My last attempt (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=164585) had the unfortunate and unsatisfying end of me losing my saved games in a winnable position. Time to go at it again.

1 last adaptation is: I switch off Military Alliances. Why? Because I got bored with 25 MA's and war decalrations and peace treaties in every IBT later in the game. Will this influence the game? Yes - in a big way. The AI cannot dog-pile a weak civ so they'll usually fight a one-on-one war.
For me the greatest change is that when I get declared upon; I can't save myself through signing every civ into the declarer (or victim) so I will have to fight alone. And there could be other implications later on that I haven't thought about yet.

Anyway: the settings:

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/8084/0029fa.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/9314/0035xp.th.jpg (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0035xp.jpg)

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/6473/0041mp.th.jpg (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0041mp.jpg)

I only now see that SGL's are on. I dislike that feature because it is imbalancing, so I usually switch it off.

The start seems ok. A wheated floodplain, a river. Well - that's about it.

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/4726/0056fc.th.jpg (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0056fc.jpg)

I build Chicken Pizza on the starting tile and start with a worker. I am industrious, so workers work hard. And I already have 5 food per turn so irrigation isn't required.

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/9025/0063ms.th.jpg (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0063ms.jpg)

I do Irrigate later on, to get the plains to work, while staying on 5 food per turn.

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/852/0070bm.th.jpg (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0070bm.jpg)

And soon the granary is completed. Time to pump out settlers. Look at the furs, a luxury is always nice.

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/7458/0089pd.th.jpg (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0089pd.jpg)

I'm the wealthiest, according to Lord McCauley. Not so strange, seeing that I hardly do research. I do get techs though. I can sell Masonry to Spain for their Bronzeworking.
My first settler. He's going NorthWest to use as much floodplains as possible.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4629/0114vo.th.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0114vo.jpg)

I regret that rather quickly, when I see American borders grabbing my furs. At least I know where to send a settler quickly...

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7324/0125gg.th.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0125gg.jpg)

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/6997/0138fy.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0138fy.jpg)

I meet more and more people and despite being behind (it is on Deity) I get to make some good trades.
Iron Working from the Spanish for 6 gpt + 205 gold.
Then WarriorCode + Ceremonial Burial from the Iro's for Ironworking + 2 gpt.

And I get a 2nd luxury !! Wines

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/6640/0177fq.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0177fq.jpg)

And another good trade:

The Wheel + Alphabet from the Carthaginians for Iron Working + Ceremonial burial + 1 gpt.

Hmm, I'll be watching. Shame about the save files - back them up this time maybe?

I find Iron pretty close. And look at Yaxhilan - it will surely lose the culture battle with the Carthaginain city. But I build it there to get more floodplains into range and it stops Carthgao expanding southward. Of course - flipping is off, so no danger there.

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/8369/0207po.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0207po.jpg)

I even get a 3rd luxury - Silks.

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/9494/0219dq.th.jpg (http://img305.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0219dq.jpg)

And horses - what more can I wish ??

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/3927/0228ff.th.jpg (http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0228ff.jpg)

And the trading goes well. I buy Spanish HBR for 14 gpt and then buy Mathematics from the Carthaginians for HBR + 128 gold. A nice 2fer1.

Sumeria builds the Pyramids in 1550BC.

I buy Iro writing for furs + 2gpt in 1400 BC. Then I sell writing to Carthago for Myst.

I buy Iro Code of Laws for 23 gpt + 39 gold. Then I buy French Polytheism for CoL + 91 gold. Then I sell Polytheism + CoL to The Byzantines for Mapmaking + 28 gold. Another good trade.
The Inca finish Temple of Artemis in the same year. The English take out the lighthouse and the Iro's the Mausolleum while the Spanish get the Great Wall.

Map time: I have 2 curraghs out that sail the coasts.

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/1140/0354el.th.jpg (http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0354el.jpg)

I get more out of the CoL by selling it to Carthago for Incense + 41 gold.
By meeting the Scandinavians in 1125 BC I learn currency for MapMaking + Polytheism.
And then I use the newly learned Currency to get Literature + Philosophy from the Russians.
Americans give me Construcion + 25 gold for Currency + Literature.

I am such a fan of The Republic that I chase it every game. Since research on Deity is not doable -yet- I go 100% on money with the strategy to buy The Republic from the others.

Let's look at my lands in 1100 BC.

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/5420/0406dv.th.jpg (http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0406dv.jpg)

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1954/0398vj.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0398vj.jpg)

And look at this; me the strongest ????

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7171/0412iw.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0412iw.jpg)

My strategy for the coming turn is to stay on 0% research, accumulating cash. Buy The Republic with that cash. In the meantime; I'll build some libraries for culture and border expansion. Also don't forget to build up my units, I fear the free land is taken and then some of the AI get bloodthirsty.

To get some AI more friendly with me, I sign some embassies.
I'll start with Paris as there are French units appearing on my borders.
Paris:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/586/0499cw.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0499cw.jpg)

And the next turn ...

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1107/0502ex.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0502ex.jpg)

I barely survive. Despite the Jav thrower in the picture; it didn't win the battle. The spear in the city defended a little bit better, but got injured heavily. Good news: the city is mine, bad: no Golden Age for me yet.

I move in more spears and pray. And trade. Lit + Phil to Carthage for Incense. Currency to the Dutch for gold + Gems.

And then I face this:

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/7523/0538pu.th.jpg (http://img450.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0538pu.jpg)

My reg warrior + 2 redlined spears are no match for them. I retreat them to Piedras Negras and I do this with Cuello:

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/4751/0545ru.th.jpg (http://img450.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0545ru.jpg)

Gifted to the weak and far away Persians. I buy some time that way and I can always take it back from the Persians whenever I want. And so it happened:

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/117/0553ag.th.jpg (http://img450.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0553ag.jpg)

The time is used to scramble units to Piedras Negras. And to whip walls. I'm still despotic (no Republic tech yet) and so I can poprush.

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/3567/0589io.th.jpg (http://img450.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0589io.jpg)

And there is the French army. Can my 7 spears hold out against the French SoD ? ?

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/2898/0614da.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0614da.jpg)

Barely. But this helps a lot !!!

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/9189/0625fz.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0625fz.jpg)

And this Army is very very welcome. Visible are really all units I have left in Piedras. If I wouldn't have gotten an army I would have to abandon/gift that town as well.

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/5382/0634rv.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0634rv.jpg)

In the IBT the French offer peace. I decline as I want an army-victory. Good idea.

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/9954/0658wv.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0658wv.jpg)

I immediately sign peace with France, France pays for peace. 74 gold + 2 gpt. Nice.
And now - back to building. I've assigned 1 scientist on Republic as I can't afford to buy it yet. The Iro's are many many techs ahead of me and if I continue going 0% on Republic and that lasts too long; I'll be facing cavalry with my spears. Not a nice thought.

And suddenly, in 510 BC, more nations have The Republic. I buy The Chinese Republic for 1462 cash. I use it to trade - Engineering from Babylon, Monarchy from America, Feudalism from Korea (I have to pay 69 gpt extra). I then sell Feud + Eng to China for Monotheism + 1566 gold.

Time to press the button.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/8898/0743yv.th.jpg (http://img420.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0743yv.jpg)

Oh come on. 8 turns ???? What have I done to deserve this ????

And the very same turn I enter anarchy - the Dutch land.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/5871/0752ds.th.jpg (http://img420.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0752ds.jpg)Please remove your forces ...

