Betrayal of the Gods - Montezuma Seeks the Stars

My first story will feature Montezuma of the Aztec (and Mayan, for reasons that will become apparent) empire.

Game settings:

I've done well on king in the past, but I plan to make a number of terrible game decisions in accordance with the story, so hopefully king will allow me a chance to succeed in the end. I plan to win via space race, but all the victory types are enabled. The maximum number of turns is 432 - why will be more clear as the story continues.

Montezuma seeks a home where he might honor the Gods. All the days of his life, he has followed the counsel of the priests, seeking to follow the will of the Gods. Finally, the Gods granted him immortality and promised him an empire that would last a thousand thousand years. He now seeks a sacred place where he might found his pious empire.

Scout: My lord, we may have found a site for your first city. A sacred mountain looms nearby, where you might be closer to the Gods to hear their wisdom.
Montezuma: Take me there. If it be the will of the high priests, we will settle there immediately.

Montezuma: Indeed, this is a very sacred place. The great mountain catches the wisdom of the Gods as it falls from heaven. That wisdom flows from the mountains, producing a great lake and river that will support our people. Sacred and innocent animals of the Gods make their home here as well. Truly this is a holy place.
Scout: Shall I spread the word that we will settle here?
Montezuma: Do so at once.

Construction of the capital begins. The new city of Tenochtitlan first seeks to protect itself from the heathens that call this land home. Speaking of whom:

Foreign Advisor: Sire, emissaries from another people have come across our great city. Shall I bring them to you?
Montezuma: Yes. We will determine whether or not they are a Godly people worthy of our friendship.
Emissaries: In the name of King Suleiman, we greet you.
Montezuma: In the name of the Gods, I welcome you to my great city. Stay awhile and worship with us. Afterwards, you can tell us of this King Suleiman.
Emissaries: We must graciously decline. This land holds many treasures and King Suleiman wishes for us to bring him back precious metals and stones.
Montezuma: Begone with you then. You will find no such treasures here. Only great wisdom. When your king seeks wisdom and guidance, perhaps then he will return to us. We eagerly await such a time.
Montezuma, to his advisors: I fear the Ottomans are a greedy people. Let us pray that they will not stand in the way of the will of the Gods.

Some time later:

Scout: Sire, we have discovered another sacred lake. It lies near the Ottoman lands, though.
Montezuma: We will settle our next city near that lake. These holy lakes will reveal many secrets to our priests. If King Suleiman respects us, we will share these secrets with him.

Scout: I also have a report that our Jaguar soldiers to the South have made a great discovery. They have found an empty barbarian camp as well as some ancient ruins. However, Ottoman soldiers are nearby and may explore them first. Which one shall we go to?
Montezuma: Ignore the riches of the barbarian camp. Seek the ruins first. The records and history we will find there will far outweigh mere gold.
After the soldiers explore the ruins:
Scout: Our soldiers discovered a great golden statue to the Gods in the ancient ruins. It would take our empire many years to produce such a symbol of prosperity and wealth! Truly we are blessed!
Montezuma: This great statue is worth far more than that barbarian camp might have held. The greed of the Ottomans is folly.

Science Advisor: Montezuma, my king, we have discovered the means to tend for the flocks of sacred animals that are in the hills around our city. We have created earthen pots on which we can proclaim the glory of the Gods. We can also protect our holy mountain with bows and arrows. We have learned to tame even more sacred animals that have been discovered in the nearby plains. What shall we research next?
Montezuma: I wish to number the days of my great empire. The Gods have promised me a thousand thousand years! Study the motions of the stars in the sky and develop a calendar for our use.
Science Advisor: As you wish.

Later:
Military Advisor: My lord, barbarians have been sighted near our great city! Our soldiers are busy exploring in the South. What shall we do?
Montezuma: Perhaps the barbarians will obey the will of the Gods and leave us in peace. Let us wait.
Military Advisor: They have attacked us! Even as we speak, they destroy the holy pastures on our hills!

