Epic One - Jumbo's Report

[Jumbo]

So, I'm a new poster, although I've been a loyal lurker here and at CFC for a long while now. Even started a few Civ3 epics, but never got around to finishing them by the deadline. May have even posted on here, but forgot the screen name I would have used, and I think I signed up with an old email address.

Here's my summary report on this game: it was a blast!
It also featured a few events that hadn't yet happened in a game of Civ4 for me. And, a few that seem to happen all the time. (Monty declaring war multiple times. )

I'll reply to my own post to copy in my exact notes. I'm not sure if this is normally done, but perhaps it's helpful to show what I was thinking at the time it happened? It might also show if I made a rules mistake anywhere. Of course, much in the report is either an adaptation or a straight copy/paste from the notes.

When I first surveyed the lands, I was impressed by the start. Fresh water and stone to take advantage of the Industrious trait, cow and silk. With only five opponents, I thought that an early religion was in play, and thought that Stonehenge would be nice. The Creative trait makes it less powerful, but the GPPs would be nice, especially with an early religion and the ability to found the Shrine early.

In 3520 BC, I learned Mysticism, and with a worry that a religious civ might be moving towards meditation, I went with Polytheism/Hinduism. The guess was correct, as Buddhism was founded in 3480 BC. I founded Hinduism in 2760 BC.

Over these first few thousand years, I made contact with Monty and Ghengis. Naturally, I expected conflict to come with one or both of them. Neither of them had founded Buddhism, so I wanted to try and push Hinduism on them to make at least one a friend, or at least keep them off my back for awhile.

In 2360 BC, I met Washington. Interesting, and concerning. Except for the fact that everyone seems to agree Monty is crazy, the threads I've lurked on seem to have different ideas of who are strong AIs. I feel that Washington is *very* strong; he'll start slow, but once his economy gets rolling he suddenly becomes strong in the early Industrial ages and can become a major competitor for space.

The remainder of BC times went by relatively slowly. I built Stonehenge in 820 BC, had to deal with some barbarian incursions, and then built the Pyramids in 280 BC. I revolted to Representation and Slavery. I stayed in Representation for most of the game, except for an ill-fated experiment with Universal Suffrage in the Industrial Era. I didn't get the specialists rolling until later; but Representation was a nice happy booster.

In 1000BC, I only had two cities:



But, as was reported a little while later, I actually was the largest Civ. Odd:



The focus on wonders really slowed down my growth. I only built my third city in 1AD!

As the clock turned, Montezuma was in bad relations with me, including a -4 for heathen religion. I wanted to focus on having at least one friend out of the Aztecs and Mongols, and so I wanted to make it a priority to expand Hinduism into Mongolia and build a friendship.

In 200AD, Moses was born and built the Kashi Vishawath, and in 220AD Ghengis converted to Hinduism! That was nice.



Over the next several hundred years, I was just focusing on building, expanding and while still dealing with an ongoing war against Barbarian cities in the south. After defending the French fields from the pillagers, I was able to take the war to them, and conquer the first (Cimmerian) in 610AD and the second (Ligurian) in 680AD. This warring (along with my slow growth) had negative impacts on my economy, so in 710AD it was reported that the French were least advanced in the world. When Alphabet came in 720AD, I needed to close the gap: trading my good-friend-to-be Ghengis Meditation+Alphabet for Math+Sailing. I also traded Medtiation+Priesthood to Washington for Monotheism. That was it, as the remaining techs on the board were Monarchy, Code of Laws, and Horseback Riding (which I couldn't get from anyone).

Here's a few pics of the war against the Barbarians. First, building the troops, which also shows an overview of the Classical Era French Republic:



And some shots of the conquest of Cimmerian and Ligurian:






Time marched on, until 810AD, when Monty declared war on Ghandi. Ghandi asked for help, which I declined - I wasn't prepared for war.

In 850AD, Imhotep, the first French Great Engineer, was born in Paris. With the Colossus and Hanging Gardens soon to be available, I needed to decide which to rush and which to build. In 940AD, After finishing the Acqueduct in Paris, the Hanging Gardens would be finished in 10 turns; so I decided to build HG and rush the Collossus, as I didn't have copper.

In 970 and 990AD, I rejected successive demands from Alexander and Monty. Although Alex is far away, I am more concerned (as would be expected) by Montezuma. I needed to upgrade my military.

In the meantime, I might as well add one finished wonder-pic:



During this era, I did some trading: Cows for Sheep with America, Metal Casting to Gandhi for Construction, and Construction to Genghis Khan for Monarchy. The last deal (made in 1055AD) was most important, as I was concerned about getting good relations with the Mongols...

...which was important, because in 1060AD Montezuma declared war on the French Republic! I gave Ghengis Khan Metal Casting to join the war, and also wanted to buy in Ghandi, who had recently made peace with the Aztecs. But, perhaps peace was actually made too recently, as Ghandi declaring war on the Aztecs was not an option in diplomacy.

I was, in fact, unprepared for war, as I lost Tours in 1065AD.



I ask my good friend Ghengis Khan for Horseback Riding (mobile defense being needed) and he gives it. Whew. I also whip some forges to completion, in order to prepare for increased military production.

The initial Aztec attack, except for the units occupying Lyons and a single pillaging horse archer, turned back towards Mongolia. At the very least, Ghengis would keep the pressure off me. It took a few decades to build up a force sufficient to take back Tours, and in the meantime I had to take care of some pillaging incursions. Finally, in 1115AD, I liberated Tours but lost some horse archers in the process. In 1130AD, Ghengis Khan made peace with Montezuma. That's ok: I just needed some breathing room. I assume that Monty will have a big price for peace, so I offer peace with 10GPT. He accepts; I guess I overbid.

Finishing the war allowed me to rush the Collossus in Orleans, which previously had been dedicated to building units, as it was the city closest to the Aztec border. I've decided to spread the wonders around; I'm not sure if cultural will be a viable victory (especially as only Hinduism exists throughout the French Republic), but I decide I might as well leave it as open as possible.

In 1200AD, the French entered the Medieval Era.

In 1245AD, Washington declared war on Alexander. Interesting, considering that Washington currently has the highest score on Alexander the lowest.

1275AD: Paris: National Epic; 1280AD: Cimmerian: Heroic Epic.

In 1290AD, Monty declared war on me again. Annoying. And this time, I don't have anything to give Khan to help me out...well, perhaps Philosophy (next turn) will help convince him...if I need the help, that is. I'm not sure what Monty has left to bring.

A massive switchover to military builds means I'm not getting much help from Organized Religion, but I'll be switching to Pacifism soon enough anyway. That, somehow, seems not optimal: switching to Pacifism just after Monty declares war!

Actually, surveying the battlefield: I think I might be able to take Phyrgian in the South, if I can fight a successful defensive campaign in the north.

1295AD: Gave Khan Philosphy to declare war on Montezuma, and gave it to Ghandi for CoL and Compass.

I destroyed a mini-stack that Monty had brought into French territory, and moved my troops outside Phyrgian, but it will be a few turns of bombardment before I am ready for the attack...but, it turned out I was too careful, as in 1310AD the Mongol units that joined up with me outside Phyrgian marched into the city and razed it to the ground.

The Ruins of Phyrgian:



In 1320, I rushed Angkor Wat in Lyons with Archimedes, born in 1315. I had some seriously awful luck taking care of Aztec pillagers, losing a few horse archers, which slowed my advance into Aztec proper.

In 1325, I began bombardment of Tlaxcala. In 1340, Monty offered 40 gold for peace; sorry, I consider Tlaxcala the price of peace.

The Siege of Tlaxcala:



In 1355, I lost one swordsman in the conquest of Tlaxcala, and then accepted 100 gold for peace; a nice refund for the 100g I had to give Monty after the First Aztec War. After the war, I revolted to Serfdom and Pacifism. Caste System was an option, but I had enough specialist-enabling buildings that it wasn't necessary.

In 1400AD, Washington made peace with Alexander. That's too bad, in a way; GW probably could have destroyed Alexander if he wanted to. Later that decade, Ghengis came asking for help against Monty (since I had made peace before Khan); I decline, as I think Khan can handle Monty without my help.

