2020-05-18 (c) Copyright Brett Paufler # # # # # # Ramesses II The Ram God Continuing With K-Mod # # # # # # I'm obviously interested in Another Game. And perhaps not as obviously, my foray into Warfare was a complete disaster. Who knows how I will try to amend that? But for now, I sort of feel like dancing around... and Rolling Maps looking for a Rock Solid Stone Start. # # # First things first, I changed some Configuration Settings in the CivilizationIV.ini file, changing my In Game Name. Also, we are back to AUTOLOG-01.txt. I will try to save Log Files with the Game Saves. And I will, also, try to play it honestly the one time through. # # # 2020-05-18 I am using the same Map Settings as last time: Big Small Raging Barbarians Aggressive AI Permanent Alliances No Tech Brokering No Huts No Events All Victories Going by memory. But like, that all seems about right. I am looking for an Inland Stone Start. I don't want to have to worry about Triremes. And I want all the Bonuses I can get for those Early Wonders. # # # 2020-06-15 I still need/want to finish a few things (Taxes and a Programming Project) prior to Starting Another Game. But I think I have my Start narrowed down to two possibilities: 1: Stone 2: Gold/Gems Intellectually, it probably should not be a problem. Gold/Gems will provide +/- 15 Beakers more per Turn fairly quickly out of the gate. It likely dwarfs any of the advantages of Stone. But then, without Stone, I cannot Spam Wonders. Eh, its only +13 Beakers for both Gold and Gems combined. But they, also, give +1 Happy each, so I'll be able to grow that much taller. Gold/Gem is the way to go. This will be The Last Game with K-Mod. I want to try Legends of Revolution or something similar next. I deleted The Stone Start. So, Gold/Gems it is. # # # 2020-06-16 4000BC T0 I am not done with either Taxes or Judging The Judges. But this is what I want to do. I am going with the Gold/Gems Start. Worker will be The First Build. And I will aim for The Great Wall, as the most important Early Build, lest I be overrun by The Barbarian Hordes. # # # T23: It's getting to the point where I can hope for an Isolated Start, which would be sweet, as I like my land. T38: Bismark is my neighbour. I should resolve now to fight an Earlyish War against him or one of my other (soon to be discovered) neighbours. T55: Charlemagne has been encountered. Yes, one of those two will die. Of course, I never really do that. So, we'll see. T60: Isabella. Clearly, the concept that I might have an Isolated Start was sorely misguided. I am on The Main Continent. I will Wage War to own it all. T83: I lost my Woodsman II Warrior to a Wolf in the Open Plains. # # # 2020-06-16 2430BC T107 I did not Build The Great Wall fast enough. Barbarians swarmed. And there was not much to be done. # # # # # # GAME-02 # # # # # # NOTE: I silently aborted the second game without renumbering. I should have Built a Second Warrior as my Second Build rather than the Barracks. It's not deep enough in to count as a Numbered Game. The First Game was, because (as always), I was hoping to run Error Free. # # # # # # GAME-02 # # # # # # T17: Bismark. So, contact is quicker if I simply stay still and refrain from Exploring. T22: Charlemagne # # # 2020-06-16 2240BC T106 I am going to Build a Granary; and then, Stonehenge. If I miss Stonehenge. I am going to reload. So, I should save the LogFile, as well. # # # T115: I am pulling off of Polytheism, as I want divergence of Religions {amongst my competitors}, but want to run Judaism. # # # 2020-05-16 2100BC T140 I met Isabella. So, in comparing the First Game with Exploration to this game where I did not: Explore Nope Leader 1st 2nd Bismark T38 T17 Charlemagne T55 T22 Isabella T60 T140 The close in ones came to me quickly. But I found the further one faster. I will complete Judaism and Stonehenge prior to quitting on the day... or such is my plan. # # # I am The Fourth Most Advanced, behind Bismark, which is not good considering I'm running Gold and Gems. # # # 2020-06-16 1500BC T200 I would say it is a Good Start. I have neither Bronze nor Iron... though, I will have access to Bronze soon enough. In the meantime (or in a few short Turns), I will have access to Horses, which will allow Chariots. I've just compared Chariots to Horse Archers and they look pretty cheap. War Chariot 5/2 60H 2x v Ax Horse Archers 6/2 100H 1.5x v Cat So from my perspective, War Chariots are way more cost effective. I'd like a Stable for Additional Experience, but I question whether it is worth The Hammers. I do not need to decide that. After a bit of thought, I'll say that Barracks and Stable will enable me to take Shock or Cover as appropriate (+25% against Melee or Archery), which together with Combat I (the prerequisite, which gives +10%), will give +35% to my War Chariots, which will be my Primary Build... at least, for now. Actually, I may be better off doing a bit of Peaceful Expansion. But then, a Settler costs the same as 5 War Chariots, which should be enough to take a 2 Archer City... as long as it is not on a Hill. I will Research Horseback Riding, next. And in My Build Queue (in no particular order): Barracks Stable War Chariots Jewish Temple Jewish Monastery The Original Plan was to go for a Monk Economy. But we'll have to see how things pan out. I'm pretty sure I am going to Research: Feudalism -> Guilds -> Gunpowder -> Cannon And before long, Isabella and myself will be at War. I will let her come to me so as to maximize The Great General Points. # # # 2020-06-17 1490BC T201 The Most Powerful Civilizations: Unknown Charley Bismark Me: The Ram God Unknown Unknown Isabella Since I have Graphs, I can say with certainty there is not much difference between the four of us. # # # Game Over 2020-06-17 1140BC T236 Charley Attacked and Defeated me. I do not have a save of the final situation. But suffice to say, I only had 2 Warriors and he had a Stack of 7 Archers. Stonehenge does me little... especially if I run a Religion. It would have been easy to have a load of Archers. T100: Barbarians T200: Enemy Civilization I probably could build a slew of Archers in lieu of The Great Wall. # # # # # # GAME-03 # # # # # # 2020-06-17 2210BC T129 I am losing too many Troops. Certainly, Building a Barracks first did me no good. But I think The Great Wall will be more advantageous in the long term. If I got Great General Points from Barbarians, it might be a different story. But having lost 3-4 Archers at 60H a pop, I'm around halfway to the 450H of The Great Wall. Stone would be awesome. I have Gold, instead. Research: Mining -> Masonry Build: The Great Wall by T106 or so # # # # # # GAME-04 # # # # # # A False Start not recorded. I Researched Pottery to no effect. I should have Researched Animal Husbandry, instead. Every Turn counts. # # # 2020-06-17 740BC T276 War is working out pretty well for me. Also, I like the slow start. Charley Attacked and was handily rebuffed. He brought Archers to a Chariot Fight and lost his Stack... almost giving me a Great General. After Peace, I took the Barbarian City to the South. I would like to continue the advance and go after Germany. There really is no point in staying friends with anyone. But I don't have Catapults, so I'm not in a position to directly Attack any Cities. There are two or three City Sites behind my lines, which I can infill and use to Build Troops. But then, Germany is not that Powerful. With the one Barbarian City, my Power passed theirs, making me the most Powerful on The Home Continent. Still, it will be 50+ Turns until I am in a position to go on the Offensive. Well, maybe not that long. War! War! War! Though, I need to be careful not to REX (i.e. Over Develop). So, we'll see how that goes. I