Quad Gold III 1) Techs must be researched as they appear horizontally, but may research in any order vertically. No limits on trading. 2) Densely pack cities... every two to three squares. But can work tiles however I want. 3) Take a short break at every Technology Advance or Wonder Creation. Don't know exactly what this means. Oh, part of that break is to actually read the Tech/Wonder text and to look at cities and trade screens, you know, to manage stuff, rather than pushing ahead. 4) Whip early and whip often, but only when there is no current unhappiness in city from whipping. 5) Later in game, switch to city specialization. # # # 4000BC Researching: Mining -> Hunting -> Wheel -> Mysticism Building: Warrior -> Warrior -> Settler -> Worker The settler is controversial, in that I would normally do a worker. But last game worker sat around before becoming useful. And I know I want to cut Brennus off, which is what I did in the first game, too. So, settler it is. I know there is a good hut to the south, so I'm circling around the same way I did last time (purposefully, avoiding the hut). Researching: Animal Husbandry -> Pottery -> Archery -> Masonry -> Polytheism -> Meditation Settled second city, going to rex Brennus into a hole, then bottle Frederick. Hope maintenance doesn't kill me. Brennus isolated, but he got more land than I would have liked, as I was not fast enough. Well, his cultural boundaries expanded, so I'd not have been able to place the city were I would. Off to close off Frederick, so I'm thinking having a Settler or Worker in production for some time to come. My logger does not make note of other players wonder completions, which is one of the things I wanted out of it. Oh, well. Back to cracking the game saves for this information. # # # Researching: Bronze Working -> Horseback Riding (because it is important) -> Priesthood (because, that's the game I'm playing) -> Monotheism Oddly, I'm coming to realize that Bronze Working is a major milestone in the game. No wonder I beeline to it so often... or nearly beeline. Got Bronze Working in 700BC (turn 73) this game. 1090BC (turn 87) last game, so only fourteen turns... but that's fourteen turns slower. I most certainly hope other things are looking better. Uh-oh, finished the Pyramds 1020BC (turn 72) in the previous. Um, don't know what to say. OK. In previous game, I founded my fifth city in 425AD (turn 132). And I'll do that in the current game before 1AD (in just a few turns, in fact). Likely, have an extra two or three cities by 1AD, so doing a far better job rexing this game. Also, a note on the logger. I change the default city names. But the logger is listing every city as Amsterdam, the default starting name, when it is created. # # # 625BC (turn 90) got the Pyramids. Revolution into Slavery and Police State, as I plan on whipping (so, no need for Hereditary Rule to keep my population happy) and I went all last map without assigning any more than two specialists. For now, the order of the day is whip, whip, and whip... every ten turns per city or so and see what that gets me. Barbarians are attacking from the North. Thankfully, they are happy pillaging improvements, giving me time to move forces. Always, the crush for time. I need to open borders with Frederic, so he can pursue Brennus (his worst enemy), I get the relationship boost (for a mutual war), and eventually, I want to settle his northern borders. But in the meantime, I want free reign to settle my hinterlands at my own pace (so, no open borders, yet). Reseaching: Writing -> Iron Working -> Metal Casting One thing that turned out different this game, because I kept Frederick and Brennus apart, they founded differing religions. So this game, no brothers of faith bonus. # # # 1AD Six cities with one more settler in production. Oh, I take that back. Six, plus a settler in production, plus a settler about to found. So, more than five (as per last game at 425 AD). Also, whipping whenever possible (meaning, no unhappiness from previous whipping, so new unhappiness only lasts ten turns and, you know, I'm actually able to whip) is going well. Production is on the rise. Demographics says I'm way low in population, but doing pretty well otherwise. Of course, population down due to the whip. # # # New expansions on the rex, island just south has land available. Maybe I can grab it. Lots of settlers comming on line. Cities are rock and rolling, now. So, likely, so are the competition's. Researching: Alphabet (for the trade) -> And here I break for the night, but it's one of those one more turn situations, so I'll just describe it... and hope I read this prior to resuming play. On the island down south (this turned out to be Egypt's island, continent), there is a barbarian galley going up the straight, while I've got a settler a bit south. I need to unload and settle a city. It's a bit precarious, as I don't want to lose my Settler to the Barbarians. But we are nearing the end of the freely available city sites, so time is at a premium. Cities Planned 1) Down on the Southern Island 2) In the North East Tundra 3) Up North of Frederick's borders. 