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/155/0765yj.th.jpg (http://img420.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0765yj.jpg)

I use the army + some horsemen to dispatch them. The problem is that I am thin on troops and I can't rebuild my forces the coming 8 turns. Fortunately I cannot be dogpiled due to the MA disabling.

I do find some people that lack The Republic. Sold to America for Gems + 7 gpt. CoL to Sumeria for Spices.
And the Dutch return - over land. 2 turns after their landings. So it was a planned, coordinated attack.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/7730/0773to.th.jpg (http://img420.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0773to.jpg)

I get more and more happy that I have an army of 2 swords + 1 spear. And not purely a defensive army of 3 spears. I can counterattack now. And I do. I have Iron + Feudalism + money + spears. Upgrading defenders helps a lot as well.

But first Abe demands Monotheism - I can't survive a war with an immediate neighbour so I give. But I'll remember this, Abe.

Some turns later the Dutch attackers are under control thanks to my army and I get to choose.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/2484/0818ig.th.jpg (http://img420.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0818ig.jpg)

The Dutch are fed up being target practice that they'll offer 44 gold and a worker for peace. done.

Can I now peacefully build up, please ???? :thanx:

The Maya Republic is getting a bit shape now. My stack of workers quickly improve the lands. The Maya 100% tax is generating a good amount of cash. The Maya cities produce quickly and the trading goes well.
Theology from the Russians for 83 gpt - I then use Theology + 8 gpt to get Korean Invention. Hyundai probably. Theology also gets me American Chivalry.

This what my Capital builds:

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/193/0877im.th.jpg (http://img344.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0877im.jpg)

Also visible: Tikal on Forbidden Palace. State of the nation: Iroquois, China and to a lesser extend: Russia are trying to sneak away tech-wise. Only through smart trading do I manage to keep up a bit. The Wonders fall to the tech leaders as well.

And then it is time to thank the Persians for their help in the French war.

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/811/0941op.th.jpg (http://img344.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0941op.jpg)

Ain't I a stinker ?? :evil:
I specifically waited till Cuello was size 2 so that it wouldn't autoraze. My plan is to let the army soften up the defenders while a couple of Javelin throwers take the city - throwing me in a very welcomed Golden Age.

But I am too quick. The 2 closest JT's are too late. I then opt to send the JT's all the way north to win a battle in Persia itself, but I decide against it.

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/7523/0956ip.th.jpg (http://img344.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0956ip.jpg)

The turn of the Millenium gets me the Forbidden Palace.

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/3820/0969mj.th.jpg (http://img344.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0969mj.jpg)

I've been talking about the run-away Inca, but frankly: I haven't met them yet. Then suddenly, they appear in my contact-list. I don't even know where they are, so I build an embassy with them. Ah there you are !!

http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/61/0975dj.th.jpg (http://img314.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0975dj.jpg)

And now; my speciality: Trading.
Remember when I said that the Iro's were running away, followed by Korea, Inca, China and behind them Russia (and behind them; me) ???
I keep checking the techs that everyone has every turn. And in 70 AD I spot The Iro's having Gunpowder, but Korea and Russia lacking that. So I buy that off the Iro's to sell it to Korea + Russia for more techs.
And because the Iro's have printing Press I can use my contacts in trade.

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/629/0974ft.th.jpg (http://img454.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0974ft.jpg)

Spotting and using these's 3fer1's (3 techs for the price of 1) is really important in keeping up with the run-away civs.

Of course: Gunpowder reveals Saltpeter. I have none, but 1 close enough to capture culturally.

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/1601/1013cx.th.jpg (http://img454.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1013cx.jpg)

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/14/1037ju.th.jpg (http://img454.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1037ju.jpg)

I make peace with the Persians in 110 AD.

But no rest for the wicked...

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/5599/1043mi.th.jpg (http://img454.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1043mi.jpg)

It's close, but I do not loose a city. At least not in that attack ... :sad:

And when they finally finish; it is my turn. Remember the Javelin Throwers I wanted to win a Golden Age against the Persians with ??
They Kill Yanks.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/4000/1055oq.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1055oq.jpg)

And Enslave Yanks.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/7035/1063mo.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1063mo.jpg)

Chicken Pizza makes exactly 30 shields per turn. Knights are 70 shields. What to do ???

As soon as Chicken Pizza has 30 shields in the box; I switch to a MDI (40 shields) cash-rush it and then switch back to a knight. A knight every 2 turns without waste for 40 gold only.
And I have plenty of money. Enough to buy Chinese Chemistry for 148 gpt. Then Chem + 18 gpt for Russian Astronomy. And then I still make 150 gpt.

This trade is needed, since my Saltpeter hasn't fallen into my borders yet.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/2205/1092dx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I usually refrain from selling luxuries to the top-civ in the world, but now I have no choice. I need muskets and therefore I need Saltpeter and the Iro's are the only civ that have that reseource for sale.

I use up most of my cash for rushing and upgrading horsemen to knight and some pikes to muskets. I do have some pikes around and they fight ferociously.
(I always like the name of that Maya leader - Eighteen Rabbit (http://www.alovelyworld.com/webhon/htmgb/hdu019.htm))

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/495/1106vv.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1106vv.jpg)

He is turned into a knight-army and his speciality is killing Yanks. When the invasion force dries up in 280 AD, it's my turn. Philadelphia has always been in an awful place, taking tiles from both Palenque and Uaxactun.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1473/1135aq.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1135aq.jpg)

Finally, some breathing space.....

Another xfer1 is spotted and performed. I buy Russian Navigation for 87 gpt + WM + contact with the Greeks.
Then I buy English banking for Contact with the Greeks + Nav + 38 gpt + WM.
I do a round of WorldMap trading with all civs and then a round of World Map selling. It nets me a large bankroll and a good map.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7096/1167kq.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1167kq.jpg)

Back to the war

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5707/1175km.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1175km.jpg)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4918/1181gi.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1181gi.jpg)

I decide that it is enough. No need to keep myself in a long devastating war, I am still in build-up mode. Or I should be.

So I sign peace in 340 AD. I get some gold for it.

And in 400 AD, a sad year for the Maya Empire.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3526/1216ip.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1216ip.jpg)

By the way, do you see the Isolated Murcia? It will be my next target, later on. But first: trading in 410 AD.

Chinese Democracy for 223 gpt.
Russian Economics for Democracy.
English Metallurgy for Democracy + Economics.

Trading in 460 AD:

Chinese Military Tradition for 69 gpt + 1590 gold.
English Music Theory for Military Tradition.
Russian Physics for Military Tradition + Music Theory.

I notice that the Chinese are in War with the Americans and the aread south of Philadelphia (and Washington, which was razed by the Chinese) is now a culture free area. It has a Gems-mountain. I create a few settlers and move in. Also the area beteen captured Chicago and Chinese Chengdu is culture free. Look at it in this map.

http://img447.imageshack.us/img447/2830/1299hu.th.jpg (http://img447.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1299hu.jpg)

To get my settlers through; I need the Chinese out. They apparently just signed peace, since a mountain of units travels back to China through the corridor. In order to move my settlers there I have to sign a RoP and ofr that I need an embassy. So:

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/1224/1301rx.th.jpg (http://img389.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1301rx.jpg)

A RoP is signed, settlers move in and quickly the map looks like this:

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/3466/1311gx.th.jpg (http://img389.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1311gx.jpg)

Stay tuned; I'm on the prelude of the biggest turn-around in the game. If you want to learn something about trading and grabbing a lead; pay attention to the next update.

