DMAW03: The Golden General

[patagonia]

All she could hear was the sound of thatch burning, punctuated with the harsh sound of metal clashing on metal, the screams of women and children and the sudden, ominous silence of the same. She was helpless, trapped, pinned by two brutish thugs as their master advanced slowly towards them, his blade glinting in one hand and a waterskin in the other.

"The Emperor will pay highly for this bounty my pretty" he snarled. "One quart of Tokugawa's blood, I believe he has requested, but I'm sure you won't mind if we take a little more than that."

He drew his blade to her throat, tracing the line of the carotid, and though she had promised herself she would not give these fiends the pleasure, she screamed.

* * * *​

"Hush now" Takako said, clasping her mistress tightly as she sat in bed, drenched in sweat. "Was it the dream again?"

"Yes" Toshi gasped. "Over and over, every night without end. It seems so real, so very vivid."

"Then let it give you strength. The strength to lead our people into battle against our enemies to ensure such a portent never comes to pass."

"Strength... strength..." Toshi mumbled as she collapsed into an exhausted, and thankfully dreamless sleep.

* * * *​

"My Queen, I bring great news from the training ground. Our first war chariots are ready to be pressed into service. Thanks to the speed and agility of our charioteers, the barbarian menace which has plagued our people for so long will soon be a mere bagatelle." Captain Kemet proudly announced as the two of them walked in the palace gardens.

"A bagatelle? What on earth do you mean?" Toshi replied.

"A trifle, my Queen. A trifle."

"Trifle? You mean we're going to have them for pudding? Surely breakfast would be more apt?"

As Toshi had hoped, the charioteers were able to take the fight to the bandits who had roamed and pillaged their way across Egyptian lands. No longer would Egyptian archers have to stand and guard what little they had while the enemy ran amok. Heartened by this news, she ordered that more be rushed into service and that the workers begin improving the lands in earnest. Perhaps expanding our workforce would be prudent too, she mused in a quieter moment.

Word reached the palace that Spanish archers had been seen approaching Ishiro's Hope, but this time both messenger and recipient were calm. Egypt was ready, not just for them, but perhaps for more, perhaps to take the fight to their enemies, rather than wait meekly to be attacked.

 

[patagonia]

First of all, apologies:

I played 20 turns before Pholk reminded me we were dropping to 10
If you want to skip me next time to make up for it, I'm fine with that.

Moving swiftly on:

We've got 5 war chariots with a 6th appearing in Masihero next turn. The next item in the build queue there is a worker which has already had a chop put into it. It'll only take 3 turns to complete and we could definitely use another one so please let it finish before building any more military there. I whipped Masihero once (the anger there has now worn off), and whipped Ishiro's Hope both times it grew to size 2 to hasten our military buildup (one of those will wear off next turn). Ishiro's Hope has just started on another archer to defend one of the hills to the east and intercept enemies.

I took the liberty of adding a few signs regarding worker instructions after taking the last screenshot. Apologies if that's a bit rude, but (although none have been as bad as mine in the "preview" I admit ) there have been some moves in this game so far (building a stable in Masihero when we don't even have a barracks there springs to mind - that's currently bleeding hammers by the way, but quite frankly we've more important things to build), so I didn't want to take any chances. The signs should all be quite self-explanatory, but if you let the worker finish what he's doing, then follow the sequence from west to east, a single war chariot based in Masihero will be able to counter any barbarian incursions there, allowing us to move the guerilla 3 archer down to defend the gems from attack.

I left all the units unmoved for the final turn, so whoever's up next can decide whether to take out Izzy's two archers next to Ishiro's Hope or not. They're just sitting there and we've got 4 chariots in place to easily do the job, but unless the RNGod's feeling benevolent we may lose one in the process (best odds are 73.2%).

There are borders of an American city to the south west, barbarian city to the south and Persian city to the south east visible. Taking out the American one or Persian one seems like a good idea. Washington's current leader in score and power, while Cyrus is actually weaker than us. Whichever of those two we take out, we'll probably need 5 chariots to be sure to get the job done (assuming 2 archers defending - we'll need six if one of those is a spear).

