The year 1912 AD brought new conflict between Carthage and Spain. The Spanish Frigate known as the Three-Fingered Man savaged the galleon ICS Justice of Sparthage GA-01. But the Spanish captain had not accounted for the ICS Charge of Aabraxan FR-02. Once more the floating artillery proved its worth, laying down a steady barrage that damaged the incoming enemy ships. By the time they managed to pull alongside the Justice they were already heavy damaged. A fierce fight erupted as the other Sparthaginian ships tried to maneuver into position. Finally the Three-Fingered Man was dealt a death blow and the ships powder exploded. The ship sunk within 90 seconds.
But this was only the first encounter. A new privateer had appeared but the Sparthaginian sailors just chuckled. ICS Charge of Aabraxan FR-02 went into action again and once more devastated the Spanish built ship. ICS Honor of Civinator FR-04 joined the bombardment and by the time the two ships were finished the privateer was a floating blaze. ICS Pillaging Rangers CA-04 finished the attack.
A third Frigate was also spotted on the approach to the LoD. ICS Revenge of Fluttershy FR-12 and ICS Smoky's Fall FR-13 were dispatched to begin bombarding the incoming Frigate though destroying it was not immediately possible.
Hannibal also accepted the counsel of the TIA-CHI and gave the Portuguese the worthless knowledge of Medicine for their World Map, 40 pieces of gold and 6 pieces of gold as tribute.
Maxillians Swords and Have Sword, Will Travel were also disbanded.
By 1914AD the Spanish had convinced the foolish Sumerians to sign a trade embargo against Carthage. This was really nothing new for Hannibal. He expected this type of new daily. It was a non-issue mainly because anything that Hannibal might have considered trade was not covered by such an alliance.
The Green Knights, the Ritter, and the Almogavers were disbanded.
Hannibal received the expected visit from the Science Advisor in 1916AD. The timid little man was smiling once more. Great Hannibal, we have learned the secrets of harvesting the destructive power of explosions. We can now build many interesting things.
Such as? Hannibal asked.
Such as things that will please Spannibal and the Sparthaginian priests. Transports, destroyers and cruisers. The Science Advisor grinned. The fastest of the lot are destroyers. They are twice as fast as and far more powerful than ironclads. They will dominate the waters around Spain.
Hannibal nodded his approval. Make it so. And now we may learn the secrets of flight as commanded by the Toxic Priests?
Precisely, Lord Hannibal. This should be possible in the next 20 years but at a significant cost. The Science Advisor admitted. We will run a deficit of 141 pieces of gold for each budget until we can trim our army. But with the coming invasion of Spain we may be able to accomplish that soon.
Excellent. I only have one last question. Hannibal said, leaning forward. What the heck is that thing in your eye?!? I never noticed it before. Are you becoming part borg?
The science advisor sighed. Lord Hannibal, after our last campaign against Henry we uncovered some of his borg technology. Upon meeting the crew of the Consolationprize, Mr. Spuke explained this technology and helped implant several devices. I have discovered that by using some of the technology I have compensated for some of my Nerd-like tendencies. For example with the enhanced eyepiece I may now peek into the rooms of many Carthaginian women. I also have developed a strange hatred for our Cultural Advisor.
We still have a Cultural Advisor? Hannibal was intrigued.
Yes, lord. You can find her by pushing the F5 button on your throne. But there is really no reason. The only people that care about culture are those pansy Americans. After being ground into the dust they still have 16% more cultural than we do.
Fat lot of good it did deflecting bullets. Hannibal grumbled. The Science Advisor shrugged.
In 1916AD the following units were disbanded: The Jagged Knights*, The Seekers and the Sword of Toxic Justice.
A great naval battle also occurred off the west coast of the ESC. AS was becoming typical of such clashes, the open salvo was fired by ICS Charge of Aabraxan FR-02. After additional bombardments by the remainder of the fleet, ICS Sacrifice of Sparthage FR-08 delivered the killing blow against the Spanish flotilla of frigates, scattering the warships escorts and sending the Spanish prize to the bottom of the ocean.