should probably Build a Single Northern City. Heck. Maybe not even that. I just Closed Borders with Germany. Maybe, he will Attack. Yep. War. # # # 2020-06-18 630BC T287 I Declared War on Bismark, Destroyed his leading City (the one nearest me on the frontier), and Captured a Trio of Workers. Those Workers are a nice score. Isabella Declared in sympathy. And Charley is gearing up. As such, I have pulled back to My Borders, waiting for their arrival. I would get Iron soon enough if I were to Settle where Bismark had been. So, I may just. But for now, I am waiting on the arrival of my Enemies. I still have no Copper or Iron. But with Horses, I have a Stack of Chariots, which is something. # # # 2020-06-18 120AD T362 I am certainly ahead in Technology. I have Longbows and nobody else does. And soon enough, I will have Heavy Footmen. It looks like I lost 4 Units (3 Catapults and a measly Archer) in my Attack on Hamburg. It was quite the slaughter. Nope, prior to getting Heavy Footmen, I need to Research Machinery. Anyway, on the Military Front, things look promising. Though, I may be slipping compared to my Distant Enemies. Oh, well. I question whether there is much else to say. In the New Cities, I'm not Building much, probably just Barracks. And I question whether that is needed. Espionage is going like gang-busters, since I got a Great Spy from The Great Wall. I can see Research on Everyone. And I'll have twice the Research on Julius Caesar in the long run. He's not putting any Espionage into me, which means he has other concerns. I expect to take over My Home Continent completely. But that is going to be a long slog. I'm not moving particularly fast. Still, there are a fair number of High Commerce Tiles, so I should do OK even with little infrastructure. 4 Casualties! That's pretty darn good given the odds. If I can't disconnect Elephants prior to Bismark getting Construction, I will have to rethink my plans. I have a fair bit of land. So, I don't need to Fight a War. I could backfill. In theory, Germany has more Power than me. But that can't be right. It's got to be prior to taking his recent losses into account. Tomorrow, more of the same. I will take Peace for Techs. Finally (This Game), I don't care about Diplomacy. I can stand against all three. And no one else is going to land on This Continent in time {to protect them or prevent me from conquering it all}. # # # 2020-06-19 I am reloading (magically, invisibly) from the date above. I'd taken a Turn or two, during which time Charley has moved a Stack next to Memphis. He's basically the same color as me. So, I'm not going to feel too bad. I didn't know he was there. # # # 2020-06-19 130AD T363 There it is: a marauding Stack of Charley's Troops. I can now avoid the loss of a Longbow, going after an Ax. {That last was the result of a bad tactical decision on my part.} And I can reposition, so as to protect my City. # # # 2020-06-19 410AD T391 I Captured Berlin without a Casualty. I like not having any Casualties. I either Destroyed Bismark's only supply of Ivory or he only Built the one Elephant. I got lucky on that Attack {versus the Elephant}. My Catapult survived. I have two Settled Great Spies. So, my Espionage is off the charts... at least, here in The Early Game, it is. If I get a third Great Spy, I will Construct Scotland Yard. I built a Spy intending to Explore. But he was Discovered his first Turn in Enemy Territory. Right now, I'm trying to decide whether to Press The Attack against Bismark or take 100 Gold. Obviously, I should press. Certainly, 100 Gold is not compelling. Civil Service in 2 Turns; and then, Currency in a Dozen more. I should Build Wealth in one or two Outlier Cites so I can run 100% Research in The Capitol and take advantage of the multipliers I've got going. Yep, No Peace! # # # 2020-06-19 550AD T410 Munich just fell. Germany has two Cities left. I will gobble them both. I'm not going to accept Capitulation, as understanding the Mechanic, it's a mistake. I trade a slightly earlier Defeat of Germany (say 20 Turns) for Loss of 2 Cities and Unhappiness in every City I conquered until the end of time. There is simply no reason to accept. The pot isn't sweet enough. I'm a good 20% more Powerful than Charley. So, he likely will not Attack. Though, this is his best chance. After Bismark, I'm coming for him. He's next in line. I don't even know where Isabella is located next. But I'm pretty sure both of Bismark's Cities are up north... at least one is. City Origination Original Settler Barbarian City Built Settler 4 From Bismark Bismark has a Stack of Workers running about, which I would like to Capture. Eh, it would suck if Bismark Settled on an Island, as I have no Navy. I'd just give him Peace until I was ready to Invade. With 2 Settled Great Spies, my Espionage is going great. Of course, I never explored The Map, so my advantages are not what they could be. # # # 2020-06-19 695AD T439 Germany is no more. For some inexplicable reason, Bismark Declared on me. So, when I discovered his Last City, I took it over. I am in the midst of eating Charlemagne whole. Isabella will follow. Isabella is doing all sorts of heavy lifting for me. She's turned Buddhism into a Winning Religion and is Building all sorts of Wonders... Apostolic Palace for sure. In regards to that last, I will be Converting my Empire over to Buddhism. After Isabella, I am most definitely going after Rome. He's got some nice Wonders, as well. For the win, I think I will spread Buddhism. It's got the Apostolic Palace. And after taking over the Continent, I will own it as a Religion. So, spread it to three other Civilizations, wait for The Vote, and Win. Eh, maybe I won't. But then, by then (after having spread the Religion to everyone), The Game should clearly be in the bag. Julius Caesar could hurt me if he Attacked at this juncture. But I don't think he will. Hey, all of my Cities are on Infrastructure. But I have so many Troops, I need not stop my advance. Thebes will start Producing Catapults, soon enough. And with a Barracks and 3 Settled Great Generals, that gives me 9 Experience out the gate... 11 Experience for Mounted Units. # # # 2020-06-20 780AD T456 I accepted a 10 Turn Truce from Charley for one of his few remaining Cities. He has two left, now. My Economy is in the tanks. Though, I have quite a few Courthouses in Production. I'll come back. I'm still the Tech Leader... on this part of The Board anyway. Julius Caesar Closed his Borders to me. So, we are far from Friends. # # # 2020-06-20 860AD T472 I suffered no Unhappiness from Defying the latest Apostolic Palace Resolution, as I have a Voting Majority. And soon, I will have the Palace, itself. I should Build Buddhist Temples and Monasteries. # # # 2020-06-20 955AD T491 Charlemagne Capitulated to Isabella. I Declared on both, Captured a City, but Isabella showed up with a Stack. Fortunately, I could Garrison my Border City in time... mainly because Isabella did not Attack first thing, but wasted a Turn reducing Defences. I Garrisoned. She started Pillaging. I got more Troops in line. She veered off towards a poorly Defended City. I abandoned City. She Captured it. The next Turn, I Counter-Attacked with my Full Stack, which had been split after regrouping from taking one of Charley's last City. Isabella's Stack is no more. Ouch! # # # GAME OVER! 2020-06-20 1015AD T503 Well, I did not think I would be writing this. But The Game is Over. Julius Caesar Attacked, which wasn't so bad. Sure, he took a City. But that was all he was going to take. No. The problem was that I had been running close to Zero Research for 100 Odd Turns. Whatever Tech Lead I had was evaporating. And that is pretty much that. I did not care about the