I got sucked into an online Civilization-like browser-based game called Travian. Build your village, harvest resources, train troops, join alliances, and attack others. Best part about it is, you have to wait hours for things to happen, so you only need to play maybe 20 minutes a day. Well, unless you're addicted like me.

If anyone's interested in starting, join Server 6 in the South West. We can team up! Just thought I'd pass on my latest time waster.

I just joined Server 6 as BAKup, looks like fun.

Alright, I'm in... where are you guys at? I'm at -149 -225. We should form an Empeg alliance.

Ok, I'm in. Server 6. I just signed up as "Teutons", later reading that they are best suited for advanced players! Oh, well. Same name as here. I'm at 60|260 on the map.

Some of my friends started playing this a few years ago. I didn't really get in to it, but some of them loved it. One of the terms they used to describe it was 'sanctioned griefing'.

Don't get to attached to your village, it will get steamrolled. I think that is why I couldn't get into it.

OK, I'll try it: TigerJimmy @ -55, -261

We'll see what happens.

(-153 x -219)

12 x -267

So is there anything for me to do while my Granary is building other then upgrade the surrounding land?
Me thinks I may have to block this at work.

edit:
Just noticed that the time moves faster in this game then I first though.

The time does move faster than I thought it would too but I'm still waiting hours to get enough resources to upgrade stuff.

Server 6 as Lectric, 19x266.

Yep, at least at first, this seems to be a minute or two of effort every couple of hours. Save overnight for bigger projects. Seems like clay is the early bottleneck resource, then it looks like that might switch to iron...

I agree with you. I spent 5 of my gold for the +25% clay production. I'm currently low on lumber, but I do see iron being a problem in the future.

I've got my embassy up to level 2, but you need level 3 to start alliances. Anyone close? I can probably have it tomorrow morning.

How do you do that? I don't even see gold as a resource anywhere. I could use 250 clay at the moment...

Oops.. should have said +25% clay production. Hit the "Plus" button on the top. Select gold, and select which one you want to activate. There is also descriptions of everything under Advantages. I don't know if I'll ever buy gold, but as long as they give me some for free I'll use it.

This is great! Now we can have an empeg alliance! If you're bored at work, log in and build some stuff. Then if you get a chance at night, log in and build some more stuff. Doesn't take much time (until you're addicted).

I'm at (-249|-49) as FireFox31. If anyone needs a resource boost, send me a message and I can send some down. If anyone attacks you, let me know and I will crush them.

Here are some tips:
Read the building, troop, and game info at help.travian.com. Take note of buildings' and troops' prerequisites.

New players can not be attacked for ~7 days. Use that time to build resources and get Barracks and an Embassy.

With an Embassy, you can join an alliance. If you're in an alliance, would-be attackers may leave you alone for fear of counter attack.

It's good to be Gauls. People leave them alone because they have Trappers. Romans are easy to play as. I know nothing about Tutons. Sorry, should have said this earlier.

Watch your neighbors every few days. Some may be inactive (no population growth for a few days). Some may be very active and may pose a threat.

I created a "Travian calculator" in Excel which can help plan what resources you need to get the troops/buildings you want. It's not perfect, but I'll post it here soon.

This is going to be fun!

You've been at this a while! So can you create an alliance for us? Are you sure you want to offer resources? I'm sure every one of us could use some!

A little late joining, but:

tonyc (-125, -237).

Ok, I will create an empeg alliance. To join, you will need an Embassy. I will begin sending out invitations on Sunday.

Ah Travian, the time waster that keeps on wasting.

More time wasting? Would it be wrong to also start on server 2? Given that it has fewer people I presume the game has not been running as long.

Never mind, server 2 is closed, only 1, 5, 6 and 7 are open.

I was reticent to use the free trial for some reason. I guess maybe I thought that they would want some financial info. They don't. Just click on the Plus Trial link and get 35 free gold, which you can then use to increase resource production (amongst a few other things). I can't see any reason not to do it.

I've just started my level 1 Embassy, so I'll be able to join the alliance later today.

I have an embassy, but see no empeg alliance.... As of yet. We ARE talking about server 6, right?

I can sorta see a reason to hold off on doing it, though. Since the production bonuses are percent increases and only last a week, it might be good to wait until production is ramped up. I did already burn 5 gold on +25% clay to see how it worked, but now, I think I'm gonna hold onto mine until the end of my protected period, at least.

BTW, Downloading the graphics pack and installing it DOES make things much quicker, as far as screen loads go, plus it takes the load off the servers, helping everyone.

It exists now: http://s6.travian.com/allianz.php?aid=3746

I just realized what you did with the alliance name...
"Ensuring Moderated Peace to Enjoy the Game"

Clever!

Hmm, this looks like it could be fun.

I'm at -106, -251

This is very true. However, everything is relative. It may take 6 hours to get enough resources for a level 2 land. But by the time you have all level 7 lands, it will still take 6 hours to get a level 8 land. The FAQ shows the costs of every level of land, building, research, troop, etc. I should really polish up my Travian Calculator Excel file to help you all.


Hahaha. Yes, "moderated" meaning "speak softly but carry a big stick."


That's a good tip! People with Plus grow very quickly. Hm, I could use the boost.

I have moved. I am now at -262:-84. My new nick is e_lectric. At least I'm now closer to you guys.

The Greasemonkey Travian Beyond script is pretty cool. (English Translation, but the installation doesn't seem to work correctly this way.)