Montezuma: Empty the treasury! Hire more soldiers! The barbarians will pay for this blasphemy!
High Priest: The Gods will that this land should be cleansed of the filth of the barbarians.
Montezuma: Every last barbarian camp shall be destroyed!
Scout: Sire, we have successfully settled our second city near the holy lake to the west. However, the city is very near to Ottoman lands. I do not think they will be happy...
High Priest: It is the will of the Gods that we seek the wisdom found in the holy lakes. We meant no harm to the Ottomans. If they are wise, they will not be angered by our piety.


Later:

Science Advisor: We have studied the motions of the stars. Something is troubling, though. If we follow the stars forward in time several thousand years, there is a great alignment. The symbols and constellations are a bad omen. I fear something terrible will happen then.
Montezuma: Nothing that will ruin our empire. Do not forget, the Gods have promised me a thousand thousand years of prosperity! Still, I will meet with the priests in the holy mountains and dwell on this discovery. When will this alignment occur?
Science Advisor: We are not completely sure, but not for some time. Our best calculation is that we have 4,532 years.

State of the empire after this chilling omen:

testdummy653 said:

Spoiler :

So let me guess your doing 2012 end date (i didn't do the math). Mayan and Aztec, i think gave it away.

Click to expand...

It wasn't really meant to be a secret.

This is very interesting, looking forward for more ^^

Montezuma: I have returned from prayer and counsel with my priests in the mountains. The Gods must be angry with our world. We honor them every day, but we have built no great monuments to proclaim their glory to the barbarians and the Ottomans. Our new city of Teotihuacan shall build an obelisk high enough to be visible from the Ottoman capital. Here, we will begin construction of a great stone framework which we can use to further study the motion of the stars to discern the will of the Gods.


A few years pass...

High Priest: Surely the Gods are pleased with our new monuments. However, more precise measurements of the stars confirm our earlier conclusion - a great alignment will happen some thousands of years in the future. That still gives us time, however, to further appease the Gods. Perhaps we can avert their anger and save this world.
Montezuma: I will pray everyday that this is possible. We shall begin construction of another obelisk here in Tenochtitlan.
Domestic Advisor: Sire, the lands of this world are spread out before us. Should we not continue to colonize them, expanding our empire?
Montezuma: Silence. Without the favor of the Gods, our empire has no future and is lost. We must build further monuments to their glory first.
Scout enters, panting: My lord, urgent news! One of our jaguar warriors has skirted Ottoman lands to explore the area beyond. He has met another kingdom! They are lead by King Ramses and call themselves Egyptians.
Montezuma: Let us hope they prove wiser than the greedy Ottomans.
Scout: They sent an emissary to meet our warriors. He spoke in riddles, but said that the stars have foretold of us.

Montezuma: He has knowledge of the stars? He must be a wise king indeed. Perhaps he will help us discern the meaning of these ill portents. Send a priest and scientist at once to meet with this king. We must gain his cooperation.

Later,
Priest: King Ramses was most uncooperative. I sensed that he knew more about the stars than he would reveal to us. Perhaps he knows why the Gods are angry?
Scientist: Egypt's cities are filled with libraries, sire. Could the Egyptian knowledge of past events and tracking of the stars aid their understanding?
Montezuma: This is troubling news. Why would the Egyptians refuse to help us? We seek only to save the very world itself from the wrath of the Gods! If they will not help, I will at least not be outdone by them. Develop an efficient system of writing, scientist. Use the Egyptian model if you must. Then we will build libraries. Here in Tenochtitlan, we will build the grandest library the world has ever seen. We will chronicle all the traditions of the world and determine how to appease the Gods!

Years pass as the Great Library is built...
Foreign Advisor: The Egyptians continue to refuse to cooperate with us. They are a selfish people to horde the secrets of the stars.
Montezuma: Indeed. Perhaps with the construction of our libraries, we will attain the same understanding as them...
A shadowy figure, an Ottoman, steps out from the nearby curtains of the palace.
Shadowy Figure: I might be able to help you with your problem. We have heard tales of great riches held within the tombs of the Egyptians. Riches and knowledge hidden away for all time. They refuse to share these great treasures with us. Perhaps if we worked together, we might overcome King Ramses and access his hidden vaults. This would please King Suleiman.
Montezuma: Your greed shows on your face, Ottoman. However, what you say is wise. It pains me to do so, but if Ramses will not share his knowledge, we may have to wrest it from him for the good of the world. We will work with your king to subvert the Egyptians.
Shadowy Figure: Should we conquer the Egyptian lands, King Suleiman wishes a deal: grant their stockpiles of gold to us, the Ottomans, and you may keep any secrets you find.
Montezuma: Very well. The wisdom of the Gods is riches enough for my empire.