In 1430, I rushed Hagia Sophia in Orleans: third great engineer! During this era, I was also spreading Hinduism through India, as Ghandi and I didn't have much in the way of relations (positive or negative), and it would be nice for him to convert. In 1435, I revolted to Bureaucracy after learning Civil Service.

In 1495, a neat trick happened: as a finisher to a few trades made over the previous few turns, I acquired Gandhi's WM: which, it turned out, made me the first to circumnavigate the globe! And I had only built (and would only build, but later upgrade) one galley the whole game.

In 1510, Hanno (a Great Merchant) reached Washington, where he conducted a trade mission for 1950 gold.

I had planned to take a shot of 1500 AD, but instead I forgot and so got 1510:



1545 AD: Trading Nationalism to Ghandi was a mistake, as he beat me to Taj Mahal.

In 1565 AD, Washington declared on Alex again. I am curious as to whether this will ramp up GW's aggression...in 1590, America conquered Pharsalos.

In 1620AD, Monty declared war on Khan. I decide that this time, if Khan asks for help, I just might give it.

In 1668AD, Ghandi beat me to Versailles by three turns! Gah! What's France without Versailles? In the meantime, though, I picked up a Great Artist and decided not to switch to Mercantilism. More specialists would be good, but I had a nice economic thing going.

In 1676AD, Gandhi switched to Emanicipation, which meant he had at least Democracy. He was winning the tech race significantly (after he and GW had been neck and neck earlier.)

In 1684, Pyreaus, my second Great Merchant was born for another long-distance trade route. In 1688, Blaise Pascal - my fourth Great Engineer - was born. Wow, that's my best yield of engineers in a game yet.

The Mongols and Aztecs made peace in 1690. That war didn't get very far.

In 1694, the French learned Liberalism, and the people yearned for Freedom! Revolt to Free Speech, Free Market and Free Religion (some other religions had spread through France, which I encouraged, as I was considering the cultural option).

In 1702, Monty started the Third Franco-Aztec war by declaring on me. Well, I had a ton of cash in the bank (GMs are nice for this!) for upgrading my Horse Archers, left over from the Second Franco-Aztec War, into Knighs; and if necessary later on to Calvary.

My strategy was to start off with some pillaging, to cut off two northwestern Aztec cities from the center of the Aztec Kingdom. In 1722, I had sufficient forces to march toward Xochicalco.

In 1726, Democracy was learned and I revolted to Emancipation per the rules. (And I would've revolted anyway, unless I had wanted to delay anarchy at all.) I used Blaise Pasacal to rush half of the Statute of Liberty.

1740: The French Army conquers Xochicalco. Excellent. Lost only some suicide catapults.



1746: The French Army operates with perfection (even winning an underdog fight), and conquers Tlacopan. The Northwest Aztec Territories have become the Northeast French Provinces.

1748: Decide that I have achieved my goals, and especially after losing some battles where I had better odds (karma for the perfect conquest of Tlacopan) and accept 450G+WM for peace with Monty.

In 1764, America conquered Delphi, which immediately ended the Second Greco-American War.

In 1774 AD, I finished the Statute of Liberty. And micromanaged my specialists (which I've been doing occasionally, but without comment, throughout the game).



One minor disadvantage of swapping to Free Religion is that the Mongols were no longer so kind to me: at this point, they were only Cautious, after we had stood side by side and shed blood together at Phyrgian. Oh well. Just in case, I decided to reinforce the Mongol border.

In 1786, my fears were realized, and Khan demanded Education. I really didn't want Khan mad at me, so I gave it to him; I also wasn't quite ready for war, even as I realized a short while ago that reinforcements would be helpful.

I also realized that I could revolt to Universal Suffrage, as most of the suburbs are town. So I did that; but, quickly realized that it was a mistake. My income went from +49 to +30 due to the higher civic cost, and went from 669 beakers to 533 beakers. Ugh. At the earliest chance I got (1796) I revolted back to Representation.

In 1788, Monty declared war on Khan; and I noted that I wondered if Ghengis would ask for help this time.

In 1800, Khan came asking for help. I decided to renew the Old Alliance, and join him in battle against Montezuma. The Fourth Aztec War began.

I upgraded some Knights to Cavs and prepared for the offensive.

In 1802, Steam Power came in, and I had no Coal. But, interestingly, there was some just over the border in the Aztec Kingdom, which conveniently provided me a primary target.



In 1806, I started raiding Ttaleco to weaken its defenses, but I have an insufficient force available to take it. Unfortunately, in 1808, Khan made peace with Montezuma; of course, per the Rules, I didn't have to make peace with Monty until he asked for it. And I really wanted Ttaleco and the Coal before he did.

In 1816, Ghandi had Hit Musicals to trade. He was way up the tech tree: three visible techs on the F4 screen, plus whatever else was beyond those techs.

I lost my Medic II Calvary pushing the attack, but I conquered Ttaleco in 1818. I have earned my compensation for assisting the Mongols, and coal is safely in French hands.

That same year, GW declared war on the Mongols! I consider what I will do if Khan asks for help, but decided to sit that one out. In 1822, America conquered the Mongol city of Hittite.

I have some scouting units on the outskirts of Tenochtitlan. It contains a lot of catapults, but not many strong defenders. However, in 1826 Monty came offering peace and 30 gold. A pittance, but I honorably accept their surrender. (I probably would've accepted peace anyway, but my foolish management of pillaging parties in the North had been destroyed, which permitted the Aztecs to advance on the cities that were still lightly defended since I captured them in the Third Aztec War.)

Also in 1826, I finished West Point in Cimmerian and sold Economics to Khan for 440 gold. I could've possibly traded Assembly Line to Ghandi for Railroad, but he's teching fast enough on his own.

In 1830, I finished Forbidden Palace in Orleans. It's not Versailles, but its' something....

In 1832, Washington asked us to attack the Mongols. While technically within the Rules, and I could probably take some serious advantage (as I think GW is beating Khan in the East), such a move would really be dishonorable after the help Mongolia has given me. Still, in 1838, the two sides made peace. Following the war, both Mongolia and America - who had been decent friends to me - were Cautious: both of them don't like the fact that I'm a friend to the other.

In 1857, it's turned into a two-civ tech race: Ghandi is up Fasicm, Industrialism and Radio on me; everyone else is backward.

The latter half of the 19th century was one of extreme building. I was confident that I'd be able to defeat the Aztecs easily if there was another war, and was friendly enough with everyone else that a war was unlikely. The only other civ that I had poor relations with, the Greeks, were on the far side of the continent and weak. It took awhile to catch up to the Indians techwise, and they were beating me to all the wonders; including all three modern-luxury wonders, and finishing Eiffel Tower in 1874. I did build The Pentagon, although it ended up being unnecessary.

By this time (1876, according to my notes) I decide that cultural victory isn't going to happen. I thought there was still an outside possibility, but doing so would require a total commitment, and would risk losing to India by space. Because of my production strength (and I was narrowing the gap on Indian technology), I thought space far more likely than culture.

In 1884 Paris finished Wall Street and started on Apollo Program. Which resulted in an interesting issue: I had $2K in the bank, and was making money at 100% science. But I couldn't use any of it unless I revolted to Universal Suffrage, which I don't want to because of the hit it would do to research. I decide to leave it in the bank, in case I am sneak attacked at need to rapidly upgrade troops.

In 1885, I am up a lot of techs on GW, except that he has Plastics. I am behind Plastics and Computers to Ghandi. I would've liked to trade for Plastics from GW, because I didn't want to give anything to India. But Plastics stayed in the red from GW until I finally gave up and researched it myself. At one point, I even cancelled my deals with Mongolia to try to de-red Plastics, but GW wouldn't budge.

I started building some "just in case" military out of Cimmerian, my military city. I finished Tank #1 in 1887.

In 1906, Amir Khuso - a Great Artist - was born, and, with me fully focused on a space victory, I used him for a Golden Age along with a Great Prophet I had sitting around.

In 1907, I finished the Apollo Program and United Nations. The latter was a mistake; after a few years with inconclusive votes, GW eventually was elected secretary-general and controlled the vote for the remainder of time - despite the fact that I had a higher population. He proposed various resolutions; some I voted for, some I didn't, some were enacted, some weren't. He never proposed a UN victory, though.

