[SPOILERS] TheArchduke and the Dutch plunder and pillage

[TheArchduke]

The plan here is to conquer Kandy superearly with triremes, even more so, as Kabul has a GS quest, is uncovered already by another player as well and can be attacked by 2 ships.

Kandy first, then Kabul.

   

[TheArchduke]

Another trireme chopped. A third one incoming soon.

Let´s hope conquering that religious CS will be as easy as stealing Kandy from a baby. Apologies. Could not resist.

   

[TheArchduke]

Yeah, the AI sniffed me out. Warrior is back in the city. Will take 2 turns longer, but no matter.

   

[Cornflakes]

I saw somewhere that the CS AI is programmed to return a unit to the city center when any unit except a scout moves adjacent to their culture, even when still at peace

[TheArchduke]

Hmm, seems like the AI only does stupid stuff when more units are involved like back in PBEM #6.

Anyway, Operation "Stealing Kandy" is under way.

Preparations for "Snatching Kabul" are also underway. We might be able to get it with 3 triremes. We may need shipbuilding. We shall see.

   

[TheArchduke]

Like taking ....

No I will stop it now.

   

Anyway, a decidely bad town. The good news it was round long enough to build a monument so we are going to repair that. Shame about the +1 culture the dutch get from foreign trade routes, but in 7 turns I should catch up on that with that monument. Also a 2 charge builder for the whales and a mine at the capital which starts to run low on forests.

   

This time going with a dutch sea shanty after two very classic english ones. In any case, I think I am going to call this down TripleN.

Next turn I chop out trireme number 3 and with rotation I should be able to conquer Kabul. If not Shipbuilding is next after writing. With 3 turns until EE, settlers are next.

Edit:

Note for self. Delay chop by a turn to overflow into Campus.

[TheArchduke]

Thanks to the damn pop increasing. The galley finished this turn and was not 1 turn away from completion.

Sigh. let´s build/chop out a 4th one before switching civics.

   

[TheArchduke]

So, a bit of a turn 44 overview. After quite a stressful July I have taken up reporting again.

   

My expedition to Kabul should be able to strike against the city next turn. Maybe I wait for the double strike. With 2 galleys enroute even with healing, Kabul should fall, as I can retreat and replace both galleys thanks to my oversized fleet.

   

A quick look at the GP shows only a Holy District on turn 44. Waterbased maps tend to be slower. I will chop out a 4th galley, overflow and finish a Campus +3 adjacancy and then hand build settlers in all three cities supported by 2-3 rainforest chops.

   

I won´t press for Hypatia probably or run a project. But still the sooner the better. Thanks to the worker I took off Kandy I am up a luxury by the way of whales pushing my yield a bit higher still.

   

North of my capital I will show you my indecision. There are 3 combinations. Do only 1 city smack dab in the middle. Or 2 mediocre harbor cities, one even not on the river to allow more districts. I am a bit at  a loss here.

   


Especially as the eastern part is easily mapped. My third self settled city will go there. Plains Hill, Lake Fresh Water and a Spice. What is not to like?

[TheArchduke]

Things are looking semi-decent. My conquest of Kandy augmented my strength with only Emperor K founding his third city already.

The field is evenly distributed with Japper lagging a bit.

   

My yields make me feel good. Although early leader syndrome could strike if I continue like this.

   

[marcopolothefraud]

About your settling dilemma:

I would go for only 1 strong city in the middle, north of Roll the Old Chariot. One to the northwest (near the tobacco) would give you nothing at all, especially since settlers are pretty expensive now. What will you do with your stockpiled money?