The Tribal Elders of Delphi

Once we get to the Renaissance we get spies (no offence Melodios).

None taken. I suspect my father's talents may have skipped a generation because two Siamese women managed to swindle me out of five staters.

((I actually did pay two Hmong women a hundred thousand dongs to leave me alone ; worth just under five US dollars))
 
((paying dongs to women... top on smoothness there har har :D

this has been a complicated week after work, gf wanting a lot more attention and stuff like that.

Btw 1889, I've read your reasoning and I agree to switch to physics, but that means we're completely skipping the use of our UU right? Also, noob question, by switching techs are there no penalties or issues?

However I agree and understand, we can steal the other techs with war, so that should make up for it. Also, with those +10 happiness. we'd be kept on top of it easy. I've been starting to read an article or two on basic strategies and I understand why it's an important thing, but wouldn't it be safer to have a GE for that? ))
 
((There's no need to rush ; real life is much more important. :)

Besides, we've been going at a good rate so I'm not concerned about the pace at all))
 
Our UU is the Siege Tower, a melee version of the catapult. We've already built one and it looks cool and sounds super buff but I've never used them before.

As far as I know there is no penalty for switching techs.
 
How's your gf Bazil? Surely thats enough attention by now. :mischief:
 
(( I'll be playing this today, and send you the save asap. Story and well structured update will probably only come tomorrow. Sorry about this, but my weekend is strangely when I have less time. ))
 
((Sorry about the delay, few harsh days when it comes to time. yes 1889, I know you wish it was you getting all the antention :cooool:. I'm playing as I write this, I'll be reviewing and adding the info after.

Images and save are comming up now.))

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Story
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Bazil listened to Melodios and couldn't believe it. While his efforts were entirely commendable, he still needed him as much as Awpathos. He never felt ready to go at it without both their support. But he knew he couldn't stop him. And he'd rather have Melodios gather intel for them than simply abandoning the kingdom. He considered Melodios words for amoment, and thought that with all the war talk, Awpathos was the right person for the job. And he himself would eventually have to do it alone, just like when his father died.

"Very well... I do not like these last minute changes at all, they are not fit for an advisor who looks into planning our future. But I know I cannot stop you. Safe travel, and please don't get captured. I will provide anything your family requires while you are away."

He glanced at Awpathos, who seemed as lost in thought as one could be, and nudged him slightly. He woke up from his thoughts like he had been shaken abruptly.
"I'm sorry my liege, I was lost in my mind".

Bazil understood from his expression that he was uncomfortable with what happened.

Bazil: "Don't worry, I don't like this either, but I believe we need this to be done. I will need your advice no later than tomorrow. Ask for whatever you need. Is something bothering you?".

Awpathos: "Nothing special, I am not a fan of such a position. It requires too much visibility, too much of the time, and I prefer the silence that such a position does not bring"

Bazil: "Worry not, I need you to focus on helping me. You are excused of any formal presences, and are not to be bothered under any circumstances. Take 2 guards and place them around your room as you see fit. They are also responsible to provide you with anything"
Bazil glanced at the guards: "Bring him whatever he needs."

Awpathos left in a haste with the guards trailing him slopily (as their armor was not fit for running), shouting is requests as he passed several areas of the castle. Bazil looked at Melodios and simply said "Godspeed". Melodios thanked him and left to prepare himself.

##### A few days after the meeting with Awpathos #####

The air smelled heavy with humidity, and a cold light wind passed the trees around the castle. The rains would surely come soon, and they needed to prepare for the comming war. It could not be avoided for much longer. With the stabilization of the kingdom, Siam was no longer ignorable. Reports of Siamese warriors waking along the borders made the population nervous. This could not continue much longer.

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Bazil's personal logs
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Turn 11 - Game Turn 111 // 100 BC
Awpathos idea was logic, if we want to capture cities, we need the machinery to do so. The scientists of the kingdom were ordered to abandon the inital project, and placed studying how to improve our war machines with physics. Bazil wished they could hurry, we needed the machinery fast.

Also, our current siege tower was fortified against arrows incoming from cities, with better cover.

Our traders tell me news of farther nations. William finished a great wonder named Petra (and their people cheered as trade in the kingdom improved) and Wu Zetian finished a statue honoring one of the gods, Zeus (word is that their military were inspired by this).

Turn 12 - Game Turn 112 // 75 BC

The priesthood of Zurich was truely impressed by our faithful dedication to our gods, and put a good word in the city for us. We are now considered frieds, and trades have improved, providing us with more luxury and improving our people happiness. With this, Delphi as postponed their project of building a great colosseum, and moved on to rounding people into the military. A chariot archer legion is to be ready in 5 days.