Techs I got from Julius {from Peaceful Trading}. And he wound up hating me anyway. So, there's not much point in being nice this next time around. If we assume the World is going to hate me, I might as well accept peace faster and more often. # # # # # # GAME-05 # # # # # # 2020-06-20 1410BC T209 I got Feudalism from The Oracle. So, yay! This is a nice solid start. I used my Warrior to Defend against an Archer by moving him out of Thebes. And the next Turn or so, I completed The Great Wall. Hunting: 5 Turns Archery: 8 Turns After which, I crank out as many Longbows as I can... or until something better to Build comes along. After Archery, I should think about Researching Horseback Riding so I can Build a Stable. I've Whipped twice. But it's not a priority for me. We'll see how it goes. The Barbarian City down south is tempting. It was called Vandal Last Game. Anyway, good start. Nice and solid. Oh, I even timed The Oracle to finish on the same Turn as I Discovered Monarchy. So, that works, Researching The Prerequisite Tech on the same Turn as finishing The Oracle. Time for a break... especially after playing all morning long on The Prior Game's Defeat. I should Scout with Longbows and see if I want Vandal. And beyond Scouting, let's do some harassing of our neighbours and earning a bit of Combat Experience. War in 50 Turns! # # # RELOAD (to Oracle) T246: Charlemagne Attacks. He would have Won or caused serious Damage. I am reloading. And I will keep my Longbows safely at home... at least, for the time being. # # # T214: I got a Great Prophet, this time. It's the first one on This Map. I built The Jewish Shrine... for later in the game, lest I not get another. # # # Game Over! 2020-06-20 30AD T353 Well, it's either: RELOAD or GAME OVER I guess I haven't really decided yet. I probably cannot improve upon The Oracle Start. Eh, I'll just RELOAD. ... Nope, I'm going to Start a New Game. I want to get Hinduism if I can. # # # # # # GAME-06 # # # # # # 2020-06-20 1AD T350 The problem with later Play Throughs (#6 in this particular case) is that it becomes harder to pay attention. I withstood at least one onslaught by Charlemagne. But it's hard to remember as there was at least one or two false Restarts. I got Feudalism with The Oracle and landed both Polytheism and Judaism. A Settled Great Spy allows me to see what everyone is Researching. And a Settled Great Prophet is keeping me even on the Gold. 100% Research 0 Gold/Turn I captured The Southern Barbarian City and Built a Settler for next to the Horses. That's a pretty nice spot. Julius Caesar hates me, as I keep on Rufusing his Demands. He will Attack sooner or later. But for now, I have Longbows with Garrison II. So, I'm not overly worried. Civil Service will be Researched in a Dozen Turns. At which point, I really need to put together some sort of Game Plan... a slower Military Conquest this time. Move from the Center Out. # # # T351: Julius Caesar plopped a City down to my South West. It's the first time on This Map he's done that. But then, This Game, he's been more aggressive. There is no way he will keep that City if I don't want him to. # # # 2020-06-20 535AD T407 Bismark Attacked, doing nothing but delaying my City Expansion by a few Turns. So, good for him. He is running interference for everyone else. I captured another Barbarian City. And if I can, I'll send a few Units Bismark's way to Steal a Few Workers. But that likely will not happen until tomorrow. # # # GAME OVER 2020-06-21 750AD T450 I'm not losing. I'm just not winning. I think where I went wrong is in Building things other than Military in my outlying Cities. And so, I wasn't ready for War in time. And now, the Tech Window has closed. And that would not be the end of the world. Only, I'm not really the Tech Leader. I'm doing OK. Doing different. But it's not a clear cut win. I am thinking of switching out the Gold or Gems for Stone. I could do other changes. But I question how much that would be fair: i.e. keep The Game interesting and Challenging. But I like to believe sooner or later, I could Roll a Gold/Stone start. Though, I could give myself a Handicap: T500: Can Declare War T500: Can Build Settler Stone: South East Plans Rice (and Jungle): Move Two West River = Swamp: For every River Segment I add, one Tile is Switched to Swamp Since it's neutral and more aesthetic than anything else, I can change the nearby Desert to the West to Plains and/or Hill. ... So, that's what I did. +Rice in Fat Cross +Stone in Fat Cross +3 Rivers +3 Jungle I cannot Declare War until T500 nor can I Build a Settler. But I don't have to take Peace. Because of my small size (and running a different Religion), I have no doubt my neighbours will oblige me with a War or two. I'll work on Strategy Later. Clearly, a Few Wonders, as that's the entire point of Stone... and Ramesses. But from there? # # # # # # GAME-07 # # # # # # 2020-06-22 4000BC T0 I am Researching Pottery on the theory that I will grow quicker if I Build a Granary after my initial Worker. Well, I mean, I obviously will. So, the real concept is that I will have some chance (I never calculate these things) of finishing (prior to T100): Worker Granary The Great Wall Stonehenge Research: Pottery Mining Masonry Animal Husbandry The Religious Line Oh, I, also, want a Second Worker in there to get The Quarry up and Running as soon as Possible. # # # T10: Bismark! That's the earliest Contact Time, yet. T24: Charlemagne T103: The Great Wall! So, that was much quicker and I have Two Workers and a Partially Built Granary. Of course, I have Stone. So, it's not much of a surprise. # # # 2020-06-22 1000BC T250 Charlemagne has Attacked and is poised to Attack again. Though, he only has Three Archers left and that is not enough to do any Damage to my Longbows. True, if other Civilizations join the Dogpile, I may be in trouble. But by his lonesome, Charlemagne's forces are meaningless. Wonders: The Great Wall Stonehenge Pyramids The Oracle I am Building: Longbow Longbow Aqueduct The Hanging Gardens I've got a nice Circle of Hills surrounding me. And once I Chop the outlying Forests and Jungles, I will have a Nice Kill Zone. I feel confident Charlemagne will Declare War once again. Perhaps, I should not Sue for Peace... without very generous Terms on his part. I do not know what my Long Term Goal is. Perhaps, I should go for The Great Library. It's not a Military Focus. But I've got a ways to go on that front. And considering our relative Power Levels, it is unlikely Bismark will Declare. Thus, I probably should concentrate on Peace... for now. My Longbows will keep me safe for Many a Turn. # # # T251: The Most Advanced Civilizations: The Ram God Unknown Julius Caesar Unknown Unknown Bismark Charlemagne I have always assumed this was a pure count of Known Technologies. I paused to do some research {regarding the logic behind the ordering}, but came up with nothing. It's either (I would guess) a simple count or a Beaker Total. # # # 2020-06-22 500AD T400 100 Turns until I can Declare War. Of course, I am currently at War with Charlemagne... as is Bismark, so I'm not overly concerned about Invasion. Rome, Spain, and The Holy Roman all have me by a Good 20-30% Power. But as none of them have Feudalism (and therefore, Longbows), I find it hard to take the numbers very seriously. I went down the Aesthetic, Literature, Music Research Line. This delayed Civil Service. Eh, I may have forgotten, anyhow. Whatever. Bureaucracy vs: The Parthenon Free Great Artist (+3G/+3B) Schwedagon Paya And in 15 Turns: The Great Library And in 5 Turns, I get Civil Service. It's hard to calculate the Pros and Cons. Well, Bureaucracy first would have been much better. But would I have gotten the rest if I'd gone for Bureaucracy? Julius Caesar has Built both The Colossus and The Great Lighthouse, which will boost his Research tremendously. I am sure this is what happened in previous games. I am at War with Charley and Bribed Bizzy {by which I mean Bismark} to join my Crusade. For the moment, I am just camping out. But give it 25 Turns or so and I will have Iron. At which point, my Macemen will lay waste to The Holy Roman Empire. Truthfully, it's not even so much Macemen. They are Defence. I'll Catapult his Empire into The Dark Ages. Researching: Civil Service -> Machinery -> Engineering -> Guilds And now, it is Thundering. So, I must go. {I'm sure I've mentioned this countless times before. I have my protocol. And part of that protocol includes unplugging my computer at the sound of thunder. Though, at one point on this play-through (this write-up), I did play for 15-45 even though I could hear the rumble of thunder in the distance.