Part Eleven

1630 AD - Greece is at peace!

The first switch to be made is to switch production away from myriad military units to libraries, marketplaces, aquaducts, and the like.  Literacy is an unimpressive 23%, 23rd in the word, and our GNP is fourth though our population is first.  Life expectancy is just 33 years.  Only a few formerly French cities and Bombay have a population over 230,000 (size 6).  We have a lot of development to do.  We thus set out to become the most developed civilization as well as the most militarily powerful.

Research on Gunpowder will also now begin, centuries after other civilizations began discovering it.  Democracy just isn't worth researching.  We'll get it as spoils of war sometime.  The time has come to have guns.

Culture, improvement, and economics will be immensely more important.  Military will no longer be as dominant, but will benefit in the long term.

The Spartan Age is over.

1635 AD - Aww, GREAT!!!  Persia just invaded with Cavalry and Knights and declared war on us. 

So much for bloody peace!

The first action is to eliminate the Persian horsemen in our lands.  That is accomplished without too much difficulty.  I then begin moving troops to the western borders of our lands in India, to defend.  But the next stage is to mount an attack.  That will be difficult.  Why?  Rights of passage.  My reputation still hasn't recovered.

Another potentially major problem exists.  During this past turn, Persia, Spain, and the Aztecs became the first civilizations to reach the Industrial Age.  Being scientific, Persia may well have Nationalism and thus Riflemen.  Their attack makes perfect sense.  They know we are the most powerful civilization, and they're going to strike at us while they have a great technological advantage.

This war is going to be on their terms.  It will be 15-20 turns before we get Military Tradition, but even that won't help much - we don't have horses.  It'll take another 15 turns after that to get Nationalism, assuming we get it as our free tech.  In the mean time, victory is theirs to be claimed.

We may have defeated India when they had us out-teched by Musketmen, but Persia is gambling that we can't win while out-teched by Riflemen and Cavalry.

Persia has thrown down the gauntlet.

Part Twelve

In 1635, the Persian Empire, the most advanced empire in the world, declared war on the Greek Empire, the largest empire in the world.  As Persia sent in Knights and Cavalry, Greece rushed Hoplites and Medieval Infantry to the front lines.

1635 AD - The next step in our defense is to build walls in Eritrea and Rhodes.  As we are unfortunately short on gold, we become conossieurs of the world map we acquired from Scandinavia, and amass approximately 350 gold and 15 gold per turn from trading it to almost everybody in the world.  With the increase in gold, we can afford to both hurry the walls and increase research funding for gunpowder so that it will be completed in minimal time.

We then start the big trades.  We have extra resources, and the big players - the Aztecs and Spanish - are willing to pay a premium for them.  Our first trade is Silks to the Aztecs for 31 GPT.  We then trade Gems and Iron to the Spanish for 81 GPT.  Giving them iron is potentially disasterous, but we do not think they will be able to maximize the usage of it within twenty turns, we are receiving a lot of gold.

Looking for more trade possibilities, I head to my foreign advisor.  He tells me the following:

The best deal we are able to find is 4 GPT for Gems from the Mongols.  Just about everyone else is broke.  We accept the deal for now.

With 60% funding - enough to research Gunpowder in the minimum of 4 turns - we are now making 128 gold per turn.  Our financial worries are solved.

Our troops have bunkered down in Rhodes and Eritrea, and we end the turn.

Only one Persian Knight attacks, and is red-lined before killing an outlying Medieval Infantry.

Down near Madagascar, our galley witnesses the Zulu attack Indus and take the guard down to just one Spearman.  I anticipate Indus will fall shortly.

1640 AD - We defeat the Persian Knight who recently attacked.  I then send out a Hoplite to pillage the only entryway Persia has to our empire - neither of us have rights of passage with Portugal or India.  Establishing an embassy in Berlin, I then sign a right of passage with Germany.  I have a new plan for defense.  There is only one tile through which Persia can enter my territory:

With my new right of passage agreement with Germany, I can occupy the orange tile.  Thus, I send most of my Hoplites there, fortify them, and then send in all my workers in India to build a Fortress and Barricade there.  That ought to slow down the Persian offensive!

At the end of the turn, I receive news that Germany and Persia have signed a trade embargo against us!  Well, Persia definetely has Nationalism!

But no, my foreign advisor never told me they were evil.

Indus fell to the Zulu this turn.  India is down to one city, Karachi.

1650 AD - Persia did not send in troops last turn.

We now have guns.  Now we just need some bullets, and we might have an effective combination.  Fortunately, we do have saltpeter - one source, in Australia, right beside Russia. 

I decide to train some of the newfangled musketmen to defend it.  Research has begun on Chemistry.

I begin building the Fortress near the German city of Bangalore.  It just so happens there is Saltpeter where I am building the Fortress, as well as to the square to the southeast of it.  It would be beneficial to Germany if Russia did not try to pillage our saltpeter in Australia.

1655 AD - The barricade idea won't work quite as well as I'd hoped.  Persia is flagrantly going through Indian territory despite not having a right of passage.  But at least we will have a zone of control to annoy them to no end with.

Some excellent news for Greece, as well.  After Ephesus completed building a Hoplite, I noticed Knight was an option.  Checking with my trade advisor, I learned that Bombay was built on a source of horses!  Yay!

1660 AD - Persia sent in a Cavalry to attack my defensive stack by Bangalore, and my hoplite promptly defeated him.  I think they realized what I'm doing and don't like it.

Rome wants me to rejoin the war against India.  I decline, but agree to a right of passage.

Persia completes Newton's University in Arbela.  Back near Bangalore, I counter this achievement by attacking and wearing down a stack of Immortals poised to attack my Hoplites just before the Fortress is complete.  Nice try.

1665 AD - The Fortress near Bangalore is complete.  Persia has not been aggressively attacking, and we begin building a Barricade.  If we can get adequate defenses up, we may yet go on the offensive.  It will take just two turns to construct the Barricade.

1670 AD - We finish researching Chemistry and begin Metallurgy.  Still no major attack from Persia.  What are they planning???

1675 AD - The barricade is complete.  Zululand has joined Persia's trade embargo against us, but I don't really care.  Then Rome joins.  Slightly more cause for concern, but still nothing major.  The Celts also join the parade.

Speaking of parades, it seems the Persians have decided to parade around the barricade.  Rather than challenging it or marching by it, they are marching right through Indian territory far enough north that it does not effect them.  If India weren't so anti-Greek, I might build a Fortress there, but I don't think India wants me in their territory :).

Persia then requests an audience with me.  They tell me the following:

I find this interesting.  They have essentially told me they are weak.  I decide not to accept.  The momentum has switched into Greek hands.

One especially interesting offer they were willing to accept was Peace Treaty and Mutual Protection Pact.

After we refuse the peace treaty, Persia for the first time attacks my Barricade.  They fail.  I am happy.

1680 AD:

The Portuguese!  Leave it to the citizens of Bombay.  Well, at least I don't feel like a fool for not razing it and then having them revolt back to India.  It still is a problem, no doubt, but it could have been worse.

With the situation in Portugal, my resolve against Persia has been weakened.  The only point in continuing the war is to go on the offensive, by all measures a much more costly measure for Greece - and likely less costly for Persia - than our remaining on defence.  Thus, even though I would like to stick it to Persia and capture a few of their cities - I reluctantly go to them and begin negotiations anew.

When I ask for a World Map as part of the deal, Xerxes gives a somewhat unsettling reply:

He does agree, however, to pay 200 gold in indemities as part of the peace deal.  We are satisfied, and peace with Persia is renewed.

Now it is time to deal with Portugal.  They refuse to trade me Horses or Bombay for anything.  Thus, I make demands for them.  They repeatedly refuse, even when I make it clear to them:  "Take this deal or suffer!"  Thus, I have no choice.  They will suffer.  I declare war.

Part Thirteen

1680 AD - The war with Portugal commences.  One of the most uncertain areas of the war for Greece is Malaysia.  Both sides have a multitude of workers working right along the border at the beginning of the war. 

Nonetheless, those of both sides should be able to retreat safely.

This war may also test our barricade system.  We do not have any offensive troops near Malaysia, so if Portugal seeks to advance that way, they may have some success.  Nevertheless, they will soon feel a bite from the Greek territories in India, so we do not expect an overwhelming advance into Malaysia.  The Hoplite in Herakleia will be upgraded just in case.

As our troops retreat from Bangalore towards Bombay and Portugal, a worker builds an Incense colony for us.  A bit of extra happiness is not a bad thing.

1685 AD - I forgot to retreat my workers after taking that screenshot.  One was lost.

Portugal's advance consisted of Longbowmen guarded by Spearmen advancing towards Herakleia.  None are yet within striking distance of the city, and no Greek troops are yet close enough to attack them.  A Portuguese Knight has appeared in the coastal city of Coimbra, but has not yet advanced.  Two Carracks have also appeared north of Arnhem. 

I will try to avoid these as long as possible to avoid triggering a Portuguese golden age.

With eight medieval infantry near Bombay, I launch an attack against the defending Musketmen.  The very first one overcomes the odds and retakes the city.  There is no resistance in the city.  Our troops then move towards the Portuguese city of Oporto. 