The Iroquois are the undisputed tech leader in the world. And because of that, they reach the new tech the first; selling them to the Koreans, Inca and Chinese for a lot of gold. I then buy them and trade myself into a position where I can cling onto the top 4 (or 5). But that is about to end.
I notice the Iroquois are nearly in the Industrial Age.

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/4387/1348tl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Iroquois are not scientific so they don't get a free tech. That will be their downfall. I strike the next turn.

First I make sure that I have all middelages techs.

I buy Chinese Magnetism for 168 gpt.
I buy Russian Theory of Gravity for Magnetism.

This is the situation then.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/4356/1375yz.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1375yz.jpg)

Have a good look at it, as it is important.


Notice how 4 Scientific civs are lacking. Greece doesn't even have Code of Laws yet.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1651/1384hu.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1384hu.jpg)

I gift Greece all required techs as far as Theory of Gravity and Magnetism. They get Steam Power as their free tech. Since I have still so many optional techs that Greece doesn't have, I get Steam cheaply.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/556/1368qq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Persia: gets Nationalism, but doesn't want to trade for it. Spoiled Brat.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/7323/1406mf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Sumeria gets Medicine and I get it cheap as well.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/9366/1419eq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Babylon gets Nationalism and does want to trade it with me.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1628/1427rs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

As you might notice, I don't trade industrial age techs to them. The reason is to not cheapen those techs for the top science dogs in the game; Iro's Inca's China and Korea.

I sell Nationalism to Inca for 125 gpt + 7077 gold. To the Chinese for 196 gpt + 155 gold and to the Iro's for 4050 gold. And I still have SteamPower + Medicine up on them.

And that, ladies and Gentlemen, is how you turn around a tech-race.

And now that I am ahead and rich I can afford to update my military.

http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/1407/1471cj.th.jpg (http://img427.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1471cj.jpg)

I also buy Embassies with everyone.
Byzantines, India, English, Iro's, Koreans, Russia, Persia, Portugal, Aztecs, Romans, Sumeria, Egyptians, Greek, Zulu, Mongols, Vikings, Babylonians, Russians, Dutch, Spain, Americans, Ottoman, Celts, Carthage. I have screenshots of all cities, but I won't upload them. They serve no purpose.

And I investigate Murcia, the city still on my wish-list.

http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/2441/1720in.th.jpg (http://img427.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1720in.jpg)

13 units. When I can beat that; I'll attack.

Funny shot: See how much I am trading with China ???

http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/6672/1732xm.th.jpg (http://img427.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1732xm.jpg)

I check out Murcia again in 570 AD. Just to be sure.

http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/9565/1758uk.th.jpg (http://img427.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1758uk.jpg)

Still 13 units. I can handle that, so I declare war. And raze the city the same turn.

http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/2602/1772xa.th.jpg (http://img427.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1772xa.jpg)

And now we await the Spanish counter attack. They can be strong and conquistadores can be utterly annoying with their 6 movement. And I am not that strong. Chicken Pizza is building Military academy, but that'll take a lot more turns to complete. And many cities still need banks, libraries etc. And I need cavs. And riflemen. And workers. And what not ????

But first I'll need luck against the Spanish. A lot.

Oooh, very interesting. Something about these giant games with a lot of players that has always piqued my interest.
The AI always does something completely crazy and interesting. Too bad the humans are so predictable.
*Sigh*

Hmm, I'll be watching. Shame about the save files - back them up this time maybe?:D Yes - they are backed up.
The reason I lost the autosaves last time was because I made a PBEM map and that overwrote my autosaves. Apparently I hadn't saved the normal way before I quit the game.
Well, that happens. :sad:

My reg warrior + 2 redlined spears are no match for them. I retreat them to Piedras Negras and I do this with Cuello:

Gifted to the weak and far away Persians. I buy some time that way and I can always take it back from the Persians whenever I want.
Can you do that? I mean, I know you can, but isn't that considered dirty pool? I'm sure if an AI on the other side of the world up and offered me one of their cities I definitely would not take it. It's too far away to defend, too far away to get production from it, and very likely to either flip away from me or, more likely, get overrun by some violent third party before I can adequately defend it.

I've taken advantage of the AI's uncritical love of new cities in the past, but this seems a little too blatant a cheat to me. (JmO)

Can you do that? I mean, I know you can, but isn't that considered dirty pool? I'm sure if an AI on the other side of the world up and offered me one of their cities I definitely would not take it. It's too far away to defend, too far away to get production from it, and very likely to either flip away from me or, more likely, get overrun by some violent third party before I can adequately defend it.

I've taken advantage of the AI's uncritical love of new cities in the past, but this seems a little too blatant a cheat to me. (JmO)You certainly have a point. I could have abandoned the city instead. The downside would be that I couldn't take it back later on, but the immediate effect would have been the same; delaying the French enough to get my defenses up in the next city.

By the way; this is not listed as an exploit in the Official Realms beyond Civilization exploits (http://realmsbeyond.net/civ/etactics.html). It's a "dastardly move". Giving cities to a neutral third-party or to another aggressor is dastardly.
So indeed, it is not one of my cleanest moves, but I needed that at the time. Unlike the HOF-players and the GOTM-players I don't use exploits as Right-of-Passage rapes or fake-peace-treaties but some dastardly moves are used by me.
Guilty as charged.

The last was great, why not see this?

:worship: Rik :worship:

Nice! It wil be a little crowded.

and this *is* a game where he cannot make alliances, which is radically different.

Well only for a long period of time, he didn't forbid the alliances for the whole game.

Yes I did. They are permanently off. No alliances, period.

MPP's are on though and frankly I am interested about how they influence the AI gameplay.

Woah, that's roght no alliences. That can be helpful in a way though.

Woah, cool! I'll definitely be watching.

But how the poopy did you get 32 civs on there?

Woah, cool! I'll definitely be watching.

But how the poopy did you get 32 civs on there?
How the poopy!?????? :twitch:

He probably got 32 civs by going on edit and randomly generating a map and changin the rules around.

Woah, cool! I'll definitely be watching.

But how the poopy did you get 32 civs on there?I went into the editor, changed the rule that states the maximum number of civs on a map for each map-size, saved it as a scenario.
I did not generate a map in the editor, that happens automatically when you start a scenario that has no assigned map - just like you'll get a random map when you start a normal game.

So; conquer_dude nearly has it correct. I did not generate a map and then allow 32 civs; I allowed 32 civs and then started the scenario. :)

I just noticed something: 32 civs??? :dubious: I thought there are 31 in Conquests and that this is hard coded in the palletes.

31 AI + 1 me.

What do you mean? There are just 31 playable civs, aren't they?

Civilization III: Conquests (C3C)
Civilization III: Conquests is the second and the final expansion pack for Civilization III. It was published in 2003 by Atari. This expansion added seven new civilizations to the game, as well as including the eight civilizations from Play the World, bringing the total number of playable civilizations up to thirty-one. The new civilizations are the Byzantines, the Dutch, the Hittites, the Incans, the Mayans, the Portuguese and the Sumerians.

You got me counting the civs in this screenshot:

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/6473/0041mp.th.jpg (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0041mp.jpg)

Indeed 31. :goodjob:
Well spotted !!

Yeah, I counted 31...

And, I didn't know you could just edit the rules to where you have a certain amount of civs then play it without a general map!

I learned something today!