4) And last but not least, that culturally open area in my midriff. # # # ^^^ SEE ABOVE ^^^ # # # A Slavery Primer This may not be the optimization of slavery, but it is my working set. 1) Whip early. Whip often. Every turn, cycle through every city and whip whenever: 1) Whipping is possible 2) There is no unhappiness from previous whippings. Get granary early on in the process, as it allows faster city growth (i.e. faster whipping). The formula for unhappiness seems to be: 1) Current unhappiness from whipping +1 (so, if no unhappiness, this resolves to +1, if at 1, it goes to 2, and so on) 2) New length of unhappiness is current length of unhappiness from whipping +10 turns. So, if no current unhappiness, this means +1 unhappiness for 10 turns. If we whip again in five turns, current would be +1 for 5, so new is +2 for 15, which means the previous unhappiness is carried forward for an additional five turns, which is a game killer. One must wait until there is no unhappiness from whipping. # # # Researching: Alphabet (for trading, but of course) -> Aesthetics (for the Shwedagon Paya, if I can get it) -> Monarchy (due to lower research time, traded Egypt for 3 turns prior to completion for Monotheism) -> Mathematics -> Compass (though, I expect Optics to be first when I get to that column) # # # May want another Settler... though, I am spreading it thin. The settling rush is nearing it's end. Even the crap land is going fast. Have been able to trade to both Egypt and Germany my partially completed techs. They are slowly starting to pull ahead in the race, mainly due to the whip. I've just switched to Free Religion. And as I do not believe I will be warring with Brennus (or anyone else) for a few dozen turns, I'm switching the war machine off (or toning it down) and building up infrastructure. I'm running research at 20-30%, which is too low. I need to creep that up. So once I get Currency (in 12 turns or so), markets are going everywhere. So, that's a good plan. Markets everywhere prior to turning the war machine back on. I'll likely need to do the same thing with courthouses. Researching (already traded for Calendar): Currency (time to spam marketplaces and get back in the tech race) -> Construction (catapults to attack Brennus) -> Machinery -> Literature # # # 1000AD 1100AD Brennus declared war, which saves me the trouble, but indicates either his lack of options or my apparent weakness. I'm going to go with lack of options, as I believe I shall weather his first assault with no loss of cities. Also, he beelined for my most fortified city, the one in which I was garrisoning my stack for when I attacked him. So, really, advantage me. Researching: Feudalism -> Optics -> Engineering I captured Brennus' capital and he Capitulated the next turn, you know, right after I researched Feudalism. Now, since I'm a swell guy, he's got Horseback Riding and Iron to work with. While I decide whether to go after Germany or Egypt next. I think it must be Germany, as Frederick is on the same continent. And after thinking on it, I think it will be Frederick... fast. So, I can take my time with Egypt. Next turn, I want to gift Brennus Horses. Post Game Note: I have no reason to believe this, but it is my hunch that positive diplomatic modifiers for trade work better if the gifts and trades are done slowly over multiple turns. # # # Have Brennus researching Code of Laws, so I can trade with him once completed. War with Frederick soon... he said at 1350AD. And at 1370Ad, I think we are two turns in. I like declaring war a little before I'm ready, let them come to me. Or at least, that's how these two battles worked out. Seriously, the AI is just shredding its troops on my garrison forces. Well, that and I got lucky with my Catapults against the incoming stack (only six high or so, so not a real stack). After some trading... Researching: Civil Service -> Philosophy Telling Brennus what to research, then get the trade. Also, Optics has kicked in, so travelling the Seven Seas. And then, the game crashed. Redid the turn, more or less the same. Brennus is like one population point away from being able to free himself... so with that in mind and thinking that Slavery has run its course, I revolted and changed my Civics to Representation (for that all important +3 beaker bonus) and Caste System to let me run whatever specialists I desire. Post Game Note: Changing out of Slavery was a mistake, pure and simple. So, this is it for the evening (at turn 201, 299 to go, 1410AD). For tomorrow: 1) Courthouses and other infrastructure. 2) Specialize cities. 3) Frederick would have been happy to make the peace, so hopefully, he will capitulate soon enough. At which point, it will become important to start working the techs from my vassals. 4) After Revolution, optimize cities for Specialization... or at least, start the process. Post Game Note: I was unable to control what my Vassals researched to any meaningful degree. They would switch, but also switch back. And I believe, reduce their research initiative, as in, 'Well, if that's what I have to research, I'm not going to bother.' Not looking too bad: 1) Number two in points 2) Leader in size 3) Not trailing too far in techs, maybe mid way among the pack 4) Have a stack... needs to get larger. 