Muskets defend the city, and a Warrior guarded by a Spearman stands guard outside the gates.  We're more concerned about the Knight in Coimbra than the warrior.

1690 AD - I lost two more workers after forgetting to retreat them again.  Grr...

The Portuguese Warrior is headed towards Malaysia.  Whew!  My macemen were terrified!

The Carracks have landed two horsemen by Middelburg on Kyushu, Japan.  With two hoplites and a size 7 city, we're not concerned for defense, but figure they'll probably pillage everything.

I remember to retreat the workers!

A Greek attack on Oporto defeats a Musketman and two Spearmen.  Only offensive units remain to guard the city - a Knight and Longbowman.

The Portuguese troops in Malaysia all begin heading back towards India on Portugal's turn.  They're thinking defense.  I'm thinking now I'll have time to reinforce Malaysia.

In negotiations, the Zulu agree to a Right of Passage right out.  They may be small, but hey, any sign that my reputation is improving is good.  The next turn, I renegotiate the deal with the Iroquois so I'm not paying 3 GPT anymore.  It took me forever to remember how to cancel current deals - the consequences of not playing for a year.  Babylon also agrees to renew at a lower cost - 10 gold lump sum rather than 2 gold per turn.

Tenochtitlan completes Smith's Trading Company.  I know I was close, but oh well.  Better luck next time.

1695 AD - Our Sooth Sayers have learned the secrets of Metallurgy.  Three techs in twelve turns!  Military Tradition will continue the scientific tradition, although at a costly 100% science rate.

My attack on Oporto succeeds easily, Portugal not having reinforced it.  I don't even both to use my trebuchets.  The city is razed.  We have plans to build a new city in a more strategic location.  Unfortunately, after razing Oporto, that location is Dutch territory.  To solve the problem, I declare war on the Dutch.

Now that Oporto is conquered, I send my front-line attacking force north across the Himalayas towards the city of Lagos.  Lagos is surrounded by desert and dry plains, but it is more important than the Portuguese heartland for one reason - it has the only Saltpeter in the Portuguese empire.

The Portuguese Warrior red-lined my medieval infantry before falling.  They did indeed have reason to be concerned.

India and the Zulu sign a peace treaty.  This time, the Zulu definetely won.

1700 AD - As the eighteenth century begins, three more civilizations have entered the Industrial Age.  The Celts have become the first African civilization to enter that Age, and also have gained the city of Augustodurum (by the Sinai) thanks to culutural revolt from Persia.  America has entered the Industrial Age across the Atlantic, quickly eliminating their disadvantage relative to the Aztecs.  Korea has also reached Industrial in northern Europe.  The Iroquois and Chinese have also recently reached the Middle Ages, leaving no civilization in the Ancient Age.

Greek troops advance towards both Lagos and Coimbra.  The Portuguese counterattack my troops near Coimbra, but my Trebuchets help keep my casaulties low.  Portugal isn't looking strong.

1705 AD - I found the city of Troy in Dutch territory near Oporto.  The new location will enable more tiles to be tilled.  To the southeast, we begin an attack on the Portuguese counteroffensive.

My troops fail to defeat the six units northwest of Coimbra this turn.  We need more troops on that front.

In the Gobi Desert, Lagos is captured and razed.  No more saltpeter for Portugal.

Far away, a scout galley confirms that Persia does indeed have Riflemen by spotting one in Persepolis, in present-day France. 

The next turn, it spots a Frigate leaving Persepolis.

1710 AD - The city of Karachi has at last fallen, to Rome.  But India's presence on the subcontinent has not ended, because...

Madras has revolted and joined them!    If we didn't still have 4 turns in the peace treaty, we'd declare war immediately.  Instead we repeatedly make absurd demands to them in an attempt to get them to declare war.  It doesn't work.  So instead, we sign a trade embargo with our good friends the Persians against India.

1715 AD - In an unexpected move, a Japanese galley has landed a Medeival Infantry and a Spearman near Middelburg, appropriately enough on the Japanese island of Kyushu.  They'll need the help of the kamikazi - divine wind - to pull this attack off.

The city of Marathon is founded in the middle of the desert near where Lagos used to be.

Just outside Persian waters, our galley spots…

Pirates!  I highly suspect they are operated by Persia.  Our galley attacks.  The galley wins.  Cannons have nothing on good old fashioned bows and arrows.

The Japanese declare war on us.  We pretend to be shocked.

1720 AD - We make peace with the Dutch.  Our intent was never to fight them, just to build a city in their territory.

1725 AD - Our troops launch an attack on the city of Coimbra. 

It is conquered without too much difficulty, and even an inadvertant Musketman attack succeeds.  In Rotterdam, in modern Indonesia, our first cavalry has been finished, and they hurry north to help the effort.

1730 AD - The peace treaty with India is over, and I waste no time in declaring war.  Two cavalry are ready in Ephesus, and they storm down and attack the defending War Elephant. 

To our great surprise, they both lose.  To the north, medieval infantry fare much better in taking the Portuguese city of Sagres, in the middle of the Gobi desert.

1735 AD - Rome has taken Madras.

In Portugal, Lisbon is under attack by Greek forces.  The leading Cavalry again fails.  We're seriously considering going back to Medeival Infantry, or pillaging our Saltpeter and returning to Knights.  However, after two of my four medieval infantry lose, I conclude I'm just having some bad luck.

1740 AD - Germany and India have made peace.  India is down to a 1x1 island, so only Scandinavia would have anything to gain.

In much bigger news, Persia and Spain have signed a mutual protection pact.  They are the most technologically advanced civilizations in the Old World, and rank #1 and #4 in score in the Old World.  Greece is #2, and Korea is #3.  Due to these developments, I establish an embassy in Seoul.  Seoul is guarded by mostly pikemen, with one rifleman, and has just one luxury resource.  Korea also lacks Saltpeter - hence the pikemen.  Copernicus's Observatory, Korea's only non-obsolete wonder, is in Seoul.  Despite the Spanish-Persian alliance, Korea will not sign a mutual protection pact with me.  I suspect my current wars are the cause.

1745 AD - Germany wants to end the right of passage.  Perhaps my Hoplites occupying the barricade right beside Bangalore are making them nervous?  I agree.  They might sign it again once the hoplites withdraw.

We attack Lisbon, and this time it falls.  The Portuguese capital is moved to Guimaraes.

1750 AD - At the midway point of the eighteenth century, the Egyptians and Byzantines have entered the Industrial Age.  Greece is now just four turns away.  The Byzantines, being scientific, have Nationalism, and having both Sun Tzu's Art of War and Leonardo's Workshop, they will likely soon have a great number of Riflemen.

We make peace with India this turn.

Our army support is down to two gold per turn, thanks in large part to the construction of many aqueducts within the past seventy-five years.

1752 AD - A cavalry successfully attacks Guimaraes, ending a string of upsets.

I build an embassy in Washington.  America's defenses are poor, but the city itself appears to be strong.  I then establish an embassy in Tenochtitlan.  The garrison there is far stronger than America's, and the city is fabulously wealthy.  The Aztecs are in a superior position to the Americans. 

Finally, I establish an embassy in Thebes.  Though they have four luxuries and all strategic resources, the garrison is only Spearmen, and the city is less developed than Tenochtitlan.

I then trade Incense to the Aztecs for 22 gold per turn, making Tenochtitlan ever more fabulously wealthy.  After that, I cancel the deal where I was exporting Gems and Iron to Spain for 81 gold per turn.  They're now bankrupt, and won't pay one gold per turn.  I buy their territory map for one gold, and see that they haven't built any railroads.  Good.  I then begin trading Gems and Saltpeter to the Koreans for 45 gold per turn.  The Koreans having Saltpeter will be an effective way to add pressure to Persia.  I also begin trading Horses to Sumeria for 10 gold per turn, the maximum they will pay for anything at this point.  Despite being on Greenland, they are actually doing quite well.  They have Physics and Metallurgy, as well as Democracy, and if they weren't so resource-poor they'd be quite difficult to invade.

1756 AD - I make peace with Japan.

The attack on Guimaraes takes place.  It is defeated.  Just one Portuguese city remains on their mainland, Emerita.  As my troops approach it, we see muskets defending it. 

But they've never stopped us before, and won't now, either.

1758 - We enter the Industrial Age, having completed the Theory of Gravity.  Our musicians instantly learn new pieces. 

As my free technology, I receive Steam Power, rather than the expected Nationalism.  That's fine by me - railroads can be just as good as Riflemen.  I direct my research towards Industrialism in a quest to become the first civilization to industrialize.  A while back, no one would have thought we'd have a chance at that, but we do now!

I send out diplomatic envoys to figure out who else has which industrial technologies.  Persia is up by Nationalism and Medicine, and also has Steam Power.  The Aztecs and Americans have them equaled.  The Byzantines are also up Nationalism and Medicine, but down Steam Power, and are technologically equal to the Koreans and Celts.  Spain has Nationalism, but lacks Medicine and Steam Power.  Egypt does not have any industrial technologies yet.  The Spanish situation most surprises me.  They've been in the Industrial Age as long as anyone.

