Final Voyage of L'Invincible Armada - Spanish Emperor Attempt III

Final Voyage of L'Invincible Armada (or how I learned to play at Emperor and give the Celts a kicking)

Rules

Civ: Spain
Enemies: 15 Civ’s (Russians, Celts, Chinese, Iroquois and Koreans added intentionally, Sumerians added from last game)
Difficulty: Emperor
World Size: Huge
Land Mass: Large Continents, Wet, Warm, 4 Billion Years
Barbarians: Roaming
Default Rules

(same as last game)

Isabella was disgruntled, sitting in her milk bath playing with all her small boats. She wanted more. She dreamed of vast fleets carrying the Spanish flag, a navy which surpassed all others. A navy fit to guard the Glorious Spanish Empire. But Isabella was no fool. She still ached from the bruises given to her by the Celtic barbarians not so long ago, and she was still known to wake up in the night in a sweat screaming about the powerful and overbearing Sumerian culture. She knew there was perils, there were those out in the world who imagined their Empire covering the globe, and would fight for it. But then, so would Isabella, and so, lying in her milk bath, playing with her toy boats and being pampered by her closest aides, she made a choice. Spain would reign supreme over the whole world, with her in command, or the Spanish Empire would burn, once and for all. There was no going back. If she succeeded then she would never need to fight again, never be in fear of barbarians sacking her beautiful cities, she could reign in peace…… if she failed…… there may never again be a Spanish Empire.

So begins the tale of Isabella’s last throw of the dice. She would win……. Or the whole of Spain would disappear from history, never to be mentioned again.



The origins of the Spanish people are clouded in mystery. Some say they were nomads, drawn together by the Grandparents of Isabella herself, some say the very Gods put them on the planet, to be Their very own voice for this world, to do their bidding. Whatever the origins, Isabella now ruled supreme over a community of people, fluent in the arts of irrigation, mining, road building, written word and the worshiping of the gods. In the beginning the city of Madrid was a simple place, the people weren’t willing to expand, mindful of the hardships told in stories of travellers of old, but Isabella was different. From her meagre palace she could see all, as far as the eye can see, the great forests and grasslands to the north, and the mysterious ever expanding ocean to the south, and she wanted it. She wanted it all. Although she was under no doubt that it would be some time before she would be able to explore the Southern Ocean, she did know that she must find out what is behind the Unknown Forest soon. She must branch out and open up Spain for trade with other nations, all the better to make Spain strong by suckling on the bosom of other nations, before bringing them into the fold of the Great Spanish Empire.

Warrior scouts will be created at once and then, maybe Isabella can begin her exploration of the Southern Ocean.

Author note- From looking at the mini-map I ain’t in the best place, I had hoped for a more central starting place, but I suppose being near the southern pole is good, I know for certain I won’t have enemies on all four sides. Pottery will be researched at max, due in 25. I’m planning on building two warrior scouts then a Curragh. I’ve learned that a lonely Civ in Emperor is soon to be a dead Civ. I suffered heavily in my last game because I didn’t take advantage of the Seafaring trait early on. Oh well, onward and upward, or should that be outward?

3750BC
Despite Isabella grumbling at the fact that it was taking too long, the first warrior of Spain is formed and will immediately set out north-west to chart the Unknown Forest.

3700BC
Although the quest of the warrior scout has only just begun, news reaches the court of Isabella that the forest is plentiful in silks, a luxury which will drive the residents of Madrid to celebrate and praise the name of their glorious Queen. These wares must be brought to Madrid quickly, but not before the workers of Madrid have finished more urgent business, such as harnessing the potential of the herds of animals to the north.



3650BC
Because of the food source to the north of Madrid, the city is able to grow larger, however, larger cities do not please some residents and they grow restless, to prevent an incident in the very streets of her capital, Isabella orders the raising of luxuries in the city to 20%. This hampers the researching of Pottery slightly, but not noticeably so.

News also reaches Isabella that her warrior scout has discovered yet more sources of the luxury silk. It is at this point that Isabella decides that once Madrid has grown fat from the cows to the north, a party will be dispatched to bring those silk sources under her command.

3600BC
With the coming of the year 3600, another great warrior of Spain is formed. Isabella was originally planning to keep him in the city, to police the streets and allow the luxuries to be dropped, however there is still a lot of world out there still needing to be discovered so instead the warrior will head North-East in hope of finding out if there is other life out there. Isabella demands that citizens be raised to be sent out to capture the Silks, the settlers will be ready in 8 turns. Further growth of Madrid is in 6 turns.