The Great Library is completed:

Scientist: Lord Montezuma, most blessed leader of the Aztec people, our great library is complete. We have the greatest collection of religious documents the world has ever seen. They have granted us a deeper understanding of philosophy and theology. There cannot be a single soul in this world who has not heard of the piety of the Aztecs.
Montezuma: Have we discovered anything new? Is there some way to appease the Gods and avert this impending disaster? The Gods promised me an everlasting empire. There must be a way...
High Priest: Nothing yet, my lord, but some ancient texts tell of an Oracle who could decipher the will of the Gods. If we could find this Oracle, perhaps we would find the answers we seek.
Montezuma: Begin the search at once.
Domestic Advisor: Sire, our empire is stagnant! We should expand and search for the Oracle at another time.
Montezuma: Hold your tongue or you will be removed from your post! The Oracle cannot wait. If the Egyptians were to find it first, who knows how much knowledge might be lost to us. We will expand our empire when we have gained a better understanding of what the Gods have in store for us.
Domestic Advisor: Very well. You know what is best, of course.

State of the empire:

brilliant keep it coming

Domestic Advisor: Your people have rallied behind your search for the Oracle. Ordinary citizens are spending their spare time studying the ancient texts in our libraries. It should not be long now before we find the Oracle.
Montezuma: The Aztec people are united by their zeal to please the Gods. Let us hope that this era of cooperation lasts. It is truly a sign that the Gods smile upon us.
Domestic Advisor: Our citizens in Teotihuacan seek to go on pilgrimages to see our great monuments. The way is very dangerous though...
Montezuma: Find the safest route and build a grand road. Nothing must stand in the way of the faithful.


Once the Oracle is located:
High Priest: We have determined the location of the Oracle. An escort awaits to bring you there when you are ready.
Montezuma: I have much to discuss with the Oracle. We shall leave at once.
Upon reaching the Oracle:
Montezuma: Hail, sacred Oracle of the Gods. May your knowledge encompass the very heavens themselves!
Oracle: Montezuma the Pious, welcome. May the Gods provide you the answers you seek.
Montezuma: I pray that it will be so. Tell me, what do you know of the stars? My priests and I see desperate signs there. The heavens will align soon. After the alignment, we can see no further. I fear that some terrible event will occur.
Oracle: The stars are ever shifting. The constellations change on the sky daily. Do you trust what you see?
Montezuma: We have checked and rechecked our calculations. We have built impressive monuments to aid in our study. The alignment cannot be questioned.
Oracle: Yet your findings lead you to question the Gods.
Montezuma: An everlasting empire is mine by rights! A thousand thousand years I was promised! Yet it appears that my empire will end after a mere six thousand!
Oracle: Can you not be satisfied with such a great empire? Many lesser kingdoms will rise and fall in such a time.
Montezuma: Is there no way to change the will of the Gods? Is there some great evil that lurks in this world, waiting to be cleansed? Might I save this world from the Gods' anger?
Oracle: It is clear that you have much yet to learn, Montezuma. Observe the cycles of nature, the natural order of things. All things must come to an end. Even my own wisdom will fade from this world once I have fulfilled my purpose as appointed by the Gods.
Montezuma: Why must it be so? The Gods are infinite. Why is our own appointed time so short?
Oracle: Pray for humility and acceptance. With them comes peace.
Montezuma: If you will provide no clear answers then I will leave you. I will station a guard and a runner nearby. If you would share any insight, let them know.
Oracle: Learn some respect, Montezuma. There are forces in this world greater than your armies. The Gods have created things more splendid than your monuments. But before you go, I offer some advice. A time of troubles approaches. Be forgiving and not too quick to anger, with other kingdoms you meet as well as with the Gods themselves. You would do well to heed this advice.
Montezuma: More riddles! Goodbye. I do not think I will call on you again.

