adventure 4 - killara - How do you write this report without Alphabet ?

[killara]

You research Alphabet after you launch of course! *grins*



The glorious Egyptians: A Space Race win – in 1963.

And this is after they overcame the following interesting hurdles:
- no religion discovered
- no state religion ever
- no religion in any city at all until 880AD – and it’s Christianity
- no war ever initiated by Egypt
- only four 2-movement units built before tanks (and only 6 of those built)
- 3 naval vessels built (but only after work boats had been pillaged)
- no aircraft ever
- no wonders built until 1550AD (even then it’s Hagia Sophia – faster workers)
- unable to research at 100% due to lack of gold for almost all the game
- a panicked and mistimed golden age (or was it ?)

But I did find a strategy or two that I will use in future, including making this a remarkable trading game, and of course, it’s sometimes good to be lucky. :-)

Now that our ancient and wise leader: Narmer, has left on the Space Ship Ra 1, we have relaxed his ‘forbidden law’. The barbarian Alphabet needs to be learnt as our wise priests wish to spread the word to our heathen neighbours – the story of the glorious Egyptian empire and their triumphs. *smiles*

- - - - - - - - - -

In the beginning … Ra breathed life into the world, and Amun let Thebes be founded on the bountiful banks of the River Nile. Foreign gods let seven other peoples settle also. Heathens all!

Because we knew our gods already, we ignored the false spiritual quest others were bound to take in their ignorance, and so went for knowledge to let us grow and find sacrifices for our beloved gods (Animal Husbandry > Hunting > Archery).

A new (for me) opening – a Worker – to make our lands even more productive, followed by a Warrior and a Scout who soon dies to an animal, but is replaced by one from a hut. Horus, looking down from the sky, wants us to see all the land he can. :-)

Border expansion (3000BC) due to worship of Ptah, god of the craftsmen, pops a Warrior and Pottery. The gods are kind, allowing me to meet China (2840BC). Friendly heathens. ;-)

Mysticism learnt – and yes I try Polytheism (strange – I already believe in the many TRUE gods of Egypt), but Anubis strikes me down as it falls elsewhere – so I swap to Mining > Bronze Working to appease the Mummification God with shiny idols instead.

He must have been pleased as I meet Inca (2520BC), however death and pain would always be associated with these lost heathens. *sadness*

Revolt to Slavery (2440BC) although I’m sure Cheops actually used conscripts. ;-)

The third pagan religion falls (2280BC) as the gods grant me more knowledge. Polythesism > Writing.

Horus knows that some of the foreign heathens will soon have conflict (arrows indicate direction of expansion by 2000BC). I’m just glad Amun-Ra kept us away from those heathens, especially our two closest neighbours who are the world’s most powerful! Note: I still haven’t built my 2nd city yet.



With Copper linked (1920BC) I build trinkets to a new goddess – Neith the hunteress, to help catch those Horses at City 2: Memphis (1880BC). A nice river location NW of Thebes with Rice, Horses, Gold & Cows. First build, a Worker in honour of the goddess (not sure how smart this was – but who said religion was smart ?). ;-P

Thoth – god of writing – shares his knowledge (1760BC) and I immediately Open Borders with both neighbours, and send a double woodsman promoted Warrior into China to explore – he’ll survive the game, but never make it home again! :-\ (Iron tech next)

Seth – god of disorder – has been stirring up the Hindu Mongols (they also discovered Judaism) and they are the score leader when I meet them (1600BC) on the other side of China. Open Borders arranged, but Seth laughs and seals the border again once they’re through.

Bes – protector of pregnant women – looks after my Warrior, who upon meeting the Americans (1400BC) – Open Borders again – keeps him safe forever within their embrace. And also lets my 3rd City be born: Heliopolis, on the East coast Copper (near Clams, Rice and more Elephants).

After Iron (1080BC) > Fishing (the God Khnum of the inundation whispers in my dreams) > Sailing. (research 60%)

In 1000BC the heathens are obviously being counseled by Seth who also brings storms and war! Two areas of future conflict are circled. The black squares are known barbarian cities. Resource rich Nubians in the North? How confusing.