3500BC
A helpful tribe just east of Madrid has been so enchanted by the tales of Isabella and her plans that they offer tribute in her good name. the Spanish coffers swell by 25 gold pieces. Their offering will not be forgotten

3300BC



In the year 3300, the citizens of Madrid has almost completed their task of forming a settler party to go take control of the silks in the Unknown Forest. In the years that have past a warrior scout has the east coast, Isabella’s military advisor is extatic at this news, this allows Spanish troops to only concentrate on two fronts rather than the previously expected three. Although Spain has yet to meet any other life out in this world with the exception of the friendly tribe, Spain’s primary military advisor is certain that whoever is out there, will be hostile. Although it is now at the point where the first warrior scout is now so far from Spanish borders that news of his discoveries take long and longer to reach Madrid, it is understood that the warrior is now outside another tribe, whether this one will be as friendly as the first one is unknown however what is known is that as far as the eye can see, it is flat grassland….. Isabella is somewhat discouraged that there are no hills or mountain ranges near by. Although not many in her court know why exactly this is the case, rumours circulate that Isabella and her chief science advisor are caught mumbling about some substance called iron.

This year, Madrid grows in size once more, and to avoid confrontation, luxuries are raised temporarily.

News reaches Isabella that the western warrior scout inadvertently drank from a sacred well in the small village which provoked the tribe to rise up in arms against the Spanish Empire.

Good luck Steviejay.

So it begins again! The location might not be so hot but the area itself looks pretty good. Only thing missing is a source of fresh water. Might be possible to set up a Settler factory - though probably not right at the start. Hope this one turns out in your favor.

Go Go MisterJ !!

Great .

Steve, good luck. This time the Spanish shall conquer all. Looks like a promising start!

3250BC
The western warrior scout was able to successfully defend itself against one of the barbarian warriors, this success obviously discouraging the other two to attack, this will allow the Spanish warrior to make a stealthy retreat to the high ground to the east

the only high ground I can actually see. Although I think there might be mountains to the south.

In this year the settler is finally completed in Madrid.



As a result of the Spanish citizens leaving Madrid, luxuries are dropped to zero, allowing the Spanish scientists to research Pottery in 9 turns.

The warrior is moved to the highground and told to hold its position until it is able to continue on its journey of exploration

IBT- Alas, the warrior’s orders were not to be. Despite fighting to the last man, the Spanish soldiers were overcome by superior number of barbarians. Isabella wept for the loss to Spain and vowed revenge.

3100BC
After trekking through the Unknown Forest, the settlers dispatched from Spain finally reach a clearing. Although they are not sure where they are exactly they were ordered by Isabella herself to build a new city in the first grassland clearing they can find and send word back to Madrid. And that they did. The new city of Barcelona is formed in this year, bringing the silks into Isabella’s sphere of influence. The lone Spanish worker is ordered to construct a road to Barcelona and connect up the silks.
3000BC
At the turn of a new millennium Isabella’s dream has finally come true. On the beaches of Madrid a small boat has been constructed. Manned by the most daring of Spain’s people, they will go out and chart the Southern Ocean and bring back news of their exploits. Isabella looks upon the small ship and smiles, her dream is starting to come true, however it is not complete, as she has bigger things in mind…. Bigger, more powerful ships…. She just needs to figure out how.

The Curragh will head East and travel north along the east coast.

IBT-


What is this??? Who are the Inca?? And who gave this Thucydides character the right to leave Spain out of his list!!?? These were questions that Isabella demanded answers to, but unfortunately not one advisor could help her.

2950BC
Not long out from port and already Spain’s brave sailors have made a discovery. A coast has been spotted just south-east of Madrid. Although excited by the news of new land, Isabella knows that this new land is cold with inhospitable snow. A city here would not be in Spain’s best interest…….. at this time.

Back in Madrid luxuries are increased to prevent rioting.



2900BC
a warrior is produced in Madrid, this unit will be sent west to avenge the warrior slain by the barbarians. Another settler is expected to be completed in 6 turns.

After deliberating with her advisors, Isabella sends word that her lone Curragh should continue north, and forget about the newly discovered island. There will be time for that later.

