[SPOILERS] *Placeholder* Thoth plays a PBEM

[darrelljs]

Is there something about the mod or game setup that makes bulbing Alphabet a good idea?

Darrell

[Thoth]

Mostly to clear out the bulb path for Philo.

But I also get an additional 20% boost to Currency research (worth 1 extra turn of Currency Trade routes in addition to the saved beakers) and foreign trade routes.

Without a Philo leader, I wouldn't be bulbing Alp. But with cheap GP it seems like a decent play.

OFC it would be better if I was actually *getting* trade routes from Krill. He accepted OB after I'd ended turn so hopefully I'll see them on my next turn. If not, I need to build a road in Krill's territory.

[Thoth]

Hrmph.

So I now have a slightly better understanding of TR mechanics. Without Fishing/Sailing I need to be able to trace a route either via road or via coast/river that is inside my borders to a foreign city.

Road link due t97. bleah. Means I gave Krill 2t of free trade routes. But at least I'll have my commerce next turn.

Novice accepted OB/WM trade and moved a worker into position to complete a road to me. (it could in theory be a worker constructing an invasion road, but I don't think he'd use an uncovered worker for that )

Commodore came calling asking for OB. Declined for the moment.

Once currency is in, I'll think about it.

[Thoth]

DoWing Krill to stop him getting the one way TRs is of course an option.

OTOH, so is pillaging my own cottages.

[Thoth]

Trade routes now in place from Krill. Looks like Currency and completed TR with Novice eot 98.

I'll need to pry loose some worker turns to complete the road link to Commodore.

OB with him would be worth a couple of commerce to me (exact amount will depend on my expansion rate vs Krill/Novice) and ~8 commerce per turn to Commodore (more once he settles more cities and/or techs Currency). So I'm going to ask for 4gpt in exchange for OB. If he counters with 3gpt I'll take it.

I've still got a couple of Immortals to move before ending turn but I can't move them until Lewwyn plays.

[Thoth]

Krill birthed a GS and eot 100. Novice finished the Mids (his 4th wonder).

Krill likes to use his 1st GP either for a shrine or to nab a religion.

So I expect a Philo bulb from him when he plays his t101, which means I'll be 5t late.

His current GPT at (hopefully) max tax is 82. Mine is 42.

I've got 2 and only two pre-Monarchy happies and one more with Calendar (two with Calendar and IW). Krill had 3 pre-Calendar happies and has Calendar and a pair of Calandar happies connected.

Novice has forges everywhere, a shrine, huge MFG, solid GNP and just built the Mids.

Starting to look like a two horse race here.

[Thoth]

No sign of a bulb yet from Krill. If he's going for an Academy it can be built t103 in his capital.

I'm still on track for t106 Philo bulb.

Gotta go Monarchy after CoL. If I don't get my happy cap above 6 ASAP I'm out of the game.

So: Finish Phood (t102). CoL (eot 105....might require a bit of Wealth building). Poly/Mono/Monarchy (swap into HR + OR)
Then HBR-->Construction-->MC-->IW--> ???


The RNG has decided that I'm not getting the Heroic Epic unlocked early this game. Lost a 6xp Immy a few turns ago at 53% odds and a 7 xp Immortal at 80% odds last turn. Bah.

[Thoth]

Damnit. Stop showing off Krill.

120gpt for him this turn.

[Thoth]

Looks like I underestimated my teching. I'll hit CoL one turn early.

Barb cities now spawn with Archers. Hilltop barb city is going to be expensive to take with ancient era units.

[Thoth]

GS bulb netted me Philo and Taoism this turn.

MFG is starting to look a bit better but holy shit is Novice ever cranking out the hammers.