(That goes to tell you I learn nothing in school)

:hmm: Why didnt I notice this...subscribed.

:hmm: Why didnt I notice this...subscribed.
Probably because they all say "Rik does a Diety" on the front. :p

Because the lone Spanish city is now mine, and Carthage is between Spain and me; I an now kinda safe from devestating Spanish counterattack. To be able to fight Spain I sign a RoP with Carthage. It pays off.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/2511/1807uy.th.jpg (http://img77.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1807uy.jpg)

I keep them since there is no flip-risk. And I ain't stopping.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/6708/1827ji.th.jpg (http://img77.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1827ji.jpg)

Then in 660 AD - I notice Russia having contact with unknown civs. I buy Contact with the Arabs from them. Arabs aren't that impressive, but they know more people.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/1748/1840dt.th.jpg (http://img77.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1840dt.jpg)

And after some map trading and luxury trading I get a good map-update.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2715/1882bt.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1882bt.jpg)

And it's all over for Spain in 690 AD.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5884/1905ia.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1905ia.jpg)

And so the building up continues.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2512/1921us.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1921us.jpg)

I use Indus to get Babylonian Electricity. I use Indus + Elec to get Incan Communism. I sell Indus to China for 31 gpt + 711 gold.

770 AD:

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9748/1964uk.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1964uk.jpg)

For those of you who think that I am ahead - I am not. I am in fact going 100% science to keep up, and I am failing. With 5 turns on the clock; China shows to have Scientific Method. I can't unfocus yet; I am not in the lead.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7946/1972ng.th.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1972ng.jpg)

I decide to turn off research; wait 1 turn (for China to trade the tech) and buy it for gpt. Babylon has it and I pay 186 gpt + furs for Sci Meth. It's 860 AD. I use Sci Meth + 89 gpt to buy Incan Replacable Parts.
I have prepared Bonampak to become a shield-monster. It will get the Theory of Evolution, for sure.

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads11/200.JPG

I hope ...

...

In the meantime, riflemen become Infantry.

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads11/201.JPG

The question remains: "But will I get the ToE ?"

Wonderful update!!!

Yes I do.

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/3987/2026uq.th.jpg (http://img309.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2026uq.jpg)

Atomic and Electronics are chosen - for their trade value. And I build embassies with the last civs, Japan, Arabia and Hittites. The cities are not impressive at all.

Korea has Sanitation that I lack; I gift Indus for it in 950 AD. I build the Pentagon in Tikal in 960 AD. Hoover Dam in Bonampak in 990 AD.

I use Electricity + Communism to get Greek Facism, which I trade to the Iroquois for The Corp.

And do not think that I am tech-leader. Look at this :

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/1579/2131ga.th.jpg (http://img309.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2131ga.jpg)

China has (at least) Refining up on me, while I have Atomic up on them. And they are rich; filthy rich.

But I have Bonampak:

1080AD:
http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/9715/2144is.th.jpg (http://img309.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2144is.jpg)

1110 AD:
http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/6163/2158kd.th.jpg (http://img309.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2158kd.jpg)

And I have credit.
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4881/2166iu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I also get Espionage for Rep Parts from Greece. And I have Oil !

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/3742/2189gn.th.jpg (http://img309.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2189gn.jpg)

The cities got this big by native-worker joining.
And I still have Bonampak

It's 1170 AD.
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/727/2194er.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2194er.jpg)

The only thing that I do not have, is an enemy. I do have a target - Carthage. They are between my core and my Spanish gains and have a luxury - incense - that I lack. In 1190 AD I check them out whether they are ripe to be taken.

Check 1: Yes

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9532/2203yg.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2203yg.jpg)

Check 2: Yes, the Incense purchases have ended.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/254/2218sf.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2218sf.jpg)

Check 3:

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9413/2224vp.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2224vp.jpg)

NO... I do NOT want to kill my reputation. Ever. So I'll wait 2 more turns.

2 turns later...

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/633/2247ky.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2247ky.jpg)

Hippo is badly located - razed. Yax needs room, and so does Bonampak.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/3598/2252bm.th.jpg (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2252bm.jpg)

Leptis Minor is badly located as well - razed. Kamina and Tulum need room.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/8896/2261hp.th.jpg (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2261hp.jpg)

I fail to take Sabratha. Too many units.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/5772/2274sw.th.jpg (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2274sw.jpg)

The Carthaginian counterattack is mostly troop movement into my lands. Not that impressive. I have many cavs to kill their units in my lands. I get a MGL of that.

And Sabratha falls in 1220 AD. I keep it, it's nicely located.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/3711/2294vf.th.jpg (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2294vf.jpg)

The next few turns I am mostly destroying invading stacks of muskets / knights / cavs / Nubian Mercs etc. Not much progress terrain-wise, but neccesary. I get some leaders off them. Since my army count is already maxxed out I use most of the leaders to rush Police stations / hospitals / factories etc. in my conquered cities. Not that I need the money ...

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/2567/2307jp.th.jpg (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2307jp.jpg)

In the meantime, the Babs learn Steel. I sell Atomic to them for Steel + 24 gpt.
The Carthaginians have lost their fuel and now I'm back on the offensive. First a tatical strike. Utica is in a bad location (not on a river) anyway, so it gets razed.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/5290/2326qc.th.jpg (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2326qc.jpg)

Notice that both Boston and San Fransisco are next to a volcano .... :lol:

I retreat the units that are left over from the Utica-strike. And another leader. Next target: Carthage itself.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7498/2332tm.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2332tm.jpg)

But not yet. First the stack near my lands have to be destroyed. Another leader ...

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1930/2356bm.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2356bm.jpg)

And then, on the same turn: The Razing of Carthage.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2695/2364of.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2364of.jpg)

And the resettling of Carthage - 1 tile to the north.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6641/2387sv.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2387sv.jpg)

Just how bad have we hit the Carthaginians now ?? A spy is planted and reveals the strength of the Carthaginian armies.

Pretty bad ....

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9311/2401pq.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2401pq.jpg)

How long will they last ?

great updates and great game Rik!

Yay an update :D

not 1 turn more.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6839/2433in.th.jpg (http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2433in.jpg)

I'm lettting my cavs heal and research Combustion in 1300 AD. I sell it to the inca for 8850 gold and to China for 3700 gold.

Want to guess who my next target is ?

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2250/2472kd.th.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2472kd.jpg)

There is 1 more city in my north; Houston. I do some spy-place attempts; which fail, but no war declaration. Too bad.

In 1325 AD I research Mass Production. That is sold to the Inca for 7915 gold.

In 1350 AD it is time. Motorised Transportation is 1 turn away.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4703/2527sk.th.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2527sk.jpg)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/127/2538kf.th.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2538kf.jpg)

(The awake lurker will notice Bonampak is on wealth. It's making about 140 shields per turn, which means either 1 cav / Inf per turn with a lot of waste, or 70 gpt. I refuse to build artillery as that is way too strong against AI. I will also refrain from building bombers later on. I will build fighters, for Air superiority missions.)

San Fransisco is already gone and while generating a MGL Boston-at-the-volcano is captured.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1821/2554dr.th.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2554dr.jpg)

I can't reach Atlanta due to the double row of mountains around it. I position myself, press enter and:

Learn Motorised Transportation. And take Atlanta, destroying the Americans in the process.

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/6867/2579iu.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2579iu.jpg)

Back to peacetime. I have switched all unit building cities to tanks. I reach the Modern age in 1380 AD through the discovery of Flight.

