The Tribal Elders of Delphi

Hmmm, I'll try, I'm going to start learning in the University soon (Physics-Chemistry, yeah... on the 26th of October) I guess I'll have some spare time
 
Dostayer: did you mean you'll have time before you go to uni (before 26 October) or once you get there (after 26 October)?

If it's the latter, did you want someone else to play a few turns first?
 
Two months since the last turn update? Does anyone have the save or should you guys go back, back to the future? I just got here so don't let it die now.
 
I'll volunteer to stand in as steward of the empire unless a more worthy candidate steps forward.
 
here you go (should be in your mailbox)
Unfortunately, my line has ended and I'll be back only in the Semester break (which is 2 months from now)
Enjoy! and may delphi prosper!
And will stand the test of time (and not like what happened in the real world, poor Assyrians...)
 
Dammit; I thought the notifications system was back up and running but apparently it's not.

Thanks for that Dostayer.

I will post soon.
 
I, Melda of Islandia, do solemnly pledge to protect the realm and throne of Delphi as steward until such time as a rightful heir to the anax appears. Although it appears that the royal line has been broken, I will endeavour under my stewardship to seek out the rightful heir.

As a foreigner to your lands, I do not take the throne for myself, but will instead act as a minister of the crown. As Chief Minister, I shall steer our fair kingdom through its current difficulties with the consultation of my yet-to-be-formed cabinet. Who here wishes to heed my call for volunteers to advise me in these matters? Please let me know within a week hence and we shall guide the kingdom of Delphi safely into the future.

In the coming days I shall present my understanding of our current circumstances and seek guidance on how we ought to proceed.


((So yeah, anyone who wants to help as an advisor please let me know. :)

Also, I am travelling at the moment and have only my notebook with me; screenshots will therefore necessarily be low resolution))
 
I realised when I didn’t get any responses two things: firstly that the notification system is still broken, and secondly I realised what time of the year it was. :)

In that case I’m going to make some suggestions here and give another week before I take any action.

I realised the second and third cities of our kingdom still have their placeholder names of Assur and Nineveh, respectively, despite other names being used for them. I believe these names need to change and will be seeking input on this. If I don’t hear back by the new year I will assume there are no dissenting opinions and will go ahead with my preferred changes.

As we are the Delphians, I have some culturally appropriate suggestions, including some options which have previously been suggested here. One of the names I’ve listed twice, because it would be appropriate for either of them.


Second Delphian city

I move that the question be put — which of the following names is most preferred for the second city of the glorious Delphian kingdom:

1. Assur. This is the name the locals in the area employed for the region by default.
2. The Gulag. This name was suggested to commemorate the political revolution of Rasputin the Iron-Fist, which resulted in the gaoling of many Delphians in the gulag. To my knowledge it was not extensively used.
3. Dostana. This name was chosen in honour of the most noble dictator Dostayer the First. This appears to have been the de facto name of the city.
4. Kirrha. This is the historical name of the port of Delphi.

If there is no clear preference of name I shall respect convention and officially name the second Delphian city Dostana.


Third Delphian city

I move that the question be put — which of the following names is most preferred for the third city of the glorious Delphian kingdom:

1. Nineveh. This is the name the locals in the area employed for the region by default. The name has received some extensive usage.
2. Revolution. This is the name suggested to commemorate the political revolution of Rasputin the Iron-Fist, as the city was founded during that time of political upheaval.
3. Epanastasia. This is the more Delphian-flavoured version of option 2. It means ‘revolution’.
4. Kirrha. This is the historical name of the port of Delphi.

If there is no clear preference of name I shall use my own ministerial discretion and officially name the third Delphian city Kirrha.


Economy and trade

On the resource front, there is an untapped salt plain near the city presently known as Assur. It is my intention to harvest this resource as soon as a worker is free to do so.

I have also received word of wild horses near Delphi Nova, unfortunately they are far to the north, near the Siamese city of Muang Saluang. It is my intention to tame these beasts in the near future, but this will need to be done carefully because I foresee war with Siam in our near to mid future. More on that below in Diplomacy and foreign affairs and War and defence.

There are other opportunities for establishing cotton plantations, but they are of low priority at the present time.

After salt and horses, it is a goal of mine before my ten-turn term is up to commence the establishment of roads between the three Delphian cities.

The kingdom presently has capacity for another trade route. It is my intention to establish another caravan route, but more of that below in Diplomacy and foreign affairs.