During the end-game, something interesting: my mini-map looked like it was eating the Aztecs. (This particular shot is from 1891.)



In 1910, something neat happened: cultural border expansion allowed me to wrest control of the isthmus from the Aztecs, linking up the conquered Aztec provinces without needing a sea voyage to get between them.



1918: Ghandi finished his Apollo Program.

In 1924, Washington renewed hostilities with Khan. I decided that I won't be getting involved this time either, as I'm now fully on the way to Alpha Centauri. In 1928, Khan became Annoyed when I declined helping him against Washington.

1929: America captures Samarqand.

1930: Ghandi Golden Ages, and he finished all 5 of his casings this turn. I finished all 5 of my casings in 1933.

In 1938, I finished my Life Support. And...Ghandi *declared war on Ghengis Khan*! WOW! That was...interesting. Up to this point, Ghandi and I were in a fierce battle for the spaceship, but with him declaring on Khan, I had a feeling things were going to turn my way, with him dedicating his production to military instead of space. Better for me, and a more interesting finish, but definitely easing up the tension.

For a moment, I considering helping Khan out if he asked. He was going to get crushed, otherwise (assuming that Ghandi and GW went on the offensive). But, I decided that Honorable didn't meen Blindly Loyal; it was going to be a bitter end to the Mongol-French friendship, but his assistance against the Aztecs would always be remembered.

1940: India captures Tufan, and finished all 3 thrusters.

1942: GW asks for help. Just because I won't help out the Mongols, doesn't mean I'll speed up their passing.

1946 AD: India captured Ning-Hsia.

1947 AD: America razes Beshbalik. I build Rouen on its Ruins. (I've also been preparing settlers to settle in other cultural areas ceded by the Mongols with their passing.) I also 3150 gold for a merchant mission in Delhi. After getting that, plus having all the spaceship techs, I revolt to Universal Suffrage.

A pic from the latter days of the Mongol Empire:



1948 AD: Pay 1614 of my ~5000 gold to finish off the last 6 turns of the Space Elevator.

1949 AD: Finish SE, and America captures Karakorum.

1950 AD: America razes New Sarai. Mongolia only has its territories in the northwestern islands. Wow. India and America ripped Mongolia to shreds in 12 turns. Nice for them, but I'm getting the benefit (thanks to settling in the abandoned territory and slowing down Ghandi's spaceship).

1951: Finish Life Support.

1957: Finish SS Docking Bay.

A pic from me occupying what used to be Mongolia, while doing little else but waiting for parts to finish. I guess I like to think I was "protecting" Mongol refugees...although I guess they would've wished that I had helped them in their actual war.



1961: Finish the Engine, and win a Spaceship Victory!







In-Game Score: 4,578
Final Score: 10,494 --> Emperor Constantine

Kudos to the RB crew for an excellent game. It would have been closer if Ghandi hadn't declared war on Mongolia and abandoned his spaceship, or if I had been bold and risen to defend my allies of earlier ages. Still, a very nice game, with some tense moments - if I hadn't gotten the Mongols on board early, I would've suffered badly at the hands of the Aztecs in the First War. Interestingly, I fought four wars against the Aztecs, and each time my soliders improved: from horse archers, to Knights, to Musketmen and Calvary. Each time, however, Monty was fighting with Horse Archers...also, while watching the replay, I noticed that Monty actually did well against Ghandi in their ancient age war, taking a city or two. It seems to me that the AI issue with war isn't so much fighting it, but knowing when to stop and shift back into a peacetime economy, consolidate, and prepare for the next offensive.

Or maybe Montezuma is just insane...!

[Jumbo]

And the straight copy of my notes:

First Epic

4000 BC
Survey the lands: looks promising - fresh water, stone (to take advantage of Industrious trait and build some wonders!), cow and silk. Move warrior, wheat to NE. Blue circle suggests settling in place - I agree: Paris founded.

With only five opponents, the chances for an early religion might be good. Also, Mysticism permits Stonehenge, so head towards that.

3920 BC

Working on Warrior in Paris, moving warrior NE, spot pigs. Nice resources! Paris is working car.

3800 BC

Notice that border expansion revealed bannanas to SW.

3760 BC

And rice East!


3640 BC

Ghengis Khan meets us, and make peace - will he be peaceful, though?

3520 BC

Mysticism comes in, and on the worry that a religious civ is out there looking at meditation, decide to go for polytheism and hinduism.

3480 BC

Buddhism is founded...hope that my play on hinduism will work.

3320 BC

Montezuma comes knocking. So, looks like France might be the only honorable civ in this game!

3080 BC

Hut --> Experience

2920 BC

There's a lot of jungle here so far; it will be interesting to come up with fertile lands. Serfdom may be a good civic in the distant future if there are any left to clear out.

2760 BC

Polytheism comes in, and Hinduism is founded. This could end up being really useful; neither Ghengis nor Monty has founded a religion yet, and pacifying them religiously could be a really good way to keep them off our back, or perhaps even make friends? I still don't fully know whether it's a good idea to convert immediately if you aren't spiritual, but, since I'm not planning on founding any other religions for a little while, I go for it.

Start research on mining; it'll be nice to actually have workers able to do something. Getting stone will help speed up those early wonders. Stonehenge isn't really necessary for the culture-expanding, but it can't hurt. I'm also curious to know where on the map we are.

2560 BC

Paris grows to size 3, and put the Barracks on hold to build a worker, due in 15 turns.

Didn't mention it yet, but we're on a peninsula...so will want to expand generally northeastward, perhaps opening and closing borders depending on whether I'm concerned about intrusions into the back lines.

2360 BC

Say hello to washington. Interesting, and concerning. Except for the fact that everyone seems to agree Monty is crazy, the threads I've lurked on at CFC have different ideas of who are strong AIs. I feel that Washington is *very* strong; he'll start slow, but once his economy gets rolling he suddenly becomes strong in the early Industrial ages and can become a major competitor for space.

2240 BC

Mining comes in; start work on Fishing to work water tiles. In retrospect, I should've fone Fishing first, then Mining, but oh well!

2160 BC

Exploring Warrior finds an interesting Isthmus to the northeast.

2080 BC

Make that two interesting isthmuthes!

2000 BC

Exploring warrior finds the arctic.

1975 BC

How did that happen? Somehow, I completely blanked out and forgot that *Masonry* allows quarries. I think it's because so much comes from mining in the latter parts of the game, I forgot about quarries entirely...

1925 Bc

Reshuffle tiles to focus on commerce. Slows down Barracks, and it'll probably get swapped in and out over time. But, it's not critical...yet.

1650 BC

Animal Husbandry comes in. Unsure what to research - consider a military tech, in case Monty gets a little too crazy, but decide to pass and go for Masonry instead. Stone is good. Also, adjust tiles in Paris to go for growth.

1550 BC

Paris grows to size 4. Switch to settler - 4 turns left on rax.

1325 BC

Finish researching Masonry. Briefly consider going for Monotheism and Judaism, but decide against it - I want some kind of military just in case either Genghis or Monty goes bonzo, and so I start research on hunting.

1150 BC

Paris finishes settler - having it go to the northeast spot in range of multiple resources.

1125 BC

Finish Archery, start Bronze Working (for chops).

1125 BC

Gandhi says hi.

Found Orleans.

1100 BC

Say Hi to Alex, start Orleans on a Rax. Put Paris on Stonehenge.

960 BC

Finishing and switching to quarry reduces stonehenge from 14 to 10 turns, and that's before hooking up the stone.

920 BC

The Mongols are close...too close.

880 BC

Paris grows, Stone hooked up, and Stonehenge due in 3. Military is pathethic; once stone finishes will need some real military, then settlers.

820 BC

Stonehenge comes in; not sure what to do one turn before BW finishes. Put one turn on Pyramids, for lack of something better.

800 BC

BW comes in; Copper is in Mongol territory. Brilliant. :P Decide that military of some kind is essential, so head for Archery. Keep Paris' production on Pyramids. Also, my Woodsman II warrior was killed by Barbs while waiting in woods. Darn. That guy was good at scouting.