The final decision for 1916AD had to do with the doomed Americans. They were guaranteed their freedom for 8 more years but a new opportunity had surfaced. Lincoln was willing to give Carthage knowledge of Espionage and their world map in trade for knowledge of the Corporation. Hannibal found this very humorous, for the Americans would never have the opportunity to build and stock exchanges.
Upon the recommendation of the TIA-CHI, the deal was struck.
This seemed to have a positive effect upon the Americans because the trade embargo agreed upon by American and Sumeria against Carthage came to an end in 1918AD.
The naval battle continued as the Spanish Silver Star approached the column lead by ICS Iron Will of Sparthage IR-01. Unfortunately the ironclad was suffering problems on the high seas and the more reliable frigates had to take the lead on the attack. The conclusion of the battle was never in doubt. Once more it was ICS Sacrifice of Sparthage FR-08 that dealt the killing blow.
The battle, however, had only just begun. A second Spanish frigate, sails full of wind was rushing towards the battle. But even more Sparthaginian ships were upon the horizon. The Spanish Ladys Skipper tried to turn to flee but the superior training of Sparthaginian sailors proved too great to overcome. Sparthaginian cannons began to fire and did not cease until the Ladys Skipper was a burning wreck. ICS Curse of the Black Hand CA-01 delivered the death blow by affixing a torpedo spar to the prow of the ship and ramming it under the frigates keel. The explosion broke the frigates back and the warship sunk in a matter of minutes. For their valor the crew of the caravel was recognized as veteran sailors.
The way clear and the transport lines secured by ICS Iron Will of Sparthage IR-01, the landing of Carthaginian forces on the sub-island began. This would clear the way for the final advance on the Spanish mainland. The invasion began with 1,800 heavy cavalry, 2,000 knights and 1,200 cavalry. The island city of Valladolid would be their fist victim.
The landing was not unopposed, however. The Spanish frigate Silver Coast slipped through the picket of frigates and struck at Sparthages transports as they lay moored in the shallows to the east of Valladolid. The raid was a complete success much to the chagrin of the priests and sailors of Sparthage. ICS Curse of the Black Hand CA-01 was caught with a broadside and her magazine immediately exploded, sending the ship to the bottom in mere seconds. Damage done, the Silver Coast slipped back into the open sea under the cover of darkness. They had suffered only minor damage mostly from burning shrapnel; they had not expected such a complete victory against the hardened Sparthaginian sailors.
More disturbing was a Spanish armada of frigates covering the progress of a galleon that sailed arrogantly past the LOD pickets.
This had also caught Sparthage off guard, for all of the warships had been sent towards the invasion point in the belief that any naval battle would take place in Spanish waters. Luckily a flood of Sparthaginian frigates were already converging on this area and regardless of what the Galleon carried it would have no chance of establishing a foothold. Carthages mastery of railways would make an invasion impossible. And soon Isabella would have too much trouble keeping her island mainland to worry about staging fruitless invasions.
Though Isabella celebrated what she believed was a string of victories the priests of Sparthage knew that it was an illusion. For in the same year, 1920AD, Sparthage placed two new destroyers into the open ocean.
These new Sparthaginian warships would rule the seas completely uncontested and more were being produced. The two ships were christened as ICS Old Man Ironsides DD-01 and ICS Shrub of Civinator III DD-02, resurrecting the names of ships that had well served Carthage. They were immediately sent towards Spain.
ICS Kyoto's Destruction FR-01 too immediate action and bombarded the armada from a distance, causing some damage and confusion in the armada. Destructions intent was only to stall the armada long enough for other warships to arrive so that a decisive blow could be dealt.
At the same time the Ghost Knights advanced on Valladolid. The destruction of the city was now ranked as highly important as much to deny the Spanish of the harbor as anything else. The arrival of the Ghost Knights was accompanied by a new discovery. The Spanish city was held by a rather rude band of men known as conquistadors and their mangy mutts. The Carthaginian knights attempted to open a dialogue with these strange men but were greeted only with insults.