} # # # 2020-06-23 500AD T400 It will be too annoying to Plan a War against Rome. So, I will Build up my Land Forces... and send out Missionaries in preparation for Conquest. # # # T401: With 3 Cities, I have the Second Largest Empire: Charlemagne The Ram God Bismark Julius Caesar Isabella Unknown Unknown # # # T431: I gave 80 Gold in Tribute to Caesar to Keep The Peace. My Culture is overrunning The Cities he Settled on The Mainland. I will accept if they offer to Switch Allegiances. T432: Isabella Declared War. It is most meaningless. She does not have the type of Troops in her Stack (number or quantity) to take me down. T434: I lost a Catapult. But otherwise, suffered no Casualties in the Attack. Isabella's best is simply not good enough. # # # 2020-06-23 775AD T455 Bismark is plotting War. And considering that on This Map he has always targeted me and his Troops are massed in a Border City, I'm holding off Attacking Charlemagne. I've got a Stack of Four Triremes down The Holy Roman Empire's way. But so far, they have done nothing. The Power Graph shows me slightly behind Caesar and slightly ahead of everyone else. But that is a lie. I have Macemen on everyone. I'm thinking about pulling back, waiting for Engineering to land, which will give me Pikes and Trebuchets. On the other hand, Charlemagne doesn't even have Metal Casting, which means he's a sitting duck. Eh, I probably should wait for the Clock Timer at T500 and Attack Bismark. Currently, I'm Building Infrastructure. # # # 2020-06-24 785AD T457 Bismark Declared on Charlemagne. So, I am moving my Stack to Attack The Holy Roman Empire. With any luck, Bismark will crash his Stack into Charlemagne's without Capturing a City. Let The War Games Begin! # # # T460: The Roman City by My Capitol has joined My Empire (from Culture). It's not much of a surprise. T462: RELOAD! I meant to Reduce Prague's Defences. But instead ordered my Catapult to Attack. So, I'm Reloading, erasing the history of the event in the Logfile. Maybe, I should figure out how to note Reloads in the Logfile. Eh, not this time around. OK. This time. #RELOAD! in Logfile. {A line starting with "#RELOAD" in the LogFile marks a point where I erased history and reloaded.} T464: I don't think there is a chance Bizzy will be successful in his Attack. So, I am letting him go first. {I don't like how close 'Bizzy' is to 'Lizzy'. I doubt I will use this shorthand ever again.} T465: Bizzy declined to Attack. And I suffered 2 Catapult Losses. But I did not take the City yet. # # # 2020-06-24 830AD T466 I lost 2 Catapults on the Attack, which means I will need to Build a bunch more. Also (in case that's not clear), I just took over Prague, which is enough progress for one day in The Game. # # # 2020-06-24 845AD T469 I wasn't planning on Playing anymore, today. But I noticed Isabella had a small Stack moving towards Estruscan, my main Border City with Germany. I sent my Stack in that direction, which probably would not make it in time. But Whipping a nearly completed Longbow gave me back-to-back Longbow Builds in The City. If Isabella had Attacked it would not have been clean cut. I, also, made Peace with Charlemagne. So, I am going to assume I will have Peace for the next 30 Turns. Eh, Julius Caesar may Attack. But his Stack of Galley's is a long way away (at the far tip of his Empire). So, I'm not worried. I got Calendar in Peace from Charlemagne. And I took over a City. So, not bad. Though, at this point, the City is dead weight. Still, it looks like Germany is marching towards Charlemagne. So, I have at least One City in that part of the world. And it is very well Garrisoned. Besides me, only Caesar has Longbows. I should Beeline Steel for Cannons, which having been Queued Up is now a short 100 Turns away. The unfortunate fact is that Charlemagne will likely Capitulate to Bismark. But there is nothing I can do. 50 Turns Infrastructure 50 Turns Pre Cannon Build Up War! War! War! Maybe, sooner... if someone is silly enough. I should Declare on Bismark first. He is backwards, but juicy. Yes, Bismark will be the first I Declare against. I am sending a Spy to Prague for Defence. Let's see if he makes it. # # # 2020-06-25 935AD T487 Bismark requested I join him in his Crusade against Charlemagne, so I accented, took over another City, and Accepted Peace. I am currently running down the clock until T500... and Cannons. So, it will be a while before I Attack, again. {So clearly, at this point, my intent is not to Declare prior to T500. I stop worrying about that restriction in later play-throughs.} I lost something like 5 Units in the last Attack, which wasn't good. But it did give me another Great General. I don't know whether Charlemagne or Bismark will be on my Hit list, first. But I am sort of expecting Charlemagne to Capitulate to someone prior to my being able to finish him. # # # T494: Caesar Begged Music and is Preparing for War. As he's the only one without Feudalism and we share a Border, Bismark is looking like my man. # # # 2020-06-25 1005AD T501 Caesar is on the Warpath. It would not be the worst thing if he Attacked. But he doesn't stand a chance. Right now his Ships are in the fog. Well, we're in the middle of a roll. The Largest Civilizations: The Ram God Bismark Julius Caesar Charlemagne Isabella Unknown Unknown It is possible both Unknowns are Isolated Starts. # # # T503 Julius Caesar did not Attack. He has entered My Territory to Cross it. I hope he Declares on Charlemagne. It makes little difference. He has 5 Galley's. That's 15 Units. Hopefully, Germany can withstand the Assault. I care little what happens to Charlemagne. I might just join the Dogpile. Charlemagne has Capitulated to Isabella. It won't help him any, as Isabella is on the far side. So, he'll just be a buffer, the battlefield. Still, it was the best he could do. It's 100 Turns until Steel. I misjudged. Well, that changes a few things. Eh, it will have to wait. The day is getting away from me. # # # GAME OVER! 2020-06-26 1060AD T512 I over extended myself. I am fighting Wars too quickly. I went on Offence against Germany, essentially Attacking on Caesar's timeline, not mine. And Isabella took advantage of the situation. I need to boost my number of Cities to increase Research. But I need those Cities to be close-in... at least, to start. I will need to get my Military up so I can take those Border Cities, so Declaring on Rome makes sense. # # # # # # GAME-08 # # # # # # T10: Bismark T24: Charlemagne T77: Isabella T94: The Great Wall -> 1 Worker. Beeline Masonry. Start after Stone Connected. T101: I am the Least Advanced. That will change. T120: Caesar T208: Charlemange Attacks # # # GAME OVER 2020-06-26 1420BC T208 Well, I knew I was in danger of being Attacked. So, I had Six Longbows Queued up. Still, not