Hey Stevie,

You may remember me from my responses to your very first Spanish Rise to power story.

I just finished the first story and started the second one.
Go kick butt!

P.S. can you put more stuff in italics to comment on what you're thinking etc. (you know the oh crap moments and your reactions to them - i liked that about your 1st story )

I really enjoyed writing the first story (probably cause I was doing rather well ) the second one I was starting to get into then I lost the save

The thing with my stories is, as I'm writing I try to make it a story, but then as the action starts to get more intense, I shift to a kind of monologue, like me just telling you over a pint, about a good game I had once.

Next Part to follow-

2900BC
a warrior is produced in Madrid, this unit will be sent west to avenge the warrior slain by the barbarians. Another settler is expected to be completed in 6 turns.

After deliberating with her advisors, Isabella sends word that her lone Curragh should continue north, and forget about the newly discovered island. There will be time for that later.

2850BC


In this year the labouring of Spanish scientists have finally paid off. Isabella’s advisors are now able to present to their Queen the products of years of research. Isabella is told, “Pottery will allow our cities to grow faster”, Isabella waits for proof. In the meantime, Isabella orders that Writing be researched, however she says that there is no rush, so science is at a minimum.

is going for pottery first a good idea?? Or should I have went for Writing straight away??

Barcelona also produces a warrior. This will now join the two other warrior scouts in extending Spain’s knowledge of the local area.

2800BC


On its journey, one lone warrior scout climbs to the top of the highest peak in the known land and names it Mount Isabella. From here the warrior can see all around, bringing into light a beautiful sight. Huge creatures are spotted in the distance. These animals will do much to bring happiness to the people of Spain…… and Isabella’s military advisor starts frothing at the mouth and jibbering on about some new weapon which would be in Spanish hands if we harness this luxury however no one is quite sure what he’s talking about.

YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ivory gotta get Zeus now!!

2710BC

CONTACT!!! These new arrivals are indeed strange, they are not like us and harness strange weaponry. Who are these people?? Emissaries are sent at once.

They are the Chinese. They know the ways of war. They know technologies of Bronze Working (whats Bronze?) Warrior Code and Masonry however are ignorant of Ceremonial Burial and Alphabet. Now Isabella has a choice. To trade alphabet would greatly please the Chinese, who are willing to teach Spanish scollars how to construct Bronze. But to do this would allow China to rush ahead in tech and leave Spain open t attack. No, the time for trade is not now.

I always find this risky however in preparing for this game I’ve found it to severely hold back the AI, allowing me to get the Philosophy Gambit

2670BC
One of Spain’s warrior has unfortunately fallen into the same problem as the first warrior to leave his borders. The warrior stumbled upon a Bulgar camp and caused such offence that they rose up against him. It is only hoped that the warrior will live long enough to learn from his mistake.

2630BC
In the ensuring years it was discovered that the warrior did indeed survive and, learning from the mistake of the first warrior will retreat north-east rather than head for high ground.

Back in Madrid, another settler has been produced. This time they will head due west.

2590BC
In this year the Silk road is finally completed. There is much rejoicing in Barcelona and Madrid.

2510BC
The Spanish Empire grows once more. The city of Seville is founded due west of Madrid.

tbc

2470BC
It is the belief of Isabella that the whole world is out to get her. Another small village is found and this time, like the other times, the barbarians rise to attack the warrior scout
I hate huts in Emperor



Have the Spanish sailors found a new continent? Or is this simply a large bay and still part of the land Spain has settled on??

2430BC
Another Curragh is constructed in Madrid, this time, it shall sail west. The warrior which made the mistake of crossing the small barbarians tribe has survived and will make a prompt exit from the area.

2230BC
In the hundred years since the second Curragh set out on its mission of exploration, there will little news to excite Isabella, her warriors charted the surrounding area and her Curragh.

However all that changed when one Curragh stumbled across another race, the Sumerians.

The Sumerians are largely unknown to Isabella. All that is known is that they have no money, have four cities and Bronze Working, Warriors Code, Masonry and Mysticism but do not know about Alphabet. Again Isabella think it would be wise to hold off on trading Alphabet for now…..

2150BC
A Spanish warrior avenges his lost brothers by defeating a barbarian warrior in battle.

2110BC
The Spanish warrior goes one better and takes out the other barbarian warrior. To try to branch out from the island from which Isabella resides, she orders one of her brave sailors to head west, into the unknown in search of land. It is not expected that they return however if they do, they will indeed be hailed as heroes of the Empire.



