((Since Melda seems to go through the story-telling path, I might as well give it a shot, a bit slow now, but maybe I can liven it up later.))
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Story
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Young Bazil looked through the window of the palace and pondered the last weeks. His father was a successful merchant and taught him many different trades, and gave him a rare chance at the time, to study with leaders in how to persuade and guide people. However, he departed not too long, leaving an unexperienced son to fend for himself. He was able to take the trade that his father left him, but he was still unsure which path to take. Sure, a few glasses *cof*bottles*cof* and some free-minded young girls helped him forget this for a bit, but that was not the case in that noon.
He wondered why the counsil chose him, and not the nephew of one of the great founders. Sure, he was able to build and trade, but was he able to lead and conquer the hearts of the Delphians? His mind wondered far as to why, but it never made sense to him. He was just a merchants son... Perhaps they wanted to build rather than wage war?
In the end, he was just glad he had good counselors by his side. And if war was to come, he would be wise to find a damn good general, for the only wars he truely knew were pillow wars. "Ah, those were the golden days ba..." *creak* the door opens.
Awpathos poked his head over the door:
- "Your majesty, may I come in?"
- "Yes, come in, and please, be excused of all the majesty and titles when not in the presence of the council, that bothers me slightly." - said Bazil, sitting in the nearest chair.
- "Why is that? I mean, it's a great honor to lead the people of Delphi, don't you agree?"
- "Yes, it truely is, but it has not been something I was ready for, nor do I feel I'm the most suitable man to do so"
- "Many leaders before were not either, and they still fared well. Worry not, the council must surely have had its reasons".
- "Yes, and I still can't figure them out." - Bazil turned his eyes to the window once more.
At this point, Melda the wise entered the door, swifter than Bazil expected for his age, and spoke clearly:
"do not question their motives, as even I don't dare to do so. Even if I did, I would probably fail"
Bazil did not question those words. If someone with Melda's knowledge didn't know, how could he know? There wasn't much left to do, but to move on:
"Well then, we have some work to do."
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Bazil's personal logs
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Turn 1 - Game Turn 101 // 350 BC
> Dostana's people have been eating and spending their nights in the warmth of each other, so it wasn't surprising to see it grow. I wish I could have been doing the same, but more pressing matters were at hand. (I knew a part of me was going to regret accepting doing this...

) The new citizen was placed on fish, as we want Dostana to increase it's size, and there is no better option.
> Judging our current trade situation, we can trade cotton with the Shoshone, so I decide to assign the east worker to build a cotton plantation. Awpathos humbly disagrees, but accepts my decision. I will later regret not listening to him

.
Turn 2 - Game Turn 102 // 325 BC
> Zurich's leaders seem bored with us, and we lose their friendship. In their words, "you are not amusing us anymore, please take your leave"... That was rude, but no matter. That means -2 happiness, which leaves the people hanging with +2 happiness, whatever that means. General happiness could use some work, but I hope our trades can compensate that sooner rather than later.
Siam seems rather interested in them. However, we shall show them the power of our faith!
> Barracks finished in Khirra. Looking at our territory, I feel that the pressing need is for a worker, we're still getting gold, so the caravan can wait. Some of the traders in Khirra were not happy, but sir Melda ensures me they will forget this in no time. At his point, a letter was delivered with the plans for a giant statue (Colossus was the name) that could improve value our coast. This requires some consideration for a later time.
> A spy comes in that night, and informs me that Casimir III's (Poland) latest discoveries sent him to what our scientist call "medieval era". I need to speak to them, as these names make no sense to me.
Turn 3 - Game Turn 103 // 300 BC
> Dostana's warf produces a fishing boat, so I order them to continue with the boat building, and send the new acquisition into the fish-rich waters east of the city. The new boat will henceforth be known as "Dostana's Hope".
> Delphi finishes the barracks, now a new decision has to be made. Since I'm expecting to trade cotton for diamonds, we should count on +4 hapiness, and i go for a Siege weapon. These strange siege mechanisms seem powerful.
Turn 4 - Game Turn 104 // 275 BC
> Our Scouts in the Northwest continue evaluating Poland's territory, from their latest reports, they seem to have a rather large empire already, 4 cities have been confirmed, and a 5th is suspected under Lodz. We need to evaluate if Poland poses a threat to us, but I will leave that review to Awpathos in the next meeting. Getting some lessons from him may be my best hope.
> There was a warning of a Siamese catapult near Khirra, one of our swordsman was sent near to evaluate the situation.
> As soon as our newest Cotton goes up, 2 trade offers are made. Poland sends 5 shinny iron rock, which I refuse promplty since we have no need for it right now. Shoshone also send an offer, but they have no more gems for us. I should have listened to Awpathos at that day

, and I will curse myself for this, we may need to consider aternatives to apease the people. On a positive note, they will provide as much as 7 gold per day, 30 times (7 gpt, 30 days, 210 gold during this time, seems like a good offer to gain their trust).
Turn 5 - Game Turn 105 // 250 BC
> I turn my attention to Stone near Delphi, as we can use the production to build better houses in our cities, and provide better support for our structures. Let us hope we do not need that cattle soon.
> Our swordsman arrived near Khirra but found no siege weapon. Perhaps they saw them approaching? Nonetheless, it makes me happy that there isn't an invasion on the horizon.
But for now, it is best I call a session of the council and evaluate this first term.
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The meeting
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I, Bazil, of my first name, call in the council and the wise counselors to discuss the following points:
1) Khirra: A new worker will be ready for us in 3 days time, should we create the caravan to appease our traders, or should we support Dostana with a new boat? Or perhaps we should look into this "Colossus" project and use our previous knowledge in great project building? ((we have social policies for wonders, and it's 13 turns for the colossus))
2) Delphi: Should we focus the city on war preparations, or another path?
3) Dostana: the slow pace of production worries me, 23 turns for a new boat seems rather large. Should we send the new worker here to improve on this situation? What would benefit us more?
4) Science: Our scientists tell me that researching the proper ways of handling these new iron rocks will be finished in 4 days the latest (Metal casting in 4 turns). They wish to persue this venue and find a way to improve on in, and wish to call it Steel.
5) International Matters: Siam's trade agreement will end soon, can we keep trading copper? Bear in mind that losing the copper will send our population into unhappiness.
6) Any new points can be discussed here.
I hope that we can discuss this until the end of the weekend, if possible.
