[spoilers] Going Dutch: The Commodore Files

[Whosit]

Has RtR Protective gotten the Drill promotion back yet? If so, then maybe Churchill. But I'm just biased because I thought that was a really useful free promotion to get. But I've been thinking Boudica of Zulu or somesuch would be fun if I ever get the time or courage to join another game.

Actually, got a question. Not sure if it requires a long explanation, but what are typical stack sizes by era, and how are they produced? I'm pretty sure I either under-utilize or badly-utilize the whip in the Ancient/Classical era, but on the other hand, you don't want to have a large military in that era if you can avoid it, right? For this modern combat, you've mentioned drafting quite a bit. I'm guessing slavery doesn't play a part any longer because it's no longer cost-effective to whip out those expensive units. And it sounds like stacks get to be in the 100 unit range?

[Commodore]

Okay, actually one last one last hurrah. This turn, the Doom Stack, sans a cavalry-and-infantry-and-dozen-arty detachment, stood outside of Storm Front. Nothing to do in there but die; I plotted escape, but unfortunately even going directly up the coast I'd get nailed, as culture would be stripped all over. So, just as well hanged for a sheep as a goat, why not keep the soup up and recapture Fool Moon?

The Peninsula, meanwhile, will be completely gone in two turns...

Ouch. Well, the answer why not is that a series of five rifles could die without denting the last remaining healthy infantry at all. Had to salt in generals on cannon, then although I took it back, it is only with a pitiful few remaining rifles in it that the Bigfoot Stack can easily annihilate. So less bang, more whimper on that one. Still, not upset...good options aren't exactly thick on the ground around here.

Curious to see how long the islands hold out, because the mainland is gone in about three more turns.

[Commodore]

Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?

They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow.

Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning,
Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?

[Ceiliazul]

At least it will be a soldiers death. Gg*

*lurker prophesy of an event which may be inflicted upon you, not, at some point in the near term, an event that this lurker predicts you might initiate thereby altering the course of the game based on things you haven't even realized are happening yet. Duh.