Diplomacy and foreign affairs

I believe war with Siam is inevitable. I have some suggestions below in War and defence on how to prepare for this.

The city-state of Milan, with which we have no rapport, wish for us to build the Pyramids. I believe we need to make it a diplomatic goal to enlist the support of this city-state before any war with Siam, in order to pressure their western flank and prevent fighting two fronts simultaneously. Are the Pyramids something we should attempt to produce? Is there any chance we would be able to achieve it? Delphi Nova will be finishing a water mill in two turns, and it is anticipated the city would take 21 turns to produce the Pyramids.

Milan:
Spoiler :


Wonders:
Spoiler :


I believe we can quickly and readily achieve influence with the city-state of Zurich, located on our west flank by establishing a caravan route with them. The only strategic purpose I would have for this is to remove a potential neighbourly threat by bringing them into our sphere of influence.

Zurich:
Spoiler :



War and defence

For various reasons I feel war with Siam is inevitable. To this end I believe we need to beef up our capacity for making war. I propose doubling our military capacity by producing at least one siege tower and one composite bowman.

Currency will be researched within two turns. I intend to research iron working with an eye to use the iron from the in-construction mine near the presently-named Nineveh to eventually upgrade our warriors to swordsmen.

Technology:
Spoiler :


With regard to our eventual war with Siam, there are three cities: the capital, far to the north is beyond our current reach, however the two cities Si Satchanalai and Muang Saluang are essentially on our doorstep. My idea would be to capture and puppet Si Satchanalai first, giving us access to their many deposits of iron, copper and marble, and then to capture and puppet Muang Saluang, giving us access for the first time to the luxury resource incense. I very much do realise that something I’ve said in one sentence would take a lot more hard work and effort, and cost us a great deal of bloodshed; I am definitely not underestimating the Siamese defences, but that’s my view of the strategic overview of the future of the Siam–Delphi war.

Siamese–Delphian border:
Spoiler :



Religion and beliefs

I don’t expect our pantheon to progress into a religion during my term of government, but if it does I will be naming it Hellenism.


Anyway, these are some thoughts I have for now, but I will not take any action until the new year. Please let me know your thoughts, and give any feedback as necessary. As I am not your head of state, please feel free to point out anything you think I’ve missed. I’m not a god, nor do I hold my role by virtue of divine right, so please point out anything I’ve overlooked or misunderstood. :)

((Even though we’re not playing as the Greeks I recall mention being toward the beginning of keeping with the Delphian theme, hence all the Greek references))
 
To the most righteous and learned steward:

We beg the good Minister Melda to look beyond the matters of politics and war: and consider the affairs of our people's souls. We ask your patronage to the arts.

My troupes have currently no place to share our great works to the good people of Delphians. No venue to share your great deeds nor our people's glory.

Build us a wondrous amphitheatre where our songs can be heard and our dances be seen!
"What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out."


With Thanks,
Laparel the Poet, Delphian Arts Society


P.S. On the other affairs of state, we stand by your wise decisions.
 
Greetings, poet, and welcome to the kingdom.

You have raised a possibility I had not considered. I shall look into the feasibility of what you have so humbly requested.

I shall take a look at our cities and consider it carefully. :)
 
With the dawning of a new year, as promised, it is time to announce some decisions and form my cabinet.

As I received no dissenting opinions, I have formally named the second Delphian city Dostana. So too have I titled the third Delphian city Kirrha. These changes are effective immediately.

Laparal, as member of the Delphian Arts Society I was wondering if you would accept an invitation to join my ministry as Minister for Culture. As culture minister, I would call upon you to continue to keep me appraised of the Delphian peoples’ cultural needs and wants, including what social policies you believe should be enacted and how to ensure our people remain happy.

As per your previous suggestion, I have looked into the feasibility of constructing amphitheatres. I believe the relevant wisdom can be attained within ten turns, and after that we will be able to proceed with the creation of such venues. I however need to balance this with my desire to acquire the working of iron as soon as possible. I will ponder this and inform you of my ultimate decision.

In the meantime I have had concerns about the happiness of the kingdom-folk (1 :)). Both Delphi Nova and Dostana can build colosseums in thirteen turns. I am contemplating the creation of one or both of these.

With regard to culture, Delphi Nova is producing 7 per turn due to the presence of the palace and royal library and both Dostana and Kirrha are producing 3 per turn (total culture generation per turn is 13). We will be able to enact a new social policy in four turns.

