2019-04-12 (c) Copyright Brett Paufler # # # Early OCC with hints of Sea Raider # # # The settings are the exact same as from both the Gods of Ganesh and Sea Bandits games I just played. I will do the same map regeneration from The Seed thing that I have been doing. But I will not record my observations, count, or otherwise limit myself on the Roll. I want an awesome, inland start, preferable with Stone. Let's see what I get. # # # # # # Sea of Sand # # # # # # And this is where I renamed my game in honor of the previous... and on accout of all the floodplains. # # # I've scouted around (cheated as it were), so (spoiler straight ahead) I will be Settling in-place. There are reasons to move. But I think I am best where I am. # # # Research Priorities Hinduism Pottery Judaism Archery Confucianism Wonder Priorities Stonehenge The Great Wall The Pyramids I won't bother to expand until I found Confucianism, assuming I do. At which point, I will weigh my options. # # # # # # 2019-04-12 4000BC T0 I believe my capitol (Sea, Sand, or Sea of Sand, maybe Oasis, I think I like that best) would top out at a higher level (be a better City at the end of the Game), if I Settled on the Hill. But I will Settle on the Stone, as that will make the early game better. I will get Stone as soon as I Research Masonry, which means I won't have to Research The Wheel until much later. It's cleaner. Oh, right. And I knew the Cow Resource was there, as I decided my people would have Knowledge of Their Surroundings. And so, Scouted while Rolling the Map. Oh, hot darn. I got a double hammer capitol by Settling on Stone. Cool Beans! Researching: Polytheism, as I want a load of Religions # # # 3685BC: I am starting to wonder if I am isolated, again. If so, this will be the last time I play this particular Map Script... until I forget such things... or want an isolated start. # # # 3655BC: I just found a load of Gems. Maybe, I should start hoping for solitude. I think I shall. # # # 3475BC: Polytheism landed. Still no contact. # # # 3235BC: I was beginning to be very much convinced that I was isolated. I am more Cultured than Asoka, this I learned. And then, he made contact, coming up from the SouthEast. So I'm guessing, he was looping around and following the coast. I expect to find him to the east. {This last must surely be a misprint, as there's not much land to the east. I'm going to assume I meant west. But after half a year, who really knows.} Oh, and my first Quechua has Combat IV from two Goodie Huts. # # # 3150BC: I have decided to Research Mining prior to Judaism to help with the Wonder effort. # # # 2470BC: I have constructed Stonehenge. I should have built a third Worker prior to growing on Stonehenge. Two workers are not enough, as I need Mines, now! First, I am going to grow. And then, I shall build The Great Wall. It would be annoying if somebody beat me to it. # # # 2019-04-12 2190BC T131 I am 48 Turns away from Building The Pyramids. I am pretty sure that I will, as the AI does not seem to prioritize it. I am less confident about landing Confucianism, as I am taking a detour through Animal Husbandry and Pottery. Though, Pottery will boost my Research in the long-term. I will trade 1F for 2C in the short-term... growing that slowly over time. {As in, I'm building Farms instead of Cottages, at the moment.} Researching: The Wheel -> Pottery -> Animal Husbandry -> Writing At which time, I will (well, not go for The Oracle, as it will be Built by then), so I'll figure out how to research Confucianism. Finally, Asoka looks to be the perfect neighbour. I have no idea how long we will get along, as I may wish to fight a war. But as long as I do not, I doubt he will. # # # 1730BC: I finished The Pyramids two Turns back and have just gotten out of Anarchy. I am now running Monarchy. Oasis is going to grow tall... very tall. # # # 2019-04-12 1710BC T179 Calling it a night. I intend to make a hard save at T300. We shall see if I do. Also, please keep in mind, I was planning on quitting after I built the Pyramids, but didn't. Things feel really good. Running Monarchy in lieu of Representation feels like the right choice. After Confucianism, I'll spam Cities. I believe Oasis will be able to handle the economic hit. I, also, need to remember to Pasture the Pig. # # # PASTURE THE PIG!!! # # # 1650BC: I am Researching Priesthood, next. So, I can work on The Oracle, as I research Writing. # # # 1620BC: I got a Great Spy. I would have much preferred to get a Great Prophet. I will use her to Scout Asoka's lands. # # # 2019-04-13 1360BC T214 I got the Oracle! Yippie! Oasis has three Religions and has access to more than 20 Hammers... and the food to work them. It will be a powerhouse. It is time to start Settling a few Cities. And to that end, I have a Settler in production. Though, figuring out the Settlement Pattern will be tricky. Maintenance is always a problem... well, until it isn't. But for half the game it is a problem. And I am thinking only a handful of Super Powerful Cities will serve my needs better. Asoka will not win the Culture War, so I need not worry about spreading thin. And assuming he won't become the most powerful on the map (as I do not believe he prioritizes military spending), it may be safe to assume that we will be Team-Mates (form a Permanent Alliance). Yeah, placing those Cities is going to be tricky. Swamplands (down south) between the Dye and Gems may be my Third City. Some Floodplain gathering City to the East will likely be my second. I could fit two into the Floodplains... or even three. But I'm thinking one (or maybe two) will be ideal. Researching Alphabet, next. So, I can trade with Asoka. We have Open Borders. Oh, we've got islands... or neighbors to the south. Once that third City is up and running, I will need to investigate. I can see a nice City Location up by Asoka's lands that would make a nice naval base. Hopefully, Asoka does not get too greedy with his Settling. I mean, if he grabs too much, we are going to have a war. And moving my Great Spy Scout the next turn revealed that City Location I just mentioned is (indeed) where he Settled his Fifth City. It may well be worth fighting a War over. # # # 2019-04-13 980BC T252 Researching Alphabet was not as productive as I would have liked. And in all probability, the first use of it will be in Asoka asking for tribute. It turns out, he will not Trade Bronze Working. So, I am Researching Bronze Working -> Iron Working. Yeah, if Asoka asks for Tribute, I will give it to him. The Power Graph says he's 3x more Powerful than me. Of course, that's a lie. After taking into account his garrison force, he has almost nothing. But then, I have a total of three Units. So, I am really not that Powerful. I am changing the name of North Eden to Eden, as there may never be a South Eden. I am not Settling the Southern Floodplains, at this time. Rather, I will wait for Iron Working, have a Settler ready to go, and Settle Emerald Sea, by the Gems and Dye. After Iron Working, I anticipate working on my Sea Techs, so I can investigate those Islands. I may well let Asoka have the mainland... even if he did not Settle that sweet Horse spot as optimally as he could have. # # # 970BC: Asoka asked for Writing and I gave it to him. # # # 2019-04-13 820BC T268 I am the only one who has built any Wonders, which is a good sign. Well, it also means others may be fighting. But I have not heard of any Great Generals being born. So, that is unlikely. I am settling Emerald Sea in a few Turns. And I have another Settler in the queue. When I discovered Bronze Working, I looked around for Copper and did not see any but up north. Well, it turns out I have some just outside Oasis' Fat Cross. So, I'm hooking that up, then all my Workers will connect Emerald Sea. I forgot about Stonehenge; and then, add in a Missionary, and I get +2C in my new Cities. Asoka is Pleased. And why should he not be? A Trade Route is hooked up. I built the roads. But we have no active trades. That will change. More importantly, Asoka will not scheme while Pleased. So, I do believe I am safe from attack. Emerald Sea {a Galley from, I presume} will look at those two nearby Islands. And the Third Settler (for the Fourth City), will infill the remaining Floodplains (and Copper)... or see about securing Iron. Unless the Islands look good, I think that will be it for my Early Game Cities. If I land a Great Prophet, I will be able to run 100% Research with no deficit. Now, time to live my life... a little. # # # 630BC: I doubt I will go for the Monk Wonders. Now, that might change. But at 4-6 Cities, they don't seem worth the effort. On the other hand, I am thinking about nabbing another 2 Cities Sites. So, one never knows. But the real issue is how much to trade with Asoka. If I give him Steel, he is better able to deal with the Barbarian Cities and will seal up that portion of the map. On the other hand, that may be exactly what I want him to do. So, it's something to think about. # # # 560BC: I have decided to go for Theology, because... Why not? If someone else gets it first, I may switch to Metal Casting. # # # 2019-04-13 230BC T327 I landed Christianity. It makes me wonder what everyone else is Researching. Grabbing Theology will allow me to Research Paper, which is next on the list. I will build The Apostolic Palace; and then, the University of Sankore. # # # 210BC: Asoka just lost a City to Barbarians. And it is close to where I might have Settled a City to gain access to Iron. More importantly, at the moment, it comes with Sheep and Wheat, for which I was just considering Settling another City. I'm rushing Axes to the vicinity. Let's see what happens. # # # 2019-04-13 140BC T336 I captured the previously Indian City of Madras (Madras Indian, now). It's not located perfectly, but it is not worth the 30 Turns it would take for me to Build a Settler. If I Razing the City and Built a Settler, Asoka would have more than enoough time to Settle it again. Of course, the AI seems to be particularly horrible at Settling Cities post Rush. I find myself wavering over whether I should go for the far Barbarian City. But I will be getting Sheep and Wheat, shortly. And I think that would be the chief benefit of that City. The Maintenance from Distance would be expensive. I have a Galley and have just reached the tip of the first Island. It is fairly large... perhaps 10 Tiles. I do have a Settler and will use it up North, on Island #1, or Island #2. Taking Asoka's City from the Barbarians was quite fun. Ironically, I disbanded upwards of 4 Quechuas not too long ago, as I did not want to pay the maintenance. It would have been handy to have them during the conflict to keep Cities Happy. Instead, I accepted the Unhappiness as a short term cost. When Asoka gets Mathematics, I will trade him Theology for Mathematics and Archery, assuming he is willing. Beaker wise, it is a good deal for him. But he is at pleased, so I have no worries about him going to war. Ha! I've got so much Espionage on Asoka, I can investigate his Cities and see his builds. His Galley is 85 Turns out, which means I will be able to Settle both of the Islands if that's what I want to do. # # # 130BC: I will revise my estimate of the First Island's size (the Southern Island) to upwards of 15 Tiles. No Resources, yet. But I will Settle it. I will have a City there. And if Barbarians are there, I will kill them. # # # 110BC: There is a Barbarian City on the First Island, but it's on the tip, so I am undecided whether to ignore it... or capture. Yeah, disbanding those Units was not my best decision. Still, I did what I did. # # # And that's the day. I feel very good about this game. The luck of the draw is everything. # # # 2019-04-14 60BC T344 The intent for the day is to do my playing mixed in and around other activities, so I would like to limit my sessions to 3-5 Turns each. The initial idea was three, but I think I already went over to four on the first one. {And subsequently, I have found consistent 5 Turn Sets are easier to keep track of.