And finally, the save:

 

[pholkhero]

alright! amusing report, patagonia, particularly the truffle exchagne

how many turns did you end up playing? er. nevermind. I don't mind, no skip needed ~ eveyone else, though, pls play 10.

thanks for the added info, too, and boy is it thorough

That makes Strauss, up then, again ~ do you want to take it, or just take a skip to get reacquianted with the game so far?

 

[Strauss]

I will take the skip. However, this means I probably won't be able to play until late next week. My graphics card problems *still* have not been solved, and they are ruining every game I play. Since there are a lot of other issues with my computer at the moment, I'm bringing it back to the store on Monday to have it repaired and cleaned completely. I don't know how long it will take them: it could be done within the same day, but it could also last the whole week.

So this means I should be put on auto-skip until further notice.

 

[Zophos]

So, let's see if I've got this right:

Roster:
Patagonia >just played
Cosmichail >UP NOW
Pholkhero > on deck
GreyFox >
Pigswill >
Zophos >

Cabledawg > Mugged by RL - retired until further notice.
Strauss > Experiencing technical difficulties - auto-skip until further notice

If Strauss or Cabledawg reacquire the ability to play, I figure we will slot them in ASAP, wherever in the roster that turns out to be at the time.

 

[pholkhero]

@ Strauss: d'oh! As Zophos says, let us know when you're back in action, and we can slot you in ~

hmmm...some substitute players maybe or no?

 

[pigswill]

patagonia: liked the story . Decent set too!
pholkhero: even without Strauss and cabledawg we have a roster of six which should be enough to keep the game going until they return.

 

[pholkhero]

yeah, i know 6 is good for a normal SG. i thought to have more since the reports are little bit more intensive, but if no one minds, i don't either ~

 

[GreyFox]

Nice story!

its time to start one more settler to claim the copper-phant site me think. We need to be ready with axes when swords start appearing.

 

[pholkhero]

yes! Huzzah! Settlers and smashy-smashy

 

[Cosmichail]

Smashy smashy, settler got it

chitty chitty bangbang.............

Almost forgot to say how much I like your story Patagonia. You are French right? Wow you write English better than me. I find your style quite eloquent. The story was what had my attention more so than the game.

 

[Cosmichail]

I have to take a skip as I really can't do much until Monday. Some RL happening that will keep me busy all weekend. I was going to play this afternoon but have to do something and working all weekend.

 

[pholkhero]

that's fine ~ got it, playing in a few hours.

will do my best

 

[pholkhero]

The young Golden General awoke suddenly. What was it that had woken her? Not the dream this night...not yet...but, then, what was it?? She cocked her head to listen. The night air twittered with insects, but nothing else . . . or was there? Yes, yes, that sound? What WAS that sound?!? Shrieks and grunts, squeals that sounded like the demons from beyond. Toshi leapt up, swung here light armor over her head, and bounded out the door, javelin in hand.

She rushed out through her small home, and out into the night air, spear held high, expecting to see the other warriors of the village ready to fight. Instead, coming up the road, she saw hundreds of smallish, ruddy animals, moving at a good clip down the road, emitting all the squeals and grunts she had heard.

Takako appeared at her elbow. "Pigs, milady. There are pigs, newly brought to the town."

Toshi blushed in the cool night air. "i thought..." She lowered the spear to the ground. "That dream, perhaps, is getting to me, Takako."

"Milady, it is right to be protective, but we are very secure here now. Our armies are increasing, and on the attack everywhere:

"Our spies report that the Arabs to our east have a sizable defense at the city called Baghdad:

But that is not matter. Those vile Persians are nearby and will make a much better target. Soon, it will be YOUR enemies running into the street, armed against the moon, milady." She smiled up at Toshi. "It is time, now though, for you to rest."

Toshi smiled back at her servant and adjutant, and nodded. She let her take hold of her javelin, and walked slowly back to bed. The dream did not come that night.