Back in Tenochtitlan:
Montezuma: The Oracle must have been wrong. If we prove ourselves worthy to the Gods, they will spare us their wrath.
High Priest: Let us hope it will be so. Still, we should keep the Oracle's words in mind.
Montezuma: That's all they are! Words without meaning! I need some task, something practical I can do to prove myself worthy. Gather flowers on the sacred lake, priest. I need a garden in which to think and soothe my frayed nerves.
High Priest: As you wish.

After his return:
Domestic Advisor: What grand monument shall we build next, sire?
Montezuma: We have built enough testaments to the might of the Gods for now. Let the empire expand and bring our faith into the wilderness. Let our people search among the mountains and rivers for some sign of the Gods' will.
Domestic Advisor: Very well. Our empire shall grow strong.
Scientist: What shall our scientists study next?
Montezuma: We must learn to better equip ourselves for battle. Too long has the Aztec empire relied on the might of our jaguar soldiers. Experiment with new metals. Perhaps some new discovery will allow us to build better weapons and armor. If dark times are indeed coming, we must be prepared.


Several years pass:
Military Advisor: My lord, Ottoman forces are arrayed along our border! No doubt this is some show of force, meant to intimidate us.
Montezuma: Let us hope that Suleiman does not try to bully us. He seeks the riches of our mines and monuments, no doubt. Be ready for an attack.
Military Advisor: The Ottoman forces are moving around our borders and have declared war on the small city of Rio De Janiero. In the past, that city was friendly to us when we defeated some nearby barbarian thieves.
Foreign Advisor enters: Urgent news! We have word that the Ottomans and Egyptians are sharing their scientific findings with one another!
Montezuma: And yet they will not share them with me? King Ramses knows that I seek his wisdom regarding the stars, yet he cooperates with the backwards Suleiman. I though the Ottomans had sided with us against the Egyptians!
Military Advisor: Obviously they do not respect you enough. Perhaps our soldiers can show them the error of their ways.
Montezuma: Yes, let it be so. We shall wage a war against the Ottomans to show the world that we are not to be slighted.
High Priest: Is that wise, my lord? The Oracle preached forgiveness and caution. Perhaps this is some Ottomans scheme to gain the confidence of the Egyptians.
Montezuma: No. Suleiman is a gold-hungry fool. I expect nothing so complex from him. Let the war commence.


Meanwhile,
Scout: Our exploring soldiers have discovered a great empire! It is lead by Emperor Augustus. He has named his people the Romans and barbarians pale when they hear that name.
Montezuma: I hope our dealings with him will be straight forward and honest. Is he favored by the Gods? Does he understand any great secrets that are withheld from me?
Scout: It does not appear so.
Montezuma: Then I shall be friends with this Augustus.


Military Advisor: We have vanquished the last of the Ottoman forces. They tried to pillage the silver mines near Teotihuacan.
Montezuma: Not surprising. Equip our troops with our best weapons and armor! We march on Ottoman lands! No wall they have built will keep us from uncovering their treachery.

Military Advisor: We have captured the Ottoman capital, my lord. Yet the people do not rejoice in the streets. They feel that this war was wrong. Indeed, we found no great knowledge in the Ottoman vaults, no evidence of treachery, only gold and trinkets. The Ottomans built many great monuments to their heathen sea spirits. Shall we destroy them?
Montezuma: Leave them intact. I will study them in due time. I am glad that Suleiman was not capable of any great treachery, but it saddens me that we might no longer be friends. This war was a misunderstanding and it is time for it to end. Spare the rest of the Ottoman cities and let them keep their precious wealth.
Scientist enters: My lord, by our latest calculations, two thirds of your reign has passed. The glory of the Aztecs will soon fade from this world.
Montezuma: Advisors, leave me at once.

Later, in the high mountain temples:
Montezuma, to the stars: What do you have in store for me?! I have tried to rule with the wisdom granted by you, my Gods, but nothing is clear to me. Show me the path to salvation, no matter how difficult! I will find the strength to follow it. Please, help me...