} Asoka is building two Settlers and his Galley went from being 80-odd Turns away to eight. I question how much Settling I want to do. The Southern Island has no resources that I can see. As such, there is not much to grab there. And I couldn't help myself and played another Turn and Asoka has switched from Workers to Settlers and from a Galley to a Missionary. So perhaps, the AI can switch builds at no penalty. # # # 2019-04-14 140AD T364 Asoka just Settled a new City right up at my border (on the far side from his capitol). It's a semi-nice site with Iron... and Fish that I already have Cultural Control over and that he will never wrest away from me. The plop gave us a -1 to Diplomatic Relations due to Close Borders. Asoka Diplo: +12 Friendly I am building Quechuas. I am sure you'll remember that I disbanded a bunch not too long ago. And may gift Asoka a Barbarian City or two. I believe in our relationship, one of the advantages will be our differing strengths. His better maintenance (from being an AI). And my better Strategic Perspective (from being a Human). I think I will get both Islands. And another City to the North, which I will get from Razing a Barbarian City and placing a new one a single square away. I do not like how the AI places Cities. Though, to be fair, that is because I am looking 100 Turns down the line, not for the best situation right now. I really will be able to count on Asoka filling in the map. So, I don't need to worry about Settling a Fishing Village. {I am finding these write-ups to be more confusing than I would like. Six months later, I remember very little context. They can't be very helpful to one who has not played the game. Still, there is little chance I will stop doing them.} # # # 2019-04-14 370AD T387 I am not so strong that circling the globe will do me much good. Everyone I meet will demand Tribute. Thus, I am going to try for The Great Library (and maybe a few more Wonders along the way). If things are looking good, I will opt for the Sistine Chapel, which will put any Culture Battles with Asoka to rest. I Razed the Barbarian City to the North and Settled Northern Tundra a single Tile East. It is helping a lot to be able to Trade reliably with Asoka. I am that much ahead in the Tech Race. # # # 2019-04-14 430AD T406 Rather than The Parthenon, I will be Building two Monasteries... and then, be set to Build The Great Library when I Research Literature in 10 Turns. It seems to be the safer course of action. Besides, I won't need The Parthenon for a long time. And let us flatter ourselves and claim that we will be able to take it from whoever builds it. I think I will be going Music -> Philosophy -> Divine Right. But there are a lot of Turns between now and then. And it matters what my friend Asoka Researches. I hope we can keep on Trading like this. If not, I really will need to Sail the Seven Seas in order to find a new partner. Asoka Diplomatic Relations: +13 Friendly Being friends has made a difference this game. And knowing (or believing) we will become Team-Mates has allowed me to allow him to get away with more {in the way of uneven trades}. Of course, that means I have no military. But it's another 100 Turns before I need to worry about that. And that's it for the night. I like these shorter play sessions. It forced me to think more about my next move long-term strategy wise. # # # 2019-04-15 590AD T418 Five Turns back, Asoka asked for the Literature Technology as Tribute (or he said that he sure could use it or something like that), which got in the way of me trading it to him {as I gave it to him}. So now, I do not have Currency as expected. I am being very wishy-washy when it comes to pursuing Monk Wonders or Optics. With Optics, I might be in a position to spam my Religion, which could be very helpful. But for now, I am going for Music. It would be nice to get the Great Artist for Researching Music first, but I have low hopes. The real reason is to build The Sistine Chapel. Asoka was willing to give me his badly placed City {for Cultural reasons}. And that's just the first of that. He has more than one City that is destined to be stripped of all of it's tiles. # # # 2019-04-15 695AD T439 I forgot that I cannot Trade Music to someone who does not have Literature. I will wait a few turns until Asoka gets Horseback Riding and see if he will Trade. What I really want is Currency in exchange for Music. I was the first to Music, so I got a Great Artist. Thus, things are looking good. If I hold off on Trading Music for a few Turns, I should get The Sistine Chapel. I was rereading my notes from the last game (in which I said maybe I should honour the Sea Bandit motif in this game), so I will be pushing for Optics, next. And after that, Grace Be Willing, I will go for Divine Right. Getting the Great Artist feels good, makes me feel more secure about my position in the game. I am still low on Power. But there are many advantages to be had from being the Technology Leader. I will use Optics to spread Judaism. So, each Caravel will carry a Missionary. And as a secondary motive (or just as primary, really), I will search for another Trading Partner. My relationship with Asoka has been most beneficial. I am not seeing any Great Generals being born. And I am capturing quite a few Wonders. Also, I got the Great Artist for Music. Thus, I will conclude there are Four Continents (three doubly occupied like Asoka and me; and a singleton). Ideally, we (both Asoka and I) would befriend one of the doubletons without a Religion). # # # 725AD: The Apostolic Palace gives all Temples (for every Civilization) +2 Hammers... of the appropriate Religion type. You learn something new every day. # # # 735AD: The AI can instantaneously (during the Turn Roll) convert Gold to Beakers. {As I recall, I came to this conclusion after having made a cash deal to Asoka, expecting to get it back in a new trade. And that not occurring.} # # # AD795: I am on the final descent to Optics. Then, it is off to Divine Right. The competition has stolen out from under me (i.e. finished first) a pair of Wonders . But they were low priority affairs, old ones. Things are looking good. I will have to track how many Technologies I got in Trade. # # # 2019-04-15 940AD T488 I am Researching Education. But I feel as though that is a mistake, that I should be Researching Military History instead. I have made contact with both Catherine and Abe. And they look to be peaceful. If I can switch them from Buddhism to Judaism, we will have a nice Religious Block. # # # 2019-04-15 1000AD T500 I am working on ferrying Missionaries over to both Catherine and Abraham Lincoln. Hopefully, I will be able to convert one (or preferably, both) of them to Judaism. It would, also, be nice to get a Great Prophet. I have not built a single Shrine this game. Everyone hates Gilgamesh. And I was expecting to be drawn into a war with him. But nobody asked. The plan is to Research Education, Trade for Philosophy, Research Liberalism, and use that for Divine Right, so I can build The Spiral Minaret (I will likely use my Great Engineer for this, but that will kill the chances of founding Mining, Inc... so, no) and Research Nationalism, so I can build some Wonders and Research Military Traditions. It's quite the slingshot. I'm down on power, as always. # # # 1060AD: I should stop wasting Hammers on Missionaries and trying to convert Abe and Catherine. It's time to build and Army and Attack Gilgamesh. # # # 1065AD: Asoka just bummed Education off me. He's not being a very good ally, at this point. I've helped him way more than he has me. And as such, he is in first place... and so, probably won't be interested in Teaming Up. # # # 2019-04-15 1180AD T536 I feel better, now. I have been playing the last 36 Turns angry. Asoka has been a crap Ally. And that Missionary Gambit was a mistake, considering I still do not have a Shrine. Instead, I have decided to attack Gilgamesh. All the world hates him. He is backwards. And I can support the ownership of a few more Cities. Of course, in the fight, he will no doubt Capitulate to someone else. But that's why I am cranking out the units. Yep. I'm going to do some fighting. # # # 2019-04-16 I am not as enthralled of this game as I once was. It may be because Abraham Lincoln looks to be in a good position to pull ahead. Certainly, whoever is founder of the Buddhist faith is sitting pretty. For the moment, I will, also, assume that is Abe, as I do not have the game loaded. Spamming Missionaries across the sea is too tedious. As is having multiple Cities, as well. If I were to play this map over: 1: I would only Found one Religion. Yeah, I know. I never succeed at this goal. And yet, it is the appropriate strategy. 2: I like building Wonders, so I would do that, still. 3: I would not build the City on the Southern Island. It gives me nothing. 4: I would build fewer Cities. And then, I look at the map and Wonder if I should have fought an early war with Asoka and taken him out. 5: I would most definitely run Representation over Monarch. It is much more powerful. So, let's start a new list: 1: Representation over Monarchy 2: No Optics until one is ready to fight a war I think I will contend {as in, argue} that the problem with the Religions {in this game} is in my never having gotten a Shrine. I anticipate fighting a war with Asoka this time around. Yes, it looks like I will be starting this map over. Also, a much bigger and more central problem is in loosing focus in the mid-game. I vacillated back and forth between working on the Religious Wonders and Optics. Optics was the more important of the two. Finally, let me state that although I would like to be in a Permanent Alliance with Asoka, he is the Power Leader and so would not accept. Essentially, my early generosity merely allowed him to be the Power Leader. I have conflicting feeling about playing the map over. But it seems like that is what I shall be doing. Goals: Total Religious Domination This Land Is My Land {I did not realize my first reload was for a better lead. As I remembered, I was attacked and that sealed the deal. Odd, that. that must be how it played out in later games. But not this first one. Going by what I wrote, I am sure I could have played this game to victory. Though, it might have been a harder battle. Bottom line, it was mistakes in the post Optics world that seemed to have caused the reload... rather than an awareness that all was lost upon reaching Optics.} # # # Monk Economy Remember back when I said this site would be useful for studying the progression of game-play for an emergent AI? Well, it was during this game that I realized the Apostolic Palace was part of the Monk Economy. The Spiral Minaret +2 Gold The Sistine Chapel +2 Culture University of Sankore +2 Beakers The Apostolic Palace +2 Hammers Those Hammers are important and make Christianity about equal to Confucianism. # # # This Land Is My Land I will kill my economy if I spam Cities. It never works out. But I need better City Sites than I got this game. I desire six Cities on the mainland surrounding the Capitol. # # # # # # The Second Coming Sea of Sands II # # # # # # 2019-04-16 4000BC T0 I should be able to plan my Research in advance all the way up to Christianity. So, that's what I am going to do first thing. Polytheism: If I don't get it first, someone else will. Mining: So, my two Workers will have something to do The Wheel: Required for Pottery Pottery: This will kick my Commerce into gear. And any Farms I may have constructed will get converted to Cottages Masonry: Wonders are getting into full gear: Stonehenge, The Great Wall, The Pyramids Monotheism: I have quite a few Technologies loaded before it, so let us see if I still nail it. The only reason for Monotheism is Judaism. So, I will skip it if someone else has discovered Judaism... or not. There is Organized Religion, after all. Priesthood: For The Oracle Writing: As a Religion prerequisite. Christianity: For the Apostolic Palace Code of Laws: For Confucianism At which point, my REX begins. # # # And I'm going to restart. {So, I guess that was a quick game.