The yellow arrow in the above pik becomes the location of City 4 – my HUGE land grab after seeing Wheat, Silver, Cows, and a very defensible hill site! More resources ? Yes please! Apis is worshiped in this city: Elephantine (700BC), as I was bull headed about settling there, and bull headed about keeping it! Settler arrived just one turn before the Inca, and boy – did that piss them off!! *laughs* Horseback > Masonry (research 40%) [The Chinese visited Saqqara then built their own Pyramid (675BC)]

375BC – 25BC : The First China / Mongol War

Our many gods must frighten Herodotus, as he proclaims Egypt 2nd largest of all civilizations (350BC). Least it’s something as I’ve no money, no research, and I’m trailing in score. By 1AD Egypt obviously has fewer cities, but is using the culture trait effectively. ;-)



And from Ra’s point of view: Yes unhappiness, no ‘fake’ religion you see. A strategy I like is fog busting – I’ve units stationed at each yellow circle – including naked settlers – useful to have around on future city sites so they cannot be stolen from you. *nods* And a stack next to that northern barb city, one day destined to become my Forbidden Palace site. Note: Elephantine is fighting a culture war on the southern Inca border. Oh, and Imhotep magicked the extra cash when I didn’t complete the Parthenon. So we shall continue to worship on the Nile riverbanks. (Heading for Currency at 40%)



Over the next 500 years not much happens. China and I begin making trades, keeping Thoth happy:

(225AD) China: Gems / Ivory – well, if they are going to fight the Mongols! ;-)
(325AD) China: Sheep / Rice

And I begin to spam cottages on grasslands, and some floodplains – and ensure they are worked in preference to hammers!

Suddenly there’s a coup in Egypt, Tuthmosis takes the crown, and the War gods rally. The northern barbarian town of Hsung-Nu falls to our axes (520AD), and we celebrate by building Alexandria on the northern coast (Sheep, Rice, Banana & Iron). China must be impressed because they soon demand Copper. What ? less idols to worship ? No chance, so they close off their borders!

The Inca capture that other barbarian town near China, stupid moves let me miss it after they’d weakened it. So instead I build Pi Rameses (740AD) on a hill (Rice and Banana) to fill in the gap. Now I’ve Incan borders north AND south!

(800AD) China: Incense / Pig (even though they first asked for copper)

Thoth must be happy with us as he’s taught us his other skill – counting, which led to Currency (860AD). Markets ordered as I head for Metal Casting. So happy is Thoth with a positive income he lets me build Giza on the NW river Bananas (Cow, Rice, Sugar).

880AD – Foreign gods appear for the first time – Christianity – the Egyptian people reject these false gods. But will later spread it for the use of their temples. ;-)

The Egyptians soon are under the wing of Taweret, actually a bird’s probably the only animal that doesn’t make up part of this Hippo/Woman/Lion/Crocodile God of Fertility and Growth! Slowly we are able to support each new city – and with another in 940AD: Byblos – our northern settlements are now fully complete. [Spain / India war starts]



The Goddess Isis – Guardian of Egypt for the next 500 years of peace – directs our research after Metal Casting (1030AD) > Calendar (for those luxuries) > Construction (1110AD) > Code of Laws (for Court Houses), and also encourages our trades:

(1170AD) America: Meditation + Priesthood + 170g / Calendar
China: Wine / Sugar
Mongols: 5g/t / Pig (research 50% at -1g/t *shrugs*)

1210AD – 1540AD : The Second China / Mongol War

… whilst Egyptians revolt to Caste System Civic. Another city ? Why not. El-Amarna – SE fishing village (Fish, Clams, Horses). (research 40%)

(1270AD) Mongols: Incense / Dye
America: 5g/t / Dye (research 50% at -13g/t *winks*)

Another Isis inspired revolt (Bureaucracy Civic – 1310AD) (next Machinery > Paper > Printing Press). Finally Breaking Even at 50%! Courthouses help too. So decide on another city! Hieraconpolis – a coastal gap filler. [America also declares war on the Mongols!]

(1370AD) Mongol: demands 160g – give. (but don’t help with their war!)

Isis is kind, or distracted by Ra, and I finally meet unfriendly Germany (1390AD) whilst my first Great Person appears from specialist citizens – a Great Scientist (Academy in Thebes).

