((I know what you mean. I tend to be bloodthirsty in my games --- completely different to my Realpolitik of the Smoky Skies persona --- but I still prefer cultural victories, especially with
Brave New World.))
Melodios, as one of the young king's advisors raised some points in council.
"Majesty, although you may have considered all of the angles of what is to come next, please allow me to take up the council's time with some points which I would like to go over," he begins, seeking the monarch's approval.
With a nod of approval, he continued, "I thank you. I don't think I need to prove to anyone here how much I detest the Siamese and would see them crushed beneath the might of our armies, which I am sure will occur soon."
It was true, his father Melda of Islandia hated the Siamese and Melodios himself had recently been a 'guest' of the Siamese when he had tried to sneak into the neighbouring kingdom. "However I would remind the council that the city-state Zurich, with who we've had very good relations in years past, are presently allies with the much-hated Siam. Does the council have a plan to deal with the inevitable consequence of Zurich declaring war on our kingdom?"
There was mumbling from the council at this question.
"I also have a few additional questions, which the council can take on notice; I certainly don't need responses right now."
He looked over to ensure a scribe was taking down notes of the meeting. "Our great kingdom currently has an ongoing trade deal with the Siamese; is breaking this through our much-justified declaration of war going to harm our standing in the eyes of the other kingdoms?"
He moved onto his next point. "I firmly believe that when we commence our war with Siam we are going to need to decisively conquer their entire kingdom as quickly as possible. I have the greatest confidence in our king and his military advisers," he nodded toward the eminent Awpathos, "but my question is once we've taken the first Siamese city, where are our forces intending to head next? Towards the capital, to decapitate the beast, or to Muang Saluang to ensure the front lines move symmetrically northward?"
He picked up an engraved tablet to refer to some information contained on it. "I note our military funds can support an extra four military divisions. As we have another two almost ready to leave their barracks, which will leave us with only two more before it will start costing our treasury penalty amounts. This isn't a question; I just wanted to make sure this was on record in case anyone wasn't aware of it."
He put the tablet back down from where he had picked it up. "Turning our minds far further into the future for a moment, our successful conquest of the Siamese will give us a land border with the Netherlands and will be a potential flashpoint for future conflict. I don't see any way around this, though, I just wanted to acknowledge this fact here in the council."
There were some nods and some frowns in response to this.
"And finally, Pythas's scouting party appears to have reached as far westward, northward and eastward as possible. I was wondering what instructions we were going to send forth to Pytheas about where he should take his forces next."
He bowed respectfully, "I thank the council for its time and consideration."
With that, Melodios son of Melda resumed his seat as the council continued its deliberations.
((I like the look of those military arrangements you've got. I'm looking forward to the war.
Feel free to post updates in smaller intervals than five turns if you want.))