} The Research order shall be the same, except: Polytheism Masonry Monotheism Shall be moved to the front of the line. In the current game, I am building Stonehedge without the benefit of Stone, which is a mistake. I shall not be bothering to keep the logfile... or even counting this as a major attempt. I got good luck with the Goodie Huts, winding up with a double promoted Quechua and 500+ Gold. So, no complaints there. But I really should have had Masonry going. # # # # # # Trying, yet again (but still calling this the second try and not the fourth). Polytheism Minining Masonry Otherwise, as before. Goodie huts were not as good. But the real deciding factor for the reload is optimising the early Worker Turns and Wonder Builds. While still not excluding me from Founding Judaism. # # # 3835BC: And my Quechua is destroyed from Hostile Villagers. # # # # # # Yep, reloading yet again. I will not be exploring with my Quechua. I will take that as a disadvantage. But then, I cannot afford to lose my Quecha. Suffice to say, if I pop Hostile Villagers, I am going to reload. I'll loop in the opposite direction and see what happens. No. Bypassing exploration and the Goodie Huts is what I am going to do... or not. See how I vacillate. {I don't know where we are in the reloads. But I remember doing lots and lots of reloads, falling into a Goodie Hut popping pattern that avoided Hostile Villagers, but still got me some goodies.} # # # # # # 3580BC: The Villagers gave me the secrets of Animal Husbandry, which goes a long way towards explaining why I cannot not explore. # # # 2250BC: Judaism was founded in a distant land, while I was floundering around. # # # # # # And, again! # # # # # # If I want Judaism, which may not be important, I need to prioritize it. I am not nailing it dependably. I am going to bow out of the race for the Early Religions and say that Pottery is more important. # # # 2020BC: I selected Monarchy instead of Code of Laws for my Oracle Technology. But then, decided I did not like this start either. I wonder if I could beat the AI to Buddhism. That really is my preferred Religion. Let's see if I can. I'll save it on the discovery if I can make it... or start from scratch later on if I cannot. # # # # # # I was beat out to Buddhism by 4 Turns. It is time to think about a new strategy. # # # # # # I believe the Early Wonders are more important than the Early Religions. And it does not appear that I can get both. I will be Researching Masonry, first. And then, Research Mining or Pottery depending on what my needs look like. Thus, I should start on Stonehenge about the same time I get Masonry. # # # 1690BC: Asoka has finally made contact. I've been a bit of a recluse. Maybe, his Archer was killed this time around. # # # And that's another game not worth saving. Someone founded Christianity, which is not problematic, in itself. But it is problematic when I am floundering, when I am not focused, with no clear goal in mind. I am thinking: Worker -> Worker -> Settler. But maybe what I should really be doing is Settler -> Settler and let the new Cities pump out the Workers. Polytheism for the Early Religion. Oasis, nothing but Wonders. It may work. I certainly am more optimistic about it. # # # Yeah, I'm going to go Settler -> Settler -> Wonders. And capture Polytheism. All these restarts are not doing my game play any good. Or perhaps more accurately, it really is hit or miss at this point. I should not let another Civilization's success down a Research Path I am not taking upset me. I need to focus. # # # # # # Another fail. I am not doing very well. I'm also being very picky about what I play through at this point. I will now be taking a break for a long while. # # # # # # If I decided to ignore Wonders and Religions, I might be just as well off Settling in place. There are a lot of options. I need of focus on one. For Religion, Christianity might be ideal, because I need the Apostolic Palace. However you slice it, I think I am wasting too many early hammers on Great Person points, of which I don't know how to take adequate advantage. And I don't have to rush for The Pyramids. I can take a leisurely stroll in that direction. I'm even thinking I should try using The Whip again, as I am so Food Rich. My mind is all over the place. # # # # # # As sad as it is to say, there isn't anything I'd rather do right now than play this game. # # # 2019-04-16 4000BC T0 I'll go for Polytheism, at it seems like such an easy give me. I will endeavour to avoid other Wonders. # # # 2019-04-16 500BC T300 I feel pretty good. I am expecting Asoka to be a jerk when it comes to trading. So, he's not surprising me. I'm, also, expecting to take him out. So, he probably is not long for this world. I will get experience on Barbarians, first. I am building the Apostolic Palace, which has that nice hammer bonus. I only have three Cities, which doesn't seem like that many. But I did take a clean sweep on the early Wonders and got Hinduism. So, something has got to give. I should have, at least, one Worker or Settler in production from now until the end of time. Barbarian Cities are forming, but I believe they will get knocked out prior to Feudalism, which means I sacrifice three Quechuas to soften the Archers. And then, use some other Experience Catching Unit to finish them off. Music is the next Research Milestone. Then Paper and Divine Right. Everything feels good. I am trading all of my Technologies away to Asoka, right away. It's OK that he is not sharing. When the time comes, he will not have enough Units built. # # # 200AD: Well, I made it further prior to throwing in the towel. I had a very good game that first time around. I am not nailing it at all this time. Maybe I should conceptually try to retrace my steps. # # # Research Priorities for the first game were: Hinduism Mining Pottery Judaism Archery Confucianism # # # # # # 2019-04-16 500BC T300 Save 11 - Perfect Start {It really cannot be clearer than that. In the future, I need to document my logs and saves better. These notes refer to save 021 - 11 and the logfile-1. We have a bunch of reloads yet to go, as the final one is logfile-4.} I am calling this a perfect start. And if I am unable to make a go from this point, I've got serious problems. Now, that is not to say I may not reload. And maybe I shall. But if I do, I will plan to restart from this point. I have three Cities. It's not much. And none are currently creating any Workers, Settlers, Missionaries, or Military Units. What they are all building at the moment are Christian Monasteries and Temples, as I have the Apostolic Palace and am well on may way towards a killer Monk Economy. The Slider is at 100% Research. And I just planted a Christian Missionary in Dehli. So with any luck, Asoka will start spamming my Religion for me. I have founded (in this order): Hinduism Judaism Christianity Confucianism I have 7/9 of the Built Wonders (listed in Build order): Stonehenge The Great Wall The Pyramids The Temple of Solomon The Oracle The Church of the Nativity The Apostolic Palace Rounding out the Monk Wonders, I plan to Build (in order): University of Sankore The Sistine Chapel The Spiral Minaret The Spiral Minaret is by far more important than the Sistine Chapel. But the later is easier to Research. Asoka is Researching Writing. And I have a feeling he will be Researching Alphabet, next. So, he can bum a Technology or two. It is what it is. It's a small price to pay to get the Full Monk Economy in play. Conceptually, I am considering Attacking Asoka, eventually. But for the moment, I am maintaining the relationship. If Asoka Converts to Christianity of his own free choosing, I'm golden in regards to him. He won't Attack unless I Attack him first, as the Shared Religious Bonus climbs up to +8 with him. Currently, I am at +2. I am not Researching Alphabet specifically because I don't think it will help me. Asoka is just going to ask for Tribute. And that will be it on the night. The next 25 Turns are pre-decided as to what to do (building Monasteries and Temples). But I don't want to rock the boat. And I will likely sleep better if I don't have anything specific to think about game-wise. Of course, there is something to think about... and a big thing, at that. What to do after the Monk Economy is in place. What comes after that? Do I want Asoka's Land? Or would it be better to have Asoka as a Partner? I'm leaning towards his land. # # # 2019-04-17 500BC T300 I will build up my troops, focusing on the Barbarians. Then, I will turn my eyes on India, devouring it whole. # # # 490BC: Asoka Converts to Christianity. Good boy. # # # 340BC: Asoka is researching Alphabet, so he can ask for Tribute. It's just as well. I'd like to trade a bit, prior to attack... which is quite a few turns off... like 25 Turns before I even start building up. # # # 2019-04-17 200BC T330 Almost nothing happened this play session. I spent 30 Turns building Temples and Monasteries. I have Researched Paper and am constructing the Temple of Sankore. The next Research project is Music, by way of Literature for The Great Library and The Sistine Chapel. Asoka is busy Settling around me. But I have little fear. I do not think he will build enough troops when the time is right. And thus, he will die. Of course, right now, I have a grand total of two Quechuas. Originally (say 30 Turns ago), I was thinking I might be able to knock Asoka out by T500 or about the time of Optics. But now, I am thinking it will be more like T750, especially since I am planning on a measured and methodical attack. As a tentative template, in each City I am planning on Building: Christian Monastery Christian Temple Barracks Units With Units being comprised of: Military Settlers Workers Missionaries The way things are going, it will take a good 50 Turns for a new City to come online, assuming I build it from scratch... maybe longer. 180H Monastery 240H Temple 150H Barracks -------------- 570 Hammers It's a few Turns worth. So, maybe I should plan on it taking a lot longer for a City to come online... upwards of 100 Turns. Which means, Asoka will last until T750, easy. Like I said, Asoka has been Researching Alphabet. And I expect him to Demand Tribute, first thing. However, I am at +6, refusing Tribute will only drop me to +5 and the Shared Religion Bonus has +5 to go. So, I believe I will be safe. We'll see. It's basically game over if he attacks. # # # 150BC: Asoka did not Demand Tribute. And at this time, I have declined any Trades. He is Researching Mathematics. And I believe I will start Trading in 15 Turns: 1 Turn before he discovers Mathematics. Or maybe (and this is probably a better idea), I will vote for him in the next Apostolic Palace election (because, why not, we are voting on nothing else but who sits in the chair) and see if the temporary +2 changes the degree of his exorbitant prices. But now, let us take a break for the afternoon and enjoy this nice weather. # # # 2019-04-17 I'm back. Work your plan. And plan your work. I need to go back and change the build order: Monastery Temple + Barracks for Military Units There is no reason to swerve from the plan. Also, I want to keep track of how far Asoka is from Feudalism, as Longbows will make any attack much more difficult. I would probably need Catapults, at that point. Before then, I think a 2x to 3x stack will do the trick. # # # Oh, hot darn! I didn't have to change my Build Queue. I am almost ready to spam Settlers. # # # Asoka can Research Feudalism whenever he wants. # # # 50BC: Asoka won't Trade it. So, I am taking a detour through Iron Working prior to resuming Research on Literature and Music. Two Barracks will be completed shortly. At which point, I will be attacking at least one Jungle Locked Barbarian City. # # # 2019-04-17 420AD T392 I got the Great Artist for Discovering Music first, which is very nice and means I am a shoe-in for building The Sistine Chapel. Asoka is Friendly at +10. And I have no need to start a War for another 100 Turns or so. I don't know when. And if it is far enough off, perhaps we will Team Up. Meanwhile, he likes me too much to Declare War. I am still running 100% Research, but