640 BC

Get Archery, start Writing. Open Borders may help relations, with my pathetic military, and if I can (eventually) spread Hinduism then all the better. My wonder-focused start has really cut down growth. Two cities? WTF! Well, the other civs seem to be growing slowly too: I am the largest Civ. So, once the Pyramids finishes I'll seriously get to work.

580 BC

Paris grows to Size 6; its maximum for both happy and health (although its health will go up once wheat is connected.)

500 BC:

Crap. Barbs look like they are heading into territory. Will need to swap off Pyramids briefly for some military.

360 BC

Lost two farms in the process, but the barbs attacked Paris directly and just gave my hastily built archer some experience. Resume construction on Pyramids, and start building archers out of Orleans. It's all good, since Paris shouldn't be growing anyway - it will focus on Settlers after finishing Pyramids.

300 BC

Oh. I see why it won't want to let me put a pasture on the pigs. They are jungle. :P

280 BC

Finish the Pyramids. Actually, I've never built them before, so in a way this is kind of an experimentation game for me. (I've also never had only two cities this late in the game). :P

In any case, I revolt to Representation (for the happiness) and slavery (for the possible whipping).

220 BC

Open Borders signed around to everyone - I want to build some good relations. Monty isn't happy (-4 for heathen religion!). As honorable as the French want to be, we are concerned about The Choices of Monty Zuma.

160 BC

Hinduism spreads in Orleans. It's about time! Also just notice that science is at 90%...must've been a bankruptcy prevention some years back.

60 BC

Set research for Iron Working. Removing Jungle is Important this game. It would also be Good to have weaponry better than bow and arrow...with no horses or copper in range, those Barb cities to the south look mighty annoying.


40 BC

Paris Settler --> Worker.

Just as I said that I didn't have any better weaponry, notice that there is a horse to the west...huh, don't know why I missed that before. Head settler in that direction.

1 AD

Lyons founded. Wow. Three cities in 1AD. I'm usually a very fast expander (even in C-IV) but this is crazy. Oh, and it doesn't help that Lyons has 2 excess unhealthiness. Sigh...city placement is not one of my strong suits.

80 AD

With a worker finished, start roading towards Lyons to get some health, followed by the northern pigs (or jungle pigs, whichever comes first) and the western horses.

200 AD

Moses is born on Paris, and he constructs the Kashi Vishawath. Now, the shortsighted me thinks that a super specialist would actually be more useful, considering the issues I'm having. But, if I can spread some religion around it will naturally be worth it. The culture is good, too.

210 AD

Was it the effect of the Hindu holy building? Well, Hinduism spread into Karakorum, so that's cool. If Mongolia switches to Hinduism, it will be nice to have an ally of some kind. By the way, it's 210 AD, I have 3 cities, and I'm third in Land Area.

220 AD

Nice! Genghis converts to Hinduism!

230 AD

The road network extends to Lyons, so it's at even health (4-4). Once I get the Pigs attached, it will actually be able to grow!

330 AD

Get Iron working. Iron right next to Paris! Looks like there might be a Great Barbarian War sometime...so much for honor.

350 AD

Somehow, Judaism spreads in Hinduism. Geez. Barb Axeman makes an incursion into French territory, near a worker and worked alnds. Set up defenses.

360 AD

Barb Axe kills our Archer, but is injured. Our Archer retaliates and kills the Axe.

390 AD

Finish Priesthood, start Meditation. If religion is going to mean anything, need to take advantage. Iron is hooked up, and once we get horses we should have sufficient weapons to expand the Empire (er, Republic) at the expense of the Barbarians.

430 AD

Rheims founded.

440 AD

The way things are looking, I'm using Settlers to go to the north, and going to use swordsmen to conquer the barbarian territory to the south. The Barbarians Have Chosen Unwisely!

470 AD

Finish Meditation. Start on Alphabet. Except for the Parthenon just finishing, I don't really know what the other Civs are up to...and the tech pace seems rather slow this game. (Must be the lower number of civs?) Trading techs might make things go quicker.

490 AD

Finish a Sword in Paris, start on Chariot. (That combined arms thing, ya know? Also, a mobile defense of some kind could be good.)

520 AD

Ack, didn't notice Lyons is starving...because Rheims took the Pigs. I'll need to move things around...and get Sailing for Lighthouses, also.

530 AD

This is strange. Washington forms Organized Religion, but he doesn't appear to have a state religion?

540 AD

There we go, Washington becomes Jewish. And...you know those Barb cities have been around for awhile when they start having workers around them!

550 AD

Paris finishes a sword and starts on a Monastery. Need to start spreading some Hinduism around to fund the Barbarian Wars.

560 AD

With an Axe from Orleans finishing, move 3 swords, 2 axes and an archer with cover towards the Barbarian South. Notice that Monty must have wasted a Barbarian city to the southeast...swap Paris to a settler to claim the territory; there's Iron down there!

600 AD

Move the French Army to a hill outside Cimmerian. It is defended by 2 Archers, and has a +50% defense bonus. We may take losses, but Cimmerian shall fall.

610 AD

Attack Cimmerian. The first two attacking Swordsmen with, taking some damage...but, naturally, the Barbs just finished another Archer, who narrowly defeats the last attacking Sword. An axeman finishes the job and Cimmerian is conquered.

[Begin Session 2]

650 AD

The revolt in Cimmerian ends.

660 AD

Occupying forces in Cimmerian have healed, begin moving troops to Ligurian.

670 AD

Found Tours - I want to seal off my portion of the peninsula.

680 AD

Lose a swordsman, but Ligurian is now part of the French Republic. The Barbarians have been ridden from the Gallic Pensinsula!

710 AD

The French Republic has half a million people, and is the least advanced in the world! Hopefully, when Alphabet comes in some of that will change. By the way, "AncientSoundtrack2" rocks!

720 AD

Finish research on Alphabet. After looking at what the AIs have to trade, set research on Metal Casting - none of them have it, and I will need it. Begin trading round!

Gandhi won't trade Alphabet for Monarchy. That makes things tougher.

1. A lot of Civs don't have Meditation, and Washington doesn't have Priesthood! Trade Med+Priest to Washington for Monotheism.

2. Trade Ghengis Khan Med+Alphabet for Math+Sailing.

And that's it. The only Techs left on the board are Monarchy (which Ghandi will trade but won't take Alphabet for and Washington has but won't trade), CoL (which Ghandi won't trade) and HBR (which Wash and Monty won't trade).

I probably could get Copper from Ghengis for Horse, but don't need to make that deal quite yet. Cow doesn't get ivory from Ghandi.

740 AD

Christianity has been founded, presumably by Washington: he now has Theology but won't trade it. Calendar has spread around, and the resources are more important than any continuing Stonehenge Obelisks.

Alphabet+Meditation to Alexander for Calendar.

760 AD

With religion spread to one more city - and me ready for more missionaries soon, I revolt to Organized Religion.

770 AD

By revolting to OR, upkeep costs are starting to increase. I have one more city to found, in the south by the second iron. Then, it will be time for consolidation. Until then, I'm going to need to reduce spending on science.

790 AD

Marseilles founded, and the Honorable French Republic is complete (for now) - there are more cities to be founded in the North.

810 AD

Hinduism spreads to Seattle...but that isn't the big news, which is: Monty declares war on Ghandi!!!

830 AD

Ghandi asks for help against Monty. Sorry, you're SOL - I'm neither prepared for, nor interested in, a war right now.

850 AD

Imhotep - Great Engineer! born in Paris. I'm going to keep him around for wonder rushing. The Colossus looks good - I won't need to pay for Copper, and I can put it in one of my other cities. I really should get on building Hanging Gardens, though. HG actually isn't as needed as I might otherwise, I have a lot of health resources available.

880 AD

I think I'm changing my mind, and will use Imhotep to rush the Hanging Gardens, and then try to build the Colossus. It might be a dumb idea, but I'm sticking to it...or maybe not.

940 AD

Nothing much specific - some religions have spread (Christianity made it to Cimmerian first naturally - guess that's the next Missionary target), and once I finished the Acqueduct in Paris, I'll have the Hanging Gardens finished in 10 turns, wow!

960 AD

The French Republic holds 1M people.

970 AD

Alex demands Monotheism(?). I reject.

990 AD

Monty demands Rice. I reject. Better keep that military up to snuff! I should start building some more units...