Determined to teach the Spaniards some manners, Carthage drew forth a veteran band of lonely cavalrymen known as Somebody to Love. Each of these men had, unfortunately, lost a loved one to the recent rash of epidemics caused by coffee related pollution near Toxics Café. Lonely though they may have been they excelled at combat. The rude Spanish Conquistadors were quickly and easily routed into the sea; their black powder pistols and ill-tempered dogs could not withstand the repeating rifles carried by Carthaginian cavalrymen.
A single piece of gold was deposited in the treasury of Carthage but, more importantly, the harbor was set ablaze.
Hannibal ordered that the invasion commence immediately. Until the Toxic Priests at the entrance to the throne room.
Godly Hannibal, The Toxic Priests began. We are concerned with the invasion of Spain.
Yes I know wise priests of Toxicman007. Have not I ordered ICS Iron Will of Sparthage IR-01 to protect the invasion force precisely as you commanded? Hannibal asked with every measure of humbleness he could muster.
Indeed, but the recent cunning of the Spanish has made us most cautious. The Toxic Priests said. We are reluctant to see the forces of Carthage committed to this action only to have them destroyed on the beaches.
I too had this fear. For this reason I have ordered the Defenders to be sent with the first wave. Hannibal said with confidence.
This is good, pious Hannibal, but it is not enough. The Toxic Priests said sagely. No, we must do what was so successful before. You must land slaves upon the Spanish mainland and begin to construct a mighty line of Toxic Fortresses to protect our men and to give them a place to store the sacred ping-pong tables.
A line? How many is a line? Hannibal inquired of the great priests of Toxicman007.
After much consultation and shaking of the prophetic holy device, the priests consulted. The priests pressed in so tight that Hannibal could not see what it was that was being discussed. Finally the priests came to an agreement. Hannibal could have sworn he saw them playing rock-paper-scissors.
Three, godly Hannibal, shall suffice.
Hannibal bowed his head low. As you command, great priests, so shall it be. Hannibal did not know if this was exactly wise; surely Carthage had the might to simply roll over the arrogant Isabella but he did not doubt the wisdom of the gods. Had they not delivered Carthage to near master of the world? At any rate it did not matter much what Hannibal thought the people loved their gods and for this reason if no other Hannibal was committed to follow their orders.
With the city destroyed the next step was to remove the Silver Coast. Suddenly lacking a port in which to conceal itself, the Spanish frigate made a run for its homeland. The Sparthginian fleet immediately moved to intercept as much to eliminate a threat as to get revenge for the Curse. ICS Charge of Aabraxan FR-02 opened with its floating artillery, catching the raiding Spanish frigate before it could extend and escape. Their aim was true and the Silver Coast was ablaze within the hour. ICS Smoky's Fall FR-13 administered the killing blow. The once might Spanish frigate was reduced to a field of expanding wreckage.
Carthages forces immediately returned to their transports to continue their journey to the Spanish homeland.
The sudden success of the Spanish had the unfortunate effect of encouraging the Americans to agree to a trade embargo against Carthage in 1922 AD. Hannibal chortled at that. Nice work. They had successfully penned an alliance that was going to survive for the next two years, for Americas time was almost up and Carthage had plenty of forces in the immediate area to eliminate them entirely.
The Spanish armada attempted to escape the closing net of Sparthaginian warships but that proved impossible. ICS Bravery of Isabella FR-15 and ICS Kyotos Destruction FR-01 immediately went to action stations and began bombarding the passing warships. The Spanish armada, focused on delivering its cargo, continued to cover the fleeing galleon. This cost them dearly. The cannons of the Sparthaginian frigates were on target and two of the three escorts suffered severe damage. The tide was already turning against the Spanish and they could not hope to escape the faster ships and better trained sailors of Sparthage. Even worse, ICS Fall of Karatepe FR-07 would soon join its sister ships and that would spell the end to the Spanish armada.