When Abydos, the city of the dead, is appropriately built on the southern resourceless wastelands (1400AD), the southern settlements are now fully complete. No more cities will ever be built by Egypt. Isis is happy. So happy that …

(1420AD) America: Compass + World Map + 280g / Paper

… causing me to hit the Score lead! :-) Even if last in Tech! :-\ *laughs*



… and I also meet India (1440AD) who’s in last place, trade maps to find that Spain is a monster!

(1490AD) Inca: demands Copper – Apis Bull says No.
India: Optics / Paper + pay 100g (heading for Liberalism)

(1500AD) Inca: Monarchy + Theology + Engineering / Printing Press + pay 260g



Isis bestows her last gift: a Great Merchant (1505AD) and whilst he travels I set Research to 80% even if -40g/t. To Pacifism Civic (1515AD) as cheaper.

(1520AD) Mongol: Feudalism + 60g / Printing Press

The Apis Bull grows horns as The Incan Empire declares WAR! (1530AD) Did I just pay towards their war effort ?? :-P

On the next turn I capture their northern city of Ligurian (that ex-Barb city) and defend with bullish simplicity on my southern border. That’s it. Easily holding firm. The Merchant will obtain 1500g in Mongolia allowing 70% at – 17g/t. I meet unhappy Spain (1550AD) and …

… build my first Wonder to the Egyptian Gods!! Hagia Sophia (1550AD). :-)

The people celebrate learning Liberalism (1565AD) converting to their favourite Civics to spread the Egyptian gospel: Free Speech and Free Religion. Nationalism next (for the Taj) but notice 2 civs already have it! :-(

(1565AD) China: Guilds + 110g / Liberalism
Germany: Gunpower + 190g / Printing Press (60%, +23g/t for the war effort)

(1605AD) America: Banking + Astronomy + 280g / Nationalism + Liberalism (70%, – 20g/t)

PEACE! (1605AD) … and I start the Taj Mahal (10 turns but a couple of forest chops and rearranging citizens will reduce it to 5). Change to Mercantilism Civic (next tech > Replaceable Parts > Economic > Chemistry, then > Biology (+1 farms)).



(1615AD) Spain: demands 190g – reject!

Ankenaten and Nefertiti jointly reign, at Hsung-Nu in the Forbidden Palace, built at the same time as the Taj Mahal in Thebes (1630AD). It is a Golden Age – and the Aten, or Solar Disc (arrowed) – appears for 8 turns in the Heavens. Note my valuable towns along the Nile River!



A Great Scientist (1660AD) learns that a single god is wrong for the Egyptian people and they leave the golden age behind as an Academy is built in Heliopolis.

(1675AD) Mongol: demands Replaceable Parts – reject!

(1690AD) America: Crab / Banana

The Apis Bull awakes – this time angrier and with sharper horns – the Incan Empire again declares WAR! (1695AD). Convert to Representation Civic (1700AD).

(1695AD) America: Declare War on Inca / Constitution

The Apis Bull provides us with strength unbeatable, and also, another Great Scientist (1730AD) who will watch this battle as the Bull incarnate, kept for the future.

I capture the southern Inca border town of Cori (1735AD), but press onwards with VERY slow-moving single-movement troops.

1755AD – 1832AD : The Third China / Mongol War

(1755AD) India: Divine Right + World Map + 20g / Nationalism
America: Rifling / Scientific method + World Map + pay 1460g *ouch*

(1770AD) Spain: demands Nationalism – reject!
India: Declares War on Inca (WITHOUT prompting! – honest!)

Capture Incan Huamanga (1775AD) but lose it next turn.

(1775AD) Spain: Luxury + Health / Luxury + Health

Capture Incan Huamanga again (1785AD) and ensure I keep it by reinforcing with my entire invasion army!

Osiris, god of the underworld, honours all those lost in battle by gifting us a Great Engineer (1795AD), who along with my 1730AD Great Scientist means I have enough for a Golden Age – instead, both are saved. (Tech heading for Radio)

As the Americans declare peace with the Inca (1808AD), I attack Machu Picchu, capture it, and obtain Peace the same turn also. The Apis Bull moves to this new home on the border, well knowing that this will provoke the Inca.