fast enough, as Charlemagne Declared. Pottery & Meditation could be pushed back in the Research order. The play is Feudalism for Longbows. Thankfully, these first few Turns don't take that much time to Play Through. # # # # # # GAME-09 # # # # # # Game Over! I lost the Pyramids. What more is there to say? Double Worker seems to be working out for me. I can get the Longbows I need out by T200 if I prioritize them. That's one of the reasons I did not get Pyramids in time. Better saves and I could just keep on keeping on. But I do not have better saves. # # # # # # GAME-10 # # # # # # 2020-06-26 4000BC T0 I have a fairly solid plan. Building: Worker Worker The Great Wall Stonehenge Library Pyramids Barracks Longbows Researching: Mining Masonry Animal Husbandry Mysticism Polytheism Writing Monotheism Meditation Priesthood Monarchy Bronze Working Pottery Iron Working So, I input the Research Order. And it's just a matter of following the pattern. Let's see how it goes. # # # T10: Bismark T24: Charlemagne. We are in a familiar pattern. T97: Isabella T100: The Great Wall T140: Removing Meditation from Queue. Researching Priesthood, instead. T147: Monarchy, Hunting, & Archery. T185: Bronze Working, Pottery, & Iron Working. T230: Charlemagne Attacked with 4 Archers and was rebuffed. I'm not interested in a Peace, at the moment. There is no hurry. # # # 2020-0-6-26 500BC T300 It will be a shame if I do not get The Hanging Gardens. I seem to have been distracted. Charlemagne continues to Attack, to no avail. But if I am at War with him, others are likely to join. Thunder! I must go! # # # 2020-06-27 250BC T325 That's a nice short Turn Set of 25 Turns. It's more in line with how I'd like to play in an ideal world. Charlemagne has Fortified 4 Archers deep in my Territory. They do little except tie up an equal number of Longbows. Oh, well. Elsewhere, he and Bismark are Duking It Out. Have I mentioned how much I like getting Great Spies? My Espionage is through the roof. With basically no effort, I have City Visibility on Bismark and Research on everyone else. Ha! I completely forgot about Not Building Settlers. Oops! Truthfully, I remembered just now. Too bad. I've got Four Cities with the Fifth to drop Next Turn. And I think that will be all for awhile. I gave Caesar Tribute. I decline to give Bismark the same courtesy. He's at War with Charlemagne and poses little threat. I feel sort of bad about Building those Settlers. But it is the play... or as I see it. The added production helps, even if they are on Infrastructure duty for the next 100 Turns. At some point, they will kick out Troops. In fact, fairly soon, one or more will start pumping out Triremes to Neutralize the threat from Caesar. # # # 2020-06-27 250AD T375 I got my third Great Spy and Built Scotland Yard, which gives me +53 Espionage Points a Turn. It's more than enough to give me City Visibility on Everyone for the Rest of The Game. It's nice. I like it. Now, I was hoping for a Great Prophet for the +5G/T. But I'll take the Great Spy. Charley Attacked again and was rebuffed, gifting me a Great General in the process. Should Bismark be silly enough to Attack, I will Destroy Him. Otherwise, I'm Building an Army and Infrastructure. As long as I can maintain discipline, I'm not seeing how I can lose... by War. Certainly, the AI can eclipse me in the later Eras if I try to go toe-to-toe in the Research Game. I need more Cities... or something. Yeah, I really like all those Espionage Points. I'm at near 70% Cost on everyone, which I assume means they are at 130% Cost. # # # 2020-06-27 500AD T400 City Visibility is great. I've been tracking Charlemagne's advance for some time now. So, I have Seven Units (of superior quality) to meet his Six. What is even sillier is that he has lost this War twice and the Power Graph says I'm in better shape. He really hasn't got the slightest chance. But then, I'm not complaining. I'm having fun. I just Begged 130 Gold off of Caesar. We're Great Friends this game. Though, at some point, I do believe I will be taking over Rome for The Temple of Artemis, The Colossus, and The Great Lighthouse. Perhaps, I should allow (and I stress the word allow) Caesar to become my Vassal. In the event that does not work out as planned (or he gets antsy), I am Building a Small Fleet of Triremes. Yeah, I like the Duck Shoot. Isabella will be joining the Dogpile soon enough. So much for not Building Settlers. I've got one Queued Up in Thebes. I'm going to Raze both of the German Cities in my way and place a new one on The Jungle Hill in-between the Iron, Gems, Wheat, and Cows, like it should have been Settled in the first place. # # # T401: Charley Declared and smashed his Stack against mine. I lost a Maceman. He lost Five out of Six. # # # 2020 625AD T425 Like I said, I've sort of thrown that No Settler Rule out the door. I built another one to infill between the Two German Cities I Razed. If I go slow, I don't see how I can lose. But I've said that countless times before. I'm going to go for The Monk Economy. I have no stress. I am Kicking It, This Game. # # # 2020-06-27 875AD T475 Charlemagne requested I help him rid the world of Bismark. And since Bismark hates me about as much as Charlemagne does, I agreed. Currently, my forces march towards Hamburg. I am in no hurry. Caesar is launching an Invasion. As of yet, I do not know his target. But it is likely Germany or The Holy Roman Empire. If he Declares on me... well, I was going to say all the better. But it will make my Capture of Rome all the more fitting. I've got a Stack of Eight Triremes if he is coming for me. I should be able to reduce his Invasionary Fleet significantly. The key will be going slow. # # # 2020-06-28 875AD T475 It's probably not a big insight, but I'm going to view my giving myself Gold, Gems, and Stone as being a 10-25% Boost. Originally, I was going to say 100T Head Start. But it's more like an Artificial AI Boost to Productivity and Research... like The Ram God is 1.5x a Civilization. # # # T481: RELOAD: I did not think the implications of an Apostolic Palace Vote through enough. I do not want Peace. # # # T484 I will point to the fact that I did not Reload again and instead Paid Bismark 15 Gold for a Peace a few Turns later as proof that the previous Reload was sincere. Upon considering the Diplomatic Implications, I'd changed my mind on The Vote. But Turns later when a Vote going the other way would have been to my benefit, I did not Reload. Bismark has quite the Stack. I will wait for more Reinforcements before taking it on. # # # T487: I was the first to Discover Music among my local group, but did not get a Great Artist. One of the Far Civilizations is doing OK. T493: Julius Caesar has Declared on Isabella. I am expecting Julius to lose his Stack. # # # 2020-06-28 1025AD T505 I Declared on Bismark, again. But all I did was get a few Experience Points. He has lots of Troops. And if I had more Melee Units {i.e. Ground Combat Troops like Macemen}, I could have taken over Berlin. But I do not. When the Peace is over, I can see Declaring, once more. I did get Bismark's Map, though, which gives me Visibility on Charlemagne and Isabella. Caesar is not doing much down south. He has too many Troops with which to contend. Researching: Compass -> Optics -> Education -> Printing Press And from there, either Steel or Liberalism. It depends. I have decided to try and Circle The Globe, first. The way I am playing, although it looks in the bag, I will need to contend with the Far Continents. I am assuming two... or a Mass of Islands. Likely, I Declare on Bismark in 10 Turns. Yep, I already said that. Well, so there it is. It's 7 Turns until I get The Sistine Chapel, which will give me