And then it gets 1385.
China is big.
And Strong.
And fascist
I hate fascists.

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/826/2619bg.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2619bg.jpg)

I plant a spy - it works.

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/20/2625xm.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2625xm.jpg)

I count their units.

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/9027/2643tn.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2643tn.jpg)

And since I am tired of only fighting weak enemies:

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/1111/2676za.th.jpg (http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2676za.jpg)

War is declared. Whether this is smart or suicidially stupid, time will tell. I still have the advantage as war was declared in my turn. My 182 cavs and 53 tanks do their job and raze New York and slaughter as many Chinese as are visible in the screenshot, scoring a MGL as well.

http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/4021/2700dx.th.jpg (http://img314.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2700dx.jpg)

But China still is enermously strong; and has a leader now. And it's China's turn now. Be afaid, be very afraid. I might have woken the sleeping Giant ... We'll see soon enough.
http://67.18.37.17/2135/53/emo/nervous.gif

Its Conquests...the AI is not that smart as in Vanilla.;)

Good job! :goodjob: Good luck with China! :)

Oooo. Took me forever to read it because of the tags, though. Could you start hosting them as images? :)

Yes, the thumbnails make the story harder to read.

Well, that is forum-policy; as little upload/download as possible, to improve general speed. The amount of pictures I use in my stories could have a measurable impact on forum-speed. So: no, I won't step away from thumbnails. Thunderfall :king: wouldn't ask it if it made no difference.
Image Upload: Help us save server space by using these free image hosting services: ImageShack (see below) or PhotoBucket.

Well, that is forum-policy; as little upload/download as possible, to improve general speed. The amount of pictures I use in my stories could have a measurable impact on forum-speed. So: no, I won't step away from thumbnails. Thunderfall :king: wouldn't ask it if it made no difference.

You don't have to use thumbnails with ImageShack, just paste the URL inside IMG tags and they'll show up fine.

I was thinking to post the same thing as you Sima, but maybe the full images used in a thread are anyway slowing something down?

@Mirc: they only slow down my browser. It doesn't affect CFC bandwidth at all.

That's true, SQ. For my next update I'll try it.

I just hate waiting for the thumbnails to load up.

Can't wait for that next update, then!:D

China enters my land in huge stacks. There is no way I can kill them all. And I am low on defenders; 2 or 3 Infs in border cities is about it. What did I start ??

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/3561/2745ia.jpg

Well, let's get physical... I throw in all my cavs and tanks at especially the cavalry stacks.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/5835/2757re.jpg

Not that the Chinese are becoming weak though ... But I do manage to get some good MGL's off off them.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8253/2767mo.jpg


When it's China's turn again; All their cavs leave my lands... Why? Because I've reinforced the cities in that area and they notice some other cities near their lands are weakly defended and go for those. I hate this AI. The Infantry do march on, though. And I do manage to get some good MGL's off off them.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9563/2770jv.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/473/2788rr.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2474/2790ky.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4497/2804ub.jpg

As you might have noticed: I am building Privateers. Just for fun; you can fight in peactime and they are difficult to get rid off as any victory could give you another Privateer.

In 1420 AD the front looks completely different; all Chinese units are kicked out of my lands and 2 Chinese cities are captured in the north.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4121/2813pl.jpg

In the south Chinese cities are razed.

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/1871/281b4th.jpg

I become too careless and defend my cities too weak. Tsingtao is retaken by the Chinese.

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/779/2826gy.jpg

and by me:

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/2130/2830ws.jpg

Canton is on the virge of being captured. Beijing is hard to reach as the Mountains prevent any quick actions. Once Beijing falls, I can sweep up the remainder of the forces; as the map indicates:

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1174/283b9nd.jpg

As predicted:

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/4419/2849tk.jpg

The Chinese are no longer a power in this game. Despite them having Tanks.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9158/2852lf.jpg

1430 AD:

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/998/2869hb.jpg

1435 AD:

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/394/2871aa.jpg

To get to the further away Chinese cities I sign a RoP with the Iroquois.

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/5453/2899in.jpg

1440 AD:

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/338/2905ua.jpg

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3642/2916jj.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5550/2932ms.jpg

With the Chinese out of the way; I switch back to research, building up the lands and playing with Privateers. My next goal will be Computers + enough gold to upgrade Inf top Mech Infs. After that I need mass transits as the pollution is getting out of control. And after that I'm going for the Internet. Only then will I go for Rocketry + Synthetic Fibres for Modern Armors. With them I'll roll up the world.

Here an overview-picture (thumbnail as it is simply too big for this thread).

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6723/2944dr.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2944dr.jpg)

I learn Computers in 1475 AD. As indicated; ecology is next. After switching off research for a couple of turns I have sufficient gold for 63 Inf to Mech Inf upgrades (3780 gold).
In the meantime the Inca get Rocketry, so Computers are sold to them for Rocketry + 1531 gold.

30 years later Ecology comes in and Miniturization is started.

Oh yeah, nearly forgot - I still have Bonampak. It's 1520 AD

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2361/2990oy.jpg

And in 1570 AD I learn Miniturization. Synt fibres next.

I still have Bonampak in 1585 AD.

http://img446.imageshack.us/img446/4097/3015va.jpg

1615 AD: Synthetic Fibres is mine. Research is switched off. I need cash for this:

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/528/3037bs.jpg

It's time to put those Modern Armors to good use. Who shall I attack ?

Well Who ??

Take your pick.

http://img446.imageshack.us/img446/7036/3042zd.jpg

I'll tell you now that the attack will be in the Eastern sector, and not in the Northwest. Why ? Because I felt like it.
As you know, Military Alliances are switched off completely. MPP's are switched on and I've see many MPP-declarations in this game, so if I attack a nation chances are that I'll be fighting more nations. I haven't signed any MPP's myself as to prevent dog-piles on my enemies; that would be a bit of an overkill again.

So who will it be ??
Iroquois ?
Egypt ?
Aztecs ?
Byzantines ?
Inca ?
Korea ?
France ?
Sumeria ?

Time will tell. :mischief:

Why not on the Byzantines AND the Aztecs AND the Egyptians ? ??

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/8325/3076ol.jpg

Spies are send out to the Byzantines, the Aztecs and the Egyptians. Only the Byzantine attempt is succesful. The Egyptians and the Aztecs kill my spies. This means war !!! - oh right; we were at war already ...

Let's see how strong the Byzantines are.

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/2803/3128co.jpg

That should be doable.

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/1672/3137bo.jpg

This is enemy number 4 !!!

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/5908/3147pa.jpg

They will need to be quick to help the Aztecs.

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/695/3150zv.jpg

Nobody cares about the Egyptians though ....

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5797/3177up.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3963/3181nl.jpg

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/426/3197rj.jpg

I managed to score one of these as well (for who is counting)

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/1559/3166xm.jpg

The counterattack was mainly about capturing as many workers of me as possible. Quiet annoying, but of course my own fault. I should have protected them better.

I continue my city-capturing frenzy. The quicker the civs are dead, the better. Varna is already razed and Nicea is captured.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5189/3203vn.jpg

And some more of these guys:

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4364/3215am.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2250/3229hb.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8656/3238cs.jpg

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5572/3248ac.jpg

What did I do with all those guys? I am maxxed out on armies, so I used them mainly on libraries in the newly captured cities. You can see that here, in the screenshot I took of the capture of Thebes. Heliopolis and Memphis (who were captured last turn) have completed Libraries.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1082/3257he.jpg

Same for Constantinople, in Caesarea's capture screenshot.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/3204/3261cz.jpg

That was the last of the Byzantines - They are now Officially dead.