(1810AD) Inca: demands Democracy – Apis Bull says No.
India then ask for help in their War versus Inca – Apis Bull *laughs* then says No. (They find peace in 1820AD) (Still 70%)

(1816AD) America: Steel + 1160g + World Map / Physics

(1822AD) Germany: demands 240g – give.
Spain: Silk + 3g/t / Ivory
China: 6g/t / Clam
America: 4g/t / Ivory
Mongol: 2g/t / Horse (*wink* still at war with China)
Inca: 3g/t / Sugar
India: 3g/t / Horse (80% now, – 15g/t)

(1826AD) Spain: Open Borders (& income becomes +7g/t!)

After patiently waiting for us to become the Egypt of destiny, Sobek the crocodile god, offers encouragement with a Great Scientist (I’ve one already – so Academy in Alexandria, 1830AD). (Tech heading for Mass Media – Priests on TV)

(1836AD) Spain: demands 250g – give ... but … but …

… but Isabella must have hated what those Mass Media Priests began broadcasting (1838AD), about the only true Gods being Egyptian and Declares WAR! (Next techs are > Steam > Assembly Line > Railroad)

China: Declare War on Spain + 1030g / Electricity
America: Declare War on Spain + 20g / Biology
India: Declare War on Spain + World Map + 160g / Steel

A crocodile unseen is even more dangerous, and always has a nasty grin!



(1850AD) Inca: Clam / Dye (after Spain pillaged mine, but no troops were ever seen – I wonder why). ;-)

Sobek shows we are doing the right thing, presenting another Great Scientist that year (As I’ve now 2 … Academy in Hsung-Nu).

(1852AD) America ask for Universal Suffrage – Sobek says No.

Sobek *grins* showing his teeth as the Statue of Liberty is built, and we begin the UN, using our Great Engineer, who was being saved for a Golden Age, but we know our gods will be kind. Change to Emancipation & Universal Suffrage Civics. 4 of 5 Civics are the most advanced now. ;-)

Sobek grips the future in his teeth as we build the UN (1858AD) and then the Eiffel Tower (1860AD), and the other civs know the death roll is soon …

The Incan Empire decides unwisely to declare WAR! (1860AD) and Seth must be walking the globe as chaos spreads …

1864AD : The Fourth China / Mongol War begins

Oh, and remember they’re all still fighting Spain! *grins* (Tech towards tanks!)

(1868AD) Germany: Declare War on Inca + 200g / Biology
UN: Single currency – Yes!

With war everywhere, the world is a mess!

(1876AD) UN: No Nukes – Yes!
And Broadway is built so the History of the Egyptian Gods may be performed.

(1888AD) UN: Free Religion – Yes! My gods are so pleased Rock and Roll appears!

Oh, and the war potters along slowly, but surely! What’s that ? I can’t build tanks ? No oil wells ? Ahhh – first is built in the Valley of the Kings opposite Thebes. :-) (Tech to Plastic)

(1892AD) Spain: Peace – costs World Map
Spain: 18g/t / Hit Singles

The slow creep of the crocodile into Incan territory …



Techs after Plastic are as follows: Computers > Robotics > Fission > Fibre Optics > Fusion (I’m after that Great Engineer, and will come back later for the Apollo techs, they should be cheaper with the AI all learning them, and then begin the Space Ship all at once – well, that’s the plan!)

UN: Open Markets – Yes!
UN: Emancipation – Yes!

Sobek is feeding well on the Incan underbelly, rewards a Great Artist (1912AD) who along with the aging 1730AD Great Scientist, means once again I have enough for a Golden Age – both are saved together in Thebes. Sobek is satisfied with his meal, kicking the Inca off the continent and onto three islands, PEACE is declared (1916AD), and our crocodile god is never seen again, going off to live in the 3 Gorges Dam built in China.



Min, the phallic god of fertility, thrusts his way onto the scene in Hollywood (1925AD) and life becomes unsettled in Egypt.

(1928AD) Spain: demands Hit Movies – give
UN: Environmentalism – Fails! But … but … I need those health!! :-(
Whilst yet another unwanted Great Scientist builds an Academy in Giza
And a Chinese Great Artist is seen wandering alone near Thebes!! Tourist perhaps ?