I decide to depart from my usual trade policies and sell my new technology to a few civilizations.  The first deal I make is to the Celts.  They give me Democracy, World Map, 40 gold per turn, and 64 gold for Steam Power.  I then deal it to the Koreans for Free Artistry, World Map, 23 gold per turn, and 35 gold.  The third and best deal comes with the Byzantines.  They give me Medicine, 19 gold, and a World Map for Steam Power.  The net effect is that Persia now has three technological equals right beside them, and I am the next most advanced civilization.  I also am losing just 30 gold per turn with 100% research.  Spain and Egypt both have considerable catching up to do.

1760 AD - I attack Emerita.  Losses are high.  Four cavalry, two medieval infantry, and a longbow attack, but I end up one musketman-hitpoint short.  Only two hoplites are within striking distance.  Time for the old hoplite charge!

The first one results in the Musketman getting promoted.  The second does not occur.  We'll attack again next turn.

1762 AD - I begin training a pirate fleet in Australia to annoy Russia with.

The capture of Emerita occurs with far fewer losses this turn.  Without any nearby cities to conquer, I decide to make peace.

It is now time to make mutual protection pacts, and create an alliance to best the Spanish-Persian one.  My ally is the Byzantines.  Theodora is still annoyed even after signing the mutual protection pact, but she didn't demand any payment.  I had planned to add the Koreans or Celts to the pact, but Korea wanted too much gold, and the Celts don't have a right of passage with the Byzantines, so they couldn't have helped against Persia.

Greece is now hoping for peace.  It has been 1382 years since Greece last had peace, and the last time we tried to have peace, we were invaded right away.  The stakes in wars are also rising with technology.  The mutual protection pacts and alliances inevitably cause a domino effect when war does occur.  But for now, peace is the way of the Greek Empire.

"There is no way to peace.  Peace is the way."

Part Fourteen

The last part ended in 1762 AD, after Greece had conquered the last of Portugal's mainland cities and unified Southeast Asia.  Cavalry and Riflemen are the newest technology in the world's armies, and civilizations across the globe, Greece included, are entering the Industrial Age.

1764 AD - No one attacked us!  We have peace!

Russia entered the Industrial Age.  They lack for coal, and thus won't become a major industrial power.  The Hittites also become the first South American civilization to enter the Industrial Age.  The Maya have entered the Industrial Age in North America, leaving Carthage in the awkward position of being surrounded by more advanced civilizations.  Carthage does not yet have Physics, so it is likely they will remain in such a situation for quite a while.  And in Greenland, Sumeria has reached the Industrial Age.  They lack for coal as well as the other resources, a severe blow to ever becoming powerful.  Riflemen will help them nonetheless.  Closer to home, my northern neighbor, Scandinavia, also has entered the Industrial Age.

1770 AD - We finish research on Industrialism.  No other civilization in the world has yet finished this technology.  I immediately switch almost every city in the Empire to building a Factory, and then Coal Plant.  We are determined to dominate the manufacturing business.  Our Scholars also begin studying The Corporation, to allow us to use our manufacturing prowess to build stock exchanges and then dominate economically as well.

1772 AD - Rome is getting Ancient Cavalry in Madras!  How come I didn't get any when I didn't have Metallurgy!?!

Way far up north, England has entered the Industrial Age.  Not bad for a Northern Siberian civilization.

1776 AD - The privateer I traine to antagonize Russia with has spotted two Frigates southwest of Australia. 

It attacks and sinks.  Meh.

1778 AD - You know, I probably could start that big Greece & Byzantium v. Persia & Spain war if I wanted to.  A Persian Immortal and Pikeman are staying in Greek territory near Marathon, just asking for an ultimatum.

Once war is declared, I'm sure everything would blow up like the gunpowder south of the city.   Both sides can pay to bring in numerous allies, who will bring in more allies, and it'll be the classic Great Industrial Age War.

But I don't want to do that right now.  We're still building our factories and railroads for industrial domination.  But eventually...

1780 AD - Remember how India is on a 1x1 island?  Well...

I decline the offer.

Our Scientists have completed The Corporation.  Our next technology will be Electricity.  After that, we will research Scientific Method, and attempt to complete the Theory of Evolution.

1784 AD - The city of Pharsalos, on Borneo, has completed our first Factory.

1786 AD - I trade Silks to America for 24 gold per turn.  I'm only losing 28 gold per turn at 100% science.

1788 AD - The Aztecs and Hittites signed a mutual protection pact.  This does not surprise me.  Between them lie the Ottomans, who, though not yet Industrial, have considerable power thanks to their Sipahis.  The Inca are the only other possible Ottoman target.

Japan, in southern South America, and Mongolia have also now reached the Industrial Age.

1792 AD - We finish Electricity and begin work on the Scientific Method.

Germany, in the Middle East, now has musketmen, but still is hopelessly backwards.

1796 AD - Persia and America now have Industrialism.  We got a good start on building the actual factories, though.  Both of them and the Aztecs have Electricity.  Looks like they got their priorities switched if you ask me.  Several civilizations have Sanitation, but none have yet built hospitals.

Korea contacts me in diplomacy.  They are willing to give me Sanitation, World Map, 380 gold, and [B]184 gold per turn[/B] for The Corporation.  They know the value of getting a tech no one else has.  I don't give it to them of course, but am seriously considering trading it next turn - that much gold will last an awfully long time.

1798 AD - Only Persia comes close to Korea's gold offer.  It's not worth losing the tech.  I might try something like this later, when I have more than one extra tech.

I renegotiate my deal to export Gems to the Mongols and receive 13 gold per turn rather than 4.  I also begin exporting Coal to Spain for 15 gold per turn.  They lack iron, so it's really pretty useless to them.  The Aztecs won't renew their gem export deal due to financial difficulties, but I get 14 gold per turn from Korea.  Overall, I'm making 16 gold per turn more now.

1800 AD - Already our industrialization efforts have raised our manufacturing output by 65-70 megatons per year (to 401 megatons), and we haven't come anywhere close to realizing our full potential.  Our century census indicates a population of 14,759,000, of whom 49% can read, a literacy rate of 19th in the world.  Lifespan is 42 years, slightly higher than the world average.  Our GNP also is now the finest in the world, just shy of 1 billion coin.

1802 AD - We finish the Scientific Method.  As soon as Lyons finishes its Coal Plant, we will begin building the Theory of Evolution.  In the mean time, we will be researching Sanitation.

1804 AD:

The second war of the Industrial Age (Persia's war against me was the first).  But still, there has not been a war with both civilizations being in the Industrial Age.  Carthage will not find themselves at too much of a disadvantage, however, as they are behind by only Theory of Gravity in technology.  They should be more concerned by the significantly larger city size boasted by Japan.

Lyons begins the Theory of Evolution.  It should be complete in 15 turns.

1808 AD - I renew my mutual protection pact with the Byzantines, and sign a right of passage as well.

Still no additional allies in the Carthaginian-Japanese war.

1810 AD - The Celts and Mongols have signed a mutual protection pact.  The Old World is being carved into alliances.

We finish researching Sanitation.  I'll tackle Ironclads next (they're a seperate technology in Conquests).

We begin working on Universal Suffrage in Paris.  Not sure how that works in a Monarchy, but if it prevents another civilization from completing it, we'll invent it.

Pollution is beginning to annoy me.  It has struck thrice in Australia and once in Borneo.

1812 - Civil disorder in Avignon (southeast Australia) has destroyed the harbor.  That means massive starvation to follow.  Looks like I'll have to hurry it - can't let 90% of the occupants starve.

We are now officially the most polluted country in the world.  Err - that's not a good thing, is it?  But our GNP has surpassed 1 billion coin, a definite positive.

Carthage has entered the Industrial Age.  Their war still is quiet.

1816 AD - The Inca have entered the Industrial Age.

Rome and India finally sign a peace treaty.  1086 years of war for them.  Rome finally realized it doesn't have Marines.

1818 AD - We discover Ironclads.  Nationalism will be our next discovery.

Manufacturing has surpassed 500 megatons, increasing 25% over 18 years.

1822 AD - My scout galley off the coast of Madagascar sinks a Privateer, likely Egyptian.  Primitive technology can be so useful.

1826 AD - A cultural expansion of Bangalore has robbed us of our last non-exporting source of incense.  We are encensed! 

To aright the situation, we hurry a Coal Plant in Eretria and will then have the city build lots and lots of cultural buildings.  In the short term, we must resort for the first time to the entertainment slider.

1832 AD - The city of Orleans completes our first Stock Exchange.

1834 AD - Babylon asks for a mutual protection pact.  I agree.  They may be backwards and small, but more allies cannot be a bad thing.

1836 AD - The Byzantines are cautious towards me!  At last our alliance is helping relations!

1838 AD - I am shocked to discover that the Persians, Aztecs, Americans, and Celts already have Replaceable Parts.  My research had been going lickity-split, and I didn't think they'd also be going that quickly.  Oh well.  I'll have to research it soon.  Then we can have the Great Infantry War.

1840 AD - Portugal asks for a mutual protection pact.  I decline.  More allies are good, but Portugal can't help in a war at all.  They'd just get us into a war when someone bothered to conquer them.

1842 AD:

This could be the big one.  It will be for Carthage even if it isn't for the rest of the New World.  The mutual protection pact between the Aztecs and Hittites has not been renewed, so they won't be joining the war.  Checking my diplomacy screen, I see only the Celts and Mongols still have their mutual protection pact.  But the Carthaginians need allies, whatever the cost.  Their city of Theveste has already been razed.