all of The Monk Economy except for the Hammers from The Apostolic Palace. Oh, Charlemagne Razed Munich a few Turns back. Ah, I had thought Charlemagne had Razed Munich, but that is not the case. Julius has some chance of passing me by... especially if I make no further Military Headway. # # # 2020-06-28 1050AD T510 I Declared on Bismark and I should not have... or at least, I should have held back and waited for him to enter my lands. Also, I did not win The Race for The Sistine Chapel, which I still do not expect to. Anyway, I RELOADED, but erased all traces except a note in the Logfile. Here, as penalty, I cannot Declare until T550. Though of course, I can join if someone requests. In the end, it's not really a penalty. I need more Troops. # # # 2020-06-28 1280AD T556 Bismark Capitulated to Caesar. In retrospect, I probably should have Bribed Caesar to End The War. But I did not. This pretty much means I will be Declaring on Caesar before too terribly long, as I have no way to continue the War South except through German Lands. Sure, I could wait for Astronomy and Build a Fleet. But I am not going to. I sold my World Map to Everyone and got enough Gold to Upgrade my Trireme Fleet (all ten) to Caravels, which brings the total of Caravels to 12. Perhaps as soon as he rounds the horn, I will demolish Caesar's Fleet. He took the long way up through my lands. Nope! No need! There is a slight pass along the Southern Border, whereby I have passage to The Holy Roman Empire. So, I do not need Germany's assistance and I can delay any attack on Rome. Well, to be honest, I will have to see what's what. Charlemagne can Counter Attack through the Northern Pass and Caesar has "Enough on His Hands", so something is afoot. In other news, no one is contesting me for Liberalism, which I will use to get Astronomy and open some more Foreign Trade. Maybe, the thing to do is sit tight and see who the others Attack. # # # 2020-06-28 1354AD T572 So, I was just going to play a few more Turns. But then, Caesar was on the move. And after that, Isabella. I think Isabella was on her way to Attack me. But Caesar Declared. So, she Razed a German City, instead. I am currently Building a Settler to plop down in that spot. And over the night, I will be thinking about what to do next. I believe I will Declare on Charlemagne and pull back a bit, hoping he gives chase. The only other real option is to move in fast and get that extra square distance to his City. But that will not be worth it. I did not Scout as I should have with a Knight. But instead, moved my Stack. I had thought Isabella had Captured The City. But, no. She Razed it. If she had Captured it. I would have Declared on her and taken it back, which goes a long way towards explaining why she did not Capture it. Caesar will do some serious damage to her... or her Troops. But I doubt he will prevail. I should (if I remember, if I think about it) write more before firing up in the morning. The real move is to Declare on Charlemagne, stay put, and see what he does. I have lots of Troops. But not so many I can split my Stack. Also, I'm really liking City Visibility. I can see entering World Builder and giving myself a few Great Spies... or loads of Espionage Points. Sure, it's a cheat. But it is providing me with a better experience. I enjoy watching the AI Troop Movements. # # # 2020-06-29 1354AD T572 I've decided not to Declare on Charlemagne and see what The Roll brings. I do have a Settler in Production. So hopefully, I will get the available City Site. Also, I've sent Three Caravels out to Scout the last of The Map. But I doubt I will be sending any Settlers overseas. I will leave that for others. This Main Continent is where the action is. # # # T573: Caesar is getting chewed up down south. I am Declaring on Charlemagne and seeing where he sends his Stack. # # # T572: RELOAD! I did not Attack and Charlemagne got the better of me. I remain undecided whether to push my luck and try again invading. Eh, I should... to find out if it is doable. So, Declaring and sitting back did not work as Charlemagne Invaded and was able to force a Non-City Counter Attack, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of my Trebuchets. T572: RELOAD! Moving forward did not help either, as Charlemagne was still able to Split The Stack. He Attacked and would have taken a City. So, I'll be sitting tight. Reloading and not Declaring, on the assumption neither will he. T573: I looked at the City Site and am not thrilled. So, I will not be Building that Settler, either. Though, maybe I should drop them overseas. # # # 2020-06-29 1410AD T600 Charlemagne Declared {this is after reloading, so I did not Declare War, but it mattered not as he Declared a few Turns later on me}. We danced around for a bit, as I do not have enough Troops to Defend all three Border Cities at once against his Stack. But he never did much more than Pillage a few tiles. And I made a poor move resulting in the Death of a Horse Archer. In the end, he accepted Peace for My World Map. It's sort of a pity that this will not be reflected in the Combat Log. Oh, well. It's possible that I will own The Home Continent by T750, T800 at the latest. Cannons are coming online... soonish. Let's change that to T800... T850 at the latest. # # # T601: The Most Powerful Civilizations: Charlemagne Caesar Cyrus The Ram God Isabella Lincoln Bismark I have some catching up to do. # # # GAME OVER! 2020-06-29 T610 1430AD And then, I am dead. Charlemagne smashed his Stack against mine, killing most of his Units and most of mine. It's more than I can afford to lose. Simply put, Game Over. I'm leaning towards starting from scratch. At least two things I would do differently from This Game: 1) Apostolic Palace 2) Convert Caesar sooner (I'm just getting around to doing that now in This Game) The first {item on that list} requires rolling The Game all the way back to The Oracle or so, certainly just post Oracle, as I'll need to prioritize Christianity. I very much enjoyed my Espionage Lead. Watching Enemy Troop Movements was fun. Game Over! Oh, what else to do differently: 3) More Units... I stopped being the Power Graph Leader... or even close. I thought I had it in the bag and got bit. # # # # # # GAME-11 # # # # # # 2020-06-29 1490BC T201 I'm shaving off a Turn here and there on my Build Times. Most Powerful Civilizations: Bismark Charlemagne The Ram God Unknown Unknown Isabella Unknown I have one Longbow, another Next Turn, and three more in Production. I'm hoping Charlemagne does not Attack. # # # 2020-06-29 1000BC T250 It would appear that I am Powerful enough that no one wants to Attack me. I lost a Missionary to Barbarians. I escorted him to Germany. But Germany was being Attacked. So, he died. I Built another Missionary. And hopefully, Germany will Convert. I have the Shrine. So, I'll need to send a few more Missionaries his way. # # # T271: Bismark has Converted to Judaism. I sent over two Missionaries. And then, requested his Conversion. And he did. Let's see how long our Friendship lasts. T349: I'd like to keep playing. But Thunder. # # # 2020-06-30 1050AD T510 29 Cities throughout The Lands (I'd say The World, but I haven't gotten that far yet) have Converted to Judaism. I am making Bank. 55 Units or so. And at 100% Research I'm +32 Gold/Turn. I'm going down the line, Begging/Demanding: Caesar: Pig Bismark: 250 Gold Charlemagne: Ivory Isabella: 60 Gold The 10 Turns of Peace is not that important. But a little Extra Gold never hurt. I will Build my Military and Infrastructure until Cannons, which is a goodly ways off. And subjugate Isabella at that time. I marched a short stack of Troops in her direction. But I didn't see that I could make a dent. So, I turned