[Spoilers] Cometh the Messiah - Varn Gosam and the Malakim

[Brian Shanahan]

Seeing as you don't really like Lugh, Ilios, you could name a city after my home, Pailís na Gréine, named after his mother, who was literally the sun.

Btw the name translates into Palace of Grean (the Sun).

[Ilios]

I'm not posting in here until you go pay the werewolf thread a visit.

Edit: damn it!

Done!

I'm afraid I have to put myself into the first category there .

No worries, Krill tells me the Medic promotion only works for your units in BtS, but he's not sure about FFH. A spell like Shield of Faith or Bless works on rival units on the same tile though, so I don't know...

I'm really enjoying your naming schemes, though! And you've made it clear that Malakim can be pretty awesome, despite not standing out in the manual.

Thanks! And you haven't seen everything yet...

A long while back you mentioned you were debating between Ashen Veil and Empyrean. Have you come to any conclusion there, or mixed in any other possibilities, like sticking with Kilmorph?

I will definitely not stay in Kilmorph. I'd like to switch to Way of the Forest once I've got all my forests lumbermilled, and get the extra 2 Happy and 1 Health from the cheap Temples.
I don't need the Ashen Veil Holy city per se, because I just need the one Temple of the Veil to upgrade Lightbringers to Savants, who I can then upgrade to Mages.
I'd really like the Empyrean Holy city for the extra Sun Mana and the two experience per Divine unit. It will be this city that gets the Altar.

Seeing as you don't really like Lugh, Ilios, you could name a city after my home, Pailís na Gréine, named after his mother, who was literally the sun.

Btw the name translates into Palace of Grean (the Sun).

Oh no, I'm sticking to Lugh, I'm just not adding the Lambada!

[Ilios]

T72:

Open Borders enabled:



I should probably squeeze in Fishing somewhere between Archery and Philosophy, so I can actually benefit from the Open Borders.

I'll ask for Open Borders with Serdoa when Fishing is in, our rivers connect. (no way I'm building a road connection towards him though, not when he could get access to Raiders).

Cartography also gives me access to the City States Civic, and I might switch if upkeep costs become too high. For a Financial Civ in FFH, the default Civic is Aristocracy, and as such, I should be racing to get it. There's three reasons I'm not rushing:

1) I'd like to milk God King as long as possible. For the moment, the capital is the only city with decent production, and will remain so until I can get some Lumbermills going in the other cities.

2) I need to turn a lot of Jungles into Farms, and I'll need access to Construction to chain irrigate. For the moment there just isn't enough food to run Aristocracy (-1 food for farms), especially in the capital and En-Kai. I'll need Sanitation (+1 food for farms) to neutralize the Aristocracy penalty. (or more farms!)

3) Grassland river farms will effectively become 3/0/4 tiles before Sanitation. My GNP is already through the roof, and there is no need to paint a bigger target on my back then there already is.
I'm hoping GNP will remain solid with the tiles I'm working now, and there are two-three gold tiles to claim.
I'm going to try and secure my eastern border with the Balseraphs, which would leave the Lanun in the south to keep an eye on (I do not see the Doviello moving into my borders, and Sciz has become irrelavent).

I'll see what the situation is once I get Priesthood. If I can, I'll quickly research Education and Code of Laws, and speed towards Sanitation with the increased commerce after I switch to Aristocracy.

Anyway, I end my turn and:



Free spread to Horus!

That's 40 hammers I do not have to spend on a Thane.

You can also see I've just connected my first health resource (aside from Life Mana). The humble Rice tile has moved the capital back from unhealthiness.

I actually mis-moved that Worker on the Silks. I should have moved him on a jungle tile SW from Horus, so that the other Worker on the Rice tile can start working where I hope/believe Horses will appear after I discover Animal Husbandry (the tile in question is the suspicious grass tile north of the Silks, surrounded by Jungle). Anyway, the tile could be an Iron or Mithril Vein, but it would be nice to get some river Horses (2/3/3 tile).

Demographics:



No spectacular changes, average power is increasing, and Mist's GNP is slowly recovering after killing off most of his wolves.

[Ilios]

T73:

I get hit by my favorite FFH event:



Fucking goblins crapping in the Jungle...