5) I will circle the world first... I think (I did not, I think someone traded maps for the honor). It's odd that the Tech Leader is a Vassal. I wonder if it was voluntary. # # # 1500AD (turn 10 of the war) Well, the game is moving slow, now. In ten turns, all I've managed to do in the war with Frederick is reduce his city defences in one lone city to zero. However, it is entirely possible this will be a one city fight. Revolution to Mercantilism, which along with Representation should give me a research boost. Running research at 20% these days, as I just founded an infill city (Boot Camp I) and my stack continues to grow. Wow! At this speed, the game is a bit of a slog... or maybe that's the wrong term: one carefully thought out move after the other. I'm in first place by points... and slowing moving into the tech lead. Enough so, that I can gift techs to my less developed foes... for the Diplo Victory. Researching: Divine Right (as it's the only technology on this level I haven't already traded for) Researching: Printing Press (for that +1 commerce) -> So, pre losing his capital city of Berlin (and this is a certainty this turn 1555AD), Frederick offered: World Map 70gold 4gold/turn After city is taken, I'm expecting an offer of Capitulation and perhaps his outstanding tech of Nationalism. Let's see what happens, shall we? And Berlin Fell. I lost a trebuchet and a Catapult for a total of two units. It was a decimation. I actually find it quite fun to go through the stack and kill the units one by one like that. I got: Capitulation World Map 70gold 3gold/turn I guess he was getting that extra one gold from Berlin. I now own the founding cities for three religions. And they all have their World Wonder Buildings built (+1 commerce per city with religion), so time to spam the religion. Also, Berlin has the Scotland Yard, so that will become Spy Central. The year is 1555AD (turn 221), so 21 years (or turns, I think that should be) to knock out Frederick. Egypt is most definitely next on the hit list. I want Thebes. # # # So, a day or two off here, as I'm going to the St Patrick's Day Parade. When I return: 1) Attack Egypt. Take over Thebes. The war is not a success if I do not exit the war with Thebes. I may have to split up my stack, so I can take two cities in the same turn. And thus, avoid Egypt Capitulating to another. 2) Go through each city at the start of next session, looking to specialize and make sure my house is in order. 3) Spam Scouts and Missionaries to my friends (everyone with open borders). 4) Nationhood is looking like a good civic to adopt (perhaps better than Bureaucracy) when I can get it. 5) Remember, Berlin is your Espionage City. Specialize other cities, as well. I think I forgot to back away from my computer at the tech advances this last session. Need to do that next time. # # # Traded Frederick for Nationalism. He wanted a ridiculous amount of stuff. But as a Vassal, does it really matter? I have him researching Astronomy, next. Revolting into Nationalism... Conscription as the Slavery replacement. Let's see how that mechanic works. # # # Traded quickly for the rest of the research column. Researching: Constitution (to trade, as much as anything, but jails will be nice) -> Gunpowder (traded for it after one turn of research) -> Replaceable Parts (for the trade) -> Military Tradition (but let's be honest, I'm hoping to trade for this before the turn is over... and I don't have anything to trade, at least I'm not too meaningfully far behind the front runners... or so it does not seem) 1640AD (turn 238) with 17 cities and progress is pretty slow... five and ten minutes a turn. So rather than being all hyper micro manager, I'm now looking for ways to off load any cognitive load or repetitious behaviour. Workers have long since been automated. And I'm only looking at drafts and trades every couple of turns. Not even bothering to really get into the diplomacy, as eighteen civs is too much for me to manage. I ended the day after starting my siege on Thebes. Lots of folks on the map do not like me. I will start my offensive with those who find me offensive. Not into full military mode, just yet. Maybe I should be. But no, I have a feeling the final battle will involve tanks and such and I'm just not there yet. # # # Trading is active, so the research reports are not as accurate as they might otherwise be. Researching: Rifling (for war and to trade, in the end, the size of my stack will carry the day) -> Democracy (as folks already have Chemistry and I'll be able to trade) Egypt Capitulated and I traded for Astronomy. But more interestingly, despite my previous assertions, I only took Thebes... and returned it to Egypt on the very same turn. Eh, what can I say. The fear that Egypt would Capitulate to someone else is real. And the Wonders Egypt built were of no value to me. So, it might be a points thing. But then, a major part of the points is game time and this puts me on the right track for that. Next up, land in the Zulu territory to attack the Portuguese. Then, turn it around and attack Shaka. Researching: Steam Power (for that all important Dyke) -> Steel (when I take over a city in Portugal, I'm going to have to remember to upgrade my artillery) There may be mucho optimizations. But for the most, it feels like mopping up from here. How to change that feeling? # # # Portugal fell in one blow once I captured it's capital. Basically, a