In the Sea of Spain the Spanish frigate Cannons of Castile slipped out of port in the attempt to prevent the Carthaginian landings. This, of course, was futile. Three Sparthaginian frigates kept up a withering barrage, all but destroying the Castile. Finally ICS Defense of Smilin' Bob FR-11 put an end to the contest
The year 1924 AD was an important year for Carthage. Hannibal had contemplated the destruction of the Americans but his hand was stayed by the trade advisor.
Great Hannibal, the Americans are of no concern to us any longer. We can destroy them at will. But now they begun to gather money from the Spaniards and can afford to pay us a large sum of money for knowledge of refining. This is a wonderful deal we can receive Spanish gold and turn it against Isabella even while we drive a dagger deeper into her back. And as the gold dries up, as we begin to destroy the Spanish homeland, so will this further destroy Isabellas infrastructure and, ultimately, the Americans as well.
Hannibal hated the idea of allowing the Americans to live for another 40 years but the offer was too tempting. Lincoln could afford to immediately part with 163 pieces of gold and pay tribute of another 46 pieces of gold. Though it felt like making a pact with the devil himself, Hannibal agreed.
Now all Hannibal had to look forward to was the destruction of the Portuguese, but that would need to wait another 12 years at least.
The biggest event of 1924 AD, however, was the invasion of the Spanish homeland.
A handful of Sparthaginian sailors also began to practice their bombardment skills on Spanish lands, reducing them to rubble. The Sparthaginian sailors laughed even though the land that was placed under fire was a worthless stretch that not even the Spanish were willing to use.
Moving further down the coast the Sparthaginian navy began to bombard the city of Zaragoza to soften the defenses. Bombardment revealed the presence of at least two rifle companies; the XXII and XVIII Rifle Brigade TA.
The lack of information about Spain was very disagreeable to Hannibal but his fears were quickly addressed. For the citizens of Caseboy97s Asylum had constructed an Intelligence Agency.
This opened new avenues of treachery for Carthage. By the use of espionage Hannibal could actually goad other heads of state into declaring war on Carthage so that Hannibal would not need to violate his own treaties and peace agreements. Hannibal was very happy with this.
He was also pleased by the immediate news that the Spanish armada had reversed course due to the heavy damage it has suffered at the hands of the Sparthaginian frigates. Even better, a new Spanish armada had emerged from the fog and run right into the teeth of the approaching Sparthaginian destroyers!
Naturally neither armada would be allowed to escape. ICS Bravery of Isabella FR-15 and ICS Kyoto's Destruction FR-01 continued to relentlessly hunt down their prey. Likewise, ICS Old Man Ironsides DD-01 and ICS Shrub of Civinator III DD-02 began the immediate bombardment of the new Spanish armada, their heavy cannons smashing the Spanish ships into kindling.
At the same time the Sparthaginian navy continued to bombard Zaragoza and now three Rifle companies were confirmed; the VI Rifle Brigade TA had been identified.
The battle for Zaragoza began with a cavalry blitz. The arrogant men of We Are the Champions opened the attack against the newly forming VI Rifle Brigade TA. The presence of three rifle companies gave Hannibal reason to hold the attack unless reinforcements could be gathered.
Portugal was finally given the secrets of steam power in trade for Henrys world map and 50 pieces of gold. Hannibal considered this a fair trade as the Portuguese would not be around for much longer.
In 1928AD the Sparthaginian Fleet continued to earn its pay, transporting more units towards Spain and driving off the Spanish armadas that were hunting on the open sea. A new destroyer was put into the sea, ICS Battle of Amsterdam DD-03, along with Sparthages first transports, ICS The Crimmerian Hunt TR-01.
Hannibal permitted the Spanish ambassador an audience mostly to amuse himself. Isabella was already willing to give up Palma, Vitoria and 72 pieces of gold for peace. Hannibal chuckled and sent the ambassador on his way.
Something glorious happened in 1930AD. When Hannibal awoke he received a message to hurry to the throne room, for the secretive priests of Dumanios had traveled a long distance from their sacred temples located in the mountains east of New Hannibalopolis. They had, Hannibal was informed, brought a priceless gift to the ruler of the Carthaginians but also a divine demand.