Social policies:
Spoiler :


As you can see above, there are a number of different policies we could pursue. I am torn between three: establishing an aristocracy which would assist with the construction of great wonders, properly exploiting our monarchy to reduce unhappiness in the capital, or establishing some kind of representative assembly to reduce the amount of culture needed to pursue future social policies. Do you have any thoughts?

((Incidentally, does anyone know how we managed to skip Oligarchy in the Tradition tree? Should I be loading this with mods?))

Also, I am still seeking to fill additional places in my cabinet. If anyone wishes to take on the ministries of war,
Spoiler :
((self explanatory — advise on military matters))
wisdom,
Spoiler :
((science))
trade,
Spoiler :
((economics, such as treasury matters including spending, revenue raising, resources and trade))
or foreign affairs
Spoiler :
((diplomacy, city state and civilisation-wise))
please let me know. In the meantime I will fulfil these responsibilities to the best of my abilities.

I have other matters to address, but will do so shortly as a separate announcement as they pertain to important constitutional considerations.
 
I have come to speak with you all about constitutional matters. I have policies I wish to enact that will ensure stability and continuity in the kingdom.

Please refer to these here clay tablets with what I propose.

Ruminate and discuss with what time you need. An outcome is not required until after my current term of service is concluded.


((Out of character here follows))


I have some suggestions to allow continuity of playthrough for when times are tough and activity is low. I’m not just talking about the holiday season, but I believe the forum notification system not working properly has wreaked havoc with our game.

Here are my suggestions. If no-one has any objections by the deadlines (one calendar month for all but the first point, two weeks for the first point) I will automatically adopt them as part of the game. We can always revisit this later if anyone has concerns and doesn’t get a chance to air it in within the consultation period.


Melda playthrough suggestion 1

Consultation period: 2 weeks from this post.

Short version: Once an incumbent leader calls for an election the duration is one full week — five days for nominations and two days for voting.

Long version: I know in the past votes have been undertaken fairly rapidly, but based on the current low level of activity I think more time should be allowed. Once the election period commences, the five and seven day deadlines should be considered to be exactly five and seven days from when the post was made (so instead of working out time zones it’s literally ‘time and date of that post + 5 or 7 days’). The reason I’ve put a quicker turnaround on this suggestion is because I intend to hold an election within two weeks.


Melda playthrough suggestion 2

Consultation period: 1 calendar month from this post

Short version: If a leader has an undeclared absence from the forum of at least one calendar month their term will be forfeited and the game will roll back to the most recent save game.

Long version: This is to codify an official response to situations like the end of last year. If we don’t have a leader able to carry out their term of office, we roll back to the most recent save game and call a new election.


Melda playthrough suggestion 3

Consultation period: 1 calendar month from this post

Short version: Highly conditional relaxation of term limits when no other candidates are nominated.

Long version: Rulers are term limited and this should remain. However if a ruler who has won two consecutive elections calls an election and no candidates nominate within the five day window, they should themselves serve an additional emergency term to keep play ticking over. However this should only be in exceptional circumstances as outlined above, and should only go until the next scheduled election (technically two terms, since there are two terms between each election). If the exceptional circumstances continue, refer to Melda playthrough suggestion 4.


Melda playthrough suggestion 4

Consultation period: 1 calendar month from this post

Short version: If an already over-limit ruler cannot find any nominees the game should end.

Long version: This is dependent upon the acceptance of Melda playthrough suggestion 3. If a ruler has faced three consecutive elections, which is not a normal state of affairs, and at the time of the fourth consecutive election no candidates are nominated the ruler should freeze the game and wait until a candidate is nominated. If no nominations are received within a calendar month from the calling of the election then I think it might be time to wrap up the game and retire because activity levels will have officially reached zero.
 
((Please note due to a mixup and misunderstanding on my behalf I have the names for Dostana and Kirrha backwards! Long story short, when I saw Dostana/The Gulag referred to as the “second city” I took that literally instead of the “second of the two cities that we just founded”. I will remedy this next turn but wanted to note this here because screenshots and information below won’t make sense without this.))

Here follows the account of Melda, Chief Minister of the Delphian kingdom and loyal steward of the rightful heir to the throne.

My first term as chief minister passed without incident.

Turn 1 — game turn 80 / 875 BCE

My first act as steward was to officially name the cities of Dostana and Kirrha.