And since the last MGL I have 2 cities more, so a good use for this one:

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/9295/3272ib.jpg

And no stopping me -yet-. By the way; what idiot gave these Modern Armor drivers a drivers license ??? :crazyeye:

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/9923/3287sr.jpg

In 1655 AD 3 more Aztec cities fall. With this speed I need a new set of enemies soon. Who should I go for next ??

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/8247/3319ys.jpg

:woohoo: Regular pics! :woohoo:

Good job taking China. Heh. Hope the Aztecs don't have spearmen.:spear:

If you want to make things exciting, gift all ur techs to other civs, then declare war on everybody. should make thins fun :D

If you want to make things exciting, gift all ur techs to other civs, then declare war on everybody. should make thins fun :D

Thats too much...

------------------

Great update!:woohoo:

Nice job on taking on 4 opponenets, you make it seem like a cake-walk.:goodjob:

If you want to make things exciting, gift all ur techs to other civs, then declare war on everybody. should make thins fun :DI just might ...

Dude, you are doing some serious pwning! Good job! :goodjob:

This update is great!!!!!

Edit: 2400th post! [party]

Whens the update? :)

BTW Mirc are you ever gonna finish your story?

I really don't know. I will be in Sinaia (guitar competition) between the 15th-20th of May, then in 2 days from the day I come back I will be in Germany for almost 20 days, then I will be in Italy for 1 week, and after that I will finally be without any school and other activity. So I can just say that I will finish it in June.

Wow. June. Oh well. Updates, Rik? :)

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/126/3335sq.jpg

1660 AD:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6386/3345kp.jpg

Destroying the Egyptians nets me a MGL again.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/8607/3369pr.jpg

And for the Dutch speakers: this song was playing at the time....

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5254/3379fo.jpg

"Vluchten kan niet meer" - means "Fleeing is impossible".

1675 AD - But there is something worrying. Not very worrying, but a little bit worrying.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5610/3380le.jpg

The Inca are up Fission AND Spaceflight on me. I pay them Ecology + Miniturization + 79 gpt for the 2 techs + 1275 gold.

I'm still at war with the Koreans because of their MPP. I first just ignored Korea and simply kill off all their units in my lands and don't go actively fighting in their lands. But with an Inca-nation that has 3 SpaceShip parts ready I might need to take action agaisnt them. Korea is next to the Inca lands and could serve as a basis of operations.

I sign a RoP with the Iroqois in 1680 AD. And I didn't check for MPP's.

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/7531/3414wa.jpg

The vikings are immediately to my northborder. And obsolete. They'll be easily assimilated.

Korea isn't difficult either.

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/7254/3426sq.jpg

Cheju is razed as I need workers to improve Egypt-Azteca-Byz lands.

Hyangsan is captured as a base-of-operations.

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/689/3438se.jpg

Seoul is captured for the same reason.

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/8371/3443gq.jpg

And Wonsan is razed for the workers it gives.

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/4229/3458ny.jpg

Korea has now only 1 more city, behind Sumeria. And now over to Scandinavia.

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/6489/3469op.jpg

A Russian RoP makes the other Scandi cities available. Trondheim gives me a leader as well.

http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/4591/3493bs.jpg

http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/6471/3501xn.jpg

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/9181/3515gt.jpg

The last action of the turn is to sign ROP with Sumeria and position my troops to take out the last Korean city.

1685 AD.

Here it is:

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/806/3537wv.jpg

The city is razed for the workers and I don't want to defend there in case of war, later on.

Scandinavia is killed the same turn as well.

http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/7869/3563rj.jpg

Back to building. I'm going to improve the new cities and let the old cities produce piles of Modern Armors.

1700 AD: Oops.... I don't like nukes .... And just look at the polution in Babylon - simply insane. And as you can see - that is not nuclear fallout; Nukes are impossible without Manhattan Project.

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/466/3577rf.jpg

But I have Bonampak. 1705 AD.

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/1130/3584pk.jpg

And - I'm stockpiling cash because I don't want to research anymore. I don't want nukes, I don't want planes, I don't want a SpaceRace victory. What is there to research ??
And I don't want a Diplo - victory, so the UN is simply for denying. I bury the vote. Deep.

And now the UN has been build and I am safe from someone sneaking a Diplo-victory, I decide to revolt. Rik goes Commie.

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/1794/3598tg.jpg

Since you cannot cash-rush in Communism; I cashrushed a lot before revolting. I went from 6690 gold to 410 gold.

And in 1735 AD:

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/9233/3626jv.jpg

And I still have Bonampak Madrid.

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/9495/3635mu.jpg

The rest of the turns is spend on building up, worker actions and letting current deals expire. In 1764 AD the time is there.

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/673/3641oe.jpg

And this is the target: (between the red lines)

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/3091/3659go.jpg

For reference, the world map before the war.

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/5572/365a2ts.jpg

I start with spy-plant attempts in all the northern-civs. Some fail and Russia, Rome and Persia declare on me. I have to manually declare on Portugal and Germany. First the annoying Russian city inside my lands is attacked.

Darn MPP's.

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/2023/3717ur.jpg

2 MGL's created

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/7048/3748gu.jpg

Battle for Yaroslavl: 1 MGL created.

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3743/3765vs.jpg

Darn MPP's.

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1708/3777cx.jpg

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/1981/3788tk.jpg

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/433/3792ej.jpg

Now this city is important. Not for the fact that I know have control over Sun Tzu, but becaue Russia now has lost control.

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8829/3809xh.jpg

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/5861/3813fx.jpg

Battle for Veii: 1 MGL created.

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/4543/3839gf.jpg

And that ends my turn. The AI can come and flood me with units. And they do.

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/110/3848yl.jpg

Well, actually; 197 units is not as many as I feared. I could simply avoid the stacks and go for the cities, effectically making the stacsk disappear into thin air when the last city is taken. But first of all, Russia has unreachable cities and secondly I don't like that. So I charge with my stacks of moder armors.

9 MGL's created that turn. Most were used to rush buildings in former Azteca, Byzantium, Egypt and Korea.

http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/465/3892gk.jpg

Moscow is too far away. I do send in a small stack of moder armors towards it. Also visible are a Russian stack and a portuguese Cav stack.

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/2645/3948uh.jpg

8 MGL's created.

Moscow fell in 1768 AD. I'm still grateful that the only triggered MPP's were with overseas nations that cannot harm me. If the Iroquois or -worse- the Inca were triggered into declaring on me; I would have had 400 of their units in my lands. That could have made things tricky ....

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/3853/3972uz.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/8651/3985ls.jpg

1770 AD. Battle for Antium: 1 MGL created.

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/2909/4060sh.jpg

That is the destruction of the "Strong Romans" a well. 2 more cities are taken in 1770 AD.

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/5753/4085np.jpg

http://img445.imageshack.us/img445/3659/4092ym.jpg

I tend to keep the cities, unless awfully placed. Hamburg is terrible, so it gets razed.

1772 AD. The battles continue.

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/7656/4118xh.jpg

Battle of Sagres: 1 MGL created.

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/9979/4136sy.jpg

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/9480/4143zf.jpg

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/9066/4156ie.jpg

And then I get my first continental MPP triggered. Not the Inca, not the Iroquois; tiny India.