The city of Milan has sent word that their people are looking for cultural pieces, and will reward the one who can provide the best of music, arts and entertainment. They seem conviced that we will be then ones best suited for such a task, but we shall see.
Spoiler :




Our scout continues his search on the northern area, near China.
Spoiler :




A plantation and a farm have started being built near Dostana, and a new pasture near Delphi is already in the works.
Spoiler :




Casimir has finished the great Parthenon, and one of our infiltrates tell me an artist decided to expose his work of art there. Not desireable for our work towards Milan and his desire for culture.

Turn 13 - Game Turn 113 // 50 BC

Nothing happened, as our kingdom continues to develop. Scouting proceeds.

Turn 14 - Game Turn 114 // 25 BC

Poland's piety has been increasing, and they now have new beliefs. The city of Dostana continues to grow, with 1 more population, which brings great joy. The city continues to strive, and this is what he wishes for. More people, more gold, more knowledge, more to be done.

Khirra finishes a new caravan, and I order them to move their base of operations to Delphi. Our great capital is our greatest center, and so should be the base of our trades. A new Chariot Archer is in the plans now.

During our scouting mission, we find a new city called Zanzibar. Upon closer inspection, it seems they are mainly dedicated to trading, and that would be good for us.
Spoiler :





Quite a defensible position.


Turn 15 - Game Turn 115 // 0 AD

Our new caravan is directed towards Zurich. Trading with Siam would be useful, but they are not to be trusted. They have 5 technologies we don't have, while we have 3 they don't have.

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The meeting
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Current situation:
Spoiler :






Wise men, I'm addressing you now to ask for ideas on the following topics:
1) How many more units will we need for war?
2) Not trading with Siam has been a good or bad decision?

((Yes, we have so little happening that war seems to be the only worthy thing to discuss.))
 
Our new caravan is directed towards Zurich. Trading with Siam would be useful, but they are not to be trusted. They have 5 technologies we don't have, while we have 3 they don't have.

How do you know about them having 5 we don't while we have 3 they don't?
 
((It's in the description when setting a route. Basicly, when setting a route, if you leave the mouse on top of a given city, it gives you a breakdown of why you get x money and y science, and them too. And that's what I saw there.

EDIT: crap, I thought I took a screenshot of it... Dayum...))
 
((What you're describing sounds like the additional points of science research per turn gained by each partner of the trade deal rather than the number of technologies.))
 
((No, those were... 3 science for us, 2 science for them. I really mean the tech breakdown in number. I'll try to replay the game quickly tonight, after 19h GMT time, and get you a screenshot so you can see for yourself))
 
((No, those were... 3 science for us, 2 science for them. I really mean the tech breakdown in number. I'll try to replay the game quickly tonight, after 19h GMT time, and get you a screenshot so you can see for yourself))

Yes thats exactly what it says when you mouse over the yields in the Available Trade Routes screen.

Thanks Bazil, I never noticed it before.
 
Awpathos used his privacy well. He consulted the histories, he pored over Melodios' reports, he interrogated merchants (under the guise of assessing customs dues), he even reread the old legends. He consulted every scrap of recorded information and even hearsay to build as complete a picture of the Siamese military as possible, focusing especially on the defense of Si Satchanlai. For that is where he was convinced the first blow must come.

I believe we will be ready to declare war 16 turns from now. That would be enough time for Kirrha and Delphi to finish the chariots they are currently building, build an additional siege tower each then another chariot.

3 chariots would be sent far west to stage near Milan. Hopefully they could scout the western city location along the way.

2 towers will stage near Kirrah

a tower and a chariot will wait near Delphi

the swordsman will take up flank positions to protect our siege forces.

The enclosed map shows the movements of these units into position around the Si Satchanalai which should be captured on turn 3 of the war with expected casualties of 2 siege towers and a chariot.
 

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As for other issues facing our nation:

Most of our people are now working improved tiles but their are still many hills to improve in Delphi and Kirrha. I'd like to see a worker at each city. The third worker can work to complete the King's Road. I think it will pay for itself about the time we finish and then start making money as Dostana grows.

BTW we will have a Golden Age in about 6 turns, so hopefully we can finish at least two mines by then.

Because of our pressing need to expand our military I urge that we purchase the Stone Works in Delphi to increase production. It would result in an extra unit by the time we go to war.

As for trades: we can sell cotton to the Shoshone for 3 gold or we can trade it to the Polish for Wine. The polish deal will also require all our remaining iron and horse. Even though we are on the verge of war I believe we should still make this deal. We can build Bowmen instead of Chariot Archers and do just as well.

As for faith: I had initially said we should save it for a prophet but am reconsidering. A unit purchase may be better under our current circumstance.
 
Melodios, son of Melda returned to the Delphian capital.

He presented immediately to his chief minister and king and bowed before them, looking troubled.

