Chapter 1: Awn of an Ynasty
I've heard it said by players far better than I that, below a certain level (Monarch or Emperor is often cited), you simply should not build defensive units. . . nothing but offensive ones. I have decided to put that theory to the test. In this game, the only military units I will build will be offensive ones. Hence the title: No D.
For clarity, here's the exact variant rule:
I may never build any defensive units, unless its attack value currently exceeds all other units available to me. A "defensive unit" is defined, for purposes of this game, as any land combat unit whose defensive value exceeds its offensive value. The only exception to this rule is when a defensive unit is also the unit with the highest attack value. Once a unit with an equal or higher attack value is available, I must immediately quit building the unit whose defense exceeds its offense and begin disbanding them. I am not required to disband all of them at once, and I am allowed to move them to my own cities to reclaim their shields. Artillery, aircraft, and watercraft are expressly excluded from the definition of a "defensive" unit.
I've chosen the Chinese for this adventure, thinking that it will be immensely helpful to have early archers and industrious workers. Besides, you just gotta love the Rider!
The Statistics:
Version: Civ III Conquests
Level: Monarch
Civ: China
Victory Conditions Allowed: All
Victory Condition On: Domination, SS, Diplo, Conquest, Cultural
Opponents: Random
Barbarians: Restless
Scientific Great Leaders: On
Land mass: Continents
Water: 70%
Map size: Standard
Age: 4 Billion
Climate: Normal
Temperature: Temperate
And here is the beginning:
Spoiler :
Not too bad. Fresh water, a lux, a BG and forests. As I'm not standing on a BG, I plant Beijing on the spot, start a warrior and send my worker to the BG. I don't know just how war-heavy this is going to be, but my variant does not automatically demand war, so I start with Alphabet. I'll probably shoot for the Republic slingshot.
I find a goody hut just outside Beijing's borders, but the first expansion does nothing more than disturb 3 angry warriors. They don't bother me much. In fact, in 2800 BC, they allow 1 of my 2 first veteran archers to reach elite.
And in 2470, I discover that the Chinese people aren't alone on this planet. Enter Theodora:
Spoiler :
I also see a green border to my east that looks like either Japan or the Celts, but I don't figure out who it is until 2350 BC:
Spoiler :
Here's the trade situation:
Brennus is up BW, Pots and CB, has 60 gold and is down Alpha and Masonry.
Theodora is up BW and CB and has 10 gold. Down nothing.
So I really need to get Pots and Brennus' 60 gold. Then I can trade pots to Theodora, don'cha think?
Hmm, looks like Brennus will pretty much turn his pockets inside out for Masonry and Alpha. I take it.
Spoiler :
Unfortunately, right after the trade, I also discover that he's up Mysticism, too. . . .
In 2110 BC, the Celts begin the Pyramids. I know that they're already at least one town up on me, so they've got some good ground to work with. Here's hoping they finish those Pyramids just in time to make a donation to my empire.
By 1990 BC, I am, at the very least, the wealthiest nation in the world:
And now I know most of my opponents . . .
In 1725, Writing comes in. I discover that Theo already has it, so I opt not to go for the Republic slingshot. I will, however, go for the Philosophy slingshot. I suspect, unfortunately, that my expansion may not have been rapid enough to pull it off, though. The Dutch are out there, and they always seem to research pretty quickly in my games.
In that same year, I also establish an embassy in Entremont.
Spoiler :
I'll establish an embassy with Theo soon enough, but for now, I need the gold for a hard burn towards Philosophy.
You know, I've always like having Warrior Code early. I have small packs of archers farming barbs right now and, at restless and 25 gold a pop, the barbs are making a nice little supplement to my income.
In 1550 BC, Theodora builds an embassy in Beijing, robbing me of my free look!
IN 1475 BC, I succeed in getting the Philosophy slingshot and take Maps as my free tech. It was the most expensive thing available to me.
In 1350, I discover that Brennus has IW. Oh, crap! Now I've got to deal with those red-headed, pajama-wearing pain-in-the-hineys! I don't have enough to trade him out of IW, but I can still get The Wheel and 96 gold for Philosophy. Well, that's a start. As is my usual, I promptly turn around and trade Philo to Theo for Mysticism, just to keep Brennus from being able to trade it around.
No clue as to whether I've got Iron, but, unlike The Unluckiest Lucky Start, at least horses aren't far.
Spoiler :
1275 BC - Germans complete The Colossus & the Byzantines switch to the Pyramids.
And in 1250 BC, I buy my first slave from Brennus. It cost me 110 gold, not unusual, but this an earlier buy than I usually get to make.
In 1025, I discover CoL. Brennus won't take it for IW, but Theodora will not only take it, she'll throw in 100 gold!
Turns out that I'm not exactly sitting on iron, but it's not too far away, either.
Spoiler :
Looks like I need to expand North, eh?
Anyway, in 975, I get the following invitation to go kick down some doors.
I just have to try to do it before the Celts get those pigstickers built. Fortunately, when I open the trade window, I see this:
Spoiler :
And In 730 BC, the game is afoot!
Spoiler :
The war goes until 590 BC, when I get this:
Oh, and I just got my first Swords, too . . . I guess the First Sword Army is just about to be born.
Wish me luck! Questions, comments and unsolicited advice are welcome.
Oh, good! Another tale by Aabraxan. Posting to subscribe. 