This is a map of the known world. On the far left is the only mountainous reigon near me. The other one is up north beside the Chinese. I’ll expand north as much as I can and try to box in the Chinese….. ok there’s a huge amount of space up north so they’ll just move in there, but as long as they do it away from me. Best case scenario would be to catch the ivory up north before the Chinese then I’ll go for Zeus and open up a can of whoop on the Chinese.

IBT- The Sumerians begin construction of some great work known as the Oracle, this does not bother Isabella, she has expansion on her mind…….

2070BC
Madrid produces another settler. Isabella orders it north, the good flatlands must be taken before the Chinese take it all. Madrid is order to build a Granary. A Spanish warrior is gifted 25 gold from a friendly tribe.

2030BC
The silk road to Seville is completed, allowing all effort to be put onto finishing their own settler.


:slobber: is this even possible?????

1910BC
Toledo is formed due west of Barcelona. And Pottentially the most amazing Curragh ever sights a blood red coloured border.

It is also found out that the land which Spain’s other Curragh past on its journey WAS part of the same land mass. Isabella is amazed at the sheer size of the island which she is going to try to conquer. Also, whilst sailing Spanish sailors spot a foreign warrior on a mountain. A landing party is sent at once and a dialogue is established. These strange people seem to be warriors, and call themselves the Vikings. Although these people are aware of the Alphabet, they still do not know Pottery and are willing to trade. For the knowledge of Pottery they know Warrior Code and Bronze Working. Either one of these can be bought for Pottery and 85 gold….. but which to choose….. Isabella decides on Bronze Working.

1870BC
News reaches Isabella that the people that the brave Curragh has discovered are the Japanese, another warrior race. They are knowledgeable in Bronze Working, Masonry, The Wheel and Warrior Code and have the same number of cities as Spain (4)

1830BC
It is reported that Ur, the Sumerian Capital, has completed the Colossus.

1700BC
Spain’s brave Curragh reports sighting a new border, however it is too far inshore to establish contact.

1625BC
Isabella decides to make a risk and trades Alphabet with China for Iron Working, Warrior Code and 20 gold. This newly aquired skill is then forwarded to the Sumerians along with Alphabet, 90 gold and 1gpt for The Wheel, Mysticism and Masonry.

With the newly aquired skills it is now apparent where Spain’s next cities must go. There are horses just to the north of Barcelona however… what is more important is a source of iron directly on the hill overlooking the ivory deposit. A city must be sent to capture this for Spain immediately. It is also discovered that there is another iron deposit to the far west, in the mountains there.

argh!! Those resources are too close to the Chinese for comfort!!!

In this turn the brave Curragh also discovers the French people, however they are backward and have nothing worthy of trade.

This Curragh ROCKS

1600BC
Seville completes settler, it is sent immediately to the iron/ivory spot.

In an extremely strange occurrence, a warrior of Spain walks into a small village and is taught the skills of horseback riding. What can be said to that apart from…….. Cheers.

Immediately the skill is taught the the Japanese for 160 gold however the skill is withheld from the civilizations on the home continent. Let them research it themselves!!

1575BC
Madrid completes a Granary and begins work on Settlers.

The Curragh currently charting the coasts of the main continent stumble across a Russian scout. For some reason the very thought of these people leave a bitter taste in Isabella’s mouth and she vows never to trust them.

Barcelona riots. Better care must be taken.

1500BC
If the last people met by the Spanish proved distasteful to Isabella, then these people gives her a migrane.



A fury boils in Isabella. These people must be exterminated. Isabella makes a pact with the Gods, Spain will only trade with the Celts if their very existence depends on it.

Settler made in Barcelona. This will form a city to bring under Spanish control the horses.

1450BC
Settler made in Madrid. Like the others this will head north.

Santiago formed, stealing the iron and ivory from the Chinese.

ok ok, fair enough, I’ve found out that the Chinese have about 4 more sources of ivory up north, so technically they can still build Zeus. But hey, at least it means I don’t have to trade for it

Trading this turn-
HBR to China for 80 gold
HBR to Sumeria for 105 gold
HBR to Scandinavia for 68 gold

1400BC
Murcia founded, once it is connected up Spain will be able to build Horsemen. Added to that the swords made from iron, Spain might be able to begin to put pressure on her neighbour to the north, before they become too powerful (and they reach their UU)



Another strange people discovered by Spain’s brave Curragh, the Iroquois. They are ignorant in the art of HBR and Mysticism and because it is known to Isabella that HBR will allow the Iroquois to produce superior horse units, it is sold to them for 52 gold

IBT- the Incans complete the Oracle…… the who???

