PBEM Setup

[Chertio]

[v1.13b] I have just started hosting a PBEM as the Union, and we have made a couple of turns.

I didn't notice any special PBEM options when setting up the hosting.

I am sending him the ...CSA.trn file after resolving the turn and he is returning the ...CSA.ord file for the next move.

I have just noticed that under "Load Game" I can see his game as well as mine in the file list... and I can load it.

So I can see the moves he has planned before I plan mine, and the state of his armies after turn resolution.

What have I missed in the hosting setup or turn process that would stop me being able to load his game?

[77NY]

Ethics.

But seriously, unless we use a neutral third party to act as host, looks like we'll have to rely on the honor system. You do have honor, don't you, you no-good Union-loving Yankee?

[Chertio]

Ethics, I got

[arsan]

There is zip compression option with password protection you can activate on the options menu that i think serves to protect your rivals turn.
But i've not played PBEM never, so I'm not sure how it works.
Surely some PBEM player can give more info about it

[Redeemer]

Yes, under options in the main menu. In the media tab, have your opponent select turn compression and then put in a password in the box below.

[Chertio]

That works! Thank you.

[Chertio]

That worked for the ORD file, I can no longer access it and see the opponent's moves before I plan mine .

But it doesn't secure the TRN file at the end of the turn, I can still - potentially - load the opponent's end-of-turn game.

Anyone know of any way round this?

[soundoff]

Hi Chertio,

No there is no way around this flaw. Its something you have to live with. You have to trust the host to be honorable. The vast majority of AGEod players are most certainly that

Oh and the worst case scenario is that the host can process the turn....see how it turns out....reload the previous move and then alter their orders. Mind you in my poor opinion what would then be the point of playing

In PBEM mode the game relies entirely on trust.

[Chertio]

As I am the host here, the point is a bit ticklish - obviously I would trust myself to the ends of the world but...

My Conscience: Would you now .

I am just puzzled that an amenable PBEM mechanism would be so easy to implement, and that presumably the other AGEOD/Athena games work (or not) like this one.