[Spoilers] Ceterum Peter censet Carthaginem fore triumphatrix - Adrien + Miguelito

[Miguelito]

I decided to leave the forest unchopped, and I'm currently roading the Y tile to get the city up as soon as we get the settler out.

CS sounds fine, MC is probably a good choice as well. Not 100% sure about the SoZ, but it's worth considering. We probably don't look tasty to our neighbors already, it may be overkill. What I like about the barb city is that it gives us a second iron. Remember, there are only 4 irons on the map, getting ourselves 2 sources will be a huge advantage (either sell it at an ungodly price or stomp ironless AlH with knights vs spears/longbows).

I don't want to whip the Moai city.

There's most probably 6 irons on the map. Al has his source on the peninsula W of our island. I definitely want that source, the question is if we can afford a coastal city. I think we try, but no bad feelings if Al razes it later and we have to resettle (would be good to get the horse anyways)

[AdrienIer]

Oh yes you're right that would make it 6.

[Miguelito]

So we didn't get the city this turn, and if THH wants to be a jerk he could even snipe the axe (although we're on a forest and C3, so no sure thing). I sent another chariot in the direction just to be safe.

For consolation a nicer picture:


How creative the people in Barrow were irrigating that Hanging Gardens!

Other news: THH is moving a galley towards TOS. We'll have both cities covered, but what if he tries to go through and scout our island? Do we just trust in him not carrying axes there or should we close borders? His stacks near Kiwi are considerable, but at least in the defensive position we should be able to handle them.
Also I changed all new military builds to Numids. We got our first ring back at Perrier and can move onto the iron next turn.
I did whip GD, although I see the point about whipping moai before a GA, but that way the HE takes only 3 turns instead of 5 (also working some mines).
CoL came in and while I would love to build courthouses in every city (like certain frontrunner opponent of ours did during his GA ), we're not ORG, so I think we'll have to limit ourselves. Top candidates imo are TOS, Perrier, Kiwi, Caipirinha, then also Emerald and Hulk. All of these will finish their current builds first or build another military unit. Plus, courthouses are awfully expensive. Let's hope that at least the GA helps us getting build a couple.
The GP question is mainly if the TGL GPP and scientists count the turn it finishes. I don't think so. 2 more turns until the happy events, let's hope no nasty surprises.

[AdrienIer]

Sounds good ! Not sure about closing borders, I'll take a look at the save before voting.

[Miguelito]

I was considering to close borders if he tries to get beyond TOS, as I don't want to have to worry about him threatening our home island.

[AdrienIer]

I know, but I'll remind you that our economy is a trade route economy thanks to the cothon, it would cost us a lot.

[Miguelito]

Oh, es, absolutely. And probably, if he declares, the galley would port to an awkward spot where at worst it could do something like razing caipirinha or Y.

[AdrienIer]

Yeah I'm not sure I see what he would have to gain here. I've shown in PB23 that I'm perfectly capable of wrecking someone's game if unduly attacked and he's recently read the thread. AlHazard and Mardoc may seem out of this competition (Mardoc for lack of land and AlHazard for a somewhat bad economy from what I remember a few turns ago) but it's nothing a destructive war between THH and us can't fix. I really think he's not going to attack in such a way as to leave our army untouched.

[Dreylin]

Careful of potential PB23 spoilers, neighbour.

One thing to think about is that he already knows what the island looks like since it's mirrored, so scouting can only gain him a knowledge of specific city locations.

[AdrienIer]

I don't see what he could get by scouting us for city locations yes.