 

So, a Thistle Mace (http://dom3.servegame.com/wiki/Thistle_Mace) would cost you:

1) NAP-3

2) 15 Nature gems (or negotiated equivalent)

3) 500 gold

 

Obviously, not all items will be available or even possible for me to build. Off the top of my head I can say that I will not be building any Dwarven Hammers for anyone as it would be undercutting my business. Most unique items will either be refused or so costly that I may require your capital province just as a down payment.

 

Send me a private message letting me know what you want and what you have to offer (in case you do not have the gems available). I will tell you how long before I can send you your item.

Oh, of course... in fact, I have already had a few enquiries.

Don't bother asking who. "Discretion" is my middle name. That and "Big Savings".