The stars continue their paths across the sky, cold and distant, unaffected by Montezuma's pleas.

nice read, keep it going

Montezuma: Arrange a meeting with King Suleiman. We will meet on the new border between our lands. I will tour Istanbul on the way. Bring the gold that was looted from Ottoman lands, plus some extra. I wish to make amends for our war. May the Gods forgive me and my foolishness.
Foreign Advisor: Very well, my lord.

In Istanbul, while touring the seaside:
Foreign Advisor: The Ottomans revered the sea. While they mined silver and marble from the earth, they survived on the bountiful harvest of the ocean. That great lighthouse is a shining beacon to the fishing vessels making their daily journey. They also believe it attracts the sea spirit of the fish, who blesses them with a good catch. The tall bronze statue is a symbol of Ottoman power, meant to frighten sea serpents and beasts. These heathen monuments are so unlike our own grand buildings.
Montezuma: Do not disparage them. The Ottomans must think the same thoughts of our temples. We must remain friendly to our new Ottoman subjects and King Suleiman.
Domestic Advisor: Surely the Ottomans will not be allowed to continue their worship?
Montezuma: There is more to this world than any of us know. The Gods do not reveal everything to us. Perhaps there are spirits in the sea. They make keep their monuments. See to it that a monument is built once order is established. The citizens may worship as they see fit.
High Priest: I cannot believe that the Gods hide secrets from us. Our entire faith is built on trust!
Montezuma: Yet they have hidden secrets. Why else was I promised an empire to last the entire lifetime of a world? Perhaps they kept their promise in that regard, but this is a short lived world. And such a terrible secret was only revealed when we searched the stars of our own accord. Enough on this subject. My decision is made.
High Priest: We must trust in your wisdom, of course.

On the Ottoman borders:

Montezuma: King Suleiman, I welcome you. It is good to finally meet you face to face. I am sorry that the circumstances are not happier.
Suleiman: Indeed.
Montezuma: I come to make ammends. Our attack was not justified. I should have valued our friendship above that of any petty city. Please accept this token of Aztec friendship.
Suleiman: This is a substantial token. You would earn my forgiveness, but I must ask something else of you.
Montezuma: Name it. If it is within my power, I will see it done.
Suleiman: The snake Ramses promised us great wealth if we granted him access to our lands and libraries. He delivered on that deal, but I fear war is now imminent. With most of our army defeated, I fear my empire will not last long when the Egyptian war chariots attack. Please, help us in our coming battles. Then all will be forgiven.
Montezuma: It will be so. The Ottoman and Aztec peoples shall test their renewed friendship on the battlefield. I shall tell King Ramses personally.
Domestic Advisor: Our people will be overjoyed by this sign of humility. The Aztec people are not to proud to seek forgiveness when the Gods ordain it.

On the way to the Egyptian border:
Foreign Advisor: War has broken out between the Egyptians and the Romans as well, sire.
Montezuma: Then Ramses is not long for this world.

At the Egyptian border:
Montezuma: Come forth, King Ramses! Too long have you sown confusion and mistrust about you. Aztec swords stand by Ottoman spears. You will not defeat us easily.
King Ramses: Does your faith condone this war, Montezuma? Have the Gods given you leave to attack? I sense that soon, the Gods will judge you and find you lacking.
Montezuma: I shall send you to judgment first, fiend. The knowledge contained in your libraries will soon be mine.
King Ramses: It will do you little good, if you manage to get your fanatical hands on it. You would not believe the truth about this world.
Montezuma: Enough words. Now is the time for battle.



Several years pass:
Military Advisor: The war proceeds well, your highness. The main Egyptian army has been crushed in the North by the Romans. Our army has encountered only light resistance on our way to the Egyptian capital, Thebes. The weak Ottoman army has been spared any heavy fighting.
Montezuma: Proceed with caution. Who knows what trap Ramses has planned? Bring scientists with you as you conquer Egyptian lands. I wish to understand the source of his knowledge.
Foreign Advisor enters: Sire, we have made contact with an expansive civilization in the islands south of Ottoman lands. They are the Russians, lead by Queen Catherine. The Russians possess many exotic luxuries we have not seen, but our own commodities are foreign to them. She could be a valuable trading partner.
Montezuma: We shall be friends, then. What do the Ottomans think of Catherine?
Foreign Advisor: The Ottomans have cooperated with them for some time.
Montezuma: Let us welcome the Russians warmly then. Perhaps they will share their research with us. From their southerly islands, they must have a different view of the stars. There shall no longer be any secrets amongst the Aztec, Russians, and Ottomans.
Foreign Advisor: As you say. They shall be our allies and friends.