them around. They just got back home. # # # 2020-06-30 1255AD T551 I have moved my Stack back towards Spain. Bismark has his Stack there, as well. And I expect him to Declare Next Turn. I will go for Madrid, first. If I only get one City, that's the one I want. Also, I'm going to Settle some Islands Peacefully, each one Heavily Garrisoned. So, not a Rapid Expansion, but a Defensible one. NOTE: I have every belief Bismark would have rather Attacked me. But he dared not Attack on account of My Power. I really cannot afford to Attack Isabella if Germany does not. I need his Troops occupied. ... After a bit more thought, I've changed my plans: 1) Capitulate Isabella and plan to return all her Cities. So, it doesn't matter which ones I take. 2) Convert Lincoln to Judaism. Do not worry about Settling the Islands. In fact, don't Settle the Islands. # # # 2020-06-30 1330AD T566 Isabella Capitulated. Lincoln Converted to Judaism. Germany and Rome both Razed one of Isabella's Cities. I Captured one and most certainly would have Captured Madrid given a Turn or Two. So, Isabella Capitulated. And I gave back to her the one City I had taken. I do not have the Clear Tech Lead. Well, I take that back. I have the Tech Lead, clearly. But it's not as big a lead as I would like. The Three Border Cities {close to my Capitol} are in danger of Culture Flipping. I will take them. For the most, I am just going to sit and wait and see who Caesar and Bismark decide to Attack next and join the Dogpile. This means having plenty of Troops... and a Navy should the fun bring us overseas. # # # 2020-06-30 1360AD T575 It's been tense for a bit. First, Bismark has been Plotting War. There is no doubt about it. And he has just decided it's not worth his while. So, he Demanded Tribute, which I gave. Second, I thought Charlemagne was advancing. But it's just my own Troops returning home. I need different colors. I resume my policy of Building Troops and waiting for someone else to strike first. If I strike, it will likely be Lincoln or Cyrus. # # # T577: Isabella has broken free and is no longer My Vassal. That's the first time that's ever happened. # # # 2020-06-30 1474AD T632 I Saved Pre-Attack. I am at War with Cyrus and Lincoln. But it is a One Way War. They do not stand a chance. It is merely a matter of to whom they Capitulate. Of course, their Capitulation makes little overall difference. Don't get me wrong. It would be nice. But The Victor will be whoever between Bizzy, Charley, Caesar, and Me, who knocks out the other three. It's a Four Way Race, not a Seven Way one. I have Cannons and no one else does. But My Tech Lead is eroding. If I can, I'll try for The Statue of Liberty. But I am going to get Riflemen, first. And if that changes things. That changes things. It will be War with Bismark when I resume. The roar of my Cannons should learn him some respect. Also, I got Gifts (so, not quite Tribute) from Caesar and Charlemagne to enforce the Peace. It's just me and Bismark. One on One. # # # 2020-06-30 1482AD T636 The Campaign against Germany went splendidly. In truth, I just demolished a single Stack. But it is what it is. Lincoln will {as a prediction} Capitulate to either Caesar or myself. I anticipate Declaring War and Accepting Peace numerous times against Germany. It really is a matter of mopping up at this point. Perhaps, I will only Declare the single time more. # # # T643 It is difficult for me to quit. But I will feel better if I go for a walk. I might be overextending myself. Yes. I can destroy Bismark. But can I handle both Caesar and Charlemagne Attacking at once? ... I'm inclined to give Bismark a reprieve, Declare on Cyrus, and wait for Rifles prior to doing anything else. It's only... well, The Game is off. So, let me guess 15 Turns. After all, it's probably prudent to see who Rome or The Holy Roman Empire decides to go after. Or if nothing else, a few more Turns of cranking out Cannons can't hurt. # # # 2020-07-01 1496AD T643 I will forgo The Statue of Liberty. Researching: Riflery -> Steam Power A Levee in the Capitol is worth a good +10 Base Hammers. And Steam Power leads to either Machine Gunners or Infantry, both being pretty darn awesome. # # # T648: RELOAD: I miscounted the troops on my Attack of Persepolis, Persia's Capitol. The intent is to sneak in between Attacks. I did not count correctly. Anyway, reload. # # # 2020-07-01 1534AD T662 Cyrus is now my Vassal, which was the intent of launching my Attack. I had to Reload. I still don't really know what went wrong, as I was counting The Troops involved rather intently. The bottom line is that Charley did not have the forces to take the City on his own, not bringing any Siege. He crashed his stack. I softened the Defenders further using my Cannons, planning to leave just enough for him not to Capture The City. But he did. So, I miscounted. And having miscounted, I Reloaded, as I'm not giving up such a prize on account of such a minor detail. I will surmise that The Game tends to give The Human first right of refusal. Of course, that just might mean that the conditions to establish Vassalage tend to happen on My Turn. After all, when Charley took Persepolis, Cyrus Capitulated to him. T632 is when I last got Tribute. 30 Turns. Not enough. I will wait until T675 or so, prior to relaunching my Attack on Bismark. Who knows what changes await in the meantime. # # # 2020-07-01 1560AD T675 I requested a Gift from my Good Friends Charlemagne and Caesar, which gives me 10 Turns of Peace. I will be Declaring War on Germany and finishing This Turn first thing, when I resume playing later. I question whether he will last more than 10 Turns. Certainly, his Stacks (2) are going to disappear right quick. I could over-think things. But I don't think Bismark has the Troops required to resist my onslaught. From there, I will either go overland towards Charlie or launch a Sea Invasion of Rome. # # # T677: I got two Great Generals in the same Turn. Bismark's Counter Attack was disastrous for him. # # # 2020-07-01 1582AD T686 Germany Capitulated after Four Cities and 11 Turns. I got 3 Great Generals, giving new Units out of my Capitol insane Experience. It will be quite a few Turns before my next War. I will Attack Rome, via Sea. But he's got lots of Cannons. So, I'll wait until I have Machine Gunners. Also, he's got me on Navy. So, my one Invasionary Stack will be it. I take that back. I'll Build Ironclads, which should neutralize his numerous Frigates. There's no way he's getting Steam Power in the next 50 Turns... and if things change so it looks like he will, I can always step up my Attack. It's Caesar before Charlie, as a Sea War will be way more annoying. And the last man standing is likely to hold out. With Charlie as opposition, Caesar has some chance of Capitulating after I take over his Homelands. And if not, he's out of The Game, anyway. Though, Charlemagne might surprise me with a Defensive Pact. That could be interesting. But I do not fear an overland Attack from Charley. By the time he works his way through Germany, I will be in good shape. I will be impressed if Charley and Caesar form a Defensive Pact. If so, I may have to delay my Attack by a Few Turns... but only a few. Finally, I should stack Troops against Caesar's lone City on The Main Continent in the hopes he Defends it. It would be a nice First Strike to wipe out his Garrison. There is just no way he will have enough Troops to withstand the First Attack. # # # 2020-07-02 1610AD T700 I am just hitting End Turn more or less as quickly as possible. I will not be Attacking prior to being able to land 10+ Machine Gunners. Charlemagne and Caesar have not formed a Defensive Pact, which would be their bet move. Caesar will be