Both rivals have cavalry, but defensively the battle is Musketmen (Carthage) v. Infantry (Aztecs).  Among nearby noncombatants, the Maya have Riflemen, and the Americans have Infantry.  The Ottomans have Riflemen.  If the Carthaginians don't an ally soon, it'll be too late.

1844:  The Russians offer me communism.  They want way too much for it, and I decline.

We complete the Theory of Evolution in Lyons.  We subsequently master Atomic Theory and Replaceable Parts.I set my research on Electronics.  After finishing it, I will build Hoover Dam, likely in India.  No one else has either Scientific Method or Atomic Theory.  My tech lead ought to be more than enough to complete the dam first.

The Celtic city of Lugdunum has completed Universal Suffrage.  Better they get it than Theory of Evolution.

Spain, though tied with the Persians, Celts, and Aztecs for the technology lead, is lacking Rubber.  Lacking both Rubber and iron means they're done for.  At this point, their only hope is to make a rifleman attack against the Mongols or English and try to grab some rubber.

The Carthaginian town of Rusicade, in the Canadian tundra, was lost this turn.  The situation is becoming critical.

1848 AD - We complete the Military Academy in Paris, and begin constructing Armies.

The Carthaginian city of Mecca was destroyed.  Carthage cannot afford to keep fighting alone.

The Byzantines cancel their mutual protection pact with us.  They must not like the potential for a war cascade if Babylon is invaded.  I'll try to renew the Byzantine pact after canceling the Babylonian.

The Zulu have signed a military alliance with the Aztecs against Carthage.  Not that they'll be of any help, halfway across the world.

Up north, Spain and Scandinavia have signed a mutual protection pact.  Doesn't take a career diplomat to figure out they're thinking deterrance against Greek expansion.

1850 AD - The Carthaginian cities of Basra and Leptis Minor were lost to the Aztecs.  They're in a slow spiral downwards.

Industrialization is going well, and ...after 40 turns we have a good number of factories and coal plants.  We'll soon be able to pump out units at an overwhelming rate.  For the short term, we'll be building stock markets to offset the cost of maintaining all these factories - it's put a significant strain on the science budget.  But once those are up, who knows where we could go next…

Part Fifteen

1850 AD - The time has come to conquer Russia.  There's nothing further to be gained by waiting, unless we want to carpet-bomb them.  Right now, they still lack Replaceable Parts.  We declare war.

The first step in this war is to pillage their supply of rubber.  We send all six of our cavalry to do this.

We then upgrade six front-line Hoplites to Infantry.  It is now Russia's turn.

A cossack enters our territory and attacks a Hoplite on a mountain.  Babylon, thousands of miles away in Africa, declares war on Russia.  The attack succeeds.  Russia enters a Golden Age.  They then begin an all-out offensive.  My six cavalry are mercilessly attacked, and though they turn back a few attackers, they ultimately fall.  Russia also targets the Barricade guarding the saltpeter.  My musketmen fight well, and this does not fall.  Giving up on that objective, Russia directs its Cossacks toward Paris.

1852 AD - The Inca and Ottomans joined the crusade against Carthage.  But back to Australia...

At this time, it is time for our hero to return to the story.  Pyrrhus has been keeping up his army of Medeival Infantry in Paris for centuries.  Now he returns to work, and attacks some Cossacks by Orleans.

He defeats two cossacks while taking just three points of damage. 

By Marseilles, an Infantry attacks a Cossack on a mountain and prevents the destruction of a Gem route.  A Knight from Chartres proves useful in destroying a Russian source of rubber I had thus far overlooked.

The Knight spots a stack of Pikemen and Medieval Infantry coming our way. 

We block off the mountains leading toward Marseilles.  They'll have quite a fight to claim that position!

In Orleans and Chartres, conscription begins to help defeat the nearing Cossacks.  We don't think it's necessary, but the worst thing that could happen is the city falling.

Things are decently under control.  It's Russia's turn again.  They make fairly ordinary advances.

1854 AD - Our counterattacks against Russia are going well until Pyrrhus spots...

Infantry.

The only thing we can do is make another lunge at the St. Petersburg rubber.  This time we'll send in Infantry, for better defense.  Three regular and a conscript infantry are sent in.

Oh, and the latest telegraphs included some rather interesting news...

The Old World conflict has begun.  Persia likely has the upper hand, but Egypt must have something on its side to be starting the war.

1856 AD - Russia did not attack our infantry raiding party.  They hurry towards St. Petersburg.  Many Russian units have already been upgraded, but we must limit the damage as much as possible.

In North America, the city of Hippo has fallen to Japan.

Near Orleans, our war becomes reminiscient of times past as a Greek Swordsman attacks a Russian Spearman.  Ah, the memories.

At this point, the war might become a war of attrition, but we feel that if we can deny Russia any more rubber we will have a definite upper hand.  After pillaging their rubber, we plan to lay siege to their large cities and slowly bleed them away with our superior defense.

The question for us is, do we let the war continue like this in Australia, or do we send in reinforcements?  If we didn't have grandiose delutions elsewhere, it wouldn't be such a difficult question.

Part Sixteen

1856 AD - As the story resumes, it is the end of Greece’s turn.  A few notable events occur during the other civilizations' turns:

Persia removed their intruding Pikeman and Immortal from my territory to help fight Egypt.    I was hoping they'd stay there and be a nice, convenient way to start a war someday.

America has joined with the Aztecs against Carthage.  Everyone's ganging up on the little guy over there.

1858 AD - Pollution continues to strike at a far higher rate than we can get rid of it.  We currently have 21 tons of pollution - yuck.  Eh, well, no one ever said industrialism was pretty, did they?

The first Greek Ironclad is completed in Pharsalos, Borneo.  It's a good thing, because five Russian frigates are starting to bombard Dacca, Java.  The Ironclad heads south to deal with them.

In Southeast Asia, Greek Cavalry have moved onto a mountain in preparation to - ahem - providing technological aid to the people living in the neighboring lands to the north. 

Unfortunately, their leader seeks to continue payments of five gold per turn for two more turns, so the kind people to our north will have to suffer through technological challenges a few years more.

Slightly to the west, a Medieval Infantry also has completed a scouting mission near the Persian border town of Bengal.  Not surprisingly, Infantry guard it.  Hey, you never know, it could've still be Pikemen...

Greek troops in Australia are launching counteroffensives to drive back invading Russian troops.  This turn, attacking Infantry defeated one musketman, two pikemen, and two medieval infantry, all without losses.  Far more importantly, our expeditionary force completed its mission of destroying Russia's sole remaining source of Rubber, and thus beginning the Red Army's technological decay.

Persia has convinced Portugal to join it in its defence against Egypt.  However, when I remember that I reduced Portugal to one city on a Japanese island and one city in Alaska, I realize the news is far less important than it originally sounded like!

The Zulu offer me a mutual protection pact.  I'm not sure how this would really benefit either one of us, and decline for now.

1860 AD - Russia's navy continues to be a pain. Three Frigates and a Galleon are heading north towards Amsterdam. They've also sent ships, including an ironclad, south from St. Petersburg. Navies can't be built in a day, and mine is taking years to build. I could call down nine or ten galleys from the Bay of Bengal, but I'd really rather have a traditional win...

A Russian pikeman defeats both a Guerilla and an Elite Swordsman in defence.  Finally a Longbowman finishes him off.  An Infantry defeats the neaby redlined Elite Cossack.  By Paris and Chartres, musketmen fall to attacking Infantry, and at Chartres a Pikeman falls to a Greek Medieval Infantry.  Only one pikeman and one musketman remain as intruders in Greek territory.

Pyrrhus is going to take on an Infantry.  Yes, it'll be costly, charging with maces against machine guns, but Russia is quite limited in replacing machine guns.

Pyrrhus wins with three hitpoints left.  W00t!  Gotta love Pyrrhic victories.

Further offensives eliminate the Pikeman and Medieval Infantry on the Infantry tile, and a Spearman in a forest.  I'm eager for Orleans to finish that Intelligence Agency and discover how many troops Russia has left - it can't be a lot.

Still no sign of who has the upper hand in the Persia-Egypt war.  I am guessing they are skirmishing in neutral territory, probably Roman as it is not railroaded. 

1861 AD (end of 1860 turn) - I resume the game for the first time in a week, when I played just two turns.  It's been 2 weeks since I really played.  I forgot about no corruption, and started wondering why I wasn't thinking about Communism with this large of an empire.

The Aztecs and Carthaginians make peace.  That's considerable progress for Carthage, but by no means salvation.

The Maya join Persia against Egypt.  As they are in North America, Persia has again signed a useless ally.  For all intents and purposes, it's still 1v1.

In response, the Egyptians sign the Iroquios as an ally against the Maya.  The Iroquois, in Scandinavia, have no hope of hurting the Maya, so still the war is entirely 1v1.  Nevertheless, with more war, conflict is bound to explode sometime.

The Maya proceed to respond to the Egyptian-Iroquois alliance, signing America as an ally against Egpyt.  Still no one will be able to fight each other.