Spoiler :

----------------------------New entries----------------------------
Turn 140 (400 BC)
While attacking in Egyptian territory at Ishiro's Hope, War Chariot defeats (4.10/5): Spanish Archer (Prob Victory: 72.1%)
While attacking in Egyptian territory at Ishiro's Hope, War Chariot loses to: Spanish Archer (1.74/3) (Prob Victory: 72.1%)
While attacking in Egyptian territory at Ishiro's Hope, War Chariot defeats (5.00/5): Spanish Archer (Prob Victory: 97.5%)
Masihero finishes: War Chariot

IBT:

Turn 141 (385 BC)
War Chariot promoted: Flanking I
While attacking in Egyptian territory at Masihero, War Chariot I of Masihero (War Chariot) defeats (5.00/5): Barbarian Axeman (Prob Victory: 99.1%)
War Chariot promoted: Combat II
Tech learned: Masonry

IBT:

Turn 142 (370 BC)
Research begun: Pottery
War Chariot I of Masihero (War Chariot) promoted: Combat I
While attacking in Egyptian territory at Ishiro's Hope, War Chariot loses to: Barbarian Archer (0.48/3) (Prob Victory: 68.7%)
While attacking in Egyptian territory at Ishiro's Hope, War Chariot defeats (5.00/5): Barbarian Archer (Prob Victory: 100.0%)

IBT:

Turn 143 (355 BC)
While attacking in Egyptian territory at Masihero, War Chariot I of Masihero (War Chariot) defeats (3.80/5): Barbarian Warrior (Prob Victory: 99.9%)
Masihero finishes: Worker

IBT:

Turn 144 (340 BC)
Masihero begins: Settler

IBT:

Turn 145 (325 BC)
While attacking in the wild near Masihero, War Chariot defeats (3.50/5): Barbarian Axeman (Prob Victory: 96.0%)

IBT:

Turn 146 (310 BC)
War Chariot promoted: Combat II

IBT:

Turn 147 (295 BC)
Ishiro's Hope grows: 2

IBT:

Turn 148 (280 BC)
While attacking in the wild near Ecbatana, War Chariot defeats (4.25/5): Spanish Archer (Prob Victory: 96.2%)

IBT:

Turn 149 (265 BC)
While attacking in Egyptian territory near Masihero, War Chariot defeats (5.00/5): Barbarian Archer (Prob Victory: 99.1%)
War Chariot promoted: Combat I

IBT:

Turn 150 (250 BC)

OOC: okay so we've got a settler that's just been whipped and will be ready next turn at Thebes, so the next player can make the call as to whether to jerry-rig a defense w/a spare archer and WC or wait for another archer or 2 to settle, but that's up to them ~ i've learned my lesson

anyway, there still some barbs in the area, nw of Thebes ~ i think 3 barbs and 2 WCs but they're about to move onto open land, i think, so we should do alright.

The Roster:
Patagonia >
Cosmichail >
Pholkhero > just played
GreyFox > UP NOW
Pigswill > on deck
Zophos

And The Save

 

[Zophos]

Good turns, pholk. It's nice to be on the offensive for a change. Looks like we're going to need some serious firepower to take Baghdad, though...a CG3, Drill 2 Archer in a hilltop city? Sheesh!

Here's hoping Persia is a softer target.

 

[GreyFox]

Looks good, well done pholky ... no city loss this time

Sorry guys, I need to activate my autoskip ... it's late now at this side of the globe, and I had an early flight tomorrow ... however, if Zophos don't mind, I could probably slip back in before him (so it is a swap more than a skip ... if Zophy don't mind, that is).

 

[pholkhero]

that's fine, Fox ~ you're UP NOW pigswill

 

[Zophos]

however, if Zophos don't mind, I could probably slip back in before him (so it is a swap more than a skip ... if Zophy don't mind, that is).

Feel free. I'd always rather swap than skip someone. Pigswill, then Fox, then me.

 

[pigswill]

Got it. 10 turns? (Hopefully I can't lose the game in 10 turns).

Thinking about next tech after pottery. Its a reasonable assumption that we won't be trading tech this game so I reckon construction seems the best option.

Build city on grassland lakeside hill between phant and copper? We seem to have more archers than chariots so I'll probably focus on wheelie-bins once settler is done.

Probably play later tonight; comments welcome. I'll post again when I start playing.