God I hate this event! Couldn't it have hit one of the peaks?

Oh well, back to the game:



A first glance at the Luchuirp [strike]wastelands[/strike] Empire, or what's left of it. Sciz tells me Mutanbo doesn't even have a trade connection with Ithralia. Come on man, that's just wasting commerce!

The God of Divine Fire, also known as a RoK Thane, gains another XP and promotes to Combat 1. Mist should only be able to hit him with a Wolf (two moves), so low chance of him actually being destroyed (if Mist declares immediately).

Sciz has noticed Dappa the Warrior's cool Bronze Weapons, and wants some of his own:

Hi! I can see the Thane is almost at my capital, which i'm thankful for!

While playing the turn today I couldn't help but notice that you have
copper. I wonder if I could borrow it for a while to try and fight off
Mist. In return I could loan you a palace mana for the same amount of
turns I use the copper for, or something like that. If you have a
better suggestion that's fair, feel free to present it. You're not
really using the copper now I mean, and it would be very helpful to
me, since I might be able to fight off Mist completely with str 4
warriors, since I have a larger army than he has, but weaker (str 3
warriors vs str 4 sons of asena). One thing i'm unsure of though, do
bronze weapons stay on my warriors after I give it back? Because if it
does I only need to borrow it for one turn, which should be okay I
hope. We almost have a trade network, right?

Cheers,
Sciz

Followed by:

I just realized that the trade will have to be a minimum of 10 turns,
unless we declare war on each other, which we don't want to do, but if
you're not using the copper for anything I might as well loan it
right? In return you can borrow one of my palace manas for 10 turns
when you need it.

To which I reply:

Sciz,


I wouldn't mind borrowing copper for a couple of turns, but don't forget you need the Bronze Working tech to be able to use it.


Ilios

He hits me back for:

Right I forgot about that, dammit. Well I've been teching BW for a
while now, but losing CV made my teching much slower. I'll get back to
you when I get it, which can take a while.

Followed by:

Actually, Selrahc has told me that I do not need BW to get bronze
weapons on my warriors. That only applies for my own copper. If I
trade copper from a person who already has BW, it applies to my
warriors without me actually having the tech myself. So if you are
able to, you can offer the trade now, if that's okay. What would you
want in return later? So we can put it on paper.

I have never heard of that before? Can someone confirm this?

All very well, but:

Sciz,

Hmmm, I'm not sure about what Selrahc says, but unfortunately, we do not have a trade connection yet.

I will compose an offer either later tonight or tomorrow.

Ilios

Well, he certainly read my thoughts, because palace mana is one of the things making it worth saving him. I have a whole Luchuirp Situation kind of thing typed up, but I forgot to post it while I was at work... and didn't send it home to post tonight...

After this brief diplo interlude, back to the turn:



Lot's of things to comment on this overview screenshot.

Ra has grown into unhappiness after ending turn, but that should be solved next turn when that Dyes tile comes online.

Horses have not appeared near Horus as I expected, but to the north. I have set the Worker Farming the tile, since I won't be researching either Smelting or Mithril Working soon. (it still could be a normal tile, but I'm convinced a strategic resource is hiding beneath)

I have set research to Archery for next turn. I'm pretty confident I'll be able to shave off another turn, once those Markets finish next turn, and another 9 beakers are added thanks to the Dyes in En-Kai the Academy city.

I know, I should head for Hunting first for the extra discount, but I really have no use for it now. I don't have any Furs, Deer or Ivory nearby, and I don't want to build a Hunting Lodge in the capital. Those Hawks are only 13 hammers, and I don't want to lose hammers because the overflow cap has been exceeded.

I'd like to build the Lodge in Horus, but it will have to finish its Market first, then continue building the Elder Council, probably followed by another Worker and then some escorting Warriors.

Once I have lots of Lumbermills I'll grab Hunting which will allow research of Way of the Forest, and then I'll switch religions at the same time.


I've been expecting this for a while:



En-Kai has become large enough and has accumulated enough culture getting it a spot in the top 5.

[Ilios]

T74:

Tech:



I might want to build some of those Smokehouses later on. No use in building Granaries since I only have Rice to double health.