Interesting AAR. This Monty is nothing like the stereotypical Civ4 Montyzilla, is he?

Gruekiller said:

Interesting AAR. This Monty is nothing like the stereotypical Civ4 Montyzilla, is he?

Click to expand...

There's still time for a change in colors.

Ah, but he hasn't disemboweled anyone yet.

Gruekiller said:

Ah, but he hasn't disemboweled anyone yet.

Click to expand...

There may not be any disemboweling, but excellent foreshadowing.

Military Advisor: Sire, the Egyptian armies are broken. Ramses surely knows that he faces defeat. We approached Thebes, but were greeted by fire. The Egyptians burn their own libraries rather than surrender them to us.
Montezuma: Then his knowledge is lost to us. Did you discover nothing?
Scientist: The bulk of the Egyptian findings are lost, but we have discovered something. The Egyptian people worship no Gods, but revere nature itself. They experiment with the elements, creating unnatural mixtures. Ramses builds great towers, isolated from his people, where these experiments can be done in safety. We have found some explanation of their methods.
Montezuma: What use was this research to Ramses? How did it help him understand the motion of the stars?
Scientist: It is not clear. We found nothing useful, but the Egyptian scientists may have been close to discovering something.
Montezuma: Then we will continue his work. If this research can provide any guidance to me, I must pursue it.
Scientist: Are you sure this is wise, sire? Some of the experiments do not exactly agree with the teachings of the Gods. Anything we discover may be tainted and unnatural.
Montezuma: The Gods have thus far been silent. If there is some sign, we will cease our research. The Gods created this world. I do not believe it is wrong to study its magnificence. Construct a tower like the Egyptians built, hidden in the hills near Tenochtitlan. Keep this... keep this secret from the priests.
Scientist: As you wish.
Military Advisor: What about Thebes, my lord?
Montezuma: Ramses is defeated. With his libraries burned, we will learn nothing more from him. Leave his lands to the Roman armies. Sue for peace if Ramses will accept.

As the army returns:

Domestic Advisor: My king, the Ottoman and Aztec people alike rejoice for our victorious armies. The streets of Istanbul are filled with parades and celebration!
Montezuma: Our people have every reason to be happy. Our armies are strong and our treasury full. Surely the Gods smile upon us. Leave me, and summon my scientists.
Scientist: You called for me, your highness?
Montezuma: How go your studies in my new tower?
Scientist: Progress is slow, but steady. There is power locked in the minerals of the earth. In time, we might unlock that power.
Montezuma: I have walked daily in the gardens on the lake and searched the skies at night. The Gods offer no signs. Continue your studies, but they must remain a secret for now.

A few days pass:
Military Advisor: The Ottoman army stirs, lord. Its general seeks passage through our lands. I believe they head for Rio De Janiero.
Montezuma: I will not stand in their way this time. The Ottoman people have suffered much of late. Let them enjoy the glory of conquest for a change.


Research continues for several years:
Scientist: Lord Montezuma, we have made a great breakthrough! We have uncovered something new in nature's alchemy.
Montezuma: Show me at once. I have felt distant from the Gods lately. Perhaps this discovery will help me uncover their will.
At the Porcelain Tower:

Scientist: This powder, a delicate mixture of many metals and chemicals, holds great power. A simple application of heat releases that power.
Montezuma: Truly amazing. No sacred scroll mentions this.
Scientist: The scriptures warn that dabbling in alchemy can be dangerous...
Montezuma: Nonsense. Perhaps alchemy holds the secret to this world's salvation. Such warnings are only for those with little faith. What can we do with this powder?
Scientist: We have developed new weaponry that is simple to use. A small amount of powder is used to propel metal fragments long distances.
Montezuma: This will revolutionize our armies. Demonstrate this weapon for me.