Turn 2 — game turn 81 / 850 BCE

Polish ambassadors of Casimir III arrived in the capital proposing the exchange of embassies. I accepted their offer.


Turn 3 — game turn 82 / 825 BCE

The city-state of Zurich called for faith (30 turns).

The first Delphian coins were struck and entered circulation.

Spoiler :


Delphi Nova commenced production of a caravan, due in eight turns. This caravan will be used to boost production to Kirrha, if this is where we want to construct Petra. Once work on this wonder is finished the caravan will be sent to Zurich to gain influence over them.

Spoiler :


Contrary to previous considerations I ultimately decided upon pursuing a different path of wisdom. It appears to offer the promise of increased trade, which would bolster our treasury, and also allow more efficient transport across rivers, which will be useful in decreasing travel times between Delphi Nova and Dostana once the King’s Road has been established.

Spoiler :


Spoiler :



Turn 4 — game turn 83 / 800 BCE

Our Dostanian work gang finished work on constructing a sheep pasture. I ordered the gang to the salt flats west of Dostana. Once they have finished there I intend to have them build the very first King’s Road from Dostana to Delphi Nova.


Turn 5 — game turn 84 / 775 BCE

We received rumour that the Poles had completed work on a great stone circle.

Kirrha has grown. It will now finish constructing finishing boats in fifteen turns. Only once those boats start fishing the bountiful waters will be city continue to grow.

Spoiler :


The Kirrhan work gang have successfully finished work on the kingdom’s first iron mine. I sent the work gang up to tame the herd of wild horses north of Delphi Nova, at the Delphian–Siamese border near Muang Saluang. To ensure their safety so close to the border I sent forth a warrior to provide escort and protection.

Once the horses are tamed I will send the workers to commence construction of the Kirrha–Delphi Nova portion of the King’s Road.

An aristocracy of noble families has now firmly taken hold in our society which will enhance our ability to undertake great projects. At our current rate of cultural output we will be able to pursue our next policy in 33 turns.

Spoiler :


Convocation of the Delphian Council — game turn 85 / 750 BCE

Due to the growth in population of Dostana and Kirrha our people’s happiness has dropped into a troubling state. I am about to authorise the construction of Colosseum to arrest this development.

Spoiler :


Our intrepid scouting party led by the brave Pytheas have continued north into the unknown. They have sent back word of the Chinese city of Shanghai. They now approach the Chinese capital.

Spoiler :



It is my hope and belief that we may be able to properly establish Hellenism after my next term in office is concluded.

Once our current investigation into new building methods
Spoiler :
engineering
is complete, my intention is to turn the minds of our wise ones to the working of iron, so that we may yet make use of the deposits uncovered near Kirrha.


I must inform you of a situation which has arisen that causes me great embarrassment. Upon the completion of my first term of service as chief minister I received a delegation of city elders from Dostana and Kirrha. They informed me, to my great shame, that due to my own error I incorrectly constituted the names of their cities. My first act in the next term will be to right this wrong and rename Dostana to Kirrha, and Kirrha to Dostana. The elders also impressed upon me the inconvenience of travelling to the capital without the benefit of a road. The construction of the King’s Road remains a priority for me.


O Great Council of the Delphian Kingdom, I beseech you: advise me on this matter. Delphi Nova will finish establishing a new caravan shortly. Bearing in mind our competing priorities of stability and happiness in the realm, and gaining new allies against the Siamese, I present to you the following choice:

Should the capital construct a stone works [6 turns] (+1 happiness, +1 production, plus an extra +1 production for the marble quarry nearby, and eventually another +1 for the stone nearby), a Colosseum [8 turns] (+2 happiness) or pyramids [12 turns] (+1 culture, 1 great engineer point, increase worker speed by 25%, two free workers and influence over the city-state bordering Siam)?

Any other advice you would have for your chief minister would be greatly appreciated. I will await the will of the council and commence my second term of service as steward one week hence.

Here ends the first term of Melda, Chief Minister of the Delphian kingdom and loyal steward of the rightful heir to the throne.
 
((Just out of character for a moment here: I'm going to take the unusual step of voting against my own proposal number 4 that proposes if a player faces and unprecedented three elections --- due to their being no other candidates --- that upon the fourth election without any other candidates coming forward the game is forfeited. I am pushing through, hoping that the issues we've had with the email notifications, end of year holidays, etc. will pass, so if no other candidates come forward over the next few weeks I'm not prepared to call it quits just yet. I think as long as the incumbent is willing to keep pushing forward the game can continue until activity picks up again. So unless anyone has any contrary views about proposal 4 it will fail to pass.))