(1929AD) Germany: Communism + 850g / Mass Media
America: Defense Pact

UN: Environmentalism – Fails again! So the UN is closed down, never to vote again! *Min is now too busy to worry, starring in numerous porn movies!*

Whilst the gods play, the people work, producing a Great Engineer (from Fusion, 1936AD) who’s saved, (Tech > Refrig > Genetics (SS Part + Health)), and the Space Elevator is built (1937AD). Egypt builds the infrastructure before the knowledge! ;-)



(1940AD) *News Flash* China completes Apollo! *News Flash*



(1941AD) *News Flash* China most advanced civ! *News Flash*



Is that ONLY because I don’t know the 5 Alphabet based techs ?? *ponders*

Horus reappears to once more guide the Egyptians, hawk eyes looking towards the future. With genetics (1942AD) our health problems are over, and it’s time to head for > Artillery > Rocketry (Apollo) > Satellites > Ecology (last SS tech & we’ll be done!). Horus, our sharp eyes, sends our first Spy to China, where …

(1943AD) *News Flash* China completes first SS Casing! *News Flash*

(1945AD) *News Flash* China working on Docking Bay! *News Flash*

I only start the Apollo program in 1947AD, and wake my saved Great Engineer only to find …



… he cannot build it! *PANIC* … and I wonder if I should start a Golden Age … until …

1947AD : The Fifth China / Mongol War begins!

(1948AD) *News Flash* China working on Cockpit! *News Flash*

*PANIC* … and start a Golden Age … calling for a return of the divine Ankenaten and the beautiful Nefertiti. The other Gods feel threathened, and so the Golden Age of a single god (so wrong to the Egyptian people) only really helps a single city: Thebes. With the Great Engineer added as a Super Citizen, the Apollo Program is reduced from 10 to 7 turns, and then a single forest chop reduces it to 6!

*News Flash* China doesn’t have all the Space Ship Techs *News Flash*

Ooops – I should have looked at that first! That’s the problem with a single god! Not enough eyes looking after the Empire! *grins*

(1952AD) *News Flash* Spain completes Apollo! *News Flash*

… and with only 2 turns of the Golden Age left Egypt finally completes the Apollo program! (1954AD) *distasteful taste as it’s named after a heathen god* :-P (to Environmentalism Civic)

The entire Egyptian empire is re-organised, every city is examined, and ALL 13 Space Ship pieces are scheduled for production AT ONCE! Horus guides us forward. Maximum time to completion = 9 turns, but the golden age ends in 1. (Red arrows denote the location of my 2 spies)



As the Golden Age ends, the times remain the same, making me wonder if it was timed well. *shrugs* 4 turns off the Apollo then, or 4 turns off the SS components now ?

(1956AD) *News Flash* Spain completes first SS Casing! *News Flash*

(1958AD) *News Flash* China completes Cockpit! *News Flash*

Horus spreads his wings …

(1959AD) Egypt completes first SS Casing!

(1963AD) Egypt completes Space Ship!

Horus lets us soar off into the realm of Ra – the Sun God.



10hrs 43mins, Game Score 4188, Score 15046

[Qwack]

You research Alphabet after you launch of course! *grins*

Aha, so true

I was surprised at all your hurdles. No wonders until 1550? I thought almost everyone will go after Oracle with the Marble so close by.

No religion until 880 AD? If im not wrong im guessing your cities were limited in size due to this, since religions provide alot of extra happiness and extra research as well with monastaries.

I was extremely surprised with your Elaphantine city placement. That was so far away from your capital im assuming it was a good reason your gold supply was low due to maintenance.

The world war with Isabells is hilarious. Almost the same as in my game. Im yet to be in a game where half the world DOES NOT hate isabella

With all this stuff you still managed to finish at practically the same time I finished. nice game

[Kylearan]

Hi,

ah, finally another player who settled towards the Incans! And your Elephantine was even deeper in Incan territory than my city was, although by the time I arrived at the wheat/horses, the Incans already had settled near the spot you had your city. I think it was a good move, as that city could be immediately productive without having to chop down any jungles. (Although building the road to your Elephantine must have been a boring exercise for your poor workers... )

Looks like a very exciting finish - congrats!

-Kylearan

[killara]

I think my many hurdles were either self-created due to poor planning or poor play (or is that the same thing?).
Here I was thinking I did well, and then I read everyone else's reports and I find myself one of the last finishers, *shakes head in amazement* at lauches almost 100 years before me! (I didn't even have tanks or plastic at those dates)
So much to learn, but then - I do suppose I play the game for fun, rather than anything else, well ... so long as I still win! *laughs* :-)