1862 AD - The Russian counterattack proved weak.  One unguarded longbowman was all that Greece lost; two cossack attacked were repelled.

The time has come to give the Dutch people some technology.  We start a war.   

My four-Cavalry invasion force destroys 3 Spearmen and a Longbowman in Haarlem.  I begin sending in the Medieval Infantry from near Sagres to provide extra support.  With these kind of troops, who would know we're in the Industrial Age?

In Australia, a Medieval Infantry from Besancon defeats the last Pikeman invading the northeastern peninsula.  Hey, keeping medieval troops around can pay off.

As I finish off the last of the Russian troops in Greece (finally!), a great event occurs.  A great leader, Hector, leads my Guerilla corps to victory over some Russian Musketmen.  The only problem now is getting Hector up to the mainland - right now I'm one turn from Electronics and hurrying Hoover Dam would be ideal.  However, with only one military ship near Australia, transporting Hector will be quite risky.  Nevertheless, Paris can finish a Galleon in one turn, so it will be attempted.  If Russia's navy threatens the ship, we can always go ashore.

At Dacca, Russia has dropped a Pikeman, two Medieval Infantry, and a Cossack by the city.  As I try to upgrade, I realize I have no barracks.  Oops.  Guess I'll have to rely on my two Hoplites, Medieval Infantry, walls, and hill.  On the plus side, the walls and hills do make Dacca an ideal defensive position.  If we can hurt the Cossack early, we stand a chance.  The shield switch from Coal Plant will allow an Infantry to be ready next turn.

The Ironclad by Dacca defeats the empty Russian galleon.  I then end the turn and hope for the best...

1863 AD - The first major event of the Persian-Egyptian war has transpired.  Telegraphs arrived announcing the alliance of the Celts with the Persians.  As they control the Suez, their alliance is crucial.  In Greece, the leadership quietly awaits news of the anticipated Egyptian response.

Before that news can arrive, news comes that the Inca have also joined Persia against Egypt.  This news is far less troubling.

Then more bad news arrives.  The Celts have brought the Romans into their war against Egypt.  The situation in Africa bodes poorly for Egpyt.

And then...more bad news for Egpyt.  England has joined the Celts.  There's one less potential ally against Persia.  Diplomatic alliances are going fast.

The Celts then request an audience with me.  I agree, and fully expect them to request an alliance against Egpyt.  Instead...

Everyone's been offering this deal to me.  I decline.

The Russians then make their move on Dacca.  They commence with a naval battle.  Two frigates bombard my Ironclad, and a third attacks.  The Ironclad prevails.  On the other side of the island, Russian ships bombard my defences.  One hoplite is 2-hitpointed.

The battle then turns to land.  A Medieval Infantry leads the way.  I expect a victory, but instead comes defeat.  At this point I'm thinking the defences are pretty well toast.  The Medieval Infantry is my best defender.  The Cossack then attacks.  Just as surprisingly as the previous battle, my Medieval Infantry forces the Cossack to retreat.  A successful Hoplite stand against the final Medeival Infantry preserves the island as Greek.

1864 - The pollution situation continues to be horrendous.  Take a look at this screenshot of Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.  Remember, no nuclear explosions have taken place.

At Dacca, my Medieval Infantry finishes off the last Cossacks.  My new Regular Infantry will defend the city from the remaining Russians.

We complete the Intelligence Agency in Orleans.  Espionage missions begin at once.  An attempt to spy on Egpyt fails.  Rats.  I really wanted one there.  However, we successfully plant an agent in Persepolis.  The gist of their army is in the screenshot below.  Nine ironclads and six galleons compose the rest of the notable portions of their army.

I'd have my military advisor fired if we weren't obviously weak...we have 5 Cavalry and 22 Infantry :(

Oh, and look at what my spy in Moscow revealed...

  Someone's a little weak on defence!  Looks like it's time to end the focus on Saint Pete and time to find their weak points...there ought to be lots of 'em!

The Celts...quite a bit weaker than the Persians.

And with that, I'm out of money for spying.

With my new intelligence reports the situation in Australia has changed markedly.  I send troops into Russian territory to assess the situation and scout where to attack.

As can be seen, Yekaterinburg offers by far the best value.  Thus, I redirect my troops there.  I also begin training Cavalry to more quickly deliver blows to Russia.

1866 AD - The Battle of Yekaterinburg begins.  Pyrrhus and his Medieval Infantry will begin the attack against Russian Musketmen.  He succeeds, and here the battles pauses.  Three more infantrymen arrive from Marseilles to attack the next turn. 

Meanwhile, down near Avignon, in New South Wales, Russia has caught my defences a little off-guard.

Archer v. Cossack + Medieval Infantry + Musketman = this isn't looking good.

Ignoring the problem for the moment, we sent out diplomatic envoys.  It is time to cash in on Atomic Theory.  I've been calculated the cost/benefit options, and it just makes more sense to take the insane amounts of gold we'll get for selling it.  Thus...

America gives Fascism, Communism, Furs, World Map, 17 gold per turn, and 37 gold per turn for Atomic Theory.

Celts give World Map, 41 gold per turn and 120 gold for Atomic Theory.

Egyptians give World Map, 96 gold per turn and 26 gold for Atomic Theory.

Persia gives World Map, 311 gold per turn and 311 gold for Atomic Theory.

Aztecs give World Map, 308 gold per turn and 209 gold for Atomic Theory.

Koreans give World Map, 177 gold per turn and 202 gold for Atomic Theory.

Spanish give World Map, 96 gold per turn and 252 gold for Atomic Theory.

End result:  Our revenue from foreign civilizations exceeds that from domestic sources.  Our treasury is absolutely overflowing at the previous science rate.  The combined yield from Atomic Theory totals all the most valuable World Maps, Fascism and Communism, Furs, and 22077 gold (including 1046 gold per turn).  Yeah, I'm glad I cashed in .

Oh, and here are the demographics.  Most important statistic:  GNP is #1 in the world.  You know what that means?  With our revenue from foreign civilizations, we effectively have a GNP more than twice as large as anyone else. 

 So, if you were thinking we were going to jump into the Persian-Egyptian war, you can cross that off!  We've got a much better plan - we're making a king's ransom!

And, last but not least, the World Map:

Part Seventeen

1866 AD - As I resume the game, the default unit selected is the Archer guarding Avignon.  I remember the rather ominous situation facing the city:

Well, there's really no two ways about it, if I want to defend that city I need to damage the Cossack below the Musketman.  Without that, the Archer to Guerilla upgrade isn't enough.  So I bring in the Cavalry.

He attacks the Musketman, and unexpectedly but most satisfyingly defeats the musketman.  The Cossack is exposed.  I then bring in an Infantry to attack said Cossack.

The Infantry continues the trend and achieves victory.  I then send for an Elite Guerilla to destroy the last unit, a Medieval Infantry.

AK-47s easily defeat maces.  The threat no longer exists.  The Archer will not be upgraded, as it'd be a shame not to have arrows whizzing through the air when there could be.

A good part of this turn had been played in the previous post, so I now turn to the Netherlands, where combat opportunities remain.  It is time for my Longbows to attack.

The Longbows are victorious.  Macemen then attack Maastricht from the west, and are repelled by the few defenders.  No more Greek units can target Maastricht this turn.  Just two hitpoints from annihilation, the Dutch will die another day.

Before ending the turn, I remember that I'm running a rather gigantic surplus.  I increase science from 50% to 80% and entertainment from 10% to 20%.  I'm still making 683 gold per turn.  Oh YEAH!!!

1868 AD - Massive We Love the King Day celebrations since the last turn.  The people sure love their bread and circuses.  92% currently approve of my rule.  Ah, how sweet is approval.

An Egyptian naval convoy unexpectedly appear near Java over the last turn.  Although at first its presence made us nervous, it does not appear to have invasion as a goal.  More likely, it is heading to fight Egypt's enemies in Rome, Celts, or Persia.

Speaking of that war, I remember that I now have tons of money, and plant a spy in Rome.  Their unimpressive army is as follows:

I then fail to plant spies in America and Aztecs.  And the bloody Aztecs declare war on me, costing me 308 gold per turn.  Now that's just asking for it.  I'm so upset I forget to take a screenshot.  Well, they'll pay for this, in blood.

So I try to plant more spies to figure out whom to align against them.  Bad idea.

I didn't know so many people hated us this much before.  Oh well.  The Aztecs will still die.

The first step is establishing an embassy in Chichen Itza.  The Maya have a lot of Riflemen, Longbows, and Musketmen.  Nothing too impressive, but we need their help against the Aztecs.

That's one ally.

There's two.

I then proceed to sell the Maya Electricity and Replaceable Parts at rock-bottom prices, to help them fight the Aztec menace.  A gift of 500 gold then allows them the funds to upgrade their military and improves our diplomatic standing to Polite.

So that's how the espionage is going.  Decidedly worse than how James Bond does it.  Our agents are rubbish.  Always failing on the most important missions.  That Aztec loss is huge, and the Greek King (me!) is more than upset.  But it's not just the spy's fault.  The Aztecs obviously don't understand the concept of a proportional response.  You don't start a war AND cancel 5700 gold in payments over planting a spy.  You demand a World Map and 52 gold or something like that.