Here follows the account of Melda, Chief Minister of the Delphian kingdom and loyal steward of the rightful heir to the throne.

As I received no advice from the council, I proceeded forward, heeding my own counsel.

My second term as chief minister passed without incident.



Turn 1 — game turn 85 / 750 BCE

The first act of my second term as chief minister was to amend the letters patents to ensure the correct naming of the cities of Dostana and Kirrha.

As Kirrha's royal library has now been built, I have ordered the construction of a colosseum to improve the happiness of the city. It will be completed within ten turns.

The Kirrhan workers commenced construction of a salt mine to the west of Kirrha. It will be ready in five turns.

Spoiler :




Turn 2 — game turn 86 / 725 BCE

Pytheas's scouting party made camp in uncontested land between Beijing, Amsterdam and Shanghai. They have rested to shore up their strength before continuing further.

Spoiler :


The Dostanan work gang has commenced construction of a pasture to enclose the horses northeast of Delphi Nova. They will be done in six turns.

Spoiler :




Turn 3 — game turn 87 / 700 BCE

Nothing important happened today.



Turn 4 — game turn 88 / 675 BCE

The Chinese have entered a new age ((mediaeval era)).



Turn 5 — game turn 89 / 650 BCE

A trade caravan readied to leave Delphi Nova. Due to a miscalculation on my behalf, they will not be able to assist Dostana in its construction projects at this time. Instead I ordered the caravan to relocate to Kirrha, that they might establish a trade route with Zurich, and thereby gain influence over them.

I decided to arrange for Delphi Nova to embark on an ambitious construction project of great, towering pyramids. If successful, this will take 11 turns and will provide great bonuses, including a doubling of our workforce and influence over Milan, the city-state bordering Siam.

Spoiler :


Pytheas's scouts continued their journey north through the lands of the Chinese.



Convocation of the Delphian Council — game turn 90 / 625 BCE

I bring dire tidings! Zurich is now allied to our future enemy Siam. This is a situation which must be remedied!

In other news, our wise thinkers have mastered the arts of engineering.

Spoiler :


Where things currently stand:

The Kirrhan workers have finished construction of a salt mine. Our people's happiness is now back into positive territory, with nary a colosseum constructed. Kirrha will have finished construction of the aforementioned colosseum in five turns. Delphi Nova will have completed the pyramids in fourteen turns, which is longer than the eleven turns previously anticipated. However, the city is due to grow in two turns so we may see that number vary again. Dostana will have finished construction of fishing vessels in thirteen turns.

Spoiler :


Spoiler :



Our people may have shown enough piety to attract a great prophet within the next few turns. Our people will be ready and comfortable with adopting a new social policy in 27 turns.

My intentions, as advice to be considered or ignored for whoever rules next, are:

  • to send forth the Kirrhan workers to establish the first leg of the King's Road between Kirrha and Delphi Nova,
  • to turn our wise men's minds to the working of iron, so that we may fashion stronger weapons,
  • to properly establish our people's religion of Hellenism,
  • to send the caravan at Kirrha to Zurich,
  • to send Pytheas's scouts further north through Chinese territory,
  • to send the Dostanan workers to create the second leg of the King's Road from Delphi Nova to Dostana,
  • to assemble another trading caravan,
  • to commence construction of Petra at Dostana.



Here ends the second term of Melda, Chief Minister of the Delphian kingdom and loyal steward of the rightful heir to the throne.

O Great Council of the Delphian Kingdom, I beseech you to decide upon who shall rule. I have been unsuccessful in locating any rightful heirs to the royal line, and believe it may in fact have been extinguished. I therefore nominate myself to continue as chief minister. But if any believe themselves to have the requisite blood to rule as anax, let them speak and be judged by the council!


((Despite comments about bloodlines and the council, anyone can nominate themselves as a candidate and anyone can vote on the candidates. In two days and one hour's time the consultation period for the Melda playthrough suggestion 1 will be closed, and if no dissenting views are raised the following timeframes will apply to this nomination/election period:

  • Nominations close within five days from the timestamp of this post.
  • If no other nominations are received I will continue on as chief minister for another two terms.
  • If at least one other nomination is received within the five day limit, there will be two days of voting and the winner will be leader of the Delphian kingdom.