1325BC
On learning that the Japanese have learnt how to write, the skill is purchased for Spain with 350 gold (total treasury is 780) Mathematics is then bought in turn from the French for Writing and 60 gold. Spanish scientists are now orders to begin work on learning Literature. As a result, Seville is ordered to begin work on constructing the Pyramids as a prebuild for the Great Library.

Polytheism is sold to the Vikings for 329 gold, the Japanese for 375 gold and to the French for 77 gold. The Russians get Mathematics for 89 gold. And Spain gets Writing and Mathematics for Polytheism and 4 gold from the Sumerians.

All in all a good day’s trading for Spain. Three techs up and plus 464 gold.

1300BC
Madrid completes a settler. It will be sent north

1275BC
Valencia founded, this city being the first port town on the continents west coast for Spain.

1250BC
Toledo completes Settler. The space to the north must be filled before the south can be touched. Isabella is beginning to get worried about the lack of Spanish military, especially with a warrior like nation to the north.

1200BC
A road to connect up the Spanish supply of horses is now complete.

1150BC
Zaragoza and Pamplona founded

IBT- One of Spain’s warrior scouts is slain by barbarians on horseback

1075BC
In its travels, the Brave Curragh has discovered much, and this time is no exception. The sailors on the ship have encountered another civilization for which Spain can trade with, this time the Romans.

However once news reaches Spain of the condition of the Roman state, her heart drops. They are very backward and in order to alieve their pain, Isabella orders that they be traded Ceremonial Burial….. for 55 gold of course.

1025Bc
Madrid and Barcelona completes settlers and Spain’s Brave Curragh has spotted a new civilization just on the horizon however, it is still impossible for arrange a meeting.

IBT- the Incan city of Tiwanaku completes the Pyramids. Who are these people???

1000BC
It is discovered that these new people are the Greeks. Slightly more advanced than the Romans, they are still slightly behind the glorious Spanish Empire.

is going for pottery first a good idea?? Or should I have went for Writing straight away?? Pottery is always needed for granaries mostly and curraghs secondly. I see no mentioning of a granary in your story; you haven't forgotten to build one right ?

Brennus said:

Céad Míle Fáilte! A hundred thousand welcomes! Is it a coincidence that I, Brennus, have found you? I think not!

Click to expand...

Surely no conincidence ...

If you want, you can upload a save (perhaps zipped and password protected) so you'll never run the risk of loosing your game again. (loosing as in: "not finding" )

Nice start.

I always find games with my capital/core cities to a coast to be the most comfortable ones as you essentially have one way to go, which in your case is up to take out the chinese.

This means you'll have to deal with them sooner or later, avoiding the (ooops, they got too big syndrome).

Very good start, and I'm starting to dig the direction of the story. keep writing and of course... playing

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If you're worried about another lost save fiasco, a good solution (secure also) is to sign up for Yahoo's mail service. With it, you get about 30 megs of free storage for pictures and files (max file upload is 5 MB i believe)

I use this feature often for uploading important files that I also have on disc so that if the disc fails, I have a backup that I can access as long as there is an internet terminal. Short of Yahoo servers crashing, the file is safe.

Yea! Stevie Jay at it again! Good start..I look forward to the upcoming episodes!

I learnt the hard way about backing up. but I'm safe this time, I'm using my brand spanking new, straight out the box, with its new email smell still intact, Gmail account

I won't let China get too big, they don't have the brass ones to muscle in on my territory

playing now

just a quick questions-

are governers important?? if so, what do you set them to??

I wouldn't set them if I were you.

Governors have their uses, like auto building units (the same one) but that's about it.

If you're interested in using it, the governor function as Soren intended it, requires massive user input.

You can try pilot project and give say a coastal city a set of parameters on what to produce and what not to produce and see how well it performs. If you dislike its choices, its a good indicaiton you should discontinue its usage.

You set governors by clicking on the profile icon in your city view screen. or right click on your main city and I believe you can access it through the pulldown menu also.