that will change after I Settle another City or two. Still, Research seems to be going well. I'm at +174B/T, which I am happy with. Nobody has Founded Taoism, yet. And that usually goes before Islam. In fact, unless I am the one Founding Islam, I don't think I have ever seen the AI research Islam prior to Taoism. So, the Quad Core Monk Economy seems to be in the bag, which sounds like a bit of bad luck to say, so let us say it is very promising. And I have no reason to believe things will go awry. More importantly, I still have 100+ Turns until someone makes contact. Overall, I am feeling very confident. I need way more Troops prior to contact. But that is my only weakness at this time. # # # 2019-04-18 605AD T421 I found Islam. Asoka was going for it, as well. So, I just beat him out by six odd turns. More importantly, he was going for Divine Right prior to Philosophy {in contradiction to what I said a few lines up, as Philosophy is what lands Taoism}. Perhaps, this is because I fed him the prerequisites. I am Researching Philosophy next. And if I get it, I will have 6/7 Religions, which is a nice sweep. # # # 2019-04-18 624AD T425 I need to pause. I am getting caught up in the race for my last two Religious Wonders and Philosophy. I do not know what I am going to Research after Philosophy. More importantly, I switched from building the Sistine Chapel to the Spiral Minaret, because if I am going to lose one of those Wonders, I would much rather lose the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is gravy. The Spiral Minaret is core. After the Monastery, Temple, and Stonehenge bonuses, my Cities yield +5C/T. It would be nice to have more. But I would much rather have the +4G/T. Yeah, I was about to take 5 Turns more before breaking. But I can really feel the difference when I am racing. I don't want to look at things. I just hit End Turn. But I am not going to do that. Besides, I need to ponder my Research Objectives. # # # 675AD: I Found Taoism. Please note, almost all of the dates I give in these write-ups are delayed by a Turn. The Game thinks I discovered Philosophy on the Roll (End of Turn) on 670AD. But as I cannot use the Technology (nor am I told that I discover it) until the start of 675AD, that's when I record it. The log files (obviously) will say otherwise. I'm off to Education for the Liberalism Free Tech and Banking Great Merchant, prior to working my way towards Nationalism. Oh, and that means I am Researching Civil Service, first. Bureaucracy will do wonders for my capital: Hard Rock Oasis. # # # 2019-04-18 775AD T445 Asoka has been a good neighbour (nay, a great neighbour) for far too long. The advantages of being in a Permanent Alliance far outweigh the opportunity cost of not attacking. Besides, there will be contact in +/- 50 Turns, which will bring a new set of enemies. I need more Units to be sure. But I do not need the type of Units that might be required to wage a successful campaign against Asoka. Of course, if he refuses a Defensive Pact or comes in at the top of the Power Chart, I will have to rethink my plans. Also, I suppose it matters how things look prior to accepting a Permanent Alliance. But for now, that is the direction things are headed. I am Researching Eduction for Liberalism, which I will use for Nationalism. And then, I shall Research Banking. No, Military Tradition should come first for the Defensive Pact. It's conceivable I get one in place prior to contact. And then, I Research Banking. # # # 2019-04-18 825AD T465 Asoka has not Settled the Outer Islands. So, I am racing to get there first. I do not know if he is interested. But I am. And so, every few turns, I check the Trade Screen, because if he Settles and I can buy the Cities, I will. # # # 2019-04-18 900AD T480 This will be a good place to stop for the night. It's quite exciting. Races get my heart pumping... or racing, if you prefer; hence, the name. Asoka does not seem to be going for the Islands. But I want them. I can use a few more Cities. The Southern Island seems simple enough. There is room for my Settler to plop a new City in 2-3 Turns. And with my insane Culture (+14C/T from Monastery and Temple), it doesn't matter if Asoka Settles the remaining Tile... or if I never take over the Barbarian City. If Asoka takes over that the Barbarian City, he won't have any Culture, so the City will be stripped of any Tiles. Besides, give it 50-100 Turns and the Barbarians will offer to join my Civilization. The Western Island is more problematic, as there are two Barbarian Cities: both defended by three Longbow, which means I need a few Units (6-9 depending on the mix) to take them over. I don't have that many Units. And it will take me 25 Turns (I am guessing) to amass that many. Still, Asoka does not seem interested. And he would have to abandon a City that is losing the Culture War (to me). So, he's not going to do that. Nor do I see that he has any Galleys. Of course, the AI cheats. But I haven't seen it cheat that way, yet. The Northern Island is less tempting. And if I have to lose something to Asoka (or a greedy Joao), that is my preferred loss. Joao II of Portugal is on this map, if I remember correctly. And he can carry troops with his Carracks. But I doubt he will come with that many troops that fast. Ha! My Power still sucks compared to Asoka. Luckily, my Cities are finally coming online. So, it took me 200 Turns to bring them up to speed. Eh, five more turns. Then it is a night. # # # Remember, get Nationalism as your Free Technology from Researching Liberalism; and then, start construction of the Taj Mahal. # # # 2019-04-19 940AD T488 Asoka switched from Education to Compass just as soon as I researched Liberalism... mid-stride. It fun to be able to watch all this... the workings of the AI. Unfortunately, I have no City Visibility this game... not yet, anyhow. # # # 945AD: A wayward Goodie Hut has given me the secrets to Horseback Riding. # # # 2019-04-19 1000AD T500 Someone just got a Great Merchant. And I wonder if it is from Researching Economics. I doubt it, as I think if my adversaries were that advanced, they would have made contact by now. And I've been the first to most everything. But one never knows. It is 13 Turns until I Research Military Tradition and being able to sign a Defensive Pact with Asoka. I will be most annoyed if he does not want to sign a pact. Those Barbarian Longbows have been quite effective at reducing my Troop totals. But I razed the first City on the Western Island. It's not the best City of the lot. I will plant three, I believe. But it is the one I got. I wasn't planning on attacking it, just doing some recon. But the Longbow Garrison attacked me. And by that point, their position was weak enough, an attack was feasible. # # # 1005AD: Joao and Gilgamesh made contact. Gilgamesh is a Vassal of Joal. And I lost my Galley (who was carrying a Settler and a Swordsman) to a Barbarian Galley. Most annoying. And it's right where Joao's Carrack is. So if the game decides he was carrying a Settler, well... that is my Island. # # # 2019-04-19 1065AD T513 I just discovered Military Tradition. And Asoka has entered into a Defensive Pact with me. I don't actually know what that means. But I hope it means Isabella will opt not to Declare War, after she compares her Power to the Combined Power of Asoka and myself. The Settling of the Western Island has been complicated by the loss of the Galley... and the Settler, thereon. Still, no one else seems much interested. Certainly, not Asoka. And he may be the only real contender. Settlers complete in two and three Turns (respectively), so I should have the Island sewn up in 15 Turns on the outside... barring some unforeseen catastrophe. Two Cities are Building Military Units (both Longbowmen). And once the Settlers are done, I expect two more Cities to join the effort. I will have to read up on what a Defensive Pact really means. Communism or Fascism (for the Permanent Alliance with Asoka) is likely the most important Future Technology. But both are a long (long-long) way off. I look to be the Tech Leader. And expect to stay the Leader... for the foreseeable future... especially after Asoka and I are all Buddy-Buddy. Economics is definitely the next Technology. And I need to see what a Defensive Pact means. # # # 2019-04-21 1065AD T513 A simple login prior to playing. I have the Defensive Pact. I would like a few more troops. But for the most, I am advancing my Techs and Infrastructure before war in a 100 Turns or so. Certainly, not until Asoka and I have a Permanent Alliance. At which point, we will wipe the board clean... or so, I predict. # # # 2019-04-21 1230AD T546 I will not be winning this game fast. I have something like 100+ Turns prior to Fascism. And I do not think it makes any sense to attack anyone prior to finalizing my and Asoka's Permanent Alliance. Of course, we no longer share a Religion. So if he won't go for that Permanent Alliance after all of my hard work, I might just need to relieve him from any future leadership role. Of course, that is a long way off. # # # 1255AD: Isabella has Declared War. Um, that defensive pact did not work as I anticipated. Well, it stopped her from Attacking just as long as Asoka's Power was greater than hers. But that is it. I am very much inclined to start over... for a third time. Fine. It's been a few more times than that. But a third major time. I do not know much of what I would differently. Though, the extra Religions have done me no good. So, maybe I should take Theology and Christianity as my first Religion. Also, maybe Quechua Rush Asoka and be done with him. # # # 1260AD: Isabella's stack is not that great: six units. Still, I do not have what it takes in that part of the world to resist her onslaught. # # # And I guess that is it. It is decided. # # # # # # Sea of Sand Take Three {Thus, we start with the games numbered 21, 22, 23, along with the -2 logfiles. As stated below (I believe), I will switch from zero index numbering to one index numbering.} # # # # # # 2019-04-21 OK. This is ridiculous. My first two Quechuas were killed by a Bear and a Lion right out of the gate. So, I guess I am going to go back to my old Wonder Building Ways. The intent is to knock Asoka out of the game right quick, this time. # # # Hostile Barbarians. Fine! Whatever! I am not eating that crap. # # # I declared war on Asoka. It turns out a Scout can capture a City... or maybe, that wasn't a Scout. # # # OK. Fair enough. Rushing Asoka and sitting on his lands ( considering I know where he's located) is not fair... also, he'll just kill me if I leave my capitol undefended. # # # I do not believe I will be getting a keeper re-start, today. # # # # # # Even though I have a Wonder Builder, I believe I will be better served by only building the Monk Wonders. Maybe I should dot map the entire continent? Either way, that is it for the day. And I came so close, before. Maybe I should Whip. I mean, I need (or want) to try something new. So, maybe Whipping plays a part? # # # # # # 2019-04-22 4000BC T0 I am back to my old tricks. And so, rather than trying a radically different strategy, I am going to take the existing strategy one step further. Four Early Religions in Capitol: Polytheism Monotheism Christianity Confucianism Four Early Wonders Stonehenge The Great Wall The Oracle The Pyramids I can get The Oracle if I stop in the middle of The Pyramids to get it out. I want to get Theocracy as my Free Technology. Research Order to Be: Polytheism Masonry Mining Monotheism Animal Husbandry The Wheel Pottery Priesthood Writing Theocracy Code of Laws I'll only build one early Worker. The rest coming around during Code of Laws... or in between Wonders after I have grown. # # # If I do anything but straight shoot Judaism, I loose it. # # # 2019-04-22 750BC T275 {Game Save: 021 - 21 - Sea of Sand - T275 - Religious Sweep - BC-0750.CivBeyondSwordSave) I swept the Early Religions... well, all but Buddhism. Also, I got all of the Early Wonders that I am going for these days. Last game, I did not have enough troops, sure. But another issue was not