"My lords unfortunately my mission did not go to plan and the value of my reports is limited. Within a day of making it into Siamese territory their security forces recognised me as a foreigner and I received a diplomatic escort. They treated me well --- so well we can't really raise a complaint against them over my treatment --- but in doing so they greatly limited my ability to perform any reconnaissance. They kept me indoors largely, in luxurious comfort I might add, and even when moving from location to location we were transported in litters with the curtains down whenever they didn't want me to witness anything like their military build up. They did allow me to view the landscape, and showed off some of their temples and architectural marvels, but I definitely felt they knew why I was there and effectively thwarted me. But they did it so politely. So that, my lords, is what I am here to report: my mission was a failure."
 
They were surely aware of your mission, but I'm glad you're back safe, Melodios. It is a shame it failed, but we must continue our preparations nonetheless. I believe Awpathos already gave us a solid idea of how to proceed with the preparations. I will continue to prepare our nation as best as I can.

((Sorry about the whole wait but I've had a small accident with the car and time has been complicated. I will play the game today though, so expect a save, and I will call the council for a new vote, as my 20 turns will end.))
 
((Btw, is anyone interested in my code for writing the turns like this?

Also, I completely forgot to change one of the villagers of dostana from food to working tiles, I could've speeded up that boat. The next person should probably do that!))

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Story
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With Melodios back and safe in the country, Bazil felt relieved. Losing his knowledge could be bad. If he had been tortured and had given them military secrets, it would've been worst. But that was far now. Awpathos had been diligently providing solid advice, and they could continue while Melodios rested. Awpathos had been his right arm in the latest campaigns, and he deserved all the recognition for that. It would be a good choice to succeed him. But there was still work before such a decision.

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Bazil's personal logs
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Turn 16 - Game Turn 116 // 25 AD

A very needed farm near Dostana has finished. The pople can now have bread made locally, and this has improved the citizens life has more are being properly fed. The workers from south were moved to stone to prepare for a new quarry.

Our coffers allowed us to buy outside work to build as some Stone Works quickly. These should allow us to better improve our capital.

((Finally I'm able to show you guys what I meant, and I know 1889 knows about this already :p))
Adversary status:
Spoiler :





Decide to go for trade route of food for Dostana, as it would be good for the city to grow quickly, as we might need its support in the war efforts sooner rather than later.

Turn 17 - Game Turn 117 // 50 AD

Ask the Workers from the farm to build king's road near Dostana.

As the culture advanced, our philosophers told us of the gains of meritocracy, and how our society would feel more realized if those with merit are recognized. The population rejoice.

Zurich had his routes strengthened, as we continue our profitable trades with them.

A Chariot archer has finished training in Delphi, and I turn the city's focus on building a new Siege Tower. As for his following training, accuracy is chosen since we have a lot of open terrain to fight in.
Spoiler :




Turn 18 - Game Turn 118 // 75 AD

Chariot Archer has finished to be trained in Khirra, and I ask for a new Siege Tower. We can draft a future Chariot from the external ranks, I'm sure our gold will be able to convince some warriors looking for riches.
At this point, I realize that Si Satchanalai is on high ground so maybe we need rough ground training for the newer chariot archer batallion, so barrage is the next part of his training. They say that a flexible army is a good army, we will see if that holds.

Finished pasture near Delphi, prepare a new mine in hill in the King's road hill. It's good to see that most of our territory's special resources are now within our population's grasp.

A barbarian camp in the north has been cleaned recently, as there are still warriors nearby. Our scouts speak of red-stained earth on the barbarian's camp remains. Brutal, but necessary.
Spoiler :




Turn 19 - Game Turn 119 // 100 AD

The morning starts with a different smell. A mix of warm bread, spices, and a touch of gold. A Golden Age is is upon us, as proclaimed by Awpathos. All through the land, the people work harder and better.

This inspires our neighbors to trade more with us. I'm able to strike a deal of Cotton for Wine with Casimir. A bit late, but it's always welcome.
Spoiler :





Turn 20 - Game Turn 120 // 125 AD

In a stroke of luck, I was able to trade another cotton to Pocatello for 5 gpt and open borders. We can explore that bit near Siam. It might not be much, but it's a better deal than sacrificing our horses and iron as we initially expected. And the population rejoices, as a good number of people are happy with the recent deals and choices (10 happiness).

As years have passed, Bazil knew his work had been good. Better trade routes, a part of the King's roads and preparations for the war ahead, he knew he had laid a path that a more war-knoledgeable person could walk to make the nation better. War had never been what he wanted. He could now focus on finding a wife, and starting a family, there was still time.

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The meeting
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Current situation:
Spoiler :






Oh wise men, I call upon the council to relinquish my command to the one you find to be the most suitable to take the lead. We will need someone strong and fierce for the times ahead, if war is the path we take. Chose wisely, chose carefuly, but above all, chose someone that can take us further.
 
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