HM loves Armageddon Empires and wants to share this love with you.

This ten-part series covers some common newbie mistakes in this game, which has a learning curve similar to the sharpened edge of a scimitar, shortly before it dashes across your neck. You will make these mistakes and more. But at least you will know you were not alone.

The Democratic Error

Have you ever tried to arrange a piss-up in a brewery? An orgy in a brothel? A ruthless military campaign in a post-apocalyptic wasteland? Well, I have and I can tell you that if there’s one thing that ruins a good party it’s the noble search for consensus. It’s the problem of what colour to paint the bike shed, all over again. Everyone thinks they’re an expert and has something very important to say. In a party, this can kill friendship or at least the chances of getting your leg over. On the battlefield, it’s Goodbye Momma Scourge Platoon.

In Armageddon Empires, if you want to build an army with more than 2 units – or 3 if you are Man, because Man are strong brave – then you need a hero. This is what your heroes, primarily, are there to sort out.

But! If you put too many units under their command, they’ll start losing to anarchic democracy. Everyone will start arguing about what colour the Leviathan should be, or how many humans are needed to cook up a good ol’ Corrupter. The army will face our old friend, the red stat. Each hero has their own command rating which tells you many units can be kept ship-shape and Bristol fashion.

Be like this, wax on, wax off:

Don’t be Mi’go, all public sector austerity and no private sector stimulus:

So if you’re getting ready to send out a meet-and-greet towards the enemy position, get a hero involved but keep an eye on his or her or its or their command rating. Don’t get carried away. Even heroes have limits. I know I have.

(To avert potential legal issues, the principle endorsed in this post does not relate back to the orgy example, which was introduced for purely illustrative purposes.)

Next: The Small Print

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3 thoughts on “Armpit Empires VII of X: The Democratic Error

  1. I’ve been interested in this game, but have been intimidated by the learning curve and lack of cool graphics (ok, it’s mostly the learning curve.) Having only skimmed the article, I was wondering if you played the second game they put out, the more fantasy based one.

    How would you compare the two?

  2. Hi Armand. I’ve not given Solium Infernum a go, simply because it’s primarily a multiplayer PBEM experience and I’m not known for my online multiplayerishness. I toy with the idea of getting it and seeking out other players but I always shy away and fire up Cryostasis instead. Maybe today I’ll finish it. Maybe tomorrow.

    I’m also toying with the idea of a proper tutorial for Armageddon Empires – which this series isn’t really – a shorter version of Bill Harris’ excellent guide.

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