expanding enough on the main continent and trying to make it up on the islands. I have 80+ Turns until Paper lands and I start working on The University of Sankore in Rock Hard Oasis. So in the meantime, I plan on pumping out four or so Missionary Settler pairs. I am Researching Bronze Working. And the intent is to switch to Slavery, growing on units and Whipping my Monk Economy Infrastructure. The Cities themselves will work Cottaged Floodplains, as much as possible. # # # 2019-04-22 140AD T364 {Game Save: 021 - 22 - Sea of Sand - T364 - Inefective Slavery - Rebooting - AD-0140} I have been working Slavery wrong. I can get more out of my Whips if I build something else and switch production at the last minute, build for one Turn, and then Whip. But it's just not working for me. I should build what I want. And Whip when the scrolling alert says I can Whip. So, I really do not believe I have been working my Cities at the optimum level. Also, I lost a Barbarian City to Asoka, as he took the odds and got lucky. I was ready for when he failed. But he did not fail. # # # I rebooted to T275. # # # I rebooted to T275, again. Neither strategy was overly successful. The first time I tried Slavery. The second time, I tried to work Slavery better. This time (third's the charm), I am planning on going back to my original strategy. I will build a few Mega Cities. # # # 2019-04-22 500AD T400 It's a mere 100 Turns until contact. I can't say that my progress feels much different. I am not as confident about landing either Music or Divine Right, first. Asoka seems to be screaming up to me from behind. Anyhow, in under 10 Turns The Great Library lands (or it does not). And I am either first to Music... or I am not. Of course, finishing The Great Library is a good indicator I will land Music. And I'm just going to play it. # # # 535AD: I got The Great Library. But I did not get the Great Artist for Discovering Music first. It would have been nice. But there is no thought of reloading to try another route. Things feel clean. I most definitely need to spam some units before long. # # # I don't have enough Cities to make the Monk Economy worthwhile. I wonder what I should have done, instead? {Thus, this is Game Save: 021 - 24 - Sea of Sand - T407 - Monks for No One - AD-0535} # # # # # # 2019-04-23 I have tried and failed a few more times. Of course, some of those failures are due to Hostile Villager Goodie Hut results. But more importantly, my strategy is off. If I want the early Stone Wonders, I must Settle on the Stone. Further (in this game, anyhow), I seem to have little interest in controlling a sprawling empire. I want a Mega City. And Settling in place will yield a larger Mega City. Maybe, I'll try settling in place, but focusing on the Wonders. Eh, it's the same game I have been playing. Though, I think I have little need for the Monk Wonders... unless that is a long play. # # # I think I'd rather (well, I know I'd rather) fight the Barbarians on my own terms. And I like the idea of Double Great General Points. So, I think I am back to my familiar routines. It's odd how many times I reload in a way. I get to a point where it's 'I could do better'; and so, I want to. But it is time to move on from this map. # # # 2019-04-23 1740BC T176 I founded Maori Cliffs. But I'm thinking I should have waited, so I reloaded. The reason to wait was to found all four Religions in Mega City (the name of my Capitol). And then, I thought again and realized I really could not wait another 50 Turns or so to found my Second City. So, I would have reloaded to the previous turn, but I didn't have a save. And then, I saw the Barbarian Spearman. So even if I wanted to wait, it would be a mistake. Having studied this map quite a bit. I had thought about making a string of cities going north from this point, cutting Asoka off. And heck, maybe I will. But the real gem is this location. It will expand to capture the Wine to the North. And I don't have to chop solid Jungle to get it up and running. Also, if I get a Third City going up North reasonably soon, I probably can exert control over the center. One thing is for sure, I do not want to manage a Thousand and One Cities, at this point. # # # 2019-04-23 600BC T290 The start is going swell. I swept the Early Wonders and Religions (though, not all are in the capital). But that means I have more than one City: one via Settler, another just captured from the Barbarians. I am all over the place in my strategic thinking from here. It is a solid start. And like the other ones before it, if I can't get a win, it's my own darn fault. Ideas: 1: Make a Wall of Cities to Isolate Asoka. Well, it won't isolate Asoka. It will give him a good half of the continent. But it will, also, give me the other half. Or, I could just Settle up what I want, keep Open Borders, and maintain good relationships, which is likely what I will do, as my mind is putting into play a scheme to Settle the Islands. Quechuas before Longbows are more than up to the challenge. 2: I expect Asoka to Research Alphabet soon. If I did not think he would, it would be time for me to. I am going to Research Meditation next, as building a bunch of Monasteries in the Capitol has been part of my plan (or rationale, if you will) for collecting all the Religions (+40% to Research: it's a Mini-Wonder in itself). So, maybe saying I had different ideas was the wrong way to organize this section. I have contradictory goals: Infrastructure - Military Religious Techs - Practical Techs There are probably a few more conceptual splits, but I don't feel like stopping my fingers from typing long enough to think them through. Mega City Will be a Mega City, so it is building Wonders and Monasteries, for now. The Apostolic Palace being next. Face of God Which at this point is the most renamed City on the Map, having gone from Moari Cliffs to Cliff Face o'G to Face of God, which will likely be its final name. For now, it is on Troop Duty, as there is at least one more Barbarian City to conquer... and likely a few more, as those Islands are becoming a target in my mind. Burgundian (now, Barbadarian... I mean, Barbopolous) Is a newly Captured Barbarian City and is going to make a Settler to infill the center of the Floodplains. After that, I don't have a clear strategic view. I guess, as a default, the City is going to grow on a Terrace; and then, pump out a few Workers. Research is at 100%. And I think I will switch to Caste System and have a few Merchants if I need to, so I can keep Mega City at 100%. So overall, the Land Strategy is to keep everything East of the Floodplains, including the Jungle to the South... along with both the Southern and Western Islands. I don't know that I care about the Northern Island: it's Tundra Waste. I have a short 200 Turns until I am attacked. I need to keep that in mind. I've been looking at what goes into the Power Graph and each Land Tile is worth some fraction of a Unit. So, I won't look Too Powerful to anyone {if I don't have much land}. Though, it would be nice to get a few free Great General Points from killing any Troops that land. Of course, they are never free, as I've yet to get my casualty rate down to 0%. It was about 50% on the Barbarian City. And that's likely as good as I can expect. Oh, in other news, Barbopolous comes with two new Health Resources, which I am excited about. I'll send ALL of my workers there, lickity split... and get those online as soon as possible. # # # 2019-04-23 500BC T300 {Game Save: 021 - 31 - Sea of Sand - T300 - Mega City is Born - BC-0500} Asoka has triple my Power. He has 8 Cities. I have 3 Cities. So, that figures about right. I am building that Settler to cut off the Middle Pass and Settle in the Floodplains. I'll likely keep Open Borders with Asoka after that, as there won't be much land he can steal from me that I want. I hope he Researches Alphabet, next. I'm researching Paper. # # # 2019-04-24 500BC T300 I have no clarity of purpose. My Research is not that good at +34B/T. I'd like to see that in the +200B/T range. But I am probably jumping the gun by a few hundred Turns. I am Researching Paper, which may well be a mistake. We will see how I feel when it is completed as to where I go from there. Since I have more Cities, I should be more optimistic. But for the moment, I am not. # # # 2019-04-24 665AD T433 I rocketed through the last 100 Turns, mostly building infrastructure. I was thinking about Settling up North, but I decided I would let Asoka have it if he wants. I have plans for maybe two more Cities on the mainland. And from there, we'll see how the Islands look. # # # 2019-04-24 1000AD T500 I am declaring war on Asoka. He has a nice stack of Swords and Catapults. But I've got Heavy Infantry... and Knights with Two Promotions from Stables are just ten turns away. He's about to get Machinery. And I would like him to commit his stack prior to upgrading his Swords to Crossbows. Also, it's a good 26 Turns until the next Apostolic Election, so he won't be able to weenie out of a War. Let's see what happens. # # # 2019-04-24 1105AD T521 The first stack was destroyed in my territory. But the second was not. War Weariness stands at 163. And that is only going to climb. I got one City... and 635 Gold. If I made any mistake in the attack, it was in (or at least, the most notable mistake might have been) suiciding 7 Catapults to take the City. Of course, it's hard to know the outcome without the suicide. But It likely would not have been 7 Units. I will declare again in 10 Turns. And the City I took gives me the majority in the Apostolic Palace, so I don't have to worry about Asoka asking for his City back. # # # 2019-04-24 1165AD T533 I will be attacking Asoka, again, in a turn. I feel better about this game, having a stack of units... and the fact that no one is scheming on me, yet. And if they do, I might have a pile of Longbows waiting for them. Combat is a lot easier now that I understand that the Computer is not very original in its offence. I took Lahore from Asoka. And that is what he will try to take back. Thus, I don't have to have Garrison the World. I believe both Catherine and Abe Lincoln, when they attack (if they attack) will attack Factory Town, which is now called Ground Zero to reflect that fact. Education comes in next Turn. And I believe I am a shoe-in for Liberalism. After which, I will aim for Economics. I guess my goal from here on out is Military Might. So, that means Cannons and Infantry... along with a Corporation or two. It will be annoying if Asoka Vassals to someone else besides me. I would like to take two more cities off of him... but I'll likely have to take a few more than that, as I am not that much bigger than he is at the moment. And I need to be twice as large or he won't Vassal. If someone attacks, I am doomed, because the rest will dogpile. But if I can Vassal Asoka before that happens, I think I will be sitting pretty and should be able to wrangle some sort of Victory. # # # 2019-04-25 1165AD T533 I will be annoyed (in a tough spot) if someone Declares in response to my Declaration on Asoka. But it needs doing. There is little other direction I can go... and win. # # # I had to reload, as I thought I would be Declaring War on Asoka by crossing the border and capturing a worker. But we have Open Borders. So, all I did was move. # # # 2019-04-25 1255AD T551 I am Revolting into Free Religion to avoid a Religious War by either Cathering or Joao. Prior to revolt, I'm pumping out 571 Commerce a Turn. I will, also, lose the hammers from the Apostolic Palace, so it's like a 20H/T tax. But I simply will not survive an attack... not by two or three of them. Post Revolt, Joao is now pleased, so he will not plot. The only one I have to worry about is Catherine. I would make Peace with Asoka. But I think everyone else likes him enough that I will just get needless negative Diplomatic Modifiers {when I Declare War again in the future}. I would have thought the four Cities I took over would be enough for him to Capitulate. But I simply do not have that big of an Empire. # # # 1270AD: Post Revolution, I produce 612 Commerce per Turn. # # # 1280AD: Catherine just offered a fair trade for Education, rather than demanding it in Tribute. So, she may no longer be plotting against me. That would be nice. # # # 1300AD: I gave Joao Eduction for a Peace Treaty. It's expensive, but I did not have much choice. I would take the same deal from Catherine and call myself lucky. If she attacks, it will be hard going. Also, the War with Asoka is dragging on. # # # 2019-04-25 1345AD T569 {Game Save: 021 - 34 - Sea of Sand - T569 - Economic Defeat - AD-1345} I am throwing in the towel. 