Hannibal made all haste. He had long heard that the priests of Dumanios were a forward thinking sect and that they excelled at feats of engineering. They were adepts at all things mechanical and were often consulted regarding their knowledge by the scientists of Carthage. Though Hannibal had never met them before, he had also heard of their temples, great workshops that smelled of strange chemicals and oil. It was said that all sorts of loud banging and pounding could be heard at all hours of the day and night. The priests themselves were intriguing; the normal priestly robes were well padded with leather to withstand punctures and heat. They looked more like warriors than priests or scientists.
But Hannibals eyes did not stay upon the priests for long. His eye flew to the entrance of the palace and, by the grace of the gods or at least one god in particular a door had been hung!
Hannibal could not contain a bellow of cheer. The sound frightened the nearby servants but the tinkerer priests of Dumanios mere smiled with wisdom and a measure of delight, for their work was that of the divine and to appreciate their work was to worship their god.
Great priests of Dumanios, you have done me an honor for which that I have spent the last 5930 years wishing. I must admit I had even given up hope! Hannibal smiled broadly at the high priest of Dumanios, a man known as Father Laumer.
The great god has many gifts and favors that can be bestowed upon those that are worthy, pious Hannibal. Father Laumer said, though not with his own voice. He had fitted a strange device across his throat that spoke for him in a whirl of electronic vibrations. His mouths never moved. Hannibal was much intrigued by the man.
But we come not only with gifts, good Hannibal. The priests continued pleasantly. The great god Dumanios has heard that it will not be long before Carthage begins to produce great machines of war. We have seen some of the work that is being done on these tanks and we believe there is much that can be improved.
Wise and great priests of Dumanios, Hannibal said with all humility, If you say this is so, how can I deny it? Have you not hung a door were once there was none? Have you not accomplished this and many other feats just as great? If you say that there can be improvements, I believe it must be true as much as I believe the sun must rise.
Humble Hannibal, your words are those of a wise ruler. The machine buzzed at the base of the priests throat. We shall join with the scientists to produce these tanks and make them in the image of Dumanios. But once this is done they will not longer be known as tanks but as Bolos and they shall be organized under the Dinochrome Brigade. The first shall even bare the name of Bolo in honor of this. All others that follow may be given other names, but they shall be part of the Dinochrome Brigade.
Hannibal liked the sound of this new name and found it intriguing. With Bolos in the service of Carthage, what could stop them? Clearly the answer was: nothing. Hannibal ordered that it be so and that Carthage would make all haste to build these powerful Bolos.
In 1930AD the Sparthaginian navy had bombarded the Spanish armada into kindling. Every ship in the fleet was a burning wreck. With high confidence ICS Kyotos Destruction FR-01 sailed into their midst to send one of the escorts into the depths. The reports Hannibal received were confused. It was possible that the captain was slain in a lucky broadside. It was also possible that the powerful frigates steering was also disabled and thus unable to escape. What is certain is that the Destruction caught fire while hunting amongst the wreckage and her powder magazine exploded. There were no survivors.
Stunned, Hannibal ordered a day of mourning for all the people of Carthage and people flocked to the temples of Sparthage to pray for the souls of the lost sailors.
The armies of Carthage were now growing upon the Spanish mainland and construction of the first Toxic Fortress was underway, though it would take years to finish. Additional units were being rushed to the landing zone, including more workers. The secrets of flight were but 6 years from fruition, at which time the first airports would be constructed and the usefulness of the Portuguese will have run its course. Hannibal had but 120 years of life left to him to see that the will of the gods was carried out. He vowed that he would not fail the gods.
So Hannibal hit a bit of a slowdown. He considered leaving Henry alive again but it was just too tempting to finish him off. But without all the resources, war weariness might cause a problem in Carthage while Spain is being eliminated. Huge problem? Nah. Just disappointing. Might slow down research to nuclear warheads a few turns though. Also, no more laying rails on the ESC. Grrrr.
. Resistance is futile? Not! 