Montezuma takes one of these new weapons, surely a sign of a change in his fortunes, and returns to the Oracle.
Oracle: I did not expect you again, Montezuma, but your visit was clear in the stars.
Montezuma: I bring word of a discovery. Surely, we now know what the stars themselves are made of! The Aztec have developed a great mineral whose power is released by fire.
Oracle: Have you not consulted the words of the Gods? Alchemy is forbidden!
Montezuma: Why? What are the Gods afraid of? Are they afraid that man will challenge them with such power? Are they afraid that I may be able to change my fate?
Oracle: You have a choice before you, Montezuma. If you trust in the Gods, discard your new weapons. Erase any mention of alchemy from your libraries. If you do not, you risk the anger of the Gods and this world will surely end.
Montezuma: You lie! The Gods have always planned to end this world, whether I follow their every whim or no. They have always planned to break their promise, to betray me! If nothing can change the will of the Gods, I will do whatever it takes to challenge them and save this world.
Oracle: Blasphemy!
Montezuma: Enough. I do not know why I returned to speak with you. I thought you might be more... helpful. This time, I do not lie. You will not see me again.
Oracle: Do not walk this path, Montezuma! You will personally condemn your entire world, threaten its very existence!
Montezuma: No. I have condemned nothing! All of this is the Gods' doing!
Oracle: You are mad. There is no saving you or your people.
Outside, the guards hear the loud crack of one of Montezuma's new weapons. Soon thereafter, Montezuma emerges from the Oracle's home.
Montezuma: Guards, you are dismissed. No soul shall ever again be mislead by the Oracle's cryptic riddles.

Back at Tenochtitlan:
Domestic Advisor: Sire, our Ottoman subjects wish for greater religious freedoms! They feel oppressed by their Aztec counterparts. They are lucky we allow them to worship their heathen spirits.
Montezuma: No. Every man should have the right to appeal to any power he feels necessary.
Domestic Advisor: Are you feeling well, my lord? This cannot be the will of the Gods!
Montezuma: Perhaps not, but it is my will, and I am your king. Make a decree. No practice will be forbidden in my empire. My subjects are free to worship any entity and study any subject!
High Priest: Montezuma, this is madness! You cannot argue that this is not blasphemy!
Montezuma: Enough. I will not hear this.
High Priest: No! You oppose the word of the Gods themselves!
Montezuma: Their word, their promises, they mean nothing!
High Priest: You cannot be serious...
Montezuma: You and all of your priests are dismissed. I require your services no longer. Where are my scientists?
Head Scientist: I am here, sire.
Montezuma: What progress has been made?
Head Scientist: We have developed a new science of advanced alchemy, my lord. We call it chemistry. We can create new materials the likes of which the world has never seen!
Montezuma: Good. You must continue to make progress. Your projects are of the utmost importance to the empire. Any resource you require shall be provided to you.



That night, Montezuma journeys to the holy mountain one last time. He sits beneath the stars.
Montezuma: Less than a millennium remains, if you have your way. Gods, I accept your challenge. I will mold my own fate and with it, the fate of my people and this entire world. You have hidden great power in this world, perhaps power great enough to rival your own. I will uncover this power by whatever means necessary! You have my word, and unlike you, I will keep it.

Oh! I see it now. Monty isn't Monty unless he goes a bit nutty.

I have the deluxe version, so let's hope that Firaxis fixes the save issue. There's no way this game could turn out the same way if I had to restart it. In any case, the rest may be delayed a bit.

Could you start a new game and save at turn 0..

and then link that save and the lastest save in your game here? I want to see if I can change the save in such a way that it will load.. (but since I dont have deluxe I dont know the format of deluxe saves after patch..)

I was at work when I posted earlier but steam did not automatically update at home (my connection is spotty at times). I've turned off the auto-update feature for now until I finish this game.

I had to re-update steam because ciV was 'unavailable'. Apparently that reset my update preferences, so once ciV was working again it promptly updated itself. I've got enough material from last night for ~2 more posts, but the finale will have to wait.