one turn Capitulation. The trick was to declare war far in advance of my arrival. Well, I think that is part of it. I think the AI is time barred from accepting Peace for ten turns after a declaration of war. Ironically, I'd like to attack Persia next, declare war right now (1665AD, I think, but game isn't on, so don't know for sure... nope turns out it's 1745AD), but I gave them a tech a few turns back (five, to be exact). So, I can't declare war for five turns. Tricky bastard that Darius. # # # Darius fell 1745AD after two turns of attack (1 barrage to reduce city defences, the next to clear out the troops). I have already declared war on Asoka, which is nice, since in so many games, he's the leader. But not today. Researching: Railroad (got no idea where I am in keeping track of this, traded for Electricity a while back, maybe getting 1 or 2 in trade for every one I research, now) Game is on the downward spiral. I just don't see how I can lose. Shaka just Capitulated, so I declared war on the Byzantine Empire to keep the war machine rolling. Asoka did not surrender after I took over an outlying city, so after a turn or two of upgrading my troops, it is on to the capital. I guess if I was more points oriented, I'd maybe rush it. But rushing it is a mistake. I have two going on three stacks. And I need those stacks. Even more than that. I need the cannons in those stacks. With drafting (of infantry, now), it is the siege equipment that is impacted (i.e. in short supply). Argh! I was one unit shy (one Infantry shy, I had two Machine Gunners) of taking Asoka's capital in one turn. Now, it's defended by a 2.8 strength Rifleman. I hope no one else is in range. Ah, good thing I checked. Asoka was willing to Capitulate after I decimated his stack. Since I tend to gift the cities back, maybe I should check for Capitulation prior to delivering the death blow. Really, just knocking them out one by one. There are three continents (not yet conquered), so three wars going, which means I am so far ahead, I don't care about a multi-front war. 1836AD: hard to believe the game will not be over by 1900AD. To speed things up, I should likely start taking and holding cities. But then, maybe not. A one city victory over a civilization is quite nice. # # # 1868AD The play by play hasn't been that important for the last several hours, the last two play days, the last fifty turns or so. Here are some mistakes: 1) I broke up my stack. I thought this would speed the victory. But it hasn't. It would have served me better to take two cities in a turn, for some cultural buffer prior to Capitulation. 2) Given that I will accept Capitulation, it makes sense to attack my enemies on the border between two of them, so both sets of cities (from each vanquished civilization) can work together to build up the requisite culture. 3) So, not so much a mistake, but maybe. I've got a good ten, twenty, or thirty turns remaining. So, I'm back to building up my cities. Maybe this is a mistake. But I feel like I have enough troops. There is some limit to the optimum number of stacks (two or three, I am thinking). 4) I still don't have that city specialization thing down. I mean, I just don't. But then, my cities seem to be doing well. 5) I get bogged down in this death march, just a few more turns to go mentality. I play much better when I think the game has a longer time horizon. 6) The other civs don't have a chance... maybe with a space or cultural victory (but those aren't activated this game). But once the UN is built, I'm Emperor. Post Game Note: As a bit of fairness, I think I will play with all Victory Conditions enabled in the future. If I am to play Domination, it makes sense to turn on the pressure (for myself) by allowing an outlier (I'm looking at you, Washington, in this game) to launch a Space Ship. Interestingly, I captured Mehmed's capital and he wouldn't Capitulate, so I let him have it back, recaptured it, and razed it, and he would. But maybe it's a glitch where I had to take two cities. Anyway, there it is. Post Game Note: Eh, the last might be seen as a exploit. But really, I viewed it more as retaliation. 'Surrender or I will Raze Your Cities... until you do!' # # # 50,000 odd points on the win, early 1900's. 1) I never did specialize. 2) I didn't even build most of my national wonders until the end game. 3) Eighteen Civs is too many for me to keep track of Diplomatic niceties. Of course, most of the diplomatic niceties don't really matter. 4) It might have been harder if Space or Cultural victories were enabled. Or at least, I might have felt more pressured. I wonder if a Vassal can win. Or if a Vassal wins, does the owner? After looking it up online, a Vassal can win a Cultural or Space victory. So, it probably would have been a much harder game if either of these were enabled. I believe the next game will be either a spoke (I guess that's called a Wheel... or a Hub, think the one I want is a Hub) or a ring world game. I will have to research that. I can't decide how many opponents. But I'm leaning towards aggressive AI and raging barbarians. Maybe Monarch... or split the difference between Monarch and Noble. And I think I shall call that a wrap. I've got a week off before I play again. 2018-03-21 Brett Paufler (c) Copyright