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/8237/4161vz.jpg

5 more cities fall that turn.

http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/7198/4214ps.jpg

And the north looks like this now:

http://img429.imageshack.us/img429/2263/421a3pl.jpg

Great update Rik!

How many MGL's have you gotten in this game total?

With Russia removed from the continent, being at war with them serves no more purpose. So I dial them up and peace is signed. Straight peace.
And the Inca have added another part to their spaceship.

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/1465/4230wk.jpg

I am wary about placing spies; I do not want an all out war declared on me. So I'll just have to use the F8 screen for info on my Top-Rival's Spaceship parts.
I do have some spies.

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/7648/4249qq.jpg

And the Indians are coming !!!

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/7811/4257lr.jpg

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/3584/4266qe.jpg

First things first; The Persians.

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/7159/4271hl.jpg

And then I have time for India. I throw in many Modern Armors. That results in 3 MGL's created.

But they are virtually destroyed. The next turn I see this:

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/5902/4324qh.jpg

I expected the Indian forces, but what on earth are the Iroquois, Sumerians and the Incan (Modern Armors) doing there.
Can you spell sneak attack ?? Well I can: S N E A K - A T T A C K.

So I demand the Incans to leave my lands, or else ...

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/2769/4339zz.jpg

Not good. Not good at all. And there are also the other 2 big guys of my continent with units in my lands. What the hell is going on ?? Well I can't let them strike first so I have to demand that they leave. I right click the Iroquois stack ....

And notices he has 2 settlers there. What ?? Sumeria as well. And Incas as well. It was no sneak-attack; they were going for the open spaces I created in my north. I'm at war with a strong civ for no reason at all ... http://67.18.37.17/2135/53/emo/doh.gif DOH

Well what can I do about that ?? First of all; I don't demand the iroquois nor the Sumerians out. And then I send in my Modern Armors against the Incan and Indian forces in my lands. 4 MGL's created.

I manage to plant a spy with the Incans and I get a peek at their unit-strength.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7558/4380al.jpg

That is strong. That is unpleasently strong. 222 Mech Infs for only 9 cities is heavily defenses. Yes, I know that I have 440 Modern Armors and 23 armies, but many of them are healing or cannot reach my lands quickly. I am very wary. If I get into 1 more war (possible with the MPP's) than I am really into trouble. And the 222 Mech Infs can pillage a lot of tiles, so I do have to destroy them. Not nice .... Not nice at all.

But let me finish off the Portuguese first.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9827/4400db.jpg

And now back to the Incan problem. I decide that I need a RoP with Iroquois and I also sign a MPP with them.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9483/4411nu.jpg

And now I'll start the fighting. http://67.18.37.17/2135/53/emo/boxer.gif

Great update Rik!

How many MGL's have you gotten in this game total?A lot. I don't know exactly. I did take screenshots of all off them and I will put the numbers into the story, so you can count them if you want.

I could have gotten a whole lot more; sometimes I forgot about them and had a MGL fortified on a tile for several turns. And I use "stack attack" which generates 1 MGL for a stack -max- so when I would have used unit-attack I could have had more.

Not that I am complaining. most leaders rushed Police Stations, Offshore platforms, Mass transits, etc. I had Chicken Pizza on Armies every 4 or 5 turns, even in peace time, so I had plenty of armies.

Due to the RoP with the Iroquois I can reach Incaland with the bulk of my army. As you have seen; Incaland has many targets, so I get many MGL's.

Pusan is taken after a lot of MA's attacked it.

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/2217/4433vg.jpg

I kill off the units around it. 5 MGL's created.

I then turn north, towards Pyong Yang. It is razed (in an attempt to disconnect North-Incaland from South-Incaland). Notice that the Babylonians have done nothing against the pollution yet. :crazyeye:

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/3930/4501sz.jpg

2 MGL's created.

I run out of steam so I'm preparing for Inca's counterattack. I position some armies so that the Inca's cannot take Seoul. I press enter ....

And the MPP is triggered.

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/7528/4510uj.jpg

The Inca's are a bit reluctant with sending in troops. Only 91 enter.

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/1503/4520ob.jpg

And not that well positioned ...

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/6186/4532gj.jpg

MGL generation-time !!!
In throwing the Inca out: 4 MGL's created.

And here is a problem:

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/2043/4588ut.jpg

The big mountain range blocks any quick advance. I might have to go around that. And that requires RoP's. And I want a MPP with Sumeria to prevent the Inca from using the Sumerian lands to plunge into my soft underbelly. So.

http://img434.imageshack.us/img434/7783/4598lj.jpg

And Straight ROP's with England and The Netherlands. I can move my units over their railroads and that leads to:

http://img434.imageshack.us/img434/2148/4620jr.jpg

And more importantly; Cuzco is the Incan Capital, which means:

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/232/4639vm.jpg

The Incans are not so happy that I destroyed their spaceship. In fact, they are mad as hell. Look at the city:

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/3706/4644ni.jpg

I'm not sure if you have been paying attention to my economy. If you have: :goodjob: If you haven't; my gold at the moment is 29.000 gold. Really a lot. Time to put it to use.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/6490/4656ri.jpg

Do you see the Incan units next to Salamanca? They aren't there for pleasure, they are there to do business. When the turn passes back to me, this has happened:

1780 AD

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5039/4663ra.jpg

Salamanca is -of course- the Iroquois Capital and AI capitals are usually well defended. Quiet an achievement by the Incans. Too bad it only weakens them. Now, if they had thrown all that at my cities, then I would have had some trouble...

This way they make the inevitable quicker.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5518/4670ib.jpg

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/325/4687wb.jpg

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/7554/4697uf.jpg

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/5286/4700uv.jpg

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/3230/4714rx.jpg

With the cities taken I can use the rest of my units to kill off the spreaded out Incan units and generate some MGL's.

4 MGL's created.

I have some units left and I try for Machu Pichu. Why not ?

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/9334/4768bf.jpg

Yeah !! - I contemplated razing the city to get rid of Manhattan's (I really hate nukes) but decided against that because I had done that in a previous game already.

Notice 2 things:
1 - Babylon still hasn't cleaned up at all.
2 - I have a SoD next to Namp'o so I can take it the next turn.

I'll end this update with the map of the world at the end of my turn in 1780 AD.

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/4223/476a3tt.jpg

Very good!

I don't know if I've ever seen that much polution around one city, or civ for that matter...

Keep the updates coming Rik!

This was how the world looked when I pressed enter:

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/4223/476a3tt.jpg.

In between turns (amongst other things) this happens:

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6489/4774zm.jpg

And the world looks like this (I've marked the areas that have changed in red):

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/151/4791mm.jpg

And the Iroquois are advancing further into Indian lands. I take my Modern Armor armies and manage to capture just 1 of their cities, killing them.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9782/4812dr.jpg

I then sign peace with Japan and Greece because their shore-bombardments get annoying. I am nearing Dominatiopn limit, while the SpaceRace has received a setback (for the others).

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5046/4858ji.jpg

I quietly learn Nuclear power and go on to Supercoductor. And then the MPP backfires ....

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5325/4876de.jpg

As this happens IBT; the Dutch ride into my lands attacking me, triggering my other MPP.

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1258/4887cg.jpg

And the Dutch also have MPP's. Instead of cleaning pollution; Babylon declares war ...

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9241/4897zg.jpg

And another one, which leads to another ....