Bring on the nominations! :)))
 
The old man you bump into in the markets of Dostana looks wild and unkempt, but the glint in his eye of leadership past looks familiar.

"mrkingkong the second, is that you...?" you murmur.

His wild and wandering eyes never really meet yours, spittle caking his chin as he makes some incomprehensible wailing noises. A younger, muscled man, robed but with more than a passing similarity to the old man, steps out to offer a protective arm to his kin.

"Who are you, sir?" he asks, not aggressively, but in a manner that says he is used to protecting the old man. "My uncle was once a powerful leader, before the revolution. I intend to keep him safe, so he doesn't have to face the Gulag again..." His eyes raise a challenge.

You smile, remembering the original kingkong dynasty of Delphi in the early days of despotism. The power and ruthlessness were legendary.

"Come my child. My name is Melda. You may stay in my palace and take as much bread and wine as you will. I wish to ask your uncle for his advice, if he comes around".

The younger man shakes his head sadly, clearly cynical, but the pair follow you back through the streets of Dostana to the royal palace.


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

I nominate Melda for another term of office, as he has single-handedly saved the demo game in recent months. Perhaps when uncle mrkingkong is fed and clothed, some semblance of his former self will return.
 
ps. it will take me some time to catch up with the goings on of the empire perhaps. looking forward to maybe getting involed again going forward, now that life has settled down again :) :goodjob:

Excellent! It's great to have you back! :D

I nominate Melda for another term of office, as he has single-handedly saved the demo game in recent months. Perhaps when uncle mrkingkong is fed and clothed, some semblance of his former self will return.

At this time Melda, Chief Minister of the Delphian kingdom and loyal steward of the rightful heir to the throne will humbly undertake his third term of service shortly.
 
((Just advising everyone that the Melda playthrough suggestion 1 consultation period has closed and as there were no dissenting views nominations/elections will cover a set 5/2 day period from the announcement of the election (giving a full week). Now onward!))


Chief Minister Melda had returned to the palace in Delphi, secretly pleased at the turn of events in Dostana and his two new guests. If circumstances were to proceed as he hoped, his stewardship might end soon and the rightful anax be restored to the throne. The interregnum had seemed like an age, and he was greatly heartened by the notion that he might soon achieve his ultimate goal: the Restoration of the native crown, which he had in truth almost given up on.

-----

Here follows the account of Melda, Chief Minister of the Delphian kingdom and loyal steward of the rightful heir to the throne.

As I received the sole nomination from the council to lead, I pledge to continue in my capacity as chief minister. As I received no specific advice from the council, I proceeded forward, heeding my own counsel.

My third term as chief minister passed without problems but with some noteworthy happenings.



Turn 1 — game turn 90 / 625 BCE

The chief minister spake "send Pytheas's scouts further north through Chinese territory."

Pytheas's scouting party progressed north, through the lands of the Chinese.


The chief minister spake "turn our wise men's minds to the working of iron, so that we may fashion stronger weapons."

I advised our wise men to contemplate the working of iron, as discussed.


The chief minister spake "send the caravan at Kirrha to Zurich."

And as discussed, I sent forth the caravan at Kirrha to Zurich to sway them to our side, and steer them from the odious influence of the wretched Siamese.



Turn 2 — game turn 91 / 600 BCE

The chief minister spake "send forth the Kirrhan workers to establish the first leg of the King's Road between Kirrha and Delphi Nova."

The Kirrhan working party reached the city, and prepared themselves to make history for soon they would commence work on a project of immense importance: the establishment of the King's Road between Kirrha and the capital.

Pytheas's scouts discovered the natural wonder known as Lake Victoria. The Delphian people's happiness has increased knowing that such a place exists. Rumour tells of two more of these natural marvels that may yet exist beyond the veil of unexplored lands.

Spoiler :


The denizens of Zurich are pleased with our caravan's offerings and have extended their hand in friendship. If the Delphian people remain as pious as they are now into the future, we will soon achieve mastery over Zurich ((we have the largest faith growth and will win influence in 22 turns)).

Spoiler :



Turn 3 — game turn 92 / 575 BCE

The chief minister spake "send the Dostanan workers to create the second leg of the King's Road from Delphi Nova to Dostana."