See, here's why.  The world doesn't like it when you use unproportional response.  If they had asked for small reparations, they score diplomatically and Greece loses.  But they just shot their credit rating with a battleship shell.  If they'll cancel 5.7 billion in loans over one spy, you better believe no one's going to trade with them.  Now, Greece is the victim.  Yes, Greece made a mistake, but the Aztecs threw diplomacy out the window.

So, back to the diplomatic front.  I'm still quite :mad: at the Aztecs, so I decide to stick it to them a bit more.  It's time for massive embargoing.  I sign the Zulu, Iroquois, Maya, Germans, Romans, Celts, Americans, Egyptians, Babylonians, Mongols, Persians, Hittites, Inca, Byzantines, Carthaginians, Koreans, Indians, and Portuguese in trade embargoes against the Aztecs.  Only the Scandinavians refuse.  They will not sign it for anything.  They're exporting either iron, coal, saltpeter, or incense to the Aztecs.  But then I think, hmm, maybe they'll declare war on the Aztecs.  And what do you know...

That's one further ally.  Of course, what I really care about is that it's one fewer trading partner for the Aztecs.  A survery of the Aztec lands show it's incense that the Vikings were exporting.  Hopefully this deal will cause a big stink in Tenochtitlan.

I then establish embassies in Japan and Spain just so I can sign more embargoes, which both agree to.

Well, by now you've probably realized just how annoyed I am at the Aztecs.  But it's time to move on.  It's time to go back to the home front, however much I want to keep stirring up more anti-Aztec sentiment.  It's time to conquer the Dutch.

And that we do.

Back on the Australian front, we have a slight problem near Marseilles:

A Cavalry defeats one Cossack, and the other is neutralized by drafting two Infantry.  Crisis is once again averted.

By Yekaterinburg, the time for Pyrrhus to lead the charge has come again.

He wins.  The Elite Infantry east of the town then attacks and loses.  Another Infantry defeats the wounded Musketman.  A Conscript Rifleman now stands guard.  Pyrrhus charges.  It is no contest.  Yekaterinburg falls.

We're still royally ticked at the Aztecs.  The only Verdict is Vengeance, a Vendetta, held as a Votive, not in Vain, for the Value and Veracity of such shall one day Vindicate the Virtuous.  And the Virtuous, of course, are the Greeks :D!

Part Eighteen:  Refining the Greek Outlook

...and the next part comes!  Odd-numbered years indicate actions that occurred during the AI's turn.

1869 - News flash from the African front:  The Zulu have declared war on the Egyptians. 

This is bad news for Egypt:  Now they're not only outnumbered, but they've got a two-front war.

The Japanese contact me for World Map trading negotiations.  I change the entire course of discussion, and in the end our deal looks like this:

Yep, that's right, I'm dogpiling the Aztecs.  Better I have everyone gang up on them than they have everyone gang up on me.

The Koreans join against Egypt.  It's only a matter of time now.

1870 AD - I notice an interesting development in India:

Madras has culture flipped to India.  Rome is surely seeing a case of the (War) Elephant now!

I also notice that the Egyptian city of Byblos, in present-day Angola, has been captured by Persia.  Meh, not like I'm going to try to do anything about it.

1870 AD - The Russian front goes well.  Two Cossacks fall to my Cavalry, and we lose only one Infantry due to an accidental (keyboard mistake) attack on St. Petersburg.  An Infantry and some Cavalry head towards the city of Yaroslavl', and a source of Horses near Moscow is pillaged.  With our troops near St. Petersburg heading south to pillage another source of horses and the only remaining source being near Yakutsk, we hope to eliminate Cossacks from Russia's arsenal quickly.

1871 AD - The American city of Baghdad, in the Yukon Territory, which they had earlier conquered from Carthage, fell to the Aztecs.  I don't see it as reason for great concern.  The Aztecs have recently switched to Fascism, and their city sizes have been plummeting, surely due to excessive drafting and forced labor.  Meanwhile, America remains a Democracy and has several thriving metropolises.

It's hard to tell who's winning.  America appears to have lost a bit on the power graph, and the Aztecs will have a short-term troops advantage due to their hurrying, but if America holds its ground it'll be at a significant advantage thanks to population and happiness.  Not to mention America has allies.  One of those, Japan, just switched to Communism and drafted a few guys.  The other, the Maya, just this turn started upgrading Riflemen to Infantry.  I'm hoping I am correct in guessing the Aztecs are at a slight disadvantage.

1873 AD - America lost the city of Cadiz, in Nunavut, to the Aztecs this turn, as well as Houston, in Quebec.  They still have all their major cities.

Egypt fairs much worse.  They lost Pi-Ramesses to the Celts, Alexandria to the Persians, and El-Amarna to the Zulu.  In the process they lost both their sources of Rubber.  Only six Egyptian cities remain, although one, Heiraconpolis, is a metropolis on a hill.

1874 AD - I sink one Russian frigate that had been attacking Java, but lose an Ironclad in the process.

I've been upgrading catapults to Artillery, and use Artillery to redline a Russian Cossack that had invaded my borders. 

A Musketman then attacks and kills the Cossack.

At Yaroslavl', the chance for an excellent attack is too good to pass up.  Only Musketmen defend the city.

The first Cavalry loses, but the second discovers an even more surprising weakness:

The Pikeman redlines both of my two Cavalry that attack it, but the second one comes out victorious.  Another Pikeman remains on guard.  We'll need more troops to defeat this pitifully poorly defended city.

That Cossack in the screenshots is defeated by a Guerilla.

Across the continent, an Infantry marauding the countryside near Moscow destroys the only Russian source of wine.  That'll hurt Russia.  Then again, maybe it won't, if enough of their soldiers had been drunk.

1875 AD - The Maya declared war on the Carthaginians.  No big deal.

Babylon cancels their MPP with us.  Guess they don't like our wars.

Egypt finally brings in an ally.  Unfortunately, it's

The Iroquois against the Koreans.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the powerful, modern Koreans in Northern Europe will totally destroy the small, Middle Ages Iroquois in Scandinavia.  And a rocket scientist could tell you that Korea could defend against the Iroquois with Hwach'a alone if they wanted to.

The Russians attack and redline my Guerilla near Vladivostok, but he survives.  One more Cossack falls.  One step closer to victory are the Greeks.

1876 AD - I discover, much to my dismay, that, contrary to my memory, Great Leaders cannot be used to hurry Wonders.  Still confident we can finish the wonder in time, Bombay, India (actual location near present-day Calcutta) begins work on Hoover Dam.  My great leader Hector forms an army in Bombay, which we shall soon fill with shiny new units.

The attack on the hyper-poorly defended city of Yaroslavl' continues

My Elite Cavalry destroy the only Musketmen in the town, and Pyrrhus then leads his army to a smashing defeat of some pikemen.  Only a newly conscripted Rifleman regiment remains to guard the city.  Unfortunately, it brings down one of my Cavalry.  Undeterred, another Cavalry charges the redlined Rifleman.  This one succeeds, and Yaroslavl' falls.

Yakutsk will be our next target.  As can be seen in the above screenshot, only Musketmen defend the city, and it has Russia's sole remaining source of Horse.

1877 AD - A few new wars.  The Chinese declared war on Carthage, and the Zulu did on Japan.  Meanwhile, the Celts and Ottomans and Ottomans and Persians signed trade embargoes against me.  Don't bother trying to keep all the alliances straight.  That's my foreign advisor's job.  He's earning his pay, too :D!

On the other side of the spectrum, Carthage makes peace with both America and Zululand.

Russia launches a few more attacks.  A Guerrilla defeats one of my redlined Guerrillas near Yekaterinburg, but a Cossack is repelled at Yaroslavl', and a Guerrilla fails to take the Saltpeter position on which a Conscript Infantry had been garrisoned.

1878 AD - We'll start with the foreign-policy front.  Really, some important news bits have occurred since four years ago, so here we go:

In Africa, Egypt's ensuing doom looks near.  Persia has captured Heiracopolis, and the Celts took Isandhlwana.  An Egyptian fleet has been spotted east of Madagascar, but even taking a Zulu city there would be a temporary escape.

In North America, America's war has grown worse.  Their government has slipped into Anarchy, as has that of the Maya.  At least the Maya have upgraded 19 units to Infantry, so their defense should hold.  Nevertheless, their simultaneous fall into Anarchy is a bounty for the Aztecs.

The World Map at this point looks as follows:

The most important news of this turn, however, is technological.  Our scientists have discovered the secret of Refining.  They promise this technology will open up enormous, mostly yet-unknown possibilities if only we can secure a bit of Oil.  Checking with my trade advisor, however, I learn that we have not a bit of Oil.  How can this be, with an empire twice as large as the next-largest (Persia)?  Well, there's a reason Australia and India aren't the world leaders in oil exports.  However, there are two options for solving this problem before it becomes acute.

The first is a trade with Korea.  They have extra oil, and as the currently see no use for it, will give it to us for just one gold.

]

That's all well and good.  But really, why settle for such a short-term solution?  After all, our next door neighbor just so happens to be...

Germany.  Right smack-dab on top of all the world's richest oil reserves, and still in the Middle Ages.  A more perfect solution to our problem could not be asked for.