Event log:



I don't know why, but I was pretty sure this guy was born in Lanun lands. I was talking to Uberfish later on, who confirmed me that Amelia/Bob will be getting an Academy (I suppose) next turn.

Meet the neighbours:



Those Pieces of Barnaxus must be pretty heavy on the stomach of that Combat 3 Wolf!
For the uninitiated, if someone manages to kill that Wolf, and get those Pieces back to a Luchuirp city, they'll be able to rebuild Barnaxus. If I recall correctly he loses all exp though.

Scouting out the defenses:



I don't think a city blocks visibility, so I'm pretty sure Mist's Scout can see my Warrior on the hilltop facing him. Mist now knows that Mutanbo is defended by a single Luchuirp Warrior...

Time for a little greeting:

Greetings,


We have received a message from our envoy to the Luchuirp lands, currently enjoying the touristic attractions of Ithralia, that he could see Doviello warriors parading in front of the gates of the dwarven capital. Our representative was particularly impressed by the goose step performed by your shock troops, the Sons of Asena.

We would like to extend our hand in friendship, and wish your nation's "peaceful rise" the best of luck.


Yours,


Ilios "the Voice of God"

No reply received as of yet. =)

Now that we've got all contacts bar the Calabim, time for some Graphs :



The envy of the World (apparently).



Lumbermills coming up.



Hmmm, food...



Serdoa got Bronze Working last turn.


It was bound to happen:



Serdoa founded a crap city on the hill, claiming the Incense I was hoping to add to the Empire. I am now not convinced that placing a city on the sign is a good idea. Instead, I think I'll found one tile off the coast (ooh civ blasphemy), founding on the desert so Malakim defenders get a 20% bonus. This will also spare a nice forested grassland, and more importantly, gives me a shot at grabbing the Mana Node.

However, without the Crabs, this city will not be viable before I can get some irrigation going, on the tiles marked by an 'X'.
So that means delaying Priesthood, and heading for Construction first.

I think I can afford the delay, because Construction gives some additional important benefits besides the chain irrigation.
1) bridge building: Malakim lands are filled with rivers twisting all over the place. If I get invaded, it will be a logistical nightmare to get troops to the front on time if they need to waste a turn crossing rivers.
2) forts: I plan on placing those on strategic places, so most Malakim units get the bonusses to strength, healing and visibility.
3) Siege Workshops for aformentioned Chariots and Rathas. Good for emergency Catapults if necessary.
4) Only one tech removed from Sanitation (+1 food to Farms), which I'll need when I switch to Aristocracy.

I don't need Fishing boats, so I can skip Fishing, and instead go:

Masonry -> Construction -> Philosophy -> Priesthood -> Education -> Code of Laws

Going back to the dotmap, I can probably found a city on the tower to claim the Crabs for a nice fishing town. The city in the desert will be a pure production city, which will need lots of cultural buildings to battle Balseraph culture.

[Ilios]

Dear Lurkers,


I apologize for the lack of updates, I have much to tell you, and I hope I will be able to provide you with some nice screenshots tonight.But I can already reveal some of the things that have been happening recently.

Do you remember the nice greeting message I sent to Mist?

Well this is what he sent back:

Man, god or his voice.
Noone steps in between Doviello and their prey.
Can you even do anything that matters here? Hah!
Save your empty words and hollow promises.
You will pay your due.
Now or later.

Nice huh? It would seem that my strategic leaks to Uberfish and Serdoa have born fruit, and Mist considers me his enemy now. He also seems to think there isn’t anything I can do to stop him. Well, just for that, I have decided to step in and hopefully decide the fate of the Doviello-Luchuirp conflict.

After finishing Archery, I have researched Fishing in two turn at 60% science. A trade connection has now been established between Ra and Mutanbo, and I will supply Sciz with my source of Copper for ten turns. Since the Malakim know the secrets of Bronze Working, this will turn all those little Dwarven Warriors into strength 4 DW’s. In return, Sciz will provide me with a source of Palace Mana, and has agreed to include me in all possible future peace talks with the Doviello. (small chance of that happening, but I didn’t want Sciz to accept a peace deal that would make him a de facto vassal of Mist)

Mist has now pillaged most of the tiles around Ithralia, and is slowly moving his troops north towards Mutanbo. I’m not sure Sciz will be able to keep the city, since it’s built on flatland, and he has been building an expensive Wood Golem there. I’ve told Sciz he needs to spam Warriors there as well, and he’ll need to divert part of the Ithralia garrison towards Mutanbo.

