Posts from Tournament on the 2SM4d(3) map.

Smka, like Hlka, is not comparable to Jebus Cross.

Let's consider smka and Hlka. The start has roughly an equal number of heroes, but exits on smka are more difficult — 6K vs 3K on Hlka, meaning the beginning on smka is more time-consuming. The mid-game on Hlka is a peaceful consumption of the treasure zone and the map, lots of resources and mines for building the Mage Guild. Encounters with the opponent are rare, and it's roughly clear where to expect them. On smka, the treasure zones are General (except for one), there are fewer resources, as well as mines, and encounters with the opponent are possible, including deliberate ones — the withdrawal is also harder on smka. Yes, in the late game with control on Hlka, there is more work due to the larger number of towns. On smka, towns are consumed as well, but there are no towns in the treasure zones.

The simplest way is to compare it to Mininosta — the same size, with the differences being computers and villages in the treasure zones. Computers complicate life, but villages in the treasure zones simplify map consumption.

I don't see that playing on smka is simpler or easier in terms of timing.

Even with an ideal timer, there will always be players who think 100+10 is not enough. Get used to it and practice; if you sign up, you agree to the timer as well. And I won't even mention the version :D

Is it possible to arrange a game in the HotU scenario?

So, can we agree on the rules beforehand?

Yes, even for poker. But then, if there are any controversial moments between the players, you decide for yourselves.

You could just play chess or flip a coin instead.
And no one has asked yet: “Can we agree on playing with a different template?” :rolleyes: (someone is bound to make a joke about it now).
The tournament is held according to a specific version and rules; if you don’t like it, don’t participate. Currently, registration is open for an excellent Heroes of Might and Magic tournament:
/topic/14302/
And somehow, no one asks there if they can agree to play Sod.

Actually, this question is quite normal, because for a long time in many Tournaments where SoD is the default, it's been stated as "HotA by mutual agreement." Those same tournaments that are held on HotA by default usually have specific rules and descriptions; often, you simply cannot play in SoD there at all. I'm not saying this to persuade anyone here of anything—it's clear that this is pure SoD on the map—but rather that mocking it with references to chess and coins is inappropriate. The question is normal.

It's inappropriate to make fun of someone for mentioning chess and coin flips. The question is perfectly normal.

There's no need for mockery; I've specified the full range of games, from highly strategic to completely random.
In reality, Sir Davos answered the question very clearly.
If 2 players decide to determine the winner of their match in a way that differs from the regulations, then that's their prerogative, but if any disputes arise, there will be no one to judge, and if the participants cannot agree, both will be awarded 0-0.

Maybe it would be better to remove the obelisks altogether to avoid any problems (with the Grail)?

Well, for now, Reddi hasn't signed up, so if he doesn't join, we can leave them in :D :D :D

But seriously, I wouldn't remove them, but I would limit the ability to build a Grail structure to level 131 for the skirmish mode.

Well, for now, Reddi hasn't signed up, so if he doesn't join, we can leave it as is :D :D :D

But seriously, I wouldn't remove it, but I would limit the possibility of building the Grail structure for Sylvan to turn 131.

Sylvan is already a fast faction; what's the point of limiting the building time if most games end in 2-3 weeks anyway?

Even with a fast build time, what's the point of limiting it, especially since most games end in 2-3 weeks?

That's precisely why – to ensure that building can only be decisive in the late game.
And don't say it doesn't happen; on slower maps, games with the Sanctuary often last up to 2 months.

Even with a fast build order, what's the point of limiting the construction time if most games end in 2-3 weeks?

A game can end in 2-3 weeks only with Great Orda moving off-road and establishing road connections with the opponent, as well as with a deliberate quick encounter initiated by one of the opponents. Yesterday, in a mini-game on Nedved46 in OFB, I found a Grail in 4 turns. Without rebuilding the Great Mage, I remember being able to play a Stronghold map for 3-4 months.

On weeks 2-3, the supply of gold mines can run out, relying only on gold from exploring off-road and maintaining connections via roads with the opponent, as well as through a deliberate, quick encounter with one of the opponents. Yesterday, in a mini-game on Nedved46 in OFB, I found a Grail in 4 turns. Without rebuilding the town, about 3-4 years ago, I remember being able to play a Small Map for up to 3 months.

If the gold mines are guarded by infantry, then you can easily conquer them on the second week, and you can also kill almost any archers guarding a dungeon on the second week if you have at least a couple of conscripts, and they are always available on Small Maps.

Friends, the Grail is a part of the game. Searching for it involves a certain risk, it takes a lot of time, and it slows down the pace.
More than once, players (including Reddit on Mini-Noste) incorrectly identified its location and thereby ruined the game.
I believe that the changes made to the Grail are more than sufficient.
Everyone plays differently, and each style has the right to exist.

And, as far as I understand, the Grail didn't help Nedvedy win the game.

In over 100 games on small maps, there were about 3 instances where the opponent broke my Gold Mine on turn 2, forcing me to retreat. Of course, I was playing weaker and mostly chose opponents of similar skill. But even in those cases, the game didn't end even on turn 3. Now, it's true that more often, I give up on connecting roads with the opponent and instead focus on developing the Gold Mine through unpaved roads. Sorry for the expression, but "crappy Grail" – as soon as they start digging for it every game or almost every game, the AI will shove it somewhere far away. If what I saw with Reddit and Nedved, where both dug for the Grail near their main town, turns out to be a system, then if it's not canceled, everyone will have to learn to dig for the Grail and trade for specific castles. And check for the Obelisk and Grail at my town or the opponent's. Whoever digs it up faster is the winner. Nedved isn't an experienced student of Reddit; Reddit has always played that way, starting with trading and so on.

In my opinion, there are so many unbalanced scenarios in the map editor that achieving the "Grail" level of imbalance doesn't really increase it; in a way, it even reduces it – if you don't get it, you can at least explore the map.