1: If I get all the Religions, all the AIs will share the same lone remaining Religion. And that will prevent me from running any Religion. Thus at this level and on this map (but likely, any semi-isolated start), sweeping the Religions will not work. 2: Most of the Wonders that I have built have done me little good. I need to revamp my strategy. The main benefit of The Pyramids may the the +2 Great Engineer Points. I should not dilute that with Great Spy Points from The Great Wall. 3: I do not get enough benefit from Technology Trading. I must be much (much-much) more discrete in my Trades. 4: The main benefit of Asoka (or liberated Colonies as a Vassal) are in their ability to work the crap Tiles. I cannot afford to allow Asoka to live. The only question that remains is when to kill him. 5: I like my current Dot Map for City Placement. I cannot afford (nor do I particularly want) to run dozens upon dozens of Cities. It will be important to found those first two Western Cities: Barbopolous and Face of God in this game. 6: I do not enjoy Whipping, so I will not be running Slavery. 7: I doubt I will get around to Settling the Western Island. But I can see spinning it off as a Colony. I should note the reason for my lack of confidence in this game came as a direct result of losing the Economics race... which means I do not have a Great Person lined up for either Mining, Inc or Sid's Sushi. It, also, did not help how long it was taking to destroy Asoka. Since I received little benefit from the Trades, I believe I will declare earlier on him... and will not rely on him for necessary Technologies. I can't say that I have a firm Counter-Strategy in mind. But Temples and Monasteries take a lot of Hammers. I could Build a Forge and (most of) a Courthouse for (about) the same effort (it's 120H more). Eh, so with all those qualifiers, it's not a fair comparison. Also, I'm not reading the screen correctly, so my analysis is not even close. Still, for the price of a Temple and Monastery, I could have a Forge, which... still is not correct. Maybe, I'll just build Forges, instead. How's that? In my Second City (Face of God), I could try for The Great Lighthouse. In this game: Great Lighthouse: 540BC The Colossus: 750AD And both of those provide Great Merchant Points. I could do that in the Second City. Build Order: Worker x2 Quechua x5 Settler x2 The Pyramids: 1000BC (or so) With the numbers being rough ideas and the order subject to change. So, let us say I have 300 Turns to get there. Researching: Animal Husbandry The Wheel Mining Masonry Fishing Sailing Bronze Working Metal Casting It's a lot of stuff to Research. But it can't be any harder than working my way up to Confucianism, which I did by 500BC. That's only a plan for the first 300 Turns, or so. I think if that is successful, the next milestone would be to subjugate Asoka by hook or by crook. Long Term, the goal is the Corporations, without which I have no idea how to win. I need to Trade better. # # # # # # 2019-04-27 1340BC T216 This will not be a game that I save. But it went fairly well... even if I did not follow my plan very well. I lost a Worker to a Barbarian by being sloppy. And I did not get The Oracle, due to not prioritizing it enough. I may only need: Worker Settler And so, I can probably build: Worker Stonehenge Settler The Great Wall Settler Oracle Pyramids With the other Cities building Workers as their first item. For Research, I Researched Pottery early, but never used it, so it was a waste. Instead: Wheel Mining Masonry Animal Husbandry Priesthood Bronze Working Fishing Sailing I think I will hit end turn to gather some dates: The Oracle: 1360BC - T200 or so The Great Lighthouse - T250 or so OK. Let's try this again. # # # # # # {Thus, the logfile-4 starts. And eventually, the 41, 42, & 49 Game Saves.} # # # # # # 2019-04-27 570AD T293 I am happy with this game. Though, that is a common feeling at this point in the game. I have three Cities, plus the Capital. Per plan, Sea Quest has just landed The Great Lighthouse, which I was a bit nervous about. And is working on The Colossus, which should not be a problem. Oasis is working on The Hanging Gardens. And I am Researching Aesthetics and Literature, so I have Wonders to build from there. I, maybe, should go the Optics route after that. But who knows? I shall sleep on it. Since I did not Research the Religions, Asoka did... at least, one. He got Hinduism, which puts him in a good position to have gotten Judaism, as well. We do not have Open Borders, as that is the easiest way to keep him from Settling my Under Belly. I want that Jungle City... and maybe a few more down the coast on the Islands. I just remembered those. Cheating, sure... or map knowledge. And that's it on the night. I will need to make a hard save the next time I play at either T300 or after I land The Colossus. Please note my optimism in landing the Colossus. # # # 2019-04-29 500BC T300 {Game Save: 021 - 41 - Sea of Sand - T300 - Wonder Quest - BC-0500} Things are looking good for the Wonder Nation. I am Researching Aesthetics for the Wonders. I think I have said this before. So, of hte things I likely have not said, I've got, maybe, fifty Turns to go before the Northern Border (at Northern Pass, the City of) blocks Asoka's entry into MY Teritory, completely. It's sort of minor, as he would just be Settling crap land. But it will be nice when the way is closed. Of course, that is just the Land Pass. But I doubt he will be making any Sea Faring Vessels up there anytime soon. I should, maybe, look to see when Music was grabbed in previous games, as I may wish to go that route, having almost Researched all the way there, anyway. Well, it's an expensive Technology, so it may not be worth it. I am not thrilled with the Barbarian Cities sprouting up. But... well, to Raze or Take Over, that is always the question. With my Quechuas, they are easy enough to Capture. At 30H for a Quechua, I have two Cities that can produce 1 Quechua per Turn. Of course, I was, likely, not looking at Raw Hammers, so the data points are off a bit. Still, the investment is not that much. And I have little choice. Sooner or later, thos Barbarian Cities must fall. # # # 2019-04-28 370BC T313 I have a full-on Wonder Economy going. My Two Settled Great Prophets are funding my Research (+5G/each), which is at 90%. While in a few Turns, I will have 3 out of my 4 Cities working on Wonders. I do need a few more Cities, however. And I think Settling the Southern island will be one of my next objectives. Sea Quest is building a Tireme and a Galley, which will give me the Naval wherewithal. And the previous games have shown that the Settlement will be both easy and uncontested. My best bet may well be a Cultural Win. # # # 2019-04-28 240BC T326 At T438 (690AD) in a previous game, I discovered Music and got the Great Artist. I will go Music -> Theology... with the caveat I may change my mind on Theology if someone else Founds Christianity. I do not feel that it is a premium strategy. But I seem to be loading up on the Wonders. And it is a Wonder play. # # # 2019-04-28 220BC T330 I stopped building the Shwedagon Paya in Oasis, so I could land The Great Library there, switching Shwedgagon to Northern Pass. In theory, I should get Fail Gold in Oasis when the Wonder is completed elsewhere, even by myself. In theory, I can do this with National Wonders, as well. I will need to look into this. # # # 20AD: I got my Fail Gold... all 331 Gold! Nice! # # # 2019-04-29 500AD T400 I have 100 Turns until Contact. Things are looking pretty good. I have the vast majority of the Wonders. And a new Coastal City breaks even almost immediately. The Dividing Line (Territory Wise) between Asoka and I is more or less where I Settled my first three Cities (well, 2-4). He has one City to the North, but it is crap. I have yet to Settle the Southern Jungle, but will shortly. That Settler is 9 Turns out. After which, I will slow my Settlement, as I want to keep Research above 50%. I have no feel for how I am doing Research wise. Currently, I am Researching Machinery, which will allow me to pursue Optics or Engineering for Notre Dame. I think Notre Dame is the better choice. I have a fairly decent chance of generating a Great Merchant in Sea Quest... especially now, since I have a Market deep in the Queue; and when it's built, I can run Merchants in lieu of the Engineer and Priest that are watering down my Great Points Pool. Otherwise, I already have my Great Engineer needed for Mining, Inc. As tempting as it is to attack Asoka... I doubt I will. The truth is that all of my Diplomatic Modifiers are coming form a shared Religion, which I will lose the moment he switches to Free Religion. And his shrine must be worth a good 10-30G/T... which is a nice prize. Asoka is Researching Feudalism, which will give him Longbows. So the Attack will not be as easy as it would be now. But then, I have no Troops. Realistically, I would be attacked around the same time as previously: T500 or so. And since I know Contact is coming, I'd likely declare by T475 to avoid any negative modifiers. We'll have to see. It probably remains my best bet. I'll have to think on that further. Which does not take long to consider. My Power is half of Asoka's. And it needs to be twice (or so) for him to Capitulate. But most of that will come from Population and Land Tiles. With any luck, I will be ready to fight a defensive war in 50 Turns. After Machinery, I will need to consider whether to go Theology -> Paper or Construction -> Engineering, which may have a lot to do with whether Asoka is willing to Trade Construction and how I feel about my War Preparations in the next dozen turns. # # # 2019-04-30 680AD T436 It does not look like I will be declaring War on Asoka. He is (finally) Friendly, after I traded Stone to him. I'll cancel that and replace it with Gems, once I get my second Gem mined. I believe I will be the first to Optics. At which point, I will Circle the Globe and find out my neighbours. Asoka researched quite a few Religions. Hopefully, I will not be staring at the Buddhist Block, again. Having Traded for Construction, I will to Research Engineering next for the Norte Dame. I do need to crank out quite a few more units. Northern Pass is getting the Heroic Epic. And once that is done in 6 Turns, I will be cranking out the Units for some time to come. If I can, I will be taking over the last few Barbarian Cities on the Outer Islands. But they may be gone. And it's likely the Archers have been upgraded to Longbows. So, it may well be slow going. # # # 2019-04-30 750AD T450 I have made first contact... with Abraham Lincoln. I will wait until I have met everyone until I offer Open Borders and make any Technology Trades. Abe does not have Engineering. So, things look promising for my Norte Dame gambit. # # # 845AD: I just got out of a 4 Turn Anarchy. I should have used one of my Great Artists for a Golden Age. Also, I need tons of units, as I am feeling vulnerable. # # # 2019-04-30 1000AD T500 I'm doing fine... except, the whole world hates me, which I just can't seem to do anything about. I mean, it's a matter of picking your enemies. But when it feels like everyone has already picked me as the enemy, there's not a lot of wiggle room. Also, I feel like my best option is to attack Asoka (or Declare War) prior to anyone else making contact. But that is likely a false rush, as I am the enemy of choice. One more demerit is not going to make any difference. Eh, I am at War with Sumeria. And I land