first. Ha. I haven't checked my Score for this entire Multi Game Run. Score: 2,189 Normal: 53,945 # # # T703: All Three of My Rivals (Bismark, Charlemagne, and Isabella) are Researching Military Science. It's quite the waste. Also, no Defensive Pact. # # # 2020-07-02 1664AD T727 Defensive Pact! Caesar and Charlemagne have entered into a Defense Pact, which is not ideal. On the other hand, I do not see any other play than Attacking... or to put it another way, my lead is probably at it's apex. Now is the time to strike. I Declare and Bismark joins the fray, desperately fighting for his life. And if I don't he might just shrug off Capitulation, which would be devastating. My forces are in position. Arpinum (Caesar's Mainland City): Ironclads Reduce Defences 30 Odd Troops against 6 Defenders Rome Island (the target of this offensive): Landing Force 12 Machine Gunners 12 Cannons 4 Riflemen I will land on a Hill and wait for reinforcements. The Troops from Arpinum. Charlemagne: Has to come through Germany On the front (waiting to see where Charlemagne sends his stack), I have: 2 Machine Gunners 3 Cannons 8 Knights 6 Riflemen It's a bit light. But I have full visibility on Charlemagne. So, I'm hoping I can bring my Stack up Against Charlemagne's in a Defensive Crouch. We'll see. More Machine Gunners are on the way. The Outer Islands are a bit more iffy. But if a City is about to fall, I should forfeit it to the original controller. We'll see how this goes. The objective is to Vassalize Rome. If I can do that without losing any other Vassals, despite City Loss or Troop Decimation, I will have Won. In fact, my whole strategy with Charlemagne is to fight Defensively and take Peace as soon as he offers. Yes, I'll give him a Full Tech if that's what it takes. I do not want a Two Front War. Charlemange has a lot of Longbows. Until they upgrade, they are meaningless. And that takes Gold. Caesar is in a similar situation. Yes, there are some Cannons. But let us assume, overall there is not enough Offensive Fire Power to pose a real threat. In fact, his main Fleet is far off in The Islands, sitting in port. And unless they are fully loaded, he's far away from launching a meaningful Invasion. Still, I am unsure. I still remember a Few Games Back when Bismark gave me a sound thrashing at about this point. Finally, I have no desire to Reload. But if this all goes south, I doubt I will start This Map from scratch. # # # 2020-07-03 1680AD T735 The Attack on Caesar is going as planned. A Stack of Cannons is a formidable force... which Charlemagne has used to good effect. So far, he has taken over 3 German Cities. And I am in no position to do anything about it. Of course, Caesar really is being torn a new one. After having taken my first City, I have not suffered a single Casualty. Machine Gunners have prevented a Roman Counter Attack. And those aforementioned Cannons are a force to reckon with. Globally, not much is going on. Caesar is not doing much. Perhaps, because I have Garrisoned my Cities adequately. Perhaps, because he is just now moving his Troop. Charlemagne is Researching Democracy. And that will be his downfall. He lacks both Rifles and Machine Gunners. Yes, it is frustrating to have manipulated my Troops poorly and lost a good dozen or so Troops. But when I focus my attention on Charlemagne {after Capitulating Caesar}, he is dead. But that is enough for the moment. I shall stop the Carnage here. # # # VICTORY! 2020-07-04 1700AD T745 Score: 2,831 Normal: 64,816 The Game is now over. All that remains is mop up. Caesar is being obliterated. And after having crashed his Stack, Charlemagne has given me a few small trinkets for Peace. The Game is over. I lead in Tech. I have the best overall Units. Eh, I do not have Grenadiers. But I do have Rifles. Which means, I am closer to Infantry than anyone else. It's 50 Turns until I get Assembly Line and Infantry. By contrast: Caesar has 23 Turns until he gets Corporation. But he does not have Replaceable Parts. Charlemagne has only 7 Turns until he gets Replaceable Parts. But he lacks both Liberalism and Economics. The majority of my Units have been Upgraded and I am running an Army consisting of: 43 Machine Guns 32 Riflemen 28 Cannons It could get tedious to convince Caesar to Capitulate. But he doesn't stand a chance. Meanwhile, Charlemagne has to Rebuild his stack. But it will be hard for him to do anything against a Stack of 50+ Offensive Units. Thebes (my Capitol) is back on Cannon duty, cranking out an additional piece of Artillery (i.e. a Cannon Unit) more or less every Turn, with 16 Experience Points each. That's City Raider III and one shy of an additional promotion out the gate. Research is 30%. It's solid. It's basically indestructible. And once again, I did not get to Corporations. Though, considering the number of times I have played this map that is, perhaps, not a fair statement. I selected away from the grinds. VICTORY! GAME OVER! # # # # # # STRATEGY: These Game Play Hints, Notes, and what not have formed part of the basis for the Playing of This Map. Many of them were in my wheelhouse prior to starting. But it gets tedious to record things {especially in real time}, so I am inserting them all here. I will use the syntax I previously discussed. But the dates will default to today if I cannot determine anything more accurate... or I just get lazy. Healing (2020-07-06): Prior to hovering over the Heal Button, the Turns required are indicated. Good to know. Healing Rates (2020-06-19): 5 Enemy Territory 10 Neutral (or Friendly) Territory 15 My Territory 20 Any City These might be wrong. It is my understanding every Unit has 100HP. And the plus is per Turn to Hit Points. Healing Promotions (2020-06-19): Medic I - +10/Turn (same tile) Medic II - +10/Turn (adjacent tile) Medic III - +15/Turn (same tile) Medic III requires a Great General, which I am never going to use to create a Great Medic. And Medic II adds nothing to the base rate for the same tile. Hence, all Medic Promotions beyond the first are a waste for me. Woodsman III (2020-06-19): Heals Units in same tile +15/Turn, which makes it better than Medic I for me. Since I can reliably get this Promotion with 10XP, that's the route I should go. In short, I've been wasting Experience on Medic II. I should be going the Woodsman route on a few early Units. Also, Woodsman III and Medic I stack, proving +25 in same tile. City Automation (2020-07-06): I have yet to try this. But some folks run The Game only using (or mostly using) the City Manager Buttons... more so, after the REX. The Production Automation Button will Whip when appropriate. I like my Mega Cities. So, it might make sense to play with all other Cities mostly automated. Cache Location (2020-05-11): C:\Users\NAME\AppData\Local\My Games\Beyond the Sword Waypoints (2020-06-13): Hit City Bar, Shift + Right Mouse Button on another City/Tile, sends all Units Produced to that Tile. Shift + Left Click adds additional Cities to the same destination. For the most, I find this worthless, as conditions change too fast. And that's the news. # # # Next Game will likely be: Legends of Revolution or Thomas' War For Role Playing, I am likely to play One City... with Governors for the rest. Though, I will make Build Queues. So maybe, the thing to do is limit City Attention. Perhaps at every Pliny Report (Most Advanced Civilization, etc), on that Turn I can cycle my Cities. Also, I enjoyed having a great deal of Espionage. So, I'm thinking about playing on an open map, just give myself full visibility and loads of Espionage. Though, on further consideration, I can likely work out how to do this last through some sort of debugging cheat code. # # # 2020-07-07 (c) Copyright Brett Paufler