This is vanilla GOG version. I tried clicking the file "Launch Multiplayer" located in the install directory as host and hosting the game. then using whatsmyip website to get my IP. I gave it to a friend and he launched "Launch Multiplayer" as client and put in my exact IP and it will not connect. I also reversed this process by having him host and it just fails to connect. I gave permission to my firewall and so did he for the game. I am sure I am just doing something terribly stupid. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be eternally grateful as I have spent hours trying to figure this out. :)

Without more info's(systemspec, version, etc...) it's a bit fortune telling but this

http://masteroforion2.blogspot.com/2006/05/dosbox-guide.html

https://www.gog.com/forum/master_of_orion_series/moo_ii_online_dosbox_guide/post2

has all basic Infos.

Another common problem are "passing rights" (nor sure if this is the right word to use^^) for the folders aside from Firewallpermission.