Astronomy in 17 Turns. Perhaps, Gilgamesh should be my target. Either way, I have decided not to declare on Asoka. Finally, I switched into Free Religion after starting a Golden Age. So, hopefully I am not hated as much. My troops will be heading over to Sumeria soon. Maybe in 20-30 Turns, after I build a few Galleons... and Research Astronomy. # # # It feels very much like I am exactly where I have been before. Yeah, the details are different. But the endless wave of incoming attacks on the horizon is the same. I most definitely am not excited about starting this play sessions. It's a lot of 'Get it over with.' I'll be disconnected from a computer for two weeks, starting next week. It this goes south. I think I will end this series, end my involvement with this map. # # # 1055AD: I traded my World Map to Everyone and got 500 Gold or so. # # # 1080D: At the end of my Golden Age, I switched into Organized Religion {with a State Religion}. So, I'm not the World's Favourite. As to my next target, at some point Asoka will change his Religion, at which time I should think about Declaring War on him. Though, no real hurry, as I have no offensive plan. The reason for declaring on Asoka is that he is backwards this game, not a Tech Leader. And he is on my Continent, so there is a synergy there that Gilgamesh would not have. Of course, it is entirely possible Isabella will self select. And her Shrine City is nice. My Power is close enough to the front runners (of those I have graphs on) that I am not as worried as I might otherwise be. Also, I have quite a few units... sapping my economy. # # # 2019-05-01 1175AD T535 Catherine Declared War, lost a lot of Troops, and sued for Peace gifting me with 135 Gold. So, stacking a ton of Troops in the Closest City paid off. I am 20 Turns away from getting Liberalism -> Economics. I think I will get it. Although I do not have Philosophy (and am presently Researching it), no one else has Education. So, they are Turns out. I do not know if there is much I can do but hope... oh, and increase my Research Slider. I have tons of Gold. It's 1,000 Gold to get the combo 3 Turns Faster. I am going for it. I can reverse the Slider after the fact, if that is my desire. As long as I maintain my Tech Lead, things should be OK. I mean, they always are. Gilgamesh is falling behind, as is Asoka. And one or the other will be easy pickings. # # # 2019-05-01 1225AD T545 This is it on the night. Next turn, I land in Sumeria. Gilgamesh has left me a nice Forested Hill. And I will use that as my base of operations... assuming no one appears in it all of a sudden. OK. I moved one Tile closer and the Hill is empty. So, that is my landing site. I suppose Gilgamesh could attack my un-escorted Galleons. But I notice nothing in sight. We shall see. In the meantime, Gilgamesh has landed quite the stack on the Western Island (closest Indian City to him). And is busy battering the City Walls. I think there is a good chance Asoka will lose Madras, so I am bringing reinforcements to Teo--- {what's it's name}. The battle for the City will be over by the time I get there. If I was really nice, I'd move some Troops up North. {I have a City on the Southern tip of the island.} But I am not nice. Asoka has been less than loyal. And I have always wanted that City Site. So, I will capture it from Gilgy, if I can. I feel good. My power is high. And the AI can only land so many troops. I could get attacked and have a City Razed. But if a mainland City is Captured, I will be able to take it back. Also, barring an AI Bulb, I will land Liberalism, which makes me the Tech Leader. I expect to have Cannons prior to anyone else. It seems unlikely I will beat America to the Post Scientific Method Technologies, but one never knows. My Tech Rates seems much better than his. And I am ahead. Also, I have a stack of Cash: 3,000+ Gold. So, if I know an attack is coming, I can update my troops. I did not dismantle any Quechuas this game. So, yeah. I am optimistic. But if there is a combined attack by numerous opponents, I could be in trouble. On the other hand, if Isabella goes back to fighting Joao, things should be fine. I can take Abe. # # # 2019-05-02 1310AD T562 That last Turn Roll was a disaster for me. I thought Gilgamesh was short troops. Little did I know he had a stack of doom. Roughly 17 of His Units survived the attack, killing 10 of mine. I have his Capitol, so that's good. But I could have taken Peace earlier and still had my units. If they had been Healed Up and at Full Strength, it would have been a different story. At the time, I did not want to take the Diplomatic Hit for Repeated Declarations. But I should have declared a Cease Fire, at least. Of course, it's all Hindsight. I would not have believed Gilgamesh had 20 Units. I mean, if he did, why did he not protect his Capitol. We end the Turn with no one at War. And I myself, 10 Units weaker. It will take a good 25 Turns before I am ready to launch an attack. # # # 1335AD: Portugal has successfully taken back Uruk. I anticipate some sort of Scorched Earth War lays in Portugal's Future. # # # 1368AD: And a few turns pass and I no longer care about that. I am two Military Technologies ahead of the pack. Now, the fun begins. # # # 2019-05-02 1422AD T606 It's odd how the Power Graph has me in third place or towards the middle of the pack. I just got Steel and many still are in need of Gunpowder. I load my ships and sail with a stack of 36 Units towards Spain next Turn. I have 11 Cannons in the stack. In lieu of attacking Madrid, which takes a Turn to land and several more to reduce defences. I will attack Valencia: the Founding City of Christianity. I will wait out the Counter Attack there. Going back for another Stack of maybe 20 Units in Reinforcements. This is what I will attack Madrid with... assuming Spain does not come to its senses and Capitulate. America is Researching Physics, which makes Old Abe much farther ahead of me on that track. But he is lagging in Military. I may well have Rifling at that point, which is a game changer. Anyhow, things are very promising. I do believe I have the Army to Beat, which is not a good place for the AI to be. Though, to be honest, my Offensive Campaigns have not been all that glorious this game. Hopefully, that changes. # # # 1460AD T625 Spain has Capitulated. And I got Madrid with its Wonders and Shrines. No one was willing to come to Isabella's aid. Nor was she able to Capitulate to someone else. So, the game is likely won. I will be attacking Catherine in the morning. I have all my units in position. I want Rostov and Moscow from her. At which point, I expect her to Capitulate. Lincoln will be harder, as he has more territory. Also, he may well be able to up his Research game. But if not, he's down by Chemistry and Steel... and soon enough, Rifling. Ah, one of the interesting things I was going to talk about was moving at sea. Earlier this game, I lost a Fishing Boats, because a sneaky Barbarian went into an inlet to get past my blocking Tireme. Well, during the attack on Spain, I was able to prevent Isabella from re-landing her troops and taking Valencia, by making a line of boats. I mean, she could have killed one or two of my injured Frigates. But that's a terrible waste of Galleons loaded with troops. Anyhow, until the morning. It would be a pity if the game ended before I got Mining, Inc. # # # 2019-05-03 1462AD T626 I am about to declare war on Catherine. It should be taken as an indication of my power, arrogance, or ignorance, but out of 24 Cites, only two are producing Military Units: both Cannons. I'm blasting the Opponent's Stack with Cannons until there is nothing left. A 1.3S Unit is a threat to nothing. Cannons and Axes would work. Cannons with Heavy Horsemen is overkill. Catherine does not stand a chance. # # # 2019-05-03 1486AD T638 I took three Cities from Catherine. She was willing to Capitulate prior to my capturing the first. It was a rout. I do not think Joao will Attack. So, it is for me to decide whether to Attack him, Lincoln, or Asoka. Asoka is in last place. And likely would be someone else's Vassal by now if I were not his neighbour, protecting him a bit by joining his wars and making liberal trades. It would be nice to get to Corporations. Of course, what would really be nice were if the AI were capable of responding at this level. The higher difficulties are too hard in the beginning. But the lower ones are too easy at the end. My Opponents are waiting for me to take them over. Anyway, that is enough on the morning. I am blasting them with Cannons, losing one or two in the Attack. And then, that is that. # # # 2019-06-02 It's one day short of a month since I played my last turn. There was a bit of a computer vacation in there (two weeks off)... and I did not want to rush into The Game upon my return, as I do view the game as a waste of time. Also, I don't know how I want to win... or what sort of write up I want to do. I've got a lot of log files. And I'm not stoked about doing anything with them. I, suppose, I don't have to. But I expect I will. # # # 2019-06-02 1492AD T641 I have decided to attack Joao first. I will land in one of Asoka's cities on Portuguese territory. And declare once enough troops have arrived. I think I will bribe both America and India to join the war. For now, it is logistics. So, no need to rush through the turns. I am off to something else. # # # 1556AD: I reloaded, as launching a Golden Age with two Great People somehow (maybe a double click) consumed five Great People for a Double Golden Age, which is not what I am going to do with a Great Engineer that I have been holding half the game and I'm actually going to be able to use in four turns. At which time, I will tell you about my Humiliating Defeat at the hands of the Portuguese. I lost a lot of Cannons. Awful. At least, the AI can fight. # # # 2019-06-02 1566AD T678 I just founded Mining, Inc. in Oasis, the Capitol. Now, the fun begins. Actually, the fun begins in 20 odds turns (I am in a Golden Age, so its hard to know what will happen when it ends) when I finish Researching Assembly Line. I should have enough cash to upgrade a bunch of Riflemen to Infantry. And then, I am going to pound on Portugal... or try. The last time I attack Portugal, I did so prematurely. Joao had a stack of troops next to India's City. They were going to take it over. Culture would flip. And I would lose all my troops. My mistake was in going on the offensive after declaring war. Joao showed all signs of letting me be if I stayed in the Indian City, but I left... and got slaughtered. I mean, he lost just as many troops. But that does me little good. I lost my offensive stack. Joao is not bothering to research any of the Military Techs. So if things do not change, it will be Infantry versus pre Gunpowder Troops. He is going to get slaughtered. Especially since I am busy building a few Machine Guns. It is conceivable that Lincoln is making a go for Sid's Sushi. And if he is, I will have to rethink my target. Turns are moving fast. As all my Workers are automated, I spend most of my time in the Build Queue. I see little reason to trade away my Tech Lead. Hey, good thing I hit shift when I added Medicine to my Tech Queue, as I had Fascism queued up to go after Assembly Line. Of course, India doesn't like me that much, so a Permanent Alliance seems unlikely. I think I am going to turn my sights on Sumeria. Gilgamesh is both Lincoln's and Asoka's worst enemy. I can declare, hopefully bribe them to enter the conflict, and with any luck India will accept a Permanent Alliance. Well, I have twenty turns to decide. So, I am sure I will go back and forth. # # # 2018-06-03 1602AD T696 I have Assembly Line and I have upgraded 9 Rifles to Infantry. Asoka has declared war on Joao. But as I am close to Number One in Power, I do not believe he will accept a Permanent Alliance. If I thought there was a chance, I would attack Joao. Actually, if Asoka asks, I probably still will. But my stack is headed towards Sumeria. On the other hand, I owe Joao some payback. And he doesn't have Gunpowder, so