So, without further ado, the invasion begins.

Nevermind that pesky little Embargo vs. the Aztecs we signed in 1868.

Cavalry will get most of the action in this war.  Bangalore is our first target.  To quicky reach it, we bypass the Barricade we had built in our war with Persia that has since fallen into German territory.

Two Elite Cavalry defeat the Musketmen defending the city and Bangalore is ours.  We couldn't have asked for better results, even if one cavalry was redlined.  Hoplites reinforce the city, and the race to Berlin begins.

As our troops march forwards, my generals give me encouraging reports on the German defenses outside Berlin.  Spearmen, Longbows, and Horsemen - yes, Horsemen, constitute the German outer defences.  Even if their pure numbers stop the charge of my first line of attackers, there's no denying these German troops are no match for the Greeks.

Part Nineteen:  Changing the Tide of the New World War

The outer defences of Berlin (forgot to put this in the previous section):

1879 AD - The Aztecs are getting some allies of their own.  Zululand has joined them against Scandinavia.  Not yet sure how that'll work out.

Egypt lands a Cavalry, Medieval Infantry, and Spearman by the Zulu city of Frankfurt on Madagascar.  A Zulu longbowman near the city attacks and defeats the Cavalry.

My cavalry defeats a horseman, but loses to another horseman.  A Longbowman forces the other cavalry to retreat.

1880 AD - Last turn I started a war against Germany to get oil.  Well, guess what I discovered this turn...

Two sources of oil right by Rostov!  Go figure!  Oh well, too late to turn back now.

The inferior German troops put up a good fight against my Cavalry.  A Longbowman reduces an Elite Cavalry to two hitpoints, and a Spearman takes a Veteran down to two hitpoints as well.  Guerillas enter German territory behind the Cavalry.

Down by Yakutsk, it is at last time to launch an attack against the Russians.  My Ironclads bombard, unfortunately only hitting ships in the harbor, and my Cavalry begin the attack.

The first cavalry redlines a Musketman but then dies.  The second has little success, doing only enough damage for the Russians to send another regiment of Musketmen to the forefront of the defense.  The third Cavalry wins the battle, and the odds once again appear to favor Greece.  Another victory follows, and the city is on its last regiment.  These fall easily, and Yakutsk is ours. 

Russia has only one Cossack remaining, and will receive no more.  The city of Vladivostok, to the southeast, will be the next Greek target.

1881 AD - Hahaha, more bad news for the Iroquois:

At least they're stll alive.

And then comes more shocking news

No, there was no alliance involved.  Well, looks like we might have some string-pulling to do next turn.

But before we can do that...

I was getting really worried when I saw those ships coming.  Definitely was a  moment when one jaguar warrior unloaded!

The Germans kill off one of my Cavalry after losing a Horseman and a Longbow trying to.  We'll survive.

The Iroquois ask for an audience and surprisingly do not ask for military help.  Rather, they offer to buy my World Map for theirs, 7 gold, and 5 gold per turn.  I accept their offer.  They might not like what they find out.  Especially after the Zulu bring the Celts into an alliance against them (yep, that's what happened immediately afterwards!).

1882 - Updates on the foreign front.  The Iroquois have lost two cities to the Koreans, but still retain their most valuable cities.

The Zulu have captured the city of Giza, along with a source of Gems, from Egypt.  The conflict in Madagascar is not resolved.

The war in America remains fairly even.  The Ottomans will not acknowledge us, and as we still hope to get them to fight the Aztecs, we are not yet willing to start a crusade against them.

The efforts against Germany will move slowly this turn.  Our Guerillas will advance as Cavalry recover.  But in the Indian Ocean, we should be able to achieve at least one victory.

Sure enough, we win.

The Russian front is about to see the next major battle, at Vladivostok.  We have a Medieval Infantry army, 3 Cavalry, and an Infantry ready to attack, with three Artillery prepared to bombard.

The artillery bombardment being moderately successful, our Medieval Infantry begin the attack.  The defensive bonus of Vladivostok's hill is noticeable, and the defending Veteran Musketman reduces the army to six hitpoints from fourteen.  Rather than risk debilitating casualties in an all-out attack now, we decide to await reinforcements.

Before ending the turn, we successfully plant a spy in Istanbul.  The Ottomans are less powerful than we'd thought.  Their army consists of 24 Spearmen, 3 Horsemen, 6 Musketmen, 18 Riflemen, 2 Medieval Infantry, and 5 Sipahi.  Their navy consists of a Galley, a Galleon, and 10 Frigates.  They have two captured Cannons.  So long as no one gives them enough gold to upgrade, they'll remain a minor party for a good while.

1883 - I forgot to attack the Jaguar Warrior the Aztecs had landed on New Guinea.  Fortunately my Hoplite wins the subsequent Battle of Thermopylae.

In trade negotiations, I sell the English some excess Saltpeter for 24 gold per turn.  This will allow them to build Cannons and Frigates.  It also improves the diplomatic standing from Furious to Annoyed.

A multitude of Cossacks appearing indicates Russia is importing Horses.  They cause a good deal of trouble as well, killing two conscript Infantry and a Cavalry, and redlining another Cavalry.

1884 - Russia is stronger in Vladivostok now, but so is Greece.  We decide to attack again.

The first attack is successful.  The strongest Rifleman falls.  The following attack also succeeds, and conscripts now guard the city.

These troops, however, fair much better.  The cavaly do no damage.  The next attack, however, takes the city.  Vladivostok falls, and with that the battle in Australia will turn permanently to the West.

In the Middle East, Greek troops have reached the gates of Berlin.  There should be no trouble launching a devastating attack next turn.

Oh, and in Africa, Thebes has now fallen to the currently-anarchic Persians.  Tempting though the opportunity is to jump on Persia while their guard is down, we remain focused on Germany.  Persia's 78 Infantry and 22 Cavalry is too strong to make a quick gamble against.

1885 AD - At last the envoys for which I have been waiting arrive:

I convince them to include 120 gold, 16 gold per turn, and a World Map.  I plan to use the gold to persuade them to cause the Aztecs some agony, but before I can do that I will have to establish an embassy.

The Vikings request an alliance against the Zulu, but offer only a piddling sum for the help.  I turn down their offer.  They can send their warriors halfway across the world, but mine will remain where they are.

And send their warriors away they are.  I've been watching a good number of Cavalry and Berserkers trudge across the world towards the Zulu.

In Alaska, the inevitable has at last happened:

The Egyptians finally gain a victory.  They take the city of Frankfurt on Madagascar.  That city has gone from German to Indian to Zulu and now to Egyptian.  Right now Egypt cannot afford to lose it to anyone.  A Medieval Infantry and Spearman defend it.  Realizing this, Egypt does exactly what it needs to do.

Not sure why Zululand agreed to this.  They certainly would've had first strike on Frankfurt.  Maybe Egypt gave them something they needed and didn't have the leverage to get from anyone else.

1886 AD - I establish an embassy with the Ottomans, and see that a lack of Horses is what is keeping their military weak.  Most unfortunately for them, they signed a trade embargo against me with the Celts in 1877, so I cannot help them.  I then offer them exactly what they gave me to make peace in exchange for them declaring war on the Aztecs:

Right on, Osman!  You'd be the laughingstock of the diplomatic world if you traded a war with someone halfway aroud the world for a war with someone right next door with nothing to show for it!

But, what do you know, when I increase the gold for 120 to 130 lump sum, he accepts!  Works by me!

This obviously is a major boon to us.  The Americans are now safe from the Ottomans, and the Aztecs are in for a nasty surprise.  They now are fighting the Maya and Americans to the north, as well as the territories Japan conquered from Carthage, and the Ottomans to the south.  The Ottomans likely have some troops already traversing Aztec territory to reach America, so this could be quite interesting.  If only I could give the Ottomans horses...

The Aztec cities continue to lose population as well.  Tenochtitlan itself is now merely a size-6 town.

Back on the main front, it's time for the Battle of Berlin.

The German forces fight very well, with half our troops being redlined and the other half cut down to two hitpoints, but in the end four German spearmen fall.  Longbows form the only remaining defense.  Only a lack of more troops prevents us from taking the city this turn.

1887 AD - The Aztecs have brought the Russians in against the Americans.  Entirely inconsequential, but at least my enemies are working together now.

The Maya approach us with the idea of a mutual protection pact, and we accept.  They are one of our few true friends, with Polite diplomatic standing.  We also sell them Horses for 13 gold per turn.  Now we wait for the mutual-protection wars to start appearing.

The Maya declare war on Russia in the first mutual-protection war.

The Egyptians lost the city of Elephantine to Persia this turn.  Only one Egyptian city, Heliopolis, remains in mainland Africa.

The tides of the war are now evident.  The Aztecs are slowly falling, the Zulu won against Egypt and are losing to Scandinavia, the Germans and Russians are both losing to Greece, and Egypt is losing to everybody.  Short of a major military or technological coup, these circumstances can only be changed by diplomatic means.

Part Twenty:  The End for Germany

1888 AD - The tale of the Greeks resumes.  Militarily, they are expanding their empire into both the western part of Australia and the Middle East.  Technologically, Greece is the most advanced country in the world, ahead of its closest rivals the Persians, Celts, Koreans, and Aztecs by Electronics, and researching Combustion.