The Dostanan work gang have tamed the horses north of the capital, and I summoned them back to Delphi Nova to begin work on the capital to Dostana section of the King's Road. I recalled the warrior standing guard over them to withdraw from the Siamese border.

Spoiler :


Our first caravan returned from the lands of the Siamese. Instead of continuing to countenance trade with our likely enemy I relocated them to Kirrha, that they might seek our trade with nonaligned city-states.

The capital grew in size at this time.

Pytheas's scouts reached the Polish lands for the first time.

Spoiler :


The Kirrha-to-capital stage of the King's Road has broken ground.



Turn 4 — game turn 93 / 550 BCE

The caravan reached Kirrha and I issued them to Milan.

Spoiler :




Turn 5 — game turn 94 / 525 BCE

The wretched Siamese have entered a new age ((mediaeval era)).

Our deal of Delphian cotton for Chinese "Ying Yuan" came to an end. In the name of the missing anax I renegotiated favourable terms along the same lines as before, and received permission for our armies to pass through Chinese lands.

The capital-to-Dostana stage of the King's Road has broken ground.

Spoiler :




Convocation of the Delphian Council — game turn 95 / 500 BCE

The Polish have established a strange one-god religion in their holy city of Warsaw.

The chief minister spake "properly establish our people's religion of Hellenism."

Finally the Delphian people's piety has been rewarded! A great prophet arrived at Delphi Nova, drawn to the pious Delphian masses. We may now formally found Hellenism, our many-gods faith headed by the glorious figure of King Kong the Magnificent, whose mighty colossus remains a permanent and towering fixture in the city square of the capital even unto today.

Spoiler :


Kirrha has completed work on the open-air theatre of war and drama. The Delphian people's happiness is now secure beyond doubt.

Spoiler :




There are two previously announced plans that have not yet come to fruition.

  • to assemble another trading caravan,
  • to commence construction of Petra at Dostana.

Else, all previously stated objectives have been satisfied.



Where things currently stand:

Delphi Nova is due to complete construction of giant pyramids in 9 turns. Dostana will finish building fishing vessels in 8 turns.

Delphi Nova is due to increase in size and population in 7 turns, Kirrha 4 turns, Dostana 6 turns.

The Delphian people will tolerate further social change in 22 turns.

And our wise men will have unlocked the secrets of iron in 3 turns.

I therefore seek guidance of the council on the following matters

  • What project should Kirrha next undertake? Another caravan? A machine of war? A building? Another wondrous construction?
  • What should our wise men put their minds toward once we have mastery of iron?
  • What beliefs should become central tenets of Hellenism?
  • Where should Pytheas's scouts travel to now? Presently they are skirting around the desert south of Poland.

O Great Council of the Delphian Kingdom, I beseech you to provide me with advice on how to proceed, that I may benefit from your collective wisdom.

In one week hence I shall undertake my fourth and final term as chief minister. I hope to have concrete news regarding my investigation into the the royal line by that time.

Here ends the third term of Melda, Chief Minister of the Delphian kingdom and loyal steward of the rightful heir to the throne.
 
After a few days, the old man begins to eat and drink, and before long you are not sure if you hear him utter a few words. It seems he is heading back towards health. The old light is back in his eyes, and you feel that maybe- just maybe- he will make a fuller recovery, given time.

His nephew, as previously discussed, is a stout-hearted and disciplined figure, and you quickly learn that he is a man as ruthless as his now deceased father- a general in the King's Guard in the old days. He approaches you in the Steward's Court, and with a respectful manner befitting the great kings of old, presents some formal requests:

'My noble lord, these Siamese are not to be trusted. It was many years ago we met them and extended our hands in pleasant greeting, and what have they done since? Aggressively expanded, exploiting lands that we have migrated our cattle over for many years. Their placement of their second and third cities are clear affronts to our sovereignty, and they must be dealt with, sooner rather than later I fear. I beseech you to build our military to this end. Perhaps some swordsmen will strike fear of god into them, followed by some war machines to take their cities and liberate their citizens, who I am sure yearn to be governed by us. A courthouse would keep the more unruly in order.

Secondly, the King's road. It is a noble and grand endeavour, befitting of the Dephian people's aspiration. I suggest we redouble our efforts to complete the Meldanian Highway in good time.

Finally, our wise thinkers have been working hard. Is there a summary of their efforts so far (will you paste a screenshot of our known tech tree please? I've lost track :p) so that we can advise on future direction?'
 
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