my Machine Gunners will rip him apart. It would be easy Great General Points. So, I am indecisive. I think the target shall be Sumeria. And if Asoka asks, I will jump in. I am poised to attack Sumeria (that is what I have staged my troops to do). And I have a clear conception of the Cities I want to capture. I will then be ready to attack Portugal through the backdoor. So, Sumeria it is. In the Technologies that matter, I have the commanding lead. 12 Galleys: 9 Infantry 7 Machine Guns 8 Rifles 12 Cannons I will turn around and pick up another 6 Cannons... and miscellaneous troops ready for upgrade. The Rifles will be upgraded once I capture my first City. The key will be to going slow. America is gearing up for War. So, I'm sending a bunch of Calvary (mixed horses) to try and find where his stack is. If America doesn't attack, this should be a clean sweep in Sumeria. And if America does attack, the attack will likely be aimed at my Spanish Owned Cities. # # # 2019-06-04 1618AD T704 Gilgamesh is falling like a House of Cards. I am shying away from the idea of taking him on as a Vassal. I think I would rather have his land. And I've already destroyed most of his Army. He was kind enough to move his stack into range and I blasted it to smithereens. The Statue of Liberty comes in next turn, which is nice. But not critical. Not losing my stack needlessly is what makes the difference. After Sumeria, Portugal is next. At which point, I will be way too powerful for India to ever think about forming an Alliance. Too bad. If I do not win after taking over Sumeria and Portugual, perhaps I will attack Asoka next. # # # I traded away Railroads for a bunch of stuff... even to Lincoln. But thunder is sounding in the distance, so I must go... lest my computer get fried. # # # 2018-06-04 1630AD T712 The War in Sumeria is going splendidly. I do not anticipate any hiccups on the way to the complete elimination of that much hated Civilization. I just launched into an 8 Turn Revolution. So, I did not use my Great People very well. 8 Turns of Production, shot. This should take me into my End Game Civics: Police State Free Speech Emancipation Free Market Free Religion It puts me 8 Turns back in founding Sid's Sushi. But if Lincoln gets it, I will attack him next and not Joao. So, found away Lincoln. It will be your death. Or not. Joao is pretty backward. So, he's likely next, no matter what. I have almost no (so, like, one) Military Units in production. Still, I outgun Gilgamesh, who has nothing left. It's just a matter of going up to the Cities, now. His stack is gone. After Medicine for Sid's Sushi, I will Research Artillery. I don't know after that. The Power Graph lies. Lincoln is hopelessly behind me. # # # 2018-08-10 1630AD T712 That was quite the break, there {two months}. I should, probably, read my last entry. What do you know? I am at war. I thought I stopped before that point. Let's do this. Oh, I should mention: one of the reasons I feel like playing is that I got a stack of free games, the other day... old games and/or freeware stuff. Some of it looks really good. Of course, I'm, also, thinking about that Great Plains game I was planning on playing. Either way, my break is over. Anyway, today is a game day... among other things. # # # 2019-08-10 1660AD T725 I played five turns and then stopped. I was originally thinking it would be three. But five is easier to keep track of. One more city and Sumeria is completely destroyed. I am at war with Portugal. And I believe America would like to declare. Hopefully, I stay ahead of the Power Curve. We will see. In truth, I don't think America has a chance. But if he attacks, the front will be split. I have precious few troops in production. I need to change that. If I play another game soon, I am thinking it will be a Great Plains map. And I will not allow myself to build many buildings. Of course, I'm planning on going all Horde. So, it's not like anyone will last until the modern era when things like Factories would be appropriate to build. # # # 2019-08-10 1660AD T725 An hour or so later and it is time to fire up the game, once again. It is possible Portugal will slam a mass of units into mine, causing severe damage. My units are 3x stronger. But at a sufficiently large stack... # # # 1666AD: Joao smashed his stack, killing ten or so of my units and retaking a city. Hopefully, that is it for his stack. # # # 2019-08-10 1670AD T730 Lincoln has declared war on Joao, which is sort of ironic, as that will seal his doom. Fair enough, American has more power than I. But they do not have more military might. Turns out, the game does not know how to measure advantage. It will be annoying if Joao Capitulates to Lincoln, however. Anyway, my five turns are up. I lost ten odd units, which was due to poor play on my part. I do not have a grip on how well heavily promoted units can decimate a more advanced stack. But that's it for Joao. He's done. # # # 2019-08-10 1680AD T735 Both Joao and Gilgamesh will Capitulate. But I am not going to accept. In a turn or two, Gilgamesh will loose his last city. Yeah, I just checked. It is his last city. Oddly, he's got half his troops in a fort on the other side of his small kingdom. They should be protecting his capitol. Joao doesn't do me much good if he Capitulates. I'll just have to attack America or India. And at the moment, I don't want to do that. Even after getting pounded, he's in second place in Land at 20%. So, taking him out will give me The Game... or put me one or two Land Tiles away from The Win. No, it will be game. My borders have not fully expanded. There are unclaimed tiles that will soon by under my Cultural Control. And I'll be getting Sumerian land in a turn or two. Joao makes game. I just landed Sid's Sushi. Don't ask me why America did not grab it. Perhaps, they did not have (or get) a Great Merchant. But that's the only reason not to. America is beating me Tech Wise. And the silly Power Graph shows him greater than me. It's way off. Maybe he gets a boost for being AI. Who knows? I doubt the game will end today. Portugal has 17 Cities. And I am hard pressed to keep two stacks going. Which means, a City every five turns or so. I'll need to up that. I should be able to by splitting the stacks further. Joao does not have an army and has already lost his stack. So, I'll start spreading my troops out. It will be more like a swarm. Building the United Nations would also give me the win. So, I'll head down that path, as well. # # # 2019-08-10 1690AD T740 Five quick turns. I doubt anything much changed. America is doing well enough on the Tech front. And it believes it is fairly powerful. But it can't fight an offensive war. Isabella has landed some troops to assist in my war against Joao, which is nice. I mean, what it really means is that Spain is likely to steal a City from me, now that Portugal doesn't have an army. But the mop up will be that much quicker. And I think that is it on the day. Those 28 Turns represent most of my day... well, most of the afternoon, anyhow. # # # 2019-08-11 1690AD T740 I can't say I'm that excited about playing. I don't think anything overly interesting will happen. If America attacks, bully for them. And though I am bound to lose a few units to Joao, it won't be that many. I am spreading my units out, operating on the assumption Joao does not have what it takes to launch a counter attack and that my best play will be in taking over his lands as quickly as possible. # # # 2019-08-11 1700AD T745 Yeah. In Portugal, it is a Slaughterfest. And America dare not attack... even if they are gaining ground in the Tech Race. But my Victory Points keep on creeping up. I should win at around 150,000, I would guess. # # # 2019-08-11 1710AD T750 If I eat all of Portugal, I win... or so, I believe. Lincoln was at war with Joao and had a stack headed towards Portugal. So, I gave him Fascism to Declare Peace. I do not want him taking any of Joao's territory for his own. I need it. Joao is Researching Fission and fighting with Longbows. Well, he has better troops, as well. But he seems to be doing most of his fighting with Longbows. Breaking to review the board {and noticing America's stack} served me well. I think the American Peace will allow me to eat Portugal at liberty. I am building lots of Settlers to infill Portugal: three on the board and three in construction. But I need more. I, also, need to concentrate my Sushi Executives on Portugal for the Culture Boost. # # # 2019-08-12 1720AD T755 I am on short time. Research is at 0%. I probably should have turned it off sooner. Culture is at 20%. This is mainly for Portugal, so my borders pop sooner. Gold is at 80%. My expenses are off the charts... and climbing with every Captured City. Still, I am at Positive Cash Flow. And with 20% in reserve on the slider (and plenty of cash trades to Lincoln), I believe I have enough to eek it out. I have 3,234 Gold in Reserve. And I will save all of it for Negative Spending if that's what it takes. # # # 2019-08-16 1730AD T760 I was not aware it had been so long (four days or so), since I had last played. The points on the game look to be 150,000, which is not so bad. Portugal has just fallen. I am diverting my troops back to the Homeland for an attack on Asaka, if that is what it takes to get the territory I need. My economy sucks. But I'll have massive stacks of troops to do him in. Eh, I should assume the game will last another twenty turns... and build up my military accordingly. # # # 2019-08-18 1742AD T766 Score: 5,514 Normalized: 161,727 I attacked Asoka on the last turn. I don't know if I needed to. But just to make sure I'd have the land tiles, I attacked a few border cities. Also, in watching the replay, I noted that the Barbarian Cities were Settled in the 2,000BC to 1,000BC range. # # # Final Recap: If I had changed religion or switched to Free Religion in the first game, I'd likely have done just as well. I still produce too many buildings. Switching production to Culture likely would have been better than wasting the Hammers on Culture Buildings in the Conquered areas, keeping in mind that the Homeland and Foreign Born Soil are two different concerns. Rather than write this game up, I'd much rather start a new game. I should try to avoid accepting Capitulation. It's a sign that I am attacking while weak. I would have been better off splitting Spain and Russia with America. This is as close to a Permanent Alliance as I have gotten in a long-long time. And I wasnt' very close. # # # 2019-08-18 (c) Copyright Brett Paufler # # # Please note, the begin date is 2019-04-12 (end 2019-08-18). That's quite the spread. Much of that time is from simply loosing interest and not wanting to play the End Game. # # # I am very disappointed in myself and the lack of organization in my save games and logfiles. It's pathetic. I need to do better. As follows is a short guide to the saved logfiles, as found in the game_save.zip -0 : The Initial Game -1 : Longer Replay -2-364/364/407 : all share the same T275 Save, the religious sweep -3 : corresponds to the 31 & 34 save -4 : corresponds to the 41, 43, & 49 saves, this is the final game In the /scrap_logfiles directory: a-j : a bunch of false starts, inbetween the -0 and -1 series, I believe -2-270_abandoned : Another Replay, prior to the -2 logs -4-244_abandoned : takes place prior to the final -4 game Also, as the logfiles have start dates and many of my notes do as well, one can match them up that way. Well, some of them. But I do not feel that one should have to work that hard and a numbering system should make sense. I will endeavour to never allow an organizational train wreck like this to happen, ever again. Finally, to confound things, there are (likely) dozens upon dozens of unsaved restarts. I do not believe the a-j sequence covers all the restarts. In the future, I will save as: GGG-AA-SS Game Attempt Save 021-00-00 would be the initial save 021-01-05 would be what I am calling '021 - 00 - Sea of Sand - T0 - Initial Start - BC-4000' The extraneous identifying text will remain # # # (c) Brett Paufler 2019-08-31