The next Greek mission is to capture Berlin.  After a successful attack in 1886, the defences were severely weakened.

Our Guerillas take Berlin this turn without loss.  A quick raid on Hamburg to the north is repelled by Musketmen.  The Scandinavian Cavalry in the area pay us no mind - they're set on reaching Zululand and making conquest there.

The Russian front of Greek conquest has refocused on the town of Rostov in the central Australian deserts.

Although it has very little industrial or commercial potential, the city has two important features - one, its oil (to the southeast of the city), and two, its culture, by now interfering with Greek ambitions.  It's defences are amongst the strongest in Russia, so the Greek artillery unleash a barrage...

...with decent success.  The Greek espionage corps then flood the city to assess the damage.

The commanders make the call to invade the city.  Two Infantry and a Cavalry are ready to attack.  The first Infantry defeats the defending infantry with ease, causing a sigh of relief among the military command.  Another victory follows, and soon afterwards the last Cossacks fall, and Rostov is Greek.  With the path cleared of Russian outposts, Greek troops then rush towards the next target, Novgorod.

1889 AD -

As predicted by the World Map, the Koreans pwned the Iroquois. 

Many more diplomatic agreements and alliances follow, most inconsequential due to distances or Egypt already being doomed no matter how many more enemies it gets.  But at least one deal proves worthy of mention.

They are across the seas from each other, but each is the strongest civilization on its continent (Celts in Africa, Hittites in South America).  In other words, the alliance is bad news for the little guys.

1890 - We finish a Small Wonder in the city of Lisbon, in Southeast Asia:

It's the first major project completed since the Military Academy in Paris, and the first on mainland Asia.  Many more should follow.  With 939 gold already in our treasury, we're nearly getting the maximum value out of Wall Street already.

The next target on our campaign against Russia is the city of Novgorod, seen above and in northwestern Australia.  It falls with just one cavalry being forced into retreat.  Moscow itself will be the new target of this campaign.

In the Middle East, Guerillas march towards Hamburg, and Cavalry begin attacks on the very poorly-defended town of Leipzig, on the Arabian peninsula.

1891 AD - Heliopolis falls to Persia, and Frankfurt becomes the new Egyptian capital.  Already ships are flocking to Madagascar.

As usual, several new alliances form.  Rome declares war on the faraway Japanese, Babylon declares war on Egypt, and the Hittites and Byzantines enter trade embargoes against us.

1892 AD - Our Cavalry in Arabia execute their version of Blietzkrieg against Germany and quickly take the remainder of the peninsula.  To the north, a force strong enough to take Hamburg is assembling outside the city.  Germany has nothing to offer in peace.  Near Moscow, artillery prepare for a barrage and an Ironclad blockades the harbor.  Great victories await.

1893 AD - Another interesting mutual protection pact:

This could get Greenland into the world wars.  Which could be either good or bad for them.  They recently build several of their settlements in Metropolises.

And then comes an even more important MPP:

Perhaps they have ambitions for northeast Asia?  Either way, this is one all the regional neighbors, myself included, will have to remember.  At least Spain's MPP with Scandinavia has expired.

1894 - The end is nigh for Germany.

Our Guerillas charge and defeat all the German defenders.  We won't be seeing any Panzers this game.  Six rivals have now been eliminated - Arabia, France, Netherlands, Carthage, Iroquois, and Germany.  Egypt is near annhilation and Portugal, Russia, and India are sufficiently weak to have no real chance, leaving 21 civilizations retaining a chance at victory.

Part Twenty-One:  Australia Becomes Greek

1894 AD - The attack on Moscow also occurs in 1894.  Artillery and Ironclads pound the city, and the Riflemen take significant casualties, leaving Musketman as the first guard.

The musketmen fare well, and two Greek Cavalry are lost before the first Musketman falls.  The old hero Pyrrhus then leads a charge against Riflemen, and defeats two units of them without excessive losses of Medieval Infantry.  It is then up to the brigade of Infantry that has long been besieging Moscow to take the city.

That they succeed in.

Before advancing more military units, I check my diplomacy.  I notice that I'm rather bankrupting poor Egypt.

Oh well.  It's reason enough for me to not go to war with them at least.

I'm left without a rival in invade in Asia.  Those nearby I have diplomatic agreements with, and those far away I cannot reach due to no one being willing to grant right of passage.  Oh well, guess I'll build up.

1895 AD -

Looks like I've got an enemy in Africa.  Oh well, I'd been preparing to fight them for awhile.  They have one city in Pakistan that I'll be able to grab quickly.  The rest - well, I'd already thought of a plan to take them.

Hey, what's up with that, America?  I thought we were allies.  Oh well, so long as the Maya and Ottomans can hold this'll give America a chance to regroup.

And then comes an alliance between the Aztecs and Byzantines and the subsequent...

Things are really heating up this turn!  Looks like those Scandinavian Cavalry we saw rushing towards Zululand might be returning this way fairly soon.

Rome kills one redlined Guerilla during their turn.  Not too bad for us yet.

1896 AD - So...time to take out Karachi.  Here's where it's located:

But alas, no combat occurs this turn.  Our units simply are not within striking distance of any city.  Advances occur towards Saint Petersburg and Karachi.

1897 AD - An Egyptian Spearman defeats a Persian Cavalry that had landed by Frankfurt.  Just one turn from dying, Egypt will fight another turn.

Another alliance occurs...the Aztecs and Romans against the Scandinavians.

Those Aztecs have been creating quite a few alliances.  This one could be bad for Rome, though, seeing as Scandinavia had a bunch of Cavalry heading through Roman territory towards Zululand a few turns ago.

The Aztecs also bring the landlocked Chinese into war against the Maya.  Oh well, I'm not the one sending money to China for help in a war they cannot help in.

America asks that I join them in an embargo against Egypt, and I agree.  Our diplomatic standing improves to Polite.  I consider renegotiating my Silk export deal with America to gain more gold, but seeing that they are, as Lincoln says, "poorer than a blind drunkard in a crooked poker game," I see I would receive less gold and thus do not.

1898 AD - We finish Battlefield Medicine in the formerly Portuguese city of Emerita, located in Indochina.

Good news on the foreign front:  Our Mayan allies have fulfilled their obligation under our Mutual Protection Pact and declared war on Rome.  It doesn't really help us, but at least we'll get brownie points for being allies in the war.

The scientific community also announces a great discovery at the beginning of the year.  A team of scientists based in Corinth had completed the first of what they called a Combustion Engine.  Presenting their report to King Alexander, they claimed that such technology would revolutionize shipping and naval warfare by allowing larger ships, better armor, and propulsion by an oil-powered engine.  The new design was to be faster and more reliable than ironclads.  The King listened skeptically.  Ironclads had revolutionized the navy, but were quite slow and could not handle the open ocean.  A change such as this in seafaring would revolutionize transportation.  Then the scientists invited him to come to their dockyards and see the engine in action.  After consulting his advisors, the King agreed.  Two weeks later, along with a Hoplite guard, he took the train to the city.  There he saw the new ship.

The shipwrights demonstrated its speed and stability, and the King was persuaded to come aboard.  He remained in Corinth for the remainder of the week, and was quite pleased to see the ship perform well even in storms.

Upon his return, it was decided to send an envoy aboard the new ship to the Maya.  It was also ordered that the cities of Knossos and Pharsalos, on the island of Borneo, immediately begin outfitting military versions of the combustion-powered ships.

The voyage across the Pacific proves worthwhile almost immediately.  The Maya have once again fallen into hard times.

We agree to export Rubber for just 31 gold.  We have plenty extra, and the Aztecs must be stopped.

We also managed to, at long last, sneak a spy into Tenochtitlan:

This puts the Aztecs between the Celts and Persians in terms of land power, and ahead of both in terms of sea power.  The Mayans and Ottomans are both considerably weaker than the Aztecs, hence why we hope to get America back in the war soon.  Unfortunately, we once again fail to plant a spy in Washington, so we remain unsure of America's strength.

As the envoy returns, telegraphs of the progress against the Russians begin coming in.  Artillery and a now-obsolete Ironclad have heavily bombarded Saint Petersburg.

The attack then begins.  Elite Cavalry first face the injured Infantry, and earn victory, albeit at 60% casualties.  Pikemen are next in the order of defence, and, surprisingly, defeat a regiment of Infantry.  I thought repeating rifles were supposed to be stronger than pikes

Another Infantry regiment defeats some Riflemen without any trouble, and then the pikes fall.  As the news reaches the home front, great celebrations commence.  After 48 years, all of Australia is now ours.

But Russia is not finished yet!

They still occupy the island of Tasmania, south of Victoria in Australia.  But don't worry, we have plans for defeating that city .

In the mean time, we make peace with Russia for a World Map, 3 Gold, and an embargo against the Aztecs.  Don't worry, they will get what's coming to them, in approximately 1938.

Shortly after the signing of the peace treaty, the King received a letter from the Greek Field Marshal in Australia:

After some thought, the King agreed.  The Aztecs were the most powerful rival in the world, and the Maya and Ottomans, even the Americans, clearly needed some help.  It was arranged that Galleons would be refitted into oil-powered transports, and then be sent to Australia to pick up troops.