And our Missionary fails to spread Hinduism in Cimmerian! Grrr...

1010 AD

Washington offers Cow for Sheep. I take it.

1020 AD

Finish the Hanging Gardens.

1030 AD

1M people in France!
Ghandi makes peace with Monty. Must not have been much fighting over there...or, at least, no cities taken.

Now I spread Hindu in Cimmerian.

1035 AD

Metal Casting to Gandhi for Construction.

1055 AD

Khan asks for Construction for Monarchy. In the interest of good relations (since it looks like Ghengis Khan might end up my only ally) I do it.

1060 AD

Montezuma declares war on us!

Give Ghengis Khan Metal Casting to join us in the War against Montezuma. I am unable to ask Ghandi to join the war - is it because he recently made peace with Monty?

Lose a sword on the attack.

1065 AD

Lose Lyons in the Interturn....grrr...........! Really should've been better with that anti-Monty preparations.

Ask Ghengis Khan to spare us Horseback Riding...and he gives it. Whew.

Whip some forges.

1070 AD

Except for the 3 horse archers occupying Tours, and the one horse archer who looks like he is pillaging, the other Aztec horse archers turn around for Mongolia. Lets hope our Mongol allies can do a good job!

1080 AD

Use one of my horse archers to kill a horse archer they had used to take a worker of mine.

1100 AD

Uneventful war turns...just building up a force to take back Tours, while the Mongols allies fight the Aztecs.

1105 AD

The Mongols come calling asking us to cancel deals with India. Now, normally I wouldn't, but the alliance with Mongolia is too important right now. I cancel the deals.

Currency comes in, start work on Feudalism.

Kill an Aztec archer in Mongol territory, for "training" purposes.

1110 AD

The force is prepared to take back Tours.

1115 AD

Washington cancels our Cow-Sheep deal. In exchange, we make Horse-Marble and Cow-Fur deals.

Take losses, but Tours is recovered...what was weird was, maybe I screwed something up, but I couldn't move and attack my 'pult on the same turn. In retrospect, I shouldn't have been greedy and waited one more turn.

1125 AD

Wheat pillaged, then kill the pillager.

1130 AD

Another of my resources is pillaged...and Ghengis Khan makes peace with Monty. I'm not that bitter - I just needed Khan to give me some breathing room. There's one more pillager in my territory...once I clear it out, I'll try to buy peace and then rebuild.

I assume that Monty has a big price for peace, so I offer 10GPT...and he accepts it. Ok, well then. That's 100G total, nothing that will kill me...better that continuing this war.

A side benefit of finishing the war is it lets me rush the Collossus in Orleans. I have no idea if cultural is actually going to be a viable win, but in order for it be one I need to start spreading the wonders.

Paris is unhappy - a side effect of having so much pillaged. Trade for Wine from Washington...but I don't really want to make Washington stronger for very long. As I've said, America tends to be really strong in my games.

1135 AD

Our engineer-rushed Colossus finishes in Orleans.

1145 AD

Some cities are unhealthy. Redo some trades to focus on health, rather than happy, resources until resources are reconnected...except that are no happy resources out there.

1190 AD

Washington comes calling for Dye for Sheep. Done. But I do cancel Cows for Fur - happy isn't the issue, health is.

1200 AD

Complete Feudalism, and enter the Medieval Era. Set research for Drama.

1210 AD

I think Ghengis Khan beat me to Iron Island by one turn. I just landed my Settler/Archer, to see that he already has a pair there. That's ok, partner!

1215 AD

And he did, founding Tabriz. Move my settler back onto the boat, I'll probably found at the very northern part of the Gallic Peninsula.

1225 AD

Drama comes in. See that nobody has founded Taoism yet, so I'll make a play for Philosophy. Even if it fails, it might be time to revolt to Pacifism, start taking serious advantage of Representation, and start pumping the GPPs.

Trade Drama to Khan for Literature.

Washington, BTW, is the tech monster, up Compass and Machinery on everyone, and a few more techs on me.

Chartres founded.

1235 AD

Cimmerian is a nice production city - I think it's going to be my military city, so I start work on Heroic Epic.

1240 AD

Begin National Epic in Paris.

1245 AD

Washington declares war on Alexander. Verrrrry interesting. It's time to put that "AIs can't take advantage of wars" thing to the test...Washington is in the lead, with Alex at the bottom.

1250 AD

Alex asks for help with the war against America. I decline.

1255 AD

Monty comes calling for Rice. I decline. But, I continue building Longbows...

1265 AD

Well, I got beat to Taoism. It would've been nice...

1275 AD

Paris finishes National Epic.

1280 AD

Cimmerian finishes Heroic Epic.

1290 AD

Monty declares war on me again. What a little prick. And this time, I don't have anything to give Khan to help me out...well, perhaps Philosophy (next turn) will help convince him...if I need the help, that is. I'm not sure what Monty has left to bring.

A massive switchover to military builds means I'm not getting much help from Organized Religion, but I'll be switching to Pacifism soon enough anyway. That, somehow, seems not optimal: switching to Pacifism just after Monty declares war!

Actually, surveying the battlefield: I think I might be able to take Phyrgian in the South, if I can fight a successful defensive campaign in the north. I'll have to give it a try.

1295 AD

*IF* I was spiritual, I'd revolt to Paganism in prepration for a revolt to Pacifism later on. But I'm not, and I don't want to deal with two sets of Anarchy.

I give Khan Philosophy to declare war on Monty.

Trade Ghandi Philosophy for Code of Laws and Compass (couldn't deal for Machinery).

A mini-SOD of three horse archers and a chariot cross into French territory. Time for some mobile defense!
Catapult collateral damages then retreats.
Spearman kills a Horse Archer.
Spearman kills a HA.
HA kills HA.
And a Longbow (on the attack) finishes the job.

The Southern Army has moved outside Phyrgian, but it will be a few turns of bombardment before we are ready for the attack.

1300 AD

The siege of Phyrgian begins. No more Aztec advances towards France, but some horse archers are spotted moving to Mongolia.

There is Jungle/Hill on the border of France and the Aztecs, which conveniently is bordered by two peaks. It appears to be the only crossing into France that doesn't require passage through Mongolia. Hmm...I think I'll park a Medic Longbow and some Woodsman Spears on top of it (once the troops get there!)

1305 AD

Bombardment of Phyrgian continues. Some Mongol units have joined the fun! A catapult, war elephant, and two axemen. Hey there!

1310 AD

Huh. Guess I was being to careful. The Mongols just captured - and razed - Phyrgian! I guess there's a spot for a new French settlement...still, nice going Ghengis!

Well, with that development, my Southern Army can safely move north. And the "holding campaign" at Tlaxcala just became an assault!

1315 AD

What I thought was a blockade...wasn't much of one. Oh well!

Islam founded in Seattle, and Archimedes born in Paris! Looks like the Angkor Wat is going in somewhere (other than Paris, for the cultural balance).

1320 AD

I need to take care of some pillagers first, then I will march on Tlaxcala.

Rush Angkor Wat in Lyons.

Had some seriously awful luck "taking care" of the pillagers. Lost a few horse archers. But, this shouldn't delay things much - I still will need to bombard Tlaxcala.

1325 AD

Lyons finishes Angkor Wat. Ok, seriously, I'm going to need to swap over to specialists soon - like once Monty is taught a lesson.

An injured Spear, what was left of the Aztec raiding party that was annoying to kill, starts retreating. He won't get far...and he dies.

Bombardment of Tlaxcala begins.

1340 AD

Poor little Monty comes offering 40 gold for peace. Sorry bub, Tlaxcala is the price of peace.

Machinery comes in. Start research on Engineering.

Tlaxcala's defenses are destroyed, but there's some strong Longbow defense in the city. The suicide cats are close, though.

1345 AD

A lone Aztec horse archer comes riding from the north. That is going to not be sufficient to save Tlaxcala. It is defeated, but my Spear took significant damage to do it.

Avignon founded on the ruins of Phyrgian.

1350 AD

Both America and Greece come asking for our help against the other. We decline both.

1355 AD

We are 4th in advancement. Pity.

Montezuma's Doom is at hand. How do you like that, Monty! We're a bit stronger than when you walked into Tours almost unopposed.