 

[pigswill]

Merenra LVI, hereditary priest of the temple of Anubis stood patiently in the throne room, trying to stifle a yawn in the oppressive summer heat made worse by the jackal skin robes and the heavy black jackal mask which were the symbols of her office.
Toshi the eternally young Golden General was conferring with her military advisors about the seemingly endless barbarian incursions. Merenra wondered how her young nephew Santaclos was faring in the Fourth Squadron.

Santaclos was swaying as his war chariot skimmed over the grasslands outside Masihero heading towards a tribe of barbarians threatening the mines north of the city. His companions were forming a double line across the valley, the summer dust billowing in a cloud.
"Ho Prancer, Ho Dancer" he urged his horses on, his lionskin cloak billowing in the wind of their passage, the copper bells attached to the traces jingling loudly. At the back of the chariot his javelineers Donner and Blitzen were holding tightly on lest they be thrown from the chariot and crushed by the horses behind. The enemy came into sight, arrows started to fly towards the fourth squadron. A squeal to his right as a chariot crashed out of control. Santaclos started to sing, Donner and Blitzen joining in the anthem of the Fourth Squadron.

"Jingle bells, jingle bells,
jingle all the way
Oh what fun is is to ride
to plunder and to slay".

Then the battle was upon them, Donner and Blitzen hurling their darts at close range, Santaclos urging his horses onwards through the press, the barbarians jumping out of their passage. They were through, the tribesmen were fleeing but to no avail as Santaclos and his companions hunted them grimly through the rest of that bloody afternoon.

At last Toshi had finished conferring with her commanders. "Noble Merenra" she said, "you have been waiting patiently. What news is there?".
"Your Majesty, the pioneers are now ready to leave the city. There is a site on the hills east of Lake Horus that will give access to many valuable resources for our civilisation, including copper deposits that we may begin to form axe and spear companies of our own. It will take some time to travel there through forests and across the hills but it will be worth the wait. Escorts have been arranged. All that is required is your blessing on the endeavour".
"Then let us go to meet these hardy settlers, so that I may give them my blessing in person" Toshi replied, "I have spent long enough cooped up in the palace today".

Some seasons passed. Merenra LVI returned to the palace, no longer young, now married with children of her own. She wondered how Toshi felt, forever young, forever alone, with no children of her own. Perhaps she regarded all of Egpyt as her children, Merenra mused but did not have the presumption to enquire of the Queen. "Your Majesty" announced Merenra, "The city of Ivory Coast has been founded, though not without hazard and adventure on the way".

More seasons passed. Merenra was succeeded by her son Merenra LVII. He received word that Santaclos, the retired Commander of the Fourth Squadron, had requested the counsel of the Temple of Anubis. With a small escort Merenra made the journey to Ivory Coast. Santaclos was resting in a hammock on the veranda of his house high on the hillside overlooking the tranquil green waters of Lake Horus. Santaclos was an old man, bald, his face and scalp disfigured by a long jagged scar from some long forgotten battle, wrapped in a faded lionskin cloak.
Merenra sent his escort away. Santaclos ordered refreshments for his guest. "Thank you for honouring the request of an old man. Soon I shall be facing the judgement of Osiris and what shall I say to him? Many of my companions slain as youths, I have lived to die in peace in my bed. How shall I assuage my guilt? The first squadron, destroyed, reformed, destroyed again, then disbanded. The fifth squadron, massacred by archers, reformed again. The fourth squadron, victorious in all its battles but so many deaths. Sometimes I wonder if they have died in vain. Peace seems no closer now. the deaths will continue. Why have we bothered?".
Merenra looked him straight in the eye. "Noble Santaclos. You have given much and suffered much in your service to the Golden General. Truly you have much to grieve yet you have no cause for shame or guilt. My master Anubis is the gatekeeper to the halls of Osiris and I have been taught that all die. The time is not distant when my acolytes will prepare you for your journey in the afterlife. Yet Osiris will be merciful. You have done your duty. It is not your fault, my fault or the Golden's General's fault that we do not know peace in this life. Truly all around us hate Egypt. The jealousy of pagan gods or the machinations of ancient empires? No-one knows.
It is also true that the River Nile Gods have not been kind to us in your lifetime, let us hope that they relent soon. Yet all is not in vain. This city has been founded in your lifetime. Egypt may not know peace until our kingdom covers the five corners of the world but you and all your companions have played their part".