Since I’m pretty sure Mist will be mighty angry once he finds out about my “Merchant of Death” shenanigans, I am assembling a strike force near Ra, consisting of four str 5 Kilmorph Soldiers, a couple of Warriors, and two Thanes of Kilmorph. If Mist captures Mutanbo and decides to keep it, I should be ready to pounce on his damaged Sons of Asena, who do NOT get a city defense bonus. If the Doviello raze the city, I should still be able to pick off some damaged troops. I’ll try to show you my cunning plan in the coming days.

Also, Dappa the Warrior, who has been exploring the icy wastes to Mutanbo’s north, has made a stunning discovery…

[Maksim]

The lurkers are pleased with your cunning plan - whatever comes out of it, it should be fun to watch!

So, a few questions:

What happened to the Thane travelling to Ithalia? Did he get there yet, or has he been diverted?

Why have you gone for the Soldiers of Kilmorph as your strike force, rather than the cheaper warriors?

Have you switched the empire into full-on military mode? Has this hurt your research speed?

Edit: Also, are you in Apprenticeship at the moment? Does your strike force have promotions?

[Ilios]

The lurkers are pleased with your cunning plan - whatever comes out of it, it should be fun to watch!

I serve at the pleasure of the lurkers.

What happened to the Thane travelling to Ithalia? Did he get there yet, or has he been diverted?

Mist is moving his troops away, and we're not really sure if the Medic promotion would work on Sciz' troops, so I've decided to move him back towards Malakim.

Why have you gone for the Soldiers of Kilmorph as your strike force, rather than the cheaper warriors?

Well, bear in mind I initially built the SoK's as a deterrent, inflating my army to second place after Mist. I hadn't really decided yet whether I wanted to have a hot war on my hands. Warriors are cheap, but I'm not about to spam them and pay for the upkeep costs. If everything goes well, I should get Priesthood in 10-12 turns, and should be able to build/upgrade str 5 double promoted, Mobility RoK Priest

Have you switched the empire into full-on military mode? Has this hurt your research speed?

As long as I can fight the Doviello in Luchuirp lands, and choose my fights carefully, I do not plan to switch to military mode. The economy is going nicely. Having seen Mist's current troop composition, I'm quite confident I could wipe out his army easily should he choose to move troops accross the border.

Also, are you in Apprenticeship at the moment? Does your strike force have promotions?

Unfortunately not! I have set research to Education next so any new troop builds can take a promotion, but the existing Malakim troops are all quite green, which is why I need to pick my fights...

A combat 1 promoted Sons of Asena has even odds agains an unpromoted SoK of mine.

Again, I need Priesthood before I can easily defeat the Doviello invasion force.

[Ilios]

I haven't received the new turn yet, so I haven't the hart for a full update.

I'll leave you with a picture of my capital in its full glory, and the stunning discovery I was talking about!






Yes, that is Yggdrasil and Marble...

[Ilios]

I've been wanting to share some diplo I had with Serdoa a week and a half ago. I was pestering him for an NAP, which he didn't want.
Anyway, I especially liked the last line!

serdoaciv: great lets hope everything goes well on your western border
21:46 I guess that means you go help the dwarves eh?
ik: well, I'd love to
but I'd need my eastern flank covered
21:48 serdoaciv: Like I said, I don't like NAPs. And in this situation I would piss off a neighbour who could turn around to hit me in the face for it - not a great trade to be honest for doing something I dislike
ik: fair enough
and I'm not sure how that would piss of Mist
21:51 serdoaciv: If you go and defend the dwarves from him and can hit with full force because I agree to a NAP? I would be pissed off about that - and lets be honest, he has put his whole civ in war-mode, there is nothing else he can do with it. If he can't hit the dwarves he has to come for another neighbour
ik: alright
21:52 just don't get twitchy when you my power increasing. it is NOT aimed at you
21:53 that was the whole point of a NAP
so you don't get nervous when my power increases
21:54 serdoaciv: Ah don't worry. We have good relations and I trust you.