One cat suicides, two retreat.

One swordsman is lost before Tlaxcala is conquered!

If I were more vicious, I would consider pushing the war north, to conquer two more Aztec cities, as well as Crabs and Silver. However, I'm not prepared for that at the moment. I'd rather just consolidate my gains, swap to Pacifism, and work on specialists.

Accept 100 gold for peace from Monty. (Hey, it's like they gave me back the money I took from them last time!)

Revolt to Serfdom and Pacifism. (Caste System is an option, but I have enough specialist-enabling buildings that it isn't necessary.)

I notice that building for the war pushed me to #2 in soldiers. Nice. Perhaps I won't need to build many more, and just can work on upgrading those that I have?

1360 AD

Washington wants Rice for Fur. Sorry dude, I'm happy enough, and you're strong enough.

MM cities to add a few specialists. I don't add a lot, just a few in choice locations. I still like to build my cities to their happy/health limits.

1390 AD

In theory, I could add another fishing village on the west coast. I don't really want to, though, with all the jungle. Maybe later, when my workers have nothing better to do they can clear the jungle and I can make another settlement.

1400 AD

Washington makes peace with Alexander. Ok, I know that Washington tends to be a builder AI, but my guess is that he could have totally wasted Alex if he wanted to.

1405 AD

Engineering comes in. Hmm...another settlement in the west will take a lot of jungle clearing. So will a new settlement in the east...but the eastern city will be able to up and running more quickly.

In the interest of good relations - and some cash to speed research - I sell Engineering to Ghengis for 820 gold.

1410 AD

As might be expected, the Mongols come asking for help against the Aztecs. I decline - don't worry Ghengis, I'm sure you can take on Monty if you want.

Start Hagia Sophia in Paris.

1425 AD

A Third Great Engineer! Wow!

Hmm...I think I might put Hagia Sophia somewhere else. I mean, I could hold onto the Engineer and risk it, but at this point I want every wonder I can get.

Lyons is building the Globe Theatre, which will put it ahead of Orleans for culture, so I move the Engineer to Orleans to build HS.

1430 AD

Oops, I hadn't removed HS from Paris's queue (I couldn't figure out why I couldn't rush in Orleans last turn.) So I rush now.

I'm beginning to spread Hinduism through India. Ghandi and I don't really have much in the way of relations (positive or negative) so it would be nice if I could get him to convert.

1435 AD

Finish rushed Hagia Sophia in Orleans.

Civil Service comes in, swap to Bureaucracy. Begin research on Nationalism.

1455 AD

Ghengis asks for Iron in exchange of Copper. Hmm...maybe if he had Iron he could teach Monty a smackdown. But, I won't let him have it that cheaply. I also take all (5) his GPT and make the deal.

1490 AD

Nationalism arrives, beginning the Renaissance. Trade Ghandi Nationalism for Optics, Music, and his World Map.

Put Paris full speed on Taj Mahal, due in 14 turns. Lyons will need the most cultural help, so I put in on Hermitage due in 17.

Hanno (Great Merchant) born in Orleans.

Research on Theology, for Divine Right and Spiral Minaret.

1495 AD

Here's a neat trick: thanks to getting Ghandi's WM, I am the first to circumavigate the globe!


1510 AD

Theology comes in, moving towards Divine Right. And I forgot to take a picture of the world, so I will now.

Hanno reaches Washington, where he conducts a trade mission for 1950 gold.

1515 AD

I'd been having sorta good luck with Missionaries, but I fail to spread hinduism in Delhi.

1540 AD

Washington offers Open Borders. We take it! Time for some mass conversion of America...

Found Besancon in the East.

1545 AD

Guess dealing Nationalism to Ghandi was a mistake. He beat me to Taj Mahal. And I wasn't paying attention, but he already had Spiral Minaret. Sigh.

1555 AD

Divine Right finished. Start on Paper. St. Paul born in Paris. I decide to make him a Super Priest in Orleans.

1565 AD

Cimmerian is unhappy. Oops. Start on Market. Washington declares on Alex again...total war mode, maybe?

1570 AD

Paper comes in, starting on Education. Orleans starts on Versailles. (What's France without Versailles?!) Actually, I have little hope of it finishing, but without much else to build - well, there is the advanced hindu buildings - I might as well give it a shot.

America captured Knossos. Maybe there are serious about it this time.

Oops. America is a Theocracy. No spreading non-state religion.


1590 AD

America captures Pharsalos. Looks like Washington might be serious.

1600 AD

America might be getting stronger, or not...either way, I actually trade some resources...get Sheep and Wine.

Gandhi is the first to discover Liberalism. There goes that idea.

1610 AD

Education comes in --> Printing Press.

1620 AD

Montezuma declares war on Ghengis Khan. Hmm...if Ghengis asks for help, I just might offer it.

1630 AD

Washington asks for help against Alex. Sorry, I think you're doing ok on your own.

1635 AD

Valmiki (Artist) born in Lyons. He creates a Great Work there.

1640 AD

Printing Press comes in. Replaceable Parts needs Banking, so start on Guilds.

1654 AD

Guilds comes in, start on Banking.

1660 AD

Banking --> Replaceable Parts. I decide not to switch to Mercantilism. The specialists are nice, but I think I've got a good thing going now.

1668 AD

Lots of We Love the PM days. And Ghandi beats me to Versailles by three turns. Gah!

1676 AD

Replaceable Parts finishes. Time to start Lumbermills. St. Augustine born in Paris. Turn him into a Super-Priest in Lyons. Ghandi has switched to Emancipation, so he at least has Democracy. Ghandi is running away with the tech race...

1680 AD

Monty demands Paper. Oh, you just go ahead and declare war...

America captures Argos.

1684 AD

Economics --> Liberalism (planning a major revolt once Liberalism comes in).
Pyreaus (GM) born, planning to send him on a long distance trade mission.
There are 10M French.

1688 AD

Blaise Pascal born in Orleans! I'll finally beat Ghandi to a wonder! That's 4 great engineers...and I think I'll stay with the Wonder instead of the GA. Statute of Liberty, perhaps?

1690 AD

Ghengis Khan makes peace with Monty. That didn't get very far.

1694 AD

Liberalism --> Constitution. Major Revolt! Switch to Free Spech, Free Religion, Free Market. (Freedom!)

1702 AD

Monty declares war on us again. What a surprise...well, I have a ton of cash in the bank for upgrading my Horse Archers to Knights (and soon thereafter to Calvary?)

Spend 1800 gold on upgrades. Will wait a turn before decimating Monty's mini-stacks.

1704 AD

Make some more upgrades I hadn't before. Wreck Monty's stack.

1706 AD

We lose a pike and Mace out in the field, but not before doing damage.

Trade Washington Education+WM for Gunpowder+WM+500G.

I'm going to try to Pillage some, to cut off NW Aztec from the main part of their nation. It would be nice to teach them a lesson they can never forget...so long as it doesn't mess up too much with my internal goals.

1722 AD

Begin marching to Xochicalco.

1726 AD

Learn Democracy, swap to Emancipation per the rules. (Probably would have anyway.)

Pop a source of Silver.

Use Blaise Pascal to rush half of Statute of Liberty.

The Siege of Xoc is in place.

1732 AD

France is most cultured.

1736 AD

Corporation --> Military Tradition.

1738 AD

Xoc's defenses have been reduced to zero. The attack will commence in 1740!

1740 AD

Suicide Cats die, but Xoc is captured.

Tlacopan is garrisoned only by a Spear and Longbow...it will soon be under French control.

1742 AD

A pair of combat III Muskets move into French territory. I'll have some losses, but they must be eliminated.

1746 AD

Military Tradition->Chemistry.
Conquer Tlacopan with no losses! I thought I'd lose an attacking Mace (it was at slightly-worse-than-even odds.) I'll have crabs available now, too.

1748 AD

Lose a couple battles on which I had better odds (guess that was karma for the no-loss victory at Tlacopan) and see a decent size cat+horse archer stack advancing on Tlaxcala. Decide that I have achieved my goals in the Third Aztec War (will Monty never learn?) and decide to dial him up for peace. Take 450G+WM for peace. It would've been nice to take the Jewish holy city, though.