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/1149/4917lg.jpg

These english and Dutch troops are send into my (and my ally; Iro's) lands. Not a lot of trouble, really. Certainly not against my Moder Armors. Especially not against my Modern Armor armies.

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9231/4933wi.jpg

Babylon joins in as soon as I start attacking England. Greece joins in as soon as I start attacking the Dutch. Within no-time:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/7451/5154xh.jpg

I won't post a screenshot of the 16 cities I took, and none of the 3 MGLs created either. Just a screenshot of the minimap at the end of the turn.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3443/515a9cs.jpg

England is now on the island in the center with Russia. The Dutch are in a mountain-hideout in the middle of that peninsula, OCC-ing. I can't reach them due to the far extanded borders and the mountains. I did position my troops to go and get them.

You are going for conquest right :rolleyes:

Go Rik!:clap:

You are going for conquest right :rolleyes:
Not if he's got domination on...

Uh... The world is a mess. :wow: Can we see the foreign advisor screen??

Donimation? Conquest? What's the difference, Rik still wins:lol:

The goal was conquest only, but I forgot to turn the other victory conditions off. And now, after this game has lasted so long I'll settle for domination.
I have no screenshots of the foreign advisor - screen, sorry.

Remember the Dutch cavalry that triggered the dogpiles ?

I didn't, so they were left alive. Alive to do this:

http://img446.imageshack.us/img446/7230/5169vt.jpg

And I don't even get a chance to correct it as the Iroquois take both Dutch cities (Eindhoven & Calakmul), destroying them.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4808/5179up.jpg

For the last stage of the game; I'm going to wait for a reason to strike and then conquer as much as possible to trigger the domination limit. And I'm waiting for Robotics to upgrade my artilery (all captured) to Radar Artillery as I haven't played with them for over 3 years. In case the Iroquois suddenly declare on me and capture undefended cities in my core, I surround them.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6730/5180jv.jpg

1806 AD: Robotics learned.
1808 AD: I do spy-plant attempts with all nations I have no spies in yet. It leads to the Arabs and French decalring on me. I check the spacerace.

http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/167/5253yk.jpg

After some preparations,

http://img430.imageshack.us/img430/432/5270oi.jpg

I start fighting.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1563/5347wh.jpg

Only 1 MGL created.

I make peace with England. I learn Sattellites in 1814 AD. And then it is

1820 AD.

I declare war on England, Iroquois, Russia, Sumeria, Zululand, Mongols, Ottomans, Japan, Hittites.

In short; on all.

http://img304.imageshack.us/img304/3421/5479hi.jpg

According to the power-graph; it should be doable.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/6798/5488pk.jpg

And with these numbers I should be able to do a lot of damage.

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/1776/548a0yc.jpg

:eek: That one helluva big army! They're all going to die!!!!! (everyone else)

:bounce: Go Rik! :D

:D great job! I didn't know you could capture cruise missles?!

Holy Jeez! That army will wipe out them ALL!!!!!!

Are you going to start razing cities in an attempt to keep this game going?

I would go for the domination. It is a victory, you know. ;)

So I start fighting.

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/9309/5609ox.jpg

These are the defenders of Ur (steal plans):

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/1217/5621dl.jpg

16 minutes later:

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/948/5702hz.jpg

And now the Iroquois. I could just simply bypass them so their SoD's just *poof* into thin air, but that doesn't feel like have I truly beaten them. They have a lot though ...

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/5687/5755wj.jpg

14 minutes later:

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/7486/5872oe.jpg

And I continue, of course.

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/7483/5954ca.jpg

And that were the Iroquois. I take 3 more cities and then my units are all used up.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8130/5995ag.jpg

A quick check at the scoresheet shows I am over the limit.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9056/6099fm.jpg

Conformation next turn:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8231/6043am.jpg

Recap:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6333/6080ti.jpg

--------

And that concludes my series of Deity games, for now. I am considering playing and writing about an easier level, but with more tweaks and mods.

Wow! The conquest of Iroqious took 2 years! That's all!? :wow:

Great job, Rik!
:clap: Very good game!

:clap: Very instructive to me :worship:

Congrats :goodjob:

Wow! The conquest of Iroqious took 2 years! That's all!? :wow:Actually; only 1 turn. The last screenshot (1822 AD) is that of the replay as the victory was triggered at the start of 1822 AD.

So what's up your sleeve next, Rik? :)

So what's up your sleeve next, Rik? :)I'm going to do a Kylerean style (http://www.realmsbeyond.net/forums/showpost.php?p=4227&postcount=2) game.

I know nearly nothing about the AI: When and why it decides what, and how it affects the game flow. I confess I've never paid attention to it in all the years I've played this fine game, so it's about time, don't you think? After all the work the programmers had put into designing the AI, it deserves to be investigated!

Er...what? I'm out of my mind, you say? How I'm able to beat variant Deity games without knowing anything about the AI? Well, easy: I've never tried it out. Or, to be more precise: I can beat Deity variant games because I don't waste thoughts about the AI.

Huh? You still think I'm talking garbage? Okay, maybe we should do what all researchers should do first: Define what we are talking about...

The AI I'm talking about is the governor AI: When you don't want to micromanage things and give control over your cities to the game. When you only roughly set what the governor AI should emphasize building in your empire, and only take control over unit movement and diplomatic actions. Or, in this game, only unit movement.

No, I'm not talking about the AIs of our opponents. These I know inside out by now.


So, the governor was designed to reduce tedium and help you focus on other aspects of the game, and yet it's never used by anybody - for good reasons. But while I'm sure the opponent AIs use other algorithms to tell them what to build in their cities, I suspect these routines are similar to the governor AI. So, before Civilization IV comes out, I wanted to play one full game with all cities under governor control, just out of curiousity and masochism. And to increase the level of masochism even more, I decided to switch on automation for all workers, too. Together with the variant restrictions given by Sirian, this left me with military unit movement and city placement as the only points of influence I had on this game. Perfect for the absent-minded professor, isn't it? Not much to distract me from my studies... Let's see how easy Monarch level will be! (And how high my frustration tolernce will be, too... )

I expected fewer granaries and fewer barracks as I normally would have built, so building the Pyramids and/or Sun Tzu's Art of War would be very helpful. Alas, the only thing I could do to influence that would be to get masonry (and feudalism) before other wonder-enabling techs and hope that the governor AI would start to build these wonders in a core city. Also, the (probably fewer than usual) workers would have to improve that city, and the governor AI would have to ignore wonders like the Oracle.

Hm...thinking about it, I guess I shouldn't count on getting any useful wonder at all.
If you didn't get it: I will never adjust any buildqueu; I will build what the governor wants me to build.
I will also never micromanage.
I will control all units, the slider the diplomacy and the research-path.

Edit: I only noticed now that Kylerean also automated workers. I'm not going to do that ...

:woohoo: :band: great game and great read :D

Nice Job Rik! Great write up as well

Will you adjust the governor? Tell it what to emphasize? I think that's really the idea behind it - you tell it what to emphasize and it handles the details.

I'll tell the Governor what to emphasize at the start of the game only. I might adjust a little bit during play, but don't expect a change every 10 turns.

In fact I've started the game already and I did change 1 thing. I needed boats and had set the "Produce Naval Units" setting to "Never", so I set that to "sometimes". Later on when I didn't need any more boats and the Governor continued to build them for me I set it back to "Never". That's all.

In fact; I used exactly the same setting as Kylerean:

http://people.freenet.de/kylearan/e48b_01.jpg

You've started? When will we get to read?