1750 AD

The world in 1750 is a good one!

1752 AD

Li Po (Artist) born in Cimmerian. Excellent! He'll put a Great Work in Orleans.

1754 AD

Chemistry-->Astronomy, and Li Po does his great work.

The borders of the Mongol city in the north grew, so I won't get crabs probably.

1756 AD

Khan cancels our Iron-Copper deal. I'll be annoyed if that makes me not get the Statute. It looks like he has his own source.

1762 AD

Astronomy-->Steel.

1764 AD

America captures Delphi...and that ends the Greek-American War.

1772 AD

I usually don't mention other civs civic changes, but Monty just switched to Vassalage and Theocracy. Hmm...

1774 AD

Finish Statue of Liberty in Orleans. It's still going to need more culture...and, setting up the specialists properly will require MMing. So stop for now.

One minor disadvantage of swapping to Free Religion is that the Mongols are no longer so kind to me: they are only Cautious now. Hmm...guess there's a need to build up the defenses on the Mongol border a little more!

1776 AD

Steel --> Rifling. Enter Industrial Era.

1786 AD

Rifling-->Steam Power. Khan demands Education, and I give it to him. I don't want to have Khan mad at me, I'm not quite ready for war. I almost have tech parity; Ghandi is up SciMeth, and washington is up SP.

I'm at an odd point; I really could revolt to Universal Suffrage now - most of my suburbs are now Towns. OTOH, representation is working fairly well for me. Hmm...

I think I'll give it a try. Right now I am at 80% Sci/20% Tax --> 669 beakers, 190 tax (+49 income). Revolt to US.

1788 AD

Realize I also should've checked manufactured goods, or something. In any case, re-MM to take advantage of US.

Now I'm at 533 beakers, and 190 tax (+30 income, because of the higher civic cost). Gah. Waste of a turn. I'm going to revolt back to representation when I can.

Montezuma declares war on Khan! I wonder if Ghengis will ask for help this time...

1796 AD

Abu Bakr born in Paris. He will form a super-specialist in Orleans. Revolt back to Representation.

1800 AD

This time, Khan comes asking for help. He is only "cautious" right now, but - per the rules - he is friendly enough to join in war. We shall renew the old alliance! Declare war on Monty! The Fourth Aztec War shall begin!

Upgrade some Knights to Cavs. Further upgrading will depend on the situation.

1802 AD

Steam Power --> Railroad. We have no Coal! But there is some just over the border in the Aztec Kingdom...looks like we have a primary target! Decide to go with Assembly Line instead of Railroad. Trade Ghandi Steam Power+WM for SciMeth+WM. Switch research to full speed ahead on Physics. Place a Guerilla II Musketeer on the Coal Hill outside Ttalec for observation. It's defended by Longbows and a Horse Archer.

1804 AD

Destroy a Musketer raiding party. Oh yeah, there's oil in the Aztec North conquered in the Third Aztec War. Also outside Paris. There's also Coal outside Teot, which is also lightly defended. Wow, once I get the armies together, it looks like the Fourth Aztec War may be the last Aztec War...Monty may have chosen Unwisely! (Unless he begs for peace, that is.)

1806 AD

Start raiding Ttaleco. I really think that once you get Calvary, if the other side is sufficiently weaker there's no need to wait for artillery support. (Which is good, because I don't have any available!) Waste one defending longbow.

1808 AD

Ghengis Khan makes peace with Montezuma. How disappointing. Now, this is perhaps some poor rules lawyering, but it seems to me that Rule #6 means that I can keep up the war until Monty requests peace (as opposed to making peace as soon as possible). Which is what I plan to do.

Destroy another Aztec raiding party.

1810 AD

I only have the offensive forces available to take one city at a time, so I go on pillaging parties in the north.

1814 AD

Physics comes in. Apparently, I wasn't first. Start on Assembly Line.

1816 AD

Ghandi has Hit Musicals to trade! He is way up the tech tree...at least three visible techs.

Do a misclick (accidentally disband a unit) but am too lazy to reload.

1818 AD

Ghandi offers Hit Musicals for Cow. No thanks.

Washington declared war on Ghengis Khan! Sorry Ghengis, but we're going to sit that one out.

Lost my Medic II Cavalry pushing the attack, but otherwise success! And Ttlaeco is taken, and coal is safely in French hands!

1822 AD

America conquers the Mongol city of Hittite.
Scouting Cav and Musket park on a hill overlooking Tenochtitlan. There are a lot of catapults, but not many strong defenders.

1826 AD

Monty comes offering peace and 30 gold. I honorably accept their surrender. I probably would've made peace anyway, because my (foolish) pillaging parties in the north had been destroyed, and they were making advancements on my otherwise lightly defended cities.

Finish West Point in Cimmerian.

Assembly Line --> Railroad.

Sell Economics to Khan for 440 gold. I could trade AL to Ghandi for railroad, but he's teching fast enough on his own.

Sell Economics to also-backwards AleX for 240 gold.

I can now safely bring out workers to mine the coal and uranium.

1830 AD

Finish Forbidden Palace in Orleans.

1832 AD

Washington asks us to attack the Mongols. Now that would be dishonorable...I decline.

1836 AD

Railroad comes in --> Biology. Start working on strategic railnet.

1838 AD

Washington and Ghengis Khan make peace. Interesting: Ghandi has no Uranium.

1844 AD

Biology -> Combustion.

1846 AD

Ttaleco has been inadvertently losing food, but I don't think its used up a pop point yet. Just finished a Theater, so I can start working on happy+healthy buildings.

1851 AD

The Mongols and Americans are both Cautious: they don't like the fact that we're friends with both.

1852 AD

Combustion --> Electricity.

1857 AD

Electricity --> Radio. Ghandi is up Fascism, Industrialism and Radio; everyone else is backward.

1860 AD

Ligurian finishes Ironworks.

1863 AD

Radio (Modern Age) --> Mass Media.

Orleans starts Eiffel Tower.

Ghandi is up Mass Media and Industrialism.

1865 AD

Ghandi finishes Rock and Roll.

1868 AD

Mass Media --> Artillery. Start Hollywood in Lyons, but am concerned that Ghandi will get it first.

1871 AD

Artillery --> Industrialism. (Realized belatedly that Aluminum would be a good thing to have before Rocketry.) Ghandi is up Industrialism and computers.

1873 AD

I'm still unfamilar with how much resources "should" cost. Nevertheless, sell Uranium to Washington for 13GPT.

Rice to Monty for 5GPT.

1874 AD

Finish Pentagon in Paris. Start Wall Street.

Ghandi finishes Eiffel Tower. Egh.

1876 AD

I think Cultural is right out. I mean, there's still an outside chance for it if I give it total commitment, but then I'm seriously risking Ghandi launching.

1877 AD

Industrialism --> Rocketry. Ghandi is still up Plastics and Computers. Bump up research from 90 to 100%.

One source of Aluminum available. Finally realize that there are two unused sea resources in the Aztec Provinces.

1881 AD

Start UN in Ligurian.

1884 AD

Paris finishes Wall Street, starts Apollo Program. Interesting issue: I have 2K in the bank, 100% science, and am making money...but I can't use any of it for rushing unless I revolt to Universal Suffrage, which I don't want to do. I'll leave it in the bank in case there's a sneak attack and I need to upgrade the troops.

Rocketry -> Statellites.

Paris starts Apollo Program. Ghandi is still up Plastics and Computers, and I am up nothing on him.

1885 AD

Get St. Thomas Aquinas. I think I'll try to hold onto him for a Golden Age.
Interesting. Washington is up Plastics but won't trade; Ghandi is up Plastics and Computers. Gift Washington Fish (he had just cancelled a Fur-Fish deal a few years back.) Bah! Washington still won't trade Plastics...I'd really like to get it from someone other than Ghandi.

1886 AD

Rheims would starve (it just grew to a spot where it goes from +1 to -1 food, b/c no available tiles). So move some tiles around.

Lyons currently has Hollywood on 9 turns, and it's now losing food. I'm going to try to keep the food deficit as long as possible without starving out Lyons. If I lose one hammer it looks like I lose a full turn on HWood.

1887 AD

I've been building a modern military out of cimmerian "just in case." Just finished Tank #1.

1890 AD

Satellites --> Computers. I'm hoping that Washington will eventually be willing to trade me Plastics.

Ghandi completes Hollywood! Beat me to it by 4 turns...agh! I'm very concerned about him launching before me.

I'm still stuck in a rock and a hard place. I'm going to get more cash from Hollywood - do I swap to US for rushing? No: I need the science.

1893 AD

Ghandi wanted to trade me Plastics for Satellites and Cash. Sorry, no thanks: I want to slow you down Ghandi. And I hope that *sometime* Washington will let me trade for Plastics.

The reason appears to be "We don't want to give away this technology yet." Now, does this at all have to do with relations? I could cancel deals with Mongolia in the hope that it would make things better, but...

In the interest of trying (and hoping), cancel deals with Mongolia. Washington also has flight, which *neither* Ghandi nor I have.

1894 AD

Well, I'm down to -2 for "trading with worst enemies" with washington, but he still won't trade either Flight or Plastics.

1898 AD

Computers --> Refrigeration.

Frigging GW. Still won't trade flight or plastics. (Although Ghandi now has flight, so there's no flipping opportunity there anymore.)

1902 AD

Refrigeration --> Genetics. I still hold out hope of getting Plastics from GW, but I won't be able to for long.

I've chosen Genetics because unhealthiness is coming in a few cities, and I'm building Laboratories.

1906 AD

Amir Khuso (Great Artist) born. Use him to start a Golden Age.

Realize that, because I took a break after Computers, I hadn't switched my specialists off priests. Oops. Switch specialists to engineers and scientists.

1907 AD

Finish Apollo Program and United Nations.

1908 AD

Well, the UN didn't go as expected. Washington got more votes than me...but at least he didn't win.

1910 AD

Neat. I don't know when it happened, but border expansion caused me to link up the Aztec territories.

1911 AD

Genetics comes in. Cities are healthy again. Since I give up on dealing with GW for Plastics, and because I don't want to help Ghandi at all, I put research on Plastics.

1916 AD

Plastics-->Robotics.

1917 AD

Finish first SS Casing! Note that my minimap looks like a creature eating the Aztecs...

1918 AD

Have to work on some supermarkets for health purposes. Ghandi finishes his Apollo Program.

1923 AD

Robotics --> Fiber Optics. Start Space Elevator in Cimmerian. (Not sure if it will make a difference, though.)

1924 AD

Well, that came out of nowhere! GW declares on Ghengis. I'm not getting involved this time.

1927 AD

Ghandi finishes his first SS Casing.

1928 AD

Ghengis comes asking for help; I decline, he goes to Annoyed. Washington is one vote away from winning SecGen!

1929 AD

Fiber Optics --> Ecology.

America captures Samarqand.

1930 AD

Ghandi Golden Ages, and finishes all 5 of his casings.

1932 AD

Washington wins the vote by getting exactly the right amount.

1933 AD

All 5 of my casings finished.

1934 AD

Ecology --> Fission.

1935 AD

I vote against Open Markets. I'm actually not sure if it matters; production is more important than research at this point. But, Ghandi hasn't had refrigeration, so I want him away from it.

1936 AD

Open Markets passed. BTW, I finished all of my thrusters either last turn or the turn before, I forget.

1938 AD

Fission --> Fusion. Finish my Life Support.

Ghandi finishes his Cockpit.

Wow! Ghandi declares war on Ghengis Khan. That seriously came out of nowhere. I don't think Ghandi has fought a war all game long. I wonder if it will slow down his spaceship building?

1939 AD

A vote for FR. yes.

1940 AD

FR passes. India captures Turfan. India finishes 3 thrusters.

1942 AD

GW asks for help. No.

1944 AD

Environmentalism passes by 2 votes, over my no vote.

1945 AD

Beshbalik has a French revolt. Neat. Its been under my cultural pressure the whole game. I get a great merchant too - an artist would've been nice, actually, to put some more cultural pressure on the mongols and the cities captured by india and US. Send merchant on an eastward trip.

1946 AD

Fusion --> Composites.

India captured Ning-Hsia. I've had a settler sitting around for half the game, I might actually use it to get some more territory here at the end of all things.

1947 AD

Finish my cockpit.

America razes Beshbalik. I build Roeun on its ruins. (How ironic!)

Get 3150 for my merchant in delhi. Decide that, plus being done with SS techs, is sufficient for revolting for US.

1948 AD

GW wins the vote again.

Pay 1614 of my ~5000 gold to finish off the last 6 turns of the Space Elevator.

1949 AD

Finish Space Elevator. America captures Karakorum. It might have been razed, too.

1950 AD

100 turns left. America razes New Sarai. This only leaves Mongolia with NW Islands.
1951 AD

Ghengis asks us for help. After we say no, he says "We will remember this." Actually Ghengis, I don't think you'll be remembering it for very long...

Vote for Emancipation.

Finish my Life Support.

Realize that, although I founded Rouen somewhat in whimsy, it actually gave me copper. Interesting, but it won't make (much) of a difference.

1952 AD

Emancipation passes unanimously.

Found Grenoble.

1954 AD

Composites --> Medicine. The game will be over before I could research Future Tech.

1955 AD

Vote for Universal Suffrage. Found Dijon on the Ruins of New Sarai.

1956 AD

US passes.

1957 AD

Finish SS Docking Bay.

1958 AD

Medicine comes in. Switch to 100% Culture. Found Amiens in former Mongol territory.

1959 AD

Vote against Single Currency. As always, no need to help the others.

1960 AD

Single Currency passes.

A French revolt in Otrar, one of Khan's NW Island cities.

1961 AD

Finish the Engine, win a space victory.

[Griselda]

Hi!

Congrats on the space win. It sounded like it was really down to the wire, too, until Gandhi's move in declaring war. Your game was interesting in that I almost feel bad for the poor, defenseless Mongolians. They had been such staunch allies, too, except for the Khan's annoyance towards the end (don't mind him, he's always that way!).

I think your civ looked like you were swallowing the Aztecs because you had been swallowing the Aztecs. Too bad for Monty that he didn't figure that out sooner.

There was a thread a while back on image manipulation that might give you some ideas for programs and techniques that would let you resize your images so that they're easier to see and your report is easier to follow. That thread is currently here, and might be helpful to you.

-Griselda

[Jumbo]

Thanks Griselda,

I just had written the report quickly and didn't have time to cut down the screenshots. I knew that I'd be getting to it...I just didn't realize quite how large they actually were. (In the process of cutting them down, I accidentally deleted my minimap pic, and I'm not at the computer with the originals. Oops.)

The Mongols did get to live on in exile in the northwest islands. But, yes, it was too bad: them joining me, and then gifting-to-a-friend of Horseback Riding really saved me.

[Ormiss]

Great report! It's interesting to see that the (negative) difference between Representation and Universal Suffrage in your position was so large. It sounds to me like you're making good usage out of specialists... something which I, being a novice, have not yet been able to do. How do you prioritize specialists?

Also interesting that Ghandi turned out to be such a powerhouse in your game. In mine, he ended up being wiped out even before me! He got a nasty case of "Aztec+Mongol+Greek."

[Jumbo]

Ormiss, like anything else, deciding how to use specialists depends on the situation. There have been several games where I've used very few, if any.

In this game, running a ton of priests became an easy choice once I had Representation+Angkor Wat. I'd still typically grow to the healthy or unhappy limit, but it also meant that - because of the specialist benefit - I was less likely to trade for a healthy/happy resource if it meant helping out a rival.

In my current game - first try on Monarch! - I've been running Caste System+Representation+Lots of Scientists to keep up in the tech race, given that I've managed to annoy the Incans and Japanese to the point that they don't like trading with me. Also, running Caste System was nice because, while at war with the Japanese and they had a better navy - ripping up fishing nets and "occupying" coastal territory - I was able to get a silver lining by swapping some farmers into scientists, when, after losing the water healthy resources, I wouldn't be able to grow any more without going unhealthy.

Also in this current game, my start was sharing a medium-large continent with the Aztecs. Since I wasn't able to use the Unwisely! Rule in Epic 1